There has been a lot of recurring themes in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but one that stands out the most is the late drama that occurs in stoppage time.

It is a phrase you dread when your team is 1-0 ahead, as for some reason it sparks the opposition into life – for 90 minutes they could not do anything, but then in three minutes of stoppage time the possibilities turn out to be endless.

England found this out the hard way in their round of 16 encounter with Colombia, when the giant Colombian defender, Yerry Mina, soared in the air to head the ball into the net on 93 minutes. It was a final lifeline for Colombia who in the end succumbed to England in the penalty shootout.

Belgium scored the ultimate late winner in their round of 16 encounter with Japan to claim a 3-2 win. A swift counter attack saw Belgium keeper, Thibaut Courtois feed the ball to Kevin de Bruyne who saw the space opening up. De Bruyne found Thomas Meunier on the right who crossed a delicious ball for Nacer Chadli in the box who in turn stroked it into the net. It was brilliant counter-attacking football against a naïve Japanese side that were also going for glory. Heartbreak of the highest order, all thanks to the urgency created by stoppage time.

A stoppage time goal for Germany against Sweden from Toni Kroos gave the defending champions hope, but stoppage time drama also saw Germany eventually exit the World Cup at the hands of Korea, when the Asian nation found two goals in added time. Ditto for Morocco who felt the added pain of conceding an own goal against Iran in stoppage time to lose their opening group match. The stoppage time damage was not over for the Moroccans who saw a famous victory against Spain taken away by a late Iago Aspas goal in their final group match.

Now the quarter finals lie in wait and the drama and tension will definitely intensify. Expect another stoppage time winner as the tournament reaches its business end.