World Cup 2022

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Tearful Roberto Martinez reveals he’s LEAVING Belgium job after dismal World Cup sees them knocked out in group stage

      by

      ROBERTO MARTINEZ sensationally announced he was quitting as Belgium boss after they were dumped out of the World Cup. Belgium failed to make it out of the group stage after drawing 0-0 with beaten 2018 finalists Croatia.
      Roberto Martinez confirmed he has managed his last game as Belgium bossCredit: Alamy
      Looking emotional in his post-match press conference, he said: “That was my last game with the national team.”
      Former Wigan and Everton boss Martinez had been in charge of the Belgium national team since the summer of 2016.
      Under his leadership the Red Devils made it to the semi-final of the World Cup in 2018 before losing out to eventual winners France.
      Martinez, 49, has overseen Belgium’s so-called “Golden Generation.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      The team have been ranked as the No1 team in World football for much of Martinez’s tenure, and currently sit behind only Brazil in the rankings.

      However, that has not stopped them from crashing out of the group stage in Qatar.
      Their World Cup got off to a winning start with a 1-0 over Canada, despite a below par performance.
      But they were then beaten 2-0 by Morocco before a 0-0 draw with Croatia sealed their fate.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Following the defeat to Morocco, sensational reports emerged suggesting star players Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Jan Vertonghen had to be separated after a heated altercation in the dressing room.
      Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois denied the reports, and warned that the person who leaked the information would not play for the national team again.
      They then showed a unified front ahead of their clash against Croatia, huddling in a circle in a show of solidarity. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Senegal slapped with £8,700 fine for breaching Fifa rules ahead of World Cup last-16 clash against England

      by

      SENEGAL have been fined £8,700 for breaking Fifa rules ahead of their World Cup last-16 clash with England.Aliou Cisse’s men booked themselves a tie with the Three Lions on Sunday after beating Ecuador 2-1 in their final group game.
      Aliou Cisse’s Senegal have been punished by Fifa for failing to provide a player for pre-match media dutiesCredit: AP
      England’s last-16 World Cup opponents have been fined £8,700Credit: Getty
      But they found themselves in hot water with football’s governing body following due to their actions before the match.
      The charge was due to boss Cisse attending his pre-match press conference WITHOUT a player from his squad.
      Fifa rules dictate that the day before a game every team must conduct a presser in one of two press conference rooms at the main media centre.
      The team’s head coach must attend, along with one player from his squad.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      And now the Senegalese Football Federation has been hit in the pocket.
      A Fifa statement confirmed: “The Fifa Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Senegalese Football Federation with a fine in the amount of CHF 10,000 and a warning for breaches of article 44 of the Regulations for the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022™, article 2.7.2 of the Media and Marketing Regulations and article 8.5.3 of the Team Handbook.
      “The potential breaches relate to the mandatory press conference that took place on 28 November ahead of the Ecuador v. Senegal Fifa World Cup™ match.”
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Before their first two games, Cisse went to the press conferences with Krepin Diatta and Kalidou Koulibaly respectively.
      Most read in Football
      But ahead of the Ecuador clash he opted to come alone – defying the Fifa regulations.
       Germany were hit with an £8,800 penalty for the same offence before their draw with Spain.
      German head coach Hansi Flick claimed he did not bring a player with him to the press conference because his squad are based in the north of Qatar.
      And he did not want to force an individual to make the three-hour round trip to the media centre the day before their huge match. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      First Belgium now France squad is ‘SPLIT with team-mates divided over Benjamin Pavard’s poor World Cup performances’

      by

      FRANCE players are divided over Benjamin Pavard’s disappointing performance in the 2022 World Cup, reports suggest.That is according to L’Equipe, who claim Pavard’s poor display in Les Bleus’ opener against Australia caused frustration among his team-mates.
      France are reportedly divided over Benjamin Pavard’s World Cup performancesCredit: Getty
      The Bayern Munich right-back was at fault for the Socceroo’s opening goal as he failed to track Graig Goodwin’s run into the box but the reigning world champions turned it around and won 4-1.
      Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele was reportedly among those who were “railing against” the 26-year-old.
      However, the full-back has received the backing of some of his veteran team-mates, such as captain Hugo Lloris and France’s joint-all time top scorer Olivier Giroud.
      Thus, opinion is divided regarding Pavard’s performances and position in Didier Deschamps’ team.
      Read More on World Cup
      Deschamps also had some “harsh words” for the defender in the debriefing after the win over Australia.
      Pavard hasn’t started for the Tricolores since as he was replaced by Jules Kounde against Denmark and Axel Disasi against Tunisia.
      The French tactician claimed he left the ex-Stuttgart star out of his line-up against the Tunisians because he wasn’t in the “right disposition”.
      Deschamps said: “I took the decision not to play him, I won’t go into the details.
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      France ace Benjamin Pavard has been criticised but also has supportCredit: Reuters
      ‘I’ve had several conversations with him. I don’t consider him to be in the right disposition. So you’ll ask me – is it physical, is it in his head?
      “The first match didn’t help, of course. That’s why I made a different choice.”
      This comes after sensational reports suggesting fellow World Cup favourites Belgium are divided and “on the verge of implosion”.
      The Belgians have struggled in Qatar as they kicked things off with a stressful 1-0 victory over Canada before it all reportedly exploded after their shock 2-0 loss to Morocco.
      It was claimed that Eden Hazard, Jan Vertonghen and Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne had a heated altercation in the dressing room after the Morocco game and had to be separated.
      Bayern Munich ace Benjamin Pavard was left out of France’s last two gamesCredit: Rex
      Dries Mertens’ wife Kat Kerkhofs also claimed there was a “really awkward” barbecue the next day while other reports suggest a crisis meeting was held.
      However, ex-Chelsea star Hazard denied rumours of a backstage altercation.
      Belgium manager Roberto Martinez also poured cold water on those reports claiming his team has fallen victim of French dirty tricks aimed at destabilising their World Cup bid.
      Martinez said: “A World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world and there are many World Cups getting played and you could see maybe a country like France did a very good job with a story that became the main topic of conversation in Belgium.
      “What is clear is whoever has come up with it has scored an own goal for Belgium. Whoever has done it is genius. If I was an opposition journalist who could weaken an opponent I would do it.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It showed you that there is maybe more desire to find negative news around this team than really get this nation together and support this team and enjoy the talent of the best generation we have ever had in Belgium football.
      “And probably that was a lesson for all of us – that we are here on our own and we are here to fight for what we believe is the way we want to play and hopefully the fans – real fans – of the red devils can enjoy the process.” More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Costa Rica vs Germany: TV channel, live stream, team news and kick-off time for 2022 World Cup Group E contest

      by

      COSTA RICA take on four-time World Cup winners Germany in their final match of Group E – and the 2014 winners still have a chance of getting through.Germany currently sit rock-bottom of the group having lost their opening match against Japan before drawing with Spain.
      Niclas Fullkrug’s late strike earned Germany a point against SpainCredit: Getty
      But the European giants can still qualify should they beat Costa Rica in their final group encounter.
      However, Germany will need a huge favour from Spain when they take on second-place Japan in the other fixture.
      And Costa Rica will be no push overs as a win for them could also see them secure a last-16 spot.
      It’s all still to play for in Group E.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £20 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      When is Costa Rica vs Germany

      Costa Rica’s clash with Germany will take place TOMORROW – Thursday, December 1.
      The game will kick off from 7pm UK time.
      Costa Rica vs Germany will be held at the Al-Bayt stadium in Al Khor.
      The two sides have played each other once before – at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and the game finished 4-2 to the Germans.

      What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Costa Rica vs Germany will be shown live on ITV 1 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the ITV Hub, which can be download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes, you can! The match is available to watch for FREE, so long as you have a TV licence.
      What is the team news?
      Defender Francisco Calvo is suspended for Costa Rica but Germany have a clean bill of health and no suspensions for this massive match.
      Most read in Football
      What are the odds?
      Costa Rica victory 25/1
      Draw 10/1
      Germany win 1/10
      Odds courtesy of Betfair correct as of December 1 More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      South Korea manager Paulo Bento slams Anthony Taylor for lacking ‘common sense’ after being sent off at World Cup

      by

      PAULO BENTO has blasted Anthony Taylor for lacking “common sense” as their row took a fresh twist.South Korea’s Portuguese boss must sit out Friday’s crunch clash with his home nation as punishment for being sent off in the previous game.
      A fuming Paulo Bento confronted Anthony Taylor after the 3-2 loss to GhanaCredit: Getty
      Taylor then showed Bento his marching ordersCredit: AFP
      Bento fired a stinging attack against TaylorCredit: AP
      Bento confronted Premier League official Taylor for blowing the final whistle while his team prepared to take a corner as they desperately looked for an equaliser in the 3-2 defeat to Ghana.
      Bento said: “I reacted maybe not in the best way but it was the response of someone who is human and makes mistakes.
      “Maybe the way I did it was a mistake but this was at a time when we had good reason.
      “It was an unfair decision (not to let them take the corner) and also one that reveals a deep lack of common sense.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Bento will travel to the stadium with his players but must then wave them goodbye and sit in the stands.
      The former Portugal international added: “It won’t impact us much. I have worked with these players for a long time and the coaches. 
      “Quite often they make decisions during matches anyway, such as substitutions. They are independent and this is all in line with our work.”
      South Korea face an uphill battle to make it out of the group stage in Qatar.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Firstly, they must beat group leaders Portugal and they must then hope results go their way in the hotly anticipated clash between Ghana and Uruguay.
      Son Heung-Min and Co could be boosted by a rotated Portugal team given they have already confirmed their progression out of the group.
      But given the powerful swing of momentum at the World Cup, Portugal will likely still play a number of their big guns.
      Cristiano Ronaldo missed training earlier this week ahead of the clash amid speculation he has been offered a record-breaking wage to move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Croatia 0 Belgium 0 LIVE SCORE: Romelu Lukaku header SAVED as Belgium on cusp of World Cup exit

      by

      BELGIUM go up against Croatia with the chance to secure World Cup last-16 survival and the clash is UNDERWAY.It has been end-to-end in the first-half so far, with Dries Mertens firing over for Belgium.
      Croatia were then denied a penalty despite Anthony Taylor adjudging Andrej Kramaric to have been brought down.
      VAR intervened to determine that there was an offside in the build-up, with the score remaining level.
      Romelu Lukaku is on for the Red Devils as they look to grab a winner.

      Kick-off time: 3pm GMT
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer
      TV channel: BBC ONE
      Group F: LIVE TABLE
      Croatia XI: Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brzovic, Kovacic; Livaja, Kramaric, Perisic
      Belgium XI: Courtois; Meunier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen; Castagne, Dendoncker, Witsel, Carrasco; De Bruyne, Trossard; Mertens
      Preview: How Croatia and Belgium could qualify

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Stay up to date with all the latest from the Group F clash…
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      47, De Bruyne immediately combining with Lukaku.
      The substitute peels wide and holds off Gvardiol well before taking his position in the box.
      De Bruyne curls it into the area but Croatia deal with it.
      Second half – Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      We’re back underway and there is one big change to report.
      Romelu Lukaku is on for Mertens. He has three goals in his last two games against Croatia.
      Half-time stats
      There has been little to separate the sides so far, and even less to celebrate.
      Gary Lineker and co are doing everything they can to kill time in the studio.
      Let’s hope for better in the second half.

      Martin Lipton reports from Al Rayyan
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton has his say at the break.
      Needs a goal. As they say.
      Although, technically, Croatia don’t. At least if they just want to go through rather than win the group.
      By the way, if Croatia score one and Morocco get another, they will be level on points – seven – goal difference and goals scored.
      You know what that would mean – yellow card count to win the group.
      At half-time, that’s….2-2. Dead level. It would mean lots being drawn back at the Main Media Centre two stops back on the Metro later tonight.Martin LiptonSunSport
      Neil Custis in Qatar
      Here is Neil Custis’ half-time report from the stadium:
      ALF-TIME AT The Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium and the way Belgium are playing you would not put much money on them progressing with the win they need.
      By the break their hopes of making it into the last 16 had only been kept alive by a VAR reversal as Luka Modric prepared to put Croatia ahead from the penalty spot on 15 minutes.
      Andrej Kramaric reached for a loose ball in the box and was felled by Yannick Carrasco.
      No complaints as English referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot and everyone was lined up and ready for Modric to take the penalty.
      Then Taylor was called to the off pitch to screen to review the situation and he agreed that Dejan Lovren was just offside when the first ball was played into the area and had interfered with play.
      A let off for Belgium but they had barely threatened at the other end.
      They looked happy to sit deep and play on the break.
      To be fair that nearly worked shortly before the penalty award when Kevin de Bruyne charged half the length of the field and laid the ball off to Dries Mertens but his finish was woeful curling a shot way over the bar.
      Before that when Mertens has found Carrasco at the far post Josip Juranovic got back well to block his shot.
      Indeed for a game with so much on it, this was amazingly flat and subdued.
      Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said his side would not play for the draw they needed but with Belgium hardly pushing the pace they seemed happy with the situation as it stood.Neil CustisSunSport
      HALF-TIME – Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      The ball drops to Juranovic on the edge of the area, and his sliced effort signals the end of a half that won’t live long in the memory.
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      There will be four added minutes here.
      Over in the other game, Morocco are 2-1 up and currently top of group F.
      As it stands, Belgium are heading home.
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      44, De Bruyne digs out a great first time cross into the six-yard box.
      Livakovic was out quickly to claim it, but Mertens really had to gamble at the near post.
      You sense Lukaku would have been licking his lips at that opportunity.
      Sosa then blazes his effort into the stands. A lack of composure from the full-back.
      Luka Modric passes the ball through the legs of Leandro TrossardCredit: Getty
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      41, Belgium use the Mexican wave as encouragement and pile forward with some urgency.
      Dendoncker makes a good run down the right and slides a dangerous ball across the face of goal.
      No one in red could get on the end of it and Croatia escape.
      Martin Lipton in Al Rayyan
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton on the atmosphere inside the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
      There is a strange mood inside the stadium.
      Subdued, uncertain, nervous.
      Croatia still appear the more composed team, although the statistics suggest it’s far more even a contest than it feels.
      And, of course, if you have De Bruyne, you will always have hope.
      At some point, surely, Martinez will have to think about Lukaku, no matter how fit he really is.Martin LiptonSunSport
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      36, Trossard picks up possession on the edge of the area. He holds on to it for too long and can’t get the pass away to De Bruyne.
      Perisic had tracked back brilliantly to intercept.
      Credit: Getty
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      35, Witsel drives forward and just kept going. They eventually work it wide to Castagne who crosses into Trossard.
      It’s a mismatch against Lovren and the Croats clear it to safety.
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      32, Perisic checks inside and finds Brozovic who’s shot is deflected.
      It comes out to Sosa who wastes no time curling in a decent cross. Livaja meets it but it’s over the bar.
      Courtois was stood rooted.
      Ivan Perisic jostles with with Toby AlderweireldCredit: Getty
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      28, All of Croatia’s good work is down their wings.
      Kramaric and Perisic are hugging the touchline, pulling out Belgium’s wing-backs so wide that Modric has acres of room in the middle.
      Still goalless as we approach the half hour mark.
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      25, Witsel has a crack from distance, but it’s not struck with any real venom and Livakovic can claim it eventually.
      Croatia are able to move defence into attack in a heartbeat and they have a corner now.
      The Croatia players argue with Anthony Taylor after his decision to rule out the penaltyCredit: AP
      Martin Lipton on the penalty
      Or offside, I should say.
      Croatia can’t believe it. Belgium can’t believe their luck.
      Anthony Taylor rightly points to the spot when Carrasco’s stupid stray boot brings Kramaric down.
      But the men in the VAR booth intervene.
      The micrometers and computer gadgets say Lovren was a matter of millimetres offside when he forced the panicky header, so it was not a “deliberate play”.
      And the ball then fell to Kramaric, who was even further advanced and surely would have called as well as he retreated from a “Griezmann” type position to take advantage of the error.
      Disbelief from the Balkan sans when they see the 3D illustration. But a correct call.Martin LiptonSunSport
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      20, Modric flashes a teasing ball across the area, but Belgium just about manage to hack it clear.
      It’s been a dramatic start, that’s for sure.
      Martin Lipton in Qatar
      Here’s the low-down from the stadium…
      Defences on top. Not at all. In fact, both of them look horribly vulnerable already.
      News of that Moroco goal against Canada has upped the ante even more.
      If that scoreline does not alter adversely for the North Africans, one of these is going out.
      Croatia only need a draw. Belgium must win.
      Twitchy. On and off the pitch.Martin LiptonSunSport
      NO PENALTY – Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      18, Anthony Taylor rules out the penalty for an offside.
      A ridiculously long wait for what should be a simple decision for VAR.
      A lucky escape for Belgium and Carrasco. But letter of the law and all that.
      But wait…
      16, There is a delay as VAR check for an offside in the build-up to the penalty…
      Anthony Taylor has gone over to the screen now. There is an overwhelming sense of confusion inside the stadium.
      Credit: Getty
      PENALTY to Croatia
      14, Carrasco steps on Kramaric’s toes in the box and Anthony Taylor points to the spot!
      Modric will take…
      Credit: Reuters
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      13, Massive chance!
      De Bruyne drives his team forward on the counter and puts it on a plate for Mertens who gets it all wrong, curling his first time effort high and wide.
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      11, Mertens makes a smart run and gets in behind.
      He rolls it across goal but no one had gambled. It falls to Carrasco who hit it from a tight angle, but straight into a white shirt.
      Leandro Trossard (L) takes on Marcelo BrozovicCredit: EPA
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      10, Alderweireld plays a brilliant ball over the top to Mertens who can’t quite bring it under his spell.
      Nice idea from the defender.
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      8, Trossard uses his body to win a foul in the middle of the park.
      Carrasco then cuts inside and gets a shot away, which takes a nick off Juranovic who followed him all the way.
      Belgium are just starting to get a foothold in the game.
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Senegal manager Aliou Cisse lost 11 family members in ferry tragedy but kept heartache secret during Birmingham game

      by

      SENEGAL boss Aliou Cisse suffered an awful family tragedy and kept it private to carry on playing – then used the pain to strengthen him as a person and as a manager.The Lions of Teranga have qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup for just the second time in their history – and face England in the last 16 on Sunday.
      Senegal manager Aliou Cisse was hit by tragedy in 2002Credit: Reuters
      Eleven family members were on board the MV Le Joola ferryCredit: AFP
      The boat capsised with more than 1,900 passengersCredit: EPA
      In 2002, Cisse was captain as they beat France on their way to the quarter-finals, months after missing the decisive spot-kick in the Africa Cup of Nations final shootout defeat to Cameroon.
      Now in the dugout aged 46, he is the most successful manager in the national team’s history.
      But when he was 26 and had just signed for Birmingham immediately following his World Cup exploits, he experienced the unbearable loss of 11 family members.
      On September 26, 2002, the MV Le Joola ferry was travelling from Ziguinchor in southern Senegal to the capital city of Dakar.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      The government-owned ship was permitted to carry 580 passengers, but more than 1,900 were on board when it set sail.
      After encountering high winds and rough seas, MV Le Joola capsised and sunk.
      Just 64 people survived as 1,863 lost their lives.
      The death toll – made up of people from Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, Ghana, Nigeria, France, Spain, Norway, Belgium, Lebanon, Switzerland, and the Netherlands – makes it one of the worst non-military maritime disasters ever, with more casualties than the Titanic.
      Most read in Football
      In the days before social media, Cisse watched on television in his new apartment as reports of the ship’s demise off the Gambian coast first spread.
      The following day, the midfielder received a phone call informing him that members of his family were on board – and eventually had it confirmed that 11 had passed away.
      That included his sister, aunts, uncles, nephews and cousins.
      Cisse said: “The waiting was the hardest part.
      “Trying to find someone on the other side who had the right information.
      “At one point, people were saying it wasn’t true. They were saying the boat had arrived.
      “In those moments, you catch your breath only to be told 30 minutes later, ‘No, no, no, it’s not true, the boat still hasn’t arrived.'”
      Cisse kept the heartbreaking news quiet as he continued to train that week and played the full 90 minutes of a 2-1 win away at West Ham.
      Former Birmingham chief and SunSport columnist Karren Brady said: “He kept the terrible news to himself for days before the facts emerged.
      “Naturally we invited him to take indefinite leave but that wasn’t his way of mourning.
      This tragedy is not only personal, it’s collective… we are still thinking about themAliou Cisse
      “He stayed with us for all but a few days, going about his business with dignity, asking for no favours, showing incredible mental strength.”
      Former team-mate Michael Johnson added to The Athletic: “It just seems so surreal that he had lost so many members of his family in this disaster and then, within days, he was back playing for his club.
      “I look back at what he did and I think, ‘If that’s how you are as a man and as a player, then my gosh, what kind of attitudes will you bring with your leadership as a manager?’
      “So it doesn’t surprise me that he has done so well for Senegal.
      “This is a man who has real strength, real leadership, real values.
      “What he is doing on the world stage is no surprise because I remember what he brought as a player and how, even in a really bleak time for him, he stood out.”
      Cisse did then head home for a couple of weeks to be with his family and play in a charity match for the disaster appeal.
      When he returned, Blues fans unfurled a Senegal flag and raised money for the survivors and victims’ families while an official inquiry was launched in his homeland.
      Cisse revealed: “I kept it all to myself.
      “It was a very complicated and difficult day, but my family needed me to be strong for them.
      ‘I COULDN’T BE WEAK’
      “They needed my presence. I couldn’t be weak.
      “As soon as we played the game, I went straight to Dakar to see my family.”
      Cisse has naturally been reluctant to speak about the tragedy to the media.
      However, he did bravely open up as he contributed to a BBC documentary on the Le Joola catastrophe.
      The former PSG and Portsmouth man – who led Senegal to their first Afcon title in February – said: “This tragedy is not only personal, it’s collective.
      “You have to remember that there were all layers of Senegalese society on that boat.
      “In reality, the whole region was decimated. Everyone in the city of Ziguinchor had one, two or even ten family members left in that shipwreck.
      “These are moments that we will never forget. It was a very difficult time.
      “We must remember, remember our dead and all those families who were decimated, from the father down to the grandchildren.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’s important to remember them, to pay tribute to them, to know they are not here but we are still thinking about them.
      “I think that’s very important. In fact, my main motivation for agreeing to this interview is to say, ‘We are thinking of you.’”
      Cisse played in the 2-1 win over West Ham days after the tragedyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He was captain when Senegal stunned France at the 2002 World CupCredit: Getty
      The former skipper led the team from the dugout as they won the Afcon this yearCredit: Reuters More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Canada 1 Morocco 2 LIVE SCORE: Ziyech and En Nesyri put Morocco top of World Cup Group F before own goal halves deficit

      by

      MOROCCO are currently TOP of Group F after Hakim Ziyech opened the scoring from long-range.It was Milan Borjan, the Canada goalkeeper, who is at fault for the goal after taking a heavy touch into the path of the Moroccan.
      Chelsea’s winger made no mistake, finishing from far out to put his side ahead and top of the group as it stands.
      They soon doubled their lead through Youssef En Nesyri, who calmly slotted past Borjan to make it comfortable for his side.
      Canada had a goal back as Nayef Augerd deflected a cross past his goalkeeper to halve the deficit.
      Morroco thought they had restored the two-goal lead before half-time, but En Neysri saw his second chalked off as the flag was up for offside.

      Kick-off time: 3pm GMT
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer
      TV channel: BBC TWO
      Group F: LIVE TABLE
      Canada XI: Borjan; Johnston, Vitoria, Miller; Adekugbe, Osorio, Kaye, Davies; Buchanan, Larin, Hoilett
      Morocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Sabiri; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
      Preview: How Morocco can qualify for the last-16

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Stay up to date with all the latest from the Group F clash…
      Canada 1-2 Morocco
      46. That goal just before half time will have rejuvenated the Canadians.
      They were completely out of this game at 2-0 down.
      The Atlas Lions will be keen to restore that two goal lead as soon as they can in this second half.
      Kick-off: Canada 1-2 Morocco
      Canada get the second half started.
      No changes for either side at half time.
      Big half ahead for Morocco now.
      HT: Canada 1-2 Morocco
      The Atlas Lions need to get another goal to give themselves some breathing space in this game.
      Otherwise, the run the risk of having a very nervy second half if Canada equalise and continue to press.
      Meanwhile, in the other group game it remains 0-0 between Croatia and Belgium.
      Fans will be feeling the nerves until that final whistle is blown.
      Credit: Reuters
      In the ground – half time analysis
      SunSport’s reporter Oscar Paul reports from Doha:
      The raucous Morocco supporters must have felt qualification was done and dusted after early strikes from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri. 
      Now, at 2-1 following Nayef Aguerd’s own goal – the 100th goal of this World Cup – there will be a few nerves jangling. 
      The Africans top the group at half-time with Belgium drawing 0-0 with Croatia at the break. 
      Yet an early Canada goal at the start of the second half would really set pulses racing. 
      Morocco are playing brilliantly but will want to reestablish that two-goal advantage before the party can really kick off. 
      En-Nesyri thought he had his second just before the break but it was ruled out because Aguerd was adjudged to be blocking the goalkeeper. 
      HT: Canada 1-2 Morocco
      Hakim Ziyech seems to lead this Moroccan side with their attacking threat.
      He sticks to his job for the national team and hugs that touchline, looking to bring others into the game.

      HT: Canada 1-2 Morocco
      Despite slightly shading the possession stats, there has only really been one team in this for the main.
      Morocco will feel hard done by with the Canadian goal, which was just genuine bad luck.

      HT: Canada 1-2 Morocco
      The referee brings the half to a close.
      Morocco lead and are heading for the last 16 as things stand.
      Canada will feel they have got themselves back into this game.
      Credit: Reuters
      Canada 1-2 Morocco
      45+4. Just when you think the officials cannot surprise you, they just say ‘hold my pint’.
      The linesman has his flag up, presumably for offside.
      Replays show no offside but potentially a Moroccan player was in the keeper’s eyeline when the shot came in.
      How would the linesman see that from the touchline, begs belief.
      Either way the goal is chalked off.
      Goal disallowed
      Goal – Youssef En-Nesyri (Morocco)
      Canada 1-2 Morocco
      45+2. Morocco look to come forward once again.
      The crowd have been quietened by that own goal.
      It’s a yellow card for Adekugbe for his foul on Hakimi.
      Canada 1-2 Morocco
      45. We are going to see five additional minutes added.
      That must be for that tea party earlier.
      Walid Regragui needs to get his troops in the changing rooms and get the them to regroup.
      That goal seems to have knocked them.
      Credit: Reuters
      Canada 1-2 Morocco
      43. That is the first goal Morocco have conceded under Walid Regragui’s reign.
      The Canadians are playing with a lot more confidence now.
      Just goes to show how important a goal is in any context of the game for changing your fortunes.
      Morocco have a game on their hands again.
      Canada 1-2 Morocco
      41. Out of nowhere, Canada are back in this game.
      Adekugbe crosses the ball from the left and Aguerd throws a leg at it and deflects it passed his keeper and in.
      Totally against the run of play of this half.
      Goal – Nayef Aguerd own goal (Morocco)
      Canada 0-2 Morocco
      39. There is something missing from this Canadian team.
      Just the ability to make something happen in midfield and attack.
      Too often their play seems to have no penetration.
      Credit: AP
      Canada 0-1 Morocco
      37. Canada are struggling to string a series of passes together.
      You have to give credit to the Moroccan tactics as they are creating this in their opponents.
      Still the fans whistle as Canada have the ball.
      Canada 0-2 Morocco
      35. We have a slight break in play as the officials have a tea party on the side of the pitch.
      Maybe one of them needs their batteries changing.
      Walid Regragui takes the opportunity to get some messages across to his players.
      Canada 0-2 Morocco
      33. Morocco are getting numbers behind the ball all of the time.
      There seems no way through for the attacking Canadians.
      Morocco are bossing this game all over the pitch.
      Canada 0-2 Morocco
      31. Credit where it is due, Canada are not giving up on this game.
      Their fans have been silenced by this Moroccan performance, left wondering what could have been.
      If only Alphonso Davies put that penalty away.
      Credit: PA
      Canada 0-2 Morocco
      29. Canada are having some possession now.
      With no way through the Moroccan lines, they pass back to their defenders.
      Walid Regragui really has the Midas touch with this team.
      I wonder if tomorrow will be a Bank Holiday in Morocco.
      Canada 0-2 Morocco – Osorio yellow card
      27. The Atlas Lions are not a team anyone will want to face in the knockout phases of the competition.
      Solid at the back, physical, can pass the ball and finish their chances.
      Some could even say dark horses for this World Cup.
      Meanwhile Osorio is shown the yellow card for Canada.
      Canada 0-2 Morocco
      25. Ball in behind the Canadian defence and Youssef En-Nesyri gets himself onto it, beating two defenders in a foot race.
      From the edge of the box he buries the shot passed the Canadian keeper.
      It is party time for all those Moroccan fans now.
      Credit: Getty
      Goal – Youssef En-Nesyri (Morocco)
      Canada 0-1 Morocco
      22. Morocco could become only the second African side to qualify for the last 16 of the Qatar World Cup.
      Senegal of course play England on Sunday.
      The travelling African fans are enjoying their day so far.
      Load more entries… More