Mordovia Arena, World Cup Group B - Iran 1 (Ansarifard pen 90') Portugal 1 (Quaresma 45')

VAR and referee Enrique Caceres took centre stage as Portugal squeezed through to the last 16 of the World Cup following a late fightback by Iran.

The reigning European champions looked to be cruising through to the next round of the tournament as Group B winners, with Portugal 1-0 up and Spain losing 2-1 to Morocco late on. But VAR was used to award Iran a late penalty kick, giving Karim Ansarifard the chance to covert from the spot.

VAR was also used to award Spain a late equaliser in their game meaning the 2010 World Cup winners leapfrogged Portugal as group winners. The former will now take on hosts Russia in the last 16, with Portugal up against Uruguay.

Ricardo Quaresma’s stunning first-half strike looked to be enough to give Fernando Santos’ side all three points and top spot until the late drama. Cristiano Ronaldo saw a penalty saved and could have been sent off for an elbow in the second half, but in this instance VAR worked in Portugal’s favour.

TALKING POINT - Did tonight show progress still has to be made on VAR’s implementation?

Until now, VAR had been used rather well at this World Cup. Progress had been made in the way it was being utilised by referees, but all that progress appeared to fall apart in this match. Referee Caceres lost control of this game, with his decision not to show Ronaldo a red card for an elbow and the call to award Iran a late penalty kick coming under the microscope. Did this show that VAR still isn’t completely foolproof and ready for the top level of the sport?

MAN OF THE MATCH - Ricardo Quaresma (Portugal)

There weren’t many standout performances in a match defined by the decisions made by the referee and the VAR team in Moscow, but Quaresma was probably the star man. He scored one of the goals of the tournament to break the deadlock, swerving an outside-of-the-boot finish into the top corner of the Iranian net from the edge of the box. This was Quaresma’s first start at the World Cup and he made his mark.

PLAYER RATINGS

Iran - Haji 7, Safi 6, Ezatolahi 7, Pouraliganji 6, Omid 5, Amiri 7, Mehdi 5, Jahanbakhsh 6, Hosseini 5, Azmoun 6, Ramin 5. Subs - Ghoddos 6, Mohammadi 5, Ansarifard 6.

Portugal - Patricio 5, Cedric 6, Pepe 5, Fonte 5, Guerreiro 7, Carvalho 5, Adrien 6, Mario 6, Quaresma 7, Ronaldo 5, Silva 6. Subs - Moutinho 5, Silva 5.

KEY MOMENTS

45’ GOAL! Iran 0-1 Portugal: What a brilliant goal from Quaresma! Incredible! That is a classic World Cup goal. You know those outside of the boot crosses Quaresma often tries? He has just curled one of them from just inside the box into the top corner.

50’ PENALTY CLAIM! The Portuguese number seven goes down inside the box and he was a spot kick for what he saw to be a foul. There was contact but the referee waved away the claim.

51’ PENALTY KICK TO PORTUGAL! The referee has used VAR to award Portugal a penalty kick for a foul on Ronaldo inside the box.

52’ PENALTY SAVED! Ronaldo steps up to the 12-yard mark, but his effort from the penalty spot is saved by Beiranvand. He guessed the right way and made the save from the Portugal forward.

74’ INCHES WIDE! Wow, that was close to being an equaliser for Iran. Ghoddos took the shot from the edge of the box, Patricio was static, but the ball flashes wide of the near post.

90’ VAR REVIEW! Well, this is very confusing. There wasn't even a consideration of a penalty at the time, but now the referee, after a solid two minutes, has been told to have a look at this.

91’ PENALTY KICK TO IRAN! Sensationally, Iran have now been awarded a penalty kick for a handball.

92’ GOAL! Iran 1-1 Portugal: What a penalty kick! Iran have given themselves a chance in this match. Ansarifard steps up to the 12 yard mark and puts his effort into the top corner of the Portuguese net.

94’ THAT WAS THE CHANCE! Oh my goodness! That was the opportunity for Iran to score a winner and qualify for the last 16! Ebrahimi was played through, the angle was tight, but he could only find the side-netting!

KEY STATS

There have been 20 penalties taken at the 2018 World Cup, more than in any other World Cup in history.

Ricardo Quaresma became the oldest player to score on his first World Cup start (34 years, 272 days) since Yahya Golmohammadi for Iran against Mexico in 2006 (35 years, 84 days).

World Cup, Group A - Uruguay 3 (Suarez, 10, Cheryshev, 23 [OG], Cavani, 90) Russia 0

Uruguay beat 10-man Russia 3-0 to top Group A, courtesy of a Luis Suarez strike, a Denis Cheryshev own goal and a late effort from Edinson Cavani.

Oscar Tabarez’s men raced into a two-goal lead with just 23 minutes gone, thanks to a smart Luis Suarez free-kick and a deflected Diego Laxalt effort that came off Cheryshev.

The host nation’s hopes of staging a memorable comeback were dealt a near-fatal blow when Igor Smolnikov saw red after picking up a second yellow card in the 36th minute.

And while La Celeste dominated for large swathes in the second half, it took until the final minute to add to their lead, when Cavani slotted home from close range to put added gloss on an already polished performance.

The result sees Uruguay top the group with three wins from three, five goals scored and none conceded, and they will now face one of Spain, Portugal or Iran from Group B in the last 16.

TALKING POINT - Might Oscar Tabarez stick with this more expansive shape for the last 16?

Uruguay came into this game on the back of two 1-0 wins, but an injury to Jose Gimenez forced Tabarez into shifting to a back three. This gave the South Americans more numbers in the centre of the pitch, which in turn allowed them to be more expansive. It worked. So will Tabarez stick with his shape for their last 16 clash, most likely against Portugal? This might have been a sign of things to come.

MAN OF THE MATCH - Lucas Torreira (Uruguay)

The Sampdoria midfielder has been linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks and on this basis it’s easy to see why there has been such interest in Lucas Torreira. He made quite the impression coming off the bench in the last match against Saudi Arabia and in keeping his place for this game Torreira backed up that performance with another impressive display. He has become a key figure for Uruguay at this World Cup.

PLAYER RATINGS

Uruguay - Muslera 6, Coates 6, Godin 7, Caceres 6, Torreira 8, Nandez 6, Vecino 7, Bentancur 7, Laxalt 7, Suarez 7, Cavani 7. Subs - Rodriguez 6, De Arrascaeta 5, Gomez.

Russia - Akinfeev 5, Smolnikov 4, Kutepov 5, Ignashevich 7, Kudryashov 5, Zobnin 6, Gazinskiy 5, Samedov 5, Miranchuk 5, Cheryshev 5, Dzyaba 6. Subs - Smolov 6, Fernandes 5, Kuzyaev 4.

KEY MOMENTS

10’ GOAL! Uruguay 1-0 Russia: Uruguay have taken an early lead and it's Suarez! The Barcelona striker sends a low free-kick around the Russian wall and finds the far corner of the net. Akinfeev couldn't get a hand to it and Suarez has his second goal of the World Cup.

13’ BIG CHANCE! That might have been a Russian equaliser. Cheryshev sends a half-volley towards goal from the edge of the box, but it's straight at Muslera, who makes the save.

23’ GOAL! Uruguay 2-0 Russia: Uruguay have scored a second! A corner kick was half-cleared to the edge of the box, but Laxalt was on hand to send a shot towards the goal. His strike picked up a huge deflection, completely wrong-footing Akinfeev. Russia have it all to do.

29’ GREAT CHANCE FOR URUGUAY! That probably should have been a third goal for the South Americans. Akinfeev makes the save from Bentacur and Cavani was robbed of the rebound.

36’ SENT OFF! It goes from bad to worse for Russia. Smolnikov is shown a second yellow card for a very late tackle on Laxalt.

90’ GOAL! Uruguay 3-0 Russia: There's the goal Cavani has been desperate for all afternoon! Akinfeev makes the save to prevent a header Godin finding the net, but Cavani was on hand to bundle home the rebound. Three goals to the good.

KEY STATS

Edinson Cavani became the second player to score in three separate World Cups for Uruguay (2010, 2014 and 2018) alongside Luis Suarez.

Igor Smolnikov became the first outfield player to be sent off for the host nation of a World Cup since Marcel Desailly for France in 1998.

France midfielder Paul Pogba said the finals in Russia might be his last World Cup but he hopes he will be fit for more.

"It might be my last World Cup," the Manchester United player, 25, told a news conference ahead of Tuesday's Group C final game against Denmark.

France have already qualified for the last 16 and will secure top spot if they avoid defeat.
"I'm realistic, we don't know if I'll be called up, maybe other players will be better than me," added Pogba.

"I hope I'll play more. I've already had the chance to play two, some can only dream to play one."

World Cup Group H, Kazan Arena - Poland 0 Colombia 3 (Mina 40, Falcao 70, Cuadrado 75)

Colombia produced a stylish display to claim a 3-0 victory that keeps their World Cup hopes alive and eliminates Poland following a crucial Group H clash in Kazan.

Barcelona defender, Yerry Mina snatched the opener when he nodded home James Rodriguez's sumptuous cross five minutes prior to the break.

Radamel Falcao then doubled the lead with a clinical finish deep into the second half before Juan Cuadrado ran clear to seal the points with a third 15 minutes from time.

Japan's 2-2 draw with Senegal earlier in the day meant both sides knew they couldn't afford another defeat, but Poland rarely looked like troubling the South Americans with talisman Robert Lewandowski too often a peripheral figure.

Colombia looked the more inventive with Juan Quintero, Rodriguez and Cuadrado particularly impressive.

Jose Pekerman's side will now meet Senegal in Samara on Thursday knowing a victory will clinch a place in the last 16. Poland sign off against Japan, who will also progress if they beat the Poles in Volgograd.

TALKING POINT

Contrasting fortunes for two big-name strikers. Poland may well have been ranked in the top eight coming into this tournament, but in truth they always looked like one of the most vulnerable seeds. Their big hope, Lewandowski had netted 21 times in his previous 15 outings for his country prior to arriving in Russia, but he has been one of the superstars who has failed to shine with very little impact in his first two games. It has taken him so long to get to this world stage, but despite being one of the most deadly marksmen in Europe, he rarely looked like reproducing his club brilliance. Colombia deservedly came out on top and know a victory in their final group game will see them into the last 16. Their night was capped by the sight of Falcao scoring his first ever goal at the tournament, four years after an ACL injury had cruelly robbed him of a place at the finals in Brazil.

England will meet either the runner-up or winner of Group H, and on this evidence Colombia would be the team to avoid should they go on to progress.

MAN OF THE MATCH

James Rodriguez (Colombia). The Tricolor's talisman returned to the starting line-up and made a hugely significant contribution. Quintero was also sensational, but the Bayern Munich star (on-loan from Real Madrid) just edges it with two sublime assists.

PLAYER RATINGS

POLAND: Szczesny 6, Pazdan 6, Bednarek 6, Bereszynski 6, Piszczek 6, Goralski 6, Krychowiak 5, Rybus 5, Zielinski 5, Lewandowski 5, Kownacki 5. Subs: Grosicki 6, Teodorczyk 5, Glik n/a.

COLOMBIA: Ospina 7, Arias 7, Mina 7, Mojica 7, Sanchez 7, Barrios 7, Aguilar 6, Rodriguez 9, Cuadrado 8, Quintero 9, Falcao 7. Subs: Uribe 6, Lerma 5, Bacca 5.

KEY MOMENTS

40' - GOAL! Poland 0-1 Colombia. La Tricolor take another short corner on the right. Quintero catches Poland out with a clever pass to James who curves a sublime cross into the middle for Mina to nod home.

59' - POLAND CHANCE! Lewandowski latches onto a long ball over the top. He seems to be in for his big moment with a great touch but sees his left-foot strike well saved by Ospina.

70' - GOAL! Poland 0-2 Colombia. Falcao makes it two! The hitman guides an outside of the foot effort beyond the keeper after a sensational through ball from Quintero.

75' - GOAL! Poland 0-3 Colombia. It's game over. Cuadrado races clean through courtesy of James's pass and coolly slots the third into the bottom corner. Pack your bags Poland.

KEY STATS

Poland are the first European nation to be eliminated from the 2018 World Cup.

James Rodriguez has been directly involved in 10 goals in seven World Cup appearances for Colombia, scoring six and assisting four.

Across the last two World Cup tournaments (2014 and 2018), no player has scored more goals (6) or provided more assists (4) than James Rodriguez.

There were 14 World Cup goals scored today; the most on a single day of action (maximum three games) since 10th June 1990 (also 14).

We cast our eye over Gareth Southgate’s men as England destroyed Panama 6-1 in their second World Cup game in Nizhny.

THE FORMATION

England kept faith with the 3-5-2 system that brought so much joy against Tunisia, particularly in the first period. They made one change from that last-gasp 2-1 triumph with Ruben Loftus-Cheek coming in for the sort-of-injured Dele Alli.

And boy did it work. England were marvellous, building up smartly from the back before upping the tempo and surging forward. Sure, Panama were absolutely hopeless, but this performance was a statement to the rest of Russia: England are actually decent.

Panama did have a few forays forward – particularly in the first 20 minutes – that hinted at potential defensive deficiencies, but England were hardly tested after Jesse Lingard netted a wonderful third goal.

THE VERDICT ON SOUTHGATE

Good news: Southgate negotiated six goal celebrations without re-dislocating his shoulder. All his substitutes (Kane-Vardy, Lingard-Delph, Trippier-Rose) happened after the sixth goal, so we can’t dish out too much praise for those.

But he’s got the team firing and a nation behind them – how many England managers can say that?

PLAYER RATINGS

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford – 6

Yet to make a decent save at the World Cup, but has conceded twice. Not that he can be blamed for either…

Central defender: Kyle Walker – 8

Made a brilliant sliding interception inside the six-yard box early on, banishing memories of his penalty mishap against Tunisia. Answered a lot of critics questioning his role in a back three.

Central defender: John Stones – 8

Now has more World Cup goals than Wayne Rooney. His confidence in possession enables England to play out from the back... and the confidence is flowing after his unlikely brace.

Central defender: Harry Maguire – 5

Looks the most uncertain of England’s back three and played Panama onside for their consolation, just moments after being caught napping from a corner. Must improve his concentration if he's going to keep his place.

Right wing-back: Kieran Trippier – 9

England’s standout performer at the World Cup so far. Marshalled the right-flank brilliantly, defending diligently, attacking with menace and – most notably – delivering exceptional set-pieces throughout.

Midfielder: Jordan Henderson – 6

Couldn’t stop yelling at his team-mates after being given the captain’s armband when Kane trotted off. A relatively assured display and played a key role in the fourth goal.

Midfielder: Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 7

Solid if unspectacular. His shot cannoned into Kane for the sixth goal, handing him an unlikely assist, but he seems unlikely to keep his place when Dele Alli returns.

Midfielder: Jesse Lingard – 8

A lively display was capped with a wonderful goal-celebration combo. Caused Panama constant problems with his movement, floating between the lines and bombing beyond the strikers.

Left wing-back: Ashley Young – 6

Largely untested, but his reluctance to use his left foot while playing down the left remains a worry.

Striker: Raheem Sterling – 6

It's rarely a good sign if a forward fails to score in a 6-1 win. He was desperate to get on the scoresheet, but his confidence drought shows little sign of ending after missing a sitter before Stones added the fourth. Marcus Rashford can't hang around on the bench forever.

Striker: Harry Kane – 8

The easiest World Cup hat-trick in history. The captain took his penalties brilliantly before completing his treble with an accidental ricochet. But talk of a 10/10 display is a little wide of the mark. Come on, everyone...

SUBS

Striker: Jamie Vardy (on for Harry Kane, 63 mins) – 6

Energetic after his introduction, but failed to carve out a serious opening.

Midfielder: Fabian Delph (on for Jesse Lingard, 63 mins) – 5

England looked more open with him in the middle, although the tempo had dropped considerably by then.

Left wing-back: Danny Rose (on for Kieran Tripper, 70 mins) – 6

Not enough time to make an impression, but did little to worry Young, who switched to right-back to accommodate the Spurs man.

PREV NEXT

World Cup Group G, Spartak Stadium - Belgium 5 (Hazard 6' pen., 51'; Lukaku 16', 45'; Batshuayi 90') Tunisia 2 (Bronn 18', Khazri 90+3')

Belgium were rampant as they destroyed Tunisia 5-2 in a hopelessly one-sided clash in England's World Cup Group G.

Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku were simply unplayable at times as the duo combined for four goals inside the opening hour.

With less than five minutes on the clock, Hazard was brought down by Syam Ben Youssef. VAR confirmed the incident took place inside the box before the Chelsea star converted the 13th penalty of the tournament.

Roberto Martinez’s side doubled their advantage when Dries Mertens seized on a loose Tunisian pass to put the ball in Lukaku’s path. The Belgian all-time top scorer needed only one touch to slot low past Farouk Ben Mustapha. But Tunisia pulled one back when Wahbi Khazri’s free kick was headed in by Dylan Bronn.

Shortly before the break, Thomas Meunier’s superb through-ball gifted Lukaku his fourth goal of the tournament, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo's tally. Hazard then earned his second of the afternoon when Kevin De Bruyne launched a long ball forward, which the captain duly collected and steered past the goalkeeper. He has been directly involved in 23 goals in his last 21 international appearances.

Substitute Michy Batshuayi, who replaced Lukaku, created several late chances as the tiring African side struggled to cope with the Belgian threat. The Dortmund forward was rewarded for his persistence with a half-volley strike in the dying minutes, set up by a superb cross from Youri Tielemans.

Belgium’s victory ensures England will need only a draw against Panama to ensure progress to the knockout rounds.

TALKING POINT

Are Belgium a serious World Cup contender? - The Red Devils showed flashes of their brilliant best in this game, with Romelu Lukaku shining as the talisman. With Germany, France, Spain and Argentina all suffering relatively slow starts, the stage seems clear for Belgium to make a deep run. They will, however, need to address some defensive frailty.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Romelu Lukaku - Eden Hazard put in an exquisite performance, but Lukaku was faultless in Moscow. Belgium will be hoping the knock to his right ankle was not too serious.

PLAYER RATINGS

Belgium Courtois 6, Alderweireld 7, Boyata 7, Vertonghen 7, Meunier 7, Witsel 7, De Bruyne 8, Carrasco 8, Mertens 8, Hazard 9, Lukaku 9. Subs: Fellaini 6, Batshuayi 6.

Tunisia - Mustapha 6, Youssef S 5, Meriah 6, Bronn 7, Maaloul 5, Badrid 5, Sassi 6, Shkhiri 6, Khaoui 6, Youssef F 6, Khazri 7. Subs: Sliti 6, Benalouane 6, Nagguez 6.

KEY MOMENTS

6 - GOAL! Hazard places his spot kick low to the goalkeeper's right side. The stadium erupts!

17 - GOAL! Belgium break when Mertens siezes a loose Tunisian pass on the half-way line. He feeds Lukaku on the edge of the box and the Manchester United striker hits a first-time shot low into the right corner!

18 - GOAL! Tunisia respond straight away! Khazri's free kick from the left edge of the area is headed past Courtois by Dylan Bronn!

45+3’ - GOAL! Meunier picks up a loose Tunisian pass, darts to the edge of the D and plays a wonderful ball through to Lukaku to slice the Tunisia defence in half. Lukaku makes no mistake to slot home!

51’ - GOAL! A long ball comes forward for Hazard, who gets ahead of the last defender and dinks the ball past the 'keeper to slot into an empty net!

90 - GOAL! Batshuayi finally gets his goal! Tielemans plays a delightful cross from the left to the back post, where the Dortmund man is waiting to slot in a half-volley!

KEY STATS

Romelu Lukaku has now scored seven major tournament goals - more than any other Belgian player.

Hazard’s penalty was the 13th awarded at this World Cup, after 27 games. In 2014, only 13 were awarded in the entire tournament.

None of the opening 27 games of the tournament have ended goalless - a World Cup record.

World Cup Group F, Fisht Stadium – Germany 2 (Reus 48’, Kroos 90+4’) Sweden 1 (Toivonen 32’)

Toni Kroos curled home a spectacular stoppage-time free-kick to snatch 10-man Germany a 2-1 win over Sweden.

Joachim Low’s side were facing the prospect of crashing out of the tournament when 1-0 down at half-time following Ola Toivonen’s classy finish.

And Germany’s prospects did not look all that much brighter going into the final seconds of the game at 1-1, as hope from Marco Reus' equaliser was sucked away by a red card for defender Jerome Boateng.

But, with 94 minutes on the clock, up stepped Kroos to curl home a free-kick from a ridiculously tight angle to keep Germany’s World Cup defence alive.

TALKING POINT

Should Sweden have had a first-half penalty? Berg was certainly impeded en route towards goal, but the referee wasn't interested in awarding a penalty nor reviewing it. Had they been two up at half-time, it may have been a very different outcome.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Robin Olsen (Sweden): The tall goalkeeper worked so hard against the unpredictable Germany attack, who, let's be honest, weren't sure what they were doing most of the time, which made anticipating it tough.

PLAYER RATINGS

Germany: Neuer 7, Hector 7, Draxler 7, Kroos 7, Werner 6, Reus 7, Muller 6, Rudiger 6, Boateng 5, Kimmich 6, Rudy 6. Subs - Gundogan 6, Gomez 7, Brandt 6.

Sweden: Olsen 8, Lustig 7, Lindelof 6, Granqvist 6, Augustinsson 6, Larsson 7, Ekdal 7, Claesson 7, Forsberg 7, Berg 7, Toivonen 7. Subs - Thelin 6, Guidetti 6, Durmaz 5.

KEY MOMENTS

12' - WHAT?! Berg is through on goal, Boateng nudges him in the back, and the Sweden player careens into Neuer. Nothing given - no VAR!

32' - GOAL! Germany 0-1 Sweden. Sweden take the lead, such a smart looping shot from Toivonen over the head of Neuer, who's left helpless. Great ball from Claesson too.

48' GOAL! Germany 1-1 Sweden. And two and a half minutes into the second half, Germany are back level as Werner puts in the ball from the left and Reus knees it past Olsen.

82' - NO RED CA... ACTUALLY, A RED CARD! Boateng upends Berg but no second booking is forthcoming. Oh! The referee has suddenly changed his mind! Boateng is off!

90'+2 - CLOSE! Brandt hits it on the volley, hammering it against the post, and it pings up and out for a goal kick.

90'+5 - GOAL! Germany 2-1 Sweden. And Kroos makes them pay for that error, curling in that free kick exquisitely, past the despairing hand of poor Olsen.

KEY STATS

With one goal and one assist, Marco Reus is the first German player involved in two goals on his first World Cup start since 2010 when Thomas Müller did it against Australia.

Toni Kroos' strike is the latest goal Germany have ever scored in a World Cup match (excluding extra-time).

Kroos made 144 touches against Sweden, a record for a German player in a World Cup game since 1966.

Jerome Boateng is the first German player to be sent off in a World Cup match since Miroslav Klose against Serbia in 2010.

England manager Gareth Southgate has rebuked the media after a team-sheet held by his assistant Steve Holland was leaked ahead of the match against Panama.

England take on Panama in the second of their Group G matches on Sunday in Nizhny Novgorod and the mood has turned sour in the camp after the team-sheet leak gaffe.

Southgate took the opportunity in his Friday press conference to condemn the leak by the press and effectively give his side's opponents the opportunity of seeing their line-up in advance.
"Obviously any time, if we were to give the opposition the opportunity of having our team it’s a disadvantage to us," Southgate said.

" So of course our media has to decide if they want to help the team or not."
Defender Kyle Walker added in defence of his manager that the leak is not going to help England's chance of success at the World Cup.

"If you guys just try and keep it to yourself and don’t bring it out, because it’s not going to help us," Walker said.
Walker added that Holland had said sorry to the England players and staff for carrying the team-sheet on a bit of paper.

"He has apologised to us all - we move on," he said.

England are second in Group G after their 2-1 victory over Tunisia with Belgium top after hammering Panama 3-0 in their first outing.