Host the World Cup. Invite all of football, as well as its glare and attention. Work your way through 12 years of preparation, planning and build-up. But then what? It’s a question Qatar have never really come close to answering at their own World Cup. They had already made history by becoming the first host nation to be knocked out after just two matches. Without anything to play for against the Netherlands, they at least had the chance to go out with a final flourish. But Qatar produced nothing, and perhaps the most controversial World Cup hosts in tournament history will also go down as one of the most forgettable, too.
The Netherlands are through – that much was never in doubt with Louis van Gaal’s side only requiring a draw to advance. They do so as winners of Group A, after Senegal leapfrogged Ecuador at the last, but without impressing at any stage. Cody Gakpo has been the only bright spark of their World Cup so far and scored the opening goal for the third match in a row. This is increasingly becoming his team, and the Dutch will cling on to his exciting talent when they face the runners-up of Group B in the last 16 on Saturday.
