6-2 Group B win – Dominant England deny Iran a chance – Sport

  • England beat Iran 6-2 in the opening match of Group B at the 2022 World Cup at the Khalifa International Stadium.
  • Even before the break, Jude Bellingham (35′), Bukayo Saka (43′) and Raheem Sterling (45′ + 1) ensure clear conditions.
  • In the second game of Group B, the USA will meet Wales from 8:00 p.m. (live on SRF Zwei and in the stream).

The stoppage time in the 1st half was a whopping 14 minutes. The main reason for this was a bitter one for the Iranians. Goalie Alireza Beiranvand and defender Majid Hosseini clashed heads in the 8th minute. While the defender was able to continue, the goalkeeper let himself be cared for for a few minutes. After a brief attempt to continue playing, he was eventually replaced by Hossein Hosseini after 19 minutes.

Beiranvand in hospital care


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Iranian goalie Alireza Beiranvand was hospitalized after the game with suspected “severe concussion” and a “broken nose”. This was announced by coach Carlos Queiroz at the press conference after the 2: 6 (0: 3) against England.

The replacement goalie was unable to counter the English dominance. Instead, he had to reach back three times during an offensive firework display by England that lasted almost a quarter of an hour. In the 32nd minute, a Harry Maguire header hit the bar. Afterwards, the “Three Lions” showed themselves to be extremely efficient:

  • 35 minutes: Luke Shaw crosses from the left, Jude Bellingham heads in with his first international goal to make it 1-0.
  • 43 minutes: After a corner kick, the ball lands in front of Bukayo Saka’s feet. The 21-year-old doesn’t hesitate and shoots the ball under the crossbar.
  • 45th +1 minute: Only 46 seconds after the restart after the second goal, the ball is back in the net. Harry Kane crosses into the penalty area, Raheem Sterling converts directly from the air.

Legend:

Big cheers for England

After the dominant performance.

Imago/PA Images

Taremi with Iranian highlights

Even a triple change by the Iranian coach Carlos Queiroz after the half-time break changed little on what was happening on the pitch. England remains dominant, Iran mostly overwhelmed. Mehdi Taremi set the exclamation mark for the Asians. In the 65th minute he defeated Jordan Pickford from a few meters after a nice pass. And deep in stoppage time – in the 103rd minute – he scored a penalty.

Despite the consolation goal, there was no longer any tension because Saka had just scored his second goal to make it 4-0. And when Marcus Rashford, who had come on as a substitute not a minute earlier, made it 5-1 in the 71st, the clear balance of power was restored. Three ball contacts and a quick change of direction were enough to throw the Iranian defense off balance.

Another substitute, Jack Grealish, was on the scoresheet in the 90th minute before Taremi’s penalty ended an entertaining game. England celebrates a clear opening victory – Iran will clearly have to improve.

Here’s how to proceed

From 8:00 p.m., the USA and Wales will play the second game in Group B. The second round of the group phase begins on Friday. Iran meets Wales (11:00 CEST), England plays USA (20:00 CET).

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