Portugal have had a thrilling start to the tournament, with Cristiano Ronaldo already scoring four goals, including a hat trick in an instant-classic first game against Spain.
How can Portugal qualify for the knockout round?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are in the driver’s seat. All the qualifying scenarios for the knockout round.
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
After beating Morocco in a tough game, Portugal now sit tied with Spain atop Group B, though Iran is lurking just behind them at four points.
Here are all the qualifying scenarios for the knockout round.
Group B standings after two games:
Group B
Team | Points |
|---|---|
| Spain | 4 |
| Portugal | 4 |
| Iran | 3 |
| Morocco | 0 |
Portugal control their destiny, and will advance if:
- Portugal beat or tie Iran
OR
- Portugal lose to Iran
- Spain loses to Morocco
- Portugal beats Spain on goal differential
- If they’re tied on goal differential, then it would go to tiebreakers.
Basically, even if Portugal lose, they have a chance to advance, though it would require them losing to Iran by less than Spain lose to Morocco.
They need to take care of business and beat or tie Iran to ensure that they advance to the knockout round.
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