Even draws can’t dampen World Cup fire

Emam Ashour (8) of Egypt celebrates with teammate Mohamed Salah (10) after scoring the opening goal during the Fifa World Cup 2026 group stage match Belgium against Egypt, in Seattle this morning. (EPA Images pic)

Four draws do not mean dull. Anything but, especially for Cape Verde. The games are being played in an electric atmosphere, before packed houses and are a riveting watch.

Many of them are end-to-end contests. So far, so good for this much-maligned World Cup. For EPL fans, there were mixed fortunes for former stars.

Mo Salah grabbed an assist, Romelu Lukaku deserved one for causing an own goal, and Darwin Nunez blew his chance to impress any possible suitors.

1. Birthday joy muted for Salah

For much of the game, it looked like Mo Salah was going to celebrate his 34th birthday with an historic Egyptian victory and an assist. The assist stayed, but the former Liverpool superstar’s joy was muted by a Belgian equaliser.

On paper, this Group D battle looked the biggest game of the day, but the set-to in Seattle was superseded by events in Atlanta before kick-off.

Still, it didn’t dampen the ecstasy of thousands of Egypt’s fans when Salah sent a pass to Eman Ashour in the 19th minute and the Al-Ahly midfielder fired it past a wrong-footed Thibaut Courtois.

Salah’s excitement was no doubt fuelled by surprise – finally, he’d had a hand in beating the giant keeper who had denied him and his Anfield teammates so many times in Europe.

2. Pharaohs still wait for first win after 92 years

Maybe they should change their name. After one of the longest waits of any nation in World Cup football, Egypt has yet to win a match.

They’ve played eight and, as you might expect, have a long history in the tournament. They’ve taken part since 1934, having literally missed the boat for the inaugural event in 1930.

They were supposed to catch SS Florida, a pleasure cruiser, in Marseille but a storm delayed them. Their luck hasn’t changed.

Romelu Lukaku (9) of Belgium forces an own goal by Mohamed Hany (3) of Egypt during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between Belgium and Egypt at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (AFP pic)

3. Lukaku now an impact sub as golden generation loses lustre

The golden generation of Belgian football has lost its lustre, and none more so than leading scorer (with 66 goals) Romelu Lukaku.

The Manchester United flop could manage only 40 minutes of football for Napoli this season and was, to many, a surprise pick for the World Cup.

But he justified manager Rudi Garcia’s faith that he could at least have nuisance value by causing the equaliser against Egypt.

“When you are the opponent and you see Lukaku entering the field, your confidence goes down and your anxiety increases,” Garcia said after the draw.

And that mighty physique did just that to an Egypt defence almost as soon as he came on. Thomas Meunier tried to find him with a short cross and confusion reigned between two defenders and keeper, Mostafa Shobeir.

It was enough for the ball to roll into the net off the boot of Mohamed Hany. It justified Garcia’s faith and the role of impact sub could be his from now on. Built like he is, he’ll always make an impact.

4. Uruguay’s late show makes up for late arrival

Uruguay arrived late in the country and in the game, but they still salvaged a draw against Saudi Arabia.

Initially denied entry to the US because paperwork wasn’t in order, they then found themselves denied by a doughty Saudi defence until the 80th minute.

Then Maxi Araujo made no mistake after Saudi keeper Al Owais pushed out a header towards him. Al Owais was the hero, however, in resisting a Uruguayan second-half onslaught with nine saves.

He saved his best till last, pushing a Federico Valverde shot around the post at the death. As a result of Cape Verde’s heroics, the group is wide open and Marcelo Bielsa’s clash with Spain now could be a must-win for both countries.

Darwin Nunez (9) of Uruguay reacts as Abdulelah Al-Amri (4) of Saudi Arabia walks past after the first goal celebration during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay at Miami Stadium in Miami, Florida. (AFP pic)

5. Darwin Nunez disappoints in audition for EPL return

One of the wildest rumours of the transfer market is that Darwin Nunez could return to the EPL – with Liverpool his preferred destination.

Before Kopites throw up their hands in horror, he surely ended all speculation with another non-performance against Saudi Arabia.

Based on an ineffective campaign in the Saudi Pro League, where he scored six goals in 24 games, many might have been surprised to see him at the World Cup.

Well, we didn’t see much of him in a first-half that showed many of his faults. Hooked by Bielsa, he cut a frustrated figure on the bench.

On this evidence, there won’t be a rush of clubs to sign him, with Liverpool, you’d imagine, not even thinking about it.

5+. Just refreshing

Iran fought back twice against a tough New Zealand side in another World Cup thriller. It completed a day where all four matches ended all square – the first time in 68 years – but boring they were not.

This pulsating end-to-end thriller was perhaps the match of the tournament so far. 65 places separated the teams in the world rankings but it did not feel like this when the Chris Wood-Elijah Just combo was working.

Twice Wood assisted Just to put the Kiwis ahead. And twice Iran pegged them back.

Goals by Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammed Mohebi ensured there is all to play for in Group G with Iran looking good to advance to the knockout stage for the first time ever.