Yesterday, France likely killed off Messi's chances of winning a World Cup with a pulsating 4-3 win over Argentina. Not long after, Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure as Portugal bowed out after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat to Uruguay.

As far as Hazard is concerned, their exits are nothing to cry over. Quite the opposite, in fact - it has created a void that he is ready to fill.

“I hope that this will be my tournament - they left, and it's time to shine," said the 27-year-old Belgium winger.

"Messi and Ronaldo left, but there are many good players still here."

Hazard scored twice against Tunisia in the Red Devils' second game in Group G, and was rested in their final game against England with qualification for the round of 16 already assured.

However, he has been out shadowed thus far by his teammate Romelu Lukaku, who is on an incredible run of 11 goals in his last six internationals, including a brace in both of his group stage games against Panama and Tunisia.

Other big names still alive in the tournament include Luis Suarez (Uruguay), Neymar (Brazil) and Harry Kane (England), plus France trio Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe.

In spite of Belgium facing a challenging path to the final, on which they could face both Brazil and France, Hazard is aiming high in his quest for the limelight.

"I want to reach the quarter-finals, the semi-final and maybe even the final. We play as a team," he said.

The first challenge for that team in the knockout stages is a Round of 16 match against Japan in Rostov-on-Don on Tuesday morning AEST.