Alfie Pond

Late goals defined the World Cup round-of-32, showcasing thrilling finishes and strategic mastery.

Argentina stages a dramatic late comeback to defeat Cape Verde Islands 3-2, with Lionel Messi's pivotal 29th-minute goal setting the tone. Despite trailing, Argentina's 64% possession allows them to dominate the latter stages, culminating in a decisive late surge that secures victory. Messi emerges as the hero, orchestrating the comeback with his crucial contributions.

Argentina have scored 16 goals from 8 different players but needed extra time in two of three knockout matches. England have 13 goals from just three scorers — Bellingham and Kane account for 12 — but won their quarter-final with a 93rd-minute Bellingham strike. One team has depth. The other has destiny. The data reveals a semi-final shaped by mirror formations, contrasting vulnerabilities, and two very different paths to survival.

In an open contest marked by end-to-end action, Brazil and Morocco draw 1-1. Ismael Saibari's goal in the 21st minute gives Morocco an early lead, setting the tone for a dynamic match. Despite Brazil's slight edge in shots, 14 to Morocco's 12, they only manage an equalizer, underscoring the balanced nature of the encounter.

In a dramatic late comeback, Argentina defeated England 2-1, overturning a deficit established by Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute goal. Despite England's initial lead, Enzo Fernández spearheaded Argentina's resurgence, contributing to a dominant 15-shot effort that overwhelmed England's defense and secured victory.

England's shocking collapse highlighted by a mere four passes in 19 minutes, underscoring their tactical disarray.

France have scored 16 goals — and conceded just 4 — across seven matches, yet their first tournament defeat to Spain exposed a finishing vulnerability that England may look to exploit. England have won five of seven, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane sharing 12 goals between them, but conceded eight times — twice as many as France. Both teams score heavily from the second half onward. Both arrive wounded. Sportami identifies the patterns that will shape the World Cup's third-place playoff.

France secures a convincing 2-0 victory over Morocco, with Kylian Mbappé's decisive 60th-minute goal breaking the deadlock. Dominating the match's DNA, France's 8-1 shots on target advantage underscores their offensive control, culminating in a commanding performance that leaves Morocco unable to mount a significant challenge.

Germany's commanding 7-1 victory over Curacao is defined by their possession dominance, which allowed them to dictate the match tempo and territory. The turning point arrives early with Felix Nmecha's 6th-minute goal, setting the tone for Germany's control. Kai Havertz emerges as the hero, contributing significantly to Germany's 12-2 shots on target advantage.

Iran stages a comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against New Zealand after Elijah Just's early goal in the 7th minute puts the Kiwis ahead. Despite New Zealand's superior accuracy with 8 shots on target, Iran's resilience allows them to equalize, highlighting their ability to capitalize on limited opportunities.