Defending champions Argentina were pushed to the absolute limit by World Cup debutants Cape Verde, escaping with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory thanks to a heartbreaking 111th-minute own goal from Diney Borges. In what will be remembered as one of the most thrilling matches in World Cup history, the tournament holders came within moments of suffering one of the competition’s greatest-ever shocks. Cape Verde, ranked 64th in the FIFA rankings and the lowest-ranked nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout stages, refused to be overawed by the occasion. Against the reigning world champions, they twice fought back from behind,…
Author: Damilola Amuda (Goalgetter)
Egypt created a new chapter in their football history by defeating Australia on penalties to secure their first-ever World Cup knockout victory, booking a place in the last 16 where they will face either Argentina or Cape Verde. Playing in their first World Cup knockout match since 1934, Egypt struck first against the run of play at Dallas Stadium. Karim Hafez delivered an inviting cross from the right, and Emam Ashour rose unmarked to head powerfully past Patrick Beach after just 13 minutes. Ashour’s second goal of the tournament also marked another milestone, taking Egypt’s tally to six goals at…
Portugal booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 in dramatic fashion, with Gonçalo Ramos scoring a stunning 94th-minute winner to seal a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia. In a match packed with drama, controversy, and late twists, Cristiano Ronaldo finally opened his World Cup knockout-stage scoring account, while Ramos emerged as Portugal’s unlikely hero when it mattered most. Despite Portugal dominating possession in the opening half, it was Croatia who struck first after the break. Just eight minutes into the second half, Ivan Perišić capitalised on a loose clearance from Rúben Dias, firing emphatically into…
Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Austria in Los Angeles, delivering another composed performance to continue their impressive tournament run. Despite controlling possession from the outset, Spain found Austria difficult to break down during the opening half hour. They thought they had taken the lead when Marc Cucurella fired home from a partially cleared corner, but the goal was ruled out after Pau Cubarsí was controversially judged to have fouled Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager in the build-up. Spain finally found the breakthrough just before halftime. Marc Cucurella turned…
The United States have booked their place in the World Cup round of 16 after a 2–0 victory over Bosnia, though they will have to face Belgium without Folarin Balogun following his late red card. Goals from Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman proved decisive, securing progression in front of an energised crowd in Santa Clara. The atmosphere reached its peak just before half-time when Balogun opened the scoring, giving the hosts a deserved lead heading into the break. However, the match took a controversial turn in the 62nd minute. Balogun was initially allowed to continue play after a heavy challenge…
In one of the most dramatic knockout matches of the World Cup, Belgium produced a stunning turnaround to defeat Senegal 3–2 after extra time in a pulsating last-32 encounter. For much of the match, Senegal looked in control. Goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr had put them firmly in command, and with just minutes left in normal time, they appeared set to knock Belgium out of the competition. Belgium’s revival began late in the 86th minute, with substitute Romelu Lukaku making an immediate impact. He reduced the deficit by flicking in a cross from Thomas Meunier, offering a lifeline…
England narrowly avoided one of the greatest upsets in their World Cup history as captain Harry Kane struck twice late on to inspire a dramatic comeback victory over DR Congo in Atlanta, to secure a place in the last 16. The Three Lions were stunned just seven minutes into the match when Brian Cipenga fired DR Congo ahead in what was the African nation’s first-ever World Cup knockout fixture. England struggled to find their rhythm, while DR Congo defended resolutely and looked on course for a famous victory. England created chances but were repeatedly denied by an outstanding performance from…
Erling Haaland delivered another decisive moment on the biggest stage, scoring a late winner as Norway edged past Ivory Coast 2-1 to book a place in the World Cup last 16, where they will face Brazil. The Manchester City striker had been unusually quiet in Dallas for much of the contest, as both sides battled through a tense and evenly matched encounter. The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 86th minute, when Haaland reacted quickest in the box to bundle home from close range after Patrick Berg’s cutback, sealing a dramatic victory for the Norwegians. It was a result that underlined…
Morocco once again proved they are a force to be reckoned with on the world stage, producing a dramatic comeback to defeat the Netherlands on penalties in Monterrey and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. It was a performance filled with resilience, determination, and belief. Despite dominating large spells of the contest, Morocco found themselves trailing late in the game before producing a stunning stoppage-time equaliser that ultimately paved the way for a memorable 3-2 penalty shootout victory. The Atlas Lions controlled much of the match, creating the better opportunities, but Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen…
Germany’s hopes of lifting a fifth FIFA World Cup title came to a heartbreaking end after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay, following a tense 1-1 draw after extra time. The four-time world champions found themselves stunned just before halftime when former Premier League forward Julio Enciso rose highest to head Paraguay into a surprise lead in the 42nd minute. The goal capped a disciplined first-half display from the South Americans, who frustrated Germany with their defensive resilience and clinical finishing. Germany emerged after the break with renewed urgency and eventually found their equaliser through Kai Havertz. The…