The group stage of the 2020 Draft World Cup is over, and these are the teams that have made it through:
The bracket for the knockout stages is nice and simple. Top of Group A plays second in Group B, and vice versa. Overall, this is how the knockout stages shape up:
One curiosity is that the four non-European teams (Argentina, Chile, Brazil, USA) end up in the same quarter. That means the semi finals will involve one non-European team and three European sides.
Those four non-European teams will be in action today, along with the two former DWC winners Germany and Spain, plus Portugal and Hungary, as we go through the second round matches for the teams on the left half of the draw above. Let's begin with a clash between two heavyweights:
Germany vs Portugal
The defending champions Germany were the first team to qualify for this round, and one of three teams to get through with a maximum of 9 points (England and Brazil the others). Portugal grew in strength in their group. A lucky win over South Korea was followed with a solid draw against Switzerland - a result that ultimately cost them top spot - and finally a strong win over Bolivia. The only prior meeting between these two came in a 2018 friendly, which Germany won 3-1.
Germany rested players ahead of their final group game. They bring Mats Hummels and Phillipe Coutinho back in for Jerome Boateng and Dani Olmo, whilst Thiago comes back in for Emre Can. Portugal remain unchanged.
Those four non-European teams will be in action today, along with the two former DWC winners Germany and Spain, plus Portugal and Hungary, as we go through the second round matches for the teams on the left half of the draw above. Let's begin with a clash between two heavyweights:
Germany vs Portugal
The defending champions Germany were the first team to qualify for this round, and one of three teams to get through with a maximum of 9 points (England and Brazil the others). Portugal grew in strength in their group. A lucky win over South Korea was followed with a solid draw against Switzerland - a result that ultimately cost them top spot - and finally a strong win over Bolivia. The only prior meeting between these two came in a 2018 friendly, which Germany won 3-1.
Germany rested players ahead of their final group game. They bring Mats Hummels and Phillipe Coutinho back in for Jerome Boateng and Dani Olmo, whilst Thiago comes back in for Emre Can. Portugal remain unchanged.
Germany start confidently, and a well-timed overlap from David Alaba gives him space to fire in a cross. He finds Robert Lewandowski, but his header is held by Agustín Marchesín. He plays it up to Pizzi, who waits and plays a fantastic ball through to Moussa Marega. Mats Hummels is slow to react and Marega is one-on-one... and he beats a static Manuel Neuer to give Portugal the lead!
Pizzi nearly follows that up with a free kick goal, but his effort is narrowly wide. At the other end Marco Reus' acrobatic volley from a corner clangs off the crossbar. Otávio heads a good chance straight at Neuer, as both sides continue to play positively.
On the half hour mark Germany have a corner. Reus' cross is cleared as far as Serge Gnabry. He gets down the right and hits it over everyone to Reus, returning from his initial kick. He's got plenty of space and uses it to full effect by drilling his shot into the bottom corner! Last year's Golden Ball winner continues to thrive in the DWC.
Following this equaliser, the game becomes quite cagey. Portugal shade the possession and shot counts, but generally this is a well-poised even game.
Pizzi nearly follows that up with a free kick goal, but his effort is narrowly wide. At the other end Marco Reus' acrobatic volley from a corner clangs off the crossbar. Otávio heads a good chance straight at Neuer, as both sides continue to play positively.
On the half hour mark Germany have a corner. Reus' cross is cleared as far as Serge Gnabry. He gets down the right and hits it over everyone to Reus, returning from his initial kick. He's got plenty of space and uses it to full effect by drilling his shot into the bottom corner! Last year's Golden Ball winner continues to thrive in the DWC.
Following this equaliser, the game becomes quite cagey. Portugal shade the possession and shot counts, but generally this is a well-poised even game.
Reus and Lewandowski both have early sights of goal, but both hit it straight at Marchesín. Álvaro Odriozola is temporarily forced off the field with a knock. Whilst he's out Alaba carelessly loses the ball to Pizzi, who drives forward and plays in Rafa in the space vacated by Odriozola. It feels a little unfair on Germany, and Rafa seems to agree as his shot is tame and held by Neuer.
The game goes back to being quite tight, as both sides begin to fear conceding a goal that would likely see them eliminated. Reus forces Marchesín into a fine save with a free kick, and from the rebound sets Lewandowski up for a header which goes over, summing up a bad day at the office for the Pole.
This sums up the dilemma for both teams, as their best players are the ones who are performing worst. Germany eventually replace Lewandowski with Timo Werner, but it's Reus and Thiago who continue to probe most effectively. Thiago in particular has been troubling Portugal with some excellent passing. In the 88th minute the ball comes to him 30 yards from goal. Portugal brace themselves for another lovely pass, but instead he shoots and beats Marchesín to score a wonderful goal!
Portugal push players forward, bringing on Luciano Vietto for Julien Weigl, but Germany elegantly play through their press and it gives Thiago space on the edge of the box. This time he slips in Leon Goretzka, but he can't kill the game off as Marchesín saves. Portugal break but Germany regain it. They pass it about looking secure. Goretzka has the ball in space and elects to play it back to Neuer... but he doesn't see Vietto, who beats Neuer to it. It rolls towards the goal, and Vietto is first to it for a tap-in! Portugal level!
We head towards the end of 90 minutes, and into stoppage time. In the final seconds Germany get a corner. Reus' centre is cleared to Goretzka. The idea of redemption will be in his mind, but he smartly plays it sideways to Niklas Sule. His shot is blocked by Pepe, who also blocks Philippe Coutinho's follow-up, but it falls to Werner who pokes it in! Germany takes the lead again! This is ridiculous!
There's just enough time for Portugal to get the ball upfield, but they lose it and Germany hold on for victory in a game that has to go down as a DWC all-time classic! What a way to start the knockout stages!
The game goes back to being quite tight, as both sides begin to fear conceding a goal that would likely see them eliminated. Reus forces Marchesín into a fine save with a free kick, and from the rebound sets Lewandowski up for a header which goes over, summing up a bad day at the office for the Pole.
This sums up the dilemma for both teams, as their best players are the ones who are performing worst. Germany eventually replace Lewandowski with Timo Werner, but it's Reus and Thiago who continue to probe most effectively. Thiago in particular has been troubling Portugal with some excellent passing. In the 88th minute the ball comes to him 30 yards from goal. Portugal brace themselves for another lovely pass, but instead he shoots and beats Marchesín to score a wonderful goal!
Portugal push players forward, bringing on Luciano Vietto for Julien Weigl, but Germany elegantly play through their press and it gives Thiago space on the edge of the box. This time he slips in Leon Goretzka, but he can't kill the game off as Marchesín saves. Portugal break but Germany regain it. They pass it about looking secure. Goretzka has the ball in space and elects to play it back to Neuer... but he doesn't see Vietto, who beats Neuer to it. It rolls towards the goal, and Vietto is first to it for a tap-in! Portugal level!
We head towards the end of 90 minutes, and into stoppage time. In the final seconds Germany get a corner. Reus' centre is cleared to Goretzka. The idea of redemption will be in his mind, but he smartly plays it sideways to Niklas Sule. His shot is blocked by Pepe, who also blocks Philippe Coutinho's follow-up, but it falls to Werner who pokes it in! Germany takes the lead again! This is ridiculous!
There's just enough time for Portugal to get the ball upfield, but they lose it and Germany hold on for victory in a game that has to go down as a DWC all-time classic! What a way to start the knockout stages!
Final score: Germany 3-2 Portugal
Player of the match: Thiago
Spain vs Hungary
2018 DWC Champions Spain were rocked by a poor defeat to Belgium in their opening, but recovered to qualify top of their group. Hungary were economical, scoring just two goals. But those goals earned them a 1-0 win over China and a 1-1 draw with Nigeria that were enough to see them qualify behind Italy. These two have met three times. They drew 1-1 in last year's DWC, whilst in the Nations League Spain won 2-0 at home and drew 2-2 in Hungary.
Sergio Ramos returns to the Spain XI after his suspension, with Raphael Varane making way. Eden Hazard is fit enough for the bench. Hungary's only change is to bring Nemanja Nikolic in up front in place of Boli.
Player of the match: Thiago
Spain vs Hungary
2018 DWC Champions Spain were rocked by a poor defeat to Belgium in their opening, but recovered to qualify top of their group. Hungary were economical, scoring just two goals. But those goals earned them a 1-0 win over China and a 1-1 draw with Nigeria that were enough to see them qualify behind Italy. These two have met three times. They drew 1-1 in last year's DWC, whilst in the Nations League Spain won 2-0 at home and drew 2-2 in Hungary.
Sergio Ramos returns to the Spain XI after his suspension, with Raphael Varane making way. Eden Hazard is fit enough for the bench. Hungary's only change is to bring Nemanja Nikolic in up front in place of Boli.
Hazard, however, isn't fit enough for 80+ minutes. And so when Gareth Bale is forced off in the 10th minute, Antoine Griezmann comes on. Spain struggle to impose themselves fully on the match. Whilst Suárez goes close with a header from a set piece, Miha Blazic does the same at the other end.
It's as good as the first half gets, and we reach the interval with the deadlock still firmly intact. This suits Hungary just fine, the onus is on Spain to step it up.
It's as good as the first half gets, and we reach the interval with the deadlock still firmly intact. This suits Hungary just fine, the onus is on Spain to step it up.
The second half is similarly tight. Suárez spurns a decent chance with a mishit shot straight at Dénes Dibusz. In the 66th minute Luka Modric, who has been having a typically influential game, finds José Gaya on the left. His cross is towards Lionel Messi, but the Argentine's header is stopped by Stopira... but the rebound comes back to Messi and he duly tucks it away! Spain haven't really deserved to score, but score they have, and now Hungary have to somehow find an attacking presence.
That isn't easy with a possession-heavy team like Spain. Hungary struggle to get the ball, and when they do there are no passes on. Modric nearly gets the goal his performance has deserved late on with a shot from the edge of the box that Dibusz pushes over, and it's the last real action in the game as Hungary are left chasing the ball throughout stoppage time. A narrow win, but Spain progress to set up their third clash with Germany in three years.
That isn't easy with a possession-heavy team like Spain. Hungary struggle to get the ball, and when they do there are no passes on. Modric nearly gets the goal his performance has deserved late on with a shot from the edge of the box that Dibusz pushes over, and it's the last real action in the game as Hungary are left chasing the ball throughout stoppage time. A narrow win, but Spain progress to set up their third clash with Germany in three years.
Final score: Spain 1-0 Hungary
Player of the match: Koke
Argentina vs Chile
Argentina were sluggish in drawing with Canada, but dramatically improved, beating France and UAE to win their group. They're rewarded with a tasty clash against the country with which they share the world's 3rd-longest border, Chile. Chile looked good for qualification as soon as they beat Ukraine in their opener, and they got over a late scare against Ivory Coast to qualify. Argentina lead 5-1 in the head-to-head, with 2 draws. Argentina's wins include a group stage win at the 2017 DWC and in this year's South American Championship semi final.
Argentina are without Enzo Pérez through suspension after two yellows in the group stage, so Iván Marcone is in. Conversely, Eduardo Salvio is back after his suspension, so he replaces Mauro Zaracho. Pablo Mouche returns for Chile in place of César Pinares.
Player of the match: Koke
Argentina vs Chile
Argentina were sluggish in drawing with Canada, but dramatically improved, beating France and UAE to win their group. They're rewarded with a tasty clash against the country with which they share the world's 3rd-longest border, Chile. Chile looked good for qualification as soon as they beat Ukraine in their opener, and they got over a late scare against Ivory Coast to qualify. Argentina lead 5-1 in the head-to-head, with 2 draws. Argentina's wins include a group stage win at the 2017 DWC and in this year's South American Championship semi final.
Argentina are without Enzo Pérez through suspension after two yellows in the group stage, so Iván Marcone is in. Conversely, Eduardo Salvio is back after his suspension, so he replaces Mauro Zaracho. Pablo Mouche returns for Chile in place of César Pinares.
It's a fairly muted start. Argentina do much better in terms of possession - pushing 70% - but Chile are the side that are getting shots away. Their best efforts are headers from Pablo Mouche and Edson Puch that Franco Armani holds. Argentina offer startlingly little, despite having plenty of chances to do so. It's scoreless at the break, a forgettable affair so far.
Any time Argentina get close to the Chilean goal they find plenty of bodies in the way. Chile are given a worry when Nicolás Blandi injures his calf, and is eventually substituted for Joaquín Larrivey.
In the 57th minute Argentina work it to Frank Fabra, who has found a ton of space on the left wing. His cross is accurate and finds Salvio, who heads his side into the lead! It's a simple goal, and in a game like this is might be enough.
It certainly looks like it, as Chile's shots completely dry up. Half-chances for Salvio and Juan Fernando Quintero come and go as Argentina look to kill the game off. They are dealt a double blow when Marcone is forced off injured, and his midfield partner Javier Mascherano picks up his second yellow of the tournament, ruling him out of a potential quarter final.
In the 89th minute Chile's chance arrives as Matí Fernández splits the Argentine defence open to give Puch a sight of goal. He shoots hard, but straight at Armani who tips it over! The keeper is forced into a save from the corner as well, as Larrivey gets a header on goal. It does indeed prove decisive, as they can't carve out any more chances and Argentina battle through to the next round! It was a fairly terrible game, but they won't care!
In the 57th minute Argentina work it to Frank Fabra, who has found a ton of space on the left wing. His cross is accurate and finds Salvio, who heads his side into the lead! It's a simple goal, and in a game like this is might be enough.
It certainly looks like it, as Chile's shots completely dry up. Half-chances for Salvio and Juan Fernando Quintero come and go as Argentina look to kill the game off. They are dealt a double blow when Marcone is forced off injured, and his midfield partner Javier Mascherano picks up his second yellow of the tournament, ruling him out of a potential quarter final.
In the 89th minute Chile's chance arrives as Matí Fernández splits the Argentine defence open to give Puch a sight of goal. He shoots hard, but straight at Armani who tips it over! The keeper is forced into a save from the corner as well, as Larrivey gets a header on goal. It does indeed prove decisive, as they can't carve out any more chances and Argentina battle through to the next round! It was a fairly terrible game, but they won't care!
Final score: Argentina 1-0 Chile
Player of the match: Frank Fabra
Brazil vs USA
Brazil have never failed to make the semis in the DWCs they've qualified for. And they continue to impress, winning all three group games. USA were all over the place as they lost to Netherlands in their first game, but narrow wins over Saudi Arabia and Egypt saw them through. This is the first meeting between the two sides. Excitingly, this is the clash between the winners of the North and South American Championships.
Brazil's Víctor Cuesta is suspended after a yellow against Greece, so Filipe Luís comes back in with Walter Kannemann shifting back into the centre of defence. Gabriel Barbosa returns up front in place of Luiz Adriano. USA change to a 4-3-3 formation after the horror show against Netherlands, with Rodolfo Pizarro being replaced by Damir Kreilach.
Player of the match: Frank Fabra
Brazil vs USA
Brazil have never failed to make the semis in the DWCs they've qualified for. And they continue to impress, winning all three group games. USA were all over the place as they lost to Netherlands in their first game, but narrow wins over Saudi Arabia and Egypt saw them through. This is the first meeting between the two sides. Excitingly, this is the clash between the winners of the North and South American Championships.
Brazil's Víctor Cuesta is suspended after a yellow against Greece, so Filipe Luís comes back in with Walter Kannemann shifting back into the centre of defence. Gabriel Barbosa returns up front in place of Luiz Adriano. USA change to a 4-3-3 formation after the horror show against Netherlands, with Rodolfo Pizarro being replaced by Damir Kreilach.
Brazil break up an early USA foray into their half, and Bruno Henrique drives across diagonally to open up space. He switches it to Everton, whose first touch takes him past Emiliano Insúa, and he drills his shot across Andre Blake to give Brazil a 3rd-minute lead!
Carlos Vela tries to rectify this with a beautiful dribble through Brazil's defence, but his shot from the edge of the box is straight at Fábio. Soon after Gonzalo Martínez does similar. At the other end a Brazil free kick is cleared, and Gonzalo Martínez drives upfield to create a 3 vs 2. Jonathan Dos Santos gets a shot away, and Fábio is once again there to push it away!
USA's gameplan is clearly to play in Vela and Gonzalo Martínez into the space that Brazil's full backs vacate. It's actually working pretty well, as Fábio produces fine saves to deny chances from each of USA's wingers.
In the 38th minute Josef Martínez hits a shot straight at Fábio, and Brazil break. Dani Alves wriggles free on the right, but his cross is slightly behind Bruno Henrique... but the winger is able to hook the ball from behind him and it finds the top corner! It's against the run of play, but Brazil have a safety net now! They maintain the lead until the break.
Carlos Vela tries to rectify this with a beautiful dribble through Brazil's defence, but his shot from the edge of the box is straight at Fábio. Soon after Gonzalo Martínez does similar. At the other end a Brazil free kick is cleared, and Gonzalo Martínez drives upfield to create a 3 vs 2. Jonathan Dos Santos gets a shot away, and Fábio is once again there to push it away!
USA's gameplan is clearly to play in Vela and Gonzalo Martínez into the space that Brazil's full backs vacate. It's actually working pretty well, as Fábio produces fine saves to deny chances from each of USA's wingers.
In the 38th minute Josef Martínez hits a shot straight at Fábio, and Brazil break. Dani Alves wriggles free on the right, but his cross is slightly behind Bruno Henrique... but the winger is able to hook the ball from behind him and it finds the top corner! It's against the run of play, but Brazil have a safety net now! They maintain the lead until the break.
USA bring on Jorge Moreira for Graham Zusi as they look to add a bit more defensive solidity. It doesn't look to help early on, as Bruno Henrique beats Moreira and gets it to Gabriel Barbosa, who lays it off to Gustavo Scarpa. His low shot beats Blake but bounces off the base of the post!
USA struggle to create space on the counter, and Brazil look comfortable. Josef Martínez finds himself isolated. Which makes it all the crazier that in the 62nd minute Gil launches into a reckless two-footed lunge on the Venezuelan striker and sees red! Can USA use this as a platform for a comeback?
They are left frustrated as Brazil defend well. A particular highlight came as Dani Alves managed to block three successive shots from Gonzalo Martínez. When they can get through they find Fábio having a wonder game, in particular when he denies Gonzalo Martínez who had been played through one-on-one by Diego Valeri.
Brazil try and lock down the right flank by bringing on Alisson for Gabriel Barbosa, with Bruno Henrique. It's their third substitution, and they soon regret it as Everton injures his thigh, leaving them down to 9 men! USA have 6 minutes to take advantage...
Brazil are given a further scare when Filipe Luís goes down, but he limps on. USA show a remarkable lack of urgency, despite all team instructions to the contrary, and Brazil see out the 6 minutes, and added time, and get through to the final whistle! Their winning streak continues, but how much will their missing players affect them going forward?
USA struggle to create space on the counter, and Brazil look comfortable. Josef Martínez finds himself isolated. Which makes it all the crazier that in the 62nd minute Gil launches into a reckless two-footed lunge on the Venezuelan striker and sees red! Can USA use this as a platform for a comeback?
They are left frustrated as Brazil defend well. A particular highlight came as Dani Alves managed to block three successive shots from Gonzalo Martínez. When they can get through they find Fábio having a wonder game, in particular when he denies Gonzalo Martínez who had been played through one-on-one by Diego Valeri.
Brazil try and lock down the right flank by bringing on Alisson for Gabriel Barbosa, with Bruno Henrique. It's their third substitution, and they soon regret it as Everton injures his thigh, leaving them down to 9 men! USA have 6 minutes to take advantage...
Brazil are given a further scare when Filipe Luís goes down, but he limps on. USA show a remarkable lack of urgency, despite all team instructions to the contrary, and Brazil see out the 6 minutes, and added time, and get through to the final whistle! Their winning streak continues, but how much will their missing players affect them going forward?
Final score: Brazil 2-0 USA
Player of the match: Dani Alves
So, four matches down, and in each tie the side that won their group have progressed. Those results set up exciting quarter finals. Firstly, the two sides to have won the DWC, Germany and Spain, will meet. And then there will be a Superclásico between Argentina and Brazil.
Next time we go through the all-European second half of the draw. The stand-out game is England vs France, but each game has the capacity to thrill!
Player of the match: Dani Alves
So, four matches down, and in each tie the side that won their group have progressed. Those results set up exciting quarter finals. Firstly, the two sides to have won the DWC, Germany and Spain, will meet. And then there will be a Superclásico between Argentina and Brazil.
Next time we go through the all-European second half of the draw. The stand-out game is England vs France, but each game has the capacity to thrill!