The first knockout round of this year's Draft World Cup saw the current champions (France) and another former champion (Spain) eliminated. Combined with Italy's group stage failure, it means the final eight only has two of DWC football's 'big five teams':
Could this be the year of the underdog? Whilst Germany and England have been imperious so far, each of the other six teams have it within them to win three more matches.
Today we go through the four quarter finals. Each one features a team that has made the semi finals before against a team that never has. Will history prevail?
Germany vs Portugal
Again, we start the round with Germany's match (I think FM goes through the teams in the order they were drawn in the tournament). The last time Portugal were at the DWC, in 2020, they ran into Germany in the last 16. In an incredible match, there were three goals after the 87th minute as Germany won 3-2. That is the same scoreline as they beat defending champions France last time, a result that only further bolstered Germany's credentials as the most likely winners this year.
There’s no changes to the German side that overcame France, whilst Portugal’s only change is to bring in Nuno Santos for Álex Grimaldo.
Today we go through the four quarter finals. Each one features a team that has made the semi finals before against a team that never has. Will history prevail?
Germany vs Portugal
Again, we start the round with Germany's match (I think FM goes through the teams in the order they were drawn in the tournament). The last time Portugal were at the DWC, in 2020, they ran into Germany in the last 16. In an incredible match, there were three goals after the 87th minute as Germany won 3-2. That is the same scoreline as they beat defending champions France last time, a result that only further bolstered Germany's credentials as the most likely winners this year.
There’s no changes to the German side that overcame France, whilst Portugal’s only change is to bring in Nuno Santos for Álex Grimaldo.
As I've mentioned a lot, FM's Versus Mode seems to love headers, and this match has two of the very best - Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo - so it'd be a surprise to see a low-scoring affair. Indeed, the game's first chance of note is a header wide from Ronaldo. In the 21st minute Haaland gets a completely free header at a corner, but sends it well wide.
Portugal have looked very good in possession, with their back five able to pass it around Germany's high press. From their own goal kick Portugal work it upfield, and Pedro Porro gets past Alphonso Davies, who gets tangled up. Porro gets into the box, cuts it back for Darin Núnez but Joshua Kimmich produces a goal-saving block! Lucas Hernández comes over to smother Pablo Sarabia's follow-up, as Germany survive.
From that attack Germany counter, and Leroy Sané gets in behind Porro. His cross is overhit, but picked up by Thomas Muller. He finds Haaland with his cross, but again the header is off-target.
That hints at Germany's strength: outnumbering the Portuguese wing backs. And right at the end of the half Davies starts an attack, and again his cross ends up with Muller on the opposite side. After some neat passing Muller has the perfect crossing opportunity, and he drills it low to the far post for Sané to tap in! However, the flag is up... VAR checks... and awards the goal! Germany take a one-goal lead into the break.
Portugal have looked very good in possession, with their back five able to pass it around Germany's high press. From their own goal kick Portugal work it upfield, and Pedro Porro gets past Alphonso Davies, who gets tangled up. Porro gets into the box, cuts it back for Darin Núnez but Joshua Kimmich produces a goal-saving block! Lucas Hernández comes over to smother Pablo Sarabia's follow-up, as Germany survive.
From that attack Germany counter, and Leroy Sané gets in behind Porro. His cross is overhit, but picked up by Thomas Muller. He finds Haaland with his cross, but again the header is off-target.
That hints at Germany's strength: outnumbering the Portuguese wing backs. And right at the end of the half Davies starts an attack, and again his cross ends up with Muller on the opposite side. After some neat passing Muller has the perfect crossing opportunity, and he drills it low to the far post for Sané to tap in! However, the flag is up... VAR checks... and awards the goal! Germany take a one-goal lead into the break.
Germany start the half as they ended the previous one, putting Portugal under pressure with crosses, with a couple of early crosses. The second one is met by Haaland, but he gets under it and it loops over. Mateus Uribe powers a header wide at the other end. But the best early chance falls to Robert Lewandowski, who meets Haaland's cross on the 6-yard line, but it too goes well wide.
The chances keep coming. When Hernández heads clear a goal kick it goes straight to Uribe, who drives at the defence and plays it to Sarabia. However, he's a bit crowded and his low shot is denied by a good Manuel Neuer save.
Sloppy German passing causes trouble for them again, as Kimmich picks up an aimless Joao Palhinha pass. He tries to play it to Dayot Upamecano, but it's intercepted by Núnez, who runs through. Kimmich is able to come across, but Núnez shoots early, from around 20 yards, and his low shot beats Neuer to restore parity! What a fine finish!
The wind is with Portugal now, and Sebastián Coates rattles the crossbar with a header from a corner. Upamecano has the chance to restore Germany's lead when Sané picks him out at a free kick, but he heads over. It's like they're intentionally missing headers after my earlier comment.
Germany's defence is opened up by a smart run by Núnez, allowing him to play Sarabia in through the middle. Again, he's closed down, so he goes for an early chip. Neuer is stranded, but the ball doesn't dip in time and it lands on the roof of the net!
In the 69th minute Coates charges out of position to close the ball down, and Davies dribbles around him, and puts it into the path of Sané. Pepe is in a decent position to close him down, but for some reason Antonio Adán comes out, allowing Sané to square it to Lewandowski who rolls it into the unguarded net!
Less than a minute later Davies has the ball out wide and plays another through ball into the box. Haaland is first to it, with Adán again coming out (this time a reasonable decision). But Haaland has the composure to tuck it into the bottom corner! Portugal are adamant it's offside, and VAR agrees, again overruling the officials. It remains 2-1.
Portugal are looking tired now, and Hernández could kill it off when Sané picks him out with a free kick, but Adán makes a great save. And in the 82nd minute Kimmich manages the assist-at-both-ends double, as his deep cross is met by Haaland, who finally scores the game's first headed goal! Surely game over now.
A tired Portugal somewhat limp to the finish line, and despite Núnez missing a late one-on-one, in the end Germany come through comfortable winners.
The chances keep coming. When Hernández heads clear a goal kick it goes straight to Uribe, who drives at the defence and plays it to Sarabia. However, he's a bit crowded and his low shot is denied by a good Manuel Neuer save.
Sloppy German passing causes trouble for them again, as Kimmich picks up an aimless Joao Palhinha pass. He tries to play it to Dayot Upamecano, but it's intercepted by Núnez, who runs through. Kimmich is able to come across, but Núnez shoots early, from around 20 yards, and his low shot beats Neuer to restore parity! What a fine finish!
The wind is with Portugal now, and Sebastián Coates rattles the crossbar with a header from a corner. Upamecano has the chance to restore Germany's lead when Sané picks him out at a free kick, but he heads over. It's like they're intentionally missing headers after my earlier comment.
Germany's defence is opened up by a smart run by Núnez, allowing him to play Sarabia in through the middle. Again, he's closed down, so he goes for an early chip. Neuer is stranded, but the ball doesn't dip in time and it lands on the roof of the net!
In the 69th minute Coates charges out of position to close the ball down, and Davies dribbles around him, and puts it into the path of Sané. Pepe is in a decent position to close him down, but for some reason Antonio Adán comes out, allowing Sané to square it to Lewandowski who rolls it into the unguarded net!
Less than a minute later Davies has the ball out wide and plays another through ball into the box. Haaland is first to it, with Adán again coming out (this time a reasonable decision). But Haaland has the composure to tuck it into the bottom corner! Portugal are adamant it's offside, and VAR agrees, again overruling the officials. It remains 2-1.
Portugal are looking tired now, and Hernández could kill it off when Sané picks him out with a free kick, but Adán makes a great save. And in the 82nd minute Kimmich manages the assist-at-both-ends double, as his deep cross is met by Haaland, who finally scores the game's first headed goal! Surely game over now.
A tired Portugal somewhat limp to the finish line, and despite Núnez missing a late one-on-one, in the end Germany come through comfortable winners.
Final score: Germany 3-1 Portugal
Player of the match: Leroy Sané (GER)
A very even match that was deservedly level up until Adán's howler. From there Germany piled up chances, in the way they have done all tournament. They continue to show a chink in their armour defensively - just one clean sheet so far - but it's hugely outweighed by their irrepressible strike force. Portugal's wait for a DWC semi final continues.
Player of the match: Leroy Sané (GER)
A very even match that was deservedly level up until Adán's howler. From there Germany piled up chances, in the way they have done all tournament. They continue to show a chink in their armour defensively - just one clean sheet so far - but it's hugely outweighed by their irrepressible strike force. Portugal's wait for a DWC semi final continues.
Scotland vs Brazil
Okay, it's not in the order of matches I expected. Anyway, it's a third DWC quarter final for Scotland, whilst Brazil are looking to make the semi finals for the third time. Scotland beat Paraguay thanks to a hall-of-fame performance from Borna Barisic, whose dead ball prowess has lead him to seven assists and two goals so far this tournament. Brazil came back from two down to beat Ukraine 3-2, as they continue to blow hot and cold. These two met in a pre-tournament warm-up match, with the spoils shared 2-2.
Scotland keep the back five they moved to before their clash with Paraguay, but bring Joe Aribo back into the side for Jota, changing to a 5-3-2 formation. Walter Kannemann struggled badly against Ukraine, so Gustavo Gómez returns to the Brazil side.
Okay, it's not in the order of matches I expected. Anyway, it's a third DWC quarter final for Scotland, whilst Brazil are looking to make the semi finals for the third time. Scotland beat Paraguay thanks to a hall-of-fame performance from Borna Barisic, whose dead ball prowess has lead him to seven assists and two goals so far this tournament. Brazil came back from two down to beat Ukraine 3-2, as they continue to blow hot and cold. These two met in a pre-tournament warm-up match, with the spoils shared 2-2.
Scotland keep the back five they moved to before their clash with Paraguay, but bring Joe Aribo back into the side for Jota, changing to a 5-3-2 formation. Walter Kannemann struggled badly against Ukraine, so Gustavo Gómez returns to the Brazil side.
Scotland show they can threaten in open play as well, with a nice counter attack that ends with, er, Barisic crossing for Alfredo Morelos, who heads wide. At the other end Craig Gordon punches away Fágner's cross, it falls to Renato Augusto whose first-time volley is over Gordon but cleared off the line by Filip Helander!
It is Brazil who look much more cohesive early on - perhaps not a surprise given Scotland's formation-changing - and Fágner plays in Hulk behind Barisic, with the veteran forward only denied by a good Gordon stop. But then Brazil commit the sin of giving away a corner against Scotland. Barisic crosses, yet again he finds a centre back - this time Connor Goldson - whose header goes to the far post where Morelos is waiting, but the angle is too tight and he hits the outside of the post!
Other than that chance though, it's very one-sided. David Luiz has a couple of efforts go close from the edge of the box, and then in the 38th minute Hulk picks him out with a free kick and Luiz makes no mistake, firing Brazil into the lead!
Helander heads a Barisic corner over, and that's half time. Brazil by far the better team, but Scotland not out of it yet.
It is Brazil who look much more cohesive early on - perhaps not a surprise given Scotland's formation-changing - and Fágner plays in Hulk behind Barisic, with the veteran forward only denied by a good Gordon stop. But then Brazil commit the sin of giving away a corner against Scotland. Barisic crosses, yet again he finds a centre back - this time Connor Goldson - whose header goes to the far post where Morelos is waiting, but the angle is too tight and he hits the outside of the post!
Other than that chance though, it's very one-sided. David Luiz has a couple of efforts go close from the edge of the box, and then in the 38th minute Hulk picks him out with a free kick and Luiz makes no mistake, firing Brazil into the lead!
Helander heads a Barisic corner over, and that's half time. Brazil by far the better team, but Scotland not out of it yet.
Scotland move Aaron Ramsey over to the right, and Kyogo Furuhashi to the left as they go back to the 5-2-3 they started the last match with. And Ramsey immediately makes himself a nuisance, having a shot blocked and then, five minutes into the half, intercepting a Gómez pass. After exchanging passes with James Tavernier Ramsey is away down the right, and he whips a cross to the far post for Furuhashi to tap in!
The added benefit of Scotland's formation change is that they can press Brazil's full backs more, but there are still quality crosses from Guilherme Arana and Fágner that cause problems. One such one from the latter finds Giorgian De Arrascaeta, but he heads just over when a goal looked inevitable! Scotland have a big chance of their own when Barisic's low cross is met by a close-range Morelos volley, but it flies over!
In the 78th minute Scotland break quickly, with substitute Reo Hatate driving upfield. It goes left, where some neat interplay between Barisic and Kieran Tierney leads to the ball being rolled across the edge of the box to Callum McGregor, whose shot bends away from Waverton and nestles in the bottom corner! Scotland have the lead, can they hold on?
Er... no. Brazil kick off, attack down the right and Scotland allow Fágner's low cross to find Gabriel Barbosa four yards from goal for the simplest of headed finishes! The two teams are 2-2 again, but it can't end that way...
Scotland come forward, only to lose it. Brazil counter and Augusto plays it to sub Dudu, who turns and buries it in the bottom corner! It's a third goal in as many minutes in this game, but it looked offside. The flag stays down, VAR has a look... and rules it out!
But it doesn't matter, as in the 84th minute Fágner again gets free down the right and fires in a low cross to give Dudu a simple tap-in! What a response from Brazil after going behind!
We go into added time, and the simplest of one-twos baffles Helander, allowing Diego Costa, who came on at 1-2, to break through the middle. He plays it across to Hulk, who races past an exhausted Barisic and blasts it in at the near post to surely secure the win!
Or... maybe not. Scotland kick off and Barisic immediately gets into space on the left. Fágner is also tired, understandably, and can't close him down. Barisic fires in a cross to Morelos, similar to his earlier volley, but this time he heads it into the bottom corner! It was 1-1 about 12 minutes ago, now it's 4-3!
There's still four minutes left, and Scotland immediately create another big chance - Furuhashi playing it in behind for Morelos to run onto. He draws Weverton out and fires it past him... straight against the post! He gets to the rebound and crosses, but Arana is there to clear - straight against Luiz, and it could go anywhere but luckily for Brazil it goes to safety. This match is crazy!
Scotland earn a couple of late corners, where Barisic has Gordon to aim at as well as his defenders. One is headed over by Helander and the other is cleared, and Brazil hold on to win! Wow!
The added benefit of Scotland's formation change is that they can press Brazil's full backs more, but there are still quality crosses from Guilherme Arana and Fágner that cause problems. One such one from the latter finds Giorgian De Arrascaeta, but he heads just over when a goal looked inevitable! Scotland have a big chance of their own when Barisic's low cross is met by a close-range Morelos volley, but it flies over!
In the 78th minute Scotland break quickly, with substitute Reo Hatate driving upfield. It goes left, where some neat interplay between Barisic and Kieran Tierney leads to the ball being rolled across the edge of the box to Callum McGregor, whose shot bends away from Waverton and nestles in the bottom corner! Scotland have the lead, can they hold on?
Er... no. Brazil kick off, attack down the right and Scotland allow Fágner's low cross to find Gabriel Barbosa four yards from goal for the simplest of headed finishes! The two teams are 2-2 again, but it can't end that way...
Scotland come forward, only to lose it. Brazil counter and Augusto plays it to sub Dudu, who turns and buries it in the bottom corner! It's a third goal in as many minutes in this game, but it looked offside. The flag stays down, VAR has a look... and rules it out!
But it doesn't matter, as in the 84th minute Fágner again gets free down the right and fires in a low cross to give Dudu a simple tap-in! What a response from Brazil after going behind!
We go into added time, and the simplest of one-twos baffles Helander, allowing Diego Costa, who came on at 1-2, to break through the middle. He plays it across to Hulk, who races past an exhausted Barisic and blasts it in at the near post to surely secure the win!
Or... maybe not. Scotland kick off and Barisic immediately gets into space on the left. Fágner is also tired, understandably, and can't close him down. Barisic fires in a cross to Morelos, similar to his earlier volley, but this time he heads it into the bottom corner! It was 1-1 about 12 minutes ago, now it's 4-3!
There's still four minutes left, and Scotland immediately create another big chance - Furuhashi playing it in behind for Morelos to run onto. He draws Weverton out and fires it past him... straight against the post! He gets to the rebound and crosses, but Arana is there to clear - straight against Luiz, and it could go anywhere but luckily for Brazil it goes to safety. This match is crazy!
Scotland earn a couple of late corners, where Barisic has Gordon to aim at as well as his defenders. One is headed over by Helander and the other is cleared, and Brazil hold on to win! Wow!
Final score: Scotland 3-4 Brazil
Player of the match: Hulk (BRA)
Yeah that was just nuts. But Brazil claim a deserved win with their ferocious attacks in the final 10 minutes. Scotland were continually weak down the left side of their defence, with Tierney regularly getting upfield with Barisic, with insufficient cover. Brazil took advantage of it, with Fágner and Hulk running riot. Reaching the semi final is the perfect response to last year's disappointment.
Player of the match: Hulk (BRA)
Yeah that was just nuts. But Brazil claim a deserved win with their ferocious attacks in the final 10 minutes. Scotland were continually weak down the left side of their defence, with Tierney regularly getting upfield with Barisic, with insufficient cover. Brazil took advantage of it, with Fágner and Hulk running riot. Reaching the semi final is the perfect response to last year's disappointment.
Argentina vs Turkey
These two sides first met in qualifying for the first ever DWC, with Argentina claiming two victories to win the group. Two fairly-evenly matched teams, this represents a great chance for both to make the semi finals. Whilst Turkey won their group and Argentina didn't, the South American team come in as favourites after a fine win over Spain last time.
Argentina have a bit of a selection issue, as both of their starting central midfielders last time, Enzo Pérez and Lucas Romero, are suspended. So Agustín Palavecino returns to the side, whilst Santiago Céseres makes his first appearance of the tournament. Turkey also have a suspension to deal with, as Valentin Rosier is missing. Jonas Svensson starts instead.
These two sides first met in qualifying for the first ever DWC, with Argentina claiming two victories to win the group. Two fairly-evenly matched teams, this represents a great chance for both to make the semi finals. Whilst Turkey won their group and Argentina didn't, the South American team come in as favourites after a fine win over Spain last time.
Argentina have a bit of a selection issue, as both of their starting central midfielders last time, Enzo Pérez and Lucas Romero, are suspended. So Agustín Palavecino returns to the side, whilst Santiago Céseres makes his first appearance of the tournament. Turkey also have a suspension to deal with, as Valentin Rosier is missing. Jonas Svensson starts instead.
Eugenio Mena is given plenty of space to amble down the left flank, with Ezequiel Barco occupying Svensson. He fires in a cross, it should be cleared by Marcao but he can't reach it, and Ángel Correa is at the far post to guide it in and give Argentina a 3rd-minute lead!
Nine minutes later Cáseres receives a throw in and plays it back to Juan Fernando Quintero, who runs infield. There's no pressure on him, so he's able to run into the D and fire a low shot, which seems to go through Svensson on its way to the bottom corner! It's 2-0, what a start for Argentina!
Turkey look to get back in it. Kim Min-Jae heads a corner just wide, and then in the 17th minute Hakan Calhanoglu nods a cross back to Bafétimbi Gomis, who goes down under a challenge from Cáseres, and the referee awards a penalty! It's Hakan to take... and he tucks it into the bottom corner!
After that explosive start the rest of the half is much more cagey, with just a few long shots saved and a half-chance for Marek Hamsik that is smothered by Argentina's defence. So it remains 2-1 at the interval.
Nine minutes later Cáseres receives a throw in and plays it back to Juan Fernando Quintero, who runs infield. There's no pressure on him, so he's able to run into the D and fire a low shot, which seems to go through Svensson on its way to the bottom corner! It's 2-0, what a start for Argentina!
Turkey look to get back in it. Kim Min-Jae heads a corner just wide, and then in the 17th minute Hakan Calhanoglu nods a cross back to Bafétimbi Gomis, who goes down under a challenge from Cáseres, and the referee awards a penalty! It's Hakan to take... and he tucks it into the bottom corner!
After that explosive start the rest of the half is much more cagey, with just a few long shots saved and a half-chance for Marek Hamsik that is smothered by Argentina's defence. So it remains 2-1 at the interval.
Amazingly, Argentina start the second half in the same way as the first, with Correa scoring a far-post header in the 3rd minute! Quintero picks him out at a free kick unmarked, and Correa heads down and in! But this time, it doesn't stand as Correa was marginally offside when the kick was taken.
From the resulting free kick Turkey lose it and Darío Benedetto plays it through for Correa, but this time he drags his shot wide. Turkey somehow stay just one behind, can they make the most of this life?
The short answer is not really. Argentina begin to really dominate open play, although they can't fashion any clear chances, with the best a low long shot from Palavecino that Ugurcan Cakir saves.
And before we know it, we're in added time. Turkey are now going all-out with a 4-2-4 formation, whilst Argentina are trying to see out the game. Is there a late twist? No, Argentina are untroubled in keeping the ball and seeing out the win!
From the resulting free kick Turkey lose it and Darío Benedetto plays it through for Correa, but this time he drags his shot wide. Turkey somehow stay just one behind, can they make the most of this life?
The short answer is not really. Argentina begin to really dominate open play, although they can't fashion any clear chances, with the best a low long shot from Palavecino that Ugurcan Cakir saves.
And before we know it, we're in added time. Turkey are now going all-out with a 4-2-4 formation, whilst Argentina are trying to see out the game. Is there a late twist? No, Argentina are untroubled in keeping the ball and seeing out the win!
Final score: Argentina 2-1 Turkey
Player of the match: Juan Fernando Quintero (ARG)
What a horrible performance from Turkey. They were gifted a penalty, which skews the graph below, but otherwise they just offered nothing. Whilst Argentina didn't do much with their territorial domination, they had scored with their first two shots so didn't need to do anything.
Player of the match: Juan Fernando Quintero (ARG)
What a horrible performance from Turkey. They were gifted a penalty, which skews the graph below, but otherwise they just offered nothing. Whilst Argentina didn't do much with their territorial domination, they had scored with their first two shots so didn't need to do anything.
USA vs England
So our final quarter final is a precursor to the group stage in this year's (real) World Cup. After a heavy defeat to Germany, USA have won their next three games by an aggregate of 13-0, coming in slightly under the radar as a team to be reckoned with. But England themselves are yet to concede all tournament, and cut loose in dispatching Thailand last time.
After a fine turn from Jesús Murillo against Colombia, he keeps his place in the USA side despite Aaron Tinnerholm being available after suspension. England also stay unchanged.
So our final quarter final is a precursor to the group stage in this year's (real) World Cup. After a heavy defeat to Germany, USA have won their next three games by an aggregate of 13-0, coming in slightly under the radar as a team to be reckoned with. But England themselves are yet to concede all tournament, and cut loose in dispatching Thailand last time.
After a fine turn from Jesús Murillo against Colombia, he keeps his place in the USA side despite Aaron Tinnerholm being available after suspension. England also stay unchanged.
Within 90 seconds England carve USA open. Or more specifically, Fabinho does, with a searching long pass that is perfect for Sadio Mané. He runs through, takes it to the side of Kristijan Kahlina but his shot is blocked by Yeimar Gómez Andrade! A great bit of defending but a huge warning sign.
England continue their lively start, and in the 6th minute they counter following a broken-down USA attack. It comes to Mo Salah in space on the right, and he drives upfield before playing a perfect pass behind the defence for Harry Kane to run onto, and the Spurs man hits it first time low past Kahlina to open the scoring!
15 minutes later another USA attack is thwarted and England attack. Again, Salah looks for Kane, but this time Rafael Czichos comes across to intercept. He plays it back to Kahlina who passes it to Gómez Andrade. The centre back has six easy passing options, and inexplicably ignores them all to try and pass it back to Czichos - with Kane in the way. The England forward gratefully accepts the gift and sticks it in the bottom corner! USA have a real mountain to climb now.
It remains incredibly one-sided, and Virgil Van Dijk nearly adds another, but his header from a corner hits the outside of the post and goes wide. Kane returns the earlier favour and plays a great ball in for Salah, but from a tight angle he can't squeeze it past Kahlina. It doesn't matter, as a minute later Mané picks out Salah, in an ocean of space between Czichos and Christian Fuchs, and he calmly slots it past Kahlina for England's third!
England take their foot off the gas a bit, and see out the half with their commanding lead intact.
England continue their lively start, and in the 6th minute they counter following a broken-down USA attack. It comes to Mo Salah in space on the right, and he drives upfield before playing a perfect pass behind the defence for Harry Kane to run onto, and the Spurs man hits it first time low past Kahlina to open the scoring!
15 minutes later another USA attack is thwarted and England attack. Again, Salah looks for Kane, but this time Rafael Czichos comes across to intercept. He plays it back to Kahlina who passes it to Gómez Andrade. The centre back has six easy passing options, and inexplicably ignores them all to try and pass it back to Czichos - with Kane in the way. The England forward gratefully accepts the gift and sticks it in the bottom corner! USA have a real mountain to climb now.
It remains incredibly one-sided, and Virgil Van Dijk nearly adds another, but his header from a corner hits the outside of the post and goes wide. Kane returns the earlier favour and plays a great ball in for Salah, but from a tight angle he can't squeeze it past Kahlina. It doesn't matter, as a minute later Mané picks out Salah, in an ocean of space between Czichos and Christian Fuchs, and he calmly slots it past Kahlina for England's third!
England take their foot off the gas a bit, and see out the half with their commanding lead intact.
USA just didn't learn from the Germany game, where they failed to protect their vulnerable defence adequately. Belatedly, they move to a 4-3-3 formation, with Júnior Urso replacing Gonzalo Higuaín. England change their game plan from Liverpool to Man City - looking to just keep the ball now and smother their opponents.
Other than a 25-yard blocked effort, USA haven't had a single shot. That finally changes in the 50th minute, when Xherdan Shaqiri's header is easily held by Alisson. However, it's a false dawn as England get to the other end and Fabinho nonchalantly clips a pass into the box for Salah to run onto and put away! However, the flag is up and it was a clear offside.
England keep on dominating, although USA are finally able to put up some defensive resistance. N'Golo Kanté goes closest with a curling shot saved by Kahlina, who also does well to stop Trent Alexander-Arnold's long free kick.
England take off key players Kevin de Bruyne and Salah, and the former's replacement, Bernardo Silva, is played in by Kane in the 88th minute. He's forced a little wide, but still finds the bottom corner with a fine finish! That's the cherry on the cake, to round off a perfect England performance!
Other than a 25-yard blocked effort, USA haven't had a single shot. That finally changes in the 50th minute, when Xherdan Shaqiri's header is easily held by Alisson. However, it's a false dawn as England get to the other end and Fabinho nonchalantly clips a pass into the box for Salah to run onto and put away! However, the flag is up and it was a clear offside.
England keep on dominating, although USA are finally able to put up some defensive resistance. N'Golo Kanté goes closest with a curling shot saved by Kahlina, who also does well to stop Trent Alexander-Arnold's long free kick.
England take off key players Kevin de Bruyne and Salah, and the former's replacement, Bernardo Silva, is played in by Kane in the 88th minute. He's forced a little wide, but still finds the bottom corner with a fine finish! That's the cherry on the cake, to round off a perfect England performance!
Final score: USA 0-4 England
Player of the match: Harry Kane (ENG)
Just comprehensive. The kind of performance Man City and Liverpool put in every other week. Before the tournament I mentioned the question hanging over USA - they could clearly beat lower-ranked teams but could they upset a big side? This tournament has delivered a resounding answer to that - their three wins all came against sides ranked below them, but against Germany and England they lost by an aggregate of 7-0.
Player of the match: Harry Kane (ENG)
Just comprehensive. The kind of performance Man City and Liverpool put in every other week. Before the tournament I mentioned the question hanging over USA - they could clearly beat lower-ranked teams but could they upset a big side? This tournament has delivered a resounding answer to that - their three wins all came against sides ranked below them, but against Germany and England they lost by an aggregate of 7-0.
So in the end we have nobody reaching the semi finals for the first time, as every match goes along with the form book. England will take on Brazil in a repeat of the 2019 3rd-place play-off (which finished 8-2!), whilst memories of past (real) World Cup finals are evoked as Germany face Argentina:
All tournament Germany and England have lead the way, and a final between the two seems to become more inevitable as the tournament progresses. We'll find out next time if that will be the case, as we cover both semi finals.