We’re now almost a week into the World Cup in Qatar and every team taking part has played at least once, giving fans an idea of who is going to progress to the next stage and who is among the favourites as we head towards the knockout stages.
Spain have been the most impressive side so far, hammering Costa Rica 7-0 on Wednesday. France, too, were in ominous form against Australia, racking up a 4-1 win after an early scare which saw them fall behind. Brazil looked good at times in their 2-0 over Serbia, while England put on a fine attacking display in a 6-2 victory over Iran, a result made to look even more impressive given Iran’s subsequent 2-0 win over Wales.
Rob Page’s men need a minor miracle to make it to the last-16 : they need to beat England and hope other results in Group B go their way in order to stay in the tournament beyond next Tuesday night. Group B is not the only group with plenty of possible scenarios, however, as shock defeats for Argentina and Germany in their opening fixtures against Saudi Arabia and Japan respectively have left things wide open in Groups C and E.
Read more: Wales player ratings v Iran as Ramsey endures nightmare and Gareth Bale quiet
We should have a better idea of who is going to progress to the first knockout round after everyone has played their second fixtures, before the third and final round of group games take place across next week, concluding on Friday, December 2
Last-16 World Cup dates and who's likely to be involved:
Below is a breakdown of when and where the last-16 fixtures take place, and which teams are likely to be involved, along with UK kick-off times:
Saturday, December 3:
Group A winner v Group B runners-up , 3pm, Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan.
The winners of Group A are likely to be the Netherlands, although Ecuador and Senegal are still in with a shot of topping the group. Group B’s runners-up are likely to be one of Iran, USA or Wales.
Group C winner v Group D runners-up , 7pm, Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan.
Group C is really up for grabs after Argentina’s shock opening defeat and Poland and Mexico’s draw, so it could be any of those sides or Saudi Arabia. The runners-up of Group D are expected to be Denmark, although Tunisia and Australia will fancy their chances.
Sunday, December 4:
Group D winners v Group C runners-up , 3pm, Al Thumama Stadium, Doha.
The winners of Group D are likely to be France. Group C is still wide open.
Group B winners v Group A runners-up , 7pm, Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor.
England are likely to win Group B, while the second-placed team in Group A is likely to be Ecuador or Senegal, with Qatar as good as out after two games.
Monday, December 5:
Group E winners v Group F runners-up , 3pm, Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah.
The way Spain have started, they will be hot favourites to win Group E, while Croatia, Morocco and Canada still have a chance of qualifying in second place in Group F behind leaders Belgium.
Group G winners v Group H runners-up , 7pm, Stadium 974, Doha.
It’s widely expected that Brazil will walk Group G, and they should come up against one of South Korea, Uruguay or Ghana in the next stage.
Tuesday, December 6:
Group F winners v Group E runners-up , 3pm, Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan.
Belgium, despite an uninspiring start against Canada, are clear favourites to win Group F, while Group E’s runners-up are expected to be either Germany or Japan.
Group H winner v Group G runners-up , 7pm, Lusail Iconic Stadium.
Portugal started their tournament with a closely-fought victory against Ghana, but with the talent at their disposal they will hope to qualify in first place from Group H. Switzerland will hope to have enough to finish in second place in Group G behind Brazil.
Read next:
- Mark Drakeford branded 'nitwit' as English pundits revels in Wales misery
- Jubilant Iran fan sticks the boot into Wales and asks 'Where is Bale?'
- Wales fan's brutal one-word response to Sky reporter after match
- Gareth Bale conducts crestfallen interview following Wales' defeat to Iran
- What happens if World Cup groups and teams finish level on points?
