Moscow (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and 2010 winners Spain can lock down spots in the World Cup last 16 on Monday, as hosts Russia ride a wave of national euphoria into their clash with Uruguay.
Spain crashed out in spectacular fashion in the group stage four years ago in Brazil but are on course to reach the knockout phase in Russia despite sacking their coach on the eve of the tournament.
They require a point against Morocco in Kaliningrad to secure qualification, and new coach Fernando Hierro promised they would not underestimate a North African side playing for pride.
“We can’t afford to relax… We need to be awake with our eyes open and be aware that Morocco aren’t going to give anything away,” warned Hierro, who replaced Julen Lopetegui a day before the tournament started.
Portugal meet former coach Carlos Queiroz and Iran in their final Group B game in Saransk. Ronaldo’s side will advance with a draw, but a win for Iran would see the European champions or Spain suffer a shock exit.
“Both teams have something to win and also to lose, neither has more to win than the other,” said Portugal boss Fernando Santos.
Ronaldo, who looks a favourite to win a sixth world player of the year award, will be desperate to top the goalscoring charts in Russia.
The Real Madrid superstar has slipped behind Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot after the England player grabbed a hat-trick against Panama to take his tally to five.
In Group A, Russia will bid for a third straight win after a stunning start to the tournament for a side initially written off as no-hopers.
Stanislav Cherchesov said he would stick with the same line-up that beat Egypt 3-1 as Russia lock horns with Uruguay in Samara, with first place in the group on the line.
“We don’t choose our opponent in the last 16. We’re not doing the calculations, we’ve never done them,” said Cherchesov.
“And in any case we don’t have the choice, they play after us. We know both teams, the football gods will decide.”
– ‘Extremely painful’ –
Colombia coach Jose Pekerman dedicated his side’s crucial 3-0 win over Poland on Sunday to midfielder Carlos Sanchez after reports the midfielder received death threats for his red card against Japan.
Sanchez has had “a very hard time” dealing with the fallout from his early sending-off in the 2-1 defeat to Japan in Colombia’s opening game, Pekerman said.
from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2KhSi04
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