Iran vs. Portugal; Spain vs. Morocco: World Cup open thread; how to watch

Unlike Group A, where the two qualifying teams had already been decided — Uruguay then proceeded to beat Russia easily, so they finish first and the hosts finish second — Group B is a bit more open with three teams still having a chance of reaching the knockout rounds.

As we stand, Spain and Portugal are tied for first with an identical record and level on all tiebreakers as well. If this were how they finished group play, they’d have to draw lots to determine who finishes higher. But there’s one more round to play.

Behind them by one point are Iran, and they take on Portugal today. A draw would be enough for Portugal to advance; Iran need a win or at least a draw and at least a two-goal defeat for Spain against Morocco, who are the only team already eliminated.

Since there’s plenty at stake, most are fielding their first-choice lineups. That still no Cesar Azpilicueta for Spain, which is just silly.

Here’s how to watch:

IRAN vs. PORTUGAL

Date / Time: Monday, June 25, 2018, 19:00 BST; 2pm EDT
Venue: Mordovia Arena, Saransk
Referee: Enrique Cáceres (Paraguay)
On TV: BBC One (UK); FOX, Telemundo (USA); elsewhere
Streaming online: BBC iPlayer (UK); FOX Sports Go, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo; Sling World Cup (USA)

SPAIN vs. MOROCCO

Date / Time: Monday, June 25, 2018, 19:00 BST; 2pm EDT
Venue: Arena Baltika, Kaliningrad
Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)
On TV: BBC One (UK); Fox Sports 1, Telemundo, NBC Universo (USA); elsewhere
Streaming online: BBC iPlayer (UK); FOX Sports Go, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo; Sling World Cup (USA)