Spain: 1, Portugal: 0
Portugal’s dream is over after they mightily struggled with Spain’s defense.
Striker Cristiano Ronaldo had Portugal’s only 2 shots on target, and they were both saved by goalkeeper Unai Simon. Portugal just couldn’t muster anything offensively, it’s a question of if their stacked midfield let them down, or if Ronaldo did.
Spain’s winning goal came in the 91st minute of regular time, substitute Mikel Merino scored from a pass by substitute Ferran Torres. Spain controlled the game, mainly through defensive midfielders Rodri and Pedri, they had all the great chances, and led the possession.
Portugal’s all-time great, Ronaldo, has played his last World Cup match, ending a disappointing career at the tournament. Portugal didn’t always have the great teams they did this year, but he was certainly expecting more in his time at the World Cup.
Spain have yet to allow a goal into the Quarterfinals, and will get Belgium with a chance to continue that streak.
Player of the Match: Rodri (Manchester City)
Belgium: 4, United States: 1
The last of the host nations have fallen, with all of them going down in the Round of 16.
It didn’t take long for Belgium to get on the board, a great pass from defensive midfielder Nicolas Raskin in the ninth minute set up striker Charles De Ketelaere, who tapped it home.
The USA’s lifeline came in the 31st minute, a direct free kick from attacking midfielder Malik Tillman tied things up at 1. A fatal mistake came for the United States just after the kickoff, letting Belgium waltz in and score to make it 2-1. Left winger Leandro Trossard sent a cross in and it found the head of De Ketelaere, who scored his second of the match.
Disaster struck for the USMNT in the 57th minute, when goalkeeper Matt Freese couldn’t clear a ball outside the box, and De Ketelaere took it away, giving it to substitute Hans Vanaken, who scored on the open net.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku continued his strong tournament by adding on another goal for Belgium, ending it at 4-1. They will play Spain in the Quarterfinals, not having seen any team of their caliber yet.
Player of the Match: Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta)
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