Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan
Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics in style, scoring twice as Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston to become the first man in history to score in six different World Cups.
The 41-year-old had endured a difficult week following a lacklustre opening draw with DR Congo, going ten consecutive matches without a goal at major tournaments before breaking the duck after just six minutes.
Nuno Mendes doubled the lead with a well-taken free kick, before Ronaldo added a second of his own on 39 minutes to make it 3-0. Portugal cut loose after the break, with Rafael Leao among the scorers in a rout that announced their tournament intentions. Portugal face Colombia in their final group match needing a win to top Group K.
Colombia 1-0 DR Congo
Colombia booked their place in the World Cup knockout rounds with a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo in Guadalajara, Daniel Munoz’s 76th-minute strike proving the difference after the South Americans dominated.
Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was outstanding for the Africans, making several crucial saves before Munoz’s deflected effort finally broke through. Colombia top Group K on six points, two clear of Portugal, and need only a draw against the Portuguese in Miami to finish first.
DR Congo, appearing at their first World Cup since 1974 as Zaire, retain an outside chance of progression when they face Uzbekistan next.
Croatia 1-0 Panama
Panama’s World Cup journey came to an end after Ante Budimir’s 54th-minute goal gave Croatia a 1-0 win in Toronto. Despite the result, Panama coach Thomas Christiansen said he was “super proud” of his side’s progress, while Croatia legend Luka Modric marked his 200th international appearance, departing to a standing ovation after 81 minutes.
Croatia move to three points and face Ghana next for a place in the last 32, while Panama’s tournament ends with a final group game against England still to play.
England 0-0 Ghana
England’s bid to reach the knockout rounds stalled after a frustrating goalless draw with Ghana at Foxborough, despite dominating possession and registering 19 shots to their opponents’ two. Captain Harry Kane blazed a late chance over the bar after Nico O’Reilly’s header had cannoned off the crossbar.
Ghana, ranked 73rd in the world, defended resolutely throughout, with goalkeeper Benjamin Asare producing a string of saves to deny Bukayo Saka and others. Both sides sit on four points, with England requiring only a positive result against already-eliminated Panama to confirm their place in the next round.
– AFP
Photo: REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
