2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ - News - Saint Petersburg's story so far
2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ - News - Saint Petersburg's story so far
As 12 stadiums has slimmed down to its final two, even though the most important action is still to come, the Saint Petersburg Stadium has already enjoyed its fair share of excitement and drama.
With France and Belgium the next pair of sides to step out at the 64,000-seater arena, we take a look back on what pieces of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ history have unfolded on its pitch so far.
Morocco 0-1 IR Iran
Friday 15 June
The trend for late goals, started a couple of hours earlier in Ekaterinburg, continued in gut-wrenching style for the North Africans, who had impressed early on. Morocco’s reunion with the World Cup after 20 years apart was soured when substitute Aziz Bouhaddouz began another Russia 2018 trend – by netting an own goal.
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Monir El Kajoui of Morocco looks dejected after conceeding during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Karim Ansarifard of Iran celebrates victory after the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Younes Belhanda of Morocco looks dejected during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Patrick Smith – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Carlos Queiroz, Head coach of Iran issues intructions to Karim Ansarifard during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Sardar Azmoun of Iran looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Karim Ansarifard of Iran reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Manuel Da Costa of Morocco is fouled by Ramin Rezaeian of Iran during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: General view inside the stadium during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Herve Renard, Head coach of Morocco reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Sardar Azmoun of Iran and Noureddine Amrabat of Morocco race to the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Sardar Azmoun of Iran sees his shot deflected by Yassine Bounou of Morocco during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Sardar Azmoun of Iran run off the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Ehsan Haji Safi of Iran is tackled by Noureddine Amrabat of Morocco during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Mehdi Benatia of Morocco battles for possession with Sardar Azmoun of Iran during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Carlos Queiroz, Head coach of Iran greets Herve Renard, Head coach of Morocco prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: General view inside the stadium as the teams perform their national anthems prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Herve Renard, Head coach of Morocco and his backroom staff sign the national anthem prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Masoud Shojaei of Iran walks out with his mascot prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: A detailed view of the World Cup logo seen on the back of a match officials boot prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Patrick Smith – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Carlos Queiroz, Head coach of Iran walks out to the pitch ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: General view inside Morocco dressing room prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Patrick Smith – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: An Iran fan looks on prior to during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Patrick Smith – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: General view inside Iran dressing room prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: An Iran fan enjoys the pre match atmosphere prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 15: Morocco fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Russia 3-1 Egypt
Tuesday 19 June
Coming into the game, there were a few questions to answer: would Russia come crashing down after the heady high of the Opening Match? Could Mohamed Salah’s return get Egypt back on track? Unfortunately for the Pharaohs, no proved to be the answer to both, as Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba delighted the packed and partisan crowd.
Brazil 2-0 Costa Rica
Friday 22 June
Having shone, then stuttered and stumbled in their opener, Brazil had something to prove against Costa Rica. Frustratingly for the Seleção and its fans, they did not find the sparkling response they were looking for against a resolute Ticos side. Instead, they had to rely on Philippe Coutinho and Neymar for a stoppage-time rescue.
Nigeria 1-2 Argentina
Tuesday 26 June
As was the case four years ago, the Super Eagles and La Albiceleste served up an entertaining encounter. With Argentina needing a victory, a nervous crowd – dominated by South Americans – were treated to a touch of Lionel Messi magic, before Marcos Rojo earned a dramatic win to send them into the last 16 at Nigeria’s expense.
Sweden 1-0 Switzerland
Tuesday 3 July
It was the chance for both to make history. The Swiss hadn’t been to a quarter-final since 1954, while it was almost a quarter of a century since Sweden had managed it. Neither gave an inch as they sparred for a spot in the last eight, so much so that all that could separate them was Emil Forsberg’s strike, aided by a major deflection.
© Getty Images
World Cup 2018
As 12 stadiums has slimmed down to its final two, even though the most important action is still to come, the Saint Petersburg Stadium has already enjoyed its fair share of excitement and drama.
With France and Belgium the next pair of sides to step out at the 64,000-seater...
As 12 stadiums has slimmed down to its final two, even though the most important action is still to come, the Saint Petersburg Stadium has already enjoyed its fair share of excitement and drama.
With France and Belgium the next pair of sides to step out at the 64,000-seater arena, we take a look back on what pieces of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ history have unfolded on its pitch so far.
Morocco 0-1 IR Iran
Friday 15 June
The trend for late goals, started a couple of hours earlier in Ekaterinburg, continued in gut-wrenching style for the North Africans, who had impressed early on. Morocco's reunion with the World Cup after 20 years apart was soured when substitute Aziz Bouhaddouz began another Russia 2018 trend – by netting an own goal.
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Monir El Kajoui of Morocco looks dejected after conceeding during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Karim Ansarifard of Iran celebrates victory after the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Younes Belhanda of Morocco looks dejected during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Carlos Queiroz, Head coach of Iran issues intructions to Karim Ansarifard during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Sardar Azmoun of Iran looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Karim Ansarifard of Iran reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Manuel Da Costa of Morocco is fouled by Ramin Rezaeian of Iran during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: General view inside the stadium during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Herve Renard, Head coach of Morocco reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Sardar Azmoun of Iran and Noureddine Amrabat of Morocco race to the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Sardar Azmoun of Iran sees his shot deflected by Yassine Bounou of Morocco during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Sardar Azmoun of Iran run off the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Ehsan Haji Safi of Iran is tackled by Noureddine Amrabat of Morocco during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Mehdi Benatia of Morocco battles for possession with Sardar Azmoun of Iran during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Carlos Queiroz, Head coach of Iran greets Herve Renard, Head coach of Morocco prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: General view inside the stadium as the teams perform their national anthems prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Herve Renard, Head coach of Morocco and his backroom staff sign the national anthem prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Masoud Shojaei of Iran walks out with his mascot prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: A detailed view of the World Cup logo seen on the back of a match officials boot prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Carlos Queiroz, Head coach of Iran walks out to the pitch ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: General view inside Morocco dressing room prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: An Iran fan looks on prior to during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: General view inside Iran dressing room prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: An Iran fan enjoys the pre match atmosphere prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Morocco v Iran: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
15 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Morocco fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Russia 3-1 Egypt
Tuesday 19 June
Coming into the game, there were a few questions to answer: would Russia come crashing down after the heady high of the Opening Match? Could Mohamed Salah’s return get Egypt back on track? Unfortunately for the Pharaohs, no proved to be the answer to both, as Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba delighted the packed and partisan crowd.
Brazil 2-0 Costa Rica
Friday 22 June
Having shone, then stuttered and stumbled in their opener, Brazil had something to prove against Costa Rica. Frustratingly for the Seleção and its fans, they did not find the sparkling response they were looking for against a resolute Ticos side. Instead, they had to rely on Philippe Coutinho and Neymar for a stoppage-time rescue.
Nigeria 1-2 Argentina
Tuesday 26 June
As was the case four years ago, the Super Eagles and La Albiceleste served up an entertaining encounter. With Argentina needing a victory, a nervous crowd – dominated by South Americans – were treated to a touch of Lionel Messi magic, before Marcos Rojo earned a dramatic win to send them into the last 16 at Nigeria’s expense.
Sweden 1-0 Switzerland
Tuesday 3 July
It was the chance for both to make history. The Swiss hadn’t been to a quarter-final since 1954, while it was almost a quarter of a century since Sweden had managed it. Neither gave an inch as they sparred for a spot in the last eight, so much so that all that could separate them was Emil Forsberg’s strike, aided by a major deflection.
© Getty Images
publish_date https://img.fifa.com/image/upload/t_s2/su0pdwh3wdmfudnia1no.jpg
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