Croatia emerged victorious against Iceland with a 2-1 win in their final Group D match at the Rostov Arena, securing their place in the next round against Denmark. Despite numerous changes to the Croatian lineup, they managed to maintain their winning streak, although their performance was not entirely convincing. Iceland displayed commendable spirit and determination, creating several opportunities but failing to capitalize on them. Key moments included a goal from Badelj, a penalty converted by Sigurdsson, and a late winning strike from Perisic. The article highlights the importance of Luka Modric to Croatia's midfield, the potential risks of making too many changes to a team's lineup, Croatia's depth of talent, and Sigurdsson's leadership for Iceland.

Belgium has advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after defeating Brazil with a score of 2-1. An own goal by Fernandinho and a powerful strike from Kevin De Bruyne secured the victory for Belgium. Despite Brazil's possession and improved performance in the second half, including a goal by Renato Augusto, Belgium's counter-attacking strategy and crucial saves by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois helped them maintain their lead. Neymar's diving incident was highlighted as a negative aspect of his play. Belgium is set to face France in what is anticipated to be an exciting semi-final match.

The article by Alexander Macrae provides an analysis of how France won the World Cup, focusing on key players and tactics. Kylian Mbappe is highlighted as a standout player whose goals were crucial to France's success, including his performance against Argentina. Antoine Griezmann's experience and ability to handle pressure are also noted as vital to the French team. Raphael Varane's defensive leadership is credited as well. The article discusses the team's tactics, suggesting that coach Didier Deschamps' strategy was effective, even when it led to a less exciting game, such as the draw with Denmark. The turning point for France is identified as their win against Argentina, which set the tone for their subsequent victories and ultimately their World Cup win.

France emerged as the 2018 World Champions with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Moscow. The match saw an own goal by Mario Mandzukic, a VAR-awarded penalty scored by Antoine Griezmann, and goals from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe. Croatia's efforts included a goal from Ivan Perisic and a goal following a mistake by French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. The article discusses the performance of the French team, the presence and reactions of French President Emmanuel Macron, the impact of Kylian Mbappe, the controversy surrounding the use of VAR, and a potential dive by Griezmann that led to the opening goal. The World Cup is praised for its excitement and memorable moments.

Croatia has advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after winning a penalty shootout against Russia with a score of 4-3. The match saw Russia initially taking the lead with a goal by Denis Cheryshev, but Croatia quickly equalized with a header from Andrej Kramaric. The game went into extra time where Domagoj Vida scored for Croatia, but Russia's Mario Fernandes equalized near the end of extra time. The missed penalty by Fernandes allowed Croatia to secure their semi-final spot with Ivan Rakitic scoring the decisive penalty. Croatia is set to face England in the semi-finals. The article also highlights the fighting spirit of the Russian team, Cheryshev's impressive goal, and the overall drama and excitement of football as showcased in this match.

France has advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after defeating Uruguay with a score of 2-0. The French team scored goals through Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann. Uruguay's performance was hindered by the absence of Edinson Cavani, and their goalkeeper Fernando Muslera made a critical error that led to a goal. France's Hugo Lloris made a significant save that kept the team ahead, and his encounter with a dragonfly became a humorous highlight. France will now prepare to face either Brazil or Belgium in the semi-final.

England has advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after defeating Sweden 2-0, with goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli. The article discusses the performance of key players such as Maguire and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who made crucial saves during the match. It also reflects on the Swedish team's performance, which was seen as underwhelming. The piece touches on the historical significance of England reaching the semi-finals, a feat not achieved since 1990, and the growing excitement among English fans, encapsulated by the popular chant 'football's coming home'. The author suggests that the excitement will reach new heights if England manages to win the tournament.

England has advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win against Colombia, with Eric Dier scoring the winning penalty. The article highlights five key takeaways from the match: England's historic penalty shoot-out victory, the controversy over Wilmar Barrios' headbutt, Colombian tactics, Jordan Pickford's crucial save, and the upcoming quarter-final matchups. The author notes England's previous penalty woes, debates the fairness of Colombian tactics, praises Pickford's performance, and anticipates exciting quarter-final games, especially between Brazil and Belgium.

Sweden has advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals after defeating Switzerland 1-0. The match's only goal came from a deflected shot by Emil Forsberg. The game was tightly contested, with few clear-cut chances for either side. Switzerland's best opportunity was a header by Haris Seferovic, which was saved by Robin Olsen. Late in the match, a penalty awarded to Sweden was overturned by VAR, and a free kick was given instead. Despite the lack of quality and excitement in the game, Sweden's resilience and defensive strength were highlighted, as well as the effective use of VAR. The article also mentions that Sweden will face the winner of the England vs. Colombia match in the quarter-finals.

Belgium has advanced to the World Cup Quarter Final after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Japan. The match was scoreless at halftime, but Japan took a 2-0 lead with goals from Genki Haraguchi and Takeshi Inui. Belgium's comeback began with a fortuitous goal by Jan Vertonghen, followed by a header from Marouane Fellaini to level the score. The winning goal came from a counter-attack finished by Nacer Chadli. The article highlights the excitement of the match, Japan's commendable performance, Vertonghen's unusual goal, the Belgian team's spirit, and the anticipation for the upcoming Quarter Final between Belgium and Brazil.