2018 World Cup action continued, in Russia, June 23, 2018, with Group F and Group G play. Germany saved their tournament chances, dramatically, in the 95th minute when Toni Kroos booted a pass from a free kick into the upper right-hand corner of the net to win the game, for the defending champion, 2-1. Sweden was sent to heart-breaking loss, although their chances for the Knockout Stage remain strong with a showdown coming next week against Group F leader Mexico. Both Germany and Sweden have three points in the standings, an even goal differential, and trail Mexico who has six points in the standings and a plus-two goal differential.

Mexico clinched a Round of 16 appearance and the match with Sweden June 27, 2018, 10 AM EST, offers intrigue. Sweden will be considering goal differential, meaning they’ll be trying to score a lot of goals, not only to win the match but also to break a potential tie in Group F standings with Germany. The newly revived Germans will be facing South Korea in the final round of Group Stage play, and the Group F games will coincide next week.

Belgium secures Knockout Stage appearance

Meanwhile, in Group G action, Belgium defeated Tunisia 5-2 in the highest-scoring game of the 2018 World Cup. A total of seven goals were scored, two of them by sensation Romelu Lukaku, giving him four for the tournament and tying him with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most goals by a single player in the tournament to this point.

Belgium commands Group G with six points and plus-six goal differential, the second-best goal differential in the tournament behind Russia’s plus-seven differential.

Nigeria’s 2-0 win resuscitates Argentina’s hopes

Nigeria defeated Iceland 2-0 behind two Ahmed Musa goals in the 49th minute and 75th minute, securing second place with three points in the standings in Group D.

Croatia, powered their 3-0 dismantling of Argentina, leads the group with six points and plus-five goal differential. While Argentina is last in Group D standings, Lionel Messi’s squad somewhat control their destiny as they face Nigeria in the final round of Group Stage action June 26, 2018. A win for Argentina coupled with a loss by Iceland to a dominating Croatia team will secure Argentina’s advancement to the Knockout Stage.

Brazil and Switzerland take control of Group E

Brazil’s 2-0 win over Costa Rica was a sigh of relief for Neymar and the second-ranked team in the world. The game remained tied 0-0 for 90 minutes with Costa Rica looking to take a precious point when Phillipe Coutinho struck with his second goal of the World Cup, giving Brazil a 1-0 lead. Neymar would score from close range in the 97th minute to seal the 2-0 win. Switzerland, facing Group E leader Serbia, fell into an early hole 1-0 when Aleksandar Mitrovic scored in the 5th minute. The sixth-ranked Swiss equalized in the 52nd minute and would win dramatically in the 90th minute on Xherdan Shaqiri’s goal after he broke through behind the Serbian defense. Both Brazil and Switzerland control their destiny when Group E action continues June 27, 2018.
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