England wallops Wales

goal difference compared with Germany. They should start preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada.

DINESH KUMAR

Ba

Dreams and upsets

IS the 2022 World Cup a dream? Well, the gentlemen from Land of Rising Sun delivered another shocker as they defeated

Spain. This result has created a nightmare and humiliation for Germans as they return home much earlier than anticipated.

This is uncharacteristic of soccer world cups as Germany has always been an almost certain qualifier for the semi finals at least.

For now, the dream will become bitter for teams falling short and sweeter for those causing upsets.

I would not be surprised if Japan is on the pathway to creating more upsets and the dream is becoming even better. FLOYD ROBINSON Nasese, Suva

IT was a mouth-watering game between England and Wales. Wales needed a win to go into the round of 16. England just needed a draw. Gareth Bale led Wales played gallantly in the first 45 minutes.

After a pep talk from England coach Southgate, the floodgate finally opened for England.

Marcus Rashford, the teenager, fired in a fantastic free kick for England to lead 1-0 at the 50th minute. The Wales keeper was left in no man’s land.

Barely a minute had lapsed, when England captain Harry Kane dashed on the right flank and sent in a super cross to Foden to drive in England’s second goal.

In the 67th minute, the turbo charged Rashford drove in his second and England’s third goal, bringing joy to the sea of white at the stadium.

The third goal crippled the men in red and put them in compound complex situation.

I felt sorry for Gareth Bale, the captain and legend of Welsh soccer. Perhaps this was his last world cup.

I believe that the better team won and now the three lions will meet Senegal in the last 16.

ARUN PRASAD Dilkusha, Nausori