Gareth Bale rode to Wales’ rescue once again as the captain’s late penalty salvaged a draw against the United States in his country’s first World Cup game for 64 years. Wales were listless and overrun in a first half dominated by a vibrant USA team, who led as Tim Weah finished smartly after a surging run and pass by Christian Pulisic.
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Two late goals from the Netherlands sealed an important victory in their World Cup opener against Senegal in Group A. PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo beat Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to the ball when it was chipped in by Frenkie de Jong to nod the Dutch in front with six minutes remaining.
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England’s Fifa World Cup campaign opened in thoroughly convincing fashion as they outclassed Iran in an incident-packed match in Doha. Gareth Southgate’s side strolled to victory, with Iran’s hopeless plight made worse by the early loss of goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to concussion after a clash of heads with team-mate Majid Hosseini.
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Callum Robinson scored the only goal of the game as Ireland finished their fixture list for the season with a dull win in Malta. Stephen Kenny’s men failed to impress against their weaker opponents an ominous sign with European Championship qualifying to come next season.
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Enner Valencia scored a brace as Ecuador condemned host nation Qatar to an opening game defeat. Valencia converted an early penalty kick and guided a fine header into the Qatari net in a first half blitz that left the hosts stunned as they struggled throughout.
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