The World Cup quarter-finals did not disappoint, delivering competitive matches, extra-time drama, and crucial tactical shifts.
Spain, England and Argentina have all found a way to join France in the semi-finals after battling through incredibly tough opponents.
Spain secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Belgium to advance to the semi-finals.
Spain took control early in the first half, keeping their usual high possession and breaking the deadlock in the 30th minute.
Midfielder Fabián Ruiz found the back of the net after a controversial start over Barcelona player Pedri Lopez.
However, Belgium fought back before the break, with Charles De Ketelaere grabbing an equalizer in the 41st minute to tie the game 1-1 at half-time.
The second half stayed tight, with both managers turning to their benches for fresh legs.
Spain’s manager brought on Mikel Merino in the 85th minute, and the substitute once again made an instant impact.
Just three minutes after entering the pitch, Merino scored the winner in the 88th minute, beating Thibaut Courtois to send Spain through.
Spain will now face an incredibly strong France in a massive semi-final matchup.
England fought back from a goal down to beat Norway 2-1 in extra time at Miami Stadium.
Norway started the game strongly, utilising their physical presence, and took the lead in the 36th minute through an unexpected strike from Andreas Schjelderup.
England struggled to find openings but managed to level the score right before half-time, when Jude Bellingham created something out of nothing and scored in the second minute of added time.
The second half saw a goal and penalty disallowed by VAR for the two sides, with the 1-1 scoreline holding until the end of 90 minutes.
In extra time, Bellingham turned match-winner once again, scoring his second goal of the night in the 93rd minute after reacting quickest to a powerful strike from Morgan Rogers rebounding off the keeper.
Most shockingly, Erling Haaland was taken off at the midway point of extra time and Thomas Tuchel’s side held on defensively to book their place in the next round.
Argentina overcame a disciplined Switzerland side with a 3-1 victory after extra time in Kansas City.
Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring for the reigning champions early, netting in the 10th minute.
Switzerland stayed patient and found their equalizer in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye scored from a tight angle.
The turning point came shortly after, when Swiss forward Breel Embolo was controversially shown a second yellow card for simulation after there was a VAR call for mistaken identity, leaving Switzerland with 10 men.
Argentina pushed hard against the Swiss defence but could not find a winner in normal time.
In extra time, they finally found a solution. Julián Álvarez scored a stunning 25-yard strike into the top corner in the 112th minute, before Lautaro Martínez added a third on the counterattack in added time.
Argentina will now face England in a highly anticipated semi-final.
