ATLANTA — The World Cup enters a decisive stage on Sunday as the second round of group matches begins, with all eight teams in Groups G and H still level on one point after an extraordinary opening round.
With every side having drawn its first match, Sunday’s fixtures could dramatically reshape the race for the knockout stage, with Saudi Arabia facing Spain, Uruguay meeting Cape Verde, Egypt taking on New Zealand and Belgium facing Iran.
Saudi Arabia and Spain face defining test
Saudi Arabia emerged from its opening 1-1 draw against Uruguay with far more than a point. Georgios Donis’ side delivered one of the most disciplined performances of the tournament, taking the lead through Abdulelah Al-Amri and frustrating the South Americans until a late equalizer.
Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais was among the stars of the opening round after producing nine saves against Uruguay, while captain Salem Al-Dawsari will once again carry much of the attacking responsibility and stands one goal away from becoming Saudi Arabia’s outright leading World Cup scorer.
Spain, meanwhile, enter the match under pressure following their shock goalless draw against Cape Verde.
Coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to welcome back Lamine Yamal, whose substitute appearance against Cape Verde injected life into the Spanish attack. Nico Williams could also return to the starting lineup as Spain seek a much-needed victory.
Uruguay under pressure against Cape Verde
Uruguay head into their meeting with Cape Verde knowing that anything other than victory would leave Marcelo Bielsa’s side facing serious pressure before a final-round clash with Spain.
Darwin Núñez struggled to influence the opening draw against Saudi Arabia, while Uruguay managed only a late equalizer despite dominating possession.
Cape Verde, however, have become one of the tournament’s biggest stories after holding Spain to a 0-0 draw.
Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha has emerged as a national hero following his performance against Spain, and the African debutants believe another positive result could put them on the brink of a historic knockout-stage qualification.
Egypt target historic World Cup victory
Egypt have an opportunity to record their first World Cup victory when they face New Zealand in Vancouver.
The Pharaohs earned a valuable draw against Belgium in their opener and remain firmly in contention for qualification.
Mohamed Salah remains the team’s leading figure, but Omar Marmoush has become increasingly influential in Egypt’s attack. The forward, who previously had the option of representing Canada, returns to the country where he once lived carrying Egyptian hopes of a breakthrough World Cup success.
New Zealand, however, impressed in a 2-2 draw with Iran and possess dangerous attacking threats in Chris Wood and Elijah Just.
Belgium seek response against Iran
Belgium and Iran meet in Los Angeles with both sides knowing the importance of victory.
Belgium disappointed in their 1-1 draw against Egypt despite the presence of stars such as Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
Another setback would significantly complicate Belgium’s qualification hopes and increase pressure on coach Rudi Garcia.
Iran, meanwhile, have earned widespread praise after fighting back twice to draw with New Zealand despite facing travel and logistical difficulties during the tournament.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei will again rely on Mehdi Taremi, Mohammad Mohebi and Ramin Rezaeian as Team Melli pursue what would be one of the biggest results in the country’s World Cup history.
With all four teams in Groups G and H level on one point, Sunday’s matches could dramatically alter the tournament landscape.
A victory for Saudi Arabia or Egypt would move them to the brink of history, while Spain, Belgium and Uruguay are all searching for redemption after disappointing starts to their campaigns.
Source: Saudi Gazette