Spain's Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring his first FIFA World Cup goal during Spain's commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, as Egypt and Cape Verde also deliver memorable performances.
Lamine Yamal announced himself on the FIFA World Cup stage with his first tournament goal as Spain cruised to a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, while Mohamed Salah inspired Egypt to a historic 3-1 comeback win over New Zealand to strengthen the Pharaohs’ hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
Spain responded emphatically after their opening draw, with 18-year-old Yamal opening the scoring after just 10 minutes to become one of the youngest players ever to net in a World Cup match.
Mikel Oyarzabal noted a first-half brace before an own goal by Hassan Al Tambakti completed the rout, lifting the 2024 European champions to the top of Group H with four points.
Elsewhere in Group H, tournament debutants Cape Verde continued their remarkable run by holding two-time champions Uruguay to an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Kevin Pina fired the Blue Sharks ahead with a stunning free-kick before Uruguay responded through Maxi Araújo and Agustín Canobbio. However, Hélio Varela capitalised on a defensive lapse to equalise and earn Cape Verde a second successive draw, leaving qualification to the knockout stage firmly within reach.
In Group G, Egypt produced one of the stories of the tournament by recovering from an early deficit to defeat New Zealand 3-1 and record the nation’s first-ever World Cup victory.
Finn Surman had given the All Whites the advantage before Mostafa Zico levelled after the break. Salah then scored the decisive goal and later provided the assist for Trezeguet’s late header as Egypt moved to the brink of a historic place in the last 32.
Belgium’s struggles, meanwhile, continued as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by a resilient Iran side. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the Red Devils failed to find a breakthrough, with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand producing a string of outstanding saves.
Belgium’s task became even harder after Nathan Ngoy was sent off in the second half, leaving them winless after two matches and under pressure heading into their final group fixture.
With the group stage approaching its decisive conclusion, Spain and Egypt have seized momentum at the perfect time, Cape Verde continue to defy expectations with fearless performances, while Belgium face an anxious battle to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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