Cape Verde Shocks the World! Spain, Egypt Off the Mark. Day 11 World Cup Wrap

Photo: AP/Rebecca Blackwell

After questions were raised following their opening match, Spain responded in emphatic fashion against Saudi Arabia, completely dominating proceedings from start to finish, winning 4-0.

Luis de la Fuente's side recorded a staggering 21 shots to just 3 from Saudi Arabia, controlling possession, territory and virtually every aspect of the contest. While the final scoreline reflected Spain's superiority, the statistics arguably painted an even clearer picture of the gulf between the two nations.

From the opening whistle, Spain's midfield dictated the tempo, repeatedly breaking through Saudi Arabia's defensive structure and creating chance after chance.

The performance served as a reminder of why many still consider Spain among the favourites to lift the trophy. When their pressing is coordinated and their midfield is functioning at its highest level, few teams in world football are capable of matching them.

For years Belgium have entered major tournaments carrying enormous expectations, and for years they have left supporters wondering what might have been.

Despite creating a host of opportunities in their clash with Iran, Belgium once again failed to deliver when it mattered most. The Red Devils dominated large portions of the match and generated enough chances to secure victory, yet poor finishing ultimately proved costly.

It has become a recurring theme for a nation blessed with talent.

From Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku to previous stars such as Eden Hazard, Belgium have consistently possessed players capable of competing with the world's best. Yet their inability to convert promising positions into major tournament success continues to haunt them.

As another World Cup campaign slips away, questions surrounding Belgium's mentality and tournament pedigree are only growing louder.

Mehdi Taremi thought he had scored a crucial goal for Iran, only for VAR to intervene and rule the strike out for offside.

The reason?

Part of Taremi's body, specifically his backside was deemed to be beyond the last defender. This decision was correct under the current laws of the game.

But moments like this highlight why football's offside rule continues to frustrate supporters around the world.

How does a player's backside being marginally beyond a defender create a meaningful sporting advantage?

Offside decisions should instead be determined by a player's feet, the body parts actually used to gain positional advantages and score goals.

Cape Verde produced one of the stories of the tournament by securing a historic result and scoring their first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.

Their breakthrough goal arrived courtesy of a stunning free-kick that left the goalkeeper with absolutely no chance. The strike immediately entered the conversation for one of the goals of the tournament and arguably the best first goal ever for a country, sparking emotional celebrations on the pitch.

For a nation making history on football's biggest stage, it was a moment that perfectly captured the magic of the World Cup and regardless of how far they progress, Cape Verde have already created memories that will last forever.

In one of the most entertaining matches of the day, Egypt overcame a spirited New Zealand side in a contest that produced goals, drama and momentum swings.

New Zealand struck first and threatened to pull off an upset, capitalising on a bright opening spell to put the African giants under pressure. Newly famous Tim Payne delivered the assist putting New Zealand in front.

However, Egypt's superior attacking quality eventually told. Led by their dangerous forward line, the Pharaohs gradually took control of the contest, creating good scoring chances especially in the second half, and ultimately found the goals required to secure their first ever World Cup victory.

New Zealand deserve enormous credit for their performance and commitment throughout the match, but Egypt's class in the final third proved decisive.