Thorgan Hazard scored the only goal of the game as Belgium knocked holders Portugal out of Euro 2020. Image: RealTime Images
World Cup 2018 Group B Standings: Spain, Portugal fight for first place
There’s still chance of a Group B upset if Iran stun Portugal.
Thorgan Hazard scored the only goal of the game as Belgium knocked holders Portugal out of Euro 2020. Image: RealTime Images
Spain and Portugal have brought some Iberian intensity to the summit of World Cup Group B.
The European pair sit first and second on four points apiece having won one and drawn one – 3-3 against each other in the game of the tournament so far.
Cristiano Ronaldo made his mark that night with a hat-trick to deny the 2010 champions victory in Sochi.
But there’s still a danger that one of them won’t progress to the last 16 draw.
If third-placed Iran can beat Portugal, they will squeak into the knockout stage.
Weirdly Portugal could still make it through if that happened, but only if bottom side Morocco pulled off a shock success over the Spanish.
The African side lost both of their opening matches by a single goal.
Iran’s opening round smash ‘n grab victory in St. Petersburg looks to be the result that has thrown the pool wide open.
Coach Carlos Queiroz may well be granted the freedom of Tehran if he can mastermind a repeat in Saransk.
Ronaldo will need to be stopped in his tracks first, but it’s in Iran’s hands.
Group B live standings on final round of group games
Standings provided by Sofascore LiveScore
Qualified teams: No one.
Eliminated: Morocco.
What’s at stake: Lots. As Spain and Portugal jostle for supremacy, Iran could just spring a surprise at the final hurdle.
