Belgium and Uruguay held to draws as Cape Verde stuns Spain at World Cup

Saudi Arabia holds Uruguay to 1–1 draw

In Miami, Saudi Arabia took a surprise lead just before half-time when Abduleh Al-Amri scored from a corner rebound after earlier forcing a sharp save from Fernando Muslera. Uruguay, missing the retired Luis Suárez, had dominated the first half through Federico Viñas’s diving header chances but lacked a cutting edge. Coach Marcelo Bielsa made two half-time substitutions, withdrawing Darwin Núñez and Lucas Viña, and the South Americans pressed furiously after the break. Manuel Ugarte struck the post before Maxi Araújo pounced on a spilled save by Mohammed Al-Owais to level with ten minutes remaining.

Belgium escapes with point against Egypt

On Lumen Field in Seattle, Belgium fell behind early when Emam Ashour fired a long-range shot past Thibaut Courtois. Egypt defended resolutely, with Hamdy Fathy and Marwan Attia booked for heavy fouls on Jérémy Doku, while Courtois denied Omar Marmoush to prevent a second. Kevin De Bruyne hit the post from a free-kick. After 65 minutes, Rudi Garcia sent on Romelu Lukaku, still not fully fit. With his first touch, Lukaku’s near-post run caused Mohamed Hany to deflect Thomas Meunier’s cross into his own net. Brandon Mechele had a late chance saved by Mostafa Shobeir, and the match ended square.

We had a really tough time. In the second half it went better, especially after our equaliser. Egypt is a stubborn team. I think ultimately we got a good point at the end.

Cape Verde stunner against Spain

In the day’s biggest shock, Cape Verde held Spain to a goalless draw thanks to an inspired performance from goalkeeper Vozinha. The 40-year-old, who turned professional at 25 and plays for second-tier Portuguese side Chaves, made a string of saves to deny the 2010 world champions.

I cried after the match because I grew up with my grandparents and they couldn’t be here tonight. They passed away a few years ago. I have worked hard all my life to be here and I am happy I could do something for the team with my experience.

His Instagram following exploded from under 50,000 to nearly 3.5 million within hours, boosted by on-air calls from a Brazilian TV station.

Referee controversy cleared

Earlier, FIFA said it would not open a disciplinary case against Australian assistant VAR Shaun Evans after he was accused of making an extreme-right hand gesture on camera before the Germany–Curaçao match. Evans denied intent, calling it an “unconscious movement.”

Naturally I understand how the gesture was interpreted and I regret this, but I want to state clearly and categorically that I did not make the suggested hand gesture consciously or intentionally.

What’s next

Group G continues with Iran facing New Zealand, now missing injured forward Matt Garbett. Belgium next play Iran on June 21 and New Zealand on June 27, while Uruguay resume against Spain and Cape Verde in Group H.