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The fourth day of the World Cup was over, and teams such as Iran, Spain, Uruguay, and Belgium had begun their activities in earnest, and new managers were expected to be appointed.
Darwin Nunez only lasted until half-time against Sadui Arabia (Image: Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about World Cup Monday and what happened that night
During Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their World Cup opener, goalscorer Mohammad Mohebi faced social media backlash after fans accused him of making a provocative “shooting gesture” while celebrating the equalizer, adding further drama to the team’s politically-charged participation in the tournament. But Mohebi insists his actions were simply celebratory, rather than something more edgy. FIFA has confirmed that Australian Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Shaun Evans will not face disciplinary action after being accused of making a white supremacist “OK” hand gesture on camera before the match between Germany and Curacao. Evans strongly denied the accusations, describing the move as an “involuntary and involuntary twitch” while holding the pen, and a FIFA investigation concluded there was no evidence of a breach of rules Tunisia have withdrawn confirmation of Sabri Lamouchi’s sacking as manager, but are poised to appoint Hervé Renard. Iran is taking decisive action after losing their first match at the World Cup to Sweden. Iran came from behind twice to record a draw in their long-awaited first match against New Zealand. The start of the national anthem was met with boos, and fans ignored FIFA’s ban on pre-revolutionary flags by hoisting the country’s official flag, which also featured a lion and sun motif in the center. Saudi Arabia drew with Uruguay, making another upset at the World Cup. The Middle East team performed well until Maxi Araujo scored the equalizer, which may have violated FIFA’s new rules. Coach Georgis Donis called his players in for tactical guidance and goalkeeper Mohamed Al Owais was treated against referee Pierluigi Colina’s pre-tournament instructions. Darwin Nunez was also sent off at halftime. The forward completed just three passes in the game before being snapped up by Marcelo Bielsa, but his transfer hopes fell through. After the first round, the teams in Group H are currently tied with one point. Spain ended in a goalless draw with Cape Verde, while Iran and New Zealand also drew, leaving Group G in a stalemate. Egypt and Belgium also ended in a draw in their opening matches, but Mohamed Salah didn’t seem impressed enough to be substituted during that match. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan defended his decision, saying: “We don’t rely on one player, we rely on all 26 players.” “Salah, Marmouche, they gave it their all. They really, really gave it their all in ferocious transitions.” Japan star Takefusa Kubo went to the hospital for tests on Monday after injuring his knee against the Netherlands. He did not go to a local hospital in Texas, but was tested after returning to Nashville with Samurai Blue. Japanese officials say they are still waiting for results, but even as Kubo roams around the team’s home base, concerns remain that his tournament is already over.
Follow all the latest World Cup updates: World Cup LIVE: Fans defy FIFA ban as concerns remain over star players exiting tournament
