Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time goal secured a 1-0 win for Ghana over Panama as World Cup action delivered a mix of late drama and key results. Colombia and England also began their campaigns with victories, while DR Congo held Portugal in a historic 1-1 draw and Austria beat Jordan 3-1.
Colombia winger Luis Diaz dazzled at a raucous Azteca Stadium as his side marked their return to the World Cup with a 3-1 Group K win over tournament debutants Uzbekistan on Wednesday.
Colombia, who missed the 2022 tournament in Qatar, struggled in the early stages but broke through in the 41st minute when a brilliant ball lifted into the area by Diaz was hooked in on the turn by Daniel Munoz, who had ghosted in behind the defence.
Uzbekistan equalised on the hour mark after a shot from striker Eldor Shomurodov was spilled by goalkeeper Camilo Vargas and Abbosbek Fayzullaev was on the line to head in. However, Diaz restored Colombia's lead five minutes later by slotting the ball in from the left of the area.
Harry Kane scored a first-half brace, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added goals after halftime and England kicked off its World Cup with a 4-2 victory over Croatia on Wednesday in an entertaining Group L clash at Arlington, Texas.
The Three Lions earned their third victory in four major international tournaments against Croatia despite twice giving back their lead. Manager Thomas Tuchel's squad also grabbed a measure of revenge for the lone defeat among those games, a 2-1 loss in extra time in the 2018 World Cup semifinals.
Martin Baturina and Petar Musa scored before halftime for Croatia, which is trying to reach the semifinals or better for a third World Cup after finishing second in 2018 and third in 2022.
Caleb Yirenkyi scored a stoppage-time winner to earn Ghana a 1-0 win over Panama in a chilly and lively World Cup game on Wednesday in which the African side were forced to play the second half without starting goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi.
After a lightning-quick counter-attack, Brandon Thomas-Asante charged forward before playing a precise pass into the area for Yirenkyi, who tapped home in the fifth minute of extra time for his first competitive international goal.
Panama, bolstered by a vociferous red-clad contingent of supporters, were energetic, purposeful and threatening in the final third while Ghana were unable to find their rhythm until the second half when the tables turned.
Portugal were frustrated in a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, who marked their return to the World Cup after 52 years with a disciplined and determined performance.
Portugal took an early lead when João Neves headed home Pedro Neto’s cross inside six minutes, setting expectations of a comfortable evening for Roberto Martínez’s side.
However, DR Congo gradually grew into the match and struck a historic equaliser in first-half stoppage time, as Yoane Wissa headed in from Arthur Masuaku’s cross to register the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo, playing in a record-extending sixth World Cup appearance, struggled to make an impact as Portugal dominated possession without creating clear chances. Cedric Bakambu came closest to winning it for DR Congo, hitting the post in the second half.
Portugal coach Martínez admitted his side lacked attacking sharpness, while DR Congo boss Sébastien Desabre praised his team’s resilience in securing a landmark point.
Austria began their World Cup campaign with a dramatic 3-1 win over debutants Jordan in San Francisco, ending a 36-year wait for an opening match victory.
Ralf Rangnick’s side were pushed all the way by a spirited Jordan team who came close early through Ehsan Haddad and Ali Olwan, before Romano Schmid gave Austria the lead with a superb curling finish.
Jordan responded strongly after the break, with Olwan striking a deserved equaliser off the post in the 50th minute.
Austria thought they had regained the lead through Marko Arnautović, but the goal was ruled out for handball following a VAR review. They eventually went ahead when Yazan Al Arab turned the ball into his own net from a corner.
Arnautović sealed the result in stoppage time from the penalty spot after a late handball decision confirmed by VAR, ensuring Austria’s winning start.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has promised to avenge the killing of his father, while U.S. President Donald Trump said Tehran and Washin...
A Miami-based tycoon wanted in Albania for allegedly laundering drug money is suspected of faking the deeds to land where Donald Trump’s son-in-law ...
Turkish prosecutors have ordered the detention of 36 people, including the mayor of an Ankara district controlled by the main opposition, over alleged...
A Miami-based tycoon wanted in Albania for allegedly laundering drug money is suspected of faking the deeds to land where Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner wants to build a controversial multi-billion dollar resort, the country’s organised crime agency said in case files reviewed by Reuters.
Turkish prosecutors have ordered the detention of 36 people, including the mayor of an Ankara district controlled by the main opposition, over alleged bribery and tender-rigging.
A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering British politician Ann Widdecombe has been released and is no longer part of the investigation, UK police have said.
Israel's decision to recognise the so-called Armenian genocide has triggered diplomatic tensions with Azerbaijan, one of its closest strategic partners.
It has been a punishing week for large parts of China, and forecasters warn the worst may not be over. After Typhoon Maysak left a trail of destruction and at least 23 people dead, Super Typhoon Bavi is now threatening the country's eastern coast.
At least 12 people have been killed in forest fires in Almeria in southern Spain, Andalucía’s emergency agency has said, as firefighters continue efforts to put out the blaze.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
Dozens of flights have been cancelled across East Asia as Super Typhoon Bavi approaches China. The typhoon, which has maximum sustained winds of 162 kph (100mph), is nearing a remote chain of Japanese islands, east of Taiwan on Friday.
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" sweeping through stadiums, city streets and social media.
France booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Morocco on Thursday, as captain Kylian Mbappe overcame a missed penalty to play a decisive role in another dominant display by the two-time world champions.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), allowing Russian athletes to compete in many international events, including qualifying competitions for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has condemned the use of VAR after Egypt's dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup, claiming key refereeing decisions directly affected the outcome.
Switzerland reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 after defeating Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a tense 0-0 draw that lasted 120 minutes on Tuesday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment