Day 10 of the FIFA World Cup 2022 was more than just football as geo-political rivals USA and Iran, and neighbours England and Wales, aimed to settle their differences on the field with the reward being a spot in the next round of the tournament.

It added to the excitement on the day which provided a number of takeaways, which we share below for our OBSERVER ONLINE readers.

1. Triple Threat Gakpo

Netherlands rising star Cody Gakpo scored his third goal of the tournament in a much needed win against hosts Qatar. Gakpo opened the scoring in the 26th minute, while Frankie de Jong’s 49th minute goal sealed the deal for the Dutch side. The PSV winger is Netherland’s leading goal scorer in the tournament so far.

2. Netherlands shake sluggish start

Netherlands rose above their sluggish start to the tournament to claim the top of group A with seven points. The Dutch cemented their place in the round of 16 after defeating host nation Qatar 2-0. They will go up against USA in their next match.

3. No Sadio, No Problem

Without their main man Sadio Mane, the Lions of Teranga proved that their Africa Cup of Nations title was no fluke. Ismaïla Sarr’s 44th minute penalty gave the African side the edge. But it was captain Kalidou Koulibaly’s 70th minute volley which propelled Senegal to the next round. Senegal will play England in the knockout stages.

4. Africa rebound

After not registering a goal in the opening set of games, the African teams have looked better with each match and their presence at the World Cup has been undeniable. Senegal became the first African nation on Tuesday to book their spot in the round of 16, while Ghana and Morocco are in the driver’s seat to progress after victories over South Korea and Belgium respectively. Let’s not forget the spectacular comeback by Cameroon in the six-goal thriller between the Indomitable Lions and Serbia which had football fans glued to their screens and at the edge of their seats.

5. Valencia’s silence deafening

Enner Valencia, who has been the face of the Ecuador team at the World Cup, having scored three goals, failed to show up for the South American side in an all-or-nothing matchup against Senegal. Ecuador’s lone goal of the match was by Moisés Caicedo in the 67th minute, which proved futile as Senegal won the match 2-1 and eliminated the South Americans.

6. Rashford silences critics with brace

Marcus Rashford is often criticised by onlookers, but when he stepped on the field against Iran, he showed his class. The Manchester United player scored the tournament’s first direct free kick in the 50th minute before putting the finishing touches on England’s victory in the 68th minute.

7. Foden shows his worth

After being benched in England’s previous match against the US, Phil Foden showed his worth when given the start by Southgate. The Manchester City starlet scored his first goal at the World Cup and is part of a promising young core for the Three Lions alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford.

8. US lacks scoring

The US have secured their place in the next round and are expected to play the Netherlands. But it is evident in the group stages that scoring has been one of the North American side’s low points. So far, the Stars and Stripes have only managed to net three goals. If they are to make it through the rounds from this point on, the US will have to capitalise on their chances.