Results:
Spain 0-0 Cabo Verde
Belgium 1-1 Egypt
Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay
IR Iran 2-2 New Zealand
Cabo Verde produced one of the biggest shocks of the FIFA World Cup so far after holding title favourites Spain to a goalless draw on a historic day when all four matches ended level.
The World Cup debutants delivered a disciplined defensive performance to frustrate Spain, with 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha making several important saves to secure a famous point for the island nation.
Spain dominated possession and introduced Lamine Yamal in the second half as they searched for a breakthrough, but Cabo Verde held firm to record one of the most memorable results in their football history.
The result was part of a rare day of draws at the tournament. Belgium and Egypt shared a 1-1 draw in Seattle, Saudi Arabia held Uruguay 1-1 in Miami, while IR Iran and New Zealand played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Los Angeles.
Egypt took the lead against Belgium through Emam Ashour before pressure from substitute Romelu Lukaku forced an equaliser. Both goalkeepers, Thibaut Courtois and Mostafa Shoubir, made key saves, while Kevin De Bruyne was denied by the post from a free-kick.
In Miami, Saudi Arabia went ahead through Abdulelah Alamri before Uruguay responded late through Maxi Araujo. Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais produced an outstanding display as Uruguay pushed strongly in the second half.
The highest-scoring match of the day came in Los Angeles, where New Zealand twice led against Iran through Elijah Just. Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi replied for Iran in a 2-2 draw that was warmly applauded by both sets of supporters at full-time.
Monday’s results marked only the second time in World Cup history that four matches ended in draws on the same day. The previous occasion came on 15 June 1958, when four of the eight matches played finished level.
Cabo Verde’s result will be remembered as the standout moment of the day. Few gave the debutants a chance against Spain, but their organisation, discipline and resilience earned them a historic point on the world stage.
Tuesday’s fixtures will see France face Senegal, Iraq meet Norway, Argentina take on Algeria, and Austria play Jordan.
