On November 22, Mane represented Bayern Munich against Werder Bremen. Medical staff in Senegal tried unsuccessfully to find a cure for the injured leg. Yet the country's talisman and record scorer of 34 goals in 93 appearances had to quit the team. Surgery in Austria last week to reconnect the tendon to his right fibula head meant he could not be reunited with his former Liverpool team-mate Virgil van Dijk at the Al Thumama Stadium.

 

Mane, one of the skyscrapers in the newly-built city of Doha, still stands out against the Senegalese green, adorned with a shimmering mirror. It's a reflection of his status in the game, but his absence appears to be motivating rather than hindering. Senegal would rather have him than not have him - his stardust and ability to score key goals, as Mane has so often done for his country, is hard to replace.

 

The race will be held in Doha, but there is also the possibility of Dakar. The relentless Senegalese drums in the stands supported a performance without Sadio Mane. It is a pity that after a dynamic performance, it is a cutting-edge performance. The African champions may have lost 2-0 to the Netherlands, but still remind those from Group B - with England at the top - that they are capable of testing the best.

 

 

Gareth Bale said he had "no doubt" he scored Wales' first World Cup goal since 1958 after scoring a penalty in Monday's 1-1 draw with the USMNT.

 

After a poor start to Group B in Wales, Tim Welch finished confidently after a brilliant run and pass from Christian Pulisic, giving the US a well-deserved lead.

 

But Rob Page's side improved after half-time when their Talisman Bale equalized after being fouled by Walker Zimmerman in the box.

 

Afterwards, Bell said that he was determined to be the man who scored the first goal for Wales in this World Cup.

 

Asked by ITV UK if he had always planned to take penalties, he said: "Yes, [always] always [would] be me.

 

The last time England faced a defensively minded 3-5-2 formation in a major game was a lackluster draw with Scotland at Wembley in the middle of last year's European Championship group stage.

 

Arguably the most notable part of Gareth Southgate's night was at the full-back.

 

Reece James and Luke Shaw have been told to maintain incredible depth and almost never push into the offensive position. That means England rarely wins against Scotland, although it is enough for England to effectively enter the knockout rounds after beating Croatia in Game 1.

 

Against Carlos Queiroz's Iran in Monday's opening group game of the 2022 World Cup, England's ambitions are much greater.

 

Shaw was again at left-back, with Kieran Trippier at right-back. England attacked around Iran, often changing tactics and passing the ball wide.