After Russia 2018 was shorn of two of its greatest stars on Saturday, Neymar ensured he would not be joining the exodus of headline talent by dragging Brazil through to the quarter-finals two days later.
Neymar may be Brazil’s leading man at this World Cup, but a war is brewing between the country and its star striker.
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez says all of his players are desperate to be on the pitch ahead of the World Cup round-of-16 clash with Japan in Rostov-on-Don.
Japan defender Gen Shoji is braced for the challenge of facing Romelu Lukaku at the World Cup, but he knows the Manchester United striker will not be Belgium’s only attacking option in Rostov-on-Don.
Brazil head coach Tite believes Neymar has returned to his best form as the five-time champions prepare to take on Mexico in the last 16.
Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio described Brazil as ‘the best team in the world’ but insisted his side would not step back in Samara on Monday.
Croatia needed the heroics of goalkeeper Danijel Subasic in a penalty shoot-out to beat Denmark after the game finished 1-1 after-extra-time.
Igor Akinfeev saved two penalties to send Russia into the quarter-finals and knock Spain out of the competition after their round-of-16 game finished 1-1 after extra time.
Igor Akinfeev was Russia’s hero after saving two penalties in a shootout to dump Spain out of the World Cup and book the hosts a place in the quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw in Moscow.
Denmark boss Age Hareide is eagerly anticipating a battle between Christian Eriksen and Luka Modric when his side face Croatia on Sunday.