Cinderella, in the form of Japan, has finally arrived at the party. I suppose that Morocco’s qualification at the expense of Belgium also defied expectations, but Japan knocking out Germany has to be the definitive David and Goliath story of the ongoing World Cup.

Giorgian de Arrascaeta scored twice as Uruguay beat Ghana 2-0 on Friday but it was not enough to keep them in the World Cup after South Korea pipped them to the Group H runners-up spot with victory over Portugal.

South Korea scored a late goal to beat Portugal 2-1 in the World Cup on Friday, a win that eventually sent the Asian side into the last 16 ahead of Uruguay on the number of goals scored.

Brazil have already cemented their spot in the last 16 and will go through as group champions as long as they avoid defeat against third-placed Cameroon, who would first need to win but would have to bank on other results going their way to qualify.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni recognised the support that fans of the national team have given his side throughout the World Cup in Qatar

Cristiano Ronaldo starts for a much-changed Portugal against South Korea on Friday as they look to seal top spot in World Cup Group H.

Japan were labelled naive when they exited the World Cup four years ago against Belgium. Now their canny tactics have upset Germany and Spain and taken them to the last 16.

South Korea let their emotions pour out when they lost a five-goal thriller to Ghana this week, but they can expect no sympathy on Friday from Portugal, who are determined to clinch top spot in their World Cup group.

Brazil coach Tite is expected to rotate his World Cup squad for their final Group G match against Cameroon on Friday, with a view to keeping some players fresh for a likely last-16 match on Monday if they finish top of their group.

Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic hopes to find holes in Switzerland’s defences, like in their famous cheese, when they meet in their final World Cup Group G game as they bid to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time.

South Korea let their emotions pour out when they lost a five-goal thriller to Ghana this week, but they can expect no sympathy on Friday from Portugal, who are determined to clinch top spot in their World Cup group.

Ghana coach Otto Addo called on his players to be ready to sacrifice themselves like Luis Suarez did in 2010 as they aim for a place in the World Cup knockout stage at Uruguay’s expense.

Spain coach Luis Enrique blamed five minutes of "total loss of control" for his team's shock 2-1 defeat by Japan on Thursday, which saw them qualify for the World Cup last 16 second from Group E.

Brazil coach Tite is expected to rotate his World Cup squad for their final Group G match against Cameroon on Friday, with a view to keeping some players fresh for a likely last-16 match on Monday if they finish top of their group.

Germany have enough quality to become a dominant force in football again but one thing that is currently missing is their strength in defending which helped them win four World Cups, coach Hansi Flick said after they were knocked out on Thursday.

Belgium should not blame Romelu Lukaku for their World Cup exit despite the striker's misses in the goalless draw against Croatia which sealed their fate on Thursday, said Timothy Castagne.

Germany forward Thomas Mueller said his country's exit from the World Cup at the group stage for the second tournament in a row on Thursday was an "absolute catastrophe".

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez is out after the Red Devils' exit from the World Cup on Thursday.

Japan erupted in cheers and tears after the national team's 2-1 win over Spain early on Friday, with crowds packing public viewing areas in the pre-dawn cold shrieking with joy as they stunned another global football power at the World Cup.

Germany were knocked out of the World Cup in the group stage for a second consecutive time despite a 4-2 win over Costa Rica on Thursday after the four-times champions were consigned to third in Group E following Japan's victory over Spain.