After a two-day layoff, Friday marked the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, with France and Belgium each defeating South American powers to secure their tickets to the semifinals.
The day's first game between France and Uruguay saw the French side cruise to a 2-0 victory after goals in the 40th and 61st minute. Unfortunately for the Uruguayans, the second goal was a result of a goalkeeper fumble from palming the ball that eventually deflected into the net.
In the second game of the day, Belgium took an early lead against Brazil after an own goal in the 13th minute by Fernandinho, who had tried to head away a corner kick. A goal in the 31st minute from Kevin De Bruyne further extended Belgium's lead.
Brazil managed to reduce the lead with a goal in the 76th minute, but it was too little too late for them to mount a full comeback. Belgium defeated Brazil 2-1.
The quarterfinals continue on Saturday with Sweden facing England (9 AM CT) and hosts Russia taking on Croatia (1 PM CT). Here's a look at how the teams performed in the 2014 edition:
Russia <img alt="🇷🇺" aria-label="Emoji: Flag of Russia" class="Emoji Emoji--forText" draggable="false" src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f1f7-1f1fa.png" style="border: 0px; height: 1.25em; width: 1.25em; padding: 0px 0.05em 0px 0.1em; vertical-align: -0.2em; color: rgb(20, 23, 26); font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(245, 248, 250);" title="Flag of Russia"> |
Eliminated at Group stage when they finished third in their group |
Croatia <img alt="🇭🇷" aria-label="Emoji: Flag of Croatia" class="Emoji Emoji--forText" draggable="false" src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f1ed-1f1f7.png" style="border: 0px; height: 1.25em; width: 1.25em; padding: 0px 0.05em 0px 0.1em; vertical-align: -0.2em; color: rgb(20, 23, 26); font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(245, 248, 250);" title="Flag of Croatia"> |
Eliminated at Group stage when they finished third in their group |
Sweden <img alt="🇸🇪" aria-label="Emoji: Flag of Sweden" class="Emoji Emoji--forText" draggable="false" src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f1f8-1f1ea.png" style="border: 0px; height: 1.25em; width: 1.25em; padding: 0px 0.05em 0px 0.1em; vertical-align: -0.2em; color: rgb(20, 23, 26); font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(245, 248, 250);" title="Flag of Sweden"> |
Did not qualify for the World Cup |
England <img alt="🏴" aria-label="Emoji: Flag of England" class="Emoji Emoji--forText" draggable="false" src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f3f4-e0067-e0062-e0065-e006e-e0067-e007f.png" style="border: 0px; height: 1.25em; width: 1.25em; padding: 0px 0.05em 0px 0.1em; vertical-align: -0.2em; color: rgb(20, 23, 26); font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(245, 248, 250);" title="Flag of England"> |
Eliminated at Group stage when they finished at the bottom of their group |
Although this half of the bracket may have very different achievements from the four teams that have already played in the quarterfinals, these sides have provided a strong showing this year. Both Croatia and Sweden topped their group stage tables, while Russia and England prevailed in nail-biting penalty shootouts during the Round of 16.
With just six World Cup games left, follow Chicago Fire World Cup Central for more news and the Fire social media hub for more updates. Check out Watch Party Opportunities across Chicago for more action.
