The 2022 FIFA World Cup takes its first rest day on Wednesday after over two weeks of action. We’ve seen highs and lows coming from teams around the globe, including lopsided wins and upsets paired with extravagant goals. We wrap up the first stage of the knockouts with plenty of memories to take with us. After a historical Spain vs. Morocco matchup and a one-sided victory between Portugal and Switzerland, Nitrobetting looks back at the storylines of the Round of 16’s final day.

A look at the Final Day of the Round of 16

17 days of back-to-back to action! This is what we've all just lived through ????#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 7, 2022

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Morocco makes history

Spain vs. Morocco was the first game to commence on the final day of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. The first half was a defensive fight, as both teams hit a few shots on goal but failed to capitalize. The second half was even more of a tight game, with the sides managing to keep things in check. It was the second game of the Round of 16 that went on to extra time and penalties. Spain had a massive advantage over the Moroccans, but Yassine Bono had other plans for his team. The 31-year-old goalkeeper who plays for Sevilla would block three Spanish chances taking his team to their first quarter-final appearance and +483 winners against Portugal on Saturday.

Morocco gets on the FIFA World Cup history books as it became the first Arab country and only the fourth African country to reach the major competition’s quarterfinals. They sent home the Spaniards during a decisive penalty shootout, which no one would have predicted. Despite looking primed to become World Cup final challengers, Luis Enrique’s young squad caved into the pressure. This result records another victory for the underdogs following their 2-0 victory over Belgium in the group stage.

Portugal trashes Switzerland

Gonçalo Ramos took over for superstar the once-favorite and now +6,600 top goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting 11. He announced himself to the world in style with a hat trick against Switzerland. Portugal put on a show and played a more entertaining game that saw them dominate the Swiss players six goals to one. It wasn’t clear whether head coach Fernando Santos made the brave decision to leave Ronaldo out because of the superstar’s ill temper when substituted during Portugal’s final group game. Nevertheless, it was clear that Seleção das Quinas looked better without him in the starting lineup.

With the young taking the spotlight, the 39-year-old Pepe made history by becoming the oldest player to ever score in the World Cup’s knockout round and the second-oldest scorer ever in the event’s history. His veteran presence gave life to the team and played a perfect role model to the defensive third. Raphaël Guerreiro and Rafael Leao added two more goals to the board, making it six for the 2016 European Champions. Meanwhile, the Swiss side gets a consolation goal in the 58th minute to deny Portugal a clean sheet.

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