Monday's action at the 2018 World Cup from Russia not only yielded several dramatic moments, but has set-up the first two matches of the knockout stages. Round of 16 action will start on Saturday and feature Uruguay vs Portugal in the later match, while Spain and the hosts, Russia, are set for the first match on Sunday. Uruguay's 3-0 victory over Russia earlier today saw them finish atop the group with a perfect 9 points, but the hosts were still through no matter what the outcome heading into the day.
Spain's late dramatics, with Iago Aspas putting the equalizer through in the 91', allowed them to pull even at 2-2, and canceled out Youssef En-Nesyri's brilliant take and finish in the 81'. The goal surrendered and point from the draw - allowed Spain to win a tie-break with Portugal as both finished with 5 points and a +1 goal differential, but Spain scored 6 goals to Portugal's 5. Iran gave a great effort and made a good showing of themselves, but came up just short against Portugal. Instead, the Portuguese advance to their date with Uruguay on Saturday in the round of 16.
URUGUAY (Group A Winners)
VS
PORTUGAL (Group B Runners-Up)
It wasn't the same Russian squad as the first two matches with a couple of changes to the starting lineup and then Igor Smoinikov was sent off in the 36' for being shown his second yellow card. Russia was left short-handed with just 10 men for the rest of the match - and already in a 2-0 hole. None-the-less the hosts progress to the round of 16 for the first time since 1986. We now have two fantastic knockout-stage matchups set for this weekend - can Spain and Portugal both advance to the Quarter-finals? Will the hosts reach the Quarter-finals for the first time since 1970? Only two of the knockout round matches are set and already we have plenty of story-lines heading into the next round.
SPAIN (Group B Winners)
VS
RUSSIA (Group A Runners-Up) (Hosts*)