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☆ Japan vs. Croatia: Samurai Blue aiming to reach World Cup quarterfinals for first time
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +31 min

CNN —In a World Cup of surprises, Japan has played a leading role in headline-making shock results. Croatia is a team undefeated in nine of its last 10 World Cup matches. They made history Thursday as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. Frappert became the first woman to referee a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament.

☆ Group stage excels as World Cup just keeps giving - now for the serious bit
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

That debate will continue after the final ball is kicked, but as far as what has happened inside the eight gleaming stadiums, the World Cup has been a stunning spectacle. When Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead from the penalty spot in their opening Group C match against Saudi Arabia, all seemed normal. But Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari sealed a 2-1 Group C win for the 51st-ranked Green Falcons that, according to data company Nielsen Gracenote, was the biggest statistical shock in World Cup history. Goals by Itsu Doan and Ao Tanaka gave Japan the lead and Costa Rica hit back to lead Germany. After probably the most memorable group phase of any World Cup, now for the serious business.

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo denies he swore at Portugal coach over substitution
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain, said the comments he made as he left the field in the 65th minute were in fact aimed at a South Korean player. “What happened was before my substitution, the South Korea player told me to get off quickly. The 37-year-old is seeking to equal the Portuguese record of most World Cup goals held by Eusebio, who racked up nine in 1966 in England, the only World Cup tournament he played in. Fu Tian/China News Service/Getty ImagesSantos, asked by reporters about the substitution incident, also said a South Korean player had been aggressive in his comments towards the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. We wanted to go through with a win, we wanted to go through playing good football to keep boosting our confidence,” Santos said.

☆ World Cup delirium ignites alleys of Pakistan's 'mini Brazil'
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Thousands turned out in "Mini Brazil" last Monday when Brazil played Switzerland, sporting the classic yellow and green colours of their favourite team as they gathered in front of large television screens to the sound of raucous music. "Very powerful matches and the Brazil match," said Ashiq Hussain, one of the young players from the academy, adding that he found the matches inspiring. "I went for my job wearing the Brazil shirt, and now at night, I am still wearing the shirt during the match," said another fan, Mohammad Yasin. Brazil's success in that match will draw out thousands more in "Mini Brazil" on Friday, when the team face off against Cameroon. If they draw or win, Brazil will top their Group G.If they lose and Switzerland win against Serbia, the goal difference will decide the top spot.

☆ Analysis: No hiding for flying Swiss as they reach knockout phase again
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

They have now reached the knockout phase in every World Cup or European championship since 2014 and even if they have never gone past the last eight, they cannot be regarded as a surprise package anymore. "It's the best Swiss national team that ever existed," coach Murat Yakin said before their opening game, a clinical 1-0 win against Cameroon. He was also in the build-up of the third as he clipped the decisive ball into the box after Breel Embolo had levelled with his second World Cup goal. "The dual nationals have brought an extra touch of soul," former Swiss international Stephane Grichting said. Adding to the Swiss confidence is their U-17 World Cup campaign in 2009, when they beat Brazil on they way to the title.

☆ South Korea beat Portugal to squeeze into next round at World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Anita Kobylinska | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/8] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group H - South Korea v Portugal - Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - December 2, 2022 South Korea players celebrate after the match as South Korea qualify for the knockout stages REUTERS/Wolfgang RattayAL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 2 (Reuters) - South Korea scored a last-gasp goal to beat already-qualified Portugal 2-1 at the World Cup in a comeback win that sent the Asian side into the last 16 ahead of Uruguay on goals scored. South Korea had to beat Portugal at the Education City Stadium to stand a chance of going through to the last 16 and their win catapulted them from fourth to second place by virtue of having scored four goals in the tournament to Uruguay's two. Portugal finished top despite the loss and should avoid facing likely Group G winners Brazil in the knockout stage. However, they did manage to equalise 10 minutes later through defender Kim Young-gwon who scored after the ball bounced off Cristiano Ronaldo's back following a corner. Writing by William Schomberg and Anita Kobylinska; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Ronaldo leads Portugal against South Korea after injury scare
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Portugal, needing only a draw to be sure of top spot in Group H and mindful of the risk of yellow-card suspensions in the next round, have brought Diogo Dalot and Antonio Silva into the defence. Matheus Nunes, Vitinha and Joao Mario come into the midfield in place of Bernardo Silva, William Carvalho and Bruno Fernandes -- who scored twice in the 2-0 win over Uruguay -- while Ricardo Horta replaces Joao Felix up front. South Korea's Portuguese coach Paulo Bento left out central defender Kim Min-jae, who was an injury doubt, and replaced him with Kwon Kyung-won, while Lee Jae-sung and Lee Kang-in were drafted into midfield. The Koreans, with one point so far, must beat Portugal and hope the result of Ghana's match with Uruguay goes their way in order to reach the last 16. TeamsSouth Korea: Kim Seung-gyu, Kim Moon-hwan, Kwon Kyung-won, Kim Young-gwon, Kim Jin-su, Lee Jae-sung, Lee Kang-in, Jeong Woo-yeong, Hwang In-beom, Son Heung-min, Cho Gue-sungPortugal: Diogo Costa, Diogo Dalot, Pepe, Antonio Silva, Joao Cancelo, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Neves, Vitinha, Joao Mario, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ricardo HortaWriting by William Schomberg and Anita Kobylinska; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Cameroon scores late winner against Brazil at Qatar 2022 but fails to qualify for knockout stages
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Brazil had already booked its place in the next round and rested many of its key players. After nine minutes of added time was announced, Cameroon sensed an opportunity but, in truth, Aboubakar’s goal came completely against the run of play. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe/Getty ImagesIt was a goal that inflicted Brazil with its first World Cup group stage defeat since 1998. Despite the defeat, Brazil still progresses as the Group G winner and will face South Korea in the next round on Monday. Despite its dominance in possession against Cameroon, Brazil looked sloppy in front of goal and missed the bit of quality that Neymar so often produces.

☆ Ronaldo denies he swore at Portugal coach over substitution
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( William Schomberg | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Ronaldo, Portugal's captain, said the comments he made as he left the field in the 65th minute were in fact aimed at a South Korean player. The 37-year-old is seeking to equal the Portuguese record of most World Cup goals held by Eusebio, who racked up nine in 1966 in England, the only World Cup tournament he played in. Santos, asked by reporters about the substitution incident, also said a South Korean player had been aggressive in his comments towards the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Ronaldo was kept largely at bay by South Korea's defence in the Asians' last-gasp victory over Portugal that sent Uruguay out of the World Cup. We wanted to go through with a win, we wanted to go through playing good football to keep boosting our confidence," Santos said.

☆ World Cup 2022 top goal scorer: who could win Golden Boot?
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Dec 1 (Reuters) - The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is nearing its knockout phase. England's captain Harry Kane bagged the prize in the 2018 edition of the World Cup in Russia, where he scored six goals and led his team to the semi-finals. MARCUS RASHFORDSoccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group B - Wales v England - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - November 29, 2022 England's Marcus Rashford with manager Gareth Southgate after being substituted REUTERS/Hannah MckayThe England striker has enjoyed a dream start to his World Cup campaign in Qatar. BRUNO FERNANDESSoccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group H - Portugal v Uruguay - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - November 28, 2022 Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes celebrate after the match REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachPortugal's run in the World Cup in Qatar so far has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and his acrimonious departure from Manchester United. WORLD CUP TOP GOAL SCORER 2022: GOLDEN BOOT STANDINGS** Stats as of Nov. 30Compiled by Siddharth K in Bengaluru; Editing by Milla NissiOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ A generation that won't be forgotten by the Saudis
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Shady Amir | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Nov 22, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; Saudi Arabia midfielder Salem Al-Dawsari (10) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal against Argentina during a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Lusail Stadium. read moreOnly the heroics of Saudi goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Owais prevented a humiliating defeat, though they still finished bottom of Group C, three points behind group winners Argentina. Yes, in Saudi Arabia we know the players well, but they are unknown to fans around the world," Renard said. Saudi Arabia has been playing a bigger role in sport globally. Saudi's football federation is also hoping Cristiano Ronaldo can be lured to a local club after the Portuguese forward had his contract terminated by Manchester United.

☆ Crypto firms like Binance, Grayscale, and OKX are pouring money into marketing to regain trust and save their companies from the fallout of the FTX implosion
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Lara O'Reilly | Reed Alexander | Lauren Johnson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The bitcoin crash and FTX implosion massively dented the crypto advertising boom. But fewer crypto advertisers can also create an advantage for those still trying to get their messages to consumers. And Dinu added that crypto companies' efforts to advertise to restore trust could persist "well beyond" the next six months. Some crypto companies are still launching splashy campaigns, similar to crypto ad campaigns from the beginning of the year. "Crypto companies have to stop talking about themselves and start talking about how cryptocurrency or blockchain fits into normal people's lives."

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo is 50-50 to play v S.Korea, says coach Santos
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Portugal coach Fernando Santos said that Cristiano Ronaldo's availability is still in question for their closing Group H match against South Korea on Friday. "I think it is 50-50 if he plays or not, we'll see," Santos told a news conference on Thursday. After wins against Ghana and Uruguay, Portugal are first in the group standings on six points and can secure top spot with a draw or a win. South Korea still have a slim chance of qualifying. "I have complete confidence in all my players, I'm already missing three players, let's see about others," he said.

☆ Factbox: World Cup 2022 knockout stage: which teams will qualify?
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Nov 30 (Reuters) - The World Cup in Qatar is nearing its knockout phase. The Selecao have claimed the World Cup five times and are pre-tournament favourites to win a record-extending sixth title. Brazil have played in every World Cup since 1930 but have not reached the final since they last won the title in 2002. England's only World Cup win dates back to 1966. This is the third appearance at the World Cup for Senegal, who reached the quarter-finals in 2002.

☆ After the tears, South Korea turn eyes to Portugal
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( William Schomberg | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

South Korea must beat the 2016 European champions - as they did at the 2002 World Cup on home soil - and hope that the result of the other final Group H match between Ghana and Uruguay goes their way too. Assistant coach Sergio Costa said South Korea would bounce back from their disappointment. South Korea have only one point after drawing their opening game against Uruguay and must beat Portugal to have any chance of progressing. At the World Cup 20 years ago, South Korea beat a 10-man Portugal - whose team included Bento - in their final group game. Portugal opened their campaign in Qatar with a 3-2 victory against Ghana before enjoying a more controlled 2-0 win over Uruguay on Monday.

Interest in this niche breed of cryptocurrencies, typically linked to sports teams like Barcelona or Brazil, has been charged up by the soccer World Cup which began on Nov. 20. The token of Lionel Messi's Argentina side slumped 25% to $5.26 following the team's shock defeat by Saudi Arabia in their opening World Cup game. The broader crypto market malaise is partly to blame for price drops, according to researchers who said the flighty assets were wilting as investors shunned risk. "But the first perception should never be that you're buying the fan token from a profit-generating standpoint." It facilitates trading of most fan coins, describing buying such tokens as joining a loyalty scheme with exclusive benefits and prizes.

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo thought he’d scored record-equaling goal – but it wasn’t to be
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —As he sprinted away to the corner flag with his arms spread wide on Monday, Cristiano Ronaldo thought he’d leveled Portugal great Eusebio’s record as the nation’s all-time World Cup scorer. Ronaldo had his second goal in as many games at the 2022 World Cup and his ninth for Portugal at World Cups. The goal had in fact been given to Fernandes, not Ronaldo. “What matters is that we’re going through to the next round after playing a very tough opponent.”Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes celebrate after Portugal beat Uruguay at 2022 World Cup. The awarding of the goal to Fernandes might have always been part of a bigger cosmic plan, if Fernandes’ children are to be believed.

☆ Analysis: Fernandes steps out of Ronaldo's Portugal shadow
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Karolos Grohmann | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Having developed into a key player for the English side, the Fernandes then saw Ronaldo return last year to once again hog the spotlight. Fernandes' whipped cross flew past Ronaldo's head and into the back of the net even though his more celebrated team mate initially claimed the goal for himself. Whether at Sporting or at United, Fernandes was condemned to playing a supporting role to Ronaldo even though he is among the highest scoring midfielders in Europe. After Manchester United abruptly ended Ronaldo's second stint at Old Trafford following his scathing criticism of the club, Fernandes refused to take sides. Playing in his second World Cup, compared to Ronaldo's fifth, Fernandes will be hoping it will also be Portugal's most successful one.

☆ Fernandes double fires perfect Portugal through to World Cup last 16
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Martin Petty | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

For a Portugal whose World Cup narrative has so far been crafted by the controversy and brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo, the night belonged to Fernandes, who shone throughout and always looked threatening. The win was the third time at a World Cup that Portugal have won two successive group stage matches, and the previous two times led to streaks into the semi-finals. Fernandes played down talk of his starring role and said his focus was the next match against South Korea and getting a perfect nine points for Portugal. "Our objective is to think match after match and we have to do our best because we obviously want to win all the matches." Portugal were dangerous on the approach and controlled both flanks, with Bernardo Silva, Fernandes and an industrious Joao Felix combining well and each frustrated in their efforts to put Portugal ahead.

CNN —The World Cup match between Portugal and Uruguay was briefly interrupted by a pitch invader waving a rainbow flag on the field at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Monday. A pitch invader runs onto the pitch wearing a t-shirt with a message saying: 'Respect for Iranian Woman' on the back and holding a rainbow flag. Molly Darlington/ReutersThe participation of Iran, who play the US Men’s National Team on Tuesday in a Group B match, in the World Cup has been played out against the backdrop of the country’s domestic turmoil. Meanwhile the issue of LGBTQ+ rights in Qatar has also been a constant theme at the World Cup. The victory means that Portugal has advanced to the next stage of the World Cup with a game to spare whereas Uruguay needs a victory from its final game against Ghana to have any hopes of progressing.

☆ Rashford says criticism of England unwarranted
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Nov 27 (Reuters) - England forward Marcus Rashford says criticism of the team's performance in their 0-0 draw against the United States on Friday is unjustified and that fans should withhold judgement until after their final group game against Wales. "When you win a game, you are the best team in the world. As players you have to keep a balance," Rashford, 25, told reporters. Rashford, who played in the Euro 2020 final, was out of the England picture for 15 months as injuries and a loss of form and confidence saw his career plateau. "It's something I can keep with me forever, I wish him all the best and we want to thank him for the things he's done for Manchester United."

☆ Neymar: Brazil looks to book place in knockout stage without injured star
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Fortunately for them, the player who has become this generation’s talisman will be fit in time to play in the 2022 World Cup knockout stage, should Brazil qualify, after being diagnosed with an ankle sprain. Now 30, this World Cup will likely be his best chance at lifting the trophy. Group H’s other match pits Ghana against South Korea, with both teams desperate for a win to kickstart their World Cup campaigns. In Ghana, Korea knows it faces a team with an abundance of quality in the final third, as the match against Portugal proved. ETSouth Korea vs. Ghana: 8 a.m.

A handful of creators are in Qatar, or heading there in the next few weeks, to help capture the best moments from the 2022 World Cup. This year’s World Cup, which has been shrouded in controversy, kicked off Sunday. In a Short posted earlier this week, de la Haye captured his dad's reaction when he told him they're going to the World Cup. "Every World Cup ... faithfully, we sit and home and support our team." He will be filming from the semifinal and final matches, but made a comedic Short with his World Cup predictions.

☆ Saudi Arabia wants its investors to own Manchester United and Liverpool
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Rob Harris | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool FC on Aug. 22, 2022 in Manchester, England. Ash Donelon | Manchester United | Getty ImagesSaudi Arabia says it wants its investors to take over Manchester United and Liverpool – and hopes Cristiano Ronaldo comes to play in its domestic league. More from Sky Sports:Glazers open to selling Manchester United; Club valued around £5 billionWill Manchester United and Liverpool sales turn into bidding war? Manchester United sale Q&A: Who are the contenders? Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United walks on the pitch during a Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool FC on Aug. 22, 2022 in Manchester, England.

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo Kicks Off His Final World Cup—and a Job Search
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( Joshua Robinson | Jonathan Clegg | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo begins his World Cup on Thursday. DOHA, Qatar–The most famous person at this World Cup is rapidly aging, stewing over the nightly news and currently unemployed. These are tough times to be Cristiano Ronaldo.

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