Uruguay, Russia eye top spot in Group A
Uruguay and Russia will battle for the top spot in Group A and enter the knockout rounds of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in style when they meet here on Monday. Both teams have won their previous two matches but Uruguay need a win in order to finish the opening round as group winners while a draw will be enough for Russia since they enjoy a superior goal difference. The most highly rated team in the group with several stars in their line-up, Uruguay have not been at their best during identical 1-0 wins over Egypt and Saudi Arabia. However, the South Americans boast one of the strongest attacking line-ups in the tournament which includes the likes of star forwards Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Maxi Gómez. Their defence, marshalled by skipper Diego Godín, are yet to concede a goal and the Uruguayans will definitely like to keep it that way. Russia in contrast, have been more spectacular. They thrashed the Saudis 5-0 in the tournament's inaugural match before outclassing Egypt 3-1. Left winger Denis Cheryshev has played a starring role for Russia with three goals as the hosts entered the second round for the first time since the break-up of the Soviet Union. The Russian defence however, did not face too many problems in the first two matches but the likes of Suarez and Cavani should be a different matter altogether.Egypt, Saudi Arabia to play for pride
Both Egypt and Saudi Arabia will aim to exit the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a win when they meet in their final Group A match here on Monday. Both teams have lost their opening two matches and have no chance of advancing to the next stages. With their talismanic forward Mohammed Salah struggling with his fitness following a rather hurried return from a left shoulder dislocation, Egypt have struggled in the two matches they played so far. The Saudis have fared no better. They were thrashed 0-5 by hosts Russia in the tournament opener, which prompted authorities back home to call for unishments and sanctions against the players. The Saudis displayed markedly better in their second match before conceding a narrow 0-1 loss to Uruguay.Iran face herculean task against Portugal's Ronaldo
Iran's primary objective will be to stop Christiano Ronaldo from scoring when they take on Portugal in a Group B tie of the FIFA World Cup at the Mordovia Arena here on Monday. So far, Portugal's all four goals in the tournament have come through Ronaldo and the Europeans will once again rely heavily on the talismanic striker if they want to make it to the second round. Both the sides need a win on Monday to enter the Round of 16 and a loss for any of them could make life difficult. With a win from two games, Portugal are placed second in the group with four points while Iran, who pipped Morocco 1-0 before falling against Spain, lie at the third place with three points. Fernando Santos's side has till now appeared to be a one-man team with Ronaldo doing the most for his side on both occasions. On the other side, Iran, Asia's number one team, benefited from a late own goal by Morocco to get their World Cup off to a winning start in Saint Petersburg before losing 0-1 to Spain in a hard-fought battle. Iran have so far been impressive in defence and their defenders will have to once again come out with spirit to restrict Ronaldo from scoring. Overall, a draw for Portugal will be enough to lift them to the next round while Iran need nothing less than a win to secure a pre-qualifier berth.Spain needs a convincing win vs Morocco
Spain will be eyeing for a point in their final Group B match to see themselves into the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2018 when they take on Morocco at the Kaliningrad Stadium here on Monday. The Spanish currently share leadership of their group with Portugal, who will also reach the last 16 with a draw against Iran, reports Xinhua news agency. Both the Spanish and Portuguese have the same number of points and the same goal difference and if that is still the case after Monday's matches, their positions would be decided by the number of yellow cards each side has seen so far in Russia. By the time the game kicks off in Kaliningrad, Spain will know whether Russia or Uruguay have won Group A and have a better idea of their next possible rival, but the fact they can't risk a heavy defeat means coach Fernando Hierro will pick his strongest possible 11. Morocco showed in their games against Iran and Portugal that they are a tough side to face, but that they lack punch in attack. In theory, Spain could suffer a narrow defeat and still make the last 16 if Portugal beat Iran or that game ends in a low scoring draw.(IANS)
