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PORTUGAL came out victors against Uruguay and have sealed their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup with the victory.Cristiano Ronaldo claimed that he netted the opener, running off to celebrate with it unclear as to whether he met Bruno Fernandes’ goal bound cross.
But Fifa officially awarded the goal to Fernandes – who added his second in additional time.
A penalty was given for handball on Jose Gimenez, which appeared to be harsh as the ball struck his hand when he dived in to win the ball.
It was an improved performance by the Uruguayans, who were unlucky not to score after registering several shots on target.
They have it all to do when they face Ghana in their final match of the group stages.

Kick-off: 7pm
TV channel: ITV
Live stream: ITV X
Portugal XI: Costa, Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes, Silva, Neves, Carvalho, Fernandes, Ronaldo, Felix
Uruguay XI: Rochet, Coates, Godin, Gimenez, Varela, Valverde, Vecino, Bentancur, Olivera, Nunez, Cavani

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Goodnight from Lusail Iconic Stadium
That’s all from us on this Monday evening, and – sadly – that’s the end of games at four different times of the day.
From tomorrow, we enter the final round of group games with a pair of fixtures kicking-off simultaneously at both 3pm and 7pm.
Tuesday begins with the Group A contests where Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal will be fighting it out for a place in the Last 16 before England and Wales take centre stage in the evening.
You won’t want to miss a kick, and you won’t with us here at SunSport.
Until then, thanks for joining us, and goodbye.
Extra! Read all about it!
Hot off the press, Dan King has filed his match report of Portugal’s 2-0 win against Uruguay at Lusail Iconic Stadium.
Ronaldo was initially credited with putting the faintest of touches on a Fernandes cross and moving one ahead of his Argentinian nemesis again after Messi’s goal at the other end of the pitch two nights before. His face when he looked up to the screen to see it had been awarded to the Manchester United man was a picture.Dan KingThe Sun

Selecao soar through to knockouts
They’re yet to fully convince, but two wins from their opening two games means that are Portugal have made it through to the knockout stage with a game to spare.
Earlier today, Ghana’s surprise defeat of South Korea means it is the Black Stars in pole position to join them; a draw in their grudge game with Uruguay on Friday should be enough to see them through in second place.

South Korea 2-3 Ghana
Portugal 2-0 Uruguay

Final games on Friday:

Ghana v Uruguay (3pm)
South Korea v Portugal (3pm)

Credit: FIFA.Com
Friends fight over final touch
Cristiano Ronaldo embraced Bruno Fernandes at the final whistle and engaged in friendly debate as to who should be awarded Portugal’s opening goal.
The 37-year-old remains adamant that he got a slight and final touch on his teammate’s cross before it deceived Sergio Rochet.
If he doesn’t allow Ronaldo the goal, expect another bombshell interview with Piers Morgan soon.

Match stats from Lusail Stadium
Portugal just about edged this Group H clash, a contest that will be remembered for the controversy surrounding the award of the late penalty and the confusion regarding the identity of the first goalscorer.

Full time – Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
The final whistle goes and the Portuguese have sealed their place in the Last 16 with a group game to spare.
Bruno Fernandes was again responsible for the win, this time with a double, one of which came from the penalty spot, the other that was claimed by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Uruguay look a pale shadow of their sides from World Cups past, and must now be considering dumping some of the old guard.

Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
90+9. Fernandes again! Even closer this time as he strikes the base of the post!
The Portugal players are now knocking the ball around the Uruguay players for fun. Someone put them out of their misery, please.
Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
90+8. Fernandes almost bags a hat-trick in the final seconds!
A slick break against tired legs sees Ramos lift it over from the left for the Manchester United ace to meet first time at the back post with a volley kept out by the legs of Rochet.

Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
90+6. On the bench, the Uruguayan players not currently involved look shell-shocked.
They simply must beat Ghana on Friday now.
Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
90+3. There’s no debate as to whose goal this one is!
Bruno Fernandes is as cool as you like in netting his and Portugal’s second of the night.
The Manchester United star stuttered on his run up and waited for Sergio Rochet to commit himself before rolling the ball low to his right.
The Selecao are heading for the knockout stages!

Bruno at the double!

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Penalty to Portugal!
90. Sure enough, Alireza Faghani returns to the pitch and points to the spot.
The Uruguay players are furious, and for once, who can blame them?
Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – VAR Review!
89. Nevertheless, the Iranian referee has been told to go and check the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Bonkers.
Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
87. Bruno Fernandes executes a perfect nutmeg on a flailing defender, and almost wins a penalty for handball in the process.
The ball does flick off Gimenez’s arm as he goes to ground, but surely there’s little he could have done about it.

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Uruguay substitution
85. A final change for La Celeste sees Matias Vina on for the final five minutes.
The defender takes over from Mathias Olivera.
Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
84. Portugal have regrouped, and are looking to see this one out by sitting deep in front of the ball.
Can they see it out for only their second win against South American opposition at the World Cup?
Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Portugal triple substitution
82. Another flurry of changes for the Portuguese.
Ronaldo – without a goal to his name – is off, along with Joao Felix and William Carvalho.
On come Fulham’s midfield machine, Joao Palhinha, and Matheus Nunes and Goncalo Ramos.
Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
80. Into the last ten minutes here, and Uruguay are pressing.
Fernando Santos knows as much, and sends for reinforcements.
Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
79. Another chance for Uruguay!
A lovely pass in behind the defence from Valverde has De Arrascaeta in the clear, but his first time attempt is weak and easily saved by Diogo Costa.
Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
78. Suarez! He should have scored!
The delivery from the set-piece into the area is a poor one, but the former Liverpool ace makes the most of the mis-hit cross.
He takes a good first touch to steady himself at the near post, but then whips the second straight into the side-netting.

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Joao Felix yellow card
77. Joao Felix is penalised and cautioned for a poor attempt at tracking back, and Uruguay have a chance to test the Portugal defence with a free-kick 35 yards out on the left.
Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
74. Off the post!
Pellistri has breathed new life into Uruguay, and it’s his direct play that opened up the opportunity for another substitute.
Gomez lets fly from 20 yards with one of his first involvements, and is unfortunate to see his strike crash back off the woodwork.
Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Uruguay substitutions
72. Another double change from the South Americans.
Luis Suarez is on for the final proceedings alongside fellow forward Maxi Gomez.
Edinson Cavani and Darwin Nunez are replaced.
Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
70. Ronaldo moves inside the penalty area and goes does under the soft challenge of Coates.
The forward wants a penalty, but not for the first time, referee Alireza Faghani tells him to get up.
In ends a hilarious run of play where a dive at either end of the pitch is topped 30 seconds later by Ronaldo’s antics.
Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Portugal substitution
68. The much-coveted Rafael Leao is on for his second substitute appearance at these finals.
The AC Milan youngster replaces Ruben Neves.
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BRAZIL are facing Switzerland in a huge World Cup clash RIGHT NOW!Star man Neymar will play NO part, with Man Utd star Fred coming in as Tite shores up his midfield.
Richarlison’s double – including a goal of the tournament contender – game the Samba Boys a 2-0 win over Serbia.
Switzerland beat Cameroon 1-0 in their opener thanks to a strike from Breel Embolo.

Kick-off: 4pm
TV channel: ITV
Live stream: ITV X
Brazil XI: Alisson; Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Alex Sandro; Fred, Casemiro, Paqueta; Raphinha, Richarlison, Vinicius
Switzerland XI: Sommer; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka, Rieder; Sow, Vargas, Embolo

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7 Brazil 0-0 Switzerland
Switzerland will look to take advantage of any set-pieces against Brazil.
The Selecao are definitely the kind of team you don’t want to allow to play their game, though
5 Brazil 0-0 Switzerland
Brazil have started strong and are trying to impose their rhythm from the get go, as expected.
Switzerland are confident and keep their lines together against their strong opponents
2 Brazil 0-0 Switzerland
And another quick reminder:
Switzerland manager Murat Yakin appears to have opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation against Brazil.
Yann Sommer starts between the sticks with Silvan Widmer at right-back and Ricardo Rodriguez on the other side, while Nico Elvedi and Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji link up at centre-back.
Nottingham Forest’s Remo Freuler and captain Granit Xhaka of Arsenal team up in midfield with Mohamed Sow at No10.
Fabian Rieder plays down the right with Ruben Vargas on the other side, while Breel Ambolo leads the attack
1 Brazil 0-0 Switzerland
Just a quick reminder:
Brazil manager Tite appears to have opted for a 4-3-3 formation against Switzerland.
Liverpool’s Alisson starts in goal with Eder Militao replacing Danilo at right-back and Alex Sandro on the other side, while Marquinhos and captain Thiago Silva of Chelsea link up at centre-back.
West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta as well as Manchester United duo Casemiro and Fred, who takes Neymar’s place in the starting line-up, team up in midfield.
Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Tottenham’s Richarlison spearhead the attack
Brazil 0-0 Switzerland
Peep!
Off we go in Qatar!!!
Her come the teams!!!
The 974 Stadium is ready to host the World Cup clash between Brazil and Switzerland.
Captain Thiago Silva leads the Selecao out the pitch while Arsenal star Granit Xhaka dons the Swiss armband.
The two teams line up on the pitch for their national anthems in Qatar.
Not long to go now…!
Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty
Neymar injury latest
Brazil superstar Neymar is sidelined with an ankle injury he picked up against Serbia after his foot rolled following a tough tackle.
The Paris Saint-Germain star limped off in his country’s World Cup opener and it has been confirmed he will miss the rest of the group stage after damaging ankle ligaments – team doctors believe the 30-year-old will be out of action for at least a week.
But the star forward reassured all of Brazil he will return and help his team win the World Cup with a defiant statement on Instagram.
Neymar posted: “The pride and love I feel wearing the shirt is inexplicable. 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”
Credit: PA
Qatar World Cup controversy
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar has been marred by controversy due to serious allegations of human rights breaches.
The Guardian claimed last year that 6,500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka had died since the Arab country’s successful World Cup bid in 2010.
The number is based on figures provided by the respective countries’ embassies in Qatar.
However, the Qatar government said the total was misleading, claiming accident records were 37 deaths among labourers at World Cup stadium construction sites between 2014 and 2020, and only three of which were “work-related”.
However, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has said that was an underestimate.
Serious questions have also been risen over the treatment of members of the LGBTQ+ community as homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and punishable by incarceration or even death.
Controversy ensued after FIFA banned the One Love armband that England, Wales, Germany, France, Belgium, Denmark and Switzerland were supposed to wear in support of the gay and trans community
Credit: PA
Word from the ground
Let’s hear from SunSport’s man on the ground Phil Thomas after the line-ups came out:
It’s only when you run through some of the options open to Tite – the Professor – that you realise losing the injured Neymar isn’t the disaster it would be for everyone else.
No coach is as spoilt for choice quite like the Brazil gaffer. So as much as he tried a touch of the “woe is me” in the run-up to this game, no-one was buying it.
Brazil aren’t just hot favourites, they’re positively scorching ones, and another win on top of the opener against Serbia will ease them through with a game to spare.
The Swiss aren’t here as tourists, though, and are bullish about their chances of causing an upset.
Xherdan Shaqiri has never been short of confidence or self belief and has heavily talked up his nation’s chances.
Bold and brave, or crazy to tweak the tail of the tiger? Come 9pm tonight we’ll have the answer…but I know what the clever money’s on.Phil ThomasSunSport
Time for predictions
Brazil pose as favourites ahead of this crunch World Cup clash with Switzerland.
However, Murat Yakin’s men are well up for it and have been enjoying a good run against the Brazilians.
The Selecao are also without star man Neymar, who is out with an ankle injury.
What do you think? Give us your prediction below:

Switzerland formation
Switzerland manager Murat Yakin appears to have opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation against Brazil.
Yann Sommer starts between the sticks with Silvan Widmer at right-back and Ricardo Rodriguez on the other side, while Nico Elvedi and Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji link up at centre-back.
Nottingham Forest’s Remo Freuler and captain Granit Xhaka of Arsenal team up in midfield with Mohamed Sow at No10.
Fabian Rieder plays down the right with Ruben Vargas on the other side, while Breel Ambolo leads the attack
Brazil formation
Brazil manager Tite appears to have opted for a 4-3-3 formation against Switzerland.
Liverpool’s Alisson starts in goal with Eder Militao replacing Danilo at right-back and Alex Sandro on the other side, while Marquinhos and captain Thiago Silva of Chelsea link up at centre-back.
West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta as well as Manchester United duo Casemiro and Fred, who takes Neymar’s place in the starting line-up, team up in midfield.
Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Tottenham’s Richarlison spearhead the attack
Switzerland subs
12 Omlin, 21 Kobel, 24 Koehn, 2 Fernandes, 6 Zakaria, 9 Seferovic, 11 Steffen, 14 Aebischer, 16 Fassnacht, 18 Comert, 20 Frei, 22 Schaer, 23 Shaqiri, 26 Jashari
Brazil subs
12 Weverton, 23 Ederson, 2 Danilo, 13 Alves, 15 Fabinho, 16 Telles, 17 Guimaraes, 18 Jesus, 19 Antony, 21 Rodrygo, 22 Everton, 24 Bremer, 25 Pedro, 26 Martinelli
Switzerland XI
Sommer, Widmer, Elvedi, Akanji, Embolo, Freuler, Xhaka, Rodriguez, Sow, Vargas, Rieder

Brazil XI
Alisson, Eder Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Alex Sandro, Casemiro, Fred, Pacqueta, Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Richarlison

The team sheets are in!!!
Switzerland stats
Switzerland are second in Group G after also beating Cameroon 1-0 in the World Cup opener.
The Swiss have reason to feel confident as they have won two of their last four matches – of which they lost one – against Brazil across all competitions.
But the A-Team have only won just one of their eight matches against a South American country at the World Cup, of which they lost five – the only team they defeated was Ecuador in 2014.
Switerland are aiming to win their opening two World Cup games for the first time in their history.
The only other time they won two straight games in the competition was in 2006 against Togo and South Korea
Credit: Getty
Brazil stats
Brazil are top of Group G with a better goal difference than Switzerland – Tite’s man defeated Serbia 2-0 thanks to a brace by Tottenham star Richarlison.
The Selecao are unbeaten in their last 16 group stage matches at the World Cup.
No team has ever gone 17 without defeat at this stage of the competition before.
But the Brazilians haven’t beaten the Swiss since their friendly 2-1 victory in 2006 as they lost one of their next two meetings across all competitions
Credit: Getty
Head-to-Head
Brazil and Switzerland’s first ever encounter took place way back in 1950 when they faced off in the World Cup and drew 2-2 in Sao Paulo.
Since then, the two sides have faced off a total of nine times with the Selecao winning a majority of three times, compared to the Swiss’ two victories.
The two nations also faced off in the World Cup’s group stage in 2018 in a match that ended 1-1.
That means none of them have managed to emerge victorious from a World Cup match against each other.
Switzerland are one of three countries, alongside Portugal and Hungary, that Brazil have faced twice in the esteemed competition without ever beating
Credit: Getty – Contributor
Good afternoon from Qatar
Welcome to SunSport’s live blog coverage of the World Cup clash between Brazil and Switzerland at the 974 Stadium.
Both teams are looking to seal qualification to the Last 16 after Group G opponents Cameroon and Serbia’s entertaining 3-3 draw.
But Brazil manager Tite will have to do it without star man Neymar, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury he picked up against Serbia after his foot rolled following a tough tackle.
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar then limped off and it has been confirmed he will miss the rest of the group stage after damaging ankle ligaments.
Team doctors believe the forward will be out for at least a week and Tite will have to find a replacement.
But the Brazilian tactician has Tottenham star Richarlison available to spearhead his attack after a fantastic brace against the Serbians.
Danilo will also miss the rest of the group stage with a similar injury as Neymar and that means 39-year-old Dani Alves could come in and appear in his first World Cup match since 2014.
However, it is likelier that Eder Militao will start at right-back for one of the competition’s biggest favourites.
Switzerland manager Murat Yakin, on the other hand, is not dealing with any fresh injury concerns ahead of this crunch clash.
But Yakin’s recent change in formation means there is no longer room for Fabian Schar to start as a third centre-back, and thus the duo of Nico Elvedi and Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji are preferred over the Newcastle ace
Credit: Getty
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GHANA kept their World Cup campaign alive with a thrilling 3-2 win over South Korea.Ghana knew they would have been OUT of the tournament with a loss.
Mohammed Kudus scored twice in the victory as Ghana bounced back in some style.

Result: South Korea 2 Ghana 3
South Korea XI: Kim, Kim Jin-Su, Min Jae, Woo-Young, Kim Moon, Hwang Inbeom, Young-Gwon, Jeong Wooy, Chang-Hoon, Son, Gue-Sung
Ghana XI: Ati-Zigi, Lamptey, Amartey, Salisu, Mensah, Partey, Abdul Samed, Kudus, A. Ayew, J. Ayew, Williams

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Ghana leave it all out there
As the final whistle blew, you could see just how much this win meant to those Ghanaian players.
They worked so hard to keep South Korea out in stoppage time, their effort sapped the energy out of them.
The fans in the stands erupted, the players rejoiced and Otto Addo can dream of taking his team to the knockout phases.
Credit: PA
Credit: AFP
Credit: AFP
Cho us what you’re made of
Cho Gue-sung almost made himself the hero of South Korea with his second hand performance.
Only the heroics of Ghana keeper Ati-Zigi could prevent the striker from completing his hat-trick.
His shot map showing how his game changed once he started getting himself in the right areas with his team mates providing some quality supply from the flanks.

Inside the ground – full time analysis
SunSport’s Mark Irwin reports from Al Rayyan:
MOHAMMED SALISU went from World Cup sinner to Saint as Ghana’s Black Stars saw off a thrilling Korean fightback at the Education City Stadium.
The Southampton defender was gutted to concede the contentious penalty which allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to set Portugal on their way to victory in last week’s Group H opener.
But he more than made amends with the breakthrough goal against the sleepy South Koreans to keep his nation’s hopes alive.
Ghana came into this match knowing that defeat for them would definitely mean they were out of the competition.
And despite Korea laying siege to the Ghanain goal for the entire ten minutes of stoppage time they simply could not come up with another equaliser to save their bacon.
South Korea left seeing stars
The Tigers of Asia were left seeing stars in the Education City Stadium today in the form of the Black Stars of Ghana.
After coming back from the brink, South Korea could not find that third goal to earn themselves a point.

Bento sees red at final whistle
South Korea manager Paulo Bento has just been shown the red card by Anthony Taylor as the manager erupts on him at the full time whistle.
He seemed unhappy no time was allowed for their corner at the end.
Bento will not be on the touchline for their final game in the group now.
Hectic scenes on the pitch still.
FT: South Korea 2-3 Ghana
Anthony Taylor blows his whistle to a great roar.
The Black Stars have got their first win of the World Cup 2022.
South Korea threw all they had at them in search of an equaliser but could not breach the Ghana defence.
South Korea 2-3 Ghana
90+10. Ghana are just throwing legs at the ball trying to clear it now.
Another corner for South Korea.
They must have put about 20 crosses into the Ghana box in the last period of play.
Ghana are holding on.
Just.
South Korea 2-3 Ghana
90+8. Ghana take some time out as they treat one of their players.
Ati-Zigi is having a great game for Ghana.
They are minutes away from their first win at the World Cup in seven attempts.
There will be some celebrations if they can see this one out.
South Korea 2-3 Ghana
90+6. South Korea are having more shots on goal in the last ten minutes than the entire tournament prior to this.
Ghana are camped out in their own half at the moment.
Cross after cross from South Korea.
Attack versus defence stuff here.
South Korea 2-3 Ghana – Cho chance
90+4. Ghana are trying to run the clock down any chance they have now.
Any time they feel a contact they milk it for all they can.
Who can blame them, they want to see this one out.
Cho has an effort tipped over the bar by the keeper.
Credit: AFP
South Korea 2-3 Ghana
90+2. Ghana are under all sorts of pressure.
All the crosses are coming from wide positions and they are struggling to deal with the aerial bombardment.
Kwon comes on for the Tigers of Asia, perfect time to make a name for yourself.
South Korea 2-3 Ghana
90. Korea are knocking on the door again.
It is flicked into the box but Baba heads it clear with a diving header.
There are going to be 10 minutes of stoppage time.
South Korea still have time to change this game.
South Korea 2-3 Ghana
88. Baba comes comes on for Ghana.
The Chelsea player who, in true Chelsea form, has spent more time on loan than in West London.
Classic Chelsea vibes.
South Korea 2-3 Ghana
86. South Korea are still playing their passing game.
Resisting the urge to lump it long to Cho in search of a goal.
They must have confidence in that fourth official’s board.
Credit: Getty
South Korea 2-3 Ghana
84. Both sides are still going for this.
Ghana know another goal kills this game off.
South Korea have not given up hope of an equaliser.
South Korea 2-3 Ghana
82. Having watched most of the AFCON tournament, it was a worry how well the African sides would fair against competition outside of their continent.
Well they are showing me that there was nothing to worry about whatsoever.
Their performances are a credit to the tournament.
South Korea 2-3 Ghana
80. We are into the final ten minutes of this clash.
Well, until the fourth official holds the board up to indicate there is two more weeks of additional time.
That will be music to the South Korean ears.
South Korea 2-3 Ghana
78. South Korea seem more dangerous when their full backs support their attacking play.
Ghana manage to draw a foul to give themselves a breather.
Both sides are looking to make some changes.
Credit: Reuters
South Korea 2-3 Ghana – Lee chance
76. Lee gets bend and dip on the ball as he strikes it with his left foot from distance.
Great save from the Ghana keeper, tipping it around the post for a corner.
South Korea are pressing now.
Kim meets a cross with a volley and it is cleared off the line.
South Korea 2-3 Ghana – Lamptey yellow card
74. Ghana have now scored in their last 7 World Cup matches.
Son is fouled heading towards the box.
Lamptey is shown a yellow card for the foul.
Taking one for the team I think they call it.
South Korea 2-3 Ghana
72. Who would want to be a football fan.
The Korean fans have been on a real emotional rollercoaster here.
Dejection to joy to depression.
South Korea 2-3 Ghana
70. Twenty minutes left here for South Korea to find another goal.
This has been another fantastic match up today.
What drama.
Credit: Reuters
South Korea 2-3 Ghana
68. The ball is crossed in towards Inaki Williams.
He seemingly misses the ball completely and it runs through to Kudus.
The Ghanaian hits it first time and puts the Black Stars back in front.
Goal – Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)
South Korea 2-2 Ghana
68. There seems like there are more goals in this game.
Neither side has seem to be resting on their laurels.
Free kick is given to Ghana for a foul on Amartey.
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GERMANY are hanging in there at the World Cup after fighting back to draw 1-1 with Spain.Super-sub Niclas Fullkrug levelled it up after fellow sub Alvaro Morata had put Spain ahead.
Germany now need to beat Costa Rica in their final game, and still need the result to go their way in Spain vs Japan as Group E concludes in thrilling fashion.
Should Japan seal a narrow win over Spain, Germany will be going home. Spain’s huge goal difference should see them still advance.

Result: Spain 1-1 Germany
Spain XI: Unai Simon; Carvajal, Rodrigo, Laporte, Alba; Busquets, Gavi, Pedri; Ferran Torres, Asensio, Dani Olmo
Germany XI: Neuer; Kehrer, Sule, Rudiger, Raum: Kimmich, Goretzka; Gundogan, Musiala, Gnabry; Muller

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That’s all from Al Khor
So, a day of shock results comes to an end with a 1-1 draw.
Germany restore some dignity and the points are shared with Spain.
It’s all to play for in Group E!
Thanks for reading. Goodnight.
Golden boy
Jamal Musiala was involved in everything Germany did well this evening.
He ran Spain’s defence ragged and set up Fullkrug for their equaliser.
The 19-year-old continues to make a name for himself in Qatar!

Full time stats
Spain typically had the majority of the ball, but it was Germany who had more chances.
Musiala came close, and Sane almost sealed victory late on.

David Kidd in Al Khor
SunSport’s David Kidd was watching from the al Bayt Stadium and here is his report.
ON a night when we’d expected to wave auf wiedersehen to the Germans, they simply put on a display of their age-old resilience.
Hansi Flick’s side had slipped the noose earlier in the day, when Costa Rica surprisingly defeated Japan and spared them the prospect of elimination after just two matches.
And after trailing to a classy Alvaro Morata opener, German sub Niclas Fullkrug thumped a powerful late equaliser to earn a point against the eye-candy Spaniards.
Victory over Costa Rica is now highly likely to see the Mannschaft advance into the last sixteen – and the way they refused to yield against a high-quality Spanish side, you can’t entirely begrudge them.
Herr Flick’s boys played in this first genuine heavyweight clash of the World Cup – Antonio Rudiger having an effort ruled out for offside and Spanish keeper Unai Simon kept busy.
But the thrills and the flair belonged to Spain, who are employing an updated version of tiki-taka under Luis Enrique and making the world smile along with them.
Despite Costa Rica chucking them a lifeline, there was a serious matter of German pride being restored after that shocking late collapse against Japan.
Flick bolstered his midfield by bringing in Leon Goretzka and dropping Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, with West Ham’s Thilo Kehrer added to defence.
After their group-stage exit in Russia four years ago and their last-16 defeat by England at last summer’s Euros, Germany’s formidable aura had well and truly evaporated.
This looked like the glamour tie of the entire knock-out stage when the draw was made, yet that was based on Germany’s grand footballing history rather than a record of two wins from nine games.
From the start, it was high-grade stuff – Germany threatening on the break, Spain joyful with their pass-and-move game, reminiscent of vintage Barcelona or the Spanish side which one three major trophies in a row between 2008 and 2012.
Gavi and Pedri, emerging as the new Xavi and Iniesta, were a proper pair of artful dodgers. Behind them was Sergio Busquets, the anchorman from the original line-up.
After one such passing routine, Dani Olmo – who plays his club football in Germanywith Leipzig – thundered a shot which Manuel Neuer pushed onto the bar at full stretch, just seven minutes in.
Jorbi Alba drilled one into the side-netting but the Germans were also having their moments, Serge Gnabry shooting wide after a dozy pass from Spanish keeper Unai Simon.
From an Olmo break, Ferran Torres blazed a sitter over the bar – but had his embarrassment lessened by an offside flag.
Gavi – built like a sparrow, feet like a phantom – is going to be a genuine world great and, for a little fella, he clearly relishes a scrap too.
Yet for all Spain’s dominance, Germany thought they had the lead five minutes before half-time.
Alba tripped Gnabry, who swung in a deep free-kick. Antonio Rudiger was presented with a free header and planted into the net – only for the robot linesman to exterminate German goal celebrations.
Spain certainly didn’t look comfortable set-pieces and when Busquets was booked for a cynical job on Jamal Musiala, Rudiger was presented with another chance – his angled shot stinging the palms of Simon.
It was a match which didn’t deserve a Mexican wave but it got one anyway – who are these people? Certainly not football lovers.
Germany were pressing with aggression and when Spain were dispossessed close to their own box, Josh Kimmich drilled a shot which Simon dived to push away.
Confidence was growing among Flick’s men, every time Spain’s defensive vulnerability became apparent.
With Spain looking becalmed, Luis Enrique turned to the bench and sent Morata on in place of Torres, switching Olmo to the left flank – and it worked a treat.
Soon Olmo fed Alba, who centred low for Morata to score with a cute flick of the roof at the near post.
Almost instantly, it should have been two. The outstanding Olmo centred for the unmarked Marco Asensio, who spooned his shot when the onion bag was begging for it.
But Germany were unbowed – first, Simon saved with his body from Musiala.
And then two German subs combined for a quality equaliser, Leroy Sane turning his man in an impossibly tight space, allowing Fullkrug to blast into the roof of the net. David KiddSunSport
FULL TIME – Spain 1-1 Germany
The points are shared and Germany’s World Cup hopes remain alive.
Spain 1-1 Germany
90+5, Sane with the chance to win it!
Goretzka slides in on Williams and sets his side on the attack. Schlotterbeck feeds Sane in behind who knocks it past Simon where the angle was too tight.
Spain 1-1 Germany
90+2, Sule curls a ball over to Gnabry and Carvajal looks to safely cushion it back to his keeper, but instead nods it behind for a corner.
Kimmich’s ball in is deep and misses the head of Rudiger who was lunging for it.
Spain 1-1 Germany
90+1, There will be six added minutes here.
Still time for Germany to find a winner.
Spain 1-1 Germany
89, Schlotterbeck, just off the bench, recovers brilliantly to hook the ball off the feet off Morata who was lining up the shot.
GOAL! – Spain 1-1 Germany
82, Fullkrug smashes Germany level!
Just like at the other end, Germany’s substitute centre-forward finds the net.
Sane feeds Musiala who keeps the move alive in the penalty area. It bundles through and Fulkrugg takes over, firing a vicious strike beyond Simon and into the top corner from the right-hand side.
What a hit, and what a finish we have here!
Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty
Spain 1-0 Germany
81, Alba takes a knock and is immediately replaced by Balde.
Spain 1-0 Germany
80, Straight into the wall by Kimmich. It was so close that it would be tough to get it up and over.
Ten minutes for Germany to find an equaliser.
Spain 1-0 Germany
79, Sane and Musiala combine before Sane went down in the area.
Plenty of penalty appeals, but it was a perfectly timed tackle.
Fullkrug then runs into Busquets and is awarded the free-kick in a great position.
Sane and Kimmich are behind it.
Spain 1-0 Germany
78, Musiala intercepts and plays a pass inside which both Sane and Fullkrug run a way from, assuming the pass is for the other.
Groans ring out amongst the Germany fans.
Spain 1-0 Germany
75, Alan Shearer berates the linesman on commentary, expressing his irritation with the rules that a linesman cannot raise his flag in case there is an opportunity.
Morata was the guilty party and looks inclined to agree with him.
Spain 1-0 Germany
73, Massive chance for Musiala!
Oh, that was the moment. Sane played a neat reverse pass insde to Musiala who went for power against Simon.
The keeper stood tall as it smashed against his arm and out for a corner.
A touch more composure and Germany are level.
Spain 1-0 Germany
72, Brilliant by Musiala.
The teenager just kept going, bouncing off the challenges before flashing a dangerous ball across goal.
Fullkrug threw himself at it, but it rolled behind for a goal-kick.
Spain 1-0 Germany
71, Morata sets Williams on the counter-attack and the substitute waits for support, chipping it over towards Koke who has the ball taken off him.
Spain 1-0 Germany
69, Pedri tries to feed Morata in behind but Neuer was off his line quickly.
It’s a triple change for Germany.
Fullkrug, Klostermann and Sane are on.
Muller, Kehrer and Gundogan make way.
Spain 1-0 Germany
66, And that will be his last contribution.
Asensio is off for Neco Williams and Koke is on for Gavi.
Spain 1-0 Germany
65, There are gaps everywhere now.
Germany will pile forward and that’s left spaces in behind for Spain to exploit.
Olmo cuts the ball back for Gavi who let it run through his legs for Asensio. With the whole goal to aim at, he skies it from 20 yards.
GOAL! – Spain 1-0 Germany
61, Morata fires Spain in front!
Spain shift the ball form right to left and Olmo plays in Alba who gets his head up, delivering a neat ball across the area.
Morata gets across his man and brilliantly flicks it into the roof of the net with the outside of his boot.
At last a goal!
Credit: EPA
Credit: Getty
Spain 0-0 Germany
60, Musiala is dragged down by Gavi who beats the turf in frustration.
Kimmich spotted Rudiger’s run, but the free-kick had just too much on it.
A Spanish goal now would really hurt Germany.
Spain 0-0 Germany
59, Raum curls in a teasing delivery but there was no one in white challenging for it. That will drive Hansi Flick crazy.
Kimmich is then shown a yellow for a poorly timed tackle.
Spain 0-0 Germany
57, Asensio looks to dart past Goretzka who can’t take the risk of letting him free, so bundles him out of play.
A rugby player would have been happy with that tackle.
The yellow card is waved in the German’s direction.
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CANADA are OUT of the World Cup after losing 4-1 to Croatia.Alphonso Davies put the Canadians ahead after just 68 second before Croatia started to turn the screw.
Andrej Kramaric netted twice to condemn Canada to their World Cup exit, joining hosts Qatar as the two eliminated teams so far.

Result: Canada 4-1 Croatia
Croatia XI: Livakovic, Juranvoic; Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Livaja, Kramaric, Perisic
Canada XI: Borjan; Johnston, Vitoria, Miller; Laryea, Hutchinson, Estaquio, Davies; Buchanan, David, Larin

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Who else is in action today?
These group stage days are an absolute dream aren’t they?
Football on TV from 9am- 9pm, it is 12 hours of dreamland.
Later on today we have the 7pm kick-off, which sees Spain face off against Germany in what is a World Cup clash of the titans.
That is all from us on SunSport for this game, but join us for coverage of Spain vs Germany up next and check out the lineups for that one here.
Thank you very much for reading as always, and enjoy the rest of what is set to be a brilliant night of football!
Who’s up next?
Up next for Croatia they face what may well be a tougher test as they are up against Belgium on the first of December.
As for Canada, things don’t get any easier as they face a Morocco side that are tipped to be dark horses by many, after beating Belgium and drawing with Croatia.
Both teams gave a pretty good account of themselves this afternoon, despite the scoreline maybe not reflecting that, but will have to be at their very best to get a result in their next game.
Classy Croatia.
Croatia looked like a side that were back to their best tonight.
Kramaric will get most of the plaudits for his two superb finishes, which could have been three if his first one wasn’t ruled out for offside.
But it was that magical midfield of Kovacic, Modric and Brozovic that proved their worth on the world stage tonight.
The three of them were brilliant in taking the pace out of the game, and then injecting it back in at just the right time.
Croatia looked deadly on the counter attack, and brilliant in terms of their build up play, they ultimately just had too much quality for Canada to deal with.
They will be feeling positive ahead of facing Belgium, who are looking like the tournaments great under-performers so far…
Modric and Kovacic dictated the tempo as Croatia beat Canada 4-1.Credit: Getty
Positives for Canada…
Canada are out in the groups at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and were mercilessly beaten by a classy Croatia side by four goals to one.
But, there are a number of positives that they can take from this tournament…

A first World Cup goal.

Alphonso Davies gave Canada the lead against Croatia after he scored the fastest goal of the tournament so far, inside just two minutes, it was also Canada’s first goal in a World Cup finals, and will be remembered eternally, not just by Davies, but the nation.

Co-Hosts next time…

In 2026 the World Cup is being held in Canada, The USA and Mexico, which will be a huge boost for a country that is not typically a footballing nation, this could really boost their chances of doing well in that tournament, and they could well be dark horses.

Young players getting experience.

Canada have a number of brilliant young players, and the future looks bright for them. Buchanan, Davies, David and Laryea amongst others all showed their talent, and could well be players of serious, developed quality by the time 2026 comes around…
Overall they will be disappointed tonight, but there are plenty of positives for them to take from this tournament, and they could still go out and get a win against Morocco next week.
Alphonso Davies will be 26-years-old when Canada co-host the next World Cup.Credit: Reuters
FT. Croatia 4-1 Canada.
The referee calls the second-half to a close, and that sees Canada eliminated by a merciless Croatia side.
It is full time, Croatia 4-1 Canada.
90+4. Croatia 4-1 Canada.
It’s four for Croatia, and a horrible mistake by Kamal Miller as the ball slips through his legs.
Orsic was all over it like a rash, and burst down the left-hand side with too much pace for Miller to keep up.
It was two on one with Majer bursting forward, and the pass across left the latter with a simple finish high into the net.
90+2. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
Canada may be out, but that hasn’t stopped Junior Hoilett going for goal of the tournament just now.
The ball fell to him on the half-volley on the edge of the box, and he smashed a dipping shot with his laces towards goal, that ended up just wide of the left post.
90. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
A poor shot from Orsic is comfortably saved by Borjan.
There will be six added minutes at the end of the second half.
88. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
You have to applaud that Canada have not dropped their standards here, they are still playing their game, and that is credit to them.
Worth noting also that they are co-hosts of the next World Cup tournament, alongside Mexico and the USA.
They could be a team to really look out for in four years time.
86. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
There is a yellow card each for Kamal Miller and Luka Modric, and there is a triple change for Croatia too.
Perisic, Modric and Mateo Kovacic are off to be replaced by Pasalic, Orsic and Majer.
83. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
Canada have been great to watch in this tournament, and can consider themselves somewhat unlucky after missing their penalty against Belgium.
They do have a pretty young squad, with a lot of young stars in their ranks, the likes of Davies and David.
The next World Cup could see them get their first win, if they don’t spring a surprise on Morocco next week…
80. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
A bit more end-to-end stuff here before the end of this game, including a great double save from the Serbian born Canadian goalkeeper.
Perisic hit a low shot at him after being played in by Mateo Kovacic, before the rebound fell to Brozovic.
His shot was then saved, and Canada escaped on the break with Davies, who had a shot saved…
76. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
This has been a bit of a footballing lesson for Canada…
That midfield of Kovacic, Brozovic and Modric has really shown its worth against this Canadian side.
When they went 1-0 down after just two minutes they kept their composure and eventually broke down the Canadian side repeatedly breaking the lines and creating chances for Kramaric up front.
74. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
A few changes here for both sides…
A grand ovation for Andrej Kramaric, who is replaced by Nikola Vlasic.
For Canada, Atiba Hutchinson is off for Sam Adekugbe, who will slot in at left back, and Lucas Cavallini replaces Jonathan David.
72. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
That is a great touch and finish from Andrej Kramaric.
Ivan Perisic got down the left hand side, and whipped the ball in towards Kramaric stood in the back post area.
He takes a touch, and switches the ball onto his left foot, before dispatching it into the bottom left corner.
Great finish from the ex-Leicester city man.
70. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
It’s three for Croatia! It could be all over for Canada!
It is Andrej Kramaric at the double!
68. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
Great work from Mateo Kovacic in midfield for Croatia, as he changes the pace and drives forward for his side.
He beats two players, but his final pass is just a little to heavy for Petkovic to latch onto.
66. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
Canada are just seeking ways to get forward against Croatia here, and Buchanan has now swapped to the left wing, instead of the right.
He has really impressed in this tournament so far, and don’t be surprised if there are a queue of clubs waiting to sign him in January.
64. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
Laryea for Canada is being replaced by Junior Hoilett, and Alphonso Davies wins a free-kick right on the edge of the box…
Davies takes the free-kick, but it only reaches as far as Brozovic in the Croatian wall.
62. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
A change for Croatia, as Bruno Petkovic, who scored against Chelsea in the Champions League this season, is replacing the scorer of Croatia’s second goal, Marko Livaja.
60. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
There is an urgency about Canada now with just half an hour to go.
Buchanan gets a lovely nutmeg on Josko Gvardiol, but Perisic is behind his team mate to ensure that there is no further threat from the tricky Canadian.
58. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
What a save by Livakovic!
It is almost an equaliser for Canada, as Jonathon David hits a curling effort from the edge of the box, which is tipped over by the Croatian keeper.
Dejan Lovren is booked for a foul in the build up.
Lille’s Jonathan David almost levelled the scoring for Canada…Credit: Getty
56. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
Kramaric has to score, it should be all over!
Really lovely play from Croatia, who make it look so simple…
A reverse ball from Modric inside the box finds Kramaric, who just has to slot it into the back of the net, but it is saved by the keeper!
Huge save, and a potentially huge miss from Kramaric…
54. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
The next goal in this game is oh so crucial.
If it goes Croatia’s way it could be all over in Qatar for Canada.
If Canada get the next goal, you get the feeling that the momentum could just carry them all the way through to win it.
52. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
It’s a half-chance for Croatia, as a teasing ball from Sosa on the left-hand side goes in towards Perisic before being saved by the goalkeeper.
Buchanan picks up a yellow card for a late challenge on Gvardiol.
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CANADA are facing Croatia RIGHT NOW – and they lead 1-0 in the crucial clash.The Canadians will be knocked OUT of the World Cup should they lose this afternoon.
And neither team has even scored in this tournament yet as Croatia were held to a goalless score while the Canadians suffered defeat at the hands of Belgium.
But you get the feeling that could all change in this upcoming mouth-watering game.

Kick-off time: 4pm GMT
Live stream: BBC iPlayer
TV channel: BBC One
Croatia XI: Livakovic, Juranvoic; Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Livaja, Kramaric, Perisic
Canada XI: Borjan; Johnston, Vitoria, Miller; Laryea, Hutchinson, Estaquio, Davies; Buchanan, David, Larin

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6. Croatia 0-1 Canada.
That is the fastest goal of the tournament so far, scored by someone who is arguably the fastest player at the tournament.
It’s probably only Kylian Mbappe who could beat him in a race at this seasons finals…
4. Croatia 0-1 Canada.
What a goal that is from Canada, their first ever in a World Cup finals!
Kyle Larin, in for Junior Hoilett takes a wonderful first touch and feeds Buchanan on the right hand side, who impressed against Belgium.
Buchanan whips a perfect ball in towards Davies who connects perfectly with a header into the ground that left Livakovic with no chance.
Redemption, Alphonso.
2. Croatia 0-1 Canada.
What a start! What a goal!
They do get at them! It’s 1-0 to Canada, and it’s Alphonso Davies!
0. Croatia 0-0 Canada.
Here we go, it is Croatia who get us underway, let’s see if Canada can get at them and impress as they did against Belgium.
Here they come…
The players are on the way out at the Khalifa Stadium, led by captains Luka Modric and Omari Hutchinson.
The national anthems will now be sung, and then we will have kick-off with you in just a few minutes time!
Lack of respect…
We have an update for you from Tom Barclay who is at the Khalifa International Stadium for this one in Qatar.
“The Canadians were desperately unlucky to lose their opener against Belgium and will have impressed many who had possibly written them off before the tournament.
“There is some unexpected needle going into this clash after Canada’s English boss John Herdman claimed his side were going to “eff” Croatia in a post-match interview after the Belgium clash.
“That prompted one Croatian paper to mock up the Geordie on the front of the paper, naked, with two maple leaves covering his mouth and private parts. The headline read: “You have the mouth but do you have the balls?”
“Herdman laughed it off but Croatian boss Zlatko Dalic was not impressed with his opposite number, demanding there be more “respect” for his side given what they have achieved.
“It should be a spicy one!”
That is from Tom Barclay, SunSport reporter in Qatar.
The Drake curse?
Those of you who live and breathe football and keep up to date with it on social media may be familiar with ‘The Drake Curse’…
The Drake Curse is essentially the idea that any athlete/sports team endorsed by Drake, will then have an absolute stinker in their next game.
A good example is that he lost a £535,000 bet in October after gambling on Barcelona to beat Real Madrid in El Clasico and Barca were thrashed after they wore a special kit to celebrate Drake becoming the first artist to reach 50billion streams on Spotify.
Alphonso Davies and Co took to the field while Drake’s hit ‘Started From the Bottom’ blared out of the speakers at the Al-Rayyan Stadium.
They then proceeded to have 22 shots during the game, but somehow failed to score, even missing a penalty to go 1-0 up.
Canadian football fans will be hoping that it is part of God’s Plan that they get through this group…
Magical Modric
Croatia’s cunning midfield is nothing short of spectacular.
Kovacic is one of the most underrated midfielders in the world, with his undeniable ability to drive through midfield, be strong in a tackle and score the occasional worldie.
Brozovic has been one of Serie A’s most consistent performers, and is defensively astute with an eye for a wonderful pass too.
But it is of course Ballon D’or winner, magical Modric who takes all the plaudits in this Croatia side.
He has been the talisman in this team for so long, and will be hoping that he can produce one more brilliant tournament in his illustrious playing career.
His creativity is almost unmatched on a global scale, and he is now commonly being mentioned in the debate for who is the best midfielder of a generation that included Iniesta and Xavi.
He will almost certainly be a thorn in the side of Canada today, but their athleticism might work against the Real Madrid man…
Luka Modric gets ready to lead his team out in Croatia vs Canada.Credit: Getty
What are the odds?
This is how the betting looks ahead of today’s game between Croatia and Canada.
It could really go either way, and could well come down to which team wants it more.

Croatia 6/5
Draw 23/10
Canada 5/2

Odds from Betfair correct at the time of post publication.
How does the group look now?
This group is absolutely wide open, as Morocco have just got a 2-0 win against Belgium in the 1pm game in Group F.

Morocco (P2, 4pts)
Belgium (P2, 3pts)
Croatia (P1, 1pt)
Canada (P1, 0pts)

A win for Canada could see them move into the qualifying position before they face Morocco in the last game, whereas a win for Croatia would see them at least into second in the group and would see Canada OUT of the tournament.
How do Canada line up?
This is Canada’s starting XI as they fight for survival in Group F…
Canada’s starting XI vs Belgium.Credit: @CanadaSoccerEN via Twitter.
Croatia’s starting XI.
This is how Croatia line-up today against Canada…
Croatia’s line-up against Canada.Credit: @HNS_CFF via Twitter
Predictions?
This is certainly a tough one to call, as Canada were simply brilliant against Belgium in their first group game, and Croatia failed to really impress against Morocco.
That said, you would still back Croatia to win this one, and at SunSport that is what we are going to go with.
We are backing the quality of Modric, Kovacic and others to shine through, and Croatia to take a 2-1 win, with Canada scoring their first World Cup goal.
But what do you think? If you guess the right score in our score predictor, you have a chance to win £5000.

Good afternoon from Qatar!
Welcome back to the 2022 World Cup and live SunSport coverage of the Group F clash between Croatia and Canada.
This is game represents a chance for both teams to get their first win at this World Cup, after Croatia drew with Morocco and Canada were beaten by Belgium.
It was expected that Belgium would win the group, but that perception may well be changing as they are currently 1-0 down to current leaders Morocco.
Finalists in the last rendition of this tournament, Croatia will be the favourites to win this game, but Canada showed against Belgium that they can certainly compete with the big boys, despite having never scored a World Cup goal.
Against Belgium, Canada looked more than capable of causing an upset as we saw Alphonso Davies have a penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois, before Michy Batshuayi put the ball in the back of the net.
This is the first time that these two sides have played each other in men’s football, so we don’t know what to expect other than an open contest with plenty of talent on the pitch.
The action kicks off at 7pm local time – 4pm in the UK – and team news is on the way.
Croatia fans are hoping to get their first win of the 2022 World Cup.Credit: Reuters
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BELGIUM can secure knock-out qualification with a win over Morocco – but they could have found themselves a goal down.Hakim Ziyech’s long-range free-kick flew past Thibaut Courtois in the Belgian net.
But the referee ruled it out for offside following a VAR decision.

Live stream: BBC iPlayer
TV channel: BBC One
Belgium XI: Courtois, Alderweireld, Castagne, Vertonghen, Meunier, Witsel, Onana, T. Hazard, De Bruyne, E. Hazard, Batshuayi
Morocco XI: Munir, Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui, Amallah, Amrabat, Ounahi, Boufal, Ziyech, En Nesyri

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Belgium 0-1 Morocco
77, De bruyne whips in an excellent ball but no one in red can get on the end of it!
The Moroccan fans inside here are bouncing.
Belgium 0-1 Morocco
76, Batshuayi, who has struggled to make an impact today, is off for De Ketelaere.
Trossard is on for Thorgan hazard.
GOAL! – Belgium 0-1 Morocco
73, Sabiri breaks the deadlock and Morocco take the lead in Doha!
Sabiri with the exact same free-kick as Ziyech from the opposite flank.
He swings it in, and once again it goes through everyone, including Courtois who was left flapping at thin air.
I’m sure he was unsighted by Saiss, but this time the defender had stayed onside.
At last a goal, and what a finish we might have here.
Credit: Reuters
Credit: Getty
Belgium 0-0 Morocco
72, Time for some Moroccan reinforcements.
Aboukhlal adf Hamdallaha are on.
Belgium 0-0 Morocco
71, De Bruyne picks up a good position and whips a ball in towards Batshuayi who would have had a tap-in but for a last-stitch intervention by Aguerd.
Belgium 0-0 Morocco
69, Ounahi is urged to shoot and goes for the spectacular.
Back goes the head, and high goes the ball.
Belgium 0-0 Morocco
78, Batshuayi wanders offside again, before kicking the ball away in frustration.
Not been his night.
Belgium 0-0 Morocco
66, Batshuayi effort takes a deflection and lands in the arms of Munir.
We’ll see some changes for Morocco now.
Sbiri and Attiat-Aallah are on.
Hakimi, who was a doubt for this one, and Amallah make way.
Belgium 0-0 Morocco
63, Chances aplenty!
Boufal is alert at the back post and volleys it back across the six-yard box where Vertonghen had positioned himself well.
De Bruyne then gets up the pitch and shapes to shoot but is quickly closed down.
Mertens then dances past the challenges and fires a good effort on target, forcing Munir to parry wide.
Belgium 0-0 Morocco
62, De Bruyne attempts to squeeze a pass through to Mertens but the flag was already raised against Batshuayi who just can’t get into the game.
Belgium 0-0 Morocco
61, Morocco work the ball well, but the chance falls to the wrong man in Mazzraoui, who strikes a shot at a snail’s pace, bobbling wide of the goal.
Belgium 0-0 Morocco
59, Roberto Martinez decides to switch things up.
Onana is off for Tielemans.
Skipper Eden Hazard is withdrawn for Mertens.
Belgium 0-0 Morocco
57, Mazraoui floats a ball in behind to Nesyri who can’t take it into his stride and Courtois can clean up.
Morocco look the more dangerous at the moment.
Belgium 0-0 Morocco
56, Boufal comes close!
The winger drops his shoulder and cuts inside Meunier before curling an effort narrowly wide of the far post.
That’s woken up the crowd inside here.
Belgium 0-0 Morocco
55, Eden Hazard flicks the ball on to his brother who can’t return the favour, playing the return pass out of play.
When Belgium move the ball quickly they look so much more dangerous though.
Belgium 0-0 Morocco
53, Hazard and De Bruyne combine in the midfield, but can’t carve out a real opportunity.
Every time either gets the ball they are surrounded by white shirts.
Belgium 0-0 Morocco
51, Eden Hazard drops his shoulder and fires an effort towards the near post. Munir is forced to tip it behind for a corner kick.
Onana meets it, taking it away from Vertonghen in a better position. The frustration grows amongst the Belgian players and supporters.
Belgium 0-0 Morocco
49, Ziyech is caught in the middle of the park with the fouls continuing into the second half.
Ziyech then shifts the ball inside, but doesn’t quite get hold of it. Simple enough stop for Courtois.
SECOND HALF – Belgium 0-0 Morocco
Morocco get us back underway for the second half.
Andrew Dillon has more information on Morocco’s early keeper switch:
IT WOULD appear that Yassine Bounou – known as Bono – had an issue with his eyes and signalled to his bench that he needed to come off.Andrew DillonSunSport
Credit: Getty
Andrew Dillon at Al Thumama Stadium
SunSport’s Andrew Dillon has this half-time report from the stands, explaining that last-minute keeper switch.
A WEIRD half – which started with Morrocco suddenly having to switch keepers just moments before kick off.
Number one Youssine Bounou was taken ill after singing the national anthem and replaced by Munir El Kajoui. It won’t count as a substitution because the game had not kicked off.
And after a drab half in which Belgium failed to impose themselves in any way against their unfancied opponents it was their keeper Thibaut Courtois who had the last word.
The 6ft 6in stopper allowed an inswinging free kick from Hakim Ziyech to squirm under his body and give the Moroccans what they thought was a shock lead. But the goal was ruled out for a narrow offside following a VAR check.
Belgium look rubbish though. Even worse than against Canada in the first game when they got a lucky win.Andrew DillonSunSport
Half-time stats
Belgium have enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but have struggled to do an awful lot with it.
Batshuayi cuts an isolated figure up front, whilst De Bruyne looks frustrated with the rest of his team.

HALF-TIME – Belgium 0-0 Morocco
The whistle disallowing Morocco’s goal is shortly followed by the half-time whistle as the players trudge off the field.
Ziyech is still arguing with the referees, but the new video review graphics looked pretty conclusive.
It’s been far from a classic, with scrappy challenges all over the pitch preventing either side from building any kind of momentum.
Let’s hope for better in the second half!
Credit: Getty
GOAL DISALLOWED – Belgium 0-0 Morocco
The goal is chalked off for offside. It was Saiss who looked to be covering the Courtois’ eye-line.
Belgium 0-1 Morocco
The referee is off to take a look at the screen. It looks like an offside check, which you think wouldn’t need to be checked.
GOAL! – Belgium 0-1 Morocco
It’s gone in!
Ziyech sends in a free-kick which just goes through everyone.
But VAR are taking a look…
Credit: Reuters
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COSTA RICA have immediately bounced back from their Spain pummeling by beating Japan 1-0.The Samurai Blue look a complete shadow of the side who beat Germany 2-1 in the first round of group matches.
And they were made to pay when Keysher Fuller’s chipped effort turned out to be the game winning goal late on.

RESULT: Japan 0-1 Costa Rica
Japan XI: Gonda; Yamane, Itakura, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Endo, Morita; Doan, Kamada, Soma; Ueda
Costa Rica XI: Navas; Waston, Duarte, Calvo, Oviedo; Fuller, Borges, Tejeda, Torres; Campbell, Contreras

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That’s all from Qatar!
Costa Rica picked up a shock 1-0 win over Japan at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium to truly set Group E on fire.
The Samurai Blue dominated tempo throughout the game but one careless moment proved enough to shatter their hopes of an early qualification to the World Cup’s Round of 16.
The Costa Ricans broke into a counterattack with Yeltsin Tejeda setting Keysher Fuller up on the right and the midfielder beat Shuichi Gonda with a wonderful curling shot.
That was Luis Fernando Suarez’s side’s first shot on target in this year’s competition.
Fuller has boosted his nation’s confidence after their 7-0 thrashing to Spain.
That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a great day!
Credit: AP
Japan’s negative record
Japan registered a total of 13 shots against Costa Rica and still didn’t find the target.
Only once previously have the Samurai Blue attempted more efforts on goal without scoring in a World Cup match.
That was against Greece in 2014 when they produced a total of 18 shots.
That match also ended with a goalless draw and the Japanese national team was then eliminated from the group stage
Credit: Getty
Costa Rica’s special milestone
Costa Rica really needed that victory over Japan to boost their World Cup hopes as well as their confidence after their 7-0 loss to Spain.
The Costa Ricans, though, have also extended a special record in the esteemed competition.
Los Ticos remain undefeated against Asian teams as they also beat China 2-0 in 2002.
Costa Rica also defeated Japan for the first time in five matches after three losses
Credit: AP
Updated Group E
Costa Rica have moved up from the bottom of Group E after their 1-0 victory over Japan.
The Costa Ricans have overtaken Germany, who have yet to pick up a point but take on Spain later tonight, in third place.
Japan remain second and are waiting on tonight’s exciting encounter between the two former World Champions.
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Japan vs Costa Rica stats
Japan dominated 57 per cent of possession against Costa Rica throughout the match.
The Samurai Blue registered a total of 13 shots, but only three of them were on target.
The Costa Ricans, on the other hand, only managed four shots, one of which was on target – their first in this year’s competition.
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Word from the ground
Here’s what SunSport’s man on the field Neil Custis makes of Costa Rica’s shock win over Japan:
Costas Rica turned comeback kings as they stunned Japan with a winner a from their first shot on target in the tournament.
Down and out with their bags half packed following their 7-0 hammering at the hands of Spain this was some response.
Japan, shock winners over Germany and clear favourites ahead of the game dominated most of it.
But then on 81 minutes and totally against the run of play Keysher Fuller curled a shot home and with it blew Group E open again.
The stunning end was at odds with what had come before.
The first half had to be one of the dullest halves in World Cup history.
Only the noise of Japan fans banging drums managed to keep those unfortunate enough to be in the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium awake.
Costa Rica were happy just to sit back with five defenders and two defensive midfielders and soak up what little pressure Japan seemed able to summon.
After their shock victory over Germany much was expected but for Japan fans think Three Lions fans watching England v USA after the thrilling win over IranNeil CustisSunSport
FT: Japan 0-1 Costa Rica
Costa Rica picked up a shock win over Japan at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium to truly set Group E on fire.
The Samurai Blue dominated tempo throughout the match but one careless moment proved enough to shatter their hopes of an early qualification to the World Cup’s Last 16.
The Costa Ricans broke into a counterattack with Yeltsin Tejeda setting Keysher Fuller up on the right and the midfielder beating Shuichi Gonda with a wonderful curling shot.
Fuller has boosted his nation’s confidence after their 7-0 thrashing to Spain
Credit: AP
FT: Japan 0-1 Costa Rica
Peep!
That’s full-time in Qatar!!!
90+5 Japan 0-1 Costa Rica
Substitution
Another late switch by Costa Rica manager Suarez as he brings on Chacon for Campbell.
The ex-Arsenal ace is pushed towards the touchline by Ito and the forward pushes him back.
The Japanese ace forgets that there will be even more added time for that delay
90+3 Japan 0-1 Costa Rica
Yellow card
Japan ace Endo booked for a late tackle on Tejeda, the Samurai Blues are running out of ideas
90 Japan 0-1 Costa Rica
Six more minutes of added time to go.
Can we see another late goal? Japan seem very much affected by Fuller’s shock goal
89 Japan 0-1 Costa Rica
Substitution
A late switch by Costa Rica manager Suarez as Salas replaces Borges
88 Japan 0-1 Costa Rica
What a chance!
Japan miss an unbelievable chance to equalise!
Mitoma breaks inside the area from the left and tees Kamada up but his shot is saved by the amazing Navas.
There is a series of deflections but the PSG keeper gets a hold of the ball
88 Japan 0-1 Costa Rica
Costa Rica had no significant shot throughout the tournament before this one effort that could decide this match.
Fuller looks set to become his country’s hero as he is exorcising the demon of Spain
Credit: Getty
85 Japan 0-1 Costa Rica
Substitution
Japan manager Moriyasu made a change a few minutes ago with Minamino coming on for Soma
84 Japan 0-1 Costa Rica
Yellow card
Japan ace Itakura booked for a rugby-like tackle on Bennette, the Japanese are getting desperate after that shocking goal
81 Japan 0-1 Costa Rica
They did it, they bloody did it!!!
Costa Rica have opened the scoring against all odds!
Suarez’s men go forward with Tejeda teeing Fuller up on the right and the midfielder beats Gonda with a wonderful curling shot

81 Japan 0-1 Costa Rica
Goal!
Fuller opens the scoring for Costa Rica!!!
80 Japan 0-0 Costa Rica
We’re seeing a bit of rhythm in the last few minutes of the match.
Ball moving up and down as Costa Rica are breaking through with some counter-attacks thanks to their midfielders
78 Japan 0-0 Costa Rica
The game continues to be all Japan but they’re still doing nothing with their possession.
But there’s still time for a late goal
75 Japan 0-0 Costa Rica
Japan started the second half really well.
But this still has 0-0 written all over it, which is good news for Spain and especially Germany
73 Japan 0-0 Costa Rica
Campbell has been struggling to make his presence known for Costa Rica.
Not much from the ex-Arsenal ace up front
70 Japan 0-0 Costa Rica
Yellow card
Oof! Costa Rica ace Calvo gets booked after pulling Junya Ito to the ground from behind on the edge of the box.
That was almost a penalty for Japan!
67 Japan 0-0 Costa Rica
Substitution
Another change by Japan manager Moriyasu who brings on Junya Ito for Doan
65 Japan 0-0 Costa Rica
Substitution
Costa Rica manager Suarez makes his first changes of the match as Bennette and Aguilera come on for Contreras and Torres respectively
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