Final Group matches could provide results that last week seemed laughably impossible

For instance:

Cabo Verde has a chance to actually win their group with a win over Saudi Arabia and a Spain draw or loss. Both results would rely on GD to determine the winner of Group H. A Spain draw would require Cabo Verde to defeat SA by more than 4 goals. A Uruguay win would require Cabo Verde defeating SA by more goals than Uruguay scores. Both are at a GD of 0.


And Curacao has the chance to finish second in their group. A win over Ivory Coast and a German win or draw puts Curacao in second place.

Egypt wins the group with a victory over Iran. An Iran victory and a Belgium loss or draw gives Iran the Group. Egypt advances as long as Belgium doesn't win.

Belgium can advance with a draw as long as Iran loses. A Belgium win and an Iran draw or loss gives Belgium second. If both teams draw, then it will come down to GF as they both have a GD of 0.


NZ can claim second with a win over Belgium and an Iran loss or draw.



ETA: If Cabo Verde wins, they are guaranteed to advance to the Knockout rounds no matter the outcome of the Spain-Uruguay game.


Groups G and H are wide open going into the final matches. Not a single team in the groups can go through the motions. Everybody will have to play for the win to guarantee advancement. a draw will still be a hard fought battle. Because if Spain and Egypt lose, they are out. The teams the play are fighting for a win to advance. They are going to have to earn this advancement.