Here it is, the beginning of the final round of the group stage of the 2018 World Cup. Today we make the shift to simultaneous games, when the four teams in each group play at the same time so as to prevent shenanigans. We begin with Group A at 10 am, when Russia takes on Uruguay and Saudi Arabia takes on Egypt, with nothing at all on the line because this group is not in doubt, but still — soccer! Hosts Russia have cruised so far, though Uruguay will be looking to make a statement win after they looked somewhat sluggish through their opening two matches. In the second round of matches, Group B, we’ll see Iran vs. Portugal and then Spain vs. Morocco at 2 p.m. Morocco have nothing but pride to play for, though Spain, Iran and Portugal will all be fighting to ensure that they’re in the top two heading out of the group. Do Iran have what it takes to shock Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal? We will see.
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July 14, 2018
Everything you need to follow the 2018 World Cup
We can help you keep up with the world’s biggest sporting event.
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July 11, 2018
How do yellow cards add up to World Cup suspensions?
Here’s everything you need to know about yellow cards and how they can add up to suspensions at the World Cup.
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June 27, 2018
Own Goal is the best player of the 2018 World Cup
Own Goal has surpassed his previous World Cup goal record, so let’s rank his goals.
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June 25, 2018
The 12 goals of World Cup Day 12, ranked
This was a very, very good day for goals at the World Cup, from Isco to Quaresma to Mohamed Salah.
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June 25, 2018
World Cup cheat sheet: Scenarios and highlights from Day 12
Watch the standings. And Ronaldo.
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June 25, 2018
Iran were inches away from a World Cup dream
Mehdi Taremi had the ball on his left foot in the 94th minute, with a chance to upset Portugal. It wasn’t to be.
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June 25, 2018
Is VAR trash? A constantly updating post
In which we make a different decision on VAR’s merits on a daily basis.
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June 25, 2018
Spain and Portugal advance in wild conclusion to Group B play
Plus lineups and all the highlights from the matches.
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June 25, 2018
Why are multiple World Cup games starting at the same time?
Things have gotten hectic.
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June 25, 2018
45-year-old Essam El-Hadary, the oldest player in World Cup history, saved a penalty
I’m in my 20s and I hurt my back getting out of bed today.
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June 25, 2018
Cristiano Ronaldo begged Iran fans partying outside his hotel to let him sleep
No beauty rest for Ronaldo.
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June 25, 2018
Which final World Cup group stage games should you watch?
There are 16 games left, some much better than others.
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June 24, 2018
James Rodriguez is the heartbeat of Colombia
He’s been derisively called a luxury player, but James Rodriguez is anything but for Colombia.