ENGLAND, Ghana and Colombia all opened their FIFA World Cup campaigns with victories in three dramatic encounters, as Harry Kane inspired the Three Lions past Croatia, Caleb Yirenkyi broke Panama hearts with a stoppage-time winner, and Colombia marked their return to the global stage by defeating Uzbekistan.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that England produced a thrilling attacking display to overcome Croatia 4-2 in Dallas, while Ghana left it late to secure a 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto and Colombia defeated World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 in Mexico City to move top of Group K.
Thomas Tuchel’s England side demonstrated both their attacking firepower and defensive vulnerabilities in an entertaining contest against Croatia. The Three Lions struck first after 12 minutes when Harry Kane converted a penalty at the second attempt after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke. Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic initially saved the effort but was penalised for moving off his line before the kick was taken.
Croatia responded strongly and drew level in the 36th minute through Martin Baturina, whose powerful strike beat Jordan Pickford despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball. England restored their advantage just before the break when Kane powered home a header from Declan Rice’s corner, bringing him level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals and taking his England tally to 81 goals in 115 appearances.
However, Croatia once again found a response as Petar Musa steered Ivan Perisic’s header beyond Pickford seconds before half-time to make it 2-2. England regained control immediately after the restart when Jude Bellingham justified his selection with a surging run and emphatic finish, before substitute Marcus Rashford wrapped up victory with a composed strike five minutes from time. The result gives England a winning start ahead of their next Group L clash against Ghana in Boston.
In Toronto, Ghana required a dramatic 95th-minute winner from Caleb Yirenkyi to deny Panama what would have been their first-ever World Cup point. With the match heading towards a goalless draw, Brandon Thomas-Asante burst down the left flank, beat his marker and squared the ball for Yirenkyi to tap home the latest winning goal recorded at this summer’s tournament.
The outcome was particularly harsh on Panama, who matched the four-time African champions throughout the contest despite appearing in only their fourth World Cup since debuting in 2018. Panama nearly opened the scoring inside two minutes when Cecilio Waterman’s effort was tipped over by goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi, while Cristian Martinez later blasted into the side-netting from close range.
Panama continued to push for a breakthrough in the closing stages, even sending goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera forward for a late set-piece. The goalkeeper managed to head the ball towards teammate Ismael Diaz, whose effort was comfortably gathered by Benjamin Asare, Ghana’s second-choice goalkeeper. Asare had replaced the injured Ati Zigi at half-time after the first-choice keeper landed awkwardly during the opening period.
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz watched his side create few clear chances before securing victory deep into stoppage time. The Black Stars were also without midfielder Thomas Partey, who was reportedly denied entry into Canada due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom. Ghana will next face England in a crucial Group L encounter, while Panama meet Croatia as they continue their search for a first World Cup point.
Meanwhile, in Mexico City, Colombia made a successful return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition by defeating tournament debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 at the historic Estadio Azteca. The South Americans produced an impressive display to move to the top of Group K.
Daniel Munoz opened the scoring with a superb full-stretch volley after connecting with an excellent forward pass from Luis Diaz, who had earlier struck the post. Uzbekistan, managed by Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, responded in the 60th minute when Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed home from close range after Camilo Vargas parried an effort from Gustavo Puerta.
Colombia restored their lead almost immediately through Bayern Munich forward Luis Diaz, whose strike found the net despite Uzbekistan goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov getting both hands to the ball. The goal was Diaz’s first at a World Cup and continued an outstanding run of form following a stellar debut season at Bayern Munich, where he scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists to help the German giants secure a league and cup double.
Uzbekistan pushed hard for another equaliser and came close when Akmal Mozgovoy curled narrowly wide in the 90th minute. However, Colombia sealed victory through substitute Jaminton Campaz, who headed home a late third goal. There was still time for Jakhongir Urozov to strike the crossbar for Uzbekistan, but Colombia held firm to secure all three points.
The result leaves Colombia at the summit of Group K after Portugal and DR Congo played out a 1-1 draw in the group’s other fixture. Uzbekistan will next face Portugal, while Colombia prepare for a meeting with DR Congo as the battle for knockout qualification intensifies.