Matchday 20 of the World Cup saw the third day of win-or-die games in the World Cup, with teams fighting to win a spot in the Round of 16.
The first clash was between Norway and Côte d’Ivoire, where the Scandinavian squad came out victorious with a late winner by Erling Haaland in the 86th minute. Next, the favorites France defeated their Swedish counterpart 3-0 with a remarkable performance by Kylian Mbappé who scored a brace to reach 18 goals in the ultimate tournament overall.
To finish the day,
co-host Mexico made history winning their first knockout match in a World Cup in 40 years after defeating Ecuador 2-0, in a game which was delayed a whole hour due to electric storms.
Take a look at all the day’s goals below!
Norway opens the score with a beautiful curl
The Vikings opened the score in the 39th minute with a beautiful corner to the far post by winger Antonio Nusa.
Côte d’Ivoire respond with an astounding individual effort
Ivory Coast managed to knot the game with an amazing goal by substitute Amad Diallo, who got himself deep into Norway’s box to bury a short-range shot for the 1-1.
Erling Haaland makes himself present with a late winner
The Norwegian beast secured his team’s spot in the Round of 16 with a late winner in the 86th minute after a through-ball by Patrick Berg who was caught by Oscar Bobb in the fox, who made the cross for the assist and the definitive 2-1.
Mbappé gets the lead for France
The French superstar opened the score in the dying minutes of the first half to give France the lead after maneuvering through the Swedish defense and sending a powerful shot into the net.
Barcola extends the lead with a Michael Olise assist
Paris Saint-Germain attacker Bradley Barcola increased France’s lead in the 53rd minute after an assist by Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise for the 2-0.
Olise denied — what a save!
What a save by Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström on Olise.
Olise denied….again!
Olise had a great look here, but could not finish thanks to Zetterström.
Mbappé makes it 3-0 with an assist from Michael Olise
Olise got his second assist of the day by providing a through ball to Mbappé, who scored to reach his 18th goal ever in a World Cup tournament.
Not a goal, but come on Barcola
Bradley Barcola sent two Sweden defenders flying by. No need for this crime against Sweden!
Julián Quiñones send the Azteca into a frenzy
Mexico’s striker ended a 50 meter run with a powerful shot to the near post after a lobbed ball by Roberto Alvarado. The striker was barely onside.
Raúl Jiménez contributes to Mexico’s historic win
Raúl Jiménez recovered the ball in Ecuador’s half after a poor attempt of a pass by the Ecuadorian defender. He then combined with Quiñones for the one-two and sent a powerful shot into the net to achieve the Mexicans’ first knockout victory in 40 years.
France will now face Paraguay in the Round of 16, after the South Americans eliminated Germany in a tense penalty shootout. Meanwhile, Norway will face Brazil, who sent Japan home with a 2-1 score. Finally, hosts Mexico will face England in an exciting match in the Azteca next Sunday.
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