World Cup day 16: Iran denied late winner in FIFA 'Pride Match' as Belgium thrash New Zealand

What do tonight's results mean for Scotland?

Look away now, Scotland fans.

Almost every result has gone against Steve Clarke's side, leaving their hopes of reaching the knockout stages hanging by the thinnest of threads.

Spain's victory over Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay is the only result to have given the Tartan Army a glimmer of hope.

Scotland are still mathematically alive, but they now need all three of the following results tonight:

1) Ghana to beat Croatia by three or more goals
2) DR Congo not to beat Uzbekistan
3) Austria to beat Algeria by two or more goals

It's not over until the fat lady sings... but she's certainly warming up.

FULL TIME: Egypt 1-1 Iran

And breathe!

Egypt survive the scare and advance in second place, while Iran are left waiting to see whether their three-point tally is enough for a best third-place spot.

Mahmoud Saber’s early strike put Egypt in front before Mostafa Shobeir denied Mehdi Taremi from the spot.

Iran did respond through Ramin Rezaeian’s superb finish from a narrow angle, but they could not find a winner.

VAR DRAMA: Egypt 1-1 Iran

Chaos ensues inside the Egypt penalty area before Shoja Khalilzadeh bundles the ball over the line, sparking wild celebrations as Iran believe they've snatched a dramatic late winner and a place in the knockout stages.

But the celebrations are short-lived. The veteran defender is ruled offside and the goal is disallowed. Heartbreak for Iran.

FULL TIME: New Zealand 1-5 Belgium

It's all over in Vancouver and Belgium have thrashed New Zealand to steal top spot in the group.

Leandro Trossard struck twice before Kevin De Bruyne added a fourth, with late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers completing the rout.

GOAL: New Zealand 1-5 Belgium

Belgium have a fifth in stoppage time!

Romelu Lukaku drives into the penalty area but, with the angle closing, cuts the ball back to Alexis Saelemaekers.

The winger takes one touch to set himself before unleashing a fierce strike that flies past the motionless Max Crocombe and into the back of the net.

GOAL: New Zealand 1-4 Belgium

Belgium immediately restore their three-goal advantage!

Romelu Lukaku has been on the pitch for little more than a minute and he's already on the scoresheet.

Left completely unmarked six yards out, the striker buries a powerful downward header from Alexis Saelemaekers' inviting cross.

GOAL: New Zealand 1-3 Belgium

A consolation for New Zealand.

Thibaut Courtois can only punch Francis De Vries' corner into the danger area, where Elijah Just reacts quickest to thunder a half-volley into the roof of the net from near the penalty spot.

It's the Motherwell forward's third goal of the tournament.

GOAL: New Zealand 0-3 Belgium

Game over for the Kiwis!

Leandro Trossard surges towards the edge of the area before the ball breaks kindly for De Bruyne 20 yards from goal.

One quick drop of the shoulder creates the space he needs, and the Belgium captain drills a low finish across Max Crocombe and into the far corner.

Belgium currently leading the group as things stand.

GOAL: New Zealand 0-2 Belgium

Hammer blow for New Zealand, but its delight for the Red Devils!

Kevin De Bruyne picks out Leandro Trossard inside the area, where the Belgian forward cleverly finds a yard of space to shoot.

His first effort is blocked, but the rebound drops kindly and Trossard hammers the bouncing ball into the roof of the net, leaving Max Crocombe rooted to the spot.

HALF TIME: New Zealand 0-1 Belgium 

The referee brings the first half to a close in Vancouver with Belgium holding a slender advantage.

HALF TIME: Egypt 1-1 Iran

All square at the break after a breathtaking first 15 minutes in Seattle.

GOAL: New Zealand 0-1 Belgium

Belgium have taken the lead in Vancouver!

New Zealand fail to deal with a corner to the far post, with the ball striking Tim Payne as he faces the other way before dropping invitingly for Leandro Trossard.

The Belgium forward makes no mistake from yards out, smashing high into the net after a spell of sustained pressure.

GOAL: Egypt 1-1 Iran

What an opening 15 minutes in Seattle and Iran are level!

Mostafa Shobeir produces a stunning save low to his left, but Ramin Rezaeian is first to the rebound and somehow lashes the ball into the roof of the net from the tightest of angles.

Game on.

MISSED PENALTY: Egypt 1-0 Iran

It just goes from bad to worse for the Islamic Republic.

Mostafa Shobeir dives low to his left to keep out Mehdi Taremi’s spot-kick, before Egypt’s defence scramble clear the loose ball.

GOAL: Egypt 1-0 Iran

Egypt have the breakthrough after just five minutes in Seattle!

It's a brilliant flowing move as Zico cushions the ball into the path of Mohamed Salah on the right-hand side of the box.

Salah's strike is superbly clawed away by Alireza Beiranvand, but the Iran keeper can only push it into the path of Mahmoud Saber, who reacts quickest to fire home the rebound.

KICK OFF: New Zealand vs Belgium 

Kick off in Vancouver as Group G gets set for a dramatic finale!

KICK OFF: Egypt vs Iran

Underway in Seattle!

The fun isn't over just yet...

While Cape Verde and Spain have booked their places in the knockout rounds, the night's action is far from over.

In just under half an hour, New Zealand face Belgium in Vancouver, while Iran take on Egypt in the controversial "Pride Match" in Seattle.

Group G remains wide open, with all four sides still in contention for a place in the knockout rounds.

FULL TIME: Cape Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia

The referee blows for full-time in Houston and Cape Verde have made history!

The African debutants secured their third consecutive draw in the group stage to reach the World Cup knockout rounds at the first time of asking.

They have dumped Saudi Arabia out in the process, with the Green Falcons finishing on just two points.

Cape Verde’s players and supporters are in tears. An incredible achievement for the island nation of just 618,000 people.

FULL TIME: Uruguay 0-1 Spain

It's all over in Mexico and Uruguay are out of the World Cup!

Agustín Canobbio was sent off moments before the final whistle after a high challenge, summing up a miserable night for the South Americans.

It's been a dismal campaign for Marcelo Bielsa's side, who finish third in Group H with just two draws from their three matches.

They cannot break into the top eight third-placed teams, meaning Scotland finally have a result go their way.

Spain progress as Group H winners and will head to Los Angeles for their Round of 32 tie.

HALF TIME: Uruguay 0-1 Spain

The referee has blown his whistle in Guadalajara and Spain lead at the break.

The European champions will progress as group winners as it stands.

HALF TIME: Cape Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia

It's half time in Houston and it's still goalless between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.

It's been an uneventful first 45 minutes - but a draw would see the African island nation qualify for the knockouts in their first ever World Cup

GOAL: Uruguay 0-1 Spain

Spain take the lead in Mexico!

Marcos Llorente drills a low cross into the box for Alex Baena, who takes a touch before swivelling and firing towards goal.

Muslera gets both hands to the effort but can only fumble it, watching helplessly as the ball trickles over the line.

It's a huge mistake from the Uruguyan goalkeeper.

KICK OFF - Final Group H games underway as all sides seek to book place in knockouts

The final games in Group H are underway, with all sides looking to confirm their place in the Round of 32 at the World Cup.

Surprise debutants Cape Verde face Saudi Arabia in Houston, Texas, while European champions Spain aim to secure top spot against Uruguay in Guadalajara, Mexico.

FULL TIME: Senegal 5-0 Iraq

Five of the best from Senegal who batter Iraq and massively boost their chances of qualifying for the round of 32.

Goals from Habib Diarra, Ismaila Sarr, two from Pape Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye helped Senegal complete the biggest win for an African team at a World Cup.

Top draw from them, as Iraq exit the World Cup.

GOAL AND FULL TIME: Norway 1-4 France

Desire Doue gets on the scoresheet right at the death, with a perfect header to complete a brilliant game.

France finish top of Group I winning all three of their matches, with Norway happy to settle for second place.

GOAL: Senegal 5-0 Iraq

A beauty! Iliman Ndiaye gets the fifth goal of the game, smashing a beauty of a strike into the top-right corner.

This is what Senegal needed tonight, and boy have they found it. 5-0.

GOAL: Senegal 4-0 Iraq

Thunderbolt! Couldn't have hit it better.

Pape Gueye again gets his second goal of the game, smashing home from 15 yards out into the top-right corner once more.

We've already had one hat-trick in Group I, on the cards for another?

GOAL: Senegal 3-0 Iraq

Two soon becomes three, as substitute Pape Gueye gets on the scoresheet.

The midfielder cuts inside on his left-foot and fizzes a great strike into the top-right corner.

Brilliant goal, Senegal three to the good.

GOAL: Senegal 2-0 Iraq

Senegal have doubled their lead thanks to Ismaila Sarr converting from close range.

A great run by Lamine Camara sets up the Crystal Palace forward to have the easiest of finishes.

Senegal are going about this second half with intent; they want more.

KICK-OFF: Senegal 1-0 Iraq

Senegal have got the second half going against Iraq.

Change in goal for Iraq as Ahmed Basil is replaced by Jalal Hassan.

PENALTY MISSED: Norway 1-3 France 

Oscar Bobb wins a penalty for the Norwegians after being brought down by Theo Hernandez.

Jorgan Strand Larsen steps up from 12 yards, but takes a poor penalty, easily saved by Mike Maignan. Still 3-1.

KICK-OFF: Norway 1-3 France

Back underway between Norway and France.

Going to have to wait a bit longer for Senegal versus Iraq, who had long stoppage time at the end of the first half.

HALF TIME: Norway 1-3 France - Senegal 1-0 Iraq

A fabulous entertaining two games, which sees France leading against Norway and Senegal have the advantage against a 10-men Iraq.

Ousmane Dembele's hattrick, the second quickest in World Cup history, currently sees France on-course to top spot of Group I.

Senegal's result put them for the time being in a qualification spot through the third-place route, but they would ideally need a couple more goals to strengthen their position.

Second halves to follow.

GOAL: Norway 1-3 France

One, two, three, Ousmane Dembele! There's a reason he won the Ballon d'Or, and he is proving it here.

This time on the right-hand side, the PSG winger cuts inside on his left foot and bends one home into the bottom left corner.

Another quality goal, France up by three.

Senegal 1-0 Iraq - Habib Diarra claims the first goal

Not sure what Abdoulaye Seck will make of this, but his header for Senegal's first goal has been claimed by Habib Diarra.

The midfielder got a slight touch on the ball to take it past Ahmed Basil and give Senegal the lead.

Seck will still make the timeline of events though, for his yellow card in the 18th minute.

GOAL: Norway 1-2 France

Hold that thought, what a response! Norway pull one back immediately from kick-off as Thelo Aasgaard finishes superbly past Mike Maignan.

Shaping up to being one of the games of the tournament.

GOAL: Norway 0-2 France

It's him again! Ousmane Dembele this time with his left foot from distance, bends an absolute beauty past Egil Selvik to double France's lead.

A stunner from a special player and the French are on course to make it three wins from three in the group stages.

RED CARD: Iraq down to 10 men

Well this goes from bad to worse for Iraq, and for Scotland.

Rebin Sulaka has been sent off for denying Sadio Mane of a clear goal-scoring opportunity, being dismissed by Anthony Taylor.

Iraq down to 10, dare I say the floodgates will open.

GOAL: Norway 0-1 France

We knew goals were guaranteed, and they are flying in.

Kylian Mbappe plays a great ball to Ousmane Dembele, who checks back twice to smash home on his right foot.

It's a thunderbolt and no more than the French deserve. 1-0.

GOAL: Senegal 1-0 Iraq

Inside the opening four minutes, Senegal have the lead against Iraq.

A whipped in delivery from a corner is headed home by Abdoulaye Seck as the African nation get off to the perfect start.

Should the result end this way, it is bad news for Scotland, with Senegal finishing third in Group I and having a better goal difference.

KICK-OFF: Norway vs France and Senegal vs Iraq

We are underway between Norway versus France in Boston and Senegal's contest against Iraq in Toronto.

Updates on the way, with English representation featuring in both games.

Michael Oliver officiates Norway's match, while Anthony Taylor takes charge of Senegal's.

Lineups confirmed for France's contest against Norway and Senegal's match against Iraq

The big news coming from Boston is Erling Haaland being named on Norway's bench against France.

Fans may have to wait to see Kylian Mbappe face off against the Manchester City forward, with Crystal Palace's Jorgen Strand Larsen leading the line.

Norway setup with: Selvik, Aursnes, Falchener, Ostigard, Bjorkan, Thorstvedt, Berg, Bobb, Aasgaard, Schjelderup, Strand Larsen.

France's team reads: Maignan, Kounde, Upamecano, Lacroix, Hernandez, Tchouameni, Kone, Dembele, Olise, Doue, Mbappe.

The other game sees Senegal play Iraq, with the earlier needing a thumping victory to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Senegal starts with: Diaw, K.Diarra, Seck, Niakhate, Jakobs, Gueye, H.Diarra, Mbaye, Camara, Mane, Sarr.

Iraq's team reads: Basil, Putros, Hashim, Sulaka, Doski, Al-Ammari, Ali Jassim, Bayesh, Iqbal, Qasem, Al-Hamadi.

Kick-off in just under an hour.

Two hours till kick-offs of final games in Group I

Just a couple of hours to go till the final games of Group I get underway, with France in action against Norway and Senegal playing Iraq.

Plenty of moving parts in this group, with the winner of France vs Norway finishing top of the group. A draw would also be enough for France, who have a superior goal difference.

Senegal need to thump Iraq to help them qualify via the third-place route. A win by any margin will be bad news for Scotland, who will have a worse record than the African side on goal difference.

Lineups on the way soon.

Mauricio Pochettino hits out at reporters for not congratulating him and his players on reaching World Cup knockout stage

US boss Mauricio Pochettino has hit out at reports for failing to congratulate him and his players on reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup.

The United States topped their group after winning two games out of three, losing their last group stage match to already-knocked-out Turkey.

Pochettino told reporters: "At the moment no one congratulated us for finishing first in our group. I congratulate the players, the staff and the fans to finish first in a very difficult group.

"Our objective was to finish first, and we finished first. I'm so positive, and I'm happy. Your questions are a little bit weird."

Sweden star goes viral for thinking his nation was out of the World Cup

Anthony Elanga has gone viral after he was spotted looking distraught following Sweden's 1-1 draw with Japan last night, unaware that it was enough to see Sweden advance to the knockout stages.

Sweden's manager Graham Potter saw the funny side of Elanga's sadness and seemed baffled at how the former Manchester United player had got it so mixed up.

Elanga scored a sensational long-range curler, which equalised the score against Japan and earned Sweden their fourth point of the competition.

However, he clearly was under the impression that the 1-1 draw was not the result they needed, despite the fact that it sealed one of the spots in the round of 32 as one of the top eight third-placed teams.

Read the full story about Elanga's mishap here.

MOTD staff unhappy

Match of the Day presenters and production staff have reportedly been left frustrated after the BBC scrapped restaurant takeaway orders during World Cup coverage.

Staff working in Salford are said to be unhappy after regular meals from chains such as Nando's and Wagamama were replaced by BBC canteen food.

According to The Sun, bosses made the move to create a "team first atmosphere" and reduce costs.

BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski has defended basing much of the broadcaster's coverage in Salford rather than the United States, insisting the decision saves licence fee payers "millions" without significantly affecting viewers.

Rio discusses midfield dilemma

Rio Ferdinand believes Thomas Tuchel should make a bold midfield change against Panama by handing Kobbie Mainoo his first appearance of the World Cup.

The former England defender feels Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are too similar and lack the passing range needed to unlock deep-lying opponents after the goalless draw with Ghana.

Ferdinand argued Mainoo's ability to beat the press and progress the ball through midfield would improve England's balance.

He also suggested Jude Bellingham could thrive in a deeper role, potentially allowing another attacking midfielder, such as Morgan Rogers, to come into the starting line-up.

World Cup nation gets bank holiday granted

Ecuador President Daniel Noboa has declared a national holiday after his country's stunning 2-1 victory over Germany secured a place in the World Cup knockout stages.

Ecuador recovered from conceding inside four minutes, with goals from Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata completing a memorable comeback against the four-time champions.

It is only the second time Ecuador have progressed beyond the group phase, having previously achieved the feat in 2006.
Noboa praised the players and coaching staff for overcoming criticism and pressure before announcing Friday as a holiday, writing:

"Tomorrow, holiday! Long live Ecuador."

Quansah backs Anderson to shine

Elliot Anderson's proposed £116million move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City will not distract him from England's World Cup campaign, according to team-mate Jarell Quansah.

The 23-year-old midfielder has become an important figure under Thomas Tuchel and impressed in matches against Croatia and Ghana.

Reports suggest a medical has been arranged once England arrive in the Tri-State Area, but Quansah believes Anderson remains fully committed to the national team.

"I see a player that's fully focused on what he wants," the defender told talkSPORT. "At the moment what he wants is to win a World Cup."

Neville calls for Tuchel to make two changes

Gary Neville has urged Thomas Tuchel to make two changes for England's final World Cup group game against Panama, with Morgan Rogers and Nico O'Reilly drafted into his preferred XI.

The former Manchester United defender believes Rogers offers more creativity and intelligence on the left flank than Anthony Gordon or Marcus Rashford, particularly against opponents likely to defend deep.

Neville also expects O'Reilly to return at left-back ahead of Djed Spence.

Racism row erupts

Bastian Schweinsteiger has been accused of making "racist" remarks by Ivory Coast manager Emerse Fae after describing the team's football as "African", "unorthodox" and "wild" during World Cup coverage.

The former Germany midfielder made the comments before Germany's 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, prompting a furious response from Fae after his side reached the knockout stages for the first time with a 2-0 victory over Curacao.

"We could call it racist, if we were calling a spade a spade," Fae said, insisting African teams should not be reduced to stereotypes and are also technical and tactically disciplined.

Who comes out on top?

Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland have become the faces of the modern era.

So GB News has taken a look at their rivalry and how it's played out over the last decade.

Read more here.

Nagelsmann unhappy after Germany lose

Julian Nagelsmann angrily dismissed suggestions Ecuador simply wanted victory more than Germany after his side's 2-1 World Cup defeat in New Jersey.

Germany had already secured top spot in Group E and took an early lead through Leroy Sane, only for Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata to complete a comeback that sent Ecuador into the knockout stages.

Deniz Undav and Joshua Kimmich both suggested Ecuador had shown greater desire, but Nagelsmann hit back, saying: "Please stop with this nonsense."

Instead, the Germany boss blamed poor positioning and tactical errors following Sane's opener for the defeat.

England players loving Bellingham game

Jude Bellingham has become England's unlikely games master at the World Cup after introducing SkyJo, a card game that has taken over life inside the Three Lions camp.

Thomas Tuchel's squad have embraced the strategy game during downtime at their Kansas City base, with Morgan Rogers admitting the players are now "addicted".

Bellingham recently played alongside Rogers, Jordan Henderson, Dan Burn, Anthony Gordon and Elliot Anderson, while England's stars have also enjoyed games of Wolf and Imposter.

England suffer double injury scare

Thomas Tuchel has been handed a fresh injury concern ahead of England's final World Cup group match against Panama after Reece James and Declan Rice both missed training on Thursday.

James is the bigger worry after picking up a minor hamstring problem during the goalless draw with Ghana, with the Chelsea defender set to be assessed ahead of Saturday's clash.

Rice's absence is less serious, with the Arsenal midfielder nursing a dead leg after his 64th appearance of the season.

Good morning and welcome to our live blog

Good morning and welcome to our daily live blog!

We'll be bringing you all the latest updates on the World Cup throughout the day.

In case you missed it, yesterday produced one of the biggest shocks of the tournament so far.

Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1, though Julian Nagelsmann's side still finished top of the group despite the disappointing setback.

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