Political tensions spill into stadium
Whistles drowned out parts of Iran's national anthem while other fans sang along, setting the tone for a World Cup opener that often felt more defined by political allegiances than the football on show. Protests against Tehran's government and a tentative agreement to end the US-Iran war formed a charged backdrop to the match at Los Angeles Stadium.
Dramatic comeback on the pitch
Iran twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in an exciting Group G encounter. The result leaves both sides with a point apiece in a group that also features European contenders. Iran showed resilience in the face of both political pressure and a determined New Zealand side that took the lead on two separate occasions.
Cape Verde stuns Spain on debut
In one of the tournament's biggest stories so far, World Cup debutants Cape Verde held European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw. The tiny island nation, making its first World Cup appearance, frustrated Spain despite the Europeans having 27 goal attempts. Forty-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha was the hero, making save after save to secure a historic point for the underdogs.