The 20th day of the World Cup showcased decisive wins as France and Mexico claimed emphatic victories. France defeated Sweden 3-0, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice, matching Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. Mbappe is only one goal behind his former teammate’s all-time World Cup scoring record.
Mexico also advanced to the round of 16, achieving a 2-0 victory against Ecuador at the Azteca Stadium. This marked Mexico’s first win in a World Cup knockout game since 1986. With Canada also through, the United States hopes to make it a complete success for the host nations in their upcoming match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Norway’s Historic Win
Norway secured their first-ever World Cup knockout stage victory, defeating Ivory Coast 2-1 with a late goal by Erling Haaland. Norway will now face Brazil, a team they have never lost to in previous encounters.
Matchday 20 Results
- Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway
- France 3-0 Sweden
- Mexico 2-0 Ecuador
France’s Impressive Attack
Critics previously deemed France’s attack as lackluster during the last European Championship. However, this World Cup has shown a transformation. Mbappe leads with six goals, and support from Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, and Michael Olise showcases their collective strength. Former player Thierry Henry emphasized Olise’s exceptional vision and creativity. France is preparing to face Paraguay on Saturday.
Erling Haaland’s Record-Breaking Potential
At 25, Haaland has scored 60 international goals in 53 appearances for Norway. This feat outpaces stars like Ronaldo and Messi. In the Premier League, Haaland has 112 goals in 132 matches for Manchester City, chasing Alan Shearer’s record of 260 goals.
Brazil will be favored over Norway in their next match, but identifying Haaland as a key threat won’t make him easier to stop.
The Azteca Stadium’s World Cup Role
The Azteca Stadium has been a formidable venue for Mexico, who won all their home games without conceding a goal. With the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, diverse experiences have enriched the World Cup. Attendances have been high, despite aggressive ticket pricing.
The Azteca Stadium, with its rich history, would have been an ideal final venue. Unfortunately, FIFA opted for the U.S. for quarter-finals onward. However, Mexico’s fans could still create a strong home atmosphere in potential U.S. matches.
Upcoming Matches
Mauricio Pochettino calls tonight’s U.S. match against Bosnia and Herzegovina a “World Cup final” due to its significance. The U.S. has previously struggled against European teams, making this game crucial. Bosnia, at 64th in the FIFA rankings, is known for their resilience.
Elsewhere, England faces DR Congo, and Belgium plays Senegal. While the European teams are favored, African teams have demonstrated strong performances, leaving no room for complacency.
Today’s Schedule
- 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)