Who needs what? All the permutations for the final World Cup group games
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The last round of group games are here with the stakes being raised just a little bit higher.
Fans, managers and players will all be racking their brains to see what result suits them best.
We look at which teams are still in the running and what they’ll need to secure their spot in the last sixteen.
Group A
Saudi Arabia v Egypt is now a dead rubber.
So going into the last round of fixtures tonight, there’s a two-team shoot-out for top spot.
Uruguay who have edged both of their opening games 1-0, need a similar result to see them top the group.
A draw would see Russia go through as group winners on goals scored. The hosts have netted eight already and only conceded one.
Whoever does come out on top will play the runners-up from Group B.
Group B
Spain will reach the last-sixteen if they beat already eliminated Morocco.
La Roja sit joint-top with Portugal. But are leading the way on fair play rulings.
They may need to match or beat Portugal’s result against Iran.
All eyes will be on Saransk. Iran are sitting on three points and could have easily have drawn against Spain last time out.
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz is facing his countrymen knowing a win would not only send his side through but knock Portugal out.
Spain may only have to draw their match but Iran and Portugal will be going all out for the win.
The group winner will play either Uruguay or Russia on July 1st.
Group C
This is where things get a little more complicated.
Australia face Peru in Sochi. The Socceroos must win to have any chance of qualification.
This may play into their hands as only one result will do! They will have to run up a big score though with their inferior goal difference to Denmark.
Nonetheless, it may all be in vein if France and the Danes play out a draw.
France have already qualified, winning both of their opening games. But Denmark will leapfrog them with a win.
It’s likely Les Bleus won’t want over-exert themselves with qualification already confirmed. However the Danish may come on strong if they get wind of the Australian’s score.
Group D
All is still up for grabs in Group D in the last round of fixtures.
Argentina are on the brink of elimination having failed to win so far.
They take on Nigeria who currently sit second in the group.
La Albiceleste must win against the Super Eagles to put themselves back in the race.
Iceland got what looked like a massive point against Argentina in the first game. But the loss to Nigeria means they have to beat Croatia or they are out of the competition.
The Croat’s have impressed so far and notched five goals in two games without response.
A win or draw against Iceland would ensure they finish the group top and will probably play Denmark or Australia in the second round.
Group E
Costa Rica couldn’t replicate their form from 2014 and have already been dumped out.
Brazil and Switzerland lead the way with four-points apiece.
The Swiss’ late goal against Serbia means they’ve a supposed easier task as a win against Costa Rica could see them top the group.
The big game will be in Moscow on Wednesday though. For Serbia, only a win will do against Brazil.
Brazil will only need a point to qualify. However, with the Swiss expected to beat Costa Rica, then they will need to match the score-line to finish first.
The winner of the group will play the runner-up of Group F. This will be one of Mexico, Germany or Sweden.
Group F
Mexico are in pole position with a point against Sweden enough to qualify.
However, with their last-gasp loss to Germany, Sweden will have to go all out for the win to avoid potential elimination.
Sweden could settle for a draw. But that’s only good enough if South Korea beat the defending champions Germany.
Die Mannschaft left it late but Toni Kroos’ 95th minute winner has thrust them back into the running.
A win against already eliminated Korea will definitely see them through. But as long as they match Sweden’s score then they will advance courtesy of their 2-1 win against them.
The winners of the group will play either Brazil, Serbia or Switzerland.
Group G
England and Belgium are through. They meet each other in Kaliningrad to settle top spot.
A draw between the two sides would see things decided by disciplinary points. This is currently being won by the Three Lions.
Panama and Tunisia are already out.
The winner of the group will play one of Japan, Senegal or Colombia from Group H.
Group H
Perhaps the most competitive of all the World Cup groups has naturally gone down to the last game.
Poland have surprisingly been knocked out. They’ve lost both games and have nothing to play for.
This means it will be two from three. Japan will get through with a draw. But they can win the group if they match or better the Senegal v Colombia game.
A draw will be enough for Senegal and could be enough for Colombia if Japan lose to Poland.
The winners of this group will face either England or Belgium in the last-sixteen.
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