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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.
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      “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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      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
      Load more entries… More

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      ‘We must kneel before him’ – Souness and Wenger in total disagreement over France’s all-time top scorer Olivier Giroud

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      ARSENE WENGER has declared “we must kneel before” Olivier Giroud after the striker equalled France’s all-time scoring record.But Graeme Souness has branded the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker as “lucky” to have scored as many international goals as he has done.
      Olivier Giroud equallied Thierry Henry’s record as France all-time top scorerCredit: Reuters
      Arsene Wenger has praised the ex-Arsenal strikerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Graeme Souness on the other hand blasted Giroud as “lucky”Credit: Getty
      Giroud, 36, netted his 51st France goal in the 4-1 win over Australia on Tuesday.
      It saw him equal Thierry Henry’s record as all-time top goalscorer for Les Bleus.
      He then failed to find the back of the net in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Denmark, but with the current World Cup holders looking strong in Qatar, Giroud seems likely to break the record.
      And Wenger, Giroud’s manager at Arsenal, declared to French TV channel TF1: “We must kneel before the career that he has had. Absolutely nothing was given to him.”
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      Giroud has often split opinion in his career, and Souness’ opinion of the striker couldn’t be further from Wenger’s view.
      The pundit believes Giroud’s success with the national team came as a result of Karim Benzema’s France exile.
      Real Madrid striker Benzema didn’t play for the national team between 2015 and 2021 after a fall out with French FA chiefs.
      And Souness said on ITV ahead of the Denmark game: “I’m not his biggest fan. Seven games in the last World Cup in the team that wins it and he never had a shot on target.
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      “When you talk about mentioning him in the same breath as Thierry Henry – sorry!
      “I would say his record is there for one reason: Benzema being out for such a long time because of all the controversy he’s involved with.
      “Benzema, the current Ballon d’Or holder, will be missed in this French team this competition. Benzema is completely on another level.”
      Giroud has netted 51 goals in 115 appearances for France, whereas Benzema has 37 strikes in 97 caps and Henry bagged 51 times in 123 games.
      But, after being challenged by Ian Wright, Souness stuck to his guns and blasted Giroud’s record as an “anomaly”.
      He continued: “The goalscoring records are marked up because of the amount of games the teams play in these daft competitions. I just think it’s an anomaly.
      Read More on The Sun
      “At 36, fair play to him he’s still playing in the French team. His best year in English football is 16 goals for Arsenal which is a marker for anyone. 
      “I don’t think he’d have a look in at this World Cup if Benzema had been available. He’s hard a large slice of luck in his career.” More

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      Who is Cameroon vs Serbia referee Mohammed Mohamed, and how many World Cups has he officiated at?

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      THE United Arab Emirates haven’t made it to the World Cup finals – but their top official has.Mohammed Mohamed will be one of the 36 referees in Qatar after being selected by Fifa chiefs – and he takes charge of Cameroon vs Serbia.
      Mohammed Mohamed will be reffing this summer in RussiaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Here’s all you need to know about the man in the middle.Who is Mohammed Mohamed?
      Active since 2010, Mohammed Mohamed has been a regular in AFC competitions.
      He took charge of his first AFC Cup game in 2011 and immediately made his presence felt, dishing out eight yellow cards and a red.
      The UAE ref has calmed down since and has a reputation for being one of the most lenient on their way to Russia this summer, averaging just over three cards per game.
      Fans of England’s Young Lions will recognise him from 2017’s successful under-20 World Cup campaign, where he took charge of the quarter-final win over Mexico.
      The official is one of the most lenient at the finalsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Has he officiated at the World Cup before?
      This is Mohammed Mohamed’s second World Cup.
      In the build-up to the finals, he took charge of qualifying games including Uzbekistan vs Bahrain, South Korea vs China and Syria vs Uzbekistan.
      He also was on the while for Spain’s 7-0 win over Costa Rica in the 2022 tournament.
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      Watch Argentina assistant coach Pablo Aimar start CRYING when Lionel Messi scores in must-win clash against Mexico

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      ARGENTINA assistant manager Pablo Aimar burst into tears when Lionel Messi scored his sensational opener against Mexico yesterday.The Albiceleste went into the match under huge pressure, knowing that defeat would result in an early exit.

      Pablo Aimar was tearful on the Argentina benchCredit: https://twitter.com/MenInBlazers
      The 43-year-old was overcome by emotionCredit: https://twitter.com/MenInBlazers
      Lionel Scaloni’s side produced an underwhelming first-half performance, going in at the break level at 0-0.
      So when Messi swept home a brilliant strike from range on 64 minutes, the relief was too much for some to bear.
      Aimar, 43, was an international team-mate of Messi’s between 2005 and 2009.
      He now works as Scaloni’s assistant manager.
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      When Messi scored, Scaloni delivered an animated speech to his No2 in the dugout.
      Aimar sat there panting, the emotion etched all over his face.
      Fans online noticed Aimar’s passionate response.
      One wrote: “Same, Pablito.”
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      A second tweeted: “Very few understand the amount of pressure Argentina team were in last night.
      “I can only imagine how the players must have felt before the game.”
      Another added: “For the youngins that don’t know thats not just coach Aimar.
      “That’s Messi’s childhood idol and good friend. A freak talent when coming up in his own right.”
      Things got even better for Argentina, when Enzo Fernandez brilliantly doubled their lead late on.
      The 2-0 triumph means that a win over Poland in their final group match will likely see them top Group C, despite having lost to Saudi Arabia in their first game.
      Lionel Messi celebrates his stunning opener against MexicoCredit: AP More

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      Japan 0 Costa Rica 1: Keysher Fuller grabs dramatic winner with first shot on target at World Cup to throw Group E open

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      COSTA RICA turned comeback kings as they stunned Japan with a winner from their first shot on target in the 2022 World Cup.Down and out with their bags half packed following their 7-0 hammering at the hands of Spain this was some response.
      Keysher Fuller curled in to grab Costa Rica’s winnerCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda could only tip the ball into the netCredit: AFP
      The goal gives Costa Rica hope of going throughCredit: Reuters
      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.
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      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 vs USA after the thrilling win over Iran.
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      They did threaten when Ritsu Doan broke down the right and fizzed a cross into the six yard box, but nobody was there.
      Then when Yuki Soma charged forward and sent a pass into the area for the unmarked Daichi Kamada there was a little roar of anticipation.
      That was until the ball ran under Kamada’s foot.
      The half-time announcer sounded a little embarrassed as he introduced the half-time ‘highlights’.
      Then when the howling pair on the microphones tried to get the crowd going with chants at the break they were greeted with silence.
      Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu was clearly unhappy with what he had seen in the first period as he made two changes at the break and more during the second half.
      There was certainly a greater urgency about the Japan side from the whistle to commence the second 45 minutes, or however long a half takes now.

      Within seconds Hidemase Morita had charged to the edge of the area, evaded two defenders with a duck of his left shoulder and shot on goal with Keylor Navas making rather a lot of the save.
      Wataru Endo was next up with a shot blocked by the outstretched leg of Celso Borges.
      Then Yuki Soma was suddenly jet-heeled as he stormed down the left wing, cut inside but sent a shot flying over the far angle.
      Costa Rica just couldn’t get out of their half.
      Then would you believe it they started to press a bit up field and when Japan were too casual trying to play out, Costa Rica pounced.
      Yetsin Dejeda slid the ball into Fuller and his curling shot slid through the fingertips of Shuichi Gonda and found the far side of the goal.
      Cue absolute pandemonium on the pitch and in the stands.
      It was as much shock as anything else.
      Japan came desperately close to equalising when Kaoru Mitoma made it to the byline and pulled a cross back.
      Read More on The Sun
      Daichi Kamada shot first time but Navas, going the wrong way, stuck out a leg and saved.
      Victory for Costa Rica.
      Keylor Navas helped keep the clean sheet in the closing secondsCredit: Getty
      Japan were close to putting one foot in the last 16Credit: Getty
      Englishman Michael Oliver was in charge of the gameCredit: Getty More

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      Stadium air conditioning for England’s bore draw vs USA WAS turned off say Fifa with players complaining of being hot

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      FIFA has confirmed the stadium air conditioning WAS switched off for England’s bore draw with the USA.But World Cup chiefs insist they were simply following the policy that has been in place throughout the Qatar 2022 tournament.
      England players were feeling the heat as they drew 0-0 with USACredit: PA
      The Al Bayt Stadium does have the option for the air conCredit: Getty
      The groundbreaking climate technology in place at seven of the eight World Cup venues – the exception is the dismountable Stadium 974 opposite the towering skyscrapers of Doha’s West Bay – allows tournament bosses to ensure the same temperature on the pitch at every match.
      However, some England players are understood to have complained that they felt much hotter during the match at the Al Bayt Stadium than during the 6-2 thrashing of Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.
      But senior Fifa figures confirmed to SunSport that there were no issues with the air-conditioning and that the procedure that has been in place throughout the tournament was followed.
      It was agreed before the tournament that all stadium conditions would be considered on a match-by-match basis.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      However, there was an understanding that, in the air-conditioned grounds, the 1pm and 4pm kick-off matches would have the climate set at 24 degrees Celsius.
      To ensure consistency, final temperature readings and measurements are taken at the start of the game.
      But for the later matches, starting at 7pm and 10pm, Fifa agreed that the air-conditioning would be turned off an hour before the start of play, as long as the stadium temperature at that point was below the 24 Celsius threshold.
      Those conditions were met on Friday, when the outside air temperature at kick-off was around 26 Celsius, but only after the air-conditioning had been on for a number of hours ahead of the game to bring the desert heat down.
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      There is no question of any complaint being submitted by the FA.
      But if England do win Group B they would potentially play their first three knock-out matches back at Al Bayt, all kicking off at 10pm Qatar time. More

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      Cameroon vs Serbia: TV channel, kick-off time, stream FREE and team news for 2022 World Cup Group G clash

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      BOTH Serbia and Cameroon are looking to avoid World Cup elimination when they meet in Group G.After defeats in their opening games – Cameroon losing 1-0 to Switzerland and Serbia being beaten 2-0 by Brazil – defeat today spells the end for either side.
      Serbia and Aleksandar Mitrovic will be hoping they can overcome CameroonCredit: Rex
      Cameroon have only ever made it out of the group stages once, reaching the quarter finals in 1990 where they were defeated by England 2-1 in extra-time.
      Qatar marks the eighth time that Rigobert Song’s side have qualified for the World Cup, more than any other African nation.
      When is Cameroon vs Serbia?

      Cameroon’s encounter with Serbia takes place on Monday, November 28
      The match is scheduled for 10am UK time
      Al Wakrah Sports Complex in Al Wakrah is the venue for this match-up, with the stadium able to hold around 40,000 fans
      The only other meeting between these two sides was a friendly in 2010, with Serbia winning 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller.

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

      Cameroon vs Serbia will be shown live on ITV in the UK.
      Viewers can also live stream the action via the ITV website or ITV hub, which can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes, you can! The contest will be available to watch for FREE in the UK, so long as you have a TV licence.
      What is the team news?
      Aleksandar Mitrovic, Filip Kostic and Dusa Vlahovic were not fully fit for the game against Brazil, revealed Serbia boss Dragan Stojkovic after the loss to Brazil.
      Kostic remains a doubt for the this second group clash.
      Olivier Ntcham is out of the rest of Cameroon’s group games due to injury – but could feature in the next round if they qualify.
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      What are the odds?
      Cameroon win 4/1
      Draw 13/5
      Serbia 7/10
      Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct as of November 25. More