Argentina and France confronted one another in one of many all-time nice World Cup finals, seeing off all their friends to play out a traditional on the Lusail Stadium.
However for 16 nations, the event has been over for some time now. These groups that exited on the group stage went residence greater than two weeks in the past having performed simply three matches.
For some groups it was little shock – they had been by no means anticipated to make the knockout rounds. However for others, it’s going to have been a bitter tablet to swallow. Sportsmail has taken a glance again on the 16 groups who had been eradicated on the group stage, and graded how they carried out within the Center East.
Argentina and France battled it out for the World Cup in Sunday’s ultimate in Qatar – with Lionel Messi (left) and Co popping out on prime to win their nation’s first World Cup since 1986
GROUP A
Ecuador
Place: third Factors: 4
This was solely Ecuador’s fourth World Cup, and so they had solely made it previous the group stage as soon as in 2006.
But being positioned in Group A regarded to provide them an opportunity of equalling that feat, and so they began properly by easing previous Qatar.
They had been then arguably the higher aspect after they confronted Holland, recovering from an early Cody Gakpo objective to attract degree by means of Enner Valencia because the South American outfit earned a hard-fought level.
Going into their ultimate sport, Ecuador solely wanted a degree in opposition to Senegal to progress.
Enner Valencia loved a high-quality World Cup, scoring twice in Ecuador’s match in opposition to Qatar
However they began nervously and fell behind to an Ismaila Sarr penalty. As soon as once more, they hit again as Moises Caicedo equalised, however a Kalidou Koulibaly objective 20 minutes from time despatched them residence.
Ecuador shall be upset with how their ultimate match performed out, however they are often happy with their opening two shows, with star man Valencia shining up entrance.
The crew’s power and depth triggered Holland loads of issues, and Ecuador regarded the extra probably winners in that sport as they pushed ahead late on.
That should be the blueprint for a way they play wanting forward, and if they’ll constantly obtain that degree there is no such thing as a purpose why they can not do properly within the subsequent World Cup in 2026.
Grade: B-
Qatar
Place: 4th Factors: 0
Not a lot was anticipated of the host nation, however they had been even worse than most individuals anticipated.
Their dismal opening day displaying in opposition to Ecuador set the tone for his or her event as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat. In fact, Ecuador appeared to take their foot off the fuel within the second half, and the stadium was half-empty by full time.
Of their second sport in opposition to Senegal there have been indicators of enchancment – they could not be a lot worse!
Mohammed Muntari created historical past by scoring Qatar’s first ever World Cup objective with a thumping header, however Senegal nonetheless ran out comfy 3-1 winners.
Qatar went out of their very own World Cup with out selecting up a single level from their matches
That end result meant Qatar had been out of their very own event inside 5 days, however they nonetheless needed to present up for his or her ultimate group sport in opposition to Holland.
Louis van Gaal’s males swatted them apart 2-0 to convey Qatar’s distress to and finish. 0 factors. One objective scored. Seven conceded. The worst efficiency by a number nation by far.
Will there be a subsequent time? Qatar have by no means certified for a World Cup earlier than, and on this proof they will not be enjoying in soccer’s largest event once more any time quickly.
Grade: F
GROUP B
Iran
Place: third Factors: 3
Iran had been imagined to be the crew that would bother England by conserving issues tight on the again and trying to hit Gareth Southgate’s males on the counter-attack. That is not how issues performed out.
Let’s be trustworthy, that sport was a catastrophe for Iran. From having their goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand injured inside 10 minutes after taking a sickening blow to the pinnacle, to happening to concede six objectives, Iran’s event may hardly have gotten off to a worse begin.
That match was additionally vital as Iran’s gamers refused to sing their nationwide anthem to help protestors again of their homeland following the dying of Mahsa Amini.
After a gap sport drubbing and all the things happening off the pitch, Iran’s response of their second match in opposition to Wales was excellent.
Iran bounced again from their opening sport thrashing to beat Wales of their second match
Carlos Quieroz’s aspect obtained higher as the sport went on and deservedly emerged 2-0 victors because of a few late objectives.
Iran entered their ultimate sport in opposition to USA understanding {that a} level would probably take them by means of to the last-16, however they got here up quick as Christian Pulisic netted the one objective of the sport.
Iran’s thrashing by the hands of England confirmed they don’t seem to be able to go toe-to-toe with one of the best groups but, however their ultimate two matches was way more prefer it.
It is a crew that needs to be targeted on defensive stubbornness. That technique helped them beat Morocco and draw with Portugal 4 years in the past, and sticking with that would hold them aggressive transferring ahead.
Grade: C
Wales
Place: 4th Factors: 1
This was at all times going to be a momentous event for Wales. Their first World Cup look in 64 years. But it surely all went a bit of flat, did not it?
There have been apparent opening sport nerves after they took on USA, and so they deservedly fell behind within the first half to a Timothy Weah objective. However the second half was higher as Keiffer Moore got here off the bench to make a distinction, and Wales in all probability deserved the purpose that they secured because of Gareth Bale’s late penalty.
It appeared that momentum was on their aspect heading into their conflict with Iran, notably as Iran had been trounced of their first outing.
Gareth Bale scored from the penalty spot in Wales’s opening World Cup sport in opposition to USA
Wales struggled within the warmth, although, and had been hanging on for pricey life within the second half.
It regarded like they could handle to nick one other level, however Wayne Hennessey’s crimson card after a ridiculous cost from his objective proved to be decisive, and the crew couldn’t maintain out as they conceded twice in added time.
This meant that Wales wanted to win their ultimate sport in opposition to England. Proper from kick-off the plan was clear – keep within the sport and try to get a objective on the counter.
However you must present one thing. Wales hardly laid a glove on their opponents, and when England went by means of the gears within the second half, Rob Web page’s males had no reply.
It ended up being a disappointing World Cup for Wales as they completed backside of Group B
Bale went off at half time and hardly regarded match all through the event, whereas Aaron Ramsey was unable to rediscover the shape that helped Wales make the Euro 2016 semi-finals.
These two Welsh icons are most unlikely to be round in 4 years’ time, and Web page has a rebuilding job on his fingers if he stays on the helm, having watched his aspect fail to attain a objective from open play.
There are some thrilling younger gamers that would take the crew ahead. Brennan Johnson and Dan James supply tempo on the counter, whereas wing-back Neco Williams may also be pleased with his efforts in Qatar. Add within the expertise of Ben Davies within the backline and there’s something to work with.
Wales have been closely reliant on some magic from Bale for the previous decade, however it should be an actual crew effort if they’re to qualify for the following World Cup.
Grade: E-
GROUP C
Mexico
Place: third Factors: 4
Mexico had made the spherical of 16 at every of their earlier seven World Cups, and when veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa saved Robert Lewandowski’s penalty of their opening sport to earn his aspect a degree, they should have fancied their probabilities of extending that run.
Their second match pitted them in opposition to an Argentina aspect nonetheless reeling from their shock opening loss in opposition to Saudi Arabia.
In a scrappy affair, it was left to Messi to show the sport in his crew’s favour as he rifled residence a shot from the sting of the world, after which arrange Enzo Fernandez for the match-clinching second objective.
Mexico had been undone by some Messi magic of their second group sport in Qatar
It was all to play for of their ultimate sport in opposition to Saudi Arabia, though Mexico knew that they wanted to spice up their objective distinction in the event that they had been going to leapfrog Poland within the group.
After a goalless first half, Mexico turned on the fashion after the break with Henry Martin and Luis Chavez scoring throughout the opening seven minutes of the half.
With Poland dropping 2-0 in opposition to Argentina, it regarded prefer it may come all the way down to the truthful play rule, and Mexico had been set to move out because of selecting up extra yellow playing cards than Poland.
Mexico had been unable to win by sufficient objectives in opposition to Saudi Arabia to make the last-16
An injury-time Saudi Arabia objective prevented this ridiculous situation from enjoying out, and Mexico exited the competitors.
In the long run, Mexico had been desperately near getting by means of, however they may look again on their first two video games and query why they did not present a bit extra ambition. Their efficiency in opposition to Saudi Arabia confirmed that they’ll harm groups in the event that they take it to them somewhat than sitting off on a regular basis.
Mexico shall be one of many host nations in 2026, and standing off and ready for issues to occur in entrance of their residence followers merely will not be acceptable.
Grade: C-
Saudi Arabia
Place: 4th Factors: 3
Nobody gave Saudi Arabia a prayer of beating Argentina. Watching the primary half of their encounter, it regarded like a case of conserving the scoreline down.
Saudi Arabia went into the break only one objective down, however Argentina had seen three additional objectives chalked off by marginal offside calls.
Saudi Arabia wanted some inspiration, and so they obtained it from supervisor Herve Renard who gave a rousing half time speech to ship his crew out believing that they may really pull off the unattainable.
Saleh Al-Shehri introduced his aspect degree three minutes after half time, and Salem Al-Dawsari then netted a surprising solo objective to place Saudi Arabia in entrance.
Saudi Arabia pulled off one of many largest shocks in World Cup historical past by beating Argentina
Saudi Arabia had been impressed to victory by their charismatic supervisor Herve Renard
Argentina huffed and puffed afterwards, however couldn’t discover a approach by means of as Saudi Arabia picked up the largest win of their historical past.
Sadly for them, that was nearly as good because it obtained. They had been crushed 2-0 by Poland and misplaced 2-1 to Mexico that means they completed backside of the group.
But they proved that they belong at this degree, and gave a much better account of themselves this time round after being hammered by Russia 5-0 on the final World Cup.
Whether or not Renard hangs round and so they proceed with their excessive line stays to be seen, however they had been actually entertaining to look at in Qatar.
Grade: B
GROUP D
Tunisia
Place: third Factors: 4
Tunisia can have been delighted with their opening draw with Denmark, and it regarded like a giant alternative for them to get their first win on their board in opposition to Australia. They did not take it.
As a substitute, they slipped to a 1-0 defeat because of a outstanding Mitchell Duke header, with Australia producing some brave defending to carry on.
Tunisia nonetheless had an opportunity of qualifying previous to their ultimate match with France, and their trigger was helped when Didier Deschamps made wholesale modifications to his crew after that they had already booked their place within the last-16 with a sport to spare.
Wahbi Khazri’s objective helped Tunisia beat France, however the African nation nonetheless went out
The North African aspect pulled off a well-known win because of Wahbi Khazri’s second-half objective, however it was not sufficient as Australia edged previous Denmark to take second spot in Group D.
Conceding just one objective in a gaggle containing France and Denmark warrants reward, however solely scoring as soon as is trigger for concern.
Tunisia confirmed that they’ll make issues tough for among the prime groups, however they should be extra ruthless in entrance of objective in the event that they wish to turn into a real menace on the world stage.
Grade: C
Denmark
Place: 4th Factors: 1
Denmark should have had excessive hopes coming into the event having made all of it the best way to the semi-finals of final yr’s Euros after which taken England to extra-time of their last-four conflict.
With Christian Eriksen again of their ranks, it appeared they may doubtlessly problem France for prime spot within the group and progress to the knockout levels wasn’t anticipated to be a problem.
It rapidly turned obvious that this crew was not at their finest after they drew 0-0 with Tunisia of their first match. The aspect regarded in need of a top-class striker forward of the event, and Andreas Cornelius hardly silenced the doubters when he missed the goal with a header from all of two yards out.
Subsequent up was France, and Denmark fought laborious to maintain their European rivals at bay, just for Kylian Mbappe to pop up with two objectives to sentence them to a 2-1 defeat.
Denmark went out of the World Cup after scoring only one objective and failing to win a sport
Regardless of selecting up only a single level from their first two video games, it was nonetheless in Denmark’s fingers after they confronted Australia of their final group sport.
The crew struggled to create many clear-cut possibilities, although, as Australia stood agency after which delivered a knockout blow when Mathew Leckie netted the winner on the hour mark.
Scoring only one objective in three matches is just not ok, and Denmark should be thought of one of many largest disappointments of this yr’s event.
With Eriksen and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in midfield and Andreas Christensen alongside Joachim Andersen in defence, Denmark have a robust basis.
However till they discover a striker to place their possibilities away, it’s laborious to see the aspect troubling the perfect groups.
Grade: E
GROUP E
Germany
Place: third Factors: 4
It was once a foregone conclusion that Germany would make the latter levels of each event. Did they should play properly? No. Be notably enjoyable to look at? No. However they’d be there within the ultimate week poised for one more shot at glory.
These days look like over. Having gone out within the group levels in Russia, Germany had been anticipated to do a lot better this time, however had been shocked by Japan of their opening sport as they surrendered a one-goal result in lose 2-1.
There was little or no sympathy for the four-time World Cup winners, particularly after Antonio Rudiger’s weird working when Germany had been in entrance led to accusations of the defender displaying Japan a scarcity of respect.
Hansi Flick’s males had been instantly on the again foot, and their second sport noticed them go up in opposition to fellow European powerhouse Spain.
Japan pulled off a surprising win in opposition to Germany within the opening World Cup sport in Group E
After falling behind, Germany got here again properly and earned themselves a creditable 1-1 draw when Niclas Fullkrug struck late on.
The group was within the steadiness forward of the ultimate sport, however it appeared {that a} win in opposition to Costa Rica would in all probability ebook Germany’s place within the last-16.
At half time, Germany had been a 1-0 up, and Spain had been profitable by the identical margin in opposition to Japan. Up to now so good. Then all the things modified.
Japan scored twice in a matter of minutes to take the lead, and Germany conceded twice in opposition to Costa Rica to fall behind. All of a sudden, Germany had been backside of the group.
Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2 of their ultimate match however nonetheless went out on objective distinction
Three late objectives turned the sport again in Germany’s favour as they ran out 4-2 winners, however Japan held on in opposition to Spain as Flick’s aspect had been eradicated on objective distinction.
The draw in opposition to Spain recommended that Germany are nonetheless an excellent aspect, however they massively underachieved right here.
The crew are missing a prolific ahead, and their backline was made to look fragile all through the event. Till these points are mounted, there could possibly be extra heartbreak to come back for Germany, beginning with Euro 2024 which they’re internet hosting.
Grade: E
Costa Rica
Place: 4th Factors: 3
Costa Rica had been a penalty shootout away from making the semi-finals in 2014. Admittedly, hopes of repeating that feat had been fairly low this time round, however dropping 7-0 in opposition to Spain of their first match was embarrassing.
They had been picked aside comfy by Luis Enrique’s males, and provided nothing going ahead.
They weren’t a lot better as an attacking drive in opposition to Japan, however by some means managed to grab a 1-0 win by means of Keysher Fuller’s late objective.
Costa Rica had been thrashed by Spain, leaving themselves an uphill activity to get out of their group
This meant that they had been nonetheless in with an opportunity of qualifying after they performed Germany.
And for a short second it appeared that they could simply get by means of after they went in entrance with 20 minutes to go.
Germany pulled themselves collectively, although, to attain 3 times within the ultimate 17 minutes, ending Costa Rica’s World Cup goals.
Costa Rica deserve some credit score for bouncing again from their abysmal displaying in opposition to Spain, however you are by no means going to get very far if you happen to concede 11 objectives in three matches. One thing to work on for 2026.
Grade: C-
GROUP F
Belgium
Place: third Factors: 4
The tip of an period. Belgium’s finest probability to win the World Cup got here 4 years in the past after they had been narrowly edged out by France within the semi-finals. They regarded a shadow of that aspect in Qatar.
The warning indicators had been there proper from the off. Canada largely outplayed Roberto Martinez’s crew of their first match, and can have gone away from that sport questioning how they managed to lose 1-0.
Having obtained a let-off in opposition to Canada, Belgium had been anticipated to enhance after they confronted Morocco, however they had been even worse.
Kevin De Bruyne claimed early on within the event that Belgium had been ‘too outdated’ to win in Qatar
They hardly created an opportunity, and shipped two second-half objectives to fall to a 2-0 loss.
Previous to that sport, Kevin De Bruyne had admitted that his aspect had been ‘too outdated’ to win the event, and his feedback didn’t seem to go down properly together with his team-mates.
Amid stories of a cut up within the Belgium camp, Martinez rang the modifications for Belgium’s must-win sport with Croatia, dropping each Hazard brothers and Michy Batshuayi.
The transfer almost paid off as Belgium delivered their finest efficiency of the competitors, however substitute Romelu Lukaku missed three big possibilities and the goalless draw despatched Belgium out.
With only one objective all event and a seemingly sad squad it was a tragic approach for Belgium’s ‘golden era’ to finish. Martinez has now stepped down and Eden Hazard has retired from worldwide soccer. He shall be tough to switch, and it is going to be laborious for Belgium to regroup with Euro 2024 simply 18 months away.
Grade: E
Romelu Lukaku missed some big possibilities in opposition to Croatia as Belgium completed down in third
Canada
Place: 4th Factors: 0
Canada had been competing of their first World Cup since 1986, and so they got here racing out the blocks in opposition to Belgium. How they misplaced that sport stays a thriller, with Alphonso Davies lacking a penalty and a number of other different alternatives being spurned.
Canada supervisor John Herdman was immensely pleased with his crew after that sport and backed them to ‘F’ Croatia of their subsequent sport.
The issue is: if you happen to discuss the discuss, you have to stroll the stroll. Croatia proceeded handy Canada a lesson in ruthless ending as they cruised to a 4-1 victory, and with that Canada had been out.
John Herdman talked his aspect up forward of their group sport in opposition to Croatia
His phrases backfired as Croatia comfortably beat Canada 4-1 to eradicate Herdman’s crew
Their final sport noticed them go up in opposition to Morocco, who scored two early objectives to file a 2-1 win, that means Canada left Qatar with out selecting up a single level.
In equity, Canada provided lots from an leisure perspective, however they had been maybe a bit of naïve with their method of going toe-to-toe with superior groups.
Forward of co-hosting the 2026 event, Canada should discover the correct steadiness between assault and defence as they had been discovered wanting on the again time and time once more.
There may be lots to work with, although, and so they actually did not shame themselves in Qatar.
Grade: D
GROUP G
Cameroon
Place: third Factors: 4
Samuel Eto’o backed Cameroon to win the World Cup in the beginning of the event, however there was no proof that they’d come near reaching that after they misplaced their opening sport in opposition to Switzerland.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana didn’t seem to do lots unsuitable in that sport, however he subsequently obtained into an argument with supervisor Rigobert Music about his fashion of play and promptly left the squad.
Cameroon wanted to bounce again in opposition to Serbia, however issues weren’t wanting good after they fell 3-1 down early within the second half.
Enter super-sub Vincent Aboubakar, who netted a pleasant scooped effort after which arrange Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to earn Cameroon a degree.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana went residence after a disagreement with supervisor Rigobert Music
Pre-tournament favourites Brazil opted to rotate their squad after reserving their place within the last-16 by profitable their first two video games, and Cameroon took full benefit as Aboubakar popped up once more to nod residence a late winner.
He then proceeded to mark the historic second by taking his shirt off to have fun, which led to him selecting up his second yellow card and being despatched off.
Aboubakar didn’t appear too sad with the choice – it isn’t daily that you simply rating the profitable objective in opposition to Brazil.
Finally, that win was not sufficient for Cameroon to progress, however their match in opposition to Serbia was one of many video games of the event and beating Brazil needs to be revered.
Grade: B-
Vincent Aboubakar was despatched off after taking his shirt off to have fun his winner in opposition to Brazil
Serbia
Place: 4th Factors: 1
Serbia completed above Portugal in qualifying for the World Cup so there was real optimism that they may thrive in Qatar.
With Aleksandar Mitrovic main the road, it appeared they may pose Brazil some issues, however Serbia hardly created an opportunity as they fell to a 2-0 defeat.
Their attacking aptitude was on present of their second match in opposition to Cameroon as they netted three objectives. Nonetheless, their defending was abysmal as additionally they shipped three objectives by making an attempt to utilise an offside lure that by no means regarded like working.
All of it got here all the way down to their ultimate match with Switzerland. Win and they’d in all probability undergo. Draw or lose and it was time to go residence.
Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice in Qatar however Serbia nonetheless did not make it out of their group
Supervisor Dragan Stojkovic lastly began Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic collectively up entrance, and it paid off as each scored within the first half.
But Serbia’s defensive vulnerabilities had been uncovered once more as they conceded one other three objectives, together with two in 4 minutes both aspect of half time.
With the crew needing objectives, their trigger wasn’t helped by Stojkovic deciding to take off Mitrovic, Vlahovic, Dusan Tadic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic within the second half. His modifications had been inexplicable.
All this meant that Serbia completed backside of Group G, selecting up only a single level. Objectives aren’t an issue for this aspect, however they should tighten up on the again in the event that they wish to take that subsequent step.
Grade: D
GROUP H
Uruguay
Place: third Factors: 4
Uruguay regarded like they could be capable to trigger a stir in Qatar. With the expertise of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani up entrance, and the midfield class of Fede Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur, they regarded well-placed to no less than make it of their group.
However their first match with South Korea was a colorless goalless draw, and so they had been equally disappointing of their 2-0 loss in opposition to Portugal.
Anyway, overlook about these video games, it was all about their crunch conflict with Ghana. 12 years after Luis Suarez’s handball denied Ghana a spot within the World Cup semi-finals, it was time for the rematch.
Each groups had been nonetheless in with an opportunity of progressing. Wouldn’t it be repeat or revenge?
In the long run, Uruguay gained convincingly because of a first-half brace from Giorgian de Arrascaeta, however information began to filter by means of that South Korea had additionally crushed Portugal.
Uruguay went out in agonising vogue, with Luis Suarez left in tears after their early exit
This left Uruguay needing yet one more objective to undergo, whereas Ghana had been doing all the things of their energy to make sure that the South American outfit can be becoming a member of them in exiting the event early.
Uruguay screamed for a late penalty however to no avail, and because the ultimate whistle blew Suarez was left in tears.
There have been ugly scenes after full time with Uruguay gamers charging onto the pitch to confront the officers, and a few might face sanctions for his or her actions.
Uruguay have nobody in charge however themselves, although, after their conservative method of their first two video games noticed them fail to seek out the online.
Suarez, Cavani and Diego Godin are actually set to exit the worldwide stage, however with Valverde, Bentancur and Darwin Nunez of their ranks, Uruguay can nonetheless be a harmful drive transferring ahead in the event that they present a bit of extra initiative in matches.
Grade: D-
Ghana
Place: 4th Factors: 3
Ghana did not even qualify in 2018, and having been positioned in a gaggle with Portugal and Uruguay they weren’t anticipated to go very far this time.
Maybe that’s the reason they confirmed Portugal a bit of an excessive amount of respect of their first sport. They went 3-1 down late on, however after they did begin to present extra ambition they troubled Portugal.
An 89th minute objective from Osman Bukari gave them hope, however it was too little too late.
4 days later, they had been on the correct aspect of a five-goal thriller, this time in opposition to South Korea.
Ghana endured extra penalty heartbreak as Andre Ayew noticed his spot-kick saved
Mohammed Kudus scored twice after Mohammed Salisu had the crew forward within the first half, and Ghana had been in second place heading into the ultimate spherical of matches.
Maybe the event obtained to them in opposition to Uruguay, and as soon as Andre Ayew missed a first-half penalty they by no means regarded like getting the end result they wanted.
Nonetheless, they managed to additionally be sure that Uruguay did not progress both, leaving their followers glad.
Kudus seems like a star within the making, and he ought to be the heartbeat of this aspect if they’re to shine in 2026.
Grade: C
