2018 World Cup: Schedule, scores and updates for Wednesday's matches
Wednesday is Matchday Two for Groups A and B. Russia punched their ticket out of the group stage yesterday with their second win. Whether they finish first or second will be determined Monday when they face Uruguay.
With a win, Iran can also ensure they go through. But Spain stands in their way first.
2018 World Cup Standings
Here are the standings thus far. Teams are awarded three points for a win and one for a tie. (win - loss - tie)
Group A Standings
- Russia (2-0-0) 6 points
- Uruguay (2-0-0) 6 points
- Saudi Arabia (0-0-2), 0 points
- Egypt (0-0-2) 0 points
Group B Standings
- Portugal (1-1-0 ) 4 points
- Spain (1-1-0) 4 points
- Iran (1-0-0), 3 points
- Morocco (0-0-2) 0 points
Group C Standings
- France(1-0-0) 3 points
- Denmark (1-0-0) 3 points
- Peru (0-0-1) 0 points
- Australia (0-0-1), 0 points
Group D Standings
- Croatia (1-0-0) 3 points
- Argentina (0-1-0) 1 point
- Iceland (0-1-0) 1 point
- Nigeria (0-0-1) 0 points
Group E Standings
- Serbia (1-0-0) 3 points
- Brazil (0-1-0) 1 point
- Switzerland (0-1-0) 1 point
- Costa Rica (0-1-0) 0 points
Group F Standings
- Mexico (1-0-0) 3 points
- South Korea (1-0-0) 3 points
- Germany (0-0-1) 0 points
- Sweden (0-0-1) 0 points
Group G Standings
- Belgium (1-0-0) 3 points
- England (1-0-0) 3 points
- Tunisia (0-1-0) 1 point
- Panama (0-0-1) 0 points
Group H Standings
- Japan (1-0-0) 3 points
- Senegal (1-0-0) 3 points
- Poland (0-0-1) 0 points
- Colombia (0-0-1) 0 points
World Cup matches Wednesday
*all times Eastern
Portugal 1 – 0 Morocco
Portugal handed Morocco their second loss of the tournament, crushing their hopes to move forward to the knockout stage of the world cup. In their first match, Portugal drew Spain who play later today. This win gives them four points, putting pressure on spain to take three from Iran today.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who had a hat trick last match, added another to his tally. He's currently leading the Golden Boot award for most goals. His header in the 4th minute from a corner kick set piece was the difference. Morocco tried hard, but kept missing the target, wasting their opportunities.
Goals
- 4' - Cristiano Ronaldo
Cards
- 40' - Medhi Benatia (MAR)
- 90' +2' - Adrien Silva (POR)
Full match recaps and live blog
- Follow live: Portugal vs. Morocco (CBS Sports)
Uruguay 1 – 0 Saudi Arabia
Uruguay followed Russia beat Egypt Tuesday, extending their total to six points atop Group A. The win also ensures they will advance past the group stage.
Luiz Suarez got Uruguay on the board first. Off a corner kick in the 23rd minute Suarez had a tap-in on a nearly open net. With that goal, Suarez became the first person to score a goal at three different World Cups for Argentina.
The final Group A matches are Monday when Saudi Arabia and Egypt play each other for pride and Uruguay and Russia play for control of first place in the group. The tie-breaker for first place is goal differential, which currently favors Russia with +7. Uruguay won both their matches by a single goal. To finish first in the group, they would have to beat Russia by five goals.
Goals
- 23' - Luis Suarez
Cards
- 40' - Medhi Benatia (MAR)
- 90' +2' - Adrien Silva (POR
Full match recap and live blog
- Follow live: Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia (CBS Sports)
Iran 0 – 1 Spain
At the start of the match, Iran was one point behind first-place Portugal in Group B. A draw vs. Spain meant Iran would pull even with four points; a win meant sole possession of first place and a guaranteed ticket to the knockout stage. Spain had other plans, as they needed a win to stay have the best chance of advancing.
After a scoreless first half, Atlético Madrid striker David Costa got the Spaniards on the board in the 54th minute. With a quick turn, his shot ricocheted off two defenders and ended up in the corner of the net.
Not resting on their laurels, Iran came back and scored off a set piece in the 61st minute. But that goal was called back on the offside.
Iran had plenty more chances and some scrappy defense prevented Spain from scoring more. Even with four additional minutes of stoppage time, they couldn't find a goal for themselves.
Mathematically, Iran is not out. This group will come down to the last matches and possibly goal differential. But they need to win against Portugal and Spain to lose or draw to have a chance.
Goals
- 4' - Diego Costa (ESP)
Cards
- 78' - Vahid Amiri (IRN)
Full match recaps and live blog
- Follow live: Iran vs. Spain (CBS Sports)
Download a printable World Cup bracket
CBS Sports has created a downloadable World Cup bracket for you to follow along every World Cup match. The bracket contains all teams within all eight groups and how they place into the round of 16 in the knockout stage.
