World Cup Day Seven: Kane and Bellingham Inspire England Thriller as DR Congo Stun Ronaldo's Portugal
England produced the most entertaining performance of their tournament so far in a breathless 4–2 victory over Croatia, while DR Congo announced themselves to the world by holding Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal to a dramatic 1–1 draw. Colombia eased past World Cup debutants Uzbekistan with a composed 3–1 win, and Ghana snatched the points against Panama thanks to a last-gasp goal deep into stoppage time — a fittingly pulsating end to a day full of drama across Groups K and L.In Group L, England's World Cup campaign began in chaotic, thrilling fashion at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Harry Kane gave Thomas Tuchel's side the lead on 12 minutes, converting a penalty at the second attempt after VAR ruled that Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic had strayed off his line to save the first effort. The Bayern Munich striker, who equalled Gary Lineker's England record of 10 World Cup goals with his second of the night, had researched Livakovic's tendency to move early — and the tactical gamble paid off handsomely. Croatia hit back through Martin Baturina's powerful drive on 36 minutes, before Kane restored England's advantage with a clinical header from Declan Rice's corner three minutes before half-time. England's defending, however, remained alarmingly porous: Petar Musa levelled once more for Croatia with virtually the last kick of the first half, steering Ivan Perišić's header past Jordan Pickford. Tuchel's half-time response was emphatic. Jude Bellingham, selected ahead of Morgan Rogers in one of the tournament's first tight calls, ended the debate moments after the restart with a surging run and composed finish that turned the game decisively. Substitute Marcus Rashford wrapped up a 4–2 win with five minutes to go, converting after a swift counter-attack to leave Tuchel celebrating with compatriot and pundit Jürgen Klopp on the touchline. England's attack was a joy; their defence a concern — but for now, the Three Lions are up and running in Group L.Also in Group L, Ghana denied Panama a share of the spoils in the most dramatic fashion in Toronto. The two sides served up a tight, attritional contest before substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante raced down the left in the 95th minute and squared for Caleb Yirenkyi to tap home from close range, sparking wild celebrations among the West African supporters. It was a cruel outcome for Panama, who had matched Ghana throughout and went agonisingly close through Cristian Martinez, who struck the side-netting from close range in the second half. Ghana were themselves without Thomas Partey, denied entry to Canada due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK — a notable absentee. The late winner gives Ghana three points and sets up a fascinating encounter with Group L leaders England next.In Group K, the evening's most talked-about result unfolded as DR Congo produced a stunning fightback to hold Portugal to a 1–1 draw. It was an occasion that reignited the debate around Cristiano Ronaldo's place in the Portugal team — and his impact on those around him. Portugal took the lead through a first-half goal, but DR Congo equalised through Brentford striker Yannick Wissa, who headed home to score his nation's first-ever World Cup goal — a moment of historic significance for a country making its debut in the tournament. Ronaldo — operating under immense scrutiny as he bids to become the greatest scorer in World Cup history — passed up a key chance when his run disrupted a potential pass to Bruno Fernandes, who was free inside the penalty area. Pundits including Thierry Henry and Gael Clichy were outspoken about the 41-year-old's influence on his team-mates, with Henry arguing Ronaldo's desire to score personally had cost Portugal a second goal. The draw leaves Group K wide open at the halfway point of the first round of fixtures.Colombia, meanwhile, provided the night's most composed display, defeating World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3–1 at the Mexico City Stadium. Daniel Muñoz volleyed a brilliant opener to set Colombia on their way, and despite Abdullaev Fayzullaev heading home an equaliser to raise hopes for the Uzbek crowd, Luis Díaz restored Colombia's lead with a clinical finish. Jaminton Campaz added gloss to the scoreline deep into second-half stoppage time, heading home a pinpoint cross from Cucho Hernández who had refused to give up on a late run down the right. Uzbekistan, managed by legendary Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro, had pressed gamely in the second half and hit the crossbar late on through Bekhruz Karimov, but Colombia's quality told in the end. Colombia top Group K and look every inch a side capable of going deep into this tournament.Upcoming Matches for June 18 (all times ET):12:00 PM, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta — Czechia vs. South Africa (Group A)3:00 PM, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles — Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B)6:00 PM, BC Place, Vancouver — Canada vs. Qatar (Group B)9:00 PM, Estadio BBVA, Guadalajara — Mexico vs. South Korea (Group A)
