World Cup 2022 – Page 4 – Football Flame

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

Gareth Bale, Wales, World Cup 2022

Bale to set Wales men’s record against Iran

Gareth Bale of Wales reacts during the Wales Press Conference at the Main Media Center on November 24, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Wales face Iran in a crucial second World Cup match knowing victory would significantly enhance their chances of reaching the second round in Qatar. Robert Page’s side started with a 1-1 draw against the United States, while Iran were thrashed 6-2 by England. Captain Gareth Bale will overtake team-mate Chris Gunter as Wales’ most-capped man if he plays on Friday. “It’s an amazing achievement, it’s an honour to represent my country so many times,” said Bale, who has 109 caps. “But it’s more important that we try and get the victory. Hopefully we can and it’ll make it even more special. “It will be a difficult game versus Iran – they are a very good team. They are here f...

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

Argentina, Lionel Messi, World Cup 2022

Messi becomes fifth player to score in four World Cups

Lionel Messi of Argentina in celebrates after the first goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium on November 22, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.Argentina great Lionel Messi on Tuesday became the fifth player to score at four different World Cups. Messi opened his fifth World Cup tournament by way of a penalty in the 10th minute. The Paris Saint-Germain star scored Argentina’s lone goal of the match. However, the Argentines suffered a shock 1-2 loss to Saudi Arabia. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has also scored in three previous World Cups tournaments, in Germany (2006), Brazil (2014) and Russia (2018). He joins an elite club of footballers who have achieved the feat, following Brazil’s Pelé, the German pair of Uwe Steeler ...

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

Cody Gakpo, Netherlands, World Cup 2022

Late goals give Dutch victory over Senegal

Cody Gakpo of Holland celebrates 0-1 with Memphis Depay of Holland, Teun Koopmeiners of Holland, Davy Klaassen of Holland, Denzel Dumfries of Holland, Nathan Ake of Holland, Daley Blind of Holland, Mathijs de Ligt of Holland during the World Cup match between Senegal v Holland at the Al Thumama Stadium on November 21, 2022 in Doha Qatar.Two late goals from the Netherlands sealed a crucial victory in their World Cup opener against Senegal in Group A. PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo beat Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to the ball when it was chipped in by Frenkie de Jong to nod the Dutch in front with six minutes remaining. Substitute Davy Klaassen then pounced on a rebound from Memphis Depay’s shot to add a second deep into stoppage-time to confirm the success. Gakpo whirled away in cele...

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

LALIGA, Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior, World Cup 2022

Vinicius Jnr claims opponent tactics “went too far” as he feared for World Cup dream

Vinicius Junior of Brazil during the Brazil Training Session at Juventus Training Center on November 14, 2022 in Turin, Italy.Real Madrid forward and Brazil international Vinicius Junior has spoken of his fear of missing this year’s World Cup due to “dirty” challenges from LaLiga opponents. Vinicius has emerged as a star for club and country in recent years, bagging 22 goals last season including the winning strike in Madrid’s Champions League final victory over Liverpool. He is already into double figures this campaign as his strong form continues. However, the talented 22-year-old has often been a target for rough challenges from multiple opponents within LaLiga. He has been fouled more than any other player in the division – and 10 times more than Getafe striker Enes Unal, who is second...

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

FIFA, Qatar, World Cup 2022

Qatar stuns FIFA by calling for ban on beer being sold in World Cup 2022 stadiums

A pair of goalkeeper gloves around the ball in the middle of the Al Dana Tower ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at on November 18, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. FIFA are under pressure to ban all alcohol sales at World Cup stadiums just days before the tournament kicks off.The Qatari royal family have made their feelings clear which could have huge implications. They want FIFA to stop selling Budweiser, one of the organisation’s biggest sponsors, at eight different stadiums, which would be in breach of a multi-million dollar contract.Budweiser’s visibility could be massively diluted with the potential u-turn coming at such short notice. It remains unclear whether beer will be sold at stadiums, with the opening game kicking off on Sunday. The only guaranteed place that will s...

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

BRAZIL, Neymar, World Cup 2022

Why Neymar Vital to Brazil Winning 2022 World Cup, according to Cafu

Players of Brazil during training during the Brazil Training Session at Juventus Training Center on November 16, 2022 in Turin, Italy.Neymar Jr. has the absolute pressure of Brazil on his shoulders as the Paris Saint-Germain star hopes to end the country’s 20-year FIFA World Cup drought. What bodes well for Brazil is that Neymar is playing the best football heading into the competition, so there’s no major break from when the last time the 30-year-old played significant matches to when the World Cup gets underway on Sunday. Although there are plenty of critics regarding Neymar, Brazilian football legend Cafu isn’t one of them and is ready to put his support behind him. “It’s a great opportunity to break European dominance,” Cafu told the AFP (h/t RMC Sport). “This is the perfect time fo...

16Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Christopher Nkunku, RB Leipzig, World Cup 2022

World Cup Watch: France loses RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku to knee injury

(L-R) Karim Benzema, Christopher Nkunku and Matteo Guendouzi warmup during a french soccer team training session at Centre National Du Football on November 14, 2022 in Etival-Clairefontaine, France.RB Leipzig attacker Christopher Nkunku has been rumored to be on the transfer radar of clubs like Bayern Munich and Chelsea FC, but if those teams wanted to get a long look at him playing for France in the World Cup, they will be disappointed.Nkunku went down in training camp and sustained a knee injury that will keep him out of the tournament in Qatar. The French national team website released this statement on Nkunku:Christopher Nkunku will not participate in the World Cup. The RB Leipzig striker left the training session on Tuesday before its end, injured in the left knee. The radiological ex...

14Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS, Raul Jimenez, World Cup 2022

Raul Jimenez, Hirving Lozano included in Mexico 2022 World Cup squad

Raul Jimenez of Wolverhampton Wanderers continues his rehabilitation from injury at The Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground on November 01, 2022 in Wolverhampton, England. Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez and Napoli forward Hirving Lozano have both been included in Mexico’s 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup. Jimenez has not played since August 31 due to a troubling groin injury, but he will be heading to Qatar as one of five forward options in Gerardo Martino’s squad. The 31-year-old has been an ever-present member of the Mexico squad over the last 10 years and has scored 29 times in 96 international appearances. Should Jimenez recover in time to lead the line for Mexico, the experienced striker could be joined in attack by Napoli star Lozano who is enjoying a superb campai...