England Tie Against Determined U.S. Team

Hosts Qatar eliminated in record time

Pulisic goes close against England (YouTube screengrab/Manny Otiko)

Proving again that this is a topsy-turvy World Cup, Iran, who got thumped 6- 2 by England, pulled off a surprising 2–0 victory over Wales on Friday.

After looking sluggish and disjointed against England, Iran turned in a much-improved performance. They ran harder, were more determined, and looked like a different team. (Iranian fans still booed their own national anthem.)

Wales were lucky to hang on for most of the game, but things fell apart when Welsh keeper Wayne Hennessey was ejected in the last minutes of the game after committing a foul outside his box. Now playing with 10 men, the Welsh could not stem the Iranian attack and quickly conceded two goals from Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Razaeian.

Wales go into the final game against England needing a win and some luck to get through to the knockout round. The U.S., who tied 0–0 with England, also needs a win, while Iran could get through on a tie.

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