Bellingham opens avalanche of goals for Three Lions of England in a 6-2 thriller against Iran
By Eniola Olatunji
A 19year old world cup midfield debutante, Jude Bellingham on Monday opened the womb of goals for the fanciful Three Lions of England whose be victory was to lift the world cup exactly 56 years ago when he made a powerful header 35th minute in a game England Lions devoured the politically troubled Iran 6-2 in a Group B opening encounter.
England rated 5th and Iran 20th looks a miss match. England champions in 1966; 4th twice in 1990 and 2018 within 16 appearances is far better than Iran with 6 appearances that has never gone beyond group stages.
Diminutive Nigerian born Busayo Saka switching positional play got the second goal for England through his sleekly left footer shot in 43rd minute as his right foot was the known dangerous leg but ‘shortish’ Raheem Sterling who missed a goal because of his height got a coded pass from Captain Harry Kane 1n 45+1 minute to knock it in for goal number 3 for England and former Captain, David Bechham led the celebration before players withdrew at half time.
The woes of Iran came before Bellingham opened the womb of goals when Iran’s first choice goalkeeper Berranvard was replaced by Abedzadeh in shirt 22 after Ber had twice had collision with players in goal mouth melee with a suspected broken nose. Unfortunately, Abed had never kept goal for Iran in any important match and he conceded six solid goals.
Saka got a brace (second goal in football jargon) which was the 4th goal for England through a lone strike after dribbling four defenders the way Jay Jay Okocha of Nigeria messes up defenders in his playing days.
Iran’s danger boy Taremi who plies his trade with Porto FC redeemed a goal for Iran in 65th minute who on the eve of their encounter against England told the World Press they align with the ongoing protests in their home country because things were not going right.
Member of the British Empire (MBE), Marcus Rashford less than 120 seconds of coming in as a sub performed more than Saka who he substituted getting a Harry Kane connect, dribbled three defenders and selling a dummy to the goalkeeper to score England’s 5th goal in the match, his own 2nd goal in a world cup match and 13th goal for England.
Jack Grealish another super sub, in the 89th minute got a Callum Wilson pass to net the 6th goal for England against Iran; which happened to be his first goal ever at any world cup final.
Brazillian Ref Raphael Claus who officiated like a father moderating his children in a garden allowed time for stoppages and in 90+13th minute; Iranian star boy, Taremi scored Iran’s second goal from the penalty after the VAR approved procedures.
Iran struggled in their encounter with England as the team had only 3 shots on target against England’s 7, booked 14 times for foul against England’s 9; had the only two branded yellow cards while they conceded 8 corner kicks to none for them.