World Cup 2022

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      ‘A special day’ – Spain boss Luis Enrique’s emotional post to tragic daughter Xana who would be turning 13 today

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      SPAIN manager Luis Enrique took time out ahead of this evening’s crunch World Cup clash with Germany to pay tribute to his late daughter.Xana tragically passed away in 2019 aged just nine after a battle with cancer.
      Luis Enrique paid tribute to daughter Xana on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/luisenrique21worldcup22
      Xana passed away in 2019 aged nine after a battle with cancerCredit: Rex Features
      Enrique paid tribute to Xana on the day she would have turned 13Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      She would have turned 13 today, the same day Spain take on Germany in Qatar.
      And Enrique, 52, emotionally paid tribute to Xana while out on a bike ride before the game.
      Taking to Instagram, Enrique said: “Today is a special day. Not only because we play Germany, but also because my daughter Xana would be turning 13 years old.
      “My love, wherever you are, we love you.”
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      Ex-Barcelona gaffer Enrique also captioned his post: “We love you.”
      Xana sadly died in 2019 after a five-month battle with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.
      And Enrique paid tribute to his daughter on what would have been her birthday.
      He stepped down as Spain manager in 2019 for personal reasons before returning later that year.
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      Enrique will be in the dugout for this evening’s crunch clash against Germany.
      His other daughter, Sira Martinez, is dating Spain ace and former Manchester City star Ferran Torres.
      Torres scored twice in the 7-0 thrashing against Costa Rica in Spain’s first World Cup game. More

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      Japan fans show their class as they help clean up stadium despite gutting Costa Rica defeat that blows Group E wide open

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      JAPAN fans showed their class as they helped clean up the mess at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium.That is despite their gut-wrenching defeat to Costa Rica potentially leaving their World Cup dreams in tatters.
      Japan supporters collected rubbish after their team’s defeat to Costa RicaCredit: AFP
      They filled dozens of plastic bags with litterCredit: Getty
      They helped leave the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium spotlessCredit: Getty
      They have come in for plenty of support onlineCredit: Rex
      The Japanese supporters have received widespread praise during Qatar 2022 for the way they have selflessly and kindly joined staff in clearing up after matches.
      And they were at it again on Sunday following the loss.
      Costa Rica star Keysher Fuller curled into the top corner with nine minutes to go to secure a 1-0 win and all three points.
      The result flings Group E wide open ahead of Spain’s clash with Germany this evening.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      But as the rest of the supporters headed out of the stadium, the hurting Japan fans stuck around.
      They brilliantly filled bin liners and picked up rubbish in the sweltering 34C temperatures to leave the ground looking spotless.
      And once again, the positive messages flooded in on social media.
      One said: “These guys are the real winners of the World Cup!”
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      Another wrote: “Absolutely amazing in my opinion. These Japanese are definitely setting a new standard for others to emulate in subsequent World Cup tournaments. Kudos to them!”
      And a third simply added: “Respect.”
      The classy behaviour is not just limited to the fans, either.
      Following the shock comeback win over Germany, Hajime Moriyasu’s players tidied up the dressing room immaculately clean and even left a ‘thank you’ note in Arabic.
      Japan players bow to their supporters after their lossCredit: EPA More

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      What is the name of the Croatian national anthem and what is the English translation?

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      CROATIA are back at the World Cup, four years after they made it all the way to the final.Their performance at the 1998 World Cup 20 was also another the high-point in their footballing history, but the current crop of players have the potential to produce yet again in 2022.
      Croatia are singing their national anthem before each game at the World CupCredit: Reuters
      Croatia fans bring their amazing red and white colour to stadia in every tournamentCredit: Getty
      Ahead of Croatia’s next tournament game against Canada is all you need to know about Croatia’s national anthem.
      What is the Croatian national anthem called?
      The Croats will be belting out their anthem in their group games against Canada, Morocco and Belgium.
      Officially called ‘Lijepa naša domovino’, it translates to ‘Our beautiful homeland’ – but is often just referred to as just ‘Lijepa naša’.
      Original lyrics were penned as long ago as 1835, with the tune and words adapted over the years.
      It wasn’t until 1972 that the anthem was formally made official, whilst more lyrical changes were made between 1974 and 1990.
      Croatia’s anthem is almost 200 years oldCredit: PA:Press Association
      What are the lyrics?
      At most sporting occasions – including the World Cup – only the first two verses are sung.
      Here is the full English translation:
      Our beautiful homeland,O so fearless and gracious.Our fathers’ ancient glory,May you be happy forever.
      Dear, you are our only glory,Dear, you are our only one,Dear, we love your plains,Dear, we love your mountains.
      Drava, Sava, keep on flowing,Danube, do not lose your vigour,Deep blue sea, tell the world,That a Croat loves his people.
      Whilst his fields are kissed by sunshine,Whilst his oaks are whipped by bura’s winds,Whilst his ancestors lie buried,Whilst his live heart beats.
      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 South Korea vs Ghana referee Anthony Taylor at World Cup 2022?

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      ANTHONY TAYLOR is back at the World Cup this winter.A familiar face to fans of the Premier League, Taylor takes charge of the group game between South Korea and Ghana in Qatar.
      Taylor will be in the middle for Group F clash between Portugal and GermanyCredit: Ryan Browne-The Times
      Here is everything you need to know about the referee.Who is Anthony Taylor?
      Anthony Taylor is from Wythenshawe, Manchester.
      He first started refereeing in the Northern Premier League in 2002.
      Taylor refereed his first Premier League game eight years later in February 2010, taking charge of Fulham’s 1-0 win over Portsmourh.
      Has he refereed a major tournament before?
      Taylor refereed at Euro 2020 and was in charge in the group game between Denmark and Finland where Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch.
      He was praised for his calm demeanour during the match – and for acting within seconds to get medicals onto the field.
      Taylor refereed the Nations League final in October 2021 between Spain and France.
      What was Anthony Taylor’s previous career?
      A former prison officer, Taylor doesn’t take any nonsense on the field – and believes he has taken the tough qualities of that job into his refereeing.
      He explained: “Working in a prison meant I needed a lot of communication and management qualities to deal with daily situations.
      “I spent a considerable number of years working with those who suffered severe mental health problems, a lot of attempted suicides, that kind of thing.
      “I’ve seen the depths that people can reach, sometimes through no fault of their own.”
      Taylor is heading to his first international tournament this summer but has big game experience having taking charge of the 2020 Super Cup final.
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      What happened with Arsene Wenger?
      Arsene Wenger was seen shoving Taylor after Burnley were awarded a late penalty at the Emirates in February 2017.
      Following the match, Taylor, who was fourth official, accused Wenger of swearing at him and questioning his integrity.
      Taylor wrote in his post-match report: “Mr Wenger left his technical area to confront me in disagreement at the decision.
      “Before he said anything I said ‘think carefully before you say anything’.
      Arsene Wenger and Anthony Taylor have historyCredit: Reuters
      “He responded by saying ‘you are dishonest to your federation’.
      “I considered this to be questioning both mine and the referee, Jon Moss’s integrity and impartiality.
      “I stated to Mr Wenger that such a comment was not acceptable and he told me to ‘f*** off’ on two separate occasions.”
      The then-Arsenal boss subsequently received a four-match ban for his behaviour.
      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup
      World 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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      South Korea vs Ghana: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for 2022 World Cup Group G clash

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      GHANA take on South Korea in the second round of World Cup group-stage games.Neither team won their opening game, as South Korea drew 0-0 with Uruguay, before Ghana lost 3-2 to Portugal.
      Osman Bukari celebrated by doing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Siu celebration after scoring against PortugalCredit: Getty
      South Korea scrapped for a 0-0 draw against Uruguay in their World Cup openerCredit: AP
      South Korea fans may cast their minds back to 2002, when their country made the semi-finals during their home tournament, shared with Japan.
      They lost 1-0 to Germany on the day.
      However, they got their revenge in the 2018 World Cup, shocking the four-time winners 2-0, courtesy of two late stoppage time goals.
      They will fancy their chances against a Ghana side who have been struggling for form recently, after failing to reach the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations.

      Nevertheless, Paulo Bento’s side will need to be wary of a whole host of Premier League stars including Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey, Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew and Mohammed Salisu of Southampton.
      What time is South Korea vs Ghana?

      South Korea’s clash with Ghana will take place on Monday, November 28.
      The action is scheduled for 1pm UK time.
      The match will be held at the Education City Stadium in Doha.
      The last time the two sides met was during a friendly in 2014, and Ghana came away 4-0 winners.

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

      South Korea vs Ghana will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can also live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch it for FREE?

      You certainly can. South Korea vs Ghana is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV licence.

      What is the team news?
      Hwang Hee-chan is expected to be a doubt for this game after a hamstring injury kept him out of the game against Uruguay.
      After his goalscoring cameo against Portugal, Osman Bukari could start against the Koreans, with Mohammed Salisu likely to be the casualty.
      Other than that, Otto Addo has no injury concerns.
      Most read in Football
      What are the odds?
      South Korea win 6/4
      Draw 21/10
      Ghana victory 21/10
      Odds courtesy of Betfair correct as of November 27. More

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      Ian Wright makes thinly veiled dig at Des Lynam with fans lapping up brilliant exchange with ‘over familiar’ Laura Woods

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      IAN WRIGHT made a thinly veiled dig at Des Lynam after the veteran broadcaster’s bizarre comments about Laura Woods.The Arsenal legend is working as a pundit for ITV at the World Cup, with popular presenter Woods hosting plenty of the action.
      Ian Wright was supportive of popular host Laura WoodsCredit: ITV
      Woods appeared to appreciate Wrighty’s commentsCredit: ITV
      In a column for the Telegraph, Lynam bafflingly criticised Woods for calling the 59-year-old “Wrighty” while working on the Netherlands’ 2-0 win over Senegal.
      He wrote: “This was the first live match for ITV and was presented by the ever–smiling Laura Woods.
      “She has done quite a lot of presentation work on both radio and television and comes over as both confident and capable.
      “She called Ian Wright ‘Wrighty’ which sounds comfortable coming from the likes of Lineker but it made me slightly wince.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP STORIES
      “I may be wrong and perhaps they are close friends but the over-familiarity made me a touch uncomfortable.
      “The other pundits were Gary Neville and the former Dutch international Nigel de Jong. Laura refrained from calling them Gaz or Nige.”
      Responding to Lynam’s dig, Woods wrote on Twitter: “Jeez. Of all the things covered this is what made Des wince?”
      Wright also took to social media in response to the column, adding: “How’s Des vexed that Laura called me ‘Wrighty’!!! Looking for something negative to write.”
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      While appearing again with Woods during France’s 2-1 win over Denmark, Wright made another brilliant dig at Lynam.
      Woods had asked him: “Is that another example, Ian, of where some people aren’t impressed by it?”
      To which he responded: “You know what Lozza, it doesn’t matter, you don’t have to call me Ian.
      “Look, how long we’ve known each other? Call me Wrighty like you normally do.”
      Fans online loved Wright’s comments, with one writing: “What a top bloke.”
      A second tweeted: “As a Spurs fan I couldn’t stand Ian Wright the player. As a pundit and person I think he’s brilliant.”
      Another added: “He’s a national treasure.”
      Des Lynam made a bizarre dig towards Laura WoodsCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      When was Roberto Martinez appointed Belgium manager and why was he sacked by Everton?

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      ROBERTO MARTINEZ’S Belgium returns to action against Morocco TODAY – and he’ll be hoping to guide his side to last-16 qualification.The Spaniard guided perennial underachievers Red Devils to a World Cup semi-final in Russia in 2018.Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Martinez worked alongside Belgium international Romelu Lukaku during their time at Everton
      But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing Martinez’s managerial career, as he was sacked by Premier League side Everton.
      When was Martinez sacked by Everton?
      The Spaniard was fired by the Toffees in May 2016 with just one game left of the season.
      While he had taken Everton to fifth in his first campaign at Goodison Park and to, two semi-finals in his final year, fans were urging the board to sack him.
      The 49-year-old Spaniard left the club in 12th in what was considered another disappointing season.
      Martinez has also managed Swansea City and Wigan Athletic in the Premier League.

      When did Martinez join Belgium?
      Just three months after being sacked by Everton, Martinez had another job as the Belgium head coach.
      He brought in his long-term assistant and friend Graeme Jones to work alongside former World Cup winner Thierry Henry.
      His first match in charge saw him lose to Spain in Brussels.
      Since then, Belgium have become one of the most exciting teams in international football, finishing third at the recent World Cup, including beating England twice.
      Martinez joined as Belgium head coach just three months after his sacking at EvertonCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Japan 0 Costa Rica 1 – World Cup 2022 LIVE RESULT: Fuller’s chipped effort fires Costa Ricans to crucial win

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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.
      More below:

      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.
      More below:

      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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