In the final round of 16 match, Goncalo Ramos scored a sensational hat-trick to secure Portugal‘s place in the World Cup quarterfinals as Switzerland was trounced 6-1.
The 21-year-old striker for Benfica only recently made his debut for his country in November, but he took advantage of the chance presented by his unexpected call-up to score the first triple-goal haul at Qatar 2022.
Morocco, who earlier in the day defeated Spain in a nail-biting penalty shootout, will be the Portuguese’s next opponent.
Spain struggled to score any of their three penalty kicks after extra time had failed to yield a goal, but Morocco scored three out of four to earn the victory.
Netherlands kicked off the knockout phase, cruising to a 3-1 victory over the United States.
Louis van Gaal’s men will face Argentina in Friday’s late game after Lionel Messi inspired the South Americans to a 2-1 win over Australia.
Olivier Giroud became France’s all-time top scorer as they overcame Poland 3-1, while England saw off Senegal 3-0 following some hairy moments in the first half to set up a clash with Les Bleus on Saturday.
Croatia booked their place in the last eight with a penalty shootout win over Japan, following a 1-1 draw.
Their reward is a quarter-final clash with Brazil, who looked majestic as they swept South Korea aside 4-1.
Qatar 2022 round of 16 results
Saturday, December 3
Netherlands 3-1 United States (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)
Argentina 2-1 Australia (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)
Sunday, December 4
France 3-1 Poland (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)
England 3-0 Senegal (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)
Monday, December 5
Japan 1-1 Croatia (Croatia won 3-1 on penalties, Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)
Brazil 4-1 South Korea (Stadium 974, Doha)
Tuesday, December 6
Morocco 0-0 Spain (Morocco won 3-0 on penalties, Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)
Portugal 6-1 Switzerland (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)
Quarter-final draw
Friday, December 9
Croatia vs Brazil (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, 3pm, BBC)
Netherlands vs Argentina (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail, 7pm, BBC)
Saturday, December 10
Morocco vs Portugal (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, 3pm, ITV1)
England vs France (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, 7pm, ITV1)
Semi-finals: Tuesday, December 13 and Wednesday, December 14
Third-place play-off: Saturday, December 17
Final: Sunday, December 18
All kick-off times are GMT.