In the aftermath of Argentina’s comeback against Egypt, Fox broadcasters Derek Rae and Rob Green boldly labeled it the game of the tournament. Lionel Messi’s efforts saved the reigning world champions from imminent elimination.

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However, this summer’s World Cup has delivered numerous outstanding performances and compelling late-match drama, making it difficult to pinpoint a single standout game. With the highly anticipated final between Spain and Argentina approaching, here’s a look at the ten best matches so far:

Paraguay executed a stunning upset by holding the more talented Germany to a 1-1 draw after extra time. In the penalty shootout, Paraguay triumphed 4-3 thanks to goalkeeper Orlando Gill, who saved critical attempts from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade. Paraguay’s resolute defense was pivotal in this match, allowing them to absorb pressure while waiting for counterattack opportunities.

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In the knockout stage, Morocco faced the Netherlands in what turned out to be an exciting quarterfinal-like game in the round of 32. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 72nd minute, celebrating a poignant moment as he and partner, Noa van der Bij, mourned the loss of their son during pregnancy. Morocco equalized through an Issa Diop header in stoppage time. Although Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made a crucial save in extra time, Morocco prevailed in a chaotic penalty shootout.

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Challenging the notion that France would dominate the tournament due to its attacking prowess, Spain showcased superior possession and pressing tactics. Spain effectively neutralized star players Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, leading to an 82nd minute shot for France, signaling their struggle to gain control. Spain’s semifinal victory will likely be the hardest pill for France to swallow after their earlier defeats.

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In its World Cup debut, Cape Verde stunned spectators by holding European Champion Spain to a scoreless draw. Despite Spain’s 27 shots, Cape Verde’s goalkeeper, Vozinha, made impressive saves, ultimately earning his nation a point in a remarkable achievement for their sporting history.

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Belgium produced an improbable comeback in the knockout stage, rallying from a two-goal deficit. Romelu Lukaku started the revival with a goal in the 86th minute, followed by Youri Tielemans’ equalizer shortly after. A late VAR check awarded Belgium a penalty, which Tielemans confidently converted in the closing moments.

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Senegal’s struggles echoed those of other African teams in the knockout phase, with several teams failing to advance past the round of 16. Meanwhile, England faced Argentina in a high-profile match that presented a missed opportunity. England coach Thomas Tuchel’s decision to prioritize defense ultimately allowed Argentina to take the match, with Lionel Messi assisting on two late goals for a thrilling comeback.

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In another memorable knockout round, Croatia faced Portugal with both teams looking to showcase their star players. A controversial offside call denied Croatia a last-minute equalizer after a VAR check ruled that an earlier tap had put the goal out of reach.

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In the gripping match between Argentina and Egypt, the latter took a surprising lead before Messi sparked Argentina’s comeback. After an initial goal by Christian Romero, Messi leveled the score and Enzo Fernandez sealed the victory with a stoppage-time header. Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, expressed dissatisfaction with officiating decisions that he felt unjustly favored Argentina.

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England faced a challenging match against Mexico at Estadio Azteca, a venue notorious for its hostile atmosphere. Despite being down to ten men, England’s Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane managed to propel their team to victory, maintaining resilience under pressure.

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In a striking face-off, Cape Verde, a debutant at the World Cup, demonstrated grit against Argentina. The match featured two lead changes, with Cape Verde displaying exceptional skill, including a stunning equalizer by Sidny Lopes Cabral. Although Argentina secured the win in extra time, Cape Verde’s determination earned them respect on the international stage.