Federer91

Or go with the originally planned preliminary round. The top 16 qualified nations from the rankings (or last world cup performance) go straight to the group stage, while the other 32 play a knockout game to fill the other 16 places. Sure it will probably suck for those teams that travel only for 1 match, but it would be an interesting start to a WC.

Senegal are such a non-entity in this match, it's embarrassing i thought they could do something..

Mbappe is clearly going to beat Klose's record. He has at least 3 more World Cups, which will have more matches as well.

Poland attacks, it's a miracle

Looks like 1/8 number is going to be without drama. The US just couldn't make a decent shot from the penalty area even though they attacked much more.

In other news, it appears that Pele's condition has worsened. It will be sad any time, but if he passes away during the World Cup it will be extremely sad.

Brazil would love to play Korea.

You mean everyone is praying for Ronaldo not to equal Eusebio's record.

Let it go man, Ecuador are boring

The armband warriors Germany, Denmark, Wales being evicted one by one is very delightful. Too bad we couldn't get England to join them, but Senegal are coming soon.

At least Germany are making progress. Last time they were last in the group, now they are 3rd and in 2026 there will be only 3 teams in a group, so they can't do worse.

Germany still wishing for Spain to pull a draw.

So Germany has 3 cross-bars hit and now having Lukaku-like 1 metre misses

Spain winning the bluff for now, but will it last, given Neuer's performance

That was even more lame goal, then the Spain ones

Lollolollool

And Croatia mind you. France and Brazil are equal for me, with Argentina bellow them, but the problem is whoever wins has first Croatia, then Brazil and if they survive eventually Argentina in the 1/2. While in the other section you could face the strongest team France at the 1/2.

Croatia loving this right now.

Costa Rica needs one more goal and Spain are out, if they lose to Japan.

Brazil / Italy / Poland have won dozen of major volleyball championships this way, doesn't pain them one bit

Germany are going to be last again Now Spain are in trouble lol

Spain following my instructions. Good news for Spain and Croatia.

That was a weak goalkeeper attempt from Simon

[hide] Knockout Stage December 3rd - December 18th, 2022 16 Nations, The Winners of each Round of 16-Matches will qualify for the Quarterfinals. Round of 16 - From Group A to D Date & Time (GMT +3) Nation 1 T1 T2 Nation 2 December 3rd 2022, h. 18:00 Netherlands 0 1 United States December 3rd 2022, h. 22:00 Argentina 3 0 Australia December 4th 2022, h. 18:00 France 2 0 Poland December 4th 2022, h. 22:00 England 1 1 Senegal [/hide]

Spain to lose now, so they play Morocco and ditch the Brazil / Argentina bracket