Harry Kane became England’s record World Cup goalscorer as they recovered from an unconvincing start to overcome Panama and finish top of Group L. Jude Bellingham broke a frustrating deadlock to put England ahead after 62 minutes, then crossed for Kane to double their advantage with a close-range header five minutes later.
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Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa scored the equaliser as the DR Congo frustrated Portugal at the start of Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup campaign. Wissa put aside the frustration of his injury-hit first season on Tyneside as he headed home to secure a 1-1 draw under a closed roof at Houston’s NRG Stadium. Joao Neves had put Portugal, one of the pre-tournament favourites, ahead after just six minutes but they were unable to build on their strong start as DR Congo fought back in the Group K opener.
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Croatia showed their class once more by clinching their third top-three finish at the World Cup with a play-off victory over history-makers Morocco. In a frantic opening, Josko Gvardiol gave Croatia the lead with a superb diving header but Achraf Dari levelled just two minutes later before Mislav Orsic curled in a sumptuous second for Croatia.
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Gareth Bale rode to Wales’ rescue once again as the captain’s late penalty salvaged a draw against the United States in his country’s first World Cup game for 64 years. Wales were listless and overrun in a first half dominated by a vibrant USA team, who led as Tim Weah finished smartly after a surging run and pass by Christian Pulisic.
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