Here it is, the beginning of the final round of the group stage of the 2018 World Cup. Today we make the shift to simultaneous games, when the four teams in each group play at the same time so as to prevent shenanigans. We begin with Group A at 10 am, when Russia takes on Uruguay and Saudi Arabia takes on Egypt, with nothing at all on the line because this group is not in doubt, but still — soccer! Hosts Russia have cruised so far, though Uruguay will be looking to make a statement win after they looked somewhat sluggish through their opening two matches. In the second round of matches, Group B, we’ll see Iran vs. Portugal and then Spain vs. Morocco at 2 p.m. Morocco have nothing but pride to play for, though Spain, Iran and Portugal will all be fighting to ensure that they’re in the top two heading out of the group. Do Iran have what it takes to shock Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal? We will see.
Own Goal is the best player of the 2018 World Cup
Photo by Francois Nel/Getty ImagesOwn Goal is the player of the 2018 World Cup.
In just the third round of group stage matches, Own Goal passed his previous record of six goals in a World Cup, scoring his seventh about halfway through the tournament. The only somewhat surprising thing is that it took Own Goal this long — after a blinding start, including four goals in just the first few days of the tournament, Own Goal slowed down slightly, but still got to seven by the end of the group stage.
Read Article >The 12 goals of World Cup Day 12, ranked
Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty ImagesWhat an incredible day of World Cup soccer. What looked like a pedestrian slate of games with little stakes — Uruguay and Russia were already through! Spain and Portugal would coast! — turned into one of the more tense and thrilling days of the tournament.
We also had goals. So many goals.
Read Article >World Cup cheat sheet: Scenarios and highlights from Day 12
The final match day in the World Cup for groups A and B may have sent the expected teams through into the round of 16, but it didn’t lack for drama, especially late.
To get the day started, Uruguay topped Russia to win Group A, with both teams advancing. Up next, Group B was tense into the closing seconds. Spain and Portugal both narrowly escaped with draws to advance as Iran — who had a chance to advance at the start of the day — and Morocco were challenging through the final whistle.
Read Article >Iran were inches away from a World Cup dream
Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty ImagesIt looked like it went in.
With the game tied 1-1 in the 94th minute of the match, a shot from Iran on the edge box deflected off a Portugal defender and bounced into the feet of Mehdi Taremi.
Read Article >Spain and Portugal advance in wild conclusion to Group B play
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty ImagesI need a beer after the end of those games.
Iran tied it up late, and had a chance to advance out of the group when they nearly put in a second goal against Portugal with just minutes remaining.
Read Article >Why are multiple World Cup games starting at the same time?
The World Cup has hit the end of the group stage, which means things are getting hectic. Multiple games are happening at the same time for the first time of Russia 2018 — and it’s become a little confusing for viewers.
Up to this point we’ve been on a pretty steady three-a-day schedule, but that all changes now.
Read Article >45-year-old Essam El-Hadary, the oldest player in World Cup history, saved a penalty
Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty ImagesIt’s not too uncommon to see goalkeepers play at the highest level well into their 30s. But 45? That’s pretty amazing.
On Monday, Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary was handed the start, and in taking the field became the oldest player in World Cup history. He got a chance to show how good he is in the first half against Saudi Arabia too, and saved a penalty to keep his team in the lead.
Read Article >
