Ever since the FIFA World Cup draw, Black Friday has been circled on the calendar for the Group B matchup between the United States men’s national team and England, and the anticipated matchup did not disappoint.
The two teams played to a 0-0 draw at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, both knowing what each possible outcome would mean for their chances of advancement following Iran’s 2–0 win over Wales earlier in the day. A draw, on the heels of the 1–1 draw against Wales, is not prohibitive for the U.S., but it makes Tuesday’s group finale against Iran a must-win affair.
Despite their differing histories, the U.S. entered Friday having never lost to England at the World Cup, following the famous 1950 upset and a draw in South Africa in 2010, and that record remains in tact at 1-0-2.
