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World Cup news: England slump to poor draw vs USA and booed off after turgid encounter
Express Sport keeps you up to date with all the action from the World Cup in Qatar.
Iran boss clashes with journalist after World Cup press conference
The second round of group games began at the World Cup in Qatar today, with Wales and England both in action. Wales started their tournament by snatching a 1-1 draw with USA courtesy of a Gareth Bale penalty on Monday, with England thumping Iran 6-2 hours earlier.
However, Wales are now on the brink of elimination following a heartbreaking 2-0 defeat to Iran on Friday. The host nation were largely dominated by their opposition, but held firm until the 86th minute, when goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off for a reckless karate kick challenge.
Deep into injury time Iran struck through a long-range Rouzbeh Chesmi effort, with Ramin Rezaeian adding a second just three minutes later. Wales now need to beat England next week to stand any chance of qualifying for the next round, and Rob Page's side look almost certain to be going home early.
The Three Lions, meanwhile, faced USA at 7pm, but were disappointing in an uninspiring 0-0 draw. Neither side were able to carve out many clear-cut chances, but the Three Lions are still in a strong position to qualify, only needing to avoid a heavy defeat to Wales next Tuesday to claim a place in the last-16.
Here is how Friday unfolded at the World Cup...
KEY EVENTS
- Full time: England 0-0 USA20:53
- Half-time: England 0-0 USA19:46
- Kick-off19:01
- Full time: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador17:56
- Goal! Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador17:10
- HALF-TIME! Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador16:50
- GOAL! Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador16:06
- KICK-OFF! Netherlands 0-0 Ecuador16:00
- FULL TIME: Qatar 1-3 Senegal14:59
- GOAL! Senegal kill the game off14:46
- GOAL! Qatar finally score a goal14:41
- GOAL! Senegal find the net again14:11
- GOAL! Senegal take the lead13:40
- KICK OFF: Qatar vs Senegal13:00
- FULL TIME: Wales 0-2 Iran12:06
- GOAL! Iran have a second12:02
- GOAL! Iran have a winner11:59
- Hennessey has been sent off11:46
- KICK OFF: Wales vs Iran10:01
- Iran sing national anthem 09:55
- Wales announce team09:04
That's your lot
That's it for today.
It was another fascinating day of World Cup action, even if the England game fell far below expectations.
Here's hoping for some more crackers over the weekend. See you then!
Full time: England 0-0 USA
Well... the less said about that the better.
It was truly a turgid encounter, in which we saw the very worst of England under Southgate.
On a positive note, progression to the knockout stages is now all but guaranteed, with only a heavy loss to Wales able to prevent the Three Lions from going through.
Nevertheless, fans will struggle to see the positive side right now after a dreadful match.
20 minutes to go
Southgate has finally rolled the dice, bringing on Grealish and Henderson, with Foden still sat frustrated on the bench.
USA still dominating overall here, and it has been a very, very frustrating night so far from an English perspective.
Still time for that all to change, though...
England backs to the wall
The second half has picked up where the first ended, with USA on the front foot and creating the best chances.
The Americans have just had three corners in quick succession, with Maguire managing to clear all three with his head.
Surely the time has come for Southgate to make a change.
We're back underway
No changes at half-time for either side as we get back underway in Qatar.
Will we see improvement for England? Or can USA cause yet another shock against the Three Lions at a World Cup?
Half-time: England 0-0 USA
Hmmm. It hasn't been great, to be honest.
Will Southgate look to make changes during the break? The likes of Foden, Rashford or Grealish could be useful here.
0-0 at half-time.
Better from England
Finally another chance falls for England, but Saka can only put over a pass from Shaw, with the ball just behind him.
Just one added minute for injury time.
USA hit the bar
That was very, very close.
It is Chelsea star Christian Pulisic who picks up the ball in a dangerous position for USA, and he lashes a fine strike which crashes off the bar.
A big warning shot for England.
Even start
It's been a pretty even first 25 minutes or so. England have had the majority of possession, but USA are containing them well.
As I type this, USA have their best chance of the game so far, but Weston McKennie blazes over from inside the box.
Best opening of the match so far.
First chance for England
England carve out their first clear chance just before the 10 minute mark.
A lovely one-two with Jude Bellingham sets Bukayo Saka clear in the box. He cuts it back to Harry Kane, but the Three Lions captain's shot is well-blocked out for a corner.
Promising signs.
Kick-off
PEEP!
Off we go, with England in all-white kicking from left to right and the USA in all-blue right to left.
Here's hoping for a good one.
Players in the tunnel
Here we go then, the players are walking out and we are almost ready to get underway.
One final reminder that you can follow all the action over on our England vs USA live blog by clicking HERE
Wembley lit up in rainbow colours
Wembley stadium has been lit up in rainbow colours ahead of tonight's game.
England decided against wearing the OneLove armband to support the LGBT+ community vs Iran after they were threatened with bookings or suspensions.
But the FA have decided to show solidarity at home by lighting up the national stadium.
Bars packed around the country
It's a Friday night, it's payday for many, and England are in World Cup action.
So as you'd expect, pubs and bars are packed to the rafters up and down the country 30 minutes ahead of kick-off in Qatar.
You'd expect plenty of pints to be consumed between now and full-time.
Team news
The big team news breaking from the England camp is that Gareth Southgate has chosen an unchanged starting XI from the one which thrashed Iran 6-2 in their first game on Monday.
For a look at the Three Lions and USA sides in full, jump over to our dedicated blog for the match by clicking HERE
The excitement is rising
There are around 45 minutes to go until dear old friends England and the USA take each other on.
Supporters look to be in good spirits outside the ground, with a number mingling in a friendly manner.
Who will be left smiling at the end of the night?
Qatar out
Of course, that result coupled with Qatar's 3-1 defeat to Senegal earlier means that the hosts are now guaranteed to crash out of the competition.
The Middle East country have the dubious honour of being the hosts who have gone out earliest in World Cup history.
They've not exactly showered themselves in glory...
Full time: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador
The full-time whistle blows, and in the end both teams will be pretty content with a point.
Netherlands started well but faded, and Ecuador thoroughly deserved their equaliser.
The South Americans will feel confident knowing they just need to avoid defeat to Senegal to progress. Whether Valencia will be involved in that match remains to be seen.
All eyes now turn to England vs USA, and you can follow our special live blog dedicated to that match HERE
Valencia stretchered off
Oh what a shame this is.
Valencia, who is currently top scorer at this tournament with three goals, has been stretchered off with what looks like a knee problem.
He is visibly devastated, as you can imagine, and we can only cross our fingers that that is not the end of his tournament.
There will be six minutes of injury time...
Which way will this swing?
This really could go either way now, with Netherlands slowly getting back into it after a 10 minute period of heavy Ecuador pressure.
In many senses, a draw would suit both sides, with both being left in a strong position to be able to qualify for the knockout stages.
But will either be brave and look for the win?
Ecuador hit the bar!
The Netherlands are on the ropes now!
Suddenly it's all Ecuador, and Gonzalo Plata has rattled the crossbar with a superb curling effort from just inside the box.
Louis van Gaal suddenly looks rather worried...
Goal! Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador
What a start to the second half from Ecuador!
Netherlands goalkeeper Andries Noppert is unable to deal with a stinging effort from outside the area, and that man Enner Valencia beats the offside trap to tap home.
We've got a game on our hands now!
BACK UNDERWAY
Netherlands vs Ecuador is back underway.
Can the South Americans find a response, or will Louis van Gaal's side add to their lead?
Man Utd fans drool over Cody Gakpo
Manchester United fans have demanded the club signs Cody Gakpo in January after he netted his second World Cup goal in as many games this evening.
The Red Devils agreed personal terms with Gakpo in the summer, but Erik ten Hag had to choose between him and a reunion with Antony.
But the PSV forward's stock is shooting up on the international stage, and Ten Hag will be keen to recruit him after Cristiano Ronaldo's exit.
HALF-TIME! Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador
The Netherlands survive a late scare to enter half-time ahead. Cody Gakpo's stunning strike the difference so far.
GOAL DISALLOWED!
Ecuador think they've equalised on the brink of half-time, but they're denied by the offside flag!
GOAL! Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador
Netherlands lead after just six minutes! And who else but Cody Gakpo?
The Manchester United target's stock continues to rise after netting his second goal in as many World Cup games this winter.
After picking the ball up on the edge of the box, Gakpo lashes a stunning left-footed effort into the near top corner. Sensational.
Cody Gakpo!!! \ud83d\udd25
\u2014 ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 25, 2022
The Netherlands take an early lead against Ecuador#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/WI7AMzNenG
KICK-OFF! Netherlands 0-0 Ecuador
And we're off!
Ecuador get us started at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Tonight's main event: England
Netherlands' clash with Ecuador will kick-off in 15 minutes, but that's simply the warm-up for today's main event.
England and USA will do battle at the Al Bayt Stadium at 7pm, with Gareth Southgate's side needing a win for progression into the knockouts.
The Three Lions are hoping to build on their 6-2 thrashing of Iran in MD1, a result made all the more impressive by the nation's win against Wales this morning.
Up next: Netherlands vs Ecuador
Netherlands and Ecuador do battle at the Khalifa International Stadium at 4pm to determine who sits top of Group A heading into MD3.
Netherlands XI: Noppert; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, Koopmeiners, F. De Jong, Blind; Klaassen; Gakpo, Bergwijn.
Ecuador XI: Galindez; Preciado, Porozo, Torres, Hincapie, Estupinan; Plata, Mendez, Caicedo, Valencia; Estrada.
FULL TIME: Qatar 1-3 Senegal
The match has come to an end at the Al Thumama Stadium and Senegal run out 3-1 winners over Qatar. It was a straight-forward victory for the African team in the end and they will be hoping to secure their place in the World Cup knockout stages when they go head-to-head with Ecuador on Tuesday.
GOAL! Senegal kill the game off
Senegal must have put this game to bed now. They have their third goal and they restore their two-goal lead. A great finish from close range by Bamba Dieng and there will be no way back for the hosts.
GOAL! Qatar finally score a goal
Qatar have finally got their World Cup campaign up and running as they score their first goal of the tournament courtesy of a thumping header from Mohammed Muntari. Could we be in for a late comeback?
Qatar almost score
Qatar should have had their first goal of the tournament midway through the second half as Ismail Mohamad got his thigh on the end of a cross from the left. But Edouard Mendy turns the ball around the post.
Senegal fans are enjoying themselves
The Senegal fans are starting to enjoy themselves at the Al Thumama Stadium, with their country leading Qatar 2-0. But the host nation have looked a bit sharper in the last 10 minutes and have had a few sights of goal.
GOAL! Senegal find the net again
Senegal have doubled their advantage as ex-Bristol City striker Famara Diedhiou heads home from a corner in the early stages of the second half. It's a great header and Qatar look to be heading out. The hosts have offered nothing.
The second half has started
Qatar haven’t even had a shot on target at the World Cup and they could exit the tournament with a whimper unless they improve. The second half has just got underway and Qatar have 45 minutes to turn things around.
HALF TIME: Qatar 0-1 Senegal
It’s half time at the Al Thumama Stadium and hosts Qatar are 1-0 down against Senegal. The African team have been the better side, with Qatar barely threatening throughout the half. Qatar will need to do a lot better after the interval if they want to avoid an early World Cup exit.
GOAL! Senegal take the lead
Senegal have taken the lead four minutes before the break as Boulaye Dia lashes the ball into the back of the net after a mistake from Qatar defender Boualem Khoukhi. They've finally got their goal.
Qatar denied penalty
Qatar are denied a penalty as Ismaila Sarr is guilty of a clumsy challenge on Akram Afif. The referee didn't even go and check it. It's a scrappy affair and it remains goalless.
FIFA accused of taking ‘revenge’
FIFA are reportedly arousing suspicion that they may be taking ‘revenge’ on countries that planned to wear the OneLove armband in Qatar by snubbing their referees for officiating duties.
FIFA now stand accused of overlooking referees from 'OneLove nations' as the highly-rated Premier League duo of Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor, as well as Germany's Daniel Siebert and Dutchman Danny Makkelie, are yet to take charge of a 2022 World Cup match.
According to the Daily Mail, that has 'raised eyebrows' in refereeing circles as none of the quartet have even fulfilled fourth official duties in Qatar.
Senegal pinning Qatar back
Senegal have been pinning Qatar back during the early stages of this match. The African team were heavy favourites to win before the clash got underway so will want to break the deadlock as early as possible to avoid a slogfest.
KICK OFF: Qatar vs Senegal
We’re underway at the Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar and the home crowd will surely be vociferous in their support this afternoon. Qatar are the current Asian Cup champions and Senegal are the current Africa Cup of Nations champions. Will we see goals in this one?
Hosts Qatar take on Senegal
Our second clash of the day sees host nation Qatar taking on Senegal. Both sides lost their opening group game. So there is no more room for error.
Starting teams
Qatar: Barsham, Miguel, Mohamad, Khoukhi, Hassan, Ahmad, Al-Haydos, Boudiaf, Madibo, Ali, Afif
Senegal: Mendy, Sabaly, Koulibaly, Jakobs, Diallo, Gueye, N Mendy, Diatta, Diedhou, Sarr, Dia
Bale says Wales are 'gutted'
Gareth Bale says Wales are “gutted” in the aftermath of their 2-0 defeat to Iran. “We are gutted, there is no other way to say it,” the forward said. “We fought until the last second and we need to go again.
“We are all gutted but we have to pick ourselves up straight away. It is going to be difficult for us for sure. We will have to see. What can I say? We recover and we have to go again.”
FULL TIME: Wales 0-2 Iran
The referee brings the match to an end and Iran have snatched a 2-0 win at the death. The Middle East team thoroughly deserved their victory as they battered Wales for large spells of the second half. And they’ll now fancy themselves to reach the World Cup knockout stages.
GOAL! Iran have a second
Iran have wrapped-up the victory in the 101st minute. They break away to win the match 2-0 as Ramin Rezaeian chips the ball over Danny Ward. That’s the late drama we were talking about. A great performance by Iran today.
GOAL! Iran have a winner
Iran have scored a winner in the 98th minute. Wales' hearts have been broken. Rouzbeh Cheshmi makes the most of a dismal clearance by Joe Allen and curls a sumptuous effort into the bottom right corner. What a strike that was.
Nine minutes of stoppage time
There are a staggering nine minutes of stoppage time at the end of this match. Four of those remain. Iran are pushing for a winner but so are Wales. Are we going to get more late drama?
Hennessey has been sent off
Hennessey has now been sent off for Wales. He came rushing out of his penalty box to deal with a ball over the top but ended up performing a karate kick on Teremi.
Remarkably, the referee only brandished a yellow card at first. But following intervention by VAR, the shot-stopper was given his marching orders.
Hennessey keeping Wales in this
Wayne Hennessey is keeping Wales in this contest at the moment. The goalkeeper has just diverted Saeed Ezatolahi’s effort past his right post to keep the scores level. Wales need to produce something special in the last 15 minutes if they are to win this match.
Iran fans fighting amongst themselves
Iran's chaotic political situation has spilled over at this game as fans have been fighting amongst themselves outside the stadium. Pro-government fans are said to have been harassing anti-government supporters outside the stadium as their country take on Wales inside the stadium.
It’s all Iran
Iran have completely dominated over the last 15 minutes but have somehow failed to find the back of the net. Could that be a good omen for Wales? Maybe’s it’s their day. They will need to show more at the other end of the pitch if they want the points though.
Iran hit the post twice!
Iran have just hit the post twice in the space of a few seconds. First Sardar Azmoun struck the right post, then Ali Gholizadeh hit the left post. And Wayne Hennessey made a fine save during the same passage of play. How has the ball stayed out the back of the net?
We're back underway
We're back underway at the World Cup. A draw won't suit either Wales or Iran ahead of the final matches of the group stage next week so maybe we'll see a more open game as the clash progresses.
HALF TIME: Wales 0-0 Iran
Just the four minutes of added time at the end of the first half but we’re goalless at the break. Neither team have managed to get the upper hand in a tight encounter. Joe Rodon was booked for wiping out Mehdi Taremi at the end of the half, but Wales eventually dealt with the free kick and survived.
Wales looking for Bale to deliver
Wales are looking to their talisman Gareth Bale to produce the goods once again in this encounter. But he has been quiet in the first half. Maybe it’ll take another penalty to spark the ex-Real Madrid ace into life. Bale had scored 40 goals in 109 Wales appearances ahead of today’s game.
Emotions get to fans
Emotions are running high at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Raymanat amid the unrest in Iran. And several fans were crying during the national anthem ahead of the clash
Midway point of first half
We’ve passed the midway point of the first half and it remains goalless. Both sides have looked to push forward and it’s pretty even so far.
Iran have goal ruled out
Iran have the ball in the back of the net after 15 minutes but it's been ruled out for offside following a VAR check. Wales have survived a huge scare. Kieffer Moore went close just before Iran’s goal was chalked off as he got a boot on Connor Roberts' cross. But Hosseini kept his effort out.
KICK OFF: Wales vs Iran
Our first game of the day is underway and it’s a big one as Wales take on Iran. Wales will be desperate to pick up the three points and take one step closer to reaching the World Cup knockout stages.
Iran sing national anthem
The Iran players have sang the national anthem this time after snubbing it ahead of their clash with England. But there was a chorus of boos in the stands, with some people crying while the anthem was being played.
Anti-regime protests in Iran
There have been anti-regime protests in Iran ever since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September. Amini died in custody after being arrested by the morality police. And hundreds of people in the Middle East country have since been killed, according to The Guardian, in a bloody crackdown on the revolt.
Iranian players protested with silence during their national anthem when they played England on Monday. Meanwhile, some fans jeered during the anthem, with others holding up signs which read: “Woman, Life, Freedom.”
But Iran manager Carlos Queiroz confronted a journalist in Qatar yesterday and said his players should not be expected to answer questions on the issues.
Iran fans want Wales to win
Neil Squires in Qatar
I was just talking to Iranians on the metro on their way to the match who want Wales to win. “This is not our team, this is the government’s team,” said one woman. “They have been killing our people for the past two months,” added a man. The fans don’t want to be identified for fear of reprisals.
The Iran team is in
Iran have been forced to replace goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand with Hossein Hosseini. Beiranvand broke his nose and suffered concussion during Monday’s clash with England. Meanwhile, Sadegh Moharrami and Sardar Azmoun have been recalled to a more attacking line-up.
Iran: Hosseini, Hajsafi, Mohammadi, Ezatolahi, Pouraliganji, Taremi, Gholizadeh, Hosseini, Azmoun, Nourollahi, Rezaeian
Wales announce team
Wales have announced their team for this morning’s clash. Blockbuster star Gareth Bale is set to captain the side, while Kieffer Moore is promoted to the starting line-up in place of Dan James.
\ud83c\udff4\udb40\udc67\udb40\udc62\udb40\udc77\udb40\udc6c\udb40\udc73\udb40\udc7f\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf7 CYMRU XI
\u2014 Wales \ud83c\udff4\udb40\udc67\udb40\udc62\udb40\udc77\udb40\udc6c\udb40\udc73\udb40\udc7f (@Cymru) November 25, 2022
On or off the pitch, Together we are Stronger! #ArBenYByd | #FIFAWorldCup | #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/kFM52YIdiR
Maguire confirms England OneLove gesture
Neil Squires in Qatar
England have reserved the right to make an anti-discrimination protest gesture later on at the World Cup but are adopting a tunnel vision approach to tonight’s tie against USA.
The FA backed down in the OneLove armband spat with FIFA ahead of the opening game against Iran when they were threatened with sporting sanctions including a yellow card before kick-off for captain Harry Kane.
“We have spoken about it as a group and we will act when we think it is appropriate to act,” said defender Harry Maguire. “We are fully focused on the football but I am sure we will have conversations throughout the tournament.”
FIFA accused of ‘sinister abuse of power’
FIFA have been accused of a "sinister abuse of power" by the chair of anti-racism organisation Kick It Out.
Sanjay Bhandari was replying to a story on Twitter about countries fearing their captains would be banned if they wore the OneLove armband and wrote: “What FIFA did is beyond failing to live their values and is a sinister abuse of power designed to silence - hence @DFB_Team_EN gag protest. I guess if you hang around with autocratic dictators long enough, you start picking up some of their habits.”
Wales fans party in blistering heat
Wales fans have been partying in the blistering Qatar heat ahead of their country’s second World Cup showdown. We're under two hours away from kick-off this morning as Wales take on Iran at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Raymanat at 10am. Rob Page's team are searching for their first win of the tournament after snatching a 1-1 draw against USA on Monday.
Bore da Cymru. Brecwast gyda brenin y wal goch. pic.twitter.com/DtLPIqoKN2
\u2014 Sion Morgan (@westwalesjourno) November 25, 2022
FIFA to allow rainbow hats and flags
FIFA will now allow fans to wear rainbow bucket hats and take rainbow flags into stadiums during the World Cup. FIFA’s U-turn comes after Wales fans had the items confiscated ahead of their country’s 1-1 draw with USA on Monday.
The Football Association of Wales had earlier implored football’s governing body to address the issue. “The FAW urges FIFA to adhere to their message that everybody will be welcome in Qatar during the World Cup and continue to highlight any further human rights issues,” they wrote in a statement. "We remain with the belief that football is for everyone.”
Good morning!
Good morning and welcome to Express Sport’s live coverage of day six of the World Cup in Qatar. We’ve got another scintillating day of action in store for you as Wales play their second group game at 10am when they take on Iran. And England could secure their safe passage into the knockout stages of the tournament when they take on USA at 7pm. So stick around and follow all the live action throughout the day.