England and Portugal will look to finish their group-stage campaigns on a high on Saturday as the race for the final places in the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds reaches its climax.
Both sides have endured inconsistent starts to the tournament, alternating between moments of quality and more laboured performances as they bid to secure progression.
England, level on four points with Ghana after two matches, face Panama at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford knowing a victory could strengthen their push for top spot in Group L.
In Miami, Portugal take on Group K leaders Colombia in a decisive clash that could determine final standings, with Roberto Martinez’s side needing a win to finish top.
England began their campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas but were held to a goalless draw by Ghana in a physical encounter on Tuesday.
Manager Thomas Tuchel expects another stern test against winless Panama, who are likely to defend deep and frustrate.
“It’s a team that is difficult to break down, they’ve hardly allowed any chances,” Tuchel said on Friday.
“We see a well-coached, well-drilled team with a clear identity. They play as underdogs and without pressure.”
While results elsewhere ensured England had already secured qualification, failure to beat Panama could still raise questions about their consistency and status among the tournament favourites.
‘Not scared’
Despite that, Tuchel insisted his side fear no opponent heading into the knockout stages.
“I’m not scared,” he said. “We feel confident enough to compete at any level. I still see our group as one of the most difficult. We focus on what we can influence.”
Portugal, meanwhile, face a crucial test against Colombia in Group K after a mixed start to their campaign.
The Portuguese were among the pre-tournament favourites but were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo in their opener.
They responded emphatically, however, thrashing Uzbekistan 5-0, with 41-year-old captain Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice.
A win on Saturday would secure top spot in the group and potentially a more favourable route through the knockout stage, with group winners set to face a third-placed team in the Round of 32.
The runners-up, by contrast, could face tougher opposition, including teams emerging from England, Ghana and Croatia’s Group L.
Martinez, however, insisted Portugal are not focused on permutations.
“The focus is to try to win the game and not think about the next opponent,” he said. “If you want to do well in a tournament, you have to beat anyone.
“There is no single right path. What matters is playing at our best, and that only comes through winning.”
After Friday’s results, just four knockout places remain available, with 28 teams already through.
Among those still waiting nervously is Iran, who were left disappointed after a 1-1 draw with Egypt in Seattle.
Iran thought they had snatched a dramatic late winner, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside, leaving their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
AFP
