Cape Verde stays alive with 2-2 draw at World Cup
World Cup soccer roundup
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Cape Verde’s magical start to its first World Cup isn’t over.
It might just be getting started. The tiny island nation that stunned tournament favorite Spain last week did it again against Uruguay on Sunday, coming from behind for a 2-2 draw.
Kevin Pina scored on a free kick for Cape Verde’s first-ever goal in the World Cup, and Helio Varela scored the equalizer for what has become one of the most surprising teams of the expanded 48-team tournament — a club now with a legitimate chance of getting into the knockout stage.
Spain rebounds
ATLANTA — Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal returned to Atlanta Stadium with redemption on his mind.
On Monday, he became the first player since 1966 to not record a touch in the first 30 minutes of a World Cup match.
Nearly a week later, he scored two goals and assisted another in Spain’s 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. He became the second player in World Cup history to contribute to three goals in the first 25 minutes of a match.
Oyarzabal’s performance has helped restore the reputation of the Spanish national team, but he remains focused on team success over personal records.
Iran plays to draw
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves while Iran and Belgium played to a 0-0 draw at the World Cup.
Team Melli was unable to break through after the Red Devils went down to 10 men in the second half when defender Nathan Ngoy received a straight red card. Iran couldn’t capitalize, and Belgium actually generated better scoring chances down the stretch.
But both teams left with their second straight draw in group play. Neither team will feel good about the result at SoFi Stadium. During a tumultuous World Cup trip affected by travel restrictions and visa denials from the U.S., Iran will regret missing a golden opportunity.




