Key events

2h ago Preamble

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick praised the high standard shown by World Cup debutants after his side secured a 3-1 victory over Jordan on Tuesday.

Austria faced testing moments from an adventurous Jordan outfit in their first World Cup outing and although they entered as favourites they sealed the win only when substitute Marko Arnautovic converted a penalty deep into second-half added time.

Hopes for Austria rose after a strong Euro 2024 showing yet Tuesday may give pause especially before they meet Group J leaders Argentina who defeated Algeria 3-0.

Rangnick credited Jordan with keeping his players under pressure. "I think it comes down to the opponent" the coach said when asked why Austria toiled. "Jordan performed admirably throughout. We anticipated a tough test and knew they would pose problems yet they showed real courage on the pitch. They surpassed what I expected. Some believed we would be clear favourites but that was not the case."

Rangnick welcomed the expanded 48-team format noting it allows more nations to take part and called the move "an enriching experience".

He added that emerging sides are not merely participants citing Spain held by Cape Verde Australia defeating Turkey and Haiti testing Scotland.

"Winning matches here is far from straightforward with 48 teams involved and no opponent will be simple" he said. "Nations have improved markedly over the past 15 years so genuine mismatches are rare." Reuters

In Bruno Fernandes Vitinha Joao Neves Bernardo Silva Ruben Neves and Samu Costa Portugal could boast the strongest midfield group at the tournament. Fernandes arrives after his finest Premier League season with Manchester United nine goals and 21 assists topping the division for chances created with 136 and setting a new record for assists in one campaign ahead of Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

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Australia midfielder Connor Metcalfe who scored in the win over Turkey is drawing attention from MLS and UK clubs. Sporting Kansas City hold strong interest in the St Pauli player sources indicate.

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Start with yesterday results from an eventful day.

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Austria needed an own goal and late penalty to overcome Jordan.

Preamble

After several draws the day before Tuesday brought momentum to the World Cup. Kylian Mbappe Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi each scored in impressive wins for their teams. Events thrive when leading figures perform and these three threaten to shape memories once more.

England highly awaited opener arrives later as Thomas Tuchel seeks to end decades of waiting. Croatia stand in their path after past successes including a final and a semi-final defeat inflicted on England. Can Harry Kane match fellow stars on this stage? Supporters certainly hope so.

Expect full coverage with reflection on past action and anticipation for what lies ahead.