Cape Verde reaches World Cup last 16 in historic debut as Belgium, Spain, Senegal also advance
First-time World Cup participants Cape Verde secured a remarkable spot in the round of 16 after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, while Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to top their group and Spain edged out Uruguay.
France cruise past Norway, Dembélé shines
France completed a perfect group stage with a 4-1 win over a heavily rotated Norway side. Ousmane Dembélé scored a hat-trick inside 30 minutes and Désiré Doué added a header. Mike Maignan made several key saves, helping the team to a third straight victory and a meeting with Sweden in the next round.
Cape Verde's historic qualification
Debutants Cape Verde held Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 draw, combined with Uruguay's 1-0 loss to Spain, to finish second in Group H. The Blue Sharks advanced with three draws (against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia) and will now face reigning champions Argentina. Coach Pedro Brito's side remains unbeaten in its first World Cup.
Belgium awakens, tops group
Belgium routed New Zealand 5-1 to secure first place in Group G ahead of Egypt. Leandro Trossard scored twice (28th, 50th), with further goals from Kevin De Bruyne (66th), Romelu Lukaku (86th) and Alexis Saelemaekers (90+5th). New Zealand's consolation came from Just in the 84th minute.
Egypt held by Iran; Iranian hopes still alive
Egypt drew 1-1 with Iran after Mahmoud Saber's early goal (5th) was cancelled out by Ramin Rezaeian (14th). Iran thought they had won it in stoppage time through Shojae Khalilzadeh, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Egypt finished second in the group while Iran, third with three points and a zero goal difference, must wait for other results to see if they reach the last 16.
Bielsa's Uruguay eliminated
Uruguay lost 1-0 to Spain, finishing third in Group H with two points and crashing out. Coach Marcelo Bielsa could not hide his disappointment.
I will leave nothing to Uruguayan football. A coach's work over three years counts for nothing if results don't follow: fourth place in qualifiers means nothing, third at the Copa América means nothing, and this performance needs no comment.
Senegal bounce back, other qualifiers
Senegal demolished Iraq 5-0 to book their last-16 ticket, joining England, Portugal, Ghana, Paraguay and others already through. The group stage concludes with Panama vs England, Croatia vs Ghana, Colombia vs Portugal, DR Congo vs Uzbekistan, Algeria vs Austria, and Jordan vs Argentina.
