🏆 Messi sets the standard as England and France face knockouts | OneFootball

How has it been two weeks already?

Day 14 saw USA and Australia eliminated, setting up a quarter-final clash between Netherlands and Argentina.

We look back on the best of what happened and what lies ahead as both England and France face their first knockout tests.

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OK, what was your best moment from yesterday?

It just had to be Lionel Messi commemorating his 1,000th appearance with his first ever knockout goal at the World Cup.

The 35-year-old lifted a lacklustre Argentina with his performance just when they needed him.

This could’ve been Messi’s last ever match in an Argentina shirt, but he made sure his side lived to fight another day in the World Cup.

Do you have a memorable photo?

There’s always a lot of talk in the press surrounding Memphis Depay.

And when he finished a stunning Netherland’s team goal to give his side a 1-0 lead over USA, it was clear that he wanted to let his football do the talking.

“My goal celebration means to be blind and deaf to the world. I don’t feel anything, I don’t see anything, I only focus,” the striker admitted to reporters after the match.

Got any interesting stats or facts?

The Dutch are famous for their all out passing style of the 1960s and ’70s, and last night’s knockout tie with USA would certainly give Johan Cruyff – the most famous exponent of that system – something to be proud of.

In fact, Depay’s goal ended Netherland’s best sequence of passing that led to a goal since 1966.

Total Football indeed.

And if I need a laugh, what happened that’ll tickle me?

It must be an Inter thing.

After Romelu Lukaku missed a series of sitters for Belgium, his club strike partner Lautaro Martínez did the same for Argentina in the match with Australia, ballooning his shot over the bar when it seemed easier to score than to miss.

Lionel Messi did not look impressed.

Of players who have not score a single goal at the World Cup, Lukaku has missed the most big chances (four) while his Inter teammate follows closely behind him with three.

So, I’m free today, what can I not afford to miss?

It goes without saying that both of today’s knockout games are a must-watch.

The early kick-off sees France take on a stubborn Poland side that are tough to break down. Penalties anyone?

After the mauling of Wales, England take on Senegal in their first knockout fixture.

Gareth Southgate faces a dilemma after heavily rotating his side in that final group fixture.

Does he stick with Phil Foden? Can he afford not to?

And lastly, have you got a player to watch?

They may not have Sadio Mané, but Senegal are a tough prospect for England.

Watch out for Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly, who seems to thrive in big occasions, and scored the crucial goal in a 2-1 win over Ecuador.

Not only did he score the goal that took his side into the knockout rounds, but the Senegal captain earned the Man of the Match award for his performance.