Two teams in, three teams out: Key moments from June 20 FIFA World Cup matches

For the first time since 1954, there's not been a single 0-0 draw in the opening 20 matches

June 21, 2018 12:39 pm | Updated 01:10 pm IST

 Spain's Diego Costa celebrates scoring their first goal with Isco

Spain's Diego Costa celebrates scoring their first goal with Isco

>> Portugal vs Morocco kicked off on a high with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring at the fourth minute. This is his fourth goal in this edition, and we are just two matches down.

>> Morocco looked to equalize in the 56', but Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patrício’s stunning save helped keep the score 1-0. Patrício leaped right and deflected Younès Belhanda’s header with the tip of his fingers, in a save reminiscent of English goalie Gordon Banks' legendary save from Pele in the 1970 World Cup.

>> Possession of ball: Portugal 47% Morocco 53%

>> The game against Saudi Arabia was doubly special for Luis Suarez (yes, the ‘biter’). The Uruguayan forward clocked in his 100th appearance for the national side with a goal in the 23’, leading his side to victory.

>> Suarez also took the chance to announce that he is expecting his third child with a ball-belly. Very original.

 

>> Meanwhile, though it was one of the dullest games of the tournament so far, Uruguay's win means that it will join Russia in the top of Group A, ensuring a spot in the round of 16. Saudi Arabia is out of the World Cup in the group stage once again.

>> Possession of ball: Uruguay 47% Saudi Arabia 53%

>> Wednesday looks like it was a night of 100th caps. Following Suarez was his Barcelona teammate and Spanish defender Gerard Pique. The game against Iran was his 100th for the national side.

>> It was the first time that Iran and Spain were playing against each other.

>> On a lighter vein, many “awws” were shared when Pique and Isco (the Spanish midfielder) noticed two tiny birds on the pitch before kick-off. The duo proceeded to pick up the birds and move them to sidelines before starting the game.

 

>> Diego Costa scored his third goal of the tournament in the 54’ giving Spain a one-up in the tournament. Iran was quick to equalize by putting the ball in the back of the net in the 60’. The Persians' delight was short-lived — VAR tagged it as offside and the goal was cancelled.

>> Spain's 1-0 win mean that Iran drops to the third position in Group B, behind Spain and Portugal who have 4 points each. Iran will need to beat Ronaldo’s team on Monday (June 25) to secure a spot in the knockout stage.

>> Interesting fact - this is the first time since 1954, there's not been a single 0-0 draw in the opening 20 matches.

Read key moments from Day 1,  Day 2Day 3Day 4 , Day 5 and Day 6 . Follow The Hindu's comprehensive coverage of the  World Cup here .

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