Cape Verde continued its surprise run at the World Cup with a 2-2 draw against Uruguay, while Belgium drew 0-0 with Iran in Los Angeles and Egypt beat New Zealand 3-1 for its first World Cup win ever. The night also produced a historic moment for Israeli football, as Maccabi Tel Aviv winger Helio Varela scored Cape Verde’s equalizer after coming off the bench.
In Group 8, Cape Verde fell behind early when Kevin Lenini scored a fine free kick in the 21st minute, but Uruguay recovered before halftime through Maxi Araujo in the 44th minute and Agustin Canobbio in stoppage time. Varela, who had struggled to establish himself at Maccabi Tel Aviv and finished the season with only three goals, entered in the 61st minute and scored three minutes later. His goal was Cape Verde’s second in the tournament and secured another point for the underdog.
In Group 7, Belgium again disappointed, extending a run of four straight World Cup matches without a win. Despite dominating possession and taking 11 shots, it could not beat Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. Belgium’s situation worsened in the 66th minute when Nathan Ngoy was sent off for a foul on Mehdi Taremi. Iran had briefly thought it had gone ahead in the 25th minute, but Taremi’s goal was disallowed after a lengthy VAR review for offside.
Iran’s point keeps it in contention for first place and gives it a realistic chance to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Belgium now faces New Zealand in the final round and could be eliminated if it fails to win. Egypt, meanwhile, went top of Group 7 after coming from behind against New Zealand, which led through Finn Surman’s header in the 15th minute. Moustafa Ziko equalized in the 58th minute, Mohamed Salah completed the turnaround eight minutes later, and substitute Mahmoud Trezeguet added a third in the 82nd minute, also from a Salah assist. It was Egypt’s first World Cup victory after 92 years and nine matches, and only the second time an African team has scored two headed goals in one World Cup match since records began in 1966.
