World Cup: Group A outcome in balance, Group B action

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - World Cup 2018 action will continue in Russia on Wednesday, with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia set to meet in Group A and all four Group B teams ready to take the field.

Group A's fate may be sealed with Uruguay taking on Saudi Arabia at Rostov Arena in Rostov-on-Don at 6 p.m. local time (1500GMT).

A victory by Uruguay would send them through to the knockout stages, eliminating both Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Hosts Russia will qualify as well if Uruguay manages to even get a draw.

In the first match of the day, Portugal will square off against Morocco in Group B at Luzhniki Stadium at 3 p.m. local time (GMT1200).

Portugal drew 3-3 against Spain in their first match, a thrilling contest that saw Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a hat-trick -- including a late free-kick -- to save his team from losing.

The reigning European champions will look to bag their first win against a tough Morocco team, who were defeated by Iran by an own goal in the last seconds of their first match.

Morocco will definitely try to do their best to avoid a second -- perhaps a tournament ending -- loss.

The last match of the day will see Iran taking on Spain at Kazan Arena at 9 p.m. local time (GMT1800), facing off for the first time ever.

Current Group B leaders Iran will look to break their bad luck streak with European teams and score their first win. They lost five of their six previous matches against European nations, with one draw.

Spain, on the other hand, aims to win and so boost their points total to 4 after two games.