The second round provided their fair share of drama, culminating in a famous penalty shootout win for Wales against Netherlands. It was a glorious round for British teams, as 10-man Scotland's victory over Portugal was the only other upset of the round. This is how the tournament shapes up:
Today's bumper episode will cover all four quarter-finals. Each has a DWC or real-life historical background, making them all the more tasty. So let's just crack on!
Spain vs Germany
What a way to start the round, with the two DWC champions. The two met in 2017, when Spain's victory in the group stage was Germany's only defeat en route to lifting the title. And last year the two met in the second round, the game going all the way to penalties. Spain prevailed again, and it proved the only close match in their run to the trophy. So far in this DWC both have generally been comfortable, with very solid wins against China and Chile in the last round.
Spain had to see out the end of their game against China with 10 men after a red card for Sergio Ramos. He is of course suspended for this game, meaning Gerard Piqué comes in. Spain also replace Antoine Griezmann with Sergio Busquets, as they switch to a 4-3-3 formation. Germany have bigger problems, as their central midfield duo of Thiago and Axel Witsel both picked up their second yellow of the tournament against Chile, ruling them out here. In come Corentin Tolisso and Charles Aránguiz. They are otherwise unchanged.
Spain vs Germany
What a way to start the round, with the two DWC champions. The two met in 2017, when Spain's victory in the group stage was Germany's only defeat en route to lifting the title. And last year the two met in the second round, the game going all the way to penalties. Spain prevailed again, and it proved the only close match in their run to the trophy. So far in this DWC both have generally been comfortable, with very solid wins against China and Chile in the last round.
Spain had to see out the end of their game against China with 10 men after a red card for Sergio Ramos. He is of course suspended for this game, meaning Gerard Piqué comes in. Spain also replace Antoine Griezmann with Sergio Busquets, as they switch to a 4-3-3 formation. Germany have bigger problems, as their central midfield duo of Thiago and Axel Witsel both picked up their second yellow of the tournament against Chile, ruling them out here. In come Corentin Tolisso and Charles Aránguiz. They are otherwise unchanged.
James Rodríguez - effectively on loan from Spain (Real Madrid) to Germany (Bayern Munich) disposses Busquets to set his team on an early attack. Quick passing in midfield culminates in Tolisso spraying a fast ball out to David Alaba. He has time to set himself and fire a devastating cross to the backpost, where Leon Bailey is waiting to tap it in!
Germany's intense pressing is suffocating Spain, and the reigning champions' first shot comes half an hour in through a wayward Philippe Coutinho long shot.
At the other end, it should be 2-0 as Robert Lewandowski (the tournament's top scorer) has his own header rebound back to him around the penalty spot, but his effort is lashed wide.
Out of nowhere, Lionel Messi arrives in the game by skinning two German players on his way into the box. He cuts it across to Luis Suárez, whose shot from the edge of the box beats Manuel Neuer but hits the crossbar!
It's the last major moment of the half, and at the interval Germany deserve their lead.
Spain start the half with patient passing in Germany's half. But it breaks down and a quick ball out to Lewandowski allows him to play it across to Marco Reus. He runs forward and fires a diagonal ball to Bailey who has (yet again) got in behind Marcelo, but Jan Oblak is out to make a crucial block!
Marcelo is replaces by Jordi Alba, whilst Busquets makes way for Gareth Bale as Spain go back to a 4-2-3-1. Germany, conversely, go to a 4-3-3 with Javi Martínez replacing Rodríguez. A 70th long shot from Luka Modric saved by Neuer is Spain's best effort of the half, summarising how poor their build-up play has been.
Soon after, Modric catches Mats Hummels out with a delightful flicked pass to put Suárez clean through on goal. Neuer comes out quickly, and makes a great save, and then blocks the rebound! Spain are finally beginning to put Germany under pressure, as Coutinho forces Neuer into yet another fine save with a 30-yard free kick.
In the 88th minute Dani Carvahal picks up a yellow card for a trip. But worse is to come as Reus whips in the free kick, as the referee spots a foul by Alba on Aránguiz! Germany have a penalty to all-but seal victory, and it's Aránguiz to take... high and above the diving Oblak for a goal! Surely that's it!
At the other end, it should be 2-0 as Robert Lewandowski (the tournament's top scorer) has his own header rebound back to him around the penalty spot, but his effort is lashed wide.
Out of nowhere, Lionel Messi arrives in the game by skinning two German players on his way into the box. He cuts it across to Luis Suárez, whose shot from the edge of the box beats Manuel Neuer but hits the crossbar!
It's the last major moment of the half, and at the interval Germany deserve their lead.
Spain start the half with patient passing in Germany's half. But it breaks down and a quick ball out to Lewandowski allows him to play it across to Marco Reus. He runs forward and fires a diagonal ball to Bailey who has (yet again) got in behind Marcelo, but Jan Oblak is out to make a crucial block!
Marcelo is replaces by Jordi Alba, whilst Busquets makes way for Gareth Bale as Spain go back to a 4-2-3-1. Germany, conversely, go to a 4-3-3 with Javi Martínez replacing Rodríguez. A 70th long shot from Luka Modric saved by Neuer is Spain's best effort of the half, summarising how poor their build-up play has been.
Soon after, Modric catches Mats Hummels out with a delightful flicked pass to put Suárez clean through on goal. Neuer comes out quickly, and makes a great save, and then blocks the rebound! Spain are finally beginning to put Germany under pressure, as Coutinho forces Neuer into yet another fine save with a 30-yard free kick.
In the 88th minute Dani Carvahal picks up a yellow card for a trip. But worse is to come as Reus whips in the free kick, as the referee spots a foul by Alba on Aránguiz! Germany have a penalty to all-but seal victory, and it's Aránguiz to take... high and above the diving Oblak for a goal! Surely that's it!
It is indeed that, as Spain fail to even reach double figures for their shot count, and can't muster a decent opportunity in the remainder of the match. A great revenge victory for Germany!
That match felt a bit like a representation of the recent changing of the guard in football, as Spain's possession play was totally thrown out by Germany's heavy pressing.
Final score: Spain 0-2 Germany
Player of the match: David Alaba
That match felt a bit like a representation of the recent changing of the guard in football, as Spain's possession play was totally thrown out by Germany's heavy pressing.
Final score: Spain 0-2 Germany
Player of the match: David Alaba
Scotland vs England
You don't need me to tell you that this is an important rivalry. It's got additional spice for me, an Englishman living in Scotland with a Scottish wife. It's the first DWC meeting of the two sides, and indeed it's a first DWC quarter-final for either of them. Scotland's defensive performance against Portugal was highly impressive, whilst England have been ominous and barely troubled in their four games so far.
At the time Scotland were livid with the decision to send Scott Brown off early into their game with Portugal, and they are vindicated as his appeal is upheld, making him eligible for this game. Thus, the only change made by Scotland is to bring in Kristoffer Ajer for Alfredo Morelos, as they move to a defensive 4-1-4-1 formation. England, meanwhile, are unchanged.
You don't need me to tell you that this is an important rivalry. It's got additional spice for me, an Englishman living in Scotland with a Scottish wife. It's the first DWC meeting of the two sides, and indeed it's a first DWC quarter-final for either of them. Scotland's defensive performance against Portugal was highly impressive, whilst England have been ominous and barely troubled in their four games so far.
At the time Scotland were livid with the decision to send Scott Brown off early into their game with Portugal, and they are vindicated as his appeal is upheld, making him eligible for this game. Thus, the only change made by Scotland is to bring in Kristoffer Ajer for Alfredo Morelos, as they move to a defensive 4-1-4-1 formation. England, meanwhile, are unchanged.
Scotland's plan to sit back and frustrate England is immediately blown apart as England score in the second minute! It's from an unlikely source, as N'Golo Kanté wallops a half-volley from the edge of the box past Allan McGregor! Just as in the previous game, the first shot of the match is the opening goal.
It is a shame for Scotland, as their tactic otherwise works, as England are held off well. In fact, there are no good chances across the whole of the first half. However, with over 60% possession, and only two shots against, England look extremely comfortable despite the narrow lead.
Kevin de Bruyne nearly copies his midfield partner in scoring at the start of a half, but his curling effort is just wide.
Just as in the first half, after that early chance the entire half flies by very little happening. For all of England's dominance with the ball, they are really struggling to create chances inside the box.
In the 90th minute Scotland win a free kick 30 yards from goal. Odsonne Edouard goes for goal... and it beats David de Gea! What a strike! Scotland have only gone and levelled it!
Kevin de Bruyne nearly copies his midfield partner in scoring at the start of a half, but his curling effort is just wide.
Just as in the first half, after that early chance the entire half flies by very little happening. For all of England's dominance with the ball, they are really struggling to create chances inside the box.
In the 90th minute Scotland win a free kick 30 yards from goal. Odsonne Edouard goes for goal... and it beats David de Gea! What a strike! Scotland have only gone and levelled it!
That wonder strike is enough to force this game to extra time!
Once again, England are able to fashion a good chance straight after kick-off. Mohamed Salah, who has had a very quiet game so far, surges infield. Scotland's defensive line is as straight as Hadrian's Wall (not very), and Salah has time and space to play it through to substitute Sergio Aguero, who buries it!
Once again, England are able to fashion a good chance straight after kick-off. Mohamed Salah, who has had a very quiet game so far, surges infield. Scotland's defensive line is as straight as Hadrian's Wall (not very), and Salah has time and space to play it through to substitute Sergio Aguero, who buries it!
Once again, the rest of the half flies by. In the final minute before the interval England have Scotland under serious pressure, as their opponents tire. Scotland national team captain Andy Robertson puts in a low cross. Allan McGregor tries to parry it, but it's straight into Aguero, whose touch sends the ball rolling over the line! 3-1 up at the break, surely England won't blow it again?
There doesn't seem much chance of another Scottish revival, as England focus on retaining possession in the final segment of the game. Christian Eriksen hits the woodwork with a free kick, and it's the last serious chance of the game as England eventually secure their progression to the semi-finals!
Scotland have to take huge credit for that performance, as they competed well with one of the DWC's behemoths. If they could just concentrate for the first part of a half, they might have been golden. England, meanwhile, keep up their 100% record without getting beyond third gear.
Final score: Scotland 1-3 England (aet)
Player of the match: Sergio Aguero
Scotland have to take huge credit for that performance, as they competed well with one of the DWC's behemoths. If they could just concentrate for the first part of a half, they might have been golden. England, meanwhile, keep up their 100% record without getting beyond third gear.
Final score: Scotland 1-3 England (aet)
Player of the match: Sergio Aguero
France vs Italy
For the third time in three DWCs, these two meet in the knockout stages. In 2017 the two sides couldn't be separated until Ricardo Montolivo scored the goal of the tournament. Last year Italy won again, but far more comfortably. Italy were probably the team of the tournament in the group stage, whilst France possibly put in the best performance of the second round. So, this should be a good match.
France stick with the XI that performed so well against Canada. Joao Cancelo, Italy's player of the match in the second round, picked up his second yellow of the tournament in that game, and is therefore suspended. As such, Juan Cuadrado comes in for Italy's only change.
For the third time in three DWCs, these two meet in the knockout stages. In 2017 the two sides couldn't be separated until Ricardo Montolivo scored the goal of the tournament. Last year Italy won again, but far more comfortably. Italy were probably the team of the tournament in the group stage, whilst France possibly put in the best performance of the second round. So, this should be a good match.
France stick with the XI that performed so well against Canada. Joao Cancelo, Italy's player of the match in the second round, picked up his second yellow of the tournament in that game, and is therefore suspended. As such, Juan Cuadrado comes in for Italy's only change.
Both Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo get into early shooting positions, but are shut down. It's France who have made the slightly better start, and they take the lead in the 6th minute when Nabil Fekir's free kick drifts towards Adrien Rabiot at the far post to volley home!
Italy slowly build their way into the game, but just 9 minutes later they switch off following a throw-in, and Neymar's low cross finds Kylian Mbappé unmarked for an easy finish at the far post!
For a moment, Italy appear to have France in a dangerous spot, with plenty of pressure on some isolated defenders. But a lack of wide men leaves France with an easy out-ball to the full backs, and a quick counter-attack results in Mbappé playing Edinson Cavani in. He's one-on-one, but hits the post. Unfortunately for Italy, the ball rebounds back to him and he pokes in for a third goal in 17 minutes!
France, relentless, nearly add another when Mbappé curls one just wide following a corner. Neymar, too, goes close with a powerful shot from outside the box. Verratti then has a go, forcing Wojciech Szczesny into a fingertip save onto the post!
Italy eventually slow the game down enough to get to the break only three down. Frankly, they need a miracle.
It doesn't appear forthcoming, as France continue in the same vein, Neymar scuttling into the box and drilling a low shot for Szczesny to save. A minute later and Cavani's header from a corner is headed off the line by Alex Sandro, who then has to throw himself in front of Verratti's follow-up!
Italy bring on Milan Skriniar as they move to a back 5. But the extra man in defence fail to drop Mbappé surging through on goal, once again drawing a save from Szczesny.
In the 67th minute France replace Neymar, who would have been suspended had he picked up a yellow, with Memphis Depay. Is this a sign of complacency. Not really, because the very next action sees Fekir swing in a free kick for Cavani to head home!
Italy eventually slow the game down enough to get to the break only three down. Frankly, they need a miracle.
It doesn't appear forthcoming, as France continue in the same vein, Neymar scuttling into the box and drilling a low shot for Szczesny to save. A minute later and Cavani's header from a corner is headed off the line by Alex Sandro, who then has to throw himself in front of Verratti's follow-up!
Italy bring on Milan Skriniar as they move to a back 5. But the extra man in defence fail to drop Mbappé surging through on goal, once again drawing a save from Szczesny.
In the 67th minute France replace Neymar, who would have been suspended had he picked up a yellow, with Memphis Depay. Is this a sign of complacency. Not really, because the very next action sees Fekir swing in a free kick for Cavani to head home!
In the 71st minute Italy finally create a good chance, Sandro hanging a high cross for Ronaldo, but his header is brilliantly saved by Gianluigi Buffon! And in the 89th minute they even score - substitute Lorenzo Insigne's lovely pass being powered home by an otherwise ineffective Paulo Dybala!
After four minutes of added time, the final whistle goes to confirm what we've known for virtually the whole match - France are going through to their first DWC semi-final!
That was an utter embarrassment for Italy, who had no answer to France's constant attacks. The front four were a particular delight for the French, who will want to emulate their women's team in lifting the DWC trophy.
Final score: France 4-1 Italy
Player of the match: Edinson Cavani
That was an utter embarrassment for Italy, who had no answer to France's constant attacks. The front four were a particular delight for the French, who will want to emulate their women's team in lifting the DWC trophy.
Final score: France 4-1 Italy
Player of the match: Edinson Cavani
Brazil vs Wales
Wales, famously, have only made one real-life World Cup appearance. In 1958 they got through the group stage (including seeing off Mexico), only to fall short by a single goal against eventual champions Brazil in the quarter-finals. And now, in Wales' first-ever DWC appearance, they have seen off Mexico, among others, in order to face Brazil in the quarter-final stage. Brazil had a much easier time in the previous round, as they beat Algeria 4-1, whilst Wales needed penalties to see off Netherlands.
Brazil are missing Zeca through suspension, so Egídio comes in at left back. They also elect to replace Hernanes with Carlos Sánchez in midfield. Despite scoring the winning penalty in the previous round, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing remains on the bench as Wales name an unchanged side.
Wales, famously, have only made one real-life World Cup appearance. In 1958 they got through the group stage (including seeing off Mexico), only to fall short by a single goal against eventual champions Brazil in the quarter-finals. And now, in Wales' first-ever DWC appearance, they have seen off Mexico, among others, in order to face Brazil in the quarter-final stage. Brazil had a much easier time in the previous round, as they beat Algeria 4-1, whilst Wales needed penalties to see off Netherlands.
Brazil are missing Zeca through suspension, so Egídio comes in at left back. They also elect to replace Hernanes with Carlos Sánchez in midfield. Despite scoring the winning penalty in the previous round, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing remains on the bench as Wales name an unchanged side.
A frenetic start suits Wales, as Brazil can't settle into a rhythm. There are few chances until the 16th minute, when Wales win a throw-in high up the pitch. Connor Roberts finds a pocket of space on the right, and drills a low cross across the box. It seems to go through a couple of Brazil players and finds Josh Murphy at the back post for an easy finish!
Immediately after, Wales have a free kick in a good position, and Harry Arter clips the outside of the post with his shot! Brazil respond with a Paolo Guerrero header from a corner that Neil Etheridge makes a good save to keep out.
Wales have the better of the half, but they can't keep their lead, as in the 42nd minute Guerrero gets another chance from a corner, and this time his header is too good for Etheridge!
Wales have the better of the half, but they can't keep their lead, as in the 42nd minute Guerrero gets another chance from a corner, and this time his header is too good for Etheridge!
At half time this very exciting match is all-square.
The first chance of the second half goes to Wales, as Arter dribbles into the box but lifts his shot over the bar.
Luan is brought on in the game's first change. His first touch is a shot at goal, as he hooks Giorgian de Arrascaeta's free kick at goal. Etheridge makes the save, but Geromel is there to fire home the rebound!
The first chance of the second half goes to Wales, as Arter dribbles into the box but lifts his shot over the bar.
Luan is brought on in the game's first change. His first touch is a shot at goal, as he hooks Giorgian de Arrascaeta's free kick at goal. Etheridge makes the save, but Geromel is there to fire home the rebound!
Wales nearly hit back immediately, Murphy receiving a free kick and firing a venomous shot inches wide!
Wales have averaged two shots for every one Brazil effort throughout the game, but they can't force high-quality ones. And they are made to pay, as Brazil break away in the 83rd minute with a rapid move ending with Luan cutting it back for Guerrero to add his second of the day!
Wales have averaged two shots for every one Brazil effort throughout the game, but they can't force high-quality ones. And they are made to pay, as Brazil break away in the 83rd minute with a rapid move ending with Luan cutting it back for Guerrero to add his second of the day!
With little left to lose, Wales bring on Bobby Decordova-Reid for Victor Camarasa and switch to a 4-2-4. But it doesn't have the desired effect, as Arter is penalised for a trip on Everton Ribeiro in the box, and Brazil have a penalty to wrap up the match with. Guerrero with the chance of a hat-trick... taken! In fact, it's a perfect hat-trick.
Plucky Wales just keep going, and get some consolation in added time as Murphy bursts into the box and places a low shot beyond Tiago Volpi.
Plucky Wales just keep going, and get some consolation in added time as Murphy bursts into the box and places a low shot beyond Tiago Volpi.
It is, of course, not enough. Brazil secure the victory to take them to a second DWC semi-final! A quarter-final appearance for a team that had never even won a qualifying match before this season started is an incredible achievement. But Wales will be wondering what could have been, after a game where they had plenty of chances.
Final score: Brazil 4-2 Wales
Player of the match: Paolo Guerrero
Final score: Brazil 4-2 Wales
Player of the match: Paolo Guerrero
Then there were four. And what a pair of semi-finals we have! England will face their other major rival, Germany. Luckily, since this isn't real life, we won't have to put up with the British newspapers before that clash. Meanwhile, the 1998 World Cup finalists France and Brazil will meet in the other semi-final. Both of those sides have scored four goals in both knockout games, so expect that one to be entertaining!
Next time we will solely focus on the Germany vs England semi-final. See you then!
Next time we will solely focus on the Germany vs England semi-final. See you then!