As we approach the final matches of the group stages here are the table standings for groups A/B and what we expect moving forward:
GROUP A
Russia will face Uruguay today while Saudi Arabia and Egypt will play simultaneously.
From the standings above we see that Russia and Uruguay have qualified regardless of what the outcome of the match between Egypt and Saudi Arabia is.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia both lost their last two matches against Russia and Uruguay and will now be playing for their pride since a win or loss will not affect their certain exit in any way.
Russia and Uruguay however, have not lost any of their group stage games. Although a loss will not stop either of the teams from qualifying, both teams will be aiming for a win as a confidence booster going into the next round.
Russia and Uruguay could go any way the way those two have been playing, but Mo Salah’s Egypt are favourites to win against Saudi Arabia.
GROUP B
Group B is still very open in the sense that none of the teams are assured qualification. The only certainty in this group is that Morocco will not be advancing past the group stages.
Iran faces Portugal today while Spain shall face Morocco. To qualify Iran will have to beat Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, who in fact, only need a draw to advance.
Spain and Portugal are expected to come out in this group victorious, but seeing as this is “the beautiful game” anything can happen.
Thanks for the update