panama

The OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2022 champions came up against an unknown quantity in Panama from the CONCACAF federation. The PNG players spoken to in the build up to the game admitted that they only had online footage to work with but expected the Panamanians to be fast on the attack.

Auckland turned on a stunning evening to greet the teams as they walked on to North Harbour Stadium. The weather had disrupted both teams’ preparations for the game but it didn’t seem to affect Panama as they dominated possession early.

The African side – who along with Panama had already been eliminated before their clash at the Mordovia Arena – last tasted victory at the 1978 tournament when they beat Mexico 3-1.

Before their second-half fightback, Panama had looked like sealing a maiden World Cup victory when Jose Luis Rodriguez's long-range strike was deflected in by Yassine Meriah for an unfortunate own goal after 33 minutes.

Gareth Southgate's side had squeezed past Tunisia in their opening Group G game thanks to a stoppage-time winner from their skipper, but there was no late drama in a one-sided clash in Nizhny Novgorod.

Kane and John Stones both scored twice in the first half, the former converting a pair of penalties as England netted five before the break against their beleaguered opponents.

Belgium impressed in an unbeaten qualifying campaign, becoming the first European nation to book their place at Russia 2018.

But Roberto Martinez's side struggled to break Panama down in a flat first half at the Fisht Stadium on Monday, requiring a moment of magic from Mertens to break the deadlock in the 47th minute.

Panama almost mustered a rapid leveller but Thibaut Courtois made a smart stop to keep out a low strike from Michael Murillo, before Lukaku struck twice in six minutes to settle the contest.