What happened in Group B

The World Cup continues. As the final round of Matchday 3 progresses, we can look back and reflect upon results and teams that have progressed to the latter stages of the competition. We overview the first group and look at what happened in Group B.

Looking at what happened in Group B can help World Cup Fantasy managers prepare for next round ahead. Overviewing the results, player performances and key fantasy assets can aid in important factors like transfers, captaincy and chip strategy.

Group B

Using the table below we can see that England and USA have progressed to the latter stages of the World Cup. We can also see that Iran and Wales have failed to progress.

England

England went into the group stages as clear favourites and their campaign started with a meeting against Iran. The free scoring England attack managed a huge six goals in Matchday 1 with goals from midfielders Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka (two), Jack Grealish and forwards Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford. The assists were created by forwards Harry Kane (two), Raheem Sterling, Callum Wilson and defenders Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw. England did, however, concede two goals in the second half but won the match 6-2.

Matchday 2 arrived, and it was a tricky match against the Americans. England drew 0-0 and failed to create much even though they started with the same attackers as they did in Matchday 1. Regardless, England took a point from the game and kept their first clean sheet of the competition.

England were on four points going into Matchday 3 against their neighbours Wales. The English changed up their attack and started Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford instead of Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling. Their changes were successful, and they won the game 3-0. The England goals came from Marcus Rashford (two) and Phil Foden whilst assisted by Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Kalvin Phillips.

Conclusion

England were unbeaten in the groups and look like a fantastic team offensively. The goals came from different sources which could be an issue for both fantasy managers and Gareth Southgate upon selection moving forward. The England defence does look good and going forward Luke Shaw could be the safest option at the back. Shaw picked up a return in every Matchday he played.

USA

USA have progressed to the next stage of the tournament, but they made tough work of it. They faced a meeting against Wales in Matchday 1. After dominating the first half, the American’s were rewarded with a goal scored by Timoth Weah and assisted by Christian Pulisic. USA crumbled in the second half and Wales took advantage of that. Wales conceded and USA picked up one point for their 1-1 draw.

Matchday 2 was USA’s toughest match of the campaign. They were successful in preventing England from scoring whilst also looking dangerous themselves. The match ended in a draw, but it wasn’t for the lack of trying.

USA came into Matchday 3 with a game against Iran, knowing that a draw or loss was not enough, they had to win. USA dominated the match early on and their ability to score goals in the first half continued. They defended well for the second consecutive match to take a 1-0 win and secure progression. The goal was scored by Christian Pulisic and created by Sergino Dest.

Conclusion

The Americans grew into the tournament and that was evident in performances against England and Iran. Their standout player was, of course, Christian Pulisic who created both of his countries goals on the path to advanvcement.

USA also looked defensively secure throughout the majority of their group stages. The Americans have some cheap defensive assets in the game which do hold some appeal.

Iran

Iran may have lost their first match against England 6-2, but they made a great defence look very fragile at times. Mehdi Taremi scored both of the goals, one from the penalty spot and the second from a fantastic strike. Mehdi Taremi’s first goal was created by Ali Gholizadeh.

Wales lay ahead for Iran in Matchday 2. Iran were dominant for most of the match and that was reflected in the fact they won the match 2-0. Their goals came from defenders Roozbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian whilst the second goal was created by Mehdi Taremi.

Iran went into Matchday 3 knowing a draw or win would be enough to progress. However, the American’s came in quick paced and hungry, Iran could not match that. The match ended 1-0 to USA, suggesting a tightly contested game, but that was not the case, the American’s were clear.

Conclusion

Iran did show offensive qualities. Mehdi Taremi was sensational, and the biggest reason Iran went into Matchday 3 in a good position. Fellow striker Sardar Azmoun was also lively and had plenty of opportunities to score throughout the group stages but failed to do so.

Wales

Wales did not qualify and were evidently the worst side in Group A. They faced USA in their opening match of the World Cup. Wales were terrible in the first half but after a tactical change improved in the second half. USA scored in the first half, but a Gareth Bale penalty meant they equalized an earned a point from the game.

Matchday 2 felt like a must win for Wales, especially as they were due to play England in Matchday 3. Wales were dominated by Iran but it wasn’t until stoppage time that Iran took advantage. Losing their goalkeeper due to a red card was detrimental and a key factor in their 2-0 loss.

Wales knew they had to beat England in Matchday 3 to stand any chance of progressing, but it was a tough ask. The Welsh played a strong first half but crumbled in the second as they conceded three goals. Wales lost the match 3-0 but showed no offensive threat through-out the entire game.

Conclusion

Wales were terrible both defensively and offensively through-out their group stages. One player who should have performed better was Gareth Bale. He failed to drag a poor Welsh team forward but there was also a huge lack of creativity to provide him with the platform to do that.