England’s Fifa World Cup campaign started very positively with a convincing 6-2 win in the Khalifa International Stadium.
Gareth Southgate’s side were never really tested in their opening match especially after Jude Bellingham’s goal got the rout started.
Iran’s case wasn’t helped when they lost goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to concussion after a clash of heads with team-mate Majid Hosseini.
Bellingham scored an excellent opener with his head after connecting with Luke Shaw’s cross 10 minutes before the break.
Then two quick-fire goals from Bukayo Saka’s and Raheem Sterling just before half-time killed off the game.
Saka got his second and England’s fourth before Iran’s Mehdi Taremi scored a lovely goal after 65 minutes but then substitute Marcus Rashford then netted to make it five for the Three Lions.
Jack Grealish made it six before Iran got a second late in injury time when Taremi scored a penalty after a John Stones foul.
Welsh joy
Gareth Bale was Wales’ hero as his late penalty earned his nation a 1-1 draw in their first World Cup game for 64 years.
The Welsh team struggled in the first half and looked second best – this wasn’t helped when Tim Weah gave the Americans the lead after a lovely pass from Christian Pulisic.
Robert Page brought on striker Kieffer Moore in at half-time and this gave Wales a real boost.
His energy and determination really helped drive his team on – both he and Ben Davies came close to equalising.
With nine minutes to go Walker Zimmerman fouled Bale from behind – the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty.
The captain stepped up confidently to convert the penalty and to give the team an important point.
Before the game the Welsh coach had highlighted that it was important not to lose the first game.
Next up they face Iran on Friday in the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium before the final group game against England a week Tuesday.
Dutch delight
Two late goals saved the Netherlands in their opening game against Senegal as they walked away with a 2-0 win.
PSV Eindhoven’s talented forward Cody Gakpo got the opener in the 84th minute when he got the better of Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
It was not until late into injury-time that substitute Davy Klaassen connected on a rebound from Memphis Depay’s shot to add a second and confirm victory.
Senegal will hope that Sadio Mané will be back as soon as possible – his quality really was missed.
Today’s Action
In the early kick off Lionel Messi’s Argentina take on Saudi Arabia – there’s no doubt that the PSG star will have most of the neutrals supporting him.
Then it is Denmark against Tunisia at 13.00 before Mexico take-on Poland at 16.00.
The final game of the day sees holders face Australia but they will be missing Karim Benzema who has been ruled out of the competition.
