Portugal survive late drama to edge past Croatia

Goncalo Ramos headed a stoppage-time winner and Josko Gvardiol had an equaliser controversially disallowed as Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in a thrilling World Cup last-32 contest in Toronto. Cristiano Ronaldo’s first World Cup knockout goal had cancelled out Ivan Perisic’s opener in a contest that saw four efforts ruled out for offside, including what would have been a goal of the tournament contender for the 41-year-old Ronaldo.

Read more

Senegal demolish ten-man Iraq to stay in contention

Senegal cruised to a 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq in Toronto to move into the top eight best third-placed sides. Habib Diarra opened the scoring after four minutes before Rebin Sulaka was sent off for eliminated Iraq for bringing down Sadio Mane in the 13th minute. Ismaila Sarr added a goal and an assist, and there was a stunning second-half brace from substitute Pape Gueye before Iliman Ndiaye added a valuable fifth towards Senegal’s goal difference.

Read more

Ante Budimir on the mark as Croatia eliminate Panama

Luka Modric’s 200th appearance for Croatia ended in a 1-0 victory over Panama as they kept their World Cup campaign alive. Substitute Ante Budimir supplied the decisive touch, grabbing the only goal early in the second half as Panama’s hopes of qualification were ended.

Read more

Undav strikes late as Germany edge out determined Ivory Coast

Deniz Undav rescued Germany as his second-half double helped them come from behind to defeat Ivory Coast and book their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup. The four-time winners were frustrated after going behind to a 30th-minute goal from Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie but Julian Nagelsmann turned to his bench in search of a response – and Undav delivered emphatically.

Read more

Yirenkyi grabs last gasp winner for Ghana against Panama

A late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi gave Ghana a 1-0 win over Panama as they joined England at the top of Group L. Yirenkyi steered in Brandon Thomas-Asante’s cross in stoppage time to settle a match of few clear chances. Cecilio Waterman forced a good save from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the second minute as he latched on to a cross from the right, but it was a rare opening in a cagey first half in the Toronto rain.

Read more