World Cup 2022

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      Who is Portugal vs Uruguay referee Alireza Faghani at World Cup 2022?

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      IRANIAN referee Alireza Faghani is one of the most respected referees in the world.He is the man with the book of cards for Portugal’s group game against Uruguay.
      Faghani is not afraid to lay down the law with the world’s top football stars and took charge of Brazil’s group win over SerbiaCredit: Getty
      Faghani was in charge of England’s World Cup third-place playoff against Belgium in 2018 and now he is in the middle for Brazil vs Serbia in the group stages for 2022’s edition.
      Who is Alireza Faghani?
      The son of a referee, Faghani spent seven seasons in the Persian Gulf Pro League before making the jump to internationals.
      Originally a player in the lower Iranian leagues, he became a ref and joined the Fifa-elite list just one year after making his top-flight debut.
      With VAR being used for the first time in 2018, you may remember Faghani from the Confederations Cup where he failed to give Chile a penalty and refused to view the TV monitor.
      In his career the Iranian has been in charge for the finals of the 2014 AFC Champions League, 2015 AFC Asian Cup, 2015 Club World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.
      Faghani is also registered in the Indonesian League and takes charge of domestic games in the top flight.
      Expect to see plenty of cards in the games that the Iranian takes charge of in Russia – he dishes out an average of 4.40 per match.
      Has he officiated at the World Cup before?
      Faghani was at the 2014 World Cup – and was named as a fourth official for the opener between Brazil and Croatia.
      He’s also been on the big stage at the Olympics and numerous AFC Cup finals around the continent.
      But in 2018 he has already been given some of the biggest games, such as Germany vs Mexico, Serbia vs Brazil and France vs Argentina.
      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World CupWorld Cup 2022 LIVE: Latest news and updates from Qatar
      World Cup schedule: What are the kick-off times for all the matches?
      World Cup prize money: How much does each winner earn?
      Who are the ITV pundits and commentators?
      Who are the BBC pundits and commentators?
      Meet England’s World Cup wags who are staying on a £1bn cruise ship More

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      Iran TV demand USA are KICKED OUT out of World Cup after they scrub emblem from official flag in support of protests

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      IRAN have been left fuming after USA scrubbed the symbol of the Islamic Republic off their flag. The national state television channel are even calling for the Americans to be booted out of the World Cup.
      USA posted an image without the Islamic Republic’s emblemCredit: Twitter
      Iran’s team were warned of potential punishment for not singing the national anthemCredit: AP
      An Iranian fan in tears ahead of the Wales gameCredit: AP
      The move by the USA to change the flag came amid nationwide women’s rights protests in Iran challenging Tehran’s theocratic government.
      USA’s official Twitter account posted an image of the World Cup Group B standings but decided to remove the Islamic Republic’s “Allah” emblem and the “takbirs” from Iran’s three-coloured flag.
      The USMNT say the gesture was to show “support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights” and they added it was a one-time display and it will restore the symbol moving forward.
      This has allegedly breached Fifa guidelines, as pointed out by Iran’s state-affiliated media Tasnim News Agency.
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      They even called on Fifa to kick USA out of the competition.
      They tweeted: “According to section 13 of #FIFA rules, any person who offends the dignity or integrity of a country, a person or group of people… shall be sanctioned with a suspension lasting at least ten matches or a specific period, or any other appropriate disciplinary measure.”
      A later tweet added: “By posting a distorted image of the flag of the Islamic Republic of #Iran on its official account, the #US football team breached the @FIFAcom charter, for which a 10-game suspension is the appropriate penalty. Team #USA should be kicked out of the #WorldCup2022.”
      Iran will play USA in their final Group B clash with a spot in the round of 16 up for grabs.
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      The Middle Eastern country trail group leaders England by a point.
      Audible boos and cheers could be heard during Iran’s anthem against England and Wales.
      Civil unrest continues in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini.
      The 22-year-old woman died in police custody having been arrested for not wearing her hijab correctly.
      Hundreds of protestors have died in Tehran and other cities. More

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      Who is Belgium vs Morocco fourth official Yoshimi Yamashita? Meet Japan’s first female referee at the 2022 World Cup

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      IN a footballing first, Yoshimi Yamashata makes up a trio of the first ever women to officiate at a men’s World Cup tournament.She is on the touchline for the Belgium vs Morocco game in the group stages, where she is fourth official.
      Yamashita will be one of three women refereeing at the Qatar World CupCredit: AFP
      She is joined by Stephanie Frappart of France and Salima Muksansanga of Rwanda, who are all set to make history in Qatar.
      According to FIFA, the women will be joined by by Neuza Back, Karen Dias, Kathryn Nesbitt who make up the 69 assistant referees.
      Here is all you need to know about the Japanese trail-blazer.
      Who is Yoshimi Yamashata
      Yoshimi Yamashita was born in Tokyo in 1986.
      She refereed at the 2019 Women’s World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
      Read More on World Cup
      Yamashita also became the first woman to referee men’s matches in the J-League and AFC Champions League.
      She told Japanese press that she feels “great pride and responsibility” after being asked to referee at the tournament.
      The 36-year-old admitted: “I didn’t think it would ever be possible to officiate men’s games, so the World Cup wasn’t in my thoughts.”
      She hopes that her inclusion will mark a big change in the wider game, stating: “I don’t see any difference between men’s and women’s football, so what is happening in Qatar needs to continue.”
      Yoshimi Yamashita took charge of the AFC Champions League Group G match between Melbourne City and Jeonnam DragonsCredit: Getty
      When asked about what her presence might mean for other women watching the tournament, Yamashita replied: “I want to tell young girls who are interested in becoming referees that our potential is growing.”
      However, she acknowledged that she feels “a certain amount of pressure to win everyone’s trust.”
      Yoshimi Yamashita has been keeping fit ahead of the tournamentCredit: AFP
      This is the first time a woman will have officiated in a men’s World CupCredit: AFP
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      Japan’s first ever professional female referee has been keeping in top condition ahead of the tournament, making sure she is up to speed with the game.
      She said: “I’m really conscious of the speed, I make split-second decisions. I have to continue training that muscle as the World Cup draws closer and be prepared to adjust to speedy developments.”
      Yamashita is also keeping her mind sharp, revealing that she had been watching videos of previous matches.

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      What language do they speak in Switzerland, which language is the Swiss national anthem?

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      SWITZERLAND are back at the World Cup – and hopeful of building on their last-16 finish in 2018.The talented Swiss are considered as one of the dark horses of the tournament within but face a tough task in a group with Brazil, Cameroon and Serbia.
      Switzerland manager Murat Yakin stands for the national anthemCredit: Getty
      What language do they speak in Switzerland?
      There are FOUR main languages spoken across the country.
      French, Italian and German are the main tongues and are the official langauges, whilst Romansh accounts for 0.6 percent of the population.
      That is spoken predominantly in the area of Grisons and is descended from the Latin spoken in the Roman Empire.
      The overwhelming majority of the country is German speaking, which includes the regions of the North West, East, Alps and swathes of Central Switzerland.
      Xherdan Shaqiri in full flow for SwitzerlandCredit: AFP or licensors
      What language is the national anthem in?
      Called the Swiss Palm, the national anthem was composed in 1841 but wasn’t adopted until 1961.
      Originally written in German, it has been translated into Italian, French and Romansh.
      It is sung in whatever language you speak and the Swiss government have plans to change it.
      What is the population of Swtizerland?
      The current population of Switzerland is approximately 8.698million which was last recorded in 2021.
      What are Switzerland’s fixtures at the World Cup?
      Thursday, November 24 (10am): Switzerland vs Cameroon
      Monday, November 28 (4pm): Brazil vs Switzerland
      Friday, December 2 (7pm): Serbia vs Switzerland
      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World CupWorld Cup 2022 LIVE: Latest news and updates from Qatar
      World Cup schedule: What are the kick-off times for all the matches?
      World Cup prize money: How much does each winner earn?
      Who are the ITV pundits and commentators?
      Who are the BBC pundits and commentators?
      Meet England’s World Cup wags who are staying on a £1bn cruise ship More

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      Who is Brazil vs Switzerland referee Ivan Barton at World Cup 2022?

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      THE World Cup is here and Ivan Barton has been announced as one of the referees who will make sure games run smoothly in Qatar.Barton took charge of Japan’s 2-1 win over Germany and is now in charge for Brazil vs Switzerland in the group stages.
      Ivan Barton took charge of Germany’s group game against Japan at the 2022 World CupCredit: Getty
      Barton is one of three officials representing Central America at this year’s tournament.
      Here is some more information on him.
      Who is Ivan Barton?
      Ivan Barton was born in Santa Ana in 1991, making him the third-youngest referee at the World Cup, behind Kevin Ortega and Said Martinez.
      Barton currently referees in El Salvador’s Primera Division and was appointed as a FIFA referee in 2018.
      Read More on World Cup
      The 31-year-old has plenty of experience officiating international tournaments, taking charge of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the Under-17 World Cup in Brazil.
      Here, he came across the likes of Manchester city star Phil Foden, who will be in Gareth Southgate’s plans for Qatar.
      Ivan Barton officiated at the Brazil Under-17 World Cup in 2017Credit: AP:Associated Press
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      Aside from football, Barton obtained a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Sciences from the University of El Salvador.
      He has since become a professor at the institution.

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      Brazil vs Switzerland: TV channel, kick-off time, live stream and team news for 2022 World Cup Group G clash

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      BRAZIL will be without Neymar as they head into their second World Cup group game against Switzerland.Richarlison’s double – including a goal of the tournament contender – game the Samba Boys a 2-0 win over Serbia.
      Breel Embolo scored, but did not celebrate, in Switzerland’s win over the country of his birth, CameroonCredit: Rex
      Neymar picked up an ankle injury in Brazil’s win over Serbia and feared his World Cup was overCredit: Rex
      Switzerland beat Cameroon 1-0 in their opener thanks to a strike from Breel Embolo.
      The Selecao have not progressed past the quarter-finals in three of their last four World Cups.
      However, it is the semi-final of 2014 that will haunt Brazilians the most.
      Germany humiliated the South American side 7-1 on home soil, sending shockwaves around the world.
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      Six years on, and a Copa America under their belt, the five-time World Cup winners look back to their best and ready to cause havoc on the global stage.
      However, it won’t be an easy task against a well-drilled Switzerland side who have consistently over-performed in recent years.
      What time is Brazil vs Switzerland?

      Brazil’s clash with Switzerland will take place on Monday, November 28.
      The action is scheduled for 4pm UK time.
      The match will be held at the Stadium 974 in Doha.
      The last time the two sides met was during the World Cup group stage in 2018, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.

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

      Brazil vs Switzerland will be shown live on ITV in the UK.
      You can also live stream the action via the ITV website or ITV hub, which is available to download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch Brazil vs Switzerland for FREE?

      Yes, you can watch the match for FREE so long as you have a TV licence.

      What is the team news?
      Neymar is almost certainly OUT of the game after picking up an ankle injury in the defeat to Serbia.
      The superstar hobbled off after 79 minutes and later shared pictures of a swollen ankle.
      Danilo also has a similar injury and is questionable for this clash.
      Switzerland have Noah Okafor to worry about, the Salzburg forward, 22, currently has a muscle problem.
      Most read in Football
      What are the odds?
      Brazil win 1/2
      Draw 31/10
      Switzerland victory 6/1
      Odds courtesy of Betfair correct as of November 27. More

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      Fans baffled as Morocco keeper is substituted BEFORE kick-off against Belgium… and even the BBC didn’t realise

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      WORLD CUP fans and even the BBC were left totally baffled as Morocco’s goalkeeper appeared to be substituted before kick-off – despite lining up for the national anthem. Morocco named Yassine Bounou – aka Bono – in the starting XI to face Belgium this afternoon.
      Yassine Bounou was named in the starting XI for MoroccoCredit: BBC
      Bounou even sang the anthem and shook the hands of the Belgium playersCredit: BBC
      Bounou was in the graphic for the starting XI for MoroccoCredit: BBC
      For the official team photo he had gone and was replacedCredit: Getty
      The No1 walked out of the tunnel with his team-mates and lined up as the North African nation belted out their song.
      He is then filmed shaking hands with the Belgium players as usual.
      But then Munir Mohand Mohamedi El Kajoui is pictured in the official pre-match team photo.
      There was a short delay as the Morocco team lined up and Belgium captain Eden Hazard waited for the coin toss because Munir was getting himself ready and some final words of encouragement from manager Walid Regragui.
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      And the replacement, who is wearing No12 at the World Cup, took his place between the sticks in time for kick-off – with no sign of Bounou.
      Even the BBC commentators, though, didn’t realise for around 25 minutes of the match and referred to the usual first-choice stopper when it was actually Munir who made a save from Michy Batshuayi in the first half.
      And it did not take long for fans to spot the discrepancy, with ‘Bono’ trending on social media.
      The confusion regarding the last-minute switch was clarified at half-time.
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      BBC presenter Mark Chapman explained Bounou was feeling unwell and had a problem with his vision.
      Chapman said: “Bounou was there as they sang the national anthem.
      “He then complained to the coach about something wrong with his eyes.
      “Look at how calm the coach is and goes over to El Kajoui with a smile.
      “He joins for the photo and then played the first 45 minutes.”
      Ironically, though, it was his opposite number Thibaut Courtois who came under fire after his error helped Morocco secure a shock 2-0 win.
      Munir Mohand Mohamedi El Kajoui was in goal once the game startedCredit: Reuters
      Bounou looked dejected as he took his gloves offCredit: Reuters
      Munir had to make the sudden preparations to get ready to come onCredit: Reuters More

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      Why does Belgium speak two languages, which language is the national anthem sung in and what is Flemish?

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      BELGIUM head into the 2022 World Cup as one of the dark horses to go far in the tournament.Roberto Martinez’s side are blessed with a talented group of young stars – and many are tipping them to finally shed their nearly-men tag.
      Romelu Lukaku was instrumental as Belgium overcame Egypt in a World Cup warm-upCredit: AFP
      Why do Belgium have two languages?
      Despite being a relatively small country, two major languages are spoken around Belgium.
      French and Dutch are spoken by 99 percent of the population, whilst some small eastern areas speak German.
      Dutch is the official language of the Flemish communities in the country, with different dialects including Brabantian, West Flemish, East Flemish and Limburgish.
      Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has played down injury fears over his captainCredit: Getty
      In southern areas of the country though, French is the dominant tongue and is used natively by almost 40 percent of the population.
      Whilst the German speakers number less than 1 percent and are situated in the East Canton region.
      The diversity is due to the countries chequered history, with it constantly changing hands between various nations until independence from the Dutch in 1830.What is Flemish?
      DERIVED from the Dutch language, Flemish is largely spoken in the north of Belgium.
      It can also be used as a term for the people who live in Northern Belgium and the area of Flanders.
      All Dutch dialect groups spoken in border areas of Belgium are spoken in areas just across the dotted line in Holland.
      What language is the national anthem of Belgium?
      The Belgian national anthem La Brabanconne, is sung in French.
      But recently an unofficial short version of the fourth verse has been used, which is sung in French, Dutch and German.
      And don’t expect to see all the Belgium players singing the anthem in their football matches as it is not a well known song in the country.
      Even former Prime Minister Yves Leterme is known to have forgotten the lyrics before.
      What is the population of the country?
      As of 2022, the population of Belgium is estimated to 11.59million. More