The 20th day of the World Cup highlighted dominant performances from France and Mexico. France achieved a remarkable 3-0 win against Sweden, emphasizing their potential with two goals from Kylian Mbappe. This brings Mbappe level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race and just one goal away from equaling Messi’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record.
Mexico secured their place in the round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador, cheered by a fervent home crowd at the Azteca Stadium. This marks their first World Cup knockout win since 1986. With Canada already advancing, the United States could complete a host nation sweep if they win against Bosnia and Herzegovina tonight.
Norway achieved its first World Cup knockout stage win by defeating Ivory Coast 2-1. Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal, leading them to a matchup against Brazil in the round of 16. Surprisingly, Norway has never lost to Brazil, with two wins and two draws.
Matchday 20 results
- Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway
- France 3-0 Sweden
- Mexico 2-0 Ecuador
France’s Remarkable Attack
France, previously criticized for dull performances at the European Championship, has been vibrant this World Cup. Kylian Mbappe has scored six goals, including two against Sweden. Ousmane Dembele has four goals, and newcomers like Bradley Barcola have contributed significantly. This attacking flair contrasts with their Euro 2024 outing, marked by low-scoring and penalty wins.
Thierry Henry praised Michael Olise, calling him exceptional for his vision and playmaking ability. The French attack, featuring players like Dembele and Olise, appears more cohesive and impressive than ever before.
Haaland’s Goalscoring Feats
Erling Haaland wasted no time making his mark, scoring late to clinch Norway’s win against Ivory Coast. At age 25, Haaland has achieved 60 international goals in 53 appearances. For context, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 60th at age 31 in his 129th appearance, while Lionel Messi did so at age 30 in his 122nd appearance.
In the Premier League, Haaland’s 112 goals in 132 matches for Manchester City position him to surpass Alan Shearer’s record of 260 goals. Whether he remains in the league long enough to achieve that is uncertain, much like his pursuit of Ronaldo’s 140 Champions League goals.
Despite not matching Mbappe’s all-around game, Haaland’s positional instincts make him a deadly presence. Norway will challenge Brazil’s defense, notably Arsenal’s Gabriel, in their round-of-16 match.
The Azteca Stadium’s Influence
If England defeats DR Congo, they will face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, where the atmosphere has been intimidating for visiting teams. Mexico has thrived at home, winning all four matches without allowing a goal, supported by passionate fans.
The tournament’s distribution across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico has added diversity and excitement. Despite high ticket prices, attendance has been strong. The Azteca Stadium could have hosted more significant matches, given its storied World Cup history, including finals in 1970 and 1986. However, economic considerations led FIFA to schedule quarter-finals onward in the U.S.
Mexico aims to transform any potential U.S. quarter-final into a home game atmosphere, ensuring Azteca remains lively against either England or DR Congo.
Wednesday’s Crucial Matches
Mauricio Pochettino has set the tone for the U.S. match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Former U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard expressed confidence, but Pochettino underscores the competitive nature of the knockout stage, recalling the U.S.’s struggles against European teams.
This game also presents an opportunity, with Bosnia ranked 64th by FIFA, having struggled in recent matches. England faces DR Congo in Atlanta, while Belgium takes on Senegal in Seattle. African teams have performed strongly, urging European teams to avoid complacency.
Today’s Games
- England vs DR Congo (12pm ET; 5pm BST)
- Belgium vs Senegal (4pm ET; 9pm BST)
- United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (8pm ET; 1am BST)
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