World Cup 2018 – LIVE: Latest news from Portugal and Spain VAR controversy, plus Nigeria vs Argentina and Lionel Messi updates, predictions, schedule and more
All the latest World Cup news from day 13 in Russia
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What a controversial day Monday proved to be! Both Spain and Portugal made it to the last-16 as expected, but the way they did it was not in the script at all. At one stage Portugal were at risk of being knocked out of the World Cup if Iran had found another goal – following a controversial penalty in their favour – while Cristiano Ronaldo was lucky not to see red for what appeared to be a swinging elbow. Then Spain upped the VAR controversy against Morocco when Iago Aspas’ equaliser was initially ruled out before being overturned.
With all that in mind, today’s action could be even more frantic. Argentina face crunch time as they must beat Nigeria – and handsomely – to avoid going home early from the World Cup. They also need Croatia to do them a favour and beat Iceland, or else Lionel Messi’s last chance to win the World Cup will be over. Those are the late games, with France set to take on Denmark in the earlier kick-offs and Australia needing a big victory over Peru to stand any chance of progressing.
We will have all the latest news, views, pictures and video direct from Russia throughout the day as we pick up the pace at the biggest football tournament in the world.
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Good morning and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the 2018 World Cup, where we'll keep you up-to-date with all the latest news and action across Russia as it happens.
Have we all settled down after the madness of yesterday?
For those who aren't aware (if there are any of you), Spain and Portugal confirmed their progress to the second round but my gosh, they were made to work for it.
And once again, it was VAR which stole most of the headlines as Iran's last minute penalty against Portugal and Spain's equally last minute equaliser versus Morocco meant that Spain take on Russia.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal will have to navigate their way past a stubborn Uruguay.
Catch up on all the events of last night's dramatic games right here:
Meanwhile, it seems to have been forgotten that Group A was also completed yesterday with Uruguay and Russia battling for top spot.
The South Americans routinely put the hosts to the sword, defeating them 3-0 as goals from Suarez, Laxalt and Cavani ensured that 10-man Russia finished second in the group.
And the dead-rubber between Egypt and Saudi Arabia actually proved more interesting than expected as the Green Falcons came from behind to beat the Pharaohs.
They missed a penalty in the process, saved by the oldest man ever to play in the World Cup, Essam El-Hadary but Al Dawsari's last minute goal ensured Saudi Arabia got three points on the board.
↵So then, what does every nation need? Who requires just a point in their final game to progress to the next round?
What about that other team, don't they need a miraculous victory and a 2-goal swing?
Well, you can find out exactly who needs what to qualify from this years World Cup group stages.
So... to today's action then!
First up this afternoon is Group C where Denmark and Australia will be doing all they can to join France into the second round of the World Cup.
The Danes are facing Les Bleus in the battle of the top two, but, if France win, a handsome Australia victory over Peru in the other clash would see the Socceroos progress.
It's certainly a well poised group and, the Denmark-France game has even more added spice after Åge Hareide, Denmark's coach, had some choice words pre-tournament about this French side.
Read more and preview today's game here:
And what about this evening's games I hear you ask.
Well, Group D has raised the stakes even higher with three teams battling it out for second place and progress to the next round.
One of those teams is Lionel Messi's Argentina who have been given a reprieve following their disastrous 3-0 defeat against Croatia courtesy of Nigeria's defeat of Iceland.
Croatia have already topped the group, that much we know, but, they can have a serious impact on proceedings if they stop Iceland from beating them this afternoon.
That will open up the floor in the Argentina-Nigeria game.
After all the criticism, all the furore, is it possible Argentina are still going to progress?
But has Argentinian football reached its nadir?
Are La Albiceleste at the point of no return?
Well, I think we'll all find out later this evening but here's our very own Ed Malyon with more on the topic including bust ups, black eyes and a heavy cake.
More on Argentina here and it's another victory for Players Tribune which has seen Romelu Lukaku and Raheem Sterling front up about their childhood before becoming world stars.
This time it's Angel Di Maria who is yet to feature for Argentina at this World Cup but has spoken openly about missing out in the 2014 final.
I'm not sure about you, but, I think when we're all so involved in the football aspect we forget that these people are just humans, the referees too.
It's a game and it's meant to be enjoyed so here's another inspirational tale to feast your eyes on.
Away from the World Cup briefly, a man who may feel he should have been involved in this summer's tournament but was surprisingly not called up to the Belgium squad by Roberto Martinez has now been transferred from Roma to Inter Milan.
While the teams are chasing World Cup glory, there is also something in it for the players beyond the pinnacle of lifting the trophy.
The potential transfers, the hero status, the golden boot.
With Cristiano Ronaldo taking a small pause from goalscoring duty yesterday, incredibly passing up the opportunity to retake the mantle of top scorer with a missed penalty, the current leading scorer, England's Harry Kane, will be looking to extend his lead when they face Belgium to decide who finishes top of Group G.
Here's Jack Pitt-Brooke's piece all about England's main man and that ridiculous drive to score goals, and score some more.
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