Day 12: Spain and Portugal struggle to the round of 16

The first two matches of the round of 16- played on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon- are known. In Group B, there were still three teams left to fight for the two top spots, while Group A had only pride to play for.

Spain and Portugal have both progressed to the round of 16 as expected. But it wasn't a walk in the park at all. After the narrow wins on the second matchround, both powerhouses needed a draw to book their place in the next round. Playing against Russia or Uruguay was another choice to make. We'll start with the game from Spain first since this is the one I watched. They faced an eliminated Morocco team, who were prepared to put up a good fight against their almost European neighbors. Morocco started the brightest and when Ramos and Iniesta didn't understood each other, Boutaïb slipped through and put Morocco in front. A shocking and unacceptable error from two such experienced players. Spain and Iniesta showed their class immediately when he assisted Isco the equalizer after a nice combination. But Spain couldn't build on on that goal and their defending was atrocious. Ramos and Pique were caught napping on a throw in and Boutaïb could have made his second, but De Gea stood in the way. The first half was rather vicious at time: Morocco played with their hearts but consequently over the top sometimes. But Spain handed out as well: Piqué escaped from at least a yellow card when he tackled with two foot. No immediate improvement from Spain in the second half. Piqué again escaped when a clear hands was not given by either the ref nor the VAR. De Gea had to deny Bousouffa a free header, by poor defending from Piqué and Ramos. Then Amrabat saw a (almost) perfect strike hit the underside of the bar. Bad luck for Morocco, who deserved a goal more than Spain. Spain's trademark quick combinations were completely absent today and they created danger through the air. Isco's header was cleared off the line by Saïss, Pique's attempt was just wide. With 10 minutes to go, the unexpected happened. En-Neysri beat Ramos in the air to head in the second goal for Morocco. A very bad day at the office for the Real Madrid defender. Suddenly, Spain was shaking and had to hope neighbors Portugal helped them a hand. Eventually, Iago Aspas scored the goal of qualification for Spain with a nice back heel finish. The linesman disallowed the goal, but the VAR intervened correctly. Spain is through to the round of 16, but it was far from convincing.

The other match in Group B was Portugal against Iran. Iran had only one choice, winning the match. A brilliant moment from Quaresma right before the break seemed to seal Iran's faith. His shot with the outside of his right foot- the specialty from the capricious but talented winger- might be a candidate for goal of the tournament. When Ronaldo got fouled inside the box after 52 minutes, the VAR intervened and a penalty was given. With Ronaldo behind the ball, no one would have doubted that he would score his fifth of the tournament and book Portugal's place in the round of 16. But nothing in life is certain, because goalkeeper Beiranvand saved Ronaldo's penalty in two times. The two best players in the world have both missed a penalty on this World Cup now. It was not Ronaldo's day, but he might have escaped a red card when he hit an Iranian player (with a difficult name which I will save myself trying to spell it correctly) in the face. Yellow or red, be the judge I would say. After 90 minutes, Portugal were group winners, but if there is any recurring trend on this World Cup, it is that the extra time is never boring. Iran were awarded a (disputable) penalty after Azmoun headed the ball on Cedric's hand. Ansarifard finished the penalty perfectly and everything was possible again. Taremi had the ultimate chance to cause the upset of the tournament and shoot Iran to the round of 16 at the expense of Portugal, but his attempt- and Iran's World Cup with it- ended in the side net. Portugal go through after surviving this late drama, but they should feel more disappointed they wasted the first place than relieved they didn't concede the second goal in the end. Portugal will have to play Uruguay now, not an easy task if you ask me.

That Uruguay won group A after an easy 3-0 victory against Russia, after goals from their stars Suaréz and Cavani, supplemented with an own-goal from Cheryshev. Uruguay clearly isn't Egypt and Saudi-Arabia, and it seemed that Russia can't bring the same dynamic when they have to play a top side. Spain will wait for them on Sunday. They might have noticed that Spain is vulnerable at the back, but it would be a small miracle if Russia can pull off this stunt. In case you wonder what Saudi-Arabia and Egypt did: Saudi-Arabia won with 2-1.