This year's World Cup finally got underway on Sunday afternoon, with Qatar falling to a comfortable defeat at the hands of Ecuador in the opening match of the tournament at the Al Bayt Stadium. A brace from Enner Valencia saw Ecuador claim the spoils on a historic night for the host nation, who were unable to give their adoring fans something to cheer about in spite of their best efforts after a glitzy opening ceremony.
All eyes then turned to Group B, with England delighting supporters with a thumping 6-2 victory over Iran in the early kick-off. A Bukayo Saka double and further strikes from Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish got Gareth Southgate's side off to the perfect start, and they will be given a much-needed confidence boost by the one-sided nature of the scoreline.
Later in the evening Wales did their country proud in their first World Cup outing since 1958 with a 1-1 draw vs USA. Rob Page's side fell behind to a Timothy Weah strike. But a Gareth Bale penalty in the second-half saw them earn a well-deserved point.
And in Group A, Netherlands left it late but eventually beat Senegal 2-0 to get their campaign off to a winning start.
See how the second day of the World Cup panned out below...
Express Sport is on hand to provide live updates from day two of the World Cup (Image: GETTY)
Well, what a day of football it’s been. England cruised to victory over Iran as they put six goals past their opponents to open their tournament with a bang. The Netherlands then needed two late strikes to get the better of Senegal. And Wales put a dismal first half performance behind them to claim a 1-1 draw with USA courtesy of a late Gareth Bale penalty.
Have a good sleep and join us tomorrow for more of the same.
Gareth Bale has refused to reveal what manager Rob Page said to the players at half time as Wales were inspiured to fight back and earn a point against USA. When he was asked what Page had specifically said at the interval, Bale replied: “Just a few tweaks. Nothing I want to share too much about. We just had to regroup and do what good teams do - come back stronger and show our character again like we always do.”
Gareth Bale scored Wales' goal against USA at the World Cup on Monday (Image: ITV)
Wales boss Rob Page has given his thoughts after watching his side draw 1-1 with USA at the World Cup.
"To go a goal behind against a good team like the USA, we showed character, credit to the lads for coming back and getting a point," he said. “When we got the penalty we knew who was taking it, one million percent. He’s never let us down has he? It’s all about Bale and rightly so.
“Before Friday when we play Iran the medical team will have work to do. We have players not playing week in, week out, they are cramping up. It was 64 years but worth the wait. To see the Red Wall celebrating was incredible.”
It’s all over in Qatar as Wales claim a share of the spoils against USA. It was a game of two halves as USA dominated the opening period. But Wales pushed forward after the interval and will be delighted to have snatched a point. The team looked pumped after Gareth Bale’s equaliser from the penalty spot. And manager Rob Page will now believe there is more to come from his players on Friday night against Iran.
Gareth Bale equalised for Wales as they drew 1-1 with USA on Monday night (Image: GETTY)
There has been so much stoppage time at the end of matches in Qatar at this World Cup and there are nine minutes in this encounter. Will Wales settle for the point or will they push for a winner?
The seconds are ticking away at the Al Thumama Stadium and Wales must be happy with the draw here. They were battered in the first half but have come back and look set to claim a hard-earned point. And that means their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages are well and truly alive ahead of their next encounter with Iran.
There are only 10 minutes of this encounter remaining and USA are keeping Wales at bay. Wales have asked plenty of questions in the second half but just can’t find a route to goal. USA, meanwhile, have looked dangerous at the other end when they’ve had possession. Will Wales leave it late to snatch a point?
How have Wales not equalised? Ben Davies fires a header straight at USA goalkeeper Matt Turner, before Kieffer Moore nods the ball just over the crossbar from the resulting corner. It’s all Wales here. Surely it’s only a matter of time for them now.
USA are doing a fine job at keeping Wales talisman Gareth Bale quiet. The ex-Real Madrid star, who now plies his trade with Los Angeles FC in the States, has barely had a sniff of goal. But Wales have exerted a lot of pressure on USA in the last 10 minutes and will be hoping they can finally make a breakthrough soon.
Gareth Bale currently plies his trade in the USA with Los Angeles FC (Image: GETTY)
Wales are looking much better in the early stages of the second period and actually look like they could offer a threat going forward. But they’re susceptible to the USA counter-attack, which Rob Page will have to be wary of.
The seocnd half has just kicked-off as Wales look to overcome their 1-0 deficit against USA. Wales boss Rob Page has made one changfe at the interval, with Kieffer Moore coming on to replace Dan James.
The half time whistle has been blown at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Qatar and USA lead Wales 1-0. Wales have barely threatened their rivals and are perhaps fortunate to only be one goal behind. Rob Page will need to offer his players some inspired words during the break if his team are to turn the match around in the second half.
USA take the lead as Timothy Weah finishes well after being played through by Christian Pulisic. Weah’s side have completely dominated the first half and the goal has certainly been coming. Wales will now have to come from behind if they want to bag the three points at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
Timothy Weah scored USA's opening goal against Wales on Monday night (Image: GETTY)
Ex-Wales international John Hartson says boss Rob Page “will have concerns” with his side’s first half performance against USA. Wales have failed to threaten in front of goal and have been second best throughout the encounter in the Middle East.
Still goalless at the halfway stage of the first half
We’ve reached the halfway stage of the first half at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Qatar and it’s still goalless. But Wales are living dangerously. They will be lucky to get to half-time level pegging at this rate. Wales boss Rob Page will want to see more from Gareth Bale and co in the next 20 minutes or so.
USA are causing Wales all sorts of problems in the early stages of this match. Wayne Hennessey has been forced to save a deflected Tim Weah cross, before Antonee Robinson missed the target when presented with a chance at the near post.
USA dominated the early stages of their World Cup clash with Wales (Image: GETTY)
Wales’ World Cup showdown with USA is now underway at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Qatar. Welsh fans have packed into the stadium to cheer on their country as they look to topple the Americans ahead of their clashes with Iran and England. Are we in for a classic?
Wales’ World Cup showdown with USA is now underway (Image: GETTY)
Gareth Bale won the Champions League five times during his time with Real Madrid and won the Club World Cup on four occasions. The hopes of the nation rest on the talented forward, who will be hoping to captain Wales to success against USA as the country set their sights on progressing to the knockout stages.
Gareth Bale will captain Wales against USA (Image: GETTY)
Wales are set for their first World Cup match since 1958 at 7pm as they take on USA. And the teams have been announced. Wales have blockbuster superstar Gareth Bale in their team, while USA have the likes of Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie in their side.
The Netherlands have defeated Senegal 2-0 in their opening World Cup match, with Davy Klaassen adding a second goal in the 99th minute after Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy had parried Memphis Depay’s effort. Louis van Gaal’s side are now joint-top of Group A alongside Ecuador, who defeated Qatar by the same scoreline on Sunday.
The Netherlands defeated Senegal 2-0 on Monday (Image: GETTY)
The Netherlands have finally taken the lead against Senegal in their opening World Cup clash. Manchester United and Arsenal target Cody Gakpo rises to head home Frenkie de Jong's cross with 84 minutes on the clock.
Ecuador topped Group A after the first day of the World Cup after getting the better of host nation Qatar, but Louis van Gaal's side now look set to join them on three points.
England have been handed an injury concern after captain Harry Kane was brought off during the second half of the Three Lions’ 6-2 World Cup victory over Iran. Kane was reportedly seen limping while wearing strapping in the aftermath of the showdown.
But England boss Gareth Southgate doesn’t think the issue will be long-term. “Kane [is] fine,” said the ex-defender. “It looked a bad tackle but he carried on in the game. We took him off because we felt it was a moment we can do that.”
Harry Kane helped England beat Iran 6-2 in their World Cup opener on Monday (Image: GETTY)
The Netherlands are being held by Senegal in their World Cup opener and it's 0-0 at half time. Both sides have had chances to score but are lacking a cutting edge in front of goal. The winner of Group A, which also contains Qatar and Ecuador, will face the runners-up of Group B, which includes England and Wales.
Netherlands’ World Cup opener against Senegal is now underway at the Al Thumama Stadium. The European country reached the tournament after winning seven of their 10 qualifying matches to top their group.
The African country, meanwhile, reached Qatar after winning five of their six group matches, before beating Egypt in a two-legged play-off following a penalty shootout in the second leg.
Netherlands' World Cup opener against Senegal got underway at 4pm (Image: GETTY)
The Netherlands will get their World Cup campaign underway at 4pm against Senegal, who are without Sadio Mane after the Bayern Munich forward's injury before the start of the tournament.
The match is being shown live on ITV1 and will get underway in just over 15 minutes' time.
The Netherlands face Senegal in Doha at 4pm (Image: GETTY)
The full-time whistle blows at the Khalifa International Stadium and it's England who cruise to an eventful 6-2 victory over Iran in their opening Group B fixture.
It was a hugely dominant performance from the Three Lions, who added a sixth through Jack Grealish late on before Mehdi Taremi scored another for Iran from the penalty spot deep into added time.
Gareth Southgate could hardly have dreamed of a better start to his side's World Cup campaign!
England hit six of the best to cruise past Iran in Group B (Image: GETTY)
England now find themselves 4-1 up against Iran, with Bukayo Saka firing home a brilliant goal after dancing around inside the area before Mehdi Taremi races down the other end to add what is almost certainly a consolation for the underdogs.
There are just over 20 minutes remaining on Doha and the Three Lions are surely home and hosed.
The second half is now underway in Doha and it's very much as you were, with England dominating proceedings and Iran struggling to keep the Three Lions out.
A reminder that Wales will, of course, be in action later on against the USA to mark their first World Cup appearance since 1958.
England are firmly in control against Iran as things stand (Image: GETTY)
Well, well, well. What a half that was from England!
Two quick-fire goals from Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling after Jude Bellingham's opener have the Three Lions cruising at half-time against Iran.
Gareth Southgate's side are almost certainly home and dry after just 45 minutes of football... can they see the game out by keeping things tight after the restart?
Find out with live match updates on our dedicated page, which can be found here.
FIFA have ditched their plans to host a lavish ceremony before every World Cup fixture after receiving instructions from Qatar's Supreme Committee, according to the Daily Mail.
The world governing body had planned to hold similar events to the opening ceremony on Sunday, which was widely criticised for its supposed hypocrisy, but have decided against implementing the plans.
FIFA had been rehearsing and planning for a similar show to precede every World Cup match, with 64 matches in total to be played in Qatar, but those plans have since been scrapped and a scaled-down version will be used instead.
FIFA have been left red-faced with beer advertised inside the stadium before England's World Cup opener against Iran.
The Qatar authorities demanded sales of alcohol be prohibited after interventions from the royal family, with the country implementing strict Islamic rules.
But that hasn't stopped a huge screen from showing Budweisers inside the ground.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has insisted via a spokesperson that he can understand the FA's anger over the OneLove armband saga after FIFA threatened any captains that choose to wear it at the World Cup with yellow cards and other sanctions.
"We share the FA's frustration with Fifa's decision on this which puts players in a very difficult position," said a spokesperson.
"It is, ultimately, a decision for the FA. On LGBT rights more broadly, clearly Qatar's policies are not those of the UK Government and not ones we would endorse."
Lothar Matthaus, who captained Germany to World Cup glory back in 1990, has suggested that Jude Bellingham could be England's star man if he manages to live up to expectations over the course of the tournament in Qatar.
"Bellingham is a player who reminds me of myself," Matthaus tells BBC Sport ahead of kick-off in Doha.
"He can play at number eight or 10. He is excellent and will not stay at Borussia Dortmund. All the Premier League clubs and Spain want him in their team.
"He has a good mentality, is physically strong at just 19 years old. He has confidence and he shows it. Bellingham is a man."
A large number of England supporters have gathered to watch today's game in pubs around the country, with those at Boxpark Croydon making themselves heard ahead of kick-off...
England fans at Boxpark Croydon in good voice ahead of Iran game
Peter Tatchell, who recently made headlines by staging a protest against Qatar's approach to LGBTQ+ rights in Doha, has urged the likes of Harry Kane and Gareth Bale to speak about the topic in their post-match press conferences after the FA's decision to backtrack on their initial plan to wear the OneLove armband during the World Cup.
England and Wales will NOT wear the OneLove armband
The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) have slammed FIFA's decision to threaten teams with bookings if their captains wear the OneLove armband at the World Cup after the FA backtracked on their original plan to do so regardless.
A statement read: "To paraphrase FIFA president Gianni Infantino - today LGBT+ football supporters and their allies will feel angry. Today we feel betrayed.
"Today we feel contempt for an organisation that has shown its true values by giving the yellow card to players and the red card to tolerance.
"Never again should a World Cup be handed out solely on the basis of money and infrastructure. No country which falls short on LGBT+ rights, women’s rights, workers’ rights or any other universal human right should be given the honour of hosting a World Cup.
"Since 2010 we have been raising questions about the suitability of Qatar as a World Cup host. Everyone could see this coming and it’s astonishing that, on the morning of England’s World Cup opener, FIFA are censoring players and the nine national FAs - including the FA and FAW - who wish to share a positive message."
Former England defender Michael Dawson did not mince his words when quizzed on his thoughts about the FA's decision to scrap their plans for Harry Kane to wear the OneLove armband at the World Cup, just hours before today's opening game against Iran.
"They've had the chance to sort this out since September, the fact it's been left until this morning is ridiculous," Dawson told Sky Sports.
"It shouldn't have come to this. This just sums it up, we've seen the things that have gone on in Qatar and with FIFA and now it's come to this on a morning of a game. I think it's ridiculous."
Wales talisman Gareth Bale has insisted that he is determined to give his countrymen something to cheer about when they make their first World Cup appearance since 1958 against the USA later this evening.
"It's probably the biggest honour we could have for our country, qualifying for a World Cup, something we haven't done in 64 years," said Bale.
"It's history in our country. Schools are going to stop to watch our games. Kids are going to miss school, fortunately for them. It's a massive piece of history in our country and something we have all wanted for a long time.
"We have the support of the nation back home, no matter what happens, as long as we give 100 per cent our country will love us for that."
Gareth Bale will almost certainly feature for Wales against the USA later today (Image: GETTY)
The FA and six other national federations have announced that their captains will not be wearing the OneLove armband at this year's World Cup in spite of their earlier insistence that they would not be deterred by FIFA's opposition to the plans.
An official statement read: "FIFA has been very clear that it will impose sporting sanctions if our captains wear the armbands on the field of play.
"As national federations, we can’t put our players in a position where they could face sporting sanctions including bookings, so we have asked the captains not to attempt to wear the armbands in FIFA World Cup games.
"We were prepared to pay fines that would normally apply to breaches of kit regulations and had a strong commitment to wearing the armband.
"However, we cannot put our players in the situation where they might be booked or even forced to leave the field of play."
The Netherlands have officially announced that they will not be wearing the OneLove captain's armband at the World Cup in order to steer clear of any potential sporting sanctions from FIFA.
A statement from the KNVB read: "We stand for the OneLove message and will continue to do so, but our first priority is winning games at the World Cup.
"You don't want your captain to start a game with a yellow card which is why we - with pain in our heart - had to say no to our plan."
It remains to be seen whether England and Wales will follow suit ahead of their opening group stage matches later today...
The Netherlands have decided against wearing the OneLove armband in Qatar (Image: GETTY)
England supporters are starting to arrive in the vicinity of the Khalifa International Stadium for today's game against Iran, which is set to kick off in just under four hours' time...
England fans are gathering in Doha ahead of today's Group B opener (Image: PETER BYRNE/PA WIRE)
One of the most unbelievable stories from this year's World Cup so far involves a group of England fans who claim they found themselves kicking back with members of Qatar's ruling class and several wild animals over the weekend.
The two supporters explained to talkSPORT: "We’ve just been having a good time, having a mooch and trying to get our bearings. The set-up’s spot on, we’ve been enjoying ourselves.
"Last night we met one of the Sheikh’s sons and he took us back to the palace. He showed us that he had lions and everything. They’ve made us so welcome.
"Basically we were on a bit of a hunt for some beers and he was like yeah, we sort beers, so we jumped into the back of his Toyota Landcruiser, ended up at a big palace. He showed us his monkeys, his exotic birds. It was nuts."
It seems as though the England fans in question weren't lying either, with an incredible clip doing the rounds on Twitter...
A group of England fans claim they hung out with lions at a Sheikh's palace (Image: SNAPCHAT/ALEX SUL)
Harry Kane may be prevented from stepping on the pitch if he defies FIFA by wearing the OneLove captain's armband against Iran later today.
The FA have been left in the dark by FIFA over what will happen if the England skipper goes against the wishes of football’s governing body amid concerns he could be booked immediately or even banned from playing in their World Cup opener.
Kane confirmed on Sunday that he still intends to wear the OneLove armband and said a decision would be made before the game, telling reporters: "I think we’ve made it clear as a team that we want to wear the armband.
"I know the FA are talking to FIFA at the moment and I think by game time tomorrow they will have the decision."
Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that he speaks when he wants to after taking part in a controversial no-holds-barred interview with Piers Morgan earlier this month, which grabbed international headlines just days before the start of the World Cup.
"Timing is always timing," said Ronaldo at an unexpected press conference earlier this morning. "From your side it is easy to look at how we can choose timings.
"Sometimes you write truths, sometimes you write lies. I don’t have to worry what others think. I talk when I want to. Everybody knows who I am, what I believe in."
Gareth Southgate is set to name an attacking England line-up for today's Group B opener against Iran, Express Sport understands.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will start in goal behind the back four, which will consist of Kieran Tripper, Harry Maguire, John Stones and Luke Shaw.
They will be protected by a midfield trio of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount, with Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling expected to flank Harry Kane at the top end of the pitch.
Hello and welcome to Express Sport's live coverage of all the latest news and gossip from the World Cup in Qatar.
It's certainly going to be an action-packed day, with England up first against Iran at 1pm before the Netherlands face Senegal at 4pm and Wales take on the USA later this evening at 7pm.
We'll be on hand to keep you updated throughout day two of the tournament, so grab a coffee and stay tuned!
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