World Cup day 6 – LIVE: Wales 0-0 Iran; England eye potential qualification
Welcome to 90min’s live update coverage of day six of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The first round of group games are in the history books, and it’s now time for the eight teams in Group A and Group B to concentrate on what could be make or break games for their respective campaigns.
Wales are up first against Iran, hoping to build on their draw against the United States, before hosts Qatar take on Senegal and the Netherlands play Ecuador.
It’s then left to England to round the day off against the United States, with Gareth Southgate’s side potentially able to book their place in the round of 16 – should they emerge victorious and the result of Wales-Iran go their way.
Live text
31′ – AZMOUN OKAY TO CONTINUE
Iran had a slight concern over the impressive Azmoun, but he’s back up on his feet and carrying on after receiving treatment. Has been a real nuisance trying to run in behind Rodon and Ben Davies.
29′ – SHOT!
Bale has struggled to get into the game so far and that’s perhaps reflective of a poor effort on goal. Wales‘ most-capped player should have passed, in truth.
22′ – WALES NEED TO SETTLE DOWN
Wales are not being overrun by Iran, far from it, but they do need to stop giving the ball away so cheaply. Unnecessary pressure being invited at the moment.
16′ – GOAL RULED OUT!
A terrible pass from Connor Roberts puts Wales in all sorts of trouble. Azmoun eventually feeds the ball across the area and it’s tapped home at the far post – luckily it’s offside and Rob Page’s side breathe a huge sigh of relief!
12′ – CHANCE!
Wales denied as Hosseini denies Moore from point-blank range – he may feel he could have done better there.
7′ – HENNESSEY SAVES!
It’s a pretty feeble effort from Sardar Azmoun, but a save for Wayne Hennessey in the Wales goal nevertheless.
6′ – GOOD DEFENDING!
Good reading of the game from Joe Rodon as he heads away a dangerous Iran cross – both teams have started brightly.
1′ – UNDERWAY!
A huge afternoon for Wales gets underway as Mario Escobar blows his whistle.
Preview
Wales and Iran will both be looking for better results as they meet each other in the second round of Group B fixtures at the World Cup.
Wales needed a late penalty to rescue a draw against the United States on Monday night, while Iran were thrashed by an England side that took their foot off the gas in the closing stages.
If either side wants their World Cup campaign to extend beyond this first round, they realistically cannot come away from this anything other than a win. That is especially crucial for Wales, who still have the hardest match of the group to come afterwards when they meet England.
Prediction: Wales 2-1 Iran
Preview
Qatar vs Senegal in the second round of Group A fixtures at the 2022 World Cup is a must-win game for both teams.
Each was beaten in their respective opening game, with Qatar outplayed by a vibrant Ecuador in the tournament’s curtain raiser on Sunday. Senegal, meanhwile, lost against Netherlands the next day.
The World Cup is not yet over for either of these teams. But victory here, in what each will now likely see as their most favourable fixture, is crucial going into the final round of group games.
Prediction: Qatar 0-1 Senegal
Preview
The Netherlands and Ecuador go toe-to-toe on matchday 2 of the World Cup group stage looking to maintain their perfect starts.
Louis van Gaal’s side were unimpressive for the most part but managed to find two late goals to beat Senegal, while La Tri downed hosts Qatar on opening night.
Another win for either side will all but secure their place in the knockout stages. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this one.
Prediction: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador
Preview
England and the United States will continue their World Cup journeys when they butt heads on Friday at Al Bayt Stadium.
The Three Lions come into this one feeling great after they thumped Iran 6-2, climbing to the top of Group B and needing just one more victory to book their spot in the knockout stages of the tournament.
As for the US, they gave up a lead to draw 1-1 with Wales in their opener and, with their first opponents up against Iran earlier in the day, they could find themselves needing a big result here to keep up the pace.
Prediction: England 3-1 United States