PORTUGAL 1 MOROCCO 0 (Moscow)
Morocco becomes the first country to be eliminated from the 2018 World Cup after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Portugal. A corner kick in the fourth minute allowed Portuguese star, Cristiano Ronaldo, to dive low and head the ball into the back of the net for the early lead. Despite the score, Morocco took control of the first half, maintaining 56% possession and attempting more shots on goal than their opponent. After the break, the North African side upheld a high tempo and rhythm but failed to capitalize on their offensive opportunities. Portugal, on the other hand, adopted a defensive style, attempting merely two shots on goal. Though Morocco played admirably and proved to be the better side statistically, the African side failed to equalize the match and stay in the tournament.
SAUDI ARABIA 0 URUGUAY 1 (Rostov-on-Don)
Uruguay has eliminated Saudi Arabia from the World Cup after a 1-0 victory. The first 20 minutes of the game saw a determined Middle Eastern side match Uruguay’s tempo and equalize their offensive efforts. In a moment of weakness, however, Saudi Arabia panicked and conceded a corner. This opportunity allowed Carlos Sanchez to beautifully cross the ball into the box, and meet Luis Suarez’s feet, enabling the number 9 to score the opening goal on his 100th appearance for Uruguay. Although the Middle Eastern side was down by one at the 23-minute mark, they did not allow the score to affect their drive. In fact, Saudi Arabia achieved more touches in the opposition box than their opponent during the first 45 minutes. The Middle Eastern side continued to pressure Uruguay in the second half, maintaining 53% possession. Despite their offensive efforts, Saudi Arabia failed to find the equalizer, becoming the second nation to be eliminated. For Uruguay, however, this victory means that the country has secured a spot in the knockout stage alongside hosts, Russia.
IRAN 0 SPAIN 1 (Kazan)
Spain defeated a driven Iran 1-0, making the European side the favorites in joining Portugal and Russia in the knockout stage. At the start, Spain overpowered Iran with ease, as within the first 20 minutes, Ramos, Busquets, Iniesta, and Isco, together, completed more successful passes than the entire Iranian side. By the end of the first half, Iran achieved only 49 successful passes, the second-lowest figure in a World Cup game since 1966. Spain’s dominance continued in the second half when a perfectly timed assist by Iniesta found Diego Costa and enabled Spain’s number 19 to find the back of the net at the 54th minute. Iran reacted by regaining control and in the 63rd minute, a free kick gave Saeid Ezatolahi the opportunity to drive the ball into the post and equalize the match. However, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) quickly disallowed the goal, claiming Ezatolahi was offside. Iran did not relent, pressuring the European giants until the last minute of the game, however, their efforts were not enough to equalize.
