GERMANY 0 KOREA REPUBLIC 2 (Kazan)
Two stoppage-time goals by South Korea eliminated Germany from the 2018 World Cup and enabled Mexico to go through to the knockout stage. The Asian side entered the match already eliminated, playing merely for pride. Despite Germany’s need for a win, the European nation failed to establish an early dominance. The majority of the first 45 minutes was played in the middle half of the pitch. Then, during the second half, Germany began to control the match, attaining 75% possession and attempting six shots on goal. South Korea strengthened their defensive line in order to combat Germany’s energetic offense and denied their opponents' several opportunities. The game’s action did not truly begin until the 92nd minute as a corner by Korea reached Kim Young-Gwon, who fired the ball into the top corner. The celebrations were halted as the referee was ordered to check for offside, but minutes later VAR announced that the goal stood, giving Korea the 1-0 lead. In his hopes to find the equalizer, German goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, stepped away from the post, leaving Huyeng-Min Son to find the empty net and double Korea’s lead and officially eliminate the 2014 World Cup champions.
MEXICO 0 SWEDEN 3 (Ekaterinburg)
BRAZIL 2 SERBIA 0 (Moscow)
Brazil proceeds to the next round as Group E leaders after triumphing 2-0 against Serbia. Prior to kickoff, both nations had the possibility to qualify to the knockout stages, inspiring an electric tempo on the pitch. Midway through the first half, Brazil began to overpower Serbia, proving themselves as the favorites. Then, in the 36th minute, a deep ball find Paulinho, who races towards the goal and clips it over the Serbian goalkeeper, Vladimir Stojković, to score the opening goal. Paulinho’s efforts changed the entire dynamic of the game, weakening Serbia to fall back and allow Brazil to dominate. Just as they were threatening to get back into the game, however, Serbia suffered from another goal as Neymar curled the ball into the box for Thiago Silva to head it in and double the lead in the 68th minute. This victory secured Brazil a spot in the next round, forcing the Latin American side to face Mexico next.
COSTA RICA 2 SWITZERLAND 2 (Novgorod)
Switzerland held to a 2-2 draw by Costa Rica, narrowly securing a spot in the round of 16 and progressing as second place behind Brazil. The Swiss entered the match knowing that a win or draw would qualify them to the knockout stage, however, failed to use their stance as inspiration on the pitch. Costa Rica’s vibrant energy took over, constantly pushing forward with their vivacious offense. Nevertheless, Switzerland found a way to turn the game around in the 31st minute, when Blerim Dzemaili found a cross by Breel Embolo and drove it into the net for the 1-0 lead. Then, in the 56th minute, Costa Rica retaliated as Kendall Waston headed the ball into the net to equalize the match and score his country’s first 2018 World Cup goal. The Swiss found a way to lead again when Denis Zakaria played a low ball into the box, allowing Josip Drmic to strike the ball into the corner. Though the Swiss thought the game was sealed, a challenge from Zakaria on Campbell called for a stoppage-time penalty for Costa Rica. Bryan Ruiz stepped up and hit the post, however, the ball rebounded off of Yann Sommer’s back and into the net for an own goal that equalized the game.
