On Day 6 of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, Voice of Nigeria previews the upcoming fixtures scheduled to take place on Friday, with African champions Senegal set to take on hosts Qatar while Ecuador faces the Netherlands in Group A, and England up against USA, with Wales challenging Iran in the other Group B encounter.
It wasn’t a good day for the Africans on Day 5 of the tournament as Portugal claimed a 3-2 victory against Ghana, while Cameroon lost 1-0 to Switzerland. Favourites Brazil beat Serbia 2-0, while fellow South Americans Uruguay were held to a 0-0 goalless draw by South Korea.
Qatar 2022 promises to deliver another day of thrilling encounters, upsets, stunning goals, drama, wild celebrations and more.
Qatar Vs Senegal
Host nation Qatar are set to take on African Champions Senegal by 2pm (Nigerian Time), at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
Qatar became the first host nation in World Cup history to lose its opening fixture, and they will be keen to prevent another loss and consequently, an early exit from the competition by getting a good result against Senegal, who also lost its first game.
On the FIFA rankings, Qatar are in 50th place, while Senegal are in 18th.
The Teranga Lions of Senegal will be keen to put in a good performance without talisman Sadio Mané. Coach Aliou Cisse will be hoping his forwards who are present in Doha will trouble the defence of the Qatar, with their dribbling, and shooting.
To keep hopes of staying in the tournament alive, both sides must avoid a loss ahead of the last Group A matches on November 29.
Netherlands Vs Ecuador
The Netherlands will face Ecuador at the Khalifa International Stadium, by 5pm (Nigerian Time).
Late goals by Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen against Senegal in the first game helped put the Dutch on the path to progression from Group A. The team will be hoping to use its counterattacking football to claim three points against Ecuador, who beat hosts Qatar 2-0 in the World Cup opener.
However, Ecuador Manager Gustavo Julio Alfaro will be counting on two-goal hero Enner Valencia to help the South Americas attempt to pull off an upset in Qatar. Ecuador would be looking to put up a fight for the top spot in Group A against the Dutch.
Both teams go into their second match knowing that a win would consolidate their positions ahead of any final match-day drama in Qatar.
- Read more: World Cup: Portugal beats Ghana 3-2
Wales Vs Iran
Wales will take on Iran in the FIFA World Cup by 11am (Nigerian Time), at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in the city of Ar-Rayyan, Qatar.
Welsh stars such as Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey will be looking to bring their wealth of experience into the game to claim victory against Iran, ensuring progression to the last 16. A late penalty by Bale ensured they got a point in their opening game against the USA, which finished 1-1.
For Iran, they would be seeking all three points to make a round of 16 appearance for the first time at a World Cup, with talisman Mehdi Taremi leading the attack.
In their opening match, Iran were beaten 6-2 by England. Coach Carlos Queiroz will be hoping Iran’s counterattack threat will be enough to see his side to victory.
The match promises to deliver enough counter-attacking entertainment for the fans at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
England Vs USA
England will face rivals the USA by 8pm (Nigerian Time), at the Al Bayt Stadium in the city of Al Khor, Qatar.
Gareth Southgate’s squad will be looking to build on Monday’s promising opening performance, where England put six past Iran. The English have also been boosted by news that captain Harry Kane is expected to be fit to play after recovering from an ankle injury picked up in the opening fixture.
Stars such as Kane and the in-form Bukayo Saka will be full of confidence knowing another victory will secure progression to the World Cup’s knockout stage.
For USA, they would be seeking an improved performance after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Wales. The pressure will be on the Americans knowing a loss on Friday will leave them needing to win their last game against Iran, to stand any chance of progressing past the group stage.
For England’s defensive lapses, which were displayed in the game against Iran, the USA possess the quality to capitalise on any repeat of those errors with players such as Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah.
Brace yourselves, we could confirm our first team in the knockouts today! 💯🙌#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 25, 2022
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