DOHA, Qatar -- The United States and England got their World Cup campaigns underway Monday, and did so in decidedly different circumstances. The Three Lions cruised to a comfortable 6-2 win over Iran, in a scoreline that arguably flattered the Iranians, while the Americans conceded a crushing 82nd-minute equalizer in settling for a 1-1 draw vs. Wales.
So, as the pair prepare for Friday's meeting at Al Bayt Stadium, they do so with strongly contrasting emotions. England's first game success has the country's fans signing "It's Coming Home" already, while the US's disappointing draw has the American Outlaws fearing a group stage exit.