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☆ 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.

☆ Spain cannot repeat mistakes from Japan collapse, says Rodri
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Dec 4 (Reuters) - Spain have learned lessons from the 2-1 loss to Japan that threatened to knock them out of the World Cup and are aware they cannot afford to make the same mistakes against Morocco, Rodri Hernandez said on Sunday. Ultimately, Germany did Spain a favour by beating Costa Rica but Rodri admitted those three difficult minutes unnecessarily complicated their own match before they sealed progress to the last 16. 'CLEAR ROLE'Although Rodri plays as a midfielder for Premier League champions Manchester City, the 26-year-old has been deployed at centre back by Spain coach Luis Enrique at the World Cup. Morocco are in the last 16 for the first time in 36 years and though Rodri said they would be tough opponents, particularly Hakim Ziyech. Reporting by Rohith Nair and William Schomberg in Doha, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ World Cup 2022 Round of 16: qualified teams, schedule and how it works
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Dec 3 (Reuters) - With the World Cup knockout phase having begun, here is an overview of the teams advancing to the last 16 at the tournament in Qatar:HOW DOES THE KNOCKOUT STAGE AT WORLD CUP 2022 WORK? * In the knockout stage the teams will play each other once, with the winning team going to the next round. There are total of four rounds: Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, which will take place on Dec. 18. * Australia claimed a spot in the last 16 as Group D runners-up with 6 points from wins over Tunisia and Denmark. * Croatia joined the last 16 after two goalless draws with Morocco and Belgium and a 4-1 victory over Canada.

☆ Group stage excels as World Cup just keeps giving - now for the serious bit
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

That debate will continue after the final ball is kicked, but as far as what has happened inside the eight gleaming stadiums, the World Cup has been a stunning spectacle. When Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead from the penalty spot in their opening Group C match against Saudi Arabia, all seemed normal. But Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari sealed a 2-1 Group C win for the 51st-ranked Green Falcons that, according to data company Nielsen Gracenote, was the biggest statistical shock in World Cup history. Goals by Itsu Doan and Ao Tanaka gave Japan the lead and Costa Rica hit back to lead Germany. After probably the most memorable group phase of any World Cup, now for the serious business.

☆ Why are there so many shock results at this World Cup?
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

We’ve seen plenty of World Cup shocks over the years, but this year’s edition has seen more than most. Lionel Hahn/Getty ImagesA World Cup like no otherThis World Cup is a first for many reasons. The World Cup’s natureGiven the nature of the World Cup – teams thrown together in a tournament setting from across the globe – fans often see clashes which they’re not accustomed to. This concoction has, over the 90 years of the World Cup, regularly led to shock results. From the US beating England in 1950 and North Korea upsetting Italy in 1966 to Senegal beating defending champion France in 2002 and Algeria – in its World Cup debut – beating West Germany in 1982, World Cup history is littered with surprises.

☆ World Cup starts from now, Japan's Asano says
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Irene Wang | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Dec 3 (Reuters) - Japan have already scripted one of the best stories of the World Cup with comeback victories over former champions Germany and Spain but Takuma Asano says they have not achieved anything yet. "Now I started feeling it's becoming a great World Cup. But we haven't achieved anything yet, so honestly speaking, I think everything starts from now." Of course, they have many good players, and they are a good team. Monday will be Japan's fourth last 16 clash at the World Cup finals but they have never yet been past the opening round of the knockout stage.

☆ In title bout, 'Chocolatito' fights for Nicaragua leader Daniel Ortega
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Drazen Jorgic | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

Two years later, the wealthy Coen family contracted Gonzalez to promote their Grupo Coen conglomerate in three world title fights in exchange for a house worth $150,000. Gonzalez's relationship with Grupo Coen also fractured. In 2019, he sued Grupo Coen after it refused to pay the boxer, claiming he didn't contest enough world title fights to fullfil his contract. This year, the courts awarded an extra $150,000 to Gonzalez against Grupo Coen, according to court documents seen by Reuters. Grupo Coen declined to comment.

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

CNN —Football pundits on Qatar’s Alkass Sports channel mocked the German football team following its World Cup exit – by mimicking the players’ protest over human rights. Soon after, El-Hadary and other pundits then cover their mouths and wave goodbye – apparently in celebration of Germany’s exit. Football pundits on Qatar's Alkass Sports channel appear to mimic the German players' protest gesture. Twitter/@alkasschannelThe gesture mimics what the German players did to protest against FIFA’s decision to ban the “OneLove” armband that many European captains had been hoping to wear in Qatar in support of LGBTQ rights. Following Germany’s 1:1 draw against Spain last Sunday, Jassem said in an al-Majlis episode that he was “shocked” at Germany’s protest.

☆ Waiting is the hardest part as South Korea reach last 16
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"While waiting for the result of the Uruguay and Ghana match it was difficult," said goalscorer Hwang, whose heroics earned him man of the match honours. Portugal topped the group but the Koreans edged out Uruguay on the second tiebreak - number of goals scored. It marks only the third time that South Korea have made it to the round of 16 and they will be determined to try to match their best result - reaching the semi-finals at home in 2002. "I cannot compare because I did not know the Korean team back in 2002," said assistant coach Sergio Costa. Reporting by Steve Keating in Al Rayyan; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ 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.

☆ Analysis: Ghana overhaul a test for $1 billion World Bank-backed debt
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Jorgelina Do Rosario | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

[1/3] A girl walks past a flag of Ghana outside the Cape Coast Castle, in Ghana, July 28, 2019. "If Ghana decides to use the guarantee, it has to pay back immediately to the World Bank," Mitu Gulati, a law professor at the University of Virginia and debt restructuring expert, said. "This is a highly protected instrument that was issued with the logic that Ghana would never default on the World Bank," Gulati said. Ghana 2030 bondIN OR OUT? Ghana has not yet said whether the 2030 issue will be part of its debt restructuring.

☆ Japan reaches World Cup knockout stages with hotly debated goal after ball appeared to go out of play
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Japan reached the World Cup knockout stages for the fourth time on Thursday – by what appeared to be a matter of millimeters. But it’s Japan’s second goal that has been a topic of fierce debate in the aftermath of the game, specifically regarding whether the ball crossed the goal line before Kaoru Mitoma’s cutback pass to Ao Tanaka. Tanaka’s bundled goal was initially ruled out after the linesman flagged that the ball had gone out of play. 🧐 pic.twitter.com/cVXur9vMJ1 — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 1, 2022“That Japan goal almost defied physics. pic.twitter.com/mzF7YXnQiX — Nick Levett (@nlevett) December 1, 2022The goal means Japan will play Croatia in the knockout stages on Monday, while Spain plays Morocco on Tuesday.

☆ Israeli journalists experience chilly reception at Qatar World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Hadas Gold | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

Former Israeli football star, and now a commentator Eil Ohana posted a video showing a Qatari police officer driving him in a golf cart. Videos have gone viral in Israel and the Arab world showing football fans yelling at Israeli reporters, refusing to speak to them because of where they are from. Canadian pop star Justin Bieber launched clean water company Generosity at Qatar’s World Cup, to provide premium alkaline water in refillable fountains across the globe. The pitch invader who waved a rainbow flag on the field during Portugal’s World Cup match with Uruguay on Monday said FIFA president Gianni Infantino came to the Qatari police station to free him in order to “avoid more controversy.”Thursday’s Group E FIFA World Cup match between Costa Rica and Germany saw an all-women refereeing team for the first time in men’s World Cup history. Stephanie Frappart, from France, led the refereeing team, making her the first woman to referee a men’s World Cup match.

☆ Up, down, up again: Japan's soccer-related stocks mirror Samurai Blue's performance
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Nobuyo Saito | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

TOKYO, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Japanese shares of soccer-related companies had a good day on Friday as they mirrored the national team's roller-coaster performance at the World Cup where the "Samurai Blue" delivered another shocking win, this time over global powerhouse Spain. Having also beaten four-times champions Germany in their first match last week, Japan advances to the knockout round at the top of the table. Access to the company's streaming platform hit a record of more than 10 million the day Japan clinched a surprise victory over Germany. "We're especially fielding a lot of calls about the limited-edition soccer boots that the Samurai Blue are wearing," a Mizuho spokesperson said. Pub operator Hub said COVID-19 could cloud comparisons against the last World Cup in 2018, but that "there's big hope riding" on the rest of the tournament.

☆ 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.

An armed robber fatally shot a Northern California gas station clerk but won't be charged with murder — presumably because the gunman could claim self-defense, police said Wednesday. The DA's office on Thursday did not immediately explain its rationale against charging Jackson with murder. "I totally disagree with this," a tearful Matamoroz told NBC News. 'Why are we bending over backward to not charge an armed robber with the murder of an innocent store clerk who is protecting his premises?' Matamoroz was in the bathroom when Williams told her to stay put.

☆ When the chips go up: Big banks bet on S. Korea, Taiwan stocks for 2023
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Harish Sridharan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Goldman Sachs says South Korean stocks are the bank's top "rebound candidate" for 2023 due to low valuations, made cheaper by a nosediving Korean won, and as companies benefit from an expected recovery in Chinese demand. "We think (Korean stocks) sold off too much in September and August." Morgan Stanley downgraded its view on Indian exposure in October, when it upgraded its recommendation for South Korea. Like South Korea, Taiwan (.TWII) is another heavily-sold and chip-maker dominated market - though tensions with China make some investors a bit less enthusiastic. Meanwhile, Taiwan and South Korea are both geopolitical flashpoints - but analysts argue at least some of that is already in the price.

☆ Analysis: German exit not as shocking as it looks
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Shady Amir | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Data company Nielsen Gracenote gave them a 41% chance of failing to progress on the back of their recent struggles. The second goal was no different. Neuer saved a header from Juan Pablo Vargas but the ball deflected off the German keeper and into the net. On that occasion it was the first time that Germany had failed to pass the group stage since 1938 - which was a different format. After Fuellkrug's introduction they looked more dangerous as he set up Germany's second goal for Kai Havertz.

The breathtaking win for Japan meant they topped Group E, followed by Spain in second who finished ahead of third-placed Germany only on goal difference. Japan fans were in tears at the end of the match which gives them a chance to go further than they ever have before at a World Cup. "There were many fans who came all the way from Japan, as well as those that stayed behind in Japan," coach Moriyasu said. "We didn't have any danger in the first half, then in the second half, I told them during halftime to be cautious, because they would attack in the second half, they don't have anything to lose," he said. Japan defender Kou Itakura was shown his second yellow card of the tournament and will be suspended for the Croatia match.

☆ Morocco cruise into knockout stage with 2-1 win over Canada
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Morocco, who needed a win or a draw in their final Group F match to reach the knockout rounds, took advantage of a weak clearance by goalkeeper Milan Borjan that landed on the foot of Hakim Ziyech. With Croatia drawing with Belgium 0-0 in the other Group F game, Morocco finish first in the group and will face the second-place finishers in Group E, which is made up of Japan, Spain, Germany and Costa Rica. Moroccan manager Walid Regragui predicted his side will prove capable of challenging a mighty opponent in the stage. Why shouldn't we dream of winning the World Cup?" Canada, who are exiting their first World Cup since 1986 without a point, automatically qualify for the 2026 tournament as co-hosts along with the United States and Mexico.

☆ 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.

☆ Germany knocked out of World Cup after extraordinary finale to Group E
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Germany was knocked out of the 2022 World Cup on Thursday after a quite extraordinary finale to Group E, despite beating Costa Rica. As he did in the famous victory over Germany, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu used his substitutes masterfully, bringing on Dōan and his left-footed strike brought Japan level. Wataru Endo celebrates with teammates after Japan qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup. Costa Rica took a stunning lead as Juan Pablo Vargas prodded home after an frantic goalmouth scramble to leave Germany trailing. With just over 20 minutes remaining in the two games, Spain and Germany – both recent World Cup winners – were in danger of going home.

☆ Asian stocks jump after Powell hints at rate hike slowdown
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Ankur Banerjee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

SINGAPORE, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Asian equities jumped on Thursday, while the dollar slid as investors poured into risky assets after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell opened the door to a slowdown in the pace of monetary tightening. Powell's comments at the Brookings Institution in Washington sent Wall Street equities soaring, while the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields fell. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) jumped 2% in early Asian trade. The two-year U.S. Treasury yield, which typically moves in step with interest rate expectations, was down 5.2 bps at 4.321%. In commodity markets, gold prices climbed to a two-week high in early Asian trade on Thursday.

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