Austria’s late leveller, DR Congo’s landmark, and Lionel Messi scores again | OneFootball

Austria reached the last 32 with a stoppage-time equaliser in a 3-3 draw with Algeria, a twist that also eliminated Iran. DR Congo recorded their first World Cup victory. Lionel Messi found the net again after coming off the bench.

According to L'Équipe, the final night of the group stage delivered jeopardy throughout. England beat Panama 2-0 and Croatia edged Ghana 2-1, before Colombia and Portugal drew 0-0 in the Group K decider, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo’s side second and set to face Croatia.

DR Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 as Yoane Wissa struck twice, securing a place among the eight best third-placed teams. Fifty-two years after their first participation, the Leopards finally celebrated a World Cup win. They now meet England in the last 32.

In Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, Riyad Mahrez’s second had seemed decisive, but substitute Sasa Kalajdzic headed in at 90+6 to level and send Austria through. Algeria will play Switzerland in the next round.

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz criticised the expanded format, arguing it dilutes the World Cup and that money now drives decisions. His side nevertheless advanced to the last 32.

Argentina beat Jordan 3-1, and Messi registered his sixth of this edition, his 19th at World Cups. DR Congo became the 11th African nation to win a match at the tournament, after South Africa, Algeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia.

Source: L'Équipe