Sports03:42 · 7h ago

Messi Scores Again as Dramatic Late Goal Sends Iran Home from World Cup

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Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba

Key points

01England and Croatia won to top their groups and advance to the round of 32.
02Colombia and Portugal drew 0-0, both advancing to knockout rounds.
03DR Congo completed a historic comeback to reach the round of 32 for the first time.
04Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 with Messi scoring a free kick off the bench.
05Algeria and Austria drew 3-3 with late goals deciding advancement and eliminating Iran.
06Luka Modric became the oldest player to assist a World Cup goal at 40 years old.

In this story

People

PlacesWorld Cup, Iran, Group 10, Group 11, Group 12

The story · English

The group stage of the World Cup reached its final rounds overnight, setting up intriguing round of 32 matchups. England and Croatia secured wins over Panama and Ghana respectively, while Colombia and Portugal played to a goalless draw. The Democratic Republic of Congo completed a historic comeback against Uzbekistan to advance.

In Group 12, England defeated Panama 2-0 with goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, securing first place and a round of 32 clash against DR Congo. Croatia edged Ghana 2-1 in a dramatic match, with Luka Modric assisting the winner, ensuring Croatia's second-place finish and Ghana's surprising qualification as well.

Group 11 saw a 0-0 draw between Colombia and Portugal, with Colombia finishing top and Portugal second. Colombia will face Ghana, while Portugal meets Croatia in the knockout stage. DR Congo overturned an early deficit to beat Uzbekistan 3-1, clinching third place and a historic advancement to face England. Uzbekistan exited the tournament without points.

In Group 10, Argentina maintained a perfect record with a 3-1 win over Jordan. Lionel Messi, coming off the bench, scored a free kick to extend his record to eight goals in group stages and 19 overall in World Cups. Algeria and Austria played a thrilling 3-3 draw with two stoppage-time goals. Algeria initially took the lead in the 93rd minute, seemingly eliminating Iran, but Austria equalized in the 96th minute, securing their progression.

Notably, Luka Modric became the oldest assist provider in World Cup history at 40 years and 129 days, surpassing Thiago Silva's previous record. The round of 32 matchups are now set, promising intense battles ahead.

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