
The group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup is heading towards its conclusion as all 32 teams have just one game left to play before the tournament reaches the knockout phase.
The top teams in each group will qualify for the last 16, while the bottom two teams will be eliminated and head home.
Here's a look at the current standings across all the groups ahead of the final group games:
Group Standings
Group A (Games played, goal difference, points)
1. Russia, 2, +7, 6
2. Uruguay, 2, +2, 6
3. Egypt, 2, -3, 0
4. Saudi Arabia, 2, -6, 0
Group B
1. Spain, 2, +1, 4
2. Portugal, 2, +1, 4
3. Iran, 2, 0, 3
4. Morocco, 2, -2, 0
Group C
1. France, 2, +2, 6
2. Denmark, 2, +1, 4
3. Australia, 2, -1, 1
4. Peru, 2, -2, 0
Group D
1. Croatia, 2, +5, 6
2. Nigeria, 2, 0, 3
3. Iceland, 2, -2, 1
4. Argentina, 2, -3, 1
Group E
1. Brazil, 2, +2, 4
2. Switzerland, 2, +1, 4
3. Serbia, 2, 0, 3
4. Costa Rica, 2, -3, 0
Group F
1. Mexico: 2, +2, 6
2. Germany: 2, 0, 3
3. Sweden: 2, 0, 3
4. South Korea: 2, -2, 0
Group G
1. England: 2, +6, 6
2. Belgium: 2, +6, 6
3. Tunisia: 2, -4, 0
4. Panama: 2, -8, 0
Group H
1. Japan 2, +1, 4
2. Senegal 2, +1, 4
3. Colombia, 2, +2, 3
4. Poland 2, -4, 0
For the complete standings, visit FIFA.com.
In Group A Russia and Uruguay are already assured of qualification, but the two teams meet on Monday with top spot up for grabs. The hosts have been one of the biggest surprises of the tournament after cruising to impressive wins over Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
The team have looked strong in attack and overcame the loss of Alan Dzagoev to injury in their opening match with few problems. Denis Cheryshev has come into the team and scored three goals, Artem Dzyuba has two and Aleksandr Golovin has looked a real threat.
Coach Stanislav Cherchesov wants to finish first, per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella:
The hosts have momentum going into the final game as well as home advantage and should be able to get at least the draw they need to finish top ahead of Uruguay.
Group B is a much tighter affair with Spain, Portugal and Iran all still capable of making it to the knockout stages. Spain face a Morocco side who have already been eliminated, and they should get the draw they need to qualify.
Iran have an outside shot of qualifying but will need to beat Portugal. As impressive as Iran have been they have struggled for goals, while Portugal can look to Cristiano Ronaldo for inspiration. The Real Madrid star has four from his first two games.
Portugal have reason to be nervous, per Christoper Clarey at the New York Times:
Spain and Portugal have identical records going into the last round of games, although Fernando Hierro's side top the group as they have received one fewer yellow card. If the teams finish with identical records they will have to draw lots to decide the group winner, per Dale Johnson at ESPN FC.
It's a similar story in Group C where France lead the way and should finish top as they only need a point in their final match against Denmark. A draw would also send Denmark through even if Australia beat Peru, which looks the most likely outcome when the teams meet on Tuesday.
Freelance writer Huw Davies said it will be a shame to lose Denmark or Australia:
Croatia are through as group winners in Group D and should finish top even though coach Zlatko Dalic has said he will rest players against Iceland, per Oliver Kay at The Times:
Second place looks to be a straight fight between Argentina and Nigeria. Lionel Messi's team have performed poorly in their opening two games, but the presence of the Barcelona man in the team makes them difficult to write off.
Goal's Tom Maston explained why the group is so hard to predict:
Nigeria got their campaign going with a 2-0 win over Iceland thanks to Ahmed Musa's two goals. The forward has the talent to punish any vulnerability in the Argentina back line, and the team may just do enough to condemn Argentina to an early exit.
The surprise in Group E is that pre-tournament favourites Brazil have not yet qualified. Tite's men have not quite hit their stride but will top the group with a win over Serbia in their final game. Switzerland are in second place and should finish as runners-up as they face Costa Rica who are already out.
Group F is another tight group but Mexico and Germany look favourites to progress. El Tri have pulled off one of the biggest shocks already by beating Germany and should get the point they need to finish first against Sweden.
Despite being group leaders Mexico's position is still precarious, as shown by Mark Ogden at ESPN FC:
Germany look as though they are back in business after securing a late 2-1 win over Sweden despite being down to 10 men. Joachim Low's side have not impressed yet, but the manner of that victory will provide a big boost, and they should have too much for South Korea.
England and Belgium have both qualified in Group G but face each other in their final group game to determine top spot. With qualification assured both teams may look to rest players, and having thrashed Panama 6-1 England will be confident of topping the group.
Miguel Delaney at The Independent explained why finishing first may not be welcomed:
The final World Cup group sees Senegal, Japan and Colombia all able to qualify. Colombia's 3-0 win over Poland showcased their attacking ability, and they look to have too much quality for Senegal. Japan have surpassed expectations and will finish top if they beat Poland who have already been knocked out.
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