(Reuters) – The World Cup in Qatar is nearing its knockout phase. Below is an overview of the first teams qualified:
BRAZIL
Brazil qualified for the knockout stage after back-to-back wins against Switzerland and Serbia and currently leading Group G before their last match against Cameroon.
The Selecao have claimed the World Cup five times and are pre-tournament favourites to win a record-extending sixth title.
Brazil have played in every World Cup since 1930 but have not reached the final since they last won the title in 2002.
Group performance:
Brazil 2-0 Serbia
Brazil 1-0 Switzerland
Cameroon v Brazil (Friday 1900 GMT)
William Hill odds to win tournament: 5-2
ENGLAND
England punched their ticket to the knockout phase as top of Group B with 7 points, following emphatic victorys against Wales and Iran and a goalless draw with the United States.
The Three Lions, who reached the Euro 2020 final last year, are slated to face Group A runners up Senegal on Sunday.
England’s only World Cup win dates back to 1966. They finished fourth overall in 2018.
Group performance:
England 6-2 Iran
England 0-0 United States
Wales 0-3 England
William Hill odds to win tournament: 15-2
William Hill odds to win against Senegal: 1-2
FRANCE
Another favourite to win the tournament, reigning champions France delivered on expectations and became the first team to qualify for the Round of 16 with consecutive wins against Australia and Denmark.
Led by AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud – who tied Thierry Henry as top scorer for the national side at 51 international goals – Les Blues are currently top of Group D, set to play their third match against last in the table Tunisia.
France have won the World Cup twice, in 1998 and 2018.
Group performance:
France 4-1 Australia
France 2-1 Denmark
Tunisia v France (Wednesday 1500 GMT)
William Hill odds to win tournament: 11-2
NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands secured a place in the Round of 16 with victories over African champions Senegal and hosts Qatar, topping Group A despite a 1-1 draw with Ecuador.
The Dutch – unbeaten in the last 18 games after their elimination at Euro 2020 – will face the United States on Saturday.
The Netherlands have been runners up at three World Cups in 1974, 1978 and 2010. This year marks their return to the international stage after they failed to qualify in 2018.
Group performance:
Senegal 0-2 Netherlands
Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador
Netherlands 2-0 Qatar
William Hill odds to win tournament: 14-1
William Hill odds to win against United States: 10-11
PORTUGAL
Following a second half brace from Bruno Fernandes, Portugal clinched qualification with a 2-0 victory over Uruguay, after losing to the South American team in the Round of 16 in 2018.
Portugal’s best World Cup result is a third place back in 1966. Most recently, the side won the Euro 2016 in France.
Currently a free agent due to a bitter divorce from Manchester United, captain Cristiano Ronaldo became the first male player to score at least one goal in five different World Cups after netting a penalty in the opening match against Ghana.
Group performance:
Portugal 3-2 Ghana
Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
South Korea v Portugal (Friday 1500 GMT)
William Hill odds to win tournament: 11-1
SENEGAL
With a decisive 2-1 victory over Ecuador, Senegal qualified to the Round of 16 and will face England on Sunday.
The reigning African Champions started the World Cup with a loss to the Netherlands, but were able to turn their fortune with a 3-1 win over hosts Qatar.
This is the third appearance at the World Cup for Senegal, who reached the quarter-finals in 2002.
Group performance:
Senegal 0-2 Netherlands
Qatar 1-3 Senegal
Ecuador 1-2 Senegal
William Hill odds to win tournament: 100-1
William Hill odds to win against England: 13-2
UNITED STATES
The United States qualified into the last 16 by beating Iran 1-0, closing second in Group B with 5 points after two draws with Wales and England.
The victory came after tensions arose between the two countries as Tehran called for the removal of the U.S. national team from the tournament over a diplomatic row regarding the Iranian flag.
They will meet the Netherlands in the first match of the knockout stage on Saturday.
The U.S. national team has taken part in 11 World Cups, and never topped their third-place finish of 1930.
Group performance:
United States 1-1 Wales
England 0-0 United States
Iran 0-1 United States
William Hill odds to win tournament: 100-1
William Hill odds to win against Netherlands: 10-3
(Reporting by Enrico Sciacovelli, Luca Fratangelo, Romolo Tosiani and Alberto Chiumento; Editing by Milla Nissi and Angus MacSwan)
