Villarreal’s World Cup contingent ends at last 16 after bright group stage | OneFootball

Villarreal’s World Cup contingent ended in the last 16. Eight players across seven nations advanced from the groups, four reached the last 16 and none went further.

They contributed across the tournament with impactful cameos and key goalscoring moments.

Centre-back Renato Veiga underlined the near 25 million investment last summer. He was Portugal’s only outfield ever-present, 450 minutes until Spain knocked them out in the last 16 on Wednesday.

Pape Gueye starred, delivering a decisive brace and an assist in Senegal’s final group match to reach the round of 32. Against Belgium they led 2-0, he was withdrawn on 66 minutes, then Belgium levelled late and won with an extra-time penalty. Afterwards, he announced on social media a pause from international duty while the current staff remains.

Among the hosts, Oluwaseyi and Buchanan started for Canada, who fell to Morocco in the last 16 after a dominant first half but wasteful finishing. Alex Freeman started for the United States, but Belgium swept to a 4-1 win amid the Balogun controversy.

Nico Pepe proved important as Ivory Coast advanced from a group with Germany, Ecuador and Curaçao. His brace against Curaçao sealed a round-of-32 spot, before Norway edged a tight tie late through Haaland.

Logan Costa did not debut for Cape Verde after a serious pre-season injury had sidelined him at Villarreal until May. He still shared in his country’s historic bow, which pushed Argentina to extra time.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo