World Cup day 12 is the first day where decisions are made in the group stages. On the twelfth day of this World Cup, group A and B played their last matches.
World Cup day 12
The twelfth day of this tournament started with the matches in group A. Uruguay and Russia played for the first position in this group, while Egypt and Saudi Arabia played for the third spot. Later on the day it was up to the teams in group B. Portugal played against Iran, while Spain faced Morocco.
Uruguay versus Russia
The hosts of this World Cup made a few changes in their team, to rest important players. Uruguay played with their strongest team in an attempt to avoid playing against the winner of Group B. This paid of for Uruguay when Suarez scored the 1-0 in the tenth minute. An own goal by Cheryshev and a red card for Smolnikov decided this match in Uruguay’s favour. Cavani scored the 3-0 in the 90th minute. This brings Uruguay on the top of Group A.
Saudi Arabia versus Egypt
Both teams were already eliminated so there wasn’t much at stake for this match. Both teams played without too much pressure and this led to a goal by Mohamed Salah. Saudi Arabia got two penalties in the first, from which only the second one was netted. A goal in extremis even led to a 2-1 victory for Saudi Arabia, leaving Egypt empty handed.
Iran versus Portugal
This was one of the most interesting matches in advance. Both teams would reach the knockout stages when winning this match. It was Ricardo Quaresma who opened the match with a stunner on the verge of half-time. The second half was dominated by VAR interferences. Portugal got a penalty, but Ronaldo failed to net it. In the 93rd minute Iran was rewarded a penalty and Ansarifard did what Ronaldo couldn’t. In the dying seconds Iran had a big chance for the 2-1, but they failed to score this one. So Portugal is through to the next round and Iran is eliminated.
Spain versus Morocco
Morocco was already eliminated, but they started this match like they still had everything to play for. In the 14th minute, they even scored the 1-0 by Boutaïb. This was the sign for Spain to get things going and four minutes later it was Isco with the equaliser. You expect a team like Spain to get things going after an equaliser like this, but that wasn’t the case. Things looked to be heading towards a 1-1, when En-Nesyri scored the 2-1 for Morocco in the 81st minute. Iago Aspas scored the 2-2, but this was declined due to offside. The video ref however checked the images and decided it was a valid goal. So this match finished in a 2-2 draw which brings Spain to the top of Group B.
World Cup day 12 was an intense one. It’s hard to follow two matches at the same time, but we managed to do it. Which was your favourite match of this day?