Two matches where the teams I'm rooting for put in respectable performances but ended up on the wrong side of the scoreline.
Croatia were unable to tame an impressive England attack and Panama gave up one massive chance deep into stoppage to see their first ever World Cup result snatched away with minutes left.
ENGLAND 4, CROATIA 2
England scored twice in each half as a dominant attacking output was able to smooth over some defensive issues.
Harry Kane converted a penalty and a late header off a corner in the first half as his brace saw him tie legend Gary Lineker as the Three Lions all time World Cup scorer.
Jude Bellingham broke down the right wing just 90 seconds after the restart to slot home the eventual game winner and Marcus Rashford added the final tally five minutes from time to secure three points and control of the group over a highly regarded Croatia side.
In between all of the England goals, Croatia equalized twice through Martin Baturina's top bins strike in the 36th and FC Dallas' Petar Musa tying it up deep into stoppage time in "Dallas" Stadium as he slammed home Ivan Perisic's backwards header inside the box with virtually the last kick of the half.
Yes, England will be a little annoyed at the two goals they conceded but controlled the bulk of the match and generated well over four times the xG (3.20-0.70) Croatia did thanks to numerous big chances created throughout the match. If that's England's defense against a Top 10 team like Croatia, the Three Lions could be the semifinal threat they think they are even if they need to clean up the goals allowed part.
GHANA 1, PANAMA 1
Deep into stoppage time Brandon Thomas-Asante's centering pass found Caleb Yirenki on the doorstep and the Nordsjaelland midfielder guided the ball into the net to spark wild celebrations of the yellow clad fans.
Panama keeper Orlando Mosquera nearly played the hero when he headed down a last gasp free kick that Ismael Diaz was able to stab towards goal only to have substitute keeper Benjamin Asare fell on the loose ball.
Heartbreak for Panama who held Ghana largely in check and the Canaleros had the advantage in shooting and possession until Yirenki point blank strike gave the Black Stars the xG advantage. Panama has yet to get a result in four games at the World Cup.
GROUP OVERVIEW
Jake Catanese
England now grabs control of the group by virtue of beating the second best team in it and in rather emphatic fashion. Yes, Croatia finished two good chances but England overall were well in control of that match and Bellingham's immediate strike to start the second half really didn't leave much doubt in this one. Croatia not out of it yet but definitely going to want two better performances in their final two group games.
The real improvement here is Ghana who just needs a draw in one of their final games to give themselves a near mathematical chance at the knockouts. Three points gives them a solid chance but if they get blown out their goal difference number could come into play depending on the third place table. Full credit to the Black Stars for conjuring that moment of magic in the closing minutes.
Super bummed for Panama because they played really well and are only going to get better as they are established regional players and should be able to qualify for the World Cup fairly regularly. Despite what the world rankings say, I think Panama and Ghana are fairly even and the Canaleros played well enough for a point but now face an impossible task to reach the knockouts needing a major upset win.
UPCOMING MATCHES
Tuesday, June 23
Match 46: England vs. Ghana, 4 p.m. on Fox (Boston)
Match 47: Panama vs. Croatia, 7 p.m. on Fox (Toronto)
