It would be an understatement to describe the action in the first few days of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia as exciting.
The World Cup opened with Russia's 5-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia in Thursday's opening ceremony held at the Luzhiniki Stadium in Moscow. It was followed by Uruguay's 1-0 triumph over Egpyt, Iran's 1-0 victory over Morocco and the exciting 3-3 draw between Portugal and Spain. Saturday highlighted France's 2-1 victory over Australia, Denmark's 1-0 win against Peru, Croatia's 2-0 win over Nigeria, and a 1-1 draw between Iceland and Argentina.
Things started to escalate on Sunday, June 17 as Brazil drew their match against Switzerland 1-1 while Serbia beat Costa Rica 1-0. However, nothing was more remarkable than Mexico's earthshattering triumph over Germany 1-0. With that said, Sports World News will give everyone a preview of what's next for Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, and Germany.
Portugal Vs. Morocco
Portugal will head to this match following a morale-boosting goal from Cristiano Ronaldo that tied the match at 3 goals. On the other hand, Morocco looks to make up for their terrible mistake against Iran last Saturday. It can be recalled that Morocco's Aziz Bouhaddouz scored a gut-wrenching own goal in the 95th minute to give Iran the victory.
The Portuguese will be the favored side in this match as the team has proven their ability to play comfortably in Russia. Prior to this year's World Cup, Portugal has won two games in Moscow and finished third in last year's Confederation Cup tournament. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, June 20 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
Iran Vs. Spain
Spain was well on their way for the victory over Portugal before Ronaldo made the iconic free kick that ended the game in a draw. The Spaniards will once again rely on Diego Costa who notched two goals against the Portuguese. Spain aims to reclaim the title they last won in 2010.
On the other hand, Iran is coming off a 1-0 victory over Morocco. Its victory against Morocco also made Iran the first team in five decades to convert a goal without attempting a single shot in that half. Meanwhile, Saeed Ezatolahi will also make his return for the Iranians after serving his suspension.
The Iranians made it to the World Cup after finishing seven points clear in Asia's Group A of Round 3. Both teams will go head-to-head on Wednesday, June 20 at the Kazan Arena.
Argentina Vs. Croatia
The Argentinians are coming off a disappointing 1-1 draw against Iceland. Star player Lionel Messi had a chance to give Argentina the victory, but he missed a penalty shot in the second half. Messi hopes to make up for his mistake as he looks to lead his nation against the dangerous Croatia squad.
Although Croatia is coming off an impressive 2-0 victory over Nigeria, they come to this match as the underdogs having lost their previous encounter with the Argentinians. The Argentina-Croatia match is scheduled for Thursday, June 21.
Brazil Vs. Costa Rica
Similar to Argentina, the Brazilians also settled for a 1-1 draw against Switzerland. Philippe Coutinho put Brazil on the board early with a masterful curler in the opening half before the Swiss answered with a goal from Steven Zuber in the second.
Nonetheless, Brazil is still the favorite to win against Costa Rica as they have won one game in their head-to-head match-up. Costa Rica suffered a 1-0 defeat against Serbia in their first game. The Costa Ricans will look to rebound from that loss as they take on Brazil on Friday, June 22.
Germany Vs. Sweden
Germany might not be done licking the wounds of their loss against Mexico, but the defending champion should get their act together as they are up against a tough customer in their next game. Sweden has yet to appear in a single game in this World Cup, but the team is expected to give Germany a challenge. In their previous match, the Germans had to go tooth-and-nail with Sweden before defeating the latter 2-1
Sweden will begin their World Cup campaign against the Korea Republic this Monday at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. The Swedish football team will then take on the Germans on Saturday, June 23 at Fisht Stadium in Sochi.
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