Tite’s departure as Brazil head coach was just one of a host of  significant storylines served up by the World Cup quarter-finals.

Neymar equalled Pelé’s record tally  of 77 Brazil goals. The PSG star is  now 30 years old, and that may have been his last World Cup.

Casemiro and Luka Modric were reunited on the pitch as rivals. There was plenty of respect between the pair, who knew each other’s weaknesses.

Modric showed real class after Croatia’s win. He consoled the Brazil players - particularly Real Madrid club-mate Rodrygo, who has missed a penalty.

For the eighth time in their last nine major-tournament knockout ties, Croatia were involved in extra time. It really is some stat.

By beating the Netherlands, Argentine became the first country to knock another out of two World Cups on penalties (2014 and 2022).

Lionel Messi became Argentina’s joint-top scorer at World Cups, drawing level with Gabriel Batistuta on 10.

After an ill-tempered game, Messi confronted the Dutch dugout and paused an interview to call the Netherlands’ Wout Weghorst a “fool”. 

As Argentina’s players celebrated the winning penalty in their opponents’ faces, Messi ran over to keeper Emi Martínez, the shootout hero.

Cristiano Ronaldo left the field in  tears after Portugal’s defeat. At 37,  he seems likely to have played his  last major tournament.

Morocco became the first African  nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals. They beat Portugal, having kept the Seleçao firmly at bay.

Pepe on the ref: “It’s unacceptable that an Argentine took charge after what happened yesterday, with Messi complaining. Just give them the trophy.”

Antoine Griezmann set up two goals in France’s win over England, to become Les Bleus’ leading assist provider (28).

Harry Kane equalled Wayne  Rooney’s record England goal haul of 53 - and would have beaten it had he scored his second penalty.