World Cup 2022 Tipsheet: Wales set to emerge triumphant against slack Iran

The World Cup action continues apace on Friday as the second round of group games begins - and football expert Greg Lea previews the first three matches of the day.

Wales v Iran

Kick-off: 10am Friday

Rob Page would not have been happy at half-time of his team’s first game against the USA. Wales were outplayed in the opening 45 minutes as their energetic opponents overwhelmed them with their pressing and dynamism. The only silver lining was that Wales were only one goal down.

Page’s side fought back brilliantly after the break, though. Gareth Bale notched an equaliser from the penalty spot and Wales might even have won the match if they were a little more clinical in front of goal. A 1-1 draw represents a decent start to their first World Cup since 1958.

A 6-2 defeat by England has left Iran with a mountain to climb in Group B. Carlos Queiroz’s side was surprisingly slack defensively, although the players may have been distracted by political events back home.

Gareth Bale: scored in Wales' opening World Cup game

Wales will need to start quicker than they did against the USA, but the manner of their comeback in that match will give them confidence. Kieffer Moore is set to start up top – Wales looked much better once he entered the fray on matchday one – and that should help Page’s men emerge triumphant.

Prediction: Wales to win @ 2.16

Qatar v Senegal

Kick-off: 1pm Friday

Senegal matched the Netherlands for 80 minutes of their game on Monday, but two late Dutch goals saw them leave the Al Thumama Stadium empty-handed. The Lions of Teranga defended stoutly for much of the match, but Aliou Cisse would have been disappointed that his team were unable to create clear-cut chances at the other end. The absence of Sadio Mane was sorely felt.

Qatar were also beaten 2-0 in their first match. The Asian champions, who also reached the semi-finals of last year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, did not give a true account of themselves on opening night. The occasion seemed too big for the hosts, who were extremely poor in a loss to Ecuador.

Both teams are under pressure to win on Friday after defeats last time out. Senegal lacked a cutting edge against the Netherlands but they have more all-round quality than Qatar, who will struggle to break down their opponents’ robust backline.

Prediction: Senegal to win and under 2.5 goals @ 3.15

Netherlands v Ecuador

Kick-off: 4pm Friday

The Netherlands got the job done against Senegal in their first game, but there is room for improvement as far as their performance is concerned. The Dutch scored twice from just three shots on target after struggling to fashion opportunities for the majority of the match.

Still, the fact they won 2-0 takes some of the pressure off Louis van Gaal’s side. A manager of the septuagenarian’s experience will know that teams that go far in the World Cup often grow into the tournament. Turning in a dazzling display in your first match is not a prerequisite for a successful campaign.

Ecuador’s counter-attacking pace could cause the Netherlands a few problems here, though. Matthijs de Ligt looked uncomfortable as one of the outside centre-backs in Van Gaal’s 3-4-1-2 formation and Ecuador will test the Dutch backline with darting runs down the flanks.

With Memphis Depay set to return to the starting squad, the Netherlands will be better in attack too. That is good news for the neutrals, who should be treated to an entertaining encounter at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 1.94

Friday World Cup 2022 Predictions

Wales v Iran: Wales to win @ 2.16
Qatar v Senegal: Senegal to win and under 2.5 goals @ 3.15
Netherlands v Ecuador: Both teams to score @ 1.94