RecapWednesday, June 24

Five-Star Portugal Run Riot as Ghana Hold England to Frustrating Stalemate

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Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal to a 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan while England laboured to a goalless draw against Ghana; Croatia edged Panama 1-0 and Colombia made it six points from six with a narrow win over DR Congo.

The pool called three of four correctly—74 of 74 backed Portugal's rout, 63 of 74 saw Croatia coming through, and 58 of 74 trusted Colombia—but 65 of you expected England to sweep aside Ghana, and the Black Stars had other ideas.

Ronaldo Turns Back the Clock in Portuguese Masterclass

Cristiano Ronaldo silenced any lingering doubts about his place in this Portugal side with a hat-trick in a 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan in Philadelphia. The 41-year-old opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute, added a second with a trademark header just before halftime, and completed his treble with a low drive in the 67th minute. Rafael Leão and Bruno Fernandes added gloss to the scoreline as the Seleção registered the tournament's most emphatic victory so far. Pre-match odds had Portugal as heavy favourites—around 1/6 according to most bookmakers—and the result lived up to every expectation. With six goals in two games and a plus-five goal difference, Portugal sit second in Group K behind Colombia only on head-to-head, and look every bit a side capable of going deep into this tournament. Two of you in the pool nailed the exact 5-0 scoreline; the other 72 can console yourselves that you got the outcome right.

Ghana Frustrate Southgate's Side in Tense Stalemate

England's second match produced an all-too-familiar tale: territorial dominance, chances created, and no cutting edge in front of goal. Harry Kane hit the post in the 34th minute, Bukayo Saka forced two brilliant saves from Ghanaian keeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, and Jude Bellingham saw a late effort cleared off the line by Mohammed Salisu. But Ghana—organized, disciplined, and dangerous on the counter—held firm for a point that keeps them level with England on four points atop Group L. The bookmakers had made England clear favourites at around 4/9, but the Black Stars followed their opening-day win over Panama with a performance that suggested they're no pushovers. Only eight of you predicted this draw, with one brave soul calling the exact 0-0; the other 65 who backed an England win will be nursing familiar frustrations as Gareth Southgate's men now need results on the final matchday to be certain of topping the group.

Modrić Masterminds Croatian Escape Act

At 40 years old, Luka Modrić rolled back the years to guide Croatia past Panama with a composed 1-0 victory in Atlanta. The Real Madrid maestro orchestrated the match from deep, and it was his cleverly disguised through-ball in the 58th minute that released Andrej Kramarić to slot past the onrushing Panamanian keeper Orlando Mosquera. Panama—roared on by a boisterous crowd—pressed for an equalizer and came agonizingly close when José Fajardo's header rattled the crossbar in the 73rd minute, but Croatia's rearguard held firm. Pre-match odds favoured the 2022 semifinalists at around 4/7, and the result keeps them in the hunt in Group L with three points, trailing England and Ghana on goal difference. Sixty-three of you backed Croatia to do the business, and ten called the exact 1-0 scoreline—a result that sets up a tense final round of fixtures.

Colombia March On with Gritty Win Over Leopards

James Rodríguez's 52nd-minute penalty was enough to send Colombia top of Group K with a perfect record after a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo in the early hours. The Leopards—spirited and physical throughout—had frustrated Los Cafeteros until defender Chancel Mbemba hauled down Luis Díaz in the box, and Rodríguez made no mistake from twelve yards. Congo pushed for an equalizer and came closest when Yoane Wissa's deflected effort forced a sharp save from Camilo Vargas, but Colombia's defensive discipline—marshalled by Davinson Sánchez—saw them home. Bookmakers had installed Colombia as favourites around 8/13, and the result means they're through to the knockout stage with a game to spare while Portugal need just a point against Congo to join them. Fifty-eight of you trusted Colombia to win, and ten nailed the exact 1-0 scoreline; the group is shaping up exactly as most expected, with the final-day clash between Portugal and Colombia set to determine top spot.

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