Spain Held 0-0 by Debutant Cape Verde; Belgium Also Stumble in Opener

While you slept

The World Cup continues to see tournament favorites struggle in their opening matches. In Group H, European champions Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by debutants Cape Verde. In the match in Atlanta, Spain managed 27 shots and over 70% possession but were thwarted by a disciplined defense and veteran goalkeeper Vozinha. The 40-year-old made seven saves to earn the small nation of around 520,000 people a historic point. Source In Group G, Belgium also drew 1-1 with Egypt in Seattle. They fell behind to an Emam Ashour goal in the 19th minute and needed a 66th-minute own goal from Hany to salvage a point. Source

Japan today

Japan started their Group F campaign with one point after a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands. They showed resilience, coming from behind twice with a goal from Keito Nakamura and a late equalizer from Daichi Kamada. Their next match is against Tunisia in Monterrey on June 21 (JST). The team's main concern is the condition of Takefusa Kubo's left knee, injured during the Netherlands match. He is currently awaiting the results of a detailed examination, with no official assessment of the severity yet confirmed. His availability for the Tunisia game remains unclear.

Tonight into tomorrow morning (JST)

First, at 7am JST, the other Group H opener between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia takes place in Miami. After Spain's draw, the result of this match will significantly shape the group's early dynamics. Source Following that, Iran will face New Zealand at 10am. Both matches are worth watching to gauge the trends in this expanded 48-team tournament.