Stalemates dominate Day 5 of FIFA World Cup
The fifth day of the FIFA World Cup ended without a winner in any of the four matches, as Groups G and H opened their campaigns with a series of draws, reports a Qazinform News Agency correspondent.
In Group H, Spain were held to a surprise 0-0 draw by Cape Verde. Despite entering the match as clear favorites, the Spaniards were unable to break down a disciplined Cape Verde defense and had to settle for a point.
Spain's squad for the tournament includes defender Marc Cucurella, who recently completed a high-profile move from Chelsea FC to Real Madrid CF. The 27-year-old signed a six-year contract with the Spanish giants in a deal worth approximately $70 million, including bonuses. Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion FC in 2022 and is currently representing Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Later in the same group, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. The result leaves all four Group H teams level on one point after the opening round of matches, setting up a tightly contested battle for qualification.
Group G also produced two draws. Belgium and Egypt played out a 1-1 stalemate in a closely fought encounter, with both sides earning a point to begin their World Cup campaigns.
The day's highest-scoring match came in Group G, where Iran and New Zealand battled to a 2-2 draw. Both teams exchanged goals in an entertaining contest, but neither could find a decisive winner.
After the opening matches, all four teams in both Groups G and H are level on one point, with qualification to the knockout stage still wide open.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that the fourth day of the FIFA World Cup produced plenty of goals and drama, with Germany and Sweden recording emphatic victories, while Japan battled back twice to earn a valuable draw against the Netherlands.