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21.November.2022 at 16:00
FIFA World Cup
Khalifa International Stadium, Doha
Attendance : 45000
Referee: Raphael Claus (BRA)
Opponent Confederation: UEFA
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England
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6 - 2
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Iran
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Referee: Raphael Claus (BRA) |
FIFA World Cup / Group B-match |
Jude Bellingham 35
Bukayo Saka 43 , 62
Raheem Sterling 45+2
Marcus Rashford 71
Jack Grealish 90 |
Mehdi TAREMI (65)
Mehdi TAREMI (pen.) (90)
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Fifa World Cup campaign of Iran started against England in the worst possible way. England opened in thoroughly convincing fashion as they outclassed Iran in an incident-packed match in Doha.
Gareth Southgate players strolled to victory, with Iran plight made worse by the early loss of goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to concussion after a clash of heads with team-mate Majid Hosseini.
Jude Bellingham got England off the mark in this World Cup with a soaring header from a cross by Luke Shaw 10 minutes before the break and the game was wrapped up before half-time thanks to a fine strike by Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling classy volley with the outside of his foot from Harry Kane cross.
Saka got his second before Team Melli supporters were given a moment of real delight when Mehdi Taremi scored a fine goal after 65 minutes - but England substitute Marcus Rashford then netted another smooth, composed strike with his first involvement.
To put the gloss on an incredibly dominant display, Jack Grealish slotted home from close range after a good run and pull back by Callum Wilson.
Iran did pull another back in injury time when Taremi slotted in a penalty after a John Stones foul.
Iran were expected to provide stern resistance as they reside in the top 20 in the Fifa rankings and have a recent victory against Uruguay on their record but England made light work of the task once Bellingham gave them the lead.
This was only the second time England have scored six goals in a major tournament but on this evidence you would not bet against the brilliant Bellingham being involved the next time it happens.
Southgate picked Saka ahead of Phil Foden (Manchester City), the only mildly contentious decision in his line-up, but there can be no arguments after a hugely impressive performance from the 21-year-old who has played such a big part as Arsenal head the Premier League.
Saka scored twice and was a threat throughout and thoroughly deserved the warm applause he received when he was substituted.
It will get harder for England as they now face the United States and Wales but this was the perfect start.
Iran outclassed but send a message
Iran suffered the early setback of losing goalkeeper Beiranvand to a suspected concussion but this was never going to change the course of the game give the chasm in class between the two teams.
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz hinted at a bold approach beforehand but this was never going to be the case and once the game settled down following an opening 20 minutes littered with interruptions, this opening World Cup game was only going one way.
many Iranian fans had a moment of real joy when Taremi thumped home his finish but there was little else to celebrate in this game as their team took a heavy beating.
This was not a day without great significance, however, as both Iranian players and supporters used this global stage to make their feelings clear about the growing human rights protests against the ruling regime in their homeland.
The national anthem was shouted down by the supporters and none of the Iran players joined in.
Iran were heavily supported inside the Khalifa International Stadium and clearly regarded this as an ideal platform to make their grievances clear. The football itself gave them few moments to cheer but they were clearly determined to make this day count. |
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