After Sunday’s opener between host Qatar and Ecuador, Monday brings a busier slate of video games. Three group matches are happening, together with the debuts of England and america.
England takes on Iran within the first recreation of the day and the primary recreation of Group B. African champions Senegal tackle The Netherlands within the center recreation of the day and the second recreation of Group A. The U.S. males’s nationwide staff takes on Gareth Bale and Wales within the day’s closing match.
England vs. Iran
Kickoff time: 8 a.m. ET/1 p.m. GMT
Venue: Khalifa Worldwide Stadium, Al Rayyan
On paper, England is without doubt one of the finest groups within the event. Oddsmakers agree, putting England solely behind Brazil, Argentina and France by way of odds to win the event.
Nevertheless, the Three Lions haven’t received a match since March, a six-match winless streak. A pair of losses, together with a 4-0 defeat at house, to Hungary had been particularly alarming. UEFA Nations League struggles apart, Iran is probably going not the identical high quality as Germany, Italy and Hungary.
Iran has made it to the final two World Cups, however has by no means made it out of the group stage in 5 appearances within the event. Iran received a six-team qualifying group that included South Korea, however managed one level from these two head-to-head matches.
Supervisor Carlos Queiroz is again in cost after main the staff from 2011-2019. This tenure for Queiroz began in September, which is a query mark across the staff regardless of his expertise with the participant pool.
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Senegal vs. Netherlands
Kickoff time: 11 a.m. ET/4 p.m. GMT
Venue: Al Thumama Stadium, Doha
The Netherlands is the clear favourite to win Group A with -250 odds. The Dutch open with probably the hardest opponent of the opposite three groups in Group A.
Senegal received the Africa Cup of Nations final 12 months, which raised expectations for this staff in Qatar. Nevertheless, Sadio Mané‘s harm places into query how a lot he’ll be capable of play. The dynamic winger is on the Senegal roster, however left a Bayern Munich match with a leg harm lower than two weeks earlier than this match.
The Dutch are proficient sufficient to be a event contender with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay main the best way. De Jong can open up opposing defenses as an elite passer, van Dijk is without doubt one of the finest central defenders on the earth and Depay brings tempo and high quality to the Dutch assault.
After lacking out on the World Cup in 2018, which got here on the heels of constructing the ultimate in 2010 and ending third in 2014, the Oranje will likely be anxious to get the 2022 World Cup began with a constructive end result.
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USA vs. Wales
Kickoff time: 2 p.m. ET/7 p.m. GMT
Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
Wales final made a World Cup in 1958. The US missed out in 2018. It’s secure to say each international locations will likely be longing for this one to kick off.
With England because the clear favourite within the group and Iran considered because the longshot in Group B, this match is essential for development to the knockout stage. The Individuals are given barely higher odds to win, nevertheless it’s virtually a toss up.
Gareth Bale joined Los Angeles FC of Main League Soccer in July and his longest outing was 62 minutes, though he did rating a large aim in further time of the MLS Cup closing. Will he be match sufficient to take over the match as he has finished so many occasions in a Wales shirt?
Wales appears to be like to play on the counter, however the USMNT is just not a possession-dominant aspect both. How that matchup will play out in opposition to a US again line lacking Miles Robinson and Chris Richards because of accidents will likely be key for the match.
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Extra from the 2022 World Cup
World Cup 2022 Group A information: De Jong retains Netherlands ticking and be careful for Ecuador’s set items
World Cup 2022 Group B information: England’s management and the Iran goalkeeper’s javelin-style throws
Exploring Qatar’s eight World Cup 2022 stadiums and what followers can count on in November
World Cup 2022 accidents timeline: Who has been dominated out of the event in Qatar?
(Photograph of Christian Pulisic: Brad Smith / ISI Pictures/Getty Pictures)
