Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil’s final World Cup group match against Cameroon, while Alex Sandro has joined the superstar forward and Danilo on the injury list.
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar hobbled off in the 80th minute of Brazil’s 2-0 win over Serbia last week with a lateral ligament injury to his right ankle.
The 30-year-old sat out Monday’s victory over Switzerland, in which Casemiro scored a late winner, but no official timeframe was given for his recovery.
However, team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed on Tuesday that Neymar will play no part against Cameroon, with Brazil requiring a point to guarantee top spot in Group G.
Team-mate Danilo, who has a similar ankle problem to Neymar, will also not recover in time for Friday’s match at Lusail Stadium, while Alex Sandro is suffering from a hip injury.
“After yesterday’s game, Alex Sandro felt pain in his left hip and was unable to continue in the game,” Lasmar said.
“This morning he was reassessed. We took him for an MRI test, which showed a muscle injury in the left hip muscle. The player will not be able to participate in the next match.
“But he is still undergoing treatment so that we can recover him as soon as possible.
“Danilo and Neymar are still recovering from ankle injuries. Each with a different treatment because they are different injuries.”
Neymar was fouled nine times by Serbia players, which is one shy of Brazil’s World Cup record of 10 set against Switzerland in 2018.
He was fouled a leading 44 times across the 2014 and 2018 World Cups combined – once every 21 minutes, more often than any other player impeded on at least 25 occasions.
With their victory over Switzerland, Brazil became the first side in World Cup history to go unbeaten in 17 consecutive group-stage matches in a run stretching back to 1998.
An individual holding a rainbow flag entered the field during the Portugalvs. Uruguay World Cup match in the Lusail Stadium.
The player in issue entered the field just over five minutes into the second half and briefly stopped play.
The invader also had the slogans “Save Ukraine” and “Respect for Iranian Women” on his clothing, which also featured the Superman insignia.
Security then removed him, and Iranian referee Alireza Faghani did the same with the offending flag.
The actions of the pitch invader are the most recent act of protest at Qatar 2022, where the host country severely restricts LGBTQ+ rights.
FIFA effectively prevented European teams from wearing the OneLove armband in a display of solidarity, and Germany protested by covering their mouths before their encounter with Japan.
The event also makes mention of the continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the ongoing protests against women’s rights in Iran.
On December 2, Portugal and Uruguay face South Korea and Ghana in their respective final Group H matches.\
After sustaining an ankle injury in the Selecao’s opening Group G match, the Paris Saint-Germain attacker was forced to watch his team’s second match from their hotel.
In a cagey encounter, it was the Manchester United midfielder’s late strike that earned Brazil a 1-0 win, and Neymar was succinctly effusive in his praise for his team-mate after the final whistle.
“Casemiro has been the best midfielder in the world for a long time,” the forward simply wrote on Twitter after the match.
Having left it late to seal victory – his 83rd-minute goal was the second-latest winner for Brazil in a World Cup match, after beating Costa Rica in 2018 – Casemiro’s intervention proved crucial for Tite’s side.
Casemiro é o melhor volante do mundo há muito tempo
When asked by Stats Perform in his post-match press conference on whether he agreed with Neymar, Tite replied: “As a habit, I always respect opinions, but do not comment on them.
“But I will allow myself to do so today. I agree.”
Explaining why he elected to play the 30-year-old in a deeper position, he added: “Casemiro is a second midfielder, that’s what we saw happen.
“He works as a central player, he’s a surprise element from the back. If Casemiro is already high, it’s easy to be marked, but when he comes from the back he can be a surprise.”
Brazil wrap up their Group G campaign against Cameroon on December 2.
Pedri has just turned 20. Jamal Musiala and Jude Bellingham still have a few months to go. The kids who are going to break the bank have arrived at the World Cup and are showing their quality.
There are stars who shine brighter, even veterans ready to bow out in style at their last World Cup, but the value of these three players have skyrocketed.
All three are valued at over 100 million euros. And their value continues to grow. They arrived at the World Cup with teams who are candidates to win the tournament.
England, Germany and Spain are among the options to put one more star on their jerseys, but ahead of them, teams like Brazil, Argentina or France started as bigger favourites.
Pedri is the light of Luis Enrique’s side, Musiala brings something different for Germany, and Bellingham has half of the Premier League in love with him.
Getting them out of their teams will not be easy. Especially because Pedri and Musiala are at clubs that are not very good sellers, Barcelona and Bayern Munich respectively.
However, with Bellingham, in a Borussia Dortmund side that has never been afraid to get rid of its best players, things change. The fight for the Briton started already a few months ago and promises to be fierce as soon as the English leave the World Cup in Qatar.
Gvardiol unleashed
Perhaps these three are the ones who shine the brightest, but there are others, a little more hidden, who are going to impact the transfer market in the next few windows.
Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol is one of them. The 20-year-old RB Leipzig center-back is poised to break the record price paid for a defender set by Matthijs de Ligt earlier this summer.
Fernandez on the score sheet
Enzo Fernandez’s goal against Mexico was just the tip of the iceberg. At 21, the Benfica midfielder is a quality figure and could become the next big transfer from the Primeira Liga to the Premier League.
Musah is making waves
Perhaps at another level, but also showing quality, appears the Valencia player Yunus Musah.
With the USA he is shining brightly and his price is rising. This week he turns 20 years old. Valencia are willing to sell, but want an offer of substance.
Bruno Fernandesscored both goals as Portugal secured a World Cup last-16 place with a 2-0 win over Uruguay at Lusail Stadium.
The Manchester United midfielder broke the deadlock in a scrappy Group H clash when his 54th-minute cross, which was aimed at Cristiano Ronaldo, nestled in the far corner.
He then wrapped up the points with a stoppage-time penalty and almost had a hat-trick as Fernando Santos’ side joined France and Brazil in sealing their passage to the knockout stages with a game to spare.
The win saw Portugal avenge their 2-1 defeat by Uruguay in the last 16 of the 2018 competition in Russia.
Chances did not fall freely during the opening half-hour, with neither side registering a shot on target. William Carvalho’s sweetly struck volley was just too high, while Jose Gimenez sent a looping header narrowly over the crossbar.
The game’s first attempt on target in the 32nd minute almost provided one of the goals of the tournament when Rodrigo Bentancur embarked on a jinking run through the Portugal defence.
But the Uruguay midfielder’s finish let him down, as he shot straight at Diogo Costa when clear on goal.
La Celeste were aiming to become the first nation to record six straight clean sheets in the World Cup group stages, but they were given a warning when Joao Felix hit the side netting in the 51st minute.
Fernandes then opened the scoring three minutes later when his attempted centre, which Ronaldo initially appeared to faintly connect with, evaded Sergio Rochet.
Uruguay looked to respond as Maximiliano Gomez rattled the post and Luis Suarez hit the side netting, but Portugal sealed victory when Fernandes, who was involved in winning the penalty, calmly slotted home from 12 yards after VAR penalised Gimenez for handball.
Fernandes twice went close to completing his hat-trick in the dying moments, Rochet saving his volley before he rattled the woodwork from 20 yards.
What does it mean? Two wins from two for Portugal
For only the third time in their World Cup history, Portugal have won their opening two group games at the finals.
A good omen is that on both previous occasions – 1966 and 2006 – they went on to reach the semi-finals.
Uruguay have failed to score in three consecutive World Cup games for only the second time ever and go into matchday three sitting bottom of the group.
Fernandes at the double
It was a unique brace for Fernandes – FIFA initially credited his first goal to Ronaldo, who insisted he had got a touch – before ruling in the midfielder’s favour.
Fernandes’ double came from a game-high six shots, while his tally of 83 touches was also the highest recorded and no player registered more touches in the opposition box (five) or crosses (five, level with Guillermo Varela) than the United midfielder.
He has been directly involved in eight goals in his last five Portugal appearances (scoring five and assisting three), hitting form at international level at an ideal time.
Quiet Cavani
Edinson Cavani, who netted twice when these nations met in Russia four years ago, was restored to the starting line-up ahead of Luis Suarez.
However, the veteran striker registered just one shot on goal – an early second-half volley he dragged wide – while no starting player had fewer touches than him (21).
Key Opta Stats:
– Portugal have now scored in each of their last eight World Cup games, their best-ever run in the competition.
– Only Brazil (0) and Ecuador (1) have faced fewer opposition shots on target at the 2022 World Cup than Uruguay (3), who conceded with two of the three they faced in this game.
– Portugal tasted victory against a South American side in the World Cup for the first time since 1966 (3-1 v Brazil).
– At 39 years and 275 days old, Portugal defender Pepe became the third-oldest outfield player in World Cup history, behind only Roger Milla (42y, 39d) and Atiba Hutchinson (39y, 292d).
What’s next?
Santos may rest players and rotate his squad for Portugal’s final Group H match against South Korea on Friday. On the same day, Uruguay must beat Ghana to stand any chance of reaching the last 16.
Black Stars defender Mohammed Salisu is the first defender to score for Ghana in World Cup history. The Southampton defender played full throttle in Ghana’s dramatic win against South Korea.
He scored Ghana’s first goal in the 24th minute to help Ghana secure all three points at stake.
Salisu began his career in his hometown youth team, Kumasi Barcelona Babies, before joining West African Football Academy in 2013.
Salisu joined Real Valladolid’s youth setup in October 2017.
On 28 January 2018, Salisu made his senior debut with the reserves, starting in a 4-2 Segunda Division B home loss against Coruxo. On April 29, he scored his first senior goal, equalizing in the 82nd minute of a 2-2 away draw against Racing Ferrol.
Salisu was promoted to the senior Valladolid squad on July 16, 2018. On 9 January 2019, he made his professional debut, starting in a 1-0 away loss to Getafe in the Copa del Rey that season.
On August 18, he made his La Liga debut, starting in a 2-1 away win over Real Betis. On October 26, 2019, he scored his first professional goal, the second goal in a 2-0 home win over Eibar.
Salisu signed for Premier League team Southampton for a cost of £10.9 million on August 12, 2020.
The 23-year-old is 191cm tall and prefers to play with his left foot.
Salisu made his Southampton debut six months after joining for the club, on 11 February 2021, playing the full 90 minutes and maintaining a clean sheet in a 2-0 FA Cup away victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Salisu made his Ghana debut on September 23, 2022, as a second-half substitute in a 3-0 friendly loss to Brazil. His current market value according to transfermarkt is 18 million euro
1 – Mohammed Salisu has become the first defender to score for Ghana in World Cup history. New. pic.twitter.com/UutAfwpRXe
Former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, is among the many Ghanaians who had a nerve-racking experience while watching Ghana play against South Korea today.
The Black Stars were in a comfortable lead in the first half of the game after they scored two goals. However, the smiles changed to worry as South Korea equalised within 10 minutes.
With team work, Ghana scored a third, but their victory was hanging by a thread as South Korea mounted more pressure as the end of the game drew near.
South Korea for 10 minutes, pounced on the defence of Ghana and this left Asamoah Gyan in discomfort. He paced around, hoping to hear the final whistle to signal Ghana’s victory.
Just as for many Ghanaians, this was one of the longest 10 minutes in Asamoah Gyan’s life.
He was impatient and continued shouting “Referee, it is time. This referee.”
Immense joy after a victory today against South Korea today led Ghana fans to take up a role which the Japanese have happily assumed.
Supporters of the Black Stars to the surprise of many decided to clean up Education City Stadium in Qatar after the game, an action they failed to do when Ghana played Portugal.
Fans of Japansince the beginning of the tournament cleaned the stadium after every match they went to observe.
Ghana fans were cleaning up the stadium after their win against South Korea 🇬🇭❤️
Since the viral video, some Ghanaians on social media have expressed shock to the unanticipated act by their comrades in Qatar. Ghana beat South Korea by three goals. South Korea managed to score two goals.
Marcus Rashford is hoping to receive another chance to atone for his missed penalty in England’s World Cup loss to Italy in the European Championship final.
Along with Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, the Manchester United forward was one of three players on Gareth Southgate’s team who were unable to beat Gianluigi Donnarumma in the penalty shootout.
The group was later the target of racist comments on social media, but that hasn’t stopped him from stepping up for the Three Lions in Qatar if necessary.
“Racism is not good to go through as an individual but it’s not good to see anyone go through it. [It’s] more just disappointment. You’re disappointed that people have views like that,” he said.
“And the main reason is that you don’t have those views about anyone else, regardless of their race or religion. It’s more the disappointment that people are thinking those things, rather than saying them.
“I’ve missed a penalty before. You never want to miss a penalty, it’s a great opportunity for forwards especially to score goals, and obviously they’re big moment.
“As an individual I’ve always been comfortable with and enjoy big moments so I’m hoping I get to take another penalty in the tournament. I’m looking forward to it.”
England were booed off following a goalless draw against the United States last time out, but stand on the brink of qualification for the knockout stages – with only a four-goal defeat to Wales in the final match enough to send them home.
Rashford is confident England will do what is required and will “leave it all out on the pitch” against Wales.
“It is not often I come away with England and feel like we’re going to lose games. I think as a collective, we’re very strong,” he added.
“The togetherness is really high and it is a big feature that Gareth puts emphasis on.
“It is something we have worked on and it has improved as time has gone on. But like I said, the main reason why we are in the position we’re in is because we have good players who are willing to work for one another and leave it all out on the pitch.
“In the next game, we’ll definitely look to do that.”
Cody Gakpo, who performed admirably for the Netherlands in the World Cup, asserts that “anything is conceivable” about his future at PSV Eindhoven.
The 23-year-old has scored in both of his nation’s opening games, which have seen Oranje lead Group A with one game remaining after victories against Senegal and Ecuador, respectively, by scores of 2-0 and 1-1.
While Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich have since been linked, he recently admitted he was disappointed to have missed out on a move to Manchester United.
Gakpo isn’t completely ruling out leaving PSV when the January transfer window opens, even though his primary goal right now is to help the Netherlands advance far in the World Cup.
“Right now I’m busy with the Dutch team. I’ll see what happens in the winter. In football, anything is possible,” he said at a press conference on Sunday.
“I don’t get shy about the rumours. But it’s a team sport, it’s not about one person. I prefer it to be about the team.
“It’s nice things that people write, but I’m not too concerned with that. I’m focused now on the World Cup. I just focus here and do my best.”
Gakpo has been directly involved in 34 goals in 28 games for PSV and the Netherlands this season, scoring 16 and assisting a further eight.
Despite enjoying his best campaign to date, the forward – into his fifth season as a first-team regular for PSV – insists there is still more to come.
“I know what I’m capable of but it’s always a challenge to reach your highest level,” he said. “I’m not there yet; I can improve in a lot of things.
“I know I scored two goals this World Cup. But that’s not the focus right now. I can improve, I want to help the team. It’s about being the best team in the end.”
Gakpo could become the fourth man to score in three straight World Cup games for Oranje after Johan Neeskens (1974), Dennis Bergkamp (1994) and Wesley Sneijder (2010).
The Netherlands will advance to the round of 16 if they defeat Qatar on Tuesday; however, a loss could also be enough if Ecuador defeats Senegal.
They have scored 11 goals and let up only one in their four World Cup victories over Asian opponents.
In the lead-up to Wales‘ matchup with England, a team that Rob Page has referred to as a “beatable” foe, Gareth Bale does not feel that he has any additional burdens on his shoulders.
Wales will leave the World Cup early for the first time since 1958 if they lose to England on Tuesday and hope that Iran and the United States draw in the other Group B game.
The Dragons, who lost to Iran 2-0 after drawing with the USA 1-1, will also move on to the knockout round thanks to an unlikely 4-0 victory over their fierce rivals.
Bale was crucial to Wales‘ achievement in their successful bids to qualify for both Euro 2016 and Euro 2020, which put an end to their protracted wait to compete on the international level.
But the Los Angeles FC forward is hoping to bounce back from the Iran loss with a win against England in what might be his final tournament appearance for Wales.
“We’re disappointed in the results and performance so far but that’s football,” he said at Monday’s pre-match news conference. “This is a World Cup and it’s not easy.
“We’ll always give 100 per cent and we want to try to make things better. The last few days we’ve been working hard and hopefully things turn around for us now.
“We were hurting after the Iran game and the next day. Everyone was really quiet but we have characters in the squad and the energy is high again.
“We’re in good spirits for this next match. This is tournament football and we have to go again.”
Bale scored his side’s only goal of Qatar 2022 so far, a late penalty against the USA, but he has had the fewest touches of the ball of any Wales player in both matches.
The 33-year-old has managed only two shots, one of those being his spot-kick effort, but he insists his nation’s hopes against England do not rest solely on him.
“I don’t feel an added responsibility. We’re a team and nation who work hard for each other and we must deliver as a team, not one person,” he said.
“We’ve been working hard these last couple days. We would have loved to have been winning but the reality is football is hard, but we’ve been keeping our spirits high.”
Wales had never before lost a single game in any of their big tournament appearances, but over the years they have struggled against English neighbors.
In fact, Wales has lost all six of their previous matches against England, scoring just once (a free-kick by Bale in a 2-1 loss in the Euro 2016 group stage) while giving up 11 goals.
However, boss Page is confident his team can break that dreadful streak in a game that Wales absolutely must win if they are to have any chance of extending their stay in Qatar.
“This tournament has shown anyone’s beatable – of course England are beatable,” Page said. “They’ve got a wonderful pool of players, but we must show what we’re capable of.”
Echoing the views of his manager, Bale said: “Absolutely. We’ve done our homework and had meetings, which I’m sure they’ve also done. It’s going to be a difficult game.
“We know England are one of the favourites and we’re under no illusions. There’s been a few shocks already and there’s no reason we can’t do the same.”
Wales enter Tuesday’s game winless in seven matches, which is their worst run without victory since between May 2003 and November 2003.
Brazilian legend Ronaldo has advised Neymar to put his recovery from his World Cup ankle injury ahead of the “envy and animosity” of those who have celebrated it.
Even among Selecao supporters, reactions to Neymar’s exclusion from Brazil’s match against Switzerland and likely the following match against Cameroon have been varied.
Some have turned against Neymar because of his support for Jair Bolsonaro, the 30-year-old PSG striker who lost the presidential race in Brazil to Lula last month.
Despite the fact that Neymar seems to be Brazil’s most likely motivator in Qatar 2022, when the team is vying for a sixth World Cup victory, this is the case.
With his eight goals at the 2002 finals, including two in the final against Germany, Ronaldo was the highlight of the team that won the sixth of five trophy victories.
He described Neymar as “awesome” in an open letter on Instagram, posted on Sunday.
Ronaldo added: “I am sure that most Brazilians, like me, admire and love you. Your talent, by the way, has taken you so far, so high, that there is love and admiration for you in every corner of the world.
“And it is also for this reason, for having reached where you have, for the success you have achieved, that you have to deal with so much envy and malice.
“On a level of celebrating the injury of a star like you, with a story like yours. How far have we come? What world is this? What message are we passing on to our young people? There will always be people rooting against you, but it is sad to see society on a path of trivialising intolerance, of normalising hate speech.
“It is against this verbal violence with destructive power that I write to you today: come back stronger! Smarter! Hungry for goals! The good you do on and off the field is much greater than envy towards you.
“Don’t forget for a second the journey that made you a world football idol. Brazil loves you! The real fans – the ones who are in favour – need your goals, dribbles, boldness and joy! Celebrate the love that comes from most of your country. You will bounce back! And may all the hate turn into fuel.”
Neymar hobbled off in the 80th minute of Brazil’s 2-0 win against Serbia on Thursday, with medical staff announcing he sustained a lateral ligament injury to his right ankle.
The former Barcelona forward was fouled nine times in the Serbia game, the most suffered by any player in a single game so far at the World Cup.
On Sunday at Al Bayt Stadium, Morata scored his second goal of the competition after coming off the bench to give Spain the lead. However, Germany’s substitute Niclas Fullkrug scored a late equalizer to earn his team a point.
Spain, who is currently in first place in Group E, merely needs a point against Japan on Thursday to advance, while Germany must defeat Costa Rica and hope Luis Enrique’s team can help them out.
Striker Morata stressed there is no chance Spain will take Japan lightly at Khalifa International Stadium.
“Japan is a tough team, they run a lot, they are good tactically. It’s another tough game, it’s a World Cup.” he said.
The Atletico Madrid frontman says he has no problem with being among the substitutes again after also finding the back of the net in a 7-0 rout of Costa Rica.
“We are on the bench for this [to score]. Germany are a great team, this match could have been a semi-final or final in the World Cup,” he said.
“It’s the same [starting of being a substitute], the most important thing is to win. They scored an amazing goal, so we didn’t have the victory, but we keep training and pushing with good vibes and positivity.”
Morata has scored eight goals at European Championships and World Cups, at least double the amount of any other player for Spain since 2016.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana was excluded from the Cameroon squad for Monday’s 3-3 draw against Serbia due to disciplinary issues, according to Rigobert Song, who emphasized that the decision “had to happen.”
Despite allegations that the 26-year-playing old’s style in the first World Cup loss to Switzerland was the cause for Onana’s exclusion, Song declined to expound on the situation but was confident in his choice for the team as a whole.
Onana made the most touches outside of the penalty area by a goalie in a World Cup match (26) since records were kept in 1966 against the Swiss.
Song said: “The goalkeeper position is very important but we are in a tournament and I know what I have to do and that is to ensure the team takes precedence over any individuals.
“In a squad, you need discipline and if you can’t fit in with that, then you need to accept responsibility for that. Perhaps sometimes you need to take strong action to help people come to the realisation that certain things need to be done.
“All the 26 players are in a position to play. I took a risk but I accept the responsibility. I am interested in the players that I have at my disposal. Andre has been left out, you need to respect the rules that apply to everyone. It was something that had to happen.”
Devis Epassy, who should have done better with Serbia’s second goal but otherwise displayed good leadership, was brought in to replace Onana.
Song added: “Everyone that did play was capable and those that didn’t want to be a part of that, well they can be judged. Epassy showed he is also a very competent goalkeeper.
“I will talk about this in due course, I want to focus now on the Brazil game. We want to deal with players that want to be in the squad and that are proud to represent Cameroon.
“We are talking about one of the best goalkeepers in Europe [in Onana]. We don’t question his ability but you do need to ensure the team takes precedence over individuals.
“For the time being I have asked him to wait and see if he is willing to stay with us. It’s up to him to a certain extent, he will have to agree to accept the rules.”
By aiming for World Cup victory, Louis van Gaal does not believe he has increased pressure on his Netherlands team; rather, he suggests the players are supportive of his lofty goals.
Even if their results in beating Senegal and drawing with Ecuador were not totally impressive, Van Gaal continued to tout the chances of Oranje throughout this tournament.
The coach does not regret being so upfront with his aims for the finals, but the Netherlands still have work to do in their third encounter against Qatar to secure a place in the last 16.
“I hope this is no pressure at all, because I think you always have to identify the goal, the purpose for which you are here,” he said. “Then you can work towards that purpose.
“If you don’t identify that purpose and say the quarter-finals is enough, that is not the right way to do things. The right thing is to say you want to become champions.
“I set out the reasons why we can become champions. I didn’t say we would become champions, but we can. The players believe in that.”
That belief is evident in Frenkie de Jong, appearing alongside Van Gaal on Monday, as he said: “I think we have an excellent squad. We have demonstrated that on more than enough occasions.
“We are 17 matches unbeaten, that is telling. We have four points, and we played two excellent opponents. We’re well positioned despite the fact the last match we didn’t play as well as we could.
“We talked a lot in the squad about what we want to do, what we want to improve. Everyone is full of confidence, so it’s up to us to show you.”
Van Gaal is not very interested whether his team tops the pool and secures a purportedly easier draw, but he does plan to keep track of the outcome of the other Group A game on Tuesday because the Netherlands would advance even with a loss if Senegal also loses.
“If you want to become a world champion, you will have to be capable of beating everyone,” he said. “Particularly those countries you don’t suspect will progress very far, they are progressing or making it difficult.”
The Netherlands will also need their key players fit and firing if they are to go all the way.
Van Gaal is “not surprised at all” by Cody Gakpo’s form at the finals, believing he can “evolve even further, much further”, but he knows Memphis Depay can be decisive.
“To become world champion, we need Memphis,” said Van Gaal. “That’s how I see it.”
Depay has not started yet as he works his way back from injury, but the coach added: “We’re going to do anything and everything to progress to the next match. We’re still in the group stage, but in the knockout stage every match is important.”
If Van Gaal is able to guide the Netherlands to glory, could he yet stay on as coach into 2023?
The coach himself pointed out that would be unlikely, given Ronald Koeman has been appointed as his successor, but he added: “If we become world champion, then the football world is a very opportunistic world. You never know.”
Moroccan-American referee, Ismail ElFath, who has been heavily criticised for awarding Portugal a “controversial” penalty in a match against Ghana has broken silence.
According to reports, Ismail ElFath said he was in the right for awarding Ronaldo a penalty, which enabled Portugal to lead the game.
He indicated that he was professional and holds nothing against Ghana. He said based on what he saw at that moment, it was a penalty.
According to the referee, he used to play soccer with Ghanaians in the US in his neighborhood, thus regrets the uproar the game has brought.
The penalty decision handed 3 points to Portugal and sent Ronaldo into the top of FIFA World Cup records ahead of Pele and Maradona.
Many pundits around the world say the referee’s penalty call was wrong while a third goal by Rafael Leao has come up strongly as a possible offside.
In preparation for the match against South Korea, Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, has made three adjustments to the Black Stars squad that played Portugal in the team’s opening match.
Alidu Seidu, Daniel Amartey, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, and Baba Rahman made up the back five for the match against South Korea. Addo has since switched to a four-back.
Tariq Lamptey and Gideon Mensah replace Seidu and Baba Rahman, and Djiku moves to the bench.
The gaffer keeps the Abdul Salis Samed, Thomas Partey, and Mohammed Kudus trio in the center of the park.
As Ghana looks for a successful outcome, Jordan Ayew joins Andre Ayew and Inaki Williams in the front row.
Following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Spain, Manuel Neuer expressed relief that Germany is “still alive” in the World Cup.
Germany’s unexpected loss to Japan in their opening encounter ended their chances of making it to the round of 16.
However, Costa Rica bounced back from a 7-0 drubbing at the hands of Spain by defeating Japan 1-0, leaving everything up for grabs in Group E’s remaining matches.
In the clash of the Group E powerhouses at Al Bayt Stadium, Alvaro Morata gave Spain the lead. However, Niclas Fullkrug, who came off the substitute, equalized and gave Germany its first point.
Hansi Flick’s Germany team needs to defeat Costa Rica in their last group game on Thursday in order to advance, and they also need to pray that Spain wins against Japan.
Goalkeeper Neuer is just happy that Germany still has a chance of avoiding a second consecutive World Cup loss at the group stage after Dani Olmo palmed his effort against the crossbar to deny him an early goal.
“It was a tough match against a very good Spain side,” said the Germany captain. “We took on the fight and didn’t allow them many chances over the 90 minutes.
“Our defensive work was superb from front to back. Our compactness made it difficult for them to score a goal against us. Their goal was simply quality and very hard to defend against. Nevertheless, we continued to believe in ourselves.
“The main thing is that we’re still alive. The thing we can have influence over is getting three points against Costa Rica.”
After receiving a last-minute call-up to the team, Fullkrug only recently made his full international debut for Germany and scored his first goal in a competitive match.
The 29-year-old Werder Bremen striker said: “We were determined to get a result from the game, and it was very important for our confidence.
“We still have room for improvement. We don’t need to get carried away, but we can go into the final game with hope that we can make it through.”
Ghana midfielder Salis Abdul Samed has explained why the Black Stars suffered defeat against Portugal in the World Cup.
The Black Stars lost 3-2 in their World Cup opening game against Portugal and will hope to turn things around against the Koreans.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player in World Cup history to score five times, with his second-half penalty giving Portugal the lead against Ghana last Thursday.
Ghana’s Andre Ayew then equalized, but two goals in three minutes from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao secured the victory and moved Portugal to the top of Group H, despite Osman Bukari’s late winner.
The Black Stars will take on South Korea in their second Group H game on Monday afternoon at the Education City Stadium.
Speaking ahead of the Korea clash, the RC Lens midfielder said Ghana lost to Portugal because there were spaces between them in the second half after defending so well in the first half.
“I think we did a good job against Portugal although we lost the game. Before the game, we knew they are very good individually, they have good players who plays for big clubs”
“So we thought they will kill us but we listened to the instructions from our coach and defended well in the first half but in the second half there were more spaces between us so they scored us on counter breaks on two occasions” he said.
Ghana need a win over South Korea on Monday to give themselves a chance of reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup in Qatar, while defeat would see them exit the tournament after only two matches.
Here are five things you need to know.
Promising signs
The Black Stars may have lost their opener to Portugal, but there were lots of promising signs in the game and it was, on paper at least, their hardest match in the pool. But they will have targeted the game against South Korea as a much win with a fixture against their nemesis Uruguay to come in their final fixture on Friday.
First time
This will be Ghana’s first meeting with an Asian nation at the World Cup finals. They played Australia in 2010 (and drew 1-1), but while the Socceroos play in the Asian confederation, the country itself is not part of that continent and the style of football is very different. They have, however, played South Korea seven times in the past, edging the head-to-head 4-3. They last played as a warm-up for the 2014 World Cup, where Ghana won 4-0 as Andre Ayew scored a hattrick.
Mixed record
South Korea have a mixed record against African teams at the World Cup having met opposition from the continent on three occasions – beating Togo in 2006, drawing with Nigeria in 2010 and losing to Algeria in 2014.
Knockout challenges
Ghana famously came within an Asamoah Gyan penalty of reaching the World Cup semifinals in 2010, but are one of three African nations to have made the quarterfinals along with Cameroon (2010) and Senegal (2002). South Korea are the only Asian country to have reached the semifinals, when they were co-hosts in 2002.
Winless in five
Ghana are winless in their last five World Cup games since they beat the USA in extra-time in the Last 16 in 2010. They have two draws with Uruguay (1-1) and Germany (2-2) since then, and losses to the USA (1-2) and Portugal twice (1-2 & 2-3). In all they have won four of their 13 World Cup games (D3 L6).
Could Ghana’s comeback at the ’06 World Cup show the current Black Stars the way to the knockouts?
In 2006, Ghana were defeated in their opening World Cup fixture—losing 2-0 against Italy—but bounced back with consecutive victories over Czech Republic and the United States to progress to the knockout stages.
16 years on, the Black Stars need the same spirit again after a controversial 3-2 defeat by Portugal in their tournament opener, and Monday’s meeting with South Korea is an opportunity for three points that cannot be passed up.
Speaking to GOAL, veteran of 2006 John Paintsil has explained how Ratomir Dujkovic’s team battled back from their opening loss against the eventual champions in order to reach the Last 16.
“We had a belief before that although we lost to Italy, our next game would determine our fate,” he began. “Either we are staying or we are going, so we made an agreement and decided that we should go all out and die, this is our last chance if we don’t win we’ll be off so we have to go all out and get the three points.
“We also decided we must go for early goal as soon as possible,” he added. “The early goal would help us put pressure on the Czech Republic and not allow them to play.
“We did that, and it worked for us.”
Asamoah Gyan ultimately netted a second-minute opener to stun a star-studded Czech side, before Sulley Muntari made sure of progression with a second eight minutes from time.
Now, the 2022 generation need to follow in their footsteps and keep their World Cup dreams alive.
“We all witnessed how great the players were,” Paintsil added, “there was a lot of positive stuff, they kept the team plan until [Portugal scored] and then we opened up.
“Looking at the performance, enthusiasm and fighting spirit, it shows that the boys are committed and ready to turn things around.”
“We are positive and we believe that in the two matches, the boys will go for it.”
Korea held Uruguay in their opening match, one of the most lacklustre bouts so far, and based on the evidence of that showing, the Black Stars may quietly fancy their chances of bouncing back from their valiant defeat against Portugal.
A controversial Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring on Thursday in the 65th-minute—after Mohammed Salisu was dubiously adjudged to have brought the free agent down—although Andre Ayew equalised eight minutes later.
Joao Felix and Rafael Leao gave Portugal a two-goal advantage with strikes in quick succession as the Black Stars crumbled, before Osman Bukari’s late goal made for a nervy finale.
When Ghana travels to the Education City Stadium to play South Korea today, they risk being eliminated early from Group H of the 2022 World Cup.
On the first day, the Asian rivals impressively held Uruguay to a scoreless tie while the Black Stars suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Portugal.
On the opening day of the 2022 World Cup, there were a total of four 0-0 ties. South Korea put out a valiant effort in their 0-0 draw with Uruguay, however the woodwork did save them on a few occasions.
Paulo Bento’s team held on for a point against their South American opponents, displaying their defensive resiliency that was also present in their most recent games prior to Qatar. Federico Valverde and Diego Godin both saw shots crash off the goal frame.
The Tigers of Asiaenter their match against Ghana having only lost one of their previous 10 games across all competitions, and the Kim Min-jae-managed defense has kept three consecutive clean sheets during a four-game unbeaten run.
Despite their strength in the defensive third, South Korea failed to register a shot on goal during the Uruguay draw for the second time in four World Cup games, and Ghana undoubtedly had some experience holding teams at bay during the run-up to Qatar.
Another World Cup group game, another goal for Cristiano Ronaldo, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could only watch on from the bench in horror as A Selecao very nearly threw away a two-goal lead against Ghana on Thursday evening.
Following Ronaldo’s penalty, Joao Felix and Rafael Leao struck either side of Andre Ayew’s response before Osman Bukari reduced the deficit further, and the howler of the tournament award very nearly went to Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who rolled the ball out without knowing that Inaki Williams was behind him.
The Athletic Bilbao forward immediately tried to pounce on that gilt-edged chance right at the death, but he slipped at the vital moment as Ghana succumbed to a 3-2 loss, which leaves them bottom of the Group H standings and at real risk of an exit before the final matchday.
No matter what transpires in Uruguay’s showdown with Portugal, Ghana will be out if they suffer defeat to South Korea at the Education City Stadium, but a six-game scoring streak at the World Cup does stand the Black Stars in good stead.
Monday’s game will mark the 10th meeting between South Korea and Ghana in all competitions, with the last six yielding three wins apiece for both nations, but Ghana ran out convincing 4-0 winners during the most recent battle in a 2014 friendly.
South Korea fans rejoiced in the return to fitness of Son Heung-min, who donned a protective mask against Uruguay after his recent eye socket fracture and came through the game unscathed.
However, fellow Premier League attacker Hwang Hee-chan – who was an unused substitute on Thursday – is dealing with hamstring discomfort and will not be able to feature here.
Bento has also been handed a concern over key centre-back Kim Min-jae, who has been dealing with calf discomfort and is classed as a doubt for the contest.
As for Ghana, Otto Addo lined up in a defence-heavy formation for the showdown with Portugal, which very nearly paid dividends, but the need for victory could see the Black Stars shift to a four-man defence here.
Addo should be working with all 26 players for Monday’s meeting, where any change in system would likely put Mohammed Salisu’s place at risk as Bukari and Kamaldeen Sulemana push to return in a more attacking setup.
Andre Ayew won the battle of the brothers with Jordan Ayew to start in the loss to Portugal, and the Al-Sadd man’s goal last time out should be enough to see him retain his place alongside Williams.
Andre Ayew did train separately from the team alongside right-back Alidu Seidu on Friday, but there is nothing to suggest that the duo will not be ready for Monday.
South Korea possible starting lineup:
Seung-gyu; Moon-hwan, Min-jae, Young-gwon, Jin-su; Jung, In-beom; Na, Lee, Son; Ui-jo
Ghana possible starting lineup:
Ati Zigi; Lamptey, Amartey, Djiku, Baba; Partey, Abdul Samed; Sulemana, Kudus, A. Ayew; Williams
Ghana’s previous defensive resilience was broken with ease by Portugal, but they demonstrated plenty of attacking nous at the other end and should have no problem troubling this South Korea backline.
Bento’s side proved their worth against Uruguay, though, and we can only envisage a closely-fought battle ending with the spoils shared as the race for a top-two spot goes right down to the wire.
At the Education City Stadium in Qatar, the Black Starswill play again today when they take on the Taegeuk Warriors.
Following a 3-2 loss to Portugal in their Group H opening, Ghana will enter the game wanting revenge. South Korea and Uruguay were able to draw 0-0 in the meantime.
Prior to Monday’s match against South Korea in their second World Cup game, Ghana coach Otto Addo acknowledged feeling under pressure.
Ahead of the clash, Addo has revealed why they will face a difficult task against the Taegeuk Warriors.
The Black Stars will need a win to stand a chance of reaching the knockout stage. Heading into matchday two, Ghana are fourth without a point while Portugal are top with three points.
After facing South Korea, Ghana will conclude their group matches against Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium on Friday.
Head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, has revealed that the hunger of the players to play and succeed ahead of their next World Cup match in Qatar, is making it difficult for him to make decisions.
Addressing a pre-match presser ahead of the team’s Group H game against South Korea, he stressed that Ghanaians will see a more ‘passionate’ Black Stars.
He however disclosed that the enthusiasm of his troops is making it difficult for him to finalise his decisions.
“We will see a passionate team against South Korea. We will see this same passion they showed the last game. Everybody is hungry to play and training [well], making it difficult for me to make decisions”, Otto Addo said.
Meanwhile, coach, Otto Addo, has dismissed assertions that the team over-respected Portugal in their first World Cup clash at Doha’s 974 Stadium.
According to some critics, the team lost their opening Group H game because they were overwhelmed by the calibre of the Portuguese, forcing them to coil into their shells.
But reacting to these concerns, the Black Stars trainer stated in a presser on Sunday that his boys played without any intimidation.
According to him, even though the squad had some inexperienced legs, it did not affect their confidence against the star-studded Portuguese side.
Responding to a question from JoyNews‘ Gary Al-Smith, he said, “I don’t think it’s true. Our players did so well. I don’t think we over respected them”.
He continued, “For me, we showed that we could compete with them, even though we had a lot of inexperienced players.
Some even had their debuts in the last game against Switzerland, but they performed”.
In a match that saw what has been widely described as ‘unfair officiating’, the Black Stars lost by three goals to two against the Portuguese last Thursday, November 24.
After a goalless first half, the Portuguese drew first blood after Ronaldo converted a controversial penalty in the 65th minute.
The lead was soon canceled by Ghanaian skipper, André Dede Ayew in the 73rd minute, after tapping home from a pass by Ajax midfielder, Mohammed Kudus.
But the Portuguese took the lead again and deepened their dominance with goals from João Félix and Rafael Leão in the 78th and 80th minute respectively.
The Stars managed to close the gap with an 89th minute strike from substitute, Osman Bukari, heading home a cross from former Chelsea defender, Baba Rahman.
However, this was not enough to stop the team from conceding their first defeat in the tournament.
The team is therefore poised to make amends in their next match against South Korea, Otto Addo said.
Addressing the press, he said his charges are fired up for their second game in Qatar.
He said Ghanaians will see a passionate Black Stars team against South Korea on Monday.
The smart move is a realisation of a plan the Minister for Youth Sports, Mustapha Ussif, told Parliament ahead of the start of the tournament, would be an innovative fan mobilisation strategy due to the inability of the government to fund supporters from Ghana as a result of the economic challenge the country finds itself in.
Ahead of Ghana’s opening group match on Tuesday, the Ministry and the Ghana mission successfully mobilised over 1000 Ghanaians and Africans and provided them with match tickets and apparel in Ghanaian colours.
The mobilised fans, together with the few from Ghana, set the stadium agog as the Black Stars battled Portugal.
Mustapha Ussif, in the company of the Ghana Ambassador to Qatar, met the supporters and thanked them for availing themselves to cheer on the Black Stars.
The Ministry will continue the mobilisation effort in upcoming games against South Korea and Uruguay.
The Sporting Lisbon youngster was an unused substitute as the Black Stars were defeated 3-2 in their World Cup opener at Stadium 974.
Despite not participating in the encounter with the Navigators, Fatawu Issahaku stated that he accepted coach Otto Addo’s choice.
“I expected to play, because all players want to play. It’s the coach’s decision, but I’m fine with that. He knows in which position I can perform more, so it will always be his decision,” said Fatawu.
The Black Stars of Ghana will play their second group game against Asian giants South Korea at Al Rayyan’s Education City Stadium. The game will kick off at 13:00 GMT.
At Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, the Black Stars, who are playing in their fourth FIFA World Cup, will play Uruguay to round off their group stage schedule.
The game on Monday will be played at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Ghana’s first game ended in defeat against Portugal on Thursday. Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score in five World Cups as his dubious penalty was Portugal’s first in the encounter. Ghana equalised through Andre Ayew in the 73rd minute.
South Korea on the other hand drew goalless with Uruguay also on Thursday. Hwang Ui-jo blazed over from close range before Diego Godin hit the post with a header as the two sides traded blows in the first half.
Edinson Cavani came off the bench to replace Luis Suarez but no goal was forthcoming – Federico Valverde hitting the post from distance being the closest either side came.
Coach Otto Addo after the game against Portugal stated that Monday’s game against the Asian giants is crucial.
On Thursday night against Portugal, Andre Ayew scored Ghana’s first goal at the 2022 World Cup.
Following his goal, he was replaced by his brother Jordan Ayew.
Before Andre Ayew’s equaliser in the 73rd minute, Ronaldo’s penalty kick made the difference in the 65th minute following an easy penalty awarded by the American referee of Moroccan descent.
Osman Bukari scored Ghana’s second goal to make it 3-2.
Since joining Ghana’s senior team in 2008, Ayew has amassed more than 100 caps. He played a key role for and served as captain of the under-20 squad that won the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2009 African Youth Championship.
He has participated in two FIFA World Cups (2010 and 2014), seven Africa Cup of Nations (2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021), and two Olympics. He helped Ghana finish second in 2010 and 2015 and was the tournament’s leading scorer in 2017.
In 2011 Ayew was named the BBC African Footballer of the Year and Ghana Footballer of the Year.
Andre Ayew previous played for FC Lorient, West Ham, Swansea City, Fenerbahce and AC Arles-Avignon. He currently plays for Qatar Stars League club Al Sadd SC.
Argentina’s victory over Mexico helped keep their World Cup ambitions alive thanks to a moment of characteristic magic from Lionel Messi.
Following the shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening match, Messi and Argentina knew defeat would kill their ambitions of making it to the round of 16 after just two games.
Mexico was frustrating Messi in an attritional match, especially in the first half, which was rife with fouls and pauses that prevented Argentina from gaining any momentum.
After 64 minutes, Messi changed everything when he controlled a pass with his left foot and drilled a precise finish past Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
Huge crowds of Argentina fans in the 88,966-person crowd erupted in joy and relief as their World Cup campaign kicked off.
Three minutes before full time, Enzo Fernandez added a beautiful second goal by curling a shot into the top corner, but Messi’s goal was the game-changer.
The 23-year-old forward, who has scored goals for France at the competition’s youngest age, once again stole the show by scoring goals in the second half to help his team advance.
Theo Hernandez and the Paris St. Germain player exchanged a beautiful one-two before stroking in to break the tie just past the hour mark.
Seven minutes later, Denmark equalized when defender Andreas Christensen headed in at the far post after France failed to clear a corner.
Christensen, however, would have considered himself fortunate to still be on the field at that moment after only getting a yellow card for hauling back Mbappe on the 20th minute as he attempted to sprint clear.
Hugo Lloris of France made a quick save to stop Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham’s first-time shot, while Martin Braithwaite agonizingly fired into the side netting.
Mbappe, however, had the ultimate word with four minutes remaining, slipping in at the far post to score Antoine Griezmann’s cross.
The South Korean team’s defensive strategies have been disrupted by Kim Min-injury, jae’s according to coach Paulo Bento.
Kim Min-jae of Napoli sustained the injury during Thursday’s scoreless draw between South Korea and Uruguay.
While Uruguay started with both current and former Liverpool strikers in Darwin Nunez and Luis Suarez, Heung-Min Son was able to play for South Korea despite having just damaged an eye socket, but none of them were successful in breaking through in a competitive game in Qatar.
“I don’t have enough data to make comments (about his injury). We will see what will happen,” Bento said.
“Because of his injury, it hindered our performance as we could not continue the game as we had…We struggled to take our defensive lines to other areas and then decided to lower it and group them together,”
“Min-Jae is a player who played almost all matches (in the Champions League for Napoli) in a short time and, as a consequence, we now have an injury in the World Cup,”
Sutton says the former Real Madrid star has a set a ‘terrible example for young kids everywhere’ because of his ‘cheating’ to win the penalty as quoted by Daily Mail.
Ronaldo elected himself to convert the penalty before two more goals were added by Joao Felix and substitute Rafael Leao to complete the victory in the Group H opener of the World Cup.
Ghana head coach Otto Addo was outraged by Elfath’s decision to give the penalty to the Seleçao as he expressed during the post-match conference.
“If somebody scores a goal, congratulations. But this was really a gift. Really a gift. What more can I say? [It was] a special gift from the referee,” Addo said
Prior to the Al Sadd forward tying the score ten minutes later, Ronaldo had given the 2016 European Champions the lead from the penalty spot.
Cameroon, the defending African champions, lost their initial match to the Netherlands, and Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco, and Morocco also failed to score in their opening matches.
Ayew has now netted three goals at the World Cup, making his third appearance on the global stage.
Meanwhile, in a thrilling encounter, Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and Rafael Leao scored for the Portuguese, while Ayew and Osman Bukari netted for Ghana.
Ayew must produce another warrior performance for his country in their second group game at the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar to have a chance to play in the knockout stages of the mundial.
Ghana will next face South Korea, before finishing their group with a clash against Uruguay on December 2.
Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Serbia’s football association after its team hung a controversial flag depicting Kosovo in their dressing room prior to their World Cup defeat by Brazil.
The flag showed an outline of Kosovo filled with the Serbiaflag, with the words ‘no surrender’.
Tensions are running high between ethnic Serbs and the Albanian-led government in Kosovo, amid fears violence could flare up again, 23 years after the Kosovo war.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but Serbia – an ally of Russia – does not recognise it as an independent country.
On Friday, the Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) submitted a complaint to Fifa, football’s world governing body, over Serbia’s “chauvinistic rhetoric”.
In a statement, it said: “Such acts of chauvinism have no place in a sports event, and even less inside the facilities where the biggest event of world football takes place, therefore FFK, as an equal member with all other members of Fifa, demands from this institution to undertake sanctioning measures against actions that incite hatred between peoples and are against human values.”
It added: “It is unacceptable for this act to pass in silence, therefore we strongly request that Fifa strictly implement its rules and punish the football federation of Serbia for this aggressive action and against the values that football conveys.”
Kosovo’s sports minister, Hajrulla Ceku, said it expected “concrete actions” from Fifa against Serbia’s “hateful, xenophobic and genocidal messages”.
Fifa’s proceedings were opened on the basis of article 11 of the Fifa disciplinary code, which is “offensive behaviour and violation of the principles of fair play” and includes “using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature”, as well as article four of the regulations for the 2022 World Cup which refers to team’s responsibilities at the tournament.
Kosovo was accepted into Uefa and Fifa in 2016 but under Uefa rules, Serbia and Kosovo can not play each other in World Cup qualifying because of the tensions between the two countries.
Serbia were beaten 2-0 by Brazil in their World Cup opener in Qatar on Thursday, and play Cameroon in their next Group G fixture on Monday.
Eddie Jones said England’s defeat by SouthAfrica was “entirely my fault” but believes they can have a “really good go” at next year’s World Cup.
The hosts were beaten 27-13 at Twickenham as the world champions dominated the set-piece.
Head coach Jones apologised for the performance but said his players were still heading in the right direction, 10 months out from the World Cup.
“We are disappointed we didn’t play how we wanted to,” Jones told Amazon Prime.
“South Africa do things to you that are some times difficult to deal with.
“We didn’t land a shot like we wanted to. You have to win contests and we didn’t win in the air or the set-piece, so it’s hard to get in the game.
“We lost two of the key contests but we will improve in those areas. Results tell you everything and that is what we are judged by but I feel like there is growth in the team, which we have seen, but wasn’t evident today.”
Jones’ side have lost six of 12 Tests in the calendar year, England’s worst run since 2008.
Defeat by the Springboks followed a comeback draw against New Zealand, a victory over Japan and a defeat by Argentina in a disappointing autumn schedule.
Asked if he was still confident in his ability to lead the side into next year’s World Cup in France, Jones said: “I think about where we are going towards a World Cup.
“Obviously we want to win games and be successful but are we moving in the right direction? Yes we are.
“I have coached for a number of years and I believe I can coach well. People will say what they say, and there are ups and downs in sport but we didn’t play well today and I apologise for that, it’s entirely my fault.”
He added: “Obviously on results, we are not happy but I feel like we are building a really good base to have a really good go at the World Cup, a really good go.
“A number of young players got great experience today and they’ll come back better players for that. We’ve got other players coming back to form, some of our more senior players and we’re not far away.
“We need to develop consistently. Test match rugby is all about consistency.”
‘The plan was clear’
Manu Tuilagi’s 50th cap brought pride but frustration as South Africa thwarted England
England centre Manu Tuilagi, who won his 50th cap, acknowledged that South Africa forced England into errors.
“It was a tough game,” Tuilagi told Amazon Prime. “We wanted to come out and attack, which I thought we did at the start but the Springboks were tough and physical and they put a lot of pressure on us. They forced us to make mistakes and they capitalised on it.
“The plan was clear but South Africa are a quality side and they put us under a lot of pressure. We weren’t good enough today and we have to take it on the chin.
“We are building nicely. Sometimes it’s hard for people to see that but we definitely believe in that.”
England captain Owen Farrell, Tuliagi’s midfield partner, said the side would come back stronger.
“It has not worked out for ourselves today and we were not able to show the best of ourselves but we have put in some good work over the past five weeks and we have to make sure that is not for nothing,” said Farrell.
“We lacked a bit of accuracy and bite at times. The game was really slow to start which they are very good at. We didn’t get our teeth stuck in much like that Argentina game, we must learn to do better.”
South Africa ended the year on a high after narrowly losing in Ireland and France before beating Italy last weekend.
Captain Siya Kolisi, who lifted the World Cup in 2019, said: “It is a big relief for us. We have been working really hard over the past few months.
“I know some results haven’t gone our way but we are still grateful to get the kind of support we are getting from back home.
“England were tough at the beginning but we just stuck to our guns and tweaked a few things.”
Domestic abusers are being targeted by Sussex Police in the run-up to and during the men’s football World Cup in Qatar.
As part of the force’s “proactive” response, 49 suspects were arrested the week before the event, on November 15, 16, and 17.
Domestic violence is more common during football tournaments, according to research.
Visits to high-risk individuals would also be carried out.
Domestic abuse, according to Det Supt Miles Ockwell, has “no excuse.”
“While figures may show that domestic abuse increases during football tournaments, there should be no suggestion that this could be used as a defence, or a reason, for perpetrators,” he said.
Officers will conduct safeguarding visits with specialist support workers to people known to be at high risk of domestic abuse, particularly around England games when tensions may be increased.
As we cheer for our teams, there are many women & children who need support too. Football doesn’t cause domestic abuse but abuse can become more severe during the #WorldCup. Stand with survivors 👉 share this post. If you need support 👉 https://t.co/YsX33xQR31pic.twitter.com/NG1MbSeRH0
Fans in Saudi Arabiahave been unable to watch all of the World Cup after a streaming service was blocked by the country’s government.
Tod TV, owned by Qatar-based broadcaster beIN SPORTS, holds the rights to the tournament In Saudi with 22 matches free-to-air.
But 42 can only be watched via a streaming service, that was blocked an hour before the opening ceremony.
The Saudi Media Ministry told viewers the service violated regulations.
Saudi Arabia came from behind to beat two-time winners Argentina 2-1 in their opening match in what is one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
Tod has written to advertisers on its platform explaining that it is “experiencing an outage which is currently impacting” its service.
The service also sent a message to viewers saying the situation was due to “matters beyond our control”.
Subscribers have complained on social media about the issue.
Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, draped the Saudi flag over his shoulders at the Argentina match
This comes nearly two years after Saudi Arabia and three other Arab states announced an end to a diplomatic dispute with Qatar. As part of the row, Qatar had filed a complaint against Saudi Arabia for blocking beIN and refusing to take action against alleged piracy of its content, which the Saudis denied. The dispute was resolved last year.
This week the Saudi Sports Minister told BBC Sport that Qatar had done an “amazing job” with the World Cup, and that it could help strengthen ties between the two countries.
“We’re neighbours, everyone has issues and we have to overcome these issues and use such an event to showcase that people are willing to work together,” he added.
The rulers of the two countries – the Emir of Qatar and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia – have appeared together at two matches.
BBC Sport has contacted Fifa and the Saudi Media Ministry for comment, while BeIN declined to comment.
Argentina’svast support gathered in their thousands at Qatar’s Energy City adjacent to the vast Lusail Stadium with only one man on their minds as they faced World Cup jeopardy.
Lionel Messi has carried the hopes of this football-mad nation for most of his career but there was an added layer of tension as Argentina confronted old rivals Mexico in an ear-splitting atmosphere on the stage that will host the final.
Argentina knew defeat would effectively end their World Cup after two games following the embarrassment of the loss to Saudi Arabia in the opener. Messi knew this would mean the major honour that has eluded his grasp in a glittering career would be forever out of reach.
Messi was, once again, shouldering the burden of Argentina’s expectations – and once again he delivered by pulling out a piece of trademark magic when they needed it most to change the course of an attritional game, and perhaps even change the course of his team’s World Cup in the process.
The clock showed 64 minutes. Each passing second turned up the pressure valve on Argentina and, in turn, on Messi. He knows any Argentina failure on this stage, justified or not, can be painted as Messi’s failure.
He had been on the margins but took centre stage to devastating effect as Mexico fell victim to the magical left foot that has broken the hearts of so many opponents.
One touch delicately killed the pass from Angel di Maria. The second touch arrowed a low finish into the bottom corner past the outstretched left arm of Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.
Amid an explosion of noise from Argentina’s fans, Messi ran towards them with arms outstretched in that familiar celebratory pose. He looked highly emotional with the relief and release, engulfed by team-mates who knew the man they rely on most had delivered again.
When the crowd of players dispersed, Messi stood in front of the light blue and white-clad supporters pumping his arms in exultation. He knew what it meant to them. They knew what it meant to him. Mutual ecstasy.
The greatest players deliver when it matters so it should be no surprise Messi produced again.
Until that moment, it had not been an easy night for Messi against Mexico, who clearly relished the idea of putting the skids under an Argentina side heavily tipped to lift the World Cup in this same Lusail Stadium on 18 December.
Messi had been marginalised by Mexico. He could not exert any influence in a first-half morass of stoppages and infringements, the 35-year-old often at walking pace looking for a patch of space where he could escape close Mexican attentions.
It was when a football match eventually broke out in the second half that Messi flourished with the characteristic darting runs, the quick passes and, of course, the stroke of genius that broke the deadlock.
Argentina relaxed thanks to Messi, this team’s security blanket, and Enzo Fernandez added a glorious second with a curling right-foot shot after 87 minutes.
It sent their fans in the 88,966 attendance, the highest at the World Cup since the 1994 final in Pasadena, home happy – well at least those who did go home because many stayed on in one stand for almost an hour after the final whistle paying homage to their heroes, and one hero in particular.
Messi had brought life to Argentina’s World Cup. They still need victory against Poland, with their own national icon in striker Robert Lewandowski, to be certain of going through but real belief has surged through their ranks thanks to one stroke of Messi’s left foot.
He knew just what was riding on this game.
“We can’t give up now,” said Messi. “We have all the finals to play – we can’t make mistakes. We knew we had to win, that another World Cup was starting for us, and we knew how to do it.”
Messi certainly knew how to do it.
He knows this will be his last World Cup, the one elite stage on which he has yet to collect the prize. Messi suffered the heartbreak of defeat by Germany in Rio’s Maracana in the 2014 final. This was the closest he has come to laying hands on the World Cup.
Messi’s career has brought four Champions Leagues, the Ballon d’Or seven times and 10 La Liga titles at Barcelona. His time at Paris St-Germain is still regarded as something of a footnote but even there he has won a Ligue 1 crown.
The World Cup is the missing link and this is Messi’s last chance to claim it.
Argentina did not entirely convince, have yet to show the form that has them ranked number three in the world, and the prospect of a painful exit still remains when they face dangerous opponents in Poland.
For now, however, Argentina’s World Cup show is back on the road because where there is Lionel Messi, there is hope.
Head coach Hansi Flick says Germany’s WorldCup clash with Spain is a “first final” as they try to avoid another early exit at a major tournament.
A group-stage elimination in 2018 was Germany’s earliest for 80 years and they reached the last 16 at Euro 2020.
After shock 2-1 defeat to Japan in their opening game, another loss to Spain could end Germany’s hopes of progressing in Qatar.
“The last two tournaments were not [good],” Flick said.
He added: “We want to avoid a repeat of this. The focus is on concentration. This is the first final for us at the World Cup and that’s what it’s about – to avoid a repeat of that.”
Spain come into the match aiming to book a place in the knockout stage after a 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica in their opener.
Head coach Luis Enrique, however, expects a tough game against the under-pressure Germans.
“Without a doubt, they are the team that is most similar to Spain in terms of dominating the play and controlling it,” he said.
“That is a beautiful challenge for us. I think it will be an open game.”
TEAM NEWS
Luis Enrique has hinted at making changes despite Spain’s 7-0 win against Costa Rica.
Germany will monitor winger Leroy Sane, who has been sidelined with a knee problem.
Niklas Sule, normally a central defender, struggled at right-back against Japan and could be replaced by Thilo Kehrer or Lukas Klostermann.
Flick could also shift Joshua Kimmich to right-back and change his midfield.
If Japan avoid defeat against Costa Rica in Sunday’s first game, then Germany would be out with another loss. Spain will go through if they win and Costa Rica are beaten.
SUTTON’S PREDICTION
This is a hard one to call. Germany are inconsistent but you can see the way Hansi Flick wants to play.
They will try to take the game to Spain but that is very dangerous.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague was another to appear on our 5 live World Cup preview show and he said Spain might struggle to score goals, but they have not made a bad start with seven in their first match.
I can see this ending a draw, which would not knock Germany out but leave them on the brink of a group-stage exit for the second successive World Cup.
Prediction: 1-1
MATCH FACTS
The Germans have won just one of their last seven matches against the Spaniards, including a 6-0 defeat in the Nations League when the sides last met on 17 November 2020. That was Germany’s heaviest defeat since 1931.
Spain are bidding to win consecutive World Cup matches for the first time since recording six successive victories on the way to lifting the trophy in 2010.
Luis Enrique’s side scored as many goals in the 7-0 win versus Costa Rica as they did in four matches (comprising 390 minutes) at the 2018 World Cup.
Germany won each of their first eight matches under Hansi Flick, but have claimed just two victories in nine games since (D5, L2).
Cristiano Ronaldo has been called a “total genius” by Fifafor the way in which he won a penalty for Portugal in their World Cup victory over Ghana.
The 37-year-old converted from the spot to become the first man to score at five different Fifa World Cups.
Portugal won 3-2, but the awarding of the spot-kick outraged Ghana boss Otto Addo, who said it was “not a penalty”.
At a briefing in Doha, Fifa technical study group (TSG) member Sunday Oliseh said strikers are “getting smarter”.
The TSG, which is led by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, looks at each match and provides analysis including performance data and trends.
After 20 games in this tournament, nine penalties have been awarded, which is on track to reach the previous record of 24 that were given in the group stages in Russia four years ago.
Poland’s Robert Lewandowski and Canada’s Alphonso Davies have seen their efforts saved, while the remaining seven have been scored.
This includes Ronaldo, who went down under a challenge from Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu. Former England defender Matt Upson, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, called it a “dive”.
Ghana boss Addo was left fuming after the defeat and told BeIN Sports: “The referee gave a penalty which was not a penalty – everyone saw that. Why? Because it’s Ronaldo or something?
“The referee was not in our favour.”
But former Nigeria international Oliseh, who played at the 1998 World Cup, feels Ronaldo was clever in his movement to win the penalty that allowed him to score his 118th international goal.
“Maybe the strikers are getting smarter?” said Oliseh.
“The Ronaldo penalty, people can say what they want about him, but the smartness to wait for that second, to touch the ball, continue his leg and then get the contact. That is total genius.
“Let’s give strikers the compliment for getting smarter. VAR is also a major reason why this (more penalties being awarded) is happening. Referees can look at it three or four times.”
‘Teams will become braver’
There were four goalless games in the opening 16 matches, which set a new record of 25% in the first round of group games.
A fifth followed on Friday as England and the United States played out a stalemate in their second game of the tournament in Qatar.
The record number of 0-0 draws at the World Cup stands at seven, which happened at four different editions of the tournament, but Qatar 2022 is already close to that tally with only 20 of the 64 scheduled games completed before Saturday’s matches.
At the last World Cup in Russia, there was one goalless draw, between Denmark and France in a group game.
“Teams have not wanted to take too much of a risk,” said Oliseh.
“Clearly many teams are relying on a cautious approach,” added colleague Alberto Zaccheroni, who won Serie A with AC Milan and the Asian Cup when he was the coach of Japan.
“But as the tournament progresses we will see teams become a bit braver.”
Players ‘feeling comfortable’ with matchball
A total of 49 goals have been scored in the 20 matches played by the end of Friday, 25 November.
The first round of 16 games did not see a single goal scored from outside the box. Two have been scored from distance in the four games so far played in the second round of matches, which is significantly fewer than at this stage in the past two tournaments.
Iran’s Roozbeh Cheshmi broke the trend on Friday with a rasping strike against Wales, while later in the day, the Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo scored in a 1-1 draw with Ecuador.
The ‘Al Rihla’ match ball developed for the World Cup is described by Fifa as “travelling faster than any ball” in the tournament’s history.
Global football’s governing also said the ball “provides the highest levels of accuracy and reliability on the field of play”.
TSG member Faryd Mondragon, who played in goal for Colombia at the 1998 World Cup, told BBC Sport: “Technology has improved the game, it is helping the ball, boots, gloves, data. Everything is for the improvement of the game.
“When you have good shooters, any kind of ball will be fast and dangerous. I have spoken with friends from all over the world, this is a ball they are all feeling comfortable with.
“Us goalkeepers are always talking about the fast-moving ball but everything is for the good of the game.”
In the initial 2022 World Cup Group H match, the Black Stars lost to Portugal 3-2.
With his second-half penalty giving Portugal the lead, Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming the first player to ever score five goals at a World Cup.
The West African powerhouse opponent, Uruguay, and South Korea shared the spoils, playing a pulsating 0-0 draw.
Assessing Group H after day one games, the BBC has tipped South Korea, Uruguay, and Portugal to compete for a spot in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
“In Group H, Korea, Uruguay, and Portugal will compete in the round of 16.” said the BBC.
In the 2016 European Champions, Portugal currently sits top of Group H with three points.
Meanwhile, the defeat means Ghana are bottom of Group H after Uruguay and South Korea played out a goalless draw earlier on Thursday.
Bristol City forward Antoine Semenyo made his World Cup bow for Ghana against Portugal on Thursday, four-and-a-half years on from scoring a hat-trick in a Somerset Cup quarter-final.
In four short years Antoine Semenyo has gone from playing for sixth-tier Bath City in the Somerset Cup to representing Ghana at the most prestigious tournament in all of sport … how’s that for career development?
The London-born 22-year-old, who can play both up front and off the flank, only made his debut for the Black Stars in June but squeezed into Otto Addo’s 26-man squad for the World Cup after making a flying start to the season at Championship side Bristol City.
He was brought on as a second half substitute during Ghana’s 3-2 defeat to Portugal on Thursday as his side went in search of a late equaliser – and got a front row seat for Inaki Williams’ agonising slip in the dying moments.
Semenyo signed for Bristol City as a 17-year-old in 2017 but after finding first-team minutes hard to come by he was farmed out on loan to National League South side Bath.
There he got some much-needed game-time under his belt, and with his confidence flowing the goals started doing the same. He scored six in 16 games for the Romans, including a memorable hat-trick in an 8-1 Somerset Cup quarter-final tie against (the mighty) Welton Rovers.
He then started climbing the ladder, getting loaned to League Two outfit Newport County the following season, and the year after that to League One side Sunderland, before returning to Ashton Gate for the 2020/21 season
FIFA reported that the stadiums hosting the Qatar World Cup were 94% full for the opening round of matches, despite the fact that vacant seats were evident in practically every game.
The finals’ venues have caused significant uncertainty because original reports of their capacities were later found to be unreliable.
The final will be held in Lusail Stadium, which was formerly estimated to hold 80,000 spectators while Al Bayt Stadium could accommodate 60,000. The capacity of each of the remaining six stadiums was listed as no more than 40,000.
The official stadium capacities have been clarified by FIFA, and each stadium is now far larger than previously thought.
The Saudi government would “certainly support” private Saudi bids for Manchester United and Liverpool, according to the country’s minister of sports.
Both Premier League clubs’ owners are looking into possible sales.
Following a takeover supported by the Saudi Public Investment Fund that was completed in October 2021, Newcastle United already has Saudi Arabian owners.
There is a lot of “interest and appetite,” according to Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, for United and Liverpool.
He said to BBC Sport: “I can’t speak for the private sector, but there is a great deal of curiosity, enthusiasm, and passion about football.
“It’s the most-watched league in Saudi and the region and you have a lot of fans of the Premier League.
“We will definitely support it if any [Saudi] private sector comes in, because we know that’s going to reflect positively on sports within the kingdom.
“But if there’s an investor willing to do so and the numbers add up, why not?”
Little more than 12 months since their takeover, Newcastle are third in the Premier League table and unbeaten in all competitions since 31 August.
The Magpies have spent more than £200m on players since the takeover, breaking their transfer record to sign Swedish striker Alexander Isak in the summer.
“They’ve done an excellent job,” added Prince Abdulaziz.
“They still have a long way to go – they’ve brought the right people on board.
“I’m sure they have targets to win the league and the Champions League and so on because they strive for the best and always bring the best on board, so I think it’s going to be a bright future for Newcastle.”
Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia?
Prince Abdulaziz also said he would “love” to see Cristiano Ronaldo join a Saudi club following his departure from Manchester United.
The Portugal forward left the Old Trafford club with immediate effect on Tuesday following a controversial interview in which the 37-year-old criticised United and said he had “no respect” for manager Erik ten Hag.
In the interview with TalkTV, Ronaldo also said he turned down a £305m deal to join a Saudi Arabian club in the summer – a move that would have seen him become the highest-paid footballer in the world.
Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Al-Hilal had offered him a two-year deal.
“Anything is possible, I would love to see Ronaldo play in the Saudi league,” said Prince Abdulaziz.
“It would benefit the league, the sports eco-system in Saudi and it will inspire the youth for the future. He’s a role model to a lot of kids and has a big fanbase in Saudi.”
Ronaldo is currently playing at what is likely to be his last World Cup, a tournament Prince Abdulaziz would be keen to bring to Saudi Arabia.
The state is in the running to host the women’s and men’s Asian Cup in 2026 and 2027 respectively and, if the bids are successful, he believes it will “for sure” increase the chance of Saudi bidding for the World Cup.
“Why not? Who wouldn’t want to host the World Cup?” he added. “We host a lot of events in the region.
“Any country in the world would love to host the World Cup. It’s an amazing tournament and it’s good for every country to host such an event.
“We need to uplift some of our venues. We have a lot of stadiums that meet the requirement that we need, but hosting such an event is not just about the stadiums, it’s about the infrastructure, the people, about preparing everyone to such an event
“And making sure that when you’re ready to host this competition the whole nation is behind that.”
‘We will always be criticised’
Through its hosting of major sporting events, including Formula 1 races, world title boxing fights and golf tournaments, Saudi Arabia has been accused of sportswashing – the act of using sport to improve its reputation and project a positive image of a country.
Like current World Cup hosts Qatar, campaigners say sport is being used as a soft power by the Saudi government to hide long-standing issues, including women’s rights abuses, the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community and the restriction of free speech.
“We were criticised in Saudi before we hosted such events, that we don’t host these events, and now that we are now, we’re criticised for hosting them,” said Prince Abdulaziz.
“We look at the facts – the numbers don’t lie – when you look at participation in boxing, from six gyms in 2018 to 57 gyms today. A 300% participation increase, 60% are women, which was a shock for us.
“When you see appetite from the youth, men and women, they learned from it. So, at the end of the day if it’s making the country better and fixing a lot of the social issues we have in terms of participation then that’s a benefit for us and that’s what we look at.
“I think we will always be criticised but we have to look at what’s best for our country and our people, and what is actually developing our youth towards the future.”
Speaking in Doha following Saudi Arabia’s “unbelievable” shock win over Argentina, the prince defended the late decision by World Cup organisers to ban alcohol at stadia.
He also said Qatar had done an “amazing” job in organising the event. The two countries restored diplomatic ties last year after a three-year-long dispute, and he said he hoped the tournament can “showcase that people are willing to work together.”
Despite missing his penalty against Mexico, Robert Lewandowski continues to be Poland’s “number one” penalty taker, according to head coach Czeslaw Michniewicz.
The Barcelona forward is still searching for his first World Cup goal after Guillermo Ochoa denied him from 12 yards out in the Eagles’ Group C opening on Tuesday. He went scoreless in Russia four years ago.
Lewandowski, however, will continue to be Poland’s first option if they are given another penalty in their second group game against Saudi Arabia, Michniewicz stated.
“When it comes to the penalties, Robert is still number one,” the head coach said. “As a striker, of course, he will make a decision whether he will shoot or pass it on to someone else. He feels ready to score for Poland.”
Jan Bednarek believes while Lewandowski will be desperate to break his finals duck, the captain’s main focus is on the team’s performance in Qatar.
“Robert Lewandowski is our captain, he’s a striker, he wants to score as many goals as he can,” the on-loan Aston Villa defender said. “But for him, the good of the team is most important. He wants us to win.
“He hides his pride in his pocket, and he really focuses on working as hard as he can. It’s not important to him if he scores or not, he wants us to win the match.
“He’s got his individual objective, but I am convinced he places the team’s success at the top. This is the best striker in the world. I hope he leads us to win. I don’t know if he will score or not, but the most important thing is for us to win.”
Following his outstanding performance against Australia, Hugo Lloris is certain Adrien Rabiot will be essential to France’s World Cup defense, while Didier Deschamps expects even more from Ousmane Dembele.
Rabiot took on a central role for Les Bleus in their 4-1 victory over the Socceroos in Qataras a result of the injuries to Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante.
Before halftime, the Juventus midfielder took control of the situation by equalizing Craig Goodwin’s earlier goal and helping set up the first of Olivier Giroud’s two goals.
Rabiot then became the first French player since Christophe Dugarry against South Africa in 1998 to both score and assist a goal in his World Cup debut.
Lloris said: “A lot has been said about the absences of Kante and Pogba, who have been vital engines for us for some years now.
“But you can forget that there are players who can step up and have the maturity and experience to take a leading role – Adrien has that.
“We know his qualities, there is an opportunity for him at this World Cup.
“The opportunity is coming at the right time and he has shown that against Australia.
“He stepped up and scored that goal and gave an assist to Olivier, it shows the impact he can have on the team.
“We know how talented he is, but he also is a very hard worker, he is very technically gifted, a very elegant player. I’m sure he’ll help us go as far as possible.”
Although Dembele contributed to Australia’s triumph, Deschamps thinks he still has to work on his game.
The Barcelona forward started France’s opening two games at the 2018 tournament, but he only made two more substitute appearances in Russia. His superb cross set up Kylian Mbappe.
After that, he did not play in the final victory.
But Deschamps insists Dembele has not arrived in Qatar with a point to prove, saying: “I don’t think he wants to make up for it or forget it; he was in 2018 squad, and it was successful.
“Four years ago, he was going through a difficult time with major injuries. Now, he is more mature, but he is still full of youthful exuberance. He is in a club that is very demanding, and maybe he is better at that club.
“He is always capable of creating problems for the opponent as he is so quick and skilful, but he needs to rule out any wastefulness and be as effective as he possibly can.
“He was pleased to be in first XI [against Australia], and he put in a good performance.”
After falling to a late 2-0 loss to Iran, Gareth Bale acknowledged that Wales is in danger of being eliminated from the World Cup.
The Iranian team’s late goals from Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian caused the 10-man Dragons to lose heartbreakingly in Qatar.
Rob Page’s team just has one point after two games after that defeat, therefore in order to maintain their chances of moving on, the Welsh must defeat England on Tuesday night.
The 33-year-old captain Bale spoke after the final horn: “It is painful. There is no other way to describe how devastated we are.
Rouzbeh Cheshmi struck in the eighth minute of stoppage time for Iran
Iran put in a commanding performance, but the Dragons’ chances of winning were dashed in the 86th minute when Wayne Hennessey was sent off for charging out of his goal and colliding with Mehdi Taremi.
Bale thought it marked a turning point in the previously acrimonious situation.
The 48-year-old said: “Our performance before the red card was not acceptable.
“We hoped it would all come together, but we were nowhere near the levels we’ve set and the standards we’ve set in recent games.
“One or two you can carry, but when there are so many off days there is only one outcome.
“I always take responsibility, that’s my team. The sending off didn’t help of course but at that point we had five forwards on the pitch so couldn’t get a defensive shape.
“But yes I’ll always take responsibility for performances.
“It’s a difficult changing room at the minute but we will be ready [against England]. It’s a local derby and a great game to finish on and we’ll be prepared to go.”
Rob Page admitted his Wales side underperformed against Iran
After being second best for much of the contest at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, former Wales striker Iwan Roberts was critical of Page’s men.
He said: “I’m extremely disappointed in how Wales performed. If we’re being honest, we haven’t been good enough in the two games.
“The thing for Wales is our fitness levels. Not enough of our players are playing 90 minutes regularly. Not enough energy, nobody looked fresh. You can get a couple of players through like that, but not five or six.
“We were lucky against the USA. We lost to the better team, no doubt about it. They were fitter, more confident, more sharp. We can’t complain about that result at all.”
Ashley Williams, who led Wales to the 2016 Euro semifinals, has a better attitude.
The ex-Swansea defender, 38, said: “I think Wales gave it their all as they always do, they worked as hard as they could in this second half. Iran probably shaded Wales a bit.
“We didn’t get ourselves into good enough areas in the second half and didn’t have enough chances on the Iranian goal. So I’m gutted for all the boys.”
Wayne Hennessey saw red late on for Wales
After suffering a 6-2 defeat to England in their opening game, Iran are now well in the race for the knockout stages ahead of their final group clash with USA on Tuesday.
Manager Carlos Queiroz said: “This is just the beginning, but we need to finish the job. [It is] a wonderful day for us.
“All respect to my players, who showed they love to play football. Our players deserve to be supported. We want to play for the fans.”
The Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA) has advised users of electrical gadgets to be extra careful with their use as they immerse themselves into the World Cup games.
Awal Sakib Mohammed, the President of GECA in an interview with 3FM Sunrise Morning Show observed that many people during the excitement of the world cup thrills may easily leave their irons and other electrical appliances on, which may lead to fire outbreaks or wastage of electricity.
Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA) has further warned that the incessant increase in the prices of electrical cables is promoting the usage of inferior cables in the wiring of buildings which could lead to an increase in fire incidences.
He explained that the cost of borrowing and cedi depreciation are seriously affecting the cost of cables and thus contributing highly to the use of inferior cables and shoddy electrical works in Ghana.
“Estimates are made for electrical works in advance but as the construction progresses, the price instability affects the budget allocation and in order for the contractor not to incur greater losses, he or she would resort to lesser expensive and inferior alternative materials” Awal Sakib mentioned.
The electrical contractors have stressed the need for electrical jobs to be awarded separately to specialized electrical companies who can do proper professional estimation and costing, whereas the civil and building works are given to a civil engineering firm so that we can have very good electrical installations in Ghana.
“In Ghana, our system is not well regulated. Both public and some private jobs are lumped up and given to one person who is a building contractor who wants to maximize his profit as a businessman. However some of them are not able to price well for the electrical works and in order to make up for the underpricing, they force the electrical person to go with any amount. The electrical person too would have to compromise on quality in order to be able to do the job” the GECA President bemoaned
GECA encourages property owners and facilities managers to conduct regular auditing and maintenance of their electrical installations in order to prevent damages and unwanted incidents.
President Akufo-Addohas congratulated the Black Stars of Ghana, following the team’s World Cup opener against Portugal.
In a Facebook post after the match, he described the team’s efforts as a ‘gutsy performance’ worthy of commendation.
According to him, even though the team could not secure the necessary points, they still proved their mettle and displayed their ability to withstand every other opposition.
On that note, he urged Ghanaians to throw their weight behind the Black Stars; stressing that he believes Ghana can progress to the next stage of the competition.
“Gutsy performance by the Black Stars in today’s match against Portugal. Very proud of the entire team. They live to fight another day, and have shown they have what it takes to mix it up against any team in the tournament”, Akufo-Addo remarked.
“Looking forward to the next game against South Korea, and I urge all Ghanaians to rally strongly behind the team. I am confident we can qualify from this group. #GoBlackStarsGo”, he added.
On Thursday, the Black Stars put up what many have described as a ‘spirited performance’, in their opening Group H game against Portugal.
however after the end of 90 minutes, the Portuguese managed to carry the day by a slender lead of three goals to two.
According to some football fans and pundits, the victory of the Europeans was aided by the bias of US referee, Ismail Elfath, who has since been heavily criticised for his ‘poor officiating’.
Manager of the side, coach Otto Addo also believes that the referee did his team a lot of damage with some questionable decisions.
In a post match press conference, he described the penalty which gave the Portuguese the opening goal, as a ‘gift from the referee’.
He therefore berated the referee for his officiating on the day.
The Black Stars currently sit at the bottom of Group H with no points to their name.
Meanwhile, the team will play South Korea on Monday, in their second Group H encounter, as they seek to grab some points to enhance their chances of progressing to the next stage of the competition.
The match against the Taegeuk Warriors of South Korea will be played at 1:00pm on Monday 28th November 2022, at the Education City Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
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