📰 Table Of Contents
Accumulator of the day:
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England vs United States
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There have already been some monumental upsets at this World Cup, so USA will believe they can claim an historic victory in Al Khor.
On Monday night, Gregg Berhalter’s team were held to a 1-1 draw by Wales in their opener at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
The U.S. dominated the first half, and deservedly led through Tim Weah, but were denied victory courtesy of a late penalty.
The Stars and Stripes have reached the knockout stages at four of the last six World Cups they’ve featured at.
However, many USA supporters are concerned by the fact that, if they’re beaten here, their destiny would be out of their own hands.
Since famously beating England in 1950, the United States have won just one of their last 18 World Cup matches against European opposition.
Bukayo Saka bagged a brace, with Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish also on target in a 6-2 drubbing.
Only thrice before, 1982, 2006 and 2018, have England began a World Cup campaign with back-to-back wins.
But, if Gareth Southgate’s team prevail here, they could be through as group winners with a game to spare.
This one at Al-Bayt Stadium should be high-scoring, with England likely to prevail.
Wales vs IR Iran
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After seeing their neighbours dismantle IR Iran, Wales will fancy their chances of a first World Cup victory in 64 years.
On Monday night, the Dragons made their long-awaited return to the world stage, coming from behind to earn a point against USA.
Gareth Bale, who else, emphatically smashing home a late penalty, after he himself had been scythed down.
Now, if Rob Page’s team can claim an historic victory in this one, they’ll be in a great position to advance.
IR Iran meantime were hammered 6-2 by England in their opener, conceding 6+ in a game for the first time since 1950.
Star man Mehdi Taremi did scored twice, including a penalty in the 13th minute of injury time, but this was scant consolation.
Carlos Queiroz’s team Melli are renowned for their defensive solidity and resilience, but they simply could not live with England.
If Iran are going to reach the knockout stages for the very first time, this game is simply must win.
Just 11 of Wales’ last 33 competitive games have witnessed ≥3 goals while, prior to Monday, Iran’s last 12 World Cup matches had produced a measly 23 goals.
So, this’ll almost certainly be a low-scoring affair, but one that Wales are favourites to edge.
Netherlands vs Ecuador
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Group A’s two winners from matchday one meet at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Ecuador claimed just their fifth World Cup victory in the tournament’s curtain raiser, swatting aside the hapless hosts.
Enner Valencia’s brace making him his country’s leading World Cup goal-scorer of all-time, the first a penalty, swiftly followed by an expert header.
Don’t be fooled by the scoreline; this was one of the most-one sided 2-0 wins you’re ever likely to see.
So, assuming Senegal beat Qatar in the earlier kick off, Gustavo Alfaro’s team will be targeting a result here, seeking to stay above Senegal; those two meet on Tuesday.
Netherlands meantime were the favourites to top this section, and would all but wrap up first place with a win in Al Rayyan.
Oranje looked set to be held to a goalless draw by the AFCON champions, but a pair of late goals snatched victory.
Cody Gakpo’s header, after Frenkie de Jong’s inch-perfect cross, broke the deadlock, before Davy Klaassen’s rebound sealed the points.
Louis van Gaal is now unbeaten in 33 competitive matches as Holland boss, targeting another extending run at this competition.
Ecuador are a strong side, but the Dutch might just be too strong at Khalifa International Stadium.
Qatar vs Senegal
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Qatar’s World Cup debut, on home soil no less, was 12 years in the making but, to say it wasn’t worth the wait, would be a major understatement.
On Sunday afternoon, with the world watching, the Maroons were easily swatted aside by Ecuador in the tournament’s curtain raiser.
La Tri led 2-0 after half an hour, with the game producing just 11 shots overall, the joint-fewest in a World Cup fixture since records began.
Just four nations have lost all three games at a World Cup without scoring: Trinidad & Tobago, China PR, Canada and Zaire.
The general consensus is that Félix Sánchez Bas’ team are set to add their names to this list.
Senegal meantime also lost their group opener 2-0, but come into this one confident of victory.
TheLions of Teranga looked set to hold Netherlands to a goalless draw, only to concede twice in the dying embers.
In general, Senegal do struggle to to find the net on a regular basis, an issue exacerbated by the absence of their record-scorer Sadio Mané.
So, Aliou Cissé’s team are unlikely to hammer Qatar, but should have far too much quality as the African and Asian champions meet at Al-Thumama Stadium.
