Harry Kane says England’s players “did their country proud” by opening their World Cup campaign with a commanding 6-2 victory over Iran.
Bukayo Saka scored twice, while Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish were also on target as Gareth Southgate’s side recorded their biggest ever win in their opening match at a major tournament.
Kane, who provided assists for Sterling and Rashford, saluted his team-mates after they made a real statement of intent in Group B at Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.
“Obviously, [it was a] really good start to the World Cup campaign,” the Three Lions captain said in a video posted on Twitter.
“Full credit to the boys. It’s never easy getting off to a winning start at a major tournament, and to score six goals shows we’re in a really good place.
“There’s still a lot of work to do. Of course, we know that there’s a long way to go. But overall, [it was] really pleasing.
“Congrats to Jude for his first England goal, no better place to do it. Bukayo [was] on fire with two great finishes.
“Everyone out there today did their country proud. We move onto the next one now. Let’s keep it going for the next game.”
England will look to build on their winning start when they face the USA at Al Bayt Stadium on Friday, before taking on Wales at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium four days later.
Football fans who have shelled out for expensive hospitality suites at the Qatar World Cup will not be affected by the last-minute stadium beer ban.
It comes after the sale of alcohol at stadiums in the country was banned just two days before the tournament.
Initially, fans were due to be able to buy Budweiser – a sponsor of the tournament – within each of the eight World Cup stadiums, but a last-minute U-turn means alcohol can no longer be consumed within stadium perimeters.
Supporters will still be able to consume alcohol in designated fan zones.
However, it has emerged that the only people exempt from the stadium alcohol ban will be those in pricey corporate hospitality.
MATCH Hospitality, the worldwide provider of the FIFA World Cup 2022 official hospitality programme, confirmed that its hospitality suites will not be affected by the ban.
In a statement, it said: “Please note that those in corporate areas of the stadiums, which include official hospitality spaces, will be served alcohol as per the product inclusions of the product purchased.”
More than 240,000 hospitality packages have reportedly been sold, ranging in luxury and price. One suite, which can accommodate 44 people, sold for £2.1 million, according to Metro.
Perks of corporate hospitality packages can include glass-fronted boxes, access to stadium seats, as well as a dedicated concierge, live chef stations and multi-course menus.
MATCH Hospitality also offers ‘MATCH House’, a venue which allows people to watch live-streamed matches for specific games without having a suite, and include beer and wine.
Packages for the venue, which is at the FIFA Fan Festival site, can be booked by game and range from $450 per person to $1,145.
Some fans have forked out for private suits for the tournament. (MATCH Hospitality)
The alcohol ban in stadiums is believed to have come after pressure from Qatar’s rulers, including the Gulf state’s Emir, and reportedly led to crisis talks between FIFA and Budweiser’s beer’s brewer, AB In-Bev.
The last-minute U-turn sparked anger from the Football Supporters’ Association, who accused organisers of a “total lack of communication”.
“Some fans like a beer at a game and some don’t, but the real issue is the last minute U-turn which speaks to a wider problem – the total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters,” a spokesperson said.
“If they can change their minds on this at a moment’s notice, with no explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues.”
In a statement FIFA said: “Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.
“There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar’s World Cup stadiums.
“Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans.”
Speaking shortly after the news broke, England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale said he thought travelling fans would find a way of enjoying themselves despite the ban.
He said: “I think the fans will find some way of having a beer, I don’t think you need to do it so much at the game.
“Hopefully, with them not being able to drink we can perform on the pitch to give them that excitement and buzz. But we also have to respect the rules and continue to work, we will put pressure on ourselves to entertain from the football pitch.”
Graham Arnold has refused to mention the names of France’s star players, including Kylian Mbappe, ahead of Australia’s clash against the World Cup holders.
The Socceroos meet Les Bleus for the second successive finals, with Paul Pogba’s deflected late strike sealing a narrow 2-1 win for Didier Deschamps’ side in Russia four years ago.
Australia head into their Group D opener having failed to register a clean sheet in 10 previous World Cup matches against European nations, with their only clean sheet at the finals against any opposition coming in a goalless draw against Chile in 1974.
But Arnold, who was the Socceroos’ assistant to Pim Verbeek at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, has tried to ease the pressure on his players.
“It’s not being disrespectful at all, but I’ve hardly mentioned the word France,” he said. “And I’ve hardly mentioned any of the players’ names because the players know who they are,
“It’s one against one, it’s 10 blue shirts against 10 yellow shirts, and it’s a fight. That’s what it is.”
Mat Ryan, who is set to become the first Australia goalkeeper to appear at three World Cups, was between the sticks for that 2-1 defeat in 2018.
But despite the reverse, the Socceroos captain believes the experience will serve his side well four years later.
“[We] felt like we almost got a great result there against France, and we felt were quite unlucky,” he reflected.
“Something that I learned that day, you’ve got to have the right amount of respect for the opposition, but don’t be in awe of them or be overwhelmed too much.
“We’re playing some very good players in a good team, but we’re all human out there, and we’ve got a real good chance to win.”
Lionel Messi confirmed he is in a great place physically and mentally on the eve of his final World Cup.
The Argentina captain cut a remarkably relaxed figure ahead of Tuesday’s game against Saudi Arabia in Doha, repeatedly stressing how much he is enjoying his football as his glittering career enters its final chapters.
Messi caused alarm over the weekend by failing to show for the section of training open to the media, but he was quick to rule out any injury concerns.
He said: “I am feeling very well physically, I’m in good condition. I come here in really good form, both personally and physically. I have no issues whatsoever.
“There were rumours about missing part of training, but no, it was just a precaution, nothing out of the ordinary.”
#Qatar2022 Lionel Messi 🎙️: “La edad te hace ver las cosas de otra manera y darle importancia a los pequeños detalles que antes quizá no veía. Hoy me fijo más en todo, disfrutar está por encima de todo”.
Messi accepts this will be his last realistic shot at World Cup glory, but Argentina’s Copa America win last year has lifted an element of pressure and the 35-year-old is determined to depart the global international stage with a smile.
He added: “I don’t know if it’s the best moment in my career but I feel really well and perhaps a bit more mature, always trying to give my best and enjoying everything.
“I think I’m enjoying it much more now. Before I didn’t think about that, I just wanted to play. Now I am trying to enjoy it, but when you play every three days it’s sometimes tough.
“Age makes you see things differently, and maybe give more importance to small details. Perhaps before I didn’t do that. Now I try to focus on the details and enjoying it is more important than everything else.”
The unusual timing of this World Cup has meant a different build-up, but Messi says the pre-tournament nerves remain the same.
“It is different, we usually play the World Cup at the end of the season and we normally have a whole month to prepare,” he said.
“Now it’s completely different. We’ve had little time to prepare, but we knew this was the situation. It’s always special.
“We expect a tough game, we are aware of this because it’s the beginning of the World Cup. We will have to deal with the nerves the best way we can.”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also pinpointed his side’s 2021 Copa triumph in Brazil – their first major title in 28 years – as a key factor in why they have arrived in Qatar with a quiet confidence.
He said: “The reality is we now play in a much more calm way, we don’t have that weight on our shoulders.
“We are always calm when we go on the pitch and like to feel that freedom. And then it comes down to details. Emotionally we are far more assured and that allows us to play our football.
“But a nation like Argentina always has pressure and if the results are not the best it’s obvious that we have criticism.
“We knew about the journey we had to take and we need to keep doing that. We think that’s the best way to do it. We respect the other teams, but we are here to be competitive.”
Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo is in spectacular form ahead of their opening game against Ghana.
The Black Stars who are returning to the global showpiece after missing out in Russia 2018 has been housed in Group H against Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.
Ghana will open their campaign with a clash against former European champions Portugal before taking on South Korea and Uruguay in subsequent games.
According to Neves, Ronaldo looks like his old self and has therefore warned the Black Stars to be warry of the 37-year-old.
“From what I’ve seen in training, he’s in spectacular shape,” Neves told a news conference in tournament host Qatar on Sunday. “He doesn’t worry us at all, we as a team know perfectly well what we need to work on so that each individual stands out on game day.”
“If we’re good as a team, Cristiano will be phenomenal.”
Neves also says the legendary footballer’s interview that has dominated headlines recently has no effect on the Seleçao ahead of their World Cup campaign.
Ronaldo has been the most talked about footballer in recent days after an astonishing interview with TalkTV presenter Piers Morgan, with series of remarkable claims about Manchester United causing a lot of stir.
However, midfielder Neves insists the interview has not distracted Portugal’s preparations towards the World Cup in Qata
“Sure, it’s impossible for us to walk around without been asked about the controversy, but I don’t think there’s any controversy at all between us in the changing room,” added 25-year-old Neves. “We have a spectacular environment right here.”
After missing Thursday’s friendly against Nigeria in Lisbon due to a stomach problem, the former Real Madrid has trained with the group and look set for the Ghana clash.
England’s World Cup campaign opened in thoroughly convincing fashion as they outclassed Iran in Doha.
The game was played out against the backdrop of more off-field controversy here in Qatar after England were forced to ditch plans to wear the OneLove armband promoting diversity and inclusivity under threat from Fifa of players being cautioned should they carry out the gesture of support.
Gareth Southgate’s side strolled to victory, with Iran’s hopeless plight made worse by the early loss of goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to concussion after a clash of heads with a team-mate.
Jude Bellingham got England off the mark in this World Cup with a soaring header from Luke Shaw’s cross 10 minutes before the break and the game was wrapped up before half-time thanks to Saka’s fine strike and Raheem Sterling’s classy volley with the outside of his foot from Harry Kane’s cross.
Iran’s supporters were given a moment of real delight when Mehdi Taremi scored a fine goal after 65 minutes but it only produced a ruthless response from England as Saka scored his second and substitute Marcus Rashford scored with his first involvement – both smooth, composed strikes.
To put the gloss on an incredibly dominant display, Jack Grealish slotted home from close range after a good run and pull back by Callum Wilson.
Iran did pull another back in injury time when Taremi slotted in a penalty after a John Stones foul.
Bellingham & Saka show class
It is almost impossible to deliver any firm judgement on England’s World Cup prospects given the paucity of Iran’s opposition but this could hardly have gone better for Southgate as his one major selection decision reaped a rich dividend and the result was almost perfect.
Iran were expected to provide stern resistance as they reside in the top 20 in the Fifa rankings and have a recent victory against Uruguay on their record but England made light work of the task once Bellingham gave them the lead.
Bellingham is being touted as one of the big emerging names at this World Cup, the 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund star already a target for a host of the game’s elite names.
And, even in the context of this game, Bellingham showed exactly why as he joined Saka as the dominant force in this game, scoring his first England goal with a magnificent header and bestriding midfield with a complete authority that belied his years.
This was only the second time England have scored six goals in a major tournament but on this evidence you would not bet against the brilliant Bellingham being involved the next time it happens.
Bellingham is a player with the world at his feet and a long career ahead of him at international level.
Southgate picked Saka ahead of Manchester City’s Phil Foden, the only mildly contentious decision in his line-up, but there can be no arguments after a hugely impressive performance from the 21-year-old who has played such a big part as Arsenal head the Premier League.
Saka scored twice and was a threat throughout and thoroughly deserved the warm applause he received when he was substituted.
It will get harder for England as they now face the United States and Wales but this was the perfect start.
Jamal Musiala admits being compared to Lionel Messi is a “big honour” as the Germany midfielder prepares for his World Cup bow.
The Bayern Munich star, who played just nine minutes at Euro 2020, has enjoyed an impressive start to the Bundesliga season, scoring nine goals and providing six assists.
The 19-year-old’s 15 goal involvements are the most registered by any teenager across Europe’s top five leagues and just two shy of Messi’s tally for Paris Saint-Germain (seven goals, 10 assists).
“I think it’s a big honour to be compared to Messi,” said Musiala, who will hope to feature in Germany’s Group E opener against Japan at the Khalifa International Stadium on Wednesday.
“He has been playing at the top level for his entire career. It’s always hard to compare yourself to others. I prefer to focus on myself and on where I can improve.
“It’s important to remain relaxed about what’s happening and to not put too much pressure on yourself. You also have to have some fun, and then everything will work out.
Die Mannschaft team-mate Niklas Sule, who was part of the side that exited the group stage in Russia four years ago, hopes Musiala can maintain his solid form at the finals.
“I much prefer to play alongside him, instead of against him. But, I also know how to defend against him,” the Borussia Dortmund defender laughed.
“We played a friendly [against Bayern’s under-19s side] one time, and you could already see what an exceptional talent he is. He then deservedly moved up to the first team.
“I don’t want to praise him too much, because I don’t want him to get too full of himself. But, I’m not worried that that will happen. I hope that his strong form at Bayern will carry over to this tournament.”
The organisation of the Qatar World Cupwill again be called into question after an issue with FIFA’s ticketing system left Englandand Iran fans struggling to get into Khalifa International Stadium.
Ahead of the opening Group B game, and the second match of the tournament, on Monday, thousands of supporters were unable to gain entry to the ground in time for kick-off.
There were thousands of empty seats when the game started, with the venue gradually filling up during the first half.
In a statement released just prior to kick-off, FIFA said: “Some spectators are currently experiencing an issue with accessing their tickets via the FIFA Ticketing app. FIFA is working on solving the issue.
“In the meantime, fans who are not able to access their mobile tickets should check the email accounts they used to register with the Ticketing app for further instructions.
“In case fans cannot access their email accounts, the stadium’s Ticket Resolution Point will be able to support. We thank fans for their understanding as we work to fix the issue as soon as possible.”
Virgil van Dijk was saddened to hear his former Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane would miss the World Cup but he hopes the Netherlands will profit from the Senegal star’s absence on Monday.
Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal suffered a huge blow on Thursday, when it was confirmed Mane would not recover from a fibula injury in time to feature at the tournament.
Mane has been directly involved in 12 of the last 25 goals scored by Senegal players at either the Africa Cup of Nations or the World Cup, leading coach Aliou Cisse to concede the Lions of Teranga would have to cope without their best player in Qatar.
Although Van Dijkacknowledges Mane’s woes could benefit the Netherlands in Monday’s Group A meeting, he has been in touch with the Bayern Munich attacker and pities his misfortune.
“I called him the next day. I wanted to know how he was, first and foremost, because there were so many rumours that he was out for a while,” Van Dijk said of his reaction to Mane’s injury.
“As a friend, I wanted to know how he was. Unfortunately, at the time, he’d already not had the best of news, but there was a little bit of hope, everyone thought.
“Unfortunately, he won’t be able to make this tournament and I feel sad for him. I know how hard he worked for this. He wants to be important for Senegal and he has been important for them, in the last couple of years especially.
“It’s tough. Obviously he’s going to be a big miss for them, and hopefully we can benefit from that a little bit as well.”
Although the Netherlands failed to qualify for the 2018 tournament in Russia, they have won 11 of their last 14 World Cup matches (D2 L1), with their only loss during that run coming in 2010’s final against Spain.
Marco Asensio wants to stay at Real Madrid for “10 more years” as the Spain international continues to negotiate a new contract with the club.
Asensio, who is on duty with La Roja at the World Cup, is set to become a free agent when his existing deal with Los Blancos expires at the end of June.
Repeatedly linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, with Barcelona reported to be among his possible destinations, the forward has started just once in LaLiga for Madrid this season.
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old hopes he can prolong his stay with the reigning Champions League winners, for whom he has made 250 appearances since arriving from Mallorca in December 2014.
“There is talk that I am changing Real Madrid’s mind. But I have always tried to give the maximum that I have inside, and then it will be known,” he told Radio Marca.
“The one that decides, too, is the club, it not only depends on me. After the World Cup, we will both make a decision.
“What if I want to renew? Hopefully, it can happen, and I will be very happy at Real Madrid for many years. Hopefully, everything will be given to stay 10 more years.”
Asensio also offered his commiserations to team-mate Karim Benzema, who was ruled out of the World Cup after failing to recover from a quadriceps problem in his left thigh.
The France international became the first reigning Ballon d’Or winner to miss the finals since Allan Simonsen’s Denmark failed to qualify for the 1978 tournament.
“I send him all my encouragement and support from here,” Asensio added. “These are things that happen in football, and it has weighed on him not being able to reach 100 per cent. He was very excited about this World Cup.”
Englandwere applauded for taking a knee at the start of their World Cup Group B opener against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.
Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate confirmed in his pre-match press conference a day earlier that England had decided to perform the gesture at the World Cup.
Kneeling before a game was initially adopted on a regular basis in the Premier League following the death of George Floyd in the United States back in 2020.
Despite it being a show of solidarity against discrimination, it was an initiative that was not universally applauded, with several Premier League clubs jeered for taking part.
It was scrapped as a regular feature ahead of this season, with the Premier League instead announcing the gesture would be reserved for special occasions.
Reports had suggested England players were discussing whether to kneel during Qatar 2022, and Southgate confirmed on Sunday that the squad came to an agreement.
England made their stance during the noisy countdown to kick-off, with the gesture widely applauded some the England fans in the stadium.
However, England captain Harry Kane did not wear the OneLove armband.
Kane and captains from six other nations were initially due to wear the armband at the tournament to promote “inclusion and send a message against discrimination of any kind”.
But the Football Association confirmed before Monday’s game that they had bowed to pressure from FIFA, who “made it very clear that it will impose sporting sanctions if our captains wear the armbands on the field of play”.
A few minutes before, Iran players refused to sing their national anthem, which was also widely jeered by their supporters.
Iran’s participation at the tournament comes amid social unrest in Iran following the death of 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini in police custody two months ago.
As many as 15,000 people have been arrested in the country for protesting against the regime’s oppression of women, and Iran’s refusal to sing has been perceived as an act of solidarity.
In September, Iran covered up their national symbols before a friendly against Senegal in what was also seen as an act of defiance.
England and six other nations have confirmed their players will not wear the OneLove armband at the World Cup.
The move comes after FIFA threatened to book captains if they broke regulations and made their own statements on social issues, rather than following guidelines from the game’s governing body.
OneLove, which promotes “inclusion and sends a message against discrimination of any kind”, has grown in significance in the build-up to the tournament in Qatar, a country in which homosexuality is illegal.
But, following extensive discussions between FIFA and an alliance of football associations – England, Wales,Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland and the Netherlands – the armband will now not be worn.
A joint statement read: “FIFA has been very clear that it will impose sporting sanctions if our captains wear the armbands on the field of play.
“As national federations, we can’t put our players in a position where they could face sporting sanctions including bookings, so we have asked the captains not to attempt to wear the armbands in FIFA World Cup games.
“We were prepared to pay fines that would normally apply to breaches of kit regulations and had a strong commitment to wearing the armband. However, we cannot put our players in the situation where they might be booked or even forced to leave the field of play.
“We are very frustrated by the FIFA decision which we believe is unprecedented – we wrote to FIFA in September informing them of our wish to wear the One Love armband to actively support inclusion in football, and had no response.
“Our players and coaches are disappointed – they are strong supporters of inclusion and will show support in other ways.”
England open their World Cup campaign against Iran later on Monday.
In a separate statement, the Dutch FA (KNVB) – the OneLove campaign originated in the Netherlands – expressed its anger and disappointment at FIFA’s stance.
It read: “The KNVB and the players of the Dutch national team would like to convey a positive message with OneLove and against all forms of discrimination.
“We wanted to do that at the World Cup together with England, Wales, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and Denmark.
“The UEFA working group, of which the KNVB is part, asked FIFA on September 19 to embrace the OneLove captain’s armband. Today, hours before the first match, FIFA has (officially) made it clear to
us that the captain will receive a yellow card if he wears the OneLove captain’s armband.
“We deeply regret that is has not been possible to reach a reasonable solution together.
“We stand with the OneLove message and continue to carry it out, but our first priority at the World Cup is to win matches. You don’t want the captain to start the match by getting a yellow card. That is why we had to decide with pain in our hearts – as a UEFA working group, the KNVB and as a team – to abandon our plan.
“As previously announced, the KNVB would have paid a possible fine for wearing the OneLove captain’s armband but that FIFA would punish us for this on the field was not expected.
“This goes against the spirit of our sport which connects millions of people. In the coming period, together with the other countries involved, we will take a critical look at our relationship with FIFA.”
The 2022 FIFA World Cup is about to commence and the excitement is already running high in our country as Ghana is going to feature in it.
Ghana missed out on qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia but here they are once again to add to their rich history in the tournament. They have made it to the World Cup three times so far (2006, 2010 and 2014), and they deliver jaw-dropping performances.
World Cup 2006
In 2006, Ghana became the only African side to qualify for the second round of the World Cup. They also had the youngest team in that edition, with an average age of 23 years and 352 days. FIFA praised the results of the team and ranked them 13th out of the 32 countries that participated in the tournament.
Mundial 2010
The Black Stars produced even better results in the 2010 edition as they made it to the quarterfinals of the World Cup. They looked all set to proceed even further but were stopped in their tracks as they lost to Uruguay on penalties. FIFA ranked Ghana seventh in that competition after their stellar show.
FIFA 2014
The 2014 edition didn’t turn out to be that good for Ghana as they made an exit in the group stage after losing to Portugal and USA. But they did deliver a spirited performance against Germany as they tied the match 2-2.
Ghana couldn’t qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia but they are all set to battle it out in Qatar this time. And the squad they have assembled for the mega event gives a lot of hope to their fans.
Good mix
There is some genuine talent in the squad this time who play for renowned clubs all over the world, and there is a good mix of youth and experience as well. The most familiar name in the roster is that of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey but Tariq Lamptey from Brighton, Inaki Williams from Athletic Bilbao, Jordan Ayew from Crystal Palace, Daniel Amartey from Leicester and Mohammed Salisu from Southampton aren’t small names either.
Just look at Inaki Williams’ great physical form and his dancing.
All these players have demonstrated their talent and potential in different leagues around the world time and again. Now they will be looking to do the same at the biggest stage of international football. Ghana have been drawn in Group H along with strong teams like South Korea, Portugal and Uruguay. But the talent and potential in their squad is capable of handling the quality of these teams. Ghana will be eager to exact revenge on Uruguay, who knocked them out of the tournament in 2010. So, the Black Stars will be naturally motivated to do well in this tournament.
While the Black Stars work on and hone their skills on the field, you can get your lines ready to bet on your favourite team during the World Cup on 1xBet, a renowned bookmaker offering a wide line and high odds. All this you can use in a convenient application, and for those who like live chatting there are 3 betting shops in Accra and Kumasi, where you can watch matches and make wagers. 1xBet takes an active part in the soccer life of our country and sponsors Legon Cities FC.
Cleanliness is next to godliness and Japan has proven to be closer to God than expected.
They have also made a name for themselves before their opener against Germany scheduled for Wednesday, November 23, 2022.
Japanese fans after the opener game between host nation, Qatarand Ecuador on Sunday, November 20, decided to remain at the Al Bayt Stadium to execute just one action.
When all had left their bottles and containers that carried their snacks in to beat the traffic, the Japanese fans decided to stay and clean.
According to sources, these Japanese fans came prepared with their own trash bags and cleaned for at least an hour.
Fortunately, their noble deed was filmed and all who have come across the footage have praised the heroes and heroines.
Christian Eriksen’s love for football brings joy to Kasper Hjulmand, who believes Denmark must set out to win the World Cup.
Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s first game of Euro 2020 against Finland in Copenhagen last year.
Denmark’s players shielded their team-mate from the eyes of the crowd and cameras as Eriksen received emergency medical treatment.
The midfielder made an incredible recovery and six months later returned to action when he signed for Brentford, having been unable to play for Inter after having a cardioverter defibrillator device fitted.
Eriksen was superb for the Bees and earned a move to Manchester United, where he has made a strong start to the season and is back to spearhead Denmark’s bid to go deep into the World Cup.
“Before the Euros, before everything happened with Christian I said he was the heart and heartbeat of the team,” Hjulmand said in a press conference.
“When he plays he has a fantastic way of taking the rhythm of the game, feeling and controlling the game with his passing, intelligence, his vision and also his work ethic.
“It’s great to have Christian back. He’s a fantastic player but an even better person and on and off the pitch he gives us so much.
“I remember when he came back in March, in the first minutes he scored against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, and after that we had him back.
“It’s just a pleasure to work with Christian, you have to drag him off the pitch every day. He just loves playing. The love for the game is the most important thing for Christian.”
Denmark went on to reach the semi-finals of the European Championship without Eriksen, losing to England.
They face Tunisia in their opening match on Tuesday, with France and Australia their other opponents in Group D.
Asked by Stats Perform what targets Denmark had set for the tournament, Hjulmand replied: “I’m not very good at goal-setting like that. Our dream is to win something.
“So when you go into a tournament I think this group of players has the quality to win, and I mean win everything.
“Are we the favourites? No. I think still we have something to improve in our squad, our game, but we can beat everyone on the day.
“We have a very strong self-confidence, a very good group of players working well together and the best way of winning is to dream big and actually say that we go into a tournament to win it and then focus what’s right in front of you.
“The first thing is a very difficult game against Tunisia. We will see from there. We have a very good feeling, we are ready to attack.”
Rangers have sacked manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst after falling off the pace in the Scottish Premiership title race.
Van Bronckhorst joined Rangers last November following Steven Gerrard’s move to Aston Villa, leading them to a Scottish Cup triumph and a Europa League final – where they were beaten by Eintracht Frankfurt – last term.
However, Van Bronckhorst was unable to inspire consistency in the Scottish Premiership, with Rangers finishing last season four points behind Celtic and entering the World Cup break nine adrift of their Old Firm rivals.
Rangers also endured a chastening Champions League campaign this term, becoming the first Scottish team to lose all six of their group-stage games in the competition.
Van Bronckhorst’s team conceded 22 goals across those matches, which included a 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool and a 4-0 defeat at Ajax.
In a statement on Rangers’ website on Monday, chairman Douglas Park said: “I want to thank Gio for the hard work he has put in over the last 12 months and, especially the achievements of taking the club to the Europa League final and winning the Scottish Cup last season.
“Unfortunately, recent results have not met neither our nor Gio’s expectations, and we have taken this difficult decision today. Everyone at Rangers wishes Gio every success in the future.”
With the Scottish Premiership campaign on hold for the World Cup in Qatar, Rangers have over three weeks to find a replacement before they host Hibernian on December 15.
Rangers Football Club confirms today it has parted company with manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Didier Deschamps has asked for “more understanding” as France adjust to their latest injuries, but Les Bleus intend to go “full steam ahead” with the same objectives as before.
France were already without Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante for the World Cup and have now lost Christopher Nkunku and Karim Benzema on the eve of the tournament.
Deschamps’ defending world champions head into their opener against Australia with uncertainty around much of their line-up, although the coach has “no worries at all” about Eduardo Camavinga’s fitness and confirmed Raphael Varane is fit to start.
Asked on Monday if France would have to reconsider their approach to the finals, Deschamps disagreed, although he asked the assembled media for their support.
“It is full steam ahead with the team we have available to us,” he said.
“Less ambition and less desire to do everything to get to the end? I don’t think so. But if we could have more understanding from the media, if you could cut us a little more slack, that would be great.
“But we know what is asked of us. We are not counting our chickens before they are hatched, we know our three opponents ahead of us.
“We know Australia very well, but you haven’t asked me anything about Australia. That’s perfect.”
Despite their difficulties, Deschamps says France have “no apprehension” and “no anxiety”, even with the past three World Cup holders exiting in the first round.
“This is based on statistics, probability, facts, but I think each team has undergone their own journey to get where they are today,” he said.
“It is up to us to have a squad that is aware of the objective of the first game. We’re not going to think about what could have been.
“What is important is to focus on the first game against Australia. Everything before is on the sideline now.
“There is analysis that can be made, do with them what you will, but we will be ready for tomorrow.”
In the absence of Benzema, Kylian Mbappe is set to have an even more prominent role, having starred in France’s Russia 2018 success.
“[Mbappe] played an important role four years ago on the pitch,” Deschamps said. “He was very mature at the time and is even more mature now because of what’s gone on over the course of the past four years. There’s been more global recognition, more responsibility.
“Obviously he has what it takes to stand out from the crowd, to score; his aura is second to none. This was the case four years ago, it still is the case now.”
According to captain Hugo Lloris, Mbappe is “involved, relaxed, concentrated, focused”.
Lloris was also asked about the OneLove captain’s armband – a campaign that promotes “inclusion and sends a message against discrimination of any kind”.
The France skipper had already confirmed he would not be wearing the armband, and it emerged shortly after his news conference other countries were backing out of the campaign following the threat of FIFA sanctions.
“FIFA is organising this competition,” Lloris said. “It is therefore up to FIFA to put into place a regulatory framework.
“As players, we’re here to play football and represent our teams to the best we can on a sporting front. I would prefer to stay in my box. I am a player and a competitor of this competition.
“Yes, there are many causes that are important and should be supported. They’re commendable. But it’s up to FIFA to take decisions with the organisation of the competition.”
Italy head coach Roberto Mancini has conceded that his 3-4-3 formation did not work as intended against Austria, as he criticised his side’s poor first half display against the hosts.
The European champions finished 2022 with defeat in Vienna, where two first half goals from Xaver Schlager and David Alaba put the hosts in control.
A poor showing in the first period was improved upon after the break, but Italy could not break Austria’s defence, though Mancini believes his side did enough to deserve praise.
“We were better in the second half, in the first half we had the ball and we had to score. After that we suffered, making so many technical mistakes. In the second half, all we were missing was a goal,” he said post-match.
“The formation didn’t go very well, we did little pressing with the strikers conceding too many spaces.
“The team was too long, we did badly and this penalised us a bit, but in the second half I saw a very good team. We were unlucky and a bit inaccurate.”
Italy are not scheduled to be back in action until March, where the defence of their European crown begins with the first qualifying match against England in a rematch of the 2020 final.
Ghana’s U-23 head coach, Ibrahim Tanko says the Black Stars are in high spirits ahead of their World Cup opener against Portugal.
The four-time African champions will open their campaign at the 22nd edition of the Mundial against the Seleção on Thursday, November 24 at the Stadium 974 in Doha.
The Black Stars head into the tournament with a 2-0 win against Switzerland in their final friendly last weekend in Abu Dhabi.
Tanko, who is part of the local coaches selected to join the team for attachment speaking said the team is in a good shape and are ready for the clash.
“The players are feeling sharp. After the game against Switzerland, the players still look good,” the Accra Lions technical director said.
“The coaches are doing their best and the players are in good spirits and are ready for the Portugal game. I am convinced of a good result,” the former Black Stars assistant coach added.
Ghana, who are in Group H after their opener will return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Otto Addo and his charges will wrap up their group stage adventure with their much-anticipated encounter with Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.
The Black Stars having missed out in the last edition hosted in Russia in 2018 will be hoping to improve their performance in Qatar after exiting at the group phase during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Despite courting controversy over its selection to host the 2022 World Cup tournament, Qatar has spent about $300 billion in 12 years toward infrastructure to host the global football event.
The Middle-East nation, with its capital in Doha, had earlier earmarked an official budget of $10 billion but had to splurge further funds to build seven new stadiums and refurbish an existing one to make it 8 stadiums to host the football tournament.
To place the cost into further context, the most expensive World Cups previously were the 2014 tournament in Brazil and the 2018 edition in Russia, which both cost less than $15 billion.
But oil-rich country Qatar is now ready to host visitors in about 20,000 new hotel rooms, a new railway metro and more than 1,100 miles of new roads constructed for the event, according to a Bloomberg report.
Although the selection of Qatarhas been marred with concerns about human rights abuses, labour conditions, and weather temperatures, millions of fans have geared up to witness the world’s best footballers take center stage.
In hopes of efforts to redeem its image on the global stage, officials in Qatar are expected to also face major pushback from groups over their culture and moral standings.
FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, has however defended the decision to host the World Cup in Qatar. According to him, suggestions that the tournament should not go ahead are merely ‘hypocritical and racist’ on the part of Western critics.
At a press conference held on Saturday, November 19, Gianni Infantino said, “We are taught many lessons from Europeans, from the Western world. What we Europeans have been doing for the last 3,000 years, we should be apologizing for the next 3,000 years before starting to give moral lessons.”
Ghana’s expenditure at 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, on November 4, 2022, presented the country’s budget for the 2022 World Cup to Parliament.
The address which was delivered before lawmakers highlighted the possible financial, sporting, tourism, and economic benefit of the World Cup tournament.
Mustapha Ussif disclosed that the government has budgeted $14 million for the Black Stars’ campaign in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
A breakdown of the budget indicates that Ghana is targeting a semi-final finish at the World Cup.
However, the budget for the semi-final is pegged at $14,184,100 million should the national team finish in the top four of the competition.
Mustapha Ussif said Ghana stands to gain between $27 million dollars to $42million in case it advances to the finals.
But the for the three group matches against Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay, the government has budgeted US$8,166,200.00 million.
With the country already getting $1.5million and an additional $9 million for participating in the World Cup, Ghana stands to gain a profit of nearly $2 million by just participating in the group stages of the World Cup.
He also confirmed that the Ghana Football Association has received $1.5 million from FIFA to augment the Black Stars’ preparations for the tournament which begins on November 20, 2022.
According to him, part of the $1.5 million they received from FIFA was “useful to organizing the team’s friendly matches to improve technical and managerial readiness for Qatar.”
The Black Stars of Ghana will begin their 2022 FIFA World Cup with an opening game against Portugal on Thursday, November 24 at the 974 Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
In 2010, the government reportedly budgeted US$19 million for the tournament in South Africa.
In 2014 when the country’s participation was rocked with chaos and disgrace, the government then reportedly spent $9,622,170 million on three matches the country participated in.
FIFAhas earned an unprecedented $7.5bn in revenue through four years of commercial deals tied to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the governing body of football says.
The earnings, which FIFA revealed on Sunday to officials from more than 200 of its member nations, are $1bn more than what the organisation pulled in from the previous World Cup cycle leading up to the 2018 event in Russia.
The extra income was buoyed by commercial deals with this year’s hosts. Qatar Energy joined as a top-tier sponsor, and new third-tier sponsors include Qatari bank QNB and telecommunications firm Ooredoo. FIFA also added second-tier sponsor deals this year from financial platform crypto.com and blockchain provider Algorand, its first new American sponsor in more than a decade.
Key broadcast deals for this year’s World Cup were signed during Sepp Blatter’s presidency in two-tournament deals for the Russia and Qatar events. They included deals with Fox in the United States and Qatari broadcaster BeIN Sports from 2011.
FIFA pays for host countries’ organising committees, prize money, travel and accommodation for teams and support staff. It also pays for a legacy fund to help develop the sport in the host country after the World Cup circus has left town.
The winners of the Qatar World Cup will receive $44m out of a total prize pot of $440m.
FIFA organises its accounts in four-year cycles around each World Cup. For the 2015-2018 cycle leading up to the Russian World Cup, the governing body brought in $6.4bn. It has used that cash to help member bodies through uncertainty in 2020 when national team football and World Cup qualifying games were almost entirely shut down.
The organisation’s revenues are likely to approach $10bn for the next four years, thanks to a new financial strategy for women’s football and the expanded 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico, which will see 48 teams compete for the first time, up from the present 32.
FIFA has an almost blank slate for the 2026 edition with top-tier sponsors Coca-Cola, Adidas and Wanda the only deals currently extended. Separate sponsor deals for women’s football are being signed for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Former Black Stars striker, Asamoah Gyan rates the 2022 World Cup group stage clash against Uruguay as the most important for his country, considering their history.
Ghana were on the verge of history in 2010 – becoming the first African team to reach the semi-final of a senior World Cup before Luis Suarez struck.
A header from a free kick in the stoppage time, headed for the back of the net was deliberately handled on the goal line by Suarez, and although he got sent off
However, Gyan, who is the country’s all time leading goal scorer with 51 goals failed to convert the resulting spot-kick before Uruguay triumphed on penalties.
“Everyone in Ghana is waiting for the game against Uruguay because of what happened in 2010,” Gyan said as a co-anchor on a SuperSport World Cup show.
“We feel like it is our opportunity to get revenge,” he added.
Ghana will meet Uruguay in their last Group H game on December 2. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Portugal before taking on South Korea.
President Joe Biden phoned the United States team in Qatar to urge Gregg Berhalter’s players to “shock ’em all” at the World Cup.
Ahead of their opening game against Wales on Monday, the team gathered to listen to Biden offer words of encouragement to a group he acknowledged were outsiders.
The United States men’s team took third place at the inaugural 1930 World Cup but have never gone further than the quarter-finals since, only reaching that stage once, in 2002.
By comparison, the US women’s national team are four-time World Cup winners, and will be chasing a hat-trick of consecutive titles at next year’s finals in Australia and New Zealand.
Biden, who turned 80 on Sunday, told Berhalter: “Coach, put me in, I’m ready to play.”
He added: “You guys, I know you’re the underdog, but I’ll tell you what, man, you got some of the best players in the world on your team, and you’re representing this country, and I know you’re gonna play your hearts out, so let’s go shock ’em all.
“Keep trusting in one another, play as hard as you can, for you and your families, your team-mates, and the whole country is rooting for you.”
Berhalter replied: “That’s a very nice message, Mr President, the whole team is here right now and we really appreciate your support and we’re ready to go.”
The United States also face England and Iran in Group B, returning to the World Cup stage after missing out on the Russia 2018 finals.
Biden added: “I wish I were there to see you, I really do, go get ’em guys, just play your hearts out. I know you will, I know you will.”
Sadio Mane is backing Senegal’s Lions of Teranga to show they still have sharp claws without him in Monday’s World Cup opener against the Netherlands.
Bayern Munich forward Mane was set to spearhead the team’s quest in Qatar, but a cruel leg injury has ruled him out of the tournament.
On paper, it seems the team are significantly weakened by his absence, but Mane says the reality could be rather different, backing the group he left to rise to their challenge.
The former Liverpool star wrote on Instagram: “This Monday, our dear country will compete in the World Cup, Qatar 2022. I am sure the Lions will transcend and approach every game as a true final.
“I am also convinced that all Senegalese will be in front of the small screen to support and encourage our valiant national team.
“Like all supporters of the ‘Taniere’ [lions’ den], I am convinced that my team-mates will fight as one man and as they usually do to honour our dear Senegal. Long live Senegal, come on the Lions.”
Senegal were surprise quarter-finalists in 2002, and as reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions they were considered by many as the continent’s biggest hope for World Cup success this time around.
Losing Mane will change that perception for many observers.
The 30-year-old had a tendon reattached to the head of his right fibula after being ruled out of Senegal’s squad, and he could face several months on the sidelines.
Mane thanked well-wishers, writing: “Many of you have sent messages of support following my injury. Thank God, the surgery I had in the middle of the week went well. I want to take this opportunity to thank and show my appreciation to you all.”
Cristiano Ronaldo hopes he can be the man to “checkmate” Lionel Messi at Qatar 2022, but he does not believe a World Cup win for Portugal would end football’s ‘GOAT’ debate.
Ronaldo and Messi are the sport’s two modern greats, with supporters of each player claiming them to be the best of all time.
However, despite European Championship success for Portugal and last year’s Argentina triumph in the Copa America, neither have won the greatest team prize of all.
Ronaldo has endured a difficult season at Manchester United, yet he has arrived in Qatar in confident mood, even if he does not believe he has anything to prove.
“Even if I won the World Cup, there would be this debate,” he said on Monday. “It’s like in everything, there are some who like blondes more, others more brunettes…
“I’m an ambitious player; I’d love to win this competition, but if I don’t win, I’d still be happy with everything I’ve done so far.
“If they told me that I won’t win a title again, I’d be proud of what I’ve done.
“[Winning the World Cup] was a dream for me; it’s possible, but we’ll see. I hope all energies are on our side.”
Boas energias, boas sensações, o mesmo empenho e a mesma concentração de que colocamos em cada desafio. Foco! Vontade! Crença! Seja onde for, Portugal, sempre!🇵🇹🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/tWgeKBRG3J
Ronaldo and Messi are long-time rivals, but they posed together for a game of chess in a Louis Vuitton advertising campaign ahead of the finals.
Were Portugal and Argentina each to win their groups, the pair would not meet on the pitch until the December 18 final.
“It was a campaign that I’ve been doing, which I’ve wanted for many years,” Ronaldo said of the ad. “I’ve fulfilled the dream of being able to do it; everyone knows the greatness of the brand.
“It will be my fifth World Cup. I’m focused and extremely optimistic that things will go well.
“Checkmate we do in life, it’s not just in chess. And I do it often.
“I don’t know how to be direct about it, but I’d like to be the one to do the checkmate against him [Messi]. It would be beautiful to happen; it already happened in a chess game and in football it would be even more [beautiful].”
Ronaldo and Messi have met only twice at international level, with Portugal and Argentina winning one friendly apiece.
Cristiano Ronaldo is motivated by the millions of people who look up to him ahead of the World Cup, as he dismissed criticism of his interview with Piers Morgan.
The conversation with Morgan, broadcast on TalkTV, aired in full last week, with Ronaldo seemingly doing his utmost to bring his second spell at Manchester United to an end.
Among a wide range of topics, Ronaldo discussed how he felt “betrayed” by the club and how he did not respect manager Erik ten Hag – he even aimed a swipe at former team-mate Wayne Rooney.
Ronaldo is seemingly heading for a January exit, though for now his focus is on leading Portugal in Qatar. Their campaign in the gulf nation starts on Thursday against Ghana.
Iker Casillas came to his old Real Madrid club-mate’s defence on Sunday, telling Marca he would always like to have the 37-year-old on his team and that he is a contender to win the Golden Boot in Qatar, suggesting critics too easily forget Ronaldo’s achievements.
In a press conference at Portugal’s training base on Monday, Ronaldo said: “I agree with Casillas and I hope to demonstrate that we are eliminating that small range of criticism.
“There are millions of people who like me. That is what motivates me. There is no money to pay for that. The joy of the children.
“Timing is always timing. From your side it is easy to look at how we can choose timings. Sometimes you write truths, sometimes you write lies.
“I don’t have to worry what others think. I talk when I want to. Staff, players, everyone knows me, they know what I think, they’ve known me since I was 11, they won’t be influenced by what [the critics] say.”
Boas energias, boas sensações, o mesmo empenho e a mesma concentração de que colocamos em cada desafio. Foco! Vontade! Crença! Seja onde for, Portugal, sempre!🇵🇹🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/tWgeKBRG3J
Ronaldo, who is sure his interview will not derail Portugal’s chances of success, also hit out at the media for asking his national team-mates to discuss his situation, after Ruben Neves’ press conference on Sunday was dominated by the topic.
“Please, don’t ask players about me. Ask about the World Cup, I’m bulletproof, I have an armoured mind,” he said.
“I have no doubt that this recent episode, that interview, and other episodes with other players that happen sometimes, can sometimes shake the player but won’t shake the team.
“Everyone really wants this competition, everyone wants to play, which is something I like to see, the ambition is very high.”
Ronaldo also explained that frosty exchanges with Bruno Fernandes and Joao Cancelo were simply jokes.
“I made a joke with Bruno, with whom I have an excellent relationship,” Ronaldo added.
“His flight was delayed and I asked if he had come by boat. It was a joke, as it was with Joao Cancelo.”
Qatar head coach Felix Sanchez says his side felt “backed and supported” despite a mass exodus from fans during a 2-0 defeat to Ecuador in their first ever World Cup match.
Enner Valencia spoiled the party with a first-half double in the opening match of the tournament at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday.
Valencia also had an early goal contentiously disallowed by the VAR for offside, but Qatar were well beaten and failed to register a shot on target in a lacklustre display.
They become the first home nation to lose the opening match of a World Cup, and many members of the crowd were clearly not impressed as they made an early exit in the second half.
Sanchez is focused on trying to made Qatar more competitive rather than bemoaning fans not sticking with their side, with Group A encounters against the Netherlands and Senegal to come.
“Truth be told, I have enough work to do to take a look at it,” the Spaniard said.
“We felt backed and supported and we hope for the next game, people will feel prouder and keep supporting us to the end of the tournament.
“The atmosphere was great, people were very much looking forward to this game.”
“We knew [a loss] could happen and the result can sometimes be difficult. We will try to learn from today and I’m completely sure we will make people feel more happy with our performance.”
Qatar never got going and Sanchez offered no excuses for such a flat performance.
“There’s no excuse, we want to congratulate our opponents, they deserved to win,” he added.
“There is a lot of room for improvement. Maybe the responsibility and nerves got the best of us. We didn’t start well. It was a terrible start.”
Aliou Cisse concedes Senegalwill be without their best player heading into the World Cup but insists his squad are “ready for the challenge”.
The African champions suffered the crushing news that star man Sadio Mane would miss the tournament after having to undergo surgery on a fibula injury sustained in Bayern Munich’s 6-1 thrashing of Werder Bremen 12 days ago.
Mane’s importance to Senegal is highlighted by the fact he has been involved in 12 of the last 25 goals scored by Cisse’s team in the finals of either the World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations.
And his absence has forced a tactical re-think ahead of Monday’s opener against the Netherlands at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
Cisse said: “Obviously it’s a great shame for Sadio and the team, but we have to think of the player’s well-being.
“It’s a great challenge as all coaches build their team around the best player and that’s the case for us.
B”ut we have a strong team with experienced players and young players who are ready to rise to this challenge. I am sure we have a strong enough team. It’s not easy to play without a player like Sadio and we have a strong opponent in the Netherlands, but the players are ready.”
Senegal winger Krepin Diatta was a little less bullish, admitting Mane’s absence had had an impact within the squad.
The Monaco man said: “Sadio is an extremely important player for our team and we are determined to do what we can without him.
“But of course it affects you, he is our best player and leader. We’d like him to be here, but God decided otherwise.”
Senegal disappointed in exiting the 2018 World Cup in Russia at the group stage, but Cisse believes that experience – and their AFCON triumph earlier this year – stands them in good stead to go further in Qatar.
“In 2018, it had been such a long time since Senegal had been to a World Cup, and we are now getting another chance,” he added.
“We are African champions and we have new, excellent players that have strengthened the squad. Hopefully the mistakes of Russia won’t be repeated.”
In the opposing dugout on Monday will be Louis van Gaal, a man Cisse described as a “benchmark”, and the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder believes guiding his team to successive World Cups is another shot in the arm for African coaches, five of whom are present in Qatar.
He said: “It’s progress that we have been seeing for some years now. We are aware that people are looking at us. If we lose in the first round, people will say we aren’t good enough.
“I was born in Senegal – it’s important to understand the realities of the country you are managing. We are proud to represent African coaches and it’s a message we are sending them that they can also be at the highest level.”
Memphis Depay will not feature in the Netherlands’ World Cup opener against Senegal, but coach Louis van Gaal remains optimistic for the tournament, believing this squad to be capable of improving on a third-placed finish at Brazil 2014.
Depay had been a doubt for Monday’s match in Doha due to a hamstring injury that has limited him to only two LaLiga appearances at Barcelona this season.
Oranje coach Van Gaal, speaking to the media on Sunday, confirmed the forward would miss out against Senegal, suggesting his “idea of the match” centred around how the two teams would fare without their respective stars. Senegal’s Sadio Maneis out of the entire tournament.
Depay was involved in more goals in European qualifying for Qatar 2022 than any other player, scoring 12 and assisting a further six in just 10 matches.
Van Gaal said: “Mane can break open a match, and I would say Senegal will really miss him. But the same applies to us. We are really missing our top scorer and the king of the assists.”
However, the Netherlands boss had been aware a swift return was unlikely for Depay, adding: “We knew before the World Cup he had a different programme, a different schedule than the schedule of a player who is preparing for a match.”
When he recovers, Depay will be tasked with leading the line for a Dutch side Van Gaal considers superior to his class of 2014 – the last team he took to a tournament in the second of three stints in the role.
The Netherlands reached the semi-finals on that occasion, losing to Argentina on penalties before beating Brazil in the third-place play-off.
Given Van Gaal’s high opinion of this group of players and his own considerable experience, he expects results to follow – potentially culminating in a first World Cup triumph.
“I believe in this squad, this group of players,” he said. “In 2014, we came third with a squad of lesser quality, I would say. With this group, I expect more.
“It all depends not only on technical skills and tactical skills but also a bit of luck that you score at the right time or that the others don’t score.
“I think we could become world champion, but there are squads that are in my view of a higher level than my squad. The thing is how the squad deals with that, and there I think I may be able to benefit from a head start.
“I’m saying we can become world champion. Whether we become world champion is a separate issue, but I’m saying we can.”
While Van Gaal would not confirm the identity of his starting goalkeeper, he hinted at Cody Gakpo getting the nod ahead of Davy Klaassen in Depay’s absence, and there is no doubt who his captain is.
Van Dijk appeared next to Van Gaal, who said: “I have a wonderful captain next to me. I have worked with so many captains, and he is a truly great captain. That makes things easier.”
But neither Van Dijk nor Van Gaal would answer political questions after Gianni Infantino’s remarkable opening address the previous day.
“I am no longer going to speak about political issues,” the previously outspoken Van Gaal said. “I’m focusing on this coming match.
“I put a full stop after all these issues after we invited the migrants to watch our practice session. I requested all my players also stopped doing that and put a full stop and focus on the match against Senegal.”
Cristiano Ronaldo will be “phenomenal” at the World Cup as long as Portugal meet expectations as a collective, according to his team-mate Ruben Neves.
Ronaldo has been at the centre of a media storm over the past week after he took part in an astonishing interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan.
During the one-on-one, Ronaldo was largely scathing of Manchester United, criticising the board, young players and manager, Erik ten Hag.
United confirmed on Thursday they have dealt with the matter, though they did not disclose what punishment had been handed out to Ronaldo.
He was then reported as being ill when absent for Portugal’s pre-World Cup friendly with Nigeria on Thursday, but he returned to training two days later.
Despite the hysteria surrounding the 37-year-old, Neves insists Portugal – and Ronaldo – are looking good ahead of their World Cup opener against Ghana on Thursday.
“From what I’ve seen in training, he’s in great shape,” Neves told reporters at Portugal’s training base.
“[Ronaldo’s interview] is not at all a subject that concerns us. We know perfectly well that our collective must work very well to highlight individuals.
Jogo a jogo com um único pensamento. 𝗩𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗦 𝗟𝗨𝗧𝗔𝗥 𝗣𝗘𝗟𝗢 𝟭.º 𝗟𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗥 ✨🏆 #VesteABandeira
“And With Cristiano it’s no different. If we’re good, we know that Cristiano is going to be phenomenal.”
After Ronaldo joined up with the Portugal squad in the wake of his controversial interview, a video of him greeting his United colleague Bruno Fernandes was perceived to depict some hostility from the latter.
The clip turned out to be from a longer video published by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), with Fernandes adamant they were sharing a joke that had been misconstrued.
Neves supported this claim, dismissing the idea of controversy entering the dressing room.
“There is no controversy in the locker room,” he continued. “It is impossible for us to discuss these controversies since they do not exist in the locker room.
“These are more controversies outside and on social media rather than in the locker room.
“Everything has been said. We are 100 per cent focused on the World Cup. We have a great atmosphere in the team, we are concentrating on that.”
France will not call up a replacement for Karim Benzemaafter the Ballon d’Or winner was ruled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury, head coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed.
Deschamps’ side are looking to become the first team to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962, but they have suffered several injury blows ahead of the tournament in Qatar.
Having already seen midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante ruled out, France lost Presnel Kimpembe and Christopher Nkunku after naming their 26-man squad for the competition, but the most severe blow was still to come as Benzema was forced to leave their camp after failing to complete Saturday’s training session.
With Benzema facing three weeks on the sidelines, reports suggested France would decide whether to call up another attacker on Sunday, but Deschamps is content with his existing options.
“It’s obviously a big blow. Karim had done everything, so had we. He was in the session and with an almost innocuous gesture, he felt muscle pain on the other leg,” Deschamps told Telefoot.
“The exams unfortunately confirmed too much damage compared to the deadlines that await us.
“Will he be replaced? No. We have seven to eight attacking players.”
De ma vie je n’ai jamais abandonné mais ce soir il faut que je pense à l’équipe comme je l’ai toujours fait alors la raison me dit de laisser ma place à quelqu’un qui pourra aider notre groupe à faire une belle Coupe du Monde. Merci pour tous vos messages de soutien 🙌🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/SBalX0juAH
Alongside 2018 World Cup winners Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele, France can call upon Kingsley Coman, Randal Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram as attacking options.
Benzema has endured a frustrating season, missing several of Real Madrid’s games after sustaining a knee injury in September before being plagued by muscle fatigue in the build-up to the World Cup.
Deschamps insists France’s medical staff should not shoulder the blame for his latest injury, adding: “I know that you are looking for controversy, but everything has been done [for Benzema to be fit].
“It happened in the game, not even on an acceleration or a strike. It can happen, it’s never the right time, it’s not a relapse.
“He has a concern on the other side, which prevents him from staying with us. It’s never fun, it doesn’t make you smile.
“We had already lost Christopher, but we have a goal, the group knows very well what awaits us. We have a quality group. I am convinced of it, I have confidence in them.”
Deschamps offered a more positive update on the fitness of Raphael Varane, saying the Manchester United defender “will be available” for Tuesday’s Group D opener against Australia.
Varane had been a doubt for the tournament after suffering a leg injury in the Red Devils’ Premier League draw with Chelsea last month, but he completed his first collective training session since meeting up with Les Bleus on Saturday.
United States head coach Gregg Berhalter is confident his side can defeat anyone on their day, as they prepare to commence their World Cup campaign against Wales.
Having failed to qualify for the tournament in Russia four years ago, the US side head to Qatar with the intent to make an impact ahead of co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico in 2026.
Eight years ago in Brazil, Berhalter’s predecessor Jurgen Klinsmann made it clear the USMNT could not win the tournament which, although a realistic assessment, was seen to be a defeatist mentality in the eyes of many.
Berhalter is not looking to rock the boat fully by declaring his side can go all the way, though he does fancy their chances against any opposition.
“What I do believe is that on our best day we can beat anyone in the world. Anyone,” he told ESPN.
“Look, it is a great honour to play in the World Cup, but we don’t want to just be participants. We want to perform.
“We think the first step is getting out of the group. And the second step is, in the knockout games, playing our best possible game and seeing how far we can go.”
Midfielder Weston McKennie is keen to take it one match at a time, starting with Monday’s opener against Wales.
“As a team, as a group, we always want to just focus game by game. So of course with Wales being the first one, there’s no way that we’re going to look past them or anything because we know they’re a strong team.
“We know that it’s going to be a hard game. But we definitely want to win the first game, to come out with three points.
“[It’s been] just three, four years of just working up to this moment. I think all the guys are ready to go, and the staff are ready to go and put a game plan together. So hopeful we execute that.”
The United States also face England and Iran in Group B, as they look to continue their consistent record at the World Cup – only failing to advance from the group stages in four of their nine involvements.
Youssouf Fofana says he “will do everything” possible to earn a place in France’s starting line-up at the World Cup in Qatar.
Fofana only made his Francedebut against Austria in September, but his impressive form in Ligue 1 for Monaco was enough to earn him a spot in Didier Deschamps’ 26-man squad for the tournament.
Injuries to fellow midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante mean he may even start for the reigning world champions, potentially alongside former team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni.
The 22-year-old says he will do all he can to receive a place among France’s starters for their opening match against Australia on Tuesday.
“As a newcomer [to the squad], we come to discover this great competition,” Fofana told reporters. “Whether you are 23 or 30, the first World Cup is always important.
“As a competitor, I will do everything to earn my place in the 11, like the 26, but always with respect for my teammates.”
Fofana’s late charge into the squad may induce questions of whether he is up to the required standard to play at a World Cup for France, but the 22-year-old feels his performances speak for themselves.
“As I said, it’s on the field that speaks,” Fofana added. “The coach validated me. After the first game [debut against Austria], everyone validated me too!
“I no longer have time to tell myself whether I am happy or proud. The competition starts in two days.
“Two major players are absent [Pogba and Kante], but they also started in the France team one day. There is a beginning for everything.”
France received a boost on Saturday as Raphael Varane returned to full training on Saturday.
After their match with Australia, Deschamps’ men will take on Denmark and Tunisia in Group D as they look to retain their World Cup crown.
There has been a huge amount of focus on Qatar over recent weeks and months — but almost none of it has been on their football side.
But later today, they will make their World Cup debut as hosts with a long-awaited clash against Ecuador.
Ranked 50th in the world and with a squad who all play in the Qatari top-flight, what can we expect from the hosts?
Long preparation
Given it is 12 years since they were named as the 2022 host, Qatar’s preparation has been the longest on record.
The Qatar Super League was suspended in mid-September to give boss Felix Sanchez plenty of time with his squad.
They have played seven friendlies in the past three months, more games than any other international side, as they try to give their players the best chance of succeeding.
They have beaten Albania and Guatemala, drawn with Jamaica and Chile and lost to Canada in those games.
Whipping boys?
Qatar won the 2019 Asia Cup by beating Japan in the final
In a group with Netherlands, Senegal and opening day opponents Ecuador, Qatar look out of their depth.
But they are not the lowest-ranked side in the tournament — Saudi Arabia are 51st to the hosts 50th — and they have shown they may spring a surprise or two in recent years.
Their biggest success was winning the 2019 Asia Cup — shocking South Korea in the quarter-finals and Japan in the final.
But they also picked up one point from three games when they were invited to the Copa America in 2019, only losing 1-0 to Colombia and 2-0 to Argentina, before reaching the semi-finals of the 2021 Gold Cup.
Though there is not a single household name in their squad, they have plenty of technically talented players.
Defensive efforts
Operating in either a 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 formation, expect Qatar to sit back and soak up plenty of pressure later today.
They have lost their last six games against World Cup-bound sides, so will go into none of their games as favourites.
Iraqi-born centre-half Bassam al-Rawi, 24, will be the key figure at the back, and he is one of the players to have spent time playing in Europe, with spells on loan in Spain and Belgium.
But they do have talent going forward as well.
Keep an eye out
Akram Afif is one to watch out for when Qatar take to the field against Ecuador
If Qatar are to cause a seismic shock, one of Almoez Ali and Akram Afif will likely play a big pat.
When Xavi was winger Afif’s manager, he said: “He’s an unbelievable talent, a big player. I have told him many times that he’s an amazing player.”
Striker Ali, meanwhile, was born in Sudan and scored a quite brilliant overhead kick in the 3-1 Asia Cup final win over Japan.
Both 26, Ali has 39 goals in 82 caps for Qatar, while Doha-born Afif has netted 24 in 83 internationals.
Ecuador threats
There is little doubt that both of these sides are the underdogs in Group A — the Netherlands and Senegal are expected to qualify.
But Ecuador finished fourth in the notoriously tough South America qualifying and come into the tournament with the youngest of the squads from that continent.
Brighton’s Moises Caicedo is the undoubted star of the show, though their chances will be harmed by some big injuries.
Boss Gustavo Alfaro has helped turn their fortunes around in a relatively short space of time and will know that victory here is a must if they want to progress.
France have been dealt another injury blow as Karim Benzema is out of the World Cup.
Benzema will become the first reigning Ballon d’Or winner to miss a world finals since Allan Simonsen’s Denmark failed to qualify for the 1978 tournament.
The ‘holders’ curse’ is now well established – Benzema had been hoping to help France end a sequence of three consecutive defending champions exiting in the first round – but Ballon d’Or victors have been no more fortunate.
In fact, stars entering a World Cup recognised as the world’s best player have never gone home with the trophy.
While Alfredo Di Stefano’s Spain, like Simonsen’s Denmark, did not qualify in 1958, Benzema is the first player to be absent through injury.
But plenty of all-time greats have suffered World Cup heartache at their peak.
Karim @Benzema has pulled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury.
Eusebio lived up to his billing of being the best player in the world at the time by finishing as top scorer in the 1966 World Cup with nine goals. Thanks to the form of their star man, Portugal made quite the impact in their maiden tournament as they eliminated Brazil, who were without the injured Pele, but his penalty against England was not enough as the Selecao suffered semi-final heartbreak. The photo of a crestfallen Eusebio being led off the Wembley pitch remains iconic to this day, with the game being dubbed ‘Jogo das Lagrimas’ – the Game of Tears.
Roberto Baggio (1994)
After initially struggling to get going at USA 94 in an underwhelming group stage for Italy, Baggio finally came to life and showed why he was the world’s best in the knockout rounds. The Juventus star scored late on against Nigeria to take the game to extra time and then netted the winning goal in the additional period to set up a quarter-final with Spain, against whom he also bagged the winner. That hot streak continued with two more goals against Bulgaria in the semis, yet the tournament would ultimately end in heartbreak as he skied the decisive penalty for the Azzurri against Brazil – a miss that he has had to relive over and over since that day.
😄 Brazil’s joy
💔 Baggio’s heartbreak
The penalty that decided the 1994 #FIFAWorldCup final 🇧🇷🇮🇹
Entering the World Cup as a true global superstar O Fenomeno – The Phenomenon – dealt with the intense pressure by scoring three times in Brazil’s run to another final, where hosts France awaited at the Parc des Princes. The showpiece is arguably best remembered more than two decades on for events prior to the match, with Ronaldo being left out of the starting line-up only to be reinstated 45 minutes before kick-off. The tale has been told countless times, though Ronaldo himself confirmed he was left out of the initial XI due to suffering a convulsion. While he won his battle to start, he could not make the impact he would have wanted as France ran out 3-0 winners in Saint-Denis.
Cristiano Ronaldo (2014 & 2018)
On the back of winning his second Champions League trophy, and the first of four with Real Madrid, Ronaldo looked in the mood to fire Portugal to a first World Cup crown. However, to say the tournament did not quite go Ronaldo and Portugal’s way would be a huge understatement. The Selecao lost 4-0 to eventual competition winners Germany in their opening match and then required a 95th-minute goal to salvage a 2-2 draw against the United States. A 2-1 win over Ghana in their final match, with Ronaldo at least getting off the mark in that game, failed to prevent Portugal from crashing out in the group stage. Portugal, European champions at the time, only fared marginally better four years later with the world’s best player in their ranks as they fell to Uruguay in the first knockout round.
Roberto Mancini has tipped Argentina to win their third World Cup as Lionel Messi and team-mates chase glory in Qatar.
Mancini’s Italy side will not be involved after a shock 1-0 play-off defeat to North Macedonia in March.
Italy’s absence from Qatar comes despite them being the reigning European champions, having beaten England on penalties in the Euro 2020 final.
That triumph subsequently saw them face off against Argentina in the UEFA/CONMEBOL Finalissima at Wembley in June, after Lionel Scaloni’s men won the Copa America.
Argentina comfortably beat Italy 3-0, and Mancini says that performance plays a part in him ranking them as favourites for the World Cup.
“There are many strong teams,” Mancini told reporters. “If I had to choose one, I’d go for Argentina.
“They really impressed when we played each other.”
Italy have won their last three matches as they look to get over World Cup disappointment, most recently seeing off Albania in a 3-1 friendly victory on Wednesday. They face another game against Austria on Sunday.
Mancini is still upset about the failure to reach Qatar, but he has been pleased with his team’s reaction, saying: “We immediately showed a desire to fight back, winning a Nations League group that was by no means easy ahead of Germany, Hungary and England.
“Unfortunately, we’ll have to keep this suffering until mid-December when the tournament is over. Next time, we need to be more precise.”
Eric Garcia believes Spain’s“spectacular” blend of exuberant youngsters and experienced veterans could see them beat any team at the World Cup in Qatar.
Between 2008 and 2012, Spain lifted two European Championship titles and also won their first World Cup as they dominated international football, boasting stars such as Andres Iniesta, Iker Casillas and David Villa.
However, since that Euro 2012 triumph, Spain have not made it back to a major tournament final and the majority of their key players from those glory years have retired.
Just Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba remain from that Euro 2012 squad, but the emergence of exciting young talent such as Ansu Fati and Pedri has reignited hopes of success returning under the stewardship of Luis Enrique.
Defender Garcia feels Spain’s mix of senior figures, such as Busquets and Alba, and their electrifying tyros could lead to a successful tournament in Qatar.
“For me, we have a perfect combination between young and old,” Garcia told SPORT. “In the end, youngsters continue to learn every day, and other more experienced players try to teach us.
“I think that this combination has many benefits in many aspects, because this group is spectacular.
“We have to be ourselves. We know what we are capable of when we are ourselves, we can compete and beat any team. That is the first step, first Costa Rica and then the rest, with the intention of going far, which is what we want.
“Maybe we don’t have a [Lionel] Messi or a Neymar, but we have players who individually contribute a great plus, like Pedri, Gavi, Busquets, [Marco] Asensio at the level he is. Having these players will help us.”
Qatar will be Garcia’s first taste of World Cup action with Spain, and he is thrilled to be part of the team, explaining how he watched past tournaments since childhood.
“As you get older, you’re thinking, ‘I wish I could be there one day’,” he said. “It is a privilege to be able to be here, living an experience that everyone would like to live, so it must be appreciated and valued.”
Garcia hopes to be selected in Luis Enrique’s line-up for Spain’s opening game against Costa Rice on Wednesday, adding: “The competition in each position is very high, but in my head is to work as much as possible in training and if the coach counts on me, be at the highest possible level every minute I play.”
After the meeting with Costa Rica, Spain will take on Germany and Japan in Group E.
Karim Benzema insisted it was not in his nature to “give up” as he was forced to concede his World Cup dream with France was over.
A quadriceps problem in his left thigh has flared up and left the 34-year-old resigned to packing his bags rather than contributing for Les Bleus in Qatar.
He won the highly prized Ballon d’Or award last month, recognition of his spectacular form last season, but Benzema will be on the outside looking in on football’s biggest show after suffering a setback in France’s training session on Saturday.
It had been his first full on-pitch activity with the France squad during the pre-tournament camp, with Benzema having been determined to prove his fitness before the team’s opening game against Australia on Tuesday.
He had been bothered by muscular fatigue in the left quadriceps while with Real Madrid in recent weeks, missing several games, and this latest blow may be a recurrence of that problem.
France have the option to call in a replacement for Benzema, who faces around three weeks of recovery. That time span suggests Benzema could have been fit in time to contribute before the end of the World Cup, but it was agreed he should be withdrawn from the squad.
Reports said France would decide whether to summon an additional player on Sunday.
Benzema wrote on Twitter and Instagram: “In my life I never give up but tonight I have to think about the team like I always do, so reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our team to have a great World Cup. Thank you for all your messages of support.”
De ma vie je n’ai jamais abandonné mais ce soir il faut que je pense à l’équipe comme je l’ai toujours fait alors la raison me dit de laisser ma place à quelqu’un qui pourra aider notre groupe à faire une belle Coupe du Monde. Merci pour tous vos messages de soutien 🙌🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/SBalX0juAH
International team-mate and fellow superstar striker Kylian Mbappe replied by writing “Force”, which translates to “Strength”.
France and Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele was another to send a message of support, as was Presnel Kimpembe, the defender who withdrew from the squad at the start of the week due to his own injury.
Benzema’s Real Madrid team-mate Rodrygo, a member of Brazil’s squad, wrote: “The best must compete in the best. You will be missed in the World Cup… Good recovery KB9!”
Karim Benzema will miss the World Cup after the France striker suffered an injury blow on the eve of the tournament.
The Real Madrid captain, who missed Les Bleus’ triumph at Russia 2018 while out of favour amid an ongoing blackmail investigation, was set to play a big part this time for Didier Deschamps’ team.
Benzema won the Ballon d’Or last month after a spectacular 2021-22 season that saw him score 44 goals in 46 games for Madrid, helping the Spanish giants win LaLiga and the Champions League.
However, he has been troubled by physical setbacks this term and the most untimely and crushing of all blows for the 34-year-old came on the day before Qatar 2022 was set to get underway.
Benzema only resumed full training with France on Saturday, after recent muscle trouble, but he could not complete the squad session due to injury.
He underwent tests that produced results ruling him out of the tournament.
The French Football Federation said in a statement: “Karim Benzema has pulled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury. The whole team shares Karim’s disappointment and wishes him a speedy recovery.”
Karim @Benzema has pulled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury.
The former Lyon frontman was troubled by a knee blow earlier this season before missing further fixtures for Madrid after suffering from muscular fatigue in his left quadriceps, with Saturday’s blow seemingly a recurrence of that.
World Cup holders France begin their defence on Tuesday against Australia, before also tackling Denmark and Tunisia in Group D on November 26 and 30 respectively.
Benzema’s absence from the tournament is the latest in a line of major setbacks for France, even though coach Deschamps also has the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud as forward options.
RB Leipzig’s prolific Christopher Nkunku was forced to pull out of the squad this week after suffering knee ligament damage in a training collision with Eduardo Camavinga.
They also lost star midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, who would have been central to Deschamps’ plans.
Richarlison says Brazil’splayers “will do everything” they can to win a record-extending sixth World Cup in Qatar.
Brazil are steeped in World Cup history, with more titles than any other country, though their fifth and most recent triumph came in 2002.
Tite’s men head into the tournament in Qatar as one of the favourites having lost just one match since 2019, their Copa America final defeat to Argentina last year.
Richarlison will be playing in his first World Cup, having scored 17 goals in his 38 appearances for the Selecao since his debut in 2018.
The 25-year-old says he and his team-mates will do all they can to bring home the trophy, telling Eurosport: “If we will win? I don’t know, but we will do everything to win the World Cup.
“I prefer that we work in silence, doing our job and doing our best every day. Certainly, Professor Tite [head coach] will prepare us well for a great World Cup.”
The Tottenham forward believes Brazil deserve to be among the most fancied teams and is confident they will make an impression in Qatar, saying: “I think there are a lot of good teams, but we are Brazil.
“We have a lot of history, we’ve never been out of the World Cup and we’re going to the World Cup to honour the shirt. We’re definitely going to get something good for us.”
Despite his belief in Brazil’s prospects, Richarlison acknowledged other sides he feels have a chance, adding: “There are a lot of good teams.
“The defending champions, France. Belgium, for example, and Argentina, which has a good squad and won the Copa America.”
Brazil open their World Cup campaign against Serbia on Thursday, before facing Switzerland and Cameroon in Group G.
Gianni Infantino promised that “everyone is welcome” in Qatar, but was adamant the country must not be criticised despite its questionable human rights record.
A World Cup the FIFA president believes will go down as the best in history kicks off on Sunday, with host nation Qatar taking on Ecuador.
The awarding of the tournament to Qatar, which happened in 2010, has drawn much criticism, with the Gulf state’s record on human rights particularly contentious.
Homosexualityis still a crime in Qatar, while the nation’s government does not recognise same-sex marriage or civil partnerships, while campaigns for LGBTQ+ rights have been quashed.
Infantino, though, assured that people of any sexuality, race or religion are welcome in the country, as in an hour-long monologue at the Main Media Centre in Doha on Saturday, he called out what he sees as the “hypocrisy” of the western world and media, insisting that he must take any criticism, and not Qatar or the players or coaches.
“At the last World Cup I was always getting angry, because I had to deal with questions about doping, which I had nothing to do with,” Infantino said.
“Here I have to deal with other topics. If you want to criticise somebody, don’t criticise the players, the coaches, let them focus on football and making their fans happy.
“If you want to criticise someone, criticise me, I am here, crucify me. Don’t criticise Qatar. Criticise FIFA, criticise me. But let people enjoy this World Cup.
“Do we want to continue to divide, to spit on people because they feel different, or look different? We obtain results, it’s a process. Help us, don’t divide, don’t split.
“We have 32 teams, 33 with the referees, we have a beautiful city that wants to welcome the world. Let’s celebrate and hope we can give some joy around the world.”
Infantino promised he had assurances that people within the LGBTQ+ community will be welcome and secure in Qatar.
“I’ve been speaking about this topic with the highest leadership in the country, several times,” he said.
“I can confirm that everyone is welcome. If you’re a person here or there that says the opposite, well it’s not the opinion of the country, and it’s certainly not the opinion of FIFA.
“This is a clear requirement, everyone has to be welcome. Whatever religion, race, sexual orientation or belief that she or he has, everyone is welcome – this is our requirement and the Qatari state sticks to this.
“Yes, these legislations exist in many countries in the world. These legislations existed when Switzerland organised the World Cup, in 1954. What do you want to do about it?
“Do you want to stay home and criticise, say how bad they are – these Arabs or Muslims or whatever, because it’s not allowed to be publicly gay. Of course, I believe it should be allowed, but I went through a process.
“If I asked the same question to my father, who is not here anymore, he would probably have a different answer than me, and my children will have a different answer than me.
“If somebody thinks by hammering and criticising we achieve anything, it will be exactly the opposite, because it will be provocation and if you provoke me the reaction will be bad, then the doors will be more closed, even though now the door is starting to open.
“Tolerance starts with ourselves, we shouldn’t spread aggression, we have to spread understanding.”
Infantino hopes the tournament will help unite the world, claiming that is FIFA’s aim.
He said: “We are a global organisation, and we want to unite the world. I am still convinced, though not sure how optimistic I still am, that this World Cup will help to open the eyes of people in the western world to the Arab world.
“We have to live together, but we have to understand we have different beliefs, different history and backgrounds, but we are in the same world. It’s why you have to come here and say what you see – when you see something that is wrong, say how it can be rectified, please.
“Maybe we can help everyone to understand how we can help each other a little bit better.”
Bukayo Saka can thrive during England’s World Cup campaign after handling the fallout from his penalty miss in the Euro 2020 final “impeccably”, according to Aaron Ramsdale.
Saka’s spot-kick was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma after England’s tense draw with Italy last July, ensuring the Three Lions lost on their first major final appearance since the 1966 World Cup.
The winger then endured further disappointment on the domestic stage as Arsenal failed to secure a top-four finish last term, but he has bounced back in fine fashion this season.
With Arsenalflying high at the top of the Premier League table, only five players have bettered Saka’s tally of 10 goal contributions in the competition this campaign (four goals, six assists), and his Gunners team-mate Ramsdale expects him to impress in Qatar.
Asked by ESPN how Saka handled last year’s disappointment, Ramsdale said: “[I’m] trying to find the right words, impeccably, probably.
“The kid’s a lovely boy, he has time for everyone, he works super hard throughout every week.
“He very, very rarely misses a training session and he used all that motivation of criticism, but also the love that everyone gave him, [it] gave him an extra boost.
“Don’t forget he had the pressure of the whole football club on him last year – him and Emile Smith Rowe were our main guys – and he has dealt with that, he’s dealt with everything else.
“He is thriving and I can’t wait to see him thrive over here.”
“I was just able to reflect that the season before they finished eighth, [last] season we finished fifth, and if we go another step again, we will be in the top four. It’s a game of football and there’s a lot more to it.”
Asked whether Saka had become a stronger character in the last year, he added: “Absolutely. There is no doubt about that, off the pitch and on it. He’s a more complete person.”
Switzerlanddefender Silvan Widmer has suggested that the weather was partly to blame for his side 2-0 defeat to Ghana in pre-World Cup friendly.
Mohammed Salisu and Antoine Serlom Semenyo scored in the second half to ensure the West Africans head into the World Cup on a high note.
During the game, there were about four stoppages for players to drink some liquids due to the hot weather condition in Abu Dhabi.
“The game was decided by a goal after a corner. We saw an even game between two teams who couldn’t go as fast as they could because of the heat,” Widmer said after the game.
“But we still have to step on the gas. That’s a losing game, bottom line. Playing at two in the afternoon when it’s over 30 degrees is difficult. We did well in terms of positions, especially in the first half. Let’s see what the coach has in store for us in the next few days.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino launched an impassioned defence of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, insisting he feels solidarity with many of the groups seemingly marginalised by taking the event to the Middle East.
The decision to host world football’s showpiece event in Qatar – a country with a chequered past on human rights issues, its treatment of migrant workers and the illegality of homosexuality – has drawn widespread criticism, but in an extraordinary riposte, Infantino was unrepentant.
He said: “Today I have very strong feelings. Today, I feel Qatari. Today, I feel Arab. Today, I feel African. Today, I feel gay. Today, I feel disabled. Today, I feel a migrant worker.
“I feel all this because what I have been seeing and what I have been told, since I don’t read, otherwise I will be depressed.
“What I see brings me back to my personal story. I am a son of migrant workers, my parents were working hard in very difficult conditions, not in Qatar but in Switzerland, I remember it very well. I know the rights migrants in Switzerland had.
“I remember as a child how migrant workers were treated when they wanted to enter a country and look for work.
“I remember what happened with their passports, their medical checks, with their accommodation and when I came to Doha for the first time after I was elected FIFA president I went to see some of the accommodation and I was brought back to my childhood.
“I said to the people in Qatar, this is not right, and the same way that Switzerland has become an example of tolerance, inclusion and rights, Qatar has made progress as well.
“Of course, I am not Qatari, I am not Arab, I am not African, I am not gay, I am not disabled, I am not a migrant worker but I feel like them because I know what it feels to be discriminated against by a bully.
“As a foreigner in a foreign county, as a child at school, I was bullied at school because I had red hair and freckles. I was Italian, and didn’t speak good German.
“What do you do? You lock yourself down, go to your room and cry. And then you try to make some friends, to engage, make friends. And then you try to make these friends engage with others. You don’t start fighting, you start engaging and this is what we should be doing.
“I am proud to have this FIFA sign on my jacket. It’s not easy to read all the criticism from a decision taken 12 years ago. Now we have to make the best out of it.
“Qatar is ready and it will be the best World Cup ever. As soon as the ball rolls, people will focus on that.”
Infantino’s “I feel gay” comment immediately prompted accusations of hypocrisy on social media given he heads an organisation that is staging the World Cup in a country with such an oppressive outlook on homosexuality.
He added: “If we were to exclude all these countries, you are playing football with just you and me.
“I think football has to bring people together and I think we have to welcome everybody. Gay people are welcome in Qatar – we need to engage, don’t provoke.
“How many gay people were prosecuted in Europe? It was a process, we went through a process. We seem to forget.
“We shouldn’t take for granted that a country that has not had the same chance for development as we had in Europe.
“We have to have our beliefs, engage and explain. I think provocation is the wrong way. I may be right, may be wrong. I try to engage.”
Accra Hearts of Oak forward, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh has implored Ghanaians to support him in prayers ahead of the 2022 World Cup after his impressive performance against Switzerland on Thursday.
Barnieh was named in Black Stars’ starting XI and won the hearts of Ghanaians with his explosive performance.
Speaking after the match in the United Arab Emirates, the former U-20 star said the prayers of Ghanaian fans are crucial to his subsequent performances and that of the team at the World Cup in Qatar.
“The fans should keep on praying and support me,” he told Joy Sports.
The Black Galaxies captain also said he had a good game because he relaxed and executed all the instructions that the coaches gave him.
“It was a good game, there wasn’t pressure and I stick to what the coaches said and everything went well for me,” he added.
Mohammed Salisu and Antione Semenyo scored the goals as Ghana wrapped up their preparations ahead of the Mundial in Qatar.
The Hearts of Oak forward was a surprise inclusion in Otto Addo’s 26-man squad for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Ghana will leave Abu Dhabi for Doha today. The Black Stars have been housed in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay and Barnieh will hope for more game time at the global showpiece.
The 22nd edition of the Mundial has been scheduled to kick off from November 20 to December 1, 2022.
Belgium‘s final warm-up match before the World Cup ended in defeat as Mostafa Mohamed and Trezeguet struck to earn Egypt a 2-1 victory in Kuwait.
Mohamed took advantage of an uncharacteristic mistake from Kevin De Bruyne to fire the Pharaohs into the lead, before Trezeguet scored a minute after half-time to put them two goals to the good.
Lois Openda reduced the deficit with a close-range finish but they could not find an equaliser as Roberto Martinez’s men fell to a second consecutive defeat.
The defeat exposed serious defensive deficiencies for Belgium ahead of their trip to Qatar, where they are hoping to better their run to the semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup.
Belgium hit the bar within 10 minutes when Michy Batshuayi rattled the woodwork, though replays later showed the former Chelsea man was clearly offside.
After Thibaut Courtois twice denied Trezeguet, Arthur Theate sent a long-range curler looping onto the top of the net.
Mohamed gave Egypt the lead, capitalising on De Bruyne’s poor touch before side-footing beautifully into the bottom right corner from outside the box.
Mohamed El Shenawy then made a big stop to save Yannick Carrasco’s fierce drive and preserve his side’s lead heading into the interval.
Egypt doubled their lead moments after the break, Trezeguet latching onto Mohamed Salah’s excellent throughball before rifling home as Belgium continued to look shaky at the back.
Martinez’s men screamed for a penalty when half-time substitute Openda was felled by Ahmed Hegazy but a VAR review decided not to award a spot-kick.
Belgium pressed to pull a goal back but they struggled to break though Egypt’s resolute defence, with Youri Tielemans firing well over from range almost out of frustration.
They did find a goal back through Openda when he was picked out by a superb Carrasco cross but they could not kick on and find an equaliser.
What does it mean? Belgium head to World Cup out of form
Belgium are ranked second in the world by FIFA but they looked a million miles from that against Egypt in both attack and defence.
Martinez’s men rarely threatened and completed the match with just 0.64 xG (expected goals). They also looked a liability at the back despite holding 67.4 per cent of the possession as Egypt finished with a superior 0.76 xG.
Terrific Trezeguet
Trezeguet was a constant threat and could have finished with more than just the one goal had his finishing been more clinical.
The former Aston Villa man finished the game with four shots, all on target, while he ranked highest on his team for touches in Belgium’s box (three) and total xG (0.61).
Rare De Bruyne mistake
Egypt were set on their way to victory by De Bruyne‘s heavy touch when in seemingly no danger just outside his own penalty area, which Mohamed ruthlessly punished.
The Manchester City midfielder was taken off at the break after a poor 45 minutes by his lofty standards, failing to register a shot or a touch in Egypt’s box as his usual attacking output was missing.
What’s next?
Belgium get their World Cup campaign underway against Canada on Wednesday, while Egypt’s absence from the tournament means they will not be back in action until 2023.
This week, Hashir Ali and 11 of his friends will make a long trip – from Kozhikode city in the southern state of Kerala to Doha, the capital of Qatar.
Mr Ali, 55, a football-crazy civil engineer, and his friends are travelling to Doha for the World Cup, where they will stay for 10 days to watch the matches live.
Mr Ali bought tickets for the matches six months ago through a friend in Doha and has been waiting for the “big moment” ever since.
He is among several fans in India, who are gung-ho about football. Along with Kerala, Kolkata city in the eastern state of West Bengal and Kolhapur district in the western state of Maharashtra also have a large number of football fans.
With the world’s second largest population, many feel India is under-represented in the world’s most popular sport – the national team languishes in 106th spot in Fifa’s rankings.
Though India qualified in 1950, they have never actually made it to the World Cup. They refused to participate, partly because it would have meant their normally barefoot team having to wear football boots.
But every time the World Cupis held, India’s football fans do crazy things to express their love for the sport, and their favourite international team.
They save up for months to travel to watch the games; hold mock-matches sporting their favourite team’s jerseys; predict who will win the championship and take out colourful processions to celebrate their team’s victories.
Image source, Arun chandra boseImage caption, Fans erected large cut-outs of their favourite footballers in a river in Kerala
Recently, fans erected a 30ft-tall cut-out of Lionel Messi in a river in Kozhikode. Not to be one-upped, fans of Christiano Ronaldo and Neymar soon erected cut-outs of their idols. These outlandish additions to the river invited a lot of media attention, and even Fifa tweeted about them.
For many Keralites, Qatar is also like a second home, as thousands work or have set up businesses in the middle-eastern country. Several of them have worked for firms who have built stadia for the World Cup.
“It’s a dream come true to watch my favourite players in action,” Mr Ali told the BBC as he was packing for his flight.
Along with sundry items needed for the trip, his bags also contains gifts for his favourite footballers – miniature dhows, or sailing boats.
The dhow, also known as uru in Kerala, has its origins in India’s ancient maritime trade. Craftsmen in Beypore – an ancient port town in Kozhikode – have been engaged in dhow-making for generations and their handcrafted luxury dhows are popular among Qatari millionaires.
A thousand handcrafted miniature dhows made by the traditional shipbuilders of Beypore have been shipped to Qatar as merchandise for the World Cup. A life-sized dhow is also set to be on display.
Image source, ARUN CHANDRA BOSEImage caption, Kerala has a huge number of football fans
Mr Ali is also taking a gift for the organisers – a dhow with flowers of participating countries drawn on its mast.
“We have drawn pictures of all the eight stadiums and flags of the participating countries on a football along with other icons,” Meghna Unnikrishnan, the creator of the artwork, told the BBC.
“It took almost a month for the artisans to build the dhow, carved from teakwood, and I and three other artists finished the drawings in two days,” she adds.
An ardent fan of Lionel Messi, “of course after Diego Maradona”, Mr Ali is going to watch the World Cup matches live for the first time.
“Thank God [the World Cup in being held in] Doha this time and all the eight stadiums are in a 10km (6 miles) radius. Otherwise, I could not even dream of doing so,” he says.
He says he would like to stay back and watch more matches, but “that’s too expensive” for him and it’ll take a “heavy toll” on his work back home.
Last week, Indian fans gathered in large numbers in Doha to cheer the arriving England team by beating drums and blowing horns.
Image source, Hashir Ali / Gudam Art GalleryImage caption, Hashir Ali and Meghna Unnikrishnan with a miniature dhow they are carrying to Doha
TV networks in Kerala have also captured expatriate fans of teams from other countries, celebrating on the street, wearing the team’s colours and waving their national flag.
“Football is in our blood and we make every match a celebration. There’s no permanent loyalty,” Mr Ali says.
In the neighbouring Malappuram district, the World Cup craze started six months ago, with seven football matches representing prominent local teams.
The players donned jerseys of their favourite countries – France, England, Argentina, Brazil, Holland, Germany and Portugal – in the seven-a-side matches.
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Jerseys on sale in Kolkata city in the state of West Bengal
Abdul Nazar, a footballer from Vengara village in Malappuram is also readying to fly to Doha early next month.
Along with him, around 25 fans from the village are also travelling to Doha to cheer their favourite teams. They’ve arranged for drums to beat and flags to wave whenever their chosen team scores a goal, he says.
“We have fans for all major teams, although Argentina and Brazil are favourites,” Mr Nazar told the BBC.
Pele “had Ghana in mind” when he predicted a team from Africa would eventually win the World Cup, the country’s president said on Friday.
As the Black Stars set off for Qatar, hopes are high at home that the 2010 quarter-finalists can have another strong tournament.
Brazilgreat Pele forecast in the 1970s that a team from Africa would win football’s greatest global title before the end of the century.
That did not come to fruition, and Africa has yet to produce a World Cup semi-finalist. Few would expect that to change in Qatar 2022, and Ghana enter the tournament as long shots.
The opening game for Otto Addo’s team comes on November 24 against Portugal, who should have superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks.
President Nana Akufo-Addo said: “A long time ago, the greatest footballer that’s ever lived, the Brazilian Pele, said that very soon an African country is going to lift that trophy, and I know that he had in mind Ghana.
“Let’s all together rally around the young men and the team and make sure we give them our maximum support.
“They’re going to go a long way away in Doha and Qatar, but they should know the entire nation, without distinction of politics, or religion, or ethnicity; the entire Ghanaian nation are 100 per cent solidly behind them.”
Ghana will also face South Korea and Uruguay in Group H, and the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) challenged the team to “hoist the flag of Ghana even higher on global football’s ultimate stage”.
“As the mother body of all professional footballers in the country, the PFAG expects a sterling showing from our gallant warriors to make all Ghanaians proud,” the association said in a statement.
“We wish the playing body the very best as they lace up their boots to do battle on the world stage.
“To the technical bench, we urge you to continue doing your utmost and to leave no stone unturned in mapping out our assured paths to victory.
“Finally, to all teeming and passionate fans of the Black Stars, we ask that you enjoin us in fervent prayer and resounding support for our Stars!
“Let’s chant and sing in one voice to push our team beyond all hurdles in their quest to shine bright in Qatar!”
Barcelona’s 19-year-old full-back Alejandro Balde has been added to Spain’s squad for the World Cup following an injury to Jose Gaya.
Valencia left-back Gaya has won 18 caps for Spain after making his international debut in 2018, and he looked likely to deputise for La Roja’s vice-captain Jordi Alba in Qatar.
However, Gaya suffered an ankle sprain in training on Wednesday, and while initial reports said his injury was not serious, Luis Enrique has opted against taking any risks ahead of the tournament.
Balde had been preparing to represent Spain’s under-21 side against Japan in a friendly on Friday, but he could now win his first senior cap on the grandest stage of all.
Balde made his Barcelona debut in a Champions Leaguedefeat to Bayern Munich last September, and has assumed a prominent role in Xavi’s new-look team this season.
With Barcelona battling a series of injury problems in defence, Balde has made 16 appearances for the Blaugrana this campaign, starting on 13 occasions.
Spain begin their Group E campaign against Costa Rica at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday, before taking on Germany in a huge clash four days later.
Salima Mukansanga, one of the three female referees who will officiate at a men’s World Cup for the first time, said they have been chosen for the tournament in Qatar not simply based on their gender but because they deserve the chance.
Rwanda’s Mukansanga, Yamashita Yoshimi of Japan and Frenchwoman Stephanie Frappart along with three female assistant referees have been selected for the World Cup, which begins on Sunday.
“We are here because we deserve to be here. Back at our confederation, or back at home it is another level, so this is the biggest level of football,” Mukansanga told reporters in Doha on Friday.
“So being here means we deserve to be here, it’s not a change or because we are women.”
Assistant referee Kathryn Nesbitt of the United States said they feel welcome.
“We feel like we are one referee team here, no difference man or woman,” she said.
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