Friday saw the remaining Round of 16 slots filled at UAE 2013, and no team sealed their place in more resounding fashion than Nigeria, who got back on track after their draw with Sweden by putting five goals past Iraq, officially eliminating the Lions of Mesopotamia in the process.
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In the other match in Group F, reigning champions Mexico made life difficult for themselves, but finally set up a meeting with Italy by clinching a late victory over Sweden. The Scandinavians, meanwhile, can console themselves with having finished as one of the tournament's best third-placed sides, and will now face Japan.
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In the run-up to today's fixtures, all four teams in Group E knew that qualification was still a possibility.
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Argentina needed just a point against Canada in Dubai to progress, but instead picked up all three in their first truly comfortable win of the competition.
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The South Americans are now likely to go into their duel with Tunisia full of confidence.
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Across the country in Al Ain, Austria were aware that only a win would do versus Iran, but it was the Asian nation who emerged triumphant and booked a rendezvous with free-scoring Nigeria in the knockout phase.
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Finally, today's combination of results turned out to be good news for Russia, who squeezed through in third place in Group D, and will now lock horns with Brazil.