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☆ Analysis: Relentless Son drives South Korea into last 16
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 2 (Reuters) - South Korea talisman Son Heung-min is still without a goal at this World Cup but he ran himself into the ground on Friday to ensure his team reached the last 16 in dramatic fashion. The Asian side simply refused to accept that their World Cup dream was over and it was captain Son who epitomised the Koreans' relentless energy with a selfless display. From a Portugal corner, the ball was cleared and suddenly captain Son found himself in acres of space on the lush turf. That saw South Korea jump from bottom of the group to second, above Uruguay who beat Ghana 2-0 but were left in third place by virtue of scoring fewer goals than South Korea. But Son led by example, summoning the spirit of 2002 when South Korea reached the semi-finals on home soil, having also beaten Portugal to get out of the group.

☆ 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.

☆ South Korea beat Portugal to squeeze into next round at World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Anita Kobylinska | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/8] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group H - South Korea v Portugal - Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - December 2, 2022 South Korea players celebrate after the match as South Korea qualify for the knockout stages REUTERS/Wolfgang RattayAL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 2 (Reuters) - South Korea scored a last-gasp goal to beat already-qualified Portugal 2-1 at the World Cup in a comeback win that sent the Asian side into the last 16 ahead of Uruguay on goals scored. South Korea had to beat Portugal at the Education City Stadium to stand a chance of going through to the last 16 and their win catapulted them from fourth to second place by virtue of having scored four goals in the tournament to Uruguay's two. Portugal finished top despite the loss and should avoid facing likely Group G winners Brazil in the knockout stage. However, they did manage to equalise 10 minutes later through defender Kim Young-gwon who scored after the ball bounced off Cristiano Ronaldo's back following a corner. Writing by William Schomberg and Anita Kobylinska; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Berhalter hoping to draw on Dutch lessons in last 16 tie
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Hritika Sharma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Former American international Berhalter signed his first professional contract with Dutch side PEC Zwolle and also played for Sparta Rotterdam and Cambuur Leeuwarden during an 18-year playing career. Berhalter is not the only person in the American camp with Dutch experience. Right back Sergino Dest was born to a Dutch mother and Surinamese-American father in Almere, Netherlands and grew up in Holland. It's a very good club to develop players and he did really well there," Berhalter said. "It looks pretty good, but we'll have to see him today on the pitch to get confirmation of that," Berhalter said.

☆ Ronaldo denies he swore at Portugal coach over substitution
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( William Schomberg | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Ronaldo, Portugal's captain, said the comments he made as he left the field in the 65th minute were in fact aimed at a South Korean player. The 37-year-old is seeking to equal the Portuguese record of most World Cup goals held by Eusebio, who racked up nine in 1966 in England, the only World Cup tournament he played in. Santos, asked by reporters about the substitution incident, also said a South Korean player had been aggressive in his comments towards the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Ronaldo was kept largely at bay by South Korea's defence in the Asians' last-gasp victory over Portugal that sent Uruguay out of the World Cup. We wanted to go through with a win, we wanted to go through playing good football to keep boosting our confidence," Santos said.

☆ U.S. Star Christian Pulisic’s Status Uncertain for World Cup Clash vs. Netherlands
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Andrew Beaton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar— U.S. men’s national team star Christian Pulisic said he would do “everything within my power” to play in the Americans’ Round of 16 match against the Netherlands on Saturday, but stopped short of guaranteeing he will appear after suffering an injury in the group stage finale against Iran. The U.S. win over Iran that sent the team to the knockout stage came at a high price when Pulisic was hurt as he scored the only goal in the 1-0 win. After briefly returning to the pitch, he left the game at halftime and was taken to the hospital for tests, where he followed the end of the game on a cellphone. Pulisic is officially labeled as “day to day” with a pelvic contusion.

☆ 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’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.

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

☆ 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."

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

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.

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

☆ '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.

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.

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

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