2018 World Cup Day 2, Group stage: Match thread and discussion

Russia lit some fireworks yesterday in the opening match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, dispatching Saudi Arabia 5-0. Today, we get to have some superb matchups with three matches to get you through the day.

First off, it’s Egypt taking on Uruguay in what, on paper, is the two class teams of Group A. Will Mohamed Salah be healthy enough to carry The Pharoahs through to victory, or will Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani be too much offense to overcome? Egypt will only go as far as Salah’s goalscoring can take them, and with the phenomenal year he’s had, he has a chance to really solidify himself as one of the best players in the world with a great tournament. That will only happen if he’s 100%.

The next match of the day is what many people think is the consolation match in Group B, Morocco versus Iran. But make no mistake: Morocco will be a fun team to watch. They went undefeated throughout World Cup qualifying in Africa, not allowing a single goal in the process. Can they carry that through to the World Cup against an Iran team who was the 2nd to book their trip to Russia?

Finally, it’s the main event, a star-studded matchup in Group B between Portugal and Spain. Portugal, the reigning European champions, enter with the hope of once again shocking the world and winning the World Cup. This is likely Cristiano Ronaldo’s last chance to lift the World Cup trophy. On the other side: many of his Real Madrid teammates and an incredible squad in Spain, who now have to deal with the drama surrounding the firing of their manager, Julen Lopetegui just two days ago. Interim manager Fernando Hierro will seek to get his team to block out the distractions and focus on possibly winning a 2nd World Cup.

So, grab some coffee (or a beer), sit back and let the World Cup take you into Friday the right way.

How to watch

Group A - Egypt vs. Uruguay

Location: Ekaterinburg Arena, Ekaterinburg

Kick-off time: 8:00am Eastern, 5:00am Pacific

Available TV: FS1 (English), Telemundo (Spanish)

Available streaming: Fox Sports Go (App/Website), Telemundo (Website), FuboTV (Free Trial)

Group B - Morocco vs. Iran

Location: Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg

Kick-off time: 11:00am Eastern, 8:00am Pacific

Available TV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)

Available streaming: Fox Sports Go (App/Website), Telemundo (Website), FuboTV (Free Trial)

Group B - Portugal vs. Spain

Location: Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi

Kick-off time: 2:00pm Eastern, 11:00am Pacific

Available TV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)

Available streaming: Fox Sports Go (App/Website), Telemundo (Website), FuboTV (Free Trial)

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