South Africa v Canada to kick off round of 32
They play tomorrow at 5am AEST at LA’s SoFi Stadium.
These nations have already made history. It’ll be the first time both are in the knockout stage of the World Cup. Canada advanced as runners-up in Group B with four points – one win, one draw and one loss. South Africa were runners-up in Group A, also with four points, including a surprising win over South Korea.
Then, from Tuesday Australian time, we’ll be back on the live blog to take you through Brazil v Japan, Germany v Paraguay and Netherlands v Morocco.
We’ll also be bringing you all the latest from Socceroos camp and coverage from around the tournament.
If you’re stuck for some reading in the meantime, may we suggest:
So, what happened today?
Iran knocked out
Iran have been eliminated from the World Cup, narrowly failing to advance past the group stage in a politically charged tournament where the team played their matches amid tight restrictions imposed by the United States.
Iran missed the round of 32 by one spot in heartbreaking fashion. They finished third in Group G with three points after draws against Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. Iran appeared to have advanced via tiebreakers when Algeria scored a stunning stoppage-time goal to lead Austria 3-2, but Austria equalised in the game’s final play. Their draw ensured Iran’s elimination.
It was one last painful moment for Iran in a World Cup that’s been tumultuous, on and off the pitch.
DR Congo and Algeria round out historic African presence
Final Group J standings
Round of 32 match-ups confirmed
Germany v Paraguay
France v Sweden
South Africa v Canada
Netherlands v Morocco
Portugal v Croatia
Spain v Austria
United States v Bosnia and Herzegovina
Belgium v Senegal
Brazil v Japan
Cote d’Ivoire v Norway
Mexico v Ecuador
England v DR Congo
Argentina v Cape Verde
Australia v Egypt
Switzerland v Algeria
Colombia v Ghana
Austria have scored in the 96th minute! Iran knocked out!
Heartbreak for Iran!
Austria, down 3-2, somehow bag a 96th minute goal from substitute Sasa Kalajdzic to level scores. He’s only been on the field for a minute and it was his first touch!
It’s a cracking header from the last play of the game. Extraordinary stuff as Austria go wild.
A loss would have seen them bundled out. A draw gets them through to the round of 32 where they will play Spain. Algeria will take on Switzerland.
The referee calls full-time, with both Austria and Algeria now going through. That game was cruising along before a remarkable final few minutes.
Full-time: Jordan 1-3 Argentina
That was a walk in the park for Argentina. A penalty and two free kicks got the job done, one of which was buried by Messi the super-sub.
Algeria score extra-time goal to potentially knock Austria out
Wow.
Algeria have scored a 93rd minute goal from Riyad Mahrez to go ahead 3-2.
It means Austria might be going home. And Iran through! Absolute scenes. Stay tuned.
GOAL! Messi makes it three for Argentina
And brings his tournament tally to six goals. He’s now scored in seven consecutive World Cup appearances, which is another record. To suggest there are some happy people in the stadium would be an understatement.
This was a free kick. Messi had already taken one soon after coming on, though it did not hit its target. This one does. It’s awarded after he’s fouled some 20 metres from goal, and he bends it around the wall and past the watching keeper, who possibly could have gotten to it had he not been heading for the other direction and frozen on the spot.
Jordan 1-3 Argentina, 80 minutes
This social media account is one of the highlights of the World Cup
For the geography buffs out there. Iain has been doing them for every match. Lots of gold.
Messi is coming on
He’s one of a trio of substitutes alongside Almada and Mac Allister, who replace Lo Celso, L Martinez and Paz. Big cheers all round as he runs on at the hour mark. That’ll give him a nice half-hour walk to prepare for Cape Verde.
Jordan 1-2 Argentina, 60 minutes
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
