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Ecuador - Germany 2-1

Curacao - Ivory Coast 0-2

Tunisia - Netherlands 1-3

Japan - Sweden 1-1

Turkey - USA 3-2

Paraguay - Australia 0-0

I did try and watch Curacao - Ivory Coast, hoping, but expecting a miracle. Once Ivory Coast when 2-0 up, I abandoned hope and, especially with Ecuador - Germany tied on 1 at half time, I switched to that

Plata o plombo

game. Much more exciting indeed. Germany felt a bit toohless, though it's also true that they'd won the group regardless. Ecuador did really well not to be afraid, first of all, then pushing for the goal. It was spectacular, yet bizzare. A keeper like Neuer would not let an attacker hit the ball from in front of him like than in a million attempts. This was the milionth and one, probably, and well done to Plata for snatching it. He played well throughout, I'd be surprised if we don't see him in Europe next season.

Of course, in the last 20 minutes or so Ecuador had to withstand a bit of heavy attacking, but they didn't lose their cool, stayed disciplined and somehow managed to see it through. This is a historical result for them, and I reiterate they were really unlucky to lose to Ivory Coast with that late goal. Then again, how come they didn't beat Curacao? All in all, qualification for them from the 3rd spot and they'll probably get England. Hard, but doable. TBH, Croatia would be a more difficult game.

Apparently I got this group right, but at the end of it I gained a lot more sympathy for Ecuador and Curacao who, despite finishing 4th, leave the tournament with a goal and a point, which is a really good account of themselves. Come back stronger, Curacao!

Group F went as expected. I did expect Japan to beat Sweden though, and they were the better team, though they played maybe a bit too prudent. It was a spectacular game, and Sweden's attack, with Gyokeres, Isak and Elanga is truly scary. But to this, Japan opposed imepccable discipline and relentless energy. Only two goals, but both spectacular, and again, it makes me wonder why United let Elanga go so easily, he's an insanely good attacker. Didn't watch any of the Netherlands game, but with a goal after two minutes and 2-0 in the first 10 minutes, there wasn't much history to it. Netherlands feel like a one-trick pony, with goals coming from low crosses in front of goal, and if Morocco manages to block those, they'd struggle. But Netherlands - Morocco promises to be a really good game, as does Brazil - Japan. Brazil are certainly favourites, but they should not take victory for granted. I was really impressed with Japan so far.

And then group D, I didn't stay awake to watch much of Tukey - USA, but I did wake up in the 85th minute at 2-2. I appreciated how positive the game was, and Turkey managing to score in the very last minute, 90+7, but to what end? Where was this fighting spirit so far? They might well be the only team in 4th place with 3 points, while watching Australia and Paraguay qualify after what I imagine was a drab 0-0. Certainly one of the disappointments of the tournament Turkey, I saw then as group winners, but can you blame me?

Looking forward to Norway - France tonight, a case of unstoppable force hitting the unmovable object, Senegal - Iraq will be hard fougt, but Senegal will get it, I'll be rooting for Cape Verde, they can totally beat Saudi Arabia and qualify from second place, which will be amazing. Even a draw might be enough, as Spain will beat Uruguay.

And I'll probably not stay awake for group G at 4 am, but Egypt and Belgium will go through.