DR Congo reach knockout stage

WASHINGTON: The Democratic Republic of Congo advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time on Saturday, while Iran were eliminated after a dramatic conclusion to the expanded group phase.

The final places in the last 32 were decided in Group J, where Austria and Algeria drew 3-3 in Kansas City. The result sent both teams through and ended Iran's hopes of progressing as one of the best third-placed sides. Iran would have advanced if either Austria or Algeria had won.

Algeria looked set to claim victory when captain Riyad Mahrez put his side 3-2 ahead in the third minute of stoppage time. But Austria struck back in the sixth minute of added time through Sasa Kalajdzic, whose late header secured a draw and triggered celebrations. Austria midfielder Marcel Sabitzer described the finish as strange.

"It’s a draw normally, so you think you go through and then one moment from Algeria." Sabitzer added, "We did it and we were very lucky at the end, but very happy about that."

DR Congo make history

In Atlanta, DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1 to secure third place in Group K and move into the knockout rounds. The victory was their first in a World Cup match and set up a meeting with England in the next round.

Yoane Wissa said the team had shown its determination. "We love our national team. We love what we represent. I think tonight we just showed what it means for us is just to fight no matter what.

The result continued a strong tournament for African teams. Only one of the 10 African sides at the tournament, Tunisia, failed to reach the second round. Cape Verde had also already qualified as an African underdog story.

England, Colombia and Croatia progress

England finished as Group L winners after beating Panama 2-0 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute and then set up Harry Kane five minutes later as England secured a last-32 tie against DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday.

England manager Thomas Tuchel said Panama had provided the kind of match his side expected. "It was what we expected: a tough match against a physical opponent."

He added, "They are a difficult team to score against and we were the only team to create this amount of chances and score twice."

Croatia took second place in the group behind England by defeating Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia, with Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic scoring. Ghana finished third. Croatia's win also ended Scotland's hopes of reaching the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, and Scotland manager Steve Clarke resigned soon afterwards.

In Miami, Colombia drew 0-0 with Portugal to finish top of Group K. Portugal had needed a win to top the group but were held in an end-to-end contest. The draw means Portugal will play Croatia in the last 32. Colombia nearly found a late winner, but a marginal offside decision ruled out the goal.

Messi scores again for Argentina

Elsewhere, Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 in Arlington, Texas. Lionel Messi came off the bench to score, taking his tally at the tournament to six goals in three matches. The goal also extended his career World Cup total to 19. Argentina had already secured first place in Group J before facing the already eliminated Jordanians.

Austria finished second in Group J and will face Spain in the knockout stage, while Algeria advanced as one of the best third-placed teams and will meet Switzerland.