World Cup day 13: Croatia secure vital three points after England slump to turgid Ghana draw

FULL-TIME: Colombia 1-0 DR Congo

It's full-time, and it's Daniel Munoz coming up big for Colombia again. They now sit two points clear at the top of Group K - with a crunch match with Portugal to come.

GOAL! Colombia 1-0 DR Congo

Colombia lead! It's the right-back Daniel Munoz who makes it 1-0. He rushes into the box from the right and buries a loose ball in the right-hand corner. It's the Crystal Palace man's second of the tournament in two games!

Back underway in Guadalajara

And we're back for the second half of Colombia vs DR Congo. Both sides still level at 0-0 - but a Colombia win would see them lead their group before a crunch showdown with Portugal this weekend. All to play for!

HALF-TIME: Colombia 0-0 DR Congo

Level at the break in Mexico...

KICK-OFF: Colombia vs DR Congo

It's off to Guadalajara for our final match of day 13, Colombia vs DR Congo.

Tonight's XIs are as follows:

Colombia: Vargas; Mojica, Lucumi, Sanchez, Munoz; Puerta, Lerma, Rodriguez (C); DIaz, Suarez, Arias.

DR Congo: Mpasi Nzau; Masuaku, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba (C), Wan-Bissaka; Kayembe, Moutoussamy, Mukau; Bakambu, Wissa.

FULL-TIME: Panama 0-1 Croatia

Full-time in Toronto - and Ante Budimir's goal is the difference-maker against a defensively resolute Panama. It's now all to play for on Saturday as Group L reaches its conclusion.

GOAL! Panama 0-1 Croatia

The Croats take the lead! It's Ante Budimir with what could be a vital goal to send his nation on their way to the knockouts.

HALF-TIME: Panama 0-0 Croatia

It was goalless at the break in Toronto in this fiesty Group L clash. We're now back underway for the second half. Stay tuned for the latest updates as they come in...

KICK-OFF: Panama vs Croatia

We're underway in Toronto for Panama vs Croatia.

A win for either side will set up a razor-thin final day on Saturday night to decide Group L's final standings - when Croatia play Ghana and England face Panama.

Tonight's line-ups are as follows:

Panama: Mosquera; Blackman, Andrade, Cordoba, Ramos, Murillo; Rodriguez, Barcenas (C), Harvey, Martinez; Fajardo.

Croatia: Livakovic; Gvardiol, Pongracic, Sutalo, Stanisic; Kovacic, Modric (C), Baturina; Perisic, Musa, Pasalic.

Rice bullish despite draw

Declan Rice has urged England fans to stay positive despite Tuesday's frustrating 0-0 World Cup draw with Ghana, insisting there is "no need to be negative or downbeat".

Rice admitted England could have done more in possession but praised Ghana's organisation and defensive resilience.

The Arsenal midfielder reminded supporters that many leading nations have stumbled early in major tournaments and stressed England still have an excellent opportunity to top the group.

Tuchel reacts to England and Ghana draw

Thomas Tuchel has insisted England deserved more after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Ghana in Boston.

The Three Lions dominated possession but struggled to break down their opponents' deep defensive block, with Harry Kane spurning their best chance late on by firing over from close range.

Tuchel refused to criticise his captain, saying it was "normally a clear goal for us" and praised his side's work in stopping Ghana's counter-attacks.

Read more here.

Micah Richards slams England

Speaking on the BBC, Micah Richards criticised England for their approach.

"The frustrating thing was that England weren't brave enough," he said.

"Yes we knew they were coming up against a team that would set up in a low block but I just felt that there were too many safe passes.

"You need to be more brave when you come up against a team in a low block."

Game over: England 0-0 Ghana

That's not the result England fans were hoping for.

Despite pressing until the end, and having a header cleared off the line in stoppage time, Thomas Tuchel's men have been forced to settle for a point.

All eyes on Panama next. We'll be bringing you reaction from this clash as it comes.

CLOSE! England hit bar and Kane blazes over

Nearly the breakthrough.

Bukayo Saka sees a low shot saved, with Nico O'Reilly proceeding to head against the bar.

The ball falls invitingly to Harry Kane but the Bayern Munich hitman, usually so ruthless, shoots over.

England survive scare

Prince Adu runs away from Marc Guehi, with Ezri Konsa lunging in desperately to stop him getting a shot away.

Antoine Semenyo eventually gets in the way of his own player and England survive.

Eberechi Eze and Marcus Rashford are on the pitch as they look to conjure some magic.

Hydration break No 2

Time for another hydration break.

A draw isn't the end of the world but it'll certainly be a setback, particularly given how good the performance was against Croatia last week.

Morgan Rogers is on for Elliot Anderson.

Tuchel changes it up

Thomas Tuchel has had enough.

Bukayo Saka and Nico O'Reilly come on in place of Anthony Gordon and Djed Spence.

Ghana threaten to score with Jordan Pickford rushing out. Fortunately, the England goalkeeper gets to the ball and a free-kick is given in his favour after he's caught.

Harry Kane then shoots straight at Benjamin Asare.

Madueke blazes over

After a free-kick from Declan Rice, the ball bounces around before eventually falling at the feet of Noni Madueke.

The Arsenal star doesn't get hold of his effort, however, with his shot sailing over the bar.

Tuchel unhappy on the touchline

Thomas Tuchel is visibly frustrated and what he's seeing.

The England boss is waving his arms around but the message, so far at least, hasn't really got through.

England's second-game problem

England have a bit of a track record for struggling in their second games of major tournaments.

In competitions in 2020 and 2022, they drew with Scotland and the United States respectively.

At Euro 2024, their contest with Denmark ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

As I typed that, Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon managed shots with Ghana clinging on. Better.

Ghana coming forward

Ghana looking better now.

Certainly more adventurous. A cross causes panic in the England ranks but fortunately it doesn't come to anything.

Second half begins after Bellingham clash

The second half is now under way.

Just at the end of the first 45 minutes, Jude Bellingham clashed with Ghana players over something that was said.

Thomas Tuchel and other England players played peacemaker. Whether Bellingham can now make his mark remains to be seen.

Honours even at half-time

It's now half-time in Boston.

Thomas Tuchel delivered a top team talk to inspire England against Croatia last time out, with more of the same required now.

It's been flat. Disappointing.

Rice heads over

Good from Noni Madueke, who finds Declan Rice inside the box.

His Arsenal teammate can only head over.

England pressing as half-time approaches

We're now around 10 minutes away from half-time and England have been the superior side.

Declan Rice's free-kick was the closest effort but the Three Lions are dominating proceedings so far.

If they can get a goal before the interval, that'll be a huge boost.

Ghana star suffers head injury just before hydration break

Ghana star Jordan Ayew has been bandaged up after colliding with Reece James.

The incident came just before the hydration break, with Alan Shearer suggesting it would have made sense to delay the restart.

"There's been nearly two minutes [of stoppages] already. It seems crazy for the referee not to just say let's have the break now. Goodness me," he fumed.

Declan Rice goes close

Nearly the perfect start for England.

The Three Lions get a free kick on the edge of the box but Declan Rice, despite catching it cleanly, sends his effort over the bar.

Harry Kane ends up on the ground a few moments later yet gets to his feet. A nation back home breathes a sigh of relief.

Bellingham down early on

It's been a quiet start to proceedings so far, with little to separate the two sides.

Jude Bellingham finds himself on the floor after a collision but, fortunately, is able to play on.

England don't need any injuries tonight, not with so many potential matches to come.

England match under way

And the game is under way!

We'll bring you all the big talking points from the showdown in Boston.

If England win, they're through. That's the mission tonight. Grab you drinks, your snacks, and let's watch it all unfold together.

Tuchel explains dropping England duo

Thomas Tuchel has explained his decision to drop John Stones and Nico O'Reilly for England's World Cup clash with Ghana, insisting Marc Guehi and Djed Spence offer greater pace and defensive security.

The England manager said Guehi is "more agile and faster" than Stones, while Spence is better suited to dealing with Ghana's dangerous counter-attacks.

Tuchel expects Ghana to surrender possession and look to exploit transitions through their quick, physical forwards.

Despite England's impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia, Tuchel felt changes were needed after defensive lapses and hopes his side can secure qualification with another win.

Ronaldo screams down camera after Portugal win

Cristiano Ronaldo screamed "I'm back" straight down the camera after scoring twice in Portugal's win.

The 41-year-old had come under intense scrutiny following his subdued display in the opening draw with DR Congo, with questions raised over whether he should still lead the line for his country.

Ronaldo answered those doubts emphatically, scoring twice in the first half before delivering his defiant message to viewers around the world.

Less than an hour to go

The game between England and Ghana, tonight's main event, is less than an hour away.

Can the Three Lions make it two wins from two? Stay tuned.

Game over: Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan

The 6pm game is now over. In truth, it was over after just six minutes.

Cristiano Ronaldo bagged a brilliant brace with additional efforts from Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao, as well as an own goal from Abduvohid Nematov, giving Portugal their first World Cup win at Uzbekistan's expense.

Rafael Leao gets in on the act

Portugal aren't finished yet!

Rafael Leao has just got in on the act to make it 5-0, with the AC Milan star shooting into the top corner from just inside the box, having come on for Vitinha.

Portugal extend lead to four goals

Not Ronaldo this time, but Portugal are now 4-0 up in Houston.

After a couple of deflections from a corner, the ball deflects off Abduvohid Nematov and into the net.

Tuchel makes two changes for England clash with Ghana

Thomas Tuchel has made two changes for England's World Cup clash with Ghana tonight.

Marc Guehi comes in for John Stones, while Djed Spence replaces Nico O'Reilly.

Other than that, it's the same England side that beat Croatia 4-2 last week.

England XI to face Ghana: Pickford, James, Guehi, Konsa, Spence, Rice, Anderson, Bellingham, Madueke, Kane, Gordon.

Half-time in Portugal game

It's now half-time in the contest between Portugal and Uzbekistan.

It's been the Ronaldo show so far. He nearly got his hat-trick in first-half stoppage time, only for his looping effort to be cleared off the line.

Ronaldo scores again to make it 3-0 Portugal

That man again.

Cristiano Ronaldo is in the mood, and sharper than he was against DR Congo. The veteran has now scored twice to put Portugal 3-0 up.

His second is another fine finish, with the 41-year-old converting after a pinpoint pass from Bruno Fernandes. That's 10 World Cup goals to his name in total now...

Portugal let off the hook

A reprieve for Portugal.

Uzbekistan star Aziz G'aniev thunders a sensational strike into the top corner, but the goal is disallowed for a foul on Joao Cancelo.

That would have made things interesting but Portugal remain two goals ahead.

Mendes doubles Portugal's lead

Portugal are running away with it.

A free-kick on the edge of the box is powered home by Nuno Mendes, with Cristiano Ronaldo watching as his teammate rifled his effort into the bottom corner.

This could be a long, long day for Uzbekistan...

Ronaldo makes history

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player to score at six World Cups after finding the net for Portugal against Uzbekistan on Tuesday night.

The 41-year-old went into the clash hoping to silence his critics after struggling against DR Congo last time out.

Ronaldo found himself embroiled in a row over his selection, with some calling for him to be dropped from Roberto Martinez's starting XI.

Martinez's faith in his talisman has paid off, however, with Ronaldo scoring to put Portugal 1-0 up.

Game under way

The game between Portugal and Uzbekistan is under way.

Stay tuned for goal updates. All eyes on Ronaldo...

Portugal face Uzbekistan as Ronaldo starts

Portugal are sticking with Cristiano Ronaldo for tonight's match with Uzbekistan.

Having watched Lionel Messi shine for Argentina, the 41-year-old will be desperate to get on the scoresheet tonight.

We'll bring you updates from that match at 6pm.

Tuchel welcomes national anthem change

Thomas Tuchel has welcomed FIFA's decision to tweak pre-match procedures, allowing him to watch England's players sing the national anthem before World Cup matches.

The England manager was frustrated during the 4-2 win over Croatia when photographers blocked his view as "God Save the King" was played.

Ahead of tonight's clash with Ghana in Boston, Tuchel confirmed the issue has been resolved and said he would now be able to see his squad properly.

The German values observing players' body language before kick-off and believes those moments can provide important insight into their mindset and togetherness.

Shearer questions Martinez authority over Ronaldo

Alan Shearer has questioned whether Roberto Martinez has the authority to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo, suggesting the Portugal captain's influence could become a major World Cup problem.

Ronaldo, 41, struggled in Portugal's 1-1 draw with DR Congo but remained on the pitch for the full match, prompting criticism of Martinez.

Shearer fears Ronaldo may be unwilling to accept a reduced role, saying: "Cristiano is that powerful."

While the former England striker would still start Ronaldo in Portugal's next game, he believes Martinez must be prepared to take him off if necessary.

Thierry Henry has also criticised Ronaldo's approach.

Tuchel makes complaint

Thomas Tuchel has admitted he prefers football without World Cup hydration breaks, claiming the stoppages disrupt matches more than he expected.

Players at this summer's tournament take mandatory three-minute cooling breaks midway through each half, a measure that has drawn boos from supporters.

The England manager believes the interruptions break games into "four quarters" and make it difficult for teams to build and maintain momentum.

Although Tuchel appreciates the opportunity to speak to his players, he feels football is better played continuously.

England face Ghana in Boston tonight, with cooler conditions making hydration breaks less likely.

World Cup commentator slapped with ban

A commentator has been banned from the World Cup after launching an extraordinary on-air rant following Miguel Almiron's controversial red card in Paraguay's 1-0 victory over Turkey.

Jorge Vera branded referee Ivan Barton a "thief" and accused FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CONMEBOL chief Alejandro Dominguez of ruining football after Almiron became the first player sent off for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent.

FIFA has revoked Vera's accreditation for the remainder of the tournament, though broadcaster ABC Cardinal has appealed against the decision, arguing the punishment is excessive after the commentator apologised.

Henderson could make history

Jordan Henderson stands on the brink of England history at this summer's World Cup. Should the midfielder take to the field, he will become the first Three Lions player ever to feature in four separate tournaments.

His international journey began under Roy Hodgson's stewardship at Brazil 2014, continuing through the Gareth Southgate era and now into Thomas Tuchel's reign.

Across three tournaments, Henderson has accumulated 11 appearances and sits just 10 caps shy of his international century. He wore the armband in 2016 when Southgate first took charge.

The Liverpool stalwart, who led his club to Premier League and Champions League glory, brings unique perspective having endured the disappointment of that dismal 2014 group stage exit alongside the subsequent successes.

Tuchel blasts hydration breaks

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has launched a critique of FIFA's hydration breaks at this year's World Cup, arguing they strip away what makes football special.

"I like football more when it's played in one go, in one half because it builds a momentum," Tuchel said. "It's part of the game."

The German coach believes the stoppages effectively divide matches into four quarters, fundamentally altering the sport's character.

Tuchel acknowledged he had previously embraced the mid-match drinks breaks, using them to deliver tactical instructions to his players.

However, following the opening round of fixtures, his perspective has shifted considerably.

"It interrupts and changes the identity of a football match much more than I thought," he added.

FIFA faces accusations of commercialising the breaks, with broadcasters reportedly using the stoppages for advertising opportunities.

England fan warning

England supporters heading home during tonight's World Cup clash with Ghana face fines reaching £2,500 if they glance at their mobile to check the score while driving.

Paul Gorry, vehicle expert at Auto-Trail, warned: "Checking a score, message or filming may feel like a harmless action, but it's illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet or similar device while driving."

Motorists caught using a device could receive six penalty points and a £200 fine, rising to £1,000 at court or £2,500 for lorry and bus drivers. Gorry recommends tuning into radio commentary as a legal alternative.

He also cautioned against racing to make the 9pm kick-off, noting speeding carries a minimum £100 fine and three points. "Drivers can be disqualified if they build up 12 or more penalty points within three years, so rushing for a match is never worth risking your licence," Gorry added.

Redknapp: Lampard for England!

Harry Redknapp believes his nephew Frank Lampard would be a "fantastic" choice to lead England in the future.

The former Tottenham boss is backing the 48-year-old to take charge of the Three Lions, suggesting it could become reality sooner rather than later.

"Of course. Absolutely, yeah, he would be fantastic. I can see that happening in a couple of years," Redknapp said.

Read more here.

Battle for the Golden Boot

We are not even out of the group stage yet but the big name stars have shown up at the World Cup this year.

The race for the Golden Boot is already heating up, with Lionel Messi leading the way with five goals in two matches.

That also secured his status as the all-time highest goalscorer at the World Cup with 18.

But Kylian Mbappe is right behind him, his double last night took him to four for the tournament - and 16 overall.

Erling Haaland also has four goals this summer, having netted twice against Senegal.

Just below them on three goals each are Canada's Jonathan David and Germany's Denis Undav.

There is then a long list of players on two goals each, including Harry Kane - who will have the chance to fend for the Golden Boot when England take on Ghana tonight.

But the Three Lions captain already has some catching up to do - with Messi, Mbappe and Haaland showing no signs of slowing down.

Ghana coach says England game "easiest"

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has declared that facing England in today's World Cup Group L encounter represents the "easiest type of match" for his players, who require no additional motivation against elite opposition.

"We know they have the three lions on their shirt, but we come from Ghana and have 33 million lions... to fight for this game," Queiroz said. Victory in Boston would secure Ghana's passage to the knockout rounds.

The 73-year-old Portuguese tactician is appearing at his fifth World Cup, having previously guided Iran to three consecutive tournaments. When asked about Iran's 6-2 thrashing by England in Qatar four years ago, Queiroz was philosophical: "In football, we never lose. We win or we learn."

Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey is anticipated to return after missing the Panama victory due to Canadian visa issues.

Portugal civil war

Portugal take on Uzbekistan in Houston today with their World Cup campaign overshadowed by internal discord.

Following the disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo, Cristiano Ronaldo's sister Katia Aveiro took to social media to criticise her brother's teammates, suggesting they had "magically forgot how to pass the ball." She subsequently liked an Instagram post mocking Bruno Fernandes.

Former England striker Gabby Agbonlahor condemned Aveiro's behaviour as "toxic" on talkSPORT Breakfast, stating: "I don't like that. That's the problem."

During the Congo match, Fernandes was seen gesticulating at Ronaldo after the 41-year-old snatched a chance from him and missed. Nuno Mendes screamed in frustration behind them. Martinez now faces mounting pressure over whether to reduce his veteran captain's role.

Haaland makes Norway history

Norway edged Senegal 3-2 in a thrilling World Cup Group I contest, with Erling Haaland delivering another historic performance.

Haaland struck twice, including a powerful late winner, as Norway recovered from twice being pegged back by the spirited Africans.

Senegal created problems on the counterattack and finished with 11 shots, but Norway’s clinical finishing proved decisive.

Haaland’s brace saw him become Norway’s all-time leading scorer at major tournaments and the first Norwegian player to score in three consecutive World Cup matches.

He also reached 50 international goals faster than any player in Norway’s history, further cementing his status as one of world football’s elite forwards.

Tuchel: Wonderwall could be England's anthem

Thomas Tuchel believes Wonderwall could become England's anthem at this summer's World Cup after hailing the iconic Oasis track as a "brilliant song".

The Three Lions manager was among those caught up in emotional scenes following the Three Lions' thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia last week as players and supporters joined together in a rendition of the 1995 hit.

Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and several of their team-mates were seen singing alongside fans inside the AT&T Stadium in Dallas after England kicked off their campaign with an entertaining win.

Tuchel hopes the song can continue to help strengthen the bond between players and supporters as England chase a first major trophy since 1966.

Read more here.

Adverse weather affects France vs Iraq

France cruised to a 3-0 victory over Iraq in their World Cup Group I clash, dominating possession with 68 per cent of the ball and registering 18 shots to Iraq’s six.

Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring midway through the first half before Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead after the break.

A late strike from Eduardo Camavinga sealed the result as France maintained control throughout. Iraq defended bravely but struggled to create clear chances, completing only two shots on target.

The match took four hours to complete because severe weather forced a lengthy suspension, with lightning and heavy rain delaying play before officials allowed the game to resume safely.