World Cup Round of 32 Wrap Part 3: Spain, Portugal and Argentina advance as Round of 16 is set

Photo: Lynne Sladky/AP

The FIFA World Cup Round of 32 has officially come to an end, with the final six knockout matches producing plenty of drama before confirming the complete Round of 16 bracket..

With the field now narrowed to just 16 nations, the race to lift football's biggest prize is well and truly heating up.

Spain booked their place in the Round of 16 with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Austria.

After a patient opening period, Spain took complete control, dominating possession and creating chances with their trademark passing football. Austria struggled to contain Spain's movement between the lines, with Spain comfortably progressing to the next stage, winning 3-0 in a dominant display.

Portugal survived one of the toughest fixtures of the Round of 32, defeating Croatia 2-1.

The match lived up to expectations, with both sides enjoying periods of control before Portugal's quality in the final third proved decisive. Croatia pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Portugal held firm to advance.

With 4 disallowed goals in the second half, this game was a thriller, with Croatia devastated after their late equaliser was ruled out by the snickometer.

Switzerland continued their impressive tournament with a professional 2-0 victory over Algeria.

The Swiss remained organised defensively while taking their chances when they mattered most, never allowing Algeria to build sustained momentum.

Their disciplined approach has earned them a spot in the last 16, Johan Manzambi impressed yet again.

One of the most dramatic matches of the Round of 32 came between Australia and Egypt.

Locked at 1-1 after extra time, neither side could find a winner despite several late opportunities, sending the contest to penalties. In a remarkable decision, Mat Ryan was substituted on for the shootout.

However, Egypt held their nerve from the spot to eliminate the Socceroos, ending Australia's impressive tournament in heartbreaking fashion after another resilient performance.

Argentina were pushed all the way before defeating Cape Verde 3-2 in the tournament's most entertaining contest.

Cape Verde once again proved why they have been one of the surprise stories of the World Cup, refusing to back down against Lionel Scaloni's side and threatening an upset until the final whistle.

Argentina's class ultimately prevailed, but the Albiceleste know they'll need to tighten up defensively as the competition reaches its business end. Could be a wake up call, but Cape Verde were brilliant despite the loss.

Colombia rounded out the Round of 32 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana.

It wasn't a classic, but Colombia's defensive discipline and clinical finishing were enough to book their place in the last 16. Ghana created very few opportunities throughout the contest and couldn't find the breakthrough needed to force extra time.

The Round of 16 is now locked in:

Canada vs Morocco
Paraguay vs France
Brazil vs Norway
Mexico vs England
United States vs Belgium
Spain vs Portugal
Switzerland vs Colombia
Argentina vs Egypt