Yesterday closed out the Round of 32 with four matches that delivered drama in bunches — and today the Round of 16 gets properly underway, with Canada's home-crowd moment the centerpiece of the evening.
Yesterday's Results
Portugal 2–1 Croatia — This one had everything. Croatia took the lead through Ivan Perisic in the 53rd minute and looked the better side for long stretches, but Portugal leveled through a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty after a VAR review spotted a foul on Renato Veiga. Then, in the fourth minute of stoppage time, substitute Gonçalo Ramos headed home a brilliant Rafael Leão pass to send Portugal through. Croatia thought they'd equalized even deeper into added time, but Josko Gvardiol's goal was ruled out for offside — a brutal ending for Luka Modrić, who may have just played his last World Cup match. Ronaldo, notably, scored his first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout game. Full match report via Al Jazeera
Switzerland 2–0 Algeria — A clean, professional performance from the Swiss, who advance to the Round of 16 having conceded nothing on the day. Switzerland were the group winners from their stage and have looked composed throughout the tournament.
Australia 1–1 (2–4 pens) Egypt — Egypt made history. A 1–1 draw after extra time sent this one to penalties in Dallas, and the Pharaohs held their nerve to win 4–2 on spot kicks — their first-ever knockout-round victory at a men's World Cup. Australia's Harry Souttar blazed the first penalty over the bar, and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington hit the crossbar late in the shootout to leave Egypt's Hossam Abdelmaguid with the winning kick. Mohamed Salah, playing through a hamstring issue, was largely quiet but converted his penalty with ice-cold composure. Full match report via AP
Argentina 3–2 (a.e.t.) Cape Verde — The reigning champions needed extra time to see off tournament debutants Cape Verde, a result that will raise eyebrows even if Argentina ultimately got through. The match went to 3–2 after 90 minutes proved insufficient — a nervy night in Miami for the defending champions, who now face Egypt and Mohamed Salah in the Round of 16.
Today's Fixtures
Colombia vs Ghana — Round of 32 — 2:30am The final Round of 32 match, and one that wraps up the bracket before the Round of 16 gets fully rolling — watch whether Colombia's attacking quality can assert itself early, or whether Ghana can make this a scrappy, physical contest that goes deep.
Canada vs Morocco — Round of 16 — 6pm, Houston This is the match Canadian fans have been building toward all tournament. Canada topped their group and have been one of the tournament's better stories, but Morocco are no easy draw — they won their group too and have been defensively disciplined throughout. The question is whether Canada's attacking energy, which has been electric at times, can unlock a Moroccan backline that has conceded very little. Reuters fixture details
Paraguay vs France — Round of 16 — 10pm, Philadelphia France demolished Sweden 3–0 in the Round of 32 and have looked like genuine title contenders, while Paraguay pulled off one of the tournament's biggest upsets by eliminating Germany on penalties. France will be heavy favorites, but Paraguay have already proven they can absorb pressure and punish on the counter — Kylian Mbappé and company will need to be patient.
Around the Tournament
Ronaldo honors Diogo Jota. After Portugal's win over Croatia, Cristiano Ronaldo pulled on a No. 21 red Portugal shirt — Jota's number — as he greeted teammates and opponents, and held up Jota's jersey for a team photo. Jota died nearly a year ago in a car accident alongside André Silva; on the same day as the match, Liverpool unveiled a sculpture paying tribute to both players. A genuinely moving moment at the end of a chaotic night. USA Today
Messi's Golden Boot lead and a date with Salah. Lionel Messi extended his Golden Boot lead and his streak of scoring in consecutive World Cup matches, per AP, even as Argentina were pushed all the way to extra time by Cape Verde. The reward for surviving? A Round of 16 clash against Egypt — meaning Messi vs. Salah is now officially on the schedule. AP
Germany to open Klopp talks. Reuters reports that the DFB will begin discussions with Jürgen Klopp after parting ways with Julian Nagelsmann following Germany's penalty exit to Paraguay. The timing is striking — Klopp has been linked with the job for years, and the World Cup exit has apparently accelerated the timeline. Reuters
Tonight in Houston, Canada get the stage they've earned. If they can handle the occasion, this tournament is about to get a lot louder north of the border.
