England were brought crashing down to Earth as they were held to a dire 0-0 against Ghana last night in Boston; the only positive for the 1966 World Champions is that they’re virtually assured qualification to the Round of 32. On a night where Ghana remained steadfast in defence, Thomas Tuchel’s team simply could not break them down, as it so happened, the 79% of the ball England had during the match was the highest in any World Cup game the Three Lions have had since 1966. Carlos Queiroz’s Ghana set up with the same low block they had utilised in their first group game against Panama, where they stole all three points with a 95th minute smash and grab winner. It was England who should’ve had a smash and grab winner themselves, but Harry Kane shot over the bar from close range with five minutes left in normal time.
They tried for 90 minutes, but left Massachusetts with their tail between their legs after a dazzling, entertaining win against Croatia a week ago. Speaking after the game, the England head coach Tuchel was positive with his remarks, stating that
We always try to entertain our fans. It was difficult today. I hope they don't lose belief. It is a long way to go.
England are still the masters of their own destiny; beat Panama on Saturday in New Jersey and they top the group, draw and they’re through, but would face a much harder path to making it a first World Cup triumph in 60 years. As it stands, their last 32 tie against DR Congo would be followed by a mouthwatering game against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City in the Round of 16.
Last night also saw Cristiano Ronaldo return to the world’s stage, scoring two goals as Portugal powered past a passive Uzbekistan 5-0. The 41 year old forward, who now plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, emphatically claimed that he’s back, as he rolled back the years to send Portugal top of Group K with one game to go. It was a crucial result for the winners of the Euros in 2016, who drew their opening game in an embarrassing performance against DR Congo last week, but who now hold the ascendancy in their group before they play Colombia, who also won last night, by a goal to nil against the Congo with a 76th minute winner by Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz. And in the evening’s other game, Croatia closed the gap to England and Ghana to a point after also having a narrow 1-0 win against Panama.
Tonight, Scotland take on Brazil for the fifth time at a World Cup as they look to keep their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages alive. If they finish in third in their group, there is a possibility that they’ll progress, but will not know their fate until the early hours of Sunday morning. All group games kick off simultaneously now, as Group B, C, and A play their final games respectively through the evening and early hours.
Luke Watson will be keeping us up to date on World Cup 2026
