The final round of the group stage was fairly steady, as the top two seeds qualified - in order - from Groups A-D. But Group E... oh, Group E. Somehow, Iraq topped the group and Italy crashed out. Something similar happened in Group G as bottom seeds Egypt came top and top seeds Brazil were eliminated. Meanwhile, both Spain and Germany were pipped to first place by Japan and Ukraine respectively.
It means we know the shape of the bracket for the knockout rounds:
Poor Iraq and Egypt, given nasty draws that don't reflect their achievement in winning their groups. It also puts all of France, Spain and Germany on one side of the draw. It means England are arguably favourites, as their highest-ranked rival in their half of the draw is Argentina - in fact, the only side on that half of the draw to have reached the DWC final before. The fourth quarter is interesting, as one of Japan, Croatia, Ukraine or Austria - two of whom are debutants - will reach the semis.
Anyway, today we will do the first half of the second round ties - that is, the four matches on the left-hand of the bracket above.
France vs Colombia
If we ignore the draw, France are clearly still favourites. They came into this tournament as favourites, and won all three group games (only USA and Ukraine managed that). What I will say for Colombia though is that were superb in denying England any chances when they drew 0-0 in the group stage.
After resting players against Belgium, France revert to the side that won their opening two games. Colombia go back to the defensive 4-1-4-1 that frustrated England.
Anyway, today we will do the first half of the second round ties - that is, the four matches on the left-hand of the bracket above.
France vs Colombia
If we ignore the draw, France are clearly still favourites. They came into this tournament as favourites, and won all three group games (only USA and Ukraine managed that). What I will say for Colombia though is that were superb in denying England any chances when they drew 0-0 in the group stage.
After resting players against Belgium, France revert to the side that won their opening two games. Colombia go back to the defensive 4-1-4-1 that frustrated England.
France inevitable start on the front foot, but the Colombian defence is up to the task. Whilst Neymar is able to fashion a few half-chances, he is unable to bring the opener. A big chance arrives in the 28th minute when Neymar's cross goes through and finds Kylian Mbappé unmarked, but his shot is straight at Andrés Mosquera.
A few minutes later and a France attack breaks down. Colombia play it across the defence until it comes to Geisson Perea. Under pressure, he plays it forward and it proves to be a great ball into the path of Miguel Borja. Keylor Navas comes out, Borja goes round him but Marquinhos is back to make a goal-saving block! What a let-off for the defending champions!
That near-goal gives Colombia a boost, and in the 41st minute a similar move sees Andrés Pérez play a ball through for Borja, but he drags his shot wide from a difficult angle. At half time there's a lot to ponder for France.
A few minutes later and a France attack breaks down. Colombia play it across the defence until it comes to Geisson Perea. Under pressure, he plays it forward and it proves to be a great ball into the path of Miguel Borja. Keylor Navas comes out, Borja goes round him but Marquinhos is back to make a goal-saving block! What a let-off for the defending champions!
That near-goal gives Colombia a boost, and in the 41st minute a similar move sees Andrés Pérez play a ball through for Borja, but he drags his shot wide from a difficult angle. At half time there's a lot to ponder for France.
France make a change for the second half - Danilo Pereira makes way for Memphis Depay, as they change to a 4-2-3-1, with the intention of pressing Colombia in their own half more effectively.
It doesn't work. The second half flies by with no highlights. So we go to extra time at the first time of asking!
France go to a 4-2-4, with Mauro Icardi joining Mbappé up front, but they still continue to toil. Finally, in the 113th minute we get a highlight! Neymar picks the pocket of Perea and runs at Colombia. It's 4 vs 3, and Neymar plays a ball into Mbappé in the box. He shoots first time, but Mosquera is down low to save it! It proves to be the last chance of the match, and we go to penalties!
It doesn't work. The second half flies by with no highlights. So we go to extra time at the first time of asking!
France go to a 4-2-4, with Mauro Icardi joining Mbappé up front, but they still continue to toil. Finally, in the 113th minute we get a highlight! Neymar picks the pocket of Perea and runs at Colombia. It's 4 vs 3, and Neymar plays a ball into Mbappé in the box. He shoots first time, but Mosquera is down low to save it! It proves to be the last chance of the match, and we go to penalties!
Job done for Colombia, who prove they are almost impossible to break down if they go into defensive mode. France are in real danger now...
Borja up first... he goes to his left but Navas reaches it!
Icardi... goes down the middle and beats Mosquera! (COL 0-1 FRA)
Vladimir Hernández... sends Navas the wrong way!
Marco Verratti... goes down the middle, but Mosquera holds his ground this time! (1-1)
Jefferson Duque... goes low and puts Colombia ahead for the first time!
Mbappé could have won this in normal time and extra time... but he puts his penalty away! (2-2)
Teo Gutiérrez... blasts it low and beats Navas, but it sails past the post!
Juan Bernat... tucks it away to make it match point France! (2-3)
The pressure is on centre back Carlos Henao... he keeps his cool to keep Colombia alive!
So it is Neymar with the chance to win it... and he hits an unstoppable shot past Mosquera!
Final score: France 0-0 Colombia (France win 4-3 on penalties)
Player of the match: Neymar (FRA)
Borja up first... he goes to his left but Navas reaches it!
Icardi... goes down the middle and beats Mosquera! (COL 0-1 FRA)
Vladimir Hernández... sends Navas the wrong way!
Marco Verratti... goes down the middle, but Mosquera holds his ground this time! (1-1)
Jefferson Duque... goes low and puts Colombia ahead for the first time!
Mbappé could have won this in normal time and extra time... but he puts his penalty away! (2-2)
Teo Gutiérrez... blasts it low and beats Navas, but it sails past the post!
Juan Bernat... tucks it away to make it match point France! (2-3)
The pressure is on centre back Carlos Henao... he keeps his cool to keep Colombia alive!
So it is Neymar with the chance to win it... and he hits an unstoppable shot past Mosquera!
Final score: France 0-0 Colombia (France win 4-3 on penalties)
Player of the match: Neymar (FRA)
Colombia depart the tournament unbeaten, although you have to say it's a mystery how France didn't see one of their 33 shots result in a goal. It's the first competitive match France have failed to win this year, but most importantly they are alive and into the last 8.
USA vs Scotland
So who will face France then? It's hard to call this, since it's the world number 9 vs the world number 12. Scotland will be disappointed with how they offered nothing against Argentina last time, whilst USA have three wins under their belt.
Both sides were through ahead of their last game, and so rested a few players. If we compare their teams today to their second group game instead, then USA's only change is Romain Métanire in for Josef Martínez, and Scotland are unchanged.
So who will face France then? It's hard to call this, since it's the world number 9 vs the world number 12. Scotland will be disappointed with how they offered nothing against Argentina last time, whilst USA have three wins under their belt.
Both sides were through ahead of their last game, and so rested a few players. If we compare their teams today to their second group game instead, then USA's only change is Romain Métanire in for Josef Martínez, and Scotland are unchanged.
When a USA attack breaks down Scotland play it upfield, and Odsonne Edouard muscles past Leandro González Pírez to create a 2 vs 1 situation. He waits and plays it to Alfredo Morelos, but the pass is a bit behind his strike partner, and Morelos' early shot ends up going wide. A huge chance wasted.
Other than that, both teams just have a couple of shots in a dull first half.
Other than that, both teams just have a couple of shots in a dull first half.
In the 54th minute Scotland have a throw on the left. Ryan Christie lays it back to Borna Barisic, who clips a perfect ball into the box for Christie to run onto. He gets to it just before it reaches the byline, cuts it back and this time Morelos makes no mistake, and puts Scotland ahead! After three hours, we finally get a first proper goal of this episode!
USA nearly hit back when Carlos Vela's glanced header from international teammate Jonathan dos Santos' goes just wide. At the other end Morelos' shot is deflected into the path of James Forrest, but he can only fire straight at Blake.
In the 72nd minute another throw in on the left ends in a chance for Morelos, but this time he puts it wide from Scott Brown's through ball. A couple of minutes later and a simple long ball from Callum McGregor allows Morelos to brush off Nicolás Figal and run through on goal. He keeps his nerve and slots it into the bottom corner, and doubles Scotland's lead!
USA have created very little, even with Martínez on for Métanire. Martínez nearly pulls one back with a header from a corner, but Barisic is there to hook it off the line! Scotland fail to clear it and Martínez manages to bustle into the box. He curls it past Allan McGregor but also past the far post! Can USA keep up this pressure?
From the resulting goal kick USA win it back again, and come forward. Gonzalo Higuaín lays it off to Martínez, who dribbles around Connor Goldson and bends a 25 yard shot at goal, and this time it finds the back of the net! USA have over 10 minutes to salvage this match!
Scotland are able to stop USA's momentum, and we get to added time with their lead intact. For what feels like the hundredth time this match a ball in behind releases Morelos, but he is unable to wrap up the win - and a hat trick - as Blake is able to push it behind. But it doesn't matter, as the final whistle goes before the corner can be taken, and Scotland win!
Final score: USA 1-2 Scotland
Player of the match: Josef Martínez (USA)
USA nearly hit back when Carlos Vela's glanced header from international teammate Jonathan dos Santos' goes just wide. At the other end Morelos' shot is deflected into the path of James Forrest, but he can only fire straight at Blake.
In the 72nd minute another throw in on the left ends in a chance for Morelos, but this time he puts it wide from Scott Brown's through ball. A couple of minutes later and a simple long ball from Callum McGregor allows Morelos to brush off Nicolás Figal and run through on goal. He keeps his nerve and slots it into the bottom corner, and doubles Scotland's lead!
USA have created very little, even with Martínez on for Métanire. Martínez nearly pulls one back with a header from a corner, but Barisic is there to hook it off the line! Scotland fail to clear it and Martínez manages to bustle into the box. He curls it past Allan McGregor but also past the far post! Can USA keep up this pressure?
From the resulting goal kick USA win it back again, and come forward. Gonzalo Higuaín lays it off to Martínez, who dribbles around Connor Goldson and bends a 25 yard shot at goal, and this time it finds the back of the net! USA have over 10 minutes to salvage this match!
Scotland are able to stop USA's momentum, and we get to added time with their lead intact. For what feels like the hundredth time this match a ball in behind releases Morelos, but he is unable to wrap up the win - and a hat trick - as Blake is able to push it behind. But it doesn't matter, as the final whistle goes before the corner can be taken, and Scotland win!
Final score: USA 1-2 Scotland
Player of the match: Josef Martínez (USA)
USA just had no answer to Scotland's two strikers, and fine passing from midfield. They were also flat going forward, shown by them not having a single shot after their goal. Overall, it's a deserved win for Scotland.
Iraq vs Spain
Can Iraq's miracle run continue? It was unlikely enough that they'd qualify for the DWC, and then it seemed a long shot they'd pick up a win, but they did both. They still had to avoid defeat to Italy in their final game, and a valiant performance lead by an Ala'a Abdul Zahra hat trick saw them win their group. Surely, surely... this will be a step too far? Spain have now gone a full year unbeaten, although it includes three penalty defeats.
Iraq name an unchanged side. Spain now have Lionel Messi fully available, but fate has taken away with the other hand as Eden Hazard's injury sustained against Denmark rules him out of the tournament. They are also without Raphael Varane who is carrying a suspension, so Gerard Piqué comes in to resume his familiar pairing with Sergio Ramos.
Can Iraq's miracle run continue? It was unlikely enough that they'd qualify for the DWC, and then it seemed a long shot they'd pick up a win, but they did both. They still had to avoid defeat to Italy in their final game, and a valiant performance lead by an Ala'a Abdul Zahra hat trick saw them win their group. Surely, surely... this will be a step too far? Spain have now gone a full year unbeaten, although it includes three penalty defeats.
Iraq name an unchanged side. Spain now have Lionel Messi fully available, but fate has taken away with the other hand as Eden Hazard's injury sustained against Denmark rules him out of the tournament. They are also without Raphael Varane who is carrying a suspension, so Gerard Piqué comes in to resume his familiar pairing with Sergio Ramos.
Very surprisingly, Iraq slightly shade possession in a quiet first 10 minutes. But Spain get the first chance; Toni Kroos' shot is blocked into the path of Antoine Griezmann, who lays it off to Jordi Alba, and he blasts it over the bar.
Spain's players begin to look a little anxious as they fail to establish control of the game, but in the 23rd minute Kroos' corner is met by the unlikely figure of Luka Modric, it hits the woodwork, cannons into Ala's Mhawi and in! A really unfortunate goal for Iraq to concede, but concede they have.
Ten minutes later and after an Iraq attack breaks down Spain come forward. Jesús Navas provides the overlap, plays a one-two with Messi and clips it into the box, where Karim Benzema turns it in! That might just be the game safe already.
It certainly is a few minutes later when Alba's cross meets Messi at the far post for a simple tap-in, and in the 43rd minute Messi's free kick is volleyed in by Gerard Piqué. Three goals in under ten minutes mean that Spain lead by four at the break.
Spain's players begin to look a little anxious as they fail to establish control of the game, but in the 23rd minute Kroos' corner is met by the unlikely figure of Luka Modric, it hits the woodwork, cannons into Ala's Mhawi and in! A really unfortunate goal for Iraq to concede, but concede they have.
Ten minutes later and after an Iraq attack breaks down Spain come forward. Jesús Navas provides the overlap, plays a one-two with Messi and clips it into the box, where Karim Benzema turns it in! That might just be the game safe already.
It certainly is a few minutes later when Alba's cross meets Messi at the far post for a simple tap-in, and in the 43rd minute Messi's free kick is volleyed in by Gerard Piqué. Three goals in under ten minutes mean that Spain lead by four at the break.
This just leaves me all the more astounded by Iraq's result against Italy. Anyway, Spain decide to protect Casemiro and Sergio Ramos from suspension, replacing them with Sergi Roberto and José Giménez.
Other than a Piqué header over the bar, Spain don't really look to add to their tally, and Iraq are happy to limit the damage. Their journey is over, but to get this far is a hell of an achievement.
Final score: Iraq 0-4 Spain
Player of the match: Lionel Messi (ESP)
Other than a Piqué header over the bar, Spain don't really look to add to their tally, and Iraq are happy to limit the damage. Their journey is over, but to get this far is a hell of an achievement.
Final score: Iraq 0-4 Spain
Player of the match: Lionel Messi (ESP)
It's really hard to assess how impressive that result was for Spain. On paper, this was a par performance, but in light of Iraq's results it has to be recognised. Either way, it's job done for Spain and they are one step closer to regaining the title they won in 2018.
Egypt vs Germany
Will we see yet another clash between Spain and Germany? Quite possibly, although Egypt were so impressive in winning Group G, especially the heavy defeats they inflicted on Brazil and Serbia.
Egypt bring Omar Gaber and Amr El Soleya back in for Ahmed Fathy and Saleh Gomaa. After defeat against Ukraine, Germany revert to the side that played Thailand.
Will we see yet another clash between Spain and Germany? Quite possibly, although Egypt were so impressive in winning Group G, especially the heavy defeats they inflicted on Brazil and Serbia.
Egypt bring Omar Gaber and Amr El Soleya back in for Ahmed Fathy and Saleh Gomaa. After defeat against Ukraine, Germany revert to the side that played Thailand.
The first big chance goes to Egypt, as a beautiful ball from Hossam Ashour over Germany's defence gives Ribamar a sight of goal, but Manuel Neuer produces a stunning reflex save!
In the 42nd minute Germany finally get through Egypt's defence, as Leon Goretzka's first-time pass is through a gap and into the path of Serge Gnabry, but Mohamed El Shenawy produces a good low block. A couple of minutes later Jerome Boateng's header skims the top of the bar on its way over. At half time we're yet to see a goal, and Egypt will feel like they've matched Germany on the whole.
In the 42nd minute Germany finally get through Egypt's defence, as Leon Goretzka's first-time pass is through a gap and into the path of Serge Gnabry, but Mohamed El Shenawy produces a good low block. A couple of minutes later Jerome Boateng's header skims the top of the bar on its way over. At half time we're yet to see a goal, and Egypt will feel like they've matched Germany on the whole.
Dani Olmo has been Germany's liveliest player, but he goes off at half time with a small knock, with Corentin Tolisso coming on.
Ramadan Sobhi starts the second half in style, dribbling through Joshua Kimmich twice before drilling it in low to Ribamar, but he is again denied - this time by a Mat Hummels block. A minute later and Ribamar's hold up and lay-off gives Diego Rolan space to run. He gets into the box but Neuer is equal to his near-post shot.
At the other end Leroy Sané emulates Boateng by disturbing the crossbar with a header from a corner, followed by a shot wide from Goretzka. With Egypt's counters continuing to trouble Germany, they decide to instruct their full backs to stay back, and instead bring on Thomas Muller for Charles Aránguiz.
It nullifies Egypt, but it also nullifies Germany. The rest of the match sees no real action, and like today's first game, we are going to extra time!
Four minutes into the additional time and Germany have a free kick in dangerous territory. However, it's cleared straight to Sobhi, who quickly has a 2 vs 2 situation. He waits perfectly to slip it through to Ribamar, and this time he blasts his shot past Neuer, and Egypt lead!
Germany respond by replacing Sané with Erling Haaland, but they can't muster anything before the break. They have 15 minutes to avoid a big, big upset.
Ramadan Sobhi starts the second half in style, dribbling through Joshua Kimmich twice before drilling it in low to Ribamar, but he is again denied - this time by a Mat Hummels block. A minute later and Ribamar's hold up and lay-off gives Diego Rolan space to run. He gets into the box but Neuer is equal to his near-post shot.
At the other end Leroy Sané emulates Boateng by disturbing the crossbar with a header from a corner, followed by a shot wide from Goretzka. With Egypt's counters continuing to trouble Germany, they decide to instruct their full backs to stay back, and instead bring on Thomas Muller for Charles Aránguiz.
It nullifies Egypt, but it also nullifies Germany. The rest of the match sees no real action, and like today's first game, we are going to extra time!
Four minutes into the additional time and Germany have a free kick in dangerous territory. However, it's cleared straight to Sobhi, who quickly has a 2 vs 2 situation. He waits perfectly to slip it through to Ribamar, and this time he blasts his shot past Neuer, and Egypt lead!
Germany respond by replacing Sané with Erling Haaland, but they can't muster anything before the break. They have 15 minutes to avoid a big, big upset.
In the 111th minute Goretzka has to produce a great tackle to stop Sobhi's replacement Achraf Bencharki a break away, and it gets upfield to Robert Lewandowski. He shoots early, it beats El Shenawy but it just curls wide! That really looked in!
It looks to be Germany's last roll of the dice. But they get a corner in the very last minute. Neuer comes up. Kimmich finds Lewandowski with the cross, he heads it down and... Neuer is there to tap it in!!! OH MY WORD!!! He's Alissoned it!
Egypt kick off, and Kimmich stops a ball through to Bencharki, but the Egyptian winger picks it up. He squares it to fellow sub Mostafa Fathy, but he's denied by Neuer! Wow! We are going to penalties again!
It looks to be Germany's last roll of the dice. But they get a corner in the very last minute. Neuer comes up. Kimmich finds Lewandowski with the cross, he heads it down and... Neuer is there to tap it in!!! OH MY WORD!!! He's Alissoned it!
Egypt kick off, and Kimmich stops a ball through to Bencharki, but the Egyptian winger picks it up. He squares it to fellow sub Mostafa Fathy, but he's denied by Neuer! Wow! We are going to penalties again!
Badr Benoun up first... towards the bottom corner but saved by Neuer!
Lewandowski... lashes it in! (EGY 0-1 GER)
Ferjani Sassi... goes the same spot as Benoun, but this time Neuer doesn't get it!
Haaland... goes to his right but El Shenawy pushes it behind! (1-1)
Bencharki... goes down the middle, but Neuer holds his ground!
Muller... powers it in to put Germany back in the lead! (1-2)
Abdallah El Saeed... pulls his shot wide!
It's a chance to win the match for David Alaba... and he sends El Shenawy the wrong way! Germany win - shock horror - on penalties!!!
Final score: Egypt 1-1 Germany (Germany win 3-1 on penalties)
Player of the match: Manuer Neuer (GER)
What an epic! Germany's goalkeeper basically single-handedly drags his team into the quarter finals! It's heartbreak for Egypt, who looked to have the measure of Germany with their rapid breaks. Oh man.
Lewandowski... lashes it in! (EGY 0-1 GER)
Ferjani Sassi... goes the same spot as Benoun, but this time Neuer doesn't get it!
Haaland... goes to his right but El Shenawy pushes it behind! (1-1)
Bencharki... goes down the middle, but Neuer holds his ground!
Muller... powers it in to put Germany back in the lead! (1-2)
Abdallah El Saeed... pulls his shot wide!
It's a chance to win the match for David Alaba... and he sends El Shenawy the wrong way! Germany win - shock horror - on penalties!!!
Final score: Egypt 1-1 Germany (Germany win 3-1 on penalties)
Player of the match: Manuer Neuer (GER)
What an epic! Germany's goalkeeper basically single-handedly drags his team into the quarter finals! It's heartbreak for Egypt, who looked to have the measure of Germany with their rapid breaks. Oh man.
Somehow, France and Germany both survive being taken to penalties. Spain are through with no worries, whilst Scotland produced a really solid win against USA.
Who will join them in the quarter finals? We'll see how the next four games go next time.
Who will join them in the quarter finals? We'll see how the next four games go next time.