Did we expect Russia to do what they did in the first two games? How about Germany and Argentina stinking up their groups. Some of the worlds best sides were facing elimination, while other smaller nations were beginning to dream.
Day One:
The first set of games saw Russia take on Uruguay, with both sides already heading through. The only question was who was to finish top and who would have to settle for second. A sending off for Russia late in the first half wouldn't make their job easier, although they were already 2-0 down at the time.
Eventually winning 3-0 Uruguay would progress top of Group A with Russia second. They wouldn't have to wait too long with Group B being wrapped up only a few hours later. Finishing off Group A was another goal, and defeat for Mo Salah and a very disappointing Egyptian side.
Group B should have been a case of Portugal and Spain putting up cricket scores after their initial meeting. The reality was very different with Iran still in with a shot if they were to beat Portugal. That fixture would finish a tie, with Iran scoring a late penalty.
It was in fact the other game, between Spain and Morocco, which generated interest. With Iran being defeated up until that late penalty, Spain found themselves behind with minutes left. A stoppage time Aspas goal brought the scores level, and secured the top spot.
With those results in Portugal would face Uruguay on Saturday while Spain take on Russia twenty four hours later.
Day Two:
Some Federations will go away from the World Cup after being eliminated. Australia is just an example. Eliminated with only 1pt and below Peru in Group C. Two Peru goals saw the Aussies head back home with tails between their legs.
As in Group A though, neither of these two had a real chance of qualifying. Denmark and France played out a dull 0-0 to finish second and first with their opposition for the last sixteen being sorted out on the same day.
Croatia had already secured progression, and pretty much top spot before a ball was kicked in this last game. Not holding back against Iceland it was another victory for Croatia, and the first team to progress with a 100% record.
Argentina were moments from being eliminated themselves, and being the biggest disappointment of the tournament so far. A late Marcus Rojo strike saw Argentina progress in second spot at the expense of the days opposition. Some sides get better as they progress through the tournament, doing just enough to get through the Group stage they turn it up a notch in the knockout rounds.
With the conflict seemingly behind the scenes I am not sure Argentina can pull themselves together for such a turnaround. But stranger things have happened.
Those results see Argentina now taking on France in the first knockout round on Saturday. Meanwhile Croatia take on Denmark in the second game on Sunday.
Day Three:
Brazil made it through top of Group E despite that first tied game against Switzerland. Thanks to the samba boys, Switzerland also made it through. A late goal took 1-1 into a 2-1 victory, and a chance to finish level on points with the side they held on day one.
This World Cup has been one of late strikes and, unfortunately for the Swiss, this game would have two. Costa Rica also got on the score sheet late and, with their first points of the campaign, would go home on a positive.
Also on day three was the conclusion of Group F. And what a conclusion it was too! Heading into the final minutes of each game Germany were tied with South Korea and heading out. Mexico were losing to Sweden with a minus goal difference in the Group.
That meant is Germany would get a late win, it would be the European side to go through and the Mexicans heading home. There would be late goals in that Germany game, but both came from the Koreans. Germany were not only heading home, but heading home bottom of the Group.
In Mexico, fans ran to the South Korean Embassy to shower the Ambassador with tequila's! They, along with Sweden, now go through with the Germans left with nothing but questions and, no doubt, an inquiry.
It will get tougher for the Mexicans though. Next up for them is Brazil next Monday and El Tri will have to be at their best to stop Neymar and co. In the other tie, taking place a day later, it's going to be Sweden against Switzerland.
Day Four:
Final day of the Group stage started with a dull game between the two already qualified sides in Group G, Belgium and England. With both sides playing their second string it was more like a friendly. The Belgium side got the win through a great strike from Adnan Januzaj and would secure top spot.
Gareth Southgate's England side would have to settle for second place, and the avoidance of some big names. Meanwhile Tunisia and Paraguay battled it out for pride, Tunisia coming from behind to get their first points of the tournament.
In the final group we saw a harsh elimination. Poland were already out but salvaged a little pride with a 1-0 win against Japan. Colombia would also beat Senegal to claim top spot with six points.
The harshness came with Senegal and Japan, who were both on four points. Both sides had the same goal difference and scored the same amount of goals. The rules stated that in this case the team with least disciplinary issues would progress and so, with less yellow cards, Japan went through, Senegal would head home.
That means Belgium face Japan on Monday while England start their knockout campaign against Colombia. This is where the tournament gets serious. Mistakes or poor performances could see you go home. Here's how they line up:
Saturday:
France v Argentina
Uruguay v Portugal
Sunday:
Spain v Russia
Croatia v Denmark
Monday:
Brazil v Mexico
Belgium v Japan
Tuesday:
Sweden v Switzerland
Colombia v England
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