The world cup came with a promise to entertain us and it has lived up to this billing. The quarter-final matches saw giants lock horns and the weaker teams had to pack their bags. The quarterfinals could be summed up as two frantic days of football that saw four teams eliminated. The remaining four are in their camps preparing for what promises to be a mouthwatering semi-final. Below we look at how the fixtures unfolded.
Uruguay vs France
Les Bleus were unable to show off their attacking prowess as they did in the 4-3 win over Argentina but found a way to beat a tough and defensive capable rival. This France team had already shown their potential in Euro 2016. They lost the final at their home turf to a pragmatic Portugal team. This game had moments where their fans were worried that something similar could happen. The team was able to come together and see off a streetwise Uruguay outfit.
Uruguay utilized their solid defense and counter-attacking ability but they missed their charismatic talisman (Cavani) as Luis Suarez looked like an isolated figure up top. Their gameplay was rather lethargic and they were forced to be content with fighting for set-pieces. This strategy seemed like it would bear fruits before Raphael Varane headed home an Antoine Griezmann free-kick.
Hugo Lloris made a couple of fantastic saves before Fernando Muslera fumbled a long-range Griezmann effort. That effectively killed the game and Les Bleus secured the first semifinal berth.
Brazil vs Belgium
Belgium knocked off World Cup favorite Brazil by beating them 2-1 on Friday to book their place in the semifinals. They will face France. Kevin De Bruyne was the man of the moment as he scored the winner that guaranteed the Red Devils place in the semifinal.
Belgium surprisingly took a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half, looking sharp while at it. Roberto Martinez’s team was able to hold off numerous Brazil efforts as they looked likely to follow up their first goal in the match with an equalizer. A world-class performance from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois denied them an equalizer including one in the 94th minute to keep Neymar out.
With this victory, the red devils will make their second appearance in the semifinals since they first did it in 1986. Brazil’s consolation goal was scored in the 76th minute by Renato Augusto.
Russia vs Croatia
This fixture saw Russia’s fairytale run come to an end. The Russian team can look back on the tournament with pride. Croatia defeated Russia 4-3 on penalties in the quarterfinals on Saturday. Ivan Rakitic who missed a penalty in a 2014 shootout scored the deciding penalty after a 2-2 draw.
The hosts were the lowest ranked nation in the tournament and were trying to make it to the World Cup semifinals. Croatia also hasn’t reached the semifinals since the 1998 World Cup.
Sweden vs England
England took another step towards bringing it home. The three lions took on Sweden on Saturday night and emerged the victors. England played a rather dull ninety minutes of football. There was nothing in it for the fans to be proud of. England’s rather young team is headed to its first World Cup semifinal since 1990.
It took them two headed goals from defender Harry Maguire and midfielder Dele Alli and strong saves from Jordan Pickford to get the team past Sweden. The team will face Croatia in their quest to reach the final.