Need to know
Here is everything you need to know about what happened overnight at the World Cup with seven teams confirmed to have reached the knockout stages…
- Marcelo Bielsa was furious in the immediate aftermath of Uruguay’s World Cup exit. During one interview, he screamed rather terrifyingly at the journalist asking him questions.
- The 70-year-old did ultimately take responsibility for his side’s poor showing in the tournament. He bluntly said: “Journalists and fans of Uruguayan football legitimately want to pin the blame on me. I’m the person responsible and I have to accept it.”
- During their 1-0 defeat to Spain, Manuel Ugarte was forced off with a knee injury. Manchester United are expected to sell the midfielder this summer but those plans will likely change if he is set to miss a lengthy period.
- Fernando Muslera was another player withdrawn for Uruguay following a mistake with Bielsa revealing the veteran goalkeeper asked to be taken off.
- The round of 32 is now starting to take shape with Spain, Cape Verde, Belgium and Egypt joining those already in the next round.
- Alex Baena’s goal helped the European champions win Group H with Cape Verde finishing second to make history.
- A brace from Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard helped Belgium beat New Zealand 5-1 to top their group while Egypt finished second after drawing with Iran, who subsequently came in third.
- The latter had a last-gasp goal ruled out for offside and thus face a tense wait to see if they will be one of the eight best third-place teams.
- Without even playing, England, Portugal, Paraguay and Ghana have also made it out of the groups as it is no longer mathematically possible for any to be knocked out as one of the four worst third-placed teams.
- More round of 32 games have now been confirmed as well with Paraguay vs Germany and Cape Verde vs Argentina on the way.
- Scotland are hanging by a thread but still alive following the latest set of results. Steve Clarke’s side now need a very specific scenario to play out which includes DR Congo failing to beat Uzbekistan and Ghana beating Croatia by three or more goals.
- READ MORE – World Cup LIVE: Cape Verde make history, FIFA request denied, Scotland qualification boost