Soccer Wiretap

Mexico secured a 1-0 victory over South Korea on Thursday, clinching first place in Group A and a spot in the knockout round despite trailing in expected goals for the match.

Luis Romo scored in the 50th minute, capitalizing on a fumbled catch by goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu to tap the ball home at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. South Korea finished with a 0.69-to-0.48 edge in xG (expected goals), reflecting a tightly contested match despite the scoreline.

Mexico's performance drew boos from the home crowd at halftime, with the team struggling to find rhythm in possession during the opening 30 minutes. Coach Javier Aguirre left attacking options Gilberto Mora and Alvaro Fidalgo on the bench, opting instead for a more physical lineup.

Raul Jimenez forced a smart save from Kim in the 75th minute, while goalkeeper Raul Rangel denied Cho Gue-sung with a late stop to preserve the result. South Korea did not register a shot on target until the 88th minute.

"No, it's not like we don't care, but we're not 100 per cent like 'Ay, we have to win, we have to win!'" Romo had said before the match. "We have to live the game, we have to prepare ourselves well, we need to improve our performance. Of course we want victory but we can't oblige ourselves or put pressure on ourselves."

The win made Mexico the first team to qualify from the group stage. Their round-of-32 match will take place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. South Korea can still secure second place in the group with a win or draw against South Africa next Wednesday.

Canada claimed its first World Cup victory in dominant fashion, defeating a nine-man Qatar side 6-0 on Thursday in Vancouver, though the result was overshadowed by a serious-looking injury to Ismael Kone.

Canada took the lead in the 15th minute through Cyle Larin before Juventus forward Jonathan David doubled the advantage moments later with a volley past goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada. Canada generated a 4.75-to-0.18 advantage in xG (expected goals) over the course of the match.

Qatar's defender Homam al Amin was sent off just after the half-hour mark when VAR upgraded an initial yellow card on a challenge against Tajon Buchanan. David capitalized on the numerical advantage just before halftime, converting a rebound for his second goal.

The second half opened with further misfortune for both sides. Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo was dismissed for an aggressive challenge on Kone, who was stretchered off appearing to have suffered a broken leg.

Substitute Nathan Saliba scored from a free kick in the 65th minute, immediately running to the bench to lift a jersey bearing Kone's name and number in tribute. Jacob Shaffelburg added a goal before David completed a hat trick late to close out the scoring.

Canada can clinch first place in Group B with one more point. The co-hosts face Switzerland in their final group match Wednesday.

Canada entered the tournament with the 26th-most valuable roster among all 48 nations at $226.15 million, per Transfermarkt, compared to Qatar's 48th-ranked squad at $22.92 million.

Substitute Johan Manzambi scored twice in a late surge that carried Switzerland to a 4-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday at SoFi Stadium, putting the Swiss tied for first in their group alongside Canada at four point apiece. 

Switzerland dominated possession for much of the match but could not break through until Manzambi's 74th-minute volley, struck just three minutes after he entered as a substitute for winger Dan Ndoye. The 20-year-old Geneva native, who plays for Freiburg in Germany, connected perfectly on a clearing header from Amar Memic. Switzerland finished with a commanding 2.06-to-0.23 edge in xG (expected goals).

Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic was sent off for a dangerous tackle shortly before Ruben Vargas scored in the 84th minute to make it 2-0. Manzambi added his second in the 90th minute off a Vargas assist, and captain Granit Xhaka converted a stoppage-time penalty with the final kick of the match.

Ermin Mahmic had given Bosnia a brief response, scoring in the fourth minute of second-half injury time to keep the Dragons within reach before Switzerland's late goals settled the result.

Bosnia entered the match unbeaten in nine consecutive competitive fixtures and remains in contention to reach the knockout stage in just its second World Cup appearance. A crowd of 70,026 included a large, vocal Bosnian contingent that roared throughout despite the team managing fewer chances and less possession.

The result followed a disappointing 1-1 draw for Switzerland against Qatar in their tournament opener.

Switzerland entered the tournament with the 20th-most valuable roster among all 48 nations at $382.49 million, per Transfermarkt, compared to Bosnia-Herzegovina's 31st-ranked squad at $174.34 million.

Teboho Mokoena converted a second-half penalty to secure South Africa a 1-1 draw with Czechia on Thursday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with both sides looking to bounce back from opening defeats.

Michal Sadilek gave Czechia the lead in the sixth minute, sliding a shot past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams after a pass from Alexandr Sojka. South Africa controlled much of the play afterward, finishing with a 1.39-to-1.02 edge in xG (expected goals).

The equalizer came in the 83rd minute after Thapelo Maseko's long-range effort struck the hand of Czech midfielder Pavel Sulc inside the area. Mokoena stepped up and sent his penalty low past goalkeeper Matej Kovar.

Mokoena had been shown on camera with tears during the pre-game anthem, and he later explained the emotion was tied to thoughts of his late grandfather.

"I know, wherever he is, he would be proud of me," said Mokoena. "I just felt his presence in that moment. I thought if he was here, he would be proud of me because I know he believed in me when nobody believed in me."

Both teams entered the match having lost their tournament openers. South Africa fell 2-0 to co-host Mexico, a result that renewed scrutiny on the country's history of never advancing past the group stage, even as 2010 hosts. Czechia lost 2-1 to South Korea in their opener.

"If we go on like that and if we can make another performance like today I think we have a chance to go in the second round," said South Africa coach Hugo Broos.

South Africa next face South Korea on Wednesday without Mokoena, who is suspended after picking up a second yellow card. Czechia will likely need a win over Mexico in their final group match to advance.

South Africa entered the tournament with the 40th-most valuable roster among all 48 nations at $56.64 million, per Transfermarkt, compared to Czechia's 28th-ranked squad at $216.41 million.

Liverpool have stepped up their efforts to sign RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, now willing to offer close to €100 million for the Ivory Coast international, according to The Athletic.

The revised proposal marks an increase from Liverpool's previous offer during talks with the Bundesliga club over a potential transfer fee.

Paris Saint-Germain also remain interested in the 19-year-old but have not yet submitted a formal bid to Leipzig. The French club is waiting to see which destination Diomande prefers before proceeding.

Sources close to the talks indicate PSG currently trails Liverpool when it comes to personal terms offered to the player. As a result, Liverpool appear to hold the advantage in negotiations, though the Reds are reportedly exploring backup options should the deal fall through.

Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh, FC Koln's Said El Mala and Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo are reportedly among the alternatives under consideration.

Leipzig has shown no interest in selling Diomande and instead hopes to extend his contract. Reports suggest it would take an offer above €130 million to change the club's stance.

Diomande was nearly ever-present for Leipzig this season, missing just one Bundesliga match due to international duty. He finished the campaign with 12 goals and nine assists in 33 league appearances as Leipzig secured third place and Champions League qualification.

The forward is currently representing Ivory Coast at the World Cup and started in the team's tournament opener, a 1-0 victory over Ecuador on Sunday. Diomande was widely viewed as the most influential player on the pitch in that match, leading his side in touches, take-ons and chances created.

Diomande was playing for DME Sports Academy in Florida roughly 18 months ago before a brief stint at Leganes preceded his €20 million move to Leipzig last year as he's had an incredibly meteoric rise.

Colombia defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 on Wednesday at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, with second-half goals from Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz pulling the South Americans clear after Uzbekistan briefly leveled the score.

Daniel Munoz opened the scoring for Colombia six minutes before halftime, steering home a cross from Diaz after timing his run from the fullback position. Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalized for Uzbekistan on the hour mark, heading in a rebound after goalkeeper Camilo Vargas initially saved Eldor Shomurodov's volley.

Colombia regained the lead just five minutes later when Diaz converted after the team won back possession in midfield, beating goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov. Substitute Campaz sealed the result nine minutes into stoppage time, heading in a cross from Cucho Hernandez. Colombia finished with a 1.62-to-1.16 advantage in xG (expected goals).

The match featured an early physical exchange, with Colombia's Johan Mojica booked after seven minutes. Diaz struck the post earlier in the half and was later fouled by Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who also picked up a yellow card.

Uzbekistan, making their World Cup debut, pushed forward with greater urgency after halftime and created several chances, including a stoppage-time effort from teenager Bekhruz Karimov that crashed off the crossbar.

Colombia entered the tournament with the 21st-most valuable roster among all 48 nations at $350.46 million, per Transfermarkt, compared to Uzbekistan's 35th-ranked squad at $98.13 million.

Caleb Yirenkyi scored in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time to give Ghana a 1-0 victory over Panama on Wednesday at a rainy BMO Field in their World Cup Group L opener.

Brandon Thomas-Asante broke loose down the left flank late and drove a low ball across the goal mouth, which Yirenkyi tapped in to spark a celebration among his teammates. The result denied Panama its first point of the tournament. Ghana finished with a 1.31-to-0.75 edge in expected goals over Panama.

Chances were scarce for much of the match. Panama forward Cecilio Waterman produced the only shot on target in the first half, latching onto a cross from Amir Murillo before goalkeeper Ati-Zigi palmed the effort away. Ati-Zigi departed at halftime after absorbing several hard collisions and was replaced by Benjamin Asare.

Ghana played the match without midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied entry into Canada while awaiting trial in England on rape charges.

The game opened up after the hour mark, with both sides generating more shots. In the 65th minute, Thomas-Asante slipped through Panama's defense and squared a pass toward Jordan Ayew, but Jiovany Ramos recovered to make a tackle and deny the tap-in.

The victory moves Ghana level with England atop Group L, after England defeated Croatia 4-2 earlier Wednesday. Ghana entered the tournament with the 25th-most valuable roster among all 48 nations at $269.50 million, per Transfermarkt, compared to Panama's 42nd-ranked squad at $39.73 million.

Harry Kane revealed that a halftime address from England manager Thomas Tuchel drove the team's second-half turnaround in a 2026 FIFA World Cup opening 4-2 victory over Croatia, with the manager urging his players to shed their nerves and show the world what they were capable of.

Kane scored twice in the first half, equaling Gary Lineker's record for goals scored by an England player at the World Cup finals, but Croatia equalized twice before the break to level the match.

"He told us to take the shackles off, calm down and let's go," said Kane. "He said what's the worst that can happen? Show the world who we can be.

"We came out in the second half full gas and they couldn't live with it, and that's the level we have to set in every game. The way we controlled the game once we went ahead, we never really looked like we were in danger and then scored on the counterattack. We had a spell where we could have scored three or four."

Jude Bellingham restored England's lead in the second half before Marcus Rashford sealed the win as a substitute. Bellingham described the halftime intervention as measured rather than dramatic.

"It wasn't one of those where it was a big drama or standing up and shouting; it was what the team needed," said Bellingham. "We have a mature group with great leaders in there; everyone knew the level we had to get to."

Tuchel acknowledged his players had overthought the occasion in the opening half but was encouraged by their response.

"I told them to calm down," said Tuchel. "I want them to be brave, courageous and tenacious on the front foot. And just go for it."

Midfielder Declan Rice was substituted as a precaution after feeling discomfort in his lower back and upper hamstring, with Tuchel expressing hope the issue is not serious.

Liverpool have triggered the €40 million ($46m) release clause of Osasuna winger Victor Munoz, securing the 22-year-old Spain international as the club's first signing under new head coach Andoni Iraola, The Athletic reported.

Sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group CEO of football Michael Edwards led the deal, beating out Newcastle United for Munoz's signature. He will sign a six-year contract at Anfield.

The transfer addresses a priority need created by Mohamed Salah's departure at the end of last season. Hugo Ekitike is set to miss the start of the campaign with an Achilles injury, while Federico Chiesa is expected to leave the club this summer.

Munoz is currently with Spain's World Cup squad in Atlanta, where Liverpool medical personnel are present at the camp. He has not featured in Spain's two warm-up matches or their opening group stage fixture against Cape Verde.

Born in Catalonia, Munoz came through Barcelona's La Masia academy before joining Real Madrid at 18. He made four first-team appearances for Madrid, including two at last summer's Club World Cup, before moving to Osasuna last summer for €5 million. Real Madrid retained a 50 percent sell-on clause in that deal.

Munoz posted seven goals across 36 appearances for Osasuna last season, operating on the left side of a 4-2-3-1 system. Known for his pace and directness, he ranks in the 98th percentile among wide players across Europe's top five leagues for take-ons per 100 touches, according to analytics data from The Athletic.

He made his Spain senior debut in March, scoring in a friendly victory over Serbia.

Harry Kane scored twice to tie the English record for men's World Cup goals, Jude Bellingham added another early in the second half, and England defeated Croatia 4-2 on Wednesday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

England dominated in xG (expected goals), finishing with a 2.80-to-0.71 advantage.

Martin Baturina and Petar Musa each answered a first-half Kane goal in a rematch of the 2018 semifinal, with Musa scoring on the final play before halftime to level the score. Bellingham broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half, running onto a long pass and finishing past Dominik Livakovic off the far post. Marcus Rashford added a fourth goal in the 85th minute.

Kane converted a retaken penalty for his first goal after a video review nullified an initial save by Livakovic. He then headed in a Declan Rice corner to reach 10 World Cup goals, matching Gary Lineker's English record set across the 1986 and 1990 tournaments. Kane, 32, became just the second Englishman after David Beckham to score in three separate World Cups.

The penalty stemmed from a foul by Luka Modric, 40, who extended his own Croatian record by featuring in his fifth World Cup. Livakovic made roughly half a dozen saves during a frantic England attack late in the first half.

The defeat ended a six-game unbeaten run for Croatia in World Cup group stage matches dating to 2014.

England carried the second-most valuable roster among all 48 World Cup nations entering the tournament at $1.507 billion, per Transfermarkt, compared to Croatia's 17th-ranked squad at $448.16 million. 

England face Ghana next in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Croatia meet Panama in Toronto, with both matches on Tuesday.

England have the third best probability to win the tournament, according to the latest World Cup odds.