Before we look ahead to World Cup knockout round, here's a look at players who have stood out so far. The usual suspects and some surprises.

France's World Cup winner Olivier Giroud explains why Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk is still the main man for his national team.

Germany fans gathering in Boston on Sunday, a day ahead of their team's first World Cup knockout match against Paraguay, said they were confident about the chances ​of victory against the rugged South Americans,

In a World Cup that seems fixated on trying to make soccer more entertaining for its American audience, local fans were lucky on Friday to see a game in which the most compelling figures were the French ones in front of goal.

France tops the group and stays in the Northeast for the Round of 32 🇫🇷

Thursday's slate of six World Cup games includes a pair of heavyweight bouts, with the final standings being decided in Groups G, H and I. France and Norway have each booked a spot in the knockout stage with six points but their showdown in Massachusetts will decide the Group I winner.