VAR dominated last night's final round of Group B matches as Spain and Portugal both progressed to the knockout stages of the World Cup. Keith Duggan was at the Kaliningrad Stadium as a late Iago Aspas goal - confirmed by VAR in a chaotic finale - rescued a draw for Spain as Morocco "shook them to the core". They top the group ahead of Portugal who were held (1-1) by Iran. Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty and avoided a red card after two lengthy VAR delays, while the new system also awarded Iran a controversial penalty to equalise late on. Today Group C and D will be decided, with the day's big match being the clash between Argentina and Nigeria. Lionel Messi's team must win to qualify.
The GAA and Kildare look set for a Mexican stand-off over the venue for Saturday's qualifier against Mayo. Kildare were drawn out as the home team, but the fixture was moved from Newbridge to Croke Park due to capacity concerns. Kildare say they'll be togged in St Conleth's Park, the GAA say a no-show will result in a win for Mayo. Watch this space! In his column this morning, Jim McGuinness explains how pace, aggression and tactical acumen were the common themes for Dublin, Kerry and Donegal over the weekend. He writes, what all three have in common is; "the aggression with which all three push up on the kick-out, which has been widely noted in recent times, and the pace with which they move the ball either with hand or foot."
Following Ireland's historic series win over Australia, Gerry Thornley has rated the performance of every Irish player involved in the tour. There are three 9/10s in there. While in his column, The Irish Times' rugby correspondent writes about Ireland's superb season and how; "that was some season alright, but it doesn't feel like it's the end of the story."
Graeme McDowell will be playing this week's French Open and next week's Dubai Duty Free Irish Open - as the two tournaments offer tickets into next month's British Open at Carnoustie for which he is currently not exempt.
Jockey Ryan Moore is set to ride the odds-on favourite Saxon Warrior in this Saturday's Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, he needs the Curragh's €1.5 million highlight to complete a clean sweep of classics in England and Ireland.
