2022 World Cup Recap: USA Draws with Wales in a jam-packed opening day of action

2022 World Cup groups

• Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
• Group B: England, Iran, USA, Wales
• Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
• Group D: France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia
• Group E: Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan
• Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
• Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
• Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea

ECUADOR 2, QATAR 0

• What: World Cup, Group Stage (A): Matchday 1 of 3
• When: Sunday, Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. CT
• Where: Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar
• FIFA World Ranking: Ecuador No. 44, Qatar No. 50

Ecuador scored two first-half goals en route to blanking the host nation 2-0 on Sunday at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. Ecuador – also known as “La Tri” – didn’t necessarily dominate time of possession (only 53% to 47%), but it made the most of its opportunities when it mattered. Enner Valencia scored on a penalty kick in the 16th minute of action, then followed suit with a header in the 31st to give his country a two-score lead. Ecuador tallied three shots on goal to zero for Qatar, as well three corner kicks to one. There had been some whispers and rumblings of Qatar potentially “influencing” the Ecuadorian national team via financial gain, but neither the referees nor Ecuador was affected. Qatar was hit with four yellow cards to just two for Ecuador, and the host nation’s 5-3-2 defensive-minded scheme was still not enough to prevent multiple first-half goals in the official 2022 World Cup opener. Ecuador’s No. 44 FIFA world ranking could cause some of its opponents to sleep on this South American squad, but that would be a grave mistake. Ecuador finished with the third-best +/- goal differential of +8 (27 goals scored to 19 goals allowed) in CONMEBOL South American qualifying play, which is considered by many to be the toughest gauntlet of any continent to make the World Cup. Next up for Ecuador is a date with top-seeded Netherlands (No. 8 in the latest FIFA World Rankings), who defeated Senegal 1-0 on Monday. Valencia, who scored both goals versus Qatar, was seen limping off the field in the 77th minute and later icing his knee on the bench, but the Ecuadorian star appears to be hopeful of playing against the Netherlands on Friday. Qatar will face Senegal, who, despite missing top player Sadio Mane (knee) for the entire World Cup, should still be considered heavy favorites against the host nation. Expect two of the Netherlands, Senegal, and Ecuador to qualify from Group A. If Valencia remains healthy and fit, look for La Tri to make some noise here.

Next –

Ecuador No. 44 versus Netherlands No. 8: Friday, Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. CT (Khalifa International Stadium)

Qatar No. 50 versus Senegal No. 18: Friday, Nov. 25 at 7 a.m. CT (Al Thumama Stadium)

ENGLAND 6, IRAN 2

• What: Group Stage (B): Matchday 1 of 3
• When: Monday, Nov. 21 at 7 a.m. CT
• Where: Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar
• FIFA World Ranking: England No. 5, Iran No. 20

England smashed Iran in Group B opening matchday play on Monday morning at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. The Three Lions scored three first-half goals and led 4-0 after Bukayo Sako’s second score of the day in the 62nd minute. Iran, which came into Monday’s contest ranked 20th in the world by FIFA, simply could not compete on either side of the pitch against the No. 5-ranked English. England dominated time of possession (78% to 22%), outpaced Iran on corner kicks (eight to zero), and more than doubled up the Iranians in shots on goal (seven to three). England will face the USA in a pivotal Group B contest on Friday at 1 p.m. CT at Al Bayt Stadium, which could also clock in as the World Cup’s most heavily viewed contest of group play so far come next weekend. Iran will also face Wales at 4 a.m. CT on the same Friday in what will undoubtedly be a must-win match for “Team Melli,” who now find themselves dead last in the Group B standings after USA and Wales tied 1-1 in their opener. Look for Group B to be a three-way race between England, the USA, and Wales.

Next –

England No. 5 versus USA No. 16: Friday, Nov. 25 at 1 p.m. CT (Al Bayt Stadium)

Iran No. 20 versus Wales No. 19: Friday, Nov. 25 at 4 a.m. CT (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium)

NETHERLANDS 2, SENEGAL 0

• What: Group Stage (A): Matchday 1 of 3
• When: Monday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. CT
• Where: Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar
• FIFA World Ranking: Netherlands No. 8, Senegal No. 18

The Dutch were without Barcelona forward Memphis Depay in their Group A opening match but still pulled out two late second-half goals en route to a 2-0 shutout against Senegal on Monday at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The “Oranje” didn’t necessarily dominate offensively against Senegal, who are also without star striker Sadio Mane, but they did enough late to secure the three points after goals by Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen in the 84th and 99th minutes, respectively. Senegal outpaced the Netherlands in both total shots (15 to 10) and shots on goal (four to three), but 6-foot-8 Netherlands goalkeeper Andries Noppert came up clutch with game-high four saves. The Dutch defense also held Senegal at bay despite six corner kicks, as “The Lions of Teranga” looked impressive despite missing their unquestioned star in Mane. Next up for Senegal is a more-than-winnable matchup against the host nation Qatar on Friday at 7 a.m. CT, while the Netherlands will face Ecuador in a match that could decide the Group A winner.

Next —

Netherlands No. 8 versus Ecuador No. 44: Friday, Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. CT (Khalifa International Stadium)

Senegal No. 18 versus Qatar No. 50: Friday, Nov. 25 at 7 a.m. CT (Al Thumama Stadium)

USA 1, WALES 1 (DRAW)

• What: World Cup, Group Stage (B): Matchday 1 of 3
• Where: Monday, Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. CT
• When: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qarar
• FIFA World Ranking: USA No. 16, Wales No. 19

Monday afternoon’s Group B contest between USA and Wales marks the closest matchday 1 game between two teams and their respective FIFA world rank. USA No. 16 and Wales No. 19 played tight all the way through, and it was the equalizer from Gareth Bale’s penalty kick in the 82nd minute that turned out to be enough to force a draw at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Timothy Weah’s goal in the 36th minute gave the USA an early lead, but the Americans failed to muster much more offensively throughout the rest of the game. Despite outpacing Wales in time of possession (59% to 41%), the USA trailed in both total shots (seven to six) and shots on goal (three to one) against the Welsh. “The Stars and Stripes” of the USA did earn more set pieces on corner kicks (five to three), however, and held serve defensively for most of the match despite playing an aggressive 4-3-3 attacking scheme. USA will face a tough task against red-hot England on Friday, who will be fresh off a six-goal shellacking of Iran in its Group B opener. Wales should be able to emerge victorious on Friday against an overmatched Iran side, so it’s more than possible that “the Dragons” and Gareth Bale could lead Group B in points heading into matchday 3 next week if they’re able to earn a win and the USA and England play to a draw. The referees were a point of contention during Monday afternoon’s match as well, as the USA drew four yellow cards, tied for the most in matchday 1 play so far next to host nation Qatar. If the USA loses to England on Friday, then it will likely be put in a must-win scenario against Iran in its final Group B match on Tuesday, Nov. 29. Even a win there might not be enough though. If England defeats the USA and earns another three points, then it could clinch an early Group B winner ticket and not need to win against Wales. This situation is currently one in flux, but it’s more and more looking like the Americans will need to tie, or even pull an upset outright, against No. 5 ranked England come this Friday afternoon,

Next —

USA No. 16 versus England No. 5: Friday, Nov. 25 at 1 p.m. CT (Al Bayt Stadium)

Wales No. 19 versus Iran No. 20: Friday, Nov. 25 at 4 a.m. CT (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium)

TUESDAY’S SCHEDULE (NOV. 22, 2022): MATCHDAY 1 OF 3

• Group C: Argentina No. 3 versus Saudi Arabia No. 51
• When, where: 4 a.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)

• Group D: Denmark No. 10 versus Tunisia No. 30
• When, where: 7 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)

• Group C: Mexico No. 13 versus Poland No. 26
• When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha, Qatar)

• Group D: France No. 4 versus Australia No. 38
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)

WEDNESDAY’S SCHEDULE (NOV. 23, 2022): MATCHDAY 1 OF 3

• Group F: Croatia No. 12 versus Morocco No. 22
• When, where: 4 a.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Kohr, Qatar)

• Group E: Germany No. 11 versus Japan No. 24
• When, where: 7 a.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)

• Group E: Spain No. 7 versus Costa Rica No. 31 
• When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)

• Group F: Belgium No. 2 versus Canada No. 41
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE (NOV. 24, 2022): MATCHDAY 1 OF 3

• Group G: Switzerland No. 15 versus Cameroon No. 43
• When, where: 4 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)

• Group H: Uruguay No. 14 versus South Korea No. 28
• When, where: 7 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)

• Group H: Portugal No. 9 versus Ghana No. 61
• When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha Qatar)

• Group G: Brazil No. 1 versus Serbia No. 21
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)

FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE (NOV. 25, 2022): MATCHDAY 2 OF 3

• Group B: Wales No. 19) versus Iran No. 20
• When, where: 4 a.m. CT, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)

• Group A: Senegal No. 18 versus Qatar No. 50
• When, where: 7 a.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)

• Group A: Netherlands No. 8 versus Ecuador No. 44
• When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)

• Group B: England No. 5 versus USA No. 16
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)

SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE (NOV. 26, 2022): MATCHDAY 2 OF 3

• Group D: Tunisia No. 30 versus Australia No. 38
• When, where: 4 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)

• Group C: Poland No. 26 versus Saudi Arabia No. 51
• When, where: 7 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)

• Group D: France No. 4 versus Denmark No. 10
• When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha, Qatar)

• Group C: Argentina No. 3 versus Mexico No. 13
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)

SUNDAY’S SCHEDULE (NOV. 27, 2022): MATCHDAY 2 OF 3

• Group E: Japan No. 24 versus Costa Rica No. 31
• When, where: 4 a.m. CT, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)

• Group F: Belgium No. 2 versus Morocco No. 22
• When, where: 7 a.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)

• Group F: Croatia No. 12 versus Canada No. 41
• When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)

• Group E: Spain No. 7 versus Germany No. 11
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)

MONDAY’S SCHEDULE (NOV. 28, 2022): MATCHDAY 2 OF 3

• Group G: Serbia No. 21 versus Cameroon No. 43
• When, where: 4 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)

• Group H: South Korea No. 28 versus Ghana No. 61
• When, where: 7 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)

• Group G: Brazil No. 1 versus Switzerland No. 15
• When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha, Qatar)

• Group H: Portugal No. 9 versus Uruguay No. 14
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)

TUESDAY’S SCHEDULE (NOV. 29, 2022): MATCHDAY 3 OF 3

• Group A: Senegal No. 18 versus Ecuador No. 44
• When, where: 9 a.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)

• Group A: Netherlands No. 8 versus Qatar No. 50
• When, where: 9 a.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)

• Group B: England No. 5 versus Wales No. 19
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Ahmad al Bin Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)

• Group B: USA No. 16 versus Iran No. 20
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)

WEDNESDAY’S SCHEDULE (NOV. 30, 2022): MATCHDAY 3 OF 3

• Group D: France No. 4 versus Tunisia No. 30
• When, where: 9 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)

• Group D: Denmark No. 10 versus Australia No. 38
• When, where: 9 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)

• Group C: Mexico No. 13 versus Saudi Arabia No. 51
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)

• Group C: Argentina No. 3 versus Poland No. 26
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Stadium 974, (Doha, Qatar)

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE (DEC 1, 2022): MATCHDAY 3 OF 3

• Group F: Morocco No. 22 versus Canada No. 41
• When, where: 9 a.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)

• Group F: Belgium No. 2 versus Croatia No. 12
• When, where: 9 a.m. CT, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)

• Group E: Germany No. 11 versus Costa Rica No. 31
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)

• Group E: Spain No. 7 versus Japan No. 24
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)

FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE (DEC. 2, 2022): MATCHDAY 3 OF 3

• Group H: Portugal No. 9 versus South Korea No. 28
• When, where: 9 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)

• Group H: Uruguay No. 14 versus Ghana No. 61
• When, where: 9 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)

• Group G: Brazil No. 1 versus Cameroon No. 43
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)

• Group G: Switzerland No. 15 versus Serbia No. 21
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha, Qatar)

RD OF 16: SATURDAY, DEC. 3

• Who: 1A versus 2B
• When, where: 9 a.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)

• Who: 1C versus 2D
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)

RD OF 16: SUNDAY, DEC. 4

• Who: 1D versus 2C
• When, where: 9 a.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)

• Who: 1B versus 2A
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)

RD OF 16: MONDAY, DEC. 5

• Who: 1E versus 2F
• When, where: 9 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)

• Who: 1G versus 2H
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha, Qatar)

RD OF 16: TUESDAY, DEC. 6

• Who: 1F versus 2E
• When, where: 9 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)

• Who: 1H versus 2G
• When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)