World Cup 2022

CRISTIANO RONALDO was left furious after he had an early goal disallowed during Portugal’s World Cup opener against Ghana.The Portuguese superstar, 37, appeared in his FIFTH World Cup on Thursday evening – joining Lothar Matthaus, Rafael Marquez, Lionel Messi and Andres Guardado as the only outfield players to achieve the feat.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored after the whistle had already been blown for a foulCredit: PA

Ronaldo was left furious with the decision from the American refereeCredit: Rex
And he thought he had bagged his eighth World Cup goal just after the half-hour mark when he rolled Alexander Djiku inside the penalty area and curled a wicked strike into the far corner.
However, American referee Ismail Elfath had already pulled the game back after deeming Ronaldo to have fouled Djiku.

And replays showed that the former Manchester United striker did give the defender a nudge in the back.
But it was a contentious decision which left Ronaldo furious as he screamed at the referee for blowing up.
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His Portuguese team-mates then proceeded to surround the official, but VAR did not intervene to overrule the onfield decision.
And they could not have given the goal retrospectively anyway because the referee’s whistle had already gone before Ronaldo put the ball in the net.
On commentary, ex-Rangers and Scotland striker Ally McCoist said: “The first thing I’ve got to say is the finish is brilliant.
“But does he lean in to him there? Tell you what, they’re looking for it [Ghana].
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“There’s a slight nudge, there’s no getting away from it, there’s a slight nudge.”
Reacting on social media to Ronaldo’s furious reaction, one person said: “I really feel for Ghana … angry Ronaldo is impossible to contain.”
While another added: “Angry Ronaldo is a scary a Ronaldo. I can see him bagging a hat-trick.”
After first half disappointment, Ronaldo did eventually get his goal in the second period as he tucked away a penalty to give Portugal the lead.
Ronaldo is hoping to help his country progress beyond the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time since 2006.

He comes into the tournament just days after his Manchester United contract was terminated with “immediate effect”.
The Real Madrid legend is now a free agent, with Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon and a move to the MLS all rumoured destinations for Ronaldo in the January transfer window. More

QATAR has banned England fans dressed as Saint George from World Cup stadiums – citing fears over “weapons and armour”. Footage of Three Lions supporters appearing to be turned away from a stadium earlier this week has been widely shared online.
England fans seen confronted by Qatari cops earlier this week
The two men were seemingly turned away from the stadium
Fans traditionally don the costumes which pay homage to England’s patron saint, the Christian knight Saint George.
But others have criticised the supporters for dressing as “crusaders” which could be considered offensive in the Middle East.
Qatari authorities confirmed to The Sun Online anything considered as “weapons and body protection” is banned when asked about the knightly costumes.
And they also pointed us to their stadium code of conduct, which bans any items that are deemed “political, offensive and or/discriminatory in nature”.
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Helmets are also strictly banned from the stadiums, and weapons are defined as “any object which could […] endanger the safety of others.
England World Cup fans had already been warned by campaign groups that dressing as the knights could be considered offensive.
Crusading warriors – often baring the red and white heraldry of the Knights Templar – attempted to seize control of Jerusalem during the Middle Ages.
Anti-racism campaign group Kick It Out today also warned fans that the costumes “may not be welcome”.
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“We would advise fans who are attending FIFA World Cup matches that certain attire, such as fancy-dress costumes representing knights or crusaders,” a spokesman said.
“Foreign Office travel advice issued before the tournament expressed that fans should familiarise themselves with local customs, and we would encourage fans to take this approach.”
Video showing men in chainmail while carrying swords and shields being turned away from a stadium has been widely shared on social media.
The two men – understood to be England fans – are speaking to group of four Qatari security officials.
They appear to point the two men away from the turnstiles and send them on their way.
Other footage has also seen England fans dressed as knights getting into the swing of things in Qatar.
Iman Atta, director of Tell Mama, a UK project monitoring Islamophobic hate, told The Telegraph: “Our fans should be mindful that there are things that may cause offence to Qatari citizens, such as openly drinking or wearing historical Crusader Knights Templar outfits that have very negative implications in the region.
“We also know that this is not done to purposefully irritate Qataris but out of a desire to support England.
“However, we firmly believe in the principle that any World Cup should have an environment where fans can be open, enjoy what they want to wear and feel safe and secure.
“This principle is one that we believe in – though in Qatar, people should just be mindful and aware of deep sensitivities.”
Ashley Brown, head of supporter engagement at the Football Supporters Association, said he believed the supporters had simply been “naive”.
“I think it’s naivety rather than anything intentional. They’re dressing as St George, the patron saint, but perhaps they don’t really understand the implication of what they’re wearing,” he explained.
Fan trouble has been limited at the Qatar World Cup – with most supporters at the games seeming to be in good spirits despite limited access to booze.
But the tournament has been blighted with some problems with infrastructure, including Qatari authorities offering refunds to punters staying in rubbish, unfinished cabin villages.
England also helped keep fans bouncing as they thumped Iran 6-2 to open their campaign.
The Three Lions tomorrow night will face the US, before a hotly anticipated clash with Wales on Tuesday. More

QATARI officials have sparked fury after pulling the plug on pre-noon parties ahead of Wales’ crunch match with Iran. The World Cup hosts imposed a last minute ban on early drinking, stifling Welsh plans for a boozy pre-game bash.
Wales fans have had their pre-game party cancelled by Qatari authorities just a day before their clash with IranCredit: Getty
Welsh supporters drank bars dry for their match with the USA – but have to put the brakes on ahead of tomorrow’s gameCredit: PA
Around 1,200 Wales fans packed-out pre and post game parties for their USA match at the InterContinental hotel in Doha on Monday night.
And supporters expected another jamboree when they reunite for the Iran clash on Friday.
But their festivities have been cancelled with just 24 hours notice – after Qatari officials banned booze before midday.
Peter Humphreys, 61, said: “The fun police have struck again – but it is hardly surprising.
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“If they can ban Budweiser for the tournament then what chance do a few plucky Taffs have of getting a drink before the game?
“Fortunately we’re able to make our own atmosphere but it would be nice to have had a beer to settle the nerves.”
Peter revealed he paid £79 for the pre-game party ticket which included five pints of beer and a curry – but he will now only be able to transfer it to an after-match party instead.
Organiser Leigh James of fans’ charity Gol Cymru told ticketholders: “The hotel have been in discussions with the Qatari authorities overnight and unfortunately, as it is with Qatar, a change has been imposed and we can now no longer serve alcohol before midday Friday.
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“Therefore we have had to take the decision to cancel the pre-match event.
“Once again on behalf of the hotel I apologise, however I have learnt that in Qatar to always expect the unexpected.
“Please understand this is Qatar and many things are totally out of my control, I am frustrated as the next person when they make last-minute decisions.”
Paul Corkrey, from the Wales Football Supporters’ Association said he was “disappointed” by Qatar’s decision to make the change.
He said: “There’s one thing about it – they are consistent, they consistently change the rules.
“There’s not a lot we can do, really, just say that we’re disappointed really.
“A lot of fans are by themselves, in ones or twos, and they go to these things for company and be with their friends or to meet new people.
“It’s such a shame as the facilities, the place, the weather, the fact you can see three or four games in a day is positive. But they keep doing negative things now and then.”
‘LUDICROUS’
The host nation has been raising eye-brows ever since football fans began planning their trips for the biggest tournament on earth.
Sun man Oliver Harvey set out on a daring expedition to find Doha’s most expensive beer – with stunning results.
He revealed that a single bottle of becks at the World Cup host city set him back a whopping £15.
A Saudi Arabia supporter – celebrating his team’s World Cup win over Argentina – said: “The prices are ludicrous. How are we supposed to party?”
But other supporters have had it worse – as punters who splashed out £175-a-night on fan villages have been blighted with problems.
Despite billions of pounds being forked out to host the tournament and accommodate the over a million fans expected to visit Qatar, some of the infrastructure appears to have been hastily knocked together on a tight budget.
World Cup fans have been forced to sleep rough amid six hour queues for “sauna” cabins with “leaky toilets”.

But not everyone has been deterred – as this Mexico fan was caught out in a hilarious attempt to sneak booze past security.
And Three Lions fans were also slapped with a harsh booze ban just two days before the tournament kicked off – but they defiantly vowed to The Sun to still “get p****d” before games anyway. More

CRISTIANO RONALDO was on the verge of tears as he lined up for Portugal’s World Cup opener against Ghana on Thursday.The former Manchester United forward, 37, has become the fifth outfield player to take part in FIVE World Cup finals since his tournament debut back in 2006.
Ronaldo looked very emotional as he stepped out onto the pitchCredit: Rex
He seemed to be on the verge of tears but still belted out the national anthemCredit: Getty
Ronaldo shook off the emotions as he tried to focus on the game aheadCredit: Rex
He is playing in what is expected to be his final World CupCredit: Rex
And, in what is expected to be the start of his final appearance at the competition, it is clear the occasion was a lot for him to take in.
Ronaldo lined up for the national anthem and was clearly very emotional.
He proudly sung the national anthem with a great amount of passion, but appeared on the verge of tears throughout.
More to follow.
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SAUDI ARABIA defender Yasser Al Shahrani has undergone pancreatic surgery following his horror injury against Argentina on Tuesday.The Middle East side caused one of the greatest World Cup shocks ever as they came from behind to beat the Copa America winners.
Yasser Al Shahrani was involved in a horrible incident with his own goalkeeperCredit: Getty
Al Shahrani was forced off on a stretcher deep into stoppage-timeCredit: Alamy
Al Shahrani was forced to undergo pancreatic surgery following the injury
But minutes before the end of the game, Al Shahrani was involved in a sickening incident with his OWN keeper.
Saudi stopper Mohammed Al-Owais came out to punch a late cross, and did exactly that, but unfortunately collided with Al Shahrani and sent him flying.
The 30-year-old dropped the floor and was forced off on a stretcher.
The underdogs managed to hold on and secure a famous victory, but Al Shahrani suffered a fractured jaw, collapse of the facial bones and internal bleeding.
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Saudi Federation said: “Yasser Al-Shahrani underwent a successful surgery in the pancreatic gland at the National Guard Hospital in Riyadh.”
Given the severity of the injury, the defender has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup.
But he was in good spirits when he provided an update on his health on social media.
He said: “I want to reassure you about my state of health, I’m better. Don’t forget to pray for me.
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“Congratulations on the victory. Thank you.”
Despite Yasser Al-Shahrani’s injury, Saudi Arabia are still very much on course to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
In fact, victory over Poland on Saturday will secure their place in the Round of 16. More