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World Cup: The best of Group B – Spain and Portugal flip-flop spots at last second

By Orri Benatar

KALININGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 25: Iago Aspas of Spain celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Spain and Morocco at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 25, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
KALININGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 25: Iago Aspas of Spain celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Spain and Morocco at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 25, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Group B seemed cut and dry until the last six minutes. Spain and Portugal advanced as expected but haven’t convinced in their three matches.

The Iberian Derby opened the group in an incredible fashion with a dramatic, end-to-end 3-3 draw between Portugal and Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick was the perfect thing to grab people’s attention on day two of the World Cup.

Iran and Morocco put up amazing fights against both sides. Iran fell 1-0 to Spain while Morocco fell 1-0 to Portugal. The final games of the group stage had an insane conclusion with Morocco and Iran earning draws against Spain and Portugal, respectively. Group B had a lot of memorable moments and incredible drama. It was a lot to digest after it ended.

Best Game – Portugal 3-3 Spain

The Iberian Derby lived up to the hype and more. Portugal and Spain played one of the greatest World Cup matches ever on just the second day. Ronaldo’s hat-trick, De Gea’s howler, Costa’s resurgence, and Nacho’s thunderbolt were the main highlights of this instant classic. Hopefully, these two teams can play again in the UEFA Nations League or Euro 2020.

Best Player – Isco

While Ronaldo did score four goals in three games, he didn’t exactly get the ball against Morocco or Iran. Isco is my player of Group B for his urgency to attack and generating offensive pressure for Spain. His goal against Morocco gave him the Man of The Match performance for the group winners final contest. Isco averaged a ridiculous 8.5 rating in the group stage.

Most Memorable Moment – V.A.R. decides the group

As we entered stoppage time, Portugal was set to play Russia and Spain would play Uruguay. Just three minutes later, they flip-flopped positions as V.A.R. decided the group. Spain got an equalizer from Iago Aspas that was initially called offsides. VAR gave the goal after review. As that was happening, Iran was awarded a penalty after a VAR review and the conversion means Portugal will play Uruguay on Saturday. UNREAL FINISH!

Best Goal – Cristiano Ronaldo free kick vs. Spain

It couldn’t have been written better. Portugal down 3-2 to their archrivals Spain. 88th minute. Portugal gets a free kick. Ronaldo steps up and buries it. A signature moment in one of the greatest sporting careers of all time and a marquee moment in World Cup history.

Next: The best of Group A

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