Australian soccer fans party through the night as the unfancied Socceroos stun Denmark to reach the World Cup last 16.
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Wednesday, November 30, 2022
England’s Ben White returns home from World Cup due to personal reasons
Ben White has returned home from England’s World Cup campaign in Qatar due to personal reasons and is not expected to return to the squad before the end of the tournament.
An FA statement read: ‘Ben White has left England’s training base in Al Wakrah and returned home for personal reasons.
‘The Arsenal defender is not expected to return to the squad for the remainder of the tournament.
‘We ask that the player’s privacy is respected at this moment in time.’
The 25-year-old did not appear in any of England’s three group stage games as they booked their place in the knockout stage with wins over Iran and Wales and a draw with USA.
The Arsenal defender has enjoyed an excellent season so far, starting 14 Premier League games for the Gunners as they sit top of the table.
Arsenal tweeted in response to the statement: ‘We’re all with you, Ben.’
A replacement cannot be called up at this stage, so England will continue with a 25-man squad in Qatar as they prepare to take on Senegal in the last 16 on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate still has plenty of options at centre-back, with Harry Maguire and John Stones starting all three games in the heart of defence so far.
The Three Lions boss also has Eric Dier and Conor Coady at his disposal, while Kyle Walker has also played as one of three centre-backs for England in major contests in the past.
Declan Rice could also be drafted into the middle of defence in emergencies if required.
MORE : Gareth Southgate lookalike offers his prediction on England’s clash with Senegal
MORE : England fans terrified about ‘ITV curse’ striking again for World Cup 2022 Senegal match
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World Cup 2022: Australia's Mathew Leckie and Graham Arnold 'proud' as Socceroos advance
Australia player Mathew Leckie and manager Graham Arnold are "proud" of their team after 1-0 victory against Denmark at the World Cup.
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World Cup 2022: Croatia v Belgium
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez says there is a "desire to find negative news" about his squad before their crucial group game with Croatia.
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Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Why do Wales fans wear bucket hats at the World Cup?
Wales fans are enjoying cheering on their side during the nation’s first World Cup since 1958.
Rob Page’s men face an uphill task if they are to qualify for the knock-out stages of Qatar 2022, with Wales needing to beat England and hope the match between Iran and the USA ends in a draw.
The team will be cheered on by thousands of fans who have made the trip to the Middle East and they are following Welsh footballing tradition by wearing bucket hats during the match.
But why exactly do Wales fans wear bucket hats during games?
Here is everything you need to know.
Why do Wales fans wear bucket hats?
The hat design was originally created by Tim Williams, who owns a small shop in Bala, Gwynedd.
Williams’ shop ‘The Spirit of 58’ was set up in 2010 ‘to bring a bit of colour and fun’ to matches by selling unofficial merchandise.
Williams, who is in Qatar supporting the team, took inspiration for the design from the Manchester music scene in the 1980s and 90s.
Thousands of the red, green and yellow hats were initially sold and the success of the product after Wales qualified for Euro 2016 made Williams quit his job to focus his time on producing the accessory.
The Football Association of Wales opted against making official merchandise for Euro 2016 for fear of encroaching on sales.
Williams told ITV: ‘As a group of lads living in Bala we used to enjoy going to a lot of gigs and that (bucket hats) seemed to be the get-up at the time.
‘I never intended for it to be like this, it was more about having a bit of fun, add a bit of colour to the Wales support and then it’s just grown over the years.’
Before the tournament, a number of large-scale bucket hats were erected around Wales to show support for the team.
MORE : Qatar set another unwanted record as World Cup hosts lose to the Netherlands
MORE : Andre Onana breaks silence after being kicked out of World Cup squad by Cameroon boss
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'Bring it home' - Stormzy's England rallying cry
Platinum-selling British rapper Stormzy sends out a rallying cry to Gareth Southgate's England squad ahead of their final World Cup Group B match against Wales
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Chelsea set to sign Vasco de Gama midfielder Andrey Santos in January
Chelsea are close to agreeing a €15 million (£13m) deal to sign Vasco de Gama midfielder Andrey Santos, according to reports.
The 18-year-old made his first-team breakthrough with the Brazilian club earlier this year and quickly established himself as a regular at the heart of their midfield.
According to Le10 Sport, Paris Saint-Germain have been monitoring Santos’ performances for several months, while Newcastle United and Barcelona have also kept tabs on the midfielder.
However, the report claims Chelsea have moved quickly to wrap up a deal to sign Santos and providing the midfielder does not have a late change of heart, he will make the switch to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.
It’s also reported that Chelsea’s proposal ‘was considered more consistent with the player’s expectations’ than the project put forward by PSG.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are also expected to complete a €60m (£51.9m) deal to sign RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku at the end of the season.
The 24-year-old, who has been ruled out of France’s World Cup campaign due to injury, is understood to have agreed personal terms with Chelsea.
Elsewhere, Graham Potter’s players who are not playing at the World Cup returned to training on Tuesday ahead of their warm-weather camp in Abu Dhabi.
Chelsea’s first game back after the World Cup break is at home to Bournemouth on December 27.
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World Cup 2022: Netherlands beat Qatar to win Group A
Goals from Cody Gakpo and Frenkie de Jong give the Netherlands a 2-0 victory over Qatar to ensure their progression to the World Cup last 16 as Group A winners.
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World Cup 2022: Frenkie de Jong doubles Netherlands lead over Qatar
Frenkie de Jong doubles Netherlands lead against Qatar as the midfielder taps in from close range in their Group A match at the World Cup.
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Monday, November 28, 2022
World Cup 2002: USA v Iran 1998 - 'The most politically-charged football match'
BBC Sport takes a look back at the "politically-charged" build-up to USA's match with Iran at the 1998 World Cup.
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Pitch invader carrying Pride flag interrupts Portugal vs Uruguay in World Cup clash
A pitch invader who appeared to be carrying a Pride flag sprinted across the pitch during the World Cup clash between Portugal and Uruguay.
Five minutes into the second-half, play was briefly interrupted as a member of the crowd entered the field of play at the Lusail Stadium before being stopped by security.
The pitch invader also wore a t-shirt bearing the message ‘Save Ukraine’ on the front and ‘Respect for Iranian Women’ on the back.
The incident came just moments before Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for Portugal.
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World Cup 2022: England's Jack Grealish talks of 'difficult' decisions for manager Gareth Southgate.
Jack Grealish talks about his Manchester City teammate Phil Foden and the "difficult" decisions England manager Gareth Southgate has to make.
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World Cup 2022: Casemiro gives Brazil lead over Switzerland
Brazil finally break down Switzerland thanks to a Casemiro half-volley to take late lead.
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Sunday, November 27, 2022
World Cup 2022: Alphonso Davies scores Canada's first goal at a finals in loss to Croatia
Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies writes his name in Canadian footballing folklore but his goal is not enough as his country lose to Croatia and exit World Cup.
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Jan Vertonghen takes little pop at Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard after Belgium loss
Jan Vertonghen has clapped back at Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard following Belgium’s shock loss to Morocco at the World Cup on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils stumbled past Canada in their first group match but their luck ran out against Morocco, with goals from Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal securing a 2-0 win for the African side.
Belgium’s woes were compounded later in the day when Croatia beat Canada 4-1, meaning Roberto Martinez’s side slipped to third in the group and need to win their final match.
Speaking prior to their defeat on Sunday, De Bruyne had somewhat predicted the result when he completely wrote off his side’s chances of winning the World Cup because they are ‘too old’ – with Belgium having the oldest average age of any squad in Qatar.
Asked about his side’s chances of winning the tournament, the Manchester City playmaker told The Guardian over the weekend: ‘No chance, we’re too old.
‘I think our chance was 2018. We have a good team, but it is ageing. We lost some key players. We have some good new players coming, but they are not at the level other players were in 2018. I see us more as outsiders.’
Hazard had been even more specific in his critique of Belgium’s shortcomings before the match, telling EFE: ‘Our defenders are not the fastest and they know that.’
Now, following the defeat to Morocco, Vertonghen has had a little dig of his own at his two long-time team-mates and suggested it was not only the defence who were getting on a bit.
In the mixed zone after the match, unprompted, the former Tottenham defender said: ‘I guess we attack badly because we are also too old up front.’
More thoughtfully, he continued: ‘We didn’t create enough chances. We conceded the same goal twice at the near post.
‘It’s very frustrating and things aren’t going the way we want at present, but we have the weapons to move and get something from the third game [vs Croatia].’
Belgium boss Martinez was asked about De Bruyne’s comments after the defeat to Morocco and replied: ‘This is the first time I’ve heard those comments from Kevin.
‘At a World Cup, the players have to speak to the media every day, 90% of it will be positive but there are always one or two lines that don’t fit into the context.
‘A player is allowed to air their view. We’ve been together for six years now and comments won’t help us to win. Maybe it was a double-bluff. It’s what happens behind the scenes that matters.’
MORE : Morocco boss praises ‘crazy’ Hakim Ziyech and explains Bono’s late no-show
MORE : ‘No passion!’ – Pablo Zabaleta slams Kevin De Bruyne after Belgium’s shock defeat to Morocco
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FA Cup highlights: Ipswich Town 4-0 Buxton
Two goals from Conor Chaplin help see Ipswich to an easy victory over National League North side Buxton.
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World Cup 2022: Belgium were 'afraid to lose' against Morocco, says Roberto Martinez
Belgium show "a fear of losing" and "haven't been the best Belgium yet", says boss Roberto Martinez after a World Cup defeat by Morocco.
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World Cup 2022: Andrej Kramaric gets his second goal as Croatia lead 3-1
Andrej Kramaric gets his second goal and Croatia's third as they take 3-1 lead over Canada.
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Saturday, November 26, 2022
‘I don’t see a weakness!’ – Alan Shearer lauds Kylian Mbappe as France reach last 16 at World Cup in Qatar
Alan Shearer has lauded Kylian Mbappe following his two goals against Denmark as France sealed their spot in the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup.
Mbappe, arguably the best current striker on the planet, scored twice as world champions France beat Denmark 2-0 in their second Group D match in Qatar.
Didier Deschamps’ side beat Australia 4-1 in their opening game with Paris-Saint Germain superstar Mbappe grabbing the third goal.
Les Bleus are now guaranteed a place in the World Cup knockouts regardless of the result in their final Group D match against Tunisia on Wednesday as legendary striker Shearer heaped praise on 23-year-old forward Mbappe.
‘I don’t see a weakness in Kylian Mbappe’s game – I said he’s a superstar and he has incredible talent,’ he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
‘Whatever you want – the touch, the technique, the left foot and the right foot, the spring in the air, the ability to finish it off, the ability to get in and score the great goals as well as the scrappy goals.
‘I don’t see a weakness – he is fantastic. Great to watch. France have looked very good again – particularly in forward areas.
‘Antoine Griezmann, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele and of course that guy Kylian Mbappe.
‘What a player, what a superstar. He made the difference tonight. They were asked the question when Denmark got back into the game, what have you got?
‘Didier Deschamps made a couple of changes and they worked perfectly.
‘When you’ve got that guy in your team in the form that he’s in he looks so comfortable and confident in front of goal, you’ve got a chance. He won the game for them.’
If France win Group D they will face the runners-up of Group C – which could be Argentina, Mexico, Poland or Saudi Arabia.
MORE : Graeme Souness unleashes bizarre rant about 'lucky anomaly' Olivier Giroud
MORE : Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham interested in signing France World Cup star
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FA Cup highlights: AFC Wimbledon 0-2 Chesterfield
National League Chesterfield reach the FA Cup third round for the second successive season after a deserved win over a lacklustre League Two AFC Wimbledon in their second-round tie.
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FA Cup Highlights: Shrewsbury Town 3-1 Peterborough United
Shrewsbury score three goals in the first half to ease to a comfortable win over League One high-flyers Peterborough.
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FA Cup highlights: Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Mansfield highlights
Two late goals from substitute Michael Smith give Sheffield Wednesday a 2-1 win over Mansfield Town in the second round of the FA Cup.
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Friday, November 25, 2022
World Cup 2022: Mason Mount denied by good safe from Matt Turner
Mason Mount forces a good safe from USA's Matt Turner with England's first shot on target.
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World Cup 2022: England 0-0 USA - Three Lions labour to goalless draw
England were held to a goalless draw by the United States of America as they edged closer to qualifying for the World Cup knockout stages.
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World Cup 2022: England threatened with 'unlimited' sanctions over OneLove armband
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham says Fifa threatened "unlimited" sanctions against players who wore the OneLove armband during matches at the World Cup in Qatar.
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England v USA: Rate the players in World Cup Group B match
Rate the players out of 10 as England face USA in the group stage at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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Gareth Southgate urged not to play Chelsea’s Mason Mount by Paul Parker
Paul Parker has urged England boss Gareth Southgate to snub Chelsea star Mason Mount going forward at the World Cup in Qatar.
Mount started England’s opening Group B match against Iran, playing 71 minutes before he was replaced by Phil Foden as the Three Lions won 6-2.
The 23-year-old midfielder has once again been named in the starting XI to face the United States on Friday.
Mount has registered six assists and two goals across 21 appearances for Chelsea this term with the domestic season now on pause until late December.
He has knocked up over 30 caps for England and has played consistently under Southgate, with Mount helping England achieve a runner-up finish at Euro 2020.
But Parker is convinced he should not be a starter for England going forward.
‘I wouldn’t play Mason Mount as the attacking midfielder, because he is not really attacking,’ he told Futbin.
‘I would definitely play with Phil Foden as the attacking midfielder for England.
‘Phil Foden plays for Pep Guardiola, which means he isn’t lazy. If you want to have a midfielder that can create chances and score goals, Foden is the one you should go with.
‘He is really the attacking midfielder for the future for England and he is the only England player that could play for every single top team in Europe and fit well in.’
Liverpool are reportedly keeping an eye on Mount’s contract talks at Chelsea with discussions having stalled over a new deal – and Brad Friedel has urged Jurgen Klopp’s side to sign him up.
Meanwhile, Adam Lallana has labelled Mount a ‘manager’s dream’ feels he would improve ‘every team in the world’.
Mount made his Chelsea debut in 2019 having progressed through the club’s youth academy and has scored 32 goals in 181 games across all competitions.
MORE : Gabby Agbonlahor slams Gareth Bale and calls out Wales players for disrespecting England
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World Cup 2022: Enner Valencia goal gives Ecuador point against the Netherlands
Enner Valencia scores his third goal of the tournament to give Ecuador a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands.
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Thursday, November 24, 2022
Roy Keane slammed for comments over Harry Kane and OneLove armband by Danny Murphy at World Cup in Qatar
Roy Keane has been slammed for his comments over England captain Harry Kane and the OneLove armband debate by Danny Murphy.
Keane believes Kane made a ‘big mistake’ by not wearing the OneLove armband for England’s World Cup opener against Iran on Monday.
Just hours before England’s 6-2 win over Iran, the Football Association confirmed that Kane would not wear the armband, which he had planned to do to show support to the LGBTQ+ community, with homosexuality illegal in Qatar.
The FA admitted that the prospect of Kane receiving a yellow card and a potential ban for wearing the armband was one of the key reasons behind the decision.
England’s U-turn was also due to the threat of ‘massive sanctions’ and ‘extreme blackmail’, according to the German Football Association.
But former Manchester United captain Keane feels it would have been a ‘great statement’ if Kane defied FIFA.
‘I think the players could have done it for the first game and took the punishment, whatever that might be,’ Keane told ITV.
‘Obviously you’re risking Kane if he gets a yellow card if that was going to be the punishment but that would have been a great statement.
‘Do it for the first game, you get your yellow card, what a message that would have been from Kane or Bale take your medicine and then the next game you move on. You don’t wear it because obviously you don’t want to be suspended.
‘I think it was a big mistake, I think both players particularly when we are talking about Wales and England they should have stuck to their guns and done it, whatever pressure outside or their own associations. If that’s what you believe go with it.’
Murphy, though, has called out Keane for his stance and feels he would not have done the same if he was still a player.
‘I think the England camp were put in a no-win situation,’ he told Lord Ping.
‘When the decision was made to punish anybody that wore it, it left the management and the players with an easy decision.
‘I hear Roy Keane saying that Kane should have just taken the booking, but I’m not sure he would have done.
‘He missed one of the biggest games of his life when he was suspended from playing in the Champions League final after picking up a couple of bookings.
‘He’s forgetting that, as a player, Roy Keane’s priority was winning football matches and to win football matches you need your best players on the pitch.
‘If you were to get booked at kick-off and then get booked by an overzealous referee, which we’ve seen a bit of at the tournament already, although most of them have been good, it would only take a misunderstanding of Kane going down too easily and all of a sudden you’re down to ten men.
‘I didn’t think his comments were thought through. England are there to win football matches, so why give yourself a disadvantage before you’ve even kicked a ball?’
MORE : 'Focus on football!' - Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard slams Germany over OneLove armband protest
MORE : Alex Scott wears OneLove armband live on BBC coverage after England’s U-turn
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Barcelona 3-0 Bayern Munich: Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh impress in Barca victory
Barcelona maintain their perfect record in this season's Champions League group stage with victory over Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp.
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World Cup 2022: England 'regaining respectability', says manager Gareth Southgate
England boss Gareth Southgate says his side are "regaining our respectability on the world stage" as they aim to clinch a last-16 World Cup place.
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World Cup 2022: How many games can you get to in one day?
BBC Sport's Nesta McGregor attempts to travel to as many matches as possible in one day at the World Cup in Qatar.
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Man Utd new owners may replace Erik ten Hag after ‘absolute living nightmare’ under Glazer family, says Paul Parker
Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has labelled the Glazer family’s ownership of the club as an ‘absolute living nightmare’ and has warned that new owners may look to replace boss Erik ten Hag.
The Glazer family are seeking north of £5 billion in order to sell United to end their controversial 17-year spell in charge at Old Trafford.
United’s supporters have staged multiple protests against the Glazers since they took control in 2005 and have frequently raised concerns over the lack of investment at the club during their ownership.
The chant ‘Love United, hate Glazers’ is regularly sung by the club’s fans during games and some supporters are known to wear yellow and green scarfs to show their disapproval with the American owners.
Cristiano Ronaldo recently hit out at the Glazers and claimed that they ‘don’t care’ about the club.
Parker, who played over 100 games for United, has now also slammed the Glazer family and is concerned new owners may want to replace manager Ten Hag.
‘[The] Glazers’ time in Man United has really been dramatic,’ Parker told Futbin. ‘No one realised how bad it was going to end when Sir Alex Ferguson left.
‘[The] Glazers have been an absolute living nightmare, especially after Robin Van Persie and Sir Alex Ferguson left.
‘The thing I’m most concerned about is that the new owners might want to bring in their own manager and if that happens, Man United has to start from scratch again.’
Tech giants Apple have emerged as potential new owners of United with the net worth of the company placed at £2 trillion.
CEO Tim Cook is said to be well versed in the commercial opportunities United would provide the California-based firm.
Should Apple firm up their interest, they could team up with club legend David Beckham, who is reportedly open to teaming up with potential bidders.
United do not return to action until December 21 when they host Burnley in the Carabao Cup with their first Premier League game after the World Cup in Qatar coming on December 27 as they face promoted side Nottingham Forest.
MORE : Amancio Ortega, worth £50.5bn and owner of Zara, wants to buy Manchester United
MORE : Avram Glazer responds to Cristiano Ronaldo slamming Manchester United’s wantaway owners
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Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first player to score in five men’s World Cup tournaments
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player in history to score at five men’s World Cup tournaments.
The 37-year-old, who had his contract terminated by Manchester United this week, put Portugal in front from the penalty spot during their World Cup opener against Ghana on Thursday evening.
Before the game, Ronaldo was one of five players who have found the net at in four different World Cups alongside Lionel Messi, Miroslav Klose, Uwe Seeler and Pele.
But Ronaldo’s goal against Ghana means he has now made history by being the only player score in five World Cups.
Ronaldo’s first goal at a World Cup came in 2006 as he scored a penalty against Iran.
In 2010, Ronaldo scored in a 7-0 win over North Korea and in 2014, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner struck a late winner against Ghana, although Portugal crashed out at the group stage.
Ronaldo’s best World Cup so far was in 2014 as he scored a hat-trick in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Spain and netted the winner in a 1-0 victory over Morocco.
PLAYERS WHO HAVE SCORED IN DIFFERENT WORLD CUPS
- 5 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
- 4 – Pele (Brazil) 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970
- 4 – Uwe Seeler (West Germany) 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970
- 4 – Miroslav Klose (Germany) 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
- 4 – Lionel Messi (Argentina) 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022
Ronaldo also holds the record for the most goals scored at international level with 118 in 192 appearances.
Portugal, meanwhile, endured a nervy second half against Ghana but were able to hold out for a 3-2 win which puts them top of Group H. They will play Uruguay in their next group game on Monday.
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Jason Lee: Former footballer says David Baddiel apology 'meant a lot'
Comedian David Baddiel had worn blackface and mocked the striker's hairstyle on TV in the 1990s.
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Wednesday, November 23, 2022
World Cup 2022: Does 7-0 thrashing of sorry Costa Rica make Spain contenders?
Whatever England can do, Spain can do better… but does thrashing hapless opposition in your opening game make you World Cup contenders?
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World Cup 2022: Michy Batshuayi fires Belgium ahead against Canada
Watch the moment Michy Batshuayi fires Belgium ahead against a Canada side who dominated the first half of their opening Group F match at the World Cup.
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Emmanuel Petit rips into Chelsea boss Graham Potter’s terrible tactics
Former Chelsea star Emmanuel Petit has aimed a dig at Graham Potter’s tactics following the Blues’ disastrous form before the World Cup.
Chelsea were smashed 4-1 at Brighton before back-to-back top-flight defeats to top four rivals Arsenal and Newcastle United.
The west London club also crashed out of the Carabao Cup to reduce their chances of brining a trophy to Stamford Bridge this term.
Potter made a strong start at Chelsea after replacing Thomas Tuchel in September but has faced intense criticism following the Blues’ last few results.
With the domestic season on pause until the World Cup in Qatar has been completed, Chelsea are all the way down in eighth in the Premier League.
Petit is extremely concerned about his old club as he told Compare.bet: ‘When I look at Chelsea, I have no idea what Potter wants to do with this team.
‘I have no idea what his first eleven is, or what kind of formation he wants to play.
‘I have no idea what he’s asking from his players, or what kind of positions he wants them to occupy.
‘I have so many questions. I was very pleased for the first few weeks when he took charge, but all of a sudden things have changed so much.’
Chelsea return to action on December 27 when they host promoted side Bournemouth.
The Blues have some big games coming up in January as they face Pep Guardiola’s champions Manchester City as well as a trip to top four rivals Liverpool and a west London derby with ninth-placed Fulham.
Meanwhile, former Chelsea midfielder Jamal Musiala is now worth more than 400 million euros, according to Bundesliga expert Archie Rhind-Tutt.
The 19-year-old Germany star spent eight years in the Chelsea academy from 2011 until 2019 before he was poached by German giants Bayern Munich.
MORE : Ian Wright blasts Chelsea star after Germany's shock defeat to Japan
MORE : Frank Leboeuf warns Chelsea over signing Cristiano Ronaldo after Man Utd exit
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World Cup 2022: Spain beat Costa Rica 7-0 - highlights
Watch highlights as Spain get their World Cup 2022 campaign off to a stunning start by thrashing Costa Rica 7-0 victory in their opening Group E match.
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‘Very difficult’ – Chelsea legend Didier Drogba explains why African teams struggle at the World Cup
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has given his take on why African teams struggle to perform at World Cups.
No African nation has ever reached the semi-finals of the tournament and that doesn’t appear likely to change at Qatar 2022.
Senegal, who won the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, were thought to be capable of breaking the duct this time around, especially with their squad containing top players like Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly.
However, after losing their captain and talisman Sadio Mane to injury on the eve of the World Cup, those hopes quickly faded, and the Bayern Munich forward’s absence was clear for all to see during their loss to the Netherlands on Monday.
On a more positive note for the continent, both Tunisia and Morocco were able to hold Denmark and Croatia respectively to a goalless draw, with Cameroon and Ghana yet to play their first games.
While European and South American teams are naturally the favourites at World Cups, it is still a mystery as to why African teams fail to make the grade.
Drogba, the Ivory Coast’s all-time top goal scorer and former captain, played at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups, but Les Éléphants failed to make it beyond the group stage at all three tournaments.
Speaking to the BBC, he said that while it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what the problem is, he did have one theory that may explain the struggles.
‘When you look at the game [Senegal vs the Netherlands], Mane on his own couldn’t have done much better than what we saw,’ the former striker said.
‘It’s very difficult for African teams because you’ve got individualities. They’re very good in their clubs, especially those playing in Europe.
‘But when they come together, it becomes more difficult for the manager to find the right system. To play the right guys at the right position, to keep that intensity that is required when you play at that kind of level.’
While most squads are made up of players plying their trade across many different clubs, as Drogba suggests, African teams push that to the extreme.
Tunisia’s squad for example is composed of 26 players, who play in 13 different countries across three continents, compared to say Germany’s players who are all based in just three countries across Europe.
MORE : Ian Wright blasts Chelsea star Kai Havertz after Germany’s shock defeat to Japan
MORE : ‘It hurts’ – Robert Lewandowski speaks out after costly penalty miss at World Cup
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