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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 the 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. Had the Iran-Wales match ended 97 minutes ago, the group conditions might have been a little different. Welsh keeper Wayne Hennessy was shown a red card in his final 20 minutes in what appeared to be the fifth draw of the tournament as they drew 0-0. Late goals from Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian followed as Iran moved from the bottom of Group B to second place.
Senegal's win over Qatar then sent the organizers headed for elimination from the tournament. The battle for the lead in Group A is between the Netherlands and Ecuador. Both sides had a match worthy of a draw in the 90th minute, with Cody Gakpo scoring an early goal in the first half to assist the Netherlands. Both teams lead the group with four points, with one game remaining.
We'll be back tomorrow for the most detailed World Cup update, so stay tuned. In the meantime, sign up for our new newsletter covering all the beautiful matches. Glory, including daily updates about the World Cup.
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