First round matches for Group A and Group B were completed on Day 2. The day unfolded with hardly any surprises for the pundits, though I expected a few keen contests and so it happened. Let’s have a look at the matches.
England vs Iran : Group B ( 6-2 )
England make a statement.
Jude Bellingham & Bukayo Saka : England’s Young Guns
England squared up against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. A multi purpose stadium built in 1976 and part of the Doha Sports City Complex. England one of the favourites for the Title this year, showed why they are highly rated. They set up the pace of the match, with Iran finding themselves a step behind. England were consistent in their attack and eventually Iran’s resistance crumbled as England scored thrice in 10 minutes. The Young Guns in Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka got England 2 goals ahead and then Raheem Sterling scored from the side of his right foot to make it 3-0 at half time. England scored thrice again in the second half with Bukayo Saka getting his second alongwith goals from Rashford and Grealish. Iran got a couple through Taremi. The match ended with a 6-2 emphatic victory for England.
The domination was severe. England had almost 80% of the possession with Iran just not getting even a sniff of a chance. The midfield in particular played beautifully for England and made things easy for their goal scorers. Iran were just not in the game. In the opening minutes Iran’s Goalkeeper A.Beiranvand suffered a bloody nose due to a head on collision and had to be substituted. England were sublime and played some breathtaking football. The gap between the teams was yawning. England have made a statement and have sent a strong message to the competition.
Senegal vs Netherlands : Group A (0-2)
The Mendy woes
C Gapko scoring for the Dutch
The African Champions met Netherlands at the newly built Al Thumama Stadium. The first half was a well contested one and though the Dutch did make some decent moves, they were thwarted by a strong Senegalese defence. It was a slow game as both sides were unable to find the rhythm they wanted and though the pace picked up a bit in the second half, the scoresheet remained goalless. The Dutch were still knocking at and testing the Senegal defence. However, the deadlock was broken in the 84th minute, when Edouard Mendy, Senegal’s accomplished goalkeeper failed to collect the ball from a long pass into the penalty area allowing C Gakpo to head home Netherland’s first goal. The second goal too came late in injury time with another uncharacteristic Mendy miss, allowing D Klassen to score. The Dutch sealed the match with a 2-0 win. Senegal had a great chance to get away with a point but they floundered in the final minutes and the Dutch capitalised. The African Champions have a lot to do now while the Dutch sit pretty.
USA vs Wales : Group B ( 1-1 )
The Valiant Welsh
Gareth Bale to Wales’ rescue
USA locked horns with Wales at the Al Rayyan Stadium. Equally balanced sides, USA were first off the blocks and looked impressive from both flanks. Wales were a bit slow to start. The pace of the Americans was too hot to handle and a blistering move saw Timothy Weah scoring a lovely goal. USA were ahead in the game. However the second half saw huge intent from the Welsh led by their inspirational captain Gareth Bale. They started creating chances and came close to scoring several times and eventually in the 82nd minute a casual unnecessary tackle on Gareth Bale by USA led to a penalty kick, which Bale converted with consummate ease. The Welsh had levelled and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Wales had snatched a point. They were valiant undoubtedly and kept themselves in the game throughout. USA could have done better. The draw has made the Group B interesting for sure.
It was a day which saw some fabulous football and at times some ordinary skill. Some hard intent and some drooping shoulders. Iran and Senegal have a lot to ponder about, but nevertheless an exciting day for Football fans.
Day 3 will feature the South American giants Argentina against Saudi Arabia, Denmark will face Tunisia, Mexico will square up against Poland and Defending Champions France will start their campaign against Australia.
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