MOSCOW – Four qualifiers for the Round of 16 in the knockout stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup emerged on Monday after the conclusion of matches in Groups A and B.
In the third set of first round matches played on Monday, the qualification of hosts Russia and Uruguay was confirmed, while Spain and Portugal advanced too.
Uruguay beat Russia 3-0 to displace them at the top of the group, emerging Group A winners in the process undefeated with nine points from three matches.
Saudi Arabia also came from behind to beat Egypt 2-1 to round off their appearance which started on June 14 with a 0-5 loss.
Spain also drew 2-2 with Morocco to win Group B, beating neighbours Portugal to it through number of goals scored, after both sides had ended up with five points each.
Portugal had drawn 1-1 with Iran, and their failure to win meant they will now contend with Group A winners Uruguay in the Round of 16.
Both sides will meet at the Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi on Saturday.
Group B winners Spain will face hosts Russia on Sunday at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
HOW THEY FINISHED
Group A
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Uruguay 3 3 – – 5 0 +5 9
Russia 3 2 – 1 8 4 +4 6
Saudi Arabia 3 1 – 2 2 7 -5 3
Egypt 3 – – 3 2 6 -4 0
Group B
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Spain 3 1 2 – 6 5 +1 5
Portugal 3 1 2 – 5 4 +1 5
Islamic Republic of Iran 3 1 1 1 2 2 – 4
Morocco 3 – 1 2 2 4 -2 1
NAN
