Nigeria’s players take part in a training session at the Kaliningrad Stadium in Kaliningrad on June 15, 2018, during the Russia 2018 World Cup football tournament. OZAN KOSE / AFP
The 2018 edition of the FIFA World Cup is here. Welcome to our daily updates of the world’s biggest football competition.
June 16, 2018.
It’s the third day of exciting games at the global football tournament. Four matches featuring two groups will be played today.
The first match is between France and Australia by 11:00 am Nigerian time while Peru will take on Denmark by 5:00 pm at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk in Group C.
The opening game In Group D is between Argentina and Iceland at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow at 2:00 pm, after which the Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on Croatia at 8:00 pm at the Kaliningrad Stadium in Kaliningrad.
Starting line-ups for the World Cup Group C opening game between France and Australia at the Kazan Arena on Saturday (1000 GMT kick-off):
France (4-3-3)
Hugo Lloris (capt); Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Hernandez; Corentin Tolisso, N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba; Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe
Coach: Didier Deschamps (FRA)
France’s forward Ousmane Dembele (L), forward Kylian Mbappe (C) and midfielder Steven N’Zonzi (R) attend a training session at the Kazan Arena in Kazan on June 15, 2018, a day ahead of their Russia World Cup 2018 Group C football match against Australia. FRANCK FIFE / AFP
Australia (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Bert van Marwijk (NED)
Mathew Ryan; Josh Risdon, Trent Sainsbury, Mark Milligan, Aziz Behich; Aaron Mooy, Mile Jedinak (capt); Robbie Kruse, Tom Rogic, Mathew Leckie; Andrew Nabbout
Referee: Andres Cunha (URU)
June 15, 2018
Thank you for following our updates for Friday. Join us again on Saturday for more stories and updates from the World Cup as the competition unfolds.
9:00 pm: Here is how things stand in Group A and B after the first four games of the World Cup. (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points):
Group A
Russia 1 1 0 0 5 0 3
Uruguay 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Egypt 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
Saudi Arabia 1 0 0 1 0 5 0
Group B
Iran 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Portugal 1 0 1 0 3 3 1
Spain 1 0 1 0 3 3 1
Morocco 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
96′: That is it. The referee brings the game to an end. Both side had several chances and the six goals scored show that they took some of the chances but that wasn’t enough to claim all three points.
90′: There will be four minutes of added time.
88′: Gooooooaal! Hat Trick. Ronaldo creates a goal from a free kick. Some would have been forgiven for thinking Spain had all the points in the bag. But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is not having that.
33y 130d – Cristiano Ronaldo is the oldest ever player to score a World Cup hat-trick. History. #PORESP #POR #ESP #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/iV00RitrmU
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 15, 2018
80′: Portugal have been unable to react to Spain’s lead and are gradually fading out of the game with Fernando Hierro’s men now bossing possession. Portugal, 38%; Spain, 62%.
58′: Gooooooooal! Spain has taken the lead with a great goal. Nacho Fernandez who has been shaky in defence compensates in attack with a great volleyed goal. Spain take the lead after going behind twice.
55′: Goooooaaaaal! Costa has hit the back of the net again. 2-2, game on.
Costa grabs his second goal of the game. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD /
8:02: The game is back underway.
Meanwhile, here is what Ronaldo’s heroics so far mean.
8 – Cristiano Ronaldo is the first player in history to score in eight consecutive major tournaments (World Cup, European Championships, Copa America). Legend. #PORESP #POR #WorldCup
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 15, 2018
4 – Cristiano Ronaldo is the fourth player to score in four separate World Cup tournaments (also Pelé, Miroslav Klose and Uwe Seeler). Greats. #PORESP #POR #ESP #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/9xi1WDlGYh
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 15, 2018
HT:
7:44: Gooooal! Ronaldo again. The Real Madrid forward ensures his side goes into the break with the lead.
Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the second goal during the match.Jonathan NACKSTRAND / AFP
7:28 pm: Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes picks the second yellow card of the game for tripping Nacho Fernandez.
7:26 pm: Almost! The crossbar denies Isco what would have been a great volleyed goal. Portugal would be thankful for that.
7:24 pm: Goooooal! Diego Costa levels the scores for Spain after a fantastic display of individual skills to dribble past some defenders.
Spain’s forward Diego Costa (2R) celebrates his goal with teammates.Nelson Almeida / AFP
7:20 pm: Spain have reacted well after going behind and is in control of possession but Portugal is not far behind. Portugal, 48%; Spain, 52%.
7:17 pm: Spain’s Sergio Busquet becomes the first player to be booked for his rough foul on Goncalo Guedes.
7:04 pm: Gooooal! It’s Cristiano Ronaldo. Great start for Portugal. Nacho trips Ronaldo three minutes in. And Portugal’s greatest goal score makes no mistake from the spot. 1-0 to Portugal.
Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) celebrates his first goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Portugal and Spain at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on June 15, 2018.PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU / AFP
7:00 pm: Portugal and Spain kick off their much-anticipated game. Cristiano Ronaldo will be hoping that his side will be able to benefit from the controversy that hit the Spain camp with the decision of the Spanish FA to fire coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup.
6:50 pm: Costa, Nacho start for Spain against Portugal on Hierro debut
Diego Costa starts in attack and Nacho at right-back in new Spain coach Fernando Hierro’s starting line-up for Friday’s World Cup Group B showdown with neighbours Portugal in Sochi.
The team is that which would likely have started under Julen Lopetegui, had he not been sensationally sacked on Wednesday following the announcement that he would be joining Real Madrid after the tournament.
Line-ups:
Portugal (4-2-3-1)
Rui Patricio; Cedric Soares, Pepe, Jose Fonte, Raphael Guerreiro; Joao Moutinho, William Carvalho; Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Goncalo Guedes; Cristiano Ronaldo (capt)
Coach: Fernando Santos (POR)
Spain (4-2-3-1)
David De Gea; Nacho, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos (capt), Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Koke; David Silva, Isco, Andres Iniesta; Diego Costa
Coach: Fernando Hierro (ESP)
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi (ITA)
READ ALSO: Iran Grab Late World Cup Victory Over Morocco
06:00 pm: The referee blows the final whistle. The scoreline is one – nil in favour of Iran.
Morocco’s midfielder Hakim Ziyech (R) and Iran’s midfielder Ehsan Haji Safi (C) vie during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Morocco and Iran at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on June 15, 2018. Paul ELLIS / AFP
05:58 pm: GOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLL.
Aziz Bouhaddouz sends the ball into his team’s net. Iran have taken the lead.
05:39 pm: Iran captain Masoud Shojaei hands over his band to a fellow team-mate before leaving the field.
He’s being replaced by Mehdi Taremi in a tactical substitution.
05:16 pm: The referee paused the game after sighting a player lying on the pitch.
Omid Ebrahimi from Iran was injured and taken off the field to receive medical treatment. The match continued after a few minutes.
05:08 pm: Second half is underway.
The referee whistles a free kick after Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech tripped Ehsan Haji Safi.
04:48 pm: The referee blows the half-time whistle. The scoreline is 0-0.
04:38 pm: Morocco lost a chance Hakim Ziyech crossed the ball, but his team-mate arrived a bit late.
Iran’s Alireza Beiranvand rushed out and claimed the ball.
Iran’s goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand (C) deflects the ball during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Morocco and Iran at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on June 15, 2018. GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP
04:21 pm: The ball possession is Morocco 73% – Iran 27%.
However, Iran begin a counter-attack; Karim Ansarifard passes the ball in the box but it was intercepted by a Moroccan player.
Iran have got the tactics to win the lot #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/J7c6Lf8eqE
— Aidan Thurston (@AidanThurston20) June 15, 2018
04:02 pm: Match commences and the game is underway
The referee is Cuneyt Cakir from Turkey.
03:55 pm: The first Group B match between Morocco and Iran to kick off in a bit.
Morocco fans cheer before the start of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Morocco and Iran at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on June 15, 2018. CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP
Reacting to the match, Egypt coach Hector Cuper said Mohamed Salah was kept on the bench because the team did not want to risk further injury to the Liverpool star.
Salah, who turned 26 on Friday, injured his shoulder three weeks ago in Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid. READ MORE.
Egypt’s coach Hector Raul Cuper gestures on the touchline during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group A football match between Egypt and Uruguay at the Ekaterinburg Arena in Ekaterinburg on June 15, 2018. Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP
Egypt lost with pride 👏 good job #EGYURU
— Rolz🇵🇸 (@Rolz99) June 15, 2018
In football you can fight for 88 minutes but lose in one minute (#89th minute) #EGYURU
— Suna (@JahSuna) June 15, 2018
So sorry for Egypt…i so much wish the match ended in a draw…#FifaWorldCup2018 #EGYURU
— Davincydacode (@Ademilola4) June 15, 2018
Read Full Story: Uruguay Strike Late To Beat Egypt
2: 57 pm: The referee blows the final whistle and the match is over.
It was a tough match between both teams but Uruguay managed to carve out the victory.
2:48 pm: Gooaaaalllllllllllll.
Uruguay’s Carlos Sanchez provided the assist while Jose Gimenez scores with a header.
2:40 pm: Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani connects well on the volley but Mohamed El Shenawi makes a great save and the ball goes behind for a corner kick.
Egypt’s goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy (L) shields the ball on the ground as Uruguay’s forward Edinson Cavani (R) walks away during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group A football match between Egypt and Uruguay at the Ekaterinburg Arena in Ekaterinburg on June 15, 2018. HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP
Egpyt have shown in the first half that they’re still a good team without Salah. They’re defending well and the midfield are playing well but problem is they have no fire power upfront. Leaving Hassan out was a big mistake too. If Salah was playing Egypt would be leading. #EGYURU
— Jack (@JackBryantt) June 15, 2018
This Egypt side is looking spicy ya know, and that’s without Salah. Hoping they do bits this wc. #EGY #EGYURU #bbcworldcup
— James Wales (@JWalie11) June 15, 2018
Waiting for Salah like #EGYURU pic.twitter.com/6DTrujI38W
— Martı Jonathan Official (@OnlyMartiBaby) June 15, 2018
2:33 pm: Luis Suarez gets a chance as he finds himself in a one-on-one situation with the Egyptian keeper but Mohamed El Shenawi rushes out to claim the ball.
2:11 pm: Trezeguet from Egypt passes the ball in the box but it was intercepted by an opponent player.
It’s a throw-in in favour of the African team.
2:05 pm: Second half is underway.
Godin is the only Uruguay player that seems to be up for this game. Its been a surprisingly poor first half from them. Egypt look well organised defensively, just lacking a threat going forward without Salah. Hopefully the second half will be much more entertaining… #EGYURU
— Mark Jackson (@MarkJackson_916) June 15, 2018
1: 47 pm: Referee blows the half-time whistle.
The first half ended with Egypt 43% – Uruguay 57% possession.
1:25 pm: The ball possession is Egypt 46% – Uruguay 54%.
A cross from Nahitan Nandez of Uruguay is blocked by an opponent as he tries to pick out a team-mate in the position.
1:03 pm: Uruguay’s Luis Suarez sees his pass blocked by an Egyptian while the African team a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in their own half of the field.
Egypt’s midfielder Amr Warda (R) is challenged by Uruguay’s midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur (L) during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group A football match between Egypt and Uruguay at the Ekaterinburg Arena in Ekaterinburg on June 15, 2018. JORGE GUERRERO / AFP
1:00 pm : The match between Egypt and Uruguay kicked off.
Netherlands’ Bjorn Kuipers is the referee.
The intriguing performances continue in the second day of the 2018 World Cup with three matches featuring two African countries among others after the host nation, Russia routed Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening game.
Egypt will take on Uruguay in the second Group A match by 1:00 pm Nigerian time at the Ekaterinburg Arena.
In Group B, Morocco will play Iran at the Saint Petersburg Stadium at 4:00 pm local time, while Portugal will contend with their European counterparts Spain three hours later at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi.
Meanwhile, Luis Suarez will be chasing redemption when Uruguay face Egypt in his first World Cup appearance since being thrown out of the tournament in 2014 for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini.
Uruguay’s forward Luis Suarez smiles as he takes part in a training session at Ekaterinburg Stadium in Ekaterinburg on June 14, 2018, a day ahead of the team’s Russia 2018 World Cup Group A opening football match against Egypt. JORGE GUERRERO / AFP
The controversial Barcelona striker, 31, was described on the eve of their first game in Russia as “more mature” by Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez. READ MORE.
Russia 2018: Full Group Stage Fixtures
Lionel Messi’s Argentina aim to put a shambolic World Cup build-up behind them and make a statement in their opening match against tournament debutants Iceland on Saturday.
Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi (front R) talks with midfielder Cristian Pavon (C) as they warm up during a training session at the team’s base camp in Bronnitsy, near Moscow, on June 15, 2018, on the eve of their Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match against Iceland. JUAN MABROMATA / AFP
The two-time champions arrived in Russia dogged by poor form, injuries and controversy.
But Messi is a man on a mission as he chases his first World Cup winner’s medal and will not tolerate complacency against the minnows at Moscow’s Spartak stadium. READ MORE.
Elsewhere, Spain were one of the favourites when they arrived in Russia after a two-year unbeaten run under Lopetegui.
The squad is, however, reeling after Wednesday’s snap decision by the Spanish football federation to dump Lopetegui after it was announced he would be joining Real Madrid following the tournament.
Former Real stalwart Fernando Hierro has been thrown into the deep end as head coach, with little coaching experience and huge pressure on his shoulders. READ MORE.
June 14, 2018
Thank you for your time and join us tomorrow for Friday’s updates.
World Cup Live: Nigeria Target All Three Points Against Croatia As France Battle Australia
