We're halfway into the second round - the first knockout round or round of 16 if you like - of this year's Draft World Cup:
The favourites won each match last time, but each game was in the balance until the end, and they have set up some cracking quarter finals. Today we go through the matches on the right half of the draw. Will they be as exciting?
Switzerland vs Turkey
Switzerland finished above Portugal on goal difference to win Group B, and their opponent is a Turkish team in shaky form. Turkey were uninspiring in defeat to Germany and in securing a late victory over Algeria. But a ridiculously dramatic 2-1 win over Colombia saw them qualify. Turkey won their only previous encounter, a 2018 friendly.
Switzerland remain unchanged, whilst Turkey stick with the 4-3-3 formation that lead them to that win over Colombia. Júnior Caicara and Lukas Podolski replace Martin Linnes and Radamel Falcao.
Switzerland vs Turkey
Switzerland finished above Portugal on goal difference to win Group B, and their opponent is a Turkish team in shaky form. Turkey were uninspiring in defeat to Germany and in securing a late victory over Algeria. But a ridiculously dramatic 2-1 win over Colombia saw them qualify. Turkey won their only previous encounter, a 2018 friendly.
Switzerland remain unchanged, whilst Turkey stick with the 4-3-3 formation that lead them to that win over Colombia. Júnior Caicara and Lukas Podolski replace Martin Linnes and Radamel Falcao.
Switzerland look more easy in possession, although the best they can manage in the early stages of the game is a Miralem Sulejmani header that sails harmlessly over. That was set up by Nicolas Ngamaleu, and in the 25th minute he again finds space on the right. This time he squares it to Luca Zuffi, who sets himself and bends it into the far bottom corner! It's a lovely goal and Switzerland lead!
Sulejmani's set piece delivery has been one of the tournament's stand-outs so far, and soon after his cross finds Emil Bergstrom, but his header is blocked. It's cleared, and Silvan Widmer has the chance to start another Swiss attack. However, he is swiftly closed down by Podolski, who wins the ball, allowing him to run through unopposed. Ulisses Garcia does well to come across and force Podolski wide, and the German World Cup winner skews his shot wide. He was under pressure, but it was a poor attempt. It's as good as Turkey manage, and we reach half time with Switzerland deservedly leading, even if they themselves haven't created a ton of chances.
Sulejmani's set piece delivery has been one of the tournament's stand-outs so far, and soon after his cross finds Emil Bergstrom, but his header is blocked. It's cleared, and Silvan Widmer has the chance to start another Swiss attack. However, he is swiftly closed down by Podolski, who wins the ball, allowing him to run through unopposed. Ulisses Garcia does well to come across and force Podolski wide, and the German World Cup winner skews his shot wide. He was under pressure, but it was a poor attempt. It's as good as Turkey manage, and we reach half time with Switzerland deservedly leading, even if they themselves haven't created a ton of chances.
Switzerland continue to keep things tight in the second half, as Turkey look pretty disorganised. Turkey are gifted a corner on the hour mark as Zuffi's clearance is straight into Ngamaleu and out of play. Edin Visca whips it in, it's cleared as far as Domagoj Vida, whose shot is blocked, but it falls to Mario Lemina whose powerful shot is diverted in by Podolski! Somehow, Turkey have found an equaliser!
Switzerland have actually been pretty poor this half, and find themselves defending soon after. In the 69th minute Gael Clichy makes a rare foray down the left, and breaks into the box. His cut-back is parried by Jonas Omlin, but it falls to Visca who taps into an empty net to complete a swift Turkish turnaround!
Switzerland try to up the tempo, and do a good job of at least making Turkey's defence rush and return possession back quickly. Ngamaleu gets a shot away, but the angle is against him and Fernando Muslera saves. Switzerland cannot create any further pressure, and Turkey hold out for victory! It wasn't exactly a game that deserved three goals, but it got them and it's a second disappointing second round exit for Switzerland, after their 2017 campaign was ended by Peru.
Switzerland have actually been pretty poor this half, and find themselves defending soon after. In the 69th minute Gael Clichy makes a rare foray down the left, and breaks into the box. His cut-back is parried by Jonas Omlin, but it falls to Visca who taps into an empty net to complete a swift Turkish turnaround!
Switzerland try to up the tempo, and do a good job of at least making Turkey's defence rush and return possession back quickly. Ngamaleu gets a shot away, but the angle is against him and Fernando Muslera saves. Switzerland cannot create any further pressure, and Turkey hold out for victory! It wasn't exactly a game that deserved three goals, but it got them and it's a second disappointing second round exit for Switzerland, after their 2017 campaign was ended by Peru.
Final score: Switzerland 1-2 Turkey
Player of the match: Luca Zuffi
Italy vs Belgium
Two-time semi-finalists Italy had to wait for qualification, as Nigeria came back to draw 2-2 in their encounter, but they never really looked in any trouble as they saw off the dangerous China to win their group. Belgium came into this tournament as dark horses, and showed their capabilities with a brilliant 2-0 win over Spain. A loss to South Africa left things in the balance, but they were excellent again in beating Mexico to progress. When the sides met in 2019 qualifying Italy took a win and a draw.
Italy stick with the shape and personnel that saw them through against China, whilst Belgium's only change is to bring in Marko Pjaca for Nacer Chadli, who has been poor so far this tournament.
Player of the match: Luca Zuffi
Italy vs Belgium
Two-time semi-finalists Italy had to wait for qualification, as Nigeria came back to draw 2-2 in their encounter, but they never really looked in any trouble as they saw off the dangerous China to win their group. Belgium came into this tournament as dark horses, and showed their capabilities with a brilliant 2-0 win over Spain. A loss to South Africa left things in the balance, but they were excellent again in beating Mexico to progress. When the sides met in 2019 qualifying Italy took a win and a draw.
Italy stick with the shape and personnel that saw them through against China, whilst Belgium's only change is to bring in Marko Pjaca for Nacer Chadli, who has been poor so far this tournament.
Belgium aren't cowed by their opponents, and stick with their elegant passing gameplan. It nearly brings immediate reward as they spin an attack down the right, and Joakim Maehle's cross loops over Samir Handanovic and finds Pjaca, but his header is marginally too high and bounces back off the crossbar!
Belgium's strategy isn't without its downsides though, and they have a scare as Simon Mignolet plays the ball straight out to Douglas Costa, but he makes amends by saving the resulting shot. Belgium respond quickly, as Pjaca fires a shot into the side netting. Italy do look good when getting forwards, and they fashion a pair of chances for Cristiano Ronaldo, but Mignolet is equal to them both.
Kevin Mirallas has been very good for Belgium so far this tournament, so it's a blow when he's forced off in the 25th minute. It means Nacer Chadli is back in the team, with Pjaca shifting over to the right. The substitute gets a sight of goal after a beautiful pass by Hans Vanaken. Juan Cuadrado is over to block, but it comes to Federico Ricca and he clips a great cross over to Pjaca, who forces Handanovic into a fine save with his header!
As we enter stoppage time at the end of the half Chadli drives into the Italian half, but the move ultimately breaks down. It's played up to Lorenzo Insigne, and he fires a pass that narrowly evades the reach of Vincent Kompany, and it puts Ronaldo through. One-on-one, it's a great chance and he blasts Italy into a half time lead!
Belgium's strategy isn't without its downsides though, and they have a scare as Simon Mignolet plays the ball straight out to Douglas Costa, but he makes amends by saving the resulting shot. Belgium respond quickly, as Pjaca fires a shot into the side netting. Italy do look good when getting forwards, and they fashion a pair of chances for Cristiano Ronaldo, but Mignolet is equal to them both.
Kevin Mirallas has been very good for Belgium so far this tournament, so it's a blow when he's forced off in the 25th minute. It means Nacer Chadli is back in the team, with Pjaca shifting over to the right. The substitute gets a sight of goal after a beautiful pass by Hans Vanaken. Juan Cuadrado is over to block, but it comes to Federico Ricca and he clips a great cross over to Pjaca, who forces Handanovic into a fine save with his header!
As we enter stoppage time at the end of the half Chadli drives into the Italian half, but the move ultimately breaks down. It's played up to Lorenzo Insigne, and he fires a pass that narrowly evades the reach of Vincent Kompany, and it puts Ronaldo through. One-on-one, it's a great chance and he blasts Italy into a half time lead!
The second half sees both team continue to look calm in possession, but neither are creating many chances. In the 63rd minute Maehle's quick throw in finds Dieumerci Mbokani on the right. He holds the ball up and plays it inside to Vanaken. His first touch takes him beyond Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, he shoots from the edge of the box and it flies past Handanovic for a spectacular equaliser!
Paulo Dybala replaces Douglas Costa, with Insigne moving up front, as Italy switch to the 5-2-1-2 formation that they used in the European Championships. However, they still threaten out wide, as Alex Sandro gets a good cross in, which is cleared to Juan Cuadrado. His first shot is blocked he picks up the rebound, but Mignolet is there to block the shot. Belgium quickly get it upfield and Vanaken shoots from the edge of the box again, but this time it's wide.
There are half-chances for Chadli and Cuadrado, but neither are able to find a winner. In the 90th minute a mazy run from Chadli lets him set up fellow sub Jere Uronen, whose shot Handanovic just keeps out. As the final seconds of added time drip by Kalidou Koulibaly's clearance finds Ronaldo, who skins Éder Álvarez Balanta. He's through, can he break Belgian hearts? No, he fluffs his lines and the shot is wide! It's a lucky escape from Belgium, and we go to extra time!
Paulo Dybala replaces Douglas Costa, with Insigne moving up front, as Italy switch to the 5-2-1-2 formation that they used in the European Championships. However, they still threaten out wide, as Alex Sandro gets a good cross in, which is cleared to Juan Cuadrado. His first shot is blocked he picks up the rebound, but Mignolet is there to block the shot. Belgium quickly get it upfield and Vanaken shoots from the edge of the box again, but this time it's wide.
There are half-chances for Chadli and Cuadrado, but neither are able to find a winner. In the 90th minute a mazy run from Chadli lets him set up fellow sub Jere Uronen, whose shot Handanovic just keeps out. As the final seconds of added time drip by Kalidou Koulibaly's clearance finds Ronaldo, who skins Éder Álvarez Balanta. He's through, can he break Belgian hearts? No, he fluffs his lines and the shot is wide! It's a lucky escape from Belgium, and we go to extra time!
The first half of added time is dull. The only highlight comes in added time. Surely there's not going to be another big Italian one-on-one chance, is there? Yes, there is. As Belgium break down an Italian attack Álvarez Balanta is too slow to clear it, and has his pocket picked by Insigne. He sprints away from old man Kompany and slots it in the bottom corner! Oh what a mistake from Álvarez Balanta, as Italy retake the lead!
Do Belgium have the capacity for a second equaliser? They look tired. In the 114th minute Italy get a free kick out wide. Dybala's cross finds Giorgio Chiellini who heads across goal, where it meets his defensive colleague Leonardo Bonucci who prods it in! That'll seal it for Italy! 7 minutes later their progression is confirmed!
Do Belgium have the capacity for a second equaliser? They look tired. In the 114th minute Italy get a free kick out wide. Dybala's cross finds Giorgio Chiellini who heads across goal, where it meets his defensive colleague Leonardo Bonucci who prods it in! That'll seal it for Italy! 7 minutes later their progression is confirmed!
Final score: Italy e3-1 Belgium
Player of the match: Lorenzo Insigne
England vs France
The stand-out clash of the round sees two of the 'big five' meet for the first time this tournament. England have to be the current tournament favourites, winning all three group games with an aggregate scoreline of 11-0. France end up here as they lost 2-0 to Argentina, despite easy wins over UAE and Canada. It's the first time these two have met.
Aymeric Laporte regains his place in the England back line in place of John Stones. Mo Salah is fit enough for the bench, not that either Sadio Mané or Bernardo Silva deserve to lose their spot in the team. Memphis Depay's goalscoring cameo against Canada sees him start up front for France in place of Mauro Icardi.
Player of the match: Lorenzo Insigne
England vs France
The stand-out clash of the round sees two of the 'big five' meet for the first time this tournament. England have to be the current tournament favourites, winning all three group games with an aggregate scoreline of 11-0. France end up here as they lost 2-0 to Argentina, despite easy wins over UAE and Canada. It's the first time these two have met.
Aymeric Laporte regains his place in the England back line in place of John Stones. Mo Salah is fit enough for the bench, not that either Sadio Mané or Bernardo Silva deserve to lose their spot in the team. Memphis Depay's goalscoring cameo against Canada sees him start up front for France in place of Mauro Icardi.
An interesting battle will be between England's attack-minded full backs and France's electric wingers. Early on this looks promising for France as Andrew Robertson picks up a yellow for a trip on Kylian Mbappé and Neymar has a shot on goal, saved by Alisson, after dispossessing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
England are struggling to connect midfield and attack, and it takes until the 19th minute for their first decent chance. It comes from a route one approach, as Sergio Aguero knocks Virgil Van Dijk's clearance past Marquinhos, but he pulls his shot wide. They get an even better chance a minute later when N'Golo Kanté nicks the ball from Thiago Silva. It falls to Aguero who plays Kanté in, but the Frenchman can't score as Keylor Navas saves.
Alisson makes routine saves from Layvin Kurzawa and Mbappé, and a great one to deny Neymar's shot from the edge of the box. In the 34th minute France earn a corner. Neymar fizzes it in quite low, it goes right through to the centre of the box and Depay meets it with a thumping header to fire France into the lead!
Mané's solo runs ends in a shot that Navas parries, as England look to hit back immediately. Soon after Aguero has another great chance, again from a long ball - this time by Kevin De Bruyne - and again Navas denies the shot! It's enough to carry France to half time with the lead. It's been a really entertaining, even, game.
England are struggling to connect midfield and attack, and it takes until the 19th minute for their first decent chance. It comes from a route one approach, as Sergio Aguero knocks Virgil Van Dijk's clearance past Marquinhos, but he pulls his shot wide. They get an even better chance a minute later when N'Golo Kanté nicks the ball from Thiago Silva. It falls to Aguero who plays Kanté in, but the Frenchman can't score as Keylor Navas saves.
Alisson makes routine saves from Layvin Kurzawa and Mbappé, and a great one to deny Neymar's shot from the edge of the box. In the 34th minute France earn a corner. Neymar fizzes it in quite low, it goes right through to the centre of the box and Depay meets it with a thumping header to fire France into the lead!
Mané's solo runs ends in a shot that Navas parries, as England look to hit back immediately. Soon after Aguero has another great chance, again from a long ball - this time by Kevin De Bruyne - and again Navas denies the shot! It's enough to carry France to half time with the lead. It's been a really entertaining, even, game.
England start the second half well, but can't convert their good play into clear chances. And they nearly blow it as Aymeric Laporte loses the ball, but Neymar can't hit the target on the break. Kanté and Fabinho both have headers go over from corners - Kanté's from close range having been left unmarked.
We get into the final 15 minutes with England getting more and more desperate. France haven't offered much, but in the 80th minute they build a neat attack. Marco Verratti is left in space on the edge of the box and he slips it to Mbappé, who ruthlessly slams it in the bottom corner! It looks like England are Englanding it again...
Mbappé nearly cancels out his own effort as he accidentally plays in Mané, but Navas' excellent game continues as he tips the shot over! It's England's last hurrah, as France defend stoutly, and the tournament favourites crash out! Their wins over Peru and Scotland last year remain the only knockout games they've won at the DWC. As for last year's runners-up, France looked really, really good here.
We get into the final 15 minutes with England getting more and more desperate. France haven't offered much, but in the 80th minute they build a neat attack. Marco Verratti is left in space on the edge of the box and he slips it to Mbappé, who ruthlessly slams it in the bottom corner! It looks like England are Englanding it again...
Mbappé nearly cancels out his own effort as he accidentally plays in Mané, but Navas' excellent game continues as he tips the shot over! It's England's last hurrah, as France defend stoutly, and the tournament favourites crash out! Their wins over Peru and Scotland last year remain the only knockout games they've won at the DWC. As for last year's runners-up, France looked really, really good here.
Final score: England 0-2 France
Player of the match: Marco Verratti
Netherlands vs Greece
Netherlands qualified fairly easy from the final group in this year's DWC, shaking off the trauma of failing to reach the European Championship. Greece just needed two games to qualify from the group stage, but had to settle for second after losing to Brazil in the group decider. Their only previous encounter came at this stage in the 2018 DWC, where Netherlands prevailed by a single goal.
Netherlands keep the XI that has started every match so far. Greece bring back players rested for the Brazil match, with Rúben Semedo, Omar Elabdellaoui and Maurício coming in for Fernando Varela, Vieirinha and Miroslav Stoch. They opt for a 4-3-1-2 formation, meaning Kostas Fortounis loses his place after three poor games, and Marko Livaja comes in to partner Youssef El Arabi.
Player of the match: Marco Verratti
Netherlands vs Greece
Netherlands qualified fairly easy from the final group in this year's DWC, shaking off the trauma of failing to reach the European Championship. Greece just needed two games to qualify from the group stage, but had to settle for second after losing to Brazil in the group decider. Their only previous encounter came at this stage in the 2018 DWC, where Netherlands prevailed by a single goal.
Netherlands keep the XI that has started every match so far. Greece bring back players rested for the Brazil match, with Rúben Semedo, Omar Elabdellaoui and Maurício coming in for Fernando Varela, Vieirinha and Miroslav Stoch. They opt for a 4-3-1-2 formation, meaning Kostas Fortounis loses his place after three poor games, and Marko Livaja comes in to partner Youssef El Arabi.
It's a thrilling start, as Elabdellaoui skins Nicolás Tagliafico and breaks into the box. He angles a shot across goal but André Onana parries it! Greece continue their strong start, denying Netherlands the ball, but that doesn't translate into chances.
Netherlands grow into the game, their first decent sight of goal coming when David Neres cuts inside and ripples the side netting with a powerful shot. At the other end, Maurício dribbles into the box and pulls it across. Joel Veltman is there first, but his clearance is straight into Livaja. Fortunately for Veltman and Netherlands, it bounces straight into the grateful arms of Onana.
Greece look very good in their new shape. Elabdellaoui plays in a good early cross that finds Livaja, but he can't connect properly with it. But Netherlands aren't out of it. Neres continues to test Greece, first with a header over the bar and later with a curling effort held by José Sá.
In the 42nd minute Neres collects the ball wide on the right. As Greece come over to close him down he plays a great cross over to the far side of the box, where Quincy Promes is unmarked. He has time to bring it down and volley it into the roof of the net! Greece can't respond and it's 1-0 at the interval.
Netherlands grow into the game, their first decent sight of goal coming when David Neres cuts inside and ripples the side netting with a powerful shot. At the other end, Maurício dribbles into the box and pulls it across. Joel Veltman is there first, but his clearance is straight into Livaja. Fortunately for Veltman and Netherlands, it bounces straight into the grateful arms of Onana.
Greece look very good in their new shape. Elabdellaoui plays in a good early cross that finds Livaja, but he can't connect properly with it. But Netherlands aren't out of it. Neres continues to test Greece, first with a header over the bar and later with a curling effort held by José Sá.
In the 42nd minute Neres collects the ball wide on the right. As Greece come over to close him down he plays a great cross over to the far side of the box, where Quincy Promes is unmarked. He has time to bring it down and volley it into the roof of the net! Greece can't respond and it's 1-0 at the interval.
There's danger for Netherlands as Denzel Dumfries picks up a knock, and while he's off the pitch Greece get a free kick close to the box. But they successfully defend it, and it's played down the line for Promes. Pontus Wernbloom comes over, but Promes skilfully beats him, then Elabdellaoui and strokes it in the near bottom corner for a wonderful second goal! It's a long way back for Greece now.
Onana was excellent as Netherlands overcame Saudi Arabia in their last group game, and his fine game continues here as he makes a diving stop to deny Guilherme. From the corner El Arabi meets the cross but heads just over.
Despite Greece having a numerical advantage in the centre of the pitch, they can't stop Donny Van de Beek and Fredrik Mitdsjo playing around their press. Inevitably Netherlands work it wide, where the space is. This time it's on the left, with Promes. He fires a low cross over, and it's met by Neres who volleys it in! That's three, surely game over now?
There's a minor blow for the Dutch when Veltman picks up a yellow that rules him out of the inevitable quarter final against France. Greece change to a 4-2-4 in an attempt to make something happen, bringing Vieirinha on for Guilherme. There's late chances for El Arabi and Neres, and it's all over. Netherlands progress to the quarter finals for the second time, and it's the most one-sided scoreline of the round.
Onana was excellent as Netherlands overcame Saudi Arabia in their last group game, and his fine game continues here as he makes a diving stop to deny Guilherme. From the corner El Arabi meets the cross but heads just over.
Despite Greece having a numerical advantage in the centre of the pitch, they can't stop Donny Van de Beek and Fredrik Mitdsjo playing around their press. Inevitably Netherlands work it wide, where the space is. This time it's on the left, with Promes. He fires a low cross over, and it's met by Neres who volleys it in! That's three, surely game over now?
There's a minor blow for the Dutch when Veltman picks up a yellow that rules him out of the inevitable quarter final against France. Greece change to a 4-2-4 in an attempt to make something happen, bringing Vieirinha on for Guilherme. There's late chances for El Arabi and Neres, and it's all over. Netherlands progress to the quarter finals for the second time, and it's the most one-sided scoreline of the round.
Final score: Netherlands 3-0 Greece
Player of the match: Quincy Promes
Player of the match: Quincy Promes
So that's the quarter-final line-up completed. We've lost our first 'big five' side in England. Their conquerors (both in this tournament and historically) France are one of two sides - along with Turkey - who win despite finishing second in their group. However, it's hard to argue either result is an upset.
Next time we'll cover all four quarter finals. It would be foolish to make any predictions, except that we should see some more exciting games!
Next time we'll cover all four quarter finals. It would be foolish to make any predictions, except that we should see some more exciting games!