England Monday crushed Iran 6-2 to launch their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign on a positive note while the Netherlands struck late in the second half for a 2-0 win over African giants Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium.
In the day's last match, USA struggled against Wales in their 1-1 draw at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
The day's best performance was seen at Khalifa International Stadium Monday where captain Harry Kane's England looked in little bother against an Iranian side that did not sing their national anthem because of anti-government protests back home.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring for England with a well-taken header in the 35th minute before Bukayo Saka (43) and Raheem Sterling (45+1) also found the net in the first half. Sakar scored his second of the match in the second half (62) three minutes before Mehdi Taremi reduced the deficit (65) for Iran who looked sluggish at the iconic Qatari sports venue.
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford (71) and Jack Grealish (90) of Manchester City also scored for manager Gareth Southgate's young side. In the dying moments of the one-sided game, Taremi managed a late consolation goal from a penalty kick.
Also Monday, Netherlands - coached by Louis van Gaal - were rescued by two second-half goals for a 2-0 win over Senegal coached by Aliou Cisse.
Cody Gakpo produced a slick header (84th minute) before substitute Davy Klaassen added one more in injury time to lift Netherlands to win in their opening match at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Gakpo, the 23-year-old PSV Eindhoven forward, headed the ball into the net following a cross from Frenkie de Jong. In injury time - that was stretched to 9 minutes - Klaassen made the most of a goalkeeper's gaffe inside the Senegal box to score his team's second goal with a drilled shot into the net.
Senegal, who looked slugging up front, Monday desperately missed their ace striker Sadio Mane who was ruled out of the World Cup last week because of injury.
With Monday's plucky win, Van Gaal's side has extended their unbeaten streak to 16 matches. Senegal, the African Cup of Nations winners, will now get ready for their second match against hosts Qatar on November 25.
In the day's third match, Gregg Berhalter-coached USA drew 1-1 against Wales in their Group B clash. Tomothy Weah scored for USA in the 36th minute while Gareth Bale (82, penalty) equalized for Wales.
Tuesday, football icon Lionel Messi will lead Argentina against regional giants Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium. Messi has already confirmed this will be the final World Cup of his illustrious career that has won him millions of fans around the world.
Also Tuesday, Mexico will take on Poland at Stadium 974 while Denmark face Tunisia at Education City Stadium. In the day's final match Tuesday, defending champions France will face Australia at Al Janoub Stadium.