Head‑to‑head rule brings early winners and losers

The new head-to-head World Cup tiebreak rule has already produced group winners and early exits, while the scramble for one of the eight best third-placed spots means plenty still hinges on the final round of group games beginning on Wednesday.

When goal difference was the first deciding factor in separating sides level on points, a three-point deficit could still be clawed back in the last group game....