New York, July 5 -- One knockout round was enough to remind everyone why the World Cup remains football's most exhilarating and unforgiving competition.
The expanded 48-team format was expected by some to dilute the drama. Instead, the round of 32 delivered thrilling finishes, individual brilliance, unlikely winners and unlucky losers.
Among the favorites, Spain looked the most convincing. Luis de la Fuente's side brushed aside Austria 3-0 to extend its perfect defensive record, and goalkeeper Unai Simon set a World Cup record of 519 consecutive shutout minutes.
France also strengthened its credentials with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sweden as Kylian Mbappe took his tournament goal tally to six, while Belgium showed title-winning res...