Ronaldo was the hero once again for Portugal while Uruguay progressed to the round of 16 at the expense of Saudi Arabia on day 7 of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Russia makes last 16; Japan & Senegal in shock wins
Hosts Russia took another giant step towards booking a place in the last 16…
Nervy win for Spain
Spain secured a nail-biting 1-0 win against a resolute Iran at the Kazan Arena, Kazan.
Spain in all-white, after drawing their initial match with Portugal 3-3, secured the win with Diego Costa scoring in the second half.
With the kick-off, Iran was behind the ball every time, compressing Spain into a state of frustration with their opportunities constricted.
The initial free kick of the day was earned by Spain which was well punched-out by the Iranian keeper while the game was plagued with many tackles and foul play.
David Silva got a chance inside the penalty area which was well-defended by the 6-man defense. Silva missed another kick which was beautifully assisted by Andres Iniesta and Isco as he failed to keep it down.
In stoppage time, another Silva attempt was foiled by Iran as the frustrating first half came to a close for the La Roja.
Half time – Iran 0 – 0 Spain
Spain continued to hold possession in the second half. Alireza Beiranv and saved the hopes of the crowd by flapping the ball away in a near attempt which was soon faded out by Diego Costa’s goal in the 54th minute.
Iran, suddenly changed to an attacking mode which livened up the game. They got the equalizer through Saeid Ezatolahi but the jubilation was short-lived as it was ruled out due to offside by VAR.
Iran kept at it with Mehdi Taremi’s header flying over the bar but it was not enough as Spain secured a vital three points.
Full time – Iran 0 – 1 Spain
Man of the Match – Diego Costa
Goal Scorers
Spain – Diego Costa 54’Bookings
Yellow Cards
Iran – Vahid Amiri 78’, Omid Ebrahmi’92
Uruguay come out on top against improved Saudi
Uruguay managed a narrow 1-0 victory over an adamant Saudi Arabia at Rostov Arena Rostov-On-Don.
Saudi Arabia in the opening 10 minutes of this match looked much more impressive than they did in the whole of 90 minutes against Russia, threatening the Uruguay box on multiple occasions but could never get the final touch.
Uruguay’s Luis Suarez, who was representing his Nation for the 100th time today, in the 23rd minute, broke the deadlock after Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais misjudged a corner and the ball fell at his feet and scored from six yards out.
Saudi kept on the attack however and kept breaking into the Uruguay box but still could not get the telling touch to equalize.
Russia dominate Saudi Arabia in World Cup opener
Russia kicked off the 2018 FIFA World Cup in style as they dominated and cruised..
Troubles only mounted for Saudi Arabia when one of their key players Taisir Al-Jassam stretched to win the ball and went down clutching his thigh after he landed awkwardly and was soon forced off unable to continue.
Half Time – Uruguay 1 – 0 Saudi Arabia
Uruguay looked to have gained control in the second half with Saudi not as attacking as they were in the first half. However, that did not last long as Saudi once again looked to breakthrough with some close attempts but similarly to the first half were fruitless.
Edinson Cavani late on broke through the Saudi defense and only had the keeper to beat and looked set to double his Nation’s lead and secure the match but keeper Alowais making up for his first half error made a great save.
Saudi Arabia who were brilliant compared to their opening match performance fought to the very end trying to equalize, but it was not to be as the referee blew the final whistle. Russia and Uruguay have now officially qualified for the Round of 16.
Full Time – Uruguay 1 – 0 Saudi Arabia
Man of the Match – Luis Suarez
Goal Scorers
Uruguay – Luis Suarez 23’
Ronaldo the hero, again
An early goal from Cristiano Ronaldo sealed all three points for Portugal and sent Morocco home at Luzhniki Stadium Moscow on day 7 of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Morocco’s offensive start proved to be of no use as the inevitable occurred when Cristiano Ronaldo headed the ball in within four minutes of the opening whistle. A perfect cross from Joao Moutinho found the Real Madrid attacker in open space to head the ball away.
Despite this setback Morocco time and time again attempted to penetrate the leaky Portuguese defence with a string of potential attacks which resulted in a number of breakthroughs and corners which failed to be converted.
Tackles on Nordin Amrabat and Khalid Boutaïb in the Portuguese six-yard box may have been deemed VAR worthy, but the ignorant shrug of the referee left both Moroccan fans and players in frustration.
On the other end, the second-best chance of the game arrived when Ronaldo’s lob played Goncalo Guedes into a clear chance at goal which was saved by the Moroccan keeper.
Half Time – Portugal 1 – 0 Morocco
The Moroccans was desperate for an equaliser but failed to repel the Portuguese attacks on goal which included an uncharacteristic shot by Ronaldo which found itself far in the stands.
On the other end Rui Patricio of Portugal came up with arguable one of the best saves in the tournament so far when he stopped Younes Belhanda from heading home an equaliser.
Portugal were living dangerously as the Moroccans kept making taunting descents on the Portuguese backline courtesy of runs from Nordin Amrabat and Hakim Ziyech.
Full Time – Portugal 1 – 0 Morocco
Man of the Match – Cristiano Ronaldo
Goal Scorers
Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo 4’Bookings
Yellow Cards
Portugal – Adrien Silva 90 + 3’
Morocco – Medhi Benatia 40’
>>For more World Cup News Click Here <<
