Japan have lived up to their reputation as dark horses at the football festival in North America. 

This, after the Blue Samurai twice came from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw with The Netherlands in their Group F opener this morning.

Over in Group E… Germany kicked off their campaign with an emphatic 7-1 victory over debutants Curacao.

Six different players were on the scoresheet for the four-time champions, with Kai Havertz netting twice.

Another Group E tie saw Ivory Coast record a 1-0 victory over Ecuador.

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In a related development…

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that Lamine Yamal has recovered in time from his hamstring injury for tomorrow’s Group H opener against Cape Verde…although the Barcelona star will be staring from the bench.

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In other news…

Real Madrid have agreed a deal worth over 51 million pounds to sign Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella. 

The 27-year-old had earlier also been linked with Atletico Madrid and his boyhood club Barcelona.

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And…

Lewis Hamilton has won the Catalunya F1 GP, taking the chequered flag ahead of George Russell and Lando Norris.

This is Hamilton’s first race win with Ferrari and his first victory since the 2024 Belgian GP.