The 2010 champions in South Africa, Spain came out on top in the latest chapter of their fierce Iberian rivalry with Portugal, while Belgium silenced the home crowd by ending the United States’ World Cup dream.

In Dallas, La Roja edged Portugal 1-0 in a tense knockout battle to keep their hopes alive of winning a second world title. As expected, there was very little separating two of Europe’s heavyweights, with both teams creating chances in a tactical arm wrestle.

Spain’s ability to control possession and remain patient ultimately proved the difference as they found the breakthrough in the 90th minute with Mikel Merino scoring, and then showed their defensive discipline to keep Portugal at bay. The result brought an end to Portugal’s campaign and set up a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown against Belgium.

Later in Seattle, Belgium produced arguably their best performances of the tournament as they powered past co-hosts the United States with a convincing 4-1 victory. And it was certainly a performance that they were determined to deliver.

The build-up to the match was dominated by controversy surrounding American striker Folarin Balogun, whose red-card suspension was overturned shortly before the game. The decision came after US President Donald Trump confirmed that he had spoken to FIFA president Gianni Infantino about the matter, although FIFA insisted that its disciplinary process remained independent.

Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo made his very last World Cup appearance - FIFA

The late U-turn sparked criticism, with the Belgian football authorities questioning the decision and raising concerns over the precedent it could create. Even Belgium’s appeal was thrown out just hours before kick-off. However, the off-field drama ultimately had little impact once the match kicked off, with Belgium delivering a clinical display to silence the home supporters.

Charles De Ketelaere was the star of the show for the Red Devils with two goals and an assist, while Romelu Lukaku also found the back of the net late on. The Americans briefly gave themselves hope through Malik Tillman, but Belgium’s attacking quality and experience proved far too much.

The win means Belgium will now face Spain in the quarter-finals, and there is do doubting that this will go down as a classic in Los Angeles on Friday.

The final two Round of 16 fixtures will be played on Tuesday, with another two quarter-final spots up for grabs.

Defending champions Argentina will continue their title defence when they face Egypt in Miami. Lionel Scaloni’s side survived a scare in the previous round against Cape Verde, but their attacking quality makes them favourites heading into the clash. 

Egypt, however, have already shown that they are capable of frustrating bigger teams and will be looking to cause one of the shocks of the tournament. Kick-off in Atlanta is at 18:00.

The final match of the round sees Switzerland take on Colombia in Vancouver at 22:00. The Swiss have once again shown their trademark organisation and discipline, while Colombia’s pace and creativity in attack make them a dangerous opponent.

The winners of Tuesday’s matches will meet each other in the quarter-finals, completing the last-eight line-up as the race for World Cup glory enters the business end of the tournament.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport