The 2022 World Cup has reached the second round of group stage games.
And Black Friday will feature one of the tournament’s most-anticipated showdowns, when the United States takes on England. This will be the two teams’ first World Cup matchup since 2010, when they played to a 1-1 tie.
The young and talented Americans played to a 1-1 tie in their World Cup opener against Wales on Monday. The USMNT faces a tall task Friday against an England team that has its sights set far beyond the group stage.
On Thursday, tournament favorites Brazil earned a 2-0 win over Serbia thanks to the goal of the World Cup so far by Richarlison. Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming the first men’s player to score a goal in five different World Cups.
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Teams play one match against the other teams in their group and the top two teams with the most points from each group advance to the knockout stage.
results mean England can effectively qualify for the knockout round with a draw against the US on Friday — they could essentially win the group with a victory.
For the US, a draw or loss against England is now essentially the same result. Absent a win against the Three Lions, Gregg Berhalter’s men will likely have the ability to qualify from Group B with a win over Iran on Tuesday.
Iran is in great shape, looking likely to qualify with just a draw against the U.S.
“This is just the beginning, but we need to finish the job,” coach Carlos Quieroz said after the game. — Seth Vertelney, Pro Soccer Wire
as if the NCAA basketball tournament broke out on a soccer field, Nancy Armour writes.
Some Iran fans confiscated Persian pre-revolutionary Iranian flags from supporters entering the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium and shouted insults at those wearing shirts with the slogan of the country’s protest movement, “Woman, Life, Freedom.”
Small mobs of men angrily chanted “The Islamic Republic of Iran” at women giving interviews about the protests to foreign media outside the stadium.
Shouting matches erupted outside the security checkpoint at the between fans screaming “Women, Life, Freedom” and others shouting back “The Islamic Republic.” — Associated Press
What does that mean?
It actually is possible to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not in your best interests, at this World Cup.
Hours after European soccer authorities caved to FIFA’s threats over plans to show a small token of support for the LGBTQ community, Iran’s players risked the ire of their government by refusing to sing the national anthem before Monday’s game. The European teams backed off because they were oh-so-afraid of jeopardizing their chances at the World Cup, while the Iranian players went ahead despite knowing security forces back home have arrested, beaten, shot at and even killed those who have dared protest the death of Mahsa Amini. — Nancy Armour wrote Monday.
With Iran and Wales in a group with England and the U.S., what is the best result for the USMNT? Yahoo Sports reporter Henry Bushnell ranked the most favorable outcomes:
Both teams had their chances in the first half. While Wales dominated the possession statistics and entered the attacking third more times, Iran took advantage of the counter attack. Iran built into the game, making the most of the sun being in the eyes of Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.
Iran had two chances in stoppage time. The first game from a cross by Ezatolahi, but Azmoun couldn’t get on the end of the pass. The second came when Rodon fouled Taremi, awarding Iran a free kick. After dangerously bouncing around the box, the ball bounced out to Nourollahi whose long-range shot was saved by Hennessey.
Iran was 3-0 down at halftime against England Monday, if the team loses to Wales they are effectively eliminated from the tournament with one game left.
Welsh star Gareth Bale got a left foot on a headed pass from 6-foot-5 Kieffer Moore, Hosseini stands tall and makes the save. Wales has the possession advantage so far, but Iran is making the most of the counter attack.
Wales got an early warning after Iran struck first. Sardar Azmoun sent a through ball to Ali Gholizaduh, who was offside when he made an easy tap in.
The goal was quickly disallowed.
Five changes for Iran from Monday, most notable is in goal. Alireza Beiranvand remains out after his apparent head injury during the 6-2 loss to England. Hossein Hosseini starts in goal. Iran also added more of a defensive shape to their formation.
Iran starting XI (4-3-3): Hosseini; Mohammadi, Hosseini, Pouraliganji, Rezaeian; Hajsafi, Ezatolahi, Nourollahi; Taremi, Azmoun, Gholizadeh
For Wales, striker Daniel James takes the field of Kieffer Moore.
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Wales snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat with a late penalty kick goal against the United States on Monday, and will look to carry that momentum into a matchup against an Iran squad that got routed by England. Making matters worse for Iran is that goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand will miss Friday’s game, giving likely replacement Hossein Hosseini a tall task against Welsh star Gareth Bale.
Time: Friday, Nov. 25 at 5 a.m. ET
Stadium: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
How to watch: FS1 and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV and Peacock (Spanish)
Time: Friday, Nov. 25 at 8 a.m. ET
Stadium: Al Thumama Stadium
How to watch: FS1 and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV and Peacock (Spanish)
Time: Friday, Nov. 25 at 11 a.m. ET
Stadium: Khalifa International Stadium
How to watch: FOX and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV and Peacock (Spanish)
With the USMNT opening with a 1-1 draw with Wales and England routing Iran, 6-2, in their World Cup opener, the tournament hits a crucial juncture for both teams. While England can move a step closer to winning Group B with a win, the U.S. will look to at least keep hopes to reach the Round 16 alive. A win or draw would put the Americans in decent position to be one of the two teams to advance. However, this is a loaded England team with hopes that go far beyond just advancing to the knockout rounds.
Time: Friday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. ET
Stadium: Al Bayt Stadium
How to watch: FOX and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV and Peacock (Spanish)