Published Jun 28, 2026, 3:30 AM ET · Updated 5 months ago · 1 source

World Cup group stage summary: From Lionel Messi to Cape Verde, tournament has thrilled despite lack of jeopardy

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World Cup group stage summary: From Lionel Messi to Cape Verde, tournament has thrilled despite lack of jeopardy

For a World Cup group stage that was supposed to be without much jeopardy, it sure ended with drama. Sasa Kalajdzic's 96th-minute equaliser, just moments after Algeria had gone ahead, salvaged a 3-3 draw for Austria and their place in the knockouts. In a way, it summed up the contrast between our fears and the reality of a World Cup that has been full of fun. Algeria and Austria could have played out a goalless draw and both gone through. Instead, they served up six more goals to add to the leng