2018 FIFA World Cup- Australia 0 Peru 2- Match Report!

 

Match Report

Paolo Guerrero teed up Peru's first World Cup goal in 36 years and then scored the second himself as Ricardo Gareca's side ended Australia's qualification hopes with a 2-0 victory.
Experienced striker Guerrero, who was only allowed to play in the tournament after the captains of Peru's World Cup opponents petitioned FIFA to temporarily lift his suspension, made the most of what may have been his final appearance for Los Incas, who finished with three points to add to the many plaudits they have won in Russia.
Their opener would have been worthy of winning any World Cup match, Andre Carrillo volleying Guerrero's weighted cross into the net to beckon forth a cavalcade of emotion from the hordes of Peru fans packing the stands in Sochi.
The talismanic Guerrero, 34, made his mark on the game's biggest stage with his 36th international goal early in the second half, extending his record as the country's all-time leading scorer.
Despite head coach Bert van Marwijk throwing on talented 19-year-old Daniel Arzani and veteran Tim Cahill to try and turn the game, Australia failed to muster a comeback as they finished bottom of Group C.
 A win would not have been enough for the Socceroos anyway, as Denmark picked up the point they needed to accompany France through to the last 16.
Mile Jedinak was booked for a high boot on Christian Cueva after nine minutes of the first half and Australia looked the better side as they sought to stamp their authority on the game.
But they were rocked by a brilliantly taken Peru goal after 18 minutes when Guerrero broke into the penalty area, cut back onto his right foot and swung a deep cross for Carrillo to lash a volley through Jedinak's legs and into the bottom right corner of Mat Ryan’s net.
Peru then had to soak up some pressure as Tom Rogic beat three defenders on a jinking run into the penalty area after 26 minutes and saw his shot saved by Pedro Gallese, before Mathew Leckie was denied by a last-ditch Anderson Santamaria tackle as he slid in on goal.
The second half was five minutes old when Guerrero struck, hooking the ball into the far corner of the net beyond Ryan's left hand to leave Australia with a sizeable task ahead of them.
They set about it immediately as Jedinak's far-post header was denied by Gallese and Trent Sainsbury fired wide from close range, while substitute Cahill had a volleyed effort blocked in the penalty area.
As the minutes ticked away so too did Australia's hopes of a turnaround; Aziz Behich got in behind the Peru defence and had time and space to pick his spot but instead opted to send a cross beyond the unmarked Cahill.
Edison Flores almost added a third goal on the counter when he crashed a low drive onto the post from the edge of the box in the closing minutes, but the offside flag was raised and there was to be no final flourish for Peru.

2018 FIFA World Cup- Denmark 0 France 0- Match Report!

 

Match Report

Denmark followed Group C winners France into the last 16 with the first goalless draw of the 2018 World Cup against Les Bleus at the Luzhniki Stadium on Tuesday.
France had already qualified and Denmark needed a point to be certain, although a 2-0 win for already eliminated Peru against Australia sent them through regardless of their result.
Didier Deschamps, marking his 79th game in charge to level Raymond Domenech's France record, rested key players such as Paul Pogba and Hugo Lloris and kept Kylian Mbappe on the bench for the majority of the game with an eye on their knockout campaign.
Deschamps' six changes contributed to a lack of cohesion that prevented France from ending the group stage with maximum points for the first time since they won the tournament in 1998, Antoine Griezmann struggling to link with partner Olivier Giroud.
After topping Group C thanks to a dull draw, France are on track to face Argentina in the first knockout round if Lionel Messi can inspire his side to victory against Nigeria, who occupy second spot in Group D.
Denmark - likely to face Croatia next - rarely threatened and appeared happy with a 0-0 draw that sends them into the knockout stages for the first time since 2002, with Tottenham star Christian Eriksen providing their greatest threat in front of goal.
Giroud and Raphael Varane sent early efforts off target as news of a Peru goal in Sochi reduced the pressure on Denmark.
Ousmane Dembele bent a presentable opportunity wide as a low-tempo match continued to await a shot on target.
And when it finally arrived in the 38th minute the strike from Griezmann was straight at Kasper Schmeichel and easily dealt with by the Leicester City goalkeeper.
Griezmann set up Giroud, but a late offside flag spared the blushes of the striker - scorer of Les Bleus' last three goals against Denmark - after he blazed over the crossbar.
Steve Mandanda became France's oldest World Cup debutant and the goalkeeper almost cost his side, spilling a long-range Eriksen free-kick before recovering to claim the loose ball ahead of lurking striker Andreas Cornelius.
Eriksen drilled wide in the 59th minute as Age Hareide's side took control of the contest, although France substitute Nabil Fekir rippled the side-netting with an ambitious drive shortly after his introduction for lacklustre Griezmann.
Fekir forced a smart stop from Schmeichel in the 82nd minute, while Giroud had a late penalty appeal rejected by referee Sandro Meira Ricci.

World Cup: England set new records in 6-1 victory over Panama

 

England's 6-1 victory over Panama made it two wins from two at the World Cup, with eight goals scored - five by Harry Kane.

But how do Gareth Southgate's class of 2018 compare to previous generations?

Is this England's best start to a World Cup?

Yes.
Two wins from two games means Southgate's men have matched Ron Greenwood's Spain '82 squad, and Sven-Goran Eriksson's 'golden generation' in Germany in 2006.
What sets the 2018 vintage apart is the manner of their Group G victories.
Greenwood's side scored five times in their first two games - Bryan Robson's 27-second opener helping them to a 3-1 win over France, before a 2-0 defeat of Czechoslovakia.
In 2006, England began with an uninspiring 1-0 win over Paraguay - David Beckham producing an exquisite delivery that Carlos Gamarra headed into his own goal. Five days later another Beckham cross set up Peter Crouch for the opening goal against Trinidad & Tobago, with Steven Gerrard wrapping up a 2-0 win.
Twelve years later they became only the fifth team to score five goals before half-time in a World Cup match, and the first since Germany thrashed hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals in 2014.

Was this England's biggest World Cup win?

Yes - their previous best was 3-0.
In 2002 - Eriksson's first World Cup as England manager - the team beat Denmark 3-0 in the last 16 with goals from Michael Owen and Emile Heskey.
At Mexico '86 - before Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' intervened, Bobby Robson's side scored three times without reply twice - against Poland in the group stage and Paraguay in the last 16.

Michael Owen celebrates his goal during the 2002 win over Denmark

Is this England's biggest ever win?

No.
The Three Lions' biggest victory came way back in February 1882, when they beat Ireland 13-0 in Belfast.
In competitive fixtures they have twice beaten Luxembourg 9-0 - in 1960 and 1982 - and thumped Turkey 8-0 in 1987.
More recently - in March 2013 - they hammered San Marino 8-0, with Jermain Defoe (2), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ashley Young, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge scoring after an early own goal.

Could England be on course for their most World Cup goals?

Possibly.
This is already their joint second-highest scoring World Cup campaign - level with 1954 and 1990.
The only time they have scored more was when they won the competition in 1966, scoring 11 goals including four in the final against West Germany.
But they have not been as prolific of late - they scored as many goals against Panama on Sunday as they had in their previous seven World Cup matches combined.
England found the net just twice in 2014 as they went out in the first round under Roy Hodgson, four years after Fabio Capello's side scored three goals.
They scored six in reaching the quarter-final stages in both 2002 and 2006, and hit seven under Glenn Hoddle in 1998.

England scored eight times at the 1990 World Cup, reaching the semi-finals

Where does Kane's hat-trick rank?

Pretty high - he is only the third England player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match.
Sir Geoff Hurst, unforgettably, was the first - his treble leading England to victory in the 1966 final at Wembley.
Twenty years later Gary Lineker repeated the feat in Mexico, scoring a hat-trick against Poland en route to winning the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer.
Lineker remains England's highest World Cup scorer - his 10 goals leaving him five clear of Hurst and Kane.
But Kane has already equalled the tally German duo Miroslav Klose and Thomas Muller managed in winning the Golden Boot at the 2006 and 2010 finals respectively.
And he is the first player since Poland's Grzegorz Lato in 1974 to have scored at least twice in both of his first two World Cup appearances. Lato went on to win the Golden Boot.

Harry Kane became the first England player to score a hat-trick at the World Cup since Gary Lineker in 1986

World Cup 2018: Lionel Messi looks stressed, which is a real worry - Pablo Zabaleta column

The happiest I saw Lionel Messi when I played alongside him for Argentina was in 2012 - he scored a hat-trick against Brazil in New York, and he played the whole game with freedom and a smile on his face.

His body language was completely the opposite before the Croatia game on Thursday. To see Leo looking so stressed and unhappy at this World Cup was a real worry.

He is my friend as well as my former team-mate and I felt really sorry for him. It is very unusual to see him like that, but it was a sign of what was going on in his head.

At times like this, there is a huge pressure on him because people expect too much, and for him to do everything for the national team.

I was not surprised he struggled, in what was a disastrous defeat for us. As a player myself, I know that if you go into a game and you don't really enjoy it then it is very difficult to play well.

  It was not just Leo, though, it was a poor performance by the whole team. We are very lucky that we still have chance to go through to the last 16 by beating Nigeria on Tuesday - but I am not sure it will happen. We will have to perform much better than we have done in our first two games and show the right attitude and much more desire. Football is a collective game and everyone needs to improve - not just Messi.This time, Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli has to set up with the right formation and the right players, and follow a plan.

'Mascherano is the leader, Messi brings calmness, Aguero brings the music'

I have been there with this Argentina team when things have been going well - and when they haven't - and I know what the build-up will be like.

Sergio Aguero will make sure the right music is there for everyone. We always listen to cumbia, a traditional Argentine music, before the game.

It is similar to reggaeton because it brings happiness and the players love it, especially in the dressing room. That was what worked for us in Brazil at the 2014 World Cup.

In the dressing room, Javier Mascherano is the real leader. He is the one who is making the noise and speaking to everyone. But Leo brings calmness.

Leo is quiet and a person who does not talk much - but, of course, he is Messi.

Whenever I looked around the Argentina dressing room before a game, I always had the confidence I had the best player in the world on my team.

On Tuesday, in the moments before the game against Nigeria, the young players in the Argentina squad who are at their first World Cup will need to know they can follow these guys.

'Losing three finals in four years has been tough for that team'

I think it is getting harder for Leo to play for Argentina. He turned 31 on Sunday so he is getting older and sometimes, mentally, you can feel tired as well.

Part of that is down to his history with Argentina. This team has lost the past three finals they have played - the 2014 World Cup and the Copa America in 2015 and 2016.

In Argentina, that is not enough. For some people, and for parts of the media, you have to win - just reaching the final is not acceptable.

So losing three finals in four years has been tough mentally and psychologically for everyone in that team, especially Leo.

It is hard when people in your country treat you like a loser. They see him winning trophies every season with Barcelona - so they expect him to do exactly the same in the national team.

'Messi - always the main player, and the main man'

Like England, Argentina is a country that loves football so much and sometimes we cross the line in the way we treat our star players.

Big football countries have a massive passion and they expect the players to win and perform well. This is normal, but the big players feel it the most.

Leo gets criticised when he does not play well, but when he is not around - like when he briefly retired from international football in 2016 - there are people calling for him to come back.

As his team-mate, I can say without any doubts that we have always been a better team when he has been there.

And those who say he does not perform for his country like he does for his club are wrong. When I played in the Argentina team with him, he was always the main player and the main man.

I am sure he will be on Tuesday - because this could be his last chance.

'A time for unity - players and manager'

Along with Messi and Mascherano, my old Manchester City team-mate Nicolas Otamendi is part of the spine of the Argentina team, and is in control of the back four.

Those three will play a crucial role with their quality and experience, but Sampaoli must find a system that works.

I have not spoken to any of the Argentina players but I have heard the reports that the players wanted to get rid of him.

The formation he used against Croatia, a 3-4-3, was one he had used successfully with Chile, but it did not seem to suit the characteristics of our players.

He was working with a 4-3-3 before the World Cup, with only one defensive midfielder, but the day before the Iceland game he changed to play with two, even though we knew they would defend very deep.

Sampaoli also makes a lot of changes to his teams as well as his tactics, and even from the outside I can see how that would affect the atmosphere around the squad.

But now is the time for unity and I think they all need to sit down together - players and manager - because this kind of situation is normal in football in tough moments after bad results.

The players can listen to the manager - and they should also be able to express themselves about what they do not like from him.

If that happens, the players could really turn up on Tuesday. They have to if they really want to go through.

Pablo Zabaleta was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan in Moscow.

2018 FIFA World Cup- Australia Vs Peru- Live Updates!

 

Preamble

Team News! One change for Australia... Tomi Juric leads the line instead of the injured Andrew Nabbout. As for Peru two changes. Anderson Santamaria and Renato Tapia come in for Alberto Rodriguez and Pedro Aquino.


Australia needs a big win against Peru who is already eliminated in Sochi, and hope France do them a favour if the Socceroos are to reach the round of sixteen. Join me for all the updates from the game! Including video highlights!

Preview

Australia is in need of a victory against already eliminated Peru in Sochi if the Socceroo’s are to have any chance of reaching the round of sixteen for only the second ever time. This will be the first ever encounter between the two sides and Bert van Marwijk’s side will have to go on the attack against the South American side.
Australia has been pragmatic, to say the least in their two group games. Opting for a safety-first approach in the 2-1 defeat to France and the 1-1 draw against Denmark. Both of the Socceroos goals have been from the penalty spot thanks to Mile Jedinak.
In team news, Andrew Nabbout is a major doubt after injuring his shoulder in the draw with Denmark. This could mean that Tomi Juric or exciting teenager Daniel Arzani could be in line for a start in Sochi. Both players have enjoyed cameos from the substitute bench, with Arzani, in particular, excelling during his minutes on the pitch.
Whilst if the game is tight heading into the last fifteen, van Marwijk may turn to veteran striker Tim Cahill for some inspiration. The Millwall attacker is at his fourth World Cup with the Socceroos and has a knack of scoring late winners. Few can forget his decisive header against Syria in the qualifiers for the 2018 tournament.
Australia Predicted Team
Ryan, Risdon, Sainsbury, Milligan, Behich, Jedinak, Mooy, Leckie, Arzani, Rogic, Juric


Peru may have won plenty of fans in their first World Cup in 36 years, but the South American side are heading home at the group stages following narrow 1-0 defeats to Denmark and France.

Despite their early elimination, Peru has played some impressive attacking football and showed moments of class in their games. Unfortunately for Los Incas, they have lost their cool in the moments that mattered with Christian Cueva’s missed penalty against Denmark summing up their performance so far.
André Carrillo was Peru’s best player in the defeat to France and poised a real threat on the wing. The former Watford loanee will be looking to get on the score sheet and restore some national pride for Peru.

Peru Predicted team
Gallese, Trauco, Rodriguez, Ramos, Advincula, Carrillo, Yotun, Tapia, Flores, Cueva, Farfan

It promises to be a fascinating encounter

2018 FIFA World Cup- Denmark Vs France- Live Updates!

 

Preamble

Team News! Changes ahoy for France! Six to be exact. Keeper Steve Mandanda is in. Umtiti & Pavard also drop out  Presnel Kimpembe and Djibril Sidibe come in. Steven N'Zonzi and Thomas Lemar replace Paul Pogba & Kylian Mbappé. Finally, Ousmane Dembele is back in replacing Blaise Matuidi. As for Denmark three changes. Nicolai Jorgensen is replaced with Andreas Cornelius. Lasse Schone drops out for Mathias Jorgensen and Martin Braithwaite comes in for Yussuf Poulsen.

Hello! Welcome to the Live Updates of Denmark Vs France! Denmark need a point to qualify. Whilst France need a point to finish top! Plenty to play for in Group C in this final matchday! We will have all the latest news, and video highlights from the match in Moscow. Don't go anywhere!

Preview

Denmark will be targeting a result against an already qualified France to book their place in the round of sixteen on Tuesday evening. The Danes need a positive result and hope that Australia doesn’t get a win against already-eliminated Peru in the other Group C game which will take place at the same time.
The Danes held on at times in their second group game to force a 1-1 draw with Australia after Christian Eriksen opened the scoring with a stunning half-volley. The Tottenham Hotspur star will be Denmark’s creative force against Les Bleus and will be a threat from set pieces for his country. Eriksen, 26 enjoys representing his country and has 23 goals in 80 appearances for Denmark.
Whilst Denmark will have to keep it tight against a French front line who has plenty of space on the flanks. Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen has looked solid as part of a front three in the previous two group games and will have to be at his very best to shut out France and reach for the knockout stage for the first time since 2002.
Denmark Predicted Team
Schmeichel; Dalsgaard, Kjaer, Christensen, Stryger-Larsen; Schone, Delaney; Braithwaite, Eriksen, Sisto; Jorgensen


Having already booked their place in the round of sixteen, France just needs one point to guarantee top spot.  Didier Deschamps is likely to rest some key players for the tie after narrow victories over Australia and Peru.
Olivier Giroud is likely to start for the second consecutive group game and will be charged with spearheading the French attack. The Chelsea striker has been impressive in his appearances linking up well with the midfield and holding the ball up well.
The likes of Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbppe are likely to be rested and that gives opportunities to Steven N'Zonzi & Nabil Fekir who have already made substitute appearances in the tournament. The duo will be looking to impress and convince Deschamps for a start in the round of sixteen contest against a side from Group D.
France Predicted team
Lloris; Sidibe, Varane, Umtiti; Mendy; N'Zonzi, Tolisso; Lemar, Fekir, Griezmann; Giroud
Denmark will be hoping to get a positive result to book their place in the round of sixteen against a France side who are targeting three consecutive wins in the group stages.

2018 FIFA World Cup- South Korea Vs Germany- Preview!

South Korea take on Germany knowing that they have the faintest chance of making it out of Group F, despite losing both their group games against Sweden and Mexico.
 The only way the Teguk Warriors can qualify is if they beat Germany, and Mexico defeat Sweden, however, the Asian side must have a better goal difference than Germany & Sweden to qualify.
It may be a long shot but South Korea will be looking to spring the upset and will be hoping to catch the Germany side on an off day just like Mexico did in their 1-0 opener game victory against the 2014 winners.
In team news, Jooho Park is an absentee with a thigh injury. Apart from this Shin Tae-Yong has a full strength team to choose from.
Son Heung-min is expected to start again, and the Tottenham star has the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. His stunning consolation goal against Mexico highlighted the playmaker's undeniable skill. South Korea fans will be hoping for more of the same from the mercurial attacker if the Asain side is to defy the odds and reach the round of sixteen for the third time in their history.
South Korea Predicted Team
Hyeonwoo Jo; Yong Lee, Hyunsoo Jang, Younggwon Kim, Minwoo Kim; Seonmin Moon, Jacheol Koo, Sungyeung Ki, Heechan Hwang; Jaesung Lee, Heungmin Son


Germany head into their final group game with their qualification hopes in their own hand's thanks to a last-gasp winner from Toni Kroos against Sweden. The Real Madrid man stepped up for Die Mannschaft and showed leadership for his country.
Joachim Löw will certainly be keeping an eye on the other game between Mexico and Sweden which is taking part at the same time.  A victory by two clear goals will confirm the 2014 winners place in the next round regardless in what happens in the other game, and that will be the aim of Germany against a South Korean side who have lost both of their games so far.

In team news, Germany will not be without Jérôme Boateng as he was sent off against Sweden, with Hummels likely to come in to replace the Bayern defender. A call will have to be made on Sebastian Rudy, who was injured in the second group game. Whilst after two exciting cameos from the bench Julian Brandt is expected to be handed a start in this crunch clash.
Germany Predicted Team
Neuer, Kimmich, Rüdiger, Hummels, Hector, Rudy, Kroos, Müller, Reus, Brandt, Werner
It promises to be a fascinating encounter as Germany look to book their place in the round of sixteen against South Korea.

2018 FIFA World Cup- Mexico Vs Sweden- Preview!

Mexico only needs a point against Sweden to guarantee qualification to the round of sixteen for the seventh consecutive World Cup.
El Tri has been impressive in their victories against Germany & South Korea, but cannot let off the gas in their final game despite Sweden suffering a last-gasp defeat to Germany.
Head coach Juan Carlos Osorio will certainly be wanting to keep the momentum ahead of a potential round of sixteen match against Brazil, Switzerland or Serbia.
Javier Hernández scored his 50th international goal in the win against South Korea, and the West Ham striker is likely to lead the line again. The tricky forward loves representing his country and will be relishing the test against a slow and cumbersome Sweden backline.

Mexico Predicted Team
Ochoa; Gallardo, Moreno, Ayala, Salcedo; Guardado, Herrera; Lozano, Vela, Layun; Hernandez



Sweden must lift themselves after their late defeat to Germany. Much of the pre-match talk has focused around Jimmy Durmaz whose tackle lead to Sweden conceding the goal against Germany.

The winger was subjected to racist abuse online after the game. However the 29-year old was surrounded by his team-mates to send a defiant message to the trolls in what has been one of the most touching moments of the World Cup to date. Sweden will have to be united if they are to defeat Mexico and hope that South Korea can help them against Germany.

The Swedes have been defensively strong in the tournament, led admirably Andreas Granqvist but goals will be the order of the day against the Central American side. Marcus Berg is likely to lead the line and the pressure is on the Al Ain to deliver the goals that could see Sweden through to the round of sixteen.
Sweden Predicted Team
Olsen; Lustig, Lindelöf, Granqvist, Augustinsson, Claesson, Larsson, Ekdal, Forsberg, Toivonen, Berg
It promises to be a fascinating encounter as Mexico take on in Ekaterinburg.

2018 FIFA World Cup- Nigeria Vs Argentina- Preview!

Nigeria will be hoping to avoid defeat to Argentina to confirm their place in the round of sixteen for the fourth time in their history when they face the La Albiceleste in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday evening.
The West African outfit have had two completely contrasting group games thus far. The first game a 2-0 defeat to Croatia showed the worst of the Super Eagles, whilst against Iceland Nigeria took their chances and deservedly ran out 2-0 winners. Nigeria and Argentina have met on four occasions at a World Cup, and the South American side have won all four encounters. With the current Argentina side seemingly in disarray, the Super Eagles will be hoping that its fifth time a charm in Saint Petersburg.
Ahmed Musa was the hero in the victory over Iceland with a well-taken brace and he is expected to lead the line again heading into this crunch match. The former Leicester City man took his goals exceptionally well, and his ruthlessness in front of goal will be needed if his country is to dump out the two-time world champions.
Nigeria Predicted Team
Uzoho; Omeruo, Troost-Ekong, Balogun, Ebuehi; Mikel, Ndidi; Moses, Etudo, Musa; Iheanacho


Argentina is in desperate need of a victory if Jorge Sampoili’s side is to have any chance of making the round of sixteen, the last time Argentina dropped out at the group stages was 2002.
There has been plenty of fallout from the shambolic 3-0 defeat to Croatia, with some quarters of the Argentine media convinced that the players are now calling the shots in the side, over the head of Jorge Sampaoli. Javier Mascherano moved quickly to dismiss the conspiracy theories surrounding the team and has called for the support of the whole nation, in what for many have been deemed as Leo Messi’s last stand.
Much has also been made of the team selection heading into the game, with early reports suggesting that the more experienced players will be called upon for this must-win match against Nigeria. The likes of Ever Banega, Angel Di Maria & Gonzalo Higuain will be drafted in from the start. Whilst goalkeeper Willy Caballero is likely to be dropped after his clanger against Croatia, which gifted the European side the opening goal. Expect Franco Armani to deputize in his place.
Argentina Predicted team
Armani; Salvio, Mercado, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Banega, Mascherano, Perez, Di Maria; Messi, Higuain.
It promises to be a fascinating encounter as Argentina desperately need a victory to keep their World Cup dream alive, but will have a real challenge against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

World Cup 2018 groups: current standings and table

Is qualification out of reach for Lionel Messi and Argentina? Credit: Getty Image

Spain and Portugal are through, Argentina are on the brink of elimination. The 2018 Fifa World Cup's eight groups are shaping up nicely as we head into the final round of group games – but who is in best shape to progress to the round of 16?
Groups A and B have finished - and now it is on to Groups C and D.

Here are the group tables, latest standings and permutations with 16 games to go before the knockout rounds.

Last December's draw in Moscow saw England placed in Group E with Belgium, Tunisia and Panama. The top two in the group will qualify for the knockout stages.
You can find details about each team, the World Cup group they are in and our prediction on who makes it through right here.

Which teams are out of the 2018 World Cup?

At the start of Tuesday: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Iran, Peru, Costa Rica, Panama, Tunisia and Poland are all eliminated.

Group A - Uruguay, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt

Group A

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Uruguay	3	3	0	0	5	9
2	Russia	3	2	0	1	4	6
3	Saudi Arabia	3	1	0	2	-5	3
4	Egypt	3	0	0	3	-4	0

• Russia 5 Saudi Arabia 0
• Egypt 0 Uruguay 1
• Russia 3 Egypt 1
• Uruguay 1 Saudi Arabia 0
• Uruguay 3 Russia 0
• Saudi Arabia 2-1 Egypt

Our pre-tournament group prediction:Uruguay and Egypt to go through.

Next up:Russia face Spain; Uruguay take on Portugal.

Group B - Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Iran

Group B

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Spain	3	1	2	0	1	5
2	Portugal	3	1	2	0	1	5
3	Iran	3	1	1	1	0	4
4	Morocco	3	0	1	2	-2	1

• Morocco 0 Iran 1
• Portugal 3 Spain 3
• Portugal 1 Morocco 0
• Iran 0 Spain 1
• Iran 1 Portugal 1
• Spain 2 Morocco 2

Our pre-tournament group prediction:Portugal and Spain to go through.
Next up: Russia face Spain; Uruguay take on Portugal.

Group C - France, Australia, Peru, Denmark

Group C

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	France	2	2	0	0	2	6
2	Denmark	2	1	1	0	1	4
3	Australia	2	0	1	1	-1	1
4	Peru	2	0	0	2	-2	0

• France 2 Australia 1
• Peru 0 Denmark 1
• Denmark 1 Australia 1
• France 1 Peru 0

To come:

• Denmark vs France
• Australia vs Peru

Our pre-tournament group prediction: France and Denmark to go through
With one game to go: Table-topping France have already qualified and only need to avoid defeat against Denmark to win the group. A draw would be enough for Denmark to progress; if they lose, then a win for Australia against Peru - who have already been eliminated - would see them leapfrogged into third place.

Group D - Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria

Group D

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Croatia	2	2	0	0	5	6
2	Nigeria	2	1	0	1	0	3
3	Iceland	2	0	1	1	-2	1
4	Argentina	2	0	1	1	-3	1

• Argentina 1 Iceland 1
• Croatia 2 Nigeria 0
• Argentina 0 Croatia 3
• Nigeria 2 Iceland 0

To come:

• Nigeria vs Argentina
• Iceland vs Croatia

Our pre-tournament group prediction: Argentina and Croatia to go through

With one game to go: Croatia have already qualified and would need a remarkable collapse to finish anywhere but top. The race for second is complicated. Nigeria will definitely qualify if they beat Argentina; if they draw, they will still go through provided Iceland do not beat Croatia, or win by more than a two-goal margin. If Iceland and Argentina both win, it would come down to goal difference, with Argentina needing to win by at least one more goal than Iceland to overhaul them. A draw is no good to either of them.

Group E - Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia

Group E

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Brazil	2	1	1	0	2	4
2	Switzerland	2	1	1	0	1	4
3	Serbia	2	1	0	1	0	3
4	Costa Rica	2	0	0	2	-3	0

• Costa Rica 0 Serbia 1
• Brazil 1 Switzerland 1
• Brazil 2 Costa Rica 0
• Serbia 1 Switzerland 2

To come:

• Serbia vs Brazil
• Switzerland vs Costa Rica

Our pre-tournament group prediction: Brazil and Switzerland to go through
With one game to go: The only thing certain in Group E is that Costa Rica are out. Brazil will go through if they avoid defeat against Serbia; similarly, if Switzerland beat or draw with Costa Rica, they will go through. Serbia will go through if they beat Brazil, In that event, Brazil would only be saved if Switzerland lost to Costa Rica and there wasn't a big goal swing against them.

Group F - Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea

Group F

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Mexico	2	2	0	0	2	6
2	Germany	2	1	0	1	0	3
3	Sweden	2	1	0	1	0	3
4	Korea Republic	2	0	0	2	-2	0

• Germany 0 Mexico 1
• Sweden 1 South Korea
• South Korea 1 Mexico 2
• Germany 2 Sweden 1

To come:

• South Korea vs Germany
• Mexico vs Sweden

Our pre-tournament group prediction: Germany and Mexico to go through
With one game to go: Mexico mathematically need one more point against Sweden to be certain of progressing as group winners. Second place is still a three-way tussle: Germany will qualify if they beat South Korea and Sweden do not beat Mexico by a bigger margin. Sweden will qualify if they beat Mexico and Germany fail to beat South Korea, or if they win by a bigger margin than Joachim Low's side. Most improbably, South Korea could qualify if they beat Germany by three goals, and Sweden lose.

Group G - Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England

Group G

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	England	2	2	0	0	6	6
2	Belgium	2	2	0	0	6	6
3	Tunisia	2	0	0	2	-4	0
4	Panama	2	0	0	2	-8	0

• Belgium 3 Panama 0
• Tunisia 1 England 2
• Belgium 5 Tunisia 2
• England 6 Panama 1

To come:

• England vs Belgium
• Panama vs Tunisia

Our pre-tournament group prediction: Belgium and England to go through
With one game to go: If England beat Belgium in Kaliningrad on Thursday they will win the group; if they lose, they will progress as runners-up. If the game ends a draw, the sides will be level on points, goal difference and goals scored, meaning top spot will go to the side with a better disciplinary record (England currently have two yellow cards to Belgium's three); if this is also level, lots will be drawn. Tunisia and Panama are out.

Group H - Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan

Group H

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Japan	2	1	1	0	1	4
2	Senegal	2	1	1	0	1	4
3	Colombia	2	1	0	1	2	3
4	Poland	2	0	0	2	-4	0

• Colombia 1 Japan 2
• Poland 1 Senegal 2
• Japan 2 Senegal 2
• Poland 0 Colombia 3

To come:

• Japan vs Poland
• Senegal vs Colombia

Our pre-tournament group prediction: Poland and Colombia to go through

With one game to go: Firstly, Poland are out. The winner of Colombia vs Senegal is guaranteed a place in the last 16, while a draw will be enough for each if Japan lose to Poland. If Japan and Senegal both win, who tops the group will be decided on goal difference and then goals scored.

Iran boss VAR mad

However, Iran manager Carlos Queiroz said that "VAR is not going well", despite his side benefiting from the late spot-kick.

Queiroz was critical of the decision not to dismiss Ronaldo after he swung his arm into the face of defender Morteze Pouraliganji.

"You stop the game to VAR. There is an elbow," he said. "An elbow is a red card in the rules. In the rules, it doesn't say if it is [Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel] Messi or Ronaldo.

"The decisions must be clear for everybody. Everybody agrees that VAR is not going well. There are a lot of complaints.

"We asked Fifa for a clarification and they refused. We just want to know who is refereeing the game, who is taking decisions in the game. We have the right to know."

'Argentina will bounce back'

Nigeria v Argentina

Marcelo Bielsa believes Argentina will kick-start their World Cup campaign today.

They must beat Nigeria and hope Iceland fail to win against Group D leaders Croatia if they are to qualify for the knockout phase.

"I think we're going to see the best of Argentina from (Tuesday) onwards," said former Argentina boss Bielsa during his first press conference as Leeds manager at Elland Road.

"I firmly believe in the quality of the players and in particular (Lionel) Messi's leadership, which I think is going to come to the fore and be evident."

The Story Behind Nigeria's Vibrant World Cup Jerseys

With one of the most popular World Cup kits in recent memory, Nigeria has grabbed plenty of eyeballs in Russia with its stylish zigzag jerseys. The uniforms are the result of years of work from Nike's design team, which spends years developing its kit concepts.
Pete Hoppins, Nike's Senior Design Director of Fútbol Apparel joined Grant Wahl on the World Cup Daily podcast to deliver the story behind Nigeria's flashy unis. His portion of the podcast begins at the 12-minute mark.

"This has kind of taken us all by surprise—the popularity of this jersey," Hobbins said. "It started about two years ago, the design process. If you think about it now, as the World Cup's going on we're actually in the middle of designing the Euro Champs 2020. So that's how far out we're designing.
"It kind of started with a small group of the design team wanting to do something different outside of our usual constraints that we put on ourselves. We were looking for a team really that we could take some risk with. Really kind of change the aesthetic and kind of cultural reference point for futbol. We ended up choosing Nigeria to do that with."

A mind-boggling three million preorders reportedly came in for the jerseys. Nike sold out in minutes as the uniforms have transcended the world of soccer and into fashion.
"We kind of went down this rabbit hole of inspiration and design and found out about this whole amazing culture that's happening (in Nigeria), and that's what we wanted to bring to life. It wasn't just on the jersey, we wanted to put it onto the full collection.
"So this is the first time that we've really dug super deep and then tried to encapsulate that vibe through a full collection. Then it was about getting it in front of some of these players and cultural influencers. As soon as we started showing the designs and the product to the players, we knew we were onto something."

And history repeated itself again

13:49     45+3 mins

HALF-TIME: ENGLAND 5-0 PANAMA

 

13:48    45+2 mins

Maguire gets caught by the arm of Cooper, although the referee does not spot the incident. Torres then gets involved as the two collide. England do not want to get involved with Panama on their road to destruction here.

Lingard's goal in pictures

Jesse Lingard of England scores (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Jesse Lingard of England scores (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Jesse Lingard of England celebrates (Image: Getty Images Europe)

IT'S FIVE!

DO NOT SCRATCH YOUR EYES!
THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING!
England lead Panama FIVE-NIL!
Panama clearly haven’t learned their lesson as Kane is grappled to the ground in the box.
The penalty was never in doubt and neither was the result as Kane thumped it in.
He matches Ronaldo and Lukaku on four goals.
This could be a cricket score!

 

13:47     45+1 mins

GOALLLLLLLL!!! KANE CONVERTS!!! 5-0!! The England captain makes no mistake from 12 yards, hammering his effort into the top corner. It was the same place as his first strike.

 

13:46     45 mins

Escobar goes into the book for dissent after the decision was made.

 

13:44     43 mins

PENALTYTO ENGLAND! Kane is pulled down from the resulting corner by Godoy and the referee points to the spot. It's horrific defending by Panama.

 

13:43    42 mins

BLOCK! Loftus-Cheek cuts in from the right flank to combine with Sterling to tee up Lingard. He goes for another strike from distance, only to see his effort blocked behind by Escobar.

Stones makes it four!

UNBELIEVABLE!
England are 4-0 up before half-time!
It’s a very clever set-piece routine as Trippier finds Henderson with a short pass.
The Liverpool skipper flicks one round the corner for Kane, who heads the ball across for Sterling.
He should score but the keeper denies him...only for the ball to rebound to Stones, who heads in.

John Stones scores his second goal (Image: AFP)

John Stones of England scores his team's fourth goal (Image: Getty Images Europe)

13:42     40 mins

GOALLLLLLLLLLL!!!! ENGLAND HAVE FOUR!!! 4-0!!! Stones notches his second of the game, converting from close range with his head. It was a well-worked free-kick routine from the Three Lions as Trippier rolled the ball to Henderson. He curled a delivery to the back post for Kane to nod on. Sterling missed the first opportunity as Penedo made a fine close-range save. However, Stones was on the spot to head home.

 

13:39    38 mins

Escobar slides in on Kane in the final third and the referee awards a free-kick to England 35 yards from goal. Trippier stands over the ball.

Lingard curls home a third!

That was sensational!
Jesse Lingard has been the standout player in the first half and that is a wonderful goal.
The Manchester United man plays a neat one-two with Raheem Sterling and finds the top corner with a stunning curling effort.
England are 3-0 up and cruising!

 

13:37     36 mins

GOALLLLLLLL!!!! LINGARD SCORES A STUNNER!!! 3-0!!! England have a third goal in the first half as Lingard curls a beauty into the top corner. The build-up was sublime down the left between Young and Sterling as two one-touch passes released the Manchester United midfielder into space. He curled a fine effort beyond the reach of Penedo into the net. England are in complete control.

 

13:37      36 mins

Sterling executes a first-time offload into space for Lingard to strike and score.

 

13:34      34 mins

Henderson attempts to release Young down the left flank. He keeps the ball in play on the stretch, although  despiter the wing-back's best efforts it travels out for a throw-in.

 

13:32      32 mins

OVER! England win a free-kick for a foul on Sterling. Maguire breaks free down the left to head Trippier's cross at goal, only to direct his effort over the bar.

 

13:30      30 mins

Sterling makes a good run behind th Panama backline to latch on to Trippier's throughball, but Penedo just gets there ahead of the forward.

Kane makes it two

Harry Kane of England scores (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Harry Kane of England scores (Image: Getty Images Europe)

England's forward Harry Kane celebrates (Image: AFP)

Harry Kane of England celebrates (Image: Getty Images Europe)

13:30      29 mins

Perez and Godoy combine in the final third and the latter is able to slide a pass through to Rodriguez. However, the winger sends his cross over the bar.

 

13:28      28 mins

Panama build possession from the back around the England half, but are stopped from moving further forward by a press from the white shirts.

 

13:26       26 mins

Henderson lifts the ball over the top for Sterling's run into the box. However, the forward moves a fraction too soon and is caught offside.

As comfortable as it gets for England.
Panama are more interesting in kicking their opponents than the ball at the minute.
Fans back home are loving the weather - and loving what they are seeing on the pitch.

England fans in Croydon, London (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

England fans celebrate (Image: SWNS.com)

England fans in Croydon, London (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

13:25     24 mins

Kane is only the third England player to score three goals or more in a World Cup group stages, after Roger Hunt in 1966 and Gary Lineker in 1986.

Kyle Walker in action (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Harry Kane in action with Panama's Michael Amir Murillo (Image: REUTERS)

13:24      23 mins

Loftus-Cheek trips Rodriguez down the flank and he goes into the book.

Kane makes it two!

Now how are your nerves?
We were expecting a tricky start but England are 2-0 up after just 20 minutes.
Jesse Lingard is bundled to the ground after breaking clear of the defence.
And Harry Kane isn’t going to miss from the spot - beating the goalkeeper with ease.
Phew!

 

13:23     22 mins

GOALLLLLLL!!!!! KANE POWERS HIS STRIKE INTO THE NET!! 2-0!!!!  England double their advantage as their captain holds his nerve from the spot. Panama did their utmost to try to put him off in the build-up, while there was another scuffle on the edge of the box between both sets of players. However, Kane held his nerve to strike into the top corner.

 

13:20     20 mins

PENALTY TO ENGLAND! Lingard goes down in the box under pressure from Escobar and the referee points to the spot. The midfielder latched on to a long ball and was prevented from shooting by the Panama defender.

 

13:19     19 mins

Panama put the press on England on the half-way line and try to force a mistake. Walker's long ball over the top for Trippier sails out of play.

 

13:18     17 mins

Sterling is late on Torres and play stops for the defender to receive treatment on the pitch. The referee is not helping matters between the teams by stopping the match for every infraction.

Jesse Lingard blocks a shot from Edgar Barcenas (Image: AFP)

England's Raheem Sterling in action (Image: REUTERS)

England fans watch on (Image: AFP)

13:16     16 mins

WIDE! Murillo finds space in the final third and he cuts the ball across the edge of the box for Marcenas to strike at goal on his left foot. He connects sweetly with his strike, but it drifts inches wide of the post, with Pickford scrambling.

 

13:14     14 mins

Kane dispossesses Torres in the final third, but Panama are able to flood defenders back behind the ball before the England captain can threaten.

 

13:13     13 mins

Stones is the first Manchester City player to score for England in a World Cup game since Trevor Francis vs Kuwait in 1982.

 

13:13     12 mins

England struggle to clear their lines as Rodriguez collects on the left flank, but he overhits his delivery into the box, allowing the Three Lions to clear the danger.

 

13:13     11 mins

Barcenas makes good progress down the right flank and sends a quality cross to the near post. However, Walker is there with an important block to steer it away from Perez.

 

13:11      10 mins

Cooper chops down Lingard in the centre circle and goes into the book.

England lead after 8 minutes!

Brilliant start for England!
And John Stones’ first goal for his country.
Harry Maguire was being held when the corner came in but Stones managed to break clear of his marker.
He wasn’t going to miss with his header either, which bulleted into the bottom corner.

John Stones of England scores (Image: Getty Images Europe)

England players celebrate (Image: Getty Images Europe)

England's players celebrate (Image: AFP)

13:11     8 mins

GOALLLLLLLLLL!!!!! STONES HEADS ENGLAND AHEAD!!! 1-0!!!! England take the lead from the corner as Stones gets free in the area and plants his header into the bottom corner. There was pulling and pushing in the build-up between Maguire and Gomez. However, Trippier put the delivery on a plate and Stones made the run before powering his header into the net. Stones scores his first international goal.

 

13:12      8 mins

Trippier swings his delivery in from the right and is rewarded as Stones heads home.

 

13:08     8 mins

Trippier surges down the right flank and wins a corner off the legs Davies. The full-back will deliver the cross into the box.

 

13:07     7 mins

Rodriguez flings himself to the ground on the left flank and Panama win their second free-kick of the match.

 

13:07     5 mins

WIDE! Panama break with pace and find room on the left flank as Barcenas tees up Godoy for a strike at goal, but he places his effort wide of the post.

 

13:06     5 mins

OVER! Barcenas gathers a clearance from Kane from 25 yards and goes for an ambitious strike at goal, hammering his effort over the bar.

England team line up (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

The starting eleven of Panama (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

13:04     4 mins

Trippier brings down Rodriguez down the left flank and Panama have a free-kick.

 

13:04     2 mins

Lingard is back on his feet and we're back underway inside the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.

 

13:03     1 mins

Loftus-Cheek makes a surge down the right flank and sends a low cross towards Lingard. The midfielder collides with Gomez and goes down clutching his face, but both players are on the deck in the need of treatment.

 

13:00     1 mins

We're underway at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.

 

12:54

The players are making their way out on to the pitch, so we should be underway shortly.