Hello and welcome to Daily Mail Sport‘s World Cup Breakfast on day 16 of the tournament — your essential guide to everything that happened overnight in North America.
From the latest headlines and standout moments to the key talking points ahead, we have you covered.
OVERNIGHT ACTION
Here is what unfolded while you were asleep…
Turkey produced a stunning upset against World Cup hosts USA in Los Angeles, sealing a dramatic 3-2 win with virtually the final action of the match as substitute Kaan Ayhan struck in the 98th minute.
The late victory, however, was not enough to extend Turkey’s stay in the competition. Australia’s draw with Paraguay confirmed Arda Guler and his team-mates would finish bottom of Group D and exit the tournament.
Auston Trusty gave the in-form Americans a flying start with a third-minute opener, only for Guler to bring Turkey level seven minutes later. Baris Alper Yilmaz then put Turkey in front with a finish just past the hour mark.
Sebastian Berhalter had earlier hauled the USA back to 2-2 with a powerful effort from just outside the penalty area four minutes after the restart, teeing up a lively second half as both teams chased a winner.
In the end, it was Turkey who claimed all three points through Ayhan’s last-gasp intervention. The defeat did not derail the USA’s World Cup campaign, though, with Mauricio Pochettino’s rotated side still finishing the night top of Group D on six points.
Turkey stunned USA with a last-gasp goal to win 3-2 in Los Angeles on Thursday night
While it was a bad result for Malik Tillman and USA, they still progress as Group D leaders
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | For | Against | Goal difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Sweden | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 4 |
| 2. Ecuador | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| 3. Bosnia & Herzegovina | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
| 4. Paraguay | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 4 |
| 5. Croatia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| 6. South Korea | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| 7. Algeria | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
| 8. Scotland | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 3 |
| 9. Cape Verde | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 10. Belgium | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 11. Congo DR | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 |
| 12. Senegal | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 0 |
Paraguay 0-0 Australia (Group D)
Australia edged through to the knockout stages with a nail-biting 0-0 draw against Paraguay, finishing second in Group D on four points behind first-placed USA.
For Paraguay, the hard-fought draw is likely to earn them a place in the knockouts too as one of the best third-place teams, as the draw dragged them up to four points with inferior goal difference to the Aussies.
The result was a disaster as far as Scotland fans are concerned as Steve Clarke’s men, who finished Group C with a mere three points, slipped further down the third-place ranking behind South Korea, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Paraguay, Ecuador and Sweden after Thursday’s action.
A buoyant Australia boss Tony Popovic said after the game: ‘Unbelievable. Just so proud of everyone involved. It’s a wonderful young group of men.
‘We’ll now go to Dallas and try and do something special. Overall we deserved it. We were very good today.’
As things stand, Australia are set to face Iran in the last 32 although that matchup is far from locked in, with Group G still wide open heading into its final round of fixtures.
Australia confirmed their spot in the World Cup knockouts with a 0-0 draw against Paraguay
Ecuador 2-1 Germany (Group E)
It was a hugely emotional night for Ecuador as they qualified for the World Cup knockout stages in dramatic fashion.
After going 1-0 down through Leroy Sane’s second-minute strike, the South American nation pegged Germany back thanks to Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo.
Needing to win to have any chance of progressing, Ecuador threw men forward and got their reward when Gonzalo Plata poked home a winner late on after he beat Manuel Neuer to a flick-on from a corner.
Ecuador held on, sparking incredible scenes at full-time as players and fans weeped, while manager Sebastian Beccacece – who had been heavily criticised in the build-up to the clash – jumped into the stands to celebrate.
Ecuador qualified for the World Cup knockout stages with a dramatic victory over Germany
Curacao 0-2 Ivory Coast (Group E)
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland be warned. If the superstar pair are starting to think about the last 16, Ivory Coast are good enough to ensure they never get that far.
Mbappe’s France will face Haaland’s Norway on Friday, with Norway needing a win to avoid meeting Ivory Coast in the last 32. And while Haaland terrifies every defence, Ivory Coast can do Norway just as much damage at the other end.
The West Africans did not need to be at their best to overcome Curacao, who leave their first World Cup without a win. Former Arsenal man Nicolas Pepe scored either side of half-time as Ivory Coast coasted to the win they needed to secure second spot in Group E.
Ahead of this tournament, Morocco and Senegal were Africa’s most respected contenders, while Ivory Coast were overlooked. Yet after qualifying for the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history, Ivory Coast will be quietly confident of going further.
They have plenty of top-level European experience and in Christ Inao Oulai and Liverpool target Yan Diomande, they have two stars in the making. It was Diomande who had a huge hand in Pepe’s opener after only seven minutes.
After Diomande had initially lost the ball, Curacao defenders Jurien Gaari and Joshua Brenet found themselves in a muddle, allowing Diomande to regain possession and square for Pepe, who guided it neatly into the far corner.
Curacao tried to respond. Sheffield United midfielder Tahith Chong, once of Manchester United, looked bright while Gaari and Leandro Bacuna squandered half-chances.
By now Ivory Coast were in second gear but they decided to step on the gas midway through the second half. Ibrahim Sangare split the Curacao defence with a fine pass and Pepe produced a finish to match, curling beyond Eloy Room from 15 yards.
TOM COLLOMOSSE
Ivory Coast qualified for the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history
Tunisia 1-3 Netherlands (Group F)
It felt like it would be a matter of how many early on, with Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri comically putting into his own goal after just three minutes. And, four minutes on, Brian Brobbey had bagged his third of the World Cup to make it 2-0.
But Tunisia, who sacked manager Sabri Lamouchi after one game, put up a fight, pulling one back through Hazem Mastouri. That fight lasted about eight minutes before Tottenham’s Jan Paul van Hecke headed in from a corner.
Almost certain to take home the wooden spoon as the tournament’s worst side, Tunisia conceded 12 goals in their three games, scoring two. The Netherlands, meanwhile, are preparing for a last-32 game against Morocco. Tasty.
The Netherlands have booked a last-32 clash with Morocco after finishing top of Group F
Japan 1-1 Sweden (Group F)
Not a game that will live long in the memory. Both sides were happy for a point that would send them both through – until Daizen Maeda put Japan ahead with a fine goal following good play from Ayase Ueda and Ritsu Doan.
But they then sat back, and Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga bagged his second goal in as many games, firing in a fine strike from distance which Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki saw late.
The game then reverted to type, with both sides aware they would be going through. Still, Graham Potter celebrated at full time. Awaiting these two? Brazil and France respectively…
Graham Potter has led Sweden to the knockouts as one of the best third-place teams
VIEW FROM THE GROUND – IAN HERBERT
I drove six hours west from Dallas to Odessa, Texas – home to the Permian High School American Football team immortalised in the brilliant book, film and TV series ‘Friday Night Lights’ – to see if the World Cup is shifting the dial for soccer in the USA’s American Football heartland.
It was a memorable trip, which I’ll be writing about, and the American hospitality was just as striking as the way soccer is trying so hard to make inroads.
Permian head coach Jeff Ellison – who is better known than Mauricio Pochettino in Odessa, where his team’s games attract 20,000 fans – spoke to me for so long that I missed watching the entire England Ghana game live (which you might feel was a bonus).
Ellison absolutely insisted – and he really would brook no argument on the subject – that I take a Permian team helmet away with me.
I’ve found it will cost £150 to post it home, so it’s coming along with me for the ride. A reminder, long after this tournament has gone, of the warmth and generosity of the American people – inextinguishable, however angry this nation’s politics and geopolitics might currently be.
Daily Mail Sport’s Ian Herbert was kindly gifted a helmet from the Permian High School American Football team
TEAM OF THE DAY
Netherlands centre-back duo Virgil van Dijk and Jan Paul van Hecke made the team of the day
CELEBRITY WATCH
Los Angeles attracted a string of famous faces as several celebrities including Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Paris Hilton were put through an emotional rollercoaster during USA’s thrilling 3-2 defeat by Turkey on Thursday night.
Pitt was spotted celebrating USA’s third-minute opener jubilantly in the stands alongside Edward Norton, before DiCaprio was seen cutting a frustrated figure half an hour later after the World Cup hosts found themselves behind in the game.
Kamala Harris, Jessica Alba and Hilton were also in attendance at the SoFi Stadium, with the former Vice President taking to social media to share a picture of her and husband Doug Emhoff sporting USMNT attire.
Alba appeared to be watching with friends, while Hilton was spotted pitchside before the match with her husband Carter Reum and children London and Phoenix.
Brad Pitt was among the celebrities to turn out for USA’s thrilling 3-2 defeat by Turkey in LA
Leonardo DiCaprio appeared less than impressed after USA first went behind against Turkey
Paris Hilton before the match with her husband Carter Reum and children London and Phoenix
Former Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff were also among the VIPs
Jessica Alba was also part of the star-studded list of celebrities to soak up the occasion in LA
VIRAL MOMENT OF THE DAY
Tunisia bizarrely returned to kick off the second half of their clash against Netherlands with only 10 players, causing a delay to the frustration of Oranje boss Ronald Koeman.
It was a night to forget for Tunisia star Ellyes Skhiri, who first gave Netherlands the lead with an own goal in the third minute and then later returned to the pitch late at the start of the second half.
As the players kicked off the second half, the referee noticed that Tunisia were a man light and paused proceedings until Skhiri returned, causing a slight delay.
Cameras panned to Koeman in the Netherlands dugout, who was clearly unimpressed.
The incident had no effect on his side’s performance however, as the Dutch comfortably won 3-1 to finish as Group F leaders.
PICTURE OF THE DAY
What a moment for Ecuador manager Sebastian Beccacece after his side qualified for the World Cup knockout stages for just the second time in history.
Beccacece has faced intense criticism at the tournament after a last-gasp defeat by Ivory Coast and draw with Curacao left his side facing an early exit.
Ecuador had come into this summer in superb form, yet the media and fans appeared to have turned on Beccacece, while some supporters clashed with his family after the Curacao draw where his side had 27 shots but couldn’t score.
He had even admitted in the build-up to the Germany match that his time at Ecuador was up if they failed to progress.
But, after they did so in memorable fashion, he made sure to enjoy the moment as he climbed up into the stands in New Jersey and embraced his family.
Ecuador boss Sebastian Beccacece embraces his family after his side’s dramatic qualification
STAT OF THE DAY
After losing 2-1 to Ecuador on Thursday night, Germany have now lost as many World Cup games (four) as they’ve won since lifting the trophy in 2014.
THREE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR TODAY
1. Who will win Mbappe-Haaland battle?
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are arguably the two best strikers in the world, and on Friday they come up against each other in Boston.
Both stars have scored four goals in two World Cup matches and are likely to be vying for the Golden Boot come the end of the tournament.
France are strong favourites for the game for obvious reasons but Norway and Haaland have shown so far that they are genuine dark horses, and it will be fascinating to see who edges the battle between two global superstars.
2. Can Belgium end World Cup scoring woes?
After being thwarted by Iran on Sunday despite having 23 shots, a Belgian player has now not scored a World Cup goal in over four matches.
Having been knocked out in the group stage in 2022 after a 2-0 defeat by Morocco and a goalless draw with Croatia, Mohamed Hany’s own goal in their opening clash against Egypt at this year’s tournament is the only time the Red Devils have scored since Michy Batshuayi’s winner against Canada on 23 November, 2022.
In fact, Belgium have had 69 shots at a World Cup since that goal, and Rudi Garcia’s side must find their finishing boots against New Zealand if they are to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
After Belgium’s stalemate with Iran, a Belgian player hasn’t scored a World Cup goal for over four games during a run where they’ve had 69 shots
3. Will Cape Verde continue fairytale run?
Amid all the talk around expanding the World Cup to 48 teams, tournament debutants Cape Verde have given credence to the argument that it was a great idea.
The African nation showed incredible defensive resolve to draw against Spain, before they dazzled in a 2-2 draw with Uruguay.
Cape Verde now have a superb opportunity to progress to the knockout stages and continue their fairytale run when they face Saudi Arabia.
If they do achieve that, prepare to see some more heartwarming scenes and other stars joining goalkeeper Vozinha in gaining millions of followers on social media and going down in World Cup folklore.
TODAY’S GAMES
Norway vs France (8PM, Boston, ITV1)
Erling Haaland vs Kylian Mbappe. What’s not to like?
Both teams come into the clash with two wins from two after performances where they demonstrated their attacking prowess.
There’s been a lot of excitement about Norway, so it will be fascinating to see how they cope against an elite side ahead of the knockout stages.
Daily Mail Sport prediction: DRAW
France’s clash with Norway sees Kylian Mbappe (above) come up against Erling Haaland
Senegal vs Iraq (8PM, Toronto, ITV4)
It’s a must-win match for both teams after disappointing starts to the tournament, particularly for Senegal.
The AFCON champions would have had high hopes for a decent run after their triumph in January – which came six months after they beat England 3-1 – yet their defensive weaknesses were exposed against France and Norway.
Meanwhile, Iraq are still searching for their first ever World Cup point.
Daily Mail Sport prediction: DRAW
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia (1AM, Houston, ITV4)
Cape Verde have been one of the stories of the tournament after holding Spain and Uruguay to draws.
In the Uruguay clash, we saw some of their attacking prowess, and they were perhaps unfortunate not to take three points, so they will now hope to pick up a first World Cup win in what is their easiest fixture of the group on paper.
Saudi Arabia have failed to kick on from their impressive start to the 2022 World Cup when they beat Argentina, and the Green Falcons were thumped by Spain after a fortuitous draw with Uruguay.
Daily Mail Sport prediction: Cape Verde WIN
Cape Verde will hope to continue their fairytale story at the World Cup by progressing
Uruguay vs Spain (1AM, Guadalajara, ITV1)
Spain clicked into gear against the Saudis to show why they are one of the favourites for the World Cup after labouring through their draw with Cape Verde.
Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will continue to build up their fitness and a victory is enough for La Roja to secure top spot in the group.
Uruguay have turned up in periods so far, yet Marco Bielsa’s side have generally underwhelmed.
Daily Mail Sport prediction: Spain WIN
Egypt vs Iran (4AM, Seattle, BBC Two)
After their first ever World Cup win last time out against New Zealand, a draw will be enough for Egypt to top Group G.
Mohamed Salah and Co showed how dangerous they can be, although Iran did draw against Belgium after an incredible display from keeper Alireza Beiranvand.
Iran currently sit in second but have just two points, so they will need to at least draw to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages.
Daily Mail Sport prediction: DRAW
Egypt won their first ever World Cup game when they beat New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday
New Zealand vs Belgium (4AM, Vancouver, BBC One)
Belgium have been left frustrated in their first two games after being guilty of wastefulness in front of goal.
Their star-studded squad is yet to click into gear, although Jeremy Doku is back and available after missing the Iran match to attend the birth of his first child.
New Zealand are the lowest-ranked nation at the tournament, yet Chris Wood and Elijah Just have shown that they can cause problems for any team.
Daily Mail Sport prediction: Belgium WIN
Have you paid attention to the action so far? Try our World Cup quiz HERE
