World Cup: PSG’s Fabián Ruiz frustrated as Spain held by Cape Verde, Rudi Garcia’s Belgium draw with Egypt
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabián Ruiz was left frustrated as Spain were held to a shock 0-0 draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde, while Rudi Garcia’s Belgium were also forced to settle for a point after drawing 1-1 with Egypt on Monday.
Spain dominated possession throughout their Group H opener in Atlanta, enjoying 74% of the ball and registering seven shots on target, but Luis de la Fuente’s side could not find a way past an inspired Vozinha.
Ruiz started in midfield and went close on several occasions after the break, firing over from distance before forcing the Cape Verde goalkeeper into action with a header. Despite Spain’s relentless pressure, the African nation held firm to claim a famous point in its first-ever World Cup match.
The reigning European champions also welcomed Lamine Yamal back from injury off the bench, but even his introduction could not unlock Cape Verde’s stubborn defence as La Roja were left with an unexpected stalemate.
Ngoy and Fernandez pardo feature for Belgium
In Seattle, former Olympique Lyonnais manager Rudi Garcia saw his Belgium side rescue a 1-1 draw against Egypt after spending much of the evening chasing the game.
Egypt took the lead in the 19th minute through Emam Ashour, whose low strike from the edge of the area beat Thibaut Courtois after Mohamed Salah’s pass.
Belgium struggled to create clear-cut chances despite Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings, but Garcia’s introduction of Romelu Lukaku proved decisive. Moments after entering the pitch, the striker’s run into the box forced Mohamed Hany into turning Thomas Meunier’s cross into his own net for the equaliser, with the goal ultimately recorded as an own goal.
The Diables Rouges pushed for a winner in the closing stages, with goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir producing a superb reflex save to deny Brandon Mechele, but Egypt held on for a valuable point.
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