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☆ Harry Kane seeks his defining moment to secure a place in England’s national psyche
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-12 | by ( Jack Pitt-Brooke | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +9 min

What Kane really needs for his legacy, for his place in the public mind, is a moment. Kane scored 280 goals for Tottenham before he left last year, 14 more than the previous record set by Jimmy Greaves. Through what we may soon call the Gareth Southgate golden age, Kane has been England’s best player. Southgate consoles Kane after England’s elimination in Qatar (David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)Even this summer, Kane has followed a familiar pattern. With England, the team comes first and no one seems to appreciate that more than Kane himself.

Persons: Harry Kane, Dani Olmo, Alan Shearer, Kylian Mbappe, Kane, David Beckham, Bobby Moore, Jules Rimet, Geoff Hurst’s, Paul Gascoigne’s, Gascoigne, Stu Forster, Jimmy Greaves, White Hart, Arsenal’s David Ospina, Peter Shilton’s, Moore, Billy Wright’s, Gareth Southgate, Faye White, Stefan Matzke –, —, Callum Wilson, David S, Bustamante, Ollie Watkins ’, Southgate, Roberto Martinez, DOGrzegorz Wajda Organizations: England, men’s, Greece, Scotland, Tottenham, Spurs, Arsenal, Manchester City, Spurs —, League, Champions League, Ajax, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Getty, Nations League, Colombia, Germany, Ukraine, Denmark, Senegal, France, Southgate, Slovakia, Switzerland Locations: Spain, Berlin, England, Allsport, Leicester, —, Madrid, City, AFP, Moscow, Southgate, Tunisia, Volgograd, Panama, Nizhny Novgorod, Rome, Italy, Qatar, Netherlands, Dusseldorf, Dortmund, Portugal

In the biggest shock (by the FIFA world rankings) of Euro 2024 so far, Georgia defeated Portugal 2-0 to secure a place in the knockout stages in what is their major tournament debut. Georgia reached Euro 2024 — their first-ever appearance at a major tournament — after beating Greece in a playoff penalty shootout at the end of March. They had actually finished fourth in their Euro qualifying group, ahead of only Cyprus, but reached the playoffs via the Nations League route topping Group C4. Frustration was understandable, but it consumed him for the rest of the game — right until he was substituted midway through the second half, still without a goal in three appearances at Euro 2024. Going into tonight’s game, he had conceded four goals at Euro 2024 — but that was from 20 shots on target.

Persons: Roberto Martinez, Kvaratskhelia, Georges Mikautadze, Cristiano Ronaldo, —, , Willy Sagnol, ”, Steve Clarke’s, tamely, Giorgi Mamardashvili —, Sagnol, “, Tom Burrows, Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos, Oliver Kay, Germain, Mikautadze, Diogo Costa, Joao Palhinha, Luis de la Fuente, De la, Antonio Silva, Silva, Pedro Neto, Martinez, Joao Felix, Felix, Francisco Conceicao, Conceicao, Neto, Jay Harris, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Diogo Dalot, Chris Brunskill Organizations: FIFA, Spain, Sunday, Georgia, Greece, Nations League, Athletic, ”, Scotland, Valencia, Ajax, Portugal, Paris Saint, Albania, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Barcelona, Europa League for Locomotive Tbilisi Locations: Georgia, Portugal, Slovenia, Frankfurt, France, Belgium, Turkey, Cologne, Cyprus, Germany, Czech Republic, Romania, Europe, Metz, Paris, Napoli

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal manager expresses ‘concern’ after several fans invade pitch at Euro 2024 to take selfies with star
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-23 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Even though Portugal defeated Turkey 3-0 and qualified for the knockout stages at Euro 2024 on Saturday, Cristiano Ronaldo still cut a frustrated figure at times as several fans invaded the pitch to try to take selfies with him. “I don’t think that should happen on a football pitch. There is a lot of security and a lot of protection and I don’t think that should happen. A pitch invader is carted off the pitch during the match. Although Ronaldo contributed an assist – his eighth at a European Championship, equaling the record – he is still searching for a goal at this tournament.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Martínez, it’s, you’re, Ronaldo, Portugal’s Gonçalo Ramos, Bernardo Silva –, Ronaldo –, Rico Brouwer, ” Organizations: CNN, Turkey, UEFA, Ronaldo Locations: Portugal, Dortmund, Germany, ”, European, Portuguese

☆ Turkey 0 Portugal 3: Win secures top spot, a calamitous own goal and pitch invaders target Ronaldo
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-22 | by ( Jacob Whitehead | Tim Spiers | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +9 min

Both lay entangled in the Turkish net, sandwiched between a view of reality in front of them and the sound of insanity from Portugal’s fans behind them. So keen must Ronaldo have been to actually watch a Portugal goal being scored, he squared to Fernandes when in on goal for the third. Another, a fully-grown man, almost grappled the Portugal striker with his arm tightly around his neck, which Ronaldo then removed. Tim SpiersTurkey bring the noise, Ronaldo feels its forceWith 25,000 Turkey fans in Signal Iduna Park’s south stand — usually Borussia Dortmund’s Yellow Wall, today deep red — decibels became a construct. But here, in the shape of Portugal’s Ronaldo, there was a focal point to their anger, as well as their support.

Persons: Bernardo Silva’s, Samet Akaydin, Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tim Spiers, Jacob Whitehead, Altay Bayindir, Bernardo, Joao Cancelo, Ronaldo, Akaydin, Bayindir, Zeki Celik, Dean Mouhtaropoulos, Kose, Kenzo Tribouillard, Jacob Whitehead Portugal, you’re Ronaldo, Nuno Mendes ’, Friso, Ronny, Fernandes, Rico Brouwer, Goncalo Ramos, hobbled, Ronaldo selfie, Roberto Martinez, Martinez, Cancelo, Joao Palhinha, Pepe, imperious, Mendes, Rafael Leao, Tim Spiers Turkey, Portugal’s Ronaldo, Ronaldo’s, —, howls Organizations: Premier League for Manchester United, Getty Images, Getty, European, YouTube, UEFA, Turkey, Borussia Locations: Portugal, Turkey, Dortmund, Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, AFP, Scotland, Albania, Slovenia, Georgia, Hamburg, Gelsenkirchen

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo: The performance, the pitch invaders and a moment of Portuguese purity
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-22 | by ( James Horncastle | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +6 min

“Can I ask you something?” he said when invited to justify Cristiano Ronaldo’s continued selection in Portugal’s starting XI. If Ronaldo doesn’t score, what else does he bring to the team apart from the histrionic gesturing of a frustrated traffic warden? “Do you know how many minutes Ronaldo played last season?” Martinez knowingly queried. Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Cancelo were all smiles moments after the captain had been furious with his team-mate (Friso Gentsch/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)Pitch invaders marked Ronaldo closer than Turkey’s ragged centre-backs. “You can understand it was a difficult moment — if those intentions are wrong, the players are exposed and in danger.

Persons: Roberto Martinez, ”, Cristiano Ronaldo’s, Ronaldo doesn’t, He’s, Arda Guler, Ronaldo, ” Martinez, Cristiano, “, Fernando Santos, Goncalo Ramos, Conceicao’s, didn’t, Nuno Mendes, Bernardo Silva’s, Orkun, Joao Cancelo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Friso, Bernardo, Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Fernandes, Martinez, Fernandes ’, Will, Ramos, Germain, it’s, You’re, he’ll, Etsuo Hara Organizations: Saudi Pro League, Turkey’s, Georgia, Turkey, Portugal, Getty, Altay Bayindir, North, Portugal’s, Ronaldo, Paris Saint, selfies Locations: Portugal’s, Czech Republic, Leipzig, Portugal, Dortmund, Germany, Switzerland, Qatar, North Macedonia, Hamburg, Paris

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo breaks another record as Portugal come from behind to stun Czech Republic at Euro 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-18 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming the first player to feature in six European Championships as Portugal came from behind to beat Czech Republic 2-1 in Leipzig at Euro 2024 on Tuesday. The 39-year-old made his tournament debut back in 2004, when host Portugal was beaten by Greece in the final. Despite Portugal dominating proceedings, it was Czech Republic which scored first, courtesy of Lukáš Provod’s fantastic long-range effort in the 62nd minute. Czech Republic goalkeeper Jindřich Staněk failed to deal with a simple cross and parried it against his own defender, with the ball bouncing off Robin Hranáč into the goal. At 41 and 113 days, defender Pepe became the oldest player to feature at a European Championships.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Nassr – Ronaldo, Roberto Martinez, Diogo Jota, Ronaldo, Francisco Conceição, Lukáš, Jindřich Staněk, Robin Hranáč, he’s, Ronaldo wasn’t, Pepe Organizations: CNN, Czech, Saudi, European, Georgia Locations: Portugal, Czech Republic, Leipzig, Greece, Europe’s, Saudi Arabian, Germany, Turkey

Portugal’s blushes were spared as they came from behind to earn victory over the Czech Republic in their opening match at Euro 2024. AdvertisementInstead, it was the Czech Republic who took the lead — with yet another strike from outside the box. They dominated the ball and Czech Republic were happy enough with that, but Portugal never really clicked, despite deploying an admirable fluid system. Martinez’s side also had eight corners in the first half but the steely Czech Republic held firm, frustrating their opponents. Saturday, June 22: Turkey (Dortmund), 5pm BST, noon ETWhat next for Czech Republic?

Persons: Portugal’s blushes, Cristiano Ronaldo —, Lukas Provod’s, Robin Hranac, Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Francisco Conceicao, Roberto Martinez’s, Tim Spiers, Tom Burrows, Sam Lee, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Martinez, Joao Cancelo, Vitinha, Rafael Leao, Diogo Dalot, Cancelo, Portugal’s, Ruben Dias, Pedro Neto, Conceicao —, Turk Organizations: Portugal, Provo, uga, Port Locations: Czech Republic, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, England, PORTUGAL, Hamburg

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo set to play in 11th international tournament after 39-year-old makes Portugal’s Euro 2024 squad
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-22 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play in his 11th international tournament for Portugal later this year, after the 39-year-old was named in his nation’s squad for Euro 2024. It seemed as though Ronaldo might have made his last appearance in a major international tournament at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Ronaldo made his first tournament appearance for Portugal at Euro 2004. Darren Walsh/Action Images/ReutersHowever, Ronaldo will not be the oldest player in the Portugal squad. “His communication, his positioning mean that, when he’s fit, he’s a very important player.”Portugal will play Turkey, Georgia and Czech Republic in Group F at Euro 2024.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Ballon d’Or, Roberto Martinez, “ Cristiano, It’s, who’s, ” Martinez, Ronaldo, “, Fernando Santos, Darren Walsh, Pepe, ” Organizations: CNN, Portugal, Saudi, Portugal’s UEFA Nations League, Al, UEFA, Porto, European, Champions League, Sporting Lisbon, Czech Republic, Czech Locations: Europe’s, Saudi Arabian, Portugal, Greece, Portugal’s, Qatar, ” Portugal, Turkey, Georgia, Czech, Czech Republic

☆ Ronaldo scores as Portugal beat Liechtenstein 2-0
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 16 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo found the back of the net to help Portugal beat Liechtenstein 2-0 in Group J clash on Thursday as the 38-year-old tied Belgium's Romelu Lukaku as the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign's top scorer. With their spot for the finals already secured, Portugal are on top of their group on 27 points, eight ahead of second-placed Slovakia. Liechtenstein are bottom with no points after nine games. Ronaldo extended his lead as the all-time top scorer in international soccer by moving up to 128 goals in 204 matches. Joao Cancelo extended their lead in the 56th minute, taking advantage of a blunder by goalkeeper Benjamin Buechel, who was out of position, to striked into the empty net.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lukaku, Roberto Martinez, Diogo Jota's, Ronaldo, Joao Cancelo, Benjamin Buechel, Fernando Kallas, Julien Pretot Organizations: Portugal, Liechtenstein, Thomson Locations: Portugal, Slovakia, Liechtenstein, striked

☆ Honduras Recalls Ambassador to Israel for Consultations
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - Honduras' government is recalling its ambassador to Israel for consultations due to the humanitarian situation affecting Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the country's top diplomat announced on social media on Friday. "Amid the grave humanitarian situation the Palestinian civilian population suffers in the Gaza Strip, the government of President Xiomara Castro has decided to immediately call Mr. Roberto Martinez, Ambassador of the Republic of Honduras in Israel, to consultations in Tegucigalpa," Foreign Minister Enrique Reina said on X, formerly known as Twitter. The decision from leftist President Castro's government follows similar moves from likeminded peers in the region earlier in the week. Chile's Gabriel Boric and Colombia's Gustavo Petro also recalled their countries' ambassadors to Israel for consultations over events surrounding the conflict in Gaza, while Bolivia moved to sever diplomatic ties to Israel. (Reporting by Valentine Hilaire and Gustavo Palencia; Editing by Kylie Madry)

Persons: Xiomara Castro, Roberto Martinez, Enrique Reina, Castro's, Chile's Gabriel Boric, Colombia's Gustavo Petro, Valentine Hilaire, Gustavo Palencia, Kylie Madry Organizations: Twitter Locations: TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, Israel, Gaza, Republic of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Bolivia

☆ Portugal chalk up record win with 9-0 thrashing of Luxembourg
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Sept 11 (Reuters) - Portugal enjoyed their biggest-ever win as they thumped Luxembourg 9-0 at Estadio Algarve on Monday to preserve their perfect record in Euro 2024 qualifying. Substitute Joao Felix secured the record victory with a goal two minutes from time after Goncalo Inacio, Goncalo Ramos, and Diogo Jota all scored twice. Portugal's previous record was 8-0, which they achieved three times - twice against Liechtenstein (1994 and 1999) and once versus Kuwait (2003). Portugal have won all six of their Group J matches under Roberto Martinez, who took over in January, scoring 24 goals with none conceded. The result matched the biggest-ever loss for Luxembourg, who have 10 points and are third, three points behind Slovakia.

Persons: Joao Felix, Goncalo Inacio, Goncalo Ramos, Diogo Jota, Ricardo Horta, Bruno Fernandes, Roberto Martinez, Tommy Lund, Ken Ferris Organizations: Estadio Algarve, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Thomson Locations: Portugal, Luxembourg, Kuwait, Slovakia, Gdansk

☆ Fernandes earns Portugal 1-0 win over Slovakia in Euro qualifier
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BRATISLAVA, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Portugal's Bruno Fernandes scored in the first half to earn a 1-0 away win over Slovakia in their Euro 2024 qualifier on Friday as they moved five points clear of their opponents atop Group J and maintained their perfect record after five games. Fernandes' low strike two minutes from halftime beat Martin Dubravka inside his far post as the midfielder marked his 29th birthday with his third goal in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Portugal had made a faltering start against Slovakia, who had two good chances inside the opening 15 minutes through forward Robert Polievka and winger Lukas Haraslin. Portugal, who host Luxembourg on Monday, have 15 points followed by Slovakia, who have 10 along with third-placed Luxembourg after they beat Iceland 3-1. Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Portugal's Bruno Fernandes, Fernandes, Martin Dubravka, Robert Polievka, Lukas Haraslin, Haraslin, Roberto Martinez's, Anita Kobylinska, Ken Ferris Organizations: Slovakia, Portugal, Luxembourg, Thomson Locations: BRATISLAVA, Portugal, Slovakia, Luxembourg, Iceland, Porto, Gdansk

Scott McTominay moved ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane as the joint leading scorer in European Championship qualifying with Scotland on the brink of securing a place at next year's tournament. Manchester United midfielder McTominay claimed his sixth goal in qualifying for Euro 2024 as Scotland stayed ahead of Spain in the group on a maximum 15 points after five straight wins. Scotland needs two more points to ensure its place at the tournament, which will be held in Germany. McTominay has also been involved in more goals than any other player during qualifying, having provided one assist. He made history by overtaking Real Madrid and Wales great Gareth Bale as the youngest scorer in European qualifying.

Persons: Scott McTominay, Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane, McTominay, Lamine Yamal, Spain —, Rasmus Hojlund, Romelu, Ronaldo, Kane, Steve Clarke, “ He’s, “, Ryan Porteous, John McGinn, Gareth Bale, Bale, Yamal, Gavi, ” Yamal, Alvaro Morata’s, Bruno Fernandes, It's, Roberto Martinez, Luxembourg's, Bruno Petković, Turkey, Bertug Yildirim, ___ James Robson Organizations: Scotland, Spain, Georgia . Manchester United, AEK Arena, Georgia, Real Madrid, Wales, Slovakia, Portugal's, Portuguese, Iceland, Latvia, Armenia Locations: Cyprus, Spain, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Scotland, Larnaca, Norway, Georgia, Liechtenstein, Bosnia, Herzegovina, CROATIA, Croatia, Turkey

☆ Judge Orders Cruise Companies to Pay More Than $436 Million for Docking at Seized Terminal in Cuba
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-07 | by ( Mengqi Sun | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +3 min

Four major cruise lines say they will appeal a recent ruling that would force them to pay roughly $436 million in total damages to a company that owned a port terminal in Havana prior to the Cuban Revolution. The ruling in favor of Havana Docks Corp., owner of the Havana Cruise Port Terminal before the Cuban revolution, marked an important milestone for Cuban-Americans seeking compensation for property confiscated by the Castro regime. Mickael Behn, a descendant of the original owners of Havana Docks. The verdict in favor of Havana Docks is the first from a district court, the data shows. The ruling comes after the judge in the case, Beth Bloom, signaled last March that she agreed that the use of the Cuban port constituted trafficking in confiscated property owned by Havana Docks.

☆ Cruise lines to appeal U.S court's big award to owner of Havana dock
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Royal Caribbean logo is seen displayed in this illustration taken, May 3, 2022. U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom in Miami ruled last week to award a total of $440 million to the plaintiff, Delaware-registered Havana Docks Corp; registered to two U.S. citizens who claim to be descendants of the original owners of the Havana Cruise Port Terminal. It comes after Bloom ruled in March that the use of the port constituted trafficking in confiscated property owned by Havana Docks Corp. Royal Caribbean in a comment to Reuters said it "disagree(d) with the ruling and will appeal. Havana Docks sued the cruise lines under the Helms-Burton Act, which allows U.S. nationals to sue over use of property seized in Cuba after 1959.

☆ World Cup 2022: which teams are out of FIFA tournament?
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Alan Baldwin | Joel Dubber | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Dec 2 (Reuters) - With the World Cup in Qatar nearing its knockout phase, here is an overview of the teams that have been eliminated from the tournament, which ends on Dec. 18. They ended their campaign without a point after a 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands in their final group stage match. MEXICO* Mexico missed out on the knockout stages after finishing behind Poland on goal difference, ending a run of seven successive last-16 appearances at the World Cup. GERMANY* Germany were knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage for a second consecutive time, finishing third in Group E behind Japan and Spain. CANADA* Canada, making their first World Cup appearance since 1986, finished bottom of Group F with three losses.

☆ Belgium knocked out of World Cup after goalless draw with Croatia
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Belgium was knocked out of the 2022 World Cup on Thursday after a goalless draw with Croatia left it third in Group F.In what was a frustrating evening for the Red Devils, both Romelu Lukaku and Yannick Carrasco spurned good opportunities to score the goal which would have sent Belgium through. For Belgium, it is another disappointing end to an international tournament, but manager Roberto Martínez said afterward that Belgium can go home with its “heads held high.”“It’s not easy to win games in the World Cup. We’re out, but we can leave with our heads held high.”Belgium's Timothy Castagne looks dejected after being eliminated from the World Cup. After the break and following the introduction of Inter Milan striker Lukaku, Belgium increased the tempo as it pressed for a vital goal – Lukaku heading straight into the arms of Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livaković. In the previous World Cup, we won three games in the group stage, we wanted to go all the way.”

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

☆ Morocco stun Belgium to claim long-awaited World Cup win
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

DOHA, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Substitutes Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal earned Morocco their first World Cup victory in 24 years as they upset a hugely disappointing Belgium side 2-0 in World Cup Group F on Sunday. It was Morocco's first win at a World Cup since they beat Scotland in 1998. That’s what happens at the World Cup," said Belgium coach Roberto Martinez. Croatia, who have a point from their draw with Morocco, play Canada in the other Group F game later on Sunday. As Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne struggled to find his range and Eden Hazard remained largely ineffective, Morocco looked safe.

Both are players the team usually relies on heavily but Martinez refused to blame individuals. "We haven't been the best Belgium at this World Cup yet," he admitted. Without the ball we still work for each other but when we have the ball, we don't stand out, we are not ourselves. "After the goal, the game changed radically and we were not careful enough with the ball to hurt Morocco." "We have a lot of quality up front but so does Morocco and they came out better today.

☆ No Lukaku but Belgium make three changes for Morocco game
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Belgium departing for the World Cup - Brussels Airport, Belgium - November 15, 2022 Belgium's Romelu Lukaku departs for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 REUTERS/Johanna GeronDOHA, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku was again left out of the starting line-up as he recovers from a hamstring injury but coach Roberto Martinez made three changes to his side for the World Cup Group F clash with Morocco at Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday. Tall midfielder Amadou Onana will start in the place of Youri Tielemans having impressed off the bench in the 1-0 win over Canada, while Thorgan Hazard, brother of captain Eden, comes in for Yannick Carrasco. Right back Thomas Meunier was preferred to Leander Dendoncker. Morocco are unchanged from the 0-0 draw with Croatia as left back Noussair Mazraoui has recovered from a hip injury sustained in that game. Belgium will qualify for the last 16 with a victory and will hope for a much-improved performance compared to the win over Canada, which Martinez called "technically the worst" showing of his six years in charge.

☆ Germany looks to bounce back from shock defeat and revive World Cup hopes against dangerous Spain
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Finishing bottom of the group at Russia 2018, a tournament Germany went into as defending champion, was a historic low for the four-time World Cup winner. But after that shock 2-1 defeat to Japan in its opening match, it is once again a distinct possibility. That result means the match against Spain is do or die for Germany, as a defeat would confirm an early flight home from Qatar. World Cup team camps have traditionally been somewhat strict, private affairs, but Spain head coach Luis Enrique has been taking an unconventional approach to passing the time behind closed doors. In Group E’s other match, Japan knows victory over Costa Rica will guarantee its place in the knockout stages.

☆ Regragui tells Belgian-born Morocco players to stay focused
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( Manasi Pathak | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has warned the Belgian-born players in his squad to stay focused when they face Roberto Martinez's men in the World Cup on Sunday, saying they risk costly mistakes if they get emotional on a "special" occasion. "For any dual national .. they have a special emotion and that's a positive energy and you have to draw on that," Regragui told reporters on Saturday. Morocco are tied with Croatia on one point, with Belgium the leaders on three points and Canada bottom with zero. "He is out for now but hopefully he will back for tomorrow," Regragui said. Morocco beat Belgium 4-1 the last time the teams met in 2008 in an international friendly.

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