World Cup

ENGLAND have confirmed their place in the last-16, where they will face Senegal.Gareth Southgate’s men came out 3-0 victors over Wales as they secured their spot at the top of Group B.
This will see them face Senegal, who came out victorious against Ecuador earlier in the day, while the Netherlands face the USA in the other confirmed last=16 clash.
Southgate’s side will be hoping to progress past the AFCON Champions as they look to mount an impressive run in the 2022 World Cup.

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US matchwinner Pulisic ‘not keen on move’
Christian Pulisic hopes to stay at Chelsea despite links to Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle.
That’s according to Sky Sport News’ Florian Plettenberg amid claims the Blues might be willing to cash in on the fringe attacker, who put the USA into the World Cup last 16 with the only goal against Iran.
Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keen on reuniting with the 24-year-old, with Liverpool mentioned too.
Plettenberg described the rumours as “not hot” and posted: “Been told that he wants to stay at #CFC in winter.”
You can milk victory
Gareth Southgate has promised his England players they can kick back with a MILKSHAKE on their day off on Wednesday as reward for setting up a last-16 clash with Senegal, writes TOM BARCLAY.
Four years ago the Three Lions boss allowed his squad to have a few beers after making it out of the group at the Russia World Cup.
But with Qatar’s alcohol stocks as dry as a Middle-Eastern desert, the players will have to stick to milky soft drinks instead while they relax after sealing safe passage to the knockouts.
Boss Southgate joked: “We’ve got loads of milkshake back at the hotel!
“Everything is different here, isn’t it? We’re embracing it.
“We love our base camp, the people who are operating the hotel are fabulous. We’re enjoying each other’s company, the players are really tight.
“They get a day off now. They need that breather. They don’t have to look at our faces, which I’m sure they’re delighted with.
“We can start to prepare for the knockout round. The big business starts now, really.”
Pulisic celebrates from hospital bed
Christian Pulisic was forced to watch the end of USA’s nervy clash with Iran from a hospital bed after injuring himself netting the winner.
The Chelsea winger grabbed the only goal of the game in the 38th minute, which included a painful collision with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
After several minutes of treatment, Pulisic was taken off at half time, and went to hospital soon after having complained of dizziness and abdominal pain.

Yet he soon posted a picture of himself on social media lying in a hospital bed celebrating the win after keeping track of the score on his phone.
And ‘Captain America’ has assured worried USA fans that he will be fine for their last-16 clash with Holland on Saturday.
Boss Gregg Berhalter explained: “He was taken to hospital as a precaution. He was feeling some dizziness and suffered an abdominal injury. We facetimed him after from the locker room [at full-time]. We got to see him and he is in good spirits.
“My guess is he brought his phone with him and he was just updating one of these football score apps.
“Christian makes those sorts of runs. That’s what he does and that’s the special quality he has. He makes it really difficult for defenders.”
Pulisic posted on social media: “So proud of my guys. I’ll be ready for Saturday, don’t worry.”
Out of Line
Gary Lineker couldn’t help but take a sly dig at ITV after revealing they’ll broadcast England’s World Cup last 16 tie with Senegal.
England booked their place in the knockout stages of the tournament with a 3-0 win over Wales on Tuesday night.

And BBC host Lineker stunned fans by publicly plugging ITV’s coverage of Sunday’s match against Senegal.
The former Everton and Three Lions hitman said: “England finished top and will take on Senegal at 7pm on Sunday.
“And that’s on live on, well – uh – ITV. Oh well.”
Footy fans were quick to comment, with one saying: “Gary Lineker mentioning ITV, the forbidden door opens once again.”
And another said: “Can’t believe Gary Lineker said that Senegal vS England is on… ITV.”
One remarked: “Enjoyed Gary Lineker mentioning ITV just then.
“Think that might be the first time I’ve ever heard either channel acknowledge the fact that there’s another broadcaster showing the games they don’t have.”
Win, Lews or draw
Polish Wag Anna Lewandowska takes a hands-on approach to supporting her country.
The model, who posed in a printed bikini for swimwear brand Calzedonia, has been in Qatar cheering on her husband, Poland captain Robert Lewandowski.

The Barcelona striker will be hoping to get on the scoresheet again tonight as Poland take on Argentina at the 974 stadium.
Lewandowski secured their 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia, right, with a stunning goal in the 82nd minute.

He married martial arts guru Anna, who is a black belt in karate, in 2013.
The couple, both 34, share a daughter, Klara, five, together.

Ampadu in tears over exit
Wales star Ethan Ampadu broke down in tears after Wales were knocked out and demolished by England.
The Welsh were in the game at half-time before the Three Lions went up a gear and won convincingly 3-0.

Ampadu started all three of the Dragons’ group games but could not help them make it through to the knockout stages.
Wales picked up just one point as they finished bottom of Group B after a 64-year wait to be part of a World Cup.
As the final whistle went on their campaign in Qatar, Ampadu was seen crying into his shirt knowing his dream of progressing was over.
He sat on the pitch in disbelief as he was consoled by his teammates.
Three Lions players such as Harry Maguire, Kalvin Phillips and Jordan Henderson also went over to the 22-year-old to pick him up off the floor.
Jude: We got the balance right
Jude Bellingham believes England combined the best of their displays against Iran and the USA in the 3-0 win over Wales.
Marcus Rashford’s two solo specials and Phil Foden’s simple effort rewarded the Three Lions’ rampant second half as they topped the group and condemned the Dragons to bottom place.
And midfield general Bellingham, told BBC One: “I think what you saw in the first game was an attacking display, the second was defensive, this was a mix.
“It was good to tie them up today.”
Of Rashford’s opener, he said: “The free kick, in a game like this there is big pressure, the way he delivered was brilliant.”
And the Borussia Dortmund star praised England’s options going forward as Rashford and Foden came in for Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling.
Bellingham said: “We’ve got loads of attacking depth, whoever comes on makes an impact.
“The changes don’t change the style of the team. I’m really pleased for Phil, given the attention on the last few days.”
United and Liverpool linked to Caicedo
Man United have reportedly joined the race for Brighton and Ecuador star Moises Caicedo.
Sky Germany claims the Red Devils are ready to battle Chelsea for the box-to-box midfielder.
It’s reckoned United see Caicedo as an alternative to Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.
But rivals Liverpool are also interested in the youngster as they too search for a new midfielder.
Marcus celebration for tragic friend
Marcus Rashford’s celebration after scoring for England was a tribute to a friend who recently lost their battle with cancer.
The Three Lions ace scored twice in the 3-0 win over Wales.
His first was a stunning free-kick from range that gave Wales keeper Danny Ward no chance.

Rashford then 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 died just days before the match.
He said of his recent heartbreak: “Unfortunately I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago.
“He’s had quite a long battle with cancer so I’m pleased I managed to score for him.
“He’s always been a big supporter of mine, he was just a great person and I’m pleased he came into my life really.”

England cut to 8-1 to win World Cup
England have been cut to joint fourth favourites to win the World Cup and are 2-7 on to get past Senegal in the last 16.
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.
England vs Senegal – 90 mins: 8-13 England, 11-4 Draw, 9-2 Senegal.
England vs Senegal – to qualify: 2-7 England, 11-4 Senegal.
Gutted Bale vows to play on
Gareth Bale admits Wales have had a poor World Cup – but insists he won’t quit international football and they should be proud to have just qualified.
Losing 3-0 to England sent Wales home from Qatar with just one point from three group games.
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.
Southgate hails Foden and Rashford
England boss Gareth Southgate believes goal heroes Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden exploded into action after switching flanks.
Southgate rated Rashford’s free-kick opener in the 3-0 win against Wales as an “incredible strike”.
But he claimed the duo – recalled as England cruised into the last 16 – had been a bit “quiet” before the break.
England sub ratings
Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Walker, 58mins) – 6
Neat and tidy first appearance of 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 left-sided option
JACK GREALISH (for Rashford, 76mins) – 6
Kept possession well to close out game
Rest of the England starting XI ratings
PHIL FODEN – 8 
After 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.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 9 STAR MAN
Faded in first half after early chance was saved. But turned his and England’s night around with fabulous opener, stole ball for second, scored third.
HARRY KANE – 7
Created early chance and teed up Foden superbly for quickfire second goal. Still looked a bit leggy so no surprise to see him go off to save energy for knockouts.
More England ratings
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 USA and gave England a platform to build from. Given a well-earned rest once the game was won.  
England ratings vs Wales
Here’s how SunSport’s Dan King assessed the Three Lions after the 3-0 defeat of Wales.
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.
KYLE WALKER – 6
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
Cope easily with Wales’ so-called attack yet not quite as effective on the ball and missed 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. 
Rashford: We put it right
Two-goal England hero Marcus Rashford says the rout of Wales makes up for the bore draw with the USA.
The Manchester United striker told the BBC: “We were a little bit disappointed with the game against the  USA but we responded with a good performance.”
England and USA through
They were the best two teams in the group performance wise – but they went through in vastly contrasting ways tonight.
The Three Lions crushed a sorry Wales side 3-0 while the US clung on desperately to see off Iran 1-0.
Result: Iran 0 USA 1
The US deservedly join England in qualifying for the KO stages.
Christian Pulisic hammered their 38th minute winner as the Iranians failed to conjure a single effort on target.
Iran utterly dominated possession in the last quarter of an hour – plus the 10 minutes of stoppage time – but the Yanks defended well.
They did, though, survive huge shouts for a penalty in the TENTH MINUTE of time added on – as video replays denied them a spot-kick.
It means England top the group on seven points – so will face Senegal in the last 16.
The US came second on five points, with Iran on three and the woeful Welsh just one.
Iran 0 USA 1: HERE is our match blog for all the reaction.
Wales 0 England 3: All the reaction HERE with our match blog.
Result: Wales 0 England 3
England win the group and Wales finish bottom – summing up the gulf between the teams.
Marcus Rashford struck twice brilliantly and Phil Foden slipped in the second goals as England upped their domination with a second-half treble.
England cruising, USA edging it…
ENGLAND are 3-0 up against outclassed Wales in stoppage time – while the USA lead Iran 1-0 as they enter time added on.
That means the Three Lions topping the group, with Wales and Iran heading home.
Iran, in fact, have yet to have a shot on target – a dire stat when they need just a draw to go through.
Iran 0 USA 1: HERE is our match blog.
Wales 0 England 3: HERE is our match blog.
Gakpo and Frimpong ‘would cost £65m’
Cody Gakpo and Jeremie Frimpong would cost Manchester United around £65million together, reports suggest.
The Red Devils are favourites to land Holland’s PSV winger – for about £43m.
Uncapped Dutch anchorman Frimpong would be much cheaper – but Bayer Leverkusen are keen to keep him.
‘Don’t sign Cristiano’
Newcastle legend Chris Waddle insists his former club’s mega rich owners shouldn’t sign Cristiano Ronaldo after his dramatic Manchester United exit.
The ex-England winger Waddle insists the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wouldn’t fit Eddie Howe’s high pressing game and the Toon should instead look for younger talent.
The former England international expects the 37-year-old star forward to “see his days” abroad in a slower and more possession-based league.
Waddle told SunSport: “I think it would be great publicity for the owners and the club. Personally no, if you want to progress as a club I don’t think they should get Ronaldo.
“Yes, sign him to the end of the season but Callum Wilson is doing ever so well. Would you leave Callum Wilson out? Ronaldo wants to play, Ronaldo’s not gonna sit on the bench. For me it’s a no no.
“I think we will see Cristiano Ronaldo going off abroad and I think that’s where he will see his days. I think he’s done with England.
“He’d have to play as a centre-forward, you couldn’t play him anywhere else at the minute. Newcastle press and they work very very hard. If you watch Newcastle, they press, they play high. That’s not Ronaldo’s game.
“So I don’t think he’d be a great fit. I’m sure he’d score goals cause he will score goals wherever he goes. He’s a great player, still a good player today. But I think he’ll end up going somewhere where it’s more possession based, slower league; I think that would suit Ronaldo.”
Latest: Iran 0 USA 1
Iran have threatened little in the second half – despite knowing an equaliser would put them through ahead of the Yanks.
Iran 0 USA 1: HERE is our match blog.
GOAL: Wales 0 England 3
Marcus Rashford slalomed in from the right to fire home a left-footer at the near post.
A brilliant team goal.
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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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