Wales and Iran head into their Group B fixture at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Friday aware that victory could take them a pivotal step towards qualification for the World Cup knockout stages.
After Iran had lost 6-2 to England on Monday, Wales came from behind to earn a deserved share of the spoils against the USA later in the day.
We say: Wales 1-1 Iran
Based on performances earlier this week, Wales will be regarded as the marginal favourites for this contest. However, with Iran having more recovery time and playing at a time of the day which should benefit them, we can see a competitive low-scoring draw being played out in Al Rayyan.
Qatar vs. Senegal (Friday, 1.00pm)
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World Cup hosts Qatar face Senegal in a crucial Group A match at the Al Thumama Stadium on Friday.
Both nations are playing catch-up following opening day defeats at the finals.
We say: Qatar 0-2 Senegal
Qatar put on a toothless display against the perceived third-best side in the group last weekend, so may struggle even more against a side with bigger stars.Senegal have lacked a scoring touch of late, though, and will hope that dominating possession and creating enough chances will give them the edge.
Netherlands vs. Ecuador (Friday, 4.00pm)
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Netherlands will be bidding to make it two wins from their opening two matches at the 2022 World Cup when they take on Ecuador at Khalifa International Stadium on Friday.
Louis van Gaal’s side recorded a 2-0 victory over Senegal on Monday, while Ecuador were also 2-0 winners in their Group A opener, beating the tournament hosts Qatar on Sunday.
We say: Netherlands 2-1 Ecuador
This has the potential to be a very, very difficult match for the Netherlands, and it would not be a surprise to see Ecuador triumph, or for the points to be shared. Van Gaal’s side were impressive against Senegal, though, and we just have a feeling that they will navigate their way to a huge three points here.
England vs. USA (Friday, 7.00pm)
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Off the back of an emphatic victory in their opening 2022 World Cup fixture, England will endeavour to boost their hopes of securing top spot in Group B when they lock horns with the USA at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on Friday evening.
The Three Lions began their campaign by hitting Iran for six on Monday, while the Stars and Stripes were forced to share the spoils with Wales in their opening clash.
We say: England 3-0 USA
Twelve years have passed since these two nations last locked horns on the international stage, and although England were forced to settle for a score draw against the USA in their last meeting, Southgate and co head into Friday’s fixture in buoyant mood and as firm favourites to claim maximum points.While there have already been a couple of shock results at this year’s tournament in Qatar, the Three Lions will be confident of success in Al Khor and should have few problems in securing a routine victory over their American counterparts.
