World Cup

EDINSON CAVANI has aimed a huge dig at his manager after Uruguay fell to defeat against Portugal in the World Cup last night. While their opponents squabbled over who should get credit for goals, the South American side looked toothless up front for the second game running.
Goal-shy Uruguay need to find firepower or they’ll be heading for an early World Cup exitCredit: Getty
They only have a single point to show for their efforts so far and face elimination if they don’t win their last group game.
Veteran striker Cavani, playing in his fourth World Cup, was left on the bench in the opening match against South Korea but started last night in place of follow long-serving striker Luis Suarez.
Despite the switch, Uruguay could not find a way through.
Questioned about the result last night, the former Manchester United striker turned the heat on his manager in what appeared to be a dig at Uruguay boss Diego Alonso.
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Asked why the country was struggling, the 35-year-old forward is quoted by Record as saying: “Sad taste for losing. We know that we have great potential to do more.
“It costs, because losing points in a World Cup is complicated. It tastes bitter.

“There are things to improve and we have to prepare the next game as a final, because it is the hypothesis that we have to take the step we want in this group phase. 
“What’s going on? Ask Alonso… he can talk more tactically about what’s happening. It’s soccer, sometimes things come out, not others. It’s preparing for the next meeting. Let’s try to correct and do things better.”
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Uruguay and South Korea made World Cup history when both sides failed to record a shot on target in a 0-0 draw, the first time this has happened in the 92-year history of the tournament.
The South American side will still be looking for their first goal of the tournament when they face Ghana on Friday.
Uruguay have to win to stand any chance of progressing to the last-16, adding further fire to a fixture which was already highly-anticipated.
The game will be the first meeting between the two countries since Suarez’s infamous antics left Ghana reeling in 2010. More

CAMEROON star Andre Onana has broken his silence on his World Cup axe as he fired a parting shot at boss Rigobert Song.Onana started in Cameroon’s World Cup opener against Switzerland and performed well in the 1-0 defeat.
Andre Onana was suspended by Cameroon boss Rigobert Song following a World Cup rowCredit: AFP
Now the goalie has broken his silence over his World Cup axeCredit: Alamy
But the Inter Milan star was left out of the matchday squad against Serbia.
Onana and Rigobert Song had a dispute over the keeper’s playing style which resulted in a shouting match.
Song is believed to want a more traditional goalie between the sticks but Onana, 26, is very capable of playing out from the back and refused to change his style.
As a result of their argument Onana was removed from the squad and he has flown home from Qatar.
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Now the goalie has broken has released the below statement on Twitter that read: “I want to express my affection for my country and the national team.

“Yesterday I was not allowed to be on the ground to help Cameroon, as I always do, to achieve the team’s goals.
“I always behaved in a way to lead the team to success in a good manner.
“I have put all my efforts and energy into finding solutions to a situation that a footballer often experiences, but there has been no will on the other side. Some moments are difficult to assimilate.
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“However, I always respect and support the decisions of the people in charge of pursuing the success of our team and country.”
Onana continued: “I extend all my strength to my teammates because we demonstrated that we are capable of going very far in this competition.
“The values that I promote as a person and as a player are the ones that identify me, and that my family has given me since my childhood.
“Representing Cameroon has always been a privilege. The nation first and forever. Thank you!”
In his absence, Song picked Devis Epassy, who has just five caps to his name, in yesterday’s 3-3 draw with Serbia that kept their World Cup hopes alive.
Cameroon face already-qualified Brazil in their final group match knowing that nothing but victory will do if they are to reach the last-16.
It is a big blow for Onana who was banned for a year in 2021 for a doping violation.
The shot-stopper served nine months of that sentence though always claimed his innocence, suggesting he had accidentally taken one of his wife’s pills while feeling unwell.
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The former Ajax star was also involved in a horror car crash while on international duty earlier this year.
Onana was travelling to Cameroon’s training camp ahead of the crucial World Cup play-off against Algeria and escaped the wreckage unhurt. More

KEVIN DE BRUYNE, Eden Hazard and Jan Vertonghen had to be separated as tensions boiled over in the Belgium dressing room, according to reports.Pressure appears to be building in Red Devils’ camp after a shock World Cup defeat to Morocco but Hazard has denied reports of a confrontation.
De Bruyne had previously suggested the squad was “too old” for World Cup successCredit: Rex
Hazard cut a frustrated figure for Belgium against MoroccoCredit: Rex
One of the player’s wives admitted the atmosphere was “really awkward” when the team held a barbecue after the alleged bust-up
RTL report that the team is divided and “on the verge of implosion.”
Three of the players reportedly had a heated confrontation in the dressing room at the Al Thumama stadium.
It is alleged that Manchester City star De Bruyne, former Chelsea ace Hazard and ex-Tottenham defender Vertonghen had to be separated in the altercation.
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The Belgian FA have been contacted for comment.
Eden Hazard has downplayed tensions in the Belgium camp.
He told reporters: “We had a good talk among the players. A lot has been said. We talked for an hour about good things and less good things. Now we want to win against Croatia. We now have two days to prepare. We have to be ready.
“Nothing happened in the dressing room. Only the coach (Roberto Martinez) spoke. I spoke to Kevin De Bruyne, he does believe in the group.”
RTL claim that a crisis meeting had to be held but the atmosphere in the dressing room remains “not good”.

They add that some players are not talking to each other and say that the atmosphere among the squad is at its “lowest.”
Dries Mertens’ wife Kat Kerkhofs has also revealed how it was at the team BBQ following the reported clash between players.
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Jan Vertonghen was allegedly involved in the clash between the playersCredit: Getty
Dries Mertens’ wife Kat Kerkhofs has provided an insight into the mood of the camp
She told the MIDMID MONDIAL podcast: “That was really awkward. The players were logically still very disappointed.”
But she added: “But I thought it was strange to read that there are tensions within the group.
“The next morning everyone said hello to each other with a kiss. They do all that. So I think they are all super sweet to each other.”
The disharmony poses a significant problem for Roberto Martinez, who has been in charge of Belgium since 2016.
He has yet to lead the country to victory despite claims this is nation’s “golden generation”.
Some fans fear the squad’s time has come and went, an idea incredibly aired by De Bruyne who said in an interview that Belgium had “no chance” of winning the World Cup as they were “too old”.

Vertonghen then appeared to take a swipe at the midfielder after the loss to Morocco as he said: “I don’t think we created any chances. Where did it go wrong?
“We probably also attack badly because we are too old, that must be it now, surely?”
Belgium struggled to threaten the Moroccans and fell to a shock loss after goals from Wolves’ Romain Saiss and Zakaria Aboukhlal.
Their opening performance against Canada was equally unconvincing with the North American side spurning chance after the chance in the first-half that included Alphonso Davies missing a penalty.
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Michy Batshuayi’s goal ended up being enough for three points.
Belgium need to beat Croatia in their final group game to guarantee a place in the knock-out stages. More

THE pitch invader who protested the World Cup during Portugal’s win over Uruguay is a former football player.Mario Ferri, aka ‘The Falcon’, stormed onto the pitch waving a Pride flag and wore a t-shirt that bore the message ‘Save Ukraine’ and ‘Respect for Iranian Woman’.
Mario Ferri waved a Pride flag as he stormed the pitch during Portugal vs UruguayCredit: Getty
The Italian wore a superman T-shirt bearing the words ‘Save Ukraine’Credit: Getty
Ferri was apprehended by security and later let goCredit: Getty
The former footballer most recently played for Indian second-division side United Sports ClubCredit: Instagram / @marioferrifalco
Ferri has campaigned to raise awareness for children living in favelas in the pastCredit: Instagram / @marioferrifalco
He once stormed a game to call for Antonio Cassano to be called up to the 2010 World CupCredit: Instagram / @marioferrifalco
He was apprehended by security but later took to Instagram to reveal he was not facing any legal repercussions and was let go.
The Italian, 35, most recently played for Indian second-division side United Sports Club and since leaving the club he has worked in Ukraine helping refugees reach safety.
Ferri is no stranger to invading pitches and previously halted a game at the 2014 World Cup to raise awareness for the campaign to save favela children.
In 2009 the activist stormed the match between Italy vs Netherlands to demand striker Antonio Cassano was called up to the World Cup.
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He has since focused his attention on the Ukraine war and the thousands of refugees that have been forced to flee.
In a message on social media Ferri outlined the motivations behind his pitch invasion at the World Cup.
He wrote: “I will call it “The Last Dance”. My last run on a playing field, I wanted to send important messages for me that I have lived on my skin in the past months…
“1) A message for Iran where I have friends who are suffering, where women are not respected… THE WORLD MUST CHANGE, we can do it together with STRONG gestures that come from the heart, WITH COURAGE.
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“2) Fifa banned captain armbands with rainbow and human rights flags in the stands, they blocked everyone BUT NOT ME, like a Robinhood 2.0 I carried the message of the PEOPLE 🏳️‍🌈We want a free world that respects all races and all ideas.
“3) SAVE UKRAINE. I spent a month in the war in Kiev as a volunteer and I saw how much those people are suffering.WE WANT PEACE ☮️ IN UKRAINE, SAVE UKRAINE.
“Thanks for all the messages of love coming to me from the world, Iran and Ukraine 🖤
“Breaking the rules if you do it for a good cause IS NEVER A CRIME 🖤.”
Seven nations, including England and Wales, planned for their skippers to wear One Love armbands in their opening World Cup matches.
The armbands promote inclusivity and LGBTQ+ rights, with same-sex relationships illegal in Qatar.
Alongside the above three, Germany, France, Belgium, and Switzerland had all also wanted their captains to wear them.
But the seven skippers were warned by Fifa that they faced a yellow card as a “minimum” punishment for wearing the armbands. More

IRANIAN footballer’s families reportedly have been threatened with imprisonment and torture if the players don’t “behave” ahead of their game with the USA.Massive protests threatening to bring down the brutal regime in Tehran have overshadowed Iran’s presence at the World Cup in Qatar – losing 6-2 to England before beating Wales 2-0.
Iran’s team has the weight of their nation on their shouldersCredit: Reuters
Iran are second in the group as they hold advantage of the US – and could progress to the knockout stage for the first time in their six appearances at the World Cup.
But after seemingly caving into pressure to sing the Iranian national anthem ahead of their game against Wales, there are chilling reports that the regime is threatening the players’ families.
It is claimed the players were called into a meeting with members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – the shadowy religious army at the right-hand of the Ayatollah.
The players were told their families would face “violence and torture” if they didn’t sing the national anthem or if they joined any political protest against Tehran, reports CNN.
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Dozens of IRGC officers are allegedly on the ground in Qatar to monitor the players – who are banned from mingling outside the squad or meeting with foreigners.
“There are a large number of Iranian security officers in Qatar collecting information and monitoring the players,” the source said.
Iranian players had reportedly been offered “presents and cars” ahead of their game with England.
But after they stood silent during the national anthem – the attitude of their IRGC handlers quickly changed to threats of violence.
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The source also claimed Iran has sent hundreds of “actors” to pose as supporters cheering on the team.
Iran’s anthem was booed during their first games – and many supporters were carrying protest banners.
“For the next game against the US, the regime is planning to significantly increase the number of actors into the thousands,” the source said.
Qatari officials had been seen confronting some protesters – and there are fears Iranian spies could be gathering information on dissenters in the crowd.
Tehran has been brutally trying to crush an uprising over the death of Mahsa Amani, 22, in police custody in September.
She was allegedly beaten to death by the morality police after she was detained for wearing an “improper” headscarf.
Iran’s team mumbled their way through the national anthem ahead of their game with Wales.
It came as fears were already swirling that the team could reprisals back home – with calls for them to be granted asylum in the UK.
Opposition activists had warned the players could face punishment, and Iranian officials had made veiled threats towards them.
And meanwhile back home, former national team player Voria Ghafouri, 35, was detained last Thursday during a training session.
State media reported the 2018 World Cup star was arrested for engaging in “propaganda against the regime” and supporting “rioters.” 
He was previously the captain of Iranian club Esteghlal before his contract was terminated and he moved to Foolad Khuzestan in the southwestern city of Ahvaz.
Political dissent is a crime in Iran – and is one of the offences subject to capital punishment, with 21 protesters already facing execution after sham trials since the start of the uprising in September.
Fans are seen at the World Cup protesting against IranCredit: Getty
Iranian officials had already been discussing cracking down on perceived disrespect to their national anthem and flag ahead of the World Cup.
And the courts have been taking a brutal line on people linked to the protests, with more than 15,000 people arrested and hundreds killed by the security forces.
And just last month, teenager Asra Panahi was beaten to death after she reportedly refused to sing a pro-government anthem.
State news agencies also reported just ten days ago an Iranian cleric during prayers called on athletes who disrespect the anthem to face punishment.
Iran’s current president is Ebrahim Raisi – who is known as “The Butcher” for his role in the massacre of thousands of protesters in 1988.
However, Iran has shown restraint in recent months – opting not punish climber Elnaz Rekabi who competed without the nation’s mandatory hijab.
And the Iranian men’s water polo team – who also refused to sing the anthem – have also so-far gone unpunished.
Protests demanding the fall of the ruling regime have gripped Iran since the death Mahsa.
Dozens of Iranian public figures, athletes and artists have displayed solidarity with the protesters.
The Iranian squad could not avoid being overshadowed by the anti-government unrest that has rattled the regime.
Ahead of the match, no Iranian player had voiced support for the demonstrations by compatriots from all walks of life.
It is one of the most sustained challenges to the cleric elite since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Before travelling to Doha the team met with hardline Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
Photos of the players with Raisi, one of them bowing in front of him, went viral while the street unrest raged on, drawing an outcry on social media.
Some Iranian fans who went to Qatar for the World Cup made no secret of their solidarity with the unrest.
They carried banners that read “Women, Life, Freedom” in support of the protests.
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BUILDING an international team is a process.With some countries, as soon as one World Cup ends, a side is already being prepared for the next one.
Brazil’s Casemiro celebrates scoring against Switzerland to make it two wins out of twoCredit: Getty
It can be a painstaking, laborious business, years in the making.
And then once the team reaches the tournament, suddenly time is speeded up. In the course of a few days teams can come together or fall apart, reputations can be made or broken.
There are many positives that Brazil can take from their first two matches in Qatar. Two wins means that the pressure is off. They can use the third match, against Cameroon, to have a look at fringe players.
Can Daniel Alves make a contribution at right back? It would be nice to get a goal for Gabriel Jesus, who only has one in his last 22 internationals, and has never been on target in a World Cup.
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The local audience are very keen for Flamengo centre forward Pedro to be given a chance. There is another opportunity to have a look at Rodrygo of Real Madrid in the position of Neymar – important if the Paris Saint Germain star is ruled out for a number of games.
Brazil can do all of this from a position of strength, after two wins with not a goal conceded  – and not even a shot for Alisson to save.
This was planned – and the thinking began as soon as the dust had settled on the quarter final defeat to Belgium four years ago.
How had the team proved so vulnerable in that fateful first half? What needed to be done to improve matters?
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Brazil realised that had made a mistake dropping Marquinhos on the eve of Russia 2018. Leaving out their quickest centre back was an error. It would not be repeated. Marquinhos was installed as the senior centre back.
But who would play alongside him? The expectation was that Thiago Silva would not last so long. Eder Militao was the man they prepared to take over.
But Thiago Silva has defied expectations and done so well that he is still first choice on merit. And with Casemiro and company shielding the back four, Brazil do not look like conceding.
All of this is the consequence of planning, of a long term process aimed at putting right the mistakes of four years ago – hard work whose effectiveness has been confirmed in the first few days of the tournament.
The added bonus has been the form at the other end of the field of Vinicius Junior. The young winger is a star with Real Madrid. But before Qatar he had not been a star with Brazil.
Where Raphinha on the other flank took instantly to international football, Vinicius Junior found it more difficult. He came into the World Cup with a single goal from 16 games.
Vinicius Jr has found his feet in a Brazil shirt in QatarCredit: EPA
Thiago Silva continues to defy his ageCredit: Getty
And although he has not scored in Qatar – he had one ruled out for offside against Switzerland – he has produced his best two performances in a Brazil shirt.
Vinicius played a part in all three goals that the team have scored and has posed a consistent threat.
As Brazil go in search of World Cup win number six, the consolidation of Vinicius Junior as a potent part of Brazil’s attacking arsenal is the biggest bonus of their tournament so far.  More