Australia's plan to foil Lionel Messi did not come off, but Garang Kuol believes the Socceroos showed in this World Cup campaign they can compete with the best around.
After losing their opening game to France, Australia responded with back-to-back 1-0 wins over Tunisia and Denmark, reaching a last-16 tie against Argentina.
Graham Arnold's side threatened an upset on Saturday, too, but eventually went down 2-1 after Messi inspired La Albiceleste to victory.
Socceroos coach Arnold said of Messi, who scored the opener: "Look, he's incredible, one of the greatest ever.
"We worked really hard to not be in awe of him, because of the great player he is, but he's remarkable.
"I had the privilege of playing against Diego Maradona and now of coaching against Lionel Messi on a few occasions.
"They're both wonderful players and Argentina should be so proud and happy they've produced players of that calibre."
Teenage winger Kuol, who at 18 became the youngest player to feature in a World Cup knockout match since Pele, could have netted a late leveller, only for Emiliano Martinez to block well.
"I was telling myself that I'd come on and score a goal, and Arnie was telling me to come on and do the same thing," Kuol said. "We had the same expectation.
"When I wasn't able to score, I was very disappointed, but we move on.
"I didn't really see much of it. I just turned around and tried to shoot. It was only when I saw the replay I could see the keeper rushed out. It's just a learning curve."
Although Australia came up short against both France and Argentina, Kuol felt their performances were evident of a narrowing gap between the Socceroos and their elite opponents.
"Yeah, 100 per cent," he said. "People think the people in Europe can fly or something, but we're all humans, we've all got two feet. It's all just about the passion and the heart."
Whether Arnold is the man to lead Australia into future meetings with Argentina and Co. remains to be seen.
"I haven't even thought about it," he said. "My contract is up and I just want to go away, have a good holiday, have a break and see what happens.
"I've worked extremely hard throughout this campaign, I did the Olympic team for nothing just to help these players come through.
"I need a break and a rest, then I'm sure I'll have good discussions with the federation."
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said his players were born to handle high-pressure World Cup contests after Lionel Messi led them to a 2-1 win over Australia in the last 16.
Messi scored his ninth World Cup goal – and his first in a knockout tie – as Argentina edged out Australia at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Saturday, with Julian Alvarez also getting on the scoresheet following a mistake from Mathew Ryan.
Argentina will now face the Netherlands for a semi-final place on Friday, a prospect which appeared unlikely when they began their campaign with a stunning defeat to Saudi Arabia 11 days ago.
Asked how the Albiceleste had managed to turn their tournament around, Scaloni said: "What I said before the Mexico match was that these guys were born to play these games.
"Argentina have played three games which were very intense, where being knocked out was a reality. But these players are capable. Sometimes the urgency and anxiety makes you feel different.
"Even if things happen like the Saudi Arabia game or the Australia goal today, we have to keep believing in our football.
"There is no pressure in football, that's how I see it. Pressure is something else.
"If you've watched Argentina today, these are memories which will stay with you forever. You've seen these young players, and also Leo, playing beautifully."
The next hurdle for Argentina to overcome will be a heavyweight tussle with the nation they beat in both the 1978 World Cup final and the 2014 semi-finals.
While Scaloni acknowledges the Oranje's current crop may not be as easy on the eye as some of their predecessors, he expects a tough test against Louis van Gaal's men.
Asked about Van Gaal's qualities, Scaloni said: "I was a young player at Deportivo La Coruna when he was coaching at Barcelona. He's a great coach and many have to try to take a page from his book. It's a pleasure to face him at a World Cup.
"Today we saw the Netherlands match. They probably don't play as beautifully as some older Dutch teams, but they have very strong points that they will try to use.
"It will be a beautiful game between two historic national teams, and one will be knocked out, unfortunately."
Argentina are hopeful of receiving a fitness boost ahead of Friday, with Scaloni revealing Angel Di Maria – who was an unused substitute on Saturday after suffering a thigh injury – could return.
"I didn't think we were going to help anyone by bringing him on today," he said of Di Maria. "We hope that in the next few days he keeps evolving and he can make it for the next match."
Lionel Messi has now gone past Diego Maradona for World Cup appearances and goals – and the Argentina number 10 has pulled exactly level with his predecessor on two important statistics that showcase their creative brilliance.
Saturday's hard-fought 2-1 win over Australia carried Argentina into the quarter-finals, with Messi scoring the ninth World Cup goal of his career to put Lionel Scaloni's team 1-0 in front in the first half.
That nudged Messi ahead of Maradona's career haul of eight goals, while he has moved to 23 World Cup appearances during this tournament, two ahead of his late compatriot and fellow number 10 shirt wearer's previous national team record.
Messi is just one behind Gabriel Batistuta's record of 10 World Cup goals with Argentina, and he may have that in the back of his mind ahead of Friday's last-eight clash with the Netherlands.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward is picking off records as he goes during this tournament, and he will surely overtake two more Maradona marks in that clash with Louis van Gaal's team.
That is because Messi and Maradona are now exactly level when it comes to chances created and open play chances created at the World Cup.
They have both created 67 chances, and with each man, 48 of those chances have come about in open play, Opta data shows.
Messi created four chances in all against Australia, including a golden opportunity for Lautaro Martinez that the substitute ballooned wastefully late in the game as Argentina looked to put the game beyond their gallant opponents.
Where Maradona beats Messi is in goal assists. Maradona's eight from 1982 to 1994 beats Messi's haul of six assists to date, since his World Cup debut at the 2006 finals.
Maradona was the driving force behind Argentina's 1986 World Cup triumph in Mexico, and later coached the national team, notably at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
He died in November 2020 at the age of 60.
Saturday's game against Australia was the 1,000th of Messi's career for club and country.
Lionel Messi celebrated his first World Cup knockout stage goal on his 1,000th career appearance by showing appreciation for Argentina's fans as he helped his country reach the quarter-finals in Qatar.
Messi opened the scoring in Argentina's 2-1 win against Australia at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Saturday, with Julian Alvarez doubling the lead before an Enzo Fernandez own goal caused some late nerves.
Only Gabriel Batistuta (10) has scored more World Cup goals for La Albiceleste than Messi's nine, and the captain praised the efforts of travelling fans as his team advanced to face the Netherlands in the last eight.
"I am very happy for taking another step forward and achieving another objective," Messi said at a post-match press conference. "[Australia] were very strong and it was a difficult match, we knew it would be this way.
"We played very recently and didn't have much time to rest up, so we were concerned as we knew it would be a very physical match. Luckily we found the goal, and then at two goals ahead it was easier for us.
"I am very happy to share these beautiful moments with all the fans, I know the efforts they have made to be here with us in every match. The whole of Argentina would like to be here."
Messi made his 169th appearance for Argentina, to go with 778 at Barcelona and 53 at Paris Saint-Germain. To date, he has 789 goals and 338 assists across those 1,000 games, and Australia were the 129th team he has scored against in his career.
"This bond or union that we have with the fans is something beautiful, and that's what the national team should be," Messi said.
"We were excited and eager to be together with the people again. It's unbelievable, the passion and energy they transmit."
Lionel Messi marked his 1,000th career appearance with his first ever goal in the World Cup knockout stage as Argentina reached the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over Australia on Saturday.
Australia were content to frustrate their opponents at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, but Messi carved the Socceroos open in trademark fashion as half-time approached – picking out the bottom-left corner to net.
If Argentina's first goal was sublime, their second bordered on the ridiculous as Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan gifted possession to Julian Alvarez, who made no mistake to seal the win.
Australia halved the arrears when Craig Goodwin's effort deflected off Enzo Fernandez and beyond Emiliano Martinez, but Argentina never looked likely to be pegged back as they teed up a quarter-final clash with the Netherlands.
Argentina struggled to make any early headway as Graham Arnold's men defended resolutely, but La Albiceleste had their seven-time Ballon d'Or winner to thank when they took the lead with their first real attack.
With 35 minutes gone, Messi darted inside from the right wing to latch onto Nicolas Otamendi's lay-off before planting a neat side-footed finish beyond the despairing dive of Ryan.
Messi saw an effort deflect into Ryan's arms as Argentina chased a second after the restart, but the goalkeeper was at fault as Argentina doubled their lead with 57 minutes gone.
Ryan inexplicably tried to dribble his way out of trouble when pressed by Rodrigo De Paul and Alvarez, and the Manchester City striker applied the simplest of finishes after stealing possession.
Australia reduced the deficit out of nowhere when Goodwin's long-range strike found the bottom-right corner via Fernandez, before Lisandro Martinez denied Aziz Behich a remarkable leveller with a fine last-ditch tackle.
Substitute Lautaro Martinez went close on three occasions before Emiliano Martinez denied Garang Kuol from point-blank range at the last, but Argentina clung on to seal their progress.
The United States must be proud of their efforts at the World Cup in Qatar, but Christian Pulisic insisted the team "don't want to feel like this again."
A 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha saw the USA knocked out of the competition on Saturday.
While the Dutch had a quarter-final against either Australia or Argentina to look forward to, the USA's focus will now turn to developing their young squad further ahead of the 2026 edition.
That tournament will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, and feature 48 countries, and Pulisic wants to see a team with title-winning quality.
"Right now, it's just tough, you know? It hurts, after a tough loss like that, we feel like we could have had more," he said.
"It's another experience for all these guys, moments that we can be proud of. We don't want to feel like this again. We want to put ourselves in a position to win tournaments like this."
Pulisic missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring three minutes into the game, seeing a close-range attempt saved by Andries Noppert.
In contrast, Memphis Depay slotted away the Netherlands' first big opportunity, with Daley Blind making it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time.
"It happened so early in the game, and he made a good save," said Pulisic, who assisted Haji Wright for the USA's goal, which was swiftly cancelled out by Denzel Dumfries at the other end.
"They defended well for the most part, but I think when their first kind of two real chances went down, they just cut back, execute it, finish.
"We were down 2-0, but it didn't feel like it should be that way. But that's what good teams do."
USA coach Gregg Berhalter is approaching the end of his contract, and did not give much clarity over what his future holds.
Antonee Robinson, however, hopes Berhalter continues in the role as the USA look to build towards 2026.
"I hope so," said the Fulham full-back. "He's given a lot of boys a chance to develop with this group, and I feel like this whole time we've shown the type football we can play."
Netherlands players shrugged off criticism about their style of play from supporters after seeing off the United States 3-1 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
The Oranje have attracted flak from fans and media due to the brand of football and system used by Louis van Gaal, with their classic 'Total Football' approach and 4-3-3 formation discarded.
Van Gaal prefers to deploy a back three and puts an emphasis on making the Netherlands difficult to break down, aiming to hit teams on the counter-attack.
His system was reasonably effective against the USA at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday, with the Netherlands soaking up pressure and catching Gregg Berhalter's men on the break.
The Netherlands were 2-0 up at half-time, and although they came under more threatening pressure in the second half with the USA pulling one back, Denzel Dumfries – who set up the first two – capped off a strong individual performance to finish the Americans off.
Fans and media alike will still probably find reasons to criticise Van Gaal's men, but for Dumfries their performance vindicated the system.
"There's a lot of criticism because we are used to it [a certain style of play], we are good on the ball," he said. "Normally we play 4-3-3, but we play a different system [now].
"But the goals today… this is everything. I gave an assist for the other full-back, Daley Blind, and he gave an assist to me, so today we showed the quality of the system.
"In the Netherlands we are used to having the ball, playing with possession. This is a different way of playing and I also understand the criticism because we can play much better with the ball, create more chances.
"But you see when we get the ball, we have qualities on the counter, very fast strikers, and it's also a strength of ours. We have to focus now to continue to make the system work perfectly."
Nathan Ake sympathised somewhat with the Netherlands' critics, even agreeing with assessments about the Oranje perhaps failing to impress despite topping Group A.
But like Dumfries, the Manchester City defender believes the defeat of the USA showed how effective Van Gaal's system can be.
It was put to him that winning is all that matters, to which he replied: "It is, it is, but sometimes I think playing well helps getting the result.
"In the first few games we were a little lucky sometimes with how we got the goals or how we played, we could've conceded, but today I think we were much more solid defensively but also attacking wise, we created so many more chances.
"I think the first few games [the critics] were right. We didn't play our best football, but we knew from inside the camp that we got the points; played bad but got the points and qualified first.
"We knew we had to play better. I think today we showed much more [of] what we can do, play through spaces.
"Sometimes we had to defend a bit more, but we know we are very dangerous on the counter-attack and we haven't shown that in the last games. Today, we showed that."
The Netherlands will play either Argentina or Australia at Lusail on Friday in their quarter-final.
Cody Gakpo and Denzel Dumfries have both made it clear their focus is on their World Cup exploits with the Netherlands amid ongoing speculation regarding their futures.
Both featured as the Dutch beat the United States 3-1 in their last-16 clash in Qatar on Saturday, with Dumfries recording a goal and two assists.
PSV forward Gakpo has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, and may have attracted further suitors after scoring in each of his first three World Cup appearances.
"To be honest, I'm not thinking about that now, I'm really focused on the tournament," he told reporters after the win over the USA.
"I try to keep performing well, keep helping the team, hopefully when we become world champion we can think about it."
Asked whether his future was a distraction, he added: "No not really because I just keep trying to stay focused, and the other players don't really talk about this sort of thing, and they help me also in this situation."
Dumfries is another player who has attracted speculation, and his performance against the USA would have only served to strengthen any interest.
Chelsea are among the clubs linked with a move for Dumfries, though the Inter right-back made it clear he is happy to continue in Milan when asked about interest from the Premier League side.
"The only thing I'm focused on right now is the national team, and I play for a very, very, beautiful club in Italy," he stressed.
"I'm very proud I can play for Inter. I'm not focused on anything else other than the national team and Inter.
"Of course, it's a compliment [to be linked with other clubs]. But I can tell you, when you put the Nerazzurri jersey on, that is a big compliment."
Louis van Gaal knows there is a long way to go, but declared the Netherlands can become world champions in Qatar.
Van Gaal's team progressed into the World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face either Australia or Lionel Messi's Argentina, with a 3-1 victory over the United States at Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday.
Memphis Depay and Daley Blind struck in the first half, with the excellent Denzel Dumfries – who assisted the Netherlands' first two goals – sealing the win after Haji Wright had pulled one back for the USA.
Van Gaal's pragmatic approach has seen him come in for some criticism, but his team are now just two wins away from the final, and three away from lifting the trophy for the first time in their nation's history.
"I get enough appreciation from the people around me," Van Gaal said in his post-match press conference when asked if he believed he needed to win the competition to gain respect from some of his critics.
"I know the media don't always report in a positive way, it's a given in football, but some top countries didn't progress, we still have three matches to go.
"We can become world champion. I am not saying that we will, but that we can."
According to Opta, who do not count penalty shoot-out losses as defeats, Van Gaal is unbeaten in his 11 World Cup games in charge of the Netherlands, a competition record.
The Netherlands have progressed from five of their last six round-of-16 matches at the World Cup, including progressing from their last three appearances at this stage, and while he was pleased with the outcome, Van Gaal pointed to the first half as an example of where the Oranje must up their game.
"I was very critical at half-time in my analysis I share with my players as usual," he explained.
"Despite being in the lead, we suffered so much, we were dispossessed so often, it was not necessary and that's not acceptable at a World Cup, if you play top countries you cannot make it.
"In the second half they did a much better job but nevertheless we were very pleased, and gives us incredible confidence. We will evaluate the match, then roll up our sleeves and get to work again, I can't promise any more than that."
Van Gaal will leave his role at the end of the Netherlands' campaign in Qatar, and that is serving as extra motivation for the players, according to defender Nathan Ake.
Ake told reporters: "I think you could see the fight we have, the whole team is united, everyone wants to do well for him.
"He's such an iconic figure for us and the Netherlands, so for him to do his last tournament, yeah obviously that's going to cross our mind."
Goalkeeper Andries Noppert added: "He's a really special person because he tries to make everyone better, he tries to keep it as one group. This is a special gift for a coach.
"He gives you a really special feeling that you are all together, and for the World Cup and our squad, that's really important."
Declan Rice is under no illusions as to the test Senegal will present England in the last 16 of the World Cup on Sunday.
Having won Group B, England will be widely expected to progress in their first meeting with Senegal and set up a quarter-final clash with either France or Poland.
But Senegal have proven their mettle in progressing as Group A runners-up behind the Netherlands despite missing Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane through injury.
And Rice, who will likely be at the heart of a key battle in the midfield at Al Khor, knows Senegal are not to be taken lightly.
"I think we've had a really good focus throughout the three group games – three really tough group games as well – but we’re onto a bigger test and we know Senegal are going to be really tough," Rice told a press conference.
"It's the knockout stages and we want to win. If you don't win, you go home, but that’s not what we're aiming for. We want to get to the end of the tournament.
"There was big pressure around the Iran game for us to win and we did that. The USA was a tough game but then to beat Wales, with all the noise around that, we really dominated the game from start to finish.
"We're building well and we're in a nice position, and we're ready for whatever comes.
"Senegal are a really strong, athletic team, with some really good individual players. They are a really good team. It's the first time we've played them since I've been in the set-up and we know it's going to be a tough test."
England, semi-finalists in 2018, are looking to reach the quarter-finals in consecutive World Cups for the first time since 2002 and 2006 under Sven-Goran Eriksson.
If Senegal do pull off a huge upset, it will mark the first time they have won three games at a single World Cup, having also won two en route to the last eight in 2002.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
England - Jude Bellingham
At 19 years and 153 days, Bellingham became the second-youngest player to reach 20 caps in England's 3-0 win over Wales and dominated the midfield in doing so.
He won possession seven times, tied with John Stones for the most of any player in the game, and had a passing accuracy of 90 per cent. However, Senegal's midfield has more depth and more talent than that of Wales, and this game promises to be a sterner test of his undoubted quality.
Senegal - Ismaila Sarr
The Lions of Teranga have had five different goalscorers at this World Cup, but Sarr may be the one of whom England will be the most wary.
He scored from the penalty spot against Ecuador and also had the most touches in their box (five) and played more passes into the final third than any other player (13), with eight of them accurate.
Firmly in the shop window having missed out on a move away from Championship side Watford before the season, this is a huge opportunity for Sarr to impress.
PREDICTION
England and Senegal may be meeting each other for the first time, but Stats Perform's AI supercomputer has little doubt about the way this one will go.
The Three Lions, who have never lost in their seven World Cup meetings with African opposition, are given a 63.5 per cent shot of prevailing here.
Senegal are considerable underdogs at 13.8 per cent, with a draw that would force extra-time or penalties a more realistic outcome at 22.7 per cent.
Gregg Berhalter backed the United States to take the next step on home soil in 2026 after seeing their encouraging World Cup run ended by the Netherlands on Saturday.
The USA suffered their fourth elimination in five World Cup last-16 ties at Khalifa International Stadium, as goals from Memphis Depay, Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries gave the Oranje a 3-1 win.
Berhalter's team had 58.4 per cent of the possession and managed 17 shots during another energetic display, but they were unable to find a way back after falling behind 10 minutes in.
Head coach Berhalter said the USA – who will join Mexico and Canada in hosting the 2026 tournament – made clear progress in Qatar, only falling short due to a lack of a cutting edge.
"Today it was small moments. We're a very difficult team to play, a team other countries don't want to play against because of our intensity and movement," Berhalter said.
"What I would say is, when you look at the difference, to me there was offensive quality that the Netherlands had that we're lacking a little bit.
"It's normal. We have a young group, players beginning their careers and we'll catch up to that, but we don't have a Memphis Depay right now, who plays at Barcelona and has played in the Champions League for years. Those are not excuses, that stuff is going to come.
"When you look at how we played, it should be positive. We should have confidence we can play against anyone in the world, the way we want to play, that's the important thing.
"Now it's about taking that to the next level, where you can win in knockout games and keep going. They did a great job and we definitely put our stamp on this World Cup.
"I think this group is close. To be fielding the youngest starting XIs in the World Cup four times in a row, to still play the way we are, the American public should be optimistic.
"We heard about the support we're getting from back home, it's something we really appreciate, we're sorry we couldn't win the game."
Asked whether he planned to lead the Stars and Stripes in four years' time, Berhalter added: "I've only been focused on the World Cup, achieving things with this group.
"In the next couple of weeks, I'll clear my head and think about what's next."
USA captain Tyler Adams echoed Berhalter's sentiments, expressing his pride in the team's efforts while emphasising the importance of their opponents' experience.
"I'm proud of the boys and we've shown we can hang with some of the best teams in the world," he told Fox Sports. "We've made progress and we will keep pushing.
"We're not there yet, but we're close. It's exciting, the more time we have together, the more growth there will be. But we need to mature for matches like this.
"It comes down to the moments and the more experienced side got the better of us today."
Lionel Messi was named in the Argentina line-up for the 1,000th match of his career on Saturday, but Angel Di Maria only made the bench.
La Albiceleste were facing Australia in the last 16 of the World Cup, with captain Messi reaching the 1,000 mark for games with club and country.
Di Maria, Argentina's big injury doubt, could not join his team-mate in the line-up, however.
The Juventus winger was substituted in the second half of the Group C win over Poland, and head coach Lionel Scaloni was still unsure of his status in Friday's pre-match news conference.
With Di Maria named among the Argentina substitutes, Sevilla's Papu Gomez came into the XI in the only change, perhaps indicating an alteration to the system or to Messi's role.
Graham Arnold also made a single change to his Australia side following their superb win against Denmark, replacing Craig Goodwin with Keanu Baccus.
Harry Kane feels "as match fit as I'm ever going to feel" as he prepares to lead England against Senegal at the World Cup on Sunday.
England captain Kane has yet to score in Qatar and has struggled to hit top form after sustaining an ankle injury in the opening 6-2 victory over Iran.
He concedes he would liked to have opened his account but is not overly concerned and says it is all part of a plan to peak as the tournament develops.
The Tottenham striker said: "At the World Cup in 2018, from a physical side of things, we started the tournament well, I scored a load of goals and as the tournament progressed, my performances dipped.
"At the Euros I tried to do it the other way round to make sure I was in the best place for the knockouts. I'd love to be sitting here with two or three goals but, minutes-wise, it hasn't been too tough, and hasn't been too physical heading into the knockout stages.
"I feel really good, I feel as match fit as I'm ever going to feel. Only time will tell but hopefully I can do well tomorrow and bring my best form into the knockout phase."
On his ankle, he added: "It feels fine. I had that knock in the first game but it's been getting better day by day and I almost don't feel it at all now. Form-wise I feel like I've been playing well. The goals are what I will be judged on but I am calm and always try to focus on the team, do my best and I can do that in many different ways.
"I will continue to do that and if the goals come then great. As a striker I always want to be scoring goals, it's going to be a tough game against Senegal but hopefully I can get off the mark."
Kane dismissed suggestions England have not performed well at the World Cup so far ahead of their round of 16 clash with the Africa Cup of Nations champions at Al Bayt Stadium.
He said: "We scored the most goals in the group stage [alongside Spain] and we have a good defensive record.
"I think we're in a good place. The group stage is just about getting through, we did our job and now it's a second competition of knockout football. We have to be prepared to face a tough side on Sunday.
"Senegal's greatest asset is their togetherness, that's what's seen them become African champions and get through the group stage here. It'll be a tough test but you're at the World Cup, so you expect to play against the best in the world."
England boss Gareth Southgate has a fully fit squad to choose from but some selection dilemmas, primarily in attacking positions with Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling all candidates to play wide of Kane.
"It's a good position to be in," said Southgate. "You want your players in confident mood and our forward players are. You want to make the best decision possible and in some respects I am not sure there's a right or wrong answer.
"They all offer different attributes and it's just trying to get the balance right and make the best decisions."
Southgate is aware of the task that awaits his side and does not feel the absence of injured Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane weakens Senegal.
He added: "We've been really impressed by them. They are African champions and have a lot of belief in the team. They have some excellent individual players that can cause problems and a good structure.
"[Senegal coach] Aliou [Cisse] has done a fantastic job. They were unlucky not to qualify from their group in 2018 and did so this time.
"Mane is an incredible player and every team in the world would want to have him but Senegal have become stronger in his absence. They have shown great spirit but losing him doesn't change the level of difficulty of the fixture tomorrow. We have to be at our very best to win the game."
Harry Kane feels "as match fit as I'm ever going to feel" as he prepares to lead England against Senegal at the World Cup on Sunday.
England captain Kane has yet to score in Qatar and has struggled to hit top form after sustaining an ankle injury in the opening 6-2 victory over Iran.
He concedes he would liked to have opened his account but is not overly concerned and says it is all part of a plan to peak as the tournament develops.
The Tottenham striker said: "At the World Cup in 2018, from a physical side of things, we started the tournament well, I scored a load of goals and as the tournament progressed, my performances dipped.
"At the Euros I tried to do it the other way round to make sure I was in the best place for the knockouts. I'd love to be sitting here with two or three goals but, minutes-wise, it hasn't been too tough, and hasn't been too physical heading into the knockout stages.
"I feel really good, I feel as match fit as I'm ever going to feel. Only time will tell but hopefully I can do well tomorrow and bring my best form into the knockout phase."
On his ankle, he added: "It feels fine. I had that knock in the first game but it's been getting better day by day and I almost don't feel it at all now. Form-wise I feel like I've been playing well. The goals are what I will be judged on but I am calm and always try to focus on the team, do my best and I can do that in many different ways.
"I will continue to do that and if the goals come then great. As a striker I always want to be scoring goals, it's going to be a tough game against Senegal but hopefully I can get off the mark."
Kane dismissed suggestions England have not performed well at the World Cup so far ahead of their round of 16 clash with the Africa Cup of Nations champions at Al Bayt Stadium.
He said: "We scored the most goals in the group stage [alongside Spain] and we have a good defensive record.
"I think we're in a good place. The group stage is just about getting through, we did our job and now it's a second competition of knockout football. We have to be prepared to face a tough side on Sunday.
"Senegal's greatest asset is their togetherness, that's what's seen them become African champions and get through the group stage here. It'll be a tough test but you're at the World Cup, so you expect to play against the best in the world."
England boss Gareth Southgate has a fully fit squad to choose from but some selection dilemmas, primarily in attacking positions with Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling all candidates to play wide of Kane.
"It's a good position to be in," said Southgate. "You want your players in confident mood and our forward players are. You want to make the best decision possible and in some respects I am not sure there's a right or wrong answer.
"They all offer different attributes and it's just trying to get the balance right and make the best decisions."
Southgate is aware of the task that awaits his side and does not feel the absence of injured Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane weakens Senegal.
He added: "We've been really impressed by them. They are African champions and have a lot of belief in the team. They have some excellent individual players that can cause problems and a good structure.
"[Senegal coach] Aliou [Cisse] has done a fantastic job. They were unlucky not to qualify from their group in 2018 and did so this time.
"Mane is an incredible player and every team in the world would want to have him but Senegal have become stronger in his absence. They have shown great spirit but losing him doesn't change the level of difficulty of the fixture tomorrow. We have to be at our very best to win the game."
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