This cracker of a night of football has reinforced the theme of this World Cup – the established nations are being challenged, some are up to it but others aren’t.
Belgian’s “Golden Generation” look lost after their defeat to Morocco – they may still advance to the round of 16, but you can’t see them going much further.
Argentina had a shocker against Saudi Arabia first-up, but rebounded against Mexico yesterday – they’re still in it.
We can fit Germany into that same category tonight after a solid performance against Spain. The irresistible Spanish attack found life a lot more difficult, and it took Alvaro Morata’s timing and goal-poaching skills to get the goal.
But Die Mannschaft showed that it’s not so much the older generation they rely on now – aside from the evergreen Manuel Neuer in goal – but new faces like Jamal Musiala and Niclas Füllkrug.
Elsewhere, Costa Rica’s gutsy performance gives them an outside chance of going through – and who thought we’d be saying that after a 7-0 loss to Spain?
And Croatia’s old-timers went 1-0 down before you could blink, and yet they steadied and showed experience can count for a bit.
Their big win over Canada sets up an interesting tournament for the 2018 runners-up.
dan