Matchday 22 of the World Cup saw the second-to-last of day of the Round of 32, with another 3 teams securing their spot in the Round of 16.
In the first game of the day, Spain seems to be taking its game up a notch after pretty some underwhelming performances in the group stage. The Iberian squad gave us a show of what they can do by dispatching Austria home with a 3-0 with help of a brace by attacker Mikel Oyarzabal. Spain also showed defensive composure, making it to the Round of 16 as the only
team, besides hosts Mexico, to keep their goal undefeated so far.
The second act of the day saw Portugal overcome Croatia with a late winner in stoppage time. Also of note was Cristiano Ronaldo’s first goal in a World Cup knockout stage, after slotting in a penalty in the 68th minute to knot the game 1-1 at that moment. The Portuguese would eventually seal the deal in the 90+4’ minute with a goal by Gonçalo Ramos in a nail-biting clash with several VAR interventions and a staggering 3 goals disallowed.
Switzerland rounded out the day’s activities with a clear 2-0 victory over Algeria with goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye to secure his next round spot.
Take a look at all the day’s goals below!
Spain finally breaks the seal
After completely dominating Austria, yet not being able to take the lead, Spain finally got on the scoreboard in the 36th minute with a grass-cutter cross from Marc Cucurella, which found striker Mikerl Oyarzabal in the box for the 1-0.
Pedro Porro finds the ball in the box and heads it home
Álex Baena crossed the ball after Cucurella poked it from the defender’s feet; Pedro Porro found the ball with a header after a run into the box to increase the lead.
Second goal, second assist to seal the deal
Cucurella got his second assist of the day by delivering a pinpoint early cross to find Oyarzabal, who achieved a brace. Same combination, same end result.
Ivan Perišić puts Croatia ahead
It took Croatia until the second half to open the score, but Ivan Perišić managed to do it in the 53rd minute, after a far post cross courtesy of Josip Stanišić.
Ronaldo makes the most of the opportunity from the penalty spot
Portugal was awarded a penalty after a VAR review and Cristiano Ronaldo was not going to let that go to waste. This makes the Portugal legend’s first goal in a World Cup knockout stage ever.
Rafael Leão sends Portugal to the next round with a late winner
Gonçalo Ramos came out on top of three Croatian defender to head the ball into the net in stoppage time after a beautiful cross Rafael Leão, securing Portugal’s spot in the Round of 16.
Would it be a World cup without a major controversy?
Croatia thought it had tied the game…
But the modern game got in the way…again.
Don’t cry because it’s over…
Former Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić shared a moment after the game.
Johan Manzambi dances his way through the Algeria defense for the early lead
Johan Manzambi decided to take matters into his own hands with a superb solo run, before assisting Breel Embolo for the 1-0.
Second half, second goal for Switzerland
Dan Ndoye pounced on a poor clearance attempt from Algeria’s right-back Rafik Belghali and slotted the ball in with a nice curled shot just 46 seconds into the second half, securing Switzerland’s place in the Round of 16.
Portugal and Spain will face each other next Monday at Dallas Stadium, while Switzerland will wait for the winner of today’s match between Colombia and Ghana.
These were all the goals of World Cup matchday 22. [Make sure to catch our recap of the day’s results here!]
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