Crystal Palace’s World Cup involvement continued this week as the Round of 32 was played out. 

Palace went into the World Cup with 13 players featuring, the sixth most of any club across the entire globe, and still lead the charts for most goals scored from a Premier League club at the tournament.

There were goals, penalty drama and big underdog wins, and it all started with Daichi Kamada and Japan. 

The second knockout game of the tournament saw Japan face a Brazilian side under huge pressure after an underwhelming group stage. Japan had been fantastic in the group stage, and Daichi Kamada scored twice as they finished second. 

Despite going 1-0 up in the first half, Brazil turned the game around and, after Ao Tanaka replaced Kamada, he conceded possession in the 95th minute and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli sent Japan home. 

Disappointment for Japan and Kamada, but certainly a tournament to be proud of, and now he can return to London and, hopefully, sign a new contract.

Chadi Riad has had an excellent tournament off the back of his magnificent performance in the Conference League final. 

Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil, and were unbeaten during their first three games. A tricky test against the Dutch was their reward, and despite going 1-0 down, Issa Diop equalised to draw extra time, eventually resulting in penalty kicks. 

Riad was substituted with a slight injury, but Morocco progressed to the Round of 16, as they won the shootout 3-2.

It was an all Palace matchup in the next knockout tie, although Jørgen Strand Larsen was an unused substitute, understandably too considering his competition is Erling Haaland. 

Evann Guessand’s Palace contract technically expired this month, but he could return to the club later this Summer. The winger played just 15 minutes in the group stage, and was substituted for the final minute of this game, as Norway won 2-1. 

France continued to turn the quality up game by game, and in their 3-0 win against Sweden, some of the attacking play on show was genuinely frightening. Maxence Lacroix was an unused substitute, whilst Jean-Philippe Mateta replaced Kylian Mbappé for the final five minutes. 

Le Bleus look like favourites to win their second World Cup in three editions, and whilst Palace’s duo aren’t currently playing a key role, it’s still great to see.

Jordan Pickford’s number one position in the Three Lions squad seems unshakeable, despite another unconvincing performance. DR Congo took the lead through a well-struck effort into Pickford’s near post, which he failed to save. Meanwhile, Dean Henderson sits on the bench wondering if he’ll ever get a chance. 

Either way, England are through to face Mexico in what could be a hugely challenging game. 

Ismaïla Sarr became Senegal’s all time leading World Cup goalscorer this tournament, and added to his tally with a truly remarkable strike which doubled the lead against Belgium. Senegal looked all but through, until a late Belgium sucker punch took the game to extra time. 

Again, chances for both sides came and went, and the tie looked set to be decided on penalties, until Belgium were awarded a spot kick in the final minute of the game. Aston Villa’s Youri Teilemens converted, sending Sarr and Senegal home.

Chris Richards has had a superb tournament for America, and continued his form into their Round of 32 tie with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Starting at centre back in all but their final group game, Richards has continued to perform admirably, as he did with Palace across the season. 

Now, he’ll face Belgium, with a chance to redeem his Palace teammate.

Yéremy Pino was an unused substitute for Spain as they beat Austria 3-0, as the Palace winger recovers from a collarbone injury. Spain will now face Portugal in the Round of 16, as Pino continues to play a squad role for Luis De La Fuente’s side.

The final Round of 32 game involving Palace players is being played at 2:30am on Saturday morning, as Colombia face Ghana. Muñoz scored twice in the group stage, whilst Lerma played every single game. 

Should they beat the side who held England to a goalless draw, they will face Switzerland, which could be another favourable matchup. 

As France continue to bubble, it feels more and more likely that there will be at least one Palace player winning the World Cup this Summer.