RecapMonday, June 22

Japan Run Riot, Spain Cruise, Belgium Stall as Uruguay Drop Points

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Japan's four-goal demolition of Tunisia and Spain's emphatic win kept Group F and H's favourites on track, while Belgium's goalless draw with Iran and Uruguay's surprise 2-2 with Cape Verde threw Groups G and H wide open.

The pool backed convention on Spain (73 of 74) and Japan (62 of 74) and both delivered, but 62 of you expected Belgium to brush aside Iran—they couldn't find the net—and 70 backed Uruguay to see off Cape Verde, only to watch the islanders snatch a dramatic draw.

Japan Dismantle Tunisia, Share Top Spot with Netherlands

The Samurai Blue delivered a statement performance in crushing Tunisia 4-0, moving level on points and goal difference with the Netherlands atop Group F. Pre-match odds had heavily favoured Japan and they vindicated that confidence with clinical finishing that left the Carthage Eagles reeling. Tunisia, without a point and staring at a minus-eight goal difference after two matches, now face a near-impossible task to advance. Only one of you called the exact 4-0 scoreline, but 62 rightly backed the Japanese victory in a result that sets up a tantalising final matchday showdown with the Dutch for group supremacy.

Spain Silence Any Lingering Saudi Doubts

After their opening stumble, La Roja emphatically reminded the world of their class with a 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia that mirrored the margin everyone expected. The bookmakers had installed Spain as overwhelming favourites and 73 of 74 pool members agreed, with five nailing the exact scoreline. The Green Falcons, who'd earned a creditable draw in their opener, offered little resistance as Spain's possession football turned ruthless in front of goal. The result plants La Furia firmly atop Group H on four points, two clear of Uruguay and Cape Verde, with their destiny now firmly in their own hands heading into the final group match.

Belgium's Golden Generation Frustration Deepens

The Red Devils' World Cup malaise continued as they laboured to a 0-0 draw with a disciplined Iranian side that came for a point and got it. Pre-match odds had Belgium as clear favourites—62 of you backed them to win, many predicting 2-0—but Iran's defensive organisation stifled Kevin De Bruyne and company in a frustrating evening that leaves Belgium third in Group G on goal difference alone. Iran, now second with two points, will feel they've earned breathing room, while Belgium face the uncomfortable reality that their final group match could become a must-win affair. Egypt lead the group on four points after dispatching New Zealand 3-1, setting up a tense final matchday scramble.

Cape Verde Stun Uruguay in Group H Thriller

In the day's most shocking result, Cape Verde twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with Uruguay in a pulsating encounter that defied all expectations. Seventy of 74 pool members had backed the South Americans to win, most forecasting comfortable 2-0 or 3-0 margins, but the Blue Sharks had other ideas. The draw leaves Uruguay second in Group H on two points—level with Cape Verde on both points and goal difference—and suddenly facing genuine jeopardy heading into the final round. Spain's commanding position atop the group means the Uruguay-Cape Verde clash has transformed from formality to potential elimination decider, with Saudi Arabia still mathematically alive on one point despite their earlier thrashing.

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