World Cup Round-Up (Day 2) – England Thrash Iran and Bale Rescues Wales
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It’s safe to say that Day 2 of the Qatar World Cup did not disappoint. England kicked things off with a 6-2 hammering of Iran, the Netherlands beat Senegal 2-0, while Wales came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw with the USA.
With a whopping 12 goals scored across Monday’s games, there is no shortage of talking points to discuss. Let’s look back at all three clashes and relive the key moments.
Three Lions Roar to Victory Over Iran
The first game of the day took place at Khalifa International Stadium. As expected, England made light work of Iran – netting three goals in each half to post one of their biggest-ever World Cup wins.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring before Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling made it 3-0 before half-time. Saka grabbed his second goal of the game on 62 minutes, with Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish completing the rout.
Mehdi Taremi scored both goals for Iran, but they turned out to be nothing more than consolation strikes. Iran saw just 21% possession and managed three shots on target, while England racked up 13 attempts.
Netherlands Leave it Late to Beat Senegal
Senegal and the Netherlands looked destined to share the points at Al-Thumama Stadium. However, the Dutch scored two late goals to snatch all three points from the African champions.
Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock on 84 minutes before Davy Klaassen sealed the win in the 99th minute. Both goals came after Senegal midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate was stretchered off due to injury.
The Netherlands find themselves joint-top of Group A, alongside Ecuador. Senegal and Qatar occupy the bottom two places in the group after both conceding two goals on their way to losing.
Bale Penalty Earns Wales Draw Against USA
Wales returned to the World Cup stage for the first time in 64 years when they faced the USA in Monday’s third and final game. However, the Dragons struggled throughout the first half and trailed 1-0 at half-time following Timothy Weah’s goal.
Wales manager Rob Page replaced Dan James with Kieffer Moore at the break – and the substitution changed the game. Wales came out fighting in the second half, while the USA dropped off.
Walker Zimmerman brought down Gareth Bale in the box before Wales’ talisman picked himself up to convert the penalty on 82 minutes. Once again, Bale bailed out his country in dramatic fashion.
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