Spain plays Russia. They also have a most likely (although a ton of uncertainty) path of Russia -> Croatia ->Belgium/England path to the finals. I think they make it.
Portugal might have a tough time with Uruguay though. And if they make it they’ll probably also have to go through France and Brazil. That PK makes a huge difference.
:smack: but that’s what happens when I post half-asleep. :D. In that case, Spain has a chance to fix things but that defense looks like Swiss cheese.
Am I the only one watching Australia and Peru?
As an Aussie fan, I need Australia to win, and France to beat Denmark. France probably aren’t especially motivated, given that they’re already guaranteed a place in the next round, but that’s irrelevant right now anyway, as the Aussies are down 1-0 to a very nice 18th-minute goal by Peru.
Come on Socceroos!
You just don’t get it- Spain is the hipster team in the WC.
“Defending? Pfff! That’s so prosaic! We don’t play ‘matches’ we make artistic performances by fielding ten midfielders.”
So much for that! Peru score another in the first five minutes of the second half.
Adios, Australia!
And it’s over. Well done Peru. Deserved the victory.
I set my alarm for 6.45 to watch this game. Should have stayed in bed!
Hoping for Argentine and Croatian victories later in the day.
Peru with its first World Cup win since 1978!
Peru might have advanced with some better fortune. They lost their first two matches by 1-0 scores. A missed PK in their first match was huge.
I’m glad I did not bother to see France-Denmark and/or Australia-Peru. Now, the other games of today should be interesting!
Blargh, Denmark 0-France 0… that stinks of “non-aggression pact”, for a draw guaranteed both teams a pass to the round of 16.
Of course, with Peru winning against Australia, the final result would have been the same no matter what the result of the France-Denmark match had been. Still… it doesn’t feel “right” :-/
Indeed, the other two matches of today are going to be much more interesting! Everybody has something to lose and they are going to fight hard.
T-20 minutes and let me just say “GANEN O MUERAN” :mad:
(not really, but geeez, talk about underperforming)
Are they preparing the guillotine in Buenos Aires? 
I’m not sure what can be done about such matches. There was absolutely zero motivation to go balls-out for the win. If France pushed it they risked Denmark scoring and beating them to first place. Ditto for Denmark but with the added concern of an Australia victory. I can’t really blame either of them but at least this time round the likelihood of such games seems limited.
Messi scores! Argentina 1 - Nigeria 0. Very beautiful goal, a nice display of speed and control on the part of the Argentine striker.
Bah that makes Icelands task even harder. Come on you ssons of bitches get three against Croatia!
Hands cold, fingers trembling against the keyboard, being so nervous at this stage means your team is not doing so good in the WC…
That makes it easier for Iceland, doesn’t it? If Iceland and Argentina both win 1-0, then Iceland goes through. If Iceland win 1-0 and Argentina draws, then Nigeria goes through.
You are right of course.
PK against Argentina! Mascherano pushed a Nigerian player in the penalty zone. Yellow card & PK.
Moses shoots and scores! Argentina 1 - Nigeria 1.
Argentina must react, and react decisively, if they want to go on to the round of 16.
It feels as if the Argentinian team is mostly “Messi and 10 other guys”. Messi is an awesome player, but not even the absolute best soccer player in the world can be effective if his teammates are not at the necessary level.
ETA: Croatia scores against Iceland!