England sailed to the top rank after their first two games with a convincing victory against the United States on Black Friday. Even a recurrence of the subpar performance against a Home Nation, when John Stones scored late to keep them from losing to Wales, cannot tame the patriotic enthusiasm in that part of the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, it severely harms Welsh chances. What cost them was their inability to defeat Iran, as the USMNT moved to the round of 16 thanks to a goal by Christian Pulisic in the final round of games.

A group of high drama as France falters in loss to Denmark, the underdogs who are cruising through this tournament but perform admirably against the two relative minnows. Peru defies that categorization, especially in their final game when they go all-out against the Euro 2020 semifinalist in an attempt to find an impossible way out of Group D.

Here, the drama-loving bunch is displayed. Going into the decisive round of games, every team is still alive, thanks to the Europeans' flattering deception. After coming back from two goals down to tie with Belgium, Morocco may have been the finest team in Group F. However, they are upset at the very last second by a focused, united Canada team that takes advantage of the proper opportunity to win their first World Cup game.

Portugal's race in Group H appears to be over with a few seconds left. As Ghana leads Uruguay and South Korea clings to a point while pursuing the goal that might just send them through anyhow, Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup is doomed to failure. Then Luis Suarez strikes late to tie the score for Uruguay at Al Wakrah, and Diogo Jota scores from a corner a few seconds later, sending Portugal into the knockout rounds.

The USMNT's round of 16 match had been set up to serve as an uncomfortable reminder that Berhalter needed to find a goalkeeper and striker of the calibre of Edouard Mendy by 2026. Concacaf's participation in the World Cup comes to an end soon after because Canada is simply not good enough to stop a Pedri-inspiring Spain from dominating the field.

However, two African players made it to the final eight after a late goal by Vincent Aboubakar knocked Uruguay out of one of the more stressful rounds of 16 matches. The same might be said of Denmark's victory over Poland, in which Kasper Hjullmand's team just about managed to contain their opponents following Christian Eriksen's early free kick.

The four heavyweight matches followed. A German team that was quick to every loose ball beat Belgium, and the Dutch were defeated wide by the incisive Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden. Brazil relentlessly attacks the Portuguese at Stadium 974, but they only succeed once until Ronaldo scores late to send the game into a penalty shootout. Richarlison scores the game-winning goal for the Seleço, extending their unbeaten streak at World Cups from 12 yards.

On the global stage, Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's reign has come to an end. Argentina was placed in the most difficult of matches, one that would have been deserving of the championship game, by the pure luck of the draw. The Albiceleste's Lautaro Martinez scored the opening goal, but goals saved Les Bleus' poor championship defence from Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe in the second half. The weight of French skill was too much for the Argentine defence to handle.

France and Brazil square off in a historic match at the not-at-all-overselling Lusail Iconic Stadium in two hours of top-notch entertainment that includes goals from Paris Saint-Germain teammates Mbappe and Neymar in the first half. For a moment, it appeared as though Olivier Giroud would have secured the victory for the holders. Still, Marquinhos rises in the 83rd minute to push the two teams into a tight, tactical half-hour in which both Hugo Lloris and Alisson made crucial saves. The latter maintained such form throughout the shootout, stopping Antoine Griezmann with seconds remaining.

The suspense in the second semi may not be quite as compelling, but it is still present. The Three Lions can't help but sit back and try to hold onto their lead after Raheem Sterling scores early, as they did against Italy in Euro 2020. This time, it only succeeds because of Jordan Pickford and Harry Maguire's valour. Could it be coming home after 56 years of pain?