Manuel Neuer and Germany fell at the first hurdle, becoming the third successive defending champions to be eliminated from the next World Cup in the group stages. - © © imago
Manuel Neuer and Germany fell at the first hurdle, becoming the third successive defending champions to be eliminated from the next World Cup in the group stages. - © © imago

2018 FIFA World Cup permutations: How qualification for the last 16 was secured

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The group stage has come to a close in Russia, so how did the successful teams reach the round of 16? Find out below!

Group A-Uruguay,Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt

    Uruguay finished above Russia after beating them in the final match of Group A. Saudi Arabia earned three points and third place after victory over Egypt.

- © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA

Group B-Spain, Portugal, Iran, Morocco

    Spain's last-gasp draw with Morocco helped them finish top of the group as they scored one more goal than Portugal.Portugal went through in second place after drawing with Iran, who needed a victory to progress.

- © gettyimages
- © gettyimages
- © gettyimages / Richard Heathcote
- © gettyimages / Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV
- © gettyimages / Matthias Hangst
- © gettyimages / OZAN KOSE
- © gettyimages / JEWEL SAMAD