England held to a 0-0 draw by the United States
United States goalkeeper Matt Turner made a save in the World Cup Group B preliminary match between the United States and England at Al-Bayt Stadium, Friday (25/11/2022). Photo: Between
The England national team was frustrated by the United States' game in the World Cup Group B follow-up match which ended in a 0-0 draw at Al Bayt Stadium, Saturday (26/11/2022) early morning WIB.
Launching Antara, the US dominated the attack but did not produce good execution results when England appeared less agile.
Thus, England missed the opportunity to lock in the top 16 ticket but still lead the standings with four points. Meanwhile, the US got two points and are in third place after drawing 1-1 with Wales in their opener.
Gareth Southgate's side are guaranteed to qualify from Group B if they win their second game in Qatar. Unfortunately, they are actually overwhelmed by the strong determination of young US players.
Based on the records of the official FIFA website, Iran managed to beat Wales 2-0 in the match earlier today, gaining three points which are in second place in the standings. Meanwhile, Wales slumped to the bottom of the standings with one point.
England, who did not change their starting line-up when they beat Iran 6-2 in Monday's match (21/11/2022), got their first chance when Kane received a cross from Saka in the 10th minute, but the captain's shot from close range was kept out by Walker Zimmermann.
Saka created another chance four minutes later after sending the ball in from the right. Kane, who attempted to execute the ball by imitating Richarlison's acrobatic kick, against Serbia yesterday, however, Tim Ream grabbed the ball first.
While England dominated possession meanwhile, the US were not without a fight as Weston McKennie inspired and created several chances in the first half.
In the 32nd minute, McKennie attacked from the right, then fed the ball to Musah and it was continued by Pulisic, who was standing in the left corner of the box. Pulisic tried to calm himself before sending a powerful shot into the top left corner, forcing Jordan Pickford to work hard to keep out even though the ball hit the post.
Pulisic threatened the Pickford goal again after receiving a cross from Sergino Dest, but the Chelsea winger's header was narrowly wide of the right-hand side of the net.
The two teams traded attacks before the end of the first half. Goalkeeper Matt Turner was given his first serious test when he turned away Mason Mount's powerful low shot from outside the box.
The US recorded 33 per cent possession in the first half and played more effectively creating six shooting opportunities than England's five.
After halftime, the US came alive by dominating the game and bombarding England with corner kicks and four additional attempts.
Forced to play defensively against the US led by Pulisic, England wanted to change the course of the game. In the 69th minute, England withdrew players Sterling and Bellingham who were replaced by Jordan Henderson and Jack Grealish and followed by Marcus Rashford for Bukayo Saka ten minutes later.
Meanwhile the US also withdrew McKennie and Dest to give Brendon Aaronsen and Shaquell Moore a chance.
In the 87th minute, England were able to add one shot attempt through Rashford's weak shot from the left after receiving a backpass from Grealish, but Hunter had no trouble securing the round skin.
Four minutes of added time, Trippier was given the task of a corner kick which Maguire continued with his header so that the ball bounced off the field and into the hands of the US goalkeeper.
Not only that, captain Harry Kane wasted England's last chance when Shaw's free-kick from the left was met with the captain's header still wide to the outside of the left-hand side of the net.
The score ended in a 0-0 draw until the match was over.
The US hopes to win against Iran in the next match to get a ticket to qualify for the next round. Meanwhile, England must avoid defeat when they face Wales later. (ant/tik/ipg)