Denmark and Australia, France and Peru, and Argentina and Croatia were all in action on day eight of the world's greatest competition.
There were tears and cheers and everything else you'd expect as the World Cup begins to get increasingly more serious what with teams progressing to the round of 16 and others dropping into oblivion.
As always, here are seven things that caught our eye this Thursday - seven things you might well have missed!
1. The Australia fans have suddenly changed their tune!
Australia felt hard done by at being on the receiving end of the World Cup's first VAR-awarded penalty against France.
Fans would have no doubt gone home cursing the technology.
But on Thursday they changed their tune quite rapidly when they were awarded a penalty thanks to VAR in their 1-1 draw with Denmark.
According to reports, Socceroos supporters could even be heard singing "VAR, VAR, VAR!" in the stadium toilets at half-time. Brilliant!
2. The heartbreak of the World Cup is there for all to see as Peru crash out the competition
The World Cup has always been associated with a carnival-level of fun.
It's inclusive and sees nations from all over the globe coming together to enjoy the spectacle of the beautiful game being played by the world's best players.
But let's not forget it's a tournament everyone wants to win, and only one team can.
And the sadness felt by the Peru supporters after seeing their nation crash out on Thursday made for very tough viewing.
3. Patrice Evra catches the eye with a bow tie on ITV... but viewers aren't impressed
Patrice Evra has stood out all week with various fashion statements.
But it seems his latest get-up made the biggest stir, after he rocked up to the ITV studio sporting a bow tie.
4. Lionel Messi under serious stress
Messi showed serious signs of stress ahead of Argentina's clash with Croatia - sparking concern among fans.
As the Argentina national anthem was played, many of the players looked into the distance, focused on the job at hand.
But Messi appeared to be suffering with a headache.
He could be seen rubbing his forehead vigorously as the camera lingered on him, and appears to be struggling with the pressure.
5. They might be two of the best players in the world, but my word were they isolated
You'd be forgiven for not knowing whether Messi and Aguero were on the pitch on Thursday night.
The pair failed to have any sort of impact, especially in the first half, and two very worrying stats - courtesy of Opta - emerged.
Talk about isolation!
6. Yes, Liverpool's favourite centre-back Dejan Lovren did slap Luka Modric in the face
Croatia's golden generation took the lead through Ante Rebic following a woeful Willy Caballero mistake.
The Croatia players sprinted to the corner flag to celebrate the goal, as Dejan Lovren took it upon himself to rev-up his team-mates.
And by rev-up we mean slap the country's best player in the face.
Yep, that will help.
7. It's fantastic to see the 12th man working so hard... but nothing could help Argentina
Give the fans something to sing about and they'll sing; that's what they say.
But despite Argentina giving the travelling supporters absolutely nothing to be happy about, fans got behind their team after going 1-0 down.
Unfortunately for the fans however, this passionate outburst was the most energetic thing that came from Argentina all evening...
All4love55
174
Argentina is not Barcelona in terms of quality players.And Argentina seems to be in festive holiday mode,non competitive....
Avinashpal
160
messi lacks the attitude that ronaldo has ... the winning attitude despite all the challenges... Christiano's thinking before the games be somewhat like I m the best and I know that I would be decisive in the game ... this is the confidence that ronaldo plays with which helps him in the game on the other hand messi thinks somewhat like .. I have to do something for my country , my people are expecting me to do it and I ll try to do it ... this attitude let's him focus deep in to his thoughts which creates nothing but stress and eventually deep inside when the team loses he blames himself for the team's performance messi is still the best for me and the only way he is gonna be written in golden words on world cups history is when he has a winning attitude nothing else he has everything else ... discipline, skill, leadership, etc. but he has to have some attitude.. he is too humble to have an attitude messi needs to change! the way he thinks and as fans we know he can win the world cup single handedly and we are eager for that pls messi if you are anywhere in the world pls get this note and I m sure you'll return to argentina with the golden trophy! #weloveyou
Obigcee11
112
please which team in that Argentina's group can beat this team... what is wrong with this coach.. shouting from 1mins to 90mins.. What rubbish ...I don't even think he is in good terms with his players.... No teamwork at all... Messi keeps waiting for pass and they will go and pass for pavon or what!!....savio in that my lineup: I put him there so he can help dybala in front and also be helped by otamendi when he isn't at the back.
Kaido
69
Winners rise up harder when they fall!! CR7 falls time and again but he comes back with a punch. Messi has fallen to a pit right now but he can still be a winner if he jumps even higher now. Everybody fail, but a man who doesn't come back after failing is a real loser. Hope Messi can comeback strong although I am a CR7 fan.
ZakariaRahmani
66
The best possible change could be bringing in Di Maria soo that more chances can be created by him on the flanks which could possess some threats as he is having both dribble skill and pace and the most important dybala should come... How can anyone can make him sit on the bench... He has soo much potential and skill he can create good moves for messi and auguero
GoullaJr
57
its sad but then that is the result of a coach who does not understand his player and what they capable of...he called his final squad base on his desires and leaving several of your best players on the bench is understandable for Argentine to lose
FootballAddict
46
The best player will always shine when the pressure is up,when the stakes are higher,they do not suck by the pressure. Its not about footballing technique or ability on this aspect,its about having the champions and winners mentality,which is - never give up -fight with all u have until the very last minute of the game -as a captain,he needs to carry his team to keep on fighting and never to accept losing if the match is still on -focused and determined to deliver even under the great pressure Sorry to say,im not a messi’s hater,i love him and always respect him for being one of the best ever,but he lacked all of the above (especially in the game vs croatia) . If he really want to cement his status as the undoubtful GOAT,he should posseses all of these qualities aside of his already amazing footballing ability. Peace.
hadacnpsuy
35
Spain looks most composite team,although they draw with Portugal.First two goals it wa bad luck for the.Ronalado free hit was a classic.I feel this time Spain,Portugal & England r hot contenders. The blunder Argentina did it four yrs before recalling Messi,after loosing unWorldly Cup 2014,Nation thought he will bring World Cup in 18 proved mirage.It's a team game not a individual one.It's we win or loose.Brazil seems to be on the way out depending on Naynamair.
EurasianGuy49
34
Ronaldo was actually missing his two favourite partners in crime, Luis Nani and Fabio Coentrao!!! Both like to attack and caused problems on the flanks for opposition teams!!! Missing in midfield is Andre Gomes who out due to poor club form but always plays his best for country, several other players were also missing from the team, but i would like to see Ricardo Queresma play not sit on the bench!!!