FIFA World Cup 2022 | Teams in round of 16, schedule and how it works
The Hindu
Here are the teams that advanced to the last 16 at FIFA World Cup in Qatar, their schedule ahead, and how the knockout rounds work
In the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup, the teams will play each other only once, with the winning team going to the next round. There are a total of four rounds: Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, which will take place on December 18.
There is also a third-place playoff between the losers of the semi-finals.
If the scores are equal at the end of normal playing time in any of these matches, a 30-minute extra time is played in two periods of 15 minutes each. If the score is still tied, 5-penalty shoot-out follows to determine the winners.
GROUP A: The Netherlands secured a place in the last 16 with victories over African champions Senegal and hosts Qatar, topping Group A despite a 1-1 draw with Ecuador. The reigning African Champions started the World Cup with a loss to the Netherlands, but they turned their fortunes with a 3-1 win over hosts Qatar and a decisive 2-1 win over Ecuador.
GROUP B: England punched their ticket to the knockout phase as top of Group B with 7 points, following emphatic victories against Wales and Iran and a goalless draw with the United States. The United States qualified as runners-up of Group B after a 1-0 victory over Iran in a match overshadowed by political tension following draws with Wales and England.
GROUP C: Argentina clawed back the top spot in Group C with wins over Mexico and Poland after a shocking loss in the opener against Saudi Arabia. They will next face Australia on Saturday. Poland clinched a spot in the last 16 as runners-up of Group C after a win over Saudi Arabia, a draw with Mexico and a loss to Argentina. They meet France on Sunday.
GROUP D: Reigning champions France delivered on expectations and became the first team to qualify for the last 16 with consecutive Group D wins over Australia and Denmark, followed by a 1-0 loss to Tunisia. Australia claimed a spot in the last 16 as Group D runners-up with 6 points from wins over Tunisia and Denmark. They go on to face Argentina on Saturday.