HARRY Kane became England’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer as the Three Lions overcame a stubborn Panama side to finish top of Group L, while Croatia booked their place in the last 32 with a dramatic late victory over already-qualified Ghana in a thrilling conclusion to the group stage.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that England secured a 2-0 victory over Panama to seal top spot in the group, setting up a Round of 32 clash with DR Congo in Atlanta. Croatia, meanwhile, defeated Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia to qualify as runners-up, although the Black Stars also progressed as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams and will now face Colombia in the knockout round.
England’s victory was built on a second-half resurgence after Thomas Tuchel’s men laboured through another frustrating display that left them looking vulnerable defensively and lacking creativity for long spells.
Jude Bellingham eventually broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, turning home a clever finish from Bukayo Saka’s corner after England had struggled to break down Panama’s disciplined defence.
Five minutes later, Bellingham turned provider, delivering a perfect cross that Kane headed home from close range for his 11th World Cup goal, surpassing Gary Lineker to become England’s highest-scoring player in World Cup history.
The strike also marked Kane’s 82nd international goal in 117 appearances for England.
England’s afternoon was not without concern, however, as emergency right-back Jarell Quansah, deputising for the injured Reece James, was forced off with an injury in the second half, adding to Tuchel’s growing defensive worries.
As England comfortably saw out victory, veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson came off the bench to become the first England player to feature at four FIFA World Cups.
Tuchel had desperately needed inspiration after watching his side endure three consecutive scoreless halves during the tournament, and it was Bellingham who answered the call with another influential performance.
The Real Madrid midfielder repeatedly drove England forward despite occasionally leaving Elliot Anderson isolated in midfield as he combined with recalled forward Morgan Rogers to inject urgency into England’s attack.
His persistence paid off shortly after the hour when he stretched to poke the ball past Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera before producing the cross that enabled Kane to write another chapter in England’s football history.
In Philadelphia, Croatia produced a late winner to defeat Ghana 2-1 and secure second place in Group L behind England.
Zlatko Dalic’s side only needed to avoid defeat to guarantee qualification, but Nikola Vlasic’s decisive header seven minutes from time ensured Croatia advanced with confidence while simultaneously ending Scotland’s faint hopes of sneaking into the knockout stage.
The result also meant Ghana, despite suffering defeat, progressed to the last 32 as one of the competition’s best third-placed teams.
Croatia, runners-up in 2018 and semi-finalists four years ago, looked the more threatening side throughout much of the opening half.
They nearly broke the deadlock after 17 minutes when Nikola Vlasic’s powerful long-range effort skimmed past Benjamin Asare’s right-hand post.
Their dominance was rewarded before halftime when Inter Milan midfielder Petar Sucic collected a pass from Mateo Kovacic before drilling a precise right-footed effort through Derrick Luckassen’s legs into the bottom corner.
Ghana offered little attacking threat before the interval, failing to register a shot on target for the third successive first half at the tournament.
Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo came closest when he dragged a low effort narrowly wide, although an equaliser at that stage would have flattered Carlos Queiroz’s side.
The Black Stars returned with renewed purpose after Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu was introduced at halftime.
The substitute immediately injected pace and creativity into Ghana’s attack, forcing Croatia onto the back foot with a powerful effort that narrowly cleared the crossbar.
Ghana’s improved display eventually paid off in the 73rd minute when Derrick Luckassen powered home Ernest Nuamah’s cross.
The goal was only confirmed after an almost four-minute Video Assistant Referee review for offside.
Although Kwasi Sibo was standing in an offside position, referee Drew Fischer announced that the midfielder was not interfering with play, allowing the equaliser to stand.
With momentum now firmly behind Ghana, the Black Stars pushed for a winner that would have secured second place in the group.
Instead, Croatia responded.
Mario Pasalic first forced Benjamin Asare into a magnificent one-handed save before Luka Modric’s corner found Nikola Vlasic, who rose highest to head home the winning goal seven minutes from time.
The victory handed Croatia their second win of the group stage and secured a Round of 32 meeting with Group K runners-up Portugal in Toronto on Friday, July 3.
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Ghana’s earlier results ensured their World Cup journey continued, with the Black Stars set to face Group K winners Colombia in Kansas City on Saturday, July 4.
For England, Kane’s record-breaking afternoon and Bellingham’s commanding display ensured they head into the knockout rounds with momentum, while Croatia’s resilience and Ghana’s qualification capped a dramatic conclusion to one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.