The latest two teams are through to the Last 16 with a welcome return to the latter stages for South Africa first of all.
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Seeing off Iceland 4-2 with Devon Petersen and Vernon Bouwers, they gained new fans in the crowd in Frankfurt in an impressive display.
After spending time in the darting doldrums, it will be a welcome boost too for Petersen.
A 130 checkout saw South Africa take a 2-0 lead as Petersen thumped his chest. Easing into a 3-0 lead with a 68 checkout, their progression was secured.
But Iceland showed some resolve taking it back to 3-2 before an 11-darter claimed it for Petersen and Bouwers on double 16.
While Croatia's duo of Boris Krcmar and Romeo Grbavac dumped out Ireland in a 4-1 win with William O'Connor and Keane Barry just not at the races.
Krcmar fluffed his lines for a 118 checkout but they doubled their lead in the winner takes all tie. Grbavac missed darts to go one away and Barry broke back on double 16.
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But chances were spurned to level and Grbavac sent Croatia went one away at 3-1. Krcmar missed three darts at double 16 for the win and O’Connor had a go at 106 which he missed at double 20.
Grbavac slipped into double seven and then had to go over to double nine missing a sixth match dart. Barry missed three more to make it 3-2 and Krcmar sealed the win on double four.
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SOUTH AFRICA GO THROUGH! 🇿🇦
South Africa seal a 4-2 win over Iceland to advance to the knockout stage, and just look what it means to Devon Petersen and Vernon Bouwers!
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