The World Cup group stage goals record was broken on Thursday, as the final games in both Groups G and H ensured a haul of 136 goals to break the previous record of 130 in 2002 and usher the competition into the knockout stages.
Germany secured top spot in Group G and World Cup progress thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 win over the USA, who also progress despite the defeat on Thursday afternoon.
Cristiano Ronaldo looks dejected after Portugal's exit from the World Cup
The group was delicately poised going into the final games, with rivals Portugal still in with a chance of progression despite two games without a win.
But, when they could only beat Ghana by one goal in the other game, USA could afford to lose by such a slender margin and still book their place in the next stage.
The game began in torrential rain in Recife, where the two sides knew that a draw would be enough to secure them both a place in the last-16.
And USA, managed by Germany legend Jurgen Klinsmann, had to hold firm for the opening 20 minutes as wave after wave of German attacks swept forward in search of a goal.
But after chances at both ends, it took a classy second-half strike from Thomas Muller to break the deadlock with his fourth goal of the tournament.
Over in Brasilia, Portugal managed to beat Ghana by 2-1 in a game which they knew they had to win big if they were to better the USA’s goal difference.
They were given a good start when Ghana defender John Boye sliced past his own keeper after neat footwork by Joao Moutinho and Miguel Veloso to set up the chance.
But Asamoah Gyan levelled with a header just short of the hour mark to set back Portugal’s hopes.
Cristiano Ronaldo gave Portugal a vague glimmer of hope when he nudged them ahead once more, slotting home after Dauda's punch with ten minutes left, but it was too little too late for Portugal.
Vertonghen celebrates scoring the winner for Belgium over South Korea
In Group H, it is Belgium and Algeria who progress to the knock-out stages following their games with South Korea and Russia respectively.
Belgium had to play with ten men for more than half of the game in Sao Paulo following the first-half sending off of Steven Defour, but after an end-to-end game it took a late goal from Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen to ensure they topped the group.
Marc Wilmots’ side will now face USA on 1 July as they look to live up to their pre-tournament billing as outside favourites for success.
And they are joined in the last 16 by Algeria, who secured second spot after a 1-1 draw with Russia in Curitiba was enough to see them become the first North African team to go beyond the group stages.
The Algerians reach the World Cup knock-out stages for the first time
They had to come from behind too, as a sixth-minute header from Aleksandr Kokorin put Fabio Capello’s side ahead.
There were joyous scenes on the hour mark though, when Islam Slimani headed home Yacine Brahimi’s cross to end what had been increasing pressure from Algeria.
Russia knew they needed to win in order to stand any chance of progressing, but despite pouring forward in the later stages they could not find a way back into the lead.
