USA hold England to a barren draw

USA showed they could do to England what they did to Wales. At the Al Bayt Stadium here, Gregg Berhalter’s team showed spunk against an opponent who put six past Iran on Monday. Christian Pulisic thudded into the upright and Weston McKennie should have done better but having arched too back too much, he volleyed over.

But like against Wales, USA couldn’t translate their smart work in other areas of the pitch into goals. Like in their first game, USA lacked finesse in the final pass. That and a combination of defensive solidity at England kept the scoreline 0-0 at half-time. England too had half-chances and that led that an even game in Group B.

Bukayo Saka began brightly by finding space on the right but his early cut-back, after some nice combination play with Jude Bellingham, was intercepted by Walker Zimmermann before it reached Harry Kane. From then to the Marcus Rashford’s shot in the 87th minute that was more in hope than anything else, England were reined in. Even after the arrival of Jack Grealish.

As is his wont, Grealish drew fouls and from one of them, Luke Shaw took a free-kick that Kane couldn’t keep on target with his header.

In a match of few clear chances, Pulisic did well again bringing the kind of energy he did in the opener and was adjudged player of the match.

The barren draw means USA have not lost to England in the World Cup. When the teams first played, in 1950, USA won 1-0 with Joe Gaetjeans getting the winner.

With four points and a healthy goal difference of +4, England could get out of the group with a draw against Wales. USA have two points from as many games and their tie against Iran would be crucial. This result gives Iran a slight advantage after they beat Wales 2-0 earlier on Friday. Going into the final group B games on Tuesday, all teams have a chance to stay in Doha beyond the league phase.

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