World Cup 2022 – Page 3 – Football Flame

2Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ao Tanaka, Japan, NEWS, Spain, World Cup 2022

Japan stuns world in thrilling upset over Spain as Germany crashes out of the World Cup

Ao Tanaka of Japan passes the ball under the pressure of Pedri of Spain during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Japan and Spain at Khalifa International Stadium on December 1, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Japan produced a stunning win at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, beating Spain 2-1 and securing a spot in the Group of 16 with four-time champions Germany crashing out of the tournament. Germany claimed a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica in their last Group E match, but it wasn't enough as they tumbled out at the first hurdle for the second consecutive time. Germany finished third in the standings on Thursday, behind Spain on goal difference, with Japan topping the group. If Japan had either drawn 1-1 or lost, Germany would have scraped through on goal difference. It was the first time in t...

1Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Belgium, NEWS, Romelu Lukaku, World Cup 2022

Belgium out of World Cup after draw with Croatia

Romelu Lukaku of Belgium heads the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group F match between Poland and Argentina at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on December 1, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Belgium were knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage as Croatia progressed at their expense with a goalless draw in Qatar. Roberto Martinez’s side, who finished third in Russia four years ago and are ranked second in the world, have had a disappointing tournament with just one win in three matches. They produced another lacklustre display against Croatia despite knowing a win was necessary to progress to the last 16. Substitute Romelu Lukaku had numerous chances in the second half but failed to convert any of them. Lukaku, still searching for sharpness following injury, poked an effort wide and then react...

1Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BRAZIL, NEWS, Vinicius Junior, World Cup 2022

Brazil set to rest key players against Cameroon ahead of World Cup knockouts

(LR) Richarlison of Brazil, Rodrygo of Brazil, Marquinhos of Brazil, Raphinha of Brazil, Vinicius Junior of Brazil, Brazil goalkeeper Weverton, Casemiro of Brazil celebrate the 1-0 during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 group G match between Brazil and Switzerland at the 974 Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Brazil coach Tite is set to follow the lead of France and rest key players for their final World Cup group game against Cameroon on Friday with their place in the last 16 in Qatar already secure. The World Cup favourites meet Cameroon at the Lusail Stadium needing just a draw to secure top spot in Group G after starting their campaign with wins over Serbia and Switzerland. Even a defeat would not stop them topping the section so long as the Swiss fail to win at the same time ag...

1Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Argentina, Lionel Messi, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Argentina top group as Poland through on goal difference

Jakub Kiwior of Poland Krystian Bielik of Poland and Lionel Messi of Argentina and Kamil Glik of Poland during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Poland and Argentina at Stadium 974 on November 30, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Argentina completed the turnaround from the shock opening World Cup loss to Saudi Arabia by qualifying for the last 16 in impressive style against Poland – who went through on goal difference having finished level on points with Mexico. Lionel Messi was the catalyst for the crucial win against Mexico that got Argentina’s campaign back on track, and he was instrumental again as they illustrated why they were regarded as one of the tournament favourites to set up a second-round match against Australia. Poland were set to progress by virtue of the Fifa Fair Play...

30Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Antoine Griezmann, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Tunisia upset France but fail to qualify

Antoine Griezmann of France helps up Wajdi Kechrida of Tunisia during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group D match between Tunisia and France at Education City Stadium on November 30, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. France had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside in the final minute of stoppage-time as Tunisia held on to register a shock victory. However, despite victory they failed to qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup. Substitute Antoine Griezmann volleyed in a dramatic equaliser at the Education City Stadium, but the VAR decision meant Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazi’s brilliant first-half goal proved to be the winner. However, with Australia recording a 1-0 victory over Denmark in the other match in Group D, Tunisia’s hopes of progressing had been dashed before Griezmann’s goal was rul...

30Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Mathew Leckie, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Australia stun Denmark to reach World Cup last 16

Mathew Leckie of Australia scores the first goal to make it 1-0 during the World Cup match between Australia v Denmark at the Al Janoub Stadium on November 30, 2022 in Al Wakrah Qatar.Australia reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in 16 years after shocking Denmark. The Danes, needing victory to progress, dominated possession but were caught out on the break when Australia scored the winner on the hour mark. Denmark lost the ball in the Australian box and Mathew Leckie finished a brilliant counter attack with a low shot past Kasper Schmeichel. Australia finish in second place in Group D on six points, only behind world champions France on goal difference. Denmark meanwhile exit Qatar 2022 in disappointing fashion, with just one point from three games, sitting bott...

30Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Marcus Rashford, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Rashford stars as England sink Wales to set up Senegal clash

Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, Callum Wilson and Kalvin Phillips of England celebrate a goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and England at Al Janoub Stadium on November 29, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.England booked a World Cup last 16 clash against Senegal as Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden inspired a 3-0 win against Wales that sent their neighbours crashing out of the tournament on Tuesday. Gareth Southgate’s side sealed first place in Group B thanks to key contributions from Rashford and Foden after they were restored to the team by the England boss. Foden showed why there has been such a clamour for him to start as he won the free-kick that Rashford converted to break the deadlock early in the second half at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Doha. Fo...

29Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Kalidou Koulibaly, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Koulibaly sends Senegal into World Cup last 16

(L-R) Alan Franco of Ecuador, Kalidou Koulibaly of Senegal during the World Cup match between Ecuador v Senegal at the Khalifa International Stadium on November 29, 2022 in Doha Qatar. Kalidou Koulibaly’s nerveless volley sent Senegal into the World Cup’s knockout stages for only the second time in their history as they eliminated Ecuador at a rowdy Khalifa International Stadium. All three goals came from players based in England as Ecuador’s Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo cancelled out a penalty by Watford’s Ismaila Sarr before Chelsea defender Koulibaly’s side-footer won it. Ecuador needed just a point to progress but paid the price for a passive display as Senegal were spurred on by an almost non-stop cacophony of drumming from their supporters in Al Rayyan. Watford winger Sar...

29Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Cody Gakpo, Netherlands, World Cup 2022

Gakpo nets again as Dutch beat Qatar to top group

Cody Gakpo of Netherlands scores his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Netherlands and Qatar at Al Bayt Stadium on November 29, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar.In-form Cody Gakpo scored again as the Netherlands finished top of Group A, ending Qatar’s miserable involvement at their home World Cup with a third consecutive defeat. Qatar’s dismal showing means they became the first host nation to exit the tournament with three group-stage losses, finishing bottom with no points. The Dutch, who failed to qualify four years ago, progress to the last 16 with an unbeaten record and face the team that finishes second in Group B – those games kick-off at 19:00 GMT. African champions Senegal beat Ecuador to clinch second place and face the team that finishes top of G...

29Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Andre Onana, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Onana leaves World Cup after Cameroon suspension

Andre Onana of Cameroon in action during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match between Switzerland and Cameroon at Al Janoub Stadium on November 24, 2022 in Al Wakrah, Qatar.Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana has left their World Cup squad and is set to play no further part in the tournament after being suspended by the country’s football federation. Onana departed the team hotel and travelled to the airport on Tuesday, with Paris his initial destination before he travels on to Cameroon capital Yaounde. “I have put all my efforts and energy into finding solutions to a situation that a footballer often experiences, but there has been no will on the other side,” Onana said in a statement posted on Twitter. “However, I always respect and support the decisions of the people in charge of pur...

29Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Cristiano Ronaldo, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Brazil, Portugal reach World Cup last 16

Joao Felix of Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Bernardo Silva of Portugalcelebrates goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Portugal v Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.Brazil and Portugal secured their places in the round of 16 on a thrilling ninth day of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Monday. Casemiro struck late as Brazil outlasted Switzerland with a 1-0 win in their Group G match at Stadium 974 in Doha. The Manchester United midfielder put his side ahead in the 83rd minute when his first-time shot deflected in off Manuel Akanji following Rodrygo’s flicked pass. Brazil have now won their past nine matches and will progress to the last 16 of football’s showpiece tournament irrespective of the result of their fi...

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...

26Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Poland, ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI, World Cup 2022

Lewandowski scores first World Cup goal in Poland win

Robert Lewandowski of Poland celebrates with Matty Cash after the 2-0 win during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Poland and Saudi Arabia at Education City Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar.Robert Lewandowski scored his first World Cup goal as Poland earned a crucial victory over Saudi Arabia that leaves Group C wide open. The Barcelona striker capitalised on an error by Saudi Arabia midfielder Abdelulelah Al Malki before sending a composed finish past onrushing goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais. Lewandowski was visibly emotional after ending a run of four World Cup games without finding the net. Piotr Zielinski had given Poland a first-half lead from Lewandowski’s cutback, but Saudi Arabia were awarded a penalty five minutes later for Krystian Bielik’s foul on...

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

Iran, Roozbeh Cheshmi, World Cup 2022

Wales in danger of World Cup exit after Iran loss

Roozbeh Cheshmi #15 and goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini #24 of Iran celebrate victory after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and IR Iran at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Wales’ first World Cup for 64 years looks set to end at the first hurdle after a gut-wrenching – but deserved – last-ditch defeat by Iran in Qatar. Substitute Roozbeh Cheshmi struck from 20 yards nine minutes into stoppage time, before Ramin Rezaeian finished off a counter-attack to seal victory for a revitalised Iran side, who have renewed hope of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Those were decisive blows to Welsh prospects of victory, which had all but vanished when goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off with four minutes of normal time re...

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 ...