Round of 16 Recaps: France Beat Argentina in 7 Goal Thriller, Uruguay Outplay Portugal

Argentina played France in the first Round of 16 game this World Cup. Antoine Griezmann had a shot early on for France that banged off the crossbar, but France would get their first goal in the 13th minute. Kylian Mbappe was dragged down in the box by Marcus Rojo, and Griezmann buried the PK to give France the lead. Later in the half, France and Argentina had PK shouts when France's Olivier Giroud went down and for Argentina, Lionel Messi was pulled down. In the 41st, Angel Di Maria leveled it when his strike from 30 yards out hit the top right corner, giving keeper Hugo Lloris no chance. After the half, Di Maria immediately won an attacking free kick. It fell to Messi on a short pass, whose shot was redirected by Gabriel Mercado, passing Lloris and giving Argentina the lead in the 48th. Less than 10 minutes later, Benjamin Pavard hit a volley from the edge of the 18 yard box, hitting the far left corner to tie the game at 2. Mbappe soon found a ball to him after a deflected Paul Pogba shot, and he five-holed Argentine keeper Franco Armani for France's 3rd goal in the 64th. Mbappe got a brace when he scored 4 minutes later, after latching onto a beautiful through-ball by Giroud, and he beat Armani one-on-one. Argentina would get within a goal in stoppage time, when Sergio Aguero heading home a cross from Messi. But their last chance ended with a shot off target, a Di Maria touch from an Aguero cross deflected wide.

France, with its 4-3 win, would play the winner of the Portugal-Uruguay game (played today as well) in the quarterfinals. Uruguay drew first blood, scoring in the 7th minute when Edinson Cavani headed in a long cross from Luis Suarez into the near post, giving Uruguay a 1-0 lead. This came a minute after Uruguay's keeper Fernando Muslera controlled Cristiano Ronaldo's shot from far out. Uruguay got a free kick nearly 20 minutes later, and Suarez almost made it 2-0 when his low free kick from 25 yards out was stopping by a diving Rui Patricio, Portugal's keeper. In the 55th, Portugal's Adrien Silva had a shot deflected off target for a corner, and Pepe headed home the resulting corner from the middle of the six yard box. Cavani reclaimed the lead for Uruguay when he first timed a pass from Rodrigo Bentancur, the shot curling past Patricio into the far post. In the minutes of stoppage time, Portugal's shots came to nothing as they were off target, before Muslera claimed the final long cross, sealing Portugal's fate. Uruguay will now play Friday against France.

Cavani (in blue) blasts home his header past Patricio (in yellow) for the Uruguay's first goal

Round of 16: Spain-Russia and Croatia-Denmark Predictions

Who: Spain v. Russia
Where: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
When: July 1, 10 AM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-0 Spain: The hosts' World Cup journey comes to an end in the Round of 16 against Spain. Spain have way too much talent, and, as Russia saw against Uruguay, they should be able to beat Russia by a comfortable margin without too much. The game may end with a 2 goal loss for Russia, but Spain could make it a big rout if they have great finishing.

Who: Croatia v. Denmark
Where: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod
When: July 1, 2 PM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 3-1 Croatia: Croatia have a better midfield and attack than that of Denmark's, and will move on to the quarterfinals to (most likely) play Spain. Croatia's midfield is led by Luka Modric; Denmark doesn't have any players as recognizable as Modric. Should Denmark play great defensively, the 3-1 scoreline could finish in extra time.

Round of 16: France-Argentina and Portugal-Uruguay Previews

Who: France v. Argentina
Where: Kazan Arena, Kazan
When: June 30, 10 AM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-1 France: Lionel Messi's dream of winning the World Cup this time ends tomorrow with a loss to France. France have much more depth and with a great, young, creative, attackers and midfielders, they will eventually break through the Argentine defense to score some goals. Should Argentina win, we may see Messi play Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time in the World Cup.

Who: Portugal v. Uruguay
Where: Fisht Stadium, Sochi
When: June 30, 2 PM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-2 (AET) - Portugal wins on PKs: Two teams that struggles with lower opposition meet each other for a spot in the quarterfinals. Uruguay played poorly until thrashing Russia 3-0 for the top spot, while Portugal have depended on Cristiano Ronaldo to get them through (it worked). I believe will finish some of their chances, and it will come down to penalties, where Portugal have the slight advantage.

Antoine Griezmann (#7), Kylian Mbappe (#10), and Olivier Giroud (#9) should be creating multiple chances tomorrow and beat Argentina and their frail defense.

Review of My Picks and Predictions

It's now time to reflect on how well I predicted each group stage match, along with which teams I predicted to move on to the Round of 16.
Group A
Predicted Uruguay and Egypt (Result: Uruguay and Russia) to Advance, Predicted 5 Wins and 1 Draw (Result: 6 Wins)
I thoroughly expected Egypt to pull out a draw against Uruguay, and they nearly did without Mo Salah. Russia blew me away with their first two wins before losing to Uruguay, which I predicted. I am also shocked Saudi Arabia played so poorly against Russia before playing well in their last two games. Egypt looked terrible as soon as they lost to Uruguay.

Group B
Predicted Spain and Portugal (Result: Spain and Portugal), Predicted 4 Wins and 2 Draws (Result: 3 Wins and 3 Draws)
This was the most accurate group I predicted. Spain and Portugal tied for the top spot (Spain was 1st, like I predicted), and the only thing I got wrong was Morocco losing to Iran (instead of tying). I'm kind of shocked Spain and Portugal only managed one win.

Group C
Predicted France and Peru (Result: France and Denmark), Predicted 5 Wins and 1 Draw (Result: 4 Wins and 2 Draws)
Really surprised Peru had trouble scoring, which in turn landed them in 3rd place. France struggled but did take the top spot. Denmark impressed me, but I don't see them as a good dark horse pick. Australia played well expect in their finale loss to Peru.

Group D
Predicted Argentina and Iceland (Result: Croatia and Argentina), Predicted 3 Wins and 3 Draws (Result: 5 Wins and 1 Draw)
The toughest group to predict led to one of the most surprising turnout of results. I expected a plethora of draws; there was just one. Iceland got just one point, and Croatia thoroughly surprised me. I did expect Argentina to beat Nigeria to get them through, and that sure did happen.

Group E
Predicted Brazil and Costa Rica (Result: Brazil and Switzerland), Predicted 4 Wins and 2 Draws (Result: 4 Wins and 2 Draws)
I really thought there would be a three way fight for second, but Costa Rica were eliminated early. Brazil found their stride in their last two games, and Switzerland have great talent to be a team to not sleep on. Serbia were truly where they fit, the 3rd best team.

Group F
Predicted Germany and Mexico (Result: Sweden and Mexico), Predicted  6 Wins (Result: 6 Wins)
Oh, how the mighty have fallen! Germany let the World Cup winner curse live on, eliminated in the Group Stage. Sweden played really well against Mexico, who looked promising until that loss. South Korea will be happy with the huge upset they pulled off against Germany.

Group G
Predicted England and Belgium (Result: Belgium and England), Predicted 5 Wins and 1 Draw (Result: 6 Wins)
Just like Group B, the two favorites finished in the top. Belgium and England played really well, with a sweet curling ball by Belgium deciding the top spot. Tunisia played way better than Panama, scoring more and nearly getting a point against England, while Panama will want to regret their World Cup debut.

Group H
Predicted Poland and Colombia (Result: Colombia and Japan), Predicted 4 Wins and 2 Draws (Result: 5 Wins and 1 Draw)
Poland goes down as the biggest disappointment, failing to get a point until their last (meaningless) game. Colombia overcame a loss (due to being down a man for over 90 minutes) to Japan by winning their last two and the top spot, while Japan back in based off better discipline than Senegal, a trendy pick to move on.

Overall Results: 10 out of 16 teams correctly picked, I picked 36 Wins/Losses and 12 Draws (Actual: 39 Wins/Losses and 9 Draws)
Overall, about average, with more than half my teams accurately picked. I was almost close to the actual results by just being 3 wins off. This should be a very interesting Round of 16 to pick.

Day 15 Recaps: Colombia Top Group, Japan Back Into Next Round, Belgium Finishes Ahead of England

The last Group H were played simultaneously. One match was Japan-Poland, Japan needing either a point or a Colombia win or tie in the other game. Japanese coach Akira Nishino took a huge risk by benching 6 of his regular starters. Japan lacked their usual attacking flair and the best chance in the opening half came from Poland, when Kamil Grosicki's shot was stopped by a diving Eiji Kawashima, Japan's keeper. In the 59th minute, Poland's Raful Kurzawa had a free kick that Jan Bednarek struck home from close range to give Poland their first lead of the tournament. In the 81st, Japan nearly scored on themselves, with Kawashima blocking a deflection from a low cross. Japan then passed the ball around freely to waste the time off, hoping a narrow loss coupled with a win in the other game would send them through.

As the Japan-Poland went on, Senegal and Colombia played against each other, both needing at least a point to go through. In the 10th minute, Juan Quintero had a free kick stopped by a sprawling Khadim N'Diaye, the keeper of Senegal. Sadio Mane fell down in the box to cause a PK in the 17th, only for VAR to reverse the call. Colombian superstar James Rodriguez then got hurt a half hour in, and had to get subbed off. Colombia got their breakthrough in the 74th, when Yerry Mina's header from a corner went in near post. Senegal, needing to get a point to move on to send Japan to 3rd place, couldn't find any chances to land in the net. With Senegal and Japan both tied with 4 points each and level in all the six main tiebreakers, Japan advanced based off fair play points, with Japan earning two fewer yellow cards than Senegal. Colombia won Group H with the 1-0 result.

With Group H done, the final 16 was set, as both Belgium and England qualified in Group G, fighting for the top spot in their match. Youri Tielsman of Belgium had a shot from 25 yards out pushed away by English keeper Jordan Pickford, and in the 10th minute Gary Cahill cleared the ball off the line after Michy Batshuayi poked out a loose ball out of Pickford's grasp. Then, in the 27th, Trent Alexandar-Arthur cleared the ball off the line from Marouane Fellaini's shot following a Belgium corner. In the 50th, Belgium finally broke through, as Adnan Januzaj curled a ball around forward Danny Rose, hitting the top-far corner to give Belgium the lone goal. The best chance for England came when Marcus Rashford had an one-on-one encounter with Thibaut Courtois, whose shot was deflected wide by Courtois in the 66th. Dries Mertens had a go at it from far, but Pickford dove to block the ball. All in all, Belgium clinched first and will play Japan. England will play England next.

Panama and Tunisia hoped to end their World Cup campaign on a high note. In the 19th minute, Tunisia's Yassine Meriah's header forced a diving save by Panama's keeper Jaime Penedo. Panama would open the scoring in the 33rd, when a long shot by Jose Luis Rodriguez deflected off Tunisian centerback Meriah, fooling keeper Aymen Mathlouthi, who went the wrong way. Tunisia nearly equalized at the half's end, when Wahbi Khazri's shot was blocked by Penedo, and defender Roman Torres cleared it before the ball could be tapped in. Tunisia did knot the score at 1 in the 51st, when Fakhreddine Ben Youssef tapped in a low cross from Khazri. 2 minutes later, Youssef nearly got a brace when one-on-one with Penedo, who stopped the shot with his foot. Khazri would tap in Tunisia's 2nd goal in the 66th when Oussama Haddadi set him up with a low cross. Panama could find another goal, and left their first World Cup without a point.

Batshuayi celebrated his team's goal by hitting the ball off the post, which in turn hit his face. 

Day 14 Recaps: Germany Eliminated, Mexico Exposed But Through, Brazil First, Swiss Second in Group E

Mexico, who won their first two group games, needed a point to secure first place and looked to do so against Sweden, a team that needed a win and help to go through. In the 5th minute, Sweden had a chance when Emil Forsberg had a free kick curled at goal, only for Mexican keeper Guillermo Ochoa to punch it into the air and over the bar. Marcus Berg kept the pressure on, when his bicycle kick went just wide of frame. Berg had another shot later on in the half, only for Ochoa to stop it and force a corner. After a couple of chances missed by Mexico's attackers, Sweden got the lead in the 50th. Viktor Claesson flicked a low cross for Ludwig Augustinsson to slam it past Ochoa from close range. 10 minutes later, Berg collided with Hector Moreno in the box, and Andreas Granqvist made it 2-0 Sweden. It would become a rout when a long throw-in by Isaac Thelin hit Edson Alvarez, going into the net to make it 3-0. Sweden, with the win, clinched first, while Mexico waited for the other Group F result to see if they would make it through.

Meanwhile, Germany hoped to make the next round by simply beating South Korea. In the 19th, Korea nearly got the opening goal, when German keeper Manuel Neuer fumbled the ball after a free kick by Jung Woo-Young, only for Neuer to punch it out of play before a Korean player could tap it in. In the 47th, Germany's Leon Goretzka had a header that was saved by a diving keeper in Cho Hyun-woo, putting one hand on the ball to keep it out. As word got out that Sweden was winning, Germany needed to find a late winner, but to no avail for the next 40 minutes. Then, in stoppage time, Korea ended Germany's hopes, when a corner kick ball bounced to an open Kim Young-gwon, who hit it over Neuer. Initially ruled offsides, the call was reversed and Korea had the lead. In the 96th, Son Heung-Min hit the ball into an empty net to make it 2-0 when Neuer went into the attacking half, hoping to find an equalizer. With the result, Mexico advances, clinching the Group F runner-up spot. Germany, after winning the last World Cup, are eliminated.

The Group E matches were played later in the day, as Brazil-Serbia and Switzerland-Costa Rica. Serbia, needing a win to move on, played Brazil, who needed a win to clinch first. In the 25th, Neymar had tested Serbian keeper Vladimir Stojkovic with a strike, but Stojkovic easily parried it away. Philippe Coutinho hit a beautiful over-the-top ball to Paulinho in the 36th minute, and Paulinho chipped it over Stojkovic to give Brazil the lead. Neymar had another chance in the 57th, only for Stojkovic to make a fine reaction to prevent the game from being 2-0 Brazil. In the 61st, Serbia had a chance from Alexsandar Mitrovic that was cleared off the line before keeper Alisson got hold of the ball. Mitrovic had a great one-on-one chance with Alisson later on, but his strike was straight at the keeper. Thiago Silva sealed Brazil's win in the 68th, his header at the near post landing inside the goal. Brazil eliminated Serbia and clinched first place with the 2-0 result.

Costa Rica, already eliminated, looked to get at least a point from this World Cup, and they played with pride against Round of 16 bound Switzerland. Costa Rica sure put on a show in the first half, forcing Swiss keeper Yann Sommer into making great diving saves (at least 3 diving saves), along with a shot that banged off the crossbar. However, Costa Rica conceded the opening goal in the 31st minute, when Breel Embolo's header landed for Blerim Dzemaili to strike past keeper Keylor Navas. Kendall Watson's header from a corner in the 56th knotted the score at 1 apiece, though Switzerland retook the lead in the 88th when Josip Drmic's close range blast made it 2-1. A late penalty in the box allowed Costa Rica to end the game with a point, and they did. In the 3rd minute of stoppage time, Bryan Ruiz's PK hit the crossbar and off Sommer's head, in which his dive led to his own goal, as the ball rebounded into the net. This is now the 8th own goal of the World Cup, a new record.With the draw, Switzerland finished second in Group E.

Mesut Ozil (#10), Joshua Kimmich (#18), and Germany were all left with disappointment after South Korea's late winner, which sealed their group stage exit.

 

Final Group Stage Matches: Groups G and H

Group G
What's at Stake
England: Clinched spot; Clinch first with win/tie
Belgium: Clinched spot; Clinch first with win
Tunisia: Eliminated
Panama: Eliminated

Who: England v. Belgium
Where: Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad
When: June 28, 2 PM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 3-2 Belgium: After both of these squads easily defeating their two lesser group stage opponents, it's time to see who's more talented between these two clubs. I believe Belgium has a better attacking side than England, and will win based off of their better finishing. This game could end in a shootout, with the leading World Cup 2018 scorer Harry Kane (5 goals) showcasing England and Romelu Lukaku of Belgium with 4 goals of his own.

Who: Tunisia v. Panama
Where: Mordovia Arena, Saransk
When: June 25, 2 PM EST
Watch: NBC Universo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-0 Tunisia: This is another tough match up to predict, since both teams easily lost their previous two games and that both are also eliminated. I predict Tunisia will win, in part that they showed more fight against England and Belgium than Panama did, as Tunisia scored three times compared to Panama's lone goal, and lost by closer margins (1 and 3) than Panama (5 and 3).

Group H
What's at Stake
Japan: Clinch spot with win OR tie/loss AND Senegal loss; Clinch first with win; Eliminated with tie AND Senegal tie OR loss AND Senegal tie
Senegal: Clinch spot with win OR tie; Clinch first with win AND Japan tie/loss OR tie AND Japan loss; Eliminated with loss
Colombia: Clinch spot with win OR tie AND Japan loss; Clinch first with win AND Japan tie/loss; Eliminated with tie AND Japan win/tie OR loss
Poland: Eliminated

Who: Senegal v. Colombia
Where: Samara Arena, Samara
When: June 28, 10 AM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-2 Draw: An overall enticing match up between a popular underdog pick and a skillful, effective, counter-attack squad. This game will end in a draw, forcing Colombians to look up at the result of the Japan-Poland, hoping it's enough to get them through.

Who: Japan v. Poland
Where: Volgograd Arena, Volgograd
When: June 28, 10 AM EST
Watch: NBC Universo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-1 Poland: Will Poland find a goal this World Cup, or will they not even try in this match given that they are eliminated? I think they will find a goal, since Japan's defense and goalkeeping is shaky (at best), but Japan will beat another squad initially viewed as a dark horse contender in Poland. Japan and Senegal, the two teams in Group H that were commonly predicted that would finish 3rd and 4th, will both move on.

Day 13 Recaps: France-Denmark Draw, Go Through; Argentina Get Much-Needed Breakthrough

Groups C and D played their final matches today. Denmark-France and Peru-Australia were the Group C matches, and Denmark-France played to the first 0-0 draw this World Cup. Both chances were playing for points, and both will be content with a point, securing their spots with France first and Denmark second. Both teams never challeneged the opposing side and goalkeeper, with shots and headers off target. In the 55th, a free kick by Demark's Christian Eriksen's free kick bounced off keeper Steve Mandanda, only for him to recover before Denmark attackers could pounce. Mandanda nearly gave another scoring chance when he fumbled Eriksen's shot, only to recover in time. Olivier Giroud was France's best attackers with some of his shots forcing Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel to make some saves. French sub Nabil Fekir had some chances, a long distance shot stopped, and one chance hitting the side netting.

Since Denmark got a point. the Australia-Peru game became meaningless. Paolo Guerrero sent a long cross to Andre Carrillo, whose first time volley reached the far post, beating Australian keeper Mat Ryan to give Peru the lead in the 18th minute. In the 36th, Australian Mathew Leckie had his close range shot blocked by a wall of Australian players. Guerrero made it more difficult for Australia to tally points when he scored in the 50th. His shot from 8 yards out deflected off Mile Jedinak, beating Ryan to the far right post. Tim Cahill had a close range shot blocked following a corner, and Peru got its first World Cup win in 40 years.

Later, the Group D matches were being played. Croatia, already through, played a desperate Iceland squad. Croatia, only needing a point to guarantee first, beat Iceland 2-1 on a 90th minute strike from Ivan Perisic. In the 40th minute, Alfred Finnbogason had his shot just wide of the near post. Milan Badelj had a strike in the 51st bang the crossbar, only to score two minutes later. His volley in the 53rd beat keeper Hannes por Halldorsson and gave Croatia the lead. Iceland's Sverrir Ingason forced a diving save from keeper Lovre Kalinic, and then Ingason followed that up with a header that hit the crossbar. Iceland would get a PK after a handball from Croatia, and Gylfi Sigurdsson blasted the ensuing kick into the top of the net in the 76th to give Iceland life. But a defensive giveaway in the 90th minute destroyed their hopes, resulting in a Perisic goal and a 2-1 loss.

With Iceland losing, the winner of Nigeria-Argentina would go through, a tie the Super Eagles (aka Nigeria) advance. In the 14th minute, Lionel Messi finally opened his WC 2018 scoring account, after controlling an over-the-top ball from Ever Banega, and his strike beating Nigerian keeper Francis Uzoho to the far post. On a close range free kick just outside the box, Messi's curling shot was saved by Uzoho's fingertips, hitting the post and going out. In the 50th, the Super Eagles leveled it by a PK. Javier Mascherano brought down Leon Balogun, causing the foul and Victor Moses converted the PK to make the score 1-1. Nigeria had chances to seal the game with a potential second goal, but their best chance was a claim at another PK, when Marcus Rojo handled the ball. The call was not there, and Rojo converted his volley from a Gabriel Mercado cross. The result sends Argentina through and Nigeria is now eliminated.

Rojo (#16), Sergio Aguero (#19), and Argentina were celebrating after Rojo's game-winner

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Final Group Stage Matches: Groups E and F Previews

Group E
What's at Stake
Brazil: Clinch spot with win/tie OR Switzerland loss; Clinch first with win OR tie AND Switzerland loss/tie; Eliminated with loss AND Switzerland win/tie
Switzerland: Clinch spot with win OR tie OR Brazil win; Clinch first with win AND Brazil loss/tie; Eliminated with loss AND Serbia win/tie
Serbia: Clinch spot with win OR tie AND Switzerland loss; Clinch first with win AND Switzerland loss/tie; Eliminated with loss OR tie AND Switzerland win/tie
Costa Rica: Eliminated

Who: Serbia v. Brazil
Where: Spartak Stadium, Moscow
When: June 27, 2 PM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-1 Brazil: Brazil will push for the win to guarantee first place in the group. Serbia's dreams of moving on will come to an end. Will Brazil score a late winner just like last game against Costa Rica. If Brazil get first, a potential Round of 16 matchup between Germany and Brazil could happen.

Who: Switzerland v. Costa Rica
Where: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod
When: June 27, 10 2 PM EST
Watch: NBC Universo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 1-0 Switzerland: Should Denmark will by more goals, or win by a bigger deficit than Brazil, Denmark would get the top spot. Costa Rica will play their hearts out, but they will leave the World Cup without a point, despite their strong goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

Group F
What's at Stake
Mexico: Clinch spot with win/tie OR Germany loss/tie; Clinch first with win/tie; Eliminated with loss AND Germany win
Germany: Clinch spot with win OR tie AND Sweden loss/tie OR loss by 1 AND Sweden loss; Clinch first with win AND Mexico loss; Eliminated with tie AND Sweden win OR loss by 2+ goals AND Sweden loss OR loss AND Sweden win/tie
Sweden: Clinch spot with win OR tie AND Germany loss; Clinch first with win AND Germany loss/tie; Eliminated with loss OR tie AND Germany win/tie
South Korea: Clinch spot with win AND Sweden loss; Eliminated with Sweden win/tie OR tie OR loss

Who: Mexico v. Sweden
Where: Ekaterinburg Arena, Ekaterinburg
When: June 27, 10 AM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-1 Mexico: Mexico will finish perfect and will not risk a tie with the possibility of being eliminated, even though they have won two games so far. Sweden does not have the power or talent that Mexico has, and it will show.

Who: South Korea v. Germany
Where: Kazan Arena, Kazan
When: June 27, 10 AM EST
Watch: NBC Universo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 3-0 Germany: Germany will finally show us their 2014 World Cup selves, the team that easily defeated inferior opposition and converting on their many attacking chances. South Korea, though still alive entering this game, will quickly see the hopes extinguished by Germany.

Day 12 Recaps: Uruguay Top Group A, Spain 1st, Portugal 2nd as Both Squads Draw

The final matches between the teams of Groups A and B were played. Group A had one match between two match battling for first, the other match for last place. Russia-Uruguay was the former, as Russia hoped to become one of a few hosts to finish both first and undefeated in the group stage. Uruguay took the lead in the 10th minute when Luis Suarez's low free kick from 20 yards out got past keeper Igor Akinfeev and into the far post. This came a minute after Rodrigo Bentancur was fouled just outside the box. Denis Cheryshev, Russia's leading scorer, had a chance soon after parried away by keeper Fernando Muslera, but he would contribute an own goal in the 23rd. A shot from Diego Laxalt redirected off Cheryshev's leg and went just inside the near post for the second goal. Bentancur nearly made it 3-0 when his close range shot was denied by Akinfeev, and things soon got worse when Igor Smolnikov got sent off in the 36th, a span of two yellows in 10 minutes. His second yellow was a harsh sliding tackle on Laxalt. In the second half, Cristian Rodriguez looked to make it 3-nil, however, his shot was blocked by Akinfeev. A 90th minute tally made the 3-0 score final, when Cavani tapped in the ball after Akinfeev made a diving stop on Diego Godin's header.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt faced off in the other Group A teams, both squads winless. After a long, over-the-top ball from Abdallah El Said, Mo Salah needed only two touches before chipping the ball over Saudi keeper Yasser Al-Mosailem in the 22nd minute for a 1-0 Egypt lead. Salah nearly had a second moments later from a similar play, only this chip went well wide. After Saudi Arabia forced a PK from a handball, Essam El-Hadary, Egypt's keeper, kept out the resulting penalty kick from Fahad Al-Muwallad by pushing it onto the bar in the 42nd minute. Saudi Arabia got another PK in the 45th, and Salman Al-Faraj converted, sending El-Hadary the wrong way. In the 4th minute of second half stoppage time, Salem Al-Daweri one-timed from the right side of six yard box, hitting far corner to give Saudi Arabia the full three points

Over in Group B, Spain played eliminated Morocco. Spain, hoping to claim first and only needing a win and nothing else to do so, fell behind in the 14th minute behind a terrible pass from Andres Iniesta led to Khalid Boutaib stealing the ball to be one-on-one with keeper David De Gea. Boutaib put the ball between De Gea's legs for the 1-0 lead. Spain equalized five minutes later when Isco struck home a close-range shot following a low end-line pass from Iniesta. Boutaib nearly got a second before half, but De Gea blocked it with his chest. A shot that caromed off the crossbar from Nordin Amrabat almost made it 2-1 for Morocco, but they got their goal in the 81st when Youssef En-Nesyri headed it home from a corner. This came minutes a shot from Isco was cleared off the line from Moroccon defender Romain Saiss. Spain got their equalizer, group clinching goal when Iago Aspas scored via flick in the 90th following a Dani Carvajal cross, originally ruled no goal for off-sides. The goal stood, and Spain won Group B.

During that game, Portugal played Iran. Portugal's star Cristiano Ronaldo had a eventful day, causing a PK, having his penalty kick stopped, getting a yellow, and putting shots on target, though all of his attempts were saved by keeper Alireza Beiranvard. On the other half of the field, Rui Patricio, Portugal's keeper, saved Saeid Ezatolahi's header. Ricardo Quaresma scored for Portugal in the 45th; his shot on the outside of his right foot curling into the far post. After the half, Ronaldo's penalty kick was saved, and Iran had a penalty shout when Cedric brought down Sardar Azmoun. In the 90th, Cedric handled a ball following an Iran header, forcing a PK. Karim Ansarifard buried the PK to give Iran chance of moving on. However, Mehdi Taremi's close range strike went just wide of the post, and the game ended 1-1.

Had Taremi's (white) shot gone in inside of wide left, Portugal would have been eliminated and Iran would have moved on.

Final Group Stage Matches: Groups C and D Previews

Group C
What's at Stake
France: Clinched spot; Clinch first with win/tie
Denmark: Clinch spot with win/tie OR Australia loss/tie; Clinch first with win; Eliminated with loss and Australia win
Australia: Clinch spot with win AND Denmark loss; Eliminated with loss/tie OR Denmark win/tie
Peru: Eliminated

Who: Australia v. Peru
Where: Fisht Stadium, Sochi
When: June 26, 10 AM EST
Watch: Fox, NBC Universo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-1 Australia: Australia will be pushing for the win, since it's do-or-die, and will ultimately get the three points needed. Peru have not scored yet in the World Cup but may find one late, which could potentially be difference making for Australia if they do end up tied on points with Denmark.

Who: Denmark v. France
Where: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
When: June 26, 10 AM EST
Watch: Telemundo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 1-1 France: Can Denmark manage to get a point to clinch a spot, or will France look for a perfect undefeated record in group play? My answer to both questions is yes, and Denmark will be able to go through thanks to a set piece goal.

Group D
What's at Stake
Croatia: Clinched a spot; Clinch first with win/tie or Nigeria loss/tie/win by 3 goals or less
Nigeria: Clinch spot with win OR tie and Iceland loss/tie; Clinch first with win by 4+ goals AND Croatia loss; Eliminated with loss
Iceland: Clinch spot with win by 2+ goals AND Nigeria tie OR win AND Argentina win by 1 goal; Eliminated with loss/tie OR win by 1 goal AND Nigeria tie OR win AND Argentina win by 2+ goals
Argentina: Clinch spot with win AND Iceland loss/tie OR win by more goals than Iceland does; Eliminated with loss/tie OR Iceland win by more goals/same amount of goals

 Who: Nigeria v. Argentina
Where: Saint Petersburg Stadium, St. Petersburg
When: June 26, 2 PM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-1 Argentina: Call me crazy, but this is the my UPSET pick of the whole group stage: an unorganized Argentine squad coming together to get to the next round by finally winning. This team headed into its final qualification game for the World Cup 8 months ago on the brink of missing it when Lionel Messi scored a hat trick to send them though. I do believe Messi can finally break his slump, along with a bit of luck coming their way

Who: Croatia v. Iceland
Where: Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don
When: June 26, 2 PM EST
Watch: NBC Universo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-0 Croatia: This Croatian squad will not just go for a tie to get first, but will win to end with a perfect 9 points from group play. This team is better than Nigeria, and we all saw how Nigeria dictated the game against Iceland in the last 45 minutes. Iceland have been a tricky team to beat in international play against certain football powerhouses, but they have also regularly been exposed by squads after getting surprise points.

Day 11 Recaps: England Thrash Panama, Japan and Senegal Stay in First, Poland Crash Out

The final day in the tournament with a triple-header of matches, today brought us the last of the second round of the group stage matches. Panama-England kicked things off, and it was a delight for the viewers who love seeing goals. England provided 6 of the 7 goals of the game, the first coming in the 8th minute when John Stones headed it past Panama keeper Jaime Penedo straight from a corner. England got another goal in the 22nd from Harry Kane's converted PK. The PK was caused by Panama defender Fidel Escobar, who pushed down Jesse Lingard in the box two minutes earlier. Lingard got his goal when he curled the ball into the top, far right corner after a brilliant return ball from Raheem Sterling in the 36th. Four minutes leader, Stones headed in another close range ball after Penedo made a great block from Sterling's header. In the first minute of added time in the opening half, Kane forced another PK by being fouled in the box, and got his second from the converted PK. Kane got his hat-trick in the 62nd, when Ruben Loftus-Cheek's shot deflected off Kane's heel, fooling Penedo, putting him wrong-footed while the ball rolled into the right side of the net. Felipe Baloy got the lone goal for Panama in the 78th, when his head met the ball from a Ricardo Avila's free kick, by getting the ball over English keeper Jordan Pickford. England and Belgium are now moving on and are tied for first. Panama and Tunisia are eliminated.

Japan and Senegal, two teams that were surprisingly in the top half of Group H, faced off next. Sadio Mane gave Senegal the lead in the 11th minute, when, after a failed clearance, Youssouf Sabaly's shot was blocked by keeper Eiji Kawashima, only for the rebound to bounce off Mane's knee and into the net. Japan tied it up in the 34th, when Yuto Nagatomo left it for Takashi Inui, after getting to a chipped through-ball, and Inui coolly curled it past Senegal's Khadim N'Diaye into the low, far-right corner. In the second half, Japan's Yuya Osako missed a chance for an easy tap-in, and then Inui blasted a shot that hit the top of the crossbar. Seconds later, it was 2-1 Senegal when Moussa Wague blazed a shot into the top netting following a low cross from Sabaly. Japan equalized seven minutes later when Inui cut a ball to Keisuke Honda, who tapped it in to an empty net after N'Diaye failed to clear. The 2-2 result keeps both teams tied in first place.

Poland and Colombia desperately needed a win and three points to have a chance of moving on to the next round. In the 37th minute, Juan Cuadrado's low close-range cross was blocked out by Poland's keeper Wojciech Szczesny. Three minutes later, Juan Quintero whipped a cross inside the box that Yerry Mina headed in, beating Szczesny to the ball. Poland tried to get Robert Lewandowski chances in the box with long chances, but to no luck, unfortunately. In the 58th, Lewandowski had a chance, but his final touch was lacking, and keeper David Ospina covered the ball. Colombia would give Poland a 2 goal deficit in the 70th when Quintero threaded a pass between two defenders to Radamel Falcao, who shot close range with accuracy into the net. Colombia would make the game a rout when Cuadrado found himself one-on-one, after brilliant through-ball from James Rodriguez, and he got it past Szczesny in the 75th. Colombia are now in third, one point behind Japan and Senegal. Poland, with the loss, are eliminated.

Poland headed into the World Cup ranked as one of the top ten teams, failed to score a goal in the first two goals and were ultimately eliminated after today's loss

Final Group Stage Matches: Group A and Group B Previews

Group A
What's at Stake
Russia: Clinched spot, Clinch first with win/tie
Uruguay: Clinched spot, Clinch first with win
Egypt: Eliminated
Saudi Arabia: Eliminated

Who: Russia v. Uruguay
Where: Samara Arena, Samara
When: June 25, 10 AM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-1 Russia: Russia will become one of a first hosts to win all of their group stage matches with a close win over Uruguay. They have shockingly beaten their opponents, but also easily beating them by multiple goals. Uruguay could get a draw, but Russia will still end up in first.

Who: Egypt v. Saudi Arabia
Where: Volgograd Arena, Volgograd
When: June 25, 10 AM EST
Watch: NBC Universo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 3-1 Egypt: Will Egypt finally score a goal in the World Cup not from the penalty spot. I think so, with Egypt easily finding chances past the inept Saudi defense. Saudi Arabia will look for any consolation, including getting a goal of their own.

Group B 
What's at Stake
Spain: Clinch spot unless they lose by 2+ goals AND Iran-Portugal tie OR Portugal loses by a lesser margin than Spain does; Clinch first with win OR tie AND Portugal loss or tie
Portugal: Clinch spot with win/tie OR Spain loses by a bigger margin; Clinch first with win AND Spain loss/tie OR tie AND Spain loss; Eliminated with loss
Iran: Clinch spot with win OR tie AND Spain loses by 2+ goals; Clinch first with win AND Spain win/tie; Eliminated with loss or tie AND Spain win/tie/loss by 1
Morocco: Eliminated

Who: Spain v. Morocco
Where: Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad
When: June 25, 2 PM EST
Watch: NBC Universo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-0 Spain: Spain will get an easy win, and with it first place in the group. Morocco has nothing to play for but pride, and will leave the World Cup goalless. Morocco's best chance for points is leaving Spain off the scoreboard.

Who: Iran v. Portugal
Where: Mordovia Arena, Saransk
When: June 25, 2 PM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 1-0 Portugal: A score pretty familiar with Portugal, who won nearly all of their EURO 2016 games by this scoreline, will move on with Spain to the next round. Credit Iran for not giving up against Spain and Portugal, two European powerhouses.

Day 10 Recaps: Belgium Go Full-Throttle, Mexico Ekes Out Win, Germany Get a Must-Need 3 Points

One of the last days to bring us 3 matches, today brought us Belgium-Tunisia, Mexico-South Korea, and Germany-Sweden. Belgium-Tunisia was the first game, and was a Group G matchup. Eden Hazard gave Belgium the lead in the 6th minute via PK, after he was fouled on the right side of the box. Romelu Lukaku doubled the lead, after he coolly placed the ball into the far right corner past Tunisian keeper Farouk Ben Mustapha in the 16th minute. Tunisia made it 2-1 two minutes later when a Dylan Bronn header from a free kick past over keeper Thibaut Courtois' head. Belgium kept pressuring in the first half to regain the two goal lead, and they did in stoppage time when Lukaku chipped a ball beautifully over Mustapha. Hazard would get his second in the 51st when he controlled a Toby Alderweireld chip exquisitely, ran around a rushing Mustapha, and poked the ball into an empty net. Michy Batshuayi made it 5 for Belgium by striking a cross from Youri Tielemans close range in the 90th. It ended 5-2 when Wahbi Khazri scored on the last play of the game.

Mexico looked to secure first place today against South Korea with a win and some help from Sweden. They took the lead early on in the 26th through a converted Carlos Vela PK, after Korean defender Jang Hyun-Soo's outstretched hand made contact with the ball. Hirving Lozano, who scored the game winner for Mexico against Germany, was a thorn in South Korea's side all game, as he provided the game-winning assist for Mexico in the 66th. After remarkable moves in the box, Lozano passed to Javier Hernandez, who put the ball in the net to make it 2-0. South Korea had a chance when they had a header that forced Mexican keeper Guillermo Ochoa to tip the ball over. They would make it 2-1 in second half stoppage time, thanks to Son Heung-min's rocket of a shot, but Mexico stayed perfect by holding out.

The last match today was Germany-Sweden. Germany, in dire need of three points, had a chance when a Julian Draxler close-range shot in the 5th minute was cleared off the line by a Swedish defender. Sweden's Marcus Berg found himself one-on-one with German keeper Manuel Neuer in the 13th, but Berg fell down in the box, no call at all, and Neuer scooped up the ball. Sweden would get a goal in the 32nd when Ola Toivonen brilliantly chipped a ball over Neuer. Germany, befuddled at half that they were trailing, equalizd in the 48th when Marco Reus finished off a low cross from Mario Gomez. Thomas Muller nearly made it two in three minutes, when his header just missed the target. Germany would get a setback, when Jerome Boateng got two yellows in 11 minutes to send Germany down a man. Neuer soon made a great punch out in the 83rd to keep it 1-1, followed by Swede keeper Robin Olson to do the same in the 88th to prevent Neus from scoring his second. Julian Brandt struck the woodwork in the 92nd, before Toni Kroos gave Germany the goal they needed in the 95th. Kroos curled it perfectly in the top right corner from a free kick, leaving no chance for Olson. Germany are now tied for second with Sweden, and 3 points behind Mexico.

Kroos' (white, #8) free kick that gave Germany the win

Day 11 Previews

Who: England v. Panama
Where: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod
When: June 24, 8 AM EST
Watch: Telemundo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-0 England: England will once again struggle to put away their chances, but will still win and easily beat Panama. Just like against Tunisia, they will dominate in terms of possession and scoring chances. This will make Panama eliminated, and make Belgium and England fight for first place in the next match.

Who: Japan v. Senegal
Where: Ekaterinburg Arena, Ekaterinburg
When: June 24, 11 AM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-1 Senegal: This match truly is tough to predict what will happen. Both teams came off huge, surprising wins against Colombia and Poland, the group favorites. I believe Senegal will win based off their great counter-attacks, and the fact that Japan won just because Colombia was down a man for nearly the entire game. The game could go either way, to be honest.

Who: Poland v. Colombia
Where: Kazan Arena, Kazan Arena
When: June 24, 2 PM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 1-1 Tie: These two Group H teams, both desperate for three points, will draw against each other. If this ends up in a draw, both teams would need to find their final group stage game to have any chance of moving on. I truly don't know which group favorite will miss out on the Round of 16, though both could not move on if there is no winner in this match.

Harry Kane (red) will hope to continue his scoring ways against Panama

Day 9 Recaps: Brazil Gets Crucial Win, Nigeria Find the Net, Swiss Complete Comeback

Group E finished the second round of their matches today, along with a Group D matchup between Nigeria and Iceland. First up was Brazil-Costa Rica. In the 25th minute, Brazil thought they scored when Gabriel Jesus found the back of the net, only for offsides to deny him the goal. Philippe Coutinho then chipped a ball to Neymar, only for Costa Rica keeper Keylor Navas to get to the ball first. In the 40th, Navas stopped Marcelo's low shot, and both teams entered the half scoreless. In the 49th, Gabriel Jesus headed the ball close, only for the crossbar to help keep the Brazilians scoreless. Seconds later, Coutinho's close range shot was deflected just wide for a corner, which ultimately led to a Neymar tap in denied by Navas, who tipped it over the bar. Neymar then curled a shot just wide in the 73rd, and had a penalty shout denied in the 79th after he embellished a foul in the box. Casemiro shot straight at Navas in the 89th, but Brazil would find the net twice in stoppage time to make Costa Rica eliminated. The first was a close range Coutinho strike from a Roberto Firmino header, and the latter goal came on the last play of the game. Neymar got the second on a tap-in via a Douglas Costa cross.

Iceland-Nigeria brought an intriguing match up as the winner would move into second place. Nigeria had NO shots at all in the first half, and Iceland's only shots on goal in the opening half were straight at keeper Francis Uzoho. Nigeria would then out shoot Iceland overall by having 16 shots and 4 of them on target. Victor Moses and Ahmed Musa gave the Super Eagles the lead in the 49th minute, when Moses' cross was control superbly by Musa, whose close range blast went into the top netting, beating Iceland keeper Hannes por Halldorsson. Halldorsson would soon have tip out a long strike by Wilfred Ndidi. Musa had a shot bang the crossbar, but he scored his second in the 75th by rounding the Icelandic defense and Halldorsson, before shooting into an empty net. Iceland had a PK in the 87th, but Gylfi Sigurdsson hit his shot well over the bar. Nigeria's 2-0 win puts them in 2nd, 2 points above Iceland and Argentina.

The last match was a stellar comeback from the Swiss, who beat Serbia 2-1. Serbia went up in the 5th when Alexsandar Mitrovic headed a Dusan Tadic cross past keeper Yann Sommer. Just before the half, Serbia nearly got a second from a corner, when Dusko Tosic's point blank header deflected off his teammate and went out of play. Granit Xhaka got the equalizer in the 52nd, when Xherdan Shaqiri's blocked shot fell to Xhaka, whose curling shot got out of reach of Serbia keeper Vladimir Stojkovic. Shaqiri had a curling shot from the right side of the box clip the crossbar minutes later, and Serbia had a cry for a PK when Mitrovic was pulled down by multiple Swiss defenders during a cross. Stojkovic stopped a long-range blast from Breel Embolo in the 82nd, but Shaqiri would get one past Stojkovic in the 90th. Shaqiri got behind the Serbia defense in his OWN half, leaving a one-on-one with Stojkovic, who couldn't save Shaqiri's low driven shot. Switzerland are now tied with Brazil for first, as Switzerland need to beat Brazil to move on. Costa Rica are now eliminated with the result.

Musa's (green, #7) first goal came from this powerful close range strike

Day 10 Previews

Who: Belgium v. Tunisia
Where: Spartak Stadium, Moscow
When: June 23, 8 AM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-0 Belgium: Belgium, once again, perform as expected by beating the underdogs of their roup handily. The loss will make Tunisia eliminated, while this multi-goal win will almost assuredly give Belgium the Group G winners, barring England routing Panama by 4 or 5 goals.

Who: Korea Republic v. Mexico
Where: Eostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don
When: June 23, 11 AM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 3-0 Mexico: Mexico, fresh off an 1-0 upset over Germany that makes Mexico control their own destiny for first place in the group, will easily beat South Korea. Korea could not find a way to score against Sweden, and it won't be any easier to score against El Tri tomorrow. Mexico will enter the final group stage game on the verge of first place being clinched.

Who: Germany v. Sweden
Where: Fisht Stadium, Sochi
When: June 23, 2 PM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-0 Germany: Could Germany be this World Cup's 2014 Spain, the defending champs that then failed to make it out of the group stage the next World Cup? I don't believe so, as the group Spain were in had tougher teams, while Germany now play underdogs Sweden and South Korea next.Expect Germany to struggle in finishing chances, but ultimately getting a few goals to boost their Goal Differential.

Don't expect for it to happen, but Germany may be eliminated tomorrow with a loss and such unfortunate group results.

Day 8 Recaps: Denmark, Australia Draw; France Qualify by Eliminating Peru; Argentina Embarrassed

Another slate of three group stage matches were played today in Russia. The first match, Denmark v. Australia, brought us a draw, with close chances for a winner. Denmark scored first in the 7th minute, when Nicolai Jorgenson made a lay-off to Christian Eriksen in the box, who blasted it into the top of the netting past keeper Mat Ryan for a 1-0 lead. In the 21st minute, Ryan parried away Pione Sisto's strike, preceding the 38th minute equaliser. In the 35th, Denmark's Yussuy Poulson used his hand to block Mathew Leckie's header in the box, and Mile Jedinak converted the ensuing PK. Denmark's keeper Kasper Schmeichel then had an eventful second half, blocking and saving shots to prevent Australia from scoring a second. He stopped shots by Daniel Arzani and Leckie to help preserve Denmark's point, keeping Denmark in top half of the group.

Next up was the other Group C match, Peru v. France. Peru needed a win/tie to stay in the tournament, France a win to qualify to the next round. Early in the game, France's Olivier Giroud had a scorching strike stopped by Peru keeper Pedro Gallese. In the 30th minute, Christian Cueva's shot was blocked by French keeper Hugo Lloris. The breakthrough for France would come four minutes later, when Giroud's strike deflected past Gallese, and 19 year old Kylian Mbappe tapped it in, becoming the youngest Frenchman to score at the World Cup. Lucas Hernandez nearly double the lead, but Gallese stopped it. Peru would struggle in the second half to find a goal, the only chance in the 88th minute from a Paolo Guerrero free kick stopped by Lloris. France is now in first with the 1-0 win, as Peru is now eliminated.

The final match was played between Croatia and Argentina. Argentina, looking for a better performance after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Iceland, had a huge chance missed in the 30th minute when Enzo Perez missed an open net following a defensive gaffe by Croatia. Lionel missed a ball earlier to tap into the net in the 7th minute. Croatia's Mario Mandzukic missed a close range header in the 32nd, and then Croatia dominated the game. The breakthrough would come in the 53rd, when Argentine keeper Willy Caballero gave the ball over to a rushing Ante Rebic, who slammed it home. This came seconds after Sergio Aguero forced a save out of Croatian keeper Danijel Subasic. In the 68th, a cross from Gonzalo Higuain fell to Maximiliano Meza, whose shot was saved by Subasic, and then blocked Messi's point-blank tap in. Luka Modric doubled the lead for Croatia when his 20 yard shot beat Caballero's outstretched right hand. Croatia would embarrass Argentina with a third in stoppage time, when Ivan Ratikic tapped it in past a exhausted Argentine defense. This puts Croatia into the next round, while Argentina need to win next match to have any chances to move on.

Messi (white, #10) in disbelief as Croatia celebrate after their 3rd goal.

Day 9 Previews

Who: Brazil v. Costa Rica
Where: Saint Petersburg Stadium, St. Petersburg
When: June 22, 8 AM EST
Watch: Telemundo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-0 Brazil: Brazil will find out a way to win against the challenging Los Ticos, who will be eliminated with the loss. Look for Philippe Coutinho to be involved in the two goals, and maybe Neymar can return to form with a goal or assist, unless Costa Rica will foul him until he can no longer play (like Switzerland's defense). 

Who: Nigeria v. Iceland
Where: Volgograd Arena, Volgograd
When: June 22, 11 AM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 1-1 Tie: The toughest, in my opinions, of the matches to predict for tomorrow, I believe both teams are equal in terms of depth and talent and will tie. Nigeria will not be content with a tie, but it will almost assuredly help Iceland move on, who will then play Croatia's "B" squad next, who would clinch first place in the group with this tie.

Who: Serbia v. Switzerland
Where: Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad
When: June 22, 2 PM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 1-1 Tie: Serbia and Switzerland will also end up drawing each 1-1, helping one squad more than the other. For Switzerland, it will put them in a must-win situation against Costa Rica, while Serbia may have to earn a point against Brazil to clinch a spot in the Round of 16. Set pieces will be crucial in this game.

Iceland winning tomorrow would put them on the brink of Round of 16 qualification

Day 7 Recaps: Portugal, Uruguay, Spain All Win 1-0: Russia and Uruguay to Round of 16

Three games were played today and each had the same 1-0 result. The first match, Portugal-Morocco brought us the game-winning goal in the 4th minute, when Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo headed in a cross from Joao Moutinho into the top of the net. In the 12th, Morocco nearly tied it up when Manuel da Costa's header forced Portuguese keeper Rui Patricio to make a save. Just before half, Moroccan keeper Munir Mohamedi stopped it from being 2-0 by making a one handed save off Goncalo Guedes. After the half, Patricio made two good saved: one from Younes Belhanda's strike, and the other a diving save from a Belhanda header. Morocco kept pressuring, but they would find no more shots on frame as they were essentially eliminated from the tournament.

Following the Portugal-Morocco game was Uruguay-Saudi Arabia. The Arabians, looking for a better defensive effort after their 5-0 loss to Russia, played solid football throughout the match, but struggled to finish in the attacking phase. Luis Suarez returned to form for Uruguay by scoring the lone goal in the 23rd minute. From a corner, Saudi keeper Mohammed Al-Owais missed getting a touch on the ball, which led to Suarez to tap into an empty net. Uruguay continued with better chances overall than the Arabians, but would not find another goal. Edinson Cavani missed a couple of chances to score for Uruguay when his headed in the 80th was just wide, along with a one-on-one chance in the 87th that Al-Owais managed to stop. Uruguay claimed a spot in the Round of 16 with the win and are tied with Russia for first in Group A. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are eliminated.

After these two games, Spain looked desperate to get into the top spot by beating Group B leaders Iran. After an nearly uneventful first half, the one chance coming in the 25th minute when Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvard saved David Silva's free kick, more scoring opportunities occurred. Beiranvard made a double save in the 50th minute, denying Sergio Busquets strike before clearing it out so Lucas Vasquez couldn't pounce on the rebound. Iran's Karim Ansarifard blasted a shot from 8 yards out only denied by the outside netting, and two minutes later, Spain got the game-winner. David Costa found himself surrounded by Iran defenders in the box, when Ramin Rezaeian's attempted poke of the ball deflected off Costa's knee and into the net in the 54th. Iran would get a goal 6 minutes later from a free kick, but it was called back for off-sides after VAR review. In the 70th, Sergio Ramos's low shot was blocked by multiple Iran defenders then Gerald Pique's poke at it was stopped by Beiranvard. Morocco had a header sail over the bar in the 82nd, and Spain finished with a win, now tied with Portugal for first. Iran needs a win/tie over Portugal to make it through, while Morocco is guaranteed last in Group B, and therefore eliminated.

Suarez's(blue, #9) tap-in was enough for Uruguay to win

Day 8 Previews

Who: Denmark v. Australia
Where: Samara Arena, Samara
When: June 21, 8 AM EST
Watch: Telemundo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-1 Denmark: Denmark will leave it late, earning three points and therefore eliminating the Socceroos from the tournament. As always, Australia will be tied or down one throughout the match, but in a must-win, will not be able to even get a point.

Who: France v. Peru
Where: Ekaterinburg Arena, Ekaterinburg
When: June 21, 11 AM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 1-0 France: There have already been 9 matches this WC with the scoreline 1-0, and this will be the tenth. The European and South American powerhouses have struggled to put away their inferior opponents in terms of tying, losing, or winning by one lucky goal. France's chemistry will struggle again, but the ball will bounce in their way for a second half goal. Peru will once again have trouble putting the ball in the net.

Who: Argentina v. Croatia
Where: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod
When: June 21, 2 PM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 1-1 Tie: Two teams that struggle to create scoring opportunities last game will struggle to find a second, and potential game winning goal in this match. This would put Argentina heading into the final group stage match facing possible elimination.

Luka Modric (left), Ante Rubic (right), and Croatia hope to earn a massive point against Group D favorites Argentina

Day 6 Recaps: Japan and Senegal Upset Contenders, Russia on Brink of Last 16 Qualification

The first match today brought a massive upset in Group H, as Japan beat Colombia 2-1. In the 3rd minute, Japan's Shinji Kagama's shot just outside the box was blocked by Colombian Carlos Sanchez's arm, earning Sanchez a straight red. Kagawa converted the PK 3 minutes later. Colombia equalized in the 39th after a questionable call earned Colombia a free kick. Juan Quintero tied it up on the free kick by sending it low, under the Japanese wall, and beating keeper Eiji Kawashima. In the 50th minute, Colombia keeper David Ospina saved Takashi Inui's curling shot from 20 yards out. After Saki's strike was deflected wide in the 73rd minute, earning a corner. the SamuraiBlue got the lead from the corner. Yuya Osako headed it in off the far post to give Japan the 2-1 lead. Colombian striker James Rodriguez came in to find a tying goal, but his close range strike in the 79th was blocked by Osako. This marked the first World Cup game an Asian squad defeated a South American team.

Later, another Group H game took place between Senegal and Poland. In the 37th minute, Senegal got the lead when a strike from Idrissa Gueye redirected off Polish defender Thiago Cionek to beat the keeper Wojciech Szczesny. In the 50th, Robert Lewandowski of Poland had his free kick stopped by diving Senegal keeper Khadim N'Diaye. M'Baye Niang got his second through an unusual sequence of events. Niang was temporarily hurt and on the sidelines until the ref waved him back on. As he came back on, Poland volleyed the ball way back, only for Niang to take control, beat Szczesny, and score into an empty net. Grzegorz Krychowiak headed in a goal in the 87th to make things interesting, but Senegal held on for the upset.

Group A resumed play today with Egypt and Russia. Mo Salah made his WC debut, and his one turn-around shot in the 43rd minute was just wide. Russia went up 1-0 in the 47th when Roman Zubnin's cross deflected off Egyptian defender Ahmed Fathy into the net. They would score 2 more quickly in a 3 minute span: first in the 59th, when Denis Cheryshev struck it in from cross range from a low Mario Fernandes cross; the second in the 61st, when Artem Dzyuba controlled the ball in the box, and blasted it past keeper Mohamed El-Shenawy. Egypt earned a PK for Salah to convert in the 73rd, after he was fouled. This win puts Russia in prime position to finish 1st in the group, and almost assuredly a spot in the Round of 16. For Egypt, the opposite, as they are nearly eliminated.

Osako (blue, #15) headed in the GWG for Japan

Day 7 Previews

Who: Portugal v. Mortocco
Where: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
When: June 20, 8 AM EST
Watch: Telemundo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-0 Portugal: Given Morocco's strong defense, albeit they may have challenge containing Cristiano Ronaldo, this game will be a win for Portugal, not a rout of Morocco. I originally predicted a 1-0 win, however, Ronaldo's performance last Friday indicated that he is having a career WC performance in Russia.

Who: Uruguay v. Saudi Arabia
Where: Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don
When: June 20, 11 AM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 4-0 Uruguay: This should be a bigger number of goals for Uruguay. However, after a lack of finishing from Uruguay's striker Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, they will "only" score four goals through Saudi's "Swiss cheese" defense. I won't be surprised if they do finish better and score up to 7-8 goals.

Who: Iran v. Spain
Where: Kazan Arena, Kazan
When: June 20, 2 PM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 3-0 Spain: Like Uruguay, I won't be surprised if Spain scores more. Iran has an average defense, but Spain has more depth and talent in their attack, defense, and in their goalkeeper. Diego Costa may get another brace or a hat-trick for Spain.

Cavani (#21) and Suarez (#9) may finally break out of their scoring slumps against Saudi Arabia

Day 5 Recaps: Sweden Get Gritty Win, Belgium and England Get 3 Expected Points

Sweden got a huge three points against similar Group F underdog South Korea. The lone goal came via PK in the 65th by Andreas Granqvist, after VAR confirmed that Swede player Viktor Claesson was fouled in the box by Kim Min-Woo. Sweden had earlier scoring opportunities, such as Marcus Berg's close range shot, but South Korea keeper Jo Hyeon-Woo blocked the shot. South Korea had no shots on frame, though their best opportunity in the 2nd minute of second half stoppage time was a header that missed the open Swedish net. The game was later termed "foul-fest", with a total of 41 fouls in the game.

After a number of scoring chances in the first half for Belgium, they ultimately scored 3 goals for a comfortable win over World Cup debutante Panama. Many chances from the European side in the opening half were saved by Panama keeper Jaime Penedo or just wide of net. However, the deadlock broke in the 47th when Dries Mertens produced a spectacular volley over Penedo's diving body, into the far corner of the net. Panama quickly responded when Michael Murillo had the ball in Belgium's box, but keeper Thibaut Courtois blocked his shot. Romelu Lukaku ultimately got the last 2 goals. The first was a diving header inside in the box in the 69th that redirected Kevin De Bruyne's cross. Six minutes later, Lukaku got his second by chipping the ball over a rushing Penedo. Courtois saved one or two shots from Panama, who really failed to threaten the superior squad.

Lastly, the England-Tunisia had the most drama of all 3 games. England, like Belgium, had many opportunites, though they won the game in the closing moments. The first goal came via Harry Kane's rebound after a spectacular save from Tunisian keeper Mouez Hassen following a great header on frame from John Stones. England then had many great runs and counters into the attacking half, only for the ball to go out of play to result in a goal kick. Tunisia equalized via PK from Ferjani Sassi after Ben Youssef was pulled down by Kyle Walker in the box in the 35th minute. Just before halftime, Jesse Lingard missed a chance to put England back up, when his chip over the keeper hit the outside of the post. It all worked out for England, as Kane redirected a header from a corner in 90+1', into the near post. England is now tied with Belgium for first in Group G.

Kane's brace was enough for England to win

Day 6 Previews

Who: Colombia v. Japan
Where: Mordovia Arena, Saransk
When: June 19, 8 AM EST
Watch: Telemundo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-0 Colombia: Colombia, thanks to striker James Rodriguez get off to a great start with an easy win over Japan. Japan will be mostly in their own half due to Colombia's attacking. However, Colombia may want more goals to boost the GD tiebreaker in their favor.

Who: Poland v. Senegal
Where: Spartak Stadium, Moscow
When: June 19, 11 AM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-1 Poland: Like Colombia, Poland's best player is their striker Robert Lewandowski. One of the most prolific scorers and PK takers of today, he will score the game-winner. Watch out for Senegal, a popular dark-horse pick who may steal a point against Poland or Colombia.

Who: Russia v. Egypt
Where: Saint Petersburg Stadium, St. Petersburg
When: June 19, 2 PM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-1 Egypt: Mo Salah, who was expected to play in the opener against Uruguay, will finally debut in his first WC, and score to give Egypt a much needed 3 points. This will put Egypt and Russia temporarily in a 3 way tie for first, until the other Group A match is finished on Wednesday.

Day 4 Recaps: Serbs Out-muscle Costa Rica, Mexico Upset Germany, Brazil Held to a Draw

Another three group-stage opening matches were played today, starting with the Costa Rica-Serbia match. Serbia opened up with a chance a minute in when Alexsandar Mitrovic's shot was cleared off the line. Costa Rica responded with two chances both saved by Serb keeper Vladimir Stojkovic: a header by Giancarlo Gozalez and a strike by Marco Urena. In the 51st minute, Mitrovic's strike was saved by Costa Rica keeper Keylor Navas. The breakthrough for Serbia came in the 56th minute, when Aleksandar Kolarov's free kick curled over the wall into the near post, beating a diving Navas. Costa Rica had more attackers come in, but nothing worked, and Serbia ended up winning 1-0.

The second game was the ultimate spectacle: Germany's shocking 1-0 loss to Mexico. After an energetic first half, which featured many shots from both teams, Germany fired shot after shot in the 2nd half to tie it. The game winning goal was by Hirving Lozano in the 35th, who beat the German defense before stoppig in the box, dodging German mid Mesut Ozil, and striking the ball past keeper Manuel Neuer for the tally. Before and after the goal, many shots fired by both teams were off target, or straight in the hands of Neuer or Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa. In the 37th, Toni Kroos' free kick was finger-tipped-saved by Ochoa, ultimately missing the net and hitting the crossbar. After halftime, Germany controlled the ball in Mexico's half, with Mexico's few chances coming on counter-attacks. In the 78th minute, Kroos had a shot just wide of the post before a 88th minute attempt hit the side of the post from a Julian Brandt volley. Finally, the whistle blew, and Mexico pulled off the biggest WC 2018 upset... so far.

Brazil looked to kick off its WC 2018 campaign with a win against Switzerland. Things looked good in the 20th minute when Philippe Coutinho's curling blast just outside the box hit the far post and in, beating keeper Yann Sommer to give Brazil a 1-0 lead. Just before the break. Brazil nearly scored again when Thiago Silva's header went just over the crossbar. Switzerland equalized just after halftime in the 50th, when Steven Zuber's header from a corner beat Brazil keeper Alisson. Neymar and Roberto Firmino each had shots later saved by Sommer, but the biggest talk was about the number of fouls Neymar suffered: 10. Just coming off an injury, the Swiss targeted him throughout the game. In the 73rd, Brazil's Gabriel Jesus tried to get Brazil a PK, but to no avail. Switzerland got a major point against their toughest group opponent.

Kolarov's game winning free kick

Day 5 Previews

Who: Sweden v. Korea Republic
Where: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod
When: June 18, 8 AM EST
Watch: Telemundo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-1 Sweden: Sweden will get a big must-win to be level with Mexico. South Korea will be mostly on defensive, but they will equalize late in the second half before a last-gasp winner from Sweden. This will push South Korea already on the brink of elimination. 

Who: Belgium v. Panama
Where: Fisht Stadium, Sochi
When: June 18, 11 AM EST
Watch: Telemundo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 3-0 Belgium: This will be Belgium's easiest group stage match, and they will not under perform with a 3-0 win over this Central American team. Panama may have their first World Cup end after the Group Stage given they are in a group including England as well.

Who: Tunisia v. England
Where: Volgograd Arena, Volgograd
When: June 18, 2 PM EST
Watch: Telemundo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 1-1 Draw: My upset prediction for tomorrow will be once again an overrated English squad failing to beat opponents that should easily be beaten (see Costa Rica, Algeria, USA in recent WCs). Tunisia will surprise the World by stealing a point, and England will join Argentina, Brazil, and Germany as favorites failing to win their WC opener.

Day 3 Recaps: France Pull Away, Argentina Held to a Draw, Peru Heartbroken, Croatia Get Must-Win

There were 4 games played today in the group stage. First was France-Australia, a favorite vs. an underdog. After a scoreless first half, in which Australia keeper Mat Ryan snuffed out three chances by France in the first ten minutes by French stars Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba, and Antoine Griezmann, France got on the board via PK. A foul in the box in the 55th minute was initially not called, but after VAR review, the call was overturned and Griezmann put France ahead. Just minutes later, a Australia free kick sent in by Aaron Mooy hit French defender Samuel Umtiti's hand led to a PK that Mile Jedinek converted in the 62nd to make it 1-1. France got the winner when a give-and-go between Olivier Giroud and Pogba led to a Pogba chip that hit the underside of the crossbar before landing behind the goal line for a moment, enough for the ref to confirm that it was indeed a goal. France played not beautifully, but good enough for a win.

After that game was Argentina-Iceland. Argentina, huge favorites to win the group and this match, was humbled by Icelandic keeper Hannes Þór Halldórsson, Iceland's defense and bunker-down strategy. Iceland had the best chance of the 1st half in the 9th minute when Birkir Bjarnason missed a shot wide. Argentina took a 1-0 lead when Sergio Aguero controlled the ball in the box, turning towards goal, and blasting it home in the 19th minute. 4 minutes later, Iceland tied it up when a low Gylfi Sigurdsson cross was blocked by keeper Willy Caballero before Alfred Finnbogason tapped it in the net. Argentina, most specifically Lionel Messi, would have his shots off target, blocked, or saved by Halldorsson for the remainder of the game. The most important save was a PK taken by Messi in the 63rd minute when Halldorsson guessed right on Messi's shot to parry it away. In the end, Iceland's defensive approach was enough for a point.

Two teams with nearly no difference in quality between them (according to FIFA rankings), faced off in the 3rd match, Peru v. Denmark. Peru played the more aggressive side throughout it, with more shots overall. In the 43rd minute, Peru's Christian Cueva forced a foul in the box that VAR confirmed, only to attempt his PK similar to kicking a field goal. The shot landed in the stands and it remained scoreless at the half. Even with Peru dictating play, including Andre Carrillo and Edison Flores missing shots in the 57th, Denmark struck first in the 59th when a beautiful through ball by Christian Erikson led to a Yussuf Poulson goal to put them ahead. Paolo Guerrero came in for Peru in the 60th minute, but his few chances included a header straight at Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel and a back heel just wide of frame. Peru were completely frustrated that they got no points from the match.

The last match was Nigeria-Croatia. Croatia struggled to get shots on target regardless of how far away the shot was taken, though they dictated possession in the game. Their breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when a corner connected with Mario Mandzukic before the ball took a redirection off Nigerian mid Oghenekaro Etebo's foot and in the net. After 68 minutes of play Croatia still had no shots on target however. Their first shot on target was via converted PK by Luca Modric in the 71st minute, in which was caused by Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong tackling Mandzukic in the box off a corner. Their other lone shot on target was in stoppage time.

France celebrating after Pogba's winner

Day 4 Previews

Who: Costa Rica v. Serbia
Where: Samara Arena, Samara
When: June 17, 8 AM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-2 Draw: This will turn out to be another lively, entertaining open match played by two teams who are better than many people think they are. Costa Rica will continue its good, recent form in the World Cup by stealing a point against the Serbs, who are slightly favored in this match.

Who: Germany v. Mexico
Where: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
When: June 17, 11 AM EST
Watch: Telemundo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 3-1 Germany: In my opinion, I think Germany are the clear favorites of this World Cup. After easily beating Mexico last year in the Confederations Cup with their "B" team, they will once again cruise to another victory over the CONCACAF team. Mexico's lone goal will come in the closing moments

Who: Brazil v. Switzerland
Where: Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don
When: June 17, 2 PM EST
Watch: Telemundo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-1 Brazil: Neymar will save his team from an upset over Switzerland. The Swiss will score first, only for Brazil to equalize before the half, and then the winner midway through the second half. Brazil will dictate the majority of the game, and may very well find a third goal to cushion their lead.

Preview: Group C and D Matches, Round 1

Who: France v. Australia
Where: Kazan Arena, Kazan
When: June 16, 6 AM EST
Watch: Telemundo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 3-1 France: France will win this one handily, however Australia rarely loses without scoring. Last World Cup, Australia scored against Chile and nearly upset Netherlands before losing 3-2. France will get goals via their efficient attack, and don't be surprised if Australia's lone goal comes via a French keeper Hugo Lloris gaffe, who has been struggling recently.

Who: Argentina v. Iceland
Where: Spartak Stadium, Moscow
When: June 16, 9 AM EST
Watch: Fox, Telemundo (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 1-0 Argentina: Last World Cup, Argentina made it to the final based off a stout defense and an attack that scored just enough goals (an average of a goal per game) to get to the final. They will win tomorrow via this startegy, thanks to another great backline and a bit of magic from star Lionel Messi to get the winning goal.

Who: Peru v. Denmark
Where: Mordovia Arena, Saransk
When: June 16, Noon EST
Watch: Telemundo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 2-1 Peru: Peru will be the Cinderella of this Cup I believe, following in the footsteps of Costa Rica from their performance last Cup. I believe Peru will have success up front with Raul Ruidiaz and Paolo Guerrero, and those two will be instrumental tomorrow for Peru's victory tomorrow. Don't count out Denmark, who will make things interesting with a goal of their own.

Who: Croatia v. Nigeria
Where: Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad
When: June 16, 3 PM EST
Watch: Telemundo, FS1 (TV); Fox Sports Go (Streaming)
Prediction: 1-1 Draw: Two teams with tough group draws in recent World Cups will battle each other for a point. This games and Iceland will be the easier group stage games for both, and for Croatia and Nigeria to get a point out of this would be OK. Expect a lot of fouls and a number of pauses and breaks throughout the match.

Messi's best chance to get the coveted World Cup trophy will begin tomorrow

Day 2 Recaps: Uruguay Breaks Through, Iran Get Lucky, and a Thriller Between Spain-Portugal

The first game to take place today was Uruguay v. Egypt. Egypt, whose leading score Mo Salah was questionable, did not play, as their attacking chances were few and far between. Uruguay dictated the run of play and the tempo of the game, but missed out on a chance to score before halftime when forward Luis Suarez shot wide left of net from 5 yards out. In the 47th minute, Suarez's shot from a tight angle hit Egypt's keeper Mohamed El-Shenawy's knee. Suarez later had another one-on-one chance that fell into a diver El-Shenawy's arms, who later denied forward Edinson Cavani's strike in the 83rd minute. Cavani would have his free kick hit the post 5 minutes later, ultimately leading up to another Uruguay free kick. There, Jose Gimenez scored off the free kick, heading the ball inside the right post in the 89th minute. Uruguay are now tied with Russia for first after their 1-0 win.

Gimenez after his match-winning goal

Following this dramatic game was another tight affair, this match between Morocco and Iran. Morocco's defense, known for not allowing a single goal during the last round of World Cup qualification, held strong for over 90 minutes. That is, until Iran midfielder Ersan Hajsafi's free kick ball connected with Moroccan forward Aziz Bouhaddouz's head before landing into the Moroccan goal in the 5th minute of second half stoppage time. Before that decisive goal, Morocco had more shooting opportunities, such as Younes Belhanda's header wide of frame and Medhi Benatia's shot that was saved by keeper Alireza Beiranvand in the first 20 minute. Iran's few chances included Karim Ansarifard's scuffed shot in the 21st minute, and Sardar Azmoun's shot straight at Morocco keeper Munir Mohamedi. In the 81st minute, Beiranvand stopped Hakim Ziyech's blast from the left side of the 18 yard box, ultimately proving to be a match-winning save.

Bouhaddouz's header into his own net

After two tight 1-0 games decided by late winning headers, Portugal-Spain proved to have the most hype of the 3 games. And it did, by a landslide in terms of play. The first goal happened in the 4th minute via penalty when Cristiano Ronaldo forced a foul in the penalty, before giving his country Portugal a 1-0 lead. Throughout the next 20 minutes, the game was wide open, with both teams creating quick counterattacks and scoring opportunities. None proved successful, until Spanish forward Diego Costa won a header by beating defender Pepe, took on more Portuguese defenders before blasting a shot into the left corner past keeper Rui Patricio to level the score in the 24th minute. Spain then controlled the next 20 minutes, including an Isco shot that banged the crossbar, until Ronaldo's shot just outside the 18 yard box, went through Spain's keeper David De Gea's hands for a 2-1 lead at the half. Spain would come flying out of the gate after the half, scoring two goals 3 minutes apart within the first 15 minutes of the second half. The equalizer came from Costa's tap in set up from a Sergio Busquets header following a free kick. 3 minutes later, Nacho gave Spain a 3-2 lead when a ball found his feet, and with tons of space, he one-timed it, hitting the far post and into the net. Spain were known for their elegant passing throughout the game, and they surely looked to seal the game with their potential 4th goal. However, Ronaldo got his hat trick in the 88th thanks to his curling free kick over the wall, stunning De Gea. Both teams are now tied for second in Group B.

Ronaldo after his 3rd goal