Following Friday’s group-stage matches, the majority of FIFA World Cup Round of 32 places have now been confirmed, with 28 teams advancing to the knockout stage ahead of the final round of fixtures.
Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Morocco, United States, Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, France, Norway, Argentina, Colombia, Australia, England, Ghana, Egypt, Paraguay, Spain, Belgium, Senegal, Cape Verde and Portugal have all secured their places in the last 32.
Attention now turns to Saturday’s final group-stage fixtures, which will determine the remaining knockout spots and final group standings.
England and Portugal will look to finish their campaigns on a strong note, with both sides still targeting top spot in their respective groups.
Both nations have shown inconsistency in the opening rounds, mixing spells of attacking quality with more subdued performances.
England, level on four points with Ghana after two matches, face Panama at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, with victory potentially securing top spot in Group L.
In Miami, Portugal meet Group K leaders Colombia, knowing only a win will be enough to move above the South Americans and finish first.
England began their campaign with an impressive 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas, but were held to a goalless draw by Ghana in a tightly contested match on Tuesday.
AFP
