FIFA World Cup 2022 Highlights: England rout Iran, Netherlands down Senegal and Wales-USA play out 1-1 draw

USA vs Wales, Group B, FIFA World Cup 2022 Live Scorecard: Wales captain Gareth Bale converted a penalty in the 82nd minute as the Welsh Dragons walked away with a point against a buoyant USA side. Earlier, Timothy Weah rained on the Welsh party as his lone goal separated the side after the first half. A young and buoyant USA team outclassed and outran a ragged Wales side as Gareth Bale’s team struggled to get a foothold into the match. A smart pass by Christian Pulisic sent Weah on his way as he slid the ball past an advancing goalie to give his team something to cheer about.

In the last match, rising star Cody Gakpo saved Netherlands’ blushes as his lone goal around the 85th minute helped the Dutch scrape past a very game Senegal. With Senegal pushing deeper and deeper, De Jong had hold of the ball, unchallenged, at the edge of the final third before seeing Gakpo’s run before anyone else on the pitch, and playing in a brilliantly-weighted, curling, teasing cross which resulted in the headed goal. The match was well and beyond Senegal when Davy Klaassen put the ball past keeper Mendy right at the death.

Earlier, England flew off the blocks in their first World Cup group match against Iran, taking a 3-0 lead at half time. Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling put England on the front foot as Iran had a setback early on after their first choice goalkeeper had to be stretchered off after a collision with an England forward. In the second half, Saka completed his brace while Manchester boys Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish made instant impacts after coming off the bench as they added the last two nails in Iran’s coffin.

England produce statement performance:

England were too cowardly to make a statement with an armband against Iran but Gareth Southgate’s bravery was rewarded with a statement performance as his side began the World Cup with a 6-2 dismantling of Iran.

All of Southgate’s big tactical and selection decisions were vindicated at the Khalifa International Stadium, as Jude Bellingham, a Bukayo Saka double, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish earned England a routine victory which puts them firmly in control of Group B.

Given the abjectness of Iran, Wales’ meeting with the USA on Monday night could be decisive but England’s performance will nonetheless put the tournament’s other favourites on alert, and fill the squad with belief after a dismal run of form and a build-up overshadowed by off-field issues.