Ecuador edge Germany to reach knockouts

Ecuador produced a rousing fightback to come from behind and beat Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match in New Jersey to put themselves into the last 32 of the World Cup. Leroy Sane had fired Germany, who were already qualified as group winners, into an early lead at the MetLife Stadium, before Nilson Angulo soon had Ecuador level after nine minutes.

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Haaland bags brace as Norway edge out Senegal

Erling Haaland ensured the battle for the World Cup’s golden boot is not a two-horse race with an electrifying brace in Norway’s win over Senegal in New Jersey. After Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe added to their tallies for the tournament to five and four respectively, the Manchester City forward kept himself within a goal of Messi as he scored a quickfire couple after the half-time break.

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Mbappé brace powers France to victory over Senegal

Captain Kylian Mbappe became France’s all-time leading men’s scorer with a double against Senegal as they ran out 3-1 winners. France took charge after the break, with skipper Mbappe scoring in the 66th minute and substitute Bradley Barcola doubling their lead. A chaotic stoppage-time period saw Ibrahim Mbaye pull one back for Senegal, but just one minute later Mbappe had the final say with a stunning long-range strike.

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Brazil fightback to share spoils with impressive Morocco

Brazil and Morocco played out a 1-1 draw in the first ⁠heavyweight clash of the World Cup on Saturday, with the African side confirming their potential while exposing familiar weaknesses in their opponents at a sold out New York/New Jersey stadium. Ismael Saibari gave Morocco a deserved first-half lead before Vinicius Jr produced a moment of brilliance to restore parity, ensuring the points were shared in the opening Group C match.

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