+ Group H: Spain–Saudi Arabia, Sunday, 6:00 PM
Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
TV4/P4 Radio Sport
+ Spain under pressure to win
Cape Verde held their own against reigning European champions Spain, with the opening match ending 0–0. The Spaniards were heavily criticized in the Spanish media and are entering the match against Saudi Arabia with a knife to their throats.
"What doubts do you think my team has? Zero doubts," said national team captain Luis de la Fuente at a press conference.
Superstar Lamine Yamal has been sidelined with a thigh injury all spring and began the World Cup on the bench. There is much to suggest that the Barcelona youngster is now set to make his first World Cup start of his career.
+ Group G: Belgium–Iran, Sunday, 9:00 PM
Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California
TV4/P4 Radio Sport
+ Iran anger after the opener
After Iran's 2-2 draw with New Zealand, the players were asked about the boos from the stands during the national anthem, which angered several players even more.
"If there is a problem between us (the players and the fans), it has nothing to do with you (the journalists). We will deal with it. I respect the questions but it is between us," said goal scorer Ramin Rezaeian, according to the AFP news agency.
+ Group H: Uruguay–Cape Verde, Monday, 00.00
Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
TV4
+ The goalkeeper who became a superstar
In the nation's first World Cup match, Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar Diaz Vozinha became a hero when he kept out the gold-winning favourites, Spain. The 40-year-old cried at the final whistle.
"I cried because my grandparents, who I grew up with, couldn't be here. They passed away a few years ago. My mother couldn't be here either because she had problems with the visa and the money we had to pay for it. We didn't have time to sort it out in time," he said after the match.
A new tough challenge awaits Vozinha and Cape Verde. Uruguay drew 1-1 in the opener against Saudi Arabia and Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde wants to see improvement.
"I'm leaving here frustrated and angry," he said after the game, according to Sports Illustrated.
+ Group G: New Zealand–Egypt, Monday, 3:00 AM
BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, British Columbia
TV4
+ Wide open group G
All teams in Group G drew in the first round, which means that the situation in the group is completely uncertain ahead of the second round.
After taking an early lead through Emam Ashour (played through by superstar Mohamed Salah), national team captain Hossam Hassan and his men parked the bus against Belgium. An unfortunate own goal by Mohamed Hany spoiled the party.
New Zealand are the lowest-ranked team of all participating World Cup nations in the FIFA World Rankings. The team's captain and star, Nottingham striker Chris Wood, provided two assists in the opening match and is hopeful.
"Now the nerves are gone, now we know that we can disturb anyone," he said at a press conference.
