Saka, Gakpo stars as England, Netherlands wins first match while Gareth Bale Salvages a point for Wales

England got their World Cup campaign in Qatar off to a flying start as Gareth Southgate’s side roared to a 6-2 victory against Iran

Jude Bellingham’s first goal for England (35) got things underway for the Three Lions before strikes from Bukayo Saka (43) and Raheem Sterling (45+1) saw them race into a three-goal lead at the interval.

England added to their lead after the break when Saka added his second of the game (62) with another smart finish, but Southgate’s side was given a wake-up call when Mehdi Taremi pulled a goal back for Iran (65).

It proved to be just that for England as substitute Marcus Rashford added a fifth with just his third touch (71) after coming onto the pitch before another sub in Jack Grealish added England’s sixth (90).

There was a minor blemish right at the death as referee Raphael Claus was asked to check the pitchside monitor by VAR after John Stones was adjudged to have tugged the shirt of Taremi. The penalty was awarded and Taremi kept his cool to send Jordan Pickford the wrong way ending the match with a 6-2 score line.

Late goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen gave Netherlands victory against Senegal in their opening Group A match of the 2022 World Cup.

Gakpo made a perfectly timed run to head home a beautifully weighted cross from Frenkie de Jong before Klaassen tapped home to seal the win deep into injury time.

The Dutch are now undefeated in 16 matches under coach Louis van Gaal. They also stretched an unbeaten record in their opening game at World Cups that dates back to 1938.

While the last fixture of the day between the USA and Wales ended in a 1-1 draw.

Gareth Bale converted a penalty kick in the 82nd minute to offset Tim Weah’s first-half goal and give Wales a 1-1 draw Monday in the return to the World Cup for both nations.

Weah, the son of former FIFA Player of the Year and current Liberian President George Weah, scored after a pass from Christian Pulisic in the 36th minute.

The World Cup resumes today with Argentina playing Saudi Arabia in Group C at 11:00 am, Denmark playing Tunisia in Group D at 14:00, and Mexico, and Poland playing Saudi Arabia in Group C at 17:00 today.
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