Bukayo Saka was at the double as England cruised through their opening World Cup match against Iran to banish memories of a dismal build-up to the tournament.
Expectations were dampened ahead of the trip to Qatar after the Three Lions were relegated from the top tier of the Nations League having picked up just three points from six games.
But Gareth Southgate’s men comfortably won what was touted as a tricky Group B encounter thanks to Saka’s brace and goals from Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish.
After Bellingham, 19, broke the deadlock in the 35th minute with his first international goal, Arsenal star Saka doubled the advantage eight minutes later.
Sterling, 27, added a third in first-half stoppage time and 21-year-old Saka made it 4-0 midway through the second half.
While the Three Lions faithful were still celebrating, Iran netted when Mehdi Taremi ran in behind Harry Maguire to lash the ball beyond Jordan Pickford.
Iran’s joy was shortlived, however, as Rashford needed just three touches after climbing off the bench to make it 5-1 in the 71st minute.
England’s fine start to their quest for glory was capped by a Grealish goal served up on a plate by fellow substitute Callum Wilson in the dying seconds of normal time.
But in the 13th minute of added time at the end of the game, John Stones gave away a penalty that was converted by Taremi for his second of the afternoon.
Scroll down through the pictures below to relive the best moments from the Group B opener.
England’s starting XI for the World Cup clash with IranThe first half was stopped while Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand received a lengthy spell of treatmentIran keeper Alireza Beiranvand was eventually carried off on a stretcher after suffering a head injuryMason Mount reflects on a missed opportunity after putting a shot into the side-nettingHarry Maguire’s first-half header came back off the crossbarJude Bellingham’s fine header broke the deadlock after 35 minutesJude Bellingham celebrates his goal with England team-mate Mason MountBukayo Saka lashed home England’s second goal in the 43rd minuteBukayo Saka looks to the heavens after doubling England’s advantageRaheem Sterling was on the end of a Harry Kane cross to make it 3-0 to England in first-half stoppage timeRaheem Sterling was all smiles after adding to England’s first-half tallyBukayo Saka slotted home his second of the game in the second halfMehdi Taremi pulled one back for Iran in the 65th minuteMarcus Rashford made it 5-1 to England after being summoned from the benchMarcus Rashford celebrated with fellow sub Phil Foden after scoringJack Grealish was on hand to make it 6-1 to EnglandMehdi Taremi scored his second of the game from the penalty spot deep into second-half stoppage time
Harry Kane says England’s players “did their country proud” by opening their World Cup campaign with a commanding 6-2 victory over Iran.
Bukayo Saka scored twice, while Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish were also on target as Gareth Southgate’s side recorded their biggest ever win in their opening match at a major tournament.
Kane, who provided assists for Sterling and Rashford, saluted his team-mates after they made a real statement of intent in Group B at Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.
“Obviously, [it was a] really good start to the World Cup campaign,” the Three Lions captain said in a video posted on Twitter.
“Full credit to the boys. It’s never easy getting off to a winning start at a major tournament, and to score six goals shows we’re in a really good place.
“There’s still a lot of work to do. Of course, we know that there’s a long way to go. But overall, [it was] really pleasing.
“Congrats to Jude for his first England goal, no better place to do it. Bukayo [was] on fire with two great finishes.
“Everyone out there today did their country proud. We move onto the next one now. Let’s keep it going for the next game.”
England will look to build on their winning start when they face the USA at Al Bayt Stadium on Friday, before taking on Wales at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium four days later.
Graham Arnold has refused to mention the names of France’s star players, including Kylian Mbappe, ahead of Australia’s clash against the World Cup holders.
The Socceroos meet Les Bleus for the second successive finals, with Paul Pogba’s deflected late strike sealing a narrow 2-1 win for Didier Deschamps’ side in Russia four years ago.
Australia head into their Group D opener having failed to register a clean sheet in 10 previous World Cup matches against European nations, with their only clean sheet at the finals against any opposition coming in a goalless draw against Chile in 1974.
But Arnold, who was the Socceroos’ assistant to Pim Verbeek at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, has tried to ease the pressure on his players.
“It’s not being disrespectful at all, but I’ve hardly mentioned the word France,” he said. “And I’ve hardly mentioned any of the players’ names because the players know who they are,
“It’s one against one, it’s 10 blue shirts against 10 yellow shirts, and it’s a fight. That’s what it is.”
Mat Ryan, who is set to become the first Australia goalkeeper to appear at three World Cups, was between the sticks for that 2-1 defeat in 2018.
But despite the reverse, the Socceroos captain believes the experience will serve his side well four years later.
“[We] felt like we almost got a great result there against France, and we felt were quite unlucky,” he reflected.
“Something that I learned that day, you’ve got to have the right amount of respect for the opposition, but don’t be in awe of them or be overwhelmed too much.
“We’re playing some very good players in a good team, but we’re all human out there, and we’ve got a real good chance to win.”
Lionel Messi confirmed he is in a great place physically and mentally on the eve of his final World Cup.
The Argentina captain cut a remarkably relaxed figure ahead of Tuesday’s game against Saudi Arabia in Doha, repeatedly stressing how much he is enjoying his football as his glittering career enters its final chapters.
Messi caused alarm over the weekend by failing to show for the section of training open to the media, but he was quick to rule out any injury concerns.
He said: “I am feeling very well physically, I’m in good condition. I come here in really good form, both personally and physically. I have no issues whatsoever.
“There were rumours about missing part of training, but no, it was just a precaution, nothing out of the ordinary.”
#Qatar2022 Lionel Messi 🎙️: “La edad te hace ver las cosas de otra manera y darle importancia a los pequeños detalles que antes quizá no veía. Hoy me fijo más en todo, disfrutar está por encima de todo”.
Messi accepts this will be his last realistic shot at World Cup glory, but Argentina’s Copa America win last year has lifted an element of pressure and the 35-year-old is determined to depart the global international stage with a smile.
He added: “I don’t know if it’s the best moment in my career but I feel really well and perhaps a bit more mature, always trying to give my best and enjoying everything.
“I think I’m enjoying it much more now. Before I didn’t think about that, I just wanted to play. Now I am trying to enjoy it, but when you play every three days it’s sometimes tough.
“Age makes you see things differently, and maybe give more importance to small details. Perhaps before I didn’t do that. Now I try to focus on the details and enjoying it is more important than everything else.”
The unusual timing of this World Cup has meant a different build-up, but Messi says the pre-tournament nerves remain the same.
“It is different, we usually play the World Cup at the end of the season and we normally have a whole month to prepare,” he said.
“Now it’s completely different. We’ve had little time to prepare, but we knew this was the situation. It’s always special.
“We expect a tough game, we are aware of this because it’s the beginning of the World Cup. We will have to deal with the nerves the best way we can.”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also pinpointed his side’s 2021 Copa triumph in Brazil – their first major title in 28 years – as a key factor in why they have arrived in Qatar with a quiet confidence.
He said: “The reality is we now play in a much more calm way, we don’t have that weight on our shoulders.
“We are always calm when we go on the pitch and like to feel that freedom. And then it comes down to details. Emotionally we are far more assured and that allows us to play our football.
“But a nation like Argentina always has pressure and if the results are not the best it’s obvious that we have criticism.
“We knew about the journey we had to take and we need to keep doing that. We think that’s the best way to do it. We respect the other teams, but we are here to be competitive.”
Max Verstappen has hinted he could retire from Formula One when his contract with Red Bull expires in 2028, saying: “I want to do other stuff”.
Verstappen retained the drivers’ championship in dominant fashion this campaign, posting 15 victories in 22 races – a new single-season record.
However, speaking before he claimed a record third straight victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, Verstappen highlighted F1’s impact on his family life and cast doubt upon his long-term future in the sport.
Asked whether he would continue in F1 when his current deal expires in six years, he told Sky Sports: “I don’t know after that, but it also probably depends how competitive we are in ’28.
“I’ve still got time. I don’t want to make drastic decisions now.
“I want to do other stuff. F1 is amazing and I’ve achieved a lot, and I’m very happy and proud about it, but it’s a lot of travelling and it’s a lot of races.
“At one point, what is more important? Is family more important, or is F1 more important? That’s when you need to make your mind up.”
Verstappen finished the season 146 points clear of second-placed Charles Leclerc in the drivers’ championship standings, having wrapped up his second world title with four races to spare.
Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect the heart. Heart diseases include:
Blood vessel disease, such as coronary artery disease
Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
Heart problems you’re born with (congenital heart defects)
Disease of the heart muscle
Heart valve disease
Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices.
Heart disease causes depend on the specific type of heart disease. There are many different types of heart disease.
Heart disease symptoms depend on the type of heart disease.
Symptoms of heart disease in the blood vessels
Coronary artery disease is a common heart condition that affects the major blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. Cholesterol deposits (plaques) in the heart arteries are usually the cause of coronary artery disease. The buildup of these plaques is called atherosclerosis (ath-ur-o-skluh-ROE-sis). Atherosclerosis reduces blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body. It can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke.
Coronary artery disease symptoms may be different for men and women. For instance, men are more likely to have chest pain. Women are more likely to have other symptoms along with chest discomfort, such as shortness of breath, nausea and extreme fatigue.
Symptoms of coronary artery disease can include:
Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina)
Shortness of breath
Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper belly area or back
Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in the legs or arms if the blood vessels in those body areas are narrowed
You might not be diagnosed with coronary artery disease until you have a heart attack, angina, stroke or heart failure. It’s important to watch for heart symptoms and discuss concerns with your health care provider. Heart (cardiovascular) disease can sometimes be found early with regular health checkups.
Heart disease symptoms caused by irregular heartbeats (heart arrhythmias)
The heart may beat too quickly, too slowly or irregularly. Heart arrhythmia symptoms can include:
Chest pain or discomfort
Dizziness
Fainting (syncope) or near fainting
Fluttering in the chest
Lightheadedness
Racing heartbeat (tachycardia)
Shortness of breath
Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
Heart disease symptoms caused by congenital heart defects
Serious congenital heart defects usually are noticed soon after birth. Congenital heart defect symptoms in children could include:
Pale gray or blue skin or lips (cyanosis)
Swelling in the legs, belly area or areas around the eyes
In an infant, shortness of breath during feedings, leading to poor weight gain
Less-serious congenital heart defects are often not diagnosed until later in childhood or during adulthood. Symptoms of congenital heart defects that usually aren’t immediately life-threatening include:
Easily getting short of breath during exercise or activity
Easily tiring during exercise or activity
Swelling of the hands, ankles or feet
Heart disease symptoms caused by diseased heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
Early stages of cardiomyopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the condition worsens, symptoms may include:
Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting
Fatigue
Feeling short of breath during activity or at rest
Feeling short of breath at night when trying to sleep or waking up short of breath
Irregular heartbeats that feel rapid, pounding or fluttering
The heart has four valves — the aortic, mitral, pulmonary and tricuspid valves. They open and close to move blood through the heart. Many things can damage the heart valves. A heart valve may become narrowed (stenosis), leaky (regurgitation or insufficiency) or close improperly (prolapse).
Valvular heart disease is also called heart valve disease. Depending on which valve isn’t working properly, heart valve disease symptoms generally include:
Chest pain
Fainting (syncope)
Fatigue
Irregular heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Swollen feet or ankles
Endocarditis is an infection that affects the heart valves and inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves (endocardium). Endocarditis symptoms can include:
Dry or persistent cough
Fever
Heartbeat changes
Shortness of breath
Skin rashes or unusual spots
Swelling of the legs or belly area
Weakness or fatigue
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency medical care if you have these heart disease symptoms:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Fainting
How the heart works
To understand the causes of heart disease, it may help to understand how the heart works.
The heart is divided into chambers — two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles).
The right side of the heart moves blood to the lungs through blood vessels (pulmonary arteries).
In the lungs, blood picks up oxygen and then returns to the left side of the heart through the pulmonary veins.
The left side of the heart then pumps the blood through the aorta and out to the rest of the body.
Heart valves
Four heart valves — the aortic, mitral, pulmonary and tricuspid — keep the blood moving the right way. The valves open only one way and only when they need to. Valves must open all the way and close tightly so there’s no leakage.
Heartbeats
A beating heart squeezes (contracts) and relaxes in a continuous cycle.
During contraction (systole), the lower heart chambers (ventricles) squeeze tight. This action forces blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.
During relaxation (diastole), the ventricles fill with blood from the upper heart chambers (atria).
Electrical system
The heart’s electrical system keeps it beating. The heartbeat controls the continuous exchange of oxygen-rich blood with oxygen-poor blood. This exchange keeps you alive.
Electrical signals start in the upper right chamber (right atrium).
The signals travel through specialized pathways to the lower heart chambers (ventricles). This tells the heart to pump.
Causes of coronary artery disease
A buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries (atherosclerosis) is the most common cause of coronary artery disease. Risk factors include a poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity and smoking. Healthy lifestyle choices can help lower the risk of atherosclerosis.
Causes of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
Common causes of arrhythmias or conditions that can lead to them include:
Cardiomyopathy
Coronary artery disease
Diabetes
Drug misuse
Emotional stress
Excessive use of alcohol or caffeine
Heart problem present at birth (congenital heart defects)
High blood pressure
Smoking
Heart valve disease
Use of certain medications, including those bought without a prescription, and herbs and supplements
Causes of congenital heart defects
A congenital heart defect develops while a baby is growing in the womb. A congenital heart defect forms as the baby’s heart develops, about a month after conception. Congenital heart defects change the flow of blood in the heart. Some medical conditions, medications and genes increase the risk of congenital heart defects.
Causes of a thickened or enlarged heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
The cause of cardiomyopathy depends on the type:
Dilated cardiomyopathy. The cause of this most common type of cardiomyopathy often is unknown. It may be passed down through families (inherited). Dilated cardiomyopathy typically starts in the heart’s main pumping chamber (left ventricle). Many things can cause damage to the left ventricle, including heart attacks, infections, toxins and some drugs, including cancer medicines.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This type is usually passed down through families (inherited).
Restrictive cardiomyopathy. This is the least common type of cardiomyopathy. It can occur for no known reason. Sometimes it’s caused by a buildup of protein called amyloid in the heart (cardiac amyloidosis) or connective tissue disorders.
Causes of heart infection
A heart infection, such as endocarditis, occurs when germs reach the heart or heart valves. The most common causes of heart infections are:
Bacteria
Viruses
Parasites
Causes of heart valve disease
Many things can cause diseases of the heart valves. Some people are born with heart valve disease (congenital heart valve disease). Heart valve disease may also be caused by conditions such as:
Rheumatic fever
Infections (infectious endocarditis)
Connective tissue disorders
Risk factors
Risk factors for heart disease include:
Age. Growing older increases the risk of damaged and narrowed arteries and a weakened or thickened heart muscle.
Sex. Men are generally at greater risk of heart disease. The risk for women increases after menopause.
Family history. A family history of heart disease increases the risk of coronary artery disease, especially if a parent developed it at an early age (before age 55 for a male relative, such as your brother or father, and 65 for a female relative, such as your mother or sister).
Smoking. If you smoke, quit. Substances in tobacco smoke damage the arteries. Heart attacks are more common in smokers than in nonsmokers. If you need help quitting, talk to your health care provider about strategies that can help.
Unhealthy diet. Diets high in fat, salt, sugar and cholesterol have been linked to heart disease.
High blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause the arteries to become hard and thick. These changes interrupt blood flow to the heart and body.
High cholesterol. Having high cholesterol increases the risk of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis has been linked to heart attacks and strokes.
Diabetes. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. Obesity and high blood pressure increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Obesity. Excess weight typically worsens other heart disease risk factors.
Lack of exercises. Being inactive (sedentary lifestyle) is associated with many forms of heart disease and some of its risk factors, too.
Stress. Unrelieved stress may damage the arteries and worsen other risk factors for heart disease.
Poor dental health. It’s important to brush and floss your teeth and gums often. Also get regular dental checkups. Unhealthy teeth and gums makes it easier for germs to enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart. This can cause endocarditis.
Complications
Complications of heart disease include:
Heart failure. This is one of the most common complications of heart disease. Heart failure occurs when the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
Heart attack. A heart attack may occur if a blood clot is stuck in a blood vessel that goes to the heart.
Stroke. The risk factors that lead to heart disease can also lead to an ischemic stroke. This type of stroke happens when the arteries to the brain are narrowed or blocked. Too little blood reaches the brain. A stroke is a medical emergency — brain tissue begins to die within just a few minutes of a stroke.
Aneurysm. An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of an artery. If an aneurysm bursts, you may have life-threatening internal bleeding.
Peripheral artery disease. In this condition, the arms or legs — usually the legs — don’t get enough blood. This causes symptoms, most notably leg pain when walking (claudication). Atherosclerosis can lead to peripheral artery disease.
Sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is the sudden loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. It’s usually due to a problem with the heart’s electrical system. Sudden cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. If not treated immediately, it results in sudden cardiac death.
Prevention
The same lifestyle changes used to manage heart disease may also help prevent it. Try these heart-healthy tips:
Don’t smoke.
Eat a diet that’s low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.
Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana.
Lewis Hamilton described the 2022 season as a “team-building exercise” for Mercedes, having failed to finish the final race of the season.
The seven-time world champion a difficult campaign this year, having struggled to compete for race victories and Mercedes finding themselves way off the pace of the likes of Red Bull, who waltzed to victory in both championships.
In Abu Dhabi, an initially strong start from Hamilton saw him leapfrog Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to fourth but he encountered issues after bouncing over a curb off track.
Hamilton was eventually forced to retire with power failure in an end that summed up the difficulties he encountered throughout the year, though he hopes the team can take lessons from their woes into 2023.
“Ultimately, we started with a car that we didn’t want and we finished with a car that we didn’t want,” he told Sky Sports.
“We were stuck with it, we kept working away to improve it but the fundamental issues have been there all the way to the end, as you saw this weekend.
“It’s been more of a team-building exercise this year and I’m very proud of the team. I’m very grateful for everybody who has continued to push.
“We have these next couple of weeks where we will be back at the factory, we’ll get to see everybody. While we won’t be celebrating a championship, we’ll be celebrating them still for their hard work and efforts.
“I hope that the struggles this year really provide us with the tools and the strength to fight for many more championships moving forward.”
A DNF in Abu Dhabi ensured Hamilton would finish a Formula One season without a race win for the first time in his career.
Logan Sargeant insists he does not feel any extra pressure despite becoming the first full-time American Formula One driver in 16 years.
A fourth-placed finish in the Formula 2 championship, confirmed in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, saw the 21-year-old move above the threshold for the required points to earn a super licence, securing him a seat at Williams.
Sargeant will partner Alex Albon in 2023, with Nicolas Latifi losing his spot, and will be the first American driver since Scott Speed in 2007.
A move to F1 always comes with pressure – though that could be significantly more given the support from his homeland – but Sargeant does not believe that is the case.
“I have prepared the best I can to be the best driver I can possibly be,” he said. “Hopefully, I can represent them well and make them proud, but I don’t feel it’s any extra pressure.”
American drivers do not have an established recent history in Formula One, with the last driver prior to Speed being Michael Andretti, who was dropped three races before the conclusion of the 1993 season.
F1 is keen to continue to grow stateside, with Las Vegas joining Miami and Austin on the calendar next season, but Sargeant does not feel his nationality was a factor in gaining a seat on the grid.
“I like to think it is a happy coincidence,” he added. “I put in the hard work over the past however many years, made the commitment to move to Europe when I was young to make this dream a reality.
“I feel like I’ve had a very good junior formula career. And [I am] just looking forward to closing that chapter and move on to what’s next.”
Super excited to be joining the team in 2023. Can’t wait to get started! https://t.co/bkuHWeG3KK
Investigative Journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anashas petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.
CHRAJ Commissioner, Joseph Whittal confirmed to the media that the Commission has received an official complaint from the Tiger Eye PI team on a conflict of interest situation involving Ken Ofori-Atta and Former Minister of State, Charles Adu Boahen.
Tiger Eye PI in its petition alleged that the duo have engaged in conflict of interest in the use of their companies in relation to the purchase of government bonds while executing their duties as state officials.
“The allegations are that there is conflict of interest in terms of their official duties as public officers and the companies in which they have interest in terms of government bonds and so the case is going through the standard process of assessment in order to make sure that it meets procedural requirement under the Commission’s regulation as well as whether it is really within the mandate of the Commission. Based on that, we will then decide what next steps to take,” Whittal said.
It will be recalled that Charles Adu Boahen was dismissed for alleged influence peddling in the latest expose, ‘Galamsey Economy’ by Anas.
Mr. Adu Boahen has however, denied being involved in any corrupt activity and said the documentary sought to entrap him.
Already, the Minority in Parliament has also accused the Finance Minister of conflict of interest as part of the justification for the censure motion against him.
During the Committee hearing, lawyers for Ken Ofori-Atta argued that any allegation of conflict of interest can only be investigated and within the purview of CHRAJ and therefore prayed for the Committee to strike out that allegation.
If CHRAJ finds it worth investigating, the accused persons would be required to appear before the antigraft institution to answer some questions in relation to the petition filed.
Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta is currently facing a censure motion by the Minority to remove him from office while 98 of the NPP MPs have declared a vote of no confidence in his ability to deliver on the mandate of Finance Minister.
As part of the demand for ken Ofori-Atta to be sacked, the Minority said the Minister’s incompetence has resulted in the current poor state of the economy.
Novak Djokovic has no doubt in his own mind he is the best tennis player in the world, regardless of what the rankings say.
After clinching a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title by downing Casper Ruud in Turin, Djokovic reflected on a turbulent 2022 season in which he was unable to play in two of the four grand slam events.
His refusal to accept a COVID-19 vaccination meant Djokovic was denied permission to compete at the Australian Open and US Open, while the various tennis authorities’ reaction to the Ukraine crisis meant no ranking points were on offer at Wimbledon.
Indeed, Djokovic successfully defended his title at the All England Club, but in doing so he lost all of his 2,000 points for being the 2021 champion.
As such, he entered the ATP Finals as the world number eight, with his unbeaten run at the tournament seeing him collect 1,500 points and jump up to fifth on the ATP ranking list.
Carlos Alcaraz is the number one for now, after a stellar season for the 19-year-old Spaniard in which the highlight was his US Open victory, but Djokovic will be the favourite with many for the Australian Open, with authorities expected to allow him to play next year.
Asked if he was the world’s best player, Djokovic said: “I’m not. I’m fifth.”
That came with a smile from the Serbian, who added: “This week I probably am [the best]. Overall the rankings are showing who had the best year, and Alcaraz is the number one in the world. Not much to say about that.
“But in my mind I always see myself as the best player in the world, of course. I have that kind of mentality and that kind of approach. Regardless of who is across the net, regardless of what the surface is, regardless of what season it is, what number of the professional season in my career we’re facing, I mean, it’s always the same. The ambitions are as high as possible.
“That kind of approach, I feel it brought me to where I am sitting here today as a 35-year-old, holding one of the biggest trophies in the sport.”
The 21-time grand slam winner, one behind Rafael Nadal on the men’s all-time singles list, said the prospects for future success come down to his “love and passion” for tennis.
“As long as that’s there I’ll do anything in my power to challenge the young guys for the biggest trophies,” Djokovic said.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I know that what I hold in my mind is a huge hunger still to win trophies, make history of this sport, compete on the highest level all around the world, bring good emotions to sports fans, tennis fans.”
Djokovic was greeted after the final by Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, another sporting evergreen at the age of 41, albeit very much in his career twilight.
The same cannot be said yet for Djokovic, who may have several seasons left at this high level.
His coach, former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, watched on admiringly as Djokovic won 7-5 6-3 in Turin against Ruud on Sunday.
According to Croatian Ivanisevic, the key to Djokovic’s success in his mid-thirties is his relentless work rate.
“He’s practising even harder than when he was 22,” said Ivanisevic. “That’s why he’s still so good and that’s why he’s still going to be even better.
“The will to practise, the will to improve, the will to be better is amazing. He’s taking care of his body. In my time we stopped tennis at 30, 31. You were already an old guy ready to leave.
“They all talk about, yes, young players are coming. It’s great for tennis. You have the youngest number one in the world who made unbelievable things this year, Carlos. But look at Novak. He’s still hungry, he’s still winning the tournament, playing unbelievable tennis. He’s still already thinking now about preparation for next season.
“Till he’s like that, in his mind he’s going to be always competitive, favourite to win majors and the big tournaments.”
Aymeric Laporte is confident that Spain have the ability to fight for glory at Qatar 2022 despite falling short of expectations at each of the last two World Cups.
The 2010 champions begin their campaign against Costa Rica on Wednesday, with a tough test in Group E also putting them alongside Germany and Japan.
After victory in South Africa, Spain were eliminated at the group stages four years later in Brazil and lost at the round-of-16 stage to host nation Russia in 2018.
Brazil and Argentina have been tipped as the favourites for glory at this instalment, though Spain are considered among the teams going for glory in Qatar and Laporte is confident Luis Enrique’s side have everything required to go all the way.
“All the teams have their strengths, we have an amazing squad, the big majority [of players] compete at the top level in the Spanish league, in England or other places,” he told a press conference on Monday.
“We have people very well placed in football, quality, with this boss we are working very well on a tactical leveI. I believe we have everything.
“Then, in these type of games or tournaments, you need luck and there are other factors to be taken into account. But on what depends on us, we will do everything to win.”
Laporte was also asked about the injury suffered to France striker Karim Benzema, who has been ruled out of competing at the tournament, which he says is disappointing for the fans.
“In this type of tournament we expect the best to be competing, or many of them,” he added. “It is a shame for fans to not see all the best players in the world fighting each other, but those who remain here have a goal and we are going for it.”
England’s World Cup campaign opened in thoroughly convincing fashion as they outclassed Iran in Doha.
The game was played out against the backdrop of more off-field controversy here in Qatar after England were forced to ditch plans to wear the OneLove armband promoting diversity and inclusivity under threat from Fifa of players being cautioned should they carry out the gesture of support.
Gareth Southgate’s side strolled to victory, with Iran’s hopeless plight made worse by the early loss of goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to concussion after a clash of heads with a team-mate.
Jude Bellingham got England off the mark in this World Cup with a soaring header from Luke Shaw’s cross 10 minutes before the break and the game was wrapped up before half-time thanks to Saka’s fine strike and Raheem Sterling’s classy volley with the outside of his foot from Harry Kane’s cross.
Iran’s supporters were given a moment of real delight when Mehdi Taremi scored a fine goal after 65 minutes but it only produced a ruthless response from England as Saka scored his second and substitute Marcus Rashford scored with his first involvement – both smooth, composed strikes.
To put the gloss on an incredibly dominant display, Jack Grealish slotted home from close range after a good run and pull back by Callum Wilson.
Iran did pull another back in injury time when Taremi slotted in a penalty after a John Stones foul.
Bellingham & Saka show class
It is almost impossible to deliver any firm judgement on England’s World Cup prospects given the paucity of Iran’s opposition but this could hardly have gone better for Southgate as his one major selection decision reaped a rich dividend and the result was almost perfect.
Iran were expected to provide stern resistance as they reside in the top 20 in the Fifa rankings and have a recent victory against Uruguay on their record but England made light work of the task once Bellingham gave them the lead.
Bellingham is being touted as one of the big emerging names at this World Cup, the 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund star already a target for a host of the game’s elite names.
And, even in the context of this game, Bellingham showed exactly why as he joined Saka as the dominant force in this game, scoring his first England goal with a magnificent header and bestriding midfield with a complete authority that belied his years.
This was only the second time England have scored six goals in a major tournament but on this evidence you would not bet against the brilliant Bellingham being involved the next time it happens.
Bellingham is a player with the world at his feet and a long career ahead of him at international level.
Southgate picked Saka ahead of Manchester City’s Phil Foden, the only mildly contentious decision in his line-up, but there can be no arguments after a hugely impressive performance from the 21-year-old who has played such a big part as Arsenal head the Premier League.
Saka scored twice and was a threat throughout and thoroughly deserved the warm applause he received when he was substituted.
It will get harder for England as they now face the United States and Wales but this was the perfect start.
Jamal Musiala admits being compared to Lionel Messi is a “big honour” as the Germany midfielder prepares for his World Cup bow.
The Bayern Munich star, who played just nine minutes at Euro 2020, has enjoyed an impressive start to the Bundesliga season, scoring nine goals and providing six assists.
The 19-year-old’s 15 goal involvements are the most registered by any teenager across Europe’s top five leagues and just two shy of Messi’s tally for Paris Saint-Germain (seven goals, 10 assists).
“I think it’s a big honour to be compared to Messi,” said Musiala, who will hope to feature in Germany’s Group E opener against Japan at the Khalifa International Stadium on Wednesday.
“He has been playing at the top level for his entire career. It’s always hard to compare yourself to others. I prefer to focus on myself and on where I can improve.
“It’s important to remain relaxed about what’s happening and to not put too much pressure on yourself. You also have to have some fun, and then everything will work out.
Die Mannschaft team-mate Niklas Sule, who was part of the side that exited the group stage in Russia four years ago, hopes Musiala can maintain his solid form at the finals.
“I much prefer to play alongside him, instead of against him. But, I also know how to defend against him,” the Borussia Dortmund defender laughed.
“We played a friendly [against Bayern’s under-19s side] one time, and you could already see what an exceptional talent he is. He then deservedly moved up to the first team.
“I don’t want to praise him too much, because I don’t want him to get too full of himself. But, I’m not worried that that will happen. I hope that his strong form at Bayern will carry over to this tournament.”
The organisation of the Qatar World Cupwill again be called into question after an issue with FIFA’s ticketing system left Englandand Iran fans struggling to get into Khalifa International Stadium.
Ahead of the opening Group B game, and the second match of the tournament, on Monday, thousands of supporters were unable to gain entry to the ground in time for kick-off.
There were thousands of empty seats when the game started, with the venue gradually filling up during the first half.
In a statement released just prior to kick-off, FIFA said: “Some spectators are currently experiencing an issue with accessing their tickets via the FIFA Ticketing app. FIFA is working on solving the issue.
“In the meantime, fans who are not able to access their mobile tickets should check the email accounts they used to register with the Ticketing app for further instructions.
“In case fans cannot access their email accounts, the stadium’s Ticket Resolution Point will be able to support. We thank fans for their understanding as we work to fix the issue as soon as possible.”
Virgil van Dijk was saddened to hear his former Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane would miss the World Cup but he hopes the Netherlands will profit from the Senegal star’s absence on Monday.
Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal suffered a huge blow on Thursday, when it was confirmed Mane would not recover from a fibula injury in time to feature at the tournament.
Mane has been directly involved in 12 of the last 25 goals scored by Senegal players at either the Africa Cup of Nations or the World Cup, leading coach Aliou Cisse to concede the Lions of Teranga would have to cope without their best player in Qatar.
Although Van Dijkacknowledges Mane’s woes could benefit the Netherlands in Monday’s Group A meeting, he has been in touch with the Bayern Munich attacker and pities his misfortune.
“I called him the next day. I wanted to know how he was, first and foremost, because there were so many rumours that he was out for a while,” Van Dijk said of his reaction to Mane’s injury.
“As a friend, I wanted to know how he was. Unfortunately, at the time, he’d already not had the best of news, but there was a little bit of hope, everyone thought.
“Unfortunately, he won’t be able to make this tournament and I feel sad for him. I know how hard he worked for this. He wants to be important for Senegal and he has been important for them, in the last couple of years especially.
“It’s tough. Obviously he’s going to be a big miss for them, and hopefully we can benefit from that a little bit as well.”
Although the Netherlands failed to qualify for the 2018 tournament in Russia, they have won 11 of their last 14 World Cup matches (D2 L1), with their only loss during that run coming in 2010’s final against Spain.
Marco Asensio wants to stay at Real Madrid for “10 more years” as the Spain international continues to negotiate a new contract with the club.
Asensio, who is on duty with La Roja at the World Cup, is set to become a free agent when his existing deal with Los Blancos expires at the end of June.
Repeatedly linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, with Barcelona reported to be among his possible destinations, the forward has started just once in LaLiga for Madrid this season.
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old hopes he can prolong his stay with the reigning Champions League winners, for whom he has made 250 appearances since arriving from Mallorca in December 2014.
“There is talk that I am changing Real Madrid’s mind. But I have always tried to give the maximum that I have inside, and then it will be known,” he told Radio Marca.
“The one that decides, too, is the club, it not only depends on me. After the World Cup, we will both make a decision.
“What if I want to renew? Hopefully, it can happen, and I will be very happy at Real Madrid for many years. Hopefully, everything will be given to stay 10 more years.”
Asensio also offered his commiserations to team-mate Karim Benzema, who was ruled out of the World Cup after failing to recover from a quadriceps problem in his left thigh.
The France international became the first reigning Ballon d’Or winner to miss the finals since Allan Simonsen’s Denmark failed to qualify for the 1978 tournament.
“I send him all my encouragement and support from here,” Asensio added. “These are things that happen in football, and it has weighed on him not being able to reach 100 per cent. He was very excited about this World Cup.”
Englandwere applauded for taking a knee at the start of their World Cup Group B opener against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.
Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate confirmed in his pre-match press conference a day earlier that England had decided to perform the gesture at the World Cup.
Kneeling before a game was initially adopted on a regular basis in the Premier League following the death of George Floyd in the United States back in 2020.
Despite it being a show of solidarity against discrimination, it was an initiative that was not universally applauded, with several Premier League clubs jeered for taking part.
It was scrapped as a regular feature ahead of this season, with the Premier League instead announcing the gesture would be reserved for special occasions.
Reports had suggested England players were discussing whether to kneel during Qatar 2022, and Southgate confirmed on Sunday that the squad came to an agreement.
England made their stance during the noisy countdown to kick-off, with the gesture widely applauded some the England fans in the stadium.
However, England captain Harry Kane did not wear the OneLove armband.
Kane and captains from six other nations were initially due to wear the armband at the tournament to promote “inclusion and send a message against discrimination of any kind”.
But the Football Association confirmed before Monday’s game that they had bowed to pressure from FIFA, who “made it very clear that it will impose sporting sanctions if our captains wear the armbands on the field of play”.
A few minutes before, Iran players refused to sing their national anthem, which was also widely jeered by their supporters.
Iran’s participation at the tournament comes amid social unrest in Iran following the death of 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini in police custody two months ago.
As many as 15,000 people have been arrested in the country for protesting against the regime’s oppression of women, and Iran’s refusal to sing has been perceived as an act of solidarity.
In September, Iran covered up their national symbols before a friendly against Senegal in what was also seen as an act of defiance.
England and six other nations have confirmed their players will not wear the OneLove armband at the World Cup.
The move comes after FIFA threatened to book captains if they broke regulations and made their own statements on social issues, rather than following guidelines from the game’s governing body.
OneLove, which promotes “inclusion and sends a message against discrimination of any kind”, has grown in significance in the build-up to the tournament in Qatar, a country in which homosexuality is illegal.
But, following extensive discussions between FIFA and an alliance of football associations – England, Wales,Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland and the Netherlands – the armband will now not be worn.
A joint statement read: “FIFA has been very clear that it will impose sporting sanctions if our captains wear the armbands on the field of play.
“As national federations, we can’t put our players in a position where they could face sporting sanctions including bookings, so we have asked the captains not to attempt to wear the armbands in FIFA World Cup games.
“We were prepared to pay fines that would normally apply to breaches of kit regulations and had a strong commitment to wearing the armband. However, we cannot put our players in the situation where they might be booked or even forced to leave the field of play.
“We are very frustrated by the FIFA decision which we believe is unprecedented – we wrote to FIFA in September informing them of our wish to wear the One Love armband to actively support inclusion in football, and had no response.
“Our players and coaches are disappointed – they are strong supporters of inclusion and will show support in other ways.”
England open their World Cup campaign against Iran later on Monday.
In a separate statement, the Dutch FA (KNVB) – the OneLove campaign originated in the Netherlands – expressed its anger and disappointment at FIFA’s stance.
It read: “The KNVB and the players of the Dutch national team would like to convey a positive message with OneLove and against all forms of discrimination.
“We wanted to do that at the World Cup together with England, Wales, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and Denmark.
“The UEFA working group, of which the KNVB is part, asked FIFA on September 19 to embrace the OneLove captain’s armband. Today, hours before the first match, FIFA has (officially) made it clear to
us that the captain will receive a yellow card if he wears the OneLove captain’s armband.
“We deeply regret that is has not been possible to reach a reasonable solution together.
“We stand with the OneLove message and continue to carry it out, but our first priority at the World Cup is to win matches. You don’t want the captain to start the match by getting a yellow card. That is why we had to decide with pain in our hearts – as a UEFA working group, the KNVB and as a team – to abandon our plan.
“As previously announced, the KNVB would have paid a possible fine for wearing the OneLove captain’s armband but that FIFA would punish us for this on the field was not expected.
“This goes against the spirit of our sport which connects millions of people. In the coming period, together with the other countries involved, we will take a critical look at our relationship with FIFA.”
Cleanliness is next to godliness and Japan has proven to be closer to God than expected.
They have also made a name for themselves before their opener against Germany scheduled for Wednesday, November 23, 2022.
Japanese fans after the opener game between host nation, Qatarand Ecuador on Sunday, November 20, decided to remain at the Al Bayt Stadium to execute just one action.
When all had left their bottles and containers that carried their snacks in to beat the traffic, the Japanese fans decided to stay and clean.
According to sources, these Japanese fans came prepared with their own trash bags and cleaned for at least an hour.
Fortunately, their noble deed was filmed and all who have come across the footage have praised the heroes and heroines.
Christian Eriksen’s love for football brings joy to Kasper Hjulmand, who believes Denmark must set out to win the World Cup.
Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s first game of Euro 2020 against Finland in Copenhagen last year.
Denmark’s players shielded their team-mate from the eyes of the crowd and cameras as Eriksen received emergency medical treatment.
The midfielder made an incredible recovery and six months later returned to action when he signed for Brentford, having been unable to play for Inter after having a cardioverter defibrillator device fitted.
Eriksen was superb for the Bees and earned a move to Manchester United, where he has made a strong start to the season and is back to spearhead Denmark’s bid to go deep into the World Cup.
“Before the Euros, before everything happened with Christian I said he was the heart and heartbeat of the team,” Hjulmand said in a press conference.
“When he plays he has a fantastic way of taking the rhythm of the game, feeling and controlling the game with his passing, intelligence, his vision and also his work ethic.
“It’s great to have Christian back. He’s a fantastic player but an even better person and on and off the pitch he gives us so much.
“I remember when he came back in March, in the first minutes he scored against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, and after that we had him back.
“It’s just a pleasure to work with Christian, you have to drag him off the pitch every day. He just loves playing. The love for the game is the most important thing for Christian.”
Denmark went on to reach the semi-finals of the European Championship without Eriksen, losing to England.
They face Tunisia in their opening match on Tuesday, with France and Australia their other opponents in Group D.
Asked by Stats Perform what targets Denmark had set for the tournament, Hjulmand replied: “I’m not very good at goal-setting like that. Our dream is to win something.
“So when you go into a tournament I think this group of players has the quality to win, and I mean win everything.
“Are we the favourites? No. I think still we have something to improve in our squad, our game, but we can beat everyone on the day.
“We have a very strong self-confidence, a very good group of players working well together and the best way of winning is to dream big and actually say that we go into a tournament to win it and then focus what’s right in front of you.
“The first thing is a very difficult game against Tunisia. We will see from there. We have a very good feeling, we are ready to attack.”
Rangers have sacked manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst after falling off the pace in the Scottish Premiership title race.
Van Bronckhorst joined Rangers last November following Steven Gerrard’s move to Aston Villa, leading them to a Scottish Cup triumph and a Europa League final – where they were beaten by Eintracht Frankfurt – last term.
However, Van Bronckhorst was unable to inspire consistency in the Scottish Premiership, with Rangers finishing last season four points behind Celtic and entering the World Cup break nine adrift of their Old Firm rivals.
Rangers also endured a chastening Champions League campaign this term, becoming the first Scottish team to lose all six of their group-stage games in the competition.
Van Bronckhorst’s team conceded 22 goals across those matches, which included a 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool and a 4-0 defeat at Ajax.
In a statement on Rangers’ website on Monday, chairman Douglas Park said: “I want to thank Gio for the hard work he has put in over the last 12 months and, especially the achievements of taking the club to the Europa League final and winning the Scottish Cup last season.
“Unfortunately, recent results have not met neither our nor Gio’s expectations, and we have taken this difficult decision today. Everyone at Rangers wishes Gio every success in the future.”
With the Scottish Premiership campaign on hold for the World Cup in Qatar, Rangers have over three weeks to find a replacement before they host Hibernian on December 15.
Rangers Football Club confirms today it has parted company with manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Didier Deschamps has asked for “more understanding” as France adjust to their latest injuries, but Les Bleus intend to go “full steam ahead” with the same objectives as before.
France were already without Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante for the World Cup and have now lost Christopher Nkunku and Karim Benzema on the eve of the tournament.
Deschamps’ defending world champions head into their opener against Australia with uncertainty around much of their line-up, although the coach has “no worries at all” about Eduardo Camavinga’s fitness and confirmed Raphael Varane is fit to start.
Asked on Monday if France would have to reconsider their approach to the finals, Deschamps disagreed, although he asked the assembled media for their support.
“It is full steam ahead with the team we have available to us,” he said.
“Less ambition and less desire to do everything to get to the end? I don’t think so. But if we could have more understanding from the media, if you could cut us a little more slack, that would be great.
“But we know what is asked of us. We are not counting our chickens before they are hatched, we know our three opponents ahead of us.
“We know Australia very well, but you haven’t asked me anything about Australia. That’s perfect.”
Despite their difficulties, Deschamps says France have “no apprehension” and “no anxiety”, even with the past three World Cup holders exiting in the first round.
“This is based on statistics, probability, facts, but I think each team has undergone their own journey to get where they are today,” he said.
“It is up to us to have a squad that is aware of the objective of the first game. We’re not going to think about what could have been.
“What is important is to focus on the first game against Australia. Everything before is on the sideline now.
“There is analysis that can be made, do with them what you will, but we will be ready for tomorrow.”
In the absence of Benzema, Kylian Mbappe is set to have an even more prominent role, having starred in France’s Russia 2018 success.
“[Mbappe] played an important role four years ago on the pitch,” Deschamps said. “He was very mature at the time and is even more mature now because of what’s gone on over the course of the past four years. There’s been more global recognition, more responsibility.
“Obviously he has what it takes to stand out from the crowd, to score; his aura is second to none. This was the case four years ago, it still is the case now.”
According to captain Hugo Lloris, Mbappe is “involved, relaxed, concentrated, focused”.
Lloris was also asked about the OneLove captain’s armband – a campaign that promotes “inclusion and sends a message against discrimination of any kind”.
The France skipper had already confirmed he would not be wearing the armband, and it emerged shortly after his news conference other countries were backing out of the campaign following the threat of FIFA sanctions.
“FIFA is organising this competition,” Lloris said. “It is therefore up to FIFA to put into place a regulatory framework.
“As players, we’re here to play football and represent our teams to the best we can on a sporting front. I would prefer to stay in my box. I am a player and a competitor of this competition.
“Yes, there are many causes that are important and should be supported. They’re commendable. But it’s up to FIFA to take decisions with the organisation of the competition.”
Italy head coach Roberto Mancini has conceded that his 3-4-3 formation did not work as intended against Austria, as he criticised his side’s poor first half display against the hosts.
The European champions finished 2022 with defeat in Vienna, where two first half goals from Xaver Schlager and David Alaba put the hosts in control.
A poor showing in the first period was improved upon after the break, but Italy could not break Austria’s defence, though Mancini believes his side did enough to deserve praise.
“We were better in the second half, in the first half we had the ball and we had to score. After that we suffered, making so many technical mistakes. In the second half, all we were missing was a goal,” he said post-match.
“The formation didn’t go very well, we did little pressing with the strikers conceding too many spaces.
“The team was too long, we did badly and this penalised us a bit, but in the second half I saw a very good team. We were unlucky and a bit inaccurate.”
Italy are not scheduled to be back in action until March, where the defence of their European crown begins with the first qualifying match against England in a rematch of the 2020 final.
FIFAhas earned an unprecedented $7.5bn in revenue through four years of commercial deals tied to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the governing body of football says.
The earnings, which FIFA revealed on Sunday to officials from more than 200 of its member nations, are $1bn more than what the organisation pulled in from the previous World Cup cycle leading up to the 2018 event in Russia.
The extra income was buoyed by commercial deals with this year’s hosts. Qatar Energy joined as a top-tier sponsor, and new third-tier sponsors include Qatari bank QNB and telecommunications firm Ooredoo. FIFA also added second-tier sponsor deals this year from financial platform crypto.com and blockchain provider Algorand, its first new American sponsor in more than a decade.
Key broadcast deals for this year’s World Cup were signed during Sepp Blatter’s presidency in two-tournament deals for the Russia and Qatar events. They included deals with Fox in the United States and Qatari broadcaster BeIN Sports from 2011.
FIFA pays for host countries’ organising committees, prize money, travel and accommodation for teams and support staff. It also pays for a legacy fund to help develop the sport in the host country after the World Cup circus has left town.
The winners of the Qatar World Cup will receive $44m out of a total prize pot of $440m.
FIFA organises its accounts in four-year cycles around each World Cup. For the 2015-2018 cycle leading up to the Russian World Cup, the governing body brought in $6.4bn. It has used that cash to help member bodies through uncertainty in 2020 when national team football and World Cup qualifying games were almost entirely shut down.
The organisation’s revenues are likely to approach $10bn for the next four years, thanks to a new financial strategy for women’s football and the expanded 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico, which will see 48 teams compete for the first time, up from the present 32.
FIFA has an almost blank slate for the 2026 edition with top-tier sponsors Coca-Cola, Adidas and Wanda the only deals currently extended. Separate sponsor deals for women’s football are being signed for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Former Black Stars striker, Asamoah Gyan rates the 2022 World Cup group stage clash against Uruguay as the most important for his country, considering their history.
Ghana were on the verge of history in 2010 – becoming the first African team to reach the semi-final of a senior World Cup before Luis Suarez struck.
A header from a free kick in the stoppage time, headed for the back of the net was deliberately handled on the goal line by Suarez, and although he got sent off
However, Gyan, who is the country’s all time leading goal scorer with 51 goals failed to convert the resulting spot-kick before Uruguay triumphed on penalties.
“Everyone in Ghana is waiting for the game against Uruguay because of what happened in 2010,” Gyan said as a co-anchor on a SuperSport World Cup show.
“We feel like it is our opportunity to get revenge,” he added.
Ghana will meet Uruguay in their last Group H game on December 2. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Portugal before taking on South Korea.
President Joe Biden phoned the United States team in Qatar to urge Gregg Berhalter’s players to “shock ’em all” at the World Cup.
Ahead of their opening game against Wales on Monday, the team gathered to listen to Biden offer words of encouragement to a group he acknowledged were outsiders.
The United States men’s team took third place at the inaugural 1930 World Cup but have never gone further than the quarter-finals since, only reaching that stage once, in 2002.
By comparison, the US women’s national team are four-time World Cup winners, and will be chasing a hat-trick of consecutive titles at next year’s finals in Australia and New Zealand.
Biden, who turned 80 on Sunday, told Berhalter: “Coach, put me in, I’m ready to play.”
He added: “You guys, I know you’re the underdog, but I’ll tell you what, man, you got some of the best players in the world on your team, and you’re representing this country, and I know you’re gonna play your hearts out, so let’s go shock ’em all.
“Keep trusting in one another, play as hard as you can, for you and your families, your team-mates, and the whole country is rooting for you.”
Berhalter replied: “That’s a very nice message, Mr President, the whole team is here right now and we really appreciate your support and we’re ready to go.”
The United States also face England and Iran in Group B, returning to the World Cup stage after missing out on the Russia 2018 finals.
Biden added: “I wish I were there to see you, I really do, go get ’em guys, just play your hearts out. I know you will, I know you will.”
Sadio Mane is backing Senegal’s Lions of Teranga to show they still have sharp claws without him in Monday’s World Cup opener against the Netherlands.
Bayern Munich forward Mane was set to spearhead the team’s quest in Qatar, but a cruel leg injury has ruled him out of the tournament.
On paper, it seems the team are significantly weakened by his absence, but Mane says the reality could be rather different, backing the group he left to rise to their challenge.
The former Liverpool star wrote on Instagram: “This Monday, our dear country will compete in the World Cup, Qatar 2022. I am sure the Lions will transcend and approach every game as a true final.
“I am also convinced that all Senegalese will be in front of the small screen to support and encourage our valiant national team.
“Like all supporters of the ‘Taniere’ [lions’ den], I am convinced that my team-mates will fight as one man and as they usually do to honour our dear Senegal. Long live Senegal, come on the Lions.”
Senegal were surprise quarter-finalists in 2002, and as reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions they were considered by many as the continent’s biggest hope for World Cup success this time around.
Losing Mane will change that perception for many observers.
The 30-year-old had a tendon reattached to the head of his right fibula after being ruled out of Senegal’s squad, and he could face several months on the sidelines.
Mane thanked well-wishers, writing: “Many of you have sent messages of support following my injury. Thank God, the surgery I had in the middle of the week went well. I want to take this opportunity to thank and show my appreciation to you all.”
Cristiano Ronaldo hopes he can be the man to “checkmate” Lionel Messi at Qatar 2022, but he does not believe a World Cup win for Portugal would end football’s ‘GOAT’ debate.
Ronaldo and Messi are the sport’s two modern greats, with supporters of each player claiming them to be the best of all time.
However, despite European Championship success for Portugal and last year’s Argentina triumph in the Copa America, neither have won the greatest team prize of all.
Ronaldo has endured a difficult season at Manchester United, yet he has arrived in Qatar in confident mood, even if he does not believe he has anything to prove.
“Even if I won the World Cup, there would be this debate,” he said on Monday. “It’s like in everything, there are some who like blondes more, others more brunettes…
“I’m an ambitious player; I’d love to win this competition, but if I don’t win, I’d still be happy with everything I’ve done so far.
“If they told me that I won’t win a title again, I’d be proud of what I’ve done.
“[Winning the World Cup] was a dream for me; it’s possible, but we’ll see. I hope all energies are on our side.”
Boas energias, boas sensações, o mesmo empenho e a mesma concentração de que colocamos em cada desafio. Foco! Vontade! Crença! Seja onde for, Portugal, sempre!🇵🇹🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/tWgeKBRG3J
Ronaldo and Messi are long-time rivals, but they posed together for a game of chess in a Louis Vuitton advertising campaign ahead of the finals.
Were Portugal and Argentina each to win their groups, the pair would not meet on the pitch until the December 18 final.
“It was a campaign that I’ve been doing, which I’ve wanted for many years,” Ronaldo said of the ad. “I’ve fulfilled the dream of being able to do it; everyone knows the greatness of the brand.
“It will be my fifth World Cup. I’m focused and extremely optimistic that things will go well.
“Checkmate we do in life, it’s not just in chess. And I do it often.
“I don’t know how to be direct about it, but I’d like to be the one to do the checkmate against him [Messi]. It would be beautiful to happen; it already happened in a chess game and in football it would be even more [beautiful].”
Ronaldo and Messi have met only twice at international level, with Portugal and Argentina winning one friendly apiece.
Cristiano Ronaldo is motivated by the millions of people who look up to him ahead of the World Cup, as he dismissed criticism of his interview with Piers Morgan.
The conversation with Morgan, broadcast on TalkTV, aired in full last week, with Ronaldo seemingly doing his utmost to bring his second spell at Manchester United to an end.
Among a wide range of topics, Ronaldo discussed how he felt “betrayed” by the club and how he did not respect manager Erik ten Hag – he even aimed a swipe at former team-mate Wayne Rooney.
Ronaldo is seemingly heading for a January exit, though for now his focus is on leading Portugal in Qatar. Their campaign in the gulf nation starts on Thursday against Ghana.
Iker Casillas came to his old Real Madrid club-mate’s defence on Sunday, telling Marca he would always like to have the 37-year-old on his team and that he is a contender to win the Golden Boot in Qatar, suggesting critics too easily forget Ronaldo’s achievements.
In a press conference at Portugal’s training base on Monday, Ronaldo said: “I agree with Casillas and I hope to demonstrate that we are eliminating that small range of criticism.
“There are millions of people who like me. That is what motivates me. There is no money to pay for that. The joy of the children.
“Timing is always timing. From your side it is easy to look at how we can choose timings. Sometimes you write truths, sometimes you write lies.
“I don’t have to worry what others think. I talk when I want to. Staff, players, everyone knows me, they know what I think, they’ve known me since I was 11, they won’t be influenced by what [the critics] say.”
Boas energias, boas sensações, o mesmo empenho e a mesma concentração de que colocamos em cada desafio. Foco! Vontade! Crença! Seja onde for, Portugal, sempre!🇵🇹🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/tWgeKBRG3J
Ronaldo, who is sure his interview will not derail Portugal’s chances of success, also hit out at the media for asking his national team-mates to discuss his situation, after Ruben Neves’ press conference on Sunday was dominated by the topic.
“Please, don’t ask players about me. Ask about the World Cup, I’m bulletproof, I have an armoured mind,” he said.
“I have no doubt that this recent episode, that interview, and other episodes with other players that happen sometimes, can sometimes shake the player but won’t shake the team.
“Everyone really wants this competition, everyone wants to play, which is something I like to see, the ambition is very high.”
Ronaldo also explained that frosty exchanges with Bruno Fernandes and Joao Cancelo were simply jokes.
“I made a joke with Bruno, with whom I have an excellent relationship,” Ronaldo added.
“His flight was delayed and I asked if he had come by boat. It was a joke, as it was with Joao Cancelo.”
Aliou Cisse concedes Senegalwill be without their best player heading into the World Cup but insists his squad are “ready for the challenge”.
The African champions suffered the crushing news that star man Sadio Mane would miss the tournament after having to undergo surgery on a fibula injury sustained in Bayern Munich’s 6-1 thrashing of Werder Bremen 12 days ago.
Mane’s importance to Senegal is highlighted by the fact he has been involved in 12 of the last 25 goals scored by Cisse’s team in the finals of either the World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations.
And his absence has forced a tactical re-think ahead of Monday’s opener against the Netherlands at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
Cisse said: “Obviously it’s a great shame for Sadio and the team, but we have to think of the player’s well-being.
“It’s a great challenge as all coaches build their team around the best player and that’s the case for us.
B”ut we have a strong team with experienced players and young players who are ready to rise to this challenge. I am sure we have a strong enough team. It’s not easy to play without a player like Sadio and we have a strong opponent in the Netherlands, but the players are ready.”
Senegal winger Krepin Diatta was a little less bullish, admitting Mane’s absence had had an impact within the squad.
The Monaco man said: “Sadio is an extremely important player for our team and we are determined to do what we can without him.
“But of course it affects you, he is our best player and leader. We’d like him to be here, but God decided otherwise.”
Senegal disappointed in exiting the 2018 World Cup in Russia at the group stage, but Cisse believes that experience – and their AFCON triumph earlier this year – stands them in good stead to go further in Qatar.
“In 2018, it had been such a long time since Senegal had been to a World Cup, and we are now getting another chance,” he added.
“We are African champions and we have new, excellent players that have strengthened the squad. Hopefully the mistakes of Russia won’t be repeated.”
In the opposing dugout on Monday will be Louis van Gaal, a man Cisse described as a “benchmark”, and the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder believes guiding his team to successive World Cups is another shot in the arm for African coaches, five of whom are present in Qatar.
He said: “It’s progress that we have been seeing for some years now. We are aware that people are looking at us. If we lose in the first round, people will say we aren’t good enough.
“I was born in Senegal – it’s important to understand the realities of the country you are managing. We are proud to represent African coaches and it’s a message we are sending them that they can also be at the highest level.”
Memphis Depay will not feature in the Netherlands’ World Cup opener against Senegal, but coach Louis van Gaal remains optimistic for the tournament, believing this squad to be capable of improving on a third-placed finish at Brazil 2014.
Depay had been a doubt for Monday’s match in Doha due to a hamstring injury that has limited him to only two LaLiga appearances at Barcelona this season.
Oranje coach Van Gaal, speaking to the media on Sunday, confirmed the forward would miss out against Senegal, suggesting his “idea of the match” centred around how the two teams would fare without their respective stars. Senegal’s Sadio Maneis out of the entire tournament.
Depay was involved in more goals in European qualifying for Qatar 2022 than any other player, scoring 12 and assisting a further six in just 10 matches.
Van Gaal said: “Mane can break open a match, and I would say Senegal will really miss him. But the same applies to us. We are really missing our top scorer and the king of the assists.”
However, the Netherlands boss had been aware a swift return was unlikely for Depay, adding: “We knew before the World Cup he had a different programme, a different schedule than the schedule of a player who is preparing for a match.”
When he recovers, Depay will be tasked with leading the line for a Dutch side Van Gaal considers superior to his class of 2014 – the last team he took to a tournament in the second of three stints in the role.
The Netherlands reached the semi-finals on that occasion, losing to Argentina on penalties before beating Brazil in the third-place play-off.
Given Van Gaal’s high opinion of this group of players and his own considerable experience, he expects results to follow – potentially culminating in a first World Cup triumph.
“I believe in this squad, this group of players,” he said. “In 2014, we came third with a squad of lesser quality, I would say. With this group, I expect more.
“It all depends not only on technical skills and tactical skills but also a bit of luck that you score at the right time or that the others don’t score.
“I think we could become world champion, but there are squads that are in my view of a higher level than my squad. The thing is how the squad deals with that, and there I think I may be able to benefit from a head start.
“I’m saying we can become world champion. Whether we become world champion is a separate issue, but I’m saying we can.”
While Van Gaal would not confirm the identity of his starting goalkeeper, he hinted at Cody Gakpo getting the nod ahead of Davy Klaassen in Depay’s absence, and there is no doubt who his captain is.
Van Dijk appeared next to Van Gaal, who said: “I have a wonderful captain next to me. I have worked with so many captains, and he is a truly great captain. That makes things easier.”
But neither Van Dijk nor Van Gaal would answer political questions after Gianni Infantino’s remarkable opening address the previous day.
“I am no longer going to speak about political issues,” the previously outspoken Van Gaal said. “I’m focusing on this coming match.
“I put a full stop after all these issues after we invited the migrants to watch our practice session. I requested all my players also stopped doing that and put a full stop and focus on the match against Senegal.”
Rishi Sunak has pledged £50m in defence aid to Ukraine as he met President Volodymyr Zelensky in his first visit to Kyiv since becoming prime minister.
Mr Sunak said it was “deeply humbling” to be in Kyiv and that the UK would continue to stand by Ukraine.
“Since the first days of the war, Ukraine and the UK have been the strongest of allies,” Mr Zelensky said following the meeting.
The aid package is intended to counter Russian aerial attacks
The £50m defence aid comprises 125 anti-aircraft guns and technology to counter deadly Iranian-supplied drones, including dozens of radars and anti-drone electronic warfare capability.
Mr Sunak also announced the UK will increase the training offer to Ukraine’s armed forces, sending expert army medics and engineers to the region to offer specialised support.
It follows more than 1,000 new anti-air missiles announced by the UK’s Defence Secretary Ben Wallace earlier this month.
On his visit the prime minister saw captured Iranian-made drones which have been used to target and bomb Ukrainian civilians in recent months.
Mr Sunak also laid flowers for the war dead and lit a candle at a memorial for victims of the 1930s Holodomor famine, before meeting emergency workers at a fire station.
The prime minister said: “I am proud of how the UK stood with Ukraine from the very beginning. And I am here today to say the UK and our allies will continue to stand with Ukraine, as it fights to end this barbarous war and deliver a just peace.
“While Ukraine’s armed forces succeed in pushing back Russian forces on the ground, civilians are being brutally bombarded from the air. We are today providing new air defence, including anti-aircraft guns, radar and anti-drone equipment, and stepping up humanitarian support for the cold, hard winter ahead.
He added that it was “deeply humbling” to be in the Ukrainian capital and have the opportunity to meet people “paying so high a price, to defend the principles of sovereignty and democracy”.
IMAGE SOURCE,UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT’S OFFICE
Image caption, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was “humbled” to be in Ukraine as he met President Volodymyr Zelensky
Mr Sunak’s pledge to send more air defence support is exactly what President Zelensky would want to hear at a time when Russian airstrikes have destroyed nearly 50% of the country’s energy infrastructure, according to the government in Kyiv.
The men’s hopes for peace and a just outcome to the conflict may feel like distant prospects, but Mr Sunak’s promise to hold a reconstruction conference for Ukraine next year in London will be good news for the government and companies, which desperately need access to international finance.
During the visit, Mr Sunak also confirmed £12m for the World Food Programme’s response to Ukraine, as well as £4m for the International Organisation for Migration.
Downing Street said the funding would help provide generators and mobile health clinics, with the UK also sending tens of thousands of extreme cold winter kits for Ukrainian troops.
Labour’s shadow defence secretary John Healey tweeted: “The government continues to have Labour’s fullest backing to support Ukraine, reinforce Nato allies and confront Russia’s aggression.”
Ukraine has been requesting assistance from Western nations in recent months amid intense Russian aerial attacks on Kyiv and across the country.
Earlier in the week, Russia hit Ukraine with one of its biggest barrages of missiles yet, days after its troops were forced to withdraw from Kherson.
Kyiv was hit and there were strikes across the country, from Lviv in the west to Chernihiv in the north.
That attack coincided with the G20 summit in Indonesia this week where, in a virtual speech, Mr Zelensky said he was “convinced now is the time when the Russian destructive war must and can be stopped”.
IMAGE SOURCE,UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT’S OFFICE
Image caption,
Mr Sunak was shown destroyed military Russian vehicles by the Ukrainian president
While Mr Sunak was at the Bali summit, which was attended by Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, the UK prime minister urged Russia to “get out of Ukraine” and condemned the country for its “barbaric invasion”.
He stressed the UK would “back Ukraine for as long as it takes”.
Britain is currently the largest provider of military aid to Ukraine aside from the US. So far the UK has committed about £2.3bn and has pledged to match that amount in 2023, according to the House of Commons library.
The UK is also hosting a programme which will aim to train 10,000 new and existing Ukrainian personnel within 120 days.
Mr Sunak’s predecessor Boris Johnson previously met Mr Zelensky in Kyiv in June and August, and Liz Truss was also a vocal supporter of Ukraine.
Mr Johnson became almost a cult figure in Ukraine, after he was one of the first international figures to publicly support Ukraine and send military assistance.
It is a tough comparison for Mr Sunak to live up to so early on in his premiership. Many people in Ukraine do not know the new prime minister well and they will want to see how committed he is to supporting the country.
More than a dozen powerful explosions have been recorded near a huge Russian-occupied nuclear power plant in south Ukraine since Saturday evening.
The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, made an urgent appeal for a stop to the fighting at the Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s biggest.
“Whoever is behind this, it must stop immediately,” he said. “You’re playing with fire!”
The plant stands on the River Dnipro, on the front line in the war.
Russia’s military accused Ukrainian forces on the other side of the river of shelling the area under its control. There was no immediate word from the Ukrainians who have previously suggested Russian forces shell the area themselves despite having their troops there.
The area around the plant, including the nearby Russian-occupied town of Enerhodar, had been under regular attack for months but there had been a period of calm before the new explosions this weekend, which continued into Sunday morning.
Monitors from Mr Grossi’s organisation, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), witnessed some of the explosions from their windows.
Citing information provided by officials at the Russian-controlled plant, the IAEA team said there had been damage to some buildings, systems and equipment at the site, but nothing so far “critical for nuclear safety and security”. There were no reports of casualties.
“The news from our team yesterday and this morning is extremely disturbing,” Mr Grossi said. “Explosions occurred at the site of this major nuclear power plant, which is completely unacceptable.”
He called once again for the two warring sides to agree and implement a nuclear safety and security zone around the plant as soon as possible.
“I’m not giving up until this zone has become a reality,” he said. “As the ongoing apparent shelling demonstrates, it is needed more than ever.”
Russian state media quoted an official from Russian nuclear power operator Rosenergoatom as saying 15 shells had been fired at the plant’s facilities, landing near a dry nuclear waste storage facility and a building that houses fresh spent nuclear fuel, but no radioactive emissions had been detected.
The plant was overrun by Russian forces a few weeks after Moscow invaded Ukraine on 24 February.
Russia annexed the Zaporizhzhia region and other Ukrainian territory in September but has been pushed back on the battlefield in the south, notably in Kherson region, and the two armies face each other across the River Dnipro (known as the Dnieper in Russian).
Turkey has launched air-raids on Kurdish targets in Iraq and Syria, a week after a bombing in Istanbul which it blames on Kurdish militants.
The raids – dubbed Operation Claw-Sword – struck Kurdish bases which were being used to launch attacks on Turkey, the defence ministry said.
A Syrian-Kurdish spokesperson said two villages populated with internally displaced people were hit.
The banned Kurdish PKK group denies carrying out the Istanbul attack.
As the air-raids began, the Turkish defence ministry tweeted that the “hour of reckoning” had arrived, alongside a picture of a fighter plane taking off and footage of an explosion.
Kurdish-led forces in Syria vowed to retaliate and said the city of Kobane was hit as well as two densely populated villages.
Unconfirmed reports say there are a number of casualties.
It is not clear which targets were hit in Iraq.
The raids come a week after a bombing on one of Istanbul’s busiest streets which killed six people and injured more than 80.
Turkish authorities blamed the bombing on the Kurdish militant group the PKK, which Turkey, the EU and US regard as a terrorist organisation.
However, the PKK said it would not “directly target civilians” and denied responsibility.
Authorities have arrested dozens of people in connection with the attack including a Syrian woman who they say planted the bomb.
Before the arrest, the Turkish justice minister said a bag had exploded near a bench after a woman sat there for forty minutes.
Five people have also been charged in Bulgaria over the attack, according to the AFP news agency.
Kurdish militants have been battling for decades to achieve Kurdish self-rule in south-east Turkey.
In recent years, Turkey has conducted a number of cross-border operations targeting Kurdish groups based in northern Iraq and Syria, aiming to prevent attacks on Turkish territory.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be “phenomenal” at the World Cup as long as Portugal meet expectations as a collective, according to his team-mate Ruben Neves.
Ronaldo has been at the centre of a media storm over the past week after he took part in an astonishing interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan.
During the one-on-one, Ronaldo was largely scathing of Manchester United, criticising the board, young players and manager, Erik ten Hag.
United confirmed on Thursday they have dealt with the matter, though they did not disclose what punishment had been handed out to Ronaldo.
He was then reported as being ill when absent for Portugal’s pre-World Cup friendly with Nigeria on Thursday, but he returned to training two days later.
Despite the hysteria surrounding the 37-year-old, Neves insists Portugal – and Ronaldo – are looking good ahead of their World Cup opener against Ghana on Thursday.
“From what I’ve seen in training, he’s in great shape,” Neves told reporters at Portugal’s training base.
“[Ronaldo’s interview] is not at all a subject that concerns us. We know perfectly well that our collective must work very well to highlight individuals.
Jogo a jogo com um único pensamento. 𝗩𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗦 𝗟𝗨𝗧𝗔𝗥 𝗣𝗘𝗟𝗢 𝟭.º 𝗟𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗥 ✨🏆 #VesteABandeira
“And With Cristiano it’s no different. If we’re good, we know that Cristiano is going to be phenomenal.”
After Ronaldo joined up with the Portugal squad in the wake of his controversial interview, a video of him greeting his United colleague Bruno Fernandes was perceived to depict some hostility from the latter.
The clip turned out to be from a longer video published by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), with Fernandes adamant they were sharing a joke that had been misconstrued.
Neves supported this claim, dismissing the idea of controversy entering the dressing room.
“There is no controversy in the locker room,” he continued. “It is impossible for us to discuss these controversies since they do not exist in the locker room.
“These are more controversies outside and on social media rather than in the locker room.
“Everything has been said. We are 100 per cent focused on the World Cup. We have a great atmosphere in the team, we are concentrating on that.”
France will not call up a replacement for Karim Benzemaafter the Ballon d’Or winner was ruled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury, head coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed.
Deschamps’ side are looking to become the first team to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962, but they have suffered several injury blows ahead of the tournament in Qatar.
Having already seen midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante ruled out, France lost Presnel Kimpembe and Christopher Nkunku after naming their 26-man squad for the competition, but the most severe blow was still to come as Benzema was forced to leave their camp after failing to complete Saturday’s training session.
With Benzema facing three weeks on the sidelines, reports suggested France would decide whether to call up another attacker on Sunday, but Deschamps is content with his existing options.
“It’s obviously a big blow. Karim had done everything, so had we. He was in the session and with an almost innocuous gesture, he felt muscle pain on the other leg,” Deschamps told Telefoot.
“The exams unfortunately confirmed too much damage compared to the deadlines that await us.
“Will he be replaced? No. We have seven to eight attacking players.”
De ma vie je n’ai jamais abandonné mais ce soir il faut que je pense à l’équipe comme je l’ai toujours fait alors la raison me dit de laisser ma place à quelqu’un qui pourra aider notre groupe à faire une belle Coupe du Monde. Merci pour tous vos messages de soutien 🙌🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/SBalX0juAH
Alongside 2018 World Cup winners Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele, France can call upon Kingsley Coman, Randal Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram as attacking options.
Benzema has endured a frustrating season, missing several of Real Madrid’s games after sustaining a knee injury in September before being plagued by muscle fatigue in the build-up to the World Cup.
Deschamps insists France’s medical staff should not shoulder the blame for his latest injury, adding: “I know that you are looking for controversy, but everything has been done [for Benzema to be fit].
“It happened in the game, not even on an acceleration or a strike. It can happen, it’s never the right time, it’s not a relapse.
“He has a concern on the other side, which prevents him from staying with us. It’s never fun, it doesn’t make you smile.
“We had already lost Christopher, but we have a goal, the group knows very well what awaits us. We have a quality group. I am convinced of it, I have confidence in them.”
Deschamps offered a more positive update on the fitness of Raphael Varane, saying the Manchester United defender “will be available” for Tuesday’s Group D opener against Australia.
Varane had been a doubt for the tournament after suffering a leg injury in the Red Devils’ Premier League draw with Chelsea last month, but he completed his first collective training session since meeting up with Les Bleus on Saturday.
Scottish League Two leaders Dumbartonhad to come from behind twice to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to basement club Forfar, who played most of the second half with 10 men.
Roberto Nditi fired the visitors in front early on before Gregg Wylde levelled to make it 1-1 at the interval.
Kyle Hutton’s red card three minutes into the second half looked to have handed Dumbarton the initiative, but Stefan McCluskey put Forfar back in front shortly after the hour.
However, Dumbarton hit straight back through David Wilson to spare their blushes and end the day three points clear at the summit.
Stirling’s first win in three saw them close the gap on Dumbarton, beating promotion rivals East Fife 3-1 at Forthbank Stadium.
Kai Fotheringham and Jack Leitch put the home side 2-0 up inside 10 minutes and, although Alan Trouten pulled one back late in the first half, Aaron Dunsmore sealed the victory in second-half stoppage time.
Elgin climbed to third with a 3-1 win at Annan.
Gavin Price’s men had lost three of their previous four matches ahead of their trip to Galabank but scored two first-half goals through Tom Findlay and Brian Cameron.
Cameron added his second two minutes from time after Reece Lyon had given Annan some hope 14 minutes earlier.
Bonnyrigg Rose picked up a valuable point in their fight against relegation, with Bradley Barrett cancelling out Adam Brown’s first-half penalty in a 1-1 draw at Stenhousemuir, while Callum Wilson scored Albion Rovers’ winner in a 1-0 home victory over Stranraer.
United States head coach Gregg Berhalter is confident his side can defeat anyone on their day, as they prepare to commence their World Cup campaign against Wales.
Having failed to qualify for the tournament in Russia four years ago, the US side head to Qatar with the intent to make an impact ahead of co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico in 2026.
Eight years ago in Brazil, Berhalter’s predecessor Jurgen Klinsmann made it clear the USMNT could not win the tournament which, although a realistic assessment, was seen to be a defeatist mentality in the eyes of many.
Berhalter is not looking to rock the boat fully by declaring his side can go all the way, though he does fancy their chances against any opposition.
“What I do believe is that on our best day we can beat anyone in the world. Anyone,” he told ESPN.
“Look, it is a great honour to play in the World Cup, but we don’t want to just be participants. We want to perform.
“We think the first step is getting out of the group. And the second step is, in the knockout games, playing our best possible game and seeing how far we can go.”
Midfielder Weston McKennie is keen to take it one match at a time, starting with Monday’s opener against Wales.
“As a team, as a group, we always want to just focus game by game. So of course with Wales being the first one, there’s no way that we’re going to look past them or anything because we know they’re a strong team.
“We know that it’s going to be a hard game. But we definitely want to win the first game, to come out with three points.
“[It’s been] just three, four years of just working up to this moment. I think all the guys are ready to go, and the staff are ready to go and put a game plan together. So hopeful we execute that.”
The United States also face England and Iran in Group B, as they look to continue their consistent record at the World Cup – only failing to advance from the group stages in four of their nine involvements.
Youssouf Fofana says he “will do everything” possible to earn a place in France’s starting line-up at the World Cup in Qatar.
Fofana only made his Francedebut against Austria in September, but his impressive form in Ligue 1 for Monaco was enough to earn him a spot in Didier Deschamps’ 26-man squad for the tournament.
Injuries to fellow midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante mean he may even start for the reigning world champions, potentially alongside former team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni.
The 22-year-old says he will do all he can to receive a place among France’s starters for their opening match against Australia on Tuesday.
“As a newcomer [to the squad], we come to discover this great competition,” Fofana told reporters. “Whether you are 23 or 30, the first World Cup is always important.
“As a competitor, I will do everything to earn my place in the 11, like the 26, but always with respect for my teammates.”
Fofana’s late charge into the squad may induce questions of whether he is up to the required standard to play at a World Cup for France, but the 22-year-old feels his performances speak for themselves.
“As I said, it’s on the field that speaks,” Fofana added. “The coach validated me. After the first game [debut against Austria], everyone validated me too!
“I no longer have time to tell myself whether I am happy or proud. The competition starts in two days.
“Two major players are absent [Pogba and Kante], but they also started in the France team one day. There is a beginning for everything.”
France received a boost on Saturday as Raphael Varane returned to full training on Saturday.
After their match with Australia, Deschamps’ men will take on Denmark and Tunisia in Group D as they look to retain their World Cup crown.
There has been a huge amount of focus on Qatar over recent weeks and months — but almost none of it has been on their football side.
But later today, they will make their World Cup debut as hosts with a long-awaited clash against Ecuador.
Ranked 50th in the world and with a squad who all play in the Qatari top-flight, what can we expect from the hosts?
Long preparation
Given it is 12 years since they were named as the 2022 host, Qatar’s preparation has been the longest on record.
The Qatar Super League was suspended in mid-September to give boss Felix Sanchez plenty of time with his squad.
They have played seven friendlies in the past three months, more games than any other international side, as they try to give their players the best chance of succeeding.
They have beaten Albania and Guatemala, drawn with Jamaica and Chile and lost to Canada in those games.
Whipping boys?
Qatar won the 2019 Asia Cup by beating Japan in the final
In a group with Netherlands, Senegal and opening day opponents Ecuador, Qatar look out of their depth.
But they are not the lowest-ranked side in the tournament — Saudi Arabia are 51st to the hosts 50th — and they have shown they may spring a surprise or two in recent years.
Their biggest success was winning the 2019 Asia Cup — shocking South Korea in the quarter-finals and Japan in the final.
But they also picked up one point from three games when they were invited to the Copa America in 2019, only losing 1-0 to Colombia and 2-0 to Argentina, before reaching the semi-finals of the 2021 Gold Cup.
Though there is not a single household name in their squad, they have plenty of technically talented players.
Defensive efforts
Operating in either a 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 formation, expect Qatar to sit back and soak up plenty of pressure later today.
They have lost their last six games against World Cup-bound sides, so will go into none of their games as favourites.
Iraqi-born centre-half Bassam al-Rawi, 24, will be the key figure at the back, and he is one of the players to have spent time playing in Europe, with spells on loan in Spain and Belgium.
But they do have talent going forward as well.
Keep an eye out
Akram Afif is one to watch out for when Qatar take to the field against Ecuador
If Qatar are to cause a seismic shock, one of Almoez Ali and Akram Afif will likely play a big pat.
When Xavi was winger Afif’s manager, he said: “He’s an unbelievable talent, a big player. I have told him many times that he’s an amazing player.”
Striker Ali, meanwhile, was born in Sudan and scored a quite brilliant overhead kick in the 3-1 Asia Cup final win over Japan.
Both 26, Ali has 39 goals in 82 caps for Qatar, while Doha-born Afif has netted 24 in 83 internationals.
Ecuador threats
There is little doubt that both of these sides are the underdogs in Group A — the Netherlands and Senegal are expected to qualify.
But Ecuador finished fourth in the notoriously tough South America qualifying and come into the tournament with the youngest of the squads from that continent.
Brighton’s Moises Caicedo is the undoubted star of the show, though their chances will be harmed by some big injuries.
Boss Gustavo Alfaro has helped turn their fortunes around in a relatively short space of time and will know that victory here is a must if they want to progress.
France have been dealt another injury blow as Karim Benzema is out of the World Cup.
Benzema will become the first reigning Ballon d’Or winner to miss a world finals since Allan Simonsen’s Denmark failed to qualify for the 1978 tournament.
The ‘holders’ curse’ is now well established – Benzema had been hoping to help France end a sequence of three consecutive defending champions exiting in the first round – but Ballon d’Or victors have been no more fortunate.
In fact, stars entering a World Cup recognised as the world’s best player have never gone home with the trophy.
While Alfredo Di Stefano’s Spain, like Simonsen’s Denmark, did not qualify in 1958, Benzema is the first player to be absent through injury.
But plenty of all-time greats have suffered World Cup heartache at their peak.
Karim @Benzema has pulled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury.
Eusebio lived up to his billing of being the best player in the world at the time by finishing as top scorer in the 1966 World Cup with nine goals. Thanks to the form of their star man, Portugal made quite the impact in their maiden tournament as they eliminated Brazil, who were without the injured Pele, but his penalty against England was not enough as the Selecao suffered semi-final heartbreak. The photo of a crestfallen Eusebio being led off the Wembley pitch remains iconic to this day, with the game being dubbed ‘Jogo das Lagrimas’ – the Game of Tears.
Roberto Baggio (1994)
After initially struggling to get going at USA 94 in an underwhelming group stage for Italy, Baggio finally came to life and showed why he was the world’s best in the knockout rounds. The Juventus star scored late on against Nigeria to take the game to extra time and then netted the winning goal in the additional period to set up a quarter-final with Spain, against whom he also bagged the winner. That hot streak continued with two more goals against Bulgaria in the semis, yet the tournament would ultimately end in heartbreak as he skied the decisive penalty for the Azzurri against Brazil – a miss that he has had to relive over and over since that day.
😄 Brazil’s joy
💔 Baggio’s heartbreak
The penalty that decided the 1994 #FIFAWorldCup final 🇧🇷🇮🇹
Entering the World Cup as a true global superstar O Fenomeno – The Phenomenon – dealt with the intense pressure by scoring three times in Brazil’s run to another final, where hosts France awaited at the Parc des Princes. The showpiece is arguably best remembered more than two decades on for events prior to the match, with Ronaldo being left out of the starting line-up only to be reinstated 45 minutes before kick-off. The tale has been told countless times, though Ronaldo himself confirmed he was left out of the initial XI due to suffering a convulsion. While he won his battle to start, he could not make the impact he would have wanted as France ran out 3-0 winners in Saint-Denis.
Cristiano Ronaldo (2014 & 2018)
On the back of winning his second Champions League trophy, and the first of four with Real Madrid, Ronaldo looked in the mood to fire Portugal to a first World Cup crown. However, to say the tournament did not quite go Ronaldo and Portugal’s way would be a huge understatement. The Selecao lost 4-0 to eventual competition winners Germany in their opening match and then required a 95th-minute goal to salvage a 2-2 draw against the United States. A 2-1 win over Ghana in their final match, with Ronaldo at least getting off the mark in that game, failed to prevent Portugal from crashing out in the group stage. Portugal, European champions at the time, only fared marginally better four years later with the world’s best player in their ranks as they fell to Uruguay in the first knockout round.
Mauricio Pochettino has hinted Kylian Mbappemay need to leave his Paris Saint-Germain “comfort zone” to develop into a Ballon d’Or contender.
World Cup winner Mbappe, who will look to help France defend their crown in Qatar, has repeatedly been linked with a move away from the Parc des Princes to Real Madrid.
The Spanish and European champions appeared set to lure Mbappe to Madrid on a free transfer ahead of the 2022-23 season, only for the forward to sign a bumper three-year extension with PSG in May.
Further uncertainty clouded the 23-year-old’s future as fresh reports of discontent emerged in October, though Mbappe assured his commitment remains in the French capital.
Yet, former PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino suggested the ex-Monaco attacker might have to move on to fully realise his world-class potential.
Pochettino told Spanish newspaper El Pais: “He may be a leader because everyone sees him as the best striker in the world, but today the Ballon d’Or has been won by Benzema, who is French like him. The evolution of Mbappe comes from leaving the comfort zone.
“Renewing for PSG is good for the club and its fans. But Mbappe in the future will have to consider that leaving his comfort zone will bring him closer to fighting for the Ballon d’Or.”
Mbappe has found the net 19 times in 20 appearances for PSG this term, a tally only bettered by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (23) among players in Europe’s top five leagues.
The PSG star became just the second teenager to score in a World Cup final (after Pele in 1958) at his first major international tournament in 2018, though Pochettino believes Mbappe is still “immature”.
“Mbappe is younger than [Lionel Messi and Neymar] and still immature,” Pochettino said. “But he has won a World Cup. He is an animal, he has great charisma but still needs to find himself.
“Leo and Ney are total players, they are more responsible although in different ways.”
Mbappe will hope to fire France to more World Cup glory as Les Bleus start their campaign in the Middle East against Australia in Tuesday’s Group D clash.
Roberto Mancini has tipped Argentina to win their third World Cup as Lionel Messi and team-mates chase glory in Qatar.
Mancini’s Italy side will not be involved after a shock 1-0 play-off defeat to North Macedonia in March.
Italy’s absence from Qatar comes despite them being the reigning European champions, having beaten England on penalties in the Euro 2020 final.
That triumph subsequently saw them face off against Argentina in the UEFA/CONMEBOL Finalissima at Wembley in June, after Lionel Scaloni’s men won the Copa America.
Argentina comfortably beat Italy 3-0, and Mancini says that performance plays a part in him ranking them as favourites for the World Cup.
“There are many strong teams,” Mancini told reporters. “If I had to choose one, I’d go for Argentina.
“They really impressed when we played each other.”
Italy have won their last three matches as they look to get over World Cup disappointment, most recently seeing off Albania in a 3-1 friendly victory on Wednesday. They face another game against Austria on Sunday.
Mancini is still upset about the failure to reach Qatar, but he has been pleased with his team’s reaction, saying: “We immediately showed a desire to fight back, winning a Nations League group that was by no means easy ahead of Germany, Hungary and England.
“Unfortunately, we’ll have to keep this suffering until mid-December when the tournament is over. Next time, we need to be more precise.”
Eric Garcia believes Spain’s“spectacular” blend of exuberant youngsters and experienced veterans could see them beat any team at the World Cup in Qatar.
Between 2008 and 2012, Spain lifted two European Championship titles and also won their first World Cup as they dominated international football, boasting stars such as Andres Iniesta, Iker Casillas and David Villa.
However, since that Euro 2012 triumph, Spain have not made it back to a major tournament final and the majority of their key players from those glory years have retired.
Just Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba remain from that Euro 2012 squad, but the emergence of exciting young talent such as Ansu Fati and Pedri has reignited hopes of success returning under the stewardship of Luis Enrique.
Defender Garcia feels Spain’s mix of senior figures, such as Busquets and Alba, and their electrifying tyros could lead to a successful tournament in Qatar.
“For me, we have a perfect combination between young and old,” Garcia told SPORT. “In the end, youngsters continue to learn every day, and other more experienced players try to teach us.
“I think that this combination has many benefits in many aspects, because this group is spectacular.
“We have to be ourselves. We know what we are capable of when we are ourselves, we can compete and beat any team. That is the first step, first Costa Rica and then the rest, with the intention of going far, which is what we want.
“Maybe we don’t have a [Lionel] Messi or a Neymar, but we have players who individually contribute a great plus, like Pedri, Gavi, Busquets, [Marco] Asensio at the level he is. Having these players will help us.”
Qatar will be Garcia’s first taste of World Cup action with Spain, and he is thrilled to be part of the team, explaining how he watched past tournaments since childhood.
“As you get older, you’re thinking, ‘I wish I could be there one day’,” he said. “It is a privilege to be able to be here, living an experience that everyone would like to live, so it must be appreciated and valued.”
Garcia hopes to be selected in Luis Enrique’s line-up for Spain’s opening game against Costa Rice on Wednesday, adding: “The competition in each position is very high, but in my head is to work as much as possible in training and if the coach counts on me, be at the highest possible level every minute I play.”
After the meeting with Costa Rica, Spain will take on Germany and Japan in Group E.
Karim Benzema insisted it was not in his nature to “give up” as he was forced to concede his World Cup dream with France was over.
A quadriceps problem in his left thigh has flared up and left the 34-year-old resigned to packing his bags rather than contributing for Les Bleus in Qatar.
He won the highly prized Ballon d’Or award last month, recognition of his spectacular form last season, but Benzema will be on the outside looking in on football’s biggest show after suffering a setback in France’s training session on Saturday.
It had been his first full on-pitch activity with the France squad during the pre-tournament camp, with Benzema having been determined to prove his fitness before the team’s opening game against Australia on Tuesday.
He had been bothered by muscular fatigue in the left quadriceps while with Real Madrid in recent weeks, missing several games, and this latest blow may be a recurrence of that problem.
France have the option to call in a replacement for Benzema, who faces around three weeks of recovery. That time span suggests Benzema could have been fit in time to contribute before the end of the World Cup, but it was agreed he should be withdrawn from the squad.
Reports said France would decide whether to summon an additional player on Sunday.
Benzema wrote on Twitter and Instagram: “In my life I never give up but tonight I have to think about the team like I always do, so reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our team to have a great World Cup. Thank you for all your messages of support.”
De ma vie je n’ai jamais abandonné mais ce soir il faut que je pense à l’équipe comme je l’ai toujours fait alors la raison me dit de laisser ma place à quelqu’un qui pourra aider notre groupe à faire une belle Coupe du Monde. Merci pour tous vos messages de soutien 🙌🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/SBalX0juAH
International team-mate and fellow superstar striker Kylian Mbappe replied by writing “Force”, which translates to “Strength”.
France and Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele was another to send a message of support, as was Presnel Kimpembe, the defender who withdrew from the squad at the start of the week due to his own injury.
Benzema’s Real Madrid team-mate Rodrygo, a member of Brazil’s squad, wrote: “The best must compete in the best. You will be missed in the World Cup… Good recovery KB9!”
Lazio president Claudio Lotito insisted Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is “not for sale” amid growing links to Serie A rivals Juventus.
The midfielder will be playing in Qatar for the World Cup with Serbia this month, though reports in Italy suggest Milinkovic-Savic could be on the move soon after once the January transfer window arrives.
Manchester United have previously been linked with the 27-year-old, while Massimiliano Allegri’s side now appear to be the frontrunners to sign the Serbia international.
But Lotito attempted to put the speculation to an end on Saturday, telling Italian newspaper Il Messaggero the Lazio star’s future was not up for discussion.
“Everyone says he’s going here, he’s going there but he’s not for sale, we know what he’s worth for me and for Lazio,” Lotito said.
“We are having ongoing talks about a contract renewal.”
Milinkovic-Savic has impressed in Serie A once again this year, with no Italian top-flight player managing more than his 12 assists in 2022 before the World Cup break.
Only six midfielders have registered more goal contributions in Europe’s top five leagues this season than Milinkovic Savic (12), though fellow midfielder Luis Alberto has failed to impress for Lazio.
Former Liverpool and Sevilla man Luis Alberto has fallen down the pecking order under Maurizio Sarri, though Lotito says he will not let the 30-year-old leave on loan in the next transfer window.
“If he wants to leave, bring a team with money, because I really don’t think about giving him on loan in January,” he added. “And I haven’t received any requests from Atletico [Madrid].
“At the moment, the situation hasn’t changed compared to the summer when Sevilla were perhaps interested.
“I will not play any games. Luis Alberto is a talented player, an added value for Lazio and a compromise can still be found.
“He has to accept the coach’s choices and Sarri can be more understanding because every player has a different character. They can’t all have the same mental strength as Pedro.”
Twitter’s new owner Elon Musk has said Donald Trump’s account has been reinstated after running a poll in which users narrowly backed the move.
“The people have spoken,” tweeted Mr Musk, saying that 51.8% of more than 15 million Twitter users voted for the ban to be lifted.
But the former US president may not return to the platform, earlier saying: “I don’t see any reason for it”.
His account was suspended in 2021 due to the risk of incitement of violence.
Twitter’s previous management acted just days after Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the US Capitol in Washington DC on 6 January.
Hundreds of rioters entered the complex as the US Congress attempted to certify Joe Biden’s victory in the presidential election. The ensuing violence led to the deaths of four civilians and a police officer.
Soon after the riots, Donald Trump’s Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts, which all had tens of millions of followers – were also suspended.
Several months later, he launched his own social media platform, Truth Social.
Earlier this week, the Republican announced that he would once again run for the US presidency in 2024.
Mr Musk, the world’s richest man, took control of Twitter in October in a $44bn (£37bn) deal.
He immediately embarked on a series of radical changes within the social media giant, amid concerns that he might loosen Twitter’s regulations on hate speech and misinformation.
With just over a week before the US midterm elections on 8 November, he responded to questions about whether he would reinstate Mr Trump’s account by tweeting: “If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me if Trump is coming back on this platform, Twitter would be minting money!”
Earlier this week, he told employees that the company’s office buildings would be temporarily closed, with immediate effect.
The announcement comes amid reports that large numbers of staff were quitting after Mr Musk called on them to sign up for “long hours at high intensity” or leave.
Karim Benzema will miss the World Cup after the France striker suffered an injury blow on the eve of the tournament.
The Real Madrid captain, who missed Les Bleus’ triumph at Russia 2018 while out of favour amid an ongoing blackmail investigation, was set to play a big part this time for Didier Deschamps’ team.
Benzema won the Ballon d’Or last month after a spectacular 2021-22 season that saw him score 44 goals in 46 games for Madrid, helping the Spanish giants win LaLiga and the Champions League.
However, he has been troubled by physical setbacks this term and the most untimely and crushing of all blows for the 34-year-old came on the day before Qatar 2022 was set to get underway.
Benzema only resumed full training with France on Saturday, after recent muscle trouble, but he could not complete the squad session due to injury.
He underwent tests that produced results ruling him out of the tournament.
The French Football Federation said in a statement: “Karim Benzema has pulled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury. The whole team shares Karim’s disappointment and wishes him a speedy recovery.”
Karim @Benzema has pulled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury.
The former Lyon frontman was troubled by a knee blow earlier this season before missing further fixtures for Madrid after suffering from muscular fatigue in his left quadriceps, with Saturday’s blow seemingly a recurrence of that.
World Cup holders France begin their defence on Tuesday against Australia, before also tackling Denmark and Tunisia in Group D on November 26 and 30 respectively.
Benzema’s absence from the tournament is the latest in a line of major setbacks for France, even though coach Deschamps also has the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud as forward options.
RB Leipzig’s prolific Christopher Nkunku was forced to pull out of the squad this week after suffering knee ligament damage in a training collision with Eduardo Camavinga.
They also lost star midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, who would have been central to Deschamps’ plans.
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