World Cup

MARCUS RASHFORD celebrated his brilliant opener for England against Wales with a poignant tribute to a lost pal.The Three Lions ace scored twice in the 3-0 win that sent Gareth Southgate’s side into the World Cup knockout stages.
Marcus Rashford celebrated after his first goal by paying tribute to a friend who recently lost their battle with cancerCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Rashford knelt down and pointed to the sky with his eyes closedCredit: Getty
Rashford scored twice in the 3-0 win over WalesCredit: AP
His first was a stunning free-kick from range that gave Wales keeper Danny Ward no chance.
And Rashford celebrated the strike by kneeling down and pointing to the sky with his eyes closed.
Speaking after the game, Rashford revealed the celebration was in honour of a friend who sadly died just days before the match.
He said of his recent heartbreak: “Unfortunately I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago.
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“He’s had quite a long battle with cancer so I’m pleased that I managed to score for him.
“He’s always been a big supporter of mine, he was just a great person that I’m pleased to have come into my life really.”
Rashford now has his eyes on World Cup glory after helping the Three Lions to victory.
The 25-year-old claimed Southgate’s side have a squad “capable of challenging” for the entire tournament.
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When asked if his goal was the happiest moment of his career, Rashford responded: “I think for me winning trophies has always been the happiest moment on the pitch for me.
“I feel like the ambition in the squad is really good. We have a good mix of qualities.
“We have a really good squad and a squad that is definitely capable of challenging to win the tournament.
“I’m hoping that we can build on this type of performance, keep improving and keep scoring goals and showing our qualities.”
Skipper Harry Kane set up Phil Foden for England’s second just one minute after Rashford’s opener.
Rashford then rounded off the win by netting his second in the 68th minute.
The Manchester United ace now has three goals in just three games this World Cup.
He is the joint top-scorer in Qatar and is in with a shot of winning the golden boot – despite starting just one game so far.
But his performance tonight will make him hard to drop.
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Victory for the Three Lions against rivals Wales sent them through as Group B winners.
Southgate and Co now face Senegal on Sunday in the last 16.
Rashford marked his first start of the World Cup with two goalsCredit: Getty
Phil Foden also scored in his first start of the tournamentCredit: Getty More

THE YANKS certainly needed some Dutch courage to get through this one.And as a reward, this gutsy, young United States side get to take on Holland in the last 16 as Christian Pulisic got back in the goals.
Christian Pulisic scored and got injured in the processCredit: AP
The goal sparked jubilant scenes within the goal as Pulisic remained on the deckCredit: Getty
USA’s players went wild when the final whistle wentCredit: AFP
USA last made it out the group in 2014Credit: Reuters
Their knock-out stage deciding clash with Iran was geared up as one of the most politically charged games at a World Cup since they last met back at France ’98.
On that occasion, 24 years ago, white roses were exchanged as a peace offering from Team Melli, and an iconic pre-match photo taken. For a brief moment, conflict was put aside.
And the build-up to this one was certainly a throwback to those relation-severing days.
Tense press conferences. Flag-defacing controversy. Verbal and online daggers tossed. There were even demands to have the other kicked out of the competition completely.
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The atmosphere inside the Al Thumama Stadium was a stunning assault on the ears, and one of the best we have witnessed at Qatar so far.
The Iran end was reminiscent of the vuvuzelas of South Africa 2010. It really was non-stop for 90 minutes.
But thankfully, it was not – on the face of it – because of politics, flags or hate-fuelled wars. Instead, two nations, two sets of fans, just desperate to win a game of football.
History awaited both Iran and USA. The former hoping to qualify for the knock-outs for the first time.
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Yet it was the latter who seized the moment thanks to Pulisic’s bundled-home finish on the brink of half time.
A deserving opener for their dominance, ensuring the Stars ‘n’ Stripes reached the Last 16 – alongside England – for a third successive time at a World Cup.
The task for Gregg Berhalter’s side to escape Group B was a simple one: win.
That was never going to be easy against this resolute Iran outfit, making their aggressive, ballsy, and at times mesmeric performance all the more impressive.
Carlos Queiroz can be proud of how his side battled until the end, especially considering the tragic unrest and danger his players’ own families and friends find themselves in back home.
But for all Iran’s late pressure to clinch the point they needed, the United States, as they have been throughout this group stage, were just too good.
Skipper Tyler Adams, who had been forced to respond to incensed Iranian journalists the day before, was a titan in midfield. Tim Ream, at 35 years of age, a colossus at the back.
Weston McKennie, sensational. And Pulisic – Captain America himself – looks to finally be stepping out of Chelsea’s shadow with his first goal at a World Cup finals.
Berhalter made a bold call to drop Walker Zimmerman for Cameron Carter-Vickers in defence, as well as bringing back Josh Sargent, after holding off the Three Lions.
Yet the changes were seamless. Yunus Musah’s early cross saw Pulisic test the returning keeper Alireza Beiranvand after his broken nose and concussion in the opener.
Yet it was McKennie who was pulling the strings from deep. His inch-perfect chip to Sergino Dest was cushioned across the six-yard box. Pulisic could not miss. The pressure finally paid off.
Had USA been more clinical, this game would have been out of sight at the break. Sargent and Tim Weah fluffed a quick break before Weah’s slotted finish was pulled back for offside.
Those wasted efforts encouraged Iran to throw the kitchen sink after the break, for the goal that would send them through.
The States, just like they did against Wales, dropped deeper and deeper to cling onto their lead.
A nervy ending saw a late penalty call after Carter-Vickers looked to have pulled back Mehdi Taremi was quickly waved away by ref Antonio Mateu Lahoz.
But the second youngest squad at this World Cup march onwards, daring to venture into territory not experienced since 2002 where they tasted the quarter finals.
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A common theme of Berhalter’s messaging this tournament has been about embracing pressure and changing the globe’s perception of football across the pond.
Unlike previous generations, they are certainly doing that. Watch out, Oranjes.
USA face Netherlands in the next roundCredit: Reuters
It’s heartbreak for Iran who are again knocked out in the group stagesCredit: Reuters More

ENGLAND sealed their spot in the last 16 of the World Cup with a thumping win over Wales.And Manchester United man Marcus Rashford proved to be the star of the show in the 3-0 slaying of The Dragons.
Marcus Rashford opened the scoring in the second half with a superb free kickCredit: REX
Phil Foden bagged England’s second three minutes after Rashford broke the deadlockCredit: GETTY
Rashford bagged his second and England’s third in the 68th minuteCredit: AP
The 25-year-old bagged a second-half brace to become the tournament’s joint top goalscorer along with Kylian Mbappe, Enner Valencia and Cody Gakpo.
Manchester City ace Phil Foden struck two minutes after Rashford’s first to make sure of the victory and seal top spot for Gareth Southgate’s troops.
The Three Lions’ mauling of the Welsh saw them top Group B with seven points to their names.
And it’s teed up a clash with Group A runners-up Senegal on Sunday evening.
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ENGLAND RATINGS
JORDAN PICKFORD – 6
A first-half spectator apart from playing keep-ball with his centre backs.
Coped well with Maguire deflecting Kieffer Moore’s effort, but that was about it.
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KYLE WALKER – 6
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Decent return. Combative and prepared to be enterprising, stepping up into midfield or putting in crosses. Understandably ran out of gas and went off before the hour.
JOHN STONES – 6
Coped easily with Wales’ so-called attack yet was not quite as effective on the ball and missed a great late chance. Looks in good nick, but tougher nights are ahead.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
Lost the odd aerial duel to Kieffer Moore but with no impact and was otherwise effective. Attempted some long diagonals to vary England’s game.
LUKE SHAW – 6
Untroubled in defence. May feel he should have done better from his set-pieces and crossing opportunities. Did enough to keep his place.

JORDAN HENDERSON – 5
Unfairly criticised before, but gave the doubters some more ammunition. Tried his heart out as ever but very little that he did came off.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Had a much easier time than against the USA and gave England a platform to build from. Given a well-earned rest once the game was won.
PHIL FODEN – 8
After a slow start, England’s most wanted justified his selection and then some.
Dangerous off both flanks and took his goal neatly. Hard to leave out now.
JUDE BELLINGHAM – 7
Not a Rolls Royce as against Iran, but purred nicely along in a less flashy supporting role, especially in the second half as England went up a gear.
Wales Player RatingsHere SunSport’s Oscar Paul delivers his Wales player ratings…
DANNY WARD – 5/10
Out in a flash to deny Marcus Rashford early on. Nowhere near Rashford’s free-kick and had no chance for Phil Foden’s, but should have done better for third. 
NECO WILLIAMS – 6 
Knocked into next week by Rashford’s thunderbolt following a solid start. Played on for 14 minutes before being replaced by Connor Roberts. 
CHRIS MEPHAM – 5
Held firm with centre-back partner Joe Rodon for 45 minutes but he and the defence fell apart in a calamitous second half.  
JOE RODON – 4
Dealt with Harry Kane OK but had no answer when Foden was charging his way. Gave the free-kick away on the Man City ace which led to England’s opener. 
BEN DAVIES – 4
Plenty of early space down Wales’ left which England could not exploit. Rashford picked his pocket for the second to cap a horror night. Subbed soon after. 
ETHAN AMPADU – 6
The only one who can leave Wales’ disastrous World Cup with head held high. Battled all night yet given no support by those around him. 
JOE ALLEN – 4
No surprise to see a Championship midfielder past his sell-by date given the runaround. Got stuck in on his first start since September but gave the ball away too often. 
GARETH BALE – 3
Anonymous. Again. Hooked at the break following just seven forgettable touches. The King of Wales’ reign is over. A woeful end to a terrible tournament. 
AARON RAMSEY – 4
Just his latest shocker – not that anyone was surprised. Long past his best, Rob Page was loyal to a fault persevering. Wales must surely move on from Bale and Ramsey. 
DAN JAMES – 5
Typical Dan James: Loads of energy but no composure or end product. Flashed one just wide after England’s second but the game was gone. Frustrating as ever. 
KIEFFER MOORE – 5
The big man could not make anything stick for Wales to build around. Deflected shot when 2-0 was the closest Wales came. A stroll in the desert for Harry Maguire and John Stones. 
Subs: 
CONNOR ROBERTS (for Williams, 36mins) – 5
Big block moments after coming on when England looked in but was done all end’s up down left for Rashford’s second. 
BRENNAN JOHNSON (for Bale, 46mins) – 5
A thankless task given Wales were 2-0 down six minutes after he came on. Harried but could not rouse a beaten side. 
JOE MORRELL (for Davies, 59mins) – 4
Could not stop the flow of England chances in the last 30 minutes.
HARRY WILSON (for James, 77mins) – 5
No time to change anything but showed nothing earlier in the tournament to suggest he should have started. 
RUBIN COLWILL (for Allen, 81mins) – 5 
Thrown in for his first taste of the World Cup. Not sure that’s how he would have dreamt it.

MARCUS RASHFORD – 9 – STAR MAN
Faded in the first half after an early chance was saved.
But turned his and England’s night around with a fabulous opener. Stole the ball for a second, and scored third.
HARRY KANE – 7
Created an early chance and teed up Foden superbly for the quickfire second goal.
Still looked a bit leggy so no surprise to see him go off to save energy for knockouts.

SUBSTITUTES
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD (for Walker, 58mins) – 6
Neat and tidy first appearance of the tournament.
KALVIN PHILLIPS (for Rice, 58mins) – 7
Impressive comeback, good pass to set up third
CALLUM WILSON (for Kane, 58mins) – 6
Energetic and played nice and high.
KIERAN TRIPPIER (for Shaw, 65mins)
Did the necessary, showed he can be a left-sided option.
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JACK GREALISH (for Rashford, 76mins) – 6
Kept possession well to close out the game. More

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.
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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. 
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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

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.
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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