Compared to previous years, the group stage of this year's Draft World Cup didn't had loads of late drama, but Group H made up for the other seven with second spot changing hands repeatedly over the course of the match. Wales ended up in the chair when the music stopped, and they take the final knockout spot:
Their qualification was at the expense of Portugal, who are by far the biggest names to miss out. Also eliminated include USA and Japan who will have expected to do better. At the opposite end of the scale, the teams who have perfect group stage records were England, Italy, France, Germany and Colombia.
This is how the knockout bracket looks for our sixteen qualifiers:
This is how the knockout bracket looks for our sixteen qualifiers:
So we begin the second round today, we're covering the left-hand half of the draw above. We have the top two in the world expecting to win, whilst the other two matches look much more even on paper; those four teams only suffered one defeat between them in the previous round.
England vs Venezuela
Group B was a pretty tough one, and Venezuela will be delighted to have overcome two-time Asian champions Japan to qualify. The last time Venezuela were in the DWC they lost 3-0 to England in the group stage, and the smart money is on a similar outcome here, as the defending champions cruised through their group serenely.
With Bukayo Saka joining a lengthy injury list, England shift to a 5-3-2 formation. Aymeric Laporte, Reece James, Casemiro and Oleksandr Zinchenko keep their places after coming in for the dead rubber against Guatemala. Venezuela's difficult task is made even harder by the absense of draft player Yangel Herrera. He is replaced by Arlés Flores who joins namesake Francisco in a double pivot.
England vs Venezuela
Group B was a pretty tough one, and Venezuela will be delighted to have overcome two-time Asian champions Japan to qualify. The last time Venezuela were in the DWC they lost 3-0 to England in the group stage, and the smart money is on a similar outcome here, as the defending champions cruised through their group serenely.
With Bukayo Saka joining a lengthy injury list, England shift to a 5-3-2 formation. Aymeric Laporte, Reece James, Casemiro and Oleksandr Zinchenko keep their places after coming in for the dead rubber against Guatemala. Venezuela's difficult task is made even harder by the absense of draft player Yangel Herrera. He is replaced by Arlés Flores who joins namesake Francisco in a double pivot.
It's nearly a 20-second lead for England as the ball breaks for Kevin De Bruyne and he immediately plays in Erling Haaland, but his shot is pushed behind by Yonatan Irrazábal. The Venezuela keeper is in action soon after to deny Laporte after he received a clever free kick from De Bruyne. Erling Haaland has a header at a corner fly just over, and De Bruyne hits a free kick off the crossbar.
All in all, a relentless start from England, especially their Man City players. But it's actually a pair of non-City players who finally get the ball in the net, as Zinchenko's overlap on the left gives him space to whip it across to Mo Salah for a simple finish! But VAR wants to have a look... and he is clearly offside!
After that fast start it's turned into a frustrating day for England, as Venezuela's midfield five do a good job of man-marking England's midfield out of the game. At half time it's still level.
All in all, a relentless start from England, especially their Man City players. But it's actually a pair of non-City players who finally get the ball in the net, as Zinchenko's overlap on the left gives him space to whip it across to Mo Salah for a simple finish! But VAR wants to have a look... and he is clearly offside!
After that fast start it's turned into a frustrating day for England, as Venezuela's midfield five do a good job of man-marking England's midfield out of the game. At half time it's still level.
Neither team make personnel changes at the break, and the result is a further 15 minutes of little action. England respond by bringing on Heung-Min Son, returning from injury. Venezuela, meanwhile, bring on Edder Farías for a more direct threat up front.
Farías has a close-range shot blocked, but generally the non-action is concentrated at the other end of the pitch. England finally manufacture a clear chance when Salah slips it to Haaland, but he curls his shot well over the bar, a surprisingly bad finish!
England bring on N'Golo Kanté for Laporte, returning to their usual 4-3-3 shape. But still they find that every shot is blocked by a determined Venezuelan defender. But eventually, in the 85th minute, a Zinchenko cross is met by Haaland, who nods it down to the unmarked Virgil van Dijk, and he sticks it into the bottom corner! But the flag is raised! VAR has a look... and awards the goal! Heartbreak for Venezuela, huge relief for England!
Venezuela try to force the issue but cannot get near the ball. England are happy to just keep things ticking over and they see out the victory! Ugly, but ultimately successful!
Farías has a close-range shot blocked, but generally the non-action is concentrated at the other end of the pitch. England finally manufacture a clear chance when Salah slips it to Haaland, but he curls his shot well over the bar, a surprisingly bad finish!
England bring on N'Golo Kanté for Laporte, returning to their usual 4-3-3 shape. But still they find that every shot is blocked by a determined Venezuelan defender. But eventually, in the 85th minute, a Zinchenko cross is met by Haaland, who nods it down to the unmarked Virgil van Dijk, and he sticks it into the bottom corner! But the flag is raised! VAR has a look... and awards the goal! Heartbreak for Venezuela, huge relief for England!
Venezuela try to force the issue but cannot get near the ball. England are happy to just keep things ticking over and they see out the victory! Ugly, but ultimately successful!
Final score: England 1-0 Venezuela
Player of the match: Virgil van Dijk (ENG)
From the chances England created they could easily have won this game by a very heavy scoreline. Venezuela, however, rode their luck and largely succeeded in denying England clear chances. It's hard to argue with the outcome though, and England will be pleased that they finally got through a game without adding to their injury list!
Player of the match: Virgil van Dijk (ENG)
From the chances England created they could easily have won this game by a very heavy scoreline. Venezuela, however, rode their luck and largely succeeded in denying England clear chances. It's hard to argue with the outcome though, and England will be pleased that they finally got through a game without adding to their injury list!
France vs Norway
Norway made the most of a fairly generous draw, beating the sides they were expected to to get through to the knockout stages for the first time. But they'll be up against it against France, who took maximum points in their group stage, despite a could of scares. Additionally, France have beaten Norway in both the Nations Cup semi finals and the group stage of this year's European Championship.
After rotating for their final group game, France revert to the side which started their first two games, with one change: Carlos Solér for Fabián. Norway are unchanged.
Norway made the most of a fairly generous draw, beating the sides they were expected to to get through to the knockout stages for the first time. But they'll be up against it against France, who took maximum points in their group stage, despite a could of scares. Additionally, France have beaten Norway in both the Nations Cup semi finals and the group stage of this year's European Championship.
After rotating for their final group game, France revert to the side which started their first two games, with one change: Carlos Solér for Fabián. Norway are unchanged.
France are able to have repeated success with the tactic of "have Neymar and Lionel Messi hit balls in behind for Kylian Mbappé to run onto", but they mix it up and nearly get the opening goal when Mbappé drops short and lays it off to Messi who puts it through for Neymar running into the space created by Mbappé. André Hansen is out quickly and pressures Neymar into shooting wide. Two minutes later and Neymar's crossfield pass is into the path of Messi, who gets it under control and lifts it over Hansen, but can only hit the post.
It's a one-sided start and in the 9th minute France get the goal when Solér sprays it wide to Nordi Mukiele and he whips a low cross for Mbappé to put in the bottom corner! But there's a VAR check... it's very tight, but he is offside! No goal!
Mbappé has a shot deflected by Brede Moe onto the post, before Norway come into the game. They go very close with a Stefan Strandberg header, before Veton Berisha is played through and draws a good save from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
In the 34th minute Sivert Mannsverk picks up a yellow which means he'd miss the next round should Norway get there. But far worse is that from the free kick Nuno Mendes plays it to Neymar who - you guessed it - angles a pass in behind the defence for Mbappé who tucks it under Hansen! France deservedly lead!
Straight after kick off France regain the ball, it comes to Neymar and he - sigh - immediately curls it behind Norway's defence. Mbappé starts a good five yards behind Moe but passes him in a flash. His first touch isn't great, allowing Moe to get back and make the block, but the ball just loops over the diving Hansen, allowing Mbappé to run onto it and prod it in for a quickfire double!
Messi nearly gets a French third with a low shot following a Norwegian corner, but at the break it is only two, it could have been much more. Chastening for Norway, although in their defence they conceded two goals to balls in behind despite being instructed to hold a deep defensive line.
It's a one-sided start and in the 9th minute France get the goal when Solér sprays it wide to Nordi Mukiele and he whips a low cross for Mbappé to put in the bottom corner! But there's a VAR check... it's very tight, but he is offside! No goal!
Mbappé has a shot deflected by Brede Moe onto the post, before Norway come into the game. They go very close with a Stefan Strandberg header, before Veton Berisha is played through and draws a good save from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
In the 34th minute Sivert Mannsverk picks up a yellow which means he'd miss the next round should Norway get there. But far worse is that from the free kick Nuno Mendes plays it to Neymar who - you guessed it - angles a pass in behind the defence for Mbappé who tucks it under Hansen! France deservedly lead!
Straight after kick off France regain the ball, it comes to Neymar and he - sigh - immediately curls it behind Norway's defence. Mbappé starts a good five yards behind Moe but passes him in a flash. His first touch isn't great, allowing Moe to get back and make the block, but the ball just loops over the diving Hansen, allowing Mbappé to run onto it and prod it in for a quickfire double!
Messi nearly gets a French third with a low shot following a Norwegian corner, but at the break it is only two, it could have been much more. Chastening for Norway, although in their defence they conceded two goals to balls in behind despite being instructed to hold a deep defensive line.
France show little sign of easing off the gas. Neymar flashes a shot over the crossbar following a throw in, but then in the 68th minute he makes amends. It's an almost-identical chance; from a throw in Nicolás Tagliafico's cross finds compatriot Messi, who lays it off for Neymar to lash home! That's surely game over.
Norway do show what they are capable of 11 minutes from time, when Martin Odegaard picks out Thomas Lehne Olsen in the box, and his powerful shot has too much on it for Donnarumma! Hopes of a revival are dashed though, as VAR shows Lehne Olsen is a fraction offside. Lehne Olsen continues to be a threat, missing a one-on-one chance and heading over, but eventually the final whistle goes to end his and Norway's tournament.
Norway do show what they are capable of 11 minutes from time, when Martin Odegaard picks out Thomas Lehne Olsen in the box, and his powerful shot has too much on it for Donnarumma! Hopes of a revival are dashed though, as VAR shows Lehne Olsen is a fraction offside. Lehne Olsen continues to be a threat, missing a one-on-one chance and heading over, but eventually the final whistle goes to end his and Norway's tournament.
Final score: France 3-0 Norway
Player of the match: Neymar (FRA)
The xG chart below is a bit generous to France, as Mbappé's second goal contributes 1.16 due to it bring a rebound. But regardless, it was a very easy win for France with their front three in wonderful form. Norway struggled at both ends but didn't disgrace themselves by any means.
Player of the match: Neymar (FRA)
The xG chart below is a bit generous to France, as Mbappé's second goal contributes 1.16 due to it bring a rebound. But regardless, it was a very easy win for France with their front three in wonderful form. Norway struggled at both ends but didn't disgrace themselves by any means.
Brazil vs Belgium
This quarter of the draw is the most open, and all four teams in it will really fancy their chances of making at least the semi finals. Brazil are the highest-ranked team in this quarter, and after a bad start against Canada came through their group in style. Their opponents are here thanks to star man Romelu Lukaku, who has scored all five of Belgium's goals so far.
Brazil's only change from the side which beat Sweden is to bring Paulinho back in for Maycon - this is one more alteration than Belgium make.
This quarter of the draw is the most open, and all four teams in it will really fancy their chances of making at least the semi finals. Brazil are the highest-ranked team in this quarter, and after a bad start against Canada came through their group in style. Their opponents are here thanks to star man Romelu Lukaku, who has scored all five of Belgium's goals so far.
Brazil's only change from the side which beat Sweden is to bring Paulinho back in for Maycon - this is one more alteration than Belgium make.
It's an open start, with the first shot being a Fabinho shot blazed over from the edge of the box. In the 7th minute Teddy Teuma steals the ball from Renato Augusto and gets it to Jurgen Ekkelenkamp. He is in quite an advanced position, which draws Fabinho to him and allows him to slip in Lukaku, who holds off Rodrigo Caio to tuck it into the bottom corner! What a tournament he is having!
Six minutes later and Hans Vanaken escapes Fabinho - who he himself is marking when out of possession - to fire another ball in behind for Lukaku. It's a similar chance, a little further out, but this time his powerful shot hits the underside of the bar and stays out! Soon after it looks like he's in again from Noa Lang's pass, but under pressure from Gustavo Gómez he tries to lay it off to Ekkelenkamp, only to see him teammate go down from a challenge from Guilherme Arana, and the referee awards a penalty! VAR upholds the decision, which gives Lukaku the chance to make it 2-0... Weverton guesses right but Lukaku's high shot has too much and it's in! What a start for Belgium!
In the 32nd minute Gabriel Barbosa tricks Gerardo Arteaga with a burst of speed and finds Pedro with his cross. He looks like he'll try and dribble past Jan Vertonghen, but instead launches a powerful shot that rattles the bar!
Belgium are in their groove though, and after Vanaken has a free kick deflected over Vertonghen's header is nodded off the line by Arana! But Brazil come again, and through the same combination they score! Gabriel's first-time cross finds Pedro with all the time in the world to put it in the bottom corner! Alas, Gabriel looked offside when Fabinho played it to him and VAR confirms it - surprising that the on-field officials missed it.
There are late chances spurned by Gabriel and Renato Augusto, and at the break Belgium hold a two-goal lead in a thrilling contest.
Six minutes later and Hans Vanaken escapes Fabinho - who he himself is marking when out of possession - to fire another ball in behind for Lukaku. It's a similar chance, a little further out, but this time his powerful shot hits the underside of the bar and stays out! Soon after it looks like he's in again from Noa Lang's pass, but under pressure from Gustavo Gómez he tries to lay it off to Ekkelenkamp, only to see him teammate go down from a challenge from Guilherme Arana, and the referee awards a penalty! VAR upholds the decision, which gives Lukaku the chance to make it 2-0... Weverton guesses right but Lukaku's high shot has too much and it's in! What a start for Belgium!
In the 32nd minute Gabriel Barbosa tricks Gerardo Arteaga with a burst of speed and finds Pedro with his cross. He looks like he'll try and dribble past Jan Vertonghen, but instead launches a powerful shot that rattles the bar!
Belgium are in their groove though, and after Vanaken has a free kick deflected over Vertonghen's header is nodded off the line by Arana! But Brazil come again, and through the same combination they score! Gabriel's first-time cross finds Pedro with all the time in the world to put it in the bottom corner! Alas, Gabriel looked offside when Fabinho played it to him and VAR confirms it - surprising that the on-field officials missed it.
There are late chances spurned by Gabriel and Renato Augusto, and at the break Belgium hold a two-goal lead in a thrilling contest.
Brazil need a fast start to the second half, and in the opening minute Edenílson pings a ball through the middle of Belgium's defence into the path of Pedro. He has to shoot early, and Simon Mignolet is able to get a hand down to it. But then ten minutes into the half Pedro is on the end of Arana's low cross and puts it away! But the flag is raised... only for VAR to overturn the decision (again) and award the goal! Brazil are back in it!
The half has been one-way traffic so far. Renato Augusto's free kick dips past Mignolet only to hit the crossbar, and soon there are headed chances for Gómez and Pedro. Luis Suárez is brought on to partner Pedro up front, and as we hit the final 20 minutes he ghosts in behind Vertonghen to receive Gabriel's pass. He shoots first time, beating former teammate Mignolet and levels the score!
Now, I'm not really an expert, but my recommendation for Brazil is: do not immediately give Lukaku a free header in the 6 yard box to restore Belgium's lead... but that is what they do, so it's a hat trick for Lukaku and a goal out of nowhere for Belgium!
Before Brazil can even begin to rally themselves for another comeback, Fabinho is penalised for a foul on Vanaken in the box, and it's a second Belgian spot kick! Lukaku goes the other way this time, Weverton doesn't, and Belgium's two-goal lead is restored!
Brazil aren't done though, in the 88th minute Gabriel continues his shining creative game with a pass in for Pedro who curls it into the bottom corner! But again, the flag is up... and again VAR overrules it! It's a goal-crazy game, but Brazil need one more...
They have hope when Suárez lays it off for fellow sub Dudu in the box, but the flag was already up for a clear offside, and they don't create anything else, which means Belgium are through!
The half has been one-way traffic so far. Renato Augusto's free kick dips past Mignolet only to hit the crossbar, and soon there are headed chances for Gómez and Pedro. Luis Suárez is brought on to partner Pedro up front, and as we hit the final 20 minutes he ghosts in behind Vertonghen to receive Gabriel's pass. He shoots first time, beating former teammate Mignolet and levels the score!
Now, I'm not really an expert, but my recommendation for Brazil is: do not immediately give Lukaku a free header in the 6 yard box to restore Belgium's lead... but that is what they do, so it's a hat trick for Lukaku and a goal out of nowhere for Belgium!
Before Brazil can even begin to rally themselves for another comeback, Fabinho is penalised for a foul on Vanaken in the box, and it's a second Belgian spot kick! Lukaku goes the other way this time, Weverton doesn't, and Belgium's two-goal lead is restored!
Brazil aren't done though, in the 88th minute Gabriel continues his shining creative game with a pass in for Pedro who curls it into the bottom corner! But again, the flag is up... and again VAR overrules it! It's a goal-crazy game, but Brazil need one more...
They have hope when Suárez lays it off for fellow sub Dudu in the box, but the flag was already up for a clear offside, and they don't create anything else, which means Belgium are through!
Final score: Brazil 3-4 Belgium
Player of the match: Romelu Lukaku (BEL)
Conceding two penalties and a point-blank header, Brazil very much shot themselves in the foot today, and were punished by a striker in the finest of form. He has now scored nine goals this tournament, nine more than anyone else on his team. Belgium get away with a very ropey spell either side of half time, and are into their first-ever DWC quarter finals!
Player of the match: Romelu Lukaku (BEL)
Conceding two penalties and a point-blank header, Brazil very much shot themselves in the foot today, and were punished by a striker in the finest of form. He has now scored nine goals this tournament, nine more than anyone else on his team. Belgium get away with a very ropey spell either side of half time, and are into their first-ever DWC quarter finals!
Colombia vs Mexico
Just like the real-life Mexican team, this one cannot get past the first knockout match at a DWC. They had a great chance to do well this year, as top seeds in their group, but they couldn't overhaul South Africa and so finished second, drawing Colombia. The South Americans haven't conceded a single goal so far, but they too are looking to make the quarter finals for the first time.
Unsurprisingly Luis Díaz returns for Colombia, replacing Andrés Ibarguen as Dorlan Pabón moves to the right. Teo Gutiérrez also comes in, for Carlos Bacca. For Mexico it's easy-come-easy-go, as Byron Castillo returns from suspension but Juan Escobar is unavailable. Luis Romo comes into defence in his stead.
Just like the real-life Mexican team, this one cannot get past the first knockout match at a DWC. They had a great chance to do well this year, as top seeds in their group, but they couldn't overhaul South Africa and so finished second, drawing Colombia. The South Americans haven't conceded a single goal so far, but they too are looking to make the quarter finals for the first time.
Unsurprisingly Luis Díaz returns for Colombia, replacing Andrés Ibarguen as Dorlan Pabón moves to the right. Teo Gutiérrez also comes in, for Carlos Bacca. For Mexico it's easy-come-easy-go, as Byron Castillo returns from suspension but Juan Escobar is unavailable. Luis Romo comes into defence in his stead.
Colombia are yet to concede a goal this tournament, but nearly do in the third minute here when Jonathan Rodríguez's free kick draws a fine flying save from Álvaro Montero. Rodríguez has another effort straight after, but it nicks off Pabón and just misses the bottom corner. From the corner Montero has to be alert to save Dória's header, he doesn't really get enough on it but Felipe Román hooks it off the line!
Mexico continue to trouble Colombia with their rapid attacking, but it's not one-way traffic as Díaz looks in lively form, repeatedly finding space and going close with a couple of efforts. He has shown a good understanding with Gutiérrez, and in the 32nd minute is released down the left by him. He cuts onto his right foot but Esteban Andrada is able to get a glove to the shot and push it behind.
Five minutes later and it's Mexico turn to attack. André-Pierre Gignac plays it wide to Hirving Lozano, who quickly shifts it inside to Álvaro Fidalgo surging forward from midfield. He's clean through, and he puts it in the bottom corner! Mexico lead!
On the stroke of half time a Colombian move breaks down, but Dória doesn't clear it first time, allowing Díaz to steal the ball. It looks like a golden chance, but Romo bails out his defensive partner by making a crucial block to ensure Mexico go into the interval ahead!
Mexico continue to trouble Colombia with their rapid attacking, but it's not one-way traffic as Díaz looks in lively form, repeatedly finding space and going close with a couple of efforts. He has shown a good understanding with Gutiérrez, and in the 32nd minute is released down the left by him. He cuts onto his right foot but Esteban Andrada is able to get a glove to the shot and push it behind.
Five minutes later and it's Mexico turn to attack. André-Pierre Gignac plays it wide to Hirving Lozano, who quickly shifts it inside to Álvaro Fidalgo surging forward from midfield. He's clean through, and he puts it in the bottom corner! Mexico lead!
On the stroke of half time a Colombian move breaks down, but Dória doesn't clear it first time, allowing Díaz to steal the ball. It looks like a golden chance, but Romo bails out his defensive partner by making a crucial block to ensure Mexico go into the interval ahead!
Mexico replace the booked Castillo with Stefan Medina at half time, a more defensive player tasked with man-marking Díaz. Now would be a good time for Colombia's other forwards to step up. Unfortunately they don't, and the result is a quiet half with few chances as Mexico try to manage the game.
Colombia look to have a good chance following a Mexican corner, but when Pabón wastes his cross Mexico break and Fidalgo picks out Lozano running behind Junior Hernández. It's a good chance but Montero saves his team with a good save with his feet. But as we hit the final quarter of an hour Mexico attack again and Jesús Angulo is able to find Gignac unmarked in the box for an easy finish to make it 2-0!
Colombia use up all their subs, putting Bacca up front with Adrián Ramos, which backfires when Bacca picks up an injury, although he can carry on. And in the 89th minute he is there to intercept an atrocious backpass from Mexican sub Alexis Vega, and he has the wherewithal to square it to Díaz for a tap-in! Is there a dramatic escape?
Deep in added time two Colombian subs look to combine, as Daniel Londono's deep cross looks set to find Ibarguen at the far post, only for Angulo to get in there and head it behind. It does mean Montero is able to come up for the corner... but it doesn't come to anything, and with some shameless (and unpunished) timewasting, Mexico see out the remainder of the game!
Colombia look to have a good chance following a Mexican corner, but when Pabón wastes his cross Mexico break and Fidalgo picks out Lozano running behind Junior Hernández. It's a good chance but Montero saves his team with a good save with his feet. But as we hit the final quarter of an hour Mexico attack again and Jesús Angulo is able to find Gignac unmarked in the box for an easy finish to make it 2-0!
Colombia use up all their subs, putting Bacca up front with Adrián Ramos, which backfires when Bacca picks up an injury, although he can carry on. And in the 89th minute he is there to intercept an atrocious backpass from Mexican sub Alexis Vega, and he has the wherewithal to square it to Díaz for a tap-in! Is there a dramatic escape?
Deep in added time two Colombian subs look to combine, as Daniel Londono's deep cross looks set to find Ibarguen at the far post, only for Angulo to get in there and head it behind. It does mean Montero is able to come up for the corner... but it doesn't come to anything, and with some shameless (and unpunished) timewasting, Mexico see out the remainder of the game!
Final score: Colombia 1-2 Mexico
Player of the match: Álvaro Fidalgo (MEX)
A pretty even game between two pretty even teams. But Mexico deserve their win for being much better at creating chances; almost half of Colombia's xG below comes from Díaz's late goal, which only came from a Mexican mistake. The North American champions manage something they have never done before in either type of World Cup, and won a knockout match!
Player of the match: Álvaro Fidalgo (MEX)
A pretty even game between two pretty even teams. But Mexico deserve their win for being much better at creating chances; almost half of Colombia's xG below comes from Díaz's late goal, which only came from a Mexican mistake. The North American champions manage something they have never done before in either type of World Cup, and won a knockout match!
So the two heavyweights won their matches fairly comfortably, even if England took all match to get their goal. The other two matches were much more even and were only settled late on. Excitingly, one of Belgium or Mexico will make the semi finals.
Next time we have the other three favourites in action - Italy, Spain and Germany - whilst South Africa and Wales play out a very interesting tie.
Next time we have the other three favourites in action - Italy, Spain and Germany - whilst South Africa and Wales play out a very interesting tie.