Doha ∙ After a goalless first half, two goals were scored in just 98 seconds…! Soon the third goal; Having learned from their unexpected draw against the United States, England went into the decider at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium with a sensational victory over Wales and a place before the quarterfinals. England defeated Wales with three one-sided goals to go into the pre-quarters. Marcus Rashford scored twice for England. Rashford’s goals came in the 50th and 68th minutes. Foden also scored in the 51st minute.
With the win, England moved into the quarter-finals as Group B top seeds. England’s opponent is Group A runners-up Senegal in the pre-quarter on 4 December. In another simultaneous group match, the USA also reached the quarterfinals after defeating Iran with a one-sided goal. Opponents the United States will be Group A champions the Netherlands in their pre-quarter match on December 3.
∙ The way the goals came
England’s first goal: Their first goal came from a free-kick for England in the 50th minute. Marcus Rashford took the free kick 20 yards from the post after Roden brought down Phil Foden near the box. Marcus Rashford’s shot cleared the Welsh players’ defensive wall in front of the post. Score 1–0.
England’s second goal: Phil Foden scored England’s second goal in the next minute after taking the free kick which led to the opening goal. The second goal came at a time when Wales’ experienced defense was vulnerable. Harry Kane capitalized on a mistake by Davies down the right wing and a brilliant finish by Phil Foden with a parallel cross to the post. Score 2-0.
England’s third goal: After the second goal, the manager made four changes to England’s line-up. This was followed up by England’s third goal. Marcus Rashford scored from a pass from substitute Calvin Phillips. Calvin Phillips’s long cross from his own half into the Wales half. Rashford grabbed the ball after beating the Welshman. Then a brilliant volley into the box with nice movement. The ball went through Danny Ward’s legs and kissed the net. Score 3-0.
∙ Goalless first half
In the first half, England were far ahead in possession and attack, and Wales fought back with tough defence. Marcus Rashford squandered a golden first-half opportunity which was a setback for England. Rashford latched onto skipper Harry Kane’s pass and was unable to beat Wales number two goalkeeper Danny Ward.
In the 10th minute of the match, Rashford squandered the chance the England fans scored. Harry Kane’s through ball saw Rashford break through the Wales defense in the box. However, goalkeeper Danny Ward, who stepped up after smelling the hazard, parried the ball and parried the hazard. In the 38th minute, after a good play, Phil Foden also cleared the ball in the center of the box.
At the same time, Joe Allen also squandered an opportunity for Wales in added time. Number 2 goalkeeper Danny Ward will keep the net for Wales in the deciding match while Wayne Hennessey is suspended after being sent off for a red card in the match against Iran. Connor Robertson replaces Nico Williams who was injured in the first half for Wales.
∙ Second goal half
In addition to the three goals England scored in the second half, there were also narrow goals conceded. After taking a two-goal lead, Southgate made three changes to the England lineup. Kyle Walker, Harry Kane and Declan Rice have been replaced by Alexander Arnold, Callum Wilson and Calvin Phillips. Luke Shaw was soon replaced by Kieron Trippier.
Rashford once again came close in the 72nd minute but was denied by a brilliant save from Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward. Ward caught a pass from Callum Wilson and parried Rashford’s shot with his boot. Subsequently, Ward effectively blocked Bellingham’s low ball. Foden’s missed touch on the rebound also reduced the weight of Wales’ defeat.
The Wales manager made three changes to the side that lost to Iran in their last match. England coach Gareth Southgate has made four changes. Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford and Henderson made the starting XI while Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka and Kieran Trippier were substituted.
English summary: England vs Wales FIFA World Cup 2022, Live Scores
