What happened overnight? Defending champions Germany came back from the brink of World Cup elimination, scoring a 95th minute winner to beat Sweden 2-1 in one of the most drama-packed games of an already enthralling tournament.
Earlier, Mexico continued their good start, overcoming South Korea 2-1.
And Belgium all but confirmed their place in the knockout rounds, thumping Tunisia 5-2.
Heroes The left knee of Marco Reus and the thunderous right boot of Toni Kroos became the German nation's favourite body-parts as they scored the second half goals which earned the reigning champions victory, with unthinkable elimination less than 45 minutes away.
Earlier, Swedish striker Ola Toivonen – who once famously asked the team psychologist to "have a word with my boots" – scored a splendid opener, bringing the ball down expertly on his chest and producing a sublime lobbed finish.
Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku netted a second successive brace to move level with Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Golden Boot. The Manchester United front-man was criticised for his lacklustre performance in the first half against Panama, but came flying out of the blocks here, scoring two excellent goals and reinforcing his reputation as Belgium's main man in the front third.
And for the second game running, Mexican winger Hirving Lozano was a constant menace, combining mazy dribbling and close control with eye-catching passes, including the assist for Javier Hernandez to score Mexico's vital second goal. Still just 22, he is already a key cog in what is looking a very competitive side.
Villains I'm sorry to keep bringing this up but the VAR system again showed itself to be way short of the mark. Sweden were denied a clear penalty early in their clash with Germany, with Jerome Boateng's shove in the back of striker Marcus Berg also arguably worthy of a red card. Instead, silence from the five (that's right, FIVE) officials in the VAR bunker.
Boateng did eventually depart the game early, leaving Germany a man down for the last eight minutes, after he was sent off for a second yellow card.
Stat chat Timed at 94:42, Toni Kroos' goal was the latest Germany have scored in a World Cup match (excluding extra-time). He also had 144 touches in the game, the most by a German player since those World Cup stats started being recorded in 1966.
Javier Hernández became the first player to score 50 goals for Mexico. He also scored on the same date four years ago at the last World Cup in Brazil, when Mexico beat Croatia 3-1.
Mexico won consecutive World Cup matches for the first time since winning their first two games at the 2002 tournament.
This was the first time Belgium had scored five goals in a World Cup match.
Tunisia have now gone 13 games without a World Cup win.
There have been more penalties awarded in Russia (14) than in the entire 2014 tournament in Brazil. The record in a World Cup is 18 in 2002.
They said what? Former England international, now pundit Gary Neville: "The (German) centre-backs have been a joke. Boateng for some reason seems to think he is Beckenbauer, thinks he is a player. He's played under Pep and now starts to think he is a fantastic footballer."
Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul: "As expected, it was a very difficult match. We would like to apologise to the Tunisian fans who were numerous in the stadium today."
Did you know? For the first time since making his debut for Germany, Mesut Özil was left out of the starting eleven in a game at a World Cup or European Championship. He had started in 26 consecutive games prior to this one.
Staying and going Russia, Uruguay, France and Croatia are confirmed in the knockout rounds.
Costa Rica, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco and Peru will head home after their third and final pool games.
What's next? England will send both themselves and Belgium into the last 16 if they can beat Panama at midnight in Group G.
Japan and Senegal, who both won their opening Group H matches, clash at 3am, while Poland and Colombia meet in a must-win match for both nations at 6am.