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☆ Doan to start for Japan, Costa Rica make two changes
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group E - Japan v Costa Rica - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - November 27, 2022 Japan's Ritsu Doan and Takumi Minamino walk on the pitch before the match REUTERS/Issei KatoDOHA, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Coach Hajime Moriyasu has rewarded Ritsu Doan with a start in Japan's second Group E game against Costa Rica on Sunday after he scored as a substitute in Wednesday's stunning World Cup upset of Germany. Doan's promotion was one of five changes to the starting line-up from the Germany match, with Miki Yamane coming into the defence in place of Hiroki Sakai. Hidemasa Morita, Yuki Soma and Doan come into midfield with Ao Tanaka, Takefusa Kubo and Junya Ito dropping out, while Ayase Ueda will start up front in place of Daizen Maeda. Costa Rica coach Luis Suarez largely kept faith with the team that suffered a humiliating 7-0 loss at the hands of Spain in their group opener. Gerson Torres comes in for Jewisson Bennette in midfield, while Kendall Waston will line-up in a five-man defence in place of Carlos Martinez.

☆ Saudi Arabia's injured Al-Faraj out of the World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Shady Amir | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Al RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Injured Saudi Arabia captain Salman Al-Faraj is out of the World Cup after coach Herve Renard agreed to let him leave the camp, the Saudi Football Association said on Sunday. Al-Faraj was injured at the end of the first half of the historic 2-1 victory over Argentina in Saudi Arabia's first match in the tournament on Tuesday. He left the stadium on crutches, with an apparent leg injury, and Renard said he did not expect him to participate in any more matches at the finals. Saudi Arabia, who lost 2-0 to Poland on Saturday, are equal with Argentina on three points while Poland top the group with four and Mexico are last with one point. Saudi Arabia need to beat Mexico in the last match in the group on Wednesday to ensure qualification for the last 16, regardless of the outcome of the match between Poland and Argentina.

☆ Soccer Jaded Japan seek to slay another World Cup giant in Spain decider
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Martin Petty | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"Against Spain we are going for the win and that's what we need to focus on. "The next match against Spain will be a very intense game. Moriyasu said he would approach the Spain game differently and analyse how they performed against Germany in Sunday's later Group E match. "Spain are a strong team but we were always thinking about three matches; we will try to advance, so we need good preparation." Spain are a young team but I believe there's a good chance we can win; with confidence, we will go for the next match."

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Serbia received a boost ahead of Monday's second Group G match against Cameroon as head coach Dragan Stojkovic said winger Filip Kostic is available for selection after playing no part in their opening game. Kostic was an unused substitute in Serbia's 2-0 defeat by the mighty Brazilians as there were questions over the Juventus player's fitness. Both Serbia and Cameroon lost their opening games, with the African side suffering a 1-0 defeat by Switzerland. A defeat would knock Serbia out if Brazil fail to win against Switzerland, while Cameroon will be out if they lose and Switzerland fail to win against Brazil. After Senegal defeated Qatar 3-1 and Morocco recorded a stunning 2-0 win over Belgium, Cameroon are aiming to be the third African team to win in Qatar.

☆ Paqueta illness gives Brazil another selection headache
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Five-times world champions Brazil could be without midfielder Lucas Paqueta for their next World Cup Group G game against Switzerland on Monday. The World Cup favourites trained behind closed doors at the Al Arabi Stadium on Saturday and coach Tite gave no clue about team selection in his news conference on Sunday. The versatile 21-year-old forward played in Neymar's position in three practice games in Turin before the World Cup. "I believe that Neymar and Danilo will play again in the World Cup," said on Sunday. "I believe we will be able to count on them in the World Cup again."

☆ Costa Rica stun Japan with late Fuller winner
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Japan's historic victory over Germany in their opener coupled with Costa Rica's 7-0 drubbing by Spain cleared the way for Japan to reach the last 16 with a game to spare. Costa Rica, written off before kickoff, are now level on three points with Japan and have a chance to reach the last 16. For Costa Rica the lack of goalmouth action was probably most welcome seeing as they conceded three times in the opening half an hour against Spain. Immediately after the break Japan looked more threatening with Hidemasa Morita finally testing Keylor Navas with a stinging drive the Costa Rica keeper turned away. Kicking towards their fans, Japan began to seize control and Moriyasu made another attacking change with midfielder Kaoru Mitoma coming on for right back Miki Yamane.

☆ U.S. Soccer briefly removed emblem from Iran flag to show support for protesters
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Hritika Sharma | Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 27 (Reuters) - The United States Soccer Federation temporarily displayed Iran's national flag on social media without the emblem of the Islamic Republic as a show of solidarity with protesters in Iran ahead of the two teams' World Cup clash on Tuesday. The intent of the posts was to show "support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights", U.S. Soccer media officer Michael Kammarman told a news conference on Sunday. The banner on U.S. Soccer's Twitter page was also changed on Saturday to feature the flag without the emblem. Iran's players declined to sing the national anthem in their first game against England in an apparent show of solidarity with protesters. They sang quietly on Friday before their 2-0 win over Wales, where boos and jeers were heard from Iran supporters.

☆ Lewandowski off the mark as Poland close in on last 16
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Lewandowski, who missed a penalty in Poland's opening draw with Mexico, was visibly emotional after finally finding the net. He pounced on a mistake in the 82nd minute to double Poland's advantage after Piotr Zielinski had given them a first-half lead. After completing one of the tournament's greatest ever shocks when they cut Argentina down to size in their opener, the Saudis, found Poland a tougher nut to crack at the Education City Stadium. Poland could have extended their lead in the second half when Arkadiusz Milik's header rattled the crossbar while Lewandowski hit the post with an effort that deflected off his knee. Lewandowski, who had drawn a blank in his four previous World Cup games, did not have to wait too much longer, however, for his goal.

☆ Clinical edge key for South Korea in Ghana clash
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( Manasi Pathak | Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Nov 26 (Reuters) - South Korea were proud of their effort in the stalemate with Uruguay in their World Cup opener but would need to find the much-needed clinical edge when they face Ghana in Monday's game, where both teams will be desperate for victory. Playing at their 11th World Cup, South Korea began their campaign with a gritty 0-0 draw with Uruguay, putting on a lively display. South Korea tend to over-rely on attacking midfielder and captain Son Heung-min , who is slowly re-adapting after a recent facial surgery and had little impact in their opening match of the tournament. Ghana reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2010 but should they suffer defeat against South Korea, they risk getting knocked out in the first round. "We have to win now and we are under pressure but then so are they," Ghana coach Otto Addo said of South Korea.

☆ Croatia deserve respect, coach Dalic says after Herdman's remark
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( Manasi Pathak | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic said his team deserve respect as the runners-up of the last World Cup after Canada manager John Herdman said "we are going to eff Croatia" ahead of Sunday's clash. Herdman later seemed apologetic, saying he meant "no disrespect to the Croatian team and Croatian people", but Dalic thought otherwise. "The Croatian team deserves respect from everyone. Dalic said the Canadians, who are making their first appearance at the World Cup finals in 36 years, are a "serious team". Croatia are tied with Morocco on one point in Group F, where Belgium are leaders on three points and Canada bottom with none.

☆ 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.

☆ Goalless draws at World Cup come from cautious approach
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 26 (Reuters) - A cautious approach from many teams in the opening round of the World Cup was behind a record-approaching number of goalless draws at the tournament in Qatar, FIFAs technical study group said on Saturday. At the last World Cup in Russia, there was a single goalless draw, when Denmark and France failed to produce goals in a group phase clash. "Clearly many teams are relying on a cautious approach," added colleague Alberto Zaccheroni, who won Serie A with AC Milan and the Asian Cup when he was coach of Japan. There have been 14 goals at the tournament in Qatar from crosses in comparison to three at the same stage at the last World Cup four years ago. "This is a very different World Cup in that players get to sleep in the same bed every night and each team has its own base.

☆ Lewandowski could have scored a hat-trick, Poland coach
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( Anita Kobylinska | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Poland coach Czeslaw Michniewicz praised his side and striker Robert Lewandowski after their 2-0 win against Saudi Arabia on Saturday and said that with a bit of luck his top man could have ended the game with a hat-trick. Lewandowski scored his first ever World Cup goal after he missed a penalty in their opening draw with Mexico, and was visibly emotional after finally finding the net in his second and possibly last World Cup. Today Robert could have scored a hat-trick. "We were looking for a second player for Lewandowski, but one who would fill the spaces. We knew that Robert plays high, very narrowly, and we needed a player who runs around," Michniewicz added.

☆ Zielinski on target as Poland lead 1-0 v Saudi Arabia at halftime
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( Anita Kobylinska | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Midfielder Piotr Zielinski gave Poland a 1-0 lead against Saudi Arabia in the first half of a heated World Cup Group C clash at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan. Robert Lewandowski found unmarked Zielinski in the box who struck home in the 40th minute. The Saudis had a chance to level in stoppage time but Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved both a spot kick by Salem Al-Dawsari and the follow-up. Reporting by Anita Kobylinska; Editing by Angus MacSwanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Analysis: Relentless Iran do their talking on the pitch in defeat of Wales
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"We played today with amazing character, which is the profile of our team. We played with a sense of unity, cohesion," said Queiroz, who was thrown into the air by his players after the full-time whistle. "Sometimes you lose your dignity, your honour, but of course in our first game we were bleeding in our pride. "The sending off didn't help, of course, but at that point we had five forwards on the pitch, so couldn't get a defensive shape." Reporting by Rohith Nair in Al Rayyan, Qatar; Additional reporting by Martin Petty; Editing by Ken Ferris and Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Rainbow bucket hats, flags allowed for Wales v Iran World Cup game
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Manasi Pathak | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

AL RAYYAN, QATAR, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Fans will be allowed to take rainbow-themed bucket hats and flags into the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium for Wales' second World Cup Group B match against Iran on Friday, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) said. The hats represent "Rainbow Wall", the supporters' group for Wales fans who are members of the LGBTQ community. "In response to the FAW, FIFA has confirmed that fans with Rainbow Wall bucket hats and rainbow flags will be allowed entry to the stadium for @Cymru's match against Iran on Friday," FAW said in a tweet. "All World Cup venues have been contacted and instructed to follow the agreed rules and regulations." read moreWales are playing in their first World Cup in 64 years.

☆ Security escort man wearing pro-Iran protest shirt ahead of match
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group B - Wales v Iran - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - November 25, 2022. Reuters could not immediately confirm why the man, wearing a shirt declaring "Women, Life, Freedom", was being accompanied by three security officers in blue. A man standing next to her held a shirt printed with the words "WOMEN, LIFE, FREEDOM", one of the main chants of the protests. Another supporter held an Iranian flag with the words "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest), scored through with black lines as a security man stood nearby apparently pointing at him. Iran's World Cup team refrained from singing the national anthem ahead of their opening match with England on Monday, a sign of support for the demonstrations.

☆ Germany look for great escape against Spain to avoid early exit
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Karolos Grohmann | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

They have conceded six goals in their last four internationals but now have to find a way to shut out Spain, who fired seven past Costa Rica in their group opener. Germany backed down despite a promise to wear it only 48 hours prior to their game. Spain, on the other had, have none of the pressure their European counterparts are feeling. After years of being expected to deliver titles, Spain have entered the tournament with a lighter load on their shoulders under coach Luis Enrique and have already set records. Barcelona's 18-year-old Gavi became the country's youngest World Cup player, and the youngest to score since Brazil great Pele in 1958 after netting in their 7-0 win over Costa Rica.

☆ Wales and Iran goalless at break after Gholizadeh strike disallowed
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

AL RAYYAN, QATAR, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Wales and Iran were goalless at the end of the first half of their World Cup Group B match at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Friday, after Iran forward Ali Gholizadeh's strike was ruled out for offside. Gholizadeh thought he had given Iran an early lead after linking up brilliantly with Sardar Azmoun, but VAR ruled it out. Earlier, Wales striker Kieffer Moore had a shot from close range saved by Iran keeper Seyed Hossein Hosseini. Reporting by Manasi Pathak; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Iran deliver sucker punch to Wales with stoppage-time winners
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

After Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off in the 87th minute, Iran produced a remarkable finale, with Roozbeh Cheshmi driving home to give them the lead before Ramin Rezaeian added another in the 11th minute of stoppage time. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Wales would have been forgiven for thinking they had survived, but Cheshmi had other ideas. That strike rocked Wales to the core and left them open for the coup de grace elegantly delivered by Rezaeian. Taremi cut in from the left and played the ball to Rezaeian in acres of space on the right. He bore down on Wales' substitute keeper Danny Ward before lifting the ball nonchalantly over him into the back of the net.

☆ Iran beats 10-man Wales to keep World Cup qualification hopes alive
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Two late goals secured Iran a sensational 2-0 win against Wales to maintain its hopes of qualifying for the World Cup knockout stages. Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesAfter the heavy 6-2 defeat by England, Iran played much better in its second match. Elsewhere, World Cup host Qatar is on the brink of exiting the tournament after a second successive loss, losing 3-1 to Senegal. Qatar was much improved from its opening day loss to Ecuador, but it was overpowered by a Senegal team that finally arrived at the World Cup. The game ended in sombre fashion for the host team as thousands of Qataris headed towards to the exits after the third Senegal goal, their hopes of a fairy tale World Cup all but vanished.

☆ Soccer Last-gasp double keeps Iran in World Cup after Wales thriller
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Martin Petty | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Iran scored twice in the final moments of stoppage time to keep alive their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time with a thrilling last-gasp victory over a stunned 10-man Wales. Wales, who had keeper Wayne Hennessey sent off late in the match, looked to have survived the Iranian onslaught in their Group B encounter at Al Rayyan's Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, before substitute Rouzbeh Cheshmi found the net and Ramin Rezaeian sealed the win with seconds left. Iran had come out fighting in the second half and hit the post twice in a matter of seconds, with Sardar Azmoun's shot rebounding to Ali Gholizadeh, whose follow-up cannoned off the upright and back to the waiting Azmoun, who headed tamely into keeper Hennessey's hands. Iran, whose World Cup squad has been distracted by a political crisis at home, came close again on 72 minutes when Hennessey got a fingertip on Saeid Ezatolahi's shot, then piled on the pressure after Hennessey was sent off for dangerous play when he charged out of his area and clattered into the onrushing Mehdi Taremi. Reporting by Martin Petty; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Soccer Iran players resume singing of national anthem at World Cup match
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Manasi Pathak | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Iran's national soccer team sang during the playing of their national anthem at their second World Cup match against Wales on Friday, despite not singing in their opening game earlier this week in apparent support of protesters back home. Loud jeers were heard from Iranian supporters as the anthem played, with the team singing quietly as it played. Iranian authorities have responded with deadly force to suppress protests that have marked one of the boldest challenges to its clerical rulers since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Reporting by Martin Petty; Editing by Toby ChopraOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Bale to break Wales caps record against Iran
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Wales captain Gareth Bale will become their most capped player of all time when he makes his 110th appearance in their second Group B game against Iran on Friday. Bale overtakes team mate Chris Gunter, who is on the bench for the game at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand misses the game after getting concussed and breaking his nose in their first game against England and is replaced by Seyed Hossein Hosseini. Iran striker Sardar Azmoun returns to the lineup after starting on the bench against England. Reporting by Toby Davis; Editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Thanksgiving football could include tasty U.S. soccer treat
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

No, not that football, although Berhalter and his men who take on England in a tasty Group B clash on Friday hope that one day soccer might find a place at the table. For the moment Thanksgiving football belongs to American gridiron and the National Football League with teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions in action. "These are the games where it's a high pressure privileged moment to step on the field against some of these guys. "When you get a result in a game like this people start to respect Americans a little bit more." Reporting by Steve Keating in Al Rayyan; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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