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World Cup Daily: England has upper hand in Group B after USA-Wales draw

2 years ago

What a return to the

The USMNT took a 1-0 lead over Wales after Tim Weah scored in the 36th minute.

The second half was a different story and their lack of control led to them giving up a penalty in the 80th minute. One point is better than zero, but now there’s a real possibility the United States’ fate won’t be in their own hands when they face Iran on Matchday 3.

If you thought Monday was tense, just wait until Friday.

GOAL OF THE DAY

England scored a lot of goals Monday — six to be exact — but none were better than Raheem Sterling‘s outside-of-the-foot volley. The way he was able to flick it with such power was absurd.

ASSIST OF THE DAY

Frenkie de Jong‘s lifted pass to Cody Gakpo was so perfectly timed that Senegal’s entire back line thought that Gakpo was off. He was not, and de Jong picked up his first assist of the tournament. It’s unlikely to be his last.

SAVE OF THE DAY

It’s hard to be the best goalkeeper in the game when Édouard Mendy is on the pitch, but that’s exactly what Andries Noppert did in his first-ever cap for the Netherlands, saving four shots on target, including this low-driven shot from Boulaye Dia.

It’s safe to say Noppert has the No. 1 job through at least the tournament.

MUST-SEE MOMENT

Gareth Bale waited his whole career to score a goal for Wales at the World Cup. On Monday, he finally did it and saved Wales from leaving Al Rayyan Stadium without a point.

It was a special moment for the 33-year-old and the Welsh fans.

Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia, 5 a.m. ET on FS1

Even if the matchup between Argentina and Saudi Arabia is as lopsided as many predict it will be, there should still be some level of appreciation for Lionel Messi‘s final group stage opener. The 35-year-old confirmed before the tournament that this World Cup will be his last.

Denmark vs. Tunisia, 8 a.m. ET on FS1

France and Denmark are expected to be the two teams that make it out of Group D, but Denmark’s hopes of upsetting the reigning champions and finishing at the top of the group start with getting all three points against Tunisia.

Mexico vs. Poland, 11 a.m. ET on FOX

Mexico have made it out the group stage seven straight times. If El Tri are to do again this year, a win against Poland feels necessary, and that’s easier said than done with Robert Lewandowski in opposing colors.

France vs. Australia, 2 p.m. ET on FOX

World Cup champions famously flame out in the following tournament. Will France do the same in Qatar? Their result vs. Australia will tell us a lot.

Check back in after every matchday of the 2022 FIFA World Cup!

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