Classic start and Spain-Portugal an instant classic (6/14-6/15)

For the host nation, A1-Russia got off to a great start in routing poor A2-Saudi Arabia, 5-0 and continued the streak of the host nation not losing in their opening match.  In our LA Galaxy Press Box circles, we refer to this as the "Pando", a rare score just as the rare sight of Pando scoring in the LA Galaxy's 2005 season where Pando Ramirez set a record (that may still exist?) for worst shooting percentage and his only goal was on a penalty kick, that bounced off the post and off the keeper (i.e., really  a miss).  Of course, all was redeemed as he scored the game-winner in overtime of the MLS Cup (where I called it, at the end of regulation, in the bathroom of the restaurant we were watching the game on, to the laughter of those in there... but I knew).  But with the rout, Russia could just hope for one point in the next two matches and pray the goal differential will get them to the next round.

Late goals propelled A4-Uruguay and B4-Iran to 1-0 wins, the latter benefiting on a 90'+5 own goal in a match B3-Morocco should have won.  So in a few days, Morocco loses the 2026 big and their opening match.

In the game everyone was looking forward to, the Iberian Derby, B1-Portugal and B2-Spain played a
beautiful match with all the drama of an elimination match and the heart of one man pulling his team into a tie. After Ronaldo got an early 4' penalty kick goal to become the fourth person to score in four World Cups, Spain's Diego Costa single-handedly tied the score with five Portugal players chasing.  Ronaldo scored again on a rare keeper error by David De Gea but Deigo Costa got his second as well.  Shortly thereafter Nacho (what a great name) put Spain ahead 3-2.  But Ronaldo was not done and scored on a great-looking direct free kick in the 88' to will his team into a 3-3 tie.  So who had Iran leading the group at this point?

Four entries are a perfect 4-0.  Ilvecchio, Teuton, Popozao, and Dentista de Suarez were four of 17 to pick Iran's win.  Everyone got at least one match correct with 69 picking Russia and 68 picking Uruguay.  Interestingly, Argh did not pick Russia but did pick the other 3 matches correct including her native land of IR Iran.

Unofficially, we have a record 79 entries from 58 people.  More details on the breakdown to come.  But I never would've thought, after getting the online entry up late and with USA not being in it, that we would be close to breaking the record.  But thanks to everyone and this should be a fun pool and tournament!

If you don't who these nicknames belong to, you can now check out our Who's Who in the pool which is sorted by both name and nickname so it is easy to find.  And if you forgot who you picked, you can now look at yours (and anyone else's) picks and bracket.