On Monday, a stoppage-time Gabriel Martinelli winner helped Brazil to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in the 2026 World Cup, while Germany shockingly fell to a premature exit against Paraguay on penalties.
Additionally, Netherlands and Morocco played out a gritty 1-1 draw on Tuesday, with the Atlas Lions coming out on top on penalties as well.
With both Germany and the Netherlands out in the last 32, the tournament is set up for a potential dark horse to clinch World Cup glory in this year’s edition.
Ancelotti: ‘Our most complete game’
“This was the most complete game we have played [at the World Cup],” Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said, per Sky Sports.
“We had trouble in the first half as Japan were defending well, they were close and tight to us.
“In the second half, we overcame it, we got some space and put in crosses. This was an evolution [in tactics] for sure.
“At half-time I said to the players to be patient, because sooner or later we would score a goal. But we had to keep our shape to ensure we did not compromise the game further.
“Japan is a very good team, very organised, they create dangerous opportunities and get close (defensively). They are physical,” he added.
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‘I apologise to fans’ says Havertz
Germany striker Kai Havertz scored a 54th-minute equaliser to make it 1-1 vs Paraguay, but also missed a penalty which saw the four-time winners exit the tournament as early as they did.
“I’m a little lost for words. This is my second World Cup and both times it came to nothing. All I can do is apologise,” he said.
“We have to take a hard look at ourselves, especially the players, and I’m leaving the coach out of that.”
Confidence heading into later rounds for Morocco
Morocco and Man United defender Noussair Mazraoui said his team’s dramatic win against the Netherlands was one of the toughest battles they could have expected.
“A really tough game against a really tough opponent,” he said.
“One of the best opponents you can face in the world. It’s a top 10 in the world, I think a contender to eventually win the World Cup.
“The way that we managed to win today is a huge acknowledgement for us as a national team,” he concluded.
Last 16 outlook
Brazil will face either Norway or Ivory Coast on Sunday in the last 16, while Paraguay play France or Sweden and Morocco meet co-hosts Canada.
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Simon Wilkes