First Full Day Of World Cup 2022
As we near closer and closer to the opening of the World Cup, images and stories are starting to come back from Qatar. The Persian Gulf nation will soon be the theater of the world’s game for a month.
The backdrop for the game has always brought controversy. Let’s take a moment and try to focus on the matches. Qatar will open the games on the first day against Ecuador in a ceremonial opening match. November 21st will be the first “full” day of World Cup games. Let’s take a look at the games on the first day.
England-Iran
On paper, the advantage lies with the Three Lions. Their roster has tons of Premier League talent like Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Phil Foden. England is the natural favorite in this one. All of England’s high-profile strikers are all competitively priced at the top of the anytime goalscorer prop.
Iran has had issues on and off the field. They fired manager Dragan Skocic in July and brought back former manager Carlos Queiroz. The roster has some talent that plays at major clubs, but there is discord amongst the team due to participation in the anti-government protests happening back in Iran.
Senegal-Netherlands
This match-up looks to be the most exciting of the day. The Netherlands returns to the World Cup after failing to qualify in 2018. The Dutch are bringing a retooled roster, a mix of veterans and young players are playing well together. They’re unbeaten in their last 15 matches.
Senegal is coming off a magical run to win the African Cup of Nations. They’ve got some of their club talent playing at a high level. Sadio Mane has been excellent since leaving Liverpool, establishing himself as a real anytime goalscorer threat. Edouard Mendy has been a strong presence on the net, allowing only ten goals in 23 matches for Senegal.
United States-Wales
Both of these teams are coming into this match in rough shape. The U.S. has been flat up to this point in warm-ups, losing badly to Japan, and drawing against Saudi Arabia. The roster has more talent than they ever have before, and the cohesion and strategy of the team have been poor. The Americans haven’t scored a goal in six of the last seven World Cup games they played. Getting one across early could rejuvenate the squad.
Wales is also struggling – they’ve only won one of their last eight matches leading up to the World Cup. Gareth Bale is the talisman for Wales – he’s scored 40 international goals in his career. The Welsh hope Bale’s form in MLS will not be the Gareth Bale they get in Qatar. Another Welsh player to keep an eye on will be Nottingham Forest’s Neco Williams, who is having a stellar first season in the Premier League.
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