At the 2018 Men’s World Cup on MON 02 JUL 2018, there were two more thrillers in the round of 16.

• Brazil 02-00 Mexico: A promising first half for El Tri saw several opportunities on goal, particularly Hirving LOZANO’s shot in the first two minutes that was blocked by the Brazilian defenders. But Brazil took control early in the second half, as WILLIAN, making a run to the end line, played across the goalmouth to NEYMAR for the opening goal. The Verdeamarelhos settled matters with ROBERTO FIRMINO’s finish off a pass from Neymar in the 88th minute. Mexico have now fallen in the round of sixteen in seven consecutive Men’s World Cups, as Brazil have made seven consecutive quarterfinal appearances.
• Belgium 03-02 Japan: Following a first half in which they showed potential on the counterattack, Japan struck first shortly after the interval through Genki HARAGUCHI. Just four minutes later, it was 2-0, as Takashi INUI fired past Belgian goalkeeper Thibault COURTOIS. The Red Devils, however, continued to press forward and found an unlikely opener in the 69th minute on Jan VERTONGHEN’s looping header that slipped underneath the bar. Five minutes later, Marouane FELLAINI headed in a cross from Eden HAZARD to level the scores. Both Courtois and his Japanese counterpart Eiji KAWASHIMA made some impressive saves to keep the match at 2-2 going into stoppage time. Courtois caught a Japan corner and promptly distributed to Kevin DE BRUYNE for a frantic counter, culminating in Nacer CHADLI’s winning goal. Japan miss out on their first ever quarterfinal appearance, as Belgium move on to an enticing clash with Brazil.