LAST EIGHT STANDING

After 56 matches and 146 goals, there are eight teams left to fight for the top honours. Here's how they stand

HEAD-TO-HEAD Uruguay vs France

Uruguay have one of the meanest defences under skipper Diego Godin and also have a lethal strike pair in Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez. Following an ordinary show in group stage, France shifted gears thanks to Kylian Mbappe's blistering pace to blow Argentina away in a classic in the last 16.

Brazil vs Belgium

Along with Uruguay, Brazil share the best defensive record, having conceded just once. They are slowly starting to hit their stride at the other end of the field too with Neymar scoring in back-to-back matches. But Belgium have shown steel while rallying from 0-2 down against Japan.

Sweden vs Eng

Sweden are in the last eight for the first time since 1994. With three clean sheets in four games, Sweden can ward off the likes of Harry Kane. But England will play with a free mind having shooed the shootout jinx beating Colombia in tiebreakers. Now Southgate's men have reason to believe this time really will be different.

Russia vs Croatia

Surviving the group meant Russia, the lowest ranked team in the World Cup, have exceeded expectations. Beating former champions Spain to enter the last eight have made them heroes. With one of the best midfields in the world, Croatia are expected to dominate.