ᑕ❶ᑐ World Cup 2022: Wales seek historic victory, England seek qualification
| Host country: Qatar Destination: November 20 – December 18 Cover: Live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app. Daily TV programs – Full coverage details |
Wales are chasing a historic World Cup win on Friday, with England looking for three points to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Both countries started well in Qatar: Welsh painting with the United States and England won easily Iran.
As Wales take to the pitch for Friday’s Group B decider against Iran (10:00 GMT on BBC One), they know a first World Cup victory in 64 years will dramatically boost their chances.
Group B opponents and current leaders England will also be keen to beat the USA (19:00 GMT), who will secure a place in the Round of 16 if they succeed.
- FIFA World Cup: groups and schedule
- Guide to World Cup TV coverage
Schools are canceling classes to welcome Wale
The whole country will be watching Wales’ second group game – even those who should be in class.
There are schools in Wales it is allowed to cancel classes More than 1,000 schools will take part in Cymru Football Friday to give students the chance to watch Robert Page’s team take on Iran.
Instead of being in maths lessons, kids across the country will be hoping to overtake team-mate Chris Gunter as the most capped player in what could be Wales’ deciding Group B game.
With one point on the board and leaders England as their last group opponents, Wales will know that a win will be essential to qualify for the play-offs.
- Wales are hoping for a repeat of history after the USA draw
- Why Moore is underrated in every way – Williams Chronicle
Captain Bale, who has 109 caps for Wales, said it was an “honour” to represent them as he approaches a breakthrough appearance.
“But it’s more important to try to win,” he said. “I hope we can and that will make it even more special.
“It will be a tough game against Iran – they are a very good team. They have a reason, but of course we think we can beat them. »
Can England finish early?
From the same England?
After Gareth Southgate’s men made a strong start to the tournament, what many fans were hoping to see was a 6-2 thrashing of Iran.
United are up next and England have been backed after it was revealed that captain Harry Kane will be fit to play despite injury fears. which includes an ankle scan.
England, the only team in Group B to pick up three points so far, know a second win on Friday will see them progress with a game in hand.
- Southgate ‘concerned’ England referee used as example in video
- I want more from England – Shearer
But is there more danger? Southgate said on Thursday that it was “a good time for English football” and that the nation had “restored our respectability” in the football arena.
“There’s a lot of positive things happening at the junior level, at the senior level, with our women’s team,” he added.
“We think we can compete for many years and that’s the key – to have a consistent challenge in the later stages of the big races, and we haven’t done that in years and years.
“These players are putting the country on the map and restoring our respect on the world stage – we must continue to do so. »
“Wales must take their chances” – analysis
BBC Sport Wales reporter Dafydd Pritchard in Doha
Bale and Page didn’t go so far as to say it, but Wales know this game against Iran will be largely up for grabs.
They trailed in the first half against the USA, but at least have a point to cement them thanks to Bale’s late penalty.
With group favorites England on Tuesday and the United States facing Iran on the same day, Wales are unwilling to wait until the final game to claim their first World Cup victory since 1958.
They therefore find themselves in a situation similar to the one they saw at Euro 2020 last year, where after a 1-1 draw with Switzerland, Wales beat Turkey 2-0 to secure passage to the second round despite a 1-0 deficit. He lost to Italy in the last game of the group.
Wales would happily accept a replay if it meant reaching the last 16, although the average Welshman would be less inclined to let England emulate Italy and lift the trophy.
- Pick your Wales team to face Iran at the World Cup
- What Wales need against Iran – Gabbidon
Kane’s preparation is a big relief – analysis
BBC Sport football editor Phil McNulty in Doha
England manager Gareth Southgate is happy with Kane’s fitness and has made all the right noises to play his captain from the start.
Southgate’s priority is to get through to the play-offs as soon as possible and a win would ensure he opens up the possibility of a squad rotation for the final against Wales – although every member of the England squad should feature.
England’s 6-1 win over Iran was set in context with the embarrassments suffered by Argentina and Germany, and early signs suggest it could be a very open World Cup.
Kane’s fitness is key to England’s plans, with his excellent record at this level leaving him just three goals behind Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 to become his country’s top goalscorer.
Although Kane was not on the scoresheet against Iran, he was still a very influential figure, so the news that he has not suffered a serious leg injury will be a huge relief for Southgate and the team.”England.
- What is the England team that will face the USA?
Get the latest results and goal notifications for any FIFA World Cup team by downloading the BBC Sport app: apple – android – Amazon
