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☆ Germany crash out of World Cup despite 4-2 win over Costa Rica
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Karolos Grohmann | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/7] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group E - Costa Rica v Germany - Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar - December 1, 2022 Germany's Thomas Muller and Antonio Rudiger look dejected after the match as Germany are eliminated from the World Cup REUTERS/Wolfgang RattayAL KHOR, Qatar, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Four-time champions Germany sensationally crashed out of the World Cup despite a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica in their last Group E match on Thursday, tumbling out at the first hurdle for the second consecutive time. Germany finished third in the standings, behind Spain on goal difference, with Japan top following their 2-1 win over the Spaniards. It was the first time in their illustrious World Cup history that Germany had failed to win any of their first two group matches and despite bagging a win on their last attempt, they will be departing Qatar with dropped heads. Germany were eager to make amends for their bad tournament start with teenager Musiala repeatedly taking on the entire Costa Rican defence. They were almost punished when Keysher Fuller benefitted from a double defensive blunder but his shot was tipped over the bar by Neuer, whose 19th appearance at the tournament was a World Cup record for goalkeepers.

☆ Frappart ends 92-year wait for a female referee at a men's World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Manasi Pathak | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AL KHOR, Qatar, Dec 1 (Reuters) - France's Stephanie Frappart made history on Thursday when she became the first woman to take charge of a men's World Cup finals game during Costa Rica's Group E match against Germany. Frappart, 38, led the first all-female refereeing team in a men's World Cup in the game at the Al Bayt Stadium alongside assistants Neuza Back from Brazil and Mexico's Karen Diaz. Frappart entered the history books when she became the first woman to referee a French Ligue 1 match in 2019, officiating a game between Amiens and Strasbourg. The same year, Frappart also took charge of the UEFA Super Cup between Liverpool and Chelsea, becoming the first woman to officiate in a major men's European match. "The men's World Cup is the most important sporting competition in the world," said Frappart, who was also the fourth official during Mexico's goalless draw with Poland at the Qatar World Cup.

☆ Gakpo on target again as Dutch beat Qatar 2-0 to top Group A
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Philip O'Connor | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

PSV Eindhoven forward Gakpo proved the difference once again but he was keen to share the spotlight with his team mates. I think we were better on the ball than in recent games, we had a little more control," he said. In truth, the Dutch never had to get out of second gear against the hosts, who had their moments in a dull first half. We never thought at any time to set a goal of reaching the round of 16 or the quarter-finals. Our goal was to get here, to compete and see what we could do," he told reporters.

☆ Analysis: Germans go back to basics to get back on track at World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Ossian Shine | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

But if this was a German team in crisis, you would never have known and they set about their task with plenty of huff and not inconsiderable puff. Many in the arena expected Spain ease to the finish line as they stretched the Germans this way and that with incisive passing and tireless pressing. It had worked in all four of Germany's World Cup titles. Thoroughly reinvigorated from the introduction of Fuellkrug, Germany looked a different side. Eight years of tinkering following the retirement of all-time World Cup scorer Miroslav Klose was instantly forgotten as Fuellkrug led the line in the fashion of German World Cup greats Ottmar Walter, Gerd Mueller, Juergen Klinsmann and Klose.

A defeat against Spain after Germany's shock 2-1 opening loss to Japan would have left Hansi Flick's men facing a huge challenge to get into the knockout phase. Spain coach Luis Enrique said he was left ruing his side's failure to hold on to their lead. Spain top the standings with four points and now need only a draw in their final Group E game against Japan to progress. They need to win against Costa Rica on Thursday and their hopes then depend on Japan losing. If Japan draw it would come down to goal difference or goals scored by Germany and Japan.

☆ Spain hit the bar but still goalless against Germany at halftime
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Karolos Grohmann | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

AL KHOR, Qatar, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Spain hit the woodwork and had the better chances but were goalless against Germany at halftime in their World Cup Group E match on Sunday. Dani Olmo's seventh minute shot was palmed onto the crossbar by keeper Manuel Neuer in a reflex save while Ferran Torres fired over the bar from point blank range in the 33rd. Germany had an effort by Antonio Ruediger disallowed for offside. Reporting by Karolos Grohmann, editing by Pritha SarkarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Spain make one change in defence, Germany replace Havertz
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Steve Keating | Hritika Sharma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

AL KHOR, Qatar, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Spain coach Luis Enrique made one change to his starting lineup against Germany in their World Cup Group E on Sunday following their opening 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica, with Dan Carvajal replacing Cesar Azpilicueta in defence. The Spaniards, who will all but qualify with a win over the Germans, were otherwise unchanged in attack with Dani Olmo, Feran Torres and Marco Asensio. Germany, who suffered a shock opening loss to Japan and are in desperate need of points, brought on fullback Thilo Kehrer in the place of Nico Schlotterbeck. Coach Hansi Flick also dropped forward Kai Havertz, boosting his midfield with Leon Goretzka. Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Angus MacSwanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ How the U.S. Beat, Drew and Lost to England On the Same Day
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( Andrew Beaton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter and his players after Friday’s draw with England, a result that was open to wide interpretation. AL KHOR, Qatar—Yunus Musah and Tim Ream played on the same side in the same game. But after their U.S. team drew with England in a hotly anticipated World Cup showdown on Friday, it sounded like they experienced entirely different affairs. Musah beamed about the potential long-term impact from standing toe-to-toe with one of the tournament’s favorites. He thought the Americans should have won.

☆ U.S. and England Battle to a 0-0 Draw in World Cup Showdown
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( Joshua Robinson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

AL KHOR, Qatar—American hopes stayed alive at the Qatar World Cup on Friday following the most un-American of results: a scoreless tie against England. On a night that saw the U.S. go for broke in search of a historic upset, the team left Al Bayt Stadium here still in control of its own destiny, but also carrying plenty of regrets for the chances it couldn’t put away. The Americans had the clearest scoring opportunities of the match, yet couldn’t find a way to turn its control into goals.

☆ England on brink of last 16, but all options open in Group B
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( Martyn Herman | Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Many expected Gareth Southgate's team to sweep into the last 16 by following up their thrashing of Iran with a first-ever World Cup victory over the U.S. at the third attempt. While England's display offered a reality check to those predicting World Cup glory, Southgate's side are still all but in the last 16, barring a calamity. Second-placed Iran will go through with a win against the U.S. or even a draw unless Wales beat England. For the United States, the equation is simple. Beat Iran and they will take their place in the last 16.

☆ World Cup 2022: Potential routes to final for England
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

* England are top of Group B on four points having beaten Iran 6-2 and drawn 0-0 with the United States. * If England win Group B, their round of 16 tie will be against the runners-up of Group A. * If England reach the semi-finals as Group B runners-up, they could be up against either Spain or Germany from Group E or Brazil from Group G.WHO COULD ENGLAND FACE IN THE FINAL? * If England go all the way to the final as Group B winners, they could potentially find themselves taking on either Spain, Germany or Brazil. * If England are able to make it to the final as Group B runners-up, they could instead be facing off against France or Belgium.

The United States and England fought to a goal-less draw in Qatar on Friday night, as America kept hope alive for advancing to World Cup knockout action. A well organized U.S. team pressed well and frustrated England and could feel disappointed in the end after creating the better chances in the game. Then the United States escaped with a 1-1 draw against the Three Lions, in South Africa, in 2010. That point proved crucial to the United States in 2010, as Landon Donovan scored a famous stoppage-time winner in his team's final group match against Algeria. The U.S. match against Iran is set to kickoff at Tuesday at 2 p.m. EST at Al-Thumama Stadium.

☆ England suffer reality check in 0-0 draw with U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

AL KHOR, Qatar, Nov 25 (Reuters) - England suffered a sobering reality check as they were outplayed for long periods by a youthful United States side in a tense 0-0 draw in their second World Cup Group B game on Friday. A 6-2 thrashing of Iran on Monday sent fans' hopes soaring but Gareth Southgate's side were fortunate not to suffer a repeat of their 1950 World Cup calamity against the Americans. England captain Harry Kane sent a late header wide that would have given England a first World Cup win over the U.S. at the third attempt but it would have been a travesty. "Wasn't the best performance for sure," Kane, who remains two behind Wayne Rooney's England record 53 goals, said. Haji Wright, the only change to Gregg Berhalter's line-up from the opening draw with Wales, headed wide and England had a huge let-off when McKennie half-volleyed over.

☆ Kane leads unchanged England, striker Wright in for U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

AL KHOR, Qatar, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Captain Harry Kane will lead England in their second match at the World Cup in Qatar against the United States on Friday after he recovered from a minor ankle injury earlier this week in an unchanged lineup for the Three Lions. England manager Gareth Southgate kept the side that beat Iran 6-2 on Monday and retained Harry Maguire - who was substituted after feeling ill in that match - at the centre of defence. U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter made one change from the side which drew 1-1 with Wales in the Americans' opening match, giving a start to striker Haji Wright in place of Josh Sargent who led the attack on Monday. Wright, who plays for Turkish side Antalyaspor and has four caps for the United States, came on as substitute in the Wales game. England: Jordan Pickford, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Raheem SterlingUnited States: Matt Turner, Sergino Dest, Walker Zimmerman, Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, Haji Wright, Tim WeahWriting by William Schomberg; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Clinical edge crucial for U.S. to reach last 16, says Berhalter
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Hritika Sharma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Berhalter's side are third in Group B with two points and would go through to the last 16 for the fifth time since 1994 with a win over Iran in their final group game on Tuesday. I'm overall pleased with the performance of the group, most importantly the belief of this group because that never wavered," Berhalter told reporters. In the end, it sets up our first knockout game of this World Cup and that's going to be a focus of ours. "We played with a ton of spirit but we're going to have to be up for it (against Iran). We want a chance to advance... We know it's going to be a difficult game, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity."

☆ US remains unbeaten against England at World Cups after goalless draw in Qatar
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar CNN —It may have only been a goalless draw but Friday’s result at Qatar 2022 spoke volumes as to where this US Men’s National Team (USMNT) is going. Facing an England team full of superstars that reached the European Championship final last year is no easy task, but the Americans looked more than at home. But any annoyance shouldn’t last too long with the USMNT still unbeaten against England at World Cups. Christian Pulisic saw his effort crash off the crossbar as England struggled to cope with the American’s intensity. It felt reminiscent of the USMNT’s previous match against Wales when it started in brilliant form.

☆ England soccer fans have been warned not to dress up as medieval Christian crusaders in Qatar, the first Islamic country to host the World Cup, report says
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Bethany Dawson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

England fans have been banned from dressing up as Christian crusaders at World Cup matches. It has been ruled that fans outfitted as crusader knights, including chain mail and carrying plastic swords, is "offensive" to Muslims, The Times reports. The Times reports that two English fans dressed as crusaders were turned away from the England game against Iran on Monday. The announcement came hours before England plays the USA at the 60,000-seater Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha, at 2 p.m EST. Dressing as a medieval knight sporting the flag of St George has become popular among football fans attending England games in recent years.

☆ England's Kane fit to face US, says Southgate
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

DOHA, Nov 24 (Reuters) - England captain Harry Kane has been given the all clear to face the United States in England's World Cup Group B clash in Al Khor on Friday after shaking off an ankle knock, manager Gareth Southgate confirmed. Kane took a blow to his ankle just before halftime in England's opening 6-2 win over Iran on Monday and was substituted late in the second half. He had scans on Wednesday but Southgate said there was no serious damage and the striker was fit to face the Americans. He's worked a little bit more individually today, but he'll be back in with the team tomorrow and all good for the game," Southgate told ITV in an interview. I think, sometimes, when you're treating things, it's important to know exactly what is there and that was all good.

☆ After rocky buildup, football ready to grab World Cup spotlight
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

As host of the Middle East's first World Cup the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is expected to welcome a star-studded guest list of celebrities and political leaders including Saudi Arabia's crown prince and the presidents of Egypt and Algeria. The controversy that has long surrounded the decision to award the tiny Gulf state the World Cup has built to a crescendo ahead of the tournament, with unrelenting scrutiny of its treatment of migrant workers and the LGBT+ community. "We are ready," Hakeem Ahmad told Reuters as he entered the stadium with his wife and two children. "Whatever happens on the pitch, the world should look kindly on us today. "We hope that after today people will see Qatar in a different light, for who we really are.

☆ Valencia leads Ecuador to 2-0 win over hosts Qatar in World Cup opener
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

AL KHOR, Qatar, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Enner Valencia's two first-half goals led Ecuador to a dominant 2-0 victory over Qatar on Sunday as the home nation froze on their big night with an error-strewn display that left them as the first World Cup hosts to lose their opening game. Valencia, who had already had a third-minute header ruled out by VAR for offside, slotted in the tournament's opening goal from the penalty spot in the 16th minute after being brought down by nervous-looking goalkeeper Saad Alsheeb. He powered home a 31st-minute header for the second and the South Americans then cruised home as an outclassed Qatar struggled to mount any meaningful attacks and had only a fluffed header by Almoez Ali to show for their limited efforts. The other teams in Group A, Senegal and the Netherlands, meet in one of three games on Monday. Reporting by Mitch Phillips, editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Qatar and Ecuador stick with trusted lineups
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

AL KHOR, Qatar, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Hosts Qatar's top scorer Almoez Ali and fellow striker Akram Afif lead the line against Ecuador in Sunday's World Cup opener as coach Felix Sanchez stuck with stalwarts from a settled squad that has had longer than most to bond and prepare. Experienced midfielder Hasan Al-Haydos, who can also play on the wing, took the captaincy for the World Cup debutants and 2019 Asian Cup winners at the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt stadium. Ecuador coach Gustavo Alfaro also named a predictable lineup, with Moises Caicedo anchoring the midfield and top scorer Enner Valencia leading the attack as captain. Ecuador: Hernan Galindez; Felix Torres; Piero Hincapie; Pervis Estupinan; Romario Ibarra; Michael Estrada; Enner Valencia; Angelo Preciado; Gonzalo Plata; Jhegson Mendez; Moises Caicedo. Reporting by Andrew Cawthorne, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Ecuador dampens Qatar’s party as controversial World Cup gets underway
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Al Khor, Qatar CNN —For the past year, a giant clock in Doha has been counting down to the opening match of the World Cup. Qatar and the world need wait no more, after this controversial tournament got underway Sunday with the host losing 2-0 to Ecuador. People watch as fireworks go off before the start of the World Cup at the Al Bayt Stadium. The country’s last-minute ban of alcohol in World Cup stadiums also made headlines around the world. Colombian singer Maluma, who features in the official World Cup anthem, walked out of an interview on Israeli television when he was questioned about the Gulf state’s human rights record.

☆ Soccer Qatar's Bedouin roots star in World Cup opening ceremony
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( Andrew Mills | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"From Qatar, from the Arab world, I welcome everyone to the World Cup 2022," Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said. "How lovely it is that people can put aside what divides them to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together." Then, fireworks exploded from the roof of Al Bayt stadium, 44 km (27 miles) north of the capital, Doha. Earlier, the nearly full stadium erupted in cheers when Sheikh Tamim arrived at the stadium flanked by FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The ceremony featured video footage of Sheikh Tamim as a boy playing soccer in the desert, which seemed aimed at countering the argument made by Qatar's critics that the Gulf Arab state has no soccer tradition.

☆ Qatar 2022: World Cup fans acclimatise to desert accommodation -- in tents and portacabins
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-18 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Doha, Qatar CNN —As fans trickle into Qatar, they’re understandably in holiday mode as they look forward to the prospect of a desert World Cup. But where best to stay in a country that is geographically on a peninsula smaller than Connecticut and is the smallest World Cup host in history? Container living in the desert ... World Cup style. Some World Cup visitors, however, were less impressed with what was on offer. With just two days to go until the first match, the nation is putting the final touches to its preparations as it braces itself for a World Cup like no other.

☆ Morocco to play Georgia in World Cup warm-up game
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Nov 9 (Reuters) - Morocco have arranged a World Cup warm-up international against Georgia next Thursday, six days before their opening game of the tournament in Qatar. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation said the match would be hosted in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates on Nov. 17. Morocco will compete in Group F at the World Cup and play their opening match against Croatia at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on Nov. 23. They will also play Belgium and Canada in the group stage. Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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