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      Fans explain Fifa rule as they prove why Japan goal that KO’d Germany from World Cup was RIGHT to stand with home videos

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      CREATIVE football fans have taken it upon themselves to explain why Japan’s winning goal against Spain was RIGHT to stand – with their own brilliant home videos. Kaoru Mitoma did brilliantly to pull the back into play from the very edge of the byline.
      Fans on Twitter showed how the ball can be in even if it looks outCredit: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1598424792436293632
      The angle and perception is criticalCredit: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1598424792436293632
      From overhead, it can be seen the ball and ‘line’ overlapCredit: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1598424792436293632
      Kaoru Mitoma did brilliantly to keep the ball in playCredit: AP
      Fifa have not released an official graphic or evidenceCredit: AP
      He then teed up Ao Tanaka to stick the ball in and cause the Samurai Blue’s second major shock of the World Cup.
      Japan’s 2-1 win saw them top Group E ahead of Spain and dumped Germany out on goal difference behind the 2010 champions.
      The goal caused controversy, though, with the referee initially giving a goal kick before VAR officials told referee Victor Gomes to award the goal.
      But unlike with goal-line technology, there were no graphics or evidence shared by Fifa to prove why the goal was given.
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      To the naked eye using the camera angles available to broadcasters, it looked as though the whole of the ball had crossed the whole of the line – which would disallow the goal.
      But with Fifa unable or refusing to provide an explanation behind why the goal stood, supporters took to Twitter with their own videos.
      Plenty showed a football or even an orange on the floor at home next to a piece of paper, stick or even a carpet threshold to create the equivalent of a ‘goal line’.
      The ball does not touch the ‘line’ and looks to be beyond it with the low camera angle but as the video pans to a vertical view above the ball and line.
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      It shows the two overlapping with the ball within the plane of the line – meaning it is still in play.
      One fan wrote: “Perception and angle are everything!!”
      Another said: “The angle you see things from can massively distort whether any part of the ball is overhanging any part of the line. Officials get one look at it (and were right!).”
      And a third explained: “Hahaha that was CLOSE. Reminder: ball is spherical and even if bottom portion crosses the line the side might still be touching. To grant goal must have had a definitive angle showing didn’t fully cross. Give us the angle!”
      Many fans also referenced John Stones’ phenomenal clearance for Manchester City against Liverpool in 2019 that looked well over the line but was overhanging the line by 11mm.
      To the naked eye the ball looked out of playCredit: Reuters More

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      Morocco vs Spain: TV channel, kick-off time, stream FREE, team news and prediction for World Cup last-16 match

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      SPAIN have their hands full with African giants Morocco in a World Cup last-16 encounter – but they’ll be eager to recover from what happened against Japan.The 2010 champions suffered a defeat in their final group match courtesy of Ao Tanaka’s late winner despite the ball seemingly going out of play in the build up.
      Japan’s winner stood despite the ball seemingly going out of playCredit: Reuters
      Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech have been instrumental in Morocco’s successCredit: Getty
      But Spain will still be confident in their ability to get the job done which was shown in their opening 7-0 thrashing on Costa Rica.
      However, Morocco just became the first African nation to top their World Cup group since 1998 – finishing above Croatia and Belgium.
      Furthermore, the Moroccans find themselves on a eight-match unbeaten run and they’ll be determined not to let that slip.

      When is Morocco vs Spain?

      Morocco’s exciting last-16 match against Spain will take place on Tuesday, 6 December.
      The World Cup contest is scheduled to get underway at 3pm UK time.
      Education City Stadium is the allocated arena for this encounter and it can host approximately 44,667 fans.
      It ended 2-2 when these two huge nations met in at the 2018 World Cup.

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

      Morocco vs Spain will be shown live BBC One in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 2:30pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the game live via the BBC iPlayer app or through the BBC Sport website.

      Can I watch it for free?
      YES! Fans in the UK can watch Morocco’s mouth-watering match against Spain for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license.
      What are the odds?
      After 90 mins:

      Morocco 11/2
      Draw 11/4
      Spain 11/20

      To qualify:

      Morocco 16/5
      Spain 2/9

      Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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      Senegal hero Kalidou Koulibaly’s kind acts, from giving coats to the homeless to buying ambulances in his homeland

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      SENEGAL’S World Cup hero Kalidou Koulibaly knows a few things about life’s struggle.Born in the French commune Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, some 50 miles southeast of Nancy to African parents who migrated from Senegal, he understood the challenges faced by those in less privileged positions.
      Kalidou Koulibaly has been instrumental to Senegal’s success at the World CupCredit: Getty
      Koulibaly has starred for Chelsea since signing in the summerCredit: Getty
      Koulibaly arrives in his Porsche to hand out coats to the homeless in Naples
      That has encouraged the giant centre-back, nicknamed ‘The Wall’, to never forget his roots and give back when he can.
      His acts of kindness know no bounds, as he put his hard-earned salary to use to help others.
      Buying coats for the homeless
      Salvatore Falco, head of media relations at Arci Mediterraneo, recently revealed he reached out to Koulibaly for his assistance.

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      The charity Falco works for helps migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in Naples – a subject close to the ex-Napoli star’s heart and part of his DNA.
      He had already heard of Koulibaly’s incredible generosity through the local media.
      One tale told how he personally handed out coats to the homeless during the winter.
      Another story goes that he bumped into a stray boy in a supermarket car park and gave him a £500 note.
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      While in 2019, when a 12-year-old boy from Senegal was flown to Naples for reconstructive surgery after suffering terrible burns, Koulibaly made sure he was at the hospital to see him through.
      In honour of his charity work, Arci Mediterraneo saluted the local hero, along with his former team-mate Fauzi Ghulam, with the Social Impact Award.
      Koulibaly wasn’t done there. Doing more than fulfilling the usual meet and greet requests, he answered questions from the group about his own experiences and what Arci Mediterraneo offers.
      As well as helping migrants learn the language and what trades they can get into, it also has a football team.
      After inspecting the charity’s facilities, Koulibaly’s first act was to donate training tops, balls and bags.
      Better still, he visited the players to meet them on International Migrants’ Day last December. Like him, many were from Senegal and had their own dreams of football stardom.
      And, at a time when he had suffered racial abuse from rival fans in Serie A, he wanted to address the group with an important message.
      A rousing speech from a leader
      The Athletic managed to get a transcript of a speech he delivered to the football team that day.
      “I don’t speak much in public,” he said.
      Koulibaly was given an award for his charity work by Arci MediterraneoCredit: Instagram
      Giant defender Koulibaly gave Arci Mediterraneo’s football team a rousing speechCredit: Instagram
      “I’m more of a fact-finder. I can say that you (the team) are stronger than us (professional football players) because at our level we do not experience the same problems as you.
      “We have experienced racism, but not as much as you have, because you don’t have the power to make your voice heard and heard like we do.
      “We can go on TV. We’re more fortunate because if we’re victims of racist violence, I’ll be on TV and it’ll be shown 10 times more, I’m well known.
      “You don’t have the same strength as me. That’s why I spoke out against the discrimination you are going through.
      “I will use my voice to speak for you, because if you don’t have a voice, it is my duty to speak, it is my right.
      “I don’t care about myself. It hurts when I am the victim of racist abuse, of course.
      “But the people who don’t have a voice, who don’t listen… they are insulted, nobody says anything about it.
      “Instead tell them, ‘Come on, don’t cry about it. It could be worse.” What could be worse? It could be worse for me, true.
      “But I don’t think it could get any worse for these kids. They’ve been on a much tougher journey than me and I know quite a bit about it.
      “My African friends have been through the same thing, but this is a journey that none of us could have imagined.
      “Their stories have to be heard to be believed. I have friends who try. I didn’t because my parents moved to France. They moved to work. It was easier for them.
      “But these guys who had to run away from something or come here dreaming of a life like ours, honestly, I’m amazed.
      “I admire them because they took a path that I could not have imagined.
      “I was lucky to go to school. My parents gave me a good start in life. I am not from a rich family.
      “It was just what I needed and I thank them for it. So I will fight for these children who did not have my vote.
      “I hope the team continues to do well, I hope the team changes over time. What do I mean by change?
      “I mean, some players are hoping to go on to bigger and better things than they are today. I wish them all the best in life because they are part of the community that I am a part of.”
      He left on one final note. “I won’t let you out of my sight, I want to know how things are going.”
      Never forgot his roots
      Although he was born in France, Koulibaly roots are firmly planted in Senegal – a country he represents internationally.
      Back in 2021, he celebrated his 30th birthday by donating two ambulances and medical equipment to hospitals to the African country.
      Koulibaly often visits Senegal and is a hero to the people thereCredit: Instagram @kkoulibaly26
      Last year Koulibaly donated this ambulance to a Senegal hospital
      According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Football Italia, Koulibaly paid for a number of items to be shipped to Senegal from the port of Naples.
      Among those included two ambulances, hospital gowns, stretchers, personal protective equipment and thousands of protective masks.
      It’s moments like this that have made him an inspiration for his fans.
      One messaged on Twitter: “We are proud of you. I love people who never forget their origin and culture. This is how self-respect is earned.”
      Another remarked: “You are a great man, a great player. Your heart is huge.”
      Humble origins
      Koulibaly’s selfless nature has a lot to do with his upbringing in France.
      He grew up playing football and honing his skills on pitches – with stones for goalposts.
      Childhood friend Mohamodou Ndiaye has happy memories of their makeshift turf in Saint-Die, an industrial town in north east France.
      Koulibaly (second from right, middle row) grew up playing with stones for goalposts
      Koulibaly visiting Saint-Die alongside childhood friend Ndiaye
      Ndiaye told SunSport: “Kalidou and I have known each other since we were five or so.
      “We always used to play football after school on concrete. If you fell over, it hurt but after a while you got used to it.
      “Behind his house we created a pitch with big stones to make the goals.
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      “Later Kalidou was the class representative at school. He made a request to have proper goals on the playground and we got them.”
      Like a true captain, Kouliabaly has led all his life. Expect the same courageousness when Senegal take on the Three Lions on Sunday. More

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      Fans call for Japan to adopt hilarious new flag after knocking Germany out of World Cup following VAR controversy

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      FANS are calling for Japan to adopt a new hilarious flag after knocking Germany out of the World Cup in controversial fashion.Japan beat Spain 2-1 and came from a goal behind to take top spot in Group E.
      Sportbladet’s December 2 edition put a line next to the red circle in Japan’s flagCredit: Sportbladet
      The finest of margins saw Japan beat Spain and knock out GermanyCredit: Getty
      The win saw Germany, who beat Costa Rica 4-2, be knocked out of the World Cup in the group stages for the second tournament in a row.
      But the cross that led to the winning goal looked from some angles to have crossed the byline, which would have led to it being disallowed and a goal kick being awarded.
      The on-field officials initially ruled it had gone out of play before Tanaka scored, but VAR corrected the decision.
      Technology proved that the ball had been kept in play by just a few millimetres before Kaoru Mitoma pulled it back from his team-mate to tap in.

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      And the December 2 edition of Sportbladet had an edited version of Japan’s flag with a tiny bit of the red circle crossing over a line.
      Fans are calling for Japan to adopt the hilarious flag.
      One said on Twitter: “Nah man people are too creative.”
      Another tweeted: “S***housery reaches a new level. Very amusing.”
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      Japan will now face World Cup 2018 finalists Croatia in the round of 16.
      And as for Spain, they got it good as they’ll face Morocco in the next round while also avoiding Brazil, who they could meet in the final should they get there. More

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      England’s Coronation chicken, Argentine steak and camembert from France win fans’ vote for ultimate World Cup sandwich

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      TALK about a game of two halves – this mouth-watering football tournament-inspired sandwich would be a front-runner for the DROOLS Rimet trophy.The giant sarnie features ingredients from each group of the World Cup, from Ecuadorian pork to French camembert.
      Brazil fans have had plenty of things to celebrate at Qatar 2022Credit: PA
      A World Cup sandwich with the nations’ favourite fillings stuffed inside was created by WarburtonsCredit: SWNS
      Brits were asked to vote on the best national sandwich filling from all eight groups – before it started and teams started getting knocked out – resulting in the eight-inch-tall behemoth.
      It also features steak from Argentina, maple bacon from Canada – who are now out of the tournament – and to represent England, a dollop of Coronation chicken.
      In Group G, Brazilian bauru – melted cheese and tomato, a popular sandwich filling in the country – topped the list out of the other front-runners ahead of Swiss cheese and zaltibor, a delicacy from Serbia.
      All eight ingredients were stuffed between four thick slices of tiger bread, voted by the nation as the best vessel for the gargantuan snack.
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      The sandwich was created by Warburtons, whose chairman Jonathan Warburton said: “The ultimate football sandwich is certainly drool-worthy.
      “It ticks all the boxes to make for a great match-watching occasion and we’re excited to recreate the barm at home to accompany our sofa side support of the footy.”
      It comes as research of 2,000 adults found 28 per cent of adults admitted to being self-confessed sandwich lovers, typically scoffing four each week.
      Nearly a fifth (19 per cent) have a sandwich for every lunchtime meal, favouring tiger bread to keep everything in place.
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      The study also found 76 per cent enjoy eating foods from different places around the world.
      But 50 per cent describe their usual food preferences as “traditional”, compared to only 14 per cent who’d use the term “eclectic”.
      However, 51 per cent are passionate about expanding their food horizons, according to the OnePoll data.
      And in the last year, of those who have tried a new cuisine, on average they’ll have tucked into three different types.
      Jonathan Warburton added: “We encourage every opportunity to bring friends and family together through a shared love of food and community.
      “This year we hope to bring some extra joy sandwiched between the matches.”
      SANDIWCH FILLING GROUP WINNERS
      GROUP A
      Ecuador – roasted pork
      Qatar – falafel
      Senegal – ndambe (spicy beans)
      Netherlands – gherkins
      GROUP B
      England – coronation chicken
      Iran – salad olivieh (chicken, mayo, gherkins, carrots)
      Wales – Caerphilly cheese
      USA – peanut butter and jelly (jam)
      GROUP C
      Argentina – steak
      Saudi Arabia – chicken shawarma
      Mexico – refried beans
      Poland – Kotlet Schabowy (pork cutlet)
      GROUP D
      France – camembert
      Australia – Vegemite
      Tunisia – tuna, boiled egg and potato
      Denmark – herring
      GROUP E
      Costa Rica – shredded beef
      Germany – bratwurst
      Spain – chorizo
      Japan – kimchi
      GROUP F
      Canada – maple bacon
      Belgium – mitraillette (sausages and French fries)
      Morocco – tuna and olives
      Croatia – cevapi (grilled minced meat)
      GROUP G
      Brazil – bauru (melted cheese and tomatoes)
      Serbia – zaltibor (cream cheese, egg and roasting meat juice)
      Switzerland – swiss cheese
      Cameroon – sardines, butter and lemon juice
      GROUP H
      Portugal – francesinha (meat, cheese and beer sauce)
      Ghana – avocado and tuna
      Uruguay – morcilla (blood sausage)
      Korea Republic – gilgeori (cabbage, carrot and sugar) More

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      Japan vs Croatia: TV channel, kick-off time, stream FREE, team news and prediction for World Cup last-16 tie

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      JAPAN’S route to earning a World Cup last-16 tie with Croatia has been full of drama to say the least – and not many predicted they would get this far.The Asian giants found themselves in a tough group with Germany and Spain, but they immediately stunned the world by beating the Germans 2-1 on their opening day.
      Japan beat Germany and Spain to book their spot in the World Cup last-16Credit: Rex
      However, Japan were quickly brought back to reality by Costa Rica four days later courtesy of a late Keysher Fuller strike.
      But with the help of a very controversial VAR call, the Japanese stars managed to slay the Spaniards which ultimately helped them secure a last-16 place.
      And now, Hajime Moriyasu’s men come up against a Croatian side who were forced to fend off Belgium’s golden generation to get here.

      When is Japan vs Croatia?

      Japan’s huge World Cup match against Croatia will take place on Monday, December 5.
      It is scheduled to get underway from 3pm UK time.
      Al Janoub Stadium is the designated venue for this clash and it can host approximately 44,325 supporters.
      Nothing could separate the sides when they met at the 2006 edition of the World Cup as it ended 0-0.

      Read more on World Cup 2022
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Japan vs Croatia will be shown live BBC One in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 2:30pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the game live via the BBC iPlayer app or through the BBC Sport website.

      Can I watch it for free?
      YES! Fans in the UK can watch Japan’s mouth-watering match against Croatia for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license.
      What are the odds?
      After 90 mins:

      Japan 11/4
      Draw 21/10
      Croatia 21/20

      To qualify:

      Japan 31/20
      Croatia 1/2

      Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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      Three ways England could line up for World Cup last 16 clash vs Senegal as Foden & Rashford look to keep up red-hot form

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has got one hell of a selection headache ahead of England’s World Cup round of 16 clash with African champions Senegal.The Three Lions finished top of Group B after recording a draw with the USA and two thumping wins over Iran and Wales.
      Southgate has a selection headache ahead of the clash with SenegalCredit: Getty
      Rashford is the World Cup’s top scorerCredit: Splash
      Foden scored against WalesCredit: PA
      Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford, in particular, are in red-hot form.
      Manchester United ace Rashford bagged a brace in the 3-0 win over Wales to add to the goal he scored against Iran, making him the World Cup’s joint-top scorer.
      And Foden added some much needed creative spark in the final third, and was rewarded with a goal in the second half against the Dragons.
      They’ll be competing with England mainstays Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka, though.

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      Both Sterling and Saka have netted in Qatar, with their goals coming in the 6-2 win over Iran.
      Should England see off Senegal, a quarter-final date with reigning world champions France or Poland awaits.
      Strange things have already happened this World Cup.
      Poland beating France could be the next, or Senegal beating England.
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      England’s World Cup stats
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      But how could Southgate’s Three Lions line up to make sure they’re into the last eight?
      4-2-3-1
      Southgate has used this formation twice at this World Cup, deploying it against Iran and the USA.
      Mason Mount started in the No10 role, but he’s yet to score this tournament, while Foden has.
      Kyle Walker got 57 minutes under his belt against Wales, so Kieran Trippier may come back in to hand the City ace more recovery time.
      Should Southgate go with the 4-2-3-1, Trippier will start in a back four alongside John Stones, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, and they’ll be tasked with protecting Jordan Pickford.
      Declan Rice will start in all three of these set-ups.
      His midfield partner so far has been Jude Bellingham, but that could change with Kalvin Phillips returning to fitness and Jordan Henderson being handed minutes.
      Rashford could start off the right and Sterling off the left, but they could rotate during the game.
      They’ll provide the legs to support striker Harry Kane.
      Foden and Rashford could keep their place
      4-3-3
      England switched to a three-man midfield against Wales, bringing in Henderson while dropping Mount.
      Southgate’s men dominated the ball.
      The same keeper and back four will remain, but a tweak could be made in midfield.
      England need to be aggressive in the knockouts, especially against the likes of France.
      And so Kalvin Phillips could come into the three-man midfield alongside Rice and Bellingham.
      Phillips is good in a tackle and controlled in possession.
      His passing range is excellent too.
      Kane will start, but changes could be made out wide with Rashford being pushed out to the left and Saka playing on the right.
      Phillips could add some bite to the midfield
      3-4-3
      This set-up may appear against Senegal, but if it doesn’t and England get through, you can bank on seeing it in the latter stages against higher ranked opposition.
      This formation would see Walker come back into the team, especially with Ben White returning home for personal reasons.
      It could also allow Southgate to test out Trent Alexander-Arnold as a wing-back.
      His talent is undeniable going forward but he’s defensively shaky.
      Walker could provide the perfect stability for Alexander-Arnold to influence England in the final third.
      Pickford, Maguire and Stones would all keep their place, as would Shaw.
      Read More on The Sun
      Rice, again, will play but with this set-up Southgate could go safe with Phillips rather than Bellingham.
      Pace, pace, pace. Foden on the left, Rashford on the right and Kane up top.
      Southgate’s 3-4-3 will surely return at some point IF England make it through More

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      Which Dream Team World Cup assets should you bring into your XI to replace Germany’s eliminated flops?

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      HAS everyone recovered from the adrenaline caused by those three minutes when both Spain and Germany were going out of the World Cup?When all was said and done in Group E, Luis Enrique’s side progressed as runners-up behind Japan, sending Die Mannschaft to the airport with Costa Rica.
      That gave us the unintentionally funny visual of Kai Havertz having to pose with the Player of the Match award having just been dumped out of the tournament. More