Going back to Saturday 12/3, the Netherlands gained a decisive victory over our US team at 3-1 following a dull game by the States. Dutch goals were scored by Memphis Depay, Daley Blind, and with an exceptional performance by Denzel Dumfries assisting both prior goals as well as scoring the clincher in the 81st minute.

The same day, Argentina grabbed a close victory beating Australia 2-1. Led by Lionel Messi (on his 1,000th career match) who scored the opening goal followed by teammate Julián Álvarez.  Australia was able to score a late goal, but was unable to tie the match advancing Argentina to face the Netherlands on the 9th at 1:00pm central time.

Moving to the 4th, Poland was swept by France with a 3-1 defeat. Highlighted by French star Kylian Mbappé (goal 1 minute 74, goal 2 at 90+1), Oliver Giroud (only goal at minute 90+9), and exclusively opposed by Polish Robert Lewandowski (90+9, penalty kick).

Also on the 4th, England swept Senegal with a 3-0 win. With textbook goals from Jordan Henderson at minute 39, Harry Kane at 45+3, and Bukayo Saka at 57. England will face the increasingly challenging France on the 10th at 1:00pm CT.

On Monday 12/5, we saw two (almost) uncontested victories by Brazil (4-1) and Croatia (3-1) against South Korea and Japan respectively. The Brazilian powerhouse crushed South Korea with goals from Vinícius Junior (minute 7), Neymar (penalty kick at minute 13), Richarlison de Andrade (minute 29), and Lucas Pacquetá (minute 36), contested only by South Korean Paik Seung-ho (minute 76).

Croatia emerged victorious in a thrilling game against the beloved Japan, barely edging out the team in a shootout after a 1-1 tie. Successful kicks came from Croatian Nikola Vlasic, Marcelo Brozovic, and Mario Pasalic, with their original goal coming from Ivan Perisic at minute 55. The sole Japanese goal came from Daizen Maeda (minute 43). The two victors are to face each other on the 9th at 9:00am CT. 

Today, the 6th, we look forward to matches Portugal v. Switzerland and Morocco v. Spain, at 9:00am and 1:00pm respectively.