Pointless hosts reduced to Dutch orange squash in Group A

The Netherlands needed just one Group A point for mathematical certainty of promotion to the Round of 16.

They did far better than that, ambling to a 2-0 victory over hosts Qatar, who held out until the 25^th minute when on-form PSV striker Cody Gakpo drove unchecked through a trio of defenders to slide the ball into the far corner from the edge of the box – his third goal at this World Cup.

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Sensational Senegal win see-saw struggle to expel Ecuador

All’s well that ends well, and the Senegalese camp survived a ding-dong date with destiny as they beat Ecuador in the race for promotion from Group A to the knockout stage at World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

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Ineffective Wales harpooned by English sharpshooters

England, boasting the highest goal tally so far, advanced to the knockout platform.

England were never in danger of losing this one and Wales were never in line to win it.
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Captain America sends Iran packing

Iran needed just one point from a draw to go through, and it seemed they had set up to do exactly that, with little emphasis on attack – or perhaps keeping it tight and relying on breakaways.

They did, in fact, create an early chance, but were unable to prevent going behind when the USA skipper Christian Pulisic capped off a super move as Weston McKennie fed Sergiño Dest on the right and he headed it across goal where Captain America bundled into the net at great personal cost.

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