Need to know
- Tunisia look set to appoint Harve Renard, despite taking down their confirmation that Sabri Lamouchi had been sacked. The side are taking decisive action following their opening defeat to Sweden at the World Cup.
- Iran twice came from behind to record a draw against New Zealand in their much-anticipated opening clash. The start of their national anthem was booed and fans ignored a FIFA ban on pre-revolutionary flags to display a version of the country’s official flag that also features a lion-and-sun motif in its centre
- Saudi Arabia earned another World Cup upset, drawing with Uruguay. The Middle Eastern team put in a good performance before Maxi Araujo netted an equaliser.
- But they may have broken a new FIFA rule. Boss Georgis Donis called over a player to provide tactical instruction while goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais received treatment in contradiction to referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina’s pre-tournament instruction.
- The match also saw Darwin Nunez hauled off at half-time. The forward was hooked by Marcelo Bielsa after completing just three passes in an outing that will do his transfer hopes no favours.
- Group H’s sides now all sit on one point after the first round of matches. Spain were held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde.
- Iran and New Zealand’s draw also saw Group G at a stalemate. Egypt and Belgium also played out a draw in their opening match.
- Mohamed Salah didn’t look too impressed to be replaced during that match. Egypt boss Hossam Hassan defended his decision: “We do not rely on a single player but on a collective 26,” he said. “Salah, Marmoush, they give it their all, they were really, really giving everything with their ferocious transitions.”
- Japan star Takefusa Kubo went to hospital on Monday for scans after suffering a knee injury against Holland. While he did not attend a local hospital in Texas, he was checked over after flying back to Nashville with the Samurai Blue. A Japan official says they are still awaiting the results, but despite Kubo walking around the team’s base, there is still concern his tournament may already be over.
Follow all of the World Cup updates: World Cup LIVE: Fans ignore FIFA ban as concern remains star’s tournament over