England roll past Panama as Croatia defeat Ghana in Group L
Colombia held by Portugal and Congo DR down Uzbekistan in Group K
It was the day when Harry Kane made England history and Congo DR secured a thrilling comeback victory over Uzbekistan to reach the knockout stage of the for the first time.
Kane headed home his 11th World Cup goal to in the global showpiece as the Three Lions defeated Panama in a performance inspired by Jude Bellingham's brilliance.
Elsewhere in Group L, Croatia were given an almighty scare by Ghana, but scored a late winner through Nikola Vlasic to leapfrog the Black Stars into second place. Despite the loss, Ghana are in the Round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Colombia's clash with Portugal in Miami was one of the most anticipated of the group stage and it lived up to the billing, even though it ended in a goalless draw. Congo DR, though, saved the best for last in Group K action as they downed Uzbekistan to reach the knockouts as one of the best third-placed finishers. Their reward is a meeting with England in Atlanta in the Round of 32.
After suffering a frustrating draw with Ghana, there was some pressure on England to not only win their group but put in a convincing performance ahead of the knockout rounds. The Three Lions achieved both thanks to a five-minute burst of brilliance from Jude Bellingham in rainy conditions in New York New Jersey.
Midway through the second half, the Real Madrid midfielder held off his defender following an England corner, stuck out his left boot and watched the ball bounce into the net. Then just minutes later, Bellingham was at it again as he crossed for Harry Kane to head home and make England history in the process.
After losing their opening match to England, Croatia finished the group stage with a flourish, showing their timeless resilience to snatch second place from Ghana, who knew they had qualified prior to kick-off.
Croatia took the lead through the 22-year-old Petar Sucic, who once again showed why he is one of the bright young stars of the World Cup. Derrick Luckassen gave Ghana hope but Luka Modric set up Nikola Vlasic's late winner to become the oldest player to register an assist in the World Cup.
Yoane Wissa was the hero as Congo DR came from behind to defeat Uzbekistan to become the latest African team to reach the knockout stage, joining Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco and South Africa.
It was a disappointing end to the campaign for debutants Uzbekistan, who scored once again but lost all of their matches. They put the pressure on Congo DR with an early opener, but Wissa willed his team to glory and the Round of 32.
A heavyweight clash in which neither team could land the knockout blow. Colombia threw everything they had at Portugal, with an astonishing 24 attempts at goal, but were ultimately unable to find the target. Despite the lack of goals, it was a thoroughly entertaining fixture which will have left the fans happy.
After their maiden goalless draw in the World Cup, Colombia win the group and will now play Ghana in the Round of 32 in Kansas City. Portugal, meanwhile, will travel to Toronto for a meeting with Croatia.
Jude Bellingham has the joint-second most FIFA World Cup appearances by the age of 23 alongside Northern Ireland's Norman Whiteside. Former England striker Michael Owen leads the list with nine.
Petar Sucic, aged 22 years and 245 days, has become the second-youngest player to score for Croatia at the World Cup, after Josko Gvardiol who was 20 years and 328 days when he scored against Morocco in 2022.
Veteran Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is now the joint second-highest appearance-maker in FIFA World Cup history alongside Lothar Matthaus on 25.
June 28 (all times local) 12:00 (Round of 32)
Sources: FIFA Official
