Day 7: Another Scintillating Day In North America
Another scintillating day of football unfolded in North America as the first encounters of the Group Stage were completed at the end of Day 7 of the World Cup.
Portugal, the Favourites Against Congo Take Early Lead Through Joao Neves
Portugal, with the line-up they possess, were more than favourites to go past DR Congo in Group K at Houston. The Central Africans were returning to the world stage after 52 years. As expected, the Portuguese began with an outstanding header from Joao Neves from a Pedro Neto cross in the 6th minute.
A Determined Congo Respond In Kind As Yoane Wissa Scores to Equalise
The goal stirred the Congolese as they regrouped and began to impress with their movements and intent. Yoane Wissa, the Brentford striker, with his pace and ability to find space in the Portuguese defence, brought a bit of parity in the momentum of the game. Congo’s hard work eventually paid rich dividends as Wissa rose like a Phoenix and headed home the equaliser from an inch-perfect Arthur Masuaku cross, just before halftime.
A Wasteful Portugal Let The Congo Tighten Screws As The Match Ends in a Draw
Congo then defended brilliantly as a wasteful Portugal further played into Congolese hands. A misfiring Ronaldo missed several chances, and despite Roberto Martinez ringing in the changes, the winning goal never arrived.
A Moral Victory For Congo
It was celebration time for Congo as the Africans showed tremendous resolve and application to frustrate the Portuguese and earn a crucial point.
Debutants Uzbekistan Give Colombia A Fight
Uzbekistan, the debutants from Central Asia, were up against the talented and sublime Colombians. The match was a tough one for the White Wolves, but they did give a good account of themselves in an engaging Group K encounter in Mexico, which was also the last game of the day.
The Colombians Dominated, But The Uzbeks Responded
The Colombians held possession as expected, but the brave Uzbeks kept them at bay. The deadlock was eventually broken in the 40th minute by Daniel Munoz with a terrific strike from the right-back. But the Wolves equalised in the 60th minute, which just opened up the game.
Lui Diaz & Campaz Score to Register A Close Win For Colombia
Luis Diaz scored in the 65th minute, and Campaz sealed the match with a fine strike in the dying seconds of the game to register a hard-fought 3-1 win for the South Americans.
The White Wolves Were Resolute, But Colombians Were Better
It has to be said, however, that Uzbekistan were not dismissed by the opposition at any time in the game. They held their own, but the lack of experience and the depth in the squad led to their defeat. The Colombians were pressed for sure and had to dig deep to win this one.
Ghana Met Panama In A Tight Cagey Affair
Ghana met Panama in Group L in Toronto, with the Africans the favourites to go through. But the match was a gutsy, cagey affair with Ghana stretched by Panama to say the least.
Ghana Score Late through Yirenkyi To Win And Break South American Hearts
The South Americans gave Ghana a good test, but as the match was meandering towards a draw, 20-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi, who plays his football for the Danish Club Nordsjaelland, scored in stoppage time to give Ghana a vital 3 points and immense heartbreak to Panama.
The Three Lions, England, played the Match of the World Cup So Far
The match of the day, and some say, the Match of the World Cup so far, saw the Three Lions England take on Croatia in Group L at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington. The arena was packed to the rafters as England under Thomas Tuchel began their quest for the elusive World Title.
Harry Kane Nets Yet Another Goal
Harry Kane, the best striker in the World at the moment and England’s captain, scored with a penalty in his second attempt after his first strike was stopped by Livakovic, but the penalty was taken again as Livakovic was found guilty of a foul. England were ahead in the 12th minute.
The Gritty Croats Respond With A Baturina Screamer
The gritty Croats, with Luka Modric leading them, came back with a bang in the 36th minute. Martin Baturina, the 23-year-old Como player in Serie A, struck a screamer. The thunderbolt beat Pickford, England’s goalkeeper, for sheer pace. The match was levelled.
Harry Kane Replies With A Ripper of his own, but Musa Equalises For Croatia again
Harry Kane had to respond, and he showed how good he is with a ripper of his own to put England in front again, 3 minutes before half-time. It was a sensational hit from the England legend. But yet again, the ‘never say die’ Croats fought back and equalised through Musa just before half time. Croatia were just refusing to go away.
Bellingham Scores To Put England Ahead…
The quality, however, in the English camp just got the better of Croatia. Jude Bellingham struck early in the second half with a brilliantly composed finish, placing the ball exceptionally well to score. England were on the offensive, but Livakovic made several top saves to deny England and keep Croatia in the game.
… As Rashford Closes The Game With A Superb Finish
Marcus Rashford, the super sub, then came on from the bench and scored in the 85th minute to secure the game for England. It was indeed a terrific show from the Three Lions against a very tough opponent.
An extremely entertaining day which saw lots of quality, determination, grit and resolve.
Football, just has it all.
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