Sports News Bulletin 28 June: DR Congo Reach Knockouts Kane Breaks England Record Russell Takes Pole

The FIFA World Cup knockout picture became much clearer as DR Congo completed a historic qualification after 52 years, Cape Verde continued one of football's greatest underdog stories, and Colombia topped a group featuring Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. Elsewhere, Harry Kane etched his name deeper into England's history books, Ireland celebrated a landmark Women's T20 World Cup victory, and George Russell claimed a dramatic pole position in Austria.

1. DR Congo make World Cup history after 52 years, set up England showdown

DR Congo completed one of the stories of the tournament by reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time after a stirring 3-1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan in Atlanta.

Playing at their first World Cup since 1974, when they competed as Zaire, the Leopards recovered from an early Eldor Shomurodov goal through a Yoane Wissa brace and a Fiston Mayele strike. The victory ended a 52-year wait for a World Cup win and secured a Round of 32 meeting against England.

2. Colombia top group after entertaining draw with Portugal

Colombia topped Group K after an entertaining 0-0 draw against Portugal in Miami, with both sides progressing to the knockout stage.

The South Americans created the better chances throughout, with Jhon Arias tormenting Portugal's defence and Davinson Sánchez having a late winner ruled out for offside. Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, was largely kept quiet as Portugal settled for second place and a last-32 clash against Croatia.

3. Croatia beat Ghana as both teams qualify for knockouts

Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia to secure second place in Group L, but both nations advanced to the Round of 32.

Petar Sučić opened the scoring before Derrick Luckassen equalised for Ghana in the second half. Veteran Luka Modrić then produced another decisive contribution, assisting Nikola Vlašić's late winner to become the oldest player ever to register a World Cup assist. Ghana also progressed as one of the best third-placed teams.

4. Harry Kane becomes England's all-time leading World Cup scorer

Harry Kane became England's outright leading World Cup goalscorer after netting his 11th tournament goal in the 2-0 victory over Panama.

The strike took him past Gary Lineker's tally of 10 and moved him closer to football's all-time World Cup scoring greats. Kane now trails only Pelé, Ronaldo Nazário and Lionel Messi among the leading scorers in World Cup history.

5. Ireland script history with first Women's T20 World Cup win

Ireland recorded their first-ever victory at the Women's T20 World Cup after defeating former champions West Indies by six wickets.

Orla Prendergast starred with a superb 63 after Ireland's disciplined bowling attack restricted the West Indies to 128. Although the win was not enough to secure a semi-final place, it ended a run of 21 consecutive defeats in Women's T20 World Cup matches.

6. England remain unbeaten, knock out defending champions New Zealand

England completed a perfect group stage at the Women's T20 World Cup with a dominant nine-wicket victory over defending champions New Zealand.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge smashed 89 while Sophia Dunkley added an unbeaten 49 in a match-winning 128-run partnership as England chased down 164 with ease. The defeat eliminated New Zealand and confirmed West Indies as the second semi-finalists from the group.

7. England slip behind in third Test against New Zealand

England's hopes of winning the third Test at Trent Bridge suffered a major setback after New Zealand seized control on day three.

The hosts collapsed from an overnight 223 for two to 354 all out before Rachin Ravindra's unbeaten half-century extended New Zealand's lead to 204 runs with seven second-innings wickets still intact, leaving Ben Stokes' side staring at a series defeat.

8. George Russell claims dramatic Austrian Grand Prix pole

George Russell secured a controversial pole position for the Austrian Grand Prix after a dramatic qualifying session ended with Max Verstappen crashing during the final laps of Q3.

Russell set the fastest lap despite yellow flags caused by Verstappen's accident and was later cleared by race stewards, while Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completed the top three on the grid.