World Cup Round Up

England 6 Panama 1

England hit a brittle Panama side for six to seal qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ knockout stage, a result that booked Belgium’s Round of 16 berth too while eliminating Los Canaleros and Tunisia. Only top spot in Group G will be on the line when the Three Lions and Red Devils do battle next time out.

Gareth Southgate’s team once again showcased their dead-ball prowess: two of their goals were penalties and a further two were headers from a corner and free-kick respectively. As for the Panamanians, they knew in advance that they would have to be clinical to stand any chance of getting something out of the game. Instead, they spurned the first two opportunities of the match and then promptly capitulated, finding themselves 2-0 down shortly after.

John Stones headed home a brace, while Harry Kane hit the tournament’s second hat-trick so far, twice converting convincingly from the spot and then completing his treble when a Ruben Loftus-Cheek shot flicked off him and be diverted into the net.

Despite taking a pummelling, Panama also had grounds to celebrate when they scored their first-ever World Cup goal courtesy of a fine finish from 12 yards from Felipe Baloy.

Japan 2 Senegal 2

Japan twice came from behind to peg back Senegal as the two Group H leaders played out a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Ekaterinburg Arena. The result keeps the pair at the group summit after each had won their respective opening outings.

Senegal started with real attacking intent and they were rewarded as star forward Sadio Mane took full advantage of some defensive hesitancy to score after 11 minutes. Despite enjoying more possession, Japan remained on the back foot until Takashi Inui netted just past the half-hour, with a smart curling finish from inside the penalty area.

Yuya Osako missed a golden opportunity on the hour mark, and Inui hit the crossbar minutes later as Japan’s attacking outlets found space. Senegal made Japan pay for their profligacy as 19-year-old Moussa Wague lashed home on 71 minutes, but substitute Keisuke Hondaequalised seven minutes later, finishing off Inui’s cut-back pass from close range.

Colombia 3 Poland 0

Colombia secured an important 3-0 (1-0) victory to leave their Group H fate in their own hands, while Poland’s 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ adventure will come to an end after the group stage.

Both teams came into this match under pressure after suffering defeats in their respective openers. The tension was palpable, with both sides starting tentatively and neither wanting to fall behind in front of a sell-out crowd of 42,837 at the Kazan Arena. The first real chance came in the 40th minute, when the consistently lively James Rodriguez crossed the ball into the penalty area for Yerry Mina to nod home.

The Biało-czerwoni were forced to throw caution to the wind in the second half, creating counterattacking space for their South American opponents in the process. The best opportunity for an equaliser fell to Robert Lewandowski, but his close-range effort was denied by the onrushing David Ospina. In the 70th minute Juan Quintero played a dream pass to Falcao, who stroked the ball past Wojciech Szczesny with the outside of his boot to double Colombia’s advantage. Juan Cuadrado made it 3-0 just a few minutes later to put the result beyond doubt, courtesy of another assist from James.