World Cup 2018 – LIVE: Latest news from Portugal and Spain VAR controversy, plus Nigeria vs Argentina and Lionel Messi updates, predictions, schedule and more
All the latest World Cup news from day 13 in Russia
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What a controversial day Monday proved to be! Both Spain and Portugal made it to the last-16 as expected, but the way they did it was not in the script at all. At one stage Portugal were at risk of being knocked out of the World Cup if Iran had found another goal – following a controversial penalty in their favour – while Cristiano Ronaldo was lucky not to see red for what appeared to be a swinging elbow. Then Spain upped the VAR controversy against Morocco when Iago Aspas’ equaliser was initially ruled out before being overturned.
With all that in mind, today’s action could be even more frantic. Argentina face crunch time as they must beat Nigeria – and handsomely – to avoid going home early from the World Cup. They also need Croatia to do them a favour and beat Iceland, or else Lionel Messi’s last chance to win the World Cup will be over. Those are the late games, with France set to take on Denmark in the earlier kick-offs and Australia needing a big victory over Peru to stand any chance of progressing.
We will have all the latest news, views, pictures and video direct from Russia throughout the day as we pick up the pace at the biggest football tournament in the world.
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So, the first half of Day 13 is coming to a close and what have we learnt?
Well, France and Denmark have progressed from Group C but you wouldn't know it from the reception in the crowd with a huge chorus of boos due to both sides playing out a turgid 0-0 draw.
Meanwhile, with Australia needing to beat Peru in the final game, they couldn't produce any magic, and ended up finishing bottom following the 2-0 defeat.
As a positive, at least Tim Cahill made an appearance to become the first Australian to feature in four World Cups for the Socceroos.
In other news, Lukaku missed training for Belgium today leading to doubts that he may not feature in their final Group G clash against England.
Hopefully there'll be slightly more entertainment in store this evening as Iceland, Argentina and Nigeria play for second place in Group D with Croatia taking first place.
Progress is in Nigeria's hands and if they beat Argentina they will be through to the second round, but, if they slip up, Iceland will be doing all they can to defeat the group leaders, Croatia.
It's all set up to be a fascinating evening of football.
Join us later and follow all the action live here at the Independent:
↵For more on the Australia-Peru clash including match ratings and review check this out:
Jake Josling also took a closer look at Mile Jedinak's performance during the Peru clash to see if he could impress and navigate a move away from cash-strapped Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, if for some reason you want to relive that Denmark-France clash, you can read Miguel Delaney's piece on the unforgettable clash.
I can tell you, it's an entertaining read, at least.
And for a little bit more information on France's disappointing display, there was one notable omission - that of Paul Pogba who has been their most influential player so far this tournament.
Here is Luke Brown's discussion of the Manchester United player's importance to this France squad:
For now though, I'll leave you with this.
We understand your pain, Gary.
We really do.
Today's World Cup action isn't over just yet, oh no. It's a properly big one this evening.
We're building up to Argentina's date with destiny in St Petersburg. It's win or go home for Lionel Messi's men - and they still might go home anyway.
You can follow that one throughout the evening in the live blog below.
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