The first knockout round of the Draft World Cup saw two huge shocks as Saudi Arabia and Sweden overcame Spain and Germany respectively, whilst Brazil losing to Belgium was a bit of a surprise. Those three winners join Mexico and South Africa in being first-timers at this stage of the tournament, giving us a very open-looking draw:
Between them, England and France have won the last three DWCs, and are now the only former winners left in. Naturally, they will be the two favourites from here, but they now have to face each other. This could well be the final come early. The other remaining big team is Italy, who have never made the final and are only just rebuilding confidence after two terrible years. All of a sudden, they are by far the strongest team in their half of the draw and favourites to make the final.
So today is my favourite part of any DWC, where we do all four quarter finals. Only a select few teams have made the semi finals, and at least two new team will join that list today!
England vs France
What a way to start, it's a clash between the world's top two ranked teams. England may be the reigning world champions, but France beat them in the final of the Nations Cup this year and later knocked them out of the European Championship. France also came out on top when the two met in the DWC final in 2021. In this tournament both teams have won every match so far. For England it's all about their wonderful defence, which has yet to concede a goal. France have had to come from behind twice, but managed it thanks to their majestic attacking trio continuing to dominate.
England are hugely boosted by the news that they are finally back to a full bill of health after some terrible injury luck in the group stage. Very surprisingly, they stick with the 5-3-2 formation that they used against Venezuela without success. But there are personnel changes, as Andy Robertson, Kyle Walker and Rodri replace Oleksandr Zinchenko, Reece James and Casemiro. France are unchanged.
So today is my favourite part of any DWC, where we do all four quarter finals. Only a select few teams have made the semi finals, and at least two new team will join that list today!
England vs France
What a way to start, it's a clash between the world's top two ranked teams. England may be the reigning world champions, but France beat them in the final of the Nations Cup this year and later knocked them out of the European Championship. France also came out on top when the two met in the DWC final in 2021. In this tournament both teams have won every match so far. For England it's all about their wonderful defence, which has yet to concede a goal. France have had to come from behind twice, but managed it thanks to their majestic attacking trio continuing to dominate.
England are hugely boosted by the news that they are finally back to a full bill of health after some terrible injury luck in the group stage. Very surprisingly, they stick with the 5-3-2 formation that they used against Venezuela without success. But there are personnel changes, as Andy Robertson, Kyle Walker and Rodri replace Oleksandr Zinchenko, Reece James and Casemiro. France are unchanged.
The idea behind England's tactic is that Virgil van Dijk can sit deep and prevent Kylian Mbappé running through, whilst Robertson and Walker man-mark Lionel Messi and Neymar. Meanwhile Aymeric Laporte will move up to support Rodri in possession as England look to nullify France with patient build-up play. Will all this work?
England start well, with Robertson timing his overlap to create a chance for Kevin De Bruyne, who pulls his shot wide. But a minute later De Bruyne receives the ball in his favoured space, about 10 yards outside the box. France give him too much space, and he curls a pass to the far post, where his midfield partner Bernardo Silva meets it first time to thump a half-volley past Gianluigi Donnarumma! The perfect start for England!
England are passive without the ball, looking to deny France any space in behind to exploit. It means France are able to use their unmarked full backs to progress up the pitch fairly easily, but then struggle to break England down - as evidenced by their four shots in the first quarter of the match totalling 0.08xG. By contrast, England are much more inventive in the final third; they should have a second when Mo Salah rolls the ball across the box for Silva, but this time his shot is tame and held.
France do look dangerous when their central midfielders find space, which they do occasionally. In the 41st minute Carlos Soler feeds the overlapping Nuno Mendes, who gets around Walker and zips in a low cross. Mbappé is nearly on it but Alisson pushes it away, only as far as Soler. It's a huge chance, but somehow Laporte sticks out a leg and diverts it onto the post! What a block!
Salah has a close-range header saved by Donnarumma, and Sergio Ramos' header over the bar is the final action of the half. This has been a fascinating tactical encounter. England have made some clear trade-offs, and so far it's just about working.
England start well, with Robertson timing his overlap to create a chance for Kevin De Bruyne, who pulls his shot wide. But a minute later De Bruyne receives the ball in his favoured space, about 10 yards outside the box. France give him too much space, and he curls a pass to the far post, where his midfield partner Bernardo Silva meets it first time to thump a half-volley past Gianluigi Donnarumma! The perfect start for England!
England are passive without the ball, looking to deny France any space in behind to exploit. It means France are able to use their unmarked full backs to progress up the pitch fairly easily, but then struggle to break England down - as evidenced by their four shots in the first quarter of the match totalling 0.08xG. By contrast, England are much more inventive in the final third; they should have a second when Mo Salah rolls the ball across the box for Silva, but this time his shot is tame and held.
France do look dangerous when their central midfielders find space, which they do occasionally. In the 41st minute Carlos Soler feeds the overlapping Nuno Mendes, who gets around Walker and zips in a low cross. Mbappé is nearly on it but Alisson pushes it away, only as far as Soler. It's a huge chance, but somehow Laporte sticks out a leg and diverts it onto the post! What a block!
Salah has a close-range header saved by Donnarumma, and Sergio Ramos' header over the bar is the final action of the half. This has been a fascinating tactical encounter. England have made some clear trade-offs, and so far it's just about working.
France make one change at the break, replacing Nordi Mukiele with the more attacking Jonathan Clauss. He has an immediate impact, surging down the right and picking out Soler with his cross, but the shot is high and wide. He is then on hand to head Laporte's header from a corner off the line with Donnarumma beaten!
Soler continues to be France's main threat, as he has a shot from a tight angle beaten away by Alisson. But he is ultimately replaced by Breel Embolo, who will provide a physical threat against England's deep defence.
Clauss again provides some quality from out wide, with a low cross that arrows onto Neymar's right foot, but his shot is narrowly over. From the resulting goal kick Laporte sees most of his teammates marked, but nobody is near him so he is able to gambol up the pitch. When France do close him down he gets a pass through for Erling Haaland, who selflessly squares it for Salah to tap in and make it 2-0!
The two-goal cushion was short-lived though, as France immediately reply when Ramos heads Neymar's corner low into the bottom corner!
Two minutes later and France get another corner. Again, Neymar aims for the far post, again Ramos is there, and again he finds the bottom corner! Incroyable! We're level in no time at all!
So suddenly it's France on the march, and Embolo has Alisson clawing thin air with a 25-yard shot that ruffles the top of the netting. De Bruyne, who has had a very quiet second half, finds the perfect pass through to Salah, but Donnarumma stands tall to make a crucial save! A couple of minutes later England replacement Bruno Fernandes steals the ball of club teammate Raphael Varane. His pass to Haaland is poor and forces the Norwegian to return it back to him. He shanks his shot wide, although the flag was up anyway.
Into the 90th minute, and after a Fernandes shot is blocked France break away. Messi catches England out with a lovely sweeping crossfield pass that finds Embolo at the far post, but his shot hits the top of the bar with Alisson again beaten! It's the last real action, and a wild game finishes 2-2... extra time!
Soler continues to be France's main threat, as he has a shot from a tight angle beaten away by Alisson. But he is ultimately replaced by Breel Embolo, who will provide a physical threat against England's deep defence.
Clauss again provides some quality from out wide, with a low cross that arrows onto Neymar's right foot, but his shot is narrowly over. From the resulting goal kick Laporte sees most of his teammates marked, but nobody is near him so he is able to gambol up the pitch. When France do close him down he gets a pass through for Erling Haaland, who selflessly squares it for Salah to tap in and make it 2-0!
The two-goal cushion was short-lived though, as France immediately reply when Ramos heads Neymar's corner low into the bottom corner!
Two minutes later and France get another corner. Again, Neymar aims for the far post, again Ramos is there, and again he finds the bottom corner! Incroyable! We're level in no time at all!
So suddenly it's France on the march, and Embolo has Alisson clawing thin air with a 25-yard shot that ruffles the top of the netting. De Bruyne, who has had a very quiet second half, finds the perfect pass through to Salah, but Donnarumma stands tall to make a crucial save! A couple of minutes later England replacement Bruno Fernandes steals the ball of club teammate Raphael Varane. His pass to Haaland is poor and forces the Norwegian to return it back to him. He shanks his shot wide, although the flag was up anyway.
Into the 90th minute, and after a Fernandes shot is blocked France break away. Messi catches England out with a lovely sweeping crossfield pass that finds Embolo at the far post, but his shot hits the top of the bar with Alisson again beaten! It's the last real action, and a wild game finishes 2-2... extra time!
Towards the end of normal time England looked cooked, so it could be a difficult extra period now. France shift Mbappé over to the right, looking to exploit the space that England leave, and he immediately sets up Clauss to cross for Marquinhos, whose header is held by Alisson. There are fruitless half-chances for Messi and Fernandes, but we get to the break still level.
Both teams make changes to bring on good penalty-takers. England bring on Harry Kane for van Dijk, returning to their usual 4-3-3 shape, whilst France hand Embolo the humiliation of being a subbed sub as Wissam Ben Yedder comes on. For England, it means Oleksandr Zinchenko is up against Mbappé, and he immediately lets in the Frenchman with a bad touch. Mbappé calmly plays it to Messi, whose shot is just wide of the near post.
England now have a lot of goal threat on the pitch, and Fernandes' ball through the middle finds Haaland goal-side of France's defence, but he can't get it out of his feet quickly enough and his shot is smothered by defenders and keeper. Fernandes has a shot from a free kick blocked, and when he's beaten to the rebound France break. Mbappé again the provider as he puts it through for Ben Yedder, whose shot is held by Alisson, that was a huge chance!
In the 118th minute France have a promising overload on the left, but Neymar misjudges the flight of the ball and allows Reece James to pick it up. He quickly plays it to Salah who switches it over to Haaland. He has Ramos for company but is able to get a shot away, Donnarumma gets a hand to it, it hits the post and stays out! With no further chances, we have the first penalty shootout of the 2023 Draft World Cup!
England go first, with Haaland... sends Donnarumma the wrong way!
Neymar to open for France... goes to his bottom left and Alisson is down to save! (1-0)
Salah... copies Haaland's penalty with the same result!
Now it's France's two-goal hero Ramos... confidently fired into the right corner! (2-1)
Kane looks surprisingly nervous... but his low penalty has too much on it for Donnarumma!
Ben Yedder... justifies being brought on by blasting it home! (3-2)
Fernandes... coolly tucks it away! It's now match point to England...
So the pressure falls on Messi... it's a soft one, Alisson goes the right way and saves it! England win!
Both teams make changes to bring on good penalty-takers. England bring on Harry Kane for van Dijk, returning to their usual 4-3-3 shape, whilst France hand Embolo the humiliation of being a subbed sub as Wissam Ben Yedder comes on. For England, it means Oleksandr Zinchenko is up against Mbappé, and he immediately lets in the Frenchman with a bad touch. Mbappé calmly plays it to Messi, whose shot is just wide of the near post.
England now have a lot of goal threat on the pitch, and Fernandes' ball through the middle finds Haaland goal-side of France's defence, but he can't get it out of his feet quickly enough and his shot is smothered by defenders and keeper. Fernandes has a shot from a free kick blocked, and when he's beaten to the rebound France break. Mbappé again the provider as he puts it through for Ben Yedder, whose shot is held by Alisson, that was a huge chance!
In the 118th minute France have a promising overload on the left, but Neymar misjudges the flight of the ball and allows Reece James to pick it up. He quickly plays it to Salah who switches it over to Haaland. He has Ramos for company but is able to get a shot away, Donnarumma gets a hand to it, it hits the post and stays out! With no further chances, we have the first penalty shootout of the 2023 Draft World Cup!
England go first, with Haaland... sends Donnarumma the wrong way!
Neymar to open for France... goes to his bottom left and Alisson is down to save! (1-0)
Salah... copies Haaland's penalty with the same result!
Now it's France's two-goal hero Ramos... confidently fired into the right corner! (2-1)
Kane looks surprisingly nervous... but his low penalty has too much on it for Donnarumma!
Ben Yedder... justifies being brought on by blasting it home! (3-2)
Fernandes... coolly tucks it away! It's now match point to England...
So the pressure falls on Messi... it's a soft one, Alisson goes the right way and saves it! England win!
Final score: England 2-2 France (England win 4-2 on penalties)
Player of the match: Sergio Ramos (FRA)
What a game. England's tactical gamble had paid off, with a two-goal lead and France reduced to low-quality shots (albeit en masse). Then out of nowhere two corners are headed in, and from there England somewhat ground their way to the finish line. They did do a great job overall at nullifying France's front three, and ultimately held their nerves best when it counted.
Player of the match: Sergio Ramos (FRA)
What a game. England's tactical gamble had paid off, with a two-goal lead and France reduced to low-quality shots (albeit en masse). Then out of nowhere two corners are headed in, and from there England somewhat ground their way to the finish line. They did do a great job overall at nullifying France's front three, and ultimately held their nerves best when it counted.
Belgium vs Mexico
If you consider that Mexico have yet to face a team ranked below them, then them making this stage is just par for the course. But having fell in the last 16 several times, it was a major achievement to overcome Colombia and get here. It's a similar story for Belgium, who are riding on the coattails of tournament top scorer Romelu Lukaku to put in their best DWC performance to date.
There's just one change for Belgium, as Jordan Torunarigha replaces Gerardo Arteaga. Mexico have Juan Escobar available after suspension, so he comes back in for Luis Romo.
If you consider that Mexico have yet to face a team ranked below them, then them making this stage is just par for the course. But having fell in the last 16 several times, it was a major achievement to overcome Colombia and get here. It's a similar story for Belgium, who are riding on the coattails of tournament top scorer Romelu Lukaku to put in their best DWC performance to date.
There's just one change for Belgium, as Jordan Torunarigha replaces Gerardo Arteaga. Mexico have Juan Escobar available after suspension, so he comes back in for Luis Romo.
It's not hugely surprising that it's a cagey start, with half-chances for Jurgen Ekkelenkamp and André-Pierre Gignac the only moments of note. But then in the 22nd minute Escobar picks out Fernando Gorriarán in the gap between Jan Vertonghen and Torunarigha. Gignac is the fastest to react in the middle, and it's the simplest job for Gorriarán to square it to Gignac for a tap-in and the opening goal!
Belgium look to respond from the kick off but lose the ball upfield. Mexico come upfield, and Álvaro Fidalgo finds space behind Belgium's midfield. He floats a ball in behind for Jonathan Rodríguez, who gets it under control wide in the box, and pulls it back for Fidalgo to guide into the far post! Two in two minutes for Mexico!
Byron Castillo curls one over, as a shell-shocked Belgium nearly concede a third. But they do fashion a decent chance when Noa Lang slides a ball through to Lukaku. It's on his right foot, and we see a rare thing this tournament - a bad Lukaku miss. Belgium survive a late chance when Vertonghen is able to get back and block a Fidalgo shot, and at half time Mexico are in control.
Belgium look to respond from the kick off but lose the ball upfield. Mexico come upfield, and Álvaro Fidalgo finds space behind Belgium's midfield. He floats a ball in behind for Jonathan Rodríguez, who gets it under control wide in the box, and pulls it back for Fidalgo to guide into the far post! Two in two minutes for Mexico!
Byron Castillo curls one over, as a shell-shocked Belgium nearly concede a third. But they do fashion a decent chance when Noa Lang slides a ball through to Lukaku. It's on his right foot, and we see a rare thing this tournament - a bad Lukaku miss. Belgium survive a late chance when Vertonghen is able to get back and block a Fidalgo shot, and at half time Mexico are in control.
No personnel changes for Belgium yet, but a few tactical tweaks. It's nearly undermined immediately as Rodríguez's close-range shot is blocked over by Clinton Mata. And six minutes into the half Castillo's cross finds Fidalgo, who has the presence of mind to bring it down on his chest, only to volley wide from 10 yards out. Straight away, a bad touch from Toby Alderweireld gives Rodríguez a sight of goal from the edge of the box, but his shot curls harmlessly into the arms of Simon Mignolet.
Ekkelenkamp is sacrificed for a second striker, Vincent Janssen. It doesn't really have much effect, as the only chance created by Belgium is a 25-yard drive from Janssen that sails over. And in the 76th minute Gignac runs onto Rodríguez's pass and buries it past Mignolet - but the flag is up! It looked extremely tight... and VAR awards the goal! Gignac's run was perfectly-timed, and Mexico have surely got this all wrapped up now!
Lukaku tries to disprove that, as seconds after the restart he rattles Mexico's crossbar with a thumping header. But Belgium are all over the place defensively now, and Rodríguez is able to put another ball through for Gignac, who again tucks it home! Again, there's a VAR check for offside... and this time it's ruled out!
As well as Gignac being denied a hat trick of goals, Rodríguez is denied a hat trick of assists with that decision. The winger is unplayable today, and picks out Fidalgo charging into the box. He shoots high, it beats Mignolet but not the frame of the goal as it hits bar then post and stays out!
In the 89th minute Belgium suddenly score out of nowhere! Arteaga, on from the bench, belts a cross high into the box, Mexico fail to deal with it and Calvin Stengs nods it in! Is it a consolation, or the start of a miracle?
Well, it might be the latter, because when Belgium get the ball next Stengs feeds Jenssen on the right side of the box, and his low cross is met by Lang, whose shot cannons into the crossbar and bounces down over the line! Surely not?
Mexico's players look nervous, and Belgium launch one final attack. Sub Denis Odoi wriggles into space on the right, and his cross finds Lukaku... whose header is straight at Esteban Andrada! The keeper holds on, as do Mexico!
Ekkelenkamp is sacrificed for a second striker, Vincent Janssen. It doesn't really have much effect, as the only chance created by Belgium is a 25-yard drive from Janssen that sails over. And in the 76th minute Gignac runs onto Rodríguez's pass and buries it past Mignolet - but the flag is up! It looked extremely tight... and VAR awards the goal! Gignac's run was perfectly-timed, and Mexico have surely got this all wrapped up now!
Lukaku tries to disprove that, as seconds after the restart he rattles Mexico's crossbar with a thumping header. But Belgium are all over the place defensively now, and Rodríguez is able to put another ball through for Gignac, who again tucks it home! Again, there's a VAR check for offside... and this time it's ruled out!
As well as Gignac being denied a hat trick of goals, Rodríguez is denied a hat trick of assists with that decision. The winger is unplayable today, and picks out Fidalgo charging into the box. He shoots high, it beats Mignolet but not the frame of the goal as it hits bar then post and stays out!
In the 89th minute Belgium suddenly score out of nowhere! Arteaga, on from the bench, belts a cross high into the box, Mexico fail to deal with it and Calvin Stengs nods it in! Is it a consolation, or the start of a miracle?
Well, it might be the latter, because when Belgium get the ball next Stengs feeds Jenssen on the right side of the box, and his low cross is met by Lang, whose shot cannons into the crossbar and bounces down over the line! Surely not?
Mexico's players look nervous, and Belgium launch one final attack. Sub Denis Odoi wriggles into space on the right, and his cross finds Lukaku... whose header is straight at Esteban Andrada! The keeper holds on, as do Mexico!
Final score: Belgium 2-3 Mexico
Player of the match: Jonathan Rodríguez (MEX)
Belgium nearly executed an escapology act for the ages, but really Mexico are deserved victors. They took their chances in an even first half, and from there they exploited a Belgium team unable to plug the gaps or create chances. That late flurry disguised things, but really it was a poor show from Belgium.
Player of the match: Jonathan Rodríguez (MEX)
Belgium nearly executed an escapology act for the ages, but really Mexico are deserved victors. They took their chances in an even first half, and from there they exploited a Belgium team unable to plug the gaps or create chances. That late flurry disguised things, but really it was a poor show from Belgium.
Italy vs Saudi Arabia
The narrative around Saudi Arabia's match against Spain was Cristiano Ronaldo returning to face his former team. He didn't do much until near the end of a 120-minute match, when he popped up to score the only goal. Well guess what, he's facing another former team here. That will give Italy added nerves, but they have a lot to be confident about as they have a fine 100% record this year. Both teams were finalists in their continental championships, so their run in the DWC caps a good year regardless of this match.
Italy lost their frontman Victor Osimhen to a mad red card last time, so Lautaro Martínez starts up front. Milan Skriniar is available after his own suspension, and he displaces Fikayo Tomori, whilst Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is in for Rafael Leao. For Saudi Arabia they are without Éver Banega, whose pulled calf muscle rules him out until the final. Petros comes in, along with Álvaro who is returning from suspension.
The narrative around Saudi Arabia's match against Spain was Cristiano Ronaldo returning to face his former team. He didn't do much until near the end of a 120-minute match, when he popped up to score the only goal. Well guess what, he's facing another former team here. That will give Italy added nerves, but they have a lot to be confident about as they have a fine 100% record this year. Both teams were finalists in their continental championships, so their run in the DWC caps a good year regardless of this match.
Italy lost their frontman Victor Osimhen to a mad red card last time, so Lautaro Martínez starts up front. Milan Skriniar is available after his own suspension, and he displaces Fikayo Tomori, whilst Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is in for Rafael Leao. For Saudi Arabia they are without Éver Banega, whose pulled calf muscle rules him out until the final. Petros comes in, along with Álvaro who is returning from suspension.
Italy don't look in a mood to mess about. As soon as they get the ball they tear into Saudi Arabia's defence. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic bursts into the box and pulls it back to Martínez 6 yards from goal, but Saud Abdulhamid is able to get a block! In the 7th minute they swap roles; from a counter Martínez sets up Milinkovic-Savic, but this time it's David Ospina who denies the shot. But it's only a short reprieve for Saudi Arabia as Paulo Dybala's corner finds Skriniar whose heads squeezes between Ghislain Konan and the post to open the scoring!
Whilst Saudi threaten with a Moussa Marega header over the bar, Italy keep up their fast start, and in the 18th minute a quick change of flank gives Kvatarskhelia space on the left. He bides his time and squares it to Milinkovic-Savic to score from close range! Italy are soaring!
Skriniar and defensive partner Kim Min-Jae both go close, but it eventually looks like Saudi Arabia have stopped the rot. However, in added time at the end of the half Martínez fails to reach a low cross and the referee deems that to be a result of a foul by Konan - penalty! Kvaratskhelia takes... and his weak kick is saved by Ospina! It means it's only 2-0 at the interval, and Saudi Arabia have a glimmer of hope.
Whilst Saudi threaten with a Moussa Marega header over the bar, Italy keep up their fast start, and in the 18th minute a quick change of flank gives Kvatarskhelia space on the left. He bides his time and squares it to Milinkovic-Savic to score from close range! Italy are soaring!
Skriniar and defensive partner Kim Min-Jae both go close, but it eventually looks like Saudi Arabia have stopped the rot. However, in added time at the end of the half Martínez fails to reach a low cross and the referee deems that to be a result of a foul by Konan - penalty! Kvaratskhelia takes... and his weak kick is saved by Ospina! It means it's only 2-0 at the interval, and Saudi Arabia have a glimmer of hope.
Italy replace the yellow-carded Sandro Tonali with Marcelo Brozovic at the break, whilst Saudi are just given a rocket by Ahmed Al-Harbi. They would probably have been better taking a leaf from Italy's book, as Konan - who was cautioned upon conceding the penalty - trips Dybala six minutes into the second half and gets his second yellow! That is surely game over now?
Italy are happy to just maintain possession and deny Saudi Arabia any route back into the game, bringing on Jorginho to help control the game. The result is a second half virtually devoid of chances. Saudi Arabia finish with 9-and-a-half men as Petros picks up a light injury, and by full time they are ready for the flight home. In lieu of any highlights from the second half, here is a picture of my dog from when she was a puppy:
Italy are happy to just maintain possession and deny Saudi Arabia any route back into the game, bringing on Jorginho to help control the game. The result is a second half virtually devoid of chances. Saudi Arabia finish with 9-and-a-half men as Petros picks up a light injury, and by full time they are ready for the flight home. In lieu of any highlights from the second half, here is a picture of my dog from when she was a puppy:
Final score: Italy 2-0 Saudi Arabia
Player of the match: David Ospina (KSA)
On paper this was the only quarter final with a clear favourite, and Italy converted their paper advantage to a very easy win. They did the damage with a brutal opening spell and were able to sit back and relax against a moribund opponent. Saudi Arabia have to consider a quarter final run a big success, but they didn't offer anything today.
Player of the match: David Ospina (KSA)
On paper this was the only quarter final with a clear favourite, and Italy converted their paper advantage to a very easy win. They did the damage with a brutal opening spell and were able to sit back and relax against a moribund opponent. Saudi Arabia have to consider a quarter final run a big success, but they didn't offer anything today.
Sweden vs South Africa
Nobody would have predicted this match-up, I suspect. Both teams have a chance to make history. Sweden would be the first team to make the last four on debut since 2018 (Brazil), which was only the second edition of this tournament. South Africa have already become the first African quarter finalists, if they win here they'd match Morocco's achievement in real life.
Sweden's substitutes turned the game against Germany, and they are rewarded with starts here: Alexander Milosevic, Magnus Eriksson and John Guidetti come in for Niklas Moisander, Jimmy Durmaz and Marcus Berg, whilst Viktor Fischer replaces Gustav Wikheim. South Africa don't make any changes.
Nobody would have predicted this match-up, I suspect. Both teams have a chance to make history. Sweden would be the first team to make the last four on debut since 2018 (Brazil), which was only the second edition of this tournament. South Africa have already become the first African quarter finalists, if they win here they'd match Morocco's achievement in real life.
Sweden's substitutes turned the game against Germany, and they are rewarded with starts here: Alexander Milosevic, Magnus Eriksson and John Guidetti come in for Niklas Moisander, Jimmy Durmaz and Marcus Berg, whilst Viktor Fischer replaces Gustav Wikheim. South Africa don't make any changes.
I would have bet on this being a slow start (even factoring in Versus Mode's lust for chaos), but the opening minute sees Milosevic cut out a dangerous low Percy Tau cross and Eriksson draw a reaction stop from Ronwen Williams. South Africa's stopper is on hand to deny Eriksson again when he heads Erick Otieno's cross at goal.
Sweden's physicality is causing South Africa problems, as they dominate in the air and Marcelo Allende picks up a couple of knocks. But South Africa carve out their first decent chance in the 34th minute when Andile Jali chips a ball over the Swedish defence for Peter Shalulile to run onto. He gets there before Johan Dahlin, but gets his attempted lob all wrong and it loops over - and he was offside anyway. The rest of the half is as quiet as anticipated, and it's scoreless at the break.
Sweden's physicality is causing South Africa problems, as they dominate in the air and Marcelo Allende picks up a couple of knocks. But South Africa carve out their first decent chance in the 34th minute when Andile Jali chips a ball over the Swedish defence for Peter Shalulile to run onto. He gets there before Johan Dahlin, but gets his attempted lob all wrong and it loops over - and he was offside anyway. The rest of the half is as quiet as anticipated, and it's scoreless at the break.
South Africa replace Allende with Teboho Mokoena, whilst changing their tactics to build up more patiently. Five minutes into the half Mokoena sprays it wide to Tau who passes it first-time into the box for Shalulile to slide into the bottom corner! However, he was clearly offside and a simple VAR check confirms that it's no goal. From the resulting free kick Ricardo Nascimento makes a pig's ear of the long ball, allowing Alexander Isak to pick the ball up and roll it across for Guidetti. He's one-on-one, but he's indecisive and his attempted chip is parried by Williams and cleared by Jali.
Eriksson has probably been Sweden's best player so far, but he comes off worse from a collison with Themba Zwane and needs replacing by Durmaz. Zwane is fine, and bends a shot narrowly over the Swedish goal from range. Shalulile manages to stay onside from a long Reeve Frosler pass, but he's forced wide and despite a powerful shot Dahlin is able to deflect it over. He gets another chance following a miscontrol from Anton Tinnerholm but shoots straight at Dahlin.
As the 90th minute approaches both teams tighten even further up, but then when we hit added time Isak squeezes in a low cross towards Berg (on for Guidetti). His first shot is blocked, but he gets onto the rebound. He's only 7 yards from goal, but Williams makes a stunning reaction stop! It ensures the game finishes scoreless and we go again to extra time!
Eriksson has probably been Sweden's best player so far, but he comes off worse from a collison with Themba Zwane and needs replacing by Durmaz. Zwane is fine, and bends a shot narrowly over the Swedish goal from range. Shalulile manages to stay onside from a long Reeve Frosler pass, but he's forced wide and despite a powerful shot Dahlin is able to deflect it over. He gets another chance following a miscontrol from Anton Tinnerholm but shoots straight at Dahlin.
As the 90th minute approaches both teams tighten even further up, but then when we hit added time Isak squeezes in a low cross towards Berg (on for Guidetti). His first shot is blocked, but he gets onto the rebound. He's only 7 yards from goal, but Williams makes a stunning reaction stop! It ensures the game finishes scoreless and we go again to extra time!
There's a small bug in Versus Mode whereby subs made at the start of extra time actually occur in the first break in play afterwards. This is important as teams can only have three stoppages for substitutions, so as a result both teams make all their final changes at the start of extra time - let's hope there's no injuries! One sub is Bradley Grobler on for Shalulile, and he tees up a fellow sub Khama Billiat for a low shot which Dahlin only just claws away from the bottom corner.
It's a rare highlight. Wales and Germany will be watching a pair of mediocre performances rueing their losses in the last round. It feels like only a big error will prevent penalties as we begin the final 15 minute period.
In the opening minute Dahlin claims an aimless Billiat cross. Sweden can't get it upfield though and South Africa come again. Mokoena spots Billiat in behind Martin Olsson and threads a pass through. Billiat makes the right call, as he hares to the byline and puts the ball across the 6 yard box to give Zwane the easiest of tap-ins! We have a goal, and it's gone to South Africa!
So Sweden need to come out of their shell, and it's nearly an immediate reply through a Berg volley that is just over the far corner. Durmaz's free kick forces Williams into a save, but South Africa ride the storm. In the final minute Sweden get a pair of corners. Both times Dahlin comes up and both times South Africa get it away. The final whistle goes, and it is they who triumph!
It's a rare highlight. Wales and Germany will be watching a pair of mediocre performances rueing their losses in the last round. It feels like only a big error will prevent penalties as we begin the final 15 minute period.
In the opening minute Dahlin claims an aimless Billiat cross. Sweden can't get it upfield though and South Africa come again. Mokoena spots Billiat in behind Martin Olsson and threads a pass through. Billiat makes the right call, as he hares to the byline and puts the ball across the 6 yard box to give Zwane the easiest of tap-ins! We have a goal, and it's gone to South Africa!
So Sweden need to come out of their shell, and it's nearly an immediate reply through a Berg volley that is just over the far corner. Durmaz's free kick forces Williams into a save, but South Africa ride the storm. In the final minute Sweden get a pair of corners. Both times Dahlin comes up and both times South Africa get it away. The final whistle goes, and it is they who triumph!
Final score: Sweden 0-1e South Africa
Player of the match: Khama Billiat (RSA)
The xG chart is a little bit misleading given that South Africa did create two huge chances for Shalulile only to be denied by the offside flag. After a slow start they did eventually look the more likely of the two teams and did enough to claim the win. Sweden didn't do a lot wrong, but they didn't do a lot right either.
Player of the match: Khama Billiat (RSA)
The xG chart is a little bit misleading given that South Africa did create two huge chances for Shalulile only to be denied by the offside flag. After a slow start they did eventually look the more likely of the two teams and did enough to claim the win. Sweden didn't do a lot wrong, but they didn't do a lot right either.
So we have our four semi finalists, each with varying levels of expectations. England survived France's fightback and are now clear favourites to retain their trophy. Italy are the most likely challengers but are actually the only team left who have never won a trophy. Mexico have justified their ranking in the world's top 8 with their run, whilst South Africa had already made history and have just made some more.
The two semi finals are up next. Each has a favourite and underdog, will there be any surprises?
The two semi finals are up next. Each has a favourite and underdog, will there be any surprises?