Hello and welcome to Daily Mail Sport’s World Cup Breakfast from day four at the tournament – your one-stop shop for everything you’ve missed overnight in North America.
For all the latest news, viral moments and what to look out for, stay right here.
OVERNIGHT ACTION
Scotland fans have been busy turning Boston into a suburb of Glasgow or Edinburgh before, during, and after their 1-0 win over Haiti – their first at a World Cup in 36 years.
The stands and streets were filled with thousands of voices rising with The Flower of Scotland and the party hasn’t really stopped.
Such has been their infectious spirit that even the local police have been joining in on the fun, with one copper showing off his keepy-up skills in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
We’ve got action from four matches to bring you, including upsets and a huge VAR controversy, so let’s dive in.
Scotland fans were overjoyed to see their team run out 1-0 winners against Haiti in Foxborough
Brazil 1-1 Morocco (New York) – Group C
Five-time world champions Brazil were given a real test by Morocco in their opening match of the tournament, with Carlo Ancelotti‘s side probably happy to have come away with a point.
Morocco made all the running in the early stages and took the lead when Ismael Saibari raced onto a fine Brahim Diaz through ball and superbly lifted the ball over the onrushing Alisson.
Vinicius Jr came to Brazil’s rescue with a superb individual effort, with the winger cutting in from the left and curling beyond the dive of Yassine Bounou.
Brazil were able to shore things up in the second half and avoided losing their opening match of a World Cup for the first time since 1934. There will be plenty for Ancelotti to ponder, while Morocco showed signs they could back up their semi-final run from four years ago.
READ IAN LADYMAN’S ANALYSIS HERE
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Vinicius Junior scored a stunning equaliser as Brazil drew 1-1 against Morocco
Scotland 1-0 Haiti (Massachusetts) – Group C
Scotland enjoyed a winning return to the World Cup stage after a 28-year absence after battling past Haiti, but were forced to hang on in the closing stages.
John McGinn had the honour of scoring Scotland’s first goal at the finals since 1998, but it came with a slice of luck, with his effort deflecting off a Haitian defender on its way into the net.
Steve Clarke’s side proved unable to extend their lead against a fast and physical Haiti side, who caused problems throughout the match.
Scotland were forced to retreat into their own box in the closing stages and were dealt a major scare when Frantzdy Pierrot headed narrowly wide with five minutes remaining.
The hard fought win, however, puts Scotland top of Group C and gives Clarke’s side a strong chance of reaching the knock-out stage.
READ RIATH AL-SAMARRAI’S REPORT HERE
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Scotland got the party started as they went top of Group C with victory over Haiti
Qatar 1-1 Switzerland (San Francisco) – Group B
Qatar snatched a stoppage-time equaliser to earn their first-ever World Cup point against a wasteful Switzerland in a game marred by VAR controversy.
Ian Wright called it a ‘scandal’ while Gary Neville labelled it a ‘dictatorship’ and ‘absolutely ridiculous’ after Switzerland were awarded a penalty early on.
Both Breel Donald Embolo and Remo Freuler appeared to be offside in the build-up but the VAR lines provided by FIFA did little to clear up the confusion. FIFA said they had a ‘brief technical outage’.
In any case, Embolo converted his penalty and Switzerland went on to have 27 shots throughout the game but couldn’t find the net again.
Then, in the 94th minute, Boualem Khoukhi headed a cross goalwards and watched it fly in – though it officially went down as a Miro Muheim own goal. Spoils shared and a big upset in Group B.
READ TOM COLLOMOSSE’S REPORT HERE
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FIFA president Gianni Infantino had no trouble securing a ticket as he took in Qatar vs his homeland Switzerland
Australia 2-0 Turkey (Vancouver) – Group D
Australia made a dream start to their World Cup campaign after some bold selection calls from manager Tony Popovic.
Popovic dropped their captain and goalkeeper Mat Ryan as well as popular midfielder Jackson Irvine, leading to questions ahead of kick-off.
But he was rewarded with a clean sheet and eight saves from 22-year-old Patrick Beach on his third cap and, crucially, two goals.
Watford winger Nestory Irankunda, 20, opened the scoring 27 minutes in, while Connor Metcalfe added a second goal in the 75th minute to help send the Socceroos second in Group D behind the United States.
They weren’t heavily fancied against Turkey, who had 28 shots to Australia’s eight, but have now given themselves a strong chance of escaping the group stages.
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Australia shocked Turkey with a 2-0 win after some bold selection calls from Tony Popovic
VIEW ON THE GROUND – Riath Al-Samarrai in Boston
Having spent the better part of 36 hours in a city colonised by kilted Scots, I can say with a degree of certainty that their presence is only a good thing for the World Cup. Thankfully, their stay seems likely to be extended after Steve Clarke’s side opened their campaign with a win against Haiti.
It was neither comprehensive nor convincing, but in this bloated, convoluted format, one victory might be enough to guarantee progression to the knockout stages.
To that end, it was job done and little else matters – that was very much the only thought in Clarke’s mind after the game. What he may have left unsaid is that Scott McTominay, who is so important to Scotland’s ambitions here, lost control of the midfield and will need to step closer to his truer form against Morocco and Brazil. Clarke might also be tempted to drop the 4-4-2 for something more conservative in those games.
But there was much to like beyond the basic fact this was Scotland’s first World Cup since 1998. Foremost among them was the performance of Ben Gannon-Doak – aged only 20, the Bournemouth winger looks ready to grab this tournament by the scruff of the neck. He was relentless. Lewis Ferguson also impressed.
Those will stand as positives on a day when Morocco and Brazil cancelled each other out. For now, Scotland top one of the toughest groups in the tournament and Boston bars are getting richer by the hour.
Ben Gannon-Doak shone and looks ready to grab this tournament by the scruff of the neck
PICTURES OF THE DAY
A billboard reads ‘lay down your arms’ and shows a picture of children playing football in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as armed gangs continue to control the majority of the capital. Haiti has not even hosted a home match since 2021 due to the level of danger.
Our second image shows fans coming together at an outdoor watch party, with one supporter painted with the Haitian flag.
VIRAL MOMENT OF THE DAY
Long gone are the days when fans did not even know the name of the referee.
We not only know the names of all the officials involved, but we even need to see them before matches kick off.
In an unusual development, the team of VAR officials are being introduced on television coverage prior to matches.
It is a rather awkward affair, with some officials staring rather uncomfortably at the cameras while one of the officials was seen with a beaming smile ahead of Qatar’s match against Switzerland.
Not sure how much a smiling official helps if they miss a potential offside in the build-up to a penalty…
CELEBRITY WATCH
Legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady was among the stars present to watch Brazil’s opening match of the tournament against Morocco.
The seven-time SuperBowl winner was seen shaking hands and hugging Neymar on the touchline pre-match, with the Brazilian legend also forced to watch from the sidelines as he works back to fitness.
Brady later shared a video on Instagram from the encounter, writing: ‘Today’s match has stars on and off the pitch’.
The clip also showed Neymar being greeted by rapper Travis Scott, further highlighting his ongoing appeal, even if the Brazilian is unlikely to play a major role at this World Cup as a crocked 34-year-old.
There was also the bizarre moment where TV cameras broke away from the match to show Gianni Infantino’s favourite influencer IShowSpeed greeting Brazil legend Ronaldo in the stands and flexing his muscles.
IShowSpeed, who was streaming throughout, was also seen shaking hands with Brady and ended up in the same area of the stands as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
As Scotland made their return to the World Cup against Haiti, it was no surprise to see Rod Stewart in the stands to cheer on Steve Clarke’s side in Boston.
Tom Brady was seen greeting Neymar pitchside ahead of Brazil’s opener against Morocco
Brady and rapper Travis Scott were among those present for the high-profile clash
Rod Stewart was present as Scotland made their long-awaited return to the World Cup stage
STAT OF THE DAY
Real Madrid are now the joint-most prolific team in the history of the World Cup! Vinicius Junior banged away the 79th by a Madrid star when he scored against Morocco, drawing the club level with Bayern Munich.
Vinicius Junior scored the 79th goal by a Real Madrid player in World Cup history, making them the joint-most prolific team alongside Bayern Munich
THREE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR TODAY
1. How will the first debutants get on?
Curacao are already making history as the smallest nation to compete at the World Cup, with their population of just over 150,000.
The Caribbean nation have already been garnering attention after their squad were filmed crammed into an old-school bus with no windows during their preparations.
It prompted references to the legendary Jamaican bobsled team immortalised in the movie Cool Runnings.
The focus now will be on how they perform on the pitch. Germany represent a daunting start for Curacao, who are the first of four debutants at this World Cup.
Read more about them here.
2. Will Liverpool target Diomande shine?
Daily Mail Sport reported that Yan Diomande is Liverpool’s prime target during the summer transfer window. RB Leipzig want at least £80m for the 19-year-old flyer and PSG are also on his trail.
Liverpool fans will have to stay up late to see what the fuss is about with Diomande, with Ivory Coast kicking off against Ecuador at midnight UK time.
Diomande may need to be at his best to help his team break down their South American opponents, who have quite the defensive record. More on that shortly…
3. Are Japan dark horses?
Japan made quite a lot of fans sit up and take notice earlier this year when they beat Scotland in March and then days later became the first Asian nation to win against England by securing a 1-0 triumph at Wembley.
The victories added to a growing catalogue, with Japan having also beaten Brazil in a friendly months earlier.
While Japan have increasingly been touted as possible dark horses, they have encountered problems in the build-up to the World Cup. Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, who scored the winner against England, is absent due to injury.
Their captain Wataru Endo has also been forced to withdraw from their squad having failed to have recovered in time following foot surgery. Endo ended his international career with imminent effect after withdrawing.
Can Japan impress without them as they bid to win a knockout match at the World Cup for the first time?
Japan have been touted as a potential dark horse but are missing several key players
TODAY’S GAMES
Germany vs Curacao (6pm, Houston, ITV)
Germany have crashed out in the group stages of the last two World Cups since claiming their fourth title back in 2014, but surely they will not come unstuck in their opener here against debutants Curacao. Or will they?
Julian Nagelsmann’s side come into the World Cup slightly under the radar, but will be looking to make a statement here.
Anything other than a win would be an almighty shock against Curacao.
Daily Mail Sport prediction: Germany win
Germany face Curacao as they bid to put back-to-back group stages exits behind them
Netherlands vs Japan (9pm, Arlington, ITV)
This promises to be a cracker on paper. The Netherlands look to have a squad equipped to go far at this World Cup, with Ronald Koeman able to call on a host of stars including Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong.
Japan have been touted by many as possible dark horses and a positive result here could further those claims.
Daily Mail Sport prediction: Draw
Ivory Coast vs Ecuador (12am, Philadelphia, BBC)
The two nations conceded just five goals between them in qualifying. The Ivory Coast did not let in a single goal in 10 games, while Ecuador were breached five times in 18 matches.
That would suggest goals could be hard to come by in this one.
Amad Diallo, Evann Guessand and Diomande will be among the attacking options for Ivory Coast who will try to break down Ecuador.
Enner Valencia, yes, the former West Ham forward is in the Ecuador squad and at the 36 will be bidding to score at a third World Cup.
Daily Mail Sport prediction: Ecuador win
In-demand winger Yan Diomande will be one to watch when Ivory Coast face Ecuador
Sweden vs Tunisia (3am, Guadalupe, Mexico, ITV)
Graham Potter has been revitalised and rejuvenated since taking charge of Sweden’s last year, taking over a team rock bottom of their qualifying group before guiding them to the World Cup through the play-offs via the backdoor Nations League route.
Can Sweden build on their performances in the play-offs where Viktor Gyokeres starred? Alexander Isak will also have a point to prove after a difficult debut season at Liverpool.
Sweden will have to break down a Tunisia side who have a strong focus on defence. Like the Ivory Coast, Tunisia did not concede a goal in qualifying.
Daily Mail Sport prediction: Sweden win
Which England star has 7 GCSEs? Who has lost half of his finger? Test your knowledge of Thomas Tuchel’s squad with our exclusive quiz HERE.
