It seems like yesterday that the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off in Russia and the group stages began and now we are talking about the last 16.
Today we are approaching the end of the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. There are still places to be decided for the round of 16, in Groups G and H, which makes the final round of games extra-exciting.
If you are still confused about the flags, check this out.
28 June 2018
As I write this before kick-off today on 28 June, Japan will progress if they get at least a draw against eliminated Poland. Colombia and Senegal face each other. A draw in that game will be enough for Senegal to progress. A draw might also be enough for Colombia to progress, but they would be relying on Poland beating Japan at the same time.
This is also the only group in which a European team will not qualify for the knockout round. In fact, the non-European winner of Group H will go into the ‘easier’ half of the group, in which every other team is European: Spain v Russia, Croatia v Denmark, Sweden v Switzerland, Group H winner v Belgium/England.
England vs Belgium
In the England versus Belgium match in Kaliningrad, the two teams battle it out, head to head, for second spot in their group as they would gain a considerably more favourable draw heading into the World Cup knockout stages.
Both sides – packed with Premier League talent – have sailed through Group G, winning their two games and are now in the curious situation of weighing up whether they even want to top the section. There has even been some talk that England might have an easier route at the World Cup if they lose in Kaliningrad.
It’s the final day of the group stages!
Here’s the plan…#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/SMK8UO6njP
— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 28, 2018
Senegal vs Colombia
As loyal African supporters we are keeping a close eye on the Senegal vs Colombia game, one of the early games today at the Samara Arena, which has a capacity of more than 44,000.
After picking up four points in their first two Group H games, as many as the rest of the four African teams combined, a draw would be enough for the Lions of Teranga to reach the next round, while Colombia need a win to secure qualification.
Japan, on four points alongside Senegal, takes on Poland in Volgograd,
Friday is a rest day in Russia. The Round of 16 matches start Saturday, with France taking on Argentina in Kazan and Uruguay facing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Sochi.
Which teams are out of the 2018 World Cup?
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Iran, Australia, Peru, Nigeria, Iceland, Costa Rica, Serbia, Panama, Tunisia, Poland, South Korea and Germany.
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