GROUPS A and B completed their first-round matches on Tuesday. Two sides needed a win to progress and the both did. Senegal thumped Ecuador and the USA, with some refereeing help, overcame Iran.
England demolished Wales and Holland beat Qatar without much of a sweat.
Group A
Team
Games
Wins
Draws
Losses
Goal+/-
Points
Q
Netherlands
3
2
1
0
+4
7
Q
Senegal
3
2
0
1
+1
6
Ecuador
3
1
1
1
+1
4
Qatar
3
0
0
3
-6
0
Senegal 2 vs Ecuador 1
Senegalese captain Kalidou Koulibay (70th) scored the winning goal just a few minutes after Ecuador celebrated their equalizer from Moises Caicedo in the 67th minute. Ecuador only needed a draw to progress and paid the price for not defending properly after equalizing. Senegal took the lead after a first half penalty converted by Ishmaila Sarr in the 44th minute.
Ecuador had the lion’s share of the possession with 68% but could not convert it into goals. Senegal were more purposeful than Ecuador with 14 shots at goal and two goals to show. This is the first time since 2002 that Senegal has progressed to the second round. They now face England in the Round of 16.
Holland 2 vs Qatar 0
Holland needed to win to top the group and they could not have asked for an easier game against the worst team of the tournament – Qatar. Goals by Cody Gapko (26th) ,this is his third goal of the world cup and Frenkie de Jong (49th) sealed a very easy win for the Dutch.
They now play the USA in the Round of 16. The Dutch have certainly been lucky with the draw in the World Cup. They are almost certain to progress.
Group B
Team
Games
Wins
Draws
Losses
Goal+/-
Points
Q
England
3
2
1
0
+7
7
Q
USA
3
1
2
0
+1
5
Iran
3
1
0
2
-3
3
Wales
3
0
1
2
-5
1
England 3 vs Wales 0
England overran Wales to secure a very comfortable win against a hapless side. Wales were very disappointing and like Qatar are one of the weakest teams in the competition. Marcus Rashford second half brace provided all the points needed for England to top the group. One of the few free kicks to be scored came in the 50th minute from Rashford. A minute later captain Harry Kane sent a cross that was met by Phil Foden (51st). There are many who felt that Foden should have been playing in every game due to his skill and speed. In the 68th minute, Rashford added to his tally.
Senegal, the African champions meet the European runners-up for a place in the quarterfinals.
USA 1 vs Iran 0
Iran only needed a draw and came out playing for such and were caught with their shoes off and paid the price. They will not enjoy the ride home. In a game that up to the 99th minute was determined by a refereeing error, where Iran should have had a clear penalty. This would have given them the possibility of a draw. There have been many questionable calls in this tournament so far – recall Canada vs Belgium.
Christian Pulisic scored the only goal in the 38th minute and left with an injury. They now meet Holland in the next round.
Qatar 2022: England, Holland Top Their Groups
Matchday 10 Tuesday November 29th 2022
By Gerald Lutchman
GROUPS A and B completed their first-round matches on Tuesday. Two sides needed a win to progress and the both did. Senegal thumped Ecuador and the USA, with some refereeing help, overcame Iran.
England demolished Wales and Holland beat Qatar without much of a sweat.
Group A
Senegal 2 vs Ecuador 1
Senegalese captain Kalidou Koulibay (70th) scored the winning goal just a few minutes after Ecuador celebrated their equalizer from Moises Caicedo in the 67th minute. Ecuador only needed a draw to progress and paid the price for not defending properly after equalizing. Senegal took the lead after a first half penalty converted by Ishmaila Sarr in the 44th minute.
Ecuador had the lion’s share of the possession with 68% but could not convert it into goals. Senegal were more purposeful than Ecuador with 14 shots at goal and two goals to show. This is the first time since 2002 that Senegal has progressed to the second round. They now face England in the Round of 16.
Holland 2 vs Qatar 0
Holland needed to win to top the group and they could not have asked for an easier game against the worst team of the tournament – Qatar. Goals by Cody Gapko (26th) ,this is his third goal of the world cup and Frenkie de Jong (49th) sealed a very easy win for the Dutch.
They now play the USA in the Round of 16. The Dutch have certainly been lucky with the draw in the World Cup. They are almost certain to progress.
Group B
England 3 vs Wales 0
England overran Wales to secure a very comfortable win against a hapless side. Wales were very disappointing and like Qatar are one of the weakest teams in the competition. Marcus Rashford second half brace provided all the points needed for England to top the group. One of the few free kicks to be scored came in the 50th minute from Rashford. A minute later captain Harry Kane sent a cross that was met by Phil Foden (51st). There are many who felt that Foden should have been playing in every game due to his skill and speed. In the 68th minute, Rashford added to his tally.
Senegal, the African champions meet the European runners-up for a place in the quarterfinals.
USA 1 vs Iran 0
Iran only needed a draw and came out playing for such and were caught with their shoes off and paid the price. They will not enjoy the ride home. In a game that up to the 99th minute was determined by a refereeing error, where Iran should have had a clear penalty. This would have given them the possibility of a draw. There have been many questionable calls in this tournament so far – recall Canada vs Belgium.
Christian Pulisic scored the only goal in the 38th minute and left with an injury. They now meet Holland in the next round.
Tomorrow’s games and predictions:
Group D both at 11 am:
France 2 vs Tunisia 1
Denmark 2 vs Australia 1
Group C both at 3 pm:
Argentina 2 vs Poland 1
Mexico 2 vs Saudi Arabia 1