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☆ The US may have lost in the World Cup, but soccer is more popular than ever in America
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Harry Enten | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +36 min

The Atlas Lions made history as the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal. They made history as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament. Less spoken about is that they also rate better on television than the men do in the World Cup. We’ll just have to wait and see, though with the US, Canada and Mexico hosting the 2026 World Cup, soccer isn’t going away anytime soon.

☆ Tearful Ronaldo the lasting image of Portugal World Cup debacle
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

DOHA, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo running to the tunnel in tears and as desolate as the football world has ever seen him will be the lasting image for Portugal fans looking back on the World Cup in Qatar. Ronaldo, a five-times Ballon D'Or winner, arrived with a mission to prove he could still make a difference. It was another tale of hope turned to disappointment, controversy and under-achievement on the biggest stage for Ronaldo, who was playing his fifth World Cup and hoping it would set him up for new opportunities after his departure from Manchester United. Ironically, in a Portugal team full of stand-out players, Ronaldo fell victim to the abundance of options that coach Fernando Santos had at his disposal. Before the World Cup, Ronaldo refused to say that the tournament in Qatar would be his last and he was already looking ahead to the 2024 European Championship.

☆ Morocco write World Cup history as they reach semi-finals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Morocco had already taken the scalps of Belgium and Spain in this tournament but the win over Portugal is of much greater significance. But the supply quickly dried up thereafter as Morocco closed the passing lanes and frustrated the Portuguese attackers. Joao Felix had two more half chances in the first half but Morocco gained in confidence and found a sudden spring in their step, frequently breaking on the counter attack. Bruno Fernandes hit over the top of the crossbar five minutes later as Portugal threw more into attack and Morocco began to sit deeper. Leaving the World Cup always hurts."

☆ Portugal coach does not regret leaving Ronaldo out v Morocco
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Ronaldo stormed off the pitch after the final whistle crying effusively while being comforted by his team mates. "I do not regret (leaving Ronaldo on the bench)," coach Santos told a news conference on Saturday. "It wouldn't change anything, in terms of the team I can't be thinking with my heart. "I used the team that played really well against Switzerland and there was no reason to change it (against Morocco). "It's not that Ronaldo is no longer a great player, that has nothing to do with it."

☆ World Cup quarterfinals: Morocco on the verge of history against Portugal as Kylian Mbappé’s France face England
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Alasdair Howorth | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The Moroccans have become the darlings of the World Cup. At the first “Arab” World Cup, they became the first Arab nation to qualify for the quarterfinals of the World Cup and, as the first African side to qualify for the quarterfinals in over a decade, they represent so much more than just their own nation. Born in Madrid, Achraf Hakimi scored the goal to knock Spain out of the World Cup. No team has scored more than Portugal’s 12 at the World Cup, but will the unstoppable Portugal be able to beat the immovable Morocco? Mbappé has already surpassed Cristiano Ronalo's World Cup goal scoring record and is level with Lionel Messi on nine.

☆ Analysis: 'Sorcerer' Ramos dazzles with hat-trick in first World Cup start
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Karolos Grohmann | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Ramos could not have hoped for a more magical night in Qatar, having made his international debut only three days before the World Cup started. Ramos had only featured for 10 minutes in total in Portugal's World Cup group matches but earned a surprise start when Santos opted to leave the country's all-time top scorer Ronaldo on the bench and take a risk with the youngster. Ramos is neither the muscular package that is Ronaldo nor does he play as far forward as the Portugal captain. While thousands of fans at Lusail stadium repeatedly chanted 'Ronaldo' 'Ronaldo', hoping to see the superstar in action, Ramos became the first player to score a hat-trick in his first World Cup start since Germany's Miroslav Klose 20 years ago. But by then a new Portugal hero, no longer the sorcerer's apprentice, had stolen the show with a memorable performance.

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

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

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

☆ 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

☆ Analysis: Amidst the circus, Ronaldo proves ringmaster yet again
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

There had been talk that circus surrounding the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was distracting Fernando Santos's squad. Portugal's fans behind the goal sang his name and gave him another huge ovation when he was substituted in the 88th minute. It is easy to talk about Ronaldo in terms of statistics alone, with so many milestones chalked up. Ronaldo was locked in from the start, working tirelessly to find spaces in and around the massed Ghanaian defence. Importantly for Portugal's chances of going deep in Qatar, it was not just the Ronaldo show as his team mates, especially in the second half, took more responsibility.

☆ Ronaldo breaks record as Portugal up and running with Ghana win
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The bitter end to Ronaldo's second spell at Manchester United had dominated the build-up to the match in much the same way the forward seems to dominate the way Portugal play. Against Ghana, Ronaldo seemed to exert a planetary gravitational pull on the ball, with team mates seeking him out at every opportunity. Ronaldo closed his eyes as he waited to begin his run up, stuttered and smashed the ball into the net to the keeper's right. It is the 10th consecutive major tournament in which Ronaldo has found the net although Ghana coach Otto Addo was not in the mood to be charitable. There was to be no fairytale ending for the Ghanaians though and the night belonged to Ronaldo.

☆ Ronaldo to leave Manchester United after criticism of club
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 22 (Reuters) - Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo will leave with immediate effect, the Premier League team said on Tuesday, marking a bitter end to the Portugal captain's second spell at Old Trafford after he said he felt betrayed by the club. "Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect. "Everyone at United remains focused on continuing the team's progress under Ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch." Ronaldo said in a statement on Tuesday that he loved the club and the fans. Ronaldo confirmed on Monday that an awkward handshake between him and midfielder Bruno Fernandes that was caught on camera and went viral was the result of a joke between the Portugal and United team mates.

☆ Portugal ready to let their football do the talking against Ghana
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( William Schomberg | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

DOHA, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Portugal will be keen to let their football do the talking when they face Ghana in their World Cup opener on Thursday amid controversy over Cristiano Ronaldo's comments about Manchester United and tensions between the squad and the media. But Ghana - who reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2016 - arrived on the Arabian Peninsula with wind their sails too after beating Switzerland 2-0 in a friendly. No problems," five-times Ballon D'Or winner Ronaldo said on Monday. read moreHe led Portugal to triumph at Euro 2016 but World Cup glory has eluded him and Qatar represents his last chance. The teams met at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when Portugal won 2-1 thanks to a late winner by Ronaldo.

☆ 'I speak when I want', says Cristiano Ronaldo about his interview
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AL-SHEHANIYA, Qatar, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo believes his explosive TV interview, in which the Manchester United forward said he had been betrayed by the club and was being forced out, had not been a distraction in the Portugal changing room in the World Cup. "In my life, the best timing is always my timing," Ronaldo told a news conference on Monday. "I’m feeling great, I’m recovered and I’m training well and ready to start the World Cup in the best way possible," Ronaldo said. "We will see in the end who the best team is, but I believe Portugal is the best team in this World Cup. Portugal is in World Cup Group H with Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.

☆ 'The best timing is my timing', says Cristiano Ronaldo about his interview
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"In my life, the best timing is always my timing," Ronaldo told a news conference on Monday. [1/2] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Portugal Press Conference - Al Shahaniya SC Training Facilities, Al-Shahaniya, Qatar - November 21, 2022 Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during the press conference REUTERS/Pedro Nunes 1 2"My relationship with him (Fernandes) is excellent," Ronaldo said. "I’m feeling great, I’m recovered and I’m training well and ready to start the World Cup in the best way possible," Ronaldo said. "We will see in the end who the best team is, but I believe Portugal is the best team in this World Cup. Portugal is in World Cup Group H with Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.

☆ Varane says Man Utd players affected by Ronaldo comments
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 16 (Reuters) - France defender Raphael Varane said his Manchester United team mates were obviously affected by Cristiano Ronaldo's comments in a television interview that he did not respect manager Erik ten Hag and felt betrayed by the Premier League side. United said they would address the Portuguese forward's comments only after establishing the full facts but Varane said the situation had impacted players. Varane, who has also played alongside Ronaldo at Spanish side Real Madrid, said the team was ready to accept whatever United decides. "What I want is the best for my team, so whatever the decision, as players, we'll accept it and give the best of ourselves," Varane added. On Tuesday, Portugal midfielder Joao Mario said an awkward handshake between Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes was the result of a joke between team mates for club and country.

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