For some reason, golden generations have a tendency to wilt under the weight of the expectations placed on them; for England in 2002 see Belgium 24 years later – both sides considerably less than the sum of their parts.The same cannot be said for Cabo Verde, who are quickly becoming the darlings of the 2026 World Cup and remain, remarkably, in with a chance of reaching the knockout stages after a breathless 2-2 draw with Uruguay.Belgium, in contrast, disappointed again in a goalless afair against Iran, although their Group G opponents had goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to thank for keeping them in a tournament Fifa and the United States have done everything they can to force them out of.There had been doubts about Spain too, but they were partially dispelled with a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, although the jury will remain out until Luis de la Fuente’s side play someone good.There is still the second Group G clash between New Zealand and Egypt to come at 9am (Hong Kong Time), until then, here’s what happened while you were sleeping.Uruguay’s Maxi Araujo scores his side’s equaliser. Photo: ReutersKeeping the faith