Group A

Substitute Akinola became hero for the USA

Ghana 0 – USA 1 (Ayo Akinola 75′)

The United States snatched a victory against Ghana through an only goal by Ayo Akinola. Substitute Akinola scored the only goal of the match on 75 minutes that was assisted by Christopher Goslin.

Penaloza’s brace disheartened India’s fighting spirit

India 1 (Jeakson Thounaojam 82′) – Colombia 2 (Juan Penaloza 49′ & 83′)

India’s desperate football was disheartened by Penaloza’s brace as Colombia beat India by a 2-1 margin.

After the first-half ended with a 0-0 scoreline, Juan Penaloza broke the deadlock for Colombia early in the second half with an outstanding effort. On just four minutes of the second half, Penaloza struck from just outside the box that beat Indian goalie Dheeraj Singh.

On 82 minutes, Jeakson Thounaojam became the first Indian to score in the World Cup after his header found the net from a corner in the 83rd minute.

But India’s delight lasted 60 seconds as Penaloza netted the second time in the very next minute. Gustavo Carvajal’s through ball found Penaloza who successfully netted and led his team to the victory.

Group A standings after the end of Round 2

Position	Team	Matches	Won	Drawn	Lost	GD	Points
1	The United States	2	2	0	0	+4	6
2	Colombia	2	1	0	1	0	3
3	Ghana	2	1	0	1	0	3
4	India	2	0	0	2	−4	0

(Note: GD = goals differences)

Group B

Mali clinched an easy victory

Turkey 0 – Mali 3 (Djemoussa Traore 38′; Lassana N’Diaye 68′; Fode Konate 86′)

Mali beat Turkey by a 3-0 margin. Djemoussa Traore put Mali 1-0 ahead on 38 minutes which was followed by Lassana N’Diaye and Fode Konate on 68 minutes and 86 minutes respectively.

Paraguay beat New Zealand on Duarte’s nightmare

Paraguay 4 (Alan Rodriguez 2′; Anibal Vega 75′ & 78′; Blas Armoa 90’+1′) – New Zealand 2 (Alexis Duarte 20′ OG & 34′ OG)

Paraguay beat New Zealand despite on Alexis Duarte’s nightmare who delivered two own goals that made tougher for Paraguay to earn that victory.

On just 2 minutes, Alan Rodriguez produced the 1-0 lead for the South American side with a brilliant free-kick. His curling effort from the 30-yard distance superbly entered in the goal after beating the opposing goalie (Jacob Clark).

New Zealand equalised the scoreline on 20 minutes after Duarte scored the first own goal. New Zealand took a 2-1 lead on 34 minutes after Duarte scored the second own goal.

Anibal Vega equalised the scoreline (2-2) for Paraguay on 75 minutes. He also helped his team to regain the lead in just 3 minutes later as he finished that with a close-range effort.

In the first injury minute, Blas Armoa secured the victory for Paraguay after making the scoreline 4-2 with another goal.

Group B standings after the end of Round 2