Lionel Messi continues to shine at the World Cup (Image: Getty)
Ahead of the round of 32, here’s what you need to know from the final World Cup group stage match.
Lionel Messi breaks new ground: Lionel Messi was on the scoresheet again, coming off the bench in Argentina’s 3-1 win over Jordan. The goal increased his World Cup all-time goal tally to 19 and marked a remarkable new milestone: scoring in seven consecutive World Cup games. England take top spot: England defeated Panama 2-0 in their final group game to finish as winners of Group L with seven points. Second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane sealed victory after a goalless and frustrating opening 45 minutes. Knockout stage draw confirmed: England’s round of 32 opponents have been officially confirmed as the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the conclusion of the group results overnight. The best-of-32 matchup is scheduled to take place in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 1st. England’s injury woes deepen: England manager Thomas Tuchel faces a serious lack of defenders after Jarrell Quansah limped off against Panama. With Reece James and Tino Livramento already on the treatment table, Jed Spence is the only confirmed right-back left in the team. Keane likes England: Pundit Roy Keane praised England’s lethargic first half and drew unflattering comparisons to Scotland’s recent difficulties. He claimed that England’s key players had failed to impose themselves and were dragged down to the level of lower teams. Steve Clarke resigns: Scotland manager Steve Clarke has resigned following Scotland’s official exit from the competition. The Tartan Army’s departure was confirmed following Croatia’s 2-1 win over Ghana, which left Scotland languishing at the bottom of their group. TV host apologizes: American broadcast journalist Abigail Velez has issued a public apology after making “inappropriate” comments about Bosnia and Herzegovina during a live broadcast. The ABC Los Angeles host came under fire almost immediately after taping a World Cup special in which he admitted he “didn’t know about the Balkan country at first.” Emotional Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Former Sweden icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic was moved to tears on television as he marked a landmark qualification for Bosnia. Algeria vs. Austria turmoil: Austria and Algeria exchanged the lead multiple times in a hard-fought battle as a 3-3 stalemate sent both countries through to the finals, while eliminating Iran from the tournament. Algeria appeared to have secured the winning goal in the closing stages with Riyad Mahrez’s goal in stoppage time, but Austrian substitute Sasa Kalajdzic scored a stunning equalizer at the last gasp to save his team’s blushes.
