Four matches ended in draws on the same day at the FIFA World Cup for the first time since June 15, 1958, as debutants Cape Verde held European champions Spain to a shock goalless draw while Egypt were denied a historic victory by Belgium on Monday.
Cape Verde produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far, frustrating world number two Spain in Atlanta with a disciplined defensive display to earn a point in their first-ever World Cup appearance.
In Seattle, Egypt looked set to claim their maiden World Cup victory after Emam Ashour’s early goal put them ahead against Belgium. However, substitute Romelu Lukaku made an immediate impact, forcing an own goal within a minute of coming on to secure a 1-1 draw for the Belgians.
Uruguay and Saudi Arabia also shared the spoils in Miami, where Maximiliano Araujo struck in the 80th minute to rescue a 1-1 draw for the South Americans in their Group H opener.
The result left all four teams in Group H — Spain, Cape Verde, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia — level on one point after the opening round of matches.
In Los Angeles, Iran fought back to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in an entertaining Group G encounter at SoFi Stadium.
Iran will next face Belgium in Los Angeles, while New Zealand travel to Vancouver to take on Egypt in the next round of Group G fixtures on Sunday.
New Zealand, appearing at the World Cup finals for the third time, remain in search of their first victory in the tournament after seven matches. Iran, meanwhile, continue their bid to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
-ANI
