CHRIS SUTTON’S BOOTROOM: FINAL GROUP GAMES
SAUDI ARABIA v EGYPT
SAUDI ARABIA put up a good fight against Uruguay. They showed a significant improvement from their opening-day humiliation at the hands of hosts Russia. The Egyptians will be deflated to be heading home so early as they were fancied to reach the last 16. They have underperformed here, but have undoubtedly been handicapped by talisman Mohamed Salah struggling for fitness. Without the Liverpool forward’s goal threat, they have had a flat World Cup. This is a chance for them to restore some pride. SUTTON’S VERDICT: Egypt win 2-0. SAUDI ARABIA (4-5-1): Almosailem; Albulayhi, Hawsawi, Alburayk, Alshahrani; Alfaraj, Otayf, Almoqahwi, Aldawsari, Bahbri; Muhannad Asiri. EGYPT (4-4-2): Elhadary; Fathi, Hegazy, Gaber, Abdelshafy; Hamed, Elneny, Trezeguet, Said; Salah, Mohsen. Referee: Wilmar Roldan (Col) Radio: LIVE on talkSPORT 2 from 2pm.
URUGUAY v RUSSIA
URUGUAY haven’t got off to a flier but you just cannot write them off. While Edinson Cavani is yet to find his shooting boots, Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez are the best centre-half pairing at the World Cup. Uruguay dug in and found ways to win against Egypt and Saudi Arabia. After two good performances, Russia have the backing of their nation — something which wasn’t there when the World Cup kicked off two weeks ago. However, they face a tough test here and I expect it to be a close game. SUTTON’S VERDICT: 1-1. URUGUAY (4-4-2): Muslera; Caceres, Gimenez, Godin, Laxalt; C Sanchez, Torreira, Bentancur, De Arrascaeta; Suarez, Cavani. RUSSSIA (4-2-3-1): Akinfeev; Fernandes, Kutepov, Ignashevich, Zhirkov; Zobnin, Gazinksy; Samedov, Golovin, Cheryshev; Dzyuba. Referee: Malang Diedhiou (Sen) Radio: LIVE on BBC Radio 5 Live from 2.30pm and talkSPORT from 1pm.
IRAN v PORTUGAL
IRAN gave Spain a real fright and should have got something from the game. Portugal were under par against Morocco and fortunate to get the victory. Cristiano Ronaldo has carried them so far in Russia and his team-mates need to step up if they are to do anything in this tournament. Iran boss Carlos Queiroz has twice managed Portugal and I’m backing Iran to win against the odds. They are superbly drilled defensively and it wouldn’t surprise me if they win this one narrowly to knock out the European champions. SUTTON’S VERDICT: Iran win 1-0. IRAN (4-5-1): Beiranvand; Hajsafi, Pouraliganji, Rezaeian, Hosseini; Ezatolahi, Amiri, Ebrahimi, Ansarifard, Taremi; Azmoun. PORTUGAL (3-5-2): Patricio; Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro; Soares, W Carvalho, Moutinho, B Silva, Joao Mario; Guedes, Ronaldo. Referee: Enrique Caceres (Par) Radio: LIVE on BBC Radio 5Live and talkSPORT 2 from 6pm.
SPAIN v MOROCCO
THERE is still so much to play for in this group. Morocco are confirmed as going home but can count themselves unlucky. They do not deserve to be on zero points and they will put up a fight in Kaliningrad. Spain still have work to do to be assured of their place in last 16 but I believe they will do it with victory in this game. Diego Costa is in great form with three goals and will be battling Harry Kane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku for the Golden Boot. I can see the Atletico Madrid striker bullying Morocco this evening and they will find him too much to deal with. It won’t be easy but Spain will pull through. SUTTON’S VERDICT: Spain win 2-0. SPAIN (4-4-2): De Gea; Carvajal, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Koke, Thiago, Isco, D Silva; Costa, Aspas. MOROCCO (4-5-1): Munir; Hakimi, Saiss, Benatia, Mendyl; El Ahmadi, Ziyach, Boussoufa, Belhanda, Amrabat; Boutaib. Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (Uzb) Radio: LIVE on talkSPORT from 6pm.