2018 World Cup Group Stage Rundown: Group B

Though the final standings of Group B were no surprise, achieving the group positions were much more dramatic than anticipated. Thus the saying, “Anything can happen at the World Cup,” lives within Group B.

Spain finished in first place after narrowly pulling off a 2-2 draw against Morocco, who finished in last place with no points.

Portugal finished second and Iran finished third, following their dramatic 1-1 draw, in which Portugal were almost eliminated.

Spain’s opening match against Portugal epitomized the intensity and excitement one experiences watching The Beautiful Game. They went back and forth, Diego Costa scoring a brace and Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a hattrick — the last of his goals in the game was a free kick that could be up for best goal at the 2018 FIFA World Cup — eventually leaving the game at a 3-3.

Their games against Iran (1-0 in Spain’s favor) and Morocco (2-2) were less than impressive, barely managing to get a positive result against the smaller nations. Iran and Morocco played with heart and passion and almost pulled out the upset over the 2010 champions.

Isco and Diego Costa shined in the group stage, scoring goals and creating multiple chances. The Spaniards are determined to undo their 2014 group stage blunder and bring home another Jules Rimet trophy.

Current European champs Portugal (also eliminated in the group stages in 2014) are out to prove their championship worthiness.

An impressive showing from Cristiano Ronaldo in the group stage puts him high up on the Golden Boot contender list, with four goals. With his hat trick against Spain, he became the oldest player to score three goals in a World Cup match at 33 years and 130 days old.

However, even if they are in the Round of 16, Portugal will need to improve defensively. They were lucky enough to have even left the group stage.

Though Ronaldo may take most, if not all, credit of Portugal’s glory, it is no doubt that this Portugal side is one to fear.

They may not have advanced, but the Iranians captured the hearts of millions of football fans.

Their sheer determination was just enthralling to watch. They didn’t let critics determine their level of play. With high pressure and strong defense, the Iranians put on a show against each opponent.

Undoubtedly, the game against Portugal was one of the most dramatic of this tournament. Iran’s goalkeeper, Alirez Beiranvand, stopped a Ronaldo penalty kick, a feat many goalkeepers haven’t achieved.

It was heartbreaking to see Iran tie the match up in stoppage time and just barely miss in the last play of the match. Had the ball went in, Iran would have knocked the Portuguese out and we would have been looking at a dark horse in the Round of 16. Sadly, that wasn’t the case.

Still, the Iranians return home as heroes.

Morocco’s tournament went downhill following Aziz Bouhaddouz’ stoppage time own goal, which he will surely have nightmares about.

Their first World Cup appearance since 1998, the Atlas Lions were the first team to be eliminated, after their 1-0 loss to Portugal.

It was quite sad in all honesty. Morocco dominated each game in ther group stage matches. Yet, strong possession of the ball and multiple chances don’t win games. Goals win the games and the North Africans lacked a reliable goalscorer.

They did go home on a semi-high note, drawing 2-2 with group winners, Spain. A victory would have been preferred though and it is hard to disagree that they deserved much more.

Portugal play Uruguay on Saturday, June 30 at 1:00 PM.

Spain will face off against Russia on Sunday, July 1 at 9:00 AM.