Explainers

WITH the second round of games in the 2022 World Cup groups being played, some teams have already made it into the next round.While the likes of France, England, Brazil and Argentina were considered favourites for the tournament, it has been a mixed bag so far.
DOHA, QATAR – NOVEMBER 28: Players of Brazil celebrate after winning the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match between Brazil and Switzerland at Stadium 974 on November 28, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mohammed Dabbous/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)Credit: Getty
Lionel Messi’s side, who went into Qatar as favourites, suffered a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia on the first game, putting their place at risk.
They are yet to qualify, but let’s have a look at who has already made it into the next round with a game to spare.
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Which teams have qualified for the last-16?
Group A
Nobody has made it out of Group A yet, with Netherlands and Ecuador sitting level on four points, and Senegal on three behind them.
Netherlands face Qatar, who are out of the tournament, on the last day of the group while Senegal take on Ecuador in a winner takes all clash.
Group B
While England lead the pack in Group B, nobody is through as of now.
The Three Lions sit top on four points, with Iran in second place on three while the USA are on two and Wales CAN still go through, but remain on one point.
Group C
Despite many backing Argentina to qualify from Group C with ease, Saudi Arabia handed them a defeat on the first game, but victory over Mexico saw them gain three points.
Poland sit top of the table with four points as Argentina and Saudi Arabia are on three and Mexico are on one with it all to play for in Group C.
Lionel Messi handed Argentina a chance of qualification after scoring against MexicoCredit: EPA
Group D
France became the first nation into the next round, with the World Champions on route to reclaim their title in 2022.
Australia are surprisingly sitting second in the group, having beaten Tunisia, but will have to get a result against Denmark if they are to join France in the next round.
Group E
It is all to play for going into the final match in Group E, with Germany surprisingly sitting bottom.
Defeat to Japan saw their World Cup dreams put into doubt but a draw with Spain and Costa Rica beating Japan means that they can still make it through, and Spain could still fall out of the group despite sitting top.
Group F
No team has qualified for the last-16 from Group F but Canada are out.
Croatia sit top on four points, the same as Morocco, and they face Belgium, who are third on three points, on the final day.
If Morocco beat Canada, they will seal their place in the last-16 and Belgium must beat Croatia to go through.

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Group G
Brazil are through after winning both their matches, picking up six points.
Switzerland remain in second on three points while Cameroon and Serbia could still qualify depending on results.
Group H
Bruno Fernandes’ brace saw Portugal seal their place in the next round, sitting top of Group H with six points.
Ghana are in second with three and face Uruguay on the final day as they seek qualification.
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Last 16 fixture dates
Last 16
Saturday, December 3

Match 49: Winners Group A vs Runners-up Group B (3pm)
Match 50: Winners Group C vs Runners-up Group D (7pm)

Sunday, December 4

Match 52: Winners Group D vs Runners-up Group C (3pm)
Match 51: Winners Group B vs Runners-up Group A (7pm)

Monday, December 5

Match 53: Winners Group E vs Runners-up Group F (3pm)
Match 54: Winners Group G vs Runners-up Group H (7pm)

Tuesday, December 6

Match 55: Winners Group F vs Runners-up Group E (3pm)
Match 56: Winners Group H vs Runners-up Group G (7pm)

Quarter-finals
Friday, December 9

Match 58: Winners of Match 53 vs Winners of Match 54 (3pm)
Match 57: Winners of Match 49 vs Winners of Match 50 (7pm)

Saturday, December 10

Match 60: Winners of Match 55 vs Winners of Match 56 (3pm)
Match 59: Winners of Match 51 vs Winners of Match 52 (7pm)

Semi-finals
Tuesday, December 13

Match 61: Winners of Match 57 vs Winners of Match 58 (7pm)

Wednesday, December 14

Match 62: Winners of Match 59 vs Winners of Match 60 (7pm)
Third/Fourth place play-off

Saturday, December 17

Losers of Match 61 vs Losers of Match 62 (3pm)

Final
Sunday, December 18
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Winners of Match 61 vs Winners of Match 62 (3pm)

What are the most important dates for the World Cup?

The group stages got underway on Sunday, November 20.
Round of 16 will be on December 3 – December 6.
Quarter-final stages begin on December 9 – December 10.
Semi-finals are taking place on December 13 – December 14.
The World Cup final will be participated on Sunday, December 18. More

TARIQ LAMPTEY is hoping to achieve major success with Ghana at the World Cup – but he could have played for England.Since making his switch from Stamford Bridge to the Amex in 2021, the Brighton full-back has been able to showcase his talent.
Tariq Lamptey chose Ghana to play for EnglandCredit: Getty
And now Lamptey has the opportunity to help the Black Stars go as far in the Qatar tournament as they possibly can.
But why is he representing Ghana and not England?
Why is Tariq Lamptey playing for Ghana and not England?
Lamptey, 22, was born in London and progressed through the Chelsea academy from a young age.
However, his father Ahmed was born in Ghana which is how the Brighton ace qualifies to play for Ghana.
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The wing-back did get a call-up for England at youth level where he made 20 appearances.
But Lamptey picked up a major injury which saw him miss the start of last season – where he was then mainly used off the bench by former Seagulls boss Graham Potter.
Unfortunately for Lamptey, this made his chances of breaking into the senior England team slim.
What are Ghana’s World Cup fixtures? More

BRAZIL are the favourites for the World Cup 2022 over in Qatar.But you may have noticed star man Neymar is NOT currently playing for the Samba side.
Neymar is currently not playing for BrazilCredit: PA
The Brazilians got their World Cup campaign under way in winning fashion, beating Serbia 2-0 thanks to Richarlison’s double.
But the victory came at a cost to their talisman.
With Neymar suffering a big injury in the clash.
Neymar was distraught on the benchCredit: Getty
Why is Neymar NOT playing for Brazil?
Neymar is currently sidelined for Brazil with an ankle injury he picked up after his foot rolled following a tough tackle.
The PSG star then limped off and it has been confirmed he will MISS the group stage over in Qatar after damaging ankle ligaments.
Team doctors believe Neymar, 30, will be out for at least a week after he had to be replaced by Manchester United winger Antony late in the game.
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But he roared from his heart in an Instagram post to reassure home fans he WILL be back in action in Qatar.
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The 122-cap superstar, who has hit 75 international goals, posted: “The pride and love I feel wearing the shirt is inexplicable. 
Neymar has said he will be back stronger in QatarCredit: EPA
“If God gave me the opportunity to choose a country to be born in, it would be BRAZIL.
“Nothing in my life was given or easy, I always had to chase after my dreams and my goals. Never wishing someone harm but helping those in need.
“Today has become one of the hardest moments of my career… and again in a World Cup.
“I have an injury yes, it’s annoying, it’s going to hurt but I’m sure I’ll have the chance to come back because I’ll do my best to help my country , my team-mates and myself.
“Long wait for the enemy to take me down like this? NEVER!
“I am the SON OF THE GOD OF THE IMPOSSIBLE and my FAITH is endless.” More

ITALY are absent from the 2022 World Cup and everyone is asking the same question – why?Roberto Mancini’s men were ever so impressive during Euro 2020 and gained plaudits for their performances.
Italy celebrating after winning Euro 2020Credit: AP
The Italians ended up winning the tournament, lifting the trophy at Wembley after beating England on penalties.
However, just a year since the final, Italy are not taking part in the 2022 World Cup.
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Why aren’t Italy at the World Cup?
The Azzurri are the most notable absentees from the World Cup along with the likes of Norway and Egypt.
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Mancini would have been hoping to build on the foundations he laid after winning Euro 2020 but Italy have now missed two World Cups in a row.
Italy had been on an impressive run of qualifying for every World Cup between 1962 and 2014, only failing to qualify for the tournament once in their history before missing out in 2018.
Jorginho was in tears after failing to qualify for the World CupCredit: AP
The Blues missed out again in 2022, falling to defeat against North Macedonia in a qualifying playoff match.
The winner went on to face Portugal, who came out on top and earned their place for the tournament in Qatar.
Facing England, Ukraine and North Macedonia in Euro 2024 qualifying, Italy will be hopeful of being present at the next European competition to defend their crown before attempting to make the 2026 World Cup. More

SPANISH teen Gavi has been lighting up the World Cup 2022 with some wonderful performances.The Barcelona sensation has been pulling the strings over in Qatar, not the laces.
Gavi’s untied laces on show at the World Cup
A closer shot of Gavi’s boots while at Barcelona
The Barcelona midfielder is now the YOUNGEST ever World Cup goal scorer.
Gavi was on target in Spain’s opening match at the World Cup when they defeated Costa Rica 7-0 after a stunning display.
And in doing so, Gavi became Spain’s youngest World Cup scorer aged just 18 years and 110 days.
The previous record was held by fellow midfielder Pirri, who was 21 years and 124 days old when he scored against Argentina in 1966.
Why does Gavi play with his laces untied?
It has been reported in Spain that Gavi plays with his shoelaces untied because he does not know how to tie them well, not that that bothers him.
Spanish journalist Marc Marba Prats said “Gavi has been playing with his laces untied since he was very young, it’s because he doesn’t know how to tie them well.
“He doesn’t care and he plays like that.”

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