Mohamed Salah inspired Egypt’s first ever World Cup win, while Cape Verde’s heroics continued against two-time champions Uruguay.
Egypt 3-1 New Zealand
Egypt secured the first World Cup win in their history with a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver, putting them firmly in control of Group G.
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Finn Surman’s early header had given the Kiwis a 15th-minute lead, but Mostafa Zico levelled with a header from a Mohamed Hany cross before Mohamed Salah curled home a left-footed effort in the 67th minute.
Salah then turned provider, setting up substitute Trezeguet to seal the win with a low header. Egypt top the group on four points and need only a draw against Iran on Friday to reach the last 32.
Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia
Spain responded to their shock opening draw with Cape Verde in emphatic fashion, thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Los Angeles. Teenager Lamine Yamal, back from a hamstring injury, opened the scoring before Mikel Oyarzabal added two quickfire goals to make it 3-0 inside 24 minutes. Marc Cucurella’s deflected effort completed the rout just after half-time.
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Cape Verde 2-2 Uruguay
Debutants Cape Verde continued their fairytale World Cup with a thrilling 2-2 draw against two-time champions Uruguay in Miami. Kevin Pina’s brilliant free-kick gave the Blue Sharks an early lead before Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio struck either side of half-time to put Uruguay 2-1 up.
Helio Varela pounced on a Fernando Muslera error to level in the 61st minute and secure another famous point.
Belgium 0-0 Iran
Belgium remain without a win after being held 0-0 by Iran in Los Angeles, finishing the match with ten men after Nathan Ngoy’s second-half red card. Mehdi Taremi had a goal ruled out by VAR in the first half. Belgium sit on two points and face bottom side New Zealand on Friday, needing a big win to over take Egypt at the top of Group G.
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