The stakes keep getting higher at the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar, as international football heavyweights battle for both qualification and survival.
European giants Spain and Germany lock horns with progress for the former and elimination for the latter a distinct possibility, while Japan build on their impressive start against Costa Rica in Group E.
Croatia seek their first Group F victory against lively Canada, as Belgium slug it out with Morocco.
World Cup predictions and fixtures for 27 November
*All kick off times are in Central Africa Time.
Group E: Japan vs Costa Rica – 12.00
Japan and Costa Rica meet in Group E at the 2022 Fifa World Cup on Sunday, off the back of wildly contrasting starts.
The Japanese were in dreamland after coming from behind to stun former champions Germany, with Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano both striking late on to create magic and put them in prime position to reach the next phase.
No such luck for the Costa Ricans.
They were absolutely battered by Spain, with the 7-0 reverse leaving them looking for dignity before even considering any points.
Group E: Spain vs Germany – 21.00
A clash of the former Fifa World Cup winners is a pool phase treat for fans at Qatar 2022, as Spain and Germany meet in Group E on Sunday.
It was a walk in the park for Luis Enrique’s 2010 global champions, as they thumped Costa Rica 7-0 on Wednesday.
Dani Olmo and Marco Asensio both struck early before a double from Ferran Torres either side of half time, with 18-year-old Gavi, Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata completing the demolition job.
A dream for the Spanish was a German nightmare, as Hansi Flick’s men coughed up a lead to slip to an unthinkable loss at the hands of Japan, who could go a long way to knocking them out with victory over Costa Rica.
Group F: Belgium vs Morocco – 15.00
It’s all to play for in Group F at the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar on Sunday afternoon, starting with the fixture between Belgium and Morocco.
Kevin de Bruyne and Co were given a fright by energetic Canada in their pool opener.
A Thibaut Courtois penalty save ensured Michy Batshuayi’s goal just before half time was enough to see the fading ‘golden generation’ safely to three precious points.
The Atlas Lions, meanwhile, produced a disciplined display to hold Russia 2018 runners-up Croatia to a goalless draw.
Group F: Croatia vs Canada – 18.00
Sunday evening’s Group F clash between Croatia and Canada sees a meeting of two nations seeking their first win at the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar.
Luka Modric’s 2018 runners-up couldn’t find a way through the dogged defence of Morocco for love nor money in their pool opener on Wednesday.
And the ‘what ifs’ are only greater for the Canadians in only their second tournament appearance.
Alphonso Davies’ penalty miss against Russian semi-finalists Belgium, added to a bundle more missed opportunities, left John Herdman’s team flat on their backs after an agonizing 1-0 defeat.