Today’s games

Courier Sport highlights what to look out for today:

• Portugal v Spain, Group B, 7pm: Spain’s preparations were thrown into chaos when they sacked head coach Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday and placed Fernando Hierro in charge. The 2010 World Cup winners must put their off-field troubles behind them if they are to make a winning start against the reigning European champions. Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal team-mates will be ready to take full advantage if Spain’s world-class stars have lost their focus.

• Egypt v Uruguay, Group A, 1pm: Russia’s group rivals Egypt and Uruguay start their campaigns in today’s early kick-off. Egypt’s hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah, who has been declared fit to start after recovering from the shoulder injury he suffered in last month’s Champions League final. Two more of the world’s best strikers, Barcelona’s Luis Suarez and Paris St Germain’s Edinson Cavani, are short odds to make goalscoring starts for Uruguay.

• Morocco v Iran, Group B, 4pm: Iran are expected to be backed by a large following of fans when the two outsiders complete the opening round of matches in Group B. It will be the first meeting between the two nations, who are both appearing in their fifth World Cup, and is likely to be a tight affair. Morocco qualified unbeaten and did not concede a goal in six matches, while Iran also finished top of their qualifying group and were undefeated in 10.