Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer when he netted both goals in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria in Group J in Dallas to confirm the holders’ place in the last 32. Messi took his total to 18 World Cup goals when he netted in the 38th and 95th minutes having earlier missed from the penalty spot as Argentina secured their second win to move on to six points.
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A Mohamed Salah inspired Egypt stormed back from a goal down to beat New Zealand 3-1 and claim their first-ever World Cup win. After an end-to-end start by both teams, New Zealand opened the scoring in the 14th minute when an unmarked Finn Surman headed a corner home. With a wealth of possession and momentum behind them, Egypt finally levelled in the 58th minute as Mostafa Ziko capitalised on a superbly weighted cross.
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Cape Verde created fresh waves at the World Cup as they held two-time champions Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in a high-octane encounter in Miami. Kevin Pina hammered them ahead with a stunning free-kick before Uruguay hit back to lead at half-time. Substitute Helio Varela’s second-half goal after a defensive clanger was no less than Cape Verde deserved however.
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Belgium had defender Nathan Ngoy sent off as Iran held firm in a 0-0 World Cup draw in Los Angeles. Ngoy was dismissed after 66 minutes when he carelessly lost control of the ball and stopped Mehdi Taremi bearing down on the Red Devils’ goal. The stalemate means both sides have drawn two games and will have everything to play for in the final round of Group G matches.
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Spain got their World Cup campaign back on track with a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta. The European champions arrived in the United States as pre-tournament favourites, but those predictions had come under feverish scrutiny after being held 0-0 by the minnows of Cape Verde. First-night concerns were washed away though as Spain struck three times in the first 24 minutes to take top spot in Group H.
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