A historic World Cup victory is chased by Wales on Friday, as England seek three points that would secure their place in the knockout stages.
And as Wales take to the pitch for their crucial Group B match against Iran on Friday (10:00 GMT on BBC One), they know a first World Cup win in 64 years will boost their chances dramatically. to progress.
Group B rivals and current leaders England are also keen to win against the United States (19:00 GMT) which will secure them a place in the Round of 16 if they succeed.
Schools cancel lessons to applaud Wales
The whole country will be watching Wales’ second group game – even those who are supposed to be in class.
Schools in Wales are allowed to cancel classes to allow students to watch Robert Page’s team take on Iran, with more than 1,000 schools set to take part in ‘Cymru Football Friday’.
Instead of being in maths lessons, kids across the country will be hoping to see Gareth Bale overtake team-mate Chris Gunter as Wales’ most capped man in what could be their decisive Group B game.
With one point on the board and leaders England as their last group opponents, Wales know victory will be important if they are to qualify for the knockout stages.
Captain Bale, who has 109 caps for Wales, said it was an “honour” to represent them as he closes in on a breakthrough appearance.
“But it’s more important that we try to get the win,” he added. “Hopefully we can and that will make it even more special.
“It will be a tough game against Iran – they are a very good team. They are here for a reason, but of course we think we can beat them.”
Can England get the job done early?
The same from England?
That’s what many fans are hoping to see after a strong start to the tournament by Gareth Southgate’s men when they beat Iran 6-2 in their opener.
United are next and England have been given a boost after it was revealed captain Harry Kane would be fit to play despite an injury scare, which involved an ankle scan.
As the only team to collect three points so far in Group B, England know a second win on Friday will see them progress with one game to spare.
But is there more at stake? Southgate said on Thursday it had been a “good time for English football” and the nation was “regaining our respectability” in the footballing arena.
“At junior level, at senior level, with our women’s team, there are a lot of positive things happening,” he added.
“We think we can be competitive for many years and that’s the goal – to have a sustained challenge in the later stages of big competitions and we haven’t done that for years and years.
“These players are putting the country on the map and regaining our respectability on the world stage – we have to keep doing that.”
‘Wales must seize their chance’ – analysis
BBC Sport Wales’ Dafydd Pritchard in Doha
Bale and Page didn’t go so far as to say it, but Wales know this game against Iran is basically up for grabs.
They were terribly behind in the first half against USA but, thanks to Bale’s late penalty, they have at least one point to build on.
With group favorites England looming on Tuesday – and the United States facing Iran on the same day – Wales don’t want to wait until the last game to claim their first World Cup victory since 1958 .
They therefore find themselves in a position similar to the one they found themselves at Euro 2020 last year where, after a 1-1 draw with Switzerland, Wales beat Turkey 2-0 to ensure passage to the second round despite a 1-0. defeat against Italy in their last group match.
Wales would gladly accept a repeat if it meant reaching the last 16, although your average Welshman would be less inclined towards England emulating Italy and continuing to lift the trophy.
Kane’s fitness is a huge relief – analysis
BBC Sport football editor Phil McNulty in Doha
England manager Gareth Southgate is happy with Kane’s fitness and made all the right noises to play his captain from the start.
Southgate’s priority is to progress to the knockout stage as quickly as possible and victory would ensure that, opening up the possibility of a squad rotation in the final game against Wales – although each member of the English team desperately needs to feature in this one.
England’s 6-1 victory over Iran was put into context by the embarrassments suffered by Argentina and Germany and early indications are that this could be a very open World Cup.
Kane’s fitness is key to England’s plans given his outstanding record at this level which leaves him just three goals to overtake Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 and become his country’s top scorer.
And even though Kane wasn’t on the scoresheet against Iran, he was still a hugely influential figure, so the news that he didn’t suffer any serious foot injuries will have been a huge relief for Southgate and the team. ‘England.
