Straight talk time: the battle between England and U.S.A. at the Al Bayt Stadium was far from the most entertaining thing seen in the Qatari World Cup so far. However, both sides can be happy with this nil-nil draw after all.
Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions took a step back after thrashing Iran in their first game but virtually achieved qualification to the next round. They should lose by at least 5-0 to Wales in their final game on Tuesday to risk being eliminated. Let’s just say that it looks improbable.
The U.S.A., on the other hand, maintained their tradition that sees them never losing against England in a World Cup. All in all, they did something more than the Brits to break the deadlock but ultimately could not find the net.
Juventus’ Weston McKennie will have on his conscience a gigantic chance he squandered in the first half, while Christian Pulisic did the best thing in the game with a terrific left foot volley that slammed against the crossbar.
Team U.S.A. will have to put their qualification chances at stake in a highly sensitive match-up against Iran. They have no other options than beating the Asians while a draw could be enough for Carlos Queiroz’s Team Melli.
England had a better start but their initial pressure quickly faded. Harry Kane had a chance early on from a Bukayo Saka pass, but his conclusion was blocked by defender Walker Zimmerman with a desperate slide tackle.
The U.S. gained more confidence in the middle of the first half. On 32 minutes, Timothy Weah picked McKennie in the middle of the box but the Juve man fired the ball into the stands as he shot basically from the penalty spot. Then, Pulisic’s effort from the edge of the box should have had a better outcome.
The Chelsea striker came close to write his name to the scorecard again with a header that sailed off target, while England replied with a Mason Mount shot that was finely saved by the US goalie Matt Turner.
The second half saw both coaches rotate their offensive options to no avail. There were no real scoring chances to report as the match became a physical affair and in the last quarter of the game the two sides appeared fine with just salvaging one point each.
MATCH SCORECARD
November 25, 2022 – FIFA World Cup Group B
ENGLAND – U.S.A. 0-0
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ENGLAND (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Bellingham 6(68′ Henderson), Rice; Saka (78′ Rashford), Mount, Sterling (68′ Grealish); Kane (Ramsdale, Pope, Walker, Phillips, Dier, Coady, Alexander-Arnold, Foden, White, Wilson, Gallagher) Coach: Southgate |
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U.S.A. (4-3-3): Turner; Dest (78′ Moore), Zimmermann, Ream, Robinson; McKennie (78′ Aaronson), Adams, Musah; Weah (83′ Reyna), Wright (83′ Sargent), Pulisic (Ferreira, Horvath, De la Torre, Long, Morris, Roldan, Carter-Vickers,Yedlin, Acosta, Johnson, Scally) Coach: Berhalter |
NOTES: Yellow Cards: ; Added Time: 1st Half 3′, 2nd Half 4′
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