World Cup 2026 Quarter-finals Recap


France vs. Morocco 2-0

France's Mbappe had a penalty kick at the 27th minute but it got blocked. Other than that, it was a stalemate in the first half. In the 59th minute, a goal was finally put in by Mbappe with his individual shooting skill at the perimeter of the penalty box. In the 65th minute, it was time Dembele's one man show as he scored on his own as well. Morocco tried to create opportunities for goal as they passed around and went forward. Morocco was trailing but they were surprisingly not rushing; they needed to increase the pace to be threatening. France also looked threatening in attack. Morocco had lots of possession but they were often intercepted.

Spain vs. Belgium 2-1


Spain showed some magical passing plays highlighted by individual skills and dominated possession. Thus, they scored in the 29th minute. Belgium needed to catch up so they went forward and they successfully did so at the 40th minute from a good cross and a header connection. The game got interesting at the end of first half. In the second half, both sides took turns threatening each other. Spain had most of the ball and they went forward well but the final move was lackluster and they were too careful in making goal opportunities that led to them missing their chances. As the possession was one-sided, Belgium had to rely on counter-attacking. At the 87th minute, Belgium's keeper didn't hold the ball and the loose ball was kicked in by the Spain striker nearby. Belgium made an effort to equalize as they rushed their way forward in the last moments of the game but to no avail. Despite Spain not doing great offensively, they were still able to win thanks to good luck. Courtois, Belgium's keeper, being substituted due to injury may also have been the decider as he was one of the greatest keepers of the tournament and he wasn't there to guard the net.

Norway vs. England 1-1 (ET 0-1)

 

England dominated possession and Norway looked to counter. When Norway had the ball, they also tried to keep possession. At the 35th minute, Kane was brought down on the ground but foul was not called so the ball was taken and then Norway suddenly shot a long-range one that looked more like a cross but became a goal. England looked urgent now to equalize. Norway's attack became dynamic as well and had close chances. At 1 minute of stop-itch time in first half, Bellingham's dribbling and shooting skills shined in the box as he scored and England drew level. England's attack improved thereafter. The stalemate remained in the second half so they went into extra time. From the start of extra time, England was threatening so opportunity eventually came to them. After the 92nd minute, Bellingham made a rebounding goal. Norway did their best to go forward but couldn't make that decisive move in the end and Haaland was substituted probably due to fatigue so their options for offence was weaker.

Argentina vs. Switzerland 1-1 (ET 2-0)

Argentina scored first with a corner kick and header in the 10th minute. They looked like the stronger team in the first half. In the second half, Switzerland made an effort to equalize and went forward so they eventually succeeded in doing so. That led to extra time. Argentina showed class in attack scoring two additional goals and becoming the victors.

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