England blow up Croatia in smashing opener

Dark Horse England moving out for the first time in the 2026 World Cup produced two stunning goals in the second half to out-play Croatia at the Dallas Stadium, USA yesterday.

It was a World Cup performance by England not witnessed in a long time with the charismatic Harry Kane at the centre leading from the front.

Croatia may have thought they had the match in control at half time with the scores tied at 2-2 but within minutes of the second half Kane assured the multitude of England supporters at the venue that victory was never a doubt.

Putting England ahead with a penalty, Kane headed his second goal for a 2-1 lead after Croatia had equalised in a bold comeback into contention. 

But undeterred by England’s lead Croatia made an enterprising comeback in the final minute of stoppage time in the first half to make the scores 2-2 at the breather.

The contest got into full swing for England as Croatia played second fiddle losing most of its attacking power in the second half.

After Kane’s two goals, England’s Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford scored a goal each to put the issue beyond doubt that signalled a remarkable opening result for them.

Colombia down Uzbekistan 3-1

In another World Cup match that followed, Colombia had the better of World Cup debutants Uzbekistan in Mexico City, but the victory came against a rallying effort by the newcomers who are ranked 50th on the big stage.

But for Colombia it marked a welcome return to World Cup action after they failed to qualify for the 2022 competition giving them fond memories of past records.

But it was not easy for Columbia although they scored first as Uzbekistan, coached by Italian World Cup-winning defender Fabio Cannavaro, equalised in the 60th minute through Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s close-range header passed Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.

But the South Americans quickly regained their lead and eventually held on to the 3-1 score-line against some desperate attempts by Uzbekistan who came pretty close to levelling the scores 2-2 at one stage of their relentless efforts.