Cape Verde holds Uruguay to 2-2 draw, Spain cruises past Saudi Arabia, Belgium frustrated by Iran in World Cup group stage

Cape Verde's dream run continues

Cape Verde, ranked 63rd in the world, earned a second consecutive shock result by drawing 2-2 with two-time champion Uruguay in Miami. The island nation had already held European champion Spain to a 0-0 draw in its opening match. Against Uruguay, Kevin Lenini (reported as Kevin Pina by NOS) struck a 25-metre free kick to score Cape Verde's first ever World Cup goal. Uruguay turned the match around before half-time through Maximiliano Araújo and Agustin Canobbio, but a goalkeeping error by Fernando Muslera allowed Hélio Varela to level in the second half. Cape Verde survived a late Uruguayan onslaught, with goalkeeper Vozinha making several saves and a goal ruled out for offside. The result leaves both teams on two points in Group H, with Cape Verde facing Saudi Arabia next while Uruguay meets Spain.

Spain takes control of Group H

Spain moved to the top of Group H with a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and provided an assist, while Lamine Yamal made his first start of the tournament. The win gives Spain four points, two clear of Uruguay and Cape Verde. Saudi Arabia, which drew with Uruguay in its opener, remains on one point.

Belgium frustrated by Iran

Belgium's difficult tournament continued with a 0-0 draw against Iran, leaving the Red Devils with two points from two matches. Nathan Ngoy was sent off, forcing Belgium to play much of the game with ten men.

“It was quiet in the dressing room.”

“Of course we are disappointed, that is normal. We played with too many emotions. I can't say more about it.”

Kevin De Bruyne remained hopeful:

“But we still have the chance to turn this around.”

Egypt claims historic first World Cup win

Egypt beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver to record its first victory at a World Cup finals, having failed to win in four previous appearances. Finn Surman headed New Zealand in front, but Mostafa Ziko equalised before half-time and Mohamed Salah put Egypt ahead early in the second half. The result puts Egypt top of Group G with four points, while New Zealand stays on one point. Both Belgium and Iran have two points.

Spain4

Uruguay2

Cape Verde2

Saudi Arabia1

Spain

4 points

Uruguay

2 points

Cape Verde

2 points

Saudi Arabia

1 points

Data from the article text

Egypt4

Belgium2

Iran2

New Zealand1

Egypt

4 points

Belgium

2 points

Iran

2 points

New Zealand

1 points

Data from the article text

VAR official under investigation for gesture

Australian video assistant referee Shaun Evans is being investigated by FIFA after making a hand gesture before the Germany-Curaçao match that anti-discrimination watchdog Fare identified as a white power symbol. Fare called for Evans to be removed from the tournament. The gesture, an inverted OK sign, has been used in far-right circles since around 2017. FIFA has opened an inquiry.

Monday's fixtures

Title contenders enter the fray on Monday. Defending champion Argentina faces Austria, vice-champion France plays Iraq, Norway with Erling Haaland meets Senegal, and Jordan takes on Algeria.