After Spain tied Portugal in an instant classic match to kick off their World Cup, they took care of business against a tough Iran side, and now sit at four points in the group, tied with Portugal.
How can Spain qualify for the knockout round?
Spain currently sit on four points in Group B. All the qualifying scenarios for the knockout round.
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
But with Iran earning a win in their opener against Morocco, this is not yet all wrapped up, and you might be asking: What does Spain need to do to advance out of the group stage?
Here are all the Spain qualifying scenarios for the knockout round.
Here are the Group B standings after two games:
Group B
Team | Points |
|---|---|
| Spain | 4 |
| Portugal | 4 |
| Iran | 3 |
| Morocco | 0 |
Spain control their destiny, more or less, and will advance if:
- Spain beat or tie Morocco
OR
- Spain lose to Morocco
- Portugal beat Iran
If Spain lose to Morocco and Iran beat Portugal, Spain would need to beat Portugal on goal differential. If they’re tied on goal differential, then it would go to tiebreakers.
If Spain lose to Morocco and Portugal tie Iran, Spain would need to lose by only one goal, and then it would go to tiebreakers.
Basically, even if Spain loses, they have a chance to advance, though things get very complicated if they do. They need to take care of business and beat or tie Morocco to ensure that they advance to the knockout round.
See More:
