This is what can be called a successful introduction. England coach Gareth Southgate was expected for this first meeting of Group B of the World Cup. Semi-finalists of the last World Cup and unfortunate finalists of the Euro, the English have reassured their supporters after the last complicated months. In the official stand of the Khalifa International stadium, David Beckham enjoyed the show and the six goals of the Three Lions.
“Hey Jude” rang out to greet the first goal in selection and in the competition of young Jude Bellingham, 19, in the 35th minute. Saka, 21, offered himself a double (43rd, 62nd). Sterling scored a magnificent goal on a cross from Kane (45th + 1). Rashford, for his first ball a few seconds after coming into play, added a fifth goal (5-1, 71st). Grealish increased the addition at the end of the match (6-1, 89th).
Iran was not as timid as Qatar the day before. Portugal coach Carlos Quieroz’s side even scored to come back to 4-1 in the 65th minute thanks to a superb goal from Taremi. The number 9 offered himself a double with a penalty after additional time (6-2, 90th + 12). But the strongest action of the Iranians will remain this silence at the time of the anthem, these closed faces in support of the social movements in their country while in the stands, the supporters whistled or brandished signs “Woman, Life, Freedom” .
Some had almost missed this moment due to a problem with the official FIFA application. Alireza Beiranvand, the Iranian goalkeeper, was present at kick-off but he did not stay on the pitch for long. In a head-to-head clash with his defender Majid to try to divert a cross from Kane, he finished KO, his nose bleeding (8th). But in an irresponsible management of this obvious concussion, he resumed play after seven minutes of treatment.
Before wisely asking himself to leave the field, which he was doing on the stretcher. Exaggerated consequence of this incident, the referees granted 14 minutes of additional time. They did the same in the second half, especially after a knockout of Maguire (65th) and the match ended with another twelve minutes of extra time, the ten scheduled plus two minutes time to award a penalty to Iran after appeal at VAR.
The English, who had knelt down before kick-off after finally having to give up wearing a “One Love” armband, now have an appointment with the United States on Friday. Iran will play its future in the rest of the competition against Wales.