kodi gakpo
* The Dutch forward has managed to find the net regularly in Qatar so far as the Netherlands progress to the last 16 after topping Group A.
* However, Gakpo was unable to add to his tally in the Netherlands’ 3–1 victory over the United States in the last 16.
* The 23-year-old Gakpo has been impressive in his club PSV Eindhoven’s Europa League knockout stages and has been the subject of transfer speculation with top European clubs said to open as next summer’s transfer window opens.
Lionel Messi
* What the Argentine great has said is probably his last World Cup. The 35-year-old opened his account by hitting the spot kick in a shock Group C defeat to Saudi Arabia, before scoring and assisting Enzo Fernandez in an emotionally charged win over Mexico.
* Messi also scored in Argentina’s 2-1 win over Australia in the last 16, netting his side with a coolly low strike after 35 minutes for his 94th international goal.
* The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has enjoyed a trophy-laden career at club level, and his fans around the world are hoping he can help secure a World Cup for his country this time around.
* Messi’s rival Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal will also be eyeing the golden boot, becoming the first player to score five World Cup goals when he netted in the Group H opener against Ghana.
bruno fernandes
* Portugal’s run at the World Cup in Qatar has been marred somewhat by the controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and his acrimonious departure from Manchester United.
* But his former club teammate Bruno Fernandes, 28, has stepped out of Ronaldo’s shadow by scoring twice against Uruguay after scoring twice in Portugal’s 3-2 win against Ghana.
another valencia
* Ecuador’s all-time top scorer, who was nicknamed “Superman” at home, scored the first two goals of the World Cup against hosts Qatar at the Al Bayt Stadium as the South Americans emerged winners.