The second day of the 2022 World Cup: an endless match and the rescuer Bale

The first full game day at the World Cup in Qatar is over, and it was full of bright, curious and absurd events.

England - Iran - 6:2

It all started with FIFA's recommendation to arbitrators to compensate for absolutely all the pauses at the World Cup, so that there would be no temptation to lie on the grass and play for time. The very first match, in which there were enough pauses, turned out to be a record long one: the British and Iranians spent more than 117 minutes on the field. The Brazilian referee added 14 minutes to the first half - primarily due to the fact that Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiravand was assisted - he was suspected of having a concussion in a collision with a teammate. By the second half, the referee added 10 minutes, but in the end, the opponents played three more - since at the end of the match a penalty was awarded to the British. If this continues, then the matches will become two hours long, and by the end of the tournament the players will be squeezed like lemons.

As long as they are fresh. Especially the British shipped six balls into the gates of the Iranians. It is clear that these teams are unequal in class, and yet more uncompromising football was expected from the Iranian national team. But Bellingham, Saka and Sterling in the first half, Saka, Rashford and Grealish in the second, dispelled the illusion of parity. The British showed that they are strong not only in defense: their attack is powerful, varied and, apparently, one of the best in the World Cup. Let's see what will be the team of Gareth Southgate against the backdrop of more impressive teams.

Senegal - Netherlands - 0:2

The African champion, who lost his main striking force in the person of Sadio Mane, did not shirk against the backdrop of the “orange”. The first half and did was approximately equal - both teams had a chance to open an account. But the second half of the match was frankly disappointing: the speed dropped, there were fewer chances, and a boring goalless draw seemed to be an objective outcome.

But in the 84th minute of the game, a sudden combination blew up, after which the ball came from the left side to the goalkeeper's line, and Cody Gakpo finally opened the scoring. The less time left, the more nervous the “lions of Terangi” became, they earned two mustard plasters. And the Dutch scored again - a quick attack ended with a shot by Memphis Depay and finishing off by Davi Klassen. Despite the victory, the “oranges” are not too impressed, although they can obviously add more.

USA - Wales - 1:1

If we recently observed the militant Welsh at the European Championships, then the Americans are a thing in themselves. In terms of composition, they are weaker than their compatriots of previous years, but this is not a reason to put an end to their hopes of getting into the playoffs. The game proved it too. The first half was left for the Stars and Stripes: Joshua Sargent loaded the post in the debut. The Americans played more spectacularly and more recklessly, this periodically caused a fire in their possessions. However, in the 36th minute, it was they who opened the scoring: Timothy Weah sent the ball in touch after a low pass into the goal.

But after the break, the Welsh dominated a little. In the middle of the half, twice in two minutes, they had killer chances, but first the American goalkeeper pulled the ball from under the crossbar, and then Kieffer Moore almost hit the target. Despite the efforts of Wales, the match would have rolled to defeat. But the Welsh national team has Gareth Bale: in the 81st minute, he earned a penalty and immediately converted it. A draw is a completely objective outcome.