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      Who is Belgium vs Morocco fourth official Yoshimi Yamashita? Meet Japan’s first female referee at the 2022 World Cup

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      IN a footballing first, Yoshimi Yamashata makes up a trio of the first ever women to officiate at a men’s World Cup tournament.She is on the touchline for the Belgium vs Morocco game in the group stages, where she is fourth official.
      Yamashita will be one of three women refereeing at the Qatar World CupCredit: AFP
      She is joined by Stephanie Frappart of France and Salima Muksansanga of Rwanda, who are all set to make history in Qatar.
      According to FIFA, the women will be joined by by Neuza Back, Karen Dias, Kathryn Nesbitt who make up the 69 assistant referees.
      Here is all you need to know about the Japanese trail-blazer.
      Who is Yoshimi Yamashata
      Yoshimi Yamashita was born in Tokyo in 1986.
      She refereed at the 2019 Women’s World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
      Read More on World Cup
      Yamashita also became the first woman to referee men’s matches in the J-League and AFC Champions League.
      She told Japanese press that she feels “great pride and responsibility” after being asked to referee at the tournament.
      The 36-year-old admitted: “I didn’t think it would ever be possible to officiate men’s games, so the World Cup wasn’t in my thoughts.”
      She hopes that her inclusion will mark a big change in the wider game, stating: “I don’t see any difference between men’s and women’s football, so what is happening in Qatar needs to continue.”
      Yoshimi Yamashita took charge of the AFC Champions League Group G match between Melbourne City and Jeonnam DragonsCredit: Getty
      When asked about what her presence might mean for other women watching the tournament, Yamashita replied: “I want to tell young girls who are interested in becoming referees that our potential is growing.”
      However, she acknowledged that she feels “a certain amount of pressure to win everyone’s trust.”
      Yoshimi Yamashita has been keeping fit ahead of the tournamentCredit: AFP
      This is the first time a woman will have officiated in a men’s World CupCredit: AFP
      Most read in Football
      Japan’s first ever professional female referee has been keeping in top condition ahead of the tournament, making sure she is up to speed with the game.
      She said: “I’m really conscious of the speed, I make split-second decisions. I have to continue training that muscle as the World Cup draws closer and be prepared to adjust to speedy developments.”
      Yamashita is also keeping her mind sharp, revealing that she had been watching videos of previous matches.

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      What language do they speak in Switzerland, which language is the Swiss national anthem?

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      SWITZERLAND are back at the World Cup – and hopeful of building on their last-16 finish in 2018.The talented Swiss are considered as one of the dark horses of the tournament within but face a tough task in a group with Brazil, Cameroon and Serbia.
      Switzerland manager Murat Yakin stands for the national anthemCredit: Getty
      What language do they speak in Switzerland?
      There are FOUR main languages spoken across the country.
      French, Italian and German are the main tongues and are the official langauges, whilst Romansh accounts for 0.6 percent of the population.
      That is spoken predominantly in the area of Grisons and is descended from the Latin spoken in the Roman Empire.
      The overwhelming majority of the country is German speaking, which includes the regions of the North West, East, Alps and swathes of Central Switzerland.
      Xherdan Shaqiri in full flow for SwitzerlandCredit: AFP or licensors
      What language is the national anthem in?
      Called the Swiss Palm, the national anthem was composed in 1841 but wasn’t adopted until 1961.
      Originally written in German, it has been translated into Italian, French and Romansh.
      It is sung in whatever language you speak and the Swiss government have plans to change it.
      What is the population of Swtizerland?
      The current population of Switzerland is approximately 8.698million which was last recorded in 2021.
      What are Switzerland’s fixtures at the World Cup?
      Thursday, November 24 (10am): Switzerland vs Cameroon
      Monday, November 28 (4pm): Brazil vs Switzerland
      Friday, December 2 (7pm): Serbia vs Switzerland
      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?
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      Who is Brazil vs Switzerland referee Ivan Barton at World Cup 2022?

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      THE World Cup is here and Ivan Barton has been announced as one of the referees who will make sure games run smoothly in Qatar.Barton took charge of Japan’s 2-1 win over Germany and is now in charge for Brazil vs Switzerland in the group stages.
      Ivan Barton took charge of Germany’s group game against Japan at the 2022 World CupCredit: Getty
      Barton is one of three officials representing Central America at this year’s tournament.
      Here is some more information on him.
      Who is Ivan Barton?
      Ivan Barton was born in Santa Ana in 1991, making him the third-youngest referee at the World Cup, behind Kevin Ortega and Said Martinez.
      Barton currently referees in El Salvador’s Primera Division and was appointed as a FIFA referee in 2018.
      Read More on World Cup
      The 31-year-old has plenty of experience officiating international tournaments, taking charge of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the Under-17 World Cup in Brazil.
      Here, he came across the likes of Manchester city star Phil Foden, who will be in Gareth Southgate’s plans for Qatar.
      Ivan Barton officiated at the Brazil Under-17 World Cup in 2017Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Most read in Football
      Aside from football, Barton obtained a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Sciences from the University of El Salvador.
      He has since become a professor at the institution.

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      Brazil vs Switzerland: TV channel, kick-off time, live stream and team news for 2022 World Cup Group G clash

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      BRAZIL will be without Neymar as they head into their second World Cup group game against Switzerland.Richarlison’s double – including a goal of the tournament contender – game the Samba Boys a 2-0 win over Serbia.
      Breel Embolo scored, but did not celebrate, in Switzerland’s win over the country of his birth, CameroonCredit: Rex
      Neymar picked up an ankle injury in Brazil’s win over Serbia and feared his World Cup was overCredit: Rex
      Switzerland beat Cameroon 1-0 in their opener thanks to a strike from Breel Embolo.
      The Selecao have not progressed past the quarter-finals in three of their last four World Cups.
      However, it is the semi-final of 2014 that will haunt Brazilians the most.
      Germany humiliated the South American side 7-1 on home soil, sending shockwaves around the world.
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      Six years on, and a Copa America under their belt, the five-time World Cup winners look back to their best and ready to cause havoc on the global stage.
      However, it won’t be an easy task against a well-drilled Switzerland side who have consistently over-performed in recent years.
      What time is Brazil vs Switzerland?

      Brazil’s clash with Switzerland will take place on Monday, November 28.
      The action is scheduled for 4pm UK time.
      The match will be held at the Stadium 974 in Doha.
      The last time the two sides met was during the World Cup group stage in 2018, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.

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

      Brazil vs Switzerland will be shown live on ITV in the UK.
      You can also live stream the action via the ITV website or ITV hub, which is available to download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch Brazil vs Switzerland for FREE?

      Yes, you can watch the match for FREE so long as you have a TV licence.

      What is the team news?
      Neymar is almost certainly OUT of the game after picking up an ankle injury in the defeat to Serbia.
      The superstar hobbled off after 79 minutes and later shared pictures of a swollen ankle.
      Danilo also has a similar injury and is questionable for this clash.
      Switzerland have Noah Okafor to worry about, the Salzburg forward, 22, currently has a muscle problem.
      Most read in Football
      What are the odds?
      Brazil win 1/2
      Draw 31/10
      Switzerland victory 6/1
      Odds courtesy of Betfair correct as of November 27. More

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      Fans baffled as Morocco keeper is substituted BEFORE kick-off against Belgium… and even the BBC didn’t realise

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      WORLD CUP fans and even the BBC were left totally baffled as Morocco’s goalkeeper appeared to be substituted before kick-off – despite lining up for the national anthem. Morocco named Yassine Bounou – aka Bono – in the starting XI to face Belgium this afternoon.
      Yassine Bounou was named in the starting XI for MoroccoCredit: BBC
      Bounou even sang the anthem and shook the hands of the Belgium playersCredit: BBC
      Bounou was in the graphic for the starting XI for MoroccoCredit: BBC
      For the official team photo he had gone and was replacedCredit: Getty
      The No1 walked out of the tunnel with his team-mates and lined up as the North African nation belted out their song.
      He is then filmed shaking hands with the Belgium players as usual.
      But then Munir Mohand Mohamedi El Kajoui is pictured in the official pre-match team photo.
      There was a short delay as the Morocco team lined up and Belgium captain Eden Hazard waited for the coin toss because Munir was getting himself ready and some final words of encouragement from manager Walid Regragui.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      And the replacement, who is wearing No12 at the World Cup, took his place between the sticks in time for kick-off – with no sign of Bounou.
      Even the BBC commentators, though, didn’t realise for around 25 minutes of the match and referred to the usual first-choice stopper when it was actually Munir who made a save from Michy Batshuayi in the first half.
      And it did not take long for fans to spot the discrepancy, with ‘Bono’ trending on social media.
      The confusion regarding the last-minute switch was clarified at half-time.
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      BBC presenter Mark Chapman explained Bounou was feeling unwell and had a problem with his vision.
      Chapman said: “Bounou was there as they sang the national anthem.
      “He then complained to the coach about something wrong with his eyes.
      “Look at how calm the coach is and goes over to El Kajoui with a smile.
      “He joins for the photo and then played the first 45 minutes.”
      Ironically, though, it was his opposite number Thibaut Courtois who came under fire after his error helped Morocco secure a shock 2-0 win.
      Munir Mohand Mohamedi El Kajoui was in goal once the game startedCredit: Reuters
      Bounou looked dejected as he took his gloves offCredit: Reuters
      Munir had to make the sudden preparations to get ready to come onCredit: Reuters More

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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.”
      Read More In Football
      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.
      Most read in Football
      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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      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.
      MOST READ IN SPORT
      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.
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