Haaland and Mbappé are delighting Norway and France. Mexico are also through to the last 16

In the closing stages, Nyland also made a superb save from Diallo’s free-kick, the Africans’ final attempt.

The Ivory Coast can nevertheless hold their heads high after perhaps playing better for long spells, though they paid the price for a lack of clinical finishing. Norway, on the other hand, showed maturity and quality at key moments: Ødegaard was a brilliant playmaker, Nusa was devastating in one-on-one situations, and Haaland was simply decisive.

Norway will face Brazil in the round of 16 on 5 July, at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.

France, however, took to the pitch with a completely different game plan in their match against Sweden. The French imposed their technical superiority from the outset against a Swedish side that never really got into the game. After Les Bleus had hit the woodwork twice, the deadlock was broken in the 45th minute: Kylian Mbappé created the goal to make it 1–0 with a moment of individual brilliance – a trademark tight dribble inside the box followed by an unstoppable shot to the goalkeeper’s left, following a corner.

In the second half, France took definitive control of the match: in the 53rd minute, Bradley Barcola doubled the lead with a perfect run onto an assist from Olise. The third goal came in the 74th minute, again from Mbappé, who kept his cool to beat the goalkeeper at the far post following yet another through ball from Olise.

France has reaffirmed its strong claim to the title, thanks to a squad brimming with talent – against Sweden, Olise was the true playmaker of the match, with two assists and constant runs between the lines, whilst Mbappé, with his brace, has confirmed his status as the tournament’s technical and goalscoring leader (6 goals) – and an impeccable defence, with Saliba and Upamecano never looking out of their depth.

The path to the quarter-finals seems clear: France will face Paraguay in the round of 16 (4 July in Philadelphia), who knocked Germany out on penalties.

Last night at the Azteca, Mexico capitalised on home advantage and, with a blistering start, got the better of a lacklustre Ecuador side. The match, which had initially been delayed due to adverse weather conditions and the risk of lightning, was effectively decided in the first half.

In the 22nd minute, they took the lead: Julián Quiñones received the ball on the left, cut inside and fired a powerful right-footed shot under the crossbar to make it 1–0. Just nine minutes later, in the 31st minute, Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead by finishing off a swift move following a one-two with Quiñones.

In the second half, Mexico controlled the match without taking any particular risks, whilst Ecuador struggled to create chances, looking rather ineffective despite having the lion’s share of possession.

Mexico have shown great solidity and organisation: a flawless defence (no goals conceded in the tournament so far) and an effective attack. Quiñones and Jiménez were key, but the whole team gave the impression of being very well-balanced.

In the round of 16, the Mexicans will face the winner of the England v Democratic Republic of the Congo match, again at the Azteca.