Spain run riot as Saudi Arabia exit quietly

Spain 4–0, a night to forget

Spain dismantled your team in the World Cup opener. Spain 4–0 Saudi Arabia, and it was never close (2) (3). Lamine Yamal ran the show. Spain's coach called him "a genius, like Dalí or Michelangelo" (2). No room for the Green Falcons to breathe. The 2022 magic against Argentina felt very far away.

Egypt win, Marmoush on the board

Omar Marmoush got his World Cup going. Egypt 3–1 New Zealand in their opener, and the Manchester City forward scored (3). He shares a dressing room with Rodri, who also won with Spain the same day. Two City teammates, two wins.

Bielsa's Uruguay stumble after beating Saudi Arabia

Uruguay beat your team, then drew with Cape Verde. Not the chaos Saudi Arabia hoped to exploit (4). Bielsa was blunt after the Cape Verde result: "I think that the problem or greatest issue is that we started the second half with the ball and with the victory" (4). Uruguay are vulnerable, but your team already paid the price.

Why Saudi Arabia's flag stays upright

You may have noticed Saudi Arabia and Iraq flags are never laid flat during the World Cup opening ceremony. It is not a mistake. BBC explains both flags carry religious text, so protocol keeps them upright out of respect (1). A small detail, but one that matters.