Group B: Final Matchday Preview
By Jack Buchanan, 29/11/2022
Welcome back to part two of this series in which I’m oreviewing the final matchday of all 8 of the groups in this World Cup. You can find part 1 here if you missed it — https://medium.com/@jackbuchanan2107/group-a-final-matchday-preview-bcf834ce80f4
In this article I’ll be previewing the final fixtures in Group B, Iran vs USA and England vs Wales as well as giving my thoughts on who I think will progress to the Round of 16.
Iran vs USA
Arguably the more interesting of the two group B fixtures will see Iran lock horns with the United States of America in a game which will see the winner progress to the round of 16. Iran were thumped 6–2 by England in their opening game before shocking Wales with two injury time goals to run out 2–0 winners in their second game after Wayne Hennessey’s 86th minute red card. Meanwhile, USA have drawn both of their fixtures so far leaving them on two points ahead of tonight’s game.
There is a combination of results which would see both Iran and USA dumped out of the tournament. If Iran and USA draw and Wales beat England 4–0 then Wales and England will go through ahead of Iran and the USA.
Mehdi Taremi is someone that the USA will have to keep an eye on since he has contributed to all four of Iran’s goals so far at this world cup. Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah will be hoping to make a positive impact on the game yet again having combined for the USA’s goal against Wales in their opener. Personally I think Iran will be solid enough defensively to hold the USA to yet another draw and, barring a huge upset from Wales, progress to the round of 16.
Wales vs England
To most this game would seem to be a forgone conclusion in which England would run out victorious over rivals Wales. However, the Welsh will be hoping that they can cause an upset and, as previously mentioned, possibly still qualify for the knockout rounds. Gareth Southgate’s men will be looking to provide a response to what was widely regarded as a poor performance against USA last time out, England fans will be hoping to see players such as Phil Foden and Jack Grealish from the start tonight to provide the side with more creativity.
England are all but certain to qualify for the round of 16 with the only combination of results that could see them on an early flight home being a loss by 4 or more goals to Wales and a win for Iran.
Harry Kane is yet to manage a shot on target, however he did pickup two assists as England romped to victory over Iran on the second day of the tournament. He’ll be hoping to grab a goal or two against a poor Wales side tonight to give him a confidence boost going into the knockout rounds where England will likely meet Ecuador or Senegal of Group A in the first round.
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