BY KUNLE SOLAJA, VANCOUVER

England and Croatia will renew a rivalry forged on football’s biggest stage when the two nations meet in a heavyweight Group L clash at the FIFA World Cup.

The encounter pits together one of the tournament’s traditional powers against one of its most consistent performers in recent editions. England, champions in 1966 and appearing in their 17th World Cup, enter the tournament among the favourites after a strong qualifying campaign.

Croatia, however, have developed a reputation for thriving under pressure at major tournaments. Remarkably, their only defeats in their last 14 World Cup matches have come against eventual champions France in 2018 and Argentina in 2022.

The fixture inevitably recalls Croatia’s dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over England in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, a result that propelled the Balkan nation to its first final.

With both teams expected to challenge for top spot in Group L, the outcome could have a significant bearing on the knockout-round path awaiting the winner.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, VANCOUVER

Ghana will look to make a strong start to their FIFA World Cup campaign when they take on Panama in a Group L encounter, with both sides aware that victory could prove crucial in the race for a place in the knockout stage.

The Black Stars will rely on the experience of captain Jordan Ayew, who is appearing at his third World Cup finals. At 34 years and 279 days, Ayew could become the oldest player ever to represent Ghana at a World Cup, adding another milestone to a distinguished international career.

Panama, meanwhile, arrive with valuable tournament experience of their own. Seven members of their squad featured during the Central Americans’ only previous World Cup appearance in 2018, giving coach Thomas Christiansen a core of players familiar with football’s biggest stage.

With England and Croatia also in Group L, both Ghana and Panama know that avoiding defeat could be just as important as chasing victory in what promises to be a closely contested battle.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, VANCOUVER

Erling Haaland announced his arrival at the FIFA World Cup in emphatic fashion on Tuesday, becoming the sixth player to score twice at the tournament as Norway crushed Iraq 4-1 to move top of Group I.

Playing in Norway’s first World Cup match in 28 years, the prolific striker needed less than half an hour to open his account and quickly demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the most feared forwards in world football.

Haaland’s brace placed him among a select group of players who have scored two goals in a single match at the 2026 World Cup, further enhancing his credentials as a contender for the Golden Boot award.

The Manchester City star opened the scoring in the 29th minute when he slid in at the far post to convert a low cross from left back David Moller Wolfe, giving Norway a deserved lead.

Iraq responded strongly and drew level 10 minutes later through veteran striker Aymen Hussein, who rose above three Norwegian defenders to power home a header and briefly silence the Scandinavian supporters.

But parity lasted only four minutes.

Haaland capitalised on a costly defensive error when Zaid Tahseen’s under-hit back pass left goalkeeper Jalal Hassan in trouble. The Iraqi keeper hesitated before attempting a hurried clearance, only for the ball to strike Haaland’s knee and rebound into the net for the striker’s second goal of the evening.

The strike was Haaland’s 57th goal in just 51 international appearances, underlining his extraordinary scoring record for Norway.

With Iraq chasing another equaliser, Norway tightened their grip on the contest in the second half. Substitute Leo Ostigard added a third goal in the 76th minute, heading home from a corner to effectively settle the outcome.

The scoring was completed in the closing moments when Hussein inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Norway a commanding 4-1 victory.

The result lifted Norway to the top of Group I ahead of France, who defeated Senegal 3-1 earlier in the day.

For Haaland, however, the night was about more than three points. After waiting years for his first World Cup appearance, the 25-year-old delivered the kind of performance Norway had dreamed of, immediately establishing himself among the tournament’s most dangerous attacking threats and sending a clear warning to defenders across North America.

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