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    Iran 0 USA 1 LIVE RESULT: Christian Pulisic’s brave goal sends USA into last-16 clash against Netherlands

    CHRISTIAN PULISIC netted the only goal of the game to send his country into the last-16.The Chelsea winger scored goal before half-time as he got onto the end of a Sergino Dest header to convert before clattering into the goalkeeper.
    It remains to be seen as to the extent of the clash, with Pulisic being substituted in the second period.
    Timothy Weah thought he had doubled his side’s advantage, running through to score, but the flag was up as he was deemed to be offside.
    Finishing second in Group B, the USA now face Louis Van Gaal’s Netherlands in the knockout round.

    Kick-off: 7pm UK
    Group B: LIVE TABLE
    TV channel: BBC 2
    Live stream: BBC iPlayer
    Iran XI: Beiranvand; Mohammadi, Hosseini, Pouraliganji. Rezaeian; Hajsafi, Nourollahi, Ezatolahi, Gholizadeh; Azmoun, Taremi
    USA XI: Turner; Dest, Carter-Vickers, Ream, Robinson; Adams, Musah, McKennie; Weah, Sargent, Pulisic

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    That’s all from the Al Thumama Stadium
    The USA seal a narrow 1-0 win over Iran to earn a place in the World Cup round-of-16.
    They join group winners England in the knockout stages.
    Gregg Berhalter’s side will now face Group A winners the Netherlands on Saturday, while the Three Lions take on Senegal on Sunday.
    Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
    Timothy Weah reacts
    When speaking to FOX, Weah said:
    “We worked so hard as a group to be in these types of positions.
    “Iran played a beautiful game, but, you know, thanks to Christian he put it away and got hurt in the process but we love him and we thank him and we’re through so it’s a great feeling.”
    On Pulisic: “He’s huge. Going back to him not qualifying for the last World Cup and being here and qualifying us through, that’s just the work of God.
    “God bless him. I love him and he’s so important to this team, he’s a key player and he’s a leader so someone that we definitely need.”
    “I always say it’s us against the world. No one believed that the US can play good football and we’re just here trying to show the world. It’s no better than to do it with the people that you love and our families in the stands – we do it for them and I’m just really happy that we’re through to the next round.
    “It’s a beautiful day. It’s definitely a beautiful feeling.”
    Credit: Getty
    BREAKING: Pulisic hospitalised with abdominal injury
    Christian Pulisic has been sent to the hospital with an abdominal injury.
    This comes after he was forced off after scoring the decisive goal to send the USA through to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
    Credit: Getty
    Gregg Berhalter reacts
    The USA boss told BBC Sport:
    “In the first half we showed what we can do, soccer wise. We had a really good first half.
    “Second half we showed what we could do determination wise. The guys grinded, gave every single ounce and we are undefeated going into the next round.”
    Credit: AP
    Gregg Berhalter provides Pulisic update
    When speaking to BBC Sport, the USA boss said:
    “No update on his status. But it’s a wonderful thing when one of your best players is also one of the most hard working. He’s certainly that. I can’t say enough positive things about Christian.
    “With this new injury time, counting every second it’s stressful. I think I have less hair on my head now! But we’ll take it and move on and go battle against Holland.”
    Credit: Getty
    England and USA progress
    England have topped Group B with a total of seven points, meaning they will now play Senegal on Sunday.
    Meanwhile, the USA have finished second, so they will take on the Netherlands on Saturday.
    Full Time – Iran 0-1 USA
    A deserved win for the USA.

    Group B latest
    Wales 0-3 England
    A Marcus Rashford brace and a superb Phil Foden finish comfortably secures England’s place at the top of the group.
    Credit: Reuters
    Full Time – Iran 0-1 USA
    Iran threw everything they had at the USA in those final minutes, but it wasn’t enough.
    They are OUT. The USA are THROUGH.
    90+8. Iran 0-1 USA
    Iran appeal for a penalty with one minute to go as Taremi goes to ground following a challenge from Carter-Vickers!
    But, the referee is not convinced.
    90+6. Iran 0-1 USA
    Jalali is booked for a clear shirt pull on Musah while the USA were on the break.
    90+3. Iran 0-1 USA
    Iran have another free kick.
    Rezaeian steps up to take it and sends the ball into the box.
    Pouraliganji makes a run towards the front post to head it towards goal, but his effort flies inches wide of the post!
    90+1. Iran 0-1 USA
    We’re into the NINE minutes of added time.
    Yes, you read that right, nine minutes.
    85. Iran 0-1 USA
    Five minutes to go.
    The USA have to preserve this lead if they want to go through…
    Iran need just one goal.
    83. Iran 0-1 USA
    Iran appeal for a penalty, claiming that Moore – who just replaced Dest – had handballed it.
    But the referee dismisses claims.
    Weah has been replaced by Zimmerman with less than 10 minutes to go.
    Credit: AP
    81. Iran 0-1 USA
    Iran have a free kick in a dangerous position following a foul from Weah on Jalali.
    79. Iran 0-1 USA
    Another substitution, this time for Iran.
    Gholizadeh has been replaced by Ansarifard.
    78. Iran 0-1 USA
    Sargent is forced off with an injury.
    He has been replaced by Wright.
    Credit: Getty
    75. Iran 0-1 USA
    Bad news for the USA as Sargent goes to ground after avoiding a challenge.
    After jumping to avoid the sliding tackle, his knee and ankle appeared to jar. That looked a painful one.
    He might not be able to continue.
    Credit: AP
    71. Iran 0-1 USA
    Two more changes for Iran.
    Torabi is on to replace Noorollahi.
    Jalali is on to replace Hajsafi.
    70. Iran 0-1 USA
    The USA have made another change.
    Acosta is on to replace McKennie.
    69. Iran 0-1 USA
    Musah steps up to take the free kick, but he fires his shot over the bar.
    68. Iran 0-1 USA
    The USA have a free kick in a dangerous area after Rezaeian handballs it on the edge of the box.
    65. Iran 0-1 USA
    Chance for Iran as Gholizadeh picks the ball up on the edge of the box, cuts inside and squares it to Ghoddos.
    The striker attempts to take it first time, but his shot curls wide of the post.
    Credit: Reuters
    60. Iran 0-1 USA
    30 minutes to go…
    As things stand, the USA will progress to the knockout stages.
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    England 3 Wales 0: Marcus Rashford nets double as Three Lions cruise into last-16 clash vs Senegal and send rivals home

    CRUSADER for social justice, Member of the British Empire, winner of the World Cup Golden Boot? For a bloke who missed a penalty in last year’s Euros final and appeared to be shot of confidence just a few months ago, this World Cup has represented a wondrous resurrection for Marcus Rashford. 
    Marcus Rashford celebrates after arrowing a free-kick into the top cornerCredit: AP
    Rashford broke the deadlock with an inch-perfect free-kickCredit: Getty
    Rashford netted his second after a goal from Phil FodenCredit: Getty
    Foden celebrates after scoring on his first World Cup startCredit: Getty
    In the space of two second-half minutes, Rashford and England’s latest people’s champion, Phil Foden, settled the World Cup’s first ever Battle of Britain, sent the Welsh packing and booked a last-16 clash with Senegal on Sunday. 
    By the time the Manchester United forward had added England’s third – and his own third of this tournament – he was tied at the top of the scoring charts. 
    Gareth Southgate had taken the popular choice of shaking up his forward line after a grim goalless draw with USA – and the move came up trumps as Foden and Rashford seized on the opportunity of this World Cup.
    The England boss faces some tough decisions now.
    Read More World Cup News
    Bukayo Saka scored twice against Iran and Raheem Sterling has been a nailed-on starter for years. 
    Yet surely he can’t drop Rashford or Foden after this? 
    England were poor for half an hour, began to spark late in the first half, but only really clicked after 1990s one-hit wonder Chesney Hawkes had belted out ‘The One And Only’ on the pitch at half-time. 
    Well, whatever gives you inspiration, fellas.
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    For Wales, this was little short of humiliation.
    Captain Gareth Bale was hauled off at half-time and England might easily have doubled their winning margin as they tormented Rob Page’s men. 
    Southgate had used an infamous video of Welsh players wildly celebrating England’s Euro 2016 defeat by Iceland to motivate them before this match. 
    And there was a touch of sadism about the way they toyed with the Welsh in the second half.  
    It was actually a match Southgate would rather have avoided – just like last year’s Euros clash with Scotland. 
    British derbies have a potential for chaos – blood feuds where the little brother is pumped up to spill some claret. 
    Yet Wales couldn’t lay a glove on England. 
    They looked like a bunch of tourists, just happy to be here.  
    Southgate had also handed Kyle Walker and Jordan Henderson their first starts of the tournament, while pushing Jude Bellingham forward into a No10 role, where he excelled. 
    After waiting 64 years to reach a World Cup, the Welsh had only really turned up for one half of football, the second against USA.
    Page switched to a back four in an attempt at positivity – but it didn’t work. 
    For all the pre-match talk of passion, the start was more cat-and-mouse than fire-and-brimstone. 
    England created one early opening – Declan Rice winning a tackle, Harry Kane slipping through a pass to release Rashford, who failed to lift it over the on-rushing Danny Ward, in for the suspended Wayne Hennessey.
    Rashford dazzled after being trusted from the start
    The Manchester United forward has given Gareth Southgate a selection dilemma ahead of the knockouts
    Foden – who’d been talked up into the new Gazza, perhaps even the Stockport Maradona, while sat on the bench – attempted only simple passes early on. 
    England were bossing possession, stretching the Welsh defence but lacked early inspiration.
    Harry Maguire went on one rampage – then duffed his shot so badly that it went out for a throw-in. 
    Neco Williams was subbed due to concussion, some time after taking a Rashford shot full in the face.
    Shortly before half-time, England began to wake up. 
    One sharp counter-attack ended with back-heels from both Bellingham and Walker before Foden swivelled and shot waywardly.
    Rashford tried a bicycle kick, Foden rode a tackle, John Stones stretched Ward with a header from a corner and England were showing serious warning signs.  
    It wasn’t until first half injury-time that Wales had a shot – Joe Allen bending one narrowly off target.  
    Bale had been totally anonymous on the right flank, beaten to every ball by Luke Shaw, and Page hooked him at half-time, in favour of Brennan Johnson.
    But that switch didn’t work at all for the Welsh – and, after Chesney had done his thing, England were two-up inside six minutes of the restart. 
    Chesney Hawkes provided the half-time entertainmentCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Foden repaid the faith Southgate put in himCredit: Getty
    Foden stroked home after being set up by Harry KaneCredit: Reuters
    Foden was fouled by Joe Rodon 25 yards out and Rashford arrowed the free-kick into the top corner, leaving Ward grasping at air. 
    Suddenly England were full of it and almost immediately Rashford dispossessed Ben Davies, allowing Kane to steer a low centre to the far post where Foden picked his spot coolly. 
    The Manchester City man blew kisses at his adoring public.
    It was game over.
    As against Iran, England had shown the killer instinct to score in bursts – three goals in six minutes in their opener, two in two here. 
    Kieffer Moore’s deflected shot forced Jordan Pickford to change direction and make a tasty save. 
    But England knew they were home and hosed and Southgate brought on Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kalvin Phillips and Callum Wilson for Walker, Rice and Kane.  
    Phillips – who, like Walker, had made a dramatic recovery from injury to make it to Qatar – lofted a lovely pass down the right flank for Rashford, who turned Connor Roberts inside out and scored at the near post with a shot which embarrassed Ward.   
    “Three-nil in your cup final!” bellowed the English. 
    Soon, Rashford almost completed a hat-trick – but Ward stuck out a boot to save at the near post. 
    Read More on The Sun
    Southgate embraced Rashford warmly when he made way for Jack Grealish soon after. 
    His was an inspired selection, even more so than Foden’s. 
    England dominated the ball and had more shots on goal as they coasted to victory against Wales
    Wales captain Gareth Bale was subbed at half-time after appearing to pick up a knockCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    England boss Southgate congratulates Rashford after his stunning braceCredit: Reuters
    It was a perfect evening’s work for SouthgateCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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    World Cup fans all say the same thing after England keeper Jordan Pickford’s hilarious dive for wild Wales shot

    JORDAN PICKFORD had social media laughing after his hilarious dive against Wales.The Everton star was in action for England in their crucial World Cup clash against their British rivals.

    Jordan Pickford made a hilarious dive from Joe Allen’s wayward shotCredit: Getty
    Pickford flung himself across the goal despite the effort going miles overCredit: Getty
    Pickford clearly saw the funny side of it with John StonesCredit: Reuters
    But the first half was rather forgetful, with the ex-Sunderland keeper a mere spectator as Rob Page’s side hardly laid a glove.
    In truth, England weren’t exactly at their flowing best, but Wales were even worse.
    As a result, the Dragons mustered up just two shots on goal, neither of which were on target.
    One was a nothing attempt from Joe Allen, while the other was a more threatening effort from the Welshman, although it still sailed off target.
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    Despite the shot flying miles over, it still led to Pickford making a sarcastic dive.
    And fans have all noticed the funny moment.
    One said: “Some dive from Pickford there!!!!”
    Another second joked: “Idk what’s funnier, Joe Allen’s shot or Jordan Pickford’s dive for it.”
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    A third said: “That Pickford dive was ridiculous. Talk about one for the cameras.”
    A fourth responded: “Lovely dive for the camera there Pickford!” More

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    Watch wild scenes in Senegal after reaching World Cup knockout stage as fans cheer in streets after beating Ecuador

    SENEGAL fans went wild on the streets after watching their national team make it out of the 2022 World Cup group stage from home.The Lions of Teranga punched their ticket to the Last 16 after a 2-1 victory over Ecuador at the Khalifa International Stadium.

    Senegal fans celebrated the team’s qualification to the World Cup knockoutsCredit: Twitter @FootballSenegal
    Senegal made it through to the World Cup’s Last 16 after beat EcuadorCredit: Getty
    Fan footage from the African nation’s capital Dakar showed Senegalese supporters erupting after the final whistle.
    Fans watched their country’s clash with Gustavo Alfaro’s men from a giant screen outdoors and let out a huge roar at full-time.
    They all then started singing and dancing on the streets while kids were shown hopping around in jubilation.
    Another clip showed fans driving on the streets in Qatar with Senegalese flags and then joining up with others to celebrate.
    Read More on World Cup
    Senegal made it out of Group A alongside table toppers Netherlands, who beat hosts Qatar 2-0 thanks to goals by Cody Gakpo and Frenkie de Jong.
    Aliou Cisse’s men managed to make it to the knockout stages without star man Sadio Mane, who was sidelined just before their World Cup opener due to a knee injury.
    Senegal did it in rather dramatic fashion against Ecuador, who temporarily equalised on 67 minutes with Brighton’s Moises Caicedo who cancelled out Watford’ Ismaila Sarr’s opener.
    But Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly sealed the crucial three points just three minutes after Caicedo’s equaliser.
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    Senegal look set to face England in the Last 16 of the World CupCredit: Twitter @FootballSenegal
    Senegal are now set to face the winner of Group B, with England being the likeliest opponent.
    The Three Lions will finish first if they beat Wales and a draw would also suit them.
    That is if Iran don’t beat USA in the other match of the group that takes place at the same time. More

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    World Cup 2022 – Wales 0 England 3 LIVE REACTION: Rejuvenated Rashford sends England into last-16 clash against Senegal

    ENGLAND cruised through to the knockout phase thanks to two goals from Marcus Rashford and one from Phil Foden.After an uneventful first half, the Three Lions scored two in quick succession to put Gareth Southgate’s men firmly in charge.
    Welsh star Gareth Bale was replaced by Brennan Johnson at half-time and it all fell apart for Wales in the second half.
    England head into the last-16, where they will face Senegal after the AFCON Champions finished runners up in Group A.

    Kick-off: 7pm GMT
    TV channel: BBC One
    Live stream: BBC iPlayer,
    Radio commentary: Live on talkSPORT
    Group B: LIVE TABLE
    England XI: Pickford, Walker, Maguire, Stones, Shaw, Henderson, Rice, Bellingham, Rashford, Kane, Foden
    Wales XI: Ward, Mepham, Rodon, Davies, Williams, Ampadu, Allen, Ramsey, James, Bale, Moore
    Explainer: How can Wales AND England qualify from Group B?

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    Stay up to date with all the latest from the Group B clash…
    Fans continue celebrations into night
    In Qatar and back home England, fans are still absorbing the feeling of progressing to the last 16 as well as the local tipples.
    There will be some sore heads in works tomorrow for sure.
    Few days off then you have to go all again Sunday.
    Monday’s hangover is a problem for another day.
    Credit: Getty
    Credit: Alamy
    Credit: Alamy
    Mission accomplished for manager
    Gareth Southgate spoke about what he looked to change at half-time in the game today:
    “We wanted a bit more thrust and threat in the final third, play forward a little bit quicker.”
    And his thoughts on match-winner Marcus Rashford:
    “It’s great for him. He has trained really well. He could have had a hat-trick, the free-kick, that is what he is all about. It is incredible really.”
    Gareth vows to fight on
    Wales captain Gareth Bale admitted his team have had a disappointing World Cup campaign.
    But Bale, 33, told the BBC: “We should be proud to have made the World Cup.”
    “We’d have loved to have played better and created more chances.”
    “It just didn’t happen for us at this World Cup. It’s been difficult, this tournament. We haven’t played very well.”
    “But we played with our hearts and gave everything.”
    Bale claimed he is committed to continuing his international career – for as long as he can and is still wanted.
    Credit: PA
    Bookies slash odds for Three Lions
    Coral slashed the odds on the Three Lions winning the tournament to 8-1 alongside Argentina – behind Brazil, France and Spain.
    Coral’s John Hill said: “It was straightforward for England in the end in their final game in Group B, and as a result of that impressive performance, they have been trimmed in the outright market to 8/1.”
    “England are warm favourites to get past Senegal in the last 16. They are odds-on to win that game in 90 minutes on Sunday evening.”
    World Cup outright: 5-2 Brazil, 5 France, 13-2 Spain, 8 Argentina, England, 11 Portugal, 12 Portugal, 14 Netherlands, 40 Bar.
    Rashford tribute for friend
    England hero Marcus Rashford has revealed that his goal celebration after his first goal against Wales tonight was for a friend who tragically lost his life only days earlier.
    The Man Utd attacker pointed towards the skies after his opening goal this evening.
    Rashford put a match-winning performance in for Gareth Southgate’s side to book their place in the last 16.
    Credit: AP
    Players spend time with families
    With the game done and dusted, the players get chance to catch up with girlfriends and families.
    Chance for some downtime before returning to the bubble of their training camps.
    The fans do not stay behind inspired by their Japanese counterparts however.
    Credit: PA
    Credit: PA
    Credit: Getty
    England fans celebrate qualification
    Up and down the country, fans enjoy having their progress to the last 16 confirmed as they finish top of the group.
    Victory over Wales leaving them two points clear of USA in second.
    Senegal now wait in the last 16.
    Credit: Alamy
    Credit: Alamy
    Credit: Alamy
    Lions set to maul Al Khor
    The Three Lions will now fight it out with The Lions of Teranga on Sunday at the Al Bayt Stadium in the last 16.
    Senegal beat Ecuador 2-1 to book their place as runners-up of Group A.
    Gareth Southgate’s side will be focussed on progressing to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
    The people of Senegal took to the streets earlier to celebrate their qualification.

    Final tale of the tape
    Here are the final standings in Group B.
    England progress as group winners.
    Wales are eliminated from the tournament.
    Credit: @FIFAWorldCup
    End of an era for Wales
    With the World Cup played every four years, the harsh reality looms for Welsh fans that for some of their players this will be their final swansong.
    The likes of Hennessey, Bale, Ramsey and Joe Allen have probably played their last World Cup game for their country.
    Wales now need to focus on the new breed of Welsh talent coming through to replace the old guard.
    Credit: Getty
    Nothing Rash about this performance
    The Man Utd attacker showed what he was all about this evening with his display from start to finish.
    He was a thorn in Wales’ side and any time he looked to cut in from the left, he looked dangerous.
    Rounding his performance off with two goals, unlucky to not get a third.

    World Cup first for Qatar
    Marcus Rashford scored the first free-kick of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
    Danny Ward will be criticised for getting beaten on his own side and not trusting his wall but Rashford drilled the ball into the top corner.
    The last free kick scored at a World Cup before Rashford’s was actually scored by Kieran Trippier.
    Must be something in the training methods.
    Credit: Getty
    Chance given and taken
    Many people were calling for the introduction of Phil Foden into this England team after the drab stalemate with USA.
    Both players given the chance to perform tonight, took the bull by the horns and showed their manager why they should be in the team.
    Marcus Rashford starred this evening, bagging two goals for himself in the process.
    Man City’s Foden grabbed a goal in between the two goals scored by Rashford.
    A real Manchester affair for England tonight.
    Credit: Getty
    FT: Wales 0-3 England
    The result is a fair reflection on the difference in quality between the two sides this evening.
    Once talisman Gareth Bale came off at half-time, the chances of seeing Wales cause an upset seemed to disappear.
    England dominated from start to finish and in the second half, back it up with some goals.

    FT: Wales 0-3 England
    The referee brings the game to a close.
    England are through to the last 16 of the World Cup 2022.
    They will face Senegal in the next round.
    Wales head home.
    Wales 0-3 England
    90+2. Some sloppy defending again by Wales eventually conceding a corner.
    The ball comes in deep and Maguire heads it back towards goal.
    It drops to Stones three yards out, in the middle of the goal, unmarked.
    Somehow he puts it two yards over the bar when it looked more difficult than scoring.
    Wales 0-3 England
    90. We are going to have four additional minutes.
    The token Jack Grealish foul is officially out of the way.
    Such is the style of the Man City attacker, he really does get kicked a lot.
    Wales 0-3 England
    88. England would like one more goal to really put the icing on this performance today.
    Wales look ready for the final whistle now.
    Callum Wilson is putting the Welsh defence under pressure trying to sniff out a goal for himself.
    Wales 0-3 England
    86. England are looking to manage the remainder of the game.
    Passing the ball around not looking to press forward much.
    Wales win the ball and break, Keiffer Moore tries to bend one in the top corner but the ball goes well wide.
    Credit: Reuters
    Wales 0-3 England
    84. There is nothing worse than travelling home from a game after your side has lost.
    Let alone if the trip home is close to 8,000km.
    England fans continue to sing ‘God Save The King’.
    Wales 0-3 England
    82. Gareth Southgate will be pleased with this performance.
    They have controlled the game from start to finish.
    Pickford could have been writing his memoirs for most of the game.
    More importantly, they have scored goals too.
    Wales 0-3 England
    80. Ruben Colwill replaces Joe Allen.
    We are into the last ten minutes of the game.
    It has kind of ended as a contest now.
    Wales 0-3 England
    78. Harry Wilson comes on for Dan James.
    Ramsey gives the ball away to Wilson.
    He looks set to score England’s fourth but Ward saves well, Wilson cannot direct the rebound towards goal but Foden slices wide of goal.
    The replay shows Roden did well to put Foden off.
    Credit: Reuters
    Wales 0-3 England
    76. Marcus Rashford comes off to an applause as he is replaced by Jack Grealish.
    Not what tiring legs would want to see this late in the game.
    Chance for the City attacker to stake a claim for a starting spot.
    Wales 0-3 England
    74. Wales come forward, still looking to reduce the deficit.
    The atmosphere has completely died here now.
    Thoughts of a long trip back to Cardiff Airport sinks home for many.
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    Gareth Bale hooked at half-time after just EIGHT touches despite Wales needing winner in England clash at World Cup

    GARETH BALE was hooked at half-time as Wales were dumped out of the World Cup by England.The Dragons’ main man was seen holding an ice pack on his calf after being replaced by Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson.
    Gareth Bale was taken off after 45 minutesCredit: Alamy
    He was seen with an ice pack on his legCredit: Getty
    Bale’s touch map shows how he did not impact the game
    Bale, 33, scored Wales’ only goal of the tournament when he converted a penalty in the draw versus USA.
    But he only touched the ball EIGHT times in a goalless first half in Tuesday crunch clash before England rampaged to a comfortable 3-0 win.
    And in those eight touches he lost the ball five times.
    Bale attempted four passes completing just one, and failed to have a shot.
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    Despite an ineffective showing, fans were left stunned by Bale’s early exit with Wales needing a moment of magic to avoid going home.
    Marcus Rashford hit twice either side of a Phil Foden strike as England booked their spot in the last-16 as group winners and Wales crashed out.
    And many feared they may NEVER see Bale in a Wales shirt again.
    However, after the game he calmed fears he was going to retire from international duty.
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    Wales next face Croatia in March when qualification for Euro 2024 begins. 
    Bale said: “I hope to be there. 
    “I’ll keep going as long as I can and as long as I’m wanted.”
    On their terrible tournament, he added: “It’s been difficult and we haven’t played very well. 
    “But we’re all very proud of what we’ve achieved to get here, to do something only one other Welsh team has done, to have qualified.” More

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    USA hero Christian Pulisic rushed to hospital after sickening clash scoring winner in World Cup clash with Iran

    CHRISTIAN PULISIC fired the USA to the knockout stages of the World Cup with a crucial first-half goal against Iran – but he soon found himself in the hospital.The Chelsea winger struck in the 38th minute to send the Yanks into the last 16 for only the fifth time in their history.
    Christian Pulisic put the USA on the brink of the last-16 with the opener against IranCredit: REX
    But the Chelsea ace ended up suffering an injury that led to his withdrawal at half timeCredit: AP
    The 25-year-old was taken to hospital after the match for further assessmentCredit: GETTY
    Pulisic tapped home from inside the six-yard box after getting on the end of a headed cross from Sergino Dest – a strike which proved to be the only goal of the goal.
    The goal, however, came at a cost to the 24-year-old – who injured his abdomen in the process.
    The Blues ace was subbed at half-time after being assessed by team doctors.
    And he was taken to the hospital for further assessment after the match.
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    The severity of Pulisic’s injury is not yet known, although the Americans will be sweating over his fitness ahead of their clash with the Netherlands on Saturday.
    The Americans finished second in Group B – two points behind first-placed England.
    They were level on points with the Three Lions at halftime but were in second place due to Gareth Southgate’s troops’ superior goal difference.
    But a second-half double from Marcus Rashford and a Phil Foden strike saw England pull away from Gregg Berhalter’s side.
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    Speaking ahead of the match, Berhalter said of the Iran clash “When I think about this match, I know that a lot of other constituents have another feeling towards it, but for us, it is a soccer game against a good team.
    “It’s not much more.
    “It’s a knockout game, both teams want to go to the next round and are desperate to go to the next round – and that’s how we’re looking at this match.
    “We are very focused on what we do as a team, as are they.”
    He added: “I don’t want to sound aloof or not caring, but the guys have worked really hard for the last four years.
    “We have 72 hours between England and Iran. We really are just focused on how to get past Iran to go to the knockout stage of the tournament.
    “Of course, our thoughts are with the people, the whole country, the whole team, everyone – but our focus is on this match.
    “We are not looking backwards – there is no talk about the performance against Wales or England now.
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    Christian Pulisic is a doubt for the USA’s last 16 clash with the NetherlandsCredit: GETTY
    “It is really focused on how we can be successful against Iran, and what I see from the group is this tremendous amount of focus, there is no real distractions.
    “I know there is a lot going on here, but the group is focused on how do we get a way (into the last 16).” More

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    Wales star Neco Williams forced off injured after blocking Marcus Rashford’s shot during England vs Wales at World Cup

    WALES star Neco Williams had to be subbed off after taking a Marcus Rashford shot to the face. The full-back blocked an attempt at goal by the England winger with his head before falling back needing treatment.
    🗣️ “That’s like taking a blow from a middleweight”Neco Williams makes way for Connor Roberts after blocking this Marcus Rashford shot with his head.#BBCWorldCup #BBCFootball— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 29, 2022

    Neco Williams suffered concussion after blocking Marcus Rashford’s strikeCredit: Getty
    The ball hit the top of his head and he had to go offCredit: Reuters
    The 21-year-old looked dazed and was on the deck for two minutes.
    He tried to carry on but just a minute later he was substituted with concussion as Connor Roberts replaced him after 36 minutes.
    Fans felt sorry for him with one tweeting: “Feel bad for Neco Williams, kid was desperate to stay on.”
    Another said: “Williams injured. The one thing nobody wanted to happen.”
    READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
    It proved to be his last action of the World Cup as Wales crashed out of the tournament after picking up just one point and losing to England 3-0.
    Williams started all three of the Dragons’ group matches.
    The Nottingham Forest ace made the headlines after the 1-1 draw to USA as he burst into tears at the end of the game.
    He revealed his grandad died the day before his nation’s first match. in the competition.
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    As the camera followed Williams off the pitch, he said into the lens: “That was for you, grandad.”
    The defender then took to social media to reveal his loved one passed away saying it was the “toughest news” he’s ever received after getting a call from his mum.
    Williams continued: “To go from crying all day to start in a World Cup game was extremely tough but I got through it from the support of my teammates and family.
    “So I dedicate that game and an important point to him.” More