World Cup 2022 state of play: Who is in the semi-finals and who’s been eliminated?

We are getting to the business end of the World Cup, so who is heading home and who is a chance of the ultimate prize?

Where does every country sit in the World Cup state of play?

Lionel Messi and Argentina’s World Cup dream remains alive but an indefatigable Croatia side inspired by the enduring brilliance of Luka Modric stands in their way in Tuesday’s semi-final in Doha.

Argentina have recovered from the shock of losing their opening game in Qatar to Saudi Arabia and made the last four with an exhausting win on penalties against the Netherlands at the end of a fractious quarter-final on Friday.

In the other semi-final, defending champions France take on Morocco after the African nation broke the hearts of Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.

INTO THE SEMI-FINALS

Argentina v Croatia - Wednesday Dec 14 6am, AEDT

France v Morocco - Thursday December 15, 6am AEDT

INTO THE QUARTER—FINALS

Netherlands v Argentina - Dec 10 6am

France v England - Dec 11 6am

Croatia v Brazil - Dec 10 2am

Spain v Portugal/Switzerland - Dec 11 2am

THROUGH TO ROUND OF 16

France

Portugal

Brazil

Netherlands

Senegal

England

USA

Australia

Argentina

Poland

Japan

Spain

Morocco

Croatia

South Korea

Switzerland

ELIMINATED

Qatar

Canada

Iran

Wales

Ecuador

Denmark

Tunisia

Saudi Arabia

Mexico

Germany

Costa Rica

Belgium

Canada

Cameroon

Brazil

GROUP A

The Netherlands have finished top of their group with wins over Senegal and Qatar and a draw with Ecuador. The Dutch will face the USA in the playoffs. Senegal join the Dutch in the knockout stage thanks to their victories over Ecuador and Qatar and will play England.

GROUP B

England’s three goal demolition of Wales ensures they go through to the knockout rounds undefeated. England will play African champions Senegal in the playoffs. The USA are also yet to taste defeat, they qualify second with one win and two draws from their three matches and join England in the play-off rounds where they will face the Netherlands.

GROUP C

Argentina defeated Poland in the final game of the round to ensure they finished top of the group. Poland lost the game but were celebrating after the whistle when the news broke that Saudi Arabia had scored a late goal against Mexico – and while the Saudis lost the game that goal was enough to see Poland finish second in the group on goal difference.

Argentina will play Australia and Poland will play France in the knockout round.

GROUP D

Australia is through to the Round of 16 after a stunning 1-0 victory over Denmark. Reigning world champion France was the first team guaranteed a spot in the knockout stages – which was fortunate considering they lost their final group game to Tunisia. France play Poland and Australia play Argentina in the knockout round.

GROUP E

Japan have topped their table after a thrilling win over Spain in the final match of the round. Despite the loss, Spain still managed to progress as their superios goal difference saw them finish ahead of Germany despite both having the same number of points.

GROUP F

World number two Belgium is another high-profile Cup casualty. Morocco is the shock top qualifier with Croatia through in second place.

GROUP G

Cameroon claimed a memorable 1-0 victory over favourites Brazil, but still failed to go through to the last 16. Switzerland’s 3-2 win over Serbia at the same time meant the Swiss advanced from Group G along with already-qualified Brazil.

GROUP H

South Korea scored a dramatic late goal to beat Portugal 2-1 and qualify for the World Cup last 16 at Uruguay’s expense.Hwang Hee-chan’s goal in stoppage time was enough to put the Koreans through to the knockout phase on goals scored, even though Uruguay beat Ghana 2-0 in the other match in Group H.

The knockout stages kick off early Sunday morning (AEDT) when Netherlands tackle USA, followed by Australia’s clash with Argentina.

Originally published as World Cup 2022 state of play: Who is in the semi-finals and who’s been eliminated?