Sports Desk
DOHA: European powerhouses England and the Netherlands begin their World Cup campaigns on Monday. The FIFA World Cup in Qatar has picked up steam following a demoralizing loss for the hosts in the opener.
As Ecuador leaped to a 2-0 victory against Qatar on Sunday, the Asian champions became the first home team to lose their opening World Cup game. Veteran forward Enner Valencia scored twice for Ecuador.
England vs. Iran:
After two previous close calls, England, who plays Iran in Group B, will be anxious to get off to a solid start in order to break their decades-long trophy drought.
England cannot afford a sluggish start against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium because they still have challenging games to play against the United States and Wales.
The Netherlands vs. Senegal:
In Group A, the Netherlands will face African champions Senegal. The Netherlands did not make it to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but the three-time runners-up are back in action under seasoned manager Louis van Gaal, who steered them to the semi-finals in 2014.
