England finished top ahead of Croatia as they completed their Group L campaign with a 2-0 victory over Panama.
Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 in their final Group L fixture on Saturday to qualify for the Round of 32. England finished top, completing their Group L campaign with a 2-0 victory over Panama following a strong display.
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Croatia opened the scoring in the 31st minute through Petar Sučić, who finished Mateo Kovačić’s well-timed assist. The European side dominated possession in the opening half, creating several opportunities against Ghana’s defence.
Veteran midfielder Luka Modrić controlled proceedings from the middle of the pitch, helping Croatia maintain their attacking rhythm. Ghana struggled to penetrate Croatia’s disciplined backline, despite their attempts to create openings before the interval.
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After the restart, Ghana improved and found the equaliser in the 73rd minute through Daryl Luckassen, who converted Ernest Nuamah’s assist to restore Ghana’s hopes of securing a positive result. Croatia defender Ivan Perišić received a yellow card as the encounter became increasingly tense. However, Croatia regained the lead eight minutes from time through Nikola Vlašić’s decisive strike. Vlašić scored after receiving a pass from Modrić to complete a crucial victory for Croatia.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Croatia will face the Group K runners-up. Despite losing to Croatia, Ghana accumulated four points during the group stage. This tally was enough for the Black Stars to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Meanwhile, England defeated Panama 2-0 in their final group fixture to end on a winning note. The Three Lions struggled to break the deadlock in the opening half against a resilient Panama side. England eventually took the lead in the 62nd minute through Jude Bellingham’s composed finish; Bellingham scored after receiving Bukayo Saka’s assist during a swift attacking move.
Five minutes later, England doubled their advantage through captain Harry Kane’s 67th-minute goal. Kane converted Bellingham’s assist to strengthen England’s control of the encounter.
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The match also produced disciplinary moments, with several players receiving yellow cards: Panama’s José Fajardo and Adalberto Andrade were booked, alongside England’s Jarell Quansah.
England managed the closing stages comfortably, limiting Panama’s chances of a comeback. Panama showed determination throughout but failed to create clear-cut opportunities against England. England will face a third-placed team from another group in the Round of 32, with possible opponents including Senegal or DR Congo, depending on final group standings. Panama has been eliminated from the tournament following the completion of the Group L matches.
(NAN)
