From 32 to two - the destiny of the World Cup will soon be decided following this week's memorable semi-final encounters, as France and Argentina prepare for a clash of the titans in Sunday's final.
La Albiceleste ensured that Lionel Messi's dream of a World Cup winners' medal would remain alive courtesy of a 3-0 success over Croatia, with the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner crashing home from the spot before a Julian Alvarez brace finished the job emphatically.
Twenty-four hours later, reigning champions France sought to become the first holders in 24 years to reach the showpiece event, and their endeavours were successful as Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani struck either side of the break in a 2-0 win over African luminaries Morocco.
Here, Sports Mole selects its World Cup Team of the Week for the semi-finals.
DEFENCE
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Despite arguably cementing his place as the goalkeeper of the tournament, Dominik Livakovic was certainly not the goalkeeper of the semi-finals - that accolade belongs to Emiliano Martinez, who was not tested to the extreme against Croatia but came up with three saves and three high claims to ensure a deserved place in the World Cup final.
Morocco's defensive injury woes reared their ugly heads soon after kickoff against France, but Jawad El Yamiq can nevertheless exit Qatar with his head held high, having stopped Kylian Mbappe's goal-bound effort from crossing the line and very nearly finding the target with an electrifying overhead kick.
France were also dealt a blow at the back for the semi-final with Dayot Upamecano's illness, but Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate has now given Didier Deschamps quite the selection headache. Stepping in for his afflicted teammate, Konate was an immovable force at the back, recording five interceptions, two tackles and two blocks in a monstrous display.
Similarly, Argentina were forced into a rearguard alteration while Marcos Acuna served a suspension, but Nicolas Tagliafico performed admirably in his place - the Lyon left-back was quick to come out and intercept successfully, doing so four times in the match - while he also won his only aerial duel and completed 91% of his passes in an assured match.
More eyes were drawn to the pacey Achraf Hakimi than Jules Kounde on Wednesday night, but the France right-back was needed to clear a last-minute Azzedine Ounahi effort off the line, while he also made three tackles and two interceptions during the defensive effort. On the other side, Theo Hernandez took his acrobatic opening goal with the aplomb of a seasoned striker - the first time that Morocco had conceded to an opposing player in Qatar - and he also won all six of his ground duels on the night.
MIDFIELD
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As much as Antoine Griezmann's creative influence will earn him the plaudits, the Atletico Madrid man was nothing short of exemplary inside his own half against Morocco, making two crucial tackles and interceptions while drawing four fouls and playing four key passes in a masterful performance.
Clubs are queuing up to take a look at Morocco's midfield talents following a historic World Cup campaign, and Angers starlet Azzedine Ounahi can expect a couple more zeroes on any new contract he signs in January. The Atlas Lions' relentless attacking endeavours did not bear fruit on the night, but with three successful dribbles, an 88% pass accuracy and three shots which tested the Bleus backline, Ounahi will be remembered as a breakout star in Qatar.
ATTACK
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France newcomer Randal Kolo Muani may have only been on the pitch for 17 minutes against Morocco, but scoring after 44 seconds is worthy of a spot in our Team of the Week. Helped by the effervescent Mbappe weaving his way through a sea of red shirts, Kolo Muani was on hand to crash home at the back post to record the third-quickest substitute goal in World Cup history - with his first touch, no less.
Speaking of touches, Julian Alvarez sure did take a lot of them during his mazy run and somewhat fortunate opener against Croatia, but the Manchester City starlet's persistence paid off. Alvarez embarked on a remarkable solo journey to double his side's lead - having also won the penalty to put his side ahead - and he was in the right place at the right time to double his tally after some mesmerizing work from the man in the picture.
The conspiracy theorists were out in force claiming that the World Cup is 'rigged' for Lionel Messi to finally complete the set, but there is nothing dodgy about the 35-year-old's timeless excellence. Messi gave Livakovic no chance from the spot and humbled the ever-impressive Josko Gvardiol before laying the ball on a plate for Alvarez, and the Argentine is now potentially just 90 minutes away from bringing the curtain down on his World Cup career with the trophy in tow.
SPORTS MOLE'S WORLD CUP TEAM OF THE SEMI-FINALS
Sports Mole's World Cup Team of the Semi-Finals (3-4-3): Martinez; El Yamiq, Konate, Tagliafico; Kounde, Griezmann, Ounahi, Hernandez; Messi, Kolo Muani, Alvarez
Ben Knapton
