Man Utd Star's Brace Seals Last 16 Berth For England
30 November, 2022
Wales 0-3 England
England clinched top spot in Group B at the FIFA World Cup after thrashing Wales 3-0 at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Tuesday evening. Wales, meanwhile, recalled Daniel James and Joe Allen, while Danny Ward came in to replace Wayne Hennessey, who was sent off in the loss to Iran last week.
Despite the Welsh needing a win to progress to the next round, the game was played at a relative slow tempo as Southgate's charges dominated without creating much in the final third.
As the first half drew to a close, both Jordan Pickford and Ward did not have any serious saves to make in the opening 45 minutes. That all changed shortly after the break when Rashford opened the scoring on 49 minutes with a superb free-kick that sailed into the top corner. The lead was doubled two minutes later, as Harry Kane turned provider to pick out Foden who slotted home for his first-ever World Cup goal. England moved out of sight with 20 minutes left on the clock, as Rashford completed his brace with a lovely Indvidual effort to take his tally to three for the tournament.
The Three Lions finish top of Group B and will now face Senegal in the round of 16.
Iran 0-1 United States
The United States of America progressed to the knockout stages after defeating Iran 1-0 on Tuesday night. Alireza Jahanbakhsh missed out for Iran due to picking up his second yellow card in the win over Wales, while Sardar Azmoun was passed fit and retained his spot in the line-up.
For the Americans, Josh Sargent returned upfront in place of Haji Wright as Gregg Berhalter knew only a win would seal their spot in the round of 16. USA had a big chance to find the breakthrough when a ball fell kindly to Timothy Weah in the box, however the striker could direct his header straight at goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
The Americans got the opening goal in the 38th minute when talisman Christian Pulisic fired home from close range after being set up by Sergino Dest. That proved to be Pulisic's final involvement as he picked up a knock in the aftermath of the goal and was replaced by Brenden Russell for the second half.
Berhalter's charges were able to see out the closing stages of the second half to claim the win and second spot in Group B. As a result, the Americans will lock horns with Group A winners the Netherlands in the round of 16.
Source: www.snl24.com