Iran vs USA: Sporting spectacle with a geopolitical twist
Two days prior to their crucial group-stage encounter against the United States at the FIFA World Cup, the Iranian football federation called for the disqualification of their opponents.
The reason: the US Soccer Federation (USSF) posted an image of a doctored Iranian flag, without the country’s official emblem, on social media. The two posts were later taken down, but per The New York Times, the US confirmed the omission was intentional, meant as a show of support for the women in Iran.
Iran’s famed no-nonsense coach Carlos Queiroz shot back in his pre-match press conference. “We have said many times that we have solidarity of all humanitarian causes,” he was quoted as saying by The Guardian. “But we have solidarity with causes all over the world whoever they are. If you talk human rights, racism, kids dying at schools from shooting, we have solidarity with all. But we bring a smile for 90 minutes, that is our mission.” (READ MORE)
The fans screamed for Qatar. Their passion hid a secret
Midway through the second half of Qatar’s match against Senegal at the World Cup, the drumming stopped as a man in a bucket hat and sunglasses rose and asked for quiet.
Moments earlier, a section of the crowd — more than 1,000 strong, almost all men, all of them in identical maroon T-shirts with the word “Qatar” in English and Arabic — had been chanting in unison at the direction of four fan leaders. But now the sea of men understood what was expected, and they followed the order and fell into a strange silence as the match noise swirled around them inside Al Thumama Stadium. (Read More)
And peep peep!!! It's all over. England's dreams remain intact as Wales's are shattered. England will meet Senegal next. They have never lost to an African nation in the World Cup. A mouthwatering clash awaits.
Four minutes added on and England are in the attack with Wilson. Nothing comes off it as Wales clear. And a miss from a corner. Maguire finds Stones in front of goal. He gets under it and hits it over the bar!!! The goal was gaping.
ENG 3-0 WAL
England are playing possession football as wales try to break them, down. A couple of awry shots from distance don't do much. England looking very very comfortable.
ENG 3-0 WAL
Jack Grealish with the ball. Cuts inside and feeds Bellingham as the ball is stuck under the feet of the youngster. Wales gladly hooves it away.
ENG 3-0 WAL
Jude bellingam with ashot obn target now. Ward saves, falls to Foden but he has smashed it behind. The gaol was at his mercy. Looks like, he couldn't control the ball.
ENG 3-0 WAL
Mo hattrick today as Rashford is subbed off for another offensive change by Southgate. Jack Grealish is now on for him. It's a cCity man replacing a United man. You love to see it.
ENG 3-0 WAL
And that's another intelligent dart from Rashford as Wilson feeds him near the right flank. The Manchester United striker shoots only to find the outstretched boots of Ward.
ENG 3-0 WAL
Another England change as RB Trippier replaces LB Shaw. And rashford has scored again!!!!! Gets the ball in the right flank, cuts inside and shoots. And it's gone through Wade's hands and legs!!!
ENG 3-0 WAL
More from Sports
Another injury to Wales as Ben Davies has gone down. He'll be replaced by Joe Morrell. In other action, Ramse is booked for a poor tackle on Henderson.
ENG 2-0 WAL
Substitutions galore for England now as Kane, Walker and Rice are withdrawn. they'll be replaced by Wilson, Philips and Trent Alexander Arnold. Huge names off the bench.
ENG 2-0 WAL
What an ambitious from Moore. That has swerved and forced Pickford to make a fine save. Wales will not go down quietly.
ENG 2-0 WAL
And that's another goal!!! Wales lose the ball again.Kane plays a sublime pass, across the goal and that has been turned in by Phil Foden. In 98 seconds, England double their lead.
ENG 2-0 WAL
Foden runs past a few Wales players. Like a tracer bullet if you can quote a certain Ravi Shastri. But he has been fouled and England have a free kick. And Marcus Rashford has fired in from the free kick!!! I can't believe my eyes!!! The first direct free kick goal scored in this tournament.
ENG 1-0 WAL
Big change for Wales as Aaron Ramsay has the captain's armnband. that means Gareth Bale has given way to BrennanJohnson.That might be the last time we see Bale in a red Wales shirt.
Late late surge by Wales as Allen gets a ball in a rather unfortunate position and he shoots.... And that's well wide. Pickford undisturbed. We are 0-0 at half time. Stay tuned for the 2nd half.
5 minutes have been added and Wales keep losing the ball in dangerous positions. Kane gets the ball and shoots, only to be deflected behind for a corner. Deep corner. Sones gets the head. it's ultimately collected by Ward.
WAL 0-0 ENG
A lot of movement going on in the Wales half of the field as England have bombarded their box with attackers. Wales clear constantly but the waves of attack don't seem to stop.
WAL 0-0 ENG