Spain thrash Saudi Arabia 4-0; Egypt tops Group G in World Cup second round
In the second round of World Cup group matches, Spain defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0, while Egypt beat New Zealand 3-1 to take the lead in Group G.
The World Cup has entered its second week, with several teams already securing knockout stage spots, including co-hosts Mexico, the United States, and Germany. Sunday and Monday saw four matches from Groups G and H, with some surprising results.
Spain vs. Saudi Arabia
Spain bounced back from a disappointing 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opener to dominate Saudi Arabia 4-0. Barcelona's 18-year-old Lamine Yamal scored his first World Cup goal in the 10th minute after receiving a cross from Mikel Oyarzabal. Oyarzabal then netted twice in three minutes (21st and 24th) to make it 3-0 at halftime. Marc Cucurella volleyed home from a corner in the 49th minute. Ferran Torres had a goal disallowed by VAR for offside late on.
Belgium vs. Iran
Belgium, held 1-1 by Egypt in their first game, could not find a breakthrough against Iran, playing out a 0-0 draw despite dominating possession (70%) and registering 22 shots (7 on target). The Red Devils were reduced to ten men when defender Nathan Ngoy received a red card. Kevin De Bruyne created chances but could not convert. Both teams have two points, but Iran leads on goal difference.
Uruguay vs. Cape Verde
Cape Verde continued to impress in their debut World Cup, earning a 2-2 draw with Uruguay. The island nation opened the scoring from a free kick in the 21st minute. Maximiliano Araújo equalized for Uruguay in the 42nd minute, and Agustín Canobbio put them ahead in stoppage time. In the second half, a defensive error by Uruguay allowed Cape Verde's Helio Varela to equalize in the 62nd minute. Uruguay could not regain the lead.
Egypt vs. New Zealand
Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1. Finn Surman headed New Zealand ahead in the 15th minute. Egypt equalized in the 60th minute through Mostafa Zaky (Ziko), who headed in from Mohamed Hany's cross. Mohamed Salah put Egypt ahead in the 67th minute after a one-two with Ziko. Salah then assisted Mahmoud Trezeguet for a headed goal in the 82nd minute to make it 3-1. Egypt now leads Group G.
