Portugal and co-hosts the United States have been eliminated from the FIFA World Cup following defeats on Monday, while England are through to the quarter-finals after an impressive Round of 16 victory.
Portugal’s World Cup journey came to an end after suffering a 1-0 defeat to neighbouring rivals Spain, shutting Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream of ever winning a World Cup trophy. In a tightly contested match, Spain capitalized on their chances and defended resolutely to deny Portugal an equalizer, ending the Portuguese side’s hopes of lifting the coveted trophy.
Meanwhile, Belgium delivered a commanding performance to eliminate the United States with a convincing 4-1 victory. The Europeans took control early in the match and remained dominant throughout, exposing defensive lapses by the hosts to comfortably book their place in the quarter-finals.
With the result, Belgium advanced to face Spain in what promises to be one of the standout quarter-final fixtures of the tournament.
The Three Lions secured their place in the last eight after overcoming Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. England held their nerve in a closely contested match to continue their pursuit of a first World Cup title since 1966.
Their reward is a quarter-final clash against Norway, who produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by knocking out five-time world champions Brazil with a 1-0 victory.
England’s progression means they remain among the favourites to challenge for the title, while Portugal and the United States join the growing list of nations whose World Cup dreams have come to an end.
The quarter-final lineup is beginning to take shape, with England, Norway, Spain, Belgium, France and Morocco already through, while the remaining Round of 16 fixtures will determine the final two teams to complete the last eight.
