No one should look back at Monday and think that with four draws, that was an unproductive day of soccer.
IRAN 2, NEW ZEALAND 2
We start with perhaps the actual best game of soccer played, and that was between the two lowest-ranked sides in Group G.
The All Blacks were buoyed by a brace from Motherwell winger Elijah Just, scoring on either side of halftime. Iran however, would answer both times, when just after the half hour mark Iran in possession would swing the ball around to Ramin Rezaeian. The right back then cut inside to play Saman Ghoddos centrally, who then tried to get it to Shahriyar Moghanloo near the penalty spot, only for Minnesota United defender Michael Boxall to contest the play. The ball squirted loose and an alert Rezaeian, continuing his run, pounced and deftly tucked the ball away into the far netting.
Just after the hour mark, it would be Rezaeian involved again, this time whipping in a perfect cross to Mohammad Mohebbi whose header dinged off the far post and in to give Team Melli their second equalizer of the day.
Jake Catanese
Both teams can take solace in a tremendous performance but also might wonder if two points slipped through their fingers in both teams' most winnable game in the group.
BELGIUM 1, EGYPT 1
The Pharaohs started this one off with what looked like a harmless buildup down the right and plenty of Belgian defenders to contain Mo Salah. But the Egypt superstar found a cutting Emam Ashour at the top of the box and the midfielder rocketed a shot past Thibault Courtois into the low corner.
Belgium were much more lively in the second half, with Kevin De Bruyne hitting the woodwork and a Youri Tielemans volley just missing the goal near the hour mark.
But it was the immediate introduction of the indomitable Romelu Lukaku in the 66th minute that provided instant impact, as the presence of the Napoli target man just 22 seconds after subbing on, found himself between two defenders in a sequence that eventually saw Mohamed Hany turn the ball into his own net as Thomas Meunier's dangerous centering pass bungled home off the forest of legs in front.
Like Iran and New Zealand, both teams might not be satisfied with this point and can absolutely wonder what might have been on a different day.
Sam Lattof
GROUP OVERVIEW
Overall, this is probably a net positive for Egypt in particular, who eight years ago struggled mightily in Russia in their last World Cup. Going toe-to-toe with a solid Belgium team now gives them a legitimate chance at topping the group, provided they can win their next two.
But that will not be easy, as both Iran and New Zealand know that a win will also send them through into the knockouts, as they also got a vital point in their matchup. Both teams played well and should have the confidence to take three points away from the group giants who, dare I say, were not spectacular today. Belgium is going to have to be far more clinical if they want to top this group and claim six points the rest of the way.
UPCOMING MATCHES
Sunday, June 21
Match 38: Belgium vs. Iran, 3 p.m. on FS1 (Los Angeles)
Match 40: New Zealand vs. Egypt, 9 p.m. on FS1 (Vancouver)
