BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.

The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.

Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.

Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.

The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.

As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.

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Saudi Arabia have developed a remarkable habit of taking control early in FIFA World Cup matches played in the United States.

The Green Falcons have now led at half-time in all four of their World Cup group-stage matches played on American soil. The sequence began at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, when Saudi Arabia went into the interval ahead in each of their three group matches against the Netherlands, Morocco and Belgium.

Thirty-two years later, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia maintained the trend by holding a half-time lead in their Group H opener against Uruguay before eventually settling for a draw.

The statistic underlines Saudi Arabia’s ability to make fast starts in World Cup matches played in the United States, a trait that helped them reach the Round of 16 in their debut World Cup appearance in 1994.

Saudi Arabia’s World Cup Group Matches in the USA

• 1994: Led the Netherlands at half-time
• 1994: Led Morocco at half-time
• 1994: Led Belgium at half-time
• 2026: Led Uruguay at half-time

Record: 4 matches, 4 half-time leads.

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Japan made history in style on Saturday, thrashing Tunisia 4-0 in Monterrey in the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history and becoming the first Asian nation to score four goals in a World Cup match.

The emphatic Group F victory also sealed Tunisia’s elimination from the tournament after a second successive heavy defeat, while Japan moved level on four points with the Netherlands at the top of the group.

Having drawn 2-2 with the Dutch in their opening match, Japan wasted no time asserting their dominance. Just four minutes into the contest, a flowing attacking move culminated in Keito Nakamura cutting the ball back for Daichi Kamada, who calmly slotted home to give the Samurai Blue an early lead.

Tunisia, who had already suffered a 5-1 loss to Sweden in their opening game and were playing under newly appointed coach Herve Renard, found themselves under relentless pressure from the outset. Japan’s aggressive pressing and swift movement repeatedly exposed weaknesses in the North African side’s defence.

The Asians nearly doubled their advantage in the 11th minute when Tunisia defender Dylan Bronn diverted a dangerous low cross away from Kamada. From the resulting corner, goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen was forced into an excellent save, with goal-line technology confirming that the ball had not crossed the line.

Japan continued to dictate proceedings and were rewarded with a second goal in the 31st minute. Striker Ayase Ueda collected the ball outside the penalty area, advanced unchallenged and fired a low shot into the far corner beyond Dahmen.

“I was disappointed in the last tournament, so I feel like I’ve finally been able to redeem myself,” Ueda said afterwards.

“We managed to snatch one point in the first match, which was a tough game, so we needed three points today. I’m very happy that I was able to contribute.”

Tunisia struggled to create meaningful opportunities and rarely threatened the Japanese goal. Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the 69th minute when Kamada’s incisive pass split the Tunisian defence, allowing Junya Ito to race through and finish coolly past Dahmen for Japan’s third.

Ueda completed the rout six minutes from time, rising to meet Kaishu Sano’s clipped cross at the far post and directing a superb header into the top corner.

The victory was particularly satisfying for Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu, who had entrusted Kamada and Ito with key attacking responsibilities in the absence of injured midfielder Takefusa Kubo.

“Regarding the players I used in building up the team, they were at the centre of all our efforts,” Moriyasu said.

“I brought Kamada on as a defensive midfielder before, but tonight I wanted him to play as a shadow striker. It really worked because he scored a goal and constantly pushed into the final third. His play gave strong momentum to the team.”

The result leaves Japan and the Netherlands on four points after the Dutch hammered Sweden 5-1 earlier in the day. Tunisia, meanwhile, became the third team eliminated from the tournament, following Haiti and Turkey, after conceding nine goals in two matches and failing to register a point.

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