Here are five things from day two of the World Cup in Qatar.
1. Redemption for Saka and Rashford
After the meek surrender over armbands, the Three Lions roared: England scoring twice as many goals as they’ve recently had prime ministers! Not bad when they’ve had three leaders.
And it was redemption time for two players who missed penalties in their last big tournament outing. Bukayo Saka, with a brace, and Marcus Rashford, within seconds of coming on, banished the demons of the Euro shootout. But Jude Bellingham, 19, started the rout and showed why he’s the next big thing.
2. Iran suffers double knockout
There were eight goals in the match yet side issues stole the headlines for Iran. All eyes were on the players before a ball was kicked. And they remained significantly silent during the national anthem.
It was seen as support for the on-going protest against the beleaguered regime back home. But then came more controversy.
Goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand was allowed to play on despite clearly being unfit to do so after an horrific clash of heads with a teammate. A minute later, he collapsed and was carried off but how he stayed on has left Fifa, the referee and the Iran medics with questions to answer.
3. Iranian fans show Qataris what loyalty means
Being long-suffering is an essential requirement of a football fan – a quality many Qatar supporters showed they lacked by deserting their team at half-time in the opening game.
Qatar were just 2-0 down whereas Iran’s fans had to endure a 6-2 thrashing by England. But they stood by their team and were rewarded by two late goals. And how they celebrated!
Hope Qatar fans took note. If not, it’s just another unsuitability box the host nation ticks. US$300 billion spent and they can only watch for 45 minutes!
4. Late Bale-out after 64 year wait
The last time Wales played in a World Cup, they reached the quarter-final and lost to a goal by Pele. It was 1958 and, after England’s earlier win in the same group, the long-awaited return was not looking good as Wales trailed to the US.
But cometh the hour, cometh the man. Wales’ very own superstar, Gareth Bale, stepped up to convert the penalty that gave his country every chance of progressing from Group B. As Real Madrid fans know, he really is a man for the big occasion.
5. Class and Klaassen see off Senegal
Netherlands also left it late but just shaded African champions Senegal, badly missing lone superstar, Sadio Mane.
Netherlands were also without Memphis Depay but this was more about keepers than strikers. And an inspired selection by Dutch coach Louis van Gaal.
Andries Noppert was winning his first cap but didn’t let his country down whereas Chelsea stopper Edouard Mendy was badly at fault for the first and also not great with the substitute Davy Klaassen’s clincher.