The 2018 World Cup is in full flow in Russia.
Germany crashed out of the Would Cup on Wednesday afternoon with a stunning 2-0 defeat to South Korea, while Sweden thumped Mexico 3-0 to secure top spot in Group F. In the final round of Group E games, Brazil and Switzerland went through to the Round of 16.
But today the action moves on swiftly with England facing Belgium for the battle for top spot - or second as it may be, with it securing a more favourable route. They will also learn their Round of 16 opponents, with Colombia, Japan and Senegal all vying for two qualification places.
It's the last day of the Group Stages today so make sure you stay with us for all the goings on in Russia. Follow all the latest news below...
Live Updates
12:53
In other news, Diego Maradona has declared that he is 'very much alive' after a health scare following Argentina's dramatic victory over Nigeria.
La Albiceleste hero in 1986 was seen being helped away from the stadium in St Petersburg and made obscene gestures following Marcos Rojo's late winner.
More on the story here:
12:47
For all you Harry Kane lovers out there (I know there's a lot right now), here's another Spurs legend talking about England's main man.
Ahead of the game with Belgium, Ledley King believes bragging rights are up for grabs despite the tougher draw on paper courtesy of winning the group.
It seems apparent that the Red Devils are going to rest some of their key players for this clash, but Southgate,Kane and co, their eyes are fully set on victory.
Watch the video to hear more about what King thinks of England's chances at this World Cup and how 'level-headed' Kane is the right man to lead them.
Credit: Black Type Bet
12:10
Meanwhile, the other two sides in the group will be battling it out for their place in the last 16.
Make sure to keep up to date with live action here between Colombia and Senegal:
11:58
It's 3 hours before the first games of the day get underway with Group H reaching its climax.
Follow the live action here with the Independent to see if Japan can navigate their way past a Poland team who's bags have already been packed.
At least they don't have far to fly.
11:38
Does anyone remember this clash?
It's been 6 years since England last faced Belgium and the Three Lions came out on top that day, defeating the Red Devils 1-0 courtesy of a Danny Welbeck strike.
Same result today, perhaps?
11:24
But once Group H has reached its conclusion, the importance of Group G's final standings will be intensified.
And while Roberto Martinez has guaranteed that he will be resting his main charges, you just never know.
The conversion rate of these three key players is something to be marvelled at, but, there's the very real chance none of them will face England later this afternoon.
Their attacking threat, though, even with players dropped, is quite frightening with Michy Batshuayi and Adnan Januzaj waiting in the wings.
Credit: Genting Bet.
10:57
The first act of the day is to see the completion of Group H which currently has Japan, Senegal and Colombia battling it out for a place in the last 16 with Poland the only team definitely eliminated.
Japan have the pleasure of taking on the already eliminated Europeans but Robert Lewandowski will try to ensure he leaves the World Cup with at least one goal.
Meanwhile, Colombia and Senegal will do battle in the other game, with the loser likely to bow out of the competition.
No matter what though, England will be facing one of the two teams that progress so keep your eyes peeled throughout the afternoon.
10:38
Back to Brazil for a minute and this was Moscow metro last night after the South Americans put Serbia to the sword.
Wow.
10:29
I don't want to make this blog detailing all about why it's coming home but....
It's coming home.
10:25
OKAY, OKAY, OKAY.
Put your pitchforks down. Let's start talking England and Belgium.
The two sides, locked on the same points, goal difference, goals scored and goals conceded meet tonight to decide who will top Group G and undoubtedly have a tougher route in the World Cup.
While it is perfectly set up to be a big game, there is also the feeling that it may prove an anti-climax with both sides potentially favouring finishing second.
Here's Jack Pitt-Brooke with a more detailed preview:
10:09
LAST ONE ON GERMANY....maybe.
The 2014 World Champions have gone heroes to zeroes in seeing Germany eliminated at the group stage for the first time ever.
At the Independent we've corroborated how the media, across the globe, reacted:
09:41
We will move on to Belgium v England later today, I promise.
But, Germany's exit has stolen the headlines, becoming the fourth team in the last five World Cup winners to have gone out in the group stages following success.
There's a long way to go for all the teams left in the competition, but, Germany are known for their tournament nous so their early elimination really opens up proceedings for the other nations.
Here's Miguel Delaney's piece discussing just how memorable this World Cup COULD be following the champions' shock exit.
09:30
Meanwhile, Germany's fallout from this World Cup is continuing.
Here's Frank McCluskey's piece including quotes from Joachim Low, admitting Germany were 'arrogant' coming into the tournament.
09:18
The Independent's very own man in Moscow, Ed Malyon, penned this article about Brazil, the favourites for the competition following their victory against Serbia.
Do you think they'll go al the way...or, is it coming home?
09:08
But before we get stuck in to today's action, have we all settled down from yesterday's action which saw one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
Germany, the current World champions were knocked out of the competition courtesy of a 2-0 defeat to South Korea which actually sent them bottom of the group.
Meanwhile, Mexico and Sweden both progressed despite El Tri succumbing to their European rivals in a 3-0 defeat.
The drama somewhat subsided later in the evening as Brazil saw off Serbia with a relatively comfortable 2-0 win to top Group E and set up a last 16 clash with Mexico.
And Switzerland secured their passage to the last 16 drawing 2-2 with Costa Rica whose goals meant that al 32 sides at this years tournament scored at least one goal!
See below for all of yesterday's highlights.
08:20
We'll bring you all the latest news on that plus all the best pictures and video from Russia throughout the day right here so don't touch that dial.
Without further ado, off we go.
Good morning and welcome to today's Independent World Cup blog.
The 2018 Fifa World Cup is well underway with excitement building at the biggest football tournament on the planet.
England are in action today in their final Group Stage game against Belgium - but do either team want to win it? Finishing second certainly has its advantages...
We'll bring you all the latest news on that plus all the best pictures and video from Russia throughout the day right here so don't touch that dial.
Without further ado, off we go.
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