DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ 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.

☆ Belgium goalless with Croatia at halftime
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Nick Said | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group F - Croatia v Belgium - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - December 1, 2022 General view as the Group F statistics are displayed during half time REUTERS/Albert GeaAL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Belgium went into the break locked at 0-0 with Croatia in their decisive Group F clash at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Thursday. Morocco lead Canada 2-1 at halftime in the other match in the pool and as it stands the African side and Croatia are heading into the last 16. Belgium made four changes to their side, dropping skipper Eden Hazard and playing with Dries Mertens as a ‘false nine’, a change in tactics from manager Roberto Martinez. Mertens had a good opportunity when he was set up by Kevin De Bruyne, but shot well over the crossbar. Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Belgium’s golden era ends in a World Cup whimper
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Nick Said | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

It was a meek end for a group of players who had taken the country to the top of the world rankings, but have no silverware to show for it. With 11 of their players in the squad over the age of 30, and a new World Cup cycle on the horizon, change is inevitable. Coach Roberto Martinez has also yet to sign a new contract, with his current deal expiring soon. Too many players fell short of their usual standards, not least De Bruyne, whose poor form in the first two games robbed them of their usual cutting edge. Reporting by Nick Said, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ 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.

☆ Analysis: Streetwise Croatia ride their luck into last 16
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The 37-year-old Modric pulled the strings early on as Croatia went for the goal that would have spared their nerves later in a subdued Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. GOOD FORTUNEGoing deep in a World Cup requires good fortune, but Croatia used up a large dollop of it against a misfiring Belgium side. Had Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Kovacic taken chances to kill off Belgium in the second half, Croatia would have won Group F rather than finish second behind Morocco. And then there is the fact that when Croatia do make it out of the group stage at a World Cup they tend to go far. This is their sixth World Cup and on the two other occasions they avoided a group exit they finished third in 1998 and second in 2018.

☆ First female referee is 'positive step' says Costa Rica coach Suarez
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Stephanie Frappart's appointment as match referee for Thursday's crunch World Cup clash between Germany and Costa Rica is a step forward for women in a "sexist sport", according to Costa Rica manager Luis Fernando Suarez. The 38-year-old Frappart will be joined by Brazil's Neuza Back and Mexico's Karen Diaz as she puts down another marker for female officials having also been the first woman to referee a men's World Cup qualifier in March. Last week, she became the first female official at a men's World Cup when she was fourth official for the Poland v Mexico Group C tie, but on Thursday she will be more in the spotlight. "I think it's great and it's a huge achievement for women globally," Borges, who is playing in his third World Cup for the Costa Ricans, told reporters. "I just hope she has a good match and that we can help her make it an easy match."

☆ France file complaint to FIFA after Griezmann goal disallowed
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 30 (Reuters) - France are filing a complaint to FIFA after a last-gasp equaliser by Antoine Griezmann was disallowed following a video review after the final whistle of their World Cup match against Tunisia, the French federation said on Wednesday. "We are writing a complaint after Antoine Griezmann's goal was, in our opinion, wrongly disallowed. This complaint has to be filed within 24 hours after the final whistle," the FFF said in a statement. Tunisia were eliminated from the tournament while France advanced top of Group D into the last 16 and they will face Poland on Sunday. The FFF did not specify whether the complaint was over the goal itself or the fact it was ruled out after the final whistle.

☆ Tunisia fail to advance despite 1-0 win over much-changed France
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber | Daniel Wiessner | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Tunisia needed not only to beat the already-qualified France but to hope for Denmark to avoid defeat against Australia in the other Group D game to advance. Tunisia thus keep their unwanted record of not progressing from the group stage in six World Cup appearances. Tunisia's win also ended France's six-match winning streak at the World Cup. Khazri said Tunisia were ending their World Cup journey with a "bittersweet feeling" - delighted to have beaten France but heartbroken by the outcome of the other group game. Mbappe and Griezmann energised the French, who were aided by Tunisia sitting back in the hope of preserving their win.

Christian Pulisic spent the biggest moment of his international career lying injured on the turf inside Iran’s goal. He had thrown himself at a cross, only to collide violently with the goalkeeper’s legs and land on his side. But when Pulisic was finally helped back on his feet inside Al Thumama Stadium, he rose as a World Cup goal scorer. Before crashing into the keeper, he had managed to guide the ball into the net with his right foot. The U.S. national team—a side built around him for the past four years—was 1-0 up in its win-or-go-home match against Iran.

☆ 'Battle of Britain' between Wales and England goalless at halftime
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Manasi Pathak | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 29 (Reuters) - The first half of Tuesday's "Battle of Britain" between Wales and England in Group B at the World Cup was 0-0 at halftime with Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden coming close for England. Rashford could have given England an early lead when Harry Kane set up him with a clever through ball but goalkeeper Danny Ward came off his line to block at his feet. Wales, who need to win and hope Iran and the United States draw or beat England by four goals to reach the knockouts, struggled to keep the ball and showed little attacking intent. England will advance if they avoid a four-goal defeat. Reporting by Manasi Pathak; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Colonial history adds edge to France clash with Tunisia
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Ten of the Tunisia squad at this World Cup are French-born, some of them youth internationals for France before switching allegiance. Another two have lived in France since a young age and are also dual nationals, adding a familiarity to the clash. Experienced Tunisia striker Wahbi Khazri was born on the French island of Corsica and on the books of Ligue 1 club Montpellier. "I try to represent Tunisia in France every weekend by performing well and I like to represent Corsica too, because I was born there. "It’s insulting for France, it’s insulting for the players of the French team, it should not be tolerated," Prime Minister Francois Fillon said at the time.

Qatar, which has strong ties with Washington and friendly relations with Tehran, has staked its reputation on delivering a smooth World Cup, beefing up security at Iran games and banning some items deemed inflammatory, like Iran's pre-Revolution flag. The Qatar official, when asked about fans' security concerns and complaints over restrictions, said authorities would ensure every match at the World Cup is "safe and welcoming for all spectators". Items that "could increase tensions and risk the safety of fans" would not be permitted at stadiums, the official said. The United States and Iran severed formal relations in 1980 after the Revolution and ties were hostile when their soccer teams clashed in the 1998 World Cup. Reporting by Maya Gebeily and Charlotte Bruneau; Writing by Ghaida Ghantous; Editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Walker back for England v Wales as Southgate rings changes
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group B - Wales v England - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - November 29, 2022 England's Jordan Pickford and Kyle Walker on the pitch before the match REUTERS/Hannah MckayAL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 29 (Reuters) - England manager Gareth Southgate rung the changes for his side's final Group B clash against Wales with defender Kyle Walker getting his first taste of action at the tournament. With England all but assured of reaching the last 16 barring a four-goal defeat, Southgate made four changes in all with Walker coming in at right back for Kieran Trippier. The experienced Jordan Henderson replaces Mason Mount in midfield while Marcus Rashford, who came off the bench to score against Iran, will complement Harry Kane up front with Phil Foden also getting his first start in Qatar. Wales, who need to win and hope Iran and the United States draw or beat England by four goals, made two changes with Dan James and Joe Allen coming into the starting lineup in place of Harry Wilson and Connor Roberts. TeamsWales: Danny Ward, Neco Williams, Ben Davies, Chris Mepham, Joe Rodon, Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey, Gareth Bale, Dan James, Ethan Ampadu, Kieffer MooreEngland: Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Phil FodenReporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ England roar into last 16 as Rashford scores twice in 3-0 Wales rout
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 29 (Reuters) - England marched into the last 16 of the World Cup as Group B winners after Marcus Rashford's double and a Phil Foden strike justified their first starts of the tournament in a 3-0 hammering of an outclassed Wales on Tuesday. Wales could have reached the last 16 with a victory if the match between Iran and the United States ended level but any hope of that scenario unfolding evaporated rapidly once Rashford smashed home a free kick five minutes after the break. Wales, whose talisman Gareth Bale was substituted at halftime having made no impact, looked crestfallen as their first World Cup for 64 years fizzled out. England continued to dish out the punishment though and Rashford made it 3-0 with a surging run in from the right before shooting through a crowd and past Ward's legs in the 68th. "We were a little bit disappointed after the USA result and it was important to have a good performance the next game.

☆ Ghana take shock 2-0 lead over South Korea at halftime
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Manasi Pathak | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Defender Mohammed Salisu and midfielder Mohammed Kudus gave Ghana a surprise 2-0 lead over South Korea at halftime in Monday's Group H match as the African nation bid to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Against the run of play, Ghana went ahead in the 24th minute when Salisu struck from close range after South Korea failed to clear a free kick and 10 minutes later Kudus doubled the lead with a glancing header. Playing in a black mask, South Korea captain Son Heung-min failed to make much impact and scuffed an attempted overhead kick. Reporting by Manasi Pathak, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Soccer Iran's Queiroz dismisses 'mental games', hopes less politics at next World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Martin Petty | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Iran coach Carlos Queiroz on Monday said he hoped the next World Cup would feature less about politics and more about football, stressing there were better ways to use the sport as a force for good. Speaking ahead of his team's Group B match on Tuesday against the United States, Queiroz was asked about the U.S. Soccer federation temporarily displaying Iran's national flag on social media without the emblem of the Islamic Republic, in solidarity with the protest movement. "I still believe I can win games with those mental games," he told a news conference. "Those ... events surrounding this World Cup I hope will be a lesson for all of us in the future and we learn that our mission is here to create entertainment and for 90 minutes make people happy." In a barely veiled reference to the United States, he added: "You talk of human rights, racism, kids dying in schools with shootings, we have solidarity with all those causes.

☆ Saudi Arabia in the mix for last 16 ahead of Mexico clash
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Shady Amir | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

In their five previous participations, Saudi Arabia have qualified for the round of 16 only once, on their debut at the tournament in 1994. In Qatar, Poland lead Group C on four points, one ahead of Argentina and Saudi Arabia, while Mexico are on one point. If Saudi Arabia want to progress they will have to beat Mexico, regardless of the outcome of the match between Poland and Argentina. "Qatar is Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia is Qatar. Mexico need to beat Saudi Arabia by at least a three-goal margin, with Poland not losing to Argentina.

Pro-Palestinian sympathies among fans have also spilt into stadiums as four Arab teams compete. Qatari players have worn pro-Palestinian arm-bands, even as Qatar has allowed Israeli fans to fly in directly for the first time. The first Middle Eastern nation to host the World Cup, Qatar has often seemed a regional maverick: it hosts the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas but has also previously had some trade relations with Israel. Arab fans have shunned Israeli journalists reporting from Qatar. Omar Barakat, a soccer coach for the Palestinian national team who was in Doha for the World Cup, said he had carried his flag into matches without being stopped.

☆ The Iran Coach Aiming to Send the U.S. Home From the World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Joshua Robinson | Jonathan Clegg | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

DOHA, Qatar—Deep in the meeting rooms of the Al Rayyan Hotel here, Iran has been cooking up a plan to send the U.S. national soccer team home from the World Cup. The team’s silver-haired leader is a master of defensive tactics, creative preparation, and surprising counter-strikes. He is identifying American weaknesses and preparing his players to take one last stand. And he’s doing it all in Portuguese.

☆ Paqueta illness gives Brazil another selection headache
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Five-times world champions Brazil could be without midfielder Lucas Paqueta for their next World Cup Group G game against Switzerland on Monday. The World Cup favourites trained behind closed doors at the Al Arabi Stadium on Saturday and coach Tite gave no clue about team selection in his news conference on Sunday. The versatile 21-year-old forward played in Neymar's position in three practice games in Turin before the World Cup. "I believe that Neymar and Danilo will play again in the World Cup," said on Sunday. "I believe we will be able to count on them in the World Cup again."

☆ U.S. Soccer briefly removed emblem from Iran flag to show support for protesters
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Hritika Sharma | Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 27 (Reuters) - The United States Soccer Federation temporarily displayed Iran's national flag on social media without the emblem of the Islamic Republic as a show of solidarity with protesters in Iran ahead of the two teams' World Cup clash on Tuesday. The intent of the posts was to show "support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights", U.S. Soccer media officer Michael Kammarman told a news conference on Sunday. The banner on U.S. Soccer's Twitter page was also changed on Saturday to feature the flag without the emblem. Iran's players declined to sing the national anthem in their first game against England in an apparent show of solidarity with protesters. They sang quietly on Friday before their 2-0 win over Wales, where boos and jeers were heard from Iran supporters.

☆ Costa Rica stun Japan with late Fuller winner
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Japan's historic victory over Germany in their opener coupled with Costa Rica's 7-0 drubbing by Spain cleared the way for Japan to reach the last 16 with a game to spare. Costa Rica, written off before kickoff, are now level on three points with Japan and have a chance to reach the last 16. For Costa Rica the lack of goalmouth action was probably most welcome seeing as they conceded three times in the opening half an hour against Spain. Immediately after the break Japan looked more threatening with Hidemasa Morita finally testing Keylor Navas with a stinging drive the Costa Rica keeper turned away. Kicking towards their fans, Japan began to seize control and Moriyasu made another attacking change with midfielder Kaoru Mitoma coming on for right back Miki Yamane.

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Serbia received a boost ahead of Monday's second Group G match against Cameroon as head coach Dragan Stojkovic said winger Filip Kostic is available for selection after playing no part in their opening game. Kostic was an unused substitute in Serbia's 2-0 defeat by the mighty Brazilians as there were questions over the Juventus player's fitness. Both Serbia and Cameroon lost their opening games, with the African side suffering a 1-0 defeat by Switzerland. A defeat would knock Serbia out if Brazil fail to win against Switzerland, while Cameroon will be out if they lose and Switzerland fail to win against Brazil. After Senegal defeated Qatar 3-1 and Morocco recorded a stunning 2-0 win over Belgium, Cameroon are aiming to be the third African team to win in Qatar.

☆ Saudi Arabia's injured Al-Faraj out of the World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Shady Amir | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Al RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Injured Saudi Arabia captain Salman Al-Faraj is out of the World Cup after coach Herve Renard agreed to let him leave the camp, the Saudi Football Association said on Sunday. Al-Faraj was injured at the end of the first half of the historic 2-1 victory over Argentina in Saudi Arabia's first match in the tournament on Tuesday. He left the stadium on crutches, with an apparent leg injury, and Renard said he did not expect him to participate in any more matches at the finals. Saudi Arabia, who lost 2-0 to Poland on Saturday, are equal with Argentina on three points while Poland top the group with four and Mexico are last with one point. Saudi Arabia need to beat Mexico in the last match in the group on Wednesday to ensure qualification for the last 16, regardless of the outcome of the match between Poland and Argentina.

☆ Doan to start for Japan, Costa Rica make two changes
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group E - Japan v Costa Rica - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - November 27, 2022 Japan's Ritsu Doan and Takumi Minamino walk on the pitch before the match REUTERS/Issei KatoDOHA, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Coach Hajime Moriyasu has rewarded Ritsu Doan with a start in Japan's second Group E game against Costa Rica on Sunday after he scored as a substitute in Wednesday's stunning World Cup upset of Germany. Doan's promotion was one of five changes to the starting line-up from the Germany match, with Miki Yamane coming into the defence in place of Hiroki Sakai. Hidemasa Morita, Yuki Soma and Doan come into midfield with Ao Tanaka, Takefusa Kubo and Junya Ito dropping out, while Ayase Ueda will start up front in place of Daizen Maeda. Costa Rica coach Luis Suarez largely kept faith with the team that suffered a humiliating 7-0 loss at the hands of Spain in their group opener. Gerson Torres comes in for Jewisson Bennette in midfield, while Kendall Waston will line-up in a five-man defence in place of Carlos Martinez.

Search resuls for: "Al Rayyan"

25 mentions found