World Cup round of 16 set: Messi scores again, DR Congo advances

The group stage of the World Cup has concluded, and all round of 16 matchups are now known. England beat Panama 2-0 to top their group, while Croatia secured second place with a 2-1 win over Ghana. Portugal and Colombia played a 0-0 draw. Austria and Algeria drew 3-3 in a thrilling match, both advancing. Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1, with Messi coming off the bench to score his sixth goal of the tournament. Uzbekistan lost 3-1 to DR Congo and were eliminated. Notable round of 16 ties include Brazil vs Japan and Portugal vs Croatia. Nine African teams reached the knockout stage, five of them for the first time (DR Congo, Egypt, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, and South Africa).