FIFA World Cup: Uruguay Knocks Off Russia To Win Group A; Draws For Spain And Portugal Send Both Teams To Knockout Stage; Iran Eliminated

The final cycle of group-stage games in the FIFA World Cup commenced on Monday with four contests in Russia.


GROUP A:


At Samara:

Luis Suarez (10'), Denis Cheryshev (OG-23'), and Edinson Cavani (90') each scored once as Uruguay dominated hosts Russia 3-0 to finish atop Group A.


Here's the Russians' dejected Igor Smolnikov leaving the pitch after he was ejected via the old red card.


Associated Press photo by Rebecca Blackwell


At Volgograd:

Salem Al-Dawson scored the winning goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time as Saudi Arabia came from behind to top Egypt 2-1 in the tournament finale for both squads.


The game is being observed here by the respective head coaches (or managers), Egypt's Hector Cuper (left) and the Saudis' Juan Antonio Pizzi.


Associated Press photo by Darko Vojinovic


Final Group A Standings:


1. Uruguay (GP: 3; GD: +5; PTS: 9)
2. Russia (GP: 3; GD: +4; PTS: 6)
3. Saudi Arabia (GP: 3; GD: -5; PTS: 3)
4. Egypt (GP: 3; GD: -4; PTS: 0)


Uruguay and Russia advanced to the knockout stage.







GROUP B:


At Saransk:

Ricardo Quaresma's goal in the 45th minute proved to be good enough for Portugal, who battled Iran to a 1-1 draw to finish second in Group B and gain a knockout-stage berth.


Karim Ansarifard converted a penalty kick in the third minute of second-half stoppage time for Team Melli (one of whose fans is shown here), whose attempt to advance to the knockout stage for the first time in five World Cup tournaments came up just short.


Associated Press photo by Francisco Seco


At Kaliningrad:

Goals from Isco (19') and Iago Aspas (90'+1; here, we see the Spaniards' Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos, on the right, celebrating after that goal) enabled Spain to gain a 2-2 draw with Morocco and lay claim to top spot in Group B.


Khalid Boutaib (14') and Youssef En-Nesyri (81') each scored once for the already-eliminated Atlas Lions.


Associated Press photo by Petr Josek


Final Group B Standings:


1. Spain (GP: 3; GD: +1; PTS: 5)
2. Portugal (GP: 3; GD: +1; PTS: 5)
3. Iran (GP: 3; GD: 0; PTS: 4)
4. Morocco (GP: 3; GD: -2; PTS: 1)


Spain and Portugal advanced to the knockout stage.






Uruguay will take on Portugal in a Round of 16 match at Sochi on Saturday while Spain will battle hosts Russia in Moscow (Luzhniki Stadium ) on Sunday.