England vs. USA

This Black Friday, November 25, 2022, on match day six, was arguably the most anticipated game in the 2022 World Cup so far. The two nations who not only have history in the “Beautiful Game” but also political history that goes back to 1776. The countries often clash in diction and whether it’s soccer or football, chips or fries, crisps or chips. It’s fair to say this match was more than just a match. England has never defeated the United States in the World Cup. In the 1950 World Cup, the score was USA 1-1 England. In 2010, it was 1-1 and in 2022 it is nil-nil. To this day, the USA has remained undefeated against England. Many expected this to be an easy win as the USA is a very young and new team and England has made themselves quite the reputation in soccer. Number 10, Harry Kane, the captain of England’s national soccer team said in an interview with FOX Sports pregame, “We have some tough teams, the US being one of them”.  To the dismay of many, he was correct.

The United States is one of the youngest teams in the whole competition and with their tie against Wales, many underestimated the ability of the United States Mens National Team or USMNT. In the last World Cup, the US didn’t qualify while England went up to the Semi-Finals. The US went into the match with a previous draw against Wales, which felt like a loss, while England went into the game with a 6-2 win against Iran. The first attempt taken by England was at 9 minutes where Kane attempted to score a goal which was blocked by #3, Walker Zimmerman. Then, at 16 minutes in, #19, Haji Wright made an amazing attempt at a header that would have been a good opportunity for the US.  Also, at 25 minutes, #8, Weston McKennie went too wide on another great chance. Finally, a minute before half-time, #19, England’s Mason Mount’s shot was blocked by #1, USA’s Matt Turner, who was truly the star of the show alongside #4, Tyler Adams.

In the second half Moore, Aaronson, and Reyna were substituted in for the US and Henderson and Grealish were substituted in for England. The rest of the game continued with missed opportunities for both teams but nonetheless, it was still a very exhilarating game. USA had 44% possession and played with a strong defense. Overall, the USMNT played strongly and left many surprised. The match that took place yesterday, on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 2 pm, Iran vs. the USA decided whether or not the USA would advance to Round 16.  The USA won over Iran with a score of 2-1. They are advancing to Round 16.  If the USA beats the Netherlands on Saturday, they will advance to the quarter finals for the first time since 2002.

Via Getty Images, Patrick T. Fallon