Real Madrid players at the FIFA World Cup: Round of 32 Update

With the World Cup round of 32 now more than underway, there are plenty of updates regarding Real Madrid players for us to get our teeth into. Let's take a look at how things have gone - so far.

To begin, Vinicius, Endrick and Brazil were taking on Japan in Houston, for what was one of the most anticipated clashes of the round, if not the most. As usual, Vinicius was named in the starting XI, whilst Endrick had to settle for a place on the bench. 

After a disappointing first half from Brazil, they found themselves 1-0 down at the break. However, they were had their tails up as they returned to the pitch, scoring a deserved equaliser not long before the hour mark, as former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro popped up with a header at the back post. Endrick had been introduced at the break.

Just two minutes after the equaliser, it was so nearly a very quick turnaround. Vinicius controlled the ball some 35-40 yards out, nutmegging his man in the process and driving towards the box. He then weaved around a couple of challenges, before seeing his eventual effort tipped onto the post. It would have been goal of the tournament had it gone in. 

Nevertheless, the Brazilians would eventually find a way to win, courtesy of a 95th minute winner. There can be no complaints based on how the second half played out in fairness. They will play Norway and Erling Haaland in their round of 16 clash in New Jersey on Sunday at 22:00 CEST.

Later on in the day, Antonio Rudiger played 110 minutes for Germany, as they were defeated by Paraguay on penalties in a shock result over in Foxborough. 

Meanwhile, Brahim Diaz started for Morocco, as they took on the Netherlands in Monterrey. The Real Madrid forward played 79 minutes before being substituted. They would score a 91st minute equaliser to save themselves from elimination, before eventually going onto win a crazy penalty shootout. 

As a result, they will play Canada in Houston on Saturday at 19:00 for their round of 16 clash.

On Tuesday night, France were in action against Sweden. Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni started the game, whilst Ibrahima Konate was again named amongst the substitutes.  

After a complicated opening half hour, Les Blues began to really stamp their authority in the final 15 minutes of the first half. Eventually this paid off, as Mbappe curled in a lovely effort after a well worked corner routine. 

Early on in the second half, France had doubled their lead, and they made it 3-0 on 74 minutes when Mbappe got his second goal of the game, sixth of the tournament and 18th in World Cups all time. The record before this tournament was 16. He has already got two more than that at just 27 years of age, remarkable. 

The skipper was given some rest for the final five minutes of the game, whilst Tchouameni played the 90 minutes, and Konate was an unused sub. They will face Paraguay in the round of 16, in Philadelphia on Saturday at 23:00.