A single goal was enough to decide each of the three FIFA World Cup matches overnight, with Portugal, Uruguay and Spain registering victories.
Here’s a wrap up of all the overnight World Cup action!
Group B
Portugal: 1 (Ronaldo 4’)
Morocco: 0
It took just four minutes for Cristiano Ronaldo to find the back of the net last night, as his clutch header brought up his fourth goal of the tournament.
The superstar’s 85th international goal took him to second on the all-time leader board for individual international goals, trailing only to Ali Daei (109 goals).
A fighting Morocco didn’t shy away after Ronaldo’s early score, but Portugal goal keeper Rui Patricio denied their attack, with Younes Belhanda coming closest to equalising the score.
Morocco created opportunities but couldn’t convert from their 16 attempts at goal and as a result, they are the first nation to be eliminated from the World Cup.
Ronaldo dives in to head the ball into the back of the net.
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 20, 2018
Portugal 1-0 Morocco#PORMAR #OptusSport #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/4KUBYwAIIy
Group A
Uruguay: 1 (L.Suarez 23’)
Saudi Arabia: 0
Uruguay cemented their spot in the Round of 16 with a one-goal victory in Rostov-on-Don.
In the 23rd minute, Luis Suarez ran into an empty net with goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais failing to intercept the bouncing ball, handing Uruguay their second consecutive victory for the tournament.
After the telling first half goal, Uruguay went into defensive mode, denying Saudi Arabia of any opportunity to score.
Saudi have now gone goalless for the past 366 minutes in the world finals – an unwanted record for the nation.
Luis Suarez has opened his account in, Russia.
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 20, 2018
Uruguay 1-0 Saudi Arabia#URUKSA #OptusSport #Worldcup pic.twitter.com/tjLtkhiI1k
Group B
IR Iran: 0
Spain: 1 (Diego Costa 54’)
It took just one straight strike for Spain to down IR Iran overnight, after their three goals in the opening match only secured a draw.
Diego Costa did the damage again for his nation, slotting his third goal in just two games.
IR Iran failed to hit the scoreboard in a spirited encounter, leaving them with one win and one loss from two matches in the tournament.
"Diego, Diego, Diego!"
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 20, 2018
What a moment for the Spaniards.
Iran 0-1 Spain#IRNESP #OptusSport #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/OgbkZazWQc
Match Previews:
Group C: Denmark v Australia (Thursday June 21, 10:00pm AEDT)
The Aussies will be out for redemption after a controversial 2-1 loss to France in the World Cup opener when they take on Denmark tonight.
Prediction: Denmark 2 – Australia 1
Grou p C: France v Peru (Friday June 22, 1:00am AEDT)
France will be looking to back-up their victory over Australia when they take on the winless Peru in their second match of the tournament.
Prediction: France 3 – Peru 0
Group D: Argentina v Croatia (Friday June 22, 4:00am AEDT)
Argentina managed an underwhelming draw with Iceland in their first game of the tournament, and after failing to convert a penalty in that match, Lionel Messi will be desperate to make a mends when his nation takes on Croatia.
Prediction: Argentina 2 – Croatia 1