With the World Cup quarterfinals set to begin, ESPN reviews how each of the eight remaining teams advanced to the knockout stage.
Summary
And then there were eight. Four weeks after the World Cup began, the quarterfinals start on Thursday with each team three wins away from lifting the trophy. According to ESPN, the tournament has narrowed to the final eight contenders, all within striking distance of glory.
The Details
ESPN reports that the World Cup quarterfinals are set to kick off on Thursday, marking the next stage in the competition. Each of the eight remaining teams is now just three victories away from being crowned world champions. The journey to this point has been grueling, with the tournament having already run for four weeks since its opening matches.
While ESPN does not specify which teams have qualified, the quarterfinal lineup typically includes a mix of traditional powerhouses and surprise packages. The path to the final will require each side to maintain peak performance, as the margin for error narrows with every match.
What It Means
The quarterfinals represent a critical juncture in the World Cup. For the eight teams still in contention, the dream of lifting the trophy is tantalizingly close. The pressure will be immense, as a single slip-up can end a nation's hopes. Fans can expect high-stakes encounters as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
For more World Cup news, visit our dedicated coverage.
Source: Reported by ESPN. Summary compiled by NinetyMins.
