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☆ A $200m superyacht seized from Putin's apparent choice for a Ukrainian puppet leader is being sold at auction, with Ukraine keeping the proceeds
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Pete Syme | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The yacht of pro-Kremlin Ukrainian politician Viktor Medvedchuk is being sold by Ukraine. Medvedchuk was said to be Vladimir Putin's top choice for a puppet leader in Ukraine. He was also believed to be Vladimir Putin's top choice for a puppet leader to replace Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the event Russia successfully overthrew the Ukrainian government. While Croatia seized the yacht in March, police only searched it on November 19 after a search warrant from the US justice department was approved, according to the Croatian Jutarnji list. It added that it's also searching for a $540 million yacht, which is owned by an unnamed Russian oligarch.

☆ World Cup quarterfinals: Qualifying teams, fixtures and schedule
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Alasdair Howorth | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —We are waiting on two teams to qualify for the World Cup quarterfinals, but six have already booked their places in the last eight. ETWhere: Education City StadiumAccording to Opta, Croatia has a 2.86% chance of winning the World Cup. But this team looks like it could be the first since 2002 to bring the World Cup trophy back to its spiritual home. ETWhere: Al Bayt StadiumAccording to Opta, England has a 18.83% chance of winning the World Cup. Which begs the question: is this the best England team since 1966, when it last won thee World?

☆ Shocks aplenty but Asia again unrepresented at business end
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Nick Mulvenney | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

DOHA, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Asia will again be unrepresented in the World Cup quarter-finals but several upset wins and vibrant displays have many in the continent feeling that the gap to the best teams is closing. Japan, South Korea and Australia made it out of the group stage for a record representation in the last 16 but none were able emulate the 2002 Taegeuk Warriors and the North Korean side of 1966 by making the quarter-finals. All the people that are involved in the football in Asia as well as Japan I think can share our happiness." Of all the success for the Asian confederation sides, Australia's progressing to the last 16 was perhaps the most surprising given they had scraped into the tournament via two playoffs. "I do believe that Asian football is getting stronger and stronger and stronger, and we're catching up quickly."

☆ In pictures: Croatia advance as Japan crumble in shootout
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Jeremy Schultz | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Brazil lit up the night sky on Monday with one of the strongest performances of the World Cup to shred South Korea 4-1 and set up a quarter-final clash with Croatia.

☆ Morocco's Hakimi up against country of his birth at World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Achraf Hakimi was born in Madrid but will have little hesitation plotting the downfall of Spain when he and his Moroccan teammates take on the 2010 World Cup winners on Tuesday. The flying wingback is one of the key players in the north African outfit whose last-16 match in the Qatar World Cup against Spain, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, gives them a chance to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. Hakimi could even have been on the opposite side, as he was called up when still a teenager for Spain's junior team. Hakimi was in the side that almost beat them in Kaliningrad in 2018, giving up an injury time equaliser in a 2-2 draw at the last World Cup in Russia. WINNING MENTALITY"Spain are a top five team and always come to the World Cup to win.

☆ Brazil storm into 4-0 lead at halftime against South Korea
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

DOHA, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Brazil were thrashing South Korea 4-0 at halftime in their World Cup last-16 match on Monday with goals from Vinicius Jr., Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta plus a Neymar penalty. The tournament favourites stormed into an early lead when Vinicius calmly side-footed through a crowd of South Korean defenders in the seventh minute after collecting Raphinha's cross. Soon afterwards, French referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot after a clumsy kick by Jung Woo-young felled Richarlison and Neymar rolled home the penalty in the 13th minute. Brazil were on course to face Croatia in the quarter-finals on Friday. Reporting by William Schomberg Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ South Korea's luck runs out at World Cup as Brazil expose gulf in class
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/2] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Round of 16 - Brazil v South Korea - Stadium 974, Doha, Qatar - December 5, 2022 South Korea players look dejected after the match as South Korea are eliminated from the World Cup REUTERS/Carl RecineDOHA, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Any dreams of South Korea replicating their historic World Cup run from 20 years ago came crashing down with a last 16 humiliation at the hands of five-times champions Brazil as the Asian side's luck finally ran out in Qatar. "I believe our participation at the World Cup has ended in a very fair manner," Korea's Portuguese coach Paulo Bento said, also confirming he was leaving his role after their exit. For a team that disappointingly exited the 2019 Asian Cup in the quarter-finals, Korea came into the World Cup with big question marks about their midfield and a noticeable lack of depth in the squad. Things only got worse when Bento was sent off to deny him a chance to stand on the touchline against his own country in their final group game against Portugal. Just hours after their neighbours Japan went out on penalties to Croatia, a vastly superior Brazilian team hammered the final nail in the coffin for Asian teams at the World Cup.

☆ Resilient Croatia advance as Japan crumble in shootout
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Nick Mulvenney | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Three times in the knockout rounds in Russia four years ago the Croatians came from behind to advance after extra time before losing to France in the final. They once again showed their resilience and patience by coming from a goal down to tame a lively Japan team who had beaten Germany and Spain in the group stage. The game was more open than anyone had reason to expect, with Croatia ratcheting up the physicality to gradually take control of midfield and Japan trying to hit them on the break. That brought Japan out of their shells and Wataru Endo was soon firing in a long-range effort which Livakovic tipped over the bar. Japan kept their nerve throughout the match but they crumbled in the penalty shootout as Nikola Vlasic and Marcelo Brozovic put Croatia 2-1 ahead before Pasalic sealed the deal for Croatia.

☆ Morning bid: Capped
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Tom Westbrook:The Fed is in blackout and the World Cup is starting to get serious. Positioning suggests bets against the dollar remain pretty light, and even lightened a little bit last week. Monday in Europe also marks the beginning of the G7's $60-a-barrel price cap on Russian oil. It's not clear what that means for oil supply and prices, because Russia says it won't abide by the measure, even if that means cutting production. On the pitch, Asia's last contenders, Japan and South Korea, take on Croatia and Brazil, respectively.

☆ Analysis: It's just like watching Brazil
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

In fact, the Koreans have goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu to thank that Brazil did not rack up a double-digit scoreline. His courage paid off, with his side playing in a way reminiscent of the 1970 and 1982 Brazil teams that captured the hearts of football fans all across the world. Brazil spread the ball beautifully with a plethora of one-touch passing combinations that cornered the South Koreans who had no plan to defend against so much talent. Playing attacking football like South Korea tried against this brilliant Brazilian team looks like sporting suicide. Croatia will have to make a tough choice as they prepare to face Brazil in Friday's quarter-final.

☆ Imperious Brazil smash Koreans 4-1 to reach quarters
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Ossian Shine | Nelson Acosta | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

EFFERVESCENT IN ATTACKIf the Koreans were winded by that early blow, worse was to come. Five minutes later Richarlison was hauled down in the penalty box and the referee instantly pointed to the spot. Brazil were effervescent in attack and organised in defence, restricting the South Koreans to long shots. Brazil had too much quality up front, and were being given far too much space. That Brazil went in only 4-0 up was as much to do with their profligacy as anything the Koreans could muster in terms of defence.

☆ Russia's story on the mysterious explosions that rocked bases housing strategic bombers acknowledges a glaring weakness
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Charles R. Davis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

On Monday, Russia blamed Ukraine for explosions at two air bases home to strategic bombers. The attacks were carried out with "Soviet-era" drones, per Russia's Ministry of Defense. If true, that is a "baffling" admission, military expert Samuel Bendett told Insider. "Baffling," Samuel Bendett, a military expert with the Center for Naval Analysis, a Washington think tank, said in an interview. Neither Ukraine nor Russia claimed it was theirs, but the incident showed the craft is still being used today.

☆ Japan depart with big wins but quarter-final dream unfulfilled
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Nick Mulvenney | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Moriyasu transformed the game with five substitutions and was rewarded with late goals from Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano for what was probably Japan's greatest victory on a football pitch. His confidence in his players was rewarded as lightning struck twice in their final group match against 2010 champions Spain. As group winners, they went through to face a streetwise Croatian team in the last 16 with the golden uplands of the quarter-finals within their grasp. It was difficult to lose but Japanese soccer is without a doubt making progress." Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Pritha SarkarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Japan wins plaudits for World Cup shocks and fans cleaning up in stadiums
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( John Sinnott | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Japan bids the World Cup farewell after its World Cup last-16 penalty shootout defeat by Croatia on Monday, but the team and its fans left lasting memories that won the Asian nation plenty of plaudits in Qatar and across the watching world. After the win over Germany, Japan’s players cleaned up their dressing room, leaving it looking immaculate. Japan supporters celebrate the team's World Cup Group E win against Spain. Ozan Kose/AFP/Getty Images‘Good vibes’Before Monday’s last-16 match against Japan, Croatia midfielder Lovro Majer had paid tribute to what the Samurai Blue had done at this World Cup. “We beat Germany and Spain – both World Cup champions,” said Japan coach coach Hajime Moriyasu, according to Reuters, after Monday’s loss to Croatia.

☆ World Cup Round of 16: Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal face Switzerland for a place in the quarterfinals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Switzerland, meanwhile, navigated a difficult group with victories against Cameroon and Serbia seeing them through to the knockout stages despite a loss to Brazil. The last time the two sides met was in the Nations League in June when Portugal dismantled Switzerland 4-0 in Lisbon. Switzerland celebrates defeating Serbia 3-2 and qualifying for the knockout stages. Like Portugal, Spain is entering its round of 16 match against Morocco immediately after a shock defeat to an Asian nation – a 2-1 loss to Japan – in the group stages. “We said we wanted to give everything we’ve got to get out of the group stages,” said Regragui, according to the Guardian.

☆ Brazil dances its way into World Cup quarterfinals thanks to dazzling display against South Korea
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Brazil danced its way past South Korea and into the World Cup quarterfinals on Monday, sweeping aside its opponent 4-1 in a dazzling performance at Qatar 2022. Brazil players hold a banner showing support for Pele. South Korea, meanwhile, has impressed in reaching the round of 16, coming through a difficult group that included Portugal, Ghana and Uruguay. Michael Steele/Getty ImagesHee-Chan Hwang did force Alisson into a wonderful one-handed save soon after the penalty, but that was the closest South Korea came to scoring in the first half. This game was already long over as a contest, but it was now in danger of turning into a humiliating night for South Korea, if it hadn’t already.

☆ Analysis: Agony in Qatar again as Samurai Blue fail to find World Cup nerve
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Martin Petty | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

That moment is known in Japan as "the agony of Doha" and remains one of the country's biggest soccer setbacks. Despite missing their goal of a last eight finish, he said his team showed a new era of Japanese soccer had begun. "We couldn't break the barrier towards the final eight, but the players were able to show a new generation of Japanese soccer," he said. "We beat Germany and Spain - World Cup champions. We should be confident in our ability and if we aim not just to catch up to but to surpass, I think there will be a different future ahead for Japanese soccer."

☆ Croatia beat Japan on penalties to reach World Cup quarter-finals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Hritika Sharma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/8] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Round of 16 - Japan v Croatia - Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, Qatar - December 5, 2022 Croatia's Dominik Livakovic saves a penalty from Japan's Takumi Minamino during the shootout REUTERS/Lee SmithAL WAKRAH, Qatar, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Croatia goalkeeper Dominic Livakovic saved penalties from Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and Maya Yoshida before Mario Pasalic netted the winning spot-kick in their 3-1 shootout win over Japan on Monday to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. With the scores deadlocked at 1-1 after an absorbing 90 minutes, Japan's Kaoru Mitoma went closest in the scrappy half-hour of extra time, forcing Livakovic to parry away his powerful drive. Croatia forward Ivan Perisic, who was denied by Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda in the opening minutes, pulled them level 10 minutes into the second half after meeting Dejan Lovren's cross with a powerful header. Croatia will face either Brazil or South Korea in the quarter-finals. Reporting by Hritika Sharma, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Croatia beats Japan on penalties to reach World Cup quarterfinals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +28 min

CNN —Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković made himself a national hero as Croatia beat Japan on penalties 1-1 (3-1) to reach the World Cup quarterfinals. Marko Djurica/ReutersJapan’s heartbreakDespite its defeat, Japan can look back at an impressive World Cup campaign. They made history Thursday as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. Mbappé was one of the leading stars of the team's World Cup triumph four years ago. He also became just the third goalkeeper to save three penalties in a single World Cup shootout.

☆ 'Miraculous' Croatia ready for similar-styled Japan
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Andrew Cawthorne | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"The population of Croatia is 4 million and the results we have achieved on the world stage are miraculous," said Dalic, whose nation were runners-up at the last World Cup and are unbeaten in three games in Qatar. We have become a world football force." The 12th-ranked Croatians are favourites to beat 24th-ranked Japan, but the Samurai Blue astounded expectations to defeat two powerhouses and former World Cup winners, Spain and Germany, at the group stage in comebacks. We have a similar mentality, Japan and Croatia. AGAINST THE ODDSThe coach said Croatia would fight to match or even better their performance in Russia.

☆ 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.

☆ Morocco's 'avocado head' plots another World Cup shock
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Shady Amir | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Spain, who humbled Costa Rica 7-0 in their opening game, finished second in Group E behind Japan while Morocco defied the odds to win Group F ahead of Croatia and Belgium. The Spanish, world champions in 2010, lost their last group match to Japan and face a difficult test from a Moroccan side growing in confidence under coach Walid Regragui. Spain drew 1-1 with Germany following their rout of Costa Rica and after the loss to Japan coach Luis Enrique was critical of his team. This was impossible because in five minutes, Japan scored two goals ... we were out, we were dismantled," he said. In the first half against Costa Rica, Spain's 537 successful passes set a World Cup record but they will need to show more cutting edge to stay on course for a second world title.

☆ France reaches World Cup quarterfinals with 3-1 victory over Poland as Kylian Mbappé breaks Pelé’s record
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +30 min

CNN —France was made to work hard for its place in the World Cup quarterfinals, overcoming an improved Poland side 3-1 thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappé. That is Mbappé’s fifth goal of Qatar 2022 and already his ninth World Cup goal overall, breaking Pelé’s record of seven World Cup goals scored before the age of 24. They made history Thursday as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. Issei Kato/Reuters Kylian Mbappé scores his second goal on November 26, leading France to a 2-1 victory over Denmark. Mbappé was one of the leading stars of the team's World Cup triumph four years ago.

☆ USMNT’s youth and talent at Qatar 2022 bodes well for 2026 World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +31 min

The Netherlands knocked the USMNT out of the Qatar World Cup on Saturday. 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. Qatar is the first Islamic country to host a World Cup.

☆ China operating over 100 police stations across the world with the help of some host nations, report claims
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Nina Dos Santos | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Madrid-based human rights campaigner Safeguard Defenders says it found evidence China was operating 48 additional police stations abroad since the group first revealed the existence of 54 such stations in September. When approached by CNN last month about Safeguard Defenders’ original allegations, China’s foreign affairs ministry said the overseas stations were staffed by volunteers. However, the organization’s latest report claims one police network it examined had hired 135 people for its first 21 stations. The organization also sourced a three-year contract for a worker hired at an overseas station in Stockholm. The NGO determines Italy has hosted 11 Chinese police stations, including in Venice and in Prato, near Florence.

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