England vs Panama
England is looking to all but guarantee its place in the last 16 of the World Cup when it takes on Panama in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday. Three points for Gareth Southgate’s side will secure its spot in the knockouts if Tunisia does not beat Belgium, which leads Group H after the first round of matches after dispatching Panama 3-0.
An injury-time goal from Harry Kane handed the Three Lions their opening victory over Tunisia in Volgograd and they are firm favourites to make it back-to-back successes in their first competitive meeting with Panama.
Japan vs Senegal
World Cup workers at the Ekaterinburg Arena may be able to put their feet up on Sunday as Japan and Senegal roll into town for their Group H meeting. Both sides come into the clash high on confidence following 2-1 victories over Colombia and Poland respectively, meaning another success will all-but guarantee a spot in the second round.
And it was not just on the field that the two nations earned praise following their opening wins, as their supporters took the time to clean up the rubbish around them after the games in Saransk and Moscow, making life easier for the volunteers in those stadiums.
M'Baye Niang scored what proved to be a decisive second for Senegal against Poland in sneaky fashion, returning to the field following an injury just in time to capitalise on a mix-up between Grzegorz Krychowiak and Wojciech Szczesny to round the keeper and score. After netting his first international goal, the forward was quick to turn his attention to a meeting with the Blue Samurai as Senegal look to reach the last 16 in only their second appearance at the finals.
Poland vs Colombia
Colombia cannot afford to dwell on regrets from the defeat to Japan in its World Cup opener when it faces Poland in a crucial second Group H match, according to midfielder Abel Aguilar.
Jose Pekerman's side came into the tournament as strong favourite to win, but Carlos Sanchez was sent off in the third minute of the 2-1 loss to ensure a miserable start. That result, coupled with Poland's defeat by the same scoreline to Senegal, means the two sides find themselves in a precarious position.
Senegal and Japan face each other three hours earlier and a draw in that clash will mean defeat for either Colombia or Poland would result in elimination for the losing side.
- Group G: England vs Panama, 1730 IST, Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod
- Group H: Japan vs Senegal, 2030 IST, Ekaterinburg Arena, Ekaterinburg
- Group H: Poland vs Colombia, 2330 IST, Kazan Arena, Kazan.
All matches will be telecast live on SONY Ten 2, SONY Ten 3 and SONY ESPN.
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