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☆ Factbox: Pele's career in numbers
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

* Became the youngest-ever player to win the World Cup trophy at 17, a record that still stands. * Scored 757 goals in 812 official matches for club and country, a record that stood for decades until Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo eclipsed his tally. * Netted 77 goals in 92 official matches for Brazil - the country's all-time leading goal scorer, alongside Neymar, who netted his 77th goal in the 2022 World Cup. * Registered six assists at Mexico 1970 - a record for one World Cup. * Scored 127 goals for Santos in 1959, thought to be the most goals scored by a club player in one calendar year.

☆ How many?! Pele's astonishing goal record
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( Andrew Downie | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

FIFA put his overall total at more than 1,200 - over 1,000 of which came for his first club, Santos. Almost half of Pele's goals came in friendly matches – including games as an army conscript - and some argue they do not carry the same weight as goals scored in competitive matches. Barcelona celebrated in December 2020 when Messi scored his 644th goal for the Spanish club, surpassing the 643 competitive goals Pele scored for Santos. Two months later, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 768th goal, three more than Pele's total, including international goals. Pele sent his congratulations to both players but his supporters still argue the Brazilian's goal haul is superior because in Pele's day friendly matches were much more competitive than they are today.

☆ Pele or Maradona? Debate will continue raging over who was greater
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/2] Soccer legends Diego Maradona and Pele rest on a hammock during a reception in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 14, 1995. Pele thought Maradona was gauche and undignified and Maradona thought Pele was a sell-out. Pele was happy to counsel the budding star, and Maradona excited to be fulfilling his dream of meeting the Brazilian. But their relationship soured in 1982 after Pele criticized Maradona when he was sent off for stamping on a Brazilian in a World Cup tie in Spain. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, eclipsed by Messi at the Qatar World Cup, was more expansive, calling the Brazilian "King Pele" and an inspiration to millions.

☆ Arsenal look real deal, Newcastle relentless and Tottenham fickle as battle resumes
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-28 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

ARSENAL BEGIN WHERE THEY LEFT OFFWhen Mikel Arteta's table toppers went behind early on against struggling West Ham United there were mutterings around the Emirates Stadium -- with fans perhaps fearing Arsenal's pre-break momentum had been lost. TOTTENHAM CONTINUE TO PUZZLETottenham's inability to show consistency, even throughout 90 minutes, was evident again in a 2-2 draw at Brentford. But, as so often this season, they showed that when in a self-inflicted hole, they can actually look like a good side. West Ham United look a shadow of the side that were so impressive last season and a fourth straight defeat heaped more pressure on manager David Moyes. Like West Ham, Everton are just above the drop zone but a home loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers was ominous and manager Frank Lampard will need positive results quickly to silence his critics.

☆ Soccer-In year of drama, World Cup shines spotlight on growth in the sport
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Manasi Pathak | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Dec 20 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi's World Cup fairytale lit up the year in soccer as heroics and heartbreak at the finals captivated fans and highlighted the growth of the world's most popular sport despite the criticism of host country Qatar's human rights record. With matches played in air-conditioned stadiums to cope with the heat of the desert state and no beer on tap in stadiums, spectators experienced a World Cup like never before. Playing in a fifth World Cup for Argentina, the incomparable Messi once again left everyone in awe of his magical powers on the field as he smashed records and delivered on the hopes of a nation, bringing the World Cup home after 36 years. The South American giants were handed a shock defeat by Saudi Arabia in their first group game, which statisticians Gracenote credited as the biggest upset in World Cup history. With every continent represented in the World Cup last 16, the most diverse knockout stage in the tournament's history was evidence of the sport's expanding reach.

☆ Messi Lifts the World Cup and Ends the Ronaldo Debate
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( Joshua Robinson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

DOHA, Qatar—As Lionel Messi prepared for the biggest night of his professional life, the man who had spent over a decade as his biggest rival trained alone in Spain, on a separate pitch at Real Madrid. He wore gear he had borrowed from the club. Cristiano Ronaldo had left the World Cup in Qatar more than a week before Messi, following Portugal’s stunning quarterfinal defeat to Morocco. The last image of Ronaldo at the tournament captured him walking down the tunnel in tears, bitterly mourning his last chance to win the one prize that had eluded him.

☆ Stronger league could be Qatar World Cup legacy, says Spanish coach
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Philip O'Connor | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"The level of Qatar that we have seen in the World Cup is not the real level. "(Cristiano) Ronaldo had to work, work, work to make it. You need to develop these players, these Qataris in the right way, but we will see what happens after the World Cup," he said. With that in mind, the Qatar Stars League will start again on Thursday, four days after the World Cup final, with Lerin's Al Shamal in action against Al Wakrah on Friday. "I think it will be difficult for them to play in another World Cup, really difficult, but at the same time now the rules of the World Cup are changing and there are more teams," Lerin explained.

☆ REVIEW Soccer-Whatever the ending, Qatar World Cup duly delivered
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Both scenarios would be an appropriate final act to the first World Cup staged in an Arab country. But for a month the so-called beautiful game did, in the words of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, spread some joy. The marquee names of Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo delivered storylines. In five second-half minutes Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari wrote themselves into Saudi sporting folklore by scoring the goals to overturn a Messi penalty and seal the biggest statistical shock in World Cup history. Messi, channelling his inner-Maradona, inspired Argentina to beat Croatia and few would begrudge the diminutive number 10's record-breaking 26th World Cup appearance ending with him holding aloft the gleaming trophy.

☆ Beware the penalty specialist if final goes to shootout
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The less than magnificent shootout seven:Jamie Carragher, England v Portugal, 2006 World Cup quarter-final. =Marcus Rashford, England v Italy, Euro 2020 final. =Sancho, England v Italy, Euro 2020 final. Italy missed their fifth attempt, which left Bukayo Saka with the chance to keep the shootout going but his was also saved and Italy were European champions. =Badr Benoun, Morocco v Spain, World Cup 2022, last 16.

☆ Magical Messi saves his best for last in Qatar
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Andrew Cawthorne | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Dec 16 (Reuters) - As if he had not made enough fairy-tales, Argentina's little genius Lionel Messi has saved the potentially most magical script for his last World Cup - with one line left to write. After scoring a penalty to send Argentine fans into delirium, the usually impeccably-behaved Messi ran towards the Dutch bench cupping his ears in a provocative gesture. Though some pundits criticized him for disrespect, Argentine fans were largely delighted at the Maradona-like flashes of defiance from the introverted Messi. All that is missing in the Messi story is a World Cup. Carry it in your heart because that is more important than a World Cup and you've already won that, thanks Captain."

☆ The US may have lost in the World Cup, but soccer is more popular than ever in America
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Harry Enten | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +36 min

The Atlas Lions made history as the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal. They made history as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament. Less spoken about is that they also rate better on television than the men do in the World Cup. We’ll just have to wait and see, though with the US, Canada and Mexico hosting the 2026 World Cup, soccer isn’t going away anytime soon.

☆ UN agency says Israel is delaying new visas for its staff
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Hadas Gold | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

Jerusalem CNN —A United Nations agency that operates in the West Bank and Gaza says Israel is not processing visas for its newly recruited staff, while Israeli officials accuse the agency of “ignoring Israeli victims of terror” in East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank, a charge the agency denies. The UN considers East Jerusalem and the West Bank to be occupied territory, and Israelis living there to be living in illegal settlements. Erdan said when OCHA is asked why they don’t count Israeli victims, they are told the agency does not have reliable data. “Of course you don’t, you don’t employ Hebrew speakers, and the senior manager of the agency is Palestinian,” Erdan said. OCHA’s latest report does record some instances of Israelis being injured by stones thrown at civilian vehicles traveling in the West Bank.

☆ From bloody Balkan war to World Cup heavyweight: the making of Croatia as a soccer nation
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

Croatia’s World Cup pedigree is an altogether different story. Štimac challenges Clarence Seedorf of the Netherlands during the 1998 World Cup third place playoff match, which Croatia won 2-1. The Croatia players celebrate a goal against France in the 1998 World Cup semifinals. Having been appointed after the team’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup, Dalić came with pressure on his shoulders. Antonio Bronic/Reuters“There is no place in the national team dressing room of Croatia for big egos, and everyone knows that.

☆ Ronaldo says dedication to Portugal unchanged but will 'let time be a good adviser'
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The 37-year-old, a five-times Ballon D'Or winner, had arrived in Qatar with a mission to prove he could still make a difference on his national team. He ended the tournament, however, coming on as a second-half substitute in Portugal's 1-0 quarter-final loss to Morocco. Thank you, Portugal. Thank you, Qatar. The dream was beautiful while it lasted... Now, we have to let time be a good adviser and allow everyone to draw their own conclusions," he wrote.

☆ World Cup 2022 - England 1-2 France: Harry Kane misses late penalty as Olivier Giroud heads defending champions into semifinals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Peter Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

France celebrates after beating England the Qatar 2022 World Cup quarter-final match in Al Khor on Dec. 10, 2022. But ultimately it was a penalty that caused England World Cup heartbreak again. England players console each other after losing to France in the Qatar 2022 World Cup quarter-final match in Al Khor on Dec. 10, 2022. How England's World Cup dream ended It was a dramatic ending to this epic first-ever knockout clash between these sides. Harry Maguire of England and Olivier Giroud of France clash during a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match on Dec. 10, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar.

☆ Grant Wahl: A charming, kind and talented journalist
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Don Riddell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

The American soccer journalist Grant Wahl, who’d also been covering the game at Lusail, had died. The LED board shows a photo of Grant Wahl prior to the quarterfinal match between England and France. Wahl pictured at an awards ceremony in Doha during the World Cup. Grant Wahl (left) being interviewed by CNN's Don Riddel in Qatar. He was charming, kind and just so happy to be covering his eighth men’s World Cup and the game he loved.

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo speaks for first time since shock World Cup exit
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Wayne Sterling | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

“To win a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram on Sunday. “Fortunately, I won a lot of titles of international dimension, including Portugal, but to put the name of our country in the highest level in the world was my biggest dream. I never faced away from the fight and I never gave up on that dream.”It is likely the 37-year-old’s final appearance at a World Cup. However, his benching by Santos and his recent contract termination from Manchester United, which was announced just after the World Cup started, arguably overshadowed Ronaldo’s time at Qatar 2022, a tournament where he scored just one goal. “Thank you, Portugal.

☆ Tearful Ronaldo the lasting image of Portugal World Cup debacle
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

DOHA, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo running to the tunnel in tears and as desolate as the football world has ever seen him will be the lasting image for Portugal fans looking back on the World Cup in Qatar. Ronaldo, a five-times Ballon D'Or winner, arrived with a mission to prove he could still make a difference. It was another tale of hope turned to disappointment, controversy and under-achievement on the biggest stage for Ronaldo, who was playing his fifth World Cup and hoping it would set him up for new opportunities after his departure from Manchester United. Ironically, in a Portugal team full of stand-out players, Ronaldo fell victim to the abundance of options that coach Fernando Santos had at his disposal. Before the World Cup, Ronaldo refused to say that the tournament in Qatar would be his last and he was already looking ahead to the 2024 European Championship.

☆ Morocco becomes first African country to reach World Cup semifinals as it topples Portugal
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Morocco became the first African country to reach the World Cup semifinals by beating Portugal 1-0 on Saturday, likely ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s chances of winning soccer’s biggest prize. Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning goal in the 42nd minute to continue Morocco’s improbable run that has generated an outpouring of pride in the Arab world during the first World Cup to be staged in the Middle East. Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after Portugal's loss to Morocco during in Doha, Qatar on Saturday. Patricia de Melo Moreira / AFP via Getty ImagesThe five-time world player of the year is set to finish his career without capturing the World Cup or ever getting to the final. It is a seminal moment in World Cup history, with an African nation finally advancing to the levels typically only reached by European or South American teams.

☆ Morocco makes World Cup history as they reach the semi-finals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Morocco players and staff pose for a photo after the World Cup win against Portugal as the team progresses to the semi finals. Morocco wrote World Cup history on Saturday night as the first African and Arab country to reach the tournament's semi-finals, continuing their surprise run in Qatar with a shock 1-0 victory over the highly fancied Portugal. Morocco had already taken the scalps of Belgium and Spain in this tournament but the win over Portugal is of much greater significance. But the supply quickly dried up thereafter as Morocco closed the passing lanes and frustrated the Portuguese attackers. Joao Felix had two more half chances in the first half but Morocco gained in confidence and found a sudden spring in their step, frequently breaking on the counterattack.

In an Abidjan cafe where people were watching the game and drinking beer to celebrate the win, customer Jules Goule said Ivorians were proud of Morocco's win. "Through Morocco Africa has just shown that it can compete with other continents in football," he said. As the game wound on, Morocco fans screamed "Ole, ole, ole!" In the media box, a security guard, screaming with triumph, hugged a Moroccan journalist who was weeping with happiness. But in Rabat, joyful fans thronged the streets, people poured towards the downtown square where Morocco's victories are celebrated.

☆ Morocco becomes first ever African team to reach the World Cup semifinals with historic victory over Portugal
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Morocco made history Saturday as the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal, defeating Portugal 1-0 to continue its sparkling run in Qatar. Youssef En-Nesyri scored the game’s only goal, rising highest to head the ball into the net just minutes before halftime, while Morocco’s defense once again kept a clean sheet. And the Al Thumama Stadium rang with cheers, drums and whistles on Saturday as if almost an entire continent and region were inside, witnessing their team make history. Defeat for Portugal marked the end of what is likely to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup as even he could not make a dent in the Morocco defense and was left in tears walking down the tunnel after the final whistle. More to follow..

[1/2] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Fans in Lisbon watch Morocco v Portugal - Lisbon, Portugal - December 10, 2022 Portugal fan reacts as he watches the match REUTERS/Rodrigo AntunesLISBON, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Portugal fans were overcome with sadness and frustration on Saturday after their fancied team crashed out of the World Cup to Morocco, a lower-ranked side that had already ousted Spain. Portugal, fresh from their knockout demolition of Switzerland, were beaten by Morocco 1-0. The country's all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo was again out of the starting line-up after being benched for the last-16 tie against Switzerland. The country's football federation had earlier had to publicly deny reports that the skipper had threatened to leave during the tournament. "We are happy on behalf of the whole of Africa, because Morocco was representing Africa," said Moroccan tourist Amin Abdul, in Lisbon.

☆ Portugal coach does not regret leaving Ronaldo out v Morocco
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Ronaldo stormed off the pitch after the final whistle crying effusively while being comforted by his team mates. "I do not regret (leaving Ronaldo on the bench)," coach Santos told a news conference on Saturday. "It wouldn't change anything, in terms of the team I can't be thinking with my heart. "I used the team that played really well against Switzerland and there was no reason to change it (against Morocco). "It's not that Ronaldo is no longer a great player, that has nothing to do with it."

☆ Morocco write World Cup history as they reach semi-finals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Morocco had already taken the scalps of Belgium and Spain in this tournament but the win over Portugal is of much greater significance. But the supply quickly dried up thereafter as Morocco closed the passing lanes and frustrated the Portuguese attackers. Joao Felix had two more half chances in the first half but Morocco gained in confidence and found a sudden spring in their step, frequently breaking on the counter attack. Bruno Fernandes hit over the top of the crossbar five minutes later as Portugal threw more into attack and Morocco began to sit deeper. Leaving the World Cup always hurts."

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