The knockout stages to the Draft World Cup kicked off last time. The two most recent winners, England and France progressed, whilst Belgium and Mexico made the quarter finals for the first time:
Today we have the other two past DWC winners in action - Spain and Germany - whilst Italy, Netherlands and Saudi Arabia are all well-established DWC teams. Meanwhile Sweden, South Africa and Wales defied their ranking to make it this far, and at least one of them will be in the quarter finals as the latter two are drawn together.
Italy vs Netherlands
This has to be the most glamourous tie of the round. Both teams beat the sides they were expected to in the group stage - in Italy's case all three of their opponents - to qualify. In fact, both teams came into this tournament following a couple of bad years - Italy failed to make the knockout stages each of the last two DWCs whilst Netherlands didn't even make either tournament. Both have exciting new-look sides, so who will prevail?
Milan Skriniar's daft red card in Italy's last game means a start for Fikayo Tomori, whilst Theo Hernández returns after being rested, despite a great performance by deputy Federico Dimarco. Netherlands switch to a fourth formation in as many games, this time fielding a lopsided 4-4-1-1. Ibrahim Sangaré and Lutsharel Geertruida return.
Italy vs Netherlands
This has to be the most glamourous tie of the round. Both teams beat the sides they were expected to in the group stage - in Italy's case all three of their opponents - to qualify. In fact, both teams came into this tournament following a couple of bad years - Italy failed to make the knockout stages each of the last two DWCs whilst Netherlands didn't even make either tournament. Both have exciting new-look sides, so who will prevail?
Milan Skriniar's daft red card in Italy's last game means a start for Fikayo Tomori, whilst Theo Hernández returns after being rested, despite a great performance by deputy Federico Dimarco. Netherlands switch to a fourth formation in as many games, this time fielding a lopsided 4-4-1-1. Ibrahim Sangaré and Lutsharel Geertruida return.
It is a very cagey start, with the only real efforts on goal being free kicks from Dusan Tadic (x2) and Paulo Dybala. In the 28th minute Steven Berghuis knocks the ball down from a long ball, and it's picked up by Memphis Depay but he can only fire over the bar from the edge of the box.
Soon after Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has a header from a corner saved by Walter Benítez. It's cleared, but Italy come again. Denzel Dumfries plays it down the line for Dybala, who picks out Milinkovic-Savic in the box. Sangaré is over to get in the way, but he only succeeds in deflected the ball into the bottom corner! Italy lead!
Italy are emboldened by the goal, and Victor Osimhen joins in with a few shots before the end of the half. Netherlands will feel unlucky to be behind, but so far they haven't shown much in attack and need to find something.
Soon after Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has a header from a corner saved by Walter Benítez. It's cleared, but Italy come again. Denzel Dumfries plays it down the line for Dybala, who picks out Milinkovic-Savic in the box. Sangaré is over to get in the way, but he only succeeds in deflected the ball into the bottom corner! Italy lead!
Italy are emboldened by the goal, and Victor Osimhen joins in with a few shots before the end of the half. Netherlands will feel unlucky to be behind, but so far they haven't shown much in attack and need to find something.
It is nearly a disastrous start to the half for Netherlands as Jurrien Timber dallies on the ball and loses it to half-time Italian substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but his shot from a tight angle is saved by Benítez and Geertruida prevents Osimhen from getting to the rebound.
A bit like the match with England, Netherlands just cannot create chances to get back into the game, even despite a few tactical switches. Their best effort is a Sangaré has a header go over the bar from a corner, but then in the 78th minute they are given a hand as Osimhen goes in two-footed on sub Tijani Reijnders and sees red! He's been terrific this tournament, but what will the effect of that rash challenge be?
Italy make the unusual decision not to replace Osimhen up front, in effect asking Kvaratskhelia and Dybala to fill the gap from the inside forward positions, and they do a good job of keeping Netherlands on their toes, whilst the Italian defence continues to look solid.
Netherlands get a sight of goal in the 90th minute when sub Jesper Karlsson lays it off to Berghuis, but Dimarco, another sub, is over to block it over the bar! Benítez comes up for the corner but it's cleared, and the final shot of the game is an Italian one, a Kvaratskhelia effort that Benítez has to tip behind. Italy run down the clock and claim victory!
A bit like the match with England, Netherlands just cannot create chances to get back into the game, even despite a few tactical switches. Their best effort is a Sangaré has a header go over the bar from a corner, but then in the 78th minute they are given a hand as Osimhen goes in two-footed on sub Tijani Reijnders and sees red! He's been terrific this tournament, but what will the effect of that rash challenge be?
Italy make the unusual decision not to replace Osimhen up front, in effect asking Kvaratskhelia and Dybala to fill the gap from the inside forward positions, and they do a good job of keeping Netherlands on their toes, whilst the Italian defence continues to look solid.
Netherlands get a sight of goal in the 90th minute when sub Jesper Karlsson lays it off to Berghuis, but Dimarco, another sub, is over to block it over the bar! Benítez comes up for the corner but it's cleared, and the final shot of the game is an Italian one, a Kvaratskhelia effort that Benítez has to tip behind. Italy run down the clock and claim victory!
Final score: Italy 1-0 Netherlands
Player of the match: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Fittingly, the game's only goal came towards the end of the first half, when Italy were dominant. Otherwise, it was a stilted affair with Netherlands' short passing game not giving them enough dynamism. It feels a shame given the exciting forwards in the Dutch squad. For Italy they are through but will need to cope without Osimhen for at least the quarter final.
Player of the match: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Fittingly, the game's only goal came towards the end of the first half, when Italy were dominant. Otherwise, it was a stilted affair with Netherlands' short passing game not giving them enough dynamism. It feels a shame given the exciting forwards in the Dutch squad. For Italy they are through but will need to cope without Osimhen for at least the quarter final.
Spain vs Saudi Arabia
Of the 'big five' teams, Spain were the only ones who had a blip in the group stage, a draw with Iran. They breezed past Norway and Australia to ensure qualification, and now face another Asian side. As the Saudi Pro League adds famous names, the Saudi DWC side gets stronger and stronger, so it is no big surprise to see them make the knockout stages for the first time. The obvious subplot is Cristiano Ronaldo facing the team he won the 2018 DWC with.
Ousmane Dembélé's injury sustained against Australia rules him out until the semi finals, so it's a return to the side for Antoine Griezmann in an another-unchanged team. It is far less good news for Yasser Al-Shahrani (who would have been otherwise Dembélé's direct opponent today) as his hip injury ends his tournament. Saudi Arabia are also without Álvaro through accumulation of yellows, so Bastos and Ghislain Konan come in along with Moussa Marega for Gonzalo Martínez.
Of the 'big five' teams, Spain were the only ones who had a blip in the group stage, a draw with Iran. They breezed past Norway and Australia to ensure qualification, and now face another Asian side. As the Saudi Pro League adds famous names, the Saudi DWC side gets stronger and stronger, so it is no big surprise to see them make the knockout stages for the first time. The obvious subplot is Cristiano Ronaldo facing the team he won the 2018 DWC with.
Ousmane Dembélé's injury sustained against Australia rules him out until the semi finals, so it's a return to the side for Antoine Griezmann in an another-unchanged team. It is far less good news for Yasser Al-Shahrani (who would have been otherwise Dembélé's direct opponent today) as his hip injury ends his tournament. Saudi Arabia are also without Álvaro through accumulation of yellows, so Bastos and Ghislain Konan come in along with Moussa Marega for Gonzalo Martínez.
Surprisingly, Saudi Arabia have over 70% of possession in the early stages, although Spain are pretty comfortable and get a couple of shots away in this period. Saudi Arabia's first effort is a long-range shot from Talisca which catches Thibaut Courtois out but just misses the far post.
Vinícius Júnior is Spain's biggest threat, and their only player getting shots away from decent positions, although he finds them blocked. It's a similar situation for Marega at the other end; his snapshot following a corner is deflected by Ronald Araujo. Again, Courtois is worried, but it lands safely on the roof of the net. From the resulting corner Saud Abdulhamid finds Ronaldo, whose header hits the post!
Saudi Arabia will be very happy with this start, but they are dealt a blow when Éver Banega is forced off injured. Petros is his replacement - he played against Spain in the 2018 DWC final for Brazil. It's not really a like-for-like change, and the result is that Spain - especially Thiago and Luka Modric - control affairs. But they can't create much and it's still scoreless at the break.
Vinícius Júnior is Spain's biggest threat, and their only player getting shots away from decent positions, although he finds them blocked. It's a similar situation for Marega at the other end; his snapshot following a corner is deflected by Ronald Araujo. Again, Courtois is worried, but it lands safely on the roof of the net. From the resulting corner Saud Abdulhamid finds Ronaldo, whose header hits the post!
Saudi Arabia will be very happy with this start, but they are dealt a blow when Éver Banega is forced off injured. Petros is his replacement - he played against Spain in the 2018 DWC final for Brazil. It's not really a like-for-like change, and the result is that Spain - especially Thiago and Luka Modric - control affairs. But they can't create much and it's still scoreless at the break.
It takes two minutes for Spain to create a huge start at the start of the second half, as Modric's deep corner finds an unmarked Karim Benzema, but his shot is straight at David Ospina. Vinícius continues trying to make it all happen himself, with a 20-yard shot that clips the outside of the post on its way behind.
Saudi continue to carry a threat though, and very nearly sucker-punch Spain when Talisca turns and picks out Salem Al-Dawsari, but his powerful shot is close enough to Courtois to allow him to tip it behind. Spain bring on Robert Lewandowski for Benzema and he's soon picked out by Thiago, but he struggles to get the ball under control quickly, resulting in his shot being easily held by Ospina.
Concerningly for Spain, Lewandowski picks up a knock, but he is able to continue. Just as much of a worry is their continued toothlessness. But then in the 84th minute sub Toni Kroos intercepts a loose pass and quickly releases Vinícius down the right. He brings it into the box, shoots low but it too clips the outside of the post!
There's time for narrow misses by Talisca and Lewandowski, but there's no goals and so it's extra time!
Saudi continue to carry a threat though, and very nearly sucker-punch Spain when Talisca turns and picks out Salem Al-Dawsari, but his powerful shot is close enough to Courtois to allow him to tip it behind. Spain bring on Robert Lewandowski for Benzema and he's soon picked out by Thiago, but he struggles to get the ball under control quickly, resulting in his shot being easily held by Ospina.
Concerningly for Spain, Lewandowski picks up a knock, but he is able to continue. Just as much of a worry is their continued toothlessness. But then in the 84th minute sub Toni Kroos intercepts a loose pass and quickly releases Vinícius down the right. He brings it into the box, shoots low but it too clips the outside of the post!
There's time for narrow misses by Talisca and Lewandowski, but there's no goals and so it's extra time!
It's a quite start to the second half, but just as the time hits three figures Spain hit the woodwork yet again, through a close-range Antonio Rudiger header from a corner. A minute later and Spain's substitutes combine beautifully; Yannick Carrasco plays Pedri in down the right and he cuts it across for Lewandowski. He's one-on-one, choose to go to the near post and finds Ospina's glove in the way again!
Spain again hit the upright after the interval with a low Modric shot deflected onto the post by the former Arsenal keeper, but the chances dry up. And then in the 116th minute Bastos finds Martínez in space on the right. He gets into space and fizzes in a low cross straight to Ronaldo. He's done virtually nothing all game, but he connects sweetly and the shot flies past Courtois! Of course it's him to do it, incredible!
A stunned Spain can't get off the canvas, and other than a late Carrasco shot from an offside position, muster nothing and Saudi Arabia pull off the win!
Spain again hit the upright after the interval with a low Modric shot deflected onto the post by the former Arsenal keeper, but the chances dry up. And then in the 116th minute Bastos finds Martínez in space on the right. He gets into space and fizzes in a low cross straight to Ronaldo. He's done virtually nothing all game, but he connects sweetly and the shot flies past Courtois! Of course it's him to do it, incredible!
A stunned Spain can't get off the canvas, and other than a late Carrasco shot from an offside position, muster nothing and Saudi Arabia pull off the win!
Final score: Spain 0-1e Saudi Arabia
Player of the match: David Ospina (KSA)
Amazing, just when you think the narrative won't get you, it does. Spain did do enough to earn the victory but couldn't get the ball past a heroic Ospina. For the third time, and the second in a row, they are upset in the last 16. Saudi Arabia are into the last eight, winning a DWC knockout game at the first attempt!
Player of the match: David Ospina (KSA)
Amazing, just when you think the narrative won't get you, it does. Spain did do enough to earn the victory but couldn't get the ball past a heroic Ospina. For the third time, and the second in a row, they are upset in the last 16. Saudi Arabia are into the last eight, winning a DWC knockout game at the first attempt!
Germany vs Sweden
There were quite a lot of teams making their DWC debut this year, but only Sweden managed to qualify for the last 16. They did so a game early after sturdy performances in overcoming Nigeria and Canada, but a tame loss to Brazil in their final game means they take on Germany, who have probably been the team of the tournament thus far. And it has to be said, Germany could barely have wished for a nicer draw in the knockout rounds. Will they make the most of it?
Joao Cancelo, Joshua Kimmich and Sadio Mané return to the German XI after being rested against Peru. For the same reason, Anton Tinnerholm, Anders Christiansen, Marcus Berg and Alexander Isak return to the Swedish side. They are also without Viktor Fischer, whose heel injury means he's only fit enough for the bench, so Gustav Wikheim is also back in
There were quite a lot of teams making their DWC debut this year, but only Sweden managed to qualify for the last 16. They did so a game early after sturdy performances in overcoming Nigeria and Canada, but a tame loss to Brazil in their final game means they take on Germany, who have probably been the team of the tournament thus far. And it has to be said, Germany could barely have wished for a nicer draw in the knockout rounds. Will they make the most of it?
Joao Cancelo, Joshua Kimmich and Sadio Mané return to the German XI after being rested against Peru. For the same reason, Anton Tinnerholm, Anders Christiansen, Marcus Berg and Alexander Isak return to the Swedish side. They are also without Viktor Fischer, whose heel injury means he's only fit enough for the bench, so Gustav Wikheim is also back in
Sweden's gameplan is all about sitting deep, staying compact and keeping things tight. It would be a disaster for them to concede early on here, and lucky for them Mané's far-post header 15 seconds in is just wide. Mané then sets up Sané for a shot, but Johan Dahlin is able to tip it over. But Sweden do eventually make it through a tricky opening period.
They even go close at the other end in the 29th minute, Berg finding himself in acres of space in the box, but his header is too close to Manuel Neuer who parries it behind. Dahlin is on hand to deny Thomas Muller, but there's nothing he can do in the 37th minute when Ilkay Gundogan plays a perfect pass through to Sané to slot in! It's the last action before the break, can Sweden find a way back into this match in the second half?
They even go close at the other end in the 29th minute, Berg finding himself in acres of space in the box, but his header is too close to Manuel Neuer who parries it behind. Dahlin is on hand to deny Thomas Muller, but there's nothing he can do in the 37th minute when Ilkay Gundogan plays a perfect pass through to Sané to slot in! It's the last action before the break, can Sweden find a way back into this match in the second half?
The first chance of the second half is a big one, and again it falls to Berg. Isak does wonderfully down the left and his low cross is right to the feet of his strike partner near the penalty spot, but Berg doesn't connect cleanly and Neuer again is able to save!
Sweden make a few changes, with the result being a new 5-3-2 shape. It works nicely, as their added width catches Germany out and creates space for Anton Tinnerholm to play it into Isak in the box, but again Neuer prevents the shot. Soon after Tinnerholm nicks the ball from a dozy Lucas Hernández, but he cannot get a good ball across to his unmarked strikers and Germany escape. But it's certainly not been a comfortable half for the two-time champions.
In the 80th minute Magnus Eriksson is given time and space in the middle of the pitch, and plays it behind Germany's defence. Isak initially looks to run onto it, but sees John Guidetti - on for Berg - in a better position and leaves it for him. Guidetti shoots early, but his shot is full of power, stunning Neuer as it rockets into the top corner! What a finish, and Sweden are deservedly level!
In the final minutes of the game there are three Gundogan free kicks for Sweden to survive. The first one is blocked by the wall, the second results in a Matthijs de Ligt header saved by Dahlin, and the third is hit towards the top corner but also saved by Dahlin. We finish with the score 1-1 and headed to extra time again!
Sweden make a few changes, with the result being a new 5-3-2 shape. It works nicely, as their added width catches Germany out and creates space for Anton Tinnerholm to play it into Isak in the box, but again Neuer prevents the shot. Soon after Tinnerholm nicks the ball from a dozy Lucas Hernández, but he cannot get a good ball across to his unmarked strikers and Germany escape. But it's certainly not been a comfortable half for the two-time champions.
In the 80th minute Magnus Eriksson is given time and space in the middle of the pitch, and plays it behind Germany's defence. Isak initially looks to run onto it, but sees John Guidetti - on for Berg - in a better position and leaves it for him. Guidetti shoots early, but his shot is full of power, stunning Neuer as it rockets into the top corner! What a finish, and Sweden are deservedly level!
In the final minutes of the game there are three Gundogan free kicks for Sweden to survive. The first one is blocked by the wall, the second results in a Matthijs de Ligt header saved by Dahlin, and the third is hit towards the top corner but also saved by Dahlin. We finish with the score 1-1 and headed to extra time again!
Germany make their final change at the start of the second half, with Dani Olmo replacing Leon Goretzka - interestingly, this is a big upgrade on penalty-taking.
In the seventh minute of extra time Sweden have a free kick 35 yards out. Eriksson chips it into the box where Alexander Milosevic heads it at goal. It hasn't got much power on it, but before Neuer can claim it Isak pops up to nod it past him and in! Sweden are in front!
Germany's players are a mass of nerves and frustration, and they nearly concede another as Benjamin Pavard fails to clear, allowing Eriksson to cross for Guidetti, whose header is just wide. At the end of the half Olmo is played through but can't squeeze his shot past the recovering Milosevic.
In the 114th minute Sané fires a ball over Sweden's defence for Mané to run onto, and he puts it in the back of the net... but the flag is up for a clear offside! Three minutes later and Olmo is onside when played in by Kingsley Coman, but he can only hit the post! That was a huge chance! And it proves to be the final one too, as Sweden hold on for an incredible victory!
In the seventh minute of extra time Sweden have a free kick 35 yards out. Eriksson chips it into the box where Alexander Milosevic heads it at goal. It hasn't got much power on it, but before Neuer can claim it Isak pops up to nod it past him and in! Sweden are in front!
Germany's players are a mass of nerves and frustration, and they nearly concede another as Benjamin Pavard fails to clear, allowing Eriksson to cross for Guidetti, whose header is just wide. At the end of the half Olmo is played through but can't squeeze his shot past the recovering Milosevic.
In the 114th minute Sané fires a ball over Sweden's defence for Mané to run onto, and he puts it in the back of the net... but the flag is up for a clear offside! Three minutes later and Olmo is onside when played in by Kingsley Coman, but he can only hit the post! That was a huge chance! And it proves to be the final one too, as Sweden hold on for an incredible victory!
Final score: Germany 1-2e Sweden
Player of the match: Alexander Isak (SWE)
What a result for Sweden on their debut, what a shock! For the whole group stage, and the first 45 minutes here, Germany looked imperious. But Sweden's defiant comeback saw them crumble mentally. Whilst they still created a ton of chances, enough to win, Sweden just seemed the more composed side.
Player of the match: Alexander Isak (SWE)
What a result for Sweden on their debut, what a shock! For the whole group stage, and the first 45 minutes here, Germany looked imperious. But Sweden's defiant comeback saw them crumble mentally. Whilst they still created a ton of chances, enough to win, Sweden just seemed the more composed side.
South Africa vs Wales
A tie more likely in a rugby World Cup knockout match than a football one, what an opportunity for both teams to make the last eight, and a clash with Sweden to make the semi final! Wales actually reached the quarter finals on their only other appearance, but were South Africa to win it wouldn't just be the first time they've made that stage, it would also be the first time any African team has done it.
South Africa were able to rest Reeve Frosler and Lasse Sobiech against Mexico having already qualified, and they come back in. Wales, meanwhile, make wholesale changes after losing their final group game. They change to a back 5, as Cédric Kipré, Joe Ralls and Callum Robinson come in. They won't be able to call on Hal Robson-Kanu off the bench, as he is out of the tournament with a damaged hip.
A tie more likely in a rugby World Cup knockout match than a football one, what an opportunity for both teams to make the last eight, and a clash with Sweden to make the semi final! Wales actually reached the quarter finals on their only other appearance, but were South Africa to win it wouldn't just be the first time they've made that stage, it would also be the first time any African team has done it.
South Africa were able to rest Reeve Frosler and Lasse Sobiech against Mexico having already qualified, and they come back in. Wales, meanwhile, make wholesale changes after losing their final group game. They change to a back 5, as Cédric Kipré, Joe Ralls and Callum Robinson come in. They won't be able to call on Hal Robson-Kanu off the bench, as he is out of the tournament with a damaged hip.
It's not a great start for Mark McGuinness, as he picks up a yellow in the opening minute that would rule him out of the quarter finals. It also gives South Africa a free kick right on the edge of the box, but Marcelo Allende's shot is blocked by the wall. In the 10th minute Ricardo Nascimento plays a pass straight to Gareth Bale, launching Wales into an attack. Perry Ng attracts some defenders, creating space for Bale to float a ball to the far post, where Robinson heads it down and in to open the scoring!
The lead only lasts ten minutes, as some lax Welsh pressing gives Themba Zwane all the time to pick out Percy Tau cutting in from the right, and he rolls it past Ryan Allsop to level matters!
It great start, and Wales try to retake the lead immediately through a Bale header, but Ronwen Williams gathers. South Africa then attack but the move is ended by McGuinness fouling Peter Shalulile... and getting his second yellow! Conceding a goal and losing a player constitutes a pretty bad few minutes for Wales.
They are able to keep South Africa at bay; if anything, Wales are slightly the better team. But the second half could be a very long one for them.
The lead only lasts ten minutes, as some lax Welsh pressing gives Themba Zwane all the time to pick out Percy Tau cutting in from the right, and he rolls it past Ryan Allsop to level matters!
It great start, and Wales try to retake the lead immediately through a Bale header, but Ronwen Williams gathers. South Africa then attack but the move is ended by McGuinness fouling Peter Shalulile... and getting his second yellow! Conceding a goal and losing a player constitutes a pretty bad few minutes for Wales.
They are able to keep South Africa at bay; if anything, Wales are slightly the better team. But the second half could be a very long one for them.
Neither team make substantial changes at half time. In the seventh minute of the half Shalulile drops into the space between Wales' defence and midfield, and - like Zwane earlier - is given enough time to slot a pass through for Tau. This time he's beaten to it by Allsop, but only because Ryan Manning fouled him - penalty! Nascimento, scorer of crucial penalties in each of South Africa's last two games, is the one to take it... Allsop gets down low to it but just can't keep it out! South Africa hit the front!
With that they are happy to frustrate Wales and hold onto this lead. Wales mix things up, going to a 5-2-2 formation with Bale up alongside Sory Kaba up front. They also replace Manning with Jamilu Collins, a decision which backfires badly as Collins is soon forced off injured. Luckily they still had a substitution remaining, otherwise it would surely have been over with 9 men.
Even with 10, it's not enough. Wales cannot create anything, and the game ends with the sorry sight of a knackered Bale on his own trying his best to shake off three defenders as he gets down the wing, only to slightly miscontrol the ball and let it run out of play. It's the last action of the match, and South Africa are through!
With that they are happy to frustrate Wales and hold onto this lead. Wales mix things up, going to a 5-2-2 formation with Bale up alongside Sory Kaba up front. They also replace Manning with Jamilu Collins, a decision which backfires badly as Collins is soon forced off injured. Luckily they still had a substitution remaining, otherwise it would surely have been over with 9 men.
Even with 10, it's not enough. Wales cannot create anything, and the game ends with the sorry sight of a knackered Bale on his own trying his best to shake off three defenders as he gets down the wing, only to slightly miscontrol the ball and let it run out of play. It's the last action of the match, and South Africa are through!
Final score: South Africa 2-1 Wales
Player of the match: Callum Robinson (WAL)
It promised a lot after those two early goals, but from an excitement point of view the wrong team got the third goal. South Africa had already sussed out how to nullify Wales and after going ahead just coasted to the finish line. They won't care, they are into their first ever quarter final!
Player of the match: Callum Robinson (WAL)
It promised a lot after those two early goals, but from an excitement point of view the wrong team got the third goal. South Africa had already sussed out how to nullify Wales and after going ahead just coasted to the finish line. They won't care, they are into their first ever quarter final!
Two huge results today saw former champions Spain and Germany dumped out. It means that nobody in this half of the draw has been to a DWC final before. Indeed, only Italy has been to the semi finals before, and only them and South Africa have even been in the knockout rounds before this year. It means all four teams have a massive opportunity to go far this year, but who will take it? We'll be a step closer to finding out next time, as we do the four quarter finals.