England 6-2 Iran: Three Lions ease past Iran as Bukayo Saka shines

Although

match against

started on time, many fans were unable to get into the Khalifa International stadium before kick-off.

Even from the start of the game it was obvious that Southgate’s men had targeted Iran’s flanks as the weak spot, with many in England’s starting line-up being good in the air. 

However, the first significant moment in the match was in fact a clash between Iran goalkeeper Beiranvand and a defender which resulted in a broken nose for the Iranian goalie. After a lengthy treatment, Beiranvand finally was subbed, resulting in 14 minutes of injury time for the first half.

Then England’s barrage of crosses into Iran’s penalty box started which resulted in a 35-minute goal by Bellingham that was assisted by Luke Shaw. Then Saka scored a goal on yet another cross which was headed down by Maguire to Saka who then put it into the top right corner.

But this was not the end of Iran’s misery as Sterling made it 3-0 for the Three Lions on a Harry Kane cross from the right flank.

Iran started the second half a bit more sure of themselves and attempted to create a chance or two but ultimately it was England that scored again as Saka completed a brace in the 62nd minute after receiving the ball from Sterling and moving past several of Iranian defenders to slide it into goal with his left foot.

Carlos Queiroz’s men finally broke through 3 minutes later as Gholizade’s beautiful through pass found Taremi who didn’t hesitate to put it right into the middle of Pickford’s goal. The Porto striker would later double his tally after scoring a last-minute penalty.

Goals from subs, Rashford (71) and Grealish (90) made sure England’s first match be a memorable one as Iran put on one of the worst World Cup performances in recent memory.

England now moves to the top of the Group B with 3 points and a goal difference of +4 and Iran takes the bottom spot.

The match came at the worst of time for Iran since there have been two months of civil protests in the country which has resulted in many civilian deaths. Ultimately Iran’s players chose not to speak about the killings which has angered many Iranians. Whether this affects the rest of their campaign though, remains to be seen.

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