Lionel Messi continues to shine at the World Cup (Image: Getty)
Here’s everything you need to know from the final World Cup group stage matches ahead of the round of 32:
- Lionel Messi breaks new ground: Lionel Messi came off the bench for Argentina to get on the scoresheet once more during their 3-1 win over Jordan. The strike extends his all-time World Cup record to 19 goals and marks a remarkable new milestone, having now netted in seven successive World Cup matches.
- England claim top spot: England beat Panama 2-0 in their final group fixture to finish as Group L winners with seven points. Second-half strikes from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane sealed the victory after a frustrating, goalless opening 45 minutes.
- Knockout stage draw confirmed: Following the conclusion of the overnight group results, England’s Round of 32 opponents have officially been confirmed as DR Congo. The last-32 clash is set to take place in Atlanta on Tuesday, 1st July.
- England’s injury headache deepens: England boss Thomas Tuchel is facing a serious lack of defensive cover after Jarell Quansah hobbled off against Panama. With Reece James and Tino Livramento already on the treatment table, Djed Spence is now the only recognised right-back remaining in the squad.
- Keane lays into England: Pundit Roy Keane pulled no punches in his assessment of England’s lethargic first-half display, drawing unflattering comparisons with Scotland’s recent difficulties. He insisted that England’s key players failed to impose themselves and were dragged down to the level of a lower-ranked side.
- Steve Clarke resigns: Scotland boss Steve Clarke has stepped down from his position after the nation’s official elimination from the competition. The Tartan Army’s departure was confirmed following Croatia’s 2-1 victory over Ghana, which left Scotland rooted to the bottom of their group.
- TV Presenter issues apology: American broadcast journalist Abigail Velez has delivered a public apology after making “inappropriate” comments about Bosnia and Herzegovina during a live broadcast. The ABC Los Angeles host came under fire almost instantly after recording a World Cup feature in which she admitted she didn’t “know the first thing” about the Balkan country.
- An emotional Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Ex-Sweden icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic was moved to tears on television while marking Bosnia’s landmark qualification. He spoke of his deep pride for the nation, explaining that the achievement filled him with tremendous joy given his father’s Bosnian heritage.
- Chaos in Algeria vs Austria: In a gripping 3-3 stalemate that sent both sides through to the knockout stage while knocking Iran out of the tournament, Austria and Algeria exchanged the lead on multiple occasions in a fiercely contested encounter. Algeria looked to have pinched a late winner when Riyad Mahrez struck in stoppage time, only for Austrian substitute Sasa Kalajdzic to produce a stunning last-gasp equaliser to spare his team’s blushes.