FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018: Group B Recap, Spain And Portugal Survive Chaos
Spain and Portugal survived a big scare against Morocco and Iran, respectively. However, Spain once again struggled to impress in this World Cup edition.
On the other hand, Portugal’s ticket to the Round of 16 was more than assure after 90 minutes of play. Consequently, the Navigators were fully confident in the 1-0 lead on a goal by Ricardo Quaresma. In order for Iran to advance, they needed to win and that they sought after the 90th minute where a controversial penalty awarded by VAR was given in stoppage time. Team Melli were really close to advancing themselves when Mehdi Taremi nearly gave Iran the lead, but his shot missed wide on goal.
In addition, on another VAR intervention, Cristiano Ronaldo was nearly sent off should he had been awarded a red card for a slap and elbowing Morteza Pouraliganji.
Spain, however, was on the verge of elimination after they were down 2-1 to Morocco. It took four VAR interventions, two penalties and 11 yellow cards for the Spaniards to advance. Khalid Boutaib scored for Morocco on the 14th minute. Just five minutes after, Isco scored a goal from an Andres Iniesta pass in the box. With nine minutes still to play, Youssef En-Nesyri scored the 2-1 lead for Morocco. However, a controversial off-sides goal by Iago Aspas gave Spain the 2-2 draw. Spain will now face Russia in the Round of 16 after finishing first in the group.
Team Profiles:
Spain (1-2-0, 5 points)
- Results: Spain managed to defeat Iran 0-1 in Group B. However, draw against Portugal in opening match to an exciting 3-3. In their last match they draw on a 2-2 against Morocco where they were close to elimination.
- Notable: Spain was heavy favorite but sacked boss Julen Lopetegui three days before the start of the tournament and his replacement placed Fernando Hierro with little experience.
- Player to watch: Iago Aspas, the Celta Vigo striker has come off the bench to spark up the offense. In a match that seems “easy” in theory for Spain, his ability will be required against in the hosts.
Portugal (1-2-0, 5 points)
- Results: In one of the best performances from a single player, Cristiano Ronaldo lead the comeback against Spain in a 3-3 draw. He later gave them their sole win over Morocco with a goal for the 1-0 score. They later had a final draw against Iran on 1-1 score that was filled of controversy.
- Notable: This is the fourth time Portugal advances to the Round of 16. They have finished in third place in 1966 and also in fourth place in 2006.
- Player to watch: There is no mystery here, but Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be the sole player that is taking Portugal on his shoulders and the most outstanding player on Portugal’s squad.
