Argentine forward Lionel Messiclaims that Diego Maradona would be very thrilled following his victory as Argentina’s most capped player at a World Cup.
Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Poland on Wednesday earned them first place in Group C and a matchup with Australia in the round of 16. Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi was heavily involved in the victory.
“I only learned about this record recently,” Messi said when told about his latest achievement.
“It’s a pleasure to be able to continue achieving these kinds of records. I think Diego would be super happy for me because he’s always shown me a lot of affection. He was always happy when things went well for me.”
With the score tied, Wojciech Szczesny stopped a penalty shot from Messi, who was playing in the competition for the 22nd time overall—one more than his old mentor Maradona.
Messi could yet take another record from Maradona, as the 63 chances he has created at World Cups in recorded history is second only to his compatriot, who created 67.
The 35-year-old scored in Argentina’s opening two games in Qatar, a 2-0 victory over Mexico and a shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, before going scoreless against Poland.
His seven shots against Poland were his most for Argentina without a goal since a 1-1 draw with Iceland at the 2018 World Cup (11).
However, thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez in the second half, Argentina got the victory they needed and are now the heavy favorites to beat Australia.
“After the first goal, everything went our way,” said Messi, who was part of the Argentina squad that finished runners-up to Germany at the 2014 World Cup.
“We started doing again what we had been trying to do since the start of the World Cup, but which we hadn’t been able to achieve for various reasons.
“Having been able to do it today, it gives us confidence for the future.”
On Saturday, Messi will try to score in the World Cup’s knockout rounds for the first time because all eight of his previous goals came in the group stage.
In 23 attempts, he has failed to score after the opening round, although in the final 16 in the 2010, 2014, and 2018 competitions, he did contribute.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has demanded the immediate release of its supporter, Seth Osei-Asiedu, popularly known as Kwaku Rafiki.
Rafiki was reportedly picked up by the security agencies in the early hours of Thursday following a purported Twitter post on November 6.
In the tweet, it was stated that that customers of commercial banks may not be able to access funds owing to a recent downgrade by a rating agency, Fitch.
The NDC claims that its supporter is being held in unlawful detention and that no one knows where he is.
In a recent press conference, North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa indicated that the NDC would aggressively pressure President Akufo-Addo if Kwaku Rafiki is not released within the next 24 hours.
The family of the NDC activist’s client still do not know where Seth Asiedu is being held, according to Sammy Gyamfi, the activist’s attorney.
He continued by saying that no warrant had been obtained to search his room.
Some NDC officials on their way to the Police headquarters to enquire about the arrest of Kwaku Rafiki.
The father of Kwaku Rafiki, Kofi Asiedu in a distress call to JoyNews narrated circumstances leading to the arrest of his son.
“We heard people banging on our door. Open, Open! and then we were like who are those people? May be it was armed robbers, so we decided to go and look but they were banging. They even wanted to break in and then I just enquired and I saw that they were some three macho policemen.
“I asked them what has happened and they said no, they are not going to say anything until we open the door. We insisted but later on, we opened but when we opened, they were just asking where is the Itel phone? So we were like which Itel phone and they started searching. Later on, they saw the Itel phone with my boy in his room and they picked it and said you are the guy, let us go.
“I joined them and asked for the warrant. They said that they are from the National Security, and for them, they are not showing any warrant.
“When they brought him to the National security office and we enquired, they said they had taken him to the CID headquarters… we were trying to know the reason but we just got the information that he made a social media post regarding the banking sector issues. We are now looking for his whereabouts,” he stated.
Meanwhile, #FreeKwaku has been trending on Twitter since the arrest of Seth Asiedu. Many Ghanaians have called for the release of the NDC supporter and condemned the manner in which the young man was picked up.
Tata Martino acknowledged that Mexico’s World Cup performance was a “major failure” and that his contract had expired, with little chance of him taking over again.
Martino has not been a very well-liked El Tri coach, and his reputation took a hit on Wednesday when his team was eliminated from Qatar 2022’s group stage.
Mexico came agonizingly close to advancing through the round of 16 for the eighth consecutive World Cup before being eliminated on goal differential behind Poland in Group C.
Mexico and Poland are level on points, goal differential, and goals scored after Mexico and Saudi Arabia drew their head-to-head match at Lusail Stadium. Henry Martin and Luis Chavez scored goals in the second half against Saudi Arabia.
Salem Al Dawsari of Saudi Arabia scored a goal in stoppage time to prevent Mexico from being eliminated when Poland’s game versus Argentina was over due to a poor fair play record.
Ultimately, Martino’s team was too late to mount a comeback, and much of the criticism was leveled at the coach, whose name had been booed before to the game.
Told of his status as a “villain” in Mexico, Martino replied: “I can’t tell you anything abut people’s opinions.
“I am the main [person] responsible for the frustrations we have. I’m responsible and it’s a source of great sadness.
“I assume all the responsibility of this huge failure. It’s been eight World Cups this hasn’t happened.”
“Today, we looked for the third goal when we realized it was necessary based on 🇵🇱’s result. We knew that the yellow cards would keep us out.”
Martino’s contract was to expire after the World Cup, and he continued: “I have no reasons at the moment to think the future should be different. The contract expired with the final whistle and there is nothing else to do.”
Chavez was asked for his opinion later in the news conference and added: “We are the players, we assume full responsibility.
“I would say in the second match [against Argentina] we didn’t fully understand what he [Martino] wanted to see on the pitch.
“We defended well for some time but didn’t create enough chances.”
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard accepted his side did not deserve to advance with their performance against Mexico.
However, he sought instead to focus on their campaign as a whole – including the shock opening win over Argentina.
“Congratulations to the players. We did our best,” he said. “Today it was more difficult for us, but we don’t have to forget what we did together. I will always protect them. I’m proud of their World Cup.”
Although there are many everyday cases, China has indicated a change in its COVID position as it moves to relax some viral prohibitions.
On Thursday, lockdown restrictions were lifted in dozens of neighborhoods in Shanghai and Guangzhou, areas that had experienced an increase in instances.
The vice-premier of the nation also declared that the nation was in a “new position.”
It happens as China experiences widespread demonstrations against its zero-COVID policy.
Ten people were murdered in a high-rise building fire in western Xinjiang last week, which is what started the disturbance. Although the officials dispute this, many Chinese think that the city’s long-standing COVID prohibitions played a role in the fatalities.
It sparked days of sizable protests in numerous cities, which have subsequently subsided amidst a strong police presence.
On Wednesday, restrictions in big cities like Guangzhou were quickly relaxed after the city experienced violent rallies that led to fights between protestors and police.
A community in the capital Beijing also allowed COVID cases with mild symptoms to isolate at home, according to a Reuters report – a far cry from protocols earlier this year which saw entire buildings and communities locked down, sometimes as a result of just one positive case.
Other major cities like Shanghai and Chongqing also saw some rules relaxed.
It comes as one of China’s most senior pandemic officials, vice-premier Sun Chunlan, said the virus’ ability to cause disease was weakening.
“The country is facing a new situation and new tasks in epidemic prevention and control as the pathogenicity of the Omicron virus weakens, more people are vaccinated and experience in containing the virus is accumulated,” she said, according to a Reuters report.
This comes in stark contrast to an earlier message from authorities that the country needed to maintain a strict zero-Covid policy.
Former state media editor Hu Xijin, who now offers pro-Communist Party commentary on Twitter, insisted the moves showed China was now “speeding up to cast aside large-scale lockdowns”.
Following the lifting of lockdown measures in many parts of Guangzhou, Lijin Hong, an associate professor at Sun Yat-sen University, said it would “take a while for the city to recover. Yet is is awesome to see Guangzhou city again.”
China has in recent days recorded its highest number of daily Covid cases since the pandemic began – with more than 36,000 cases recorded on Wednesday.
However, the numbers are still tiny for a country of 1.4 billion people and officially just over 5,200 have died since the pandemic began.
That equates to three Covid deaths in every million in China, compared with 3,000 per million in the US and 2,400 per million in the UK, although direct comparisons between countries are difficult.
During Poland’s World Cup match against Argentina, Wojciech Szczesny and Lionel Messi wagered that the referee would not give a penalty, the goalkeeper has said.
In the opening period of Poland’s 2-0 defeat in Group C, the Juventus goalkeeper denied Messi from the penalty spot after a contentious call in which Danny Makkelie pointed to the spot after studying the event and acting on VAR instructions.
Szczesny was one of many who believed that there shouldn’t have been a penalty, even going so far as to wager against Messi during the game’s delay, but he has no plans to fulfill his end of the bargain.
“We spoke before the penalty. I told him I can bet him €100 that he [the referee] wasn’t going to give it. So, I’ve lost a bet against Messi,” he said after the match.
“I don’t know if that’s allowed at the World Cup and I’m probably going to get banned for it but I don’t care right now. And I’m not going to pay him either! He doesn’t care about €100, come on.”
After stopping Salem Al Dawsari of Saudi Arabia in the previous round of matches, Szczesny’s denial of Messi from the penalty spot became the Polish goalie just the third goalkeeper to save two penalties at a single World Cup tournament, excluding shoot-outs.
However, the close race in Group C to qualify to the knockout stage, with Poland barely winning on goal differential over Mexico, kept his celebrations in check.
“Yeah it was nice, I didn’t know at the time it was going to help us get through so I tried not to celebrate,” he added.
“But I’ve had some bad luck at the big tournaments so far, the World Cup four years ago was awful for me and I owed this much to the team and in the last two games I managed to help them a little bit.”
Poland will face defending champions France at Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday in the nation’s first appearance in the knockout stage since 1986.
Lionel Messi praised Argentina’s spirit and willpower, saying they “strengthened” after he missed a critical penalty to secure their 2-0 World Cup victory over Poland.
After Wojciech Szczesny saved Messi’s penalty kick, Lionel Scaloni’s team advanced as the Group C champions thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez in the second half.
La Albiceleste, who lost their opening game 2-1 to Saudi Arabia, have advanced to the World Cupknockout rounds for the 13th time in their last 14 outings. On Sunday, they will face Group D runners-up Australia.
“The team came out strengthened after that mistake of mine,” said Messi, who surpassed Diego Maradona in playing the most World Cup games for Argentina (22).
“We knew that once the first goal went in it was going to change the game. The previous game gave us a lot of peace of mind and we went out on the pitch thinking we should win.
“The game with Australia is going to be very difficult. Anyone beats anyone, everything is very even. We have to prepare for the game in the best way we always do.
“We must be calm and go game by game. Now, another World Cup starts, and hopefully we can continue to maintain what we did today.”
Nicolas Otamendi concurred: “This is a team that strengthens under pressure, it was demonstrated. Today we had a final, and we never lost focus.”
Rodrigo De Paul praised the team’s “personality,” but Mac Allister thinks the performance will give them more confidence going into the knockout rounds.
“I think today was a great team game, and that gives us a lot of confidence for what’s coming,” he said.
“It was a convincing performance. We look for the goal at all times. I think we went back to being the team we used to be. We handled the ball more, we had peace of mind, and we didn’t despair. We played well collectively. It fills us with confidence.”
A mother described how she was in “complete shock” when she found out she was having triplets and how she “can barely recall” the exact moment she learned during an ultrasound exam.
Genevieve “Genna” Knox, a teacher from San Diego, California, claims that up until 20 weeks of her pregnancy in 2019, she believed she was carrying one baby normally. It wasn’t until that point that she discovered she was also carrying a second child.
After another nine weeks, she was incredibly informed that there were actually three babies.
Along with their six-year-old son Liam, Genna, 38, and her husband Kyle wanted to start a family, but they were also conscious of her advanced maternal age.
She claimed that while she underwent comprehensive prenatal testing, she did not get a scan after her first trimester.
“I started having kids later in life and I didn’t know if I’d even be able to have one, we were overjoyed,” she told TODAY.com, about having triplets.
Genna with her three newly born babies in California( Image: Instagram)
She says they feel like the “luckiest people in the world”.
The first shock came when she learned she was pregnant with twins following a 20-week prenatal scan.
“She’s like, ‘Wait, you’re having twins?’ And I said, ‘No I’m not,’” Genna said. “Then I looked up and I could see clear as day that there were two babies.”
The family was contemplating getting a bigger car at that point as they wondered how they would adjust to having three kids in all.
Genna and Kyle say they feel incredibly lucky to have had the triplets( Image: Instagram)
Genna claimed that she had only seriously considered obtaining the four-dimensional scan as a memento and something to show their families after 29 weeks.
And after that, she claimed that she started to worry about the scan when the ultrasound technician spoke to her for such a long time.
“Finally he goes, ‘How far along were you when you found out you were having twins?’ And I said, ‘Oh, gosh you’re not going to believe it,’ and then I told him what happened at the 20-week scan,” Genna added.
Ghana is one of 17 African countries that have set in motion the long-awaited Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) that aims to consolidate the aviation market at continental level.
The other countries are Senegal, Togo, Zambia, Niger, Gabon, Namibia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, South Africa, Morocco, Mozambique, and Namibia.
The Single African Air Transport Sector (SAATM), which aspires to unify the aviation market on a continental scale, has been launched by 17 African nations, including Ghana.
The other nations are Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, Zambia, Niger, Gabon, Namibia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Namibia. South Africa, Morocco, and Mozambique round up the group.
These 35 African nations that have signed the SAATM represent a tiny majority of the continent.
The Yamoussoukro Decision Day (YD Day), which was observed on November 14 in Dakar, Senegal, at the national, regional, and continental levels, was the occasion for the 17 nations to agree to this trial project.
According to the African Union (AU), the YD Day “entered into force in 2000 following its endorsement by Heads of State and Government of the African Union for the liberalisation of scheduled and non-scheduled air transport services within Africa and with an overall aim of removing restrictions on traffic rights, capacity, and frequency between city pairs.”
The SAATM the AU said is within the context of the continent’s Agenda 2063.
“Africa’s time has come. The full implementation of the YD and the operationalisation of the SAATM at the continental level should not be delayed any longer. The benefits for the continent are undeniable,” said Victoire Sidémého Dzidudu, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Togo.
The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is a flagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063, an initiative of the African Union to create a single unified air transport market in Africa to advance the liberalization of civil aviation in Africa and act as an impetus to the continent’s economic integration agenda.
SAATM will ensure aviation plays a major role in connecting Africa, promoting its social, economic and political integration and boosting intra-Africa trade and tourism as a result.
Christmas is rapidly approaching as seen by the abundance of Quality Street tubs on store shelves and the holiday-themed TV commercials that are filling the screens.
Many parents will be seeking for present ideas as December approaches, not just for their children’s teachers but also for the small ones.
It’s a thoughtful gesture to thank school employees at the end of the term because they support students’ learning, safety, and development throughout the school year. But it can be challenging to decide what to buy, especially when cash is scarce due to a cost of living crisis.
Fortunately, one teacher has revealed the presents she’s completely “sick of” and has instead provided some alternate options for parents seeking for inspiration.
A special education needs (SEN) teacher named Mel took to TikTok to voice her opinion on her most dreaded present. She did so in the form of a humorous skit using a viral background soundtrack on the platform, which is typically used by interior designers to discuss ornamental styles and ideas.
The video, which Mel shared on her account @mellew06, starts off with her having a rather displeased expression before switching to a number of pictures of the gifts. Its front is inscribed with the words “How I feel about certain teacher gifts with little to no explanation.”
The audio first asks for two gift cards, one each for Amazon and Target, to which it simply responds “sure”. It’s simple to understand why gift cards are appealing because teachers can select their own gifts or use the voucher to purchase a larger item they’ve been eyeing.
The primary offender—teacher-themed mugs—which Mel genuinely despises is then revealed. A picture of a white mug with a red apple and the words “world’s best teacher” written across the front appears.
Since the description of the SEN teacher’s video reads, “Sorry, we’re sick of ‘world’s finest teacher’ mugs,” it is safe to assume that you should refrain from purchasing one of those at the store.
The video then intriguingly displays a T-shirt with the words “educate, love, inspire,” which the voiceover states is a “50/50” proposition, suggesting that Mel may not be opposed to all themed gifts.
The personalized, glittery stapler and Sellotape container with the teacher’s name and vibrant gold and pink glitter is her favorite gift out of the bunch. Yes, and I don’t care that it’s unrealistic, the audio declares when the audacious gift is displayed.
Many people, including other instructors, raced to the video’s comments section to lambast Mel for her giving requirements.
One wrote: “Um wow! Teacher here and I am thankful for anything a child brings me. Handmade, or an ornament to put on my tree in my room are my favorites [sic] though!”
Others argued that Mel is being insensitive towards parents’ financial situations, as one said: “This makes me sad. I have been a teacher for 18 years and have gotten zero gifts. My families are just trying to keep their heads above water”.
Some parents chimed in, with one commenting: “Ugh when I see these videos makes me nervous to even gift my son’s test anything so he just doesn’t take anything! problem solved”.
Mel replied with some advice, writing: “Don’t overthink it! But if you don’t know much about your child’s teacher… don’t buy something too specific!”
At the Queen Consort’s reception, a famous black advocate for victims of domestic abuse described how she was constantly questioned by a member of the Buckingham Palace household about her “true origins.”
Ngozi Fulani, the CEO of Sistah Space, called the conversation a “violation” and said she will “never forget” her experience at Camilla’s significant speech on violence against women on Tuesday.
When Ms. Fulani replied her organization was situated in Hackney, a family member reportedly disputed her, asking: “No, what region of Africa are YOU from?”
She described the complete alleged chat on Twitter, which she claimed occurred 10 minutes after her arrival and included the following question: “Where are you from?
“Me: ‘Here, UK’. ‘No, but what nationality are you?’ Me: ‘I am born here and am British.’ ‘No, but where do you really come from, where do your people come from?’ Me: ”My people’, lady, what is this?’
“Oh, I can see I am going to have a challenge getting you to say where you’re from.”
Ms Fulani, who founded Sistah Space in 2015 to provide specialist support for African and Caribbean heritage women affected by abuse, wrote: “Mixed feelings about yesterday’s visit to Buckingham Palace.
“10 mins after arriving, a member of staff … approached me, moved my hair to see my name badge. The conversation below took place. The rest of the event is a blur.”
She thanked Mandu Reid, leader of the Women’s Equality Party, and Safe Lives chief executive Suzanne Jacob for their support on the day.
Ms. Reid, who in British history became the first person of color to head a major political party, tweeted that she had also heard the conversation.
I have so much to say about this. Ultimately, this is violence. @Sistah_Space I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’m also sadly, unsurprised. To accept wilful erasure & be “dignified” in the face of continued violence is how we are expected to be.
“I was right there. I witnessed this first hand,” she said.
“We were at an event that was supposed to celebrate our work.
“For people like … people like us will never really belong here.”
Responding to messages of support, Ms Fulani wrote: “Standing there in a room packed with people while this violation was taking place was so strange, especially as the event was about violence against women.
“That feeling of not knowing what to do, will NEVER leave me. Almost alone in a room full of advocates.”
She said it was a “struggle to stay in a space where you were violated”.
She expressed her disappointment at being unable to report the incident and said she felt unable to tell Camilla about it.
“There was nobody to report it to. I could’nt (sic) report it to the Queen Consort, plus it was such a shock to me and the other 2 women, that we were stunned to temporary silence,” she wrote.
“I just stood at the edge of the room, smiled & engaged briefly with who spoke to me until I could leave.”
Ms Jacob tweeted it was “a horrible thing to happen, and in a space that should have been nothing but love and celebration” and said she would be raising it with the team who organised for them to be there.
As of right now, Buckingham Palace has refrained from commenting.
Serious issues are raised for the Palace in light of the alleged incident, which comes after the Duchess of Sussex accused an unnamed royal of racism against her unborn son Archie last year.
Meghan, the first mixed-race woman to marry a senior royal in decades, said during an Oprah interview that Harry was warned by a royal, neither the Queen or the Duke of Edinburgh, about how dark Archie’s skin tone might be before his birth.
Here is the complete conversation between Ms. Fulani and Lady Susan Hussey, who has resigned as an honorary Lady of the Household, at Buckingham Palace, as described by Ngozi Fulani, CEO of Sistah Space:
Lady SH: “Where are you from?”
Ms Fulani: “Sistah Space.”
SH: “No where do you come from?
Ms Fulani: “We’re based in Hackney.”
SH: “No, what part of Africa are YOU from?”
Ms Fulani: “I don’t know, they didn’t leave any records.”
SH: “Well, you must know where you’re from, I spent time in France. Where are you from?”
Ms Fulani: “Here, UK”
SH: “No, but what Nationality are you?”
Ms Fulani: “I am born here and am British.”
SH: “No, but where do you really come from, where do your people come from?”
Ms Fulani: “‘My people’, lady, what is this?”
SH: “Oh I can see I am going to have a challenge getting you to say where you’re from. When did you first come here?”
Ms Fulani: “Lady! I am a British national, my parents came here in the 50’s when…”
SH: “Oh, I knew we’d get there in the end, you’re Caribbean!”
Ms Fulani: “No lady, I am of African heritage, Caribbean descent and British nationality.”
England’s 3-0 victory over Wales on Tuesday guaranteed them a spot in the World Cup’s round of 16. They will play African champions Senegal there.
The following information about their opponents will help you understand the path that Gareth Southgate’s team may need to take to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966.
Who do England play next?
After winning Group B to advance to the knockout rounds, England will take on Senegal.
After defeating Ecuador 2-1 earlier on Tuesday, Senegal advanced from the group stage for just the second time, finishing second to Netherlands in Group A.
When do England play next?
That match will take place on Sunday, 4 December at the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar.
What time do England play on Sunday?
England’s last-16 tie kicks off at 19:00 GMT – 22:00 local time in Doha.
How good are the Senegal football team?
Senegal, which is ranked 18th globally and first among African countries, won the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 2021 after losing in the finals in 2019 and 2002.
In 2002, they made it to the World Cup quarterfinals, but they didn’t qualify again until 2018, when they lost in the group stage with just one victory in three games.
However, they will be without a number of important players against England on Sunday as Bayern Munich striker Sadio Mane was forced to withdraw from the competition due to injury and Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye is serving a one-match suspension.
Have England and Senegal met before?
This will be the first time the two sides have played each other.
Where is Senegal?
Senegal is in West Africa, next to the Atlantic Ocean.
Who will England play if they beat Senegal?
The winner of Group D, presently France, or the runner-up of Group C, currently Argentina, await England in the quarterfinals, making their path to the championship game possibly difficult.
On Saturday, December 10, that game will be played, and a semi-final will follow on Wednesday, December 14, four days later.
England might play Croatia, who finished second in 2018, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
On December 18, the championship game will be held in Qatar at the Lusail Stadium. The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, or Brazil are possible rivals because they are all on the opposite side of the draw.
Even if Germanyis unexpectedly eliminated early from the World Cup, Hansi Flick plans to stay in charge for the Euro 2024 on home soil.
After losing 2-1 to Japan and tying 1-1 with Spain in their first two games, Germany is currently last in Group E going into the final round of games.
Following Josef Herberger, Flick is the only manager of Germany to have lost his first two World Cup games; no other manager has lost their first three games in charge.
To ensure a spot in the round of 16, the four-time world champions must now defeat Costa Rica and hope Spain defeats Japan.
If Spain and Japan play to a tie or a win for the latter, the outcome would come down to goal differential if Germany wins all three of its games against Costa Rica.
Flick’s decision to stay in the position would be called into doubt if he dropped out of the race at the first hurdle, but he has no plans to do so.
“I don’t know what else will happen, but from my side, my contract runs to 2024 and I’m looking forward to the Euros,” he said at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference.
“But we have a while to go until then. We go into the Costa Rica match trying to make things clear from the start, to exert pressure – these are our intentions.
“Of course we know it’ll be difficult against a team who normally defends. We need to adopt the same mentality as we showed against Spain.”
Germany failed to reach the knockout round in Russia four years ago and exited Euro 2020 at the last-16 stage in last year’s rescheduled tournament.
Flick, who took over on the back of those disappointments, is hoping to avoid more major competition disappointment on Thursday.
When asked to explain why Germany have underwhelmed at recent tournaments, Flick said: “Maybe you can ask me this question tomorrow, though I hope not.
“Normally I’m an optimist who thinks positively. I’m not considering anything like [exiting the tournament] for the time being.
“We know it’s not entirely in our own hands and it goes without saying we didn’t get the result we wanted in the first game.
“But we’re here to reach the knockouts and we’ll play our next match with confidence. Whatever happens, happens. Like after the Japan loss, I’m not feeling any pressure.
“We’re heading in the right direction. Things are getting better in training and we’re continuing to learn. We’re finding solutions with the ball and that’s why I think we’re improving.”
Germany are facing Costa Rica at the World Cup for just a second time, having previously won 4-2 in the opening match of the 2006 edition when hosting the tournament.
They have won six of their eight World Cup matches against CONCACAF nations, though their only loss in that run was in their last such match against Mexico in 2018.
Costa Rica have won just one of their past 11 World Cup games against European nations, meanwhile, with that including a 7-0 loss to Spain in their opening group match.
However, Luis Fernando Suarez’s side beat Japan last time out and can themselves reach the last 16 by defeating Germany at Al Bayt Stadium.
A draw would also be enough if Spain overcome Japan, as many expect, and Flick expects Costa Rica to set out defensively in order to take a point.
“If we look at the table then Costa Rica has an opportunity to go last 16 if they draw, so I assume they’ll try to defend as much as possible as they did against Japan,” he said.
“It’s important for us to find a solution. It’s our own fault we’re in this situation and now we have to do what we can. It’s about giving 100 per cent and performing on the day.”
Luis Enrique insists that Spain won’t take any dangers by attempting to orchestrate a certain outcome against Japan in order to avoid playing Brazil in the World Cup quarterfinals.
La Roja takes on Samurai Blue on Thursday knowing that a win will guarantee the group’s top rank and set up a matchup with the Group F runners-up in the round of 16.
However, it would also put them in position to face the Selecao in the round of eight.
Attempting to avoid Brazil has been a hot issue throughout Spain’s recent media appearances, and Luis Enrique even acknowledged talking about it with his team.
“Great question, we’ve wondered about this and reflected on it. From a professional point of view, we are only thinking of winning because the four teams can qualify,” he said.
“We want to be first, we cannot and should not speculate. It’s very human to talk about it, we have done it, but it’s useless to choose.
“Imagine, we reach minute 95, we are drawing 0-0, we are winners of the group. But then just before full-time, Costa Rica and Japan score. You’ve speculated the entire game and then in the last 15 seconds you concede. That’s it, you’re out.
“If you’re convinced your team is a good one [you try to win]. We’re here to win seven games.
“Your theory is Brazil [in the quarter-finals]. Let’s play Brazil. We can’t start with these estimations.
🗣️ @LUISENRIQUE21: “Imagínate que salimos a especular ante Japón y quince segundos antes de terminar el partido quedamos eliminados”.
“We try to put up a fight – it doesn’t matter who we’re playing in the round of 16 or quarter-finals.
“If we play Brazil in the quarters, well so be it… We must beat Japan – elite sport and speculation don’t compute, or we don’t understand it that way. Being first would mean that we have been better.
“To win a World Cup you have to win against everyone who comes your way. That’s our goal.”
In fact, Luis Enrique continued by saying he would enjoy playing Brazil in the quarterfinals, even if it meant La Roja had a more difficult path to the championship game.
“I hope to play against Brazil. It will mean that we have both reached the quarter-finals,” he continued.
“Brazil is always a clear favourite [for the World Cup], regardless of the year. They have so much talent and quality, both individually and collectively.
“As for everyone else [the favourites], there aren’t big surprises. I always stick to the FIFA rankings, you can see which are the favourites. You look at the top 10, some aren’t here but generally those are the favourites. Brazil, France won [their groups] easily, so there’s no surprises.”
Spain have generally impressed across their first two games with their vibrant and attack-minded style of play, with many considering them early favourites despite possessing one of the youngest squads.
But one of their young talents who is yet to make an appearance is Ansu Fati, who some felt was fortunate to even be named in the squad after only playing bit-part role for Barcelona this season on his return from injury.
Luis Enrique acknowledged Fati was the most uncertain selection in the group, but he stressed he was thrilled with the training level of all of his forwards.
“He was the last player to enter the list. He wasn’t even in the squad in the previous two international breaks. It might be the position where I had the most doubts, regarding bringing Ansu or another player.
“I have to base my decisions on training. We have eight forwards training so well, I am delighted with them, they are flying. It’s a shame they’ve not all had minutes, they all deserve to play and it hurts me, but there’s no space for everyone – some will not play.
“There’s five substitutes allowed, and some players will end the competition without playing a minute. I’m sorry about that, so sorry, but they have to keep training at a top level and I make decisions based on what I see. I am sorry, but also happy with what I see from those eight players.”
Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have both called on Greg Norman to step down as the head of the independent LIV Golf Tour.
Only if Norman steps down, according to Woods, can the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabia-funded LIV Tour come to an agreement.
The Australian former world number one needed to “leave stage left,” according to McIlroy earlier this month.
Woods urged LIV to drop its legal action against the PGA Tour in a speech prior to this week’s Hero World Challenge.
“I think Greg has to go, first of all,” Woods, 46, said. “And then obviously litigation against us and then our countersuit against them, those would then have to be at a stay as well.
“So then we can talk, we can all talk freely.”
After signing numerous high-profile athletes with hefty signing bonuses, including Open champion Cameron Smith and other significant winners like Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka, Woods accused the LIV Tour of inciting “animosity.”
Next year, LIV plans to host a 14-tournament super league using their 54-hole shotgun start format with 48-player fields.
“There’s a lot of animosity, especially from their leadership,” said Woods, who equalled Sam Snead’s record of 82 PGA Tour victories before injuries curtailed his playing career.
“And they want to be a validated tour with world ranking points and they’re buying up tours around the world and I don’t know what their end game is.
“It might be just being an official member of the golf ecosystem and being recognised with world ranking points. I think that’s what their intended goal is.
“You know, they’ve spent probably close to $2bn this year. Who’s to say they can’t spend $4bn or $5bn next year? We just don’t know. It’s an endless pit of money.
“But that doesn’t necessarily create legacies either. You want to compare yourself to [Ben] Hogan, you want to compare yourself to Snead, you want to compare yourself to [Jack] Nicklaus, you can’t do that over there, but you can on this Tour.”
In Dubai two weeks ago, McIlroy said that Norman needed to leave his role as commissioner and chief executive if there was to be peace between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. “No one’s going to talk unless there is an adult in the room,” said the current world number one.
It was reported that LIV were lining up Mark King, the former boss of golf manufacturer Taylormade, to replace Norman but this was strenuously denied.
LIV Golf managing director Majed Al-Sorour said in response to the Daily Telegraph’s report: “Greg Norman is our CEO and commissioner. Any suggestion that changes are being made to Greg’s title or role is patently false.”
Woods says it is impossible for both organisations to coexist under the current set-up. “Not with their leadership, not with Greg there and his animosity towards the tour itself,” he said.
“I don’t see that happening. As Rory said – and I said it as well – I think Greg’s got to leave and then we can eventually, hopefully, have a stay between the two lawsuits and figure something out.
“But why would you change anything if you’ve got a lawsuit against you? They sued us first.”
LIV launched their anti-trust lawsuit against the US-based circuit after players who joined the breakaway set-up were suspended indefinitely from the PGA Tour. A trial date has been set for January 2024.
A countersuit has been launched by the PGA Tour and there are separate legal proceedings between LIV and the European based DP World Tour, which will be heard in February next year.
“I think it has to start with leadership on their side,” Woods added. “Understanding that what is happening right now is not the best fit for the future for the whole game of golf.
“Now, what is the best way for our game to grow? It’s not this way. But granted, you need to have the two bodies come together. If one side has so much animosity, someone trying to destroy our tour, then how do you work with that?”
‘Charlie will hit all the shots’
Woods also revealed that he had two operations this year on the right leg that he badly injured in a car crash in February 2021.
Refusing to give details, he admitted that the damage he suffered contributed to the plantar fasciitis that forced him to pull out of this week’s tournament. He has not played since missing the cut in the Open at St Andrews last July.
Woods still plans to play with his son Charlie in the PNC Championship in Florida next month, when he can ride in a buggy, and at The Match on 10 December, when he will partner McIlroy against Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.
“The Father-Son will be a very easy week,” the former world number one said. “Charlie will just hit all the shots and I’ll just get the putts out of the hole, so pretty easy there.”
As for returning to competitive golf, Woods reiterated that he will play sparingly in future. “The goal is to play just the major championships and maybe one or two more, physically that’s all I can do,” he said.
“I don’t have much left in this leg, so gear up for the biggest ones and hopefully, you know, lightning catches in a bottle and I’m up there in contention with a chance to win and hopefully I remember how to do that.”
Insisting that this is Belgium’s “golden generation,” Roberto Martinez denies any similarity to England‘s mid-2000s disasters.
Although the Red Devils’ 2018 World Cup finish was their best in recent years, this collection of Belgian players has long been praised.
Coach Martinez has defended the players as pressure mounts on the team heading into the 2022 finals, where there have been rumors of veteran stars fighting.
He aimed to draw attention to the leaders of Belgium’s squad’s contributions off the field as well as on it and made the argument that the England team that received the same moniker under Sven-Goran Eriksson was not comparable.
“It’s interesting, because when I arrived in 2016, there was talk of a ‘golden generation’,” Martinez said on Wednesday.
“Clearly we were not the golden generation. The golden generation of Belgian football was 1986 in Mexico. They were the ones who arrived into the semi-finals.
“Since then, these players showed incredible commitment to the national team. We’re talking about players who left Belgium very young, they went into the best dressing rooms in European football, they win trophies, and they’re always committed.
“We have eight players with over 100 caps; we have Thibaut Courtois reaching his 100th cap against Croatia. You’ve got players who gave their career for the national team.
“This generation is the golden generation of Belgian football, there is no doubt.
“They got the bronze medal in 2018, they kept the national team for four years at the number one spot in the world rankings, a population of 11,000,000.
“Twenty-one of them got their A [coaching] licences. This generation is going to carry on impacting Belgian football from a coaching point of view for the next 20 years.
“They were able to build a new training facility, state of the art, that is going to change Belgian football for the next generations.
“What you can say is this generation haven’t won a major tournament. But leaving a legacy goes a lot further than winning a tournament. I’m sure you can find national teams who win tournaments and they don’t leave a legacy.
“This group of players deserve respect, deserve admiration for what they’ve done.
“From here, we can win, draw, lose, but with the legacy of this generation, I am the proudest person because I’ve been able to work with them, to see day to day how much they care.
“The next 20 years in Belgian football will not be the same because of this generation.
“You cannot compare it to England. England was a group of players that were sensational, outstanding at a group level, and they never found the way to do that with the international team. Comparisons are totally, totally impossible.”
Lionel Messiwill eventually return to Barcelona because the player and team “deserve one last dance together,” according to Jordi Cruyff, sporting director of the Catalan giants.
Messi’s 21-year affiliation with Barcelona ended in August 2021 due to the club’s inability to pay a new contract in accordance with LaLiga’s financial fair play regulations. Messi now plays for Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi is currently in his second season with PSG, but his deal expires at the end of the current campaign, and he has been linked to a transfer to Inter Miami of the Major League Soccer.
Next year, when the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner turns 36, Cruyff expects to see him return to Camp Nou, albeit he acknowledges it might not be in a playing role.
“It’s clear Barcelona and Messi have to be together again one day,” Cruyff told RAC1. “It may be after his career, but they deserve a final hug, one last dance together.”
Asked about the possibility of Guardiola managing the Blaugrana again further down the line, Cruyff said: “He’s reached the level of being able to choose his own destiny.
“Not many have reached that point; it’s the dream of every professional. Whether he returns or not, I have no idea. I think he’s happy at City.”
Ashanti Regional Director for the National Service Scheme (NSS), Mr. Alex Opoku, is under fire after he verbally abused a nurse at the Manhyia District Hospital.
Mr Opoku is reported to have marched to the Manhyia District Hospital and confronted a nurse who drew the attention of his daughter, a House Officer, to a task she had failed to execute.
The House Officer is said to have failed to log into the E-health system and update a patient’s prescription order. The patient would have been billed for unissued drugs but for the intervention of the nurse.
Mr Opoku’s daughter who was displeased by the incident reported the matter to her father who later accused the nurse of being envious of his daughter.
He also jabbed individuals who studied General Arts in Senior High School.
According to John Elkann, CEO of the club’s primary owner Exor, Massimiliano Allegri will stay at Juventus despite the resignation of the club’s entire board.
Following an urgent meeting on Monday, Juve announced the resignations of several important individuals, including its president Andrea Agnelli, vice president Pavel Nedved, and managing director Maurizio Arrivabene.
The exodus occurs as a result of the club reporting record €254.3 million losses for 2021–2022 and as a result of an investigation into suspicions of tax fraud, which the Bianconeri have refuted.
LaLiga has urged UEFA to impose “urgent sporting punishment” on the Bianconeri, but Exor CEO Elkann has taken action to calm concerns that the turbulence in the boardroom may affect matters on the field.
“Massimiliano Allegri remains the point of reference in the Juventus sports area,” Elkann said.
“We are counting on him and on the whole team to continue winning as they have shown they can do in the last few [match] days, keeping our goals high on the pitch.”
“In these 12 years, we have won so much. The credit is mainly his, as well as the women and men who have achieved memorable goals under his leadership.
“Our history speaks of victories and gives us the strength we need precisely in these moments. With the support and affection of our fans, we have the opportunity to build an extraordinary future.”
Allegri, who came under intense criticism for overseeing Juve’s elimination from the Champions League at the group stage earlier this season, joined Elkann in complimenting Agnelli’s performance in Turin.
“It is always very positive to feel the closeness of the shareholders, and therefore I thank John Elkann for these words,” he said.
“In recent years of work, passion and victories, I have always been able to count on the support of Andrea Agnelli, to whom I am bound by a friendship that will not end with the end of his presidency.”
During Tuesday’s important 1-0 World Cup victory over Iran, United States captain Tyler Adams praised his team’s cohesion, and defender Tim Ream praised the captain’s influence.
At Al Thumama Stadium, Christian Pulisicscored the game-winning goal for the USA just before halftime, advancing them to the round of 16.
Due to the two countries’ tense relationship, geopolitical issues dominated the build-up to the match. This was their first World Cup meeting since a match in France in 1998 that was labeled the “most politically charged game” in tournament history.
Iran won the match 2-1 in Lyon, but this time, the USA crossed the finish line first. Gregg Berhalter’s team was significantly less effective after Pulisic was forced to leave the game at halftime due to a pelvic contusion that will be treated “day-to-day,” despite how much better they had been in the first half.
UPDATE: #USMNT forward Christian Pulisic has been diagnosed with a pelvic contusion and his status is day-to-day. pic.twitter.com/abZcjU6tco
Iran increased its pressure at the finish and twice in stoppage time came very close to winning, but the USA held out to schedule a match with the Netherlands.
Their development highlights how far the USA have come in recent years given that they did not even make it to the last World Cup, and Adams’ remarks captured the positive energy surrounding the team.
“For me, I have obviously dreamed of playing in a World Cup, and I didn’t know when that time would come,” he told reporters. “Obviously that has come now. I am very proud to be representing the US and this team.
“The group we have in this locker room is superb, every day we show up and try and get better, and focus on getting better.
“Tonight was one of those nights where you knew you could look to your left and look to your right and there was someone battling for you.”
The USA have only ever been beyond the last 16 at a men’s World Cup once in its current format, back in 2002 when a Landon Donovan-inspired side reached the quarter-finals.
Standing in the way of matching that accomplishment are the Netherlands, and the size of the task facing the USA is not lost on Adams, who rates the Oranje among the best in Qatar.
“Obviously it is a big opportunity for us; an amazing game,” he said. “We have obviously played against good teams here already like England; the Netherlands could be another favourite to win the World Cup and they have done really well to navigate their way through the tournament so far.
“They’ve some amazing players, we are going to have to be ready. For now, we will try to have some downtime and relax to regain our focus. Our coaches will obviously come up with a game plan to get us ready.”
Adams’ performance was vital to the USA prevailing, with the Leeds United midfielder’s poise key to their first-half control and his tenacity important in disrupting an improved Iran after the break.
His 84 touches, 62 completed passes and 12 recoveries were all highs for the match, while Adams also tallied the second-most tackle attempts (three) on the USA team, successfully taking back possession on each occasion.
Ream, playing behind Adams at centre-back, saw his captain’s performance at close quarters and was grateful for his protection.
“[Adams] makes everyone’s job a little bit easier. The amount of ground he covers, his energy, tenacity, work rate; it’s just incredible what he does on a football pitch.
“As he grows the team grows, you could see that. It’s a pleasure to play behind him.”
Of course, it was not the first time this week Adams has been under the spotlight.
He faced up to some awkward questions in Monday’s pre-match press conference, with an Iranian journalist calling him out over his pronunciation of Iran.
Suffice to say, Ream joined the chorus of praise for how Adams handled that particular situation.
“I thought it was brilliant,” Ream said. “It is what it is, that’s the world we’re living in right now.
“For him to handle it with the poise that he did, and the sincerity that he showed, I think was fantastic.”
The pivotal World Cupmatch between Germany and Costa Rica will be officiated by Stephanie Frappart, who will make history as the first woman to ever officiate a match at the men’s event in its 92-year history.
Frappart will be in the middle for the Group E match on Thursday at Al Bayt Stadium, where both clubs still have a chance to advance to the next round in Qatar.
Along with Salima Mukansanga of Rwanda and Yoshimi Yamashita of Japan, she was one of three female referees chosen for the World Cup pool in May.
In March 2021, when officiating a match between the Netherlands and Latvia for the men’s World Cup qualification, Frappart became the first woman to officiate a match in the history of the international game.
This Thursday, an all-female refereeing trio will take charge of a men’s @FIFAWorldCup match for the first time.
Stéphanie Frappart will be joined by assistants Neuza Back and Karen Diaz in overseeing @fedefutbolcrc against @DFB_Team.
The French official has previously officiated high-profile male club matches, like as the 2019 UEFA Super Cup between Chelsea and Liverpool. A year later, she officiated Juventus’ match against Dynamo Kyiv to become the first female referee of a Champions League group game.
“The men’s World Cup is the most important competition in the world, not only football,” she told The Athletic in May when she was selected for the tournament. “But I was the first female referee in France, the first in Europe, every time the first. I know how to deal with that… You’re there because you deserve it.”
The entire on-field officiating team for the game will be female, with Frappart joined by assistants Neuza Back and Karen Diaz.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been given a once-in-a-lifetime contract to play for a Saudi Arabian club following his departure from Manchester United.
At the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the forward, who is now 37 years old, is now playing for Portugal.
As Ronaldo prepares to make history by becoming the first male footballer to score in five straight World Cups, CBS Sports reports that Al Nassr FC of Saudi Arabia has made him a whopping $225 million three-year offer. The agreement is said to go into effect following the World Cup.
Ronaldo has shown a strong desire to play solely at the top level available in Europe. Ronaldo was given a contract that will essentially pay him $75 million a year. According to reports, discussions started in the summer, and the team is now waiting for Ronaldo to make up his mind.
One of the most prosperous clubs in Asia and Saudi Arabia is Al Nassr FC.
The club has a total of nine league championships. According to reports, Ronaldo has also being pursued by their rival Al Hilal.
The football player’s post-World Cup plans are still unknown. Cristiano Ronaldo has not yet offered any commentary.
Marcus Rashford was tasked by Luke Shaw with replicating his “unplayable” performance against Wales for the remainder of England‘s World Cup run.
In Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over their British counterparts at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Rashford scored both of England’s goals.
With the win, England won Group B and advanced to the round of 16, where they will play Senegal for a spot in the quarterfinals.
One of Gareth Southgate’s four new players, Rashford opened the scoring with a beautiful free-kick early in the second half. Then, following a frantic run, he doubled his tally with a low drive as Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward let the ball slip through his legs.
According to Shaw, Rashford must continue to produce at the same level after being the first member of Manchester United to score three goals at a World Cup since Bobby Charlton in 1966, when England won the cup.
When asked by Stats Perform what he thought of Rashford’s display, Shaw replied: “He’s so good, the talent he’s got, he can be unplayable.
“I think he needs to deliver that every single game he plays. He’s got the quality that can make a difference, he’s an unbelievable player and one that can make the difference for us.
“Hopefully he can keep those standards high and keep doing it.”
Rashford, who finished with six shots, only one fewer than the entire Wales team managed combined, had scored eight times in 19 appearances for United this season heading into the World Cup, and Shaw has full faith the 25-year-old will keep up his form.
“Very confident. I see it day in, day out – what he’s doing, how he’s training,” Shaw added. “He took his chance, I think it was his time to start and for me he took his chance.
“He needs to keep the standards high now, because he’s a really important player.”
Phil Foden was a star of the show along with Rashford.
Southgate picked Foden in place of Bukayo Saka after receiving criticism from some quarters for not using the Manchester City player against the United States last week.
While Foden took some time to get going, he picked up speed as the first half went on and scored a fantastic goal just 98 seconds after Rashford had given the game its first goal.
“Not just the ones that started today, you look at the bench and the quality we have, we have World Class players who if they’re not starting can come on and change a game,” Shaw said when asked if Foden could be decisive in pushing England deep into the tournament.
“Phil didn’t get a chance against the USA but he came in and was the wonderful player we all know, getting on the ball, making things happen, scoring a very important goal at a crucial time and that’s what we want from all of them. We need them to be like that.”
Rashford revealed after the match that he had recently suffered the loss of a friend, and Shaw – whose grandmother passed away shortly before the World Cup – explained the unique unity of the England camp had been crucial in helping him overcome the loss.
“One million per cent,” Shaw said. “The togetherness is not something I’ve witnessed in a team before.
“Everyone is so close together, we get on so well and push each other every day to get better and keep the standards high. It brings everyone closer together.”
Wales’ World Cup elimination shouldn’t disappoint Rob Page and Gareth Bale, who also praised the Dragons’ efforts despite a convincing loss to England.
Wales held England at bay for the majority of the first half on Tuesday at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, but they were unable to recover as Marcus Rashford netted a pair of goals and Phil Foden added a late goal.
Wales’ exit from a major tournament without a victory was confirmed by a 3-0 loss, while England overcame their rivals in seven successive games, winning 14 and losing only one.
“The effort we put in I thought was outstanding, we addressed at half-time we could have been better with the ball,” the Wales manager told the BBC.
“I won’t have a bad word said about those players, they have given everything. The first goal is a wonderful strike, the second I am a little disappointed with but I don’t want to talk about negatives.
“We are disappointed to leave the tournament but that is the way to go out, the first-half performance was excellent.”
Bale was removed from the game at halftime after only managing four passes and seven touches, both the fewest of any starter in Al Rayyan, as the World Cup, which might have been his last, came to an unsatisfactory close.
Page confirmed after the game that a hamstring issue Bale sustained in the first half was the problem as the former insisted Wales will now “build for the future”.
“Bale felt his hamstring just five minutes before the interval so he had to come off,” Page added. “Joe Allen, that was his first 90 mins for ages, Ben Davies had to come off with an injury as well.
“Ethan [Ampadu] had to go to right-back, so I couldn’t be more proud of the effort honestly – just to get here was a massive achievement.
“My message is don’t be disappointed, we have to build for the future and to get to the World Cup is an unbelievable achievement for that group of players.”
We have had to wait 64 years for this moment to tell the world who we are.
Our language. Our culture.
Our history. Ein Wal Goch.
Bale, who scored his nation’s only goal in the Middle East with a penalty in the opening 1-1 draw with the USA, echoed Page’s sentiment as he reflected on a first World Cup appearance for Wales in 64 years.
“We have to look at what we have achieved to get here and how far we have come, of course, we’re frustrated to go out but football is not easy,” Bale told the BBC.
“We didn’t quite live up to our expectations this tournament but we will take massive experience from it. Going forward, we need to look at how far we have come.
“To be at a World Cup, two years ago if you had asked us that we would have pinched ourselves. It is disappointing to go out but we will walk out of the changing room with our heads held high.
“It just didn’t happen for us at this tournament, the past two tournaments we’ve had success but it doesn’t always happen – we can never have any regrets, though, we gave everything.”
On his future, Bale added: “I’ll keep going as long as I can and as long as I want to. It is a difficult moment but we go again, we have a qualification campaign starting in March.”
The coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, is quite certain that his team will defeat Uruguay in their final group match on Friday in order to advance to the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Black Stars will play Uruguay in their final group game, where they are currently ranked second in Group H.
Ghana will advance to the round of 16 whether they win or draw.
“It was really, really long time ago that this incident happened and I am a strong believer that if you don’t seek too much revenge on these kind of things, sometimes you get the blessings,” coach Otto Addo said.
“It will be very difficult but I am confident to know that we can win this game.”
Following their 3-2 victory over South Korea, Ghana became the third African nation, after Senegal and Morocco, to achieve a win in the tournament’s second round of fixtures.
The four-time African champions’ World Cup run got off to a bad start as they fell to Portugal, who advanced to the round of 16.
Carlos Queiroz, the head coach of Iran, questioned the “disinformation” regarding threats made against his team and commended them for their efforts despite losing 1-0 to the United States and being ousted from the World Cup.
When they declined to sing the national anthem before their opening match in Qatar against England, Iran’s players participated in what appeared to be a show of solidarity with anti-government protestors in their own country.
According to human rights organizations, more than 400 people have died as a result of Iran’s crackdown on protests, which started after Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was imprisoned for refusing to wear the required hijab, passed away in police detention in September.
Reports had claimed that the familiesof the players would be intimidated if they protested once again, but Queiroz responded firmly in his post-game press conference.
“The world, in the current circumstances, is full of stupidities,” he said. “If you hear from an anonymous source, you convey the information and in the space of two hours, some stupidities become truth.
“It’s disinformation, it’s a shame but it’s the truth. We have heard several stories about threats the players received.
“But what I can state is that thanks to their work, thanks to the conversations we had, the players started smiling again and understood who they were playing for, their mission.
“I’m very glad they were able to give a response on the field and give prestige to the shirt.”
Iran have now failed to get past the opening group phase at each of their six World Cup appearances (18 games); only Scotland (23) have played more games at the tournament with all of them coming in the opening group phase.
Queiroz was happy with his players’ efforts, though, adding: “I am very proud and I’m honoured to be a coach of this Iran squad, the players are fantastic.
“I said before that earlier in my career, I coached many teams, and throughout my career, I’ve never seen players that gave so much and received so little in return.
“They deserve all my respect and admiration. I’m incredibly proud of their efforts in training and in games, wearing the shirt of their country.”
With a 2-0 victory over Qatar to finish first in Group A, Cody Gakpo netted in his third straight World Cup game as the Netherlands easily advanced to the knockout round.
Gakpo, a PSV attacker who has been one of the tournament’s breakout stars, once again dazzled at Al Bayt Stadium, setting the Oranje up for victory with a precise goal in the 26th minute.
A second goal from Frenkie de Jong ensured a straightforward victory to clinch first place in the pool as Senegal defeated Ecuador in another match.
Memphis Depay’s hamstring injury likely would not have allowed Gakpo to have played such a significant part thus far, but the two started together on Tuesday and will now look to team up once more in the round of 16 against the Group B runners-up.
With Depay in the lineup, the Netherlands immediately appeared more dangerous, even though he was unable to capitalize on a bustle in the box early on, which forced Daley Blind to aim blandly at Meshaal Barsham and promptly miss.
Instead, Gakpo once again came through after a great play, passing the ball to Davy Klaassen and taking it back to hammer a solid finish into the bottom-right corner.
Four minutes into the second half, poor defending by Qatar allowed Louis van Gaal’s team to extend their lead when Depay’s shot was blocked by Barsham and De Jong was able to race past two defenders to the rebound just in front of the goal.
The Netherlands’ place was never in jeopardy despite Steven Berghuis’ third goal being disallowed for a handball by Gakpo during the build-up and the substitute also hitting the crossbar in stoppage time.
What does it mean? Oranje go on the offensive
The Netherlands had attempted only 12 shots worth a combined 0.8 expected goals across their first two matches, outperforming only Costa Rica in each metric.
Qatar made for accommodating opponents on Tuesday, but Depay’s return alongside Gakpo led to a far more dangerous display. The Oranje produced 13 attempts worth 1.6 xG in this game alone.
Another crucial Gakpo goal
Any Netherlands nerves were eased by another opening goal from Gakpo, who had broken the deadlock against both Senegal and Ecuador.
He is the fourth Oranje player to net in three straight World Cup appearances and only the second player from any nation to open the scoring three times in the same group stage at a finals, along with Italy’s Alessandro Altobelli in the first round in 1986.
Unwanted records for hosts
In conceding seven goals in the group stage and losing three matches, Qatar set new records for hosts at a World Cup finals. This was not the sort of history they set out to make 10 days ago.
Key Opta Stats:
– Netherlands have progressed from their first-round group in all nine attempts at the World Cup; this is the best 100 per cent opening group record by any nation at the finals.
– The Oranje have won eight of their last nine group-stage games at the World Cup, while in all rounds, they are now unbeaten in their last 10 at the tournament (W7 D3).
– Gakpo became the first player to score in all three matches in a single group at a World Cup for the Netherlands, and first to do so for any European nation since 2002 (Tomasson, Klose and Wilmots).
– De Jong scored only his second ever goal for the Netherlands, and first since September 2019 in a European Championship qualifier against Germany.
– Netherlands had more shots (13) and as many shots on target (4) in this match against Qatar as they attempted in their first two 2022 World Cup games against Senegal and Ecuador combined (12 shots, 4 on target).
What’s next?
The Netherlands will learn the identity of their last-16 opponents later on Tuesday, as Qatar reflect on a gruelling first World Cup experience.
The Nations League Finals in 2023 will be held in the Netherlands.
Since only they and their opponents from Group A4—Belgium, Poland, and Wales—expressed interest in hosting the knockout round, the Oranje were widely expected to welcome their rivals to play them on home soil.
After defeating the trio to advance as group champions, the Netherlands will now welcome Croatia, Italy, and Spain for the 2022–23 edition’s grand finale the following year.
The Johan Cruyff Arena and Philips Stadion will be unavailable due to concerts, so Feyenoord’s De Kuip and FC Twente’s De Grolsch Veste will host the games.
The competition begins on June 14 and 15, with the semi-finals, and concludes on June 18, with a play-off for third place.
Next January, a draw will be conducted at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon to determine the pairings for the final four teams.
🇳🇱 Netherlands will host the 2023 #NationsLeague finals!
Following the widespread departure of the club’s board, including president Andrea Agnelli, LaLiga has demanded that UEFAimpose “immediate sport consequences” against Juventus.
Following an urgent meeting on Monday, Juve declared that Agnelli, vice president Pavel Nedved, and managing director Maurizio Arrivabene had all resigned from their positions.
It comes after Juventus reported a record deficit of €254.3 million for the 2021–2022 season and as a result of an inquiry into an alleged tax fraud, which Juventus has disputed.
“Following the resignation of the Juventus board of directors, LaLiga demands immediate sports sanctions to be applied on the club,” read a league statement.
“LaLiga filed an official complaint against Juventus with UEFA in April 2022 reporting financial fair play breaches being investigated by Italy´s Guardia di Finanza.
“Specifically, the complaint charges that Juventus accounted for transfers above fair value and under accounted for employee expenses, resulting in a breach of UEFA break even requirements.
“This Monday, in the same statement announcing the resignation of its board, Juventus acknowledges financial accounting irregularities, which are also aimed at misleading UEFA financial fair play authorities, among others.
“LaLiga continues to pursue these complaints against Juventus and demands immediate sporting sanctions to be applied on the club by the relevant authorities.”
Javier Tebas, the president of LaLiga, has enforced a high standard of financial restraint among the league’s clubs and has regularly clashed with the state-owned business models of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
In addition, he was one of Agnelli’s most outspoken detractors of Juventus and the attempts of Barcelona and Real Madrid, two of the teams he oversaw, to form the independent European Super League.
“LaLiga has long been a major proponent for the implementation, application, and enforcement of strong financial sustainability rules in football,” the statement added.
“Financial sustainability is paramount to protecting the business of football. Protect our football.”
Minister for Interior, Mr Ambrose Dery, is currently at the Kantamanto Market which was razed down by fire on Tuesday morning, November 29.
The Minister, together with officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation are at the scene to assess the extent of damage.
It is reported that over 200 shops at the Kantamanto market in Accra have been burnt to ashes.
Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service and Ghana Police Service are at the scene working to douse the flames.
The Police have cordoned off the affected area to enable the fire officers carry out their duty without any obstructions.
The security officers are also preventing any possible looting.
It is unknown the extent of the casualties, but it is projected that items worth over millions of cedis have been destroyed.
No deaths or injuries have been reported so far.
Meanwhile, the Ghana National Fire Service is investigating the cause of the fire outbreak.
For many Ghanaians, the unfortunate incident will have an adverse effect on how they celebrate Christmas in the coming weeks.
In a series of tweets on Monday, Elon Musk said that Apple Inc (AAPL.O) had threatened to ban Twitter Inc from its app store without providing any explanation.
He also claimed that the iPhone manufacturer had ceased running advertisements on the social networking site.
The wealthy CEO of Twitter and Tesla claimed Apple was putting pressure on Twitter regarding requirements for content control.
Apple has not confirmed the action, but it would not be out of the ordinary given that it regularly enforces its policies and has already deleted apps like Parler and Gab.
Apple reinstated Parler in 2021 after the app updated its content and moderation procedures, the companies said at the time. Parler is a favorite among American conservatives.
“Apple has mostly stopped advertising on Twitter. Do they hate free speech in America?,” Musk, who took Twitter private for $44 billion last month, said in a tweet.
He later tagged Apple Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cook’s Twitter account in another tweet, asking “what’s going on here?”
Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
“It wasn’t clear to me how far up the Apple food chain that idea went internally and without knowing that, it isn’t clear how seriously to take any of this,” said Randal Picker, a professor at the University of Chicago Law School.
According to ad measurement company Pathmatics, the most valuable company in the world spent less on Twitter advertisements between Nov. 10 and Nov. 16 than it did in the week before Musk signed the Twitter transaction, when it spent $220,800 between Oct. 16 and Oct. 22.
According to the Washington Post, which cited an internal Twitter document, Apple was the biggest advertiser on Twitter in the first quarter of 2022, spending $48 million and contributing to more than 4% of overall revenue during that time.
Twitter did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the report.
The up to 30% commission Apple charges software developers for in-app purchases was one of the complaints Musk listed on Twitter. Musk posted a meme implying he was prepared to “go to war” with Apple rather than pay the commission.
Companies like Epic Games, the developer of “Fortnite,” have criticized and sued the fee, and it has garnered the attention of regulators throughout the world.
Musk’s efforts to increase Twitter’s subscription fees, in part to offset advertisers’ flight due to concerns over content moderation, may be hindered by the commission.
Since the acquisition, businesses ranging from General Mills Inc (GIS.N) to luxury carmaker Audi of America have discontinued or suspended their Twitter advertising, and Musk claimed earlier this month that the company had experienced a “massive” decline in revenue.
About 90% of Twitter’s revenue comes from ad sales.
The self-described “absolutist” of free expression, whose business has restored multiple Twitter accounts, including that of former US President Donald Trump, has accused activist groups of exerting pressure on advertising.
Ben Bajarin, the director of consumer technology at the research firm Creative Strategies, suggested that Musk might be interpreting Apple’s app review procedure too broadly.
According to what he heard, it is a two-way interaction. “App approval from Apple is not flawless by any means and a continually frustrating process for developers,” he said.
Alessandro Del Piero is willing to assist Juventus as the Serie A powerhouse starts looking for a new chairman to succeed Andrea Agnelli and a new board of directors.
Following an urgent meeting on Monday, Juve declared that Agnelli, vice president Pavel Nedved, and managing director Maurizio Arrivabene had all resigned from their positions.
It comes after Juventus reported a record deficit of €254.3 million for the 2021–2022 season and as a result of an inquiry into an alleged tax fraud, which Juventus has disputed.
Exor, who owns a majority ownership in Juve, said on Tuesday that Gianluca Ferrero will take over as president in lieu of Agnelli.
Agnelli, Nedved, and Arrivabene’s successors are anticipated to be chosen during a shareholders’ meeting on January 18.
Del Piero, a club great, has said he is prepared to help Juve in any way he can, just like he did as a player, during this difficult time off the field for the Turin team.
“You’re asking the question to someone like me that spent almost 20 years there,” Del Piero, who spent nine years with the Bianconeri, told beIN SPORTS.
“I got relegated with the team and I decided to stay so the relationships with me and the team, with the owners, the fans, are quite deep, very deep.
“We’ve been through everything to reach the top of the world and the bottom point in the club’s entire history. This great journey brought me here with you.
“It’s something where every news regarding Juve is emotional for me and I’m going to stand by and see what’s going to happen.
“I was with them this summer for the tour they did in Los Angeles where I lived, and also in Lisbon. I’m friends with Pavel and everybody. It’s sad for me seeing this situation.”
Del Piero added: “I don’t know the plan; nobody has called me. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I know very well all that’s happened. I still have a house in the city…”
Juve were stripped of titles and relegated to Serie B in the 2006-07 campaign over the ‘Calciopoli’ scandal, but Del Piero does not expect any such punishments this time around.
“This is not regarding the team; it’s not going to affect the team in terms of relegation or other things,” he said.
“It’s going to affect the people because it’s allegations ongoing about the people, not only the president but the other board members. This will affect them if there’s proof.”
Brazil, according to Casemiro, are in a much better position at the World Cup in Qatar than they were in Russia in 2018.
Casemiro, a midfielder for Manchester United, scored the game-winning goal against Switzerland on Monday in the 83rd minute to guarantee Brazil’s advancement from Group G.
Brazil had been unsuccessful in their attempts to break the tie up to that moment at Stadium 974 due to the injury to Neymar, and they appeared to be headed for a third World Cup stalemate against the Swiss, who they had never defeated in the tournament.
Brazil is the favorite to win in Qatar after losing to Belgium in the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup. Casemiro is confident that the team is stronger this time around.
“Four years have gone by, there are new players, this year we have a wider range of options, we have more to choose from, without even changing the team we can change the way we play,” Casemiro said in a post-match press conference.
“If we substitute players we have even more options. There’s no doubt the options are much greater than those in 2018. Not only because time has gone on and we are mature.
“We have defenders who are more experienced, we’ve had another match without conceding. It’s not Alisson, it’s not the defence, it starts up front with Richarlison.
“The range of options is much greater than at the last World Cup.”
Casemiro’s sentiment was echoed by coach Tite, who claimed the real victor of Brazil’s success on Monday was the “process” of developing a younger squad.
“There’s a wide range of options because there’s a four-year period of developing this,” Tite said.
“What won today was this four years, and them being able to develop in a natural way, despite being young.
“If that weren’t the case, it would be very difficult. Who won today? This process, this development. That was the cherry on the cake.”
Brazil only needs a point from their final Group G match against Cameroon to clinch first place. They will then face the Group H runners-up, who are Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea, in the round of 16.
Tite was encouraged that Brazil won despite missing their talisman Neymar, who suffered an ankle injury in last week’s victory against Serbia. It is unknown whether Neymar will be able to play against Cameroon.
Asked if Brazil missed Neymar’s influence, Tite said: “Obviously, Neymar has different skills, he is a player who can make a magical moment.
“Other players are still getting to that level, and I hope they get there. So yes, we do miss Neymar, he has a great creative power, so we miss him, but we see that there are players that can take the opportunity. Let’s enjoy this win.”
An individual holding a rainbow flag entered the field during the Portugalvs. Uruguay World Cup match in the Lusail Stadium.
The player in issue entered the field just over five minutes into the second half and briefly stopped play.
The invader also had the slogans “Save Ukraine” and “Respect for Iranian Women” on his clothing, which also featured the Superman insignia.
Security then removed him, and Iranian referee Alireza Faghani did the same with the offending flag.
The actions of the pitch invader are the most recent act of protest at Qatar 2022, where the host country severely restricts LGBTQ+ rights.
FIFA effectively prevented European teams from wearing the OneLove armband in a display of solidarity, and Germany protested by covering their mouths before their encounter with Japan.
The event also makes mention of the continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the ongoing protests against women’s rights in Iran.
On December 2, Portugal and Uruguay face South Korea and Ghana in their respective final Group H matches.\
Arsenal and Manchester City will now play on February 15, 2023, in the Premier League.
On October 19, the two clubs were scheduled to square off in a key game as both squads were engaged in an early-season title fight.
However, the match had to be moved to make room for the Arsenal’s Europa League match against PSV Eindhoven, which had been postponed following the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
The team led by Mikel Arteta is looking to maintain their lead going into their match as a result of the club’s confirmation of a new date.
“Our home Premier League clash with Manchester City has been rearranged for Wednesday, February 15,” read a club statement.
“The game was previously arranged for October 19 but was postponed to allow us to fulfil our Europa League commitments.”
Our home @premierleague fixture with Manchester City has been rearranged 👇
The title race between Arsenal and City this year has produced an intriguing picture of the two teams, especially since Arteta, Pep Guardiola’s assistant before returning to north London, has raided his old squad for fresh players.
The Gunners have added two players who have been among their top performers this season in Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, who will help them face difficulties both at home and in Europe.
Only France, Brazil, and Portugal have already qualified for the World Cup knockout rounds, with many other teams facing a nerve-wracking penultimate matchday in their quest to advance to Qatar’s round of 16.
Favorites entering the tournament With victories over Serbia and Switzerland, Brazil easily advanced from Group G, while France became the first team to retain its global championship since the Selecao in 2006 to do so.
Portugal’s win over Uruguay on Monday in Group H ensured their place in the round of 16, but other teams like England, Spain, Germany, and Argentina still need results on matchday three to advance.
Another well-known team that hasn’t confirmed their participation in the FIFA World Cup’s latter rounds is the Netherlands, and Belgium must defeat Croatia in Group F to avoid an early elimination.
Here, we examine the potential outcomes depending on the final decision about group-stage action in the Middle East.
The Netherlands are essentially in charge of Group A and only need to avoid losing to Qatar, the group’s eliminated hosts.
If Ecuador defeats Senegal, who also needs to win, Louis van Gaal’s team will also go to the round of 16, but Aliou Cisse’s team will need Qatar to defeat the Netherlands to have any chance of competing.
Ecuador, who has performed admirably in their first two games, must defeat Senegal or draw to advance. However, if Qatar defeats the Netherlands, Gustavo Alfaro’s team may lose and not advance.
Group B
Against ferocious rivals Wales, England needs just to win or draw. However, as long as they avoid a four-goal loss against Wales, whose goal differential is six lower, the Three Lions would still advance.
Iran will automatically advance if they defeat the United States, who are aware that failure to defeat Carlos Queiroz’s team will result in their elimination from the competition.
Quieroz’s team might still finish first in Group B with a draw, but if Wales defeats Gareth Southgate’s England, goal differential would become important.
All four teams still have a chance to advance from the intriguing Group C, with Argentina—one of the pre-tournament favorites—necessitating a victory over Poland to ensure a spot in the round of 16.
The Albiceleste, though, might advance with a draw and would be eliminated in that scenario if Mexico and Saudi Arabia also shared the points.
However, Argentina will lose if Lionel Scaloni’s team is stopped and Herve Renard’s team defeats El Tri. Goal differential will decide the winner if Mexico wins and Argentina draws.
Poland would go through by avoiding defeat, but would be knocked out by a loss coupled with a Saudi Arabia victory over Mexico, who must win to have any chance of remaining in the tournament.
Goal difference will be used to divide the two teams if Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia tie and if Mexico triumphs and Czeslaw Michniewicz’s team loses.
Group D
As long as Australia doesn’t beat Denmark and France doesn’t lose to Tunisia, the French will win Group D; otherwise, the Socceroos would tie France on points with six. France is already in the round of 16 draw.
Even though a win would send Australia through, Graham Arnold’s team would still advance to the knockout round with a tie, barring Tunisia’s victory over France, which would allow Jalel Kadri’s team to advance on goal differential.
Unless Tunisia defeats France, Denmark would qualify with a victory over Australia. In that case, the difference between the Carthage Eagles and Kasper Hjulmand’s team would be determined by goal differential or goals scored.
Onto the next! France’s 2-1 win over Denmark moves them onto the round of 16.
Spain are the favourites to progress from Group E, requiring a win or draw against Japan. Defeat would see Luis Enrique’s side still go through on goal difference, unless Germany lose to Costa Rica.
Germany must pick up three points to stay in contention and would qualify as long as Spain defeat Japan, though a draw in the latter game or a win for Hajime Moriyasu’s men would see goal difference needed.
A win for Japan over Spain would take Moriyasu’s side through, while a draw – coupled with a stalemate for Germany – would also see the Samurai Blue make the knockout stage.
Costa Rica would earn a last-16 spot with victory and a point would also take them through if Spain overcome Japan. A draw in both games or a defeat for Fernando Suarez’s side sees them eliminated.
Group F
Croatia will pass through Group F if they avoid defeat against Belgium, who require victory against the 2018 runners-up to guarantee a place in the round of 16.
Such a win for Belgium would leave Croatia needing already eliminated Canada to overcome Morocco, with goal difference coming into play to separate Zlatko Dalic’s side from the Atlas Lions.
A draw is likely not enough for Belgium. They would need Morocco to lose to Canada and then rely on goal difference, though Walid Regragui’s men (+2) hold the advantage over Roberto Martinez’s side (-1) in the decisive metric.
Morocco would progress with victory over Canada, while a defeat would see Regragui’s side reliant on Belgium beating Croatia for goal difference to be decisive between Dalic’s men and the Atlas Lions for second.
Group G
Brazil have secured knockout football and will finish as Group G winners with anything other than defeat against Cameroon, who need victory against Tite’s side and results to go their way to make the last 16.
Rigobert Song’s men would be eliminated if they do not win, though victory is not guaranteed to secure progression as Switzerland could play out a high-scoring draw with Serbia to go through on goals scored, which is used if sides cannot be separated on goal difference – Cameroon are currently on -1 and Switzerland level in the latter metric.
The somewhat expected scenario of Cameroon losing to Brazil would see Serbia and Switzerland become a winner-takes-all clash.
Dragan Stojkovic’s side need victory to progress in that instance, while a draw would be enough for Switzerland. Goal difference would be required if Serbia (-2) and Cameroon (-1) both win their final encounters.
Portugal are already through and would top Group H by avoiding defeat against South Korea, who could still make a late charge for the round-of-16 stage should the result between Uruguay and Ghana go their way.
The permutations are straightforward for Uruguay and South Korea, who must win to avoid elimination, though qualification is not assured even with victory.
Both teams would be level on four points with victories, again leading to goal difference to separate. Yet, if Ghana beat Uruguay then South Korea’s result against Portugal will prove irrelevant for Paulo Bento’s side.
A draw for Ghana and a win for South Korea would also see goal difference required to split the two sides, with Bento’s men trailing the Black Stars by one in that metric, which could mean goals scored comes into it.
Bruno Fernandes, who was given credit for the first goal in Portugal’s 2-0 victory over Uruguay to advance to the World Cup’s round of 16, said, “I don’t really think it matters.”
After defeating Uruguay at Lusail Stadium, the Manchester United midfielder scored twice as Fernando Santos’ team ensured their progress into the knockout stage with one game remaining.
Cristiano Ronaldo first appeared to have glanced in Fernandes’ cross in the 54th minute as Portugal’s first goal, but FIFA eventually stepped in and gave it to the latter.
Fernandes secured the victory with a late penalty kick and is now concentrated on avoiding defeat against South Korea on Friday in order to take first place in Group H.
“I don’t really think it matters who scored the goal at this point,” he said when asked about Portugal’s first strike. “The feeling I had at the time was that Cristiano touched the ball. I was passing the ball to him.
“But what’s important is that we were able to go on to the next round after a very important win against a tough opponent.
“The importance of being first [in Group H] includes winning the next game, which would allow us to come out of the group undefeated with three wins, and that’s what we want.
“We know we will find a very well-organised [South Korea] team ahead of us. Our objective is to think match after match – to win all the ones in the group phase, we still have one ahead of us.
“We have to do our very best because we want to win all the matches.”
Portugal won its first two World Cup games for only the third time, also accomplishing the feat in 1966 and 2006 in runs to the semi-final stage. Santos expects Portugal can complete the task to win Group H.
Nuno Mendes will be evaluated in “24 hours,” the head coach of Portugal said, adding that after hobbling off during the first half.
“All our team have a great performance,” Santos said. “The game was difficult, our opponent was difficult.
“In the second half, we managed to play as we are used to; despite the fact that the Uruguayan players were playing very well.
“Our players responded with purpose, and we managed to win with fair play. We have a feeling of satisfaction as we can move to the next stage.
“[Two wins from two is] exactly what I wanted for my team. As I said back in Portugal, our team is very united, we have a very good team building, and now we are given the answers to what was asked of us.
“There is still a match to be played; we need to be careful with our considerations. We do want to be first [in Group H], but we are not first yet. As a result, we need to continue improving on our tactics.”
Former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, is among the many Ghanaians who had a nerve-racking experience while watching Ghana play against South Korea today.
The Black Stars were in a comfortable lead in the first half of the game after they scored two goals. However, the smiles changed to worry as South Korea equalised within 10 minutes.
With team work, Ghana scored a third, but their victory was hanging by a thread as South Korea mounted more pressure as the end of the game drew near.
South Korea for 10 minutes, pounced on the defence of Ghana and this left Asamoah Gyan in discomfort. He paced around, hoping to hear the final whistle to signal Ghana’s victory.
Just as for many Ghanaians, this was one of the longest 10 minutes in Asamoah Gyan’s life.
He was impatient and continued shouting “Referee, it is time. This referee.”
Immense joy after a victory today against South Korea today led Ghana fans to take up a role which the Japanese have happily assumed.
Supporters of the Black Stars to the surprise of many decided to clean up Education City Stadium in Qatar after the game, an action they failed to do when Ghana played Portugal.
Fans of Japansince the beginning of the tournament cleaned the stadium after every match they went to observe.
Ghana fans were cleaning up the stadium after their win against South Korea 🇬🇭❤️
Since the viral video, some Ghanaians on social media have expressed shock to the unanticipated act by their comrades in Qatar. Ghana beat South Korea by three goals. South Korea managed to score two goals.
President Akufo-Addo has praised the senior national team, Black Stars for their victory against South Korea today.
In front of a boisterous crowd at Education City Stadium, Ghana defeated South Korea in a thrilling game full of turns and turns.
Reacting to the news, President Akufo-Addo in a tweet said “Kudos to the Black Stars. Hard fought, but thoroughly well-deserved victory against South Korea. Proud of the entire team and the unalloyed support given to them by all Ghanaians.”
Ghana will on December 2 face Uruguay and the president wants the team to remain focus on qualifying to the next stage of the tournament.
“Now to the final group stage game against Uruguay,” President Akufo-Addo added.
Kudos to the Black Stars. Hard fought, but thoroughly well-deserved victory against South Korea. Proud of the entire team and the unalloyed support given to them by all Ghanaians. Now to the final group stage game against Uruguay. #WeCanDoIt#GoBlackStarsGopic.twitter.com/9ffkgil4pu
Ghana took a 2-0 lead after 10 minutes of play in the first half thanks to goals from Mohammed Kudus of Ajax and Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu.
However, South Korea’s comeback after the break subdued the boisterous celebrations of Ghana fans after halftime.
After 61 minutes, Cho Gue-sung, the top scorer in his domestic league, tied the score with two incredible headers in three minutes.
But the outstanding Kudus added a final twist when he hammered in a third goal for Ghana to break South Korea’s hearts. Kudus had skillfully headed in Jordan Ayew’s cross in the first half.
South Korea had more opportunities as they sought a second equalizer, but Ghana managed to hold on despite the addition of 10 minutes of extra time.
Ipswich defeated Buxton 4-0 to advance to the third round of the FA Cup. Conor Chaplin scored twice in the victory.
Chaplin had a few chances as Town quickly grabbed control of the game against the Vanarama National League North team.
Buxton captain Sean Newton’s attempt at the other end was successfully collected by Town goalie Christian Walton.
Chaplin’s 25-yard free-kick was mishandled by Theo Richardson, and Cameron Humphreys’ attempt went just wide. Chaplin did, though, give Town the lead in the 34th minute when his rifled shot went in.
After Kyle Edwards crossed the ball, Gassan Ahadme threw the ball home four minutes later.
Tawanda Chirewa, who came on in the second half, forced Richardson to move over his goal line to block a long-range shot, and Ahadme’s header struck the foot of the post.
Shaun Brisley’s header nearly missed the Ipswich goal before the hosts’ stunning drive from the edge of the penalty area in the 73rd minute gave them a bigger lead.
In the second minute of added time, Kayden Jackson finished the game by robbing Newton and scoring.
Marcus Rashford is hoping to receive another chance to atone for his missed penalty in England’s World Cup loss to Italy in the European Championship final.
Along with Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, the Manchester United forward was one of three players on Gareth Southgate’s team who were unable to beat Gianluigi Donnarumma in the penalty shootout.
The group was later the target of racist comments on social media, but that hasn’t stopped him from stepping up for the Three Lions in Qatar if necessary.
“Racism is not good to go through as an individual but it’s not good to see anyone go through it. [It’s] more just disappointment. You’re disappointed that people have views like that,” he said.
“And the main reason is that you don’t have those views about anyone else, regardless of their race or religion. It’s more the disappointment that people are thinking those things, rather than saying them.
“I’ve missed a penalty before. You never want to miss a penalty, it’s a great opportunity for forwards especially to score goals, and obviously they’re big moment.
“As an individual I’ve always been comfortable with and enjoy big moments so I’m hoping I get to take another penalty in the tournament. I’m looking forward to it.”
England were booed off following a goalless draw against the United States last time out, but stand on the brink of qualification for the knockout stages – with only a four-goal defeat to Wales in the final match enough to send them home.
Rashford is confident England will do what is required and will “leave it all out on the pitch” against Wales.
“It is not often I come away with England and feel like we’re going to lose games. I think as a collective, we’re very strong,” he added.
“The togetherness is really high and it is a big feature that Gareth puts emphasis on.
“It is something we have worked on and it has improved as time has gone on. But like I said, the main reason why we are in the position we’re in is because we have good players who are willing to work for one another and leave it all out on the pitch.
“In the next game, we’ll definitely look to do that.”
David Beckham may be organizing a group to purchase Manchester United from the Glazer family, according to Rio Ferdinand.
After 17 years in charge, United’s American owners revealed on Tuesday that they are considering the idea of selling some or all of their shares.
Due to what they believe to be a lack of direction and on-field success over the previous ten years, Premier League club supporters have long urged the Glazers to sell up.
Forbes estimates that United is worth $4.6 billion (£3.8 billion), which would make it the most expensive buyout in sports history, surpassing the £4.25 billion Todd Boehly paid to buy Chelsea.
Several interested parties are apparently considering an offer, with proposals from super-wealthy Saudi Arabian backers being one option that has been floated.
Beckham, a fellow United great and co-owner of the MLS team Inter Miami, is reportedly interested in buying out the Glazers, according to former defender Ferdinand.
“Becks will come with a consortium. I saw Becks at the [England v USA] game; we were sat next to each other,” Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five YouTube show.
“When you mention someone like Becks’ name, he’s obviously a part-owner of Inter Miami, but he doesn’t come [alone]. It’s not his money.
“He comes with a consortium. He comes with people who do have deep pockets who have the ability to go and execute on a deal like that.
“That’s the way he’ll be approaching it, and rightly so. I think it’s going to come down to a number. If you’ve got the number and can produce, that’s what it’s going to be about.”
Supporters who have frequently agitated for the Glazers to resign would definitely feel more at ease if a member of United’s Class of ’92 held a role in the boardroom.
After rising through United’s youth ranks, Beckham played 11 years with the club’s senior team, winning the Premier League six times and the Champions League in 1999.
Asked if he would like to see Beckham involved in the ownership, Ferdinand said: “Yeah. Clubs that are successful over big periods of time have players that have worn the shirt.
“They understand the traditions, understand the history, understand the ethos of the football club and continue that.
“Ajax with Edwin van der Sar, Bayern Munich have [Karl-Heinz] Rummenigge in there among others, Real Madrid, Barca — they all do it.
“They’ve all got players who have been in and around the football club at some point in their life and they’re back in there working at the club because they understand it.”
Cody Gakpo, who performed admirably for the Netherlands in the World Cup, asserts that “anything is conceivable” about his future at PSV Eindhoven.
The 23-year-old has scored in both of his nation’s opening games, which have seen Oranje lead Group A with one game remaining after victories against Senegal and Ecuador, respectively, by scores of 2-0 and 1-1.
While Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich have since been linked, he recently admitted he was disappointed to have missed out on a move to Manchester United.
Gakpo isn’t completely ruling out leaving PSV when the January transfer window opens, even though his primary goal right now is to help the Netherlands advance far in the World Cup.
“Right now I’m busy with the Dutch team. I’ll see what happens in the winter. In football, anything is possible,” he said at a press conference on Sunday.
“I don’t get shy about the rumours. But it’s a team sport, it’s not about one person. I prefer it to be about the team.
“It’s nice things that people write, but I’m not too concerned with that. I’m focused now on the World Cup. I just focus here and do my best.”
Gakpo has been directly involved in 34 goals in 28 games for PSV and the Netherlands this season, scoring 16 and assisting a further eight.
Despite enjoying his best campaign to date, the forward – into his fifth season as a first-team regular for PSV – insists there is still more to come.
“I know what I’m capable of but it’s always a challenge to reach your highest level,” he said. “I’m not there yet; I can improve in a lot of things.
“I know I scored two goals this World Cup. But that’s not the focus right now. I can improve, I want to help the team. It’s about being the best team in the end.”
Gakpo could become the fourth man to score in three straight World Cup games for Oranje after Johan Neeskens (1974), Dennis Bergkamp (1994) and Wesley Sneijder (2010).
The Netherlands will advance to the round of 16 if they defeat Qatar on Tuesday; however, a loss could also be enough if Ecuador defeats Senegal.
They have scored 11 goals and let up only one in their four World Cup victories over Asian opponents.
In the lead-up to Wales‘ matchup with England, a team that Rob Page has referred to as a “beatable” foe, Gareth Bale does not feel that he has any additional burdens on his shoulders.
Wales will leave the World Cup early for the first time since 1958 if they lose to England on Tuesday and hope that Iran and the United States draw in the other Group B game.
The Dragons, who lost to Iran 2-0 after drawing with the USA 1-1, will also move on to the knockout round thanks to an unlikely 4-0 victory over their fierce rivals.
Bale was crucial to Wales‘ achievement in their successful bids to qualify for both Euro 2016 and Euro 2020, which put an end to their protracted wait to compete on the international level.
But the Los Angeles FC forward is hoping to bounce back from the Iran loss with a win against England in what might be his final tournament appearance for Wales.
“We’re disappointed in the results and performance so far but that’s football,” he said at Monday’s pre-match news conference. “This is a World Cup and it’s not easy.
“We’ll always give 100 per cent and we want to try to make things better. The last few days we’ve been working hard and hopefully things turn around for us now.
“We were hurting after the Iran game and the next day. Everyone was really quiet but we have characters in the squad and the energy is high again.
“We’re in good spirits for this next match. This is tournament football and we have to go again.”
Bale scored his side’s only goal of Qatar 2022 so far, a late penalty against the USA, but he has had the fewest touches of the ball of any Wales player in both matches.
The 33-year-old has managed only two shots, one of those being his spot-kick effort, but he insists his nation’s hopes against England do not rest solely on him.
“I don’t feel an added responsibility. We’re a team and nation who work hard for each other and we must deliver as a team, not one person,” he said.
“We’ve been working hard these last couple days. We would have loved to have been winning but the reality is football is hard, but we’ve been keeping our spirits high.”
Wales had never before lost a single game in any of their big tournament appearances, but over the years they have struggled against English neighbors.
In fact, Wales has lost all six of their previous matches against England, scoring just once (a free-kick by Bale in a 2-1 loss in the Euro 2016 group stage) while giving up 11 goals.
However, boss Page is confident his team can break that dreadful streak in a game that Wales absolutely must win if they are to have any chance of extending their stay in Qatar.
“This tournament has shown anyone’s beatable – of course England are beatable,” Page said. “They’ve got a wonderful pool of players, but we must show what we’re capable of.”
Echoing the views of his manager, Bale said: “Absolutely. We’ve done our homework and had meetings, which I’m sure they’ve also done. It’s going to be a difficult game.
“We know England are one of the favourites and we’re under no illusions. There’s been a few shocks already and there’s no reason we can’t do the same.”
Wales enter Tuesday’s game winless in seven matches, which is their worst run without victory since between May 2003 and November 2003.
Brazilian legend Ronaldo has advised Neymar to put his recovery from his World Cup ankle injury ahead of the “envy and animosity” of those who have celebrated it.
Even among Selecao supporters, reactions to Neymar’s exclusion from Brazil’s match against Switzerland and likely the following match against Cameroon have been varied.
Some have turned against Neymar because of his support for Jair Bolsonaro, the 30-year-old PSG striker who lost the presidential race in Brazil to Lula last month.
Despite the fact that Neymar seems to be Brazil’s most likely motivator in Qatar 2022, when the team is vying for a sixth World Cup victory, this is the case.
With his eight goals at the 2002 finals, including two in the final against Germany, Ronaldo was the highlight of the team that won the sixth of five trophy victories.
He described Neymar as “awesome” in an open letter on Instagram, posted on Sunday.
Ronaldo added: “I am sure that most Brazilians, like me, admire and love you. Your talent, by the way, has taken you so far, so high, that there is love and admiration for you in every corner of the world.
“And it is also for this reason, for having reached where you have, for the success you have achieved, that you have to deal with so much envy and malice.
“On a level of celebrating the injury of a star like you, with a story like yours. How far have we come? What world is this? What message are we passing on to our young people? There will always be people rooting against you, but it is sad to see society on a path of trivialising intolerance, of normalising hate speech.
“It is against this verbal violence with destructive power that I write to you today: come back stronger! Smarter! Hungry for goals! The good you do on and off the field is much greater than envy towards you.
“Don’t forget for a second the journey that made you a world football idol. Brazil loves you! The real fans – the ones who are in favour – need your goals, dribbles, boldness and joy! Celebrate the love that comes from most of your country. You will bounce back! And may all the hate turn into fuel.”
Neymar hobbled off in the 80th minute of Brazil’s 2-0 win against Serbia on Thursday, with medical staff announcing he sustained a lateral ligament injury to his right ankle.
The former Barcelona forward was fouled nine times in the Serbia game, the most suffered by any player in a single game so far at the World Cup.
On Sunday at Al Bayt Stadium, Morata scored his second goal of the competition after coming off the bench to give Spain the lead. However, Germany’s substitute Niclas Fullkrug scored a late equalizer to earn his team a point.
Spain, who is currently in first place in Group E, merely needs a point against Japan on Thursday to advance, while Germany must defeat Costa Rica and hope Luis Enrique’s team can help them out.
Striker Morata stressed there is no chance Spain will take Japan lightly at Khalifa International Stadium.
“Japan is a tough team, they run a lot, they are good tactically. It’s another tough game, it’s a World Cup.” he said.
The Atletico Madrid frontman says he has no problem with being among the substitutes again after also finding the back of the net in a 7-0 rout of Costa Rica.
“We are on the bench for this [to score]. Germany are a great team, this match could have been a semi-final or final in the World Cup,” he said.
“It’s the same [starting of being a substitute], the most important thing is to win. They scored an amazing goal, so we didn’t have the victory, but we keep training and pushing with good vibes and positivity.”
Morata has scored eight goals at European Championships and World Cups, at least double the amount of any other player for Spain since 2016.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana was excluded from the Cameroon squad for Monday’s 3-3 draw against Serbia due to disciplinary issues, according to Rigobert Song, who emphasized that the decision “had to happen.”
Despite allegations that the 26-year-playing old’s style in the first World Cup loss to Switzerland was the cause for Onana’s exclusion, Song declined to expound on the situation but was confident in his choice for the team as a whole.
Onana made the most touches outside of the penalty area by a goalie in a World Cup match (26) since records were kept in 1966 against the Swiss.
Song said: “The goalkeeper position is very important but we are in a tournament and I know what I have to do and that is to ensure the team takes precedence over any individuals.
“In a squad, you need discipline and if you can’t fit in with that, then you need to accept responsibility for that. Perhaps sometimes you need to take strong action to help people come to the realisation that certain things need to be done.
“All the 26 players are in a position to play. I took a risk but I accept the responsibility. I am interested in the players that I have at my disposal. Andre has been left out, you need to respect the rules that apply to everyone. It was something that had to happen.”
Devis Epassy, who should have done better with Serbia’s second goal but otherwise displayed good leadership, was brought in to replace Onana.
Song added: “Everyone that did play was capable and those that didn’t want to be a part of that, well they can be judged. Epassy showed he is also a very competent goalkeeper.
“I will talk about this in due course, I want to focus now on the Brazil game. We want to deal with players that want to be in the squad and that are proud to represent Cameroon.
“We are talking about one of the best goalkeepers in Europe [in Onana]. We don’t question his ability but you do need to ensure the team takes precedence over individuals.
“For the time being I have asked him to wait and see if he is willing to stay with us. It’s up to him to a certain extent, he will have to agree to accept the rules.”
By aiming for World Cup victory, Louis van Gaal does not believe he has increased pressure on his Netherlands team; rather, he suggests the players are supportive of his lofty goals.
Even if their results in beating Senegal and drawing with Ecuador were not totally impressive, Van Gaal continued to tout the chances of Oranje throughout this tournament.
The coach does not regret being so upfront with his aims for the finals, but the Netherlands still have work to do in their third encounter against Qatar to secure a place in the last 16.
“I hope this is no pressure at all, because I think you always have to identify the goal, the purpose for which you are here,” he said. “Then you can work towards that purpose.
“If you don’t identify that purpose and say the quarter-finals is enough, that is not the right way to do things. The right thing is to say you want to become champions.
“I set out the reasons why we can become champions. I didn’t say we would become champions, but we can. The players believe in that.”
That belief is evident in Frenkie de Jong, appearing alongside Van Gaal on Monday, as he said: “I think we have an excellent squad. We have demonstrated that on more than enough occasions.
“We are 17 matches unbeaten, that is telling. We have four points, and we played two excellent opponents. We’re well positioned despite the fact the last match we didn’t play as well as we could.
“We talked a lot in the squad about what we want to do, what we want to improve. Everyone is full of confidence, so it’s up to us to show you.”
Van Gaal is not very interested whether his team tops the pool and secures a purportedly easier draw, but he does plan to keep track of the outcome of the other Group A game on Tuesday because the Netherlands would advance even with a loss if Senegal also loses.
“If you want to become a world champion, you will have to be capable of beating everyone,” he said. “Particularly those countries you don’t suspect will progress very far, they are progressing or making it difficult.”
The Netherlands will also need their key players fit and firing if they are to go all the way.
Van Gaal is “not surprised at all” by Cody Gakpo’s form at the finals, believing he can “evolve even further, much further”, but he knows Memphis Depay can be decisive.
“To become world champion, we need Memphis,” said Van Gaal. “That’s how I see it.”
Depay has not started yet as he works his way back from injury, but the coach added: “We’re going to do anything and everything to progress to the next match. We’re still in the group stage, but in the knockout stage every match is important.”
If Van Gaal is able to guide the Netherlands to glory, could he yet stay on as coach into 2023?
The coach himself pointed out that would be unlikely, given Ronald Koeman has been appointed as his successor, but he added: “If we become world champion, then the football world is a very opportunistic world. You never know.”
Following Saturday’s World Cup match, Canelo Alvarez has accusing the Argentina forward, Lionel Messi, of disrespecting the Mexican flag.
With a 2-0 victory over Mexico, Argentina maintained their chances of winning the title. Messi scored the opening goal with an exquisite shot from outside the penalty area.
After video of the Argentina captain was shown in the locker room during the post-match celebrations with either a Mexico shirt in front of him on the floor, Messi earned the wrath of boxing legend Canelo.
Messi appeared to have caught the shirt with his foot as he removed his footwear, which left Canelo unimpressed.
“Did you see Messi cleaning the floor with our shirt and flag ???? I ask God that I don’t find [him]!!” he posted on Twitter.
The Mexican fighter added: “Just as I respect Argentina, you have to respect Mexico!! I’m not talking about the country [Argentina] I’m talking about Messi because of the b******* he did.
Canelo wrote in another social media post: “Since the Mexico shirt is on the ground, it’s already an insult. Stop b*******ing about what was or wasn’t.”
Argentina go into their final Group C game against leaders Poland knowing a win will put them into the round of 16, while a draw will be sufficient if Mexico draw with Saudi Arabia.
Mexico need a win to have any chance of progressing, while they also need a helping hand from Poland.
