NEWS

28Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Casemiro, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Casemiro hits winner as Brazil seal last-16 spot

Thiago Silva, Casemiro, Marquinhos, Eder Militao of Brazil celebrates victory after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match between Brazil and Switzerland at Stadium 974 on November 28, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Casemiro scored a stunning winner as five-time champions Brazil edged past Switzerland to reach the World Cup knockout stage. An otherwise drab encounter was brought to life seven minutes from time as Manchester United midfielder Casemiro fired a first-time effort into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Yann Sommer standing. Brazil backed up their opening victory over Serbia to top the group with maximum points and will guarantee top spot with a point against Cameroon in their final game. Tite’s men thought they had broken the deadlock after the hour mark when Vinicius Jr kept his co...

28Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Mohammed Salisu, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Ghana edge out South Korea in gripping game

Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Daniel Amartey, Denis Odoi, Mohammed Salisu and Alexander Djiku of Ghana celebrate following the final whistle of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Korea Republic and Ghana at Education City Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar.Ghana won an exhilarating match packed with twists and turns against South Korea in front of a vibrant crowd at Education City Stadium in Qatar. A 10-minute spell in the first half by the African nation gave them a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu and Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus. However, noisy celebrations by Ghana fans at half time were dampened by a South Korea comeback after the break. Two stunning headers in three minutes from Cho Gue-sung, the top scorer in his domestic league, leve...

28Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS, Niclas Fullkrug, World Cup 2022

Germany score late for crucial draw against Spain

Niclas Fuellkrug of Germany in action during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Spain and Germany at Al Bayt Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar.Niclas Fullkrug gave Germany a precious point against Spain as they fight for World Cup survival. Germany's hopes of reaching the knockout phase had been given an unlikely lifeline earlier on Sunday when Costa Rica beat Japan when any other result would have meant defeat by Spain would send them out. Hansi Flick's side still need to defeat Costa Rica in their final Group E game and hope Japan do not spring a shock against Spain but at least they know their hopes of moving into the last 16 are intact after falling behind at Al Bayt Stadium. Spain, who almost went ahead in the first half when keeper Manuel Neuer turned Da...

27Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Lionel Messi, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Messi scores in vital Argentina win over Mexico

Lionel Messi (10) of Argentina celebrates scoring a goal during a friendly football game against Jamaica at Red Bull Arena. Argentina won 3 - 0. Friendly game played in preparation for the World Cup to be held in Qatar in November 2022. Lionel Messi produced a moment of trademark magic to help keep Argentina’s World Cup hopes alive with victory in a tense encounter against Mexico. In a cauldron of noise at Lusail Stadium, Messi and Argentina knew defeat would end their hopes of reaching the last 16 after only two games following the stunning loss to Saudi Arabia in their opener. The tension was mounting as Mexico frustrated Messi in an attritional game, especially in a first half littered with fouls and stoppages that never allowed Argentina to gain any momentum. Messi changed all th...

26Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Mitchell Duke, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Duke gives Australia crucial win over Tunisia

Mitchell Duke of Australia celebrates 1-0 with teammates during the World Cup match between Tunisia v Australia at the Al Janoub Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Al Wakrah Qatar.Australia forward Mitchell Duke dedicated his match-winning goal against Tunisia to his son and said it is "a moment I will hold very dear for the rest of my life". Duke took advantage of a positive start by Australia when he superbly flicked Craig Goodwin's cross into the far corner to put them 1-0 up after 23 minutes. That sparked an outburst of jubilant celebration from the small contingent of Australia fans behind the goal, which momentarily silenced the hostile and unwavering support for Tunisia. Knowing defeat would mean an early exit from the World Cup, Australia held on to the narrow lead that keeps alive th...

25Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS, Neymar, World Cup 2022

Neymar out of two World Cup games with ankle injury

Neymar Jr in action during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match between Brazil and Serbia at Lusail Stadium on November 24, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil’s next two World Cup games after sustaining ligament damage in his right ankle, says their team doctor. The 30-year-old forward was replaced in the 80th minute of Thursday’s 2-0 win over Serbia after a heavy tackle from Nikola Milenkovic. Neymar sat with his face covered while receiving treatment and pictures showed his right ankle was swollen. Right-back Danilo will also miss the next two games with ankle damage. Brazil face Switzerland in their second Group G game on Monday (16:00 GMT), before playing Cameroon next Friday (19:00 BST). “Neymar and Danilo went through a MRI on Friday afternoon and w...

25Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BRAZIL, NEWS, Richarlison, World Cup 2022

Richarlison scores stunning volley in Brazil win

Richarlison of Brazil celebrates with team mate after putting his side -0 ahead during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match between Brazil and Serbia at Lusail Stadium on November 24, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.Richarlison lit up the World Cup with a moment of Brazilian magic as the tournament favourites overcame Serbia’s stubborn resistance to open their campaign with an impressive victory. Brazil had to play a patient game to break down an organised Serbia rearguard but forced the breakthrough after 62 minutes when Tottenham striker Richarlison turned home a close-range finish after Vanja Milinkovic-Savic saved Vinicius Junior’s effort. Richarlison’s crowning moment came 11 minutes later, at first mis-controlling a pass from Vinicius but readjusting brilliantly to take the aerial ...

24Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Cristiano Ronaldo, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Ronaldo nets at record fifth World Cup in victory

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates scoring the goal with during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Portugal and Ghana at Stadium 974 on November 24, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score at five Fifa World Cups as Portugal began their campaign with a thrilling victory over Ghana. Ronaldo was playing for the first time since his controversial television interview last week and his subsequent release by Manchester United following the comments. And the 37-year-old scored the opening goal from the penalty spot, hammering in after being tripped in the box by Ghana’s Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu. Captain Ronaldo had a couple of chances early on but a low shot was smothered by Lawrence Ati-Zigi and he also headed wide at the far post. ...

24Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Canada, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Canada miss penalty as Belgium seal laboured win

Toby Alderweireld (R) and Jan Vertonghen (L) of Belgium in action with Cyle Larin of Canada during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group F match between Belgium and Canada at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on November 23, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. Belgium laboured to victory in their opening World Cup game as they were pushed all the way by an outstanding effort from Canada. Canada dominated large portions of this Group F game but were wasteful in front of goal, particularly when Alphonso Davies saw a first-half penalty saved by Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois. Courtois also had to save well from Alistair Johnston, but Canada were undone against the run of play on the stroke of half-time when Michy Batshuayi collected Toby Alderweireld’s long ball and fired a powerful left-foot finish past Milan Borj...

23Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Gavi, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Teenager Gavi stars as Spain hammer Costa Rica

Gavi of Spain controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Spain and Costa Rica at Al Thumama Stadium on November 23, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Gavi announced himself on the global stage with a brilliant volley as Spain produced a sparkling passing performance to outclass Costa Rica and start their World Cup in sensational style. Ferran Torres scored twice in what was a stroll from start to finish for the 2010 champions. But the pick of their seven goals was Gavi's outstanding volleyed finish, with the Barcelona teenager using the outside of his foot to steer a dropping ball home via the post and become the youngest World Cup goalscorer since Pele. This has been a tournament full of surprises, with Spain's Group E rivals Germany the latest victims with their late ...

23Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Japan, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Late Japan comeback sends Germany to shock defeat

Takuma Asano of Japan scores the winner beating Manuel Neuer of Germany during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Germany and Japan at Khalifa International Stadium on November 23, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. A stunning late comeback from Japan saw four-time winners Germany fall to a shock defeat in their opening World Cup game in Qatar. Germany dominated a frenetic match for large spells but failed to capitalise on their pressure – before Japan caused the Khalifa International Stadium to erupt into a mix of celebration and surprise. Substitute Takuma Asano squeezed in a thumping strike from a tight angle to make it 2-1 to Japan and ran over to the photographers in the corner of the stadium in sheer delight. There was a collective pause in the arena as the ball rolled down f...

23Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Croatia, NEWS, World Cup 2022

2018 runners-up Croatia held by Morocco

Nayef Aguerd of Morocco battles for possession with Luka Modric of Croatia during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group F match between Morocco and Croatia at Al Bayt Stadium on November 23, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar.Croatia, runners-up four years ago, started their World Cup campaign with a goalless draw against a well-drilled Morocco at Al Bayt Stadium. Only four players from their final defeat by France in 2018 started this game and they lacked an attacking spark throughout, but came closest through Nikola Vlasic’s toe-poked effort. Morocco were impressive, but failed to create clear-cut opportunities. Belgium play Canada in the other Group F game at 19:00 GMT on Wednesday. Croatia, who are 12th in Fifa’s world rankings, dominated possession as expected, but they were unable to create opport...

22Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS, ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI, World Cup 2022

Lewandowski misses penalty as Poland draw v Mexico

Robert Lewandowski of Poland and Uriel Antuna of Mexico during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Mexico and Poland at Stadium 974 on November 22, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. Robert Lewandowski had a penalty saved as Poland and Mexico played out a goalless World Cup draw at a fervent Stadium 974. Captain Lewandowski has never scored in the tournament and his wait continues after a tame effort was kept out by Mexico’s veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. The 40,000-capacity venue was filled largely by raucous Mexico supporters and deafening cheers rung round when Lewandowski’s shot stayed out. A forgettable first half saw Alexis Vega head narrowly wide and the only effort on target came when Jorge Sanchez’s shot from the angle was pushed away by Wojciech Szczesny. Hirving Loza...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Bukayo Saka, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Saka scores twice as England thrash Iran in opener

(L-R) Milad Mohammadi of Iran, Bukayo Saka of England during the World Cup match between England v Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium on November 21, 2022 in Doha Qatar. England's Fifa World Cup campaign opened in thoroughly convincing fashion as they outclassed Iran during an incident-packed match in Doha. 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 team-mate Majid Hosseini. 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 Bukayo Saka's fine strike and Raheem Sterling's classy volley with the outside of his fo...

20Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS, Qatar, World Cup 2022

Hosts Qatar beaten by Ecuador in World Cup opener

Enner Valencia of Ecuador scores his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar.Hosts Qatar opened the 2022 Fifa World Cup in calamitous fashion, easily beaten by Ecuador in a humbling defeat at Al Bayt. Felix Sanchez’s men have been together in camp for the last six months to prepare for the tournament and work on tactics, but a nervous and disjointed performance led to a Group A loss. With Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal and three-time finalists the Netherlands to come, this looked like Qatar’s easiest game on paper but they totally outplayed. A dramatic opening to the contest saw Enner Valencia’s header from close range ruled out for offside by the video assistant refer...

19Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Gianni Infantino, NEWS, World Cup 2022

FIFA president Gianni Infantino delivers bizarre press conference on eve of World Cup

Fifa president Gianni Infantino reacts on November 19, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.FIFA president Gianni Infantino gave a confusing, and at times offensive, press conference one day before the 2022 World Cup kicks off. The decision to award Qatar the showpiece tournament back in 2010 kicked off a string of controversies relating to the nation’s human rights record, while their treatment of migrant workers leading up to the World Cup has also come under fire. With kick-off just one day away, there remain plenty of open criticisms regarding this World Cup, and Infantino gave a strange and disrespectful presser prior to the tournament’s opening. “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 mig...

19Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS, World Cup 2022

Budweiser says World Cup beer restrictions ‘beyond our control’

19 November 2022, Qatar, Al-Ruwais: Soccer, preparation for the World Cup in Qatar, Germany national team, training at Al-Shamal Stadium, players and coaches of the German national soccer team stand together. The parent company of American beer giant Budweiser said Friday that restrictions at World Cup matches were “beyond our control,” after the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) and host nation Qatar announced beer sales around stadiums would not be allowed. Budweiser, a major World Cup sponsor owned by beer maker AB InBev, was to exclusively sell alcoholic beer within the ticketed perimeter surrounding each of the eight stadiums three hours before and one hour after each game. The company acknowledged the decision taken just days before the first match kickoff ...

19Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

FIFA, NEWS, World Cup 2022

FIFA Tech Promises Faster, More Accurate Offside Decisions in Qatar

Referee Szymon Marciniak of Poland looks at the VAR screen during the Referees Media Day ahead of the official start of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Qatar Sports Club on November 18, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.VAR offside decisions will be quicker and more accurate at the World Cup after the introduction of new technology developed by FIFA over the last three years, referees chief Pierluigi Collina said on Friday. The “semi-automatic offside technology” will rule on even the tightest offside decisions more quickly than under the previous system and a 3D animated rendering of the incident will be broadcast for fans in the stadium and on TV. “(It) gives us the possibility to be faster and more accurate in terms of decisions about offside,” Collina told reporters in a briefing ahead of the tournamen...

18Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS, World Cup 2022

World Cup 2022: Complete guide to key dates and kickoff times

Spain's forward Ansu Fati arrives at the Hamad International Airport in Doha on November 18, 2022, ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament.World Cup 2022 in Qatar will be a novel addition to this year’s football calendar. With all of Europe’s top five leagues going on an extended break, at least we have the beautiful game to entertain us. The showpiece in Qatar gets underway on Sunday November 20th when the host nation faces up to Ecuador. Kickoff there is 18:00 CAT. From there, take your pick from a selection of intriguing matchday 1 fixtures as the planet’s finest test their mettle. MATCHDAY 1 FIXTURES AND KICKOFF TIMES MONDAY 21 NOVEMBER 15:00 – England vs Iran 18:00 – Senegal vs Netherlands 21:00 – USA vs Wales TUESDAY 22 NOVEMBER 12:00 – Argentina vs Saudi Arabia 15:00 –...

17Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Gianni Infantino, NEWS

Infantino set for uncontested re-election as FIFA President

Fifa President Gianni Infantino speaks at the beginning of the team seminar of the World Cup participants at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel in the Pearl district. The draw for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will take place in Doha on April 1.Incumbent Gianni Infantino is the only candidate for next year's FIFA Presidential election, clearing the way for him to serve a third term. The Swiss official succeeded the disgraced Sepp Blatter in 2016 after winning a four-way race, and was re-elected by acclamation in 2019. He announced his intention to run for a fresh term at the FIFA Congress earlier this year, and has been confirmed as the only candidate for the role after the passing of the deadline. Ex-Switzerland footballer Ramon Vega had yesterday announced his intention to challenge Infantino...