Match preview for matches involving England, Netherlands and Wales as the 2022 FIFA World Cup begins to hit its stride on Day Two.
Whilst Netherlands meet Senegal in the other Group A match after Qatar hosted Ecuador in the tournament opener, England and Wales commence their World Cup campaigns in Group B against Iran and USA respectively.
All three matches on Day Two therefore already carry a significant importance as Netherlands and Senegal collide in a battle of the Group A favourites, whilst Iran and Wales will both be looking to spring surprises against England and USA respectively.
Senegal vs Netherlands (Group A)
Arriving at this tournament in a weak group with a star-studded squad containing players like Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Mempis Depay, Netherlands certainly will be favourites to finish top but this to me feels like a six pointer because Senegal should also qualify for the knockouts.
Senegal though are set to be without Sadio Mane (pictured) up front but luckily their squad depth is strong with Edouard Mendy in goal, whilst Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye should shine across the pitch if are at their best.
This clash therefore promises to be a fierce contest because both teams know that victory could pace the way to top this group, although I am going for the Dutch to edge this if they can find their best feet and high press quickly to overpower Senegal.
Prediction: Senegal 1-2 Netherlands
Result: Senegal 0-2 Netherlands
England vs Iran (Group B)
Coming into this match, all eyes will be on England after their shock run to the semi-finals in 2018 and subsequent appearance in UEFA Euros Final but there will now be huge pressure on the Three Lions to deliver a repeat performance in Qatar.
Iran though can’t be written off after narrowly missing out on the knockout stages in 2018 to Spain and Portugal, plus boast a quality goalkeeper in Alireza Beiranvand (pictured) who surprised many with his performances four years ago.
Beiranvand though will need to deliver another top display if he is to frustrate England who should look to dominate with their star-studded attack and largely in-form players, although I am struggling to see England losing this if they can hit the ground running.
Prediction: England 2-0 Iran
Result: England 6-2 Iran
USA vs Wales (Group B)
Packed with some familar faces for English Football fans from Leeds’ Brenden Arronsen to Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic, USA will be looking to mark their first World Cup outing in eight years with a potentially vital win if can execute their possession and counter-press style clinically here.
Gregg Berhalter’s Yanks though haven’t been consistent this year so it is difficult to place any expectations on their performance here, yet they do have quality players like Arronsen who will add pace in midfield whilst Norwich’s Josh Sargent is currently in good form up front.
Wales meanwhile are contesting their first World Cup in 64 years but after surprising at Euro 2016 in which they reached the semi-finals, these Welsh Dragons know that they could spring another shock if they play without fear and harness the positive fan hype surrounding them.
Another positive for Rob Page’s Dragons is that having endured a tough UEFA Nations League campaign this summer, they will now know what is needed if they’re to match USA in quality whilst also having a better balanced squad in terms of experience.
For me though, Wales will need to be aware of USA’s possession play and take their chances clinically in order to limit the Americans’ counter-pressing opportunities, which could well be vital to the outcome of this game.
On that note, my gut instinct is that we could well see a draw here.
Prediction: USA 1-1 Wales
Result: USA 1-1 Wales
Leave a Reply