Ghana’s 95th-minute – Ghana kept their hopes alive with a dramatic 95th-minute goal against Panama, while England’s 4-2 win over Croatia left Declan Rice’s fitness in the spotlight ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Ghana. Overnight also saw Portugal draw DR Congo 1-1, Colombia beat Uzb
Ghana’s World Cup campaign changed shape in stoppage time, and the knock-on effect lands straight on England’s doorstep.
In Group L, Panama looked on course for a landmark point before Caleb Yirenkyi tapped home in the 95th minute after latching onto Brandon Thomas-Asante’s ball across the six-yard box. The goal broke Panamanian hearts and left England’s next opponents with a sudden, emotional boost.
That result matters because England’s own opening match came with plenty of moving parts. In Dallas. England beat Croatia 4-2 after a chaotic first chapter: a Harry Kane penalty was sensationally missed. then retaken after Dominik Livakovic was deemed to be off his line and Josko Gvardiol was encroaching inside the box. Croatia responded with Martin Barurina’s wonder strike to level. Kane added a second with a spinning header from Declan Rice’s corner. and Petar Musa outsmarted Jordan Pickford moments before half-time to make it 2-2.
But England’s response after the break was sharp. Jude Bellingham—once described as Tuchel’s “uncertain” starter in these early stages—rifled home a stunning third. and Marcus Rashford added a fourth after coming off the bench. In the end. it was a relief as well as a statement: Livakovic had to produce heroic saves to keep the scoreline from widening. and Rashford’s finish gave England their first real momentum of the tournament.
Even with the win secured. one moment from that match still hangs over everything: Declan Rice had to be brought off early. Thomas Tuchel said he would “never usually” make that change. but explained he didn’t want to take any risk. with Bellingham dropping into central midfield and Elliot Anderson coming on. The immediate question for England now is whether Rice’s discomfort has any serious implications for Tuesday’s second game against Ghana.
Ghana’s victory over Panama didn’t come from dominance. Panama had early chances—Cecilio Waterman tipped away—and Cristian Martinez struck a shot into the side netting. Carlos Queiroz’s team created precious little themselves for long stretches. Then, late on, the match flipped.
The wider overnight picture delivered more reminders that this tournament refuses to be predictable.
Portugal were held 1-1 by DR Congo in Group K in the first match of the day. even after Joao Neves gave the Portuguese the lead with an unbeatable header just six minutes in. DR Congo stayed in it without their totemic fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga. best known for his “Lumumba” tribute in the stands. and Yoane Wissa punished Portugal near the end of the first half with an audacious headed equaliser. Portugal dominated possession but couldn’t wrestle back control. and Ronaldo—who failed to secure a single shot on target—was first off the field as his team-mates regrouped to acknowledge the crowd.
In Group K again, Uzbekistan fought hard but went down 1-3 to Colombia. Daniel Munoz put Colombia ahead with the opener after a team move involving Luis Suarez and Luis Diaz. Abbosbek Fayzullaev leveled with a header after Camilo Vargas made a complete mess of attempting to save a volley—Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup goal. But Luis Diaz fired Colombia back in front after pressing and winning the ball in a dangerous area. He celebrated with emotion as he carried the nation’s weight on his shoulders in the US. and Jaminton Campaz headed in Cucho Hernandez’s cross deep into stoppage time to give Colombia a glossier finish.
With those results, England arrive into the next phase aware of what they’re walking into. Ghana have already shown they can win when time runs out. and England’s own story from Dallas had the same late-hours tension—just with a different outcome. Now it’s about whether England can keep their standards while protecting the one visible concern from their Croatia win: Declan Rice.
Tuesday’s second game against Ghana now feels like more than the next fixture on the schedule. It’s a test of whether England’s early arrival in the tournament continues—or whether Ghana’s 95th-minute strike is the start of another late chapter.
World Cup England Croatia Declan Rice Ghana Panama Caleb Yirenkyi Joao Neves DR Congo Yoane Wissa Colombia Uzbekistan Luis Diaz Marcus Rashford
95th minute goal?? wow Ghana really said nope. England better not overlook them just cuz they beat Croatia.
I’m confused, didn’t England already play Ghana? Or is this like another group thing? Also that Rice fitness thing sounds made up to me, players always get “injured” for drama.
England missing a Kane penalty and then retaking it is the most England way possible lol. And why was the goalie “off his line” like… he’s literally in the goal? Anyway hopefully Rice is ok because if he’s out Ghana will run at them.
That Ghana goal at 95th minute is crazy but I swear these articles always leave out the main part. Like what happened with Panama after that? And England got all those saves from Livakovic? Sounds like a fixed game not gonna lie, because how you gonna save everything and still lose.