Day Two of the 2018 FIFA World Cup is complete
Recaps of the action can be found below:
Uruguay 1, Egypt 0 (Ekaterinburg)
A last-minute goal by Jose Gimenez gave Group A favorites Uruguay a 1-0 win over Egypt. After 89 minutes with limited opportunities, the Uruguayans won a dangerous free kick in the Egyptian area, which Gimenez headed into the back of the net to break the deadlock. The Pharaohs performed admirably in their first World Cup match in nearly 30 years, especially considering that their star player, Mohamed Salah, failed to enter the game. Despite allowing a goal late, the Egyptians' ability to limit Uruguayan star attackers, Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani bode well for their chances moving forward.
IRAN 1 MOROCCO 0 (St. Petersburg)
Morocco scored a last-minute own goal to give Iran their second-ever World Cup victory and their first since the 1998 tournament.
In an attempt to head the ball away from the goal, Aziz Bouhaddouz found the back of his own net. Though Morocco began their first World Cup match in 20 years with promise, they failed to capitalize on their chances. Instead, Iran matched their opponent’s high tempo, canceling the game out and turning the match into a defensive affair that allowed Team Melli to steal three points late.
PORTUGAL 3 SPAIN 3 (Sochi)
Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show as his hat-trick helped Portugal earn a thrilling 3-3 draw with Spain.
The intensity started early as Nacho fouled Ronaldo, giving away a penalty that the Portuguese star converted in the opening minutes. Portugal’s celebration was short-lived, however, as Diego Costa found the back of the net soon after. Not to be done, Ronaldo retaliated with another tally, making the Portuguese captain the first player to score in four World Cups. Spain wrestled the momentum away from their rivals with a second tally from Diego Costa and a fierce strike by Nacho. Ronaldo saved his best for last as he scored a thundering free kick at the death to end Spain’s 20-game winning streak. Spain and Portugal are currently tied with one point each, falling behind Iran.
