I was keeping half an eye on the game.

I disagree with the fact that this was a straight forward proposition for Russia (of course it panned out that way). Beforehand I would not have been surprised at all to see a draw here if Saudi had kept things tighter (they were shocking defensively) and made Russia get nervous in front of their expectant home crowd this could easily have been one if those 0-0s or 1-1s where you wonder what happened.

So yeah, terrible defensive performance, Russia were far better than they could have hoped for though as I say, that early goal worked wonders for any nerves and pressure they may have been feeling. One more win or two draws now see Russia through the group, that's a nice position to be in.

One thing though, have the Saudi team been observing Ramadan? I know Morocco have but haven't read about whether any of the other predominantly (or all) Muslim teams have.

Looking forward to Spain Portugal tomorrow night. Spain are crazy sacking the coach two days before the tournament! I'd like to see Ronaldo go goal crazy as he's never really done that in a World Cup before.

It's very good, very good. The best ref is the one you don't remember. Referees that can control games without the need for buckets of cards are the best. I also don't expect perfection and I dislike VAR. The best change that could be made for referees is making sure the respect for them is actually there, from the players, coaches and fans. As long as the referees have a very low level of respect and are continually abused by players, coaches and fans then it doesn't matter what aids they are given we are just giving them a tool that adds even more pressure on their shoulders for if and when they still get something 'wrong'.

I agree with you that this one might've easily been a draw. I still think this was the one match Russia thought they could win. Saudi defense was a disaster indeed. Russia is still one of the worst-ranked teams in the tournament!

I read something about the Saudi players observing Ramadan too. That might have been a factor, but I don't think it was the main reason behind the loss.

The Spain manager situation is stunning!! We'll see whether the Spanish team remains strong or if the players will be affected.

Yes, I have slightly changed my position from the last World Cup, Bernard! I remember I was very insistent that refs should go heavy with cards to enforce discipline, but now I agree more with the fact that the less we talk about them, the better job they do. Pitana handled today's match really well, I hope that continues and that refs are not a hot topic this time around. I also don't expect perfection and think people judge them way too much, but I do think VAR is beneficial if used appropriately. I've always thought that off-sides, especially close ones, are incredibly hard calls for a single human being to make, having to watch the ball and the defender/forward at the same time! (for instance, the two legitimate Mexico goals in Brazil 2014 against Cameroon that were disallowed.) I think using VAR for off-sides might take some of the pressure off the linesmen. At the same time, I do understand your point about respect, and fully agree with it. That is the most important thing.

Travel is among several conditions that absolve practising Muslims from observing the normally obligatory fast; since they are travelling it would be perfectly permissible not to fast and I think it would be foolish to do so and then expect to be at your peak for 90 minutes of play. It was a terrible performance either way.

Good morning! Egypt vs Uruguay is underway.

At 30', Egypt vs Uruguay is still 0-0.

At half-time,

Egypt 0-0 Uruguay

The second half is underway, and Suarez was close to scoring again.

Egypt 0-0 Uruguay

At 49', Egypt's Hamed is injured and needs to be substituted, unfortunately. Morsy is now in the field.

Egypt 0-0 Uruguay

At 70',

Egypt 0-0 Uruguay

At 87', Cavani's free kick hits the post!

Egypt 0-0 Uruguay

At 89', Uruguay scores! A header by Jose Gimenez.

Egypt 0-1 Uruguay

Bjorn Kuipers declares the end of the match. Narrowly, Uruguay defeats Egypt 1-0. Egypt's defense was great, but there was barely any offensive effort.

Next up, Morocco plays in the World Cup for the first time in 20 years against Iran in 45 minutes.

Cuneyt Cakir kicks off Morocco-Iran.

Morocco 0-0 Iran

At 33',

Morocco 0-0 Iran

At half-time,

Morocco 0-0 Iran

Second half is underway. Hopefully we will see some goals.

Morocco 0-0 Iran

At 76', a painful headbutt leaves Moroccan player Amrabat out of the pitch. He's been substituted.

Morocco 0-0 Iran

Jeez, what an awful game. At 94', Aziz Bouhaddouz scores and own goal and Iran wins it.

Final score:

Morocco 0-1 Iran

Coming next, what is predicted to be one of the best group stage matches, Portugal vs Spain!

Portugal vs Spain is underway.

Penalty kick! At 2' the Italian referee calls a penalty kick after Cristiano falls inside the box. I'm not sure that there was any contact. This would be a good time ot use the VAR but it's not being used!

Cristiano Ronaldo scores the penalty! At 3',

Portugal 1-0 Spain

Diego Costa scores in a very confusing play! The referee did not immediately award the goal and Costa seemed to foul Pepe before scoring, and he even held his hand to the earphone momentarily! The goal is given though, now it's tied.

Portugal 1-1 Spain