Brazil Stunned As England Win All-Time Classic! Round of 16 Wrap Part 1

Photo: Yuri Cortez

The first four Round of 16 fixtures have delivered everything football fans could have hoped for; dominant displays, controversial moments, a major upset and an instant classic.

Morocco ends Canada's historic run. Morocco continued their outstanding World Cup campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in Houston.

Despite Canada creating plenty of chances and enjoying long periods of possession, Morocco were clinical when it mattered most. Azzedine Ounahi starred with a brilliant brace channelling his 2022 World Cup form, before Soufiane Rahimi sealed the result in stoppage time, sending the Atlas Lions into another World Cup quarter-final. Canada's memorable home tournament comes to an end, but they leave with plenty to be proud of after reaching the knockout stages.

France were made to work much harder than expected but eventually booked their place in the last eight with a hard-fought and scrappy 1-0 victory over Paraguay.

Paraguay frustrated Didier Deschamps' side for long periods with an ultra-defensive and dirty approach, but Kylian Mbappe kept his composure from the penalty spot to score the decisive goal. The match was filled with physical challenges and controversy, yet France found a way through to continue their pursuit of a third World Cup title.

The biggest upset of the World Cup so far belonged to Norway, who stunned Brazil 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals.

An early penalty miss proved costly for Brazil, as Norway refused to panic with Erling Haaland producing another world-class performance, scoring twice to eliminate one of the pre-tournament favourites. Brazil had their lowest possession ever at a World Cup, and created very few big opportunities. Norway defended brilliantly before Haaland struck the decisive blows late in the match.

The victory sends Norway into a World Cup quarter-final and cements them as the tournament's surprise package.

England survived one of the matches of the tournament, defeating hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic encounter at the Stadion Azteca.

Jude Bellingham scored twice in the opening half before Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot to give England a crucial third goal. Mexico twice fought back through Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez, while England were forced to play most of the second half with ten men after Jarell Quansah was sent off.

Despite relentless pressure from the home side and a hostile atmosphere, England held on to book their place in the quarter-finals.

That sets up two blockbuster quarter-finals:

Morocco vs France
Norway vs England

The remaining Round of 16 fixtures will determine the other half of the draw:

Portugal vs Spain
United States vs Belgium
Argentina vs Egypt
Switzerland v Colombia