What did you miss last night? And what’s on the schedule for today? Our daily concise overview—this time featuring strong goalies once again and yet another defiant underdog.
Belgium Scores Again
Iran earned its second point in its second match, giving the heavy favorite Belgium a run for its money. The Red Devils were the superior team for much of the game but were thwarted by a brilliant Alireza Beiranvand—and then had to play with ten men for half an hour after a red card. In the end, the two goalkeepers—Thibaut Courtois and, in particular, Iran’s Beiranvand—left their mark on the game, resulting in a 0–0 draw. Although Belgium has been unbeaten in 15 competitive matches, it has gone 406 minutes without scoring a goal of its own at World Cups. In the 1–1 draw against Egypt to open the tournament, Mohamed Hany scored an own goal; the last World Cup goal scored by a Belgian dates back to November 23, 2022—that was Michy Batshuayi’s goal in the 1–0 opening victory over Canada at the 2022 World Cup.
Cape Verde Gives Uruguay a Run for Its Money
After the disappointing 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia, the pressure was mounting in Uruguay ahead of their second group stage match against Cape Verde—and it grew even more intense when the heavy underdog took a sensational lead through Kevin Pina, scoring the first World Cup goal for an underdog. But in front of Uruguayan soccer legend Luis Suárez, Maxi Araujo and Agustín Canobbio turned the tide with back-to-back goals just before the halftime whistle, and the two-time World Cup champions thought they were back on track. Substitute Helios Varela, however, dashed Uruguay’s hopes with the 2-2 equalizer. Cape Verde thus snatched a point from another favorite and heads into its final group stage match against Saudi Arabia with two points to its credit. Uruguay has the same number of points but faces Spain on Saturday. As in 2022, La Celeste is once again in danger of being eliminated in the group stage.
Egypt Shows Comeback Qualities
In Vancouver, Egypt and New Zealand faced off—Egypt, which had put in a convincing performance against Belgium but ultimately only managed a 1-1 draw, was in for a nasty surprise: Finn Surman headed the All Whites into an early lead off a corner kick, after which the New Zealanders sat back while Egypt played too erratically. After the break, the Pharaohs stepped up their game, went on the offensive, and were rewarded: Mostafa Ziko, Mo Salah, and substitute Trezeguet turned the tide and led Egypt to a 3-1 victory and first place in Group G. Interestingly, this marked the team’s first win in the group stage after three draws.
Here’s what today’s World Cup action brings—and what’s next for Germany
The action continues on Monday at 7 p.m. Central European Summer Time. Then, the Austrian team coached by Ralf Rangnick will face world champions Argentina, led by superstar Lionel Messi. In the evening (9 p.m.), France is the heavy favorite against Iraq, while Erling Haaland and the Norwegians will face Senegal late at night (2 a.m.). Finally, in the early morning hours, Jordan and Algeria will face off (5 a.m.).
And what’s next for the DFB team? The German squad is already looking ahead to its final group stage match against Ecuador on Thursday (10 p.m.). Since Nagelsmann’s team has already secured first place in the group, there isn’t much at stake for them from a competitive standpoint, while the South Americans need points. At 5 p.m. German time, Nadiem Amiri will take questions at the mandatory press conference. On Monday, the DFB is also expected to comment on Nico Schlotterbeck’s injury.
