FIFA Football World Cup Russia 2018 - Group Stages Final Round

(An iconic moment in the final round of Group Stages saw Messi celebrating with scorer Marcus Rojo after his winner against Nigeria put Argentina through to the last sixteen, thanks to Action Images Henry Romero for the photo)

So, the final week of Group Stage fixtures were upon us, and it would finally determine who would go through and who would be going out, apart from obviously the ones who already achieved this fate in the second round of group stage fixtures.  Still top spots were up for grabs in this week, so here is how those games panned out: -

Group A

Saudi Arabia 2 Egypt 1

Middle Eastern side Saudi Arabia grabbed their first win in the World Cup since 1994 by netting a stoppage time winner against Egypt to exit the tournament on a high.  Neither side could qualify for the knockout phase of the competition but wanted to leave the World Cup with at least one win, and it looked like Egypt would be that side when Mohamed Salah netted his second goal of the tournament when he lobbed over Saudi keeper Yasser Al-Mosailem midway through the first half to give the Africans the lead.  But the end of the half would prove controversial, as first of all Saudi Arabia were given a penalty for a handball, which looked harsh, however 45-year-old keeper Egyptian keeper Essam El-Hadary, who was making history for being the oldest player to play in a world cup, made a superb save from Fahad Al Muwallad’s spot kick.  But in first half stoppage time the Saudi’s were awarded another penalty, this after a rather long delay as the referee checked with VAR, they deemed his decision was correct, although again it looked debatable.  But Salman Al Faraj’s penalty found the net this time, and the sides went in level at the break.  There was far less drama in the second period, however it looked as though the game would peter out to a score draw, that was until four minutes into stoppage time when Salem Al Sawsari volleyed home the winner to give Saudi Arabia a win to take home, whilst for Egypt it’s three straight defeats and a tournament to forget.

Uruguay 3 Russia 0

Hosts Russia were given a reality check as they were brushed aside by Uruguay in their battle for group winners spot in Samara.  The hosts had had things their own way so far in the competition but found Uruguay a step to far in this contest, and the South Americans were soon in front when Luis Suarez drilled home a tenth minute free-kick, before they doubled their lead midway though the half when Diego Laxalt’s effort deflected off Denis Cheryshev and wrong-footed keeper Igor Akifneev who could not stop the ball finding the net.  And then things got worse for the Russian’s when Igor Smolnilkov was sent off for a second yellow card 35 minutes into his world cup debut, meaning the hosts had to play with ten men for pretty much an hour.   To be fair to the hosts they did wrestle back some control of the game, even with ten men, however Uruguay was always in control and saw Edison Cavani get his goal when he prodded home a rebound after a Godin header had been saved by Akinfeev, and the South Americans therefore advance as group winners and are yet to concede too.  Russia despite the defeat also advance as runners up.

Here is the final Group A table: -

                                           P            W          D            L             F            A            Pts              GD

1. Uruguay (Q)                 3            3            0            0            5            0               9              +5

2. Russia (Q)                     3            2            0            1            8            4               6              +4

3. Saudi Arabia                3            1            0            2            2            7               3              -5

4. Egypt                             3            0            0            3            2            6               0              -4

So, Uruguay showed their class today to see off the Russian’s, and they go through as Group Winners and will take on Group B runners-up Portugal in the Last Sixteen of the competition.  As for Russia, they have already surpassed many people’s expectations just to qualify for the knockout phase, and they take on Group B winners Spain in their next game.  Saudi Arabia after an awful opening game managed to salvage some pride in their next two games, and leave with a win too, whilst for Egypt it was a tournament to forget as they leave the competition with no points from three games.

Group B

Iran 1 Portugal 1

Portugal progressed into the knockout stages although late drama almost saw them miss out altogether as the match ended in farcical circumstances.  Ricardo Quaresma put Portugal ahead in stunning fashion, curling home with the outside of his boot just before half time, and then after VAR had ruled that Cristiano Ronaldo had been fouled inside the box, they had the chance to double their money and probably end the contest, but Ronaldo saw his spot kick saved and Iran remained in the tie.  Another VAR review for a red card after Ronaldo appeared to catch an opponent in the face, again very questionable, resulted in the Portuguese star receiving a yellow card, although I my eyes it was accidental and the Iranian player made a right meal of it sadly.  That was the end of the VAR fiasco either, as in stoppage time and after another VAR review for a penalty for handball, which by the way was no way handball, was overturned by the officials and a penalty was given, which Ansarifard converted, which meant Iran needed one more goal in the remainder of stoppage time to qualify at Portugal’s expense.  And incredibly they almost netted again moments later, but struck into the side netting instead, as Portugal breathed a sigh of relief, and squeezed through to the Last Sixteen.  Dramatic.

Spain 2 Morocco 2

Iago Aspas netted a stoppage time equaliser to salvage a point for Spain against already eliminated Morocco and end up winning Group B as a result.  The North Africans may already have been knocked out, but they wanted to leave the tournament with a bang, and they took a shock lead after 14 minutes when a dreadful mix-up between Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos allowed Khalid Boutaib to nip in and steal the ball, run through and then slot between David de Gea’s legs.  But it took the Spaniards just five minutes to hit back when Iniesta made amends by creating the leveller, exchanging passes with Diego Costa before getting to the byeline and cutting back for Isco to smash home into the roof of the net.  Morocco though weren’t to be deterred, and with nine minutes left they looked to have won it when Youssef En Nesyri, who plays in Spain for Malaga, powered home a superb header from fellow substitute Faycal Fajr’s corner, but their was to be more VAR drama in stoppage time as after Aspas flicked home Dani Carvajal’s low cross, the referee initially disallowed the goal, but after consultation with VAR overturned his decision and the goal stood, meaning the Spanish won the Group, and denied the Moroccan’s a famous victory.

Here is the final Group B table: -

                                           P            W          D            L             F            A            Pts              GD

1. Spain (Q)                      3            1            2            0            6            5               5              +1

2. Portugal (Q)                 3            1            2            0            5            4               5              +1

3. Iran                               3            1            1            1            2            2                4              0

4. Morocco                       3            0            1            2            2            4               1              -2

Well what a dramatic end to that group!!!  It looked for so long as if Portugal would win the group, however late drama at both games involving VAR changed all that, and Spain somehow won the group ahead of their rivals from over the border.  Iran so nearly got that second goal too which would have sent Portugal home, and Morocco were seconds away from a famous win, but in the end the two sides who were expected to go through did, however it was a close-run thing!!!  Spain now take on hosts Russia in the Last Sixteen whilst Portugal take on Uruguay.

Group C

Australia 0 Peru 2

Peru recorded their first World Cup finals win for 40 years as they ended any hopes Australia had of progression into the knockout stages by beating them in their final game of the tournament.  The Aussies knew they had to beat Peru to stand any chance of making it through and hope the French defeated Denmark, but the South Americans went ahead thanks to a fine volley from Andre Carrillo in the 18^th minute.  The Aussies struggled to create anything clear-cut although excellent defending from Anderson Santamaria denied Matthew Leckie from close-range, and then the Peruvians doubled their lead when skipper Paolo Guerrero struck home into the far corner five minutes into the second half.  Christian Cueva also struck the post late on for Peru, but they ended up finishing third in the group whilst the Aussies ended their campaign bottom of the pile.

Denmark 0 France 0

The first goalless draw of the World Cup took place in Moscow as Match 37 saw Denmark and France fail to score in their Group C contest.  The game saw little in the way of goalmouth action withb the first shot on target not arriving until six minutes from the break which saw Antoine Griezmann fire a tame effort at Danish keeper Kasper Schmeichel.  Denmark did fashion the best chance of the half when French keeper Steve Mandanda just got to the ball ahead of Christian Eriksen after a excellent low cross from Andreas Cornelius, and their only shot on target came nine minutes into the second period when Mandanda saved Eriksen’s free-kick.  With Peru winning in the other game, both sides knew they were through unless something dramatic happened there, so the game rather petered out into a fairly low-key draw, bringing jeers and whistles/boos from the crowd at the final whistle.  However, neither side were bothered about that as they qualified for the knockout phase with little alarm.

Here is the final Group C table: -

                                           P            W          D            L             F            A            Pts              GD

1. France (Q)                    3            2            1            0            3            1               7              +2

2. Denmark (Q)                3            1            2            0            2            1               5              +1

3. Peru                              3            1            0            2            2            2                3              0

4. Australia                       3            0            1            2            2            5               1              -3

So, France are through as Group winners and take on Argentina who were runners up in Group D in the Last Sixteen.  Denmark go through as runners up and will take on Group D winners Croatia in the next phase.  Neither were particularly at 100% in the group stages but they won’t really care about that and now will no doubt continue to build up their performances in the knockout stage.  Peru go home with a win to their name, which meant so much to them no doubt, whilst the Aussies although gritty and determined, lacked real potency up front and that didn’t help their cause and they go home without a win to their name.

Group D

Iceland 1 Croatia 2

Ivan Persic’s late goal saw Croatia go through to the knockout phase as group winners, and at the same time ended Iceland’s participation in the tournament.  The Nordic nation knew a win could see them qualify for the last sixteen and saw Alfred Finnbogason and Birkir Bjarnason both go close before the break, but the Croats then took the lead after the interval when Milan Badelj slammed home the opener, meaning Iceland needed at least two goals to have any chance.  They therefore were forced to chase the game and hit the bar though a Sverrir Ingason header but then won a penalty after a Dejan Lovren handball, and Gylfi Sigurdsson, who missed a spot kick against Nigeria, slammed this one home and Iceland believed again.  And late on and knowing Argentina were winning against Nigeria, a goal for the Icelandic’s would be enough to qualify, however their attacks became less frequent and Croatia took more control and then as the clock ticked into the 90^th minute Persic fired across the keeper to win it and end Iceland’s hopes.

Nigeria 1 Argentina 2

Marcos Rojo netted a brilliant 86^th minute winner to send Argentina into the Last Sixteen by the skin of their teeth, and at the same time knock Nigeria out of the tournament in heartbraking fashion.  Lionel Messi, who has been under immense pressure in this tournament, looked back to his old self in the opening forty-five minutes, and it was he who opened the scoring in brilliant fashion, running onto a pass from Ever Banega, controlling it stone dead with his thigh, then took it onto his left foot to draw it away from Kenneth Omeruo, before producing an emphatic finish with his right foot.  He could have had a second goal too but saw a free-kick tipped brilliantly onto the post by Nigeria keeper Francis Uzoho.  However, the South Americans failed to carry on their good first half showing, and six minutes into the second period Javier Mascherano gave away a penalty, which Victor Moses duly converted, and it meant Nigeria were going through.  It looked as if an aging Argentinian side were fading as Nigeria fancied a second goal, but this did not come, and with time running out and the South American’s knowing a goal could take them through, and with four minutes left Rojo surged into the box to place Gabriel Mercado’s cross into the bottom corner and send Argentina into the next phase of the competition.  What drama indeed!!!

Here is the final Group D table: -

                                           P            W          D            L             F            A            Pts               GD

1. Croatia (Q)                   3            3            0            0            7            1               9              +6

2. Argentina (Q)              3            1            1            1            3            5                4              -2

3. Nigeria                          3            1            0            2            3            4               3              -1

4. Iceland                          3            0            1            2            2            5               1              -3

So, another dramatic finish to a group sees Argentina join Croatia in the Round of 16.  How the Argentinian’s managed to squeeze through is anyone’s guess, but they are into the last sixteen and live to fight another day.  They will take on the French so that proves to be a mouth-watering prospect, whilst the perfect Croatian’s will take on Denmark, another good contest is expected their too.  Spare a thought for Nigeria, who came within four or so minutes of progressing themselves and dumping Argentina out, whilst Iceland gave it their all too against Croatia, but sadly for them came up short.  That defeat to Nigeria ultimately gave them too much to do in their final game.

Group E

Serbia 0 Brazil 2

Brazil are through the last sixteen as group winners after they saw off a tough Serbia side thanks to goals from Paulinho and Thiago Silva, eliminating their opponents as a result.  The South Americans knew a point would be enough to qualify but they looked sharp and up for getting a positive result and took a deserved lead when Paulinho ran onto a pass from Philippe Coutinho and sent a deft lob beyond the keeper.  Serbia knew they had to win to stand any chance of progression, and they had a fifteen-minute spell after half time where they put the Brazilian defence under immense pressure, sadly for them though they could not find that all important breakthrough.  But once Silva thundered home a header from a Neymar corner, the favourites for the competition regained a measure of composure and could have added further goals, but in the end they did enough to progress safely into the next phase.

Switzerland 2 Costa Rica 2

The Swiss qualified for the last sixteen as runners up in Group E after they drew a dramatic contest with Costa Rica.  Switzerland needed just a point from their final game to confirm their passage into the next round, whilst Costa Rica were already out of the tournament, however it was the Central American side who had the better chances early on, however it was the Swiss who found the breakthrough when Blerim Dzemaili to lead at half time, but ten minutes into the second half Kendall Waston headed Los Ticos level.  With the Brazilian’s winning the Swiss knew even a defeat would see them through, however they grabbed what they thought was the winner in the 88^th minute when substitute Josip Drmic netted, however the game would end in bizarre fashion when firstly Costa Rica were awarded a spot kick, only to see it overturned due to an offside, but moments later Joel Campbell was brought down inside the box for another penalty, and this one saw Bryan Ruiz hit his effort off the underside of the bar, come off keeper Yann Sommer’s head, and end up in the net for an own goal.  Despite the bizarre ending it is the Swiss who progress whilst Costa Rica go home with a point at least.

Here is the final Group E table: -

                                           P            W          D            L             F            A            Pts              GD

1. Brazil (Q)                      3            2            1            0            5            1               7              +4

2. Switzerland (Q)           3            1            2            0            5            4               5              +1

3. Serbia                           3            1            0            2            2            4               3              -2

4. Costa Rica                    3            0            1            2            2            5               1              -3

So, Brazil are safely through to the last sixteen, whilst Switzerland join them too.  Serbia will look to the Switzerland game where they led comfortably before losing that one late on as the major reason they are now going home after three games.  And Costa Rica will be disappointed to be going home with just a point, especially after their heroics four years ago in Brazil, however goals were a problem for them, apart from the last game, which was too late anyway.  Brazil now face Mexico in the next round, whilst the Swiss take on Sweden.

Group F

Mexico 0 Sweden 3

The Swedes propelled themselves into the knockout stages of the World Cup as Group winners after another dramatic final day in a Group saw them defeat Mexico in what was a very handsome victory indeed.  Mexico came into this one knowing just a point would see them top the group, where as Sweden knew they had to better Germany’s result against South Korea to progress into the last sixteen.  A goalless first half meant it was as you were in the group, but it all changed dramatically in the second period as Sweden grabbed the lead five minutes into it when Ludwig Augustinsson fired home after Viktor Claesson had totally mis-hit an effort into his path, and then they doubled their lead twelve minutes later when Andreas Granqvist smashed home his second penalty of the tournament after Hector Moreno had tripped Marcus Berg inside the box.  Mexico pressed hard for a reply, knowing a German goal could knock them out of the tournament, however they were punished again when Edson Alvarez turned an attempted clearance into his own net, and the Swedes had a three-goal cushion and were cruising through as group winners.  Carlos Vela missed a close-range header as Mexico did at least try and improve their goal difference, however they had a nervous wait to see how the German’s got on, but it was good news for the Mexican’s as the German’s shock defeat meant Mexico go through as runners up.

South Korea 2 Germany 0

Defending champions Germany, one of the favourites for the tournament before the World Cup kicked off, are out at the Group Stages for the first time in 80 years after they suffered a shock defeat to South Korea in Kazan.  Both sides could still qualify although for the Koreans to progress it was going to take a lot for that to happen, whilst the Germans knew a win would take them through to the knockout stages, but a rather dire opening forty-five minutes followed although with the other game goalless it meant Germany were still in the runners up spot.  After the break and with the Swedes netting three goals in the other game, Germany knew they had to score, but they could not find that all illusive goal and will regret how wasteful they were.  South Korea’s keeper Cho Hyeon-woo made a fine one handed save from Leon Goretzka’s header and Timo Werner volleyed wide, whilst Mats Hummels headed over the top from six yards out.  The Korean’s weren’t without their moments too, but in the second minute of stoppage time they saw Kim Young-gwon finish from close range, only to see it ruled out for offside, but VAR intervened and the decision was reversed, meaning the Germans needed two goals in the remaining seven minutes of stoppage time.  But in the 96^th minute and with everyone up, including keeper Manuel Neuer, who was for some reason playing around with the ball twenty or so yards out, lost the ball to Ju Se-jong who then pinged a long ball towards the German goal and saw Son Heung-min run onto it and tap into the empty net, and confirm Germany’s exit from the competition, thus giving the South Korean’s a major scalp before they head home too.

Here is the final Group F table: -

                                           P            W          D            L             F            A            Pts              GD

1. Sweden (Q)                  3            2            0            1            5            2               6              +3

2. Mexico (Q)                   3            2            0            1            3            4               6              -1

3. South Korea                 3            1            0            2            3            3               3              0

4. Germany                      3            1            0            2            2            4               3              -2

So how about that eh?  The German’s finish bottom of Group F, unthinkable pre-tournament.  However, a poor show in their three games has seen them suffer the consequences, and thanks to Sweden’s marvellous performance today it means they end up group winners whilst Mexico breathe a sigh of relief after the Germans lost to South Korea.  An incredible end to another group, this world cup just keeps on giving doesn’t it.  Sweden will now take on Switzerland in the last sixteen whilst Mexico face Brazil.

Group G

England 0 Belgium 1

This was billed as a titanic group decider, however it turned out to be a rather disappointing spectacle, as with both sides already through to the last sixteen, and with the runners up arguably having a easier route to the semi-finals, both sides played pretty much their second XI’s in this one in the game where both sides wouldn’t have been disappointed to lose.   Belgium were the side who carved out the best openings during the game, and six minutes into the second half took the lead in spectacular fashion when Adnan Januzaj cut inside and curled a brilliant effort beyond Jordan Pickford.  England’s best chance came when Marcus Rashford was put through in the clear, however his effort was tipped wide by Thibout Courtois, and it meant that Belgium would go through as group winners and England as runners up. 

Panama 1 Tunisia 2

Tunisia came from behind to defeat Panama to exit the world cup with at least a win, after a second half strike from Wahbi Khazri settled this contest.  Both sides were playing for pride as they had both lost their opening two games so had already been knocked out of the tournament, and Panama were chasing their first ever world cup win so it still meant a lot to the players in this contest.  And in the 33^rd minute Panama were dreaming of that elusive win when Jose Luis Rodriguez saw his effort deflect off Yassine Meriah for an own goal, the 50^th in world cup history, to lead at half time.  But six minutes into the second half Tunisia levelled when Fakhreddine Ben Youssef tapped home Khazri’s low cross, before Khazri turned goal scorer in the 66^th minute, firing home Oussama Haddadi’s cross, meaning the Tunisian’s left with some pride intact and Panama left empty handed, although for them just to be at a world cup was an achievement in itself.

Here is the final table for Group G: -

                                           P            W          D            L             F            A            Pts              GD

1. Belgium (Q)                 3            3            0            0            9            2                9              +7

2. England (Q)                  3            2            0            1            8            3               6              +5

3. Tunisia                          3            1            0            2            5            8               3              -3

4. Panama                        3            0            0            3            2            11             0              -9

So, it’s Belgium who end up top of the group after their narrow win over England, and they will now take on Japan in the round of sixteen, whilst England take on the exciting Colombian team in Moscow in their next game.  Tunisia as said above leave with some dignity in tact after they came from behind to defeat Panama to finish above them in the standings, whilst although Panama leave Russia with three defeats and eleven goals conceded, they did manage two, including that goal against England, which they will never ever forget.  Just for them to qualify for the finals was a terrific achievement in itself, just a shame they could grab that elusive first win.

Group H

Japan 0 Poland 1

The Japanese are through to the final sixteen despite losing their final group game to Poland courtesy of receiving fewer yellow cards than Senegal, who finished level with them.  In a poor contest the only goal of the game came just before the hour when Jan Bednarek volleyed home a Rafal Kurzawa free-kick, and with Colombia beating Senegal in the other game Japan knew they were through having received two fewer yellow cards.  It led to a rather farcical end to the game where both sides just passed the ball between them and had no intention of attacking at all, with even Japan substitute Makoto Hasebe, who came on with eight minutes remaining, making a ‘card’ gesture to his team-mates to make it clear they were through as it stood.  Had Poland scored again or Senegal levelled, then the Japanese would have gone out, but the results stayed as they were and Japan progressed.  Poland as we all know were already out of the competition.

Senegal 0 Colombia 1

Yerry Mina netted a 74^th minute header to send Colombia through to the next round of the competition, and it also saw Senegal exit the competition in cruel circumstances.  The Senegalese thought they had won a 16^th minute penalty after a tackle by Davinson Sanchez on Sadio Mane, however on review with VAR the decision was that the ball had been taken first before the player, so no penalty was awarded.  Senegal were still going through with Japan but when Poland netted in the 59^th minute in their game Senegal and Colombia were the ones heading through.  But Senegal then fell behind with just over fifteen minutes remaining when Mina headed home, and it meant as things stood Japan were above Senegal because they had received less bookings.  And sadly, for the Africans the situation didn’t change and they went out, whilst Colombia go through as group winners.

Here is the final Group H table: -

                                           P            W          D            L             F            A            Pts              GD

1. Colombia (Q)               3            2            0            1            5            2               6              +3

2. Japan (Q)                      3            1            1            1            4            4               4              0

3. Senegal                         3            1            1            1            4            4               4              0

4. Poland                          3            1            0            2            2            5               3              -3

So, a rather farcical end to what had been a rather exciting and unpredictable group, but in the end it’s Colombia and Japan who progress.  However, the talking point going forward is how the Japanese went about their day, making six changes prior to kick off, and then expecting Colombia to beat Senegal to confirm their passage on least amount of bookings as it turned out.  Senegal will feel gutted on how they have exited the tournament and the rule of least number of cards deciding group placings is absurd quite frankly.  Although some may argue how else can you decide it?  Well surely something like the number of cards, which is basically the opinion of a referee, isn’t the way forward surely?  It is a shame such an exciting group had to end this way.  Anyway, it all means that Colombia now take on England in the last sixteen whilst the Japanese play Belgium for a place in the Quarter Finals.

So that concludes the Group Stages, here are your Last Sixteen ties: -

Saturday 30^th June

France vs Argentina

Uruguay vs Portugal

Sunday 1^st July

Spain vs Russia

Croatia vs Denmark

Monday 2^nd July

Brazil vs Mexico

Belgium vs Japan

Tuesday 3^rd July

Sweden vs Switzerland

Colombia vs England

Ill be back with a blog on the last sixteen once that has been completed.  This is where the tournament really begins!!!

FIFA Football World Cup Russia 2018 - Group Stages Round Two

(England skipper Harry Kane is now the top scorer in the tournament after his hat-trick against Panama took him to five goals for the competition)

So the 2018 FIFA World Cup continued with the second round of Group Stage games, and it begin with hosts Russia who took on Mo Salah and Egypt in Saint Petersburg looking to build on their 5-0 win in their opening game, whilst Egypt were looking to bounce back after their defeat to Uruguay on Day Two.

So without further ado, here is how the second round of Group Fixtures went:-

Group A

Russia 3 Egypt 1

Hosts Russia virtually secured their passage into the knockout stages of the tournament after they made it two wins from two by downing Egypt in Saint Petersburg and virtually ending the Africans participation in the tournament as a result.  Mo Salah was in the Egyptian’s starting XI for this one after he missed their opening game, however he was a shadow of what we all saw in the Premier League with Liverpool and his team were not much better as the hosts had the better of a goalless opening forty-five minutes.  And the Russian’s got their noses in front two minutes into the second half in bizarre fashion as an effort from Roman Zobnin was turned into his own net by Ahmed Fathi, before the hosts doubled their lead when Denis Cheryshev finished off a brilliant move when converting Mario Fernandes’ cut-back, and it was dreamland for Russia when they made it three thanks to Artem Dzyuba’s fine individual goal.  Egypt did manage to pull a goal back when Salah fired home a spot kick, this after VAR had overturned the referee’s decision to award a free-kick just outside the box, but the foul was inside the box so the correct decision was reached, but the African’s never looked like mounting a comeback and this defeat leaves them on the brink of elimination.

Uruguay 1 Saudi Arabia 0

Luis Suarez netted on his 100^th appearance for his country as they qualified for the last sixteen of the competition by defeating Saudi Arabia in Rostov.  In a largely poor contest the South Americans netted the all important goal midway through the first half when Saudi keeper Mohammed Al Owais misjudged a cross and saw Suarez volley into the unguarded net.  But the expected floodgates did not open thereafter as the Saudi’s themselves were much improved from their horror show against Russia on the opening day, however they were still not good enough to break down a solid if uninspiring Uruguay outfit, and as a result go out of the tournament along with Egypt, who also exit the competition after this result.

Here is the Group A Table after Round Two:-

                                           P            W          D            L             F            A            Pts              GD

1. Russia (Q)                     2            2            0            0            8            1                6              +7

2. Uruguay (Q)                 2            2            0            0            2            0                6              +2

3. Egypt                             2            0            0            2            1            4                0              -3

4. Saudi Arabia                2            0            0            2            0            6                0              -6

So hosts Russia and South Americans Uruguay became the first sides through to the knockout stages, whilst Egypt and Saudi Arabia will be going home after their final group games next week.  The only thing to decide now is who goes through as group winners, so that prize will be decided on June 25^th when Uruguay take on Russia, a draw for the host nation will be enough for them to win the group, something unthinkable before the tournament begin, what a story.

Group A final fixtures:-

Monday 25^th June

Uruguay vs Russia

Saudi Arabia vs Egypt

Group B

Portugal 1 Morocco 0

Cristiano Ronaldo’s fourth minute header was enough for Portugal to strengthen their chances of reaching the Last 16 as they defeated Morocco, eliminating the African nation in the process.  It looked as though the European Champions would have an easy ride after Ronaldo ghosted in unmarked to head home Joao Moutinho cross after only four minutes of the contest.  Morocco though played with energy and belief, and they missed enough chances to win the game, however they failed to net any of these and exit the tournament having scored no goals in their two games so far.

Iran 0 Spain 1

Spain edged out Iran to take themselves one step closer to the knockout stages after Diego Costa netted in the 54^th minute to take victory in Kazan.  The Spanish side had 81% of the possession in a frustrating half as Iran defended well and rebuffed anything that was thrown at them.  But nine minutes into the second half Spain took the lead in fortuitous circumstances when a clearance ricocheted off Costa’s leg and into the net, but the Iranian’s did all they could to level, and did have the ball in the net when Saeid Ezatolahi’s effort beat David de Gea, however offside was then confirmed by VAR, and the celebrating Iranian’s were left heartbroken.  It meant Spain now join Portugal on four points after two games, whilst Iran need to win their final game to keep themselves in the tournament.

Here is the Group B Table after Round Two:-

                                           P            W          D            L             F            A            Pts              GD

1. Portugal                        2            1            1            0            4            3               4               +1

2. Spain                             2            1            1            0            4            3               4               +1

3. Iran                               2            1            0            1            1            1                3                0

4. Morocco                       2            0            0            2            0            2               0                -2

So narrow wins for both Portugal and Spain see them edge closer to the Last 16.  However Iran can still qualify if they beat Portugal in their last game, which after today’s performances isn’t that unfeasible.  You would expect Spain to beat now eliminated Morocco so it’s probably down to Iran and Portugal for that other place in the Last 16.  And with top spot to play for too it proves to be an exciting end to this group!!!

Group B final fixtures:-

Monday 25^th June

Spain vs Morocco

Iran vs Portugal

Group C

Denmark 1 Australia 1

Aussie skipper Mile Jedinak netted a penalty for the third successive World Cup game as the Socceroos picked up their first point of the 2018 competition in an entertaining draw with Denmark.  The Danes, who knew a win would see them qualify for the knockout-stages, began well and took the lead after just seven minutes when Christian Eriksen produced a super finish after a lay off by Nicolai Jorgensen, and the Danes looked comfortable.  But the Aussies fought their way back into the contest, and seven minutes before half time were awarded a penalty after VAR had looked at it and adjudged that Yussuf Poulsen had handled inside the box, and the Denmark full back was also booked, meaning he would miss the final group game.  And Jedinak stepped up to calmly slot home the spot kick to bring the Aussies level, and see the Danes concede their first goal in five and a half games.  Aaron Mooy went close for the Aussies after the break whilst Denmark’s Pione Sisto curled one wide for the Scandinavian’s, however neither side could find that all important winner and it ended all square.

France 1 Peru 0

Kylian Mbappe became the youngest ever player to score at a World Cup for France as they defeated Peru in Ekaterinburg to progress through to the knockout-stages of the tournament.  After a period of French dominance, the Peruvians were punished for sloppy play when they lost the ball and allowed Oliver Giroud in on goal, and his deflected effort fell into the path of Mbappe who tapped home from inside the six yard box.  Peru, who knew they had to avoid defeat to stay in contention for the Last Sixteen, had the upper hand after the break, and came close to levelling when Pedro Aquino saw a super effort cannon off the bar.  But they could not find a way through as France managed to see the game out to record another three points, and it meant Peru exited the competition after two defeats from two.

Here is the Group C Table after Round Two:-

                                           P            W          D            L             F            A            Pts              GD

1. France (Q)                    2            2            0            0            3            1               6               +2

2. Denmark                      2            1            1            0            2            1               4               +1

3. Australia                       2            0            1            1            2            3               1               -1

4. Peru                              2            0            0            2            0            2               0                -2

So France are into the next stage, whilst a point for Denmark in their final game will also see them through to the Last Sixteen.  Australia can still qualify if they beat Peru and see Denmark lose and also see at least a two goal swing on the final round of matches.  Denmark themselves can still win the group if they beat France in their final game, so plenty riding on both games still.  As for Peru, they are out of the tournament and will be just playing for pride in their final group game.

Here are Group C’s final fixtures:-

Tuesday 26^th June

Australia vs Peru

Denmark vs France

Group D

Argentina 0 Croatia 3

Croatia qualified for the knockout-stages in style by humiliating a poor Argentina side in Nizjnij Novgorod.  After a goalless forty-five minutes the Croats took the lead eight minutes into the second period when keeper Willy Caballaro attempted to chip over Ante Rebic but got it all wrong and instead lobbed into up to him and the Croatia attacker volleyed first time back past the embarrassed keeper and into the net.  The South Americans were pretty poor throughout and Lionel Messi cut a lonely figure, although he was involved in the Argentina’s closest chance to scoring when he saw an effort blocked on the line by Danijel Subasic.  It was a dogged defensive display from the European’s though and they sealed their win when Luka Modric curled a wonderful effort beyond Caballero, before putting the gloss on the performance when Ivan Rakitic rolled home their third, and left Argentina on the brink of elimination.

Nigeria 2 Iceland 0

Ahmed Musa netted a brace as Nigeria defeated Iceland in Volgograd to leave Group D interestingly poised.  The first half saw Iceland have the better chances as the super eagles failed to register a shot at goal, but their was no warning of what was to come from the Africans as they flew out of the blocks a different side second half and three minutes into it the Africans took the lead when Musa half volleyed home brilliantly after controlling a cross from Victor Moses, and after the Leicester City player had struck the bar, he grabbed his second of the game and doubled Nigeria’s lead when he outpaced his marker before rounding keeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson and composing himself before firing beyond two defenders on the line.  Iceland did have the chance to make the last ten or so minutes when they were awarded a penalty after VAR correctly adjudged that a foul had been committed inside the area, however Gylfi Sigurdsson fired his penalty over the bar, summing up the Icelandic’s day.  It means they will have to beat Croatia in their final game to stand any chance of progression to the knock out stages.

Here is the Group D Table after Round Two:-

                                           P            W          D            L             F            A            Pts              GD

1. Croatia (Q)                   2            2            0            0            5            0               6                +5

2. Nigeria                          2            1            0            1            2            2               3                0

3. Iceland                          2            0            1            1            1            3               1                -2

4. Argentina                     2            0            1            1            1            4               1                 -3

With Croatia already qualified it’s now between Nigeria, Iceland and Argentina for the qualification spot in Group D.  A Nigeria win sees them qualify however is Argentina defeat Nigeria then they could still sneak through if Iceland fail to beat Croatia.  It certainly makes the Nigeria vs Argentina game rather interesting lets just say, however it’s a hard one to call, and with all sides still in with a shout, its most certainly game on in the final round of matches in this Group.

Here are the final fixtures in Group D:-

Tuesday 26^th June

Iceland vs Croatia

Nigeria vs Argentina

Group E

Brazil 2 Costa Rica 0

Favourites Brazil left it late to finally see of Costa Rica after stoppage time strikes from Phillippe Coutinho and Neymar saw them to all three points in Saint Petersburg.  A rather drab first period, which ended goalless, made way for a second half where the Brazilian’s knocked on the door but just couldn’t break it down, and then came a big moment when Neymar went down in the box and a penalty was given, but on replay and after VAR and the referee had looked back at the incident, the decision was overturned.  Brazil became more and more frustrated and it looked as if they would draw their second game in succession, however in the 91^st minute Coutinho poked home a Roberto Firmino knock down to see the South American’s finally take the lead, and then in the 97^th minute Neymar tapped home a Douglas Costa cross to seal the points and put themselves on four points after two games.  For Costa Rica it’s all but over for them now after defeat here.

Serbia 1 Switzerland 2

Second half strikes from Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri saw the Swiss come from behind to take a huge stride towards the knockout stages after downing the Serbs in Kaliningrad.  The Serbian’s knew a win would take them through to the Last Sixteen and they began well and took a fifth minute lead when Alexsandar Mitrovic headed home from close range, and they were the better side in the opening forty-five minutes and could have been further ahead as the Swiss were struggling to contain them.  Switzerland knew they needed to find a goal to stay in the tournament and they came out much better in the second period and soon levelled in spectacular style when Xhaka smashed home a brilliant effort after Shaqiri had seen an effort blocked, and then with the Swiss on the front foot Shaqiri struck the outside of the post as Serbia were struggling to regain the control they had in the opening forty-five minutes.  The game then took on an end to end feel as both sides looked to find the all-important winner, and then in the 90^th minute it was the Swiss who pounced as a breakout from a Serbia attack saw Shaqiri sent through and he showed great composure to slot beyond Stojkovic and win the game for his country, sending them level on points with Brazil at the top of the Group and just a point from qualification.  Serbia will most likely have to win their last game to progress.

Here is the Group E Table after Round Two:-

                                           P            W          D            L             F            A            Pts              GD

1. Brazil                             2            1            1            0            3            1               4               +2

2. Switzerland                  2            1            1            0            3            2               4               +1

3. Serbia                           2            1            0            1            2            2               3                 0

4. Costa Rica                    2            0            0            2            0            3               0                -3

Late drama in both of the second round of games has seen the table take on a rather different look.  Brazil netted two stoppage time goals to top the group on goal difference, whilst for the Swiss they were thankful to a come from behind win against Serbia to suddenly put themselves only a point away from progression.  Serbia, who were through at half time, will now most likely need to beat Brazil in their final game to progress, which would knock the Brazilian’s out if the Swiss get a win against Costa Rica, who are now eliminated.  Brazil just need a point to go through but there are many things that can happen so should be another exciting round of group fixtures.

Here are the final Group E fixtures:-

Wednesday 27^th June

Serbia vs Brazil

Switzerland vs Costa Rica

Group F

South Korea 1 Mexico 2

Javier Hernandez netted his 50^th international goal to help Mexico defeat South Korea and take a giant stride towards the Last Sixteen.  They took the lead in the 26^th minute when they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Jang Hyun-soo, and Carlos Vela stepped up to convert the spot kick, and they dominated possession thereafter against a lacklustre Korea side.  They managed to double their advantage too when a thrilling counter attack saw Hernandez add a neat finish to Hirving Lozano’s surging run, and although Son Heung-min’s stoppage time blockbuster gave them brief hope, South Korea now need to beat the German’s to stand any chance of progression.

Germany 2 Sweden 1

Toni Kroos netted a stoppage time free-kick to give Germany a dramatic win against Sweden and salvage their world cup campaign as a result.  Germany knew defeat to Sweden would see them eliminated from the tournament and when Ola Toivonen put the Swede’s ahead with a deft lob to lead at the break, the Scandinavian’s were on their way to the Last Sixteen, but the holders took just three minutes of the second half to level when Marco Reus prodded home and the champions dominated the majority of the half, but then suffered a set-back when Jerome Boateng was sent off with eight minutes remaining for a second booking.  The Germans still knew a draw would leave things out of their hands, but in the 95^th minute Kroos stepped up to smash a wonderful free kick into the top corner, and it means all four teams can still qualify for the knockout phase of the competition.

Here is the Group F Table after Round Two:-

                                           P            W          D            L             F            A            Pts              GD

1. Mexico                          2            2            0            0            3            1              6                +2

2. Sweden                        2            1            0            1            2            2               3                 0

3. Germany                      2            1            0            1            2            2              3                  0

4. South Korea                 2            0            0            2            1            3              0                -2

So after today’s results all four can still qualify for the knockout stages.  Mexico just need a point against Sweden to make the Last Sixteen, whereas the other three sides need to win their final games realistically to make the next phase of the competition.  Sweden could make it with a draw if South Korea defeat Germany, but can you see the German’s losing their last game to the Korean’s, I think not, so Sweden need the win, as do Mexico as if Sweden and Germany both win, their will be a three-way tie at the top, meaning goal difference would come into it.  So many things could happen so makes the final round of fixtures intriguing.

Here are the final Group F fixtures:-

Wednesday 27^th June

South Korea vs Germany

Mexico vs Sweden

Group G

Belgium 5 Tunisia 2

Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard both scored twice as Belgium thrashed Tunisia to make it two wins from two in Group G.  The Belgian’s attacked from the off and led after five minutes when Hazard was fouled by Syam Ben Youssef and he picked himself up to net the spot kick, and then it got worse for the Tunisian’s when Ali Maaloul miscontrolled on the half way line allowing Dries Mertens to nip in and send Lukaku clear, and the attacker produced a low finish to double the Belgian’s lead.  Tunisia knew they needed a win to get their campaign back on track and got themselves back into the contest when Dylan Bronn converted a Wahbi Khazri free kick, but they could not cope with their opponents attacking threat, and Lukaku restored his sides two goal cushion with a dinked finish just before half time.  Hazard then added another after the break when racing onto a Toby Alderweireld pass before rounding the keeper to fire home, and then substitute Michy Batshuayi added a fifth when converting a Youri Tieleman cross.  Khazri did sweep home a Hamdi Nagguez cross to grab a consolation for the Tunisian’s, however they were well beaten and are now on the brink of elimination.

England 6 Panama 1

Harry Kane became only the third England player to net a hat-trick at a World Cup finals as he helped his side thrash Panama to progress into the last sixteen of the competition.  John Stones nodded home the opener before Kane emphatically converted a penalty to double the Three Lions advantage, and then Jesse Lingard curled home a wonderful third to put England firmly in control of this contest.  Stones nodded home his second of the game five minutes before the break after the keeper had parried the ball straight to him, and then in first half stoppage time Kane emphatically converted another penalty to send his side into the break five goals up.  Kane then completed his hat-trick just past the hour mark when a Ruben Loftus-Cheek effort deflected in off him, however Panama were much more competitive in the second period and found their first ever World Cup finals goal when Felipe Baloy diverted a cross into the corner of the net.  But despite this the Central American’s are now out of the competition.

Here is the Group G Table after Round Two:-

                                           P            W          D            L             F            A            Pts              GD

1. England (Q)                  2            2            0            0            8            2              6                +6

2. Belgium (Q)                 2            2            0            0            8            2               6                +6

3. Tunisia                          2            0            0            2            3            7              0                 -4

4. Panama                        2            0            0            2            1            9              0                 -8

So as expected England and Belgium are both through from Group G, with the only thing to decide now is who grabs top spot.  That will of course be decided on Thursday evening when England and Belgium collide, proves to be an epic battle that, although if the sides draw not entirely sure what happens then?? Anyway lets hope England win and all will be sorted then, however it’s going to be one hell of a test against a top Belgian outfit.

Here are the final Group G matches:-

Thursday 28^th June

Panama vs Tunisia

England vs Belgium

Group H

Japan 2 Senegal 2

The Japanese twice came from behind to earn a draw against Senegal in an entertaining Group H clash in Ekaterinburg.  The Africans dominated the early exchanges and took the lead when Japanese keeper Eiji Kawashima punched an attempted clearance onto Sadio Mane’s knee and saw the ball go past him into the corner of the net, but the Asian side fought they way back into the contest and levelled before half time when Takashi Inui curled home a lovely effort into the bottom corner.  The Japanese then dominated for a time in the second period, missing chances to go in front, including one where Yuya Osako struck the crossbar, but it was the Africans who retook the lead through Moussa Wague, drilling home from an angle.  But Japan fought back again and claimed a deserved point when substitute Keisuke Honda levelled the contest up once again, prodding home after the keeper had made an error, and it means that both sides will be in prime position going into the final group games.

Poland 0 Colombia 3

Columbia got themselves right back into the World Cup after they saw off a poor Poland side in Kazan to set up an intriguing last day in Group H.  Yerry Mina nodded the South Americans into the lead just before half time, getting ahead of keeper Szczesny to head home a James Rodriguez cross, and they doubled their lead twenty minutes from time when Radamel Falcao netted his first World Cup goal, running onto a sublime pass before finishing brilliantly with the outside of his left foot and see them well on the way to the three points.  And then shortly after a brilliant pass from Rodriguez saw Juan Cuadrado in behind and he raced clear of the Poland backline before slotting home to seal the Colombian’s victory.  Poland’s Robert Lewandowski struggled with the lack of service provided to him, and although he did go close on a couple of occasions, his Poland team are eliminated after just two games of this World Cup, something nobody could of predicted prior to the tournament.

Here is the Group H Table after Round Two:-

                                           P            W          D            L             F            A            Pts              GD

1. Japan                            2            1            1            0            4            3               4                +1

2. Senegal                         2            1            1            0            4            3              4                +1

3. Colombia                     2            1            0            1            4            2               3                +2

4. Poland                          2            0            0            2            1            5               0                -4

So Poland are out after two games, unbelievable considering I had them down to win the group, but it’s been an unpredictable world cup so far.  Japan play them in the final round of matches knowing a draw will confirm their last sixteen appearance, which will be one hell of an achievement for the Asians.  The other two, Senegal and Colombia, meet in the final game of the group stages, with the winner guaranteed a last sixteen berth, although Senegal can still qualify with a point.  It means the South Americans have to go for it, so proves to be an entertaining encounter at the Cosmos Arena in Samara.

Here are the final Group H fixtures:-

Thursday 28^th June

Japan vs Poland

Senegal vs Colombia