World Cup Day 5: All Eight Teams Share the Points in Group G & H
A day of draws across the board saw every team in Groups G and H walk away with a single point, leaving both standings perfectly level.
Group H: A Tight Start in Atlanta and Miami
Spain 0, Cabo Verde 0 (Atlanta)
Spain dominated possession but could not break down a resilient Cabo Verde defense. La Roja recorded 74% possession, fired 27 shots (7 on target), and posted an expected goals (xG) of 2.29. However, Cabo Verde, making its World Cup debut, held firm to secure a historic clean sheet and a valuable point.
Saudi Arabia 1, Uruguay 1 (Miami)
Saudi Arabia took a surprise first-half lead through Abdulelah Al-Amri in the 41st minute. Uruguay pushed relentlessly for an equalizer, recording 28 shots (10 on target) compared to Saudi Arabia's 7 (3 on target). Uruguay finally leveled in the 80th minute through Maxi Araújo. Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais was the star, making nine saves to preserve the draw.
Team Played Points Goal Difference Spain 1 1 0 Cabo Verde 1 1 0 Uruguay 1 1 0 Saudi Arabia 1 1 0Group G: Comebacks and Controversy in Seattle and Los Angeles
Belgium 1, Egypt 1 (Seattle)
Egypt took an early lead through Emam Ashour in the 16th minute, putting the Red Devils on the back foot. Belgium responded with 54% possession and an xG of 1.31, but their breakthrough came via an unfortunate own goal. Mohamed Hany turned the ball into his own net in the 66th minute to level the score. Egypt finished with an xG of 1.07.
Iran 2, New Zealand 2 (Los Angeles)
New Zealand's Elijah Just struck twice, scoring in the 7th and 54th minutes, giving the All Whites a commanding lead. Iran fought back through Ramin Rezaeian (32nd minute) and Mohammad Mohebbi (64th minute). An Iranian goal was disallowed for offside just before halftime. Notably, Iran relocated its base camp to Tijuana, Mexico, prior to the match.
Team Played Points Goal Difference Belgium 1 1 0 Egypt 1 1 0 Iran 1 1 0 New Zealand 1 1 0Note on Conflicting Reports
A separate source reported different results for these matches, including a 2-2 draw between Cabo Verde and Uruguay in Group H, a 4-0 Spain win over Saudi Arabia, a 3-1 Egypt victory over New Zealand, and a draw between Iran and Belgium. These results conflict with the reports from the primary sources provided above.