Africa set a new record for the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup with nine teams. However, seven of them were eliminated in the first round.
Ghana was the last African team to play in the Round of 32 on Friday evening. The "Black Stars," clad in white, lost 0-1 to Colombia.
Thus, only Morocco, which surprisingly reached the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago, and Egypt now carry the continent's hopes as they play for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Nearly Caused Upsets
Morocco faces Canada in Houston on Saturday. Egypt had previously prevailed against Australia in a penalty shootout on Friday and will meet Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina in Atlanta on Tuesday.
The "Albiceleste" almost suffered an embarrassment on Friday when the tiny island nation of Cape Verde forced them into extra time. However, Argentina ultimately prevailed 3-2 in one of the tournament's best matches.
"It's a great honor that so many African teams reached the Round of 32," said Congolese coach Sébastien Desabre.
Better Than Asia
Africa has never sent three teams to the Round of 16. The previous high was two, when Senegal along with Morocco four years ago, and at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when both Algeria and Nigeria made it – and were promptly eliminated.
At least, they fare well compared to the Asian confederation. Although AFC teams showed strong performances at the start of the World Cup, Japan and Australia still managed to make it to the knockout round – but they are no longer seen in the Round of 16. Four years ago, two Asian teams, Japan and South Korea, had been in the Round of 16.
"African nations have long been underestimated in major competitions," Ghanaian forward Brandon Thomas-Asante said this week. "I'm glad to see this success across all African nations. It simply shows how much talent there is around the world, and Africa is no exception."
DR Congo, Senegal, and Ivory Coast Came Close
In fact, African teams performed well even in their losses at the World Cup. Congo led for most of their game against England before Harry Kane scored two late goals to rescue the "Three Lions."
Belgium needed two goals in the final minutes of regular time before the winning goal against Senegal came seconds before the end of extra time. Ivory Coast was level with the Vikings until Erling Haaland's 86th-minute goal sent Norway into the Round of 16.
Underdogs Can Surprise
South Africa lost to Canada and Algeria to Switzerland, as those teams, similar to Ghana on Friday evening, could not score. "Well, all teams that reach the Round of 32 have the will to advance," said Algerian coach Vladimir Petkovic.
"Some want to continue – to extend their adventure – and others are simply happy to be there. There are certain teams that are much stronger on paper, but at this World Cup, we realize that you can't really be sure about anything. You can't be sure that the strong teams will defeat the weaker ones. We've had several examples of this."
