England’s early World Cup momentum was checked on Tuesday night, June 24, as Ghana frustrated the Three Lions in a goalless draw that leaves Group L finely balanced heading into the final round of matches.
After an impressive opening win over Croatia, Thomas Tuchel’s side were expected to take another major step towards topping the World Cup group. Instead, they found Ghana’s organised defence impossible to break down despite controlling possession and territory for much of the match at Gillette Stadium.
England enjoyed 72 per cent possession and outshot the Black Stars 18-2 but lacked precision where it mattered most. Declan Rice fired a free-kick over the bar and Harry Kane saw an effort blocked before the break, while Anthony Gordon and Kane later forced routine saves from Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
The game burst into life in the closing minutes. Bukayo Saka drew a diving save from Asare before Nico O’Reilly came agonisingly close to snatching victory when his header struck the crossbar.
Kane pounced on the rebound but blasted over, ensuring the points were shared. The result leaves England and Ghana level on four points, with the Three Lions staying top of Group L on goal difference.
In the other group game, Croatia reignited their qualification hopes with a narrow 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto. Substitute Ante Budimir proved the difference nine minutes into the second half, calmly converting Josip Stanisic’s low cross after coach Zlatko Dalic reshuffled his attack at the interval.
The win carried added significance for Luka Modric, who celebrated his 200th international appearance with victory. The Croatian captain became only the fourth male player to reach the milestone and once again dictated play from midfield before leaving the pitch to a standing ovation.
Panama threatened to equalise during a frantic second half, but goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic produced several crucial saves to preserve Croatia’s lead. The result eliminated Panama and set up a decisive showdown between Croatia and Ghana for a place in the knockout rounds.
In Group K, Colombia became one of the latest teams to secure a place in the last 32 after beating DR Congo 1-0 in Guadalajara.
The South Americans dominated for long periods and created enough chances to win comfortably but were repeatedly denied by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Daniel Munoz went close on several occasions before finally breaking the deadlock in the 76th minute.
Juan Fernando Quintero threaded a clever pass into the path of the Crystal Palace wing-back, whose left-footed strike took a deflection and slipped beyond Mpasi at the near post.
DR Congo pushed forward in search of a late equaliser, but Colombia held firm to secure a second consecutive win. The win guarantees their passage to the knockout stage and sends them to the top of Group K, while DR Congo must beat Uzbekistan in their final group match to keep their hopes alive.
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