England player react to a missed opportunity in their match against Ghana.
Image: Xinhua via IANS
The clinical way England opened up against Croatia suggested they would wrap Ghana up in an instant, but the Black Stars had other ideas.
In fact, Ghana looked in tip-top shape defensively. So much so that one of the best strikers in world football, Harry Kane, could not find a way through their wall as the two sides battled to a goalless draw on Tuesday.
England dominated possession and territory throughout much of the contest, but Ghana's discipline, organisation, and commitment ensured the scoreboard remained untouched.
The 0-0 result leaves both England and Ghana at the summit of Group L with four points each after two matches. Thomas Tuchel's side opened their campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, whilst Ghana edged Panama 1-0 before frustrating the Three Lions.
While neither nation has officially secured passage to the round of 32, both have placed themselves in an excellent position heading into the final round of fixtures. A draw in their last matches could very well be enough to see them progress, although the exact finishing positions remain up for grabs.
For Croatia, Tuesday's results breathed new life into their campaign. After suffering that opening 4-2 defeat to England, Zlatko Dalić's men bounced back with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama. That win lifted Croatia to three points and kept qualification firmly within reach. The Croatians now know that a victory over Ghana in their final group match could potentially send them through to the knockout rounds.
Panama, meanwhile, became the first casualty of Group L. Consecutive defeats against Ghana and Croatia leave Los Canaleros without a single point, effectively ending their World Cup campaign before the final matchday.
For Croatia, Tuesday's results breathed new life into their campaign. After suffering a 4-2 defeat to England in their opening fixture, Zlatko Dalić's men bounced back with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama.
That win lifted Croatia to three points and kept qualification firmly within reach.
The Croatians now know that victory over Ghana in their final group match could potentially send them through to the knockout rounds.
Panama, meanwhile, became the first casualty of Group L. Consecutive defeats against Ghana and Croatia leave Los Canaleros without a single point, effectively ending their World Cup campaign before the final matchday.
Matchday Note: Both fixtures kick off simultaneously as the battle for qualification reaches its conclusion. England and Ghana currently hold the advantage, but Croatia remain within striking distance, setting up a dramatic final day in Group L.