Meanwhile in Moscow: Quaresma Qualifies Portugal

The beauty of the last round of matches in the World Cup Group Stage lies in simultaneity, something not seen very often in modern football. In a thrilling swing of last minute emotions, Portugal saw the first place in Group B slipping out their hands tonight, as they conceded a penalty kick to Iran during stoppage time, just as Spain leveled their game with Morocco.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Not a Good Day to Be a Pole

As a sport journalist, I always try not to get too much involved emotionally when I write, especially about the teams that mean something to me. But today I’m going to make an exception, as I’m writing for Poland from the bottom of my heart, to comment their shocking 0-3 loss to Colombia that put them on a plane back to Warsaw after two World Cup games only.

Meanwhile in Moscow: England Burst Through Panama

In a World Cup Group G where goal difference could be a tie-breaker for catching the first spot, England closed their gap with Belgium today by smashing 6-1 a Panamanian side that objectively proved inadequate for a world stage. Harry Kane scored three of those goals, suddenly jumping to the top of the scorers list. John Stones (2), and Jesse Lingard rounded up the score.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Mexico-Korea, Memories and Moments

Mexico's win over South Korea, thanks to the goals by Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez, triggered a journey through memory for the Cult of Calcio's correspondent Carlos Molano, who recalled episodes of his past related to both countries. The result is a match recap that also tells us more about the culture where the Tricolores and the Taegeuk Warriors come from.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Die Mannschaft Never Die

They are indestructible. You can love them or hate them, but there’s no doubt that Germany are one step above any team when it comes to mental fortitude. For more than 20 minutes last night, the Germans were losing 0-1 to Sweden, and virtually out of the World Cup. Still, the full time score read 2-1 for Die Mannschaft, thanks to a late goal by Tony Kroos.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Wonder Belgium, 5 Goals to Tunisia!

Belgium seem ready to finally collect the fruits of their golden generation’s maturity. While Panama and Tunisia didn’t prove to be the most challenging of tests, the way coach Roberto Martìnez’s selection got rid of both was impressive. Today, they delivered 5 goals to the unfortunate North Africans, including braces by Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Xhaka-Shaqiri, Swiss Topple Serbs

A gritty Switzerland came from behind last night in Kaliningrad to tip Serbia over by 2-1, and make a bold step towards the World Cup 2018 Round of 16. Politics got mixed with football as goals for the Swiss came from the last two players on earth the Serbs would have wanted to see scoring – Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri, both of Kosovan / Albanian heritage.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Nigeria Blow Out Iceland Fairy Tale

In the last weeks, we had been hearing about Russia 2018 being the World Cup of big data and technology. Nigeria and Iceland, which faced each other yesterday in Group D – with the Super Eagles prevailing 2-0 - are a great example of it. Since the very moment the Nigerian playing kit for World Cup 2018 got released, it quickly went viral and sold out.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Mbappé Punishes Peru

For the second time in a row, France overcame their opponents by one goal difference. The French are a young team, which however can rely on the experience of coach Didier Deschamps. It is not a chance that the winning goal over Peru yesterday came from the youngest striker in this World Cup, 19-year-old Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint Germain.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Coutinho Saves Brazil Again

Brazil breathed a sigh of relief today when Philippe Coutinho finally managed to open a breach into the Costa Rican wall, which had held for 90 minutes. Neymar made it two for the Selecao during extra time, redeeming his team after a disappointing debut against Switzerland. However, qualification is still all but granted for the Brazilians.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Croatia Crush Argentina 3-0

Too bad to be true. The Argentinian squad seen last night was an embarrassing collection of horrors assembled by their confused coach Jorge Sampaoli. Croatia, on the other hand, are one of the most dangerous side seen in the World Cup so far. They showed no mercy for the confused Albiceleste, which are now hanging by a thread in Pool C.