Qatar 2022: Knockout stages Analysis

The World Cup knockout stages have undertaken, with 16 teams remaining in Qatar following the preliminary stages.32 teams traveled to the Middle East with the hope of competing beyond the first two weeks. However, after many twists and turns, that figure has been cut in half.

And, with the group stages completed on Friday night, the last-16 fixtures have been released. There was plenty of drama in the final round of group games, with a number of high-profile casualties.

Germany was the most notable team to be eliminated, having been eliminated after Japan defeated Spain on a chaotic Thursday night. Uruguay were eliminated less than 24 hours later as a result of South Korea's late winner against Portugal, which left Luis Suarez in tears.

Overall, so far, the World Cup has impressed everyone on its way, not only due to controversy but also when it comes to excitement, architecture and more! If you want to read the full knockout stage analysis, check it out!

Group A fixtures, results & standings

The Netherlands were the favorites to win Group A, and they did so, albeit not as easily as everyone expected. However, they were overall solid, conceding only one goal in three games, with Cody Gakpo in particular shining for the Dutch, scoring in all three games.

Senegal bounced back from a 2-0 loss to the Netherlands with victories over Qatar and Ecuador to finish second in the group. Ecuador will be disappointed after leading the group until their final game and losing to a late goal from Kalidou Koulibaly. Qatar made history for all the wrong reasons by becoming the first World Cup host nation to fail to win a single game.

Group B fixtures, results & standings

With the exception of the goalless draw against the United States, England justified their status as favorites by defeating Iran and Wales with strong, dominant, and comfortable performances, and thus topping the group.

While there was a lot of optimism surrounding the USA's chances in this World Cup, there was still some doubt that they would make it past the group stages. The Americans, on the other hand, surprised many with their toughness, conceding only one goal in three games (none from open play) and remaining unbeaten.

Iran would be disappointed if they did not qualify. They were one goal away from finishing second in the group, thanks to Christian Pulisic's goal.

Wales did not appear for either of their games against Iran or England, and were easily outrun by both. They will now concentrate on reuniting with the younger generation and qualifying for 2026.

Group C fixtures, results & standings

Argentina rebounded from a surprise loss to Saudi Arabia by easily dispatching Mexico and Poland 2-0, topping the group.

Poland barely advanced to the next round of games, thanks to their excellent disciplinary record and solid defense, which gave them an advantage over Mexico.

Mexico left it too late to advance to the knockout stages, and they will be especially disappointed with the chances they missed in their final game.

While Saudi Arabia was unable to build on their unexpected first-day victory over Argentina, they will leave the tournament with their heads held high and memories that will be remembered for generations.

Group D fixtures, results & standings

Champions in the making France qualified for the Round of 16 by finishing first in Group D. Didier Deschamp's team demonstrated their quality on the field, demonstrating why they are 'Hot Favourites' to win the trophy again. The French team won their first two games but dropped points against Tunisia despite missing key players.

Australia surprised everyone by defeating Denmark in the knockout stages. After losing to group leaders France in their first match, the Socceroos brushed aside Tunisia and secured qualification by defeating Denmark.

Denmark was left disappointed after failing to advance from the group stage. The team fought hard against France but couldn't hold on.

Group E fixtures, results & standings

Japan proved to be yet another surprise package, finishing at the top of a difficult group for the Asian team. They were the underdogs in Group E, which also included former champions Spain and Germany. However, the Blue Samurais pulled off two huge upsets, defeating both Spain and Germany to take the top spot. Despite losing 1-0 to Costa Rica, Japan finished ahead of the 2010 and 2014 World Cup champions due to the two upsets. After thrashing Costa Rica 7-0, it appeared that Luis Enrique's Spain would secure the top spot in Group E. However, a draw against Germany and a stunning upset against Japan in their final match.

After a shocking exit from the group stage in 2018, Hansi Flick was unable to change Germany's fate, as the team was eliminated in the same manner. A first-round loss to a tenacious Japanese team put them in a difficult position. They shared the spoils with Spain, and despite winning 4-2 against Costa Rica, Spain's superior goal difference meant the Germans were eliminated from the group stage for the second time in a row. Costa Rica began their World Cup campaign with a deflating 7-0 loss to Spain, but they were able to diligently rebound by defeating Japan 1-0 the following game. They were unable to hold on to their lead against Germany, and were defeated 4-2 at the final whistle, finishing last.

Group F fixtures, results & standings

Morocco emerged as the biggest surprise package in Group F, with the Atlas Lions finishing at the top of the table. Following a goalless draw with Croatia in the first match, Morocco produced a major upset by defeating favorites Belgium in the second match. They finished their fairytale group stage run with a routine 2-1 victory over Canada to advance to the knockout stages.

Croatia, the 2018 World Cup finalists, qualified for the Round of 16 by a hair's breadth. The Vatrenis were held by Morocco in their first match, but a 4-1 thrashing of Canada meant they only needed a point against Belgium to qualify, which they did.

Belgium's Golden Generation delivered a dismal performance in Qatar, bowing out in the group stages. The Red Devils, who are expected to finish first in Group F, began their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Canada. Belgium finished third after a 2-1 loss to Morocco and a goalless draw with Croatia.

Although Canada finished last in the group, the Reds would have plenty of positives to take home. Alphonso Davies scored Canada's first World Cup goal, and with plenty of talent flourishing in the country, the country could present a formidable challenge when it hosts the next World Cup in 2026.

Group G fixtures, results & standings

Brazil advanced to the next round and took first place with two narrow victories over Serbia and Switzerland, but were shocked by Cameroon on the final day.

Aside from their loss to Brazil, Switzerland performed admirably, defeating Cameroon and Serbia to finish second.

Cameroon will be disappointed to be eliminated from the tournament despite their efforts, but they will be proud to be the first African team to defeat Brazil at the World Cup.

Serbia displayed a lot of heart and grit in their matches, but all they had to show for it was a point from their draw with Cameroon.

Group H fixtures, results & standings

Portugal qualified for the next round with solid victories over Ghana and Uruguay, but were shocked by a shock defeat to South Korea.

South Korea demonstrated heart in their performances and were rewarded with a late win over Portugal, which helped them qualify for the Round of 16.

Uruguay will feel cheated for being eliminated based on goals scored despite having the same number of points as South Korea.

Ghana showed great resilience in all of their games, but aside from their win over South Korea, they didn't have much to show for it, with losses to Portugal and Uruguay.