World Cup live updates: USMNT, England starts second half in huge Group B showdown
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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HALFTIME: USMNT 0, England 0
The United States was more aggressive when they had possession of the ball, missing on several opportunities to get in the net. The USMNT now has six shots and England missed a chance near the half to get on the board.
England dominating action but match still scoreless
England is putting immense pressure on the United States, consistently moving and passing in the offensive zone, but there is still no score halfway through the first 45 minutes.
England has dominated possession of the ball just like they did in their first match against Iran and have three shots on goal, with the USMNT’s two shots on goal, one that was off-target and Weston McKennie shooting high on the other in the 26th minute.
USMNT, England release starting lineups
AL KHOR, Qatar – There’s only one change to the U.S. men’s lineup for the game against England and it is not the one anyone expected.
Haji Wright will start in place of Josh Sargent. Gio Reyna remains on the bench despite coach Gregg Berhalter saying he’s fit to play. Berhalter also opted to stick with Tim Ream, Sergino Dest and Weston McKennie, all of whom are carrying yellow cards and would miss the next game if they pick up another.
England made no changes from the lineup that thrashed Iran 6-2 on Monday, with Harry Kane starting after an injury scare.
– Nancy Armour
USMNT players have ties to England
Had things gone a little differently, four Americans could be playing for England on Friday night rather than trying to beat them.
Yunus Musah, Antonee Robinson, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Gio Reyna were all either born in England or grew up there, making them eligible to represent the Three Lions. But each, for different reasons, chose to play for the United States.
Like the country they represent, the USMNT has always been a melting pot. There are children of immigrants and those whose families have been in the United States for generations. Some know nothing but the United States while others were born or grew up in other countries. Some have been citizens since birth while others have parents, or grandparents, who provided the connection.
No matter how they came to being American, however, they are all equally red, white and blue. — Nancy Armour
FULL TIME: Netherlands 1, Ecuador 1
Netherlands and Ecuador fought to a 1-1 draw on Friday, setting up what should be a tense final day in Group A.
Cody Gakpo (sixth minute) and Enner Valencia (49th) scored the goals and Ecuador pushed hard for a winner in the second half. These two countries are tied atop the group, with Senegal on three points and Qatar eliminated with zero points.
— Associated Press
it’s already time to think about what’s next.
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.
- A victory equals three points.
- A draw equals one point.
- A loss equals no points.
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.
pro-government fans harassing anti-government fans outside the stadium in Qatar.What does that mean?
skipping the tradition during their first game against England.
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.
What does this game mean for USMNT?
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:
Iran, Wales tied at halftime, 0-0
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.
Bale’s shot blocked for Wales
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.
Iran’s opening goal disallowed
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.
Starting lineups Wales vs. Iran
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 vs. Iran — 5 a.m.
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)
an underwhelming performance against Ecuador, and the loss puts Qatar in danger of also being only the second host after South Africa in 2010 to be eliminated in the group stage. Friday’s task will not be easy, Senegal boasts an array of players from the top leagues in England, Spain, Italy and France even if it is missing injured forward Sadio Mane.
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)
a 2-0 win in the World Cup opener on Sunday. Netherlands is coming off a 2-0 win over a Senegal that boasts a tremendous amount of talent. A win here would further cement the Netherlands’ expected status as a World Cup title contender.
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)
England vs. United States — 2 p.m.
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)