The first four matches of the second round saw a ton of goals - 19 to be precise! The highlight was undoubtedly an epic between Germany and France, which saw the two-time defending champions eliminated:
So the race is on to succeed France as DWC champions, and we have eight more teams in action today who are looking to do exactly that. With the exception of Spain, 2018 champions, all the teams in action today are of the level just behind the super-elite teams. They all have the quality to go far, but it's a matter of whether they can bring it all together when it matters.
Scotland vs Paraguay
History is on Scotland's side - the two times they have got out of the group stage, they have made the quarter finals. And their group stage performance this year was their strongest yet, with three good performances seeing them top their group. It was a very different story for Paraguay, who looked dead and buried after a loss to Senegal left them on 1 point going into their final game. They survived a late Polish penalty to overhaul Senegal and get out of the group on their DWC debut. South American champions last year, Paraguay have a lot more to show.
Scotland have a huge dilemma, as their draft star Kieran Tierney is available after suspension, but his replacement Borna Barisic has four assists in 120 minutes. As with the real-life Scotland side, the solution is for Tierney to become the left-sided centre back in a back five. Joe Aribo is the unlucky player to miss out. Derlis Gonzalez drops out of the Paraguay side, with Guillermo Benítez coming in and Lorenzo Melgarejo moving up to the left wing.
Scotland vs Paraguay
History is on Scotland's side - the two times they have got out of the group stage, they have made the quarter finals. And their group stage performance this year was their strongest yet, with three good performances seeing them top their group. It was a very different story for Paraguay, who looked dead and buried after a loss to Senegal left them on 1 point going into their final game. They survived a late Polish penalty to overhaul Senegal and get out of the group on their DWC debut. South American champions last year, Paraguay have a lot more to show.
Scotland have a huge dilemma, as their draft star Kieran Tierney is available after suspension, but his replacement Borna Barisic has four assists in 120 minutes. As with the real-life Scotland side, the solution is for Tierney to become the left-sided centre back in a back five. Joe Aribo is the unlucky player to miss out. Derlis Gonzalez drops out of the Paraguay side, with Guillermo Benítez coming in and Lorenzo Melgarejo moving up to the left wing.
Walter González has the game's first chance, a close-range header that Craig Gordon does well to tip behind. And it's all Paraguay in the opening part of the game. In the 18th minute Benítez is given space to fire in a cross, and somehow Scotland allow it all the way to the far post, where Alejandro Silva is waiting to tap in! A brilliant start for the South Americans!
The downside to Scotland's formation change is that no-one is patrolling the area that Paraguay's star man Claudio Aquino plays in. The upside is that it gets set piece specialist Barisic in the side, and he justifies that decision when he curls a free kick in in the 24th minute to level the match! What a tournament the Croatian is having!
Another Barisic free kick causes Paraguay problems, finding Jota at the far post, but Williams Riveros makes a crucial block! He finds Filip Helander with the corner, whose header draws a save from Martín Silva, and the next corner finds Connor Goldson, whose header is held by the Paraguay keeper. A remarkable series of deliveries.
Paraguay hit back, González drawing a Gordon save when played through by Melgarejo. But then Paraguay make the mistake of conceding a free kick within 40 yards of their goal. In it comes in again from Barisic, Helander meets it and it finds the far corner! Scotland have turned it around!
Despite Víctor Gómez telling his players to no longer 'get stuck in', Paraguay concede another free kick, about 30 yards out this time, central. The shot is on, but Barisic curls it to the far post, where Tierney has broken into space and despite the angle his shot squeezes in! There's a VAR check, but the goal stands! It's 3-1, which is the way it stays to the break.
The downside to Scotland's formation change is that no-one is patrolling the area that Paraguay's star man Claudio Aquino plays in. The upside is that it gets set piece specialist Barisic in the side, and he justifies that decision when he curls a free kick in in the 24th minute to level the match! What a tournament the Croatian is having!
Another Barisic free kick causes Paraguay problems, finding Jota at the far post, but Williams Riveros makes a crucial block! He finds Filip Helander with the corner, whose header draws a save from Martín Silva, and the next corner finds Connor Goldson, whose header is held by the Paraguay keeper. A remarkable series of deliveries.
Paraguay hit back, González drawing a Gordon save when played through by Melgarejo. But then Paraguay make the mistake of conceding a free kick within 40 yards of their goal. In it comes in again from Barisic, Helander meets it and it finds the far corner! Scotland have turned it around!
Despite Víctor Gómez telling his players to no longer 'get stuck in', Paraguay concede another free kick, about 30 yards out this time, central. The shot is on, but Barisic curls it to the far post, where Tierney has broken into space and despite the angle his shot squeezes in! There's a VAR check, but the goal stands! It's 3-1, which is the way it stays to the break.
So frustrating for Paraguay, who have been the better team in open play but trail by two, thanks to a set piece wizard. Scotland change shape - Jota makes way for Aribo, with Callum McGregor moving back into defensive midfield and Kyogo Furuhashi joining Alfredo Morelos up front.
They soon have to make their second change, as James Tavernier suffers a bruised knee, which is apparently enough to make him lightly injured. Josip Juranovic comes on. From the same incident, Melgarejo is hobbling, and so Gonzalez returns.
It unsurprisingly leads to a disjointed second half. Gonzalez has the chance for an immediate impact, but Gordon helps his rising shot over the bar. At the other end ther- oh, you'd like to guess? Sure. A Barisic free kick? Correct. A Barisic free kick nearly gets Scotland's fourth, but Martín Silva makes a good save.
In the 76th minute Scotland win a corner. Barisic fires it in, Goldson is there and it finds the bottom corner! That's 4-1 to Scotland, and a second hat trick of assists this tournament for Barisic!
That has knocked the stuffing out of Paraguay, and it's Scotland who are finishing the stronger. Furuhashi has a snapshot saved, and then another Barisic free kick results in Goldson being fouled. So a penalty, and of course it's Barisic to take... and he puts it away in the bottom corner to cap a genuinely remarkable performance!
They soon have to make their second change, as James Tavernier suffers a bruised knee, which is apparently enough to make him lightly injured. Josip Juranovic comes on. From the same incident, Melgarejo is hobbling, and so Gonzalez returns.
It unsurprisingly leads to a disjointed second half. Gonzalez has the chance for an immediate impact, but Gordon helps his rising shot over the bar. At the other end ther- oh, you'd like to guess? Sure. A Barisic free kick? Correct. A Barisic free kick nearly gets Scotland's fourth, but Martín Silva makes a good save.
In the 76th minute Scotland win a corner. Barisic fires it in, Goldson is there and it finds the bottom corner! That's 4-1 to Scotland, and a second hat trick of assists this tournament for Barisic!
That has knocked the stuffing out of Paraguay, and it's Scotland who are finishing the stronger. Furuhashi has a snapshot saved, and then another Barisic free kick results in Goldson being fouled. So a penalty, and of course it's Barisic to take... and he puts it away in the bottom corner to cap a genuinely remarkable performance!
In a match that was otherwise equal, the only story here is one of utter perfection from Barisic. Literally - he scored 10.0! He adds two goals to go with seven assists, just ridiculous numbers from two-and-a-bit games. It's a very harsh and abrupt end for Paraguay, but they acquitted themselves well in their first DWC.
Spain vs Argentina
It's a clash between the 2018 DWC champions and the 2020 runners-up. In fact, when Argentina made the final two years ago, it was Spain they heroically defeated in the semi final with 10 men. Spain also lost in the final last year, and reaching that stage is their expectation rather than hope. Argentina would also have liked to go deep in the tournament, but underperforming in their group has lead to this tricky tie.
There are no changes by Spain, despite some mixed performances from their attack. Most of Argentina’s new faces for their final group game stay, with only Lucas Romero coming back into the side at the expense of Agustín Palavecino.
It's a clash between the 2018 DWC champions and the 2020 runners-up. In fact, when Argentina made the final two years ago, it was Spain they heroically defeated in the semi final with 10 men. Spain also lost in the final last year, and reaching that stage is their expectation rather than hope. Argentina would also have liked to go deep in the tournament, but underperforming in their group has lead to this tricky tie.
There are no changes by Spain, despite some mixed performances from their attack. Most of Argentina’s new faces for their final group game stay, with only Lucas Romero coming back into the side at the expense of Agustín Palavecino.
7 minutes in, Ángel Correa (who of course is eligible for Spain but wasn't selected) receives a throw in on the right. He turns neatly away from José Gaya and blasts a low cross into the box, where Darío Benedetto is waiting for the simplest of finishes! Celebrations are immediately cut short by the flag, but it all looked okay to me... VAR agrees with me, and the goal stands! The perfect start for Argentina!
Spain look to respond, but other than a shot curled over by Vinícius Júnior, they don't manage to create much. But then, in the 25th minute, Toni Kroos picks out Antoine Griezmann on the right. As Argentina's defence are trying to get in position, Griezmann catches Marcos Rojo with a pass in behind him, perfectly weighted for Karim Benzema, who sticks it away at the near post! All-square!
Correa picks up another throw, and this time turns inside. He shoots from the edge of the box, but it's fairly close to Jan Oblak. However, Spain's keeper doesn't get a good hand on it, and it nearly dribbles in, going just wide. At the other end a rapid Spain break leads to Vinícius feeding Griezmann, whose low shot is well held by Gabriel Arias. A really good first half, a nice even game.
Spain look to respond, but other than a shot curled over by Vinícius Júnior, they don't manage to create much. But then, in the 25th minute, Toni Kroos picks out Antoine Griezmann on the right. As Argentina's defence are trying to get in position, Griezmann catches Marcos Rojo with a pass in behind him, perfectly weighted for Karim Benzema, who sticks it away at the near post! All-square!
Correa picks up another throw, and this time turns inside. He shoots from the edge of the box, but it's fairly close to Jan Oblak. However, Spain's keeper doesn't get a good hand on it, and it nearly dribbles in, going just wide. At the other end a rapid Spain break leads to Vinícius feeding Griezmann, whose low shot is well held by Gabriel Arias. A really good first half, a nice even game.
It's a very cagey start to the second half. In the 57th minute Rodri picks out Griezmann, who fires his shot into the side netting, but he was offside anyway. 9 minutes later he has a free kick beaten away by Arias.
The first sub of the game is Julián Álvarez, who nearly sets up the opening goal, as Rojo heads his corner against the post. Spain's first sub is Yannick Carrasco, whose pass in to Benzema gives him a sight of goal, but it's blocked.
Before we know it, we find ourselves in the final 5 minutes of normal time, in potential next-goal-wins territory. Enzo Pérez picks out Correa out on the right, and the winger plays a first-time pass into the path of Benedetto, who blasts his shot past Oblak! Argentina lead again, and this time it could be decisive!
Spain throw on Luis Suárez to join Benzema up front, and Carrasco nearly brings them level with a thunderous 25-yard shot that clanging the crossbar. But it's all for naught, as in added time two Argentina subs combine - Palavecino's free kick is headed in by Álvarez and Argentina seal the victory!
The first sub of the game is Julián Álvarez, who nearly sets up the opening goal, as Rojo heads his corner against the post. Spain's first sub is Yannick Carrasco, whose pass in to Benzema gives him a sight of goal, but it's blocked.
Before we know it, we find ourselves in the final 5 minutes of normal time, in potential next-goal-wins territory. Enzo Pérez picks out Correa out on the right, and the winger plays a first-time pass into the path of Benedetto, who blasts his shot past Oblak! Argentina lead again, and this time it could be decisive!
Spain throw on Luis Suárez to join Benzema up front, and Carrasco nearly brings them level with a thunderous 25-yard shot that clanging the crossbar. But it's all for naught, as in added time two Argentina subs combine - Palavecino's free kick is headed in by Álvarez and Argentina seal the victory!
Final score: Spain 1-3 Argentina
Player of the match: Darío Benedetto (ARG)
What a huge statement win by Argentina! They held their nerve to win an incredibly close game. As for Spain, they repeat what they did in the European Championship - look very good in the group stage only to suffer an upset straight away in the knockout rounds.
Player of the match: Darío Benedetto (ARG)
What a huge statement win by Argentina! They held their nerve to win an incredibly close game. As for Spain, they repeat what they did in the European Championship - look very good in the group stage only to suffer an upset straight away in the knockout rounds.
Brazil vs Ukraine
Coming into this tournament Ukraine were ranked higher, up to 5th after a run to the DWC semi finals were followed by reaching this year's European Championship final. Brazil themselves have had a good year, undoing the damage of last year by winning the South American Championship. I haven't put the group stage results into the machine, but I think Brazil may be ranked higher now, after a solid group stage that only saw dropped points in a draw with Mexico. Whereas for Ukraine, they lost to Turkey and somehow only drew with Vietnam. So Ukraine have a lot to prove today, but are they going to be able?
Brazil make one change, Walter Kannemann in for Gustavo Gómez. Artem Dovbyk has had 16 shots, the most of any player this tournament who has yet to score (4th overall). He pays the price for his wastefulness, with Lassina Traoré coming in. David Neres also comes in at the expense of Manor Solomon.
Coming into this tournament Ukraine were ranked higher, up to 5th after a run to the DWC semi finals were followed by reaching this year's European Championship final. Brazil themselves have had a good year, undoing the damage of last year by winning the South American Championship. I haven't put the group stage results into the machine, but I think Brazil may be ranked higher now, after a solid group stage that only saw dropped points in a draw with Mexico. Whereas for Ukraine, they lost to Turkey and somehow only drew with Vietnam. So Ukraine have a lot to prove today, but are they going to be able?
Brazil make one change, Walter Kannemann in for Gustavo Gómez. Artem Dovbyk has had 16 shots, the most of any player this tournament who has yet to score (4th overall). He pays the price for his wastefulness, with Lassina Traoré coming in. David Neres also comes in at the expense of Manor Solomon.
Brazil start well, carving Ukraine open with a nice move, ending with Giorgian De Arrascaeta's pass through to Gabriel Barbosa. Gabriel has been in fine fettle this tournament, but he hits the post with his shot! Mykola Matvienko gets away with dithering over his clearance, as Hulk's challenge just allows the ball to fall to Heorhiy Bushchan.
Ukraine's woodwork is troubled again when Hulk heads Guilherme Arana's cross against the angle, before Ukraine get in a decent chance of their own - Oleksandr Zinchenko picking out Viktor Tsygankov on the edge of the box, whose low shot is just kept out by Weverton.
It's an action-packed start, and in the 14th minute Brazil struggle to get the ball cleared. Luiz slides in to dispossess Tsygankov, but it comes to Neres and he plays it in to Traoré who fires it in the bottom corner! It's Ukraine who land the first punch!
Brazil have been playing okay, and hit the woodwork for a third time when a corner ends up coming back to the taker, Hulk, who is able to run into the box and fire a shot off the near post!
In the 33rd minute a high swirling pass from Neres confounds Arana, who allows Tsygankov to bring it down. He lays it off to Dodo - a Brazilian full back in the classic attacking tradition, who lets fly from the corner of the box. His shot beats Weverton and nestles in the back of the net! What a stunning finish!
Brazil need a quick response, and straight from the kick off they get it into the box for Gabriel to head at goal, but Bushchan holds. It's the best they can manage before half time. It's been very even, just that Ukraine have taken two chances.
Ukraine's woodwork is troubled again when Hulk heads Guilherme Arana's cross against the angle, before Ukraine get in a decent chance of their own - Oleksandr Zinchenko picking out Viktor Tsygankov on the edge of the box, whose low shot is just kept out by Weverton.
It's an action-packed start, and in the 14th minute Brazil struggle to get the ball cleared. Luiz slides in to dispossess Tsygankov, but it comes to Neres and he plays it in to Traoré who fires it in the bottom corner! It's Ukraine who land the first punch!
Brazil have been playing okay, and hit the woodwork for a third time when a corner ends up coming back to the taker, Hulk, who is able to run into the box and fire a shot off the near post!
In the 33rd minute a high swirling pass from Neres confounds Arana, who allows Tsygankov to bring it down. He lays it off to Dodo - a Brazilian full back in the classic attacking tradition, who lets fly from the corner of the box. His shot beats Weverton and nestles in the back of the net! What a stunning finish!
Brazil need a quick response, and straight from the kick off they get it into the box for Gabriel to head at goal, but Bushchan holds. It's the best they can manage before half time. It's been very even, just that Ukraine have taken two chances.
In the 58th minute Ukraine come forward, tentatively asking whether Brazil will allow them a third. They don't, as Paulinho intercepts. And he moves upfield, like some kind of serene battleship, from the edge of his box all the way to the byline. His cross is cleared, but Brazil come again, and this time Paulinho slips it to the overlapping Fágner. Marlon cuts out this cross, but his clearance is straight at Hulk, catching Bushchan out, and Hulk rolls it into the unguarded near post, game on!
Brazil being on Diego Costa to act as a focal point. It moves Gabriel out wide, but it is he who has the next big chance, as Hulk picks him out. Gabriel brings it close to goal, but he can't beat Bushchan with his shot! A key save, can Ukraine now step the flow of chances? Brazil continue to up the ante by replacing Luiz with his former Chelsea Willian.
Marlon tries for an assist at the correct end, with a glorious pass that gives Zinchenko a chance, but his shot is deflected behind by Weverton. But the momentum remains with Brazil, and in the 83rd minute Arana picks the ball up from Willian, gets to the byline and fires in a low cross. Ukraine were just about to replace Mykolenko with Ismaily, but they hadn't yet and Mykolenko is beaten to the ball by Gabriel for the easiest tap-in, and Brazil are level!
We go into added time, looking set for our first extra time this tournament. But then Costa holds the ball up and plays Willian in down the left of Ukraine's box, where Yaroslav Rakitskyi (the left sided centre back) inexplicably comes over and bundles Willian over! It's a clear penalty, and it's entrusted to Gabriel. Deep breath, run up... and beats Bushchan for pace with a powerful shot into the bottom left corner! And with Ukraine unable to respond, Brazil have done it!
Brazil being on Diego Costa to act as a focal point. It moves Gabriel out wide, but it is he who has the next big chance, as Hulk picks him out. Gabriel brings it close to goal, but he can't beat Bushchan with his shot! A key save, can Ukraine now step the flow of chances? Brazil continue to up the ante by replacing Luiz with his former Chelsea Willian.
Marlon tries for an assist at the correct end, with a glorious pass that gives Zinchenko a chance, but his shot is deflected behind by Weverton. But the momentum remains with Brazil, and in the 83rd minute Arana picks the ball up from Willian, gets to the byline and fires in a low cross. Ukraine were just about to replace Mykolenko with Ismaily, but they hadn't yet and Mykolenko is beaten to the ball by Gabriel for the easiest tap-in, and Brazil are level!
We go into added time, looking set for our first extra time this tournament. But then Costa holds the ball up and plays Willian in down the left of Ukraine's box, where Yaroslav Rakitskyi (the left sided centre back) inexplicably comes over and bundles Willian over! It's a clear penalty, and it's entrusted to Gabriel. Deep breath, run up... and beats Bushchan for pace with a powerful shot into the bottom left corner! And with Ukraine unable to respond, Brazil have done it!
Final score: Brazil 3-2 Ukraine
Player of the match: Hulk (BRA)
Bearing in mind the graph below misses out Brazil's penalty, it's hard to argue that it wasn't a deserved win on the balance of play. But it still feels very cruel on Ukraine, who just seemed to run out of steam.
Player of the match: Hulk (BRA)
Bearing in mind the graph below misses out Brazil's penalty, it's hard to argue that it wasn't a deserved win on the balance of play. But it still feels very cruel on Ukraine, who just seemed to run out of steam.
Turkey vs Mexico
Like Scotland, Turkey have a wonderful knack of always winning their last-16 matches, whereas this is the furthest Mexico have ever got in a DWC. And in fact, the last time they got this far, in 2018, they lost 3-0 to Turkey, so there's some history here. To add to Turkey's case, they come into this tournament as group winners, and much higher-ranked. But based on actual performances, I've been so impressed with Mexico, whereas Turkey stumbled over the line after a good opening win against Ukraine.
Hakan Calhanoglu is available again for Turkey, coming back in for Mesut Ozil as they keep the 4-3-3 shape used against Canada. Mexico lost their key player Florian Thauvin to injury in their last game, and he won’t be available until the semi finals should Mexico get there. It means Ángel Romero is handed his first start after three sub appearances.
Like Scotland, Turkey have a wonderful knack of always winning their last-16 matches, whereas this is the furthest Mexico have ever got in a DWC. And in fact, the last time they got this far, in 2018, they lost 3-0 to Turkey, so there's some history here. To add to Turkey's case, they come into this tournament as group winners, and much higher-ranked. But based on actual performances, I've been so impressed with Mexico, whereas Turkey stumbled over the line after a good opening win against Ukraine.
Hakan Calhanoglu is available again for Turkey, coming back in for Mesut Ozil as they keep the 4-3-3 shape used against Canada. Mexico lost their key player Florian Thauvin to injury in their last game, and he won’t be available until the semi finals should Mexico get there. It means Ángel Romero is handed his first start after three sub appearances.
In the 14th minute Mexico are building an attack. André-Pierre Gignac lays the ball back to Héctor Herrera. The Frenchman is being marked by Marcao, but he switches off as Herrera plays the ball back to Gignac, in tons of space, and he buries it in the bottom corner! Mexico with the perfect start!
Bafétimbi Gomis nearly gets an immediate reply with a low shot that's into the side netting, and three minutes he gets another chance - from Rachid Ghezzal's through ball. Mexico's central defenders are static, and Gomis' shot beats Esteban Andrada to restore parity!
Gomis has one fly over the bar from the edge of the box, as does Mexico's Guido Pizarro. Marcao earns a bit of redemption in making a good block to deny Gignac when he gets onto Ángel Mena's knock-down. But as we get to the end of the half it doesn't look like anyone will add to the scoreline. Then Ghezzal cuts in from the right again, plays a perfectly-weighted ball behind the defence again, and this time it's Marek Hamsik running on to put Turkey ahead!
Bafétimbi Gomis nearly gets an immediate reply with a low shot that's into the side netting, and three minutes he gets another chance - from Rachid Ghezzal's through ball. Mexico's central defenders are static, and Gomis' shot beats Esteban Andrada to restore parity!
Gomis has one fly over the bar from the edge of the box, as does Mexico's Guido Pizarro. Marcao earns a bit of redemption in making a good block to deny Gignac when he gets onto Ángel Mena's knock-down. But as we get to the end of the half it doesn't look like anyone will add to the scoreline. Then Ghezzal cuts in from the right again, plays a perfectly-weighted ball behind the defence again, and this time it's Marek Hamsik running on to put Turkey ahead!
Pleasingly for Turkey, it's a quiet start to the half. Gignac has a similar chance to the one he scored, but it's further out and his shot flies over. From the resulting goal kick Turkey initially play it short, before Marcao leathers it upfield - it proves to be an incredible pass as Héctor Moreno is ball-watching, and Gomis is through. Andrade comes out, and Gomis chips him... but just before it crosses the line Moreno gets back to hook it away!
Lucas Lima picks up a knock, and whilst he is receiving treatment Mexico are ruthless in targeting that left side of Turkey's defence. Mena runs into space and plays a pass into the path of Gignac. He's at an impossible angle, but instead of hold it up he blasts it at goal, and it takes a good stop from Ugurcan Cakir to deny him!
Ugurcan is in action a few minutes later, spectacularly denying a long Mena free kick, as Mexico go into the final 20 minutes of the game on top but not all over Turkey. Ghezzal nearly caps his fine performance with a goal, but fires his shot just over the bar.
In the 81st minute Gignac holds the ball up, and plays it into the path of Guido Pizarro, charging up from midfield. It's a great chance, the one Mexico have been waiting for, but he dribbles a weak shot almost straight at Ugurcan!
Gignac has a header go wide, as Mexico continue to press, but time is rapidly running out. And Turkey nearly kill the game off when Kim Min-Jae meets Miralem Pjanic's free kick, but his header is off target. However, it doesn't matter, as Mexico fail to create anything during added time, and it's all over!
Lucas Lima picks up a knock, and whilst he is receiving treatment Mexico are ruthless in targeting that left side of Turkey's defence. Mena runs into space and plays a pass into the path of Gignac. He's at an impossible angle, but instead of hold it up he blasts it at goal, and it takes a good stop from Ugurcan Cakir to deny him!
Ugurcan is in action a few minutes later, spectacularly denying a long Mena free kick, as Mexico go into the final 20 minutes of the game on top but not all over Turkey. Ghezzal nearly caps his fine performance with a goal, but fires his shot just over the bar.
In the 81st minute Gignac holds the ball up, and plays it into the path of Guido Pizarro, charging up from midfield. It's a great chance, the one Mexico have been waiting for, but he dribbles a weak shot almost straight at Ugurcan!
Gignac has a header go wide, as Mexico continue to press, but time is rapidly running out. And Turkey nearly kill the game off when Kim Min-Jae meets Miralem Pjanic's free kick, but his header is off target. However, it doesn't matter, as Mexico fail to create anything during added time, and it's all over!
Final score: Turkey 2-1 Mexico
Player of the match: Marek Hamsik (TUR)
Turkey's superior xG is almost entirely due to how well-rated Hamsik's chance was - at the point he shot Andrade was beaten, so it's considered a sitter. Mexico kept plugging away after going behind, but just couldn't find that breakthrough. It could easily have gone either way, but it's Turkey who go through.
Player of the match: Marek Hamsik (TUR)
Turkey's superior xG is almost entirely due to how well-rated Hamsik's chance was - at the point he shot Andrade was beaten, so it's considered a sitter. Mexico kept plugging away after going behind, but just couldn't find that breakthrough. It could easily have gone either way, but it's Turkey who go through.
So after 19 goals in the opening 4 second round matches, we've had a further 18 today - that's an average of 4.6 goals a game! Only Colombia and Thailand failed to score.
Of today's winners, Scotland will take on Brazil, whilst Argentina face Turkey:
Of today's winners, Scotland will take on Brazil, whilst Argentina face Turkey:
That completes our quarter final line-up, and next time we'll go through those four matches!