KUWAIT, Nov 29 (KUNA) -- Marcus Rashford's brace helped England bag three second half goals past Wales as the USA edged past a stubborn Iran, with both winners making it to the World Cup last 16 on Tuesday.
Group B table-toppers England, with an unbeaten record and nine goals scored, face a tough Senegal test as team USA face European heavyweights, Netherlands, in the following knock out stage.
The Three Lions' Rashford scored on both sides of a Phil Foden effort, the first of which was a thunderbolt of a freekick in the 50th minute struck to the left of Dragons' keeper Danny Ward, with the Manchester United forward's second goal coming in the 68th minute.
Meanwhile, USMNT dominated proceedings in the first half against a difficult to break down defence set up by Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, the Lions of Persia needing merely one point from a draw to progress.
But Christian Pulisic had other ideas. The attacking midfielder, who plys his trade for English Premier League outfit Chelsea, had a solid game, terrorising Iran's defence with slick passing, managing to score the encounter's sole effort early on in the 38th minute.
The second half showed the Iranians in a different light as they came out all guns blazing in a terrific display of attacking prowess aiming to score an equaliser.
However, they rued their chances due to sloppy passing, several inaccurate crosses and a flawless defensive display by Cameron Carter-Vickers. (end) my.sd