Uruguay vs Russia
Stanislav Cherchesov and Oscar Tabarez will have to juggle pragmatism and momentum on Monday when Uruguay and Russia clash in Samara.
Both teams have won their opening two matches - in contrasting fashion - and already qualified for the round of 16.
Andrei Kanchelskis may have described them pre-tournament as "the worst Russian team I have ever seen" but that kind of negativity has not rubbed off on Cherchesov's men, who swept past Saudi Arabia 5-0 on opening night before subduing Egypt and Mohamed Salah to make it six points from six.
Uruguay, on the other hand, has been less entertaining and less convincing.
Saudi Arabia vs Egypt
Both teams have already been eliminated from Russia 2018 but a World Cup record could tumble when Egypt takes on Saudi Arabia.
Mohamed Salah's return from his shoulder injury could not avert a 3-1 loss to hosts Russia in St Petersburg on Tuesday, even though the Liverpool star netted a consolation from the penalty spot.
On the back of a last-gasp 1-0 loss to Uruguay on the opening match day, it left the Pharaohs with only pride to play for against a Saudi Arabia side who salvaged some by going down via the same slender scoreline to La Celeste – a vast improvement on their 5-0 humiliation versus Russia in the curtain raiser.
The goalkeeper against whom Saudi Arabia will try to score their first goal of the competition will provide the main source of intrigue in Volgograd.
Mohamed El-Shenawy won the nod for the first two matches from boss Hector Cuper, leaving captain Essam El Hadary on the bench.
If the 45-year-old plays he will become the oldest player in World Cup history.
Iran vs Portugal
Karim Ansarifard is confident Iran will beat Portugal to qualify for the next round of the World Cup ahead of Monday's winner-takes-all Group B clash.
Iran are third and only a point adrift of European champions Portugal and Spain leading in to the third and final matchday in Saransk.
Carlos Quieroz's men were unfortunate not to at least claim a point against Spain on Wednesday, having an equaliser ruled out by VAR.
It was an impressive performance against the 2010 world champions and Olympiacos forward Ansarifard said Iran are ready to advance to the last 16 for the first time in their history.
The key to Iran securing qualification will be stopping Portugal captain and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has scored four goals in two games following a hat-trick in the opening match against Spain, which was followed by the winner in a 1-0 victory over Morocco.
Having played their part in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Spain, Portugal were unconvincing as they eliminated Morocco.
Spain vs Morocco
Jordi Alba hopes Spain can show more solidity defensively to complement their attacking panache as Fernando Hierro's side aim to seal a place in the knockout stages of the World Cup against Morocco.
The 2010 winners battled to a 1-0 victory over Iran's massed defensive ranks in Kazan on Wednesday after playing out a 3-3 thriller with Group B leaders Portugal in their opening game.
Morocco have only pride to play for and Herve Renard's side have every reason to feel aggrieved over their early exit, having created ample chances during each of their 1-0 losses - failing to turn them into goals.
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