England beat Croatia in thrilling World Cup opener

England, one of the quiet favourites for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, started the tournament with a victory.

In the Group L derby in Dallas, they defeated Croatia 4–2, the bronze medal winners from the previous World Cup in Qatar, CE Report quotes STA.

The first half ended 2–2, with Harry Kane scoring both goals for England. At the start of the second half, England gained a decisive advantage, which they then comfortably maintained and further extended.

Four goals were scored in the first half, while there were few chances for a different outcome. England took the lead in the 12th minute when Luka Modrić committed a foul in the penalty area. Kane’s first attempt was saved by Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, but he moved illegally on the goal line, so the referee ordered a retake of the penalty. The Bayern star converted the second attempt.

Croatia equalised with a fine strike from Martin Baturina in the 36th minute, and six minutes later Kane struck again, heading in from a corner. However, that was not the final goal of the first half, as Croatia capitalised on pressure and equalised again in the fifth minute of stoppage time through Petar Musa.

As it turned out, the decisive goal came in the second minute of the second half. Jude Bellingham put England back in front with a shot from the right side of the penalty area, with the help of the post. England then had two more chances which they failed to convert, before Marcus Rashford sealed the final result on a counterattack, finishing off a pass from Bukayo Saka, both of whom came on as substitutes in the second half. Croatia will now have to fight for qualification in matches against Panama and Ghana.

Portugal, another team considered among the stronger sides, also failed to start their campaign with a win. They were unexpectedly held to a 1–1 draw by the DR Congo in Group K, despite pre-tournament ambitions of reaching the top positions. The match began as expected, with João Mendes putting Portugal ahead in the sixth minute with a header.

Portugal continued to dominate possession, with DR Congo defending for most of the first half, but they became increasingly dangerous as the match progressed. In first-half stoppage time, Yoane Wissa equalised with a header after a cross from the left, beating the defence. The second half was more balanced with few real chances. Portugal did not register a single shot on target, and their star Cristiano Ronaldo tried twice but both efforts went wide.

Colombia and Uzbekistan also play in this group, a team whose qualification for the tournament was significantly influenced by Slovenian coach Srečko Katanec.

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