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.
Read more
Switzerland atoned for their slip-up against Qatar as substitutes Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas inspired them to a 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina which puts them in pole position in Group B. Manzambi is just 20 but comes into these finals on the back of a stellar season at Freiburg, where he helped the German side reach the Europa League final before losing to Aston Villa.
Read more
Iran drew their World Cup opener with New Zealand but emphatically won the support of the Iranian community inside SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, having overcome unprecedented obstacles just to play at these finals. The Asian team hit back twice through Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi to force a 2-2 draw, with Eli Just grabbing a brace for the All Whites.
Read more
The United States pulverised Paraguay as they opened their home World Cup campaign with a statement victory in front of a galaxy of Los Angeles stars, including former England captain David Beckham. Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, a former England Under-21 international, scored two well-taken first-half goals as Mauricio Pochettino’s side served early notice of their capabilities in a convincing 4-1 win.
Read more