After Argentina and France played the greatest game of all time in the most important game, Manchester City andLiverpool provided their own treat, reminding everyone that English domestic football is still the most entertaining weekly dish on the menu.
Despite five goals, 25 shots and two confrontations involving Rodri, this EFL Cup fourth-round tie will not be remembered as much as the efforts of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
This was English football in the raw, the two clubs who have set the standards over the past five seasons going head-to-head in front of 50,000 people. The managers liked it.
The losing side's manager said it was a great game.
It is always this way for us. We push each other to the next level when we are playing well. I watched the game and it was great.
Nathan Ake headed home the winner just before the hour to give City a 3-2 victory and a quarter-finals trip to Saints.
He said that the two teams respect what they have done.
Keeping the ball against them is difficult. I have faced many difficult structures in my career. They don't need anything to do that. They ruin you when they are better.
Kevin de Bruyne looked a shadow of his normal self as Belgium slipped out of the competition at the group stage, a disappointingly early exit for a side that failed to match lofty pre- tournament expectations.
Even though he scored a goal, De Bruyne looked ill at ease as he ambled around last weekend.
The 31-year-old was incredible against the Reds. He crossed for Erling Haaland's opener and the far-post effort that provided Ake with the winner was amazing and perfect for his team-mate.
He needs to be upset or grumpy to find the right fire in himself. It's his energy inside of him.
What a player, run, right, assist, score a goal. He is more than a person.
It's not easy to find consistency in three days, but he has something inside that says I want to fight. Kevin de Bruyne is the one who is responsible for this happening.
All but one of Manchester City's World Cup stars were in action on Thursday.
He made two World Cup appearances for England after recovering from shoulder surgery.
The man with the vague explanation for the absence ofPhillips raised more questions.
"KalvinPhillips is not in good shape," said the coach. He did not train well.
During Portugal's loss to Morocco, Dias had an injury.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was due to play in the game, but he pulled out because of illness, while veteran former England man James Milner was forced to leave the game.
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