Following Ghana’s early elimination from the current World Cup, Black Stars defender Tariq Lamptey has resumed first-team training with Brighton and Hove Albion in England.
With 21 points after 14 games, seventh-place Brighton and Hove Albion is getting ready for the second half of the league.
Tariq Lmaptey was a member of the Black Stars squad that failed to go past the group stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Lamptey only started one of the Black Stars’ three games as they finished last in Group H with just three points.
The Black Stars of Ghana won one game against South Korea and lost two games against Portugal and Uruguay.
Before switching nationality to Ghana Lamptey made three appearances for England’s U18, nine appearances for England’s U19 (scored one), six appearances for U20, and two appearances for England’s U21.
This season the 22-year-old has played 11 games for Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.
After a scoreless draw, the Atlas Lions shocked Spain with a 3-0 victory on penalties to advance to the round of eight and face Portugal.
Morocco first grabbed attention at the global showpiece with a goalless draw against Croatia, the runners-up four years ago before beating Belgium 2-0 in their second group game. They concluded their group stage game with a convincing win over Canada.
“I told (my players) we should be proud of ourselves,” Regragui said.
“It is an opportunity that may not be repeated. Unfortunately, I did not play in the World Cup. God has now given me an opportunity to make history as a coach. I am the happiest person in the world.”
“I think Africans can go far, why not dream of winning the cup? We want the next generation to dare to dream.”
The manager of Ajax, Alfred Schreuder has praised Ghanaian sensation Kudus Mohammed for his performance in the 2022 World Cup.
Despite the Black Stars’ early elimination from the World Cup in the Asian nation, the 22-year-old performed exceptionally well.
The former FC Nordjaelland star who had a magnificent debut World Cup, scored two goals and provided an assist in three matches.
Kudus has been deployed as a false number 9 at the Dutch giants this season and has flourished.
In an interview, Alfred Schreuder asserted it is nice to see the in-form midfielder scoring goals at the mundial for his country, saying he looks more like an attacker than a midfielder.
“It is nice to see that Mohammed has also scored his goals for Ghana. He already did that for us before the World Cup.” he said.
“I said from the start that he looks more like an attacker to me, who is very difficult to defend. This is partly because we have a lot of good midfielders.”
Kudus Mohammed has become a subject of interest for several clubs following his outstanding performance for the Black Stars at the World Cup.
Eight nations are eyeing to win the championship in Qatar on December 18 as the 2022 Fifa World Cup reaches its pinnacle.
Portugal defeated Switzerland on Tuesday, winning 6-1 to complete the quarterfinal line-up.
Morocco, who are the only African country left earlier defeated Spain 3-0 on penalties, after a goalless 120 minutes, to become only the fourth African country to reach the quarter-final stage of a World Cup.
Senegal and Morocco, the two-time defending champions of Africa, were the only side to get past the group round. Ghana, Cameroon, and Tunisia did not.
However, they posted impressive results despite their early exit as Tunisia defeated holders France 1-0 while Cameroon beat five-time champions Brazil in their final group game.
Ghana also recorded a 3-2 win over South Korea in their second group game at the tournament.
“Even, though, Senegal lost, the standard of the African teams just showed that it has been improving, Morocco look to be a very good team and it is going to be tough, we all now hope that they do well,” Sodje, who has four caps for the Super Eagles told Brila FM.
The 47-year-old failed to lead the Black Stars past the group stage after losing their final group game to Uruguay on Friday.
After the game, coach Addo confirmed he would be leaving his role as Ghana coach at end of his contract.
Ghana finished bottom of Group H with three points after losing to Portugal and Uruguay, having beaten South Korea in between.
He replaced Milovan Rajevac in February, initially as interim boss, and was given a deal until the end of December.
Coach Otto Addo’s departure means Ghana act move quickly to get a new coach in place before they continue their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in March.
He won four games during his time with the Black Stars, beating Madagascar and South Korea in competitive games with the other victories coming against Nicaragua and Switzerland in friendlies.
He masterminded Ghana’s qualification to the World Cup by beating Nigeria in March.
The France-based centre-back was a second-half substitute for the Black Stars on Monday afternoon and helped the national team to see off South Korea with a 3-2 win.
Reacting to the win in a social media post, Alexander Djiku says the feeling is amazing.
Former Ghana captain, Asamoah Gyan says the performance of the team is not a fluke adding that they must maintain their performance.
His comments come after Ghana’s win over South Korea in their second Group H game on Monday at the Education City Stadium.
After suffering a defeat against Portugal on Thursday, the Black Stars had to beat the Asian side to maintain their hope alive.
However, a brace from Mohammed Kudus and Mohammed Salisu saw Ghana pick their first win of the tournament despite two quick goals from Cho Gue-sung.
Reacting to the win, the 37-year-old said the performance of the team against Portugal and South Korea is a fluke but cautioned the team to be consistent to prove that they are in to compete.
“Great performance from the Black Stars and this performance is not a fluke,” he said on SuperSport.
“If they can maintain this performance, it will prove that they are in to compete,” Gyan, who is the country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 51 goals added.
Ghana will take on Uruguay in their final group game on Friday at the Al Janoub Stadium with kick-off scheduled at 15:00GMT.
Former Ghana international Dan Owusu is confident the Black Stars will defeat South Korea to better their chances of qualifying to the knockout phase at the World Cup.
Ghana suffered defeat in their World Cup opening game against Portugal and will hope to turn things around against the Koreans.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player in World Cup history to score five times, with his second-half penalty giving Portugal the lead against Ghana last Thursday.
Ghana’s Andre Ayew then equalized, but two goals in three minutes from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao secured the victory and moved Portugal to the top of Group H, despite Osman Bukari’s late winner
The Black Stars will take on South Korea in their second Group H game on Monday afternoon at the Education City Stadium.
Ahead of the clash, the three-time Ghana Premier League goal king winner who believes the Black Stars can defeat South Korea has charged the players to be aggressive.
“I’m sure the technical team monitored South Korea when they played Uruguay and know what to do”
“The Koreans run too much but if we are able to match them just like Portugal we can beat them. We can beat them but the players must be aggressive, I want the players to emulate Saudi Arabia, no one gave them chance but they defeat Argentina with their aggressive style of play” he told Koforidua-based Bryt FM.
Fans in Saudi Arabiahave been unable to watch all of the World Cup after a streaming service was blocked by the country’s government.
Tod TV, owned by Qatar-based broadcaster beIN SPORTS, holds the rights to the tournament In Saudi with 22 matches free-to-air.
But 42 can only be watched via a streaming service, that was blocked an hour before the opening ceremony.
The Saudi Media Ministry told viewers the service violated regulations.
Saudi Arabia came from behind to beat two-time winners Argentina 2-1 in their opening match in what is one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
Tod has written to advertisers on its platform explaining that it is “experiencing an outage which is currently impacting” its service.
The service also sent a message to viewers saying the situation was due to “matters beyond our control”.
Subscribers have complained on social media about the issue.
Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, draped the Saudi flag over his shoulders at the Argentina match
This comes nearly two years after Saudi Arabia and three other Arab states announced an end to a diplomatic dispute with Qatar. As part of the row, Qatar had filed a complaint against Saudi Arabia for blocking beIN and refusing to take action against alleged piracy of its content, which the Saudis denied. The dispute was resolved last year.
This week the Saudi Sports Minister told BBC Sport that Qatar had done an “amazing job” with the World Cup, and that it could help strengthen ties between the two countries.
“We’re neighbours, everyone has issues and we have to overcome these issues and use such an event to showcase that people are willing to work together,” he added.
The rulers of the two countries – the Emir of Qatar and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia – have appeared together at two matches.
BBC Sport has contacted Fifa and the Saudi Media Ministry for comment, while BeIN declined to comment.
Ghana’s coach Otto Addo, claims that despite losing to Portugal in their opening match, his game strategy was sound.
The European team defeated the Black Stars 3-2 in their Group H opener on Thursday at the 974 Stadium.
The West African team has received praise for their tenacity despite the humiliating loss.
However, Addo stated in a post-game interview that he wanted to earn all three points.
The game, in his opinion, was fine, but the penalty given to the 2016 European Champions was debatable.
“The game plan was ok but the referee gave a penalty which is not a penalty. Everyone saw Salisu. It’s a mess,” he said.
We had our chances even at the last minute. I can’t be proud because it’s zero points.
“We have to win our next two games,” he added.
The win takes Portugal top of the group but the 0-0 draw between South Korea and Uruguay earlier in the day means today’s loss might not prove to be too costly for the Black Stars.
Ghana will hope to secure their first win against South Korea in their second group game on Monday at the Education City Stadium.
Former Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan says Cristiano Ronaldo befitted from a soft penalty against Ghana after becoming the first man to score at five World Cups.
After the goalless first half, Ronaldo opened the scoring for Portugal via the penalty spot but Ghana improved after the goal and scored the equalised through skipper Andre Ayew from close range.
Portugal responded with two goals in two minutes to seal the points – Joao Felix converting a delightfully clipped finish and substitute Rafael Leao coolly stroking in just seconds after coming on.
Osman Bukari headed in a late consolation for Ghana and there could have been real drama in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
“The penalty for me… I don’t agree, in my opinion because it was just a soft touch,” Gyan told SuperSport TV after the game.
“Although Ronaldo was a bit earlier, it wasn’t a touch that could be a penalty. The referee should have at least checked the video assistant referee and made his decision. For me, I think it was too soft.”
He added, “The change came in too early. Although Dede Ayew got the goal, he was visibly exhausted before then, but after scoring, he and the man of the moment, Kudu were taken off which I disagree with a bit.”
“But at the end of the day, the players stepped up to the plate. I think the second half is the best we have seen in this competition so far.”
The defeat means Black Stars are bottom of Group H after Uruguay and South Korea played out a goalless draw earlier on Thursday.
The Black Stars will now switch their attention to their attention to the match against South Korea on Monday before taking on Uruguay on December 2 at the Education City stadium.
He has identified the attacking midfielder as extremely deadly, adding that the Stars should be on the lookout for him during the game.
Some fans are gripped with fear ahead of the Black Stars and Portugal game which has been scheduled for today November 24, 2022, in Doha, Qatar.
These individuals, filled with uncertainties, have tipped the Portuguese captain, Christiano Ronaldo as one who is likely to give the Black Stars a ‘run for their money’.
.
To them, the six times Ballon d’Or winner has got an impeccable record of smashing down much greater teams than the Black Stars.
However, Sonnie Badu has established that although Ronaldo has got a special interest in this game, the Black Stars should rather dread Bruno.
“Dear Blackstars, this is the man to keep an eye on … Don’t give him a chance, I love RONALDO and I know he wants to prove a point today; however, the one to fear is Bruno … I wish you all the best today.”
The Black Stars who are returning to the global showpiece after missing out in Russia 2018 has been housed in Group H against Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.
Ghana will open their campaign with a clash against former European champions Portugal before taking on South Korea and Uruguay in subsequent games.
In an interview, the former Getafe star wished the Black Stars well and backed the team excel at the mundial.
“I wish them all the best, I will keep on supporting them no matter what. We wish them well for them to do well at the World Cup and we hope they can make us proud. We’ve been there before and we know how it is”
“It’s a difficult tournament, it’s not an easy tournament because all the best players in the World are coming and so, if you are there as a player, it’s a dream come true and for me, I am a big for of Black Stars” he said.
The Black Stars having missed out in the last edition hosted in Russia in 2018 will be hoping to improve their performance in Qatar after exiting the group phase during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Only three sides from the continent have ever progressed to the quarter-finals; Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010.
Ghana will be hoping to progress from the group stage at this year’s tournament.
The sale of alcohol is strictly controlled in Qatar, and it had to relax its restrictions to allow FIFA sponsor Budweiser to sell its products outside World Cup match venues and fan zones. Now, fans have been told they cannot buy beer at any games during the tournament.
World Cup fans in Qatar will not be allowed to buy alcohol at the tournament’s eight stadiums.
The U-turn comes 48 hours before the competition’s opening game between Qatar and Ecuadorat the Al Bayt stadium in Al Khor on Sunday.
Qatar had originally ordered Budweiser stands to be less prominent,but now alcohol won’t be sold at all at stadiums – with the exception of corporate spectators.
Those in corporate hospitality at stadiums will still be allowed to drink alcohol.
FIFA said: “Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.”
It added Bud Zero would still be available, and that it would “continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans”.
A source briefed on the decision told Sky News: “These have been long-term discussions, and the overall feeling from everyone involved was that the stadiums need to be for everyone.
“This World Cup is different to others in that a larger number of fans are attending from across the Middle East and South Asia, where alcohol doesn’t play such a large role in the culture. The thinking was that, for many fans, the presence of alcohol would not create an enjoyable experience.
“The fan zones will be different in that some are clearly designated as alcohol-serving, while others are alcohol-free. Fans can decide where they want to go without feeling uncomfortable. At stadiums, this was previously not the case.”
Image:A Budweiser beer bar at the FIFA Fan Festival in Doha, Qatar
The sale of alcohol is strictly controlled in Qatar, and is only allowed in the Muslim nation within hotel bars and restaurants away from street view.
It had to relax its alcohol restrictions to allow FIFA sponsor Budweiser to sell its products outside match venues and fan zones.
Now Qatar 2022 has gone even further – at the insistence of Qatar’s Al Thani royal family, it is understood.
As one of FIFA’s biggest sponsors, Budweiser has the exclusivity to sell beer at World Cup matches.
It reportedly pays more than £60m over four years to be a FIFA top-tier sponsor, and this late change is unlikely to have gone down well.
A tweet from the official Budweiser account on Friday morning, which was later deleted, simply said: “Well, this is awkward…”
One fan replied to the post, saying, “I cannot watch England play whilst I’m sober next Monday” – to which Budweiser responded: “Don’t be, we’ll join you.”
Image:Budweiser later deleted its ‘this is awkward’ tweet
It would have been the only alcoholic beverage available to fans.
The Football Supporters’ Association, for fans in England and Wales, criticised what it described as a “total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters”.
“Some fans like a beer at the match, and some don’t, but the real issue is the last minute U-turn which speaks to a wider problem,” it said in a statement.
“If they can change their minds on this at a moment’s notice, with no explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues.”
Qatar had initially told fans they would be able to buy beer outside the stadium bowl itself, within the perimeter for ticketholders, “three hours prior to kick-off when the gates open and one hour after the final whistle”.
Now, it is understood beer will only be available in alcohol-serving fan zones in Qatar after 6.30pm and drunk fans will be sent to special zones to sober up.
In response to the request to move its outlets, Budweiser owner AB InBev told Sky News: “AB InBev was informed on November 12 and are working with FIFA to relocate the concession outlets to locations as directed.
“We are working with FIFA to bring the best possible experience to the fans. Our focus is on delivering the best possible consumer experience under the new circumstances.”
Footage on social media in recent days shows red Budweiser tents being moved on wheels by staff.
Qatar World Cup organisers said “operational plans are being finalised” when asked about the change to the location of beer stations earlier this week.
The World Cup Supreme Committee told Sky News: “These plans include venue management teams enhancing overlay requirements for all competition venues. This has a direct impact on the location of certain fan areas.
“Pouring times and number of pouring destinations remains the same across all eight World Cup stadiums.”
Denmarkhead into the tournament buoyed by impressive performances at Euro 2020 and the Nations League.
Previous World Cup appearances: 1986, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2018 Titles: 0 Best finish: Quarter-finals (1998) World Cup record: W9 D5 L6 World Cup goals: 30 Biggest win: 6-1 vs Uruguay (1986) Player to watch: Christian Eriksen Ranking: 10 Group stage fixtures: Tunisia (November 22), France (November 26), Australia (November 30)
There is a distinct air of optimism surrounding the Danish team heading to Qatar.
Last year, it demonstrated remarkable tenacity in recovering from an opening-day defeat to Finland in the delayed 2020 European Championships, a game marred by the on-field cardiac arrest suffered by their star player, Christian Eriksen.
The same team would reach the semi-finals, where it would eventually be knocked out by a controversial extra-time Harry Kane penalty.
Paramedics attend to Christian Eriksen after he collapsed during a match against Finland in Copenhagen [Friedemann Vogel/POOL/AFP]
This year, the Danes have recorded impressive results in the Nations League, including two wins over current world champions France. FIFA currently ranks them 10th in the world.
‘Danish Dynamite’
For a country of fewer than six million people, Denmark’s men’s national football team has punched above its weight.
The team, and the nation, announced themselves on the world stage in the ’80s and ’90s, earning the nickname “Danish Dynamite” and picking up a bronze in the 1984 European Championships before eventually winning the tournament in 1992.
It was also during this period that several Danish players broke onto the international scene, including the Laudrup brothers, who between them won five La Liga titles and two Seria A titles, as well as Peter Schmeichel, widely considered one of the best goalkeepers of all time.
However, success at the European Championships failed to translate to the World Cup. The Danes first qualified for the tournament in 1984 but would only make it past the round of 16 once in 1998 when they were beaten by a star-studded Brazil team 3-2 in a scintillating quarter-final.
Combination of experience, new talent
The current Danish squad boasts a healthy balance of experience and exciting new talent.
In goal, they have the ever-reliable Kasper Schmeichel, who plays for Premier League side Leicester City and is the son of legend Peter.
Kasper Schmeichel saves a shot from England’s Harry Maguire in the Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley Stadium on July 7, 2021 [File: REUTERS/Carl Recine]
At center-back, Denmark’s manager Kasper Hjulmand will likely pick the tried-and-tested duo of AC Milan’s Simon Kjaer and FC Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen. Joakim Mæhle, the Atalanta full-back who impressed during the 2020 European Championships with his trademark lung-bursting runs down the touchline and precise passing is also expected to make the starting XI.
In defensive midfield, Denmark can call on their stalwart Thomas Delaney,who currently plies his trade for Spanish side Sevilla. He will be joined by Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Kordt Højbjerg and Manchester United’s Eriksen.
Thomas Delaney celebrates after Denmark’s Euro 2020 quarter-final win over the Czech Republic in Baku, Azerbaijan, on July 3, 2021 [File: REUTERS/Naomi Baker]
Upfront Hjulmand has regularly fielded Kasper Dolberg, a 25-year-old forward currently on loan at Sevilla. Mikkel Damsgaard, who plays for Premier League side Brentford, will likely be deployed as a traditional winger on the left side. Veteran striker Martin Braithwaite, who recently moved from FC Barcelona to rivals Espanyol, is also likely to make an appearance.
They can draw confidence from recent victories over France and will fancy themselves against Australia.
Tunisia could prove formidable opposition depending on what team turns up on the day. The Eagles of Carthage have experienced an unpredictable form of late, reaching the 2021 Arab Cup Final but then crashing out of the African Cup of Nations quarter-finals to Burkina Faso a month later.
If Denmark progress as runners-up in Group D, they could face Argentina, one of the tournament’s favourites.
Here are the six national teams who have announced their final squad.
Japan
Japan were the first nation to announce their final squad for the tournament. The Blue Samarai released their squad on Thursday, November 1, 2022.
Takumi Minamino, Tahiro Tomiyaso, Kawashima, Kaoro Mitoma, Maya Yoshida are the key names in the squad.
Costa Rica
The North Americans were the second nation to release their squad. Joel Campbel, Kaylor Navas, and Bryan Ruiz are the key names on the list.
Brazil
Brazil head coach, Adenor Leonardo Bacchi popularly known as Tite, named a star-studded squad on Monday, November 7.
Arsenal duo, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, who missed the last call-ups in September, were included in the final list this time.
Some constants like Thiago Silva, Marquinhos Alisson, Ederson, Casimero, and Vinicius Jr were also named in the squad.
Meanwhile, Dani Alves made a shocking appearance in the squad at age 39.
Australia
The Socceroos named their squad on Tuesday, November 8. Matthew Ryan and Aaron Mooy lead the Australian squad.
Senegal
The Tarenga Lions of Senegal are the first African to announce their squad. Head coach Aliou Cisse has named a star-filled squad for the tournament.
Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sadio Mane, Idrissa Gueye, Cheikou Kouyate, Ismaila Sarr all made the squad.
Denmark
Denmark have also announced their 26-man squad. Christain Eriksen, Christensen, Simon Kjaer, Kasper Schmeichel, and Emile Hojbjerg are the key men leading the Dens’ list.
France
France head coach, Didier Deschamps, announced his final list in a press conference on Wednesday, November 9, 2022.
The surprise omission in the list is Real Madrid left-back, Ferland Mendy.
USA announced a young talented squad for the World Cup in Qatar. Chelsea star, Christian Pulisic will be leading the Americans.
THE USMNT SQUAD HEADED TO THE WORLD CUP ???????? pic.twitter.com/Ouyo74QO5x
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 9, 2022
Cameroon
Cameroon is the second African country to announce their World Cup squad after Senegal.
Napoli’s Anguissa, Bayern’s Choupo Mouting, Inter goalkeeper, Andre Onana as well as Vicent Aboukar all made the list.
Official Cameroon squad for 2022 World Cup. ???????????? #WorldCup2022 #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/kHzLJJnccq
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 10, 2022
Croatia
Luka Modric will lead Croatia’s 26-man squad in Qatar. Modric won the best player at the last edition and will hope he leads his Country to clinch the ultimate this time after finishing second in 2018.
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) November 9, 2022
Germany
Germany have announced their final squad for the World Cup on November 10, 2022.
Some of the key names in the list include Götze, Gundogan, Kimmich, Gnabry, Havertz, Neuer, Sané, and Rudiger.
Youngsters like Musiala, Moukoko, and Adeyemi also make the list for their first World Cup appearance.
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) November 10, 2022
Belgium
Belgium head coach, Roberto Martinez has released their 26-man squad for the World Cup.
Eden Hazard, Kevin DeBruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois are the key players on the list.
11,59 million Belgians. 26 Devils. 1 goal. ???? #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/wwCAMvlU6k
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) November 10, 2022
Morocco
Morocco were the third African country to announce their World Cup squad.
The list has no surprise omissions as Ziyech, El-Nesyri, Hakimi, Yassine Bono, and Boufal have all been included.
— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) November 10, 2022
England
England head coach, Gareth Southgate has named his final squad with some surprise misses.
Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, and Jadon Sancho are the big misses in the squad. Whereas Kalvin Philips, and Kyle Walker who are nursing injuries made the cut.
Your #ThreeLions squad for the @FIFAWorldCup! ???? pic.twitter.com/z6gVkRTlT3
— England (@England) November 10, 2022
Poland
Robert Lewandowski, Kamal Glik, Aljkadiuz Milik and Zielinski lead the Polish 26-man squad for the tournament.
They announced their squad on Thursday, November 10, 2022.
Uruguay
Ghana’s World Cup Group opponent, Uruguay, have named their final 26-man squad for the upcoming 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Barcelona centre-back, Ronald Araujo, who was said to be a major doubt for the tournament due to an adductor longus avulsion injury in his right thigh, made the list, which was released on Thursday, November 10, 2022.
Some key names like Luis Suarez, Edison Cavani, Darwin Nunez, and in-form Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde were all named in the big squad.
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Jao Felix, Cancelo, Ruben Diaz, and 39-year-old Pepe are all in the Fernando Santos.
Argentina
The South American champions have released their 36-man squad.
Lionel Messi leads the Albiceleste for what appears to be his last World Cup appearance.
Some key players named in the squad include Paulo Dybala, Angel Di Maria, Leonardo Parades, Nicholas Otamendi, and Lautaro Martinez.
— Selección Argentina ???????? (@Argentina) November 11, 2022
Spain
Spain head coach, Luis Enrique has named a relatively young 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Spanish-born player of Ghanaian descent, Nico Williams made the list alongside Pedri, Gavi, Fati, Yeremy Pino, and Dani Olmo who are all set for their maiden World Cup appearance.
The surprise omissions are Thiago Alcantara, Sergio Ramos, David De Gea, and Gerard Moreno.
Nertherlands
Luis Van Gaal left out no big names in his Netherlands squad.
???? Our 26 Lions for the @FIFAWorldCup!#NothingLikeOranje | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/EpkvaksBLW
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) November 11, 2022
Serbia
Mitrovic, Dusan Tadic, Vlahovic, Milinkovic Savic and Luka Jovic are the big names in Serbia’s squad.
The Dutch national team named Jeremie Frimpong, Memphis Depay, and Cody Gakpo are in their 26-man squad for the tournament scheduled to commence in November.
However, Ajax forward Brian Brobbey, who is also of Ghanaian descent, did not make coach Louis van Gaal’s squad announcement on Friday.
Frimpong has five goals in 18 appearances across all competitions, mostly as a right-back but also as a right-wing-back.
Cody Gakpo, who is a son of a Ghanaian father, has been more than impressive this season. The PSV striker has scored 13 goals with 14 assists in 18 matches in total.
Barcelona star Memphis Depay is expected to lead the attack for the Dutch side despite having less playing time this season.
