Messi masterminds Argentina to narrow victory over Australia

Lionel Messi scored his first goal in a World Cup knockout match on his 1,000th career appearance as twice champions Argentina beat off a late fightback by Australia to win 2-1 on Saturday and reach the quarter-finals. Messi put Argentina ahead in the 35th minute with Julian Alvarez scoring early in the second half but an Enzo Fernandez own goal allowed Australia to put the Argentines under immense pressure.

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Roberto Martinez resigns as Belgium manager

Roberto Martinez ended his tenure as Belgium coach following the team’s early exit from the World Cup. The Spaniard, 49, was appointed in 2016 and was out of contract after the World Cup. Belgium, who claimed third place in 2018, went into the tournament as the world’s second-ranked team.

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Belgium crash out as Croatia trundle on

Belgium have been knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage as Croatia progressed at their expense with a goalless draw in Qatar. Roberto Martinez’s side, who finished third in Russia four years ago and are ranked second in the world, have had a disappointing tournament with just one win and one goal in their three matches.

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Rashford stars as England progress with Wales bowing out

Marcus Rashford inspired England to the victory required to top Group B and ensure it was despair for Wales as they went out of the tournament after a bitterly disappointing World Cup campaign. Wales needed to either beat England and hope Iran and USA ended in a draw or pursue the more unlikely outcome of running up a four-goal victory margin at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

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Fuller fires Costa Rica to shock win over Japan

Japan failed to take another step towards the World Cup knockout rounds as Keysher Fuller’s late goal earned Costa Rica a smash-and-grab Group E victory. Following their shock win over Germany, Japan were frustrated by a tight defensive unit, before Fuller struck with Costa Rica’s first shot on target at the tournament.

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