Uruguay 0:2 France.
Losing Cavani meant Uruguay’s over achievers got found out. For all their energy in the first half, one headed goal and one awful keeping mistake meant they were never getting back into this game. France barely left second gear. Contenders, for sure
— Pritpal S Tamber (@pstamber) July 6, 2018
Brazil 1:2 Belgium.
Perhaps the best match of the tournament. Extraordinarily fast. Amazing skill throughout. Evenly matched. In the end, it came down to an own goal and a defence that over-committed. Brazil’s response was often too narrow. Neymar insufferable. Courtois sublime.
— Pritpal S Tamber (@pstamber) July 6, 2018
Sweden 0:2 England.
Two largely limited teams played out a cagey game that was always going to come down to set pieces. Maguire’s header was well-fought. Alli’s too easy; where was the marking? The last 30 saw Sweden’s formidable 2 lines of 4 finally fray. England cruised. Tense
— Pritpal S Tamber (@pstamber) July 7, 2018
Russia 2:2 Croatia.
Croatia go through on penalties.
Despite four goals, this was a poor game. But no one expected Russia to do so well. They are a limited team but they’ve played out of their skins, today as much as the rest of the tournament. Croatia seem to be getting worse
— Pritpal S Tamber (@pstamber) July 7, 2018