Japanese fans celebrateSamurai Blue sealing their place in the last 16. AFPAt the end of one of the most bitterly-fought group-phase action, the pre-quartefinal line-up of the FIFA World Cup has been completed. Out of the 16 qualifiers, 10 are from Europe, 4 four from South America and one each from Asia and Central America.
Japan pipped Senegal on fair play record to secure the second place from Group H and it meant no African team progressed to the knockout stage.
Holders Germany failed to get past the opening round in the the biggest surprise of Russia 2018.
The knockout action begins on Saturday, with two-time champions Argentina taking on 1998 winners France.
Pre-quarterfinal line-up
1. France vs Argentina, Saturday, June 30, 7.30 pm
2. Uruguay vs Portugal, Saturday, June 30, 11.30 pm
3. Spain vs Russia, Sunday, July 1, 7.30 pm
4. Croatia vs Denmark, Sunday, July 1, 11.30 pm
5. Brazil vs Mexico, Monday, July 2, 7.30 pm
6. Belgium vs Japan, Monday, July 2, 11.30 pm
7. Sweden vs Switzerland, Tuesday, July 3, 7.30 pm
8. Colombia vs England, Tuesday, July 3, 11.30 pm
All matches will be telecast live on Sony Ten 1 and Sony Ten 2 (SD and HD)
