A share of the points ultimately suited England and the United States quite nicely in their second group stage game of the World Cup, both sides playing out a 0-0 draw where the Americans were vastly more impressive than their opponents.
Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie both went closest in an impressive first half for the USMNT, whose pressing in a rejigged 4-4-2 system proved hugely effective at quelling the attacking thrust of an opponent who had scored six goals in their opener. England created few convincing chances, Mason Mount drawing a smart save from Matt Turner in the first half and Harry Kane flicking a free kick wide in added time.
Ultimately the draw means England need only to avoid a four goal defeat against Wales to reach the last 16 with victory guaranteeing them top spot in Group B. The United States' fate is in their hands too though they must beat Iran in the final group game to qualify.
The state of the group might have been rather different if Iran's clash with Wales had ended before the 97th minute. A game that looked to be headed for the tournament's fifth 0-0 draw, bursting to life in the last 20 minutes with a red card to Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey. That was followed by late goals from Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian that sent Iran from bottom in Group B to second place.
After that, Senegal's win against Qatar sent the hosts on their way towards elimination from the tournament. The Netherlands and Ecuador battled for top place in Group A. The two sides fought to a well-earned draw over the 90 minutes with Cody Gakpo aiding the Dutch with an early goal in the first half. Enner Valencia scored the equalizer for Ecuador and the goal was his third of the tournament. The two teams are now level in the group with four points each with one game remaining in the group stage.
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World Cup scores, schedule
Friday, Nov. 25
Wales 0, Iran 2
Senegal 3, Qatar 1
Netherlands 1, Ecuador 1
England 0, United States 0
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