World Cup Matchday 11: Goals on goals on goals

England 6-1 Panama

The opening match was far from suspenseful as the Three Lions came out roaring and never let up. With 5 goals scored in the first half alone, this was a shellacking of historic proportions, as Harry Kane became only the 3rd English player to score a World Cup hat trick, with goals coming in the 22nd, 46th and 62nd minute, on top of a brace from John Stones. The end-to-end domination on display here was a welcome sight for their fans: with this win they qualify for their first round of 16 in 8 years.

The game wasn’t a total wash for the Panamanians, though as they finally got on the board in the 78th minute off a wonderful strike from Felipe Baloy, their first ever World Cup goal.

With this result, England and Belgium are the representatives from Group G for the round of 16.

Group H

Senegal 2-2 Japan

The two teams atop the standings in Group H spilt the points in a hard -fought and entertaining draw that saw Japan return from a deficit 3 separate times.

The high-press Senegal chose to employ paid dividends almost immediately, as Youssouf Sabaly’s shot was deleted back into goal off the shin of Sadio Mane in the 11th minute. Senegal were dominant until the Japanese side found their rhythm and Takashi Inuni curled one inside the post from close range.

Senegal surely thought they had captured all 3 points thanks to Wague’s run onto a dangerous cross in the 71st minute, but Japanese supersub Keisuke Honda capitalized off a botched clearance from goalkeeper Khadim N’Diaye.

Both of these teams are entirely in control of their own fates come Thursday: Japan plays Poland and Senegal faces Colombia.

Colombia 3-0 Poland

Leading up to this must-win game for both teams following opening-game losses, much was made of the importance of both teams’ signature superstars: James Rodriguez of Colombia and Robert Lewandowski of Poland.

It was clear throughout the match that Lewandowski’s teammates simply did not have the talent to keep up with the potent offensive trio of Rodriguez, Falcao and and Cuadrado.

Colombia lives to play another day as they face Senegal on Thursday.