England kicked off their World Cup campaign in emphatic style on Wednesday, beating Croatia 4-2 in a pulsating opener. Harry Kane struck twice, with Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also on the scoresheet for Thomas Tuchel’s side. Croatia fought back through goals from Musa and Baturina, but England’s firepower proved decisive.
Elsewhere, Portugal were forced to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw with DR Congo, with Cristiano Ronaldo failing to find the net. Reigning champions Argentina saw Lionel Messi score a hat‑trick against Algeria, prompting a response from Erling Haaland. France beat Senegal 3‑1 in their opening match.
“England beat Croatia 4-2 in World Cup opener as Kane, Bellingham and Rashford score.”
In the day’s later game, Ghana faced Panama in Toronto under persistent rain and a temperature of 20°C. At half‑time the score remained 0‑0 after a tepid first half. Ghana had just 36% possession and only one shot on target; Antoine Semenyo touched the ball only eight times. Ghana are without a win in their last five World Cup matches.