World Cup Matchday 9: Brazil, Switzerland leave it late; Super Eagles fly high

Another day of the 2018 World Cup is in the books and what a day it was. Late and dramatic goals was the theme of the day as both Group E matches were decided in the final minutes. Meanwhile, Group D finished up with two of the tournament’s best underdog stories meeting. Here’s a rundown of the action:

Brazil 2-0 Costa Rica

Keylor Navas put on one of the best displays of goalkeeping we’ve seen in a World Cup in quite some time. Unfortunately, Brazil’s quality finally showed through as Philippe Coutinho nabbed the winner at the beginning of second half stoppage time thanks to a little bit of fortune. Neymar finished it off with a tap-in and the Samba Boys pick up their first win of the tournament.

Serbia 1-2 Switzerland

In one of the most exciting games of the tournament so far, Xherdan Shaqiri’s dramatic 90th minute winner has thrown Group E into flux. The two exchanged goals, including a stunning strike from Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka, before the Stoke City winger earn the three points for his country. Both of these teams will join Brazil in a three-way fight for two spots in the final matchday of the group.

Nigeria 2-0 Iceland

Ahmed Musa’s second half brace has the Super Eagles flying high with hopes of a berth into the Round of 16 alive and well. Iceland weren’t much of a test for Nigeria after they were able to hold Lionel Messi and Argentina to a point in their first match. The EURO 2016 Cinderella will need a convincing win over Croatia, who have already announced they’ll play a reserve-laden lineup after clinching advancement. Meanwhile, Argentina and Nigeria will face-off with both needing a result. Nigeria could possibly advance with a draw if goal differential falls their way. Argentina will need nothing less than a win.