Japanese stun error-strewn Germans on the counter
November 24 – In another major upset, Japan stunned four-time world champions Germany with a second-half comeback to win 2-1 .
News
It is progress that is holding Qatar back. Digital ticket failure sees return to handwritten paper passes
November 23 – Qatar’s efforts to apply modern techniques and digitise all tickets to make World Cup organisation run more smoothly have taken another hit after handwritten paper tickets had to be handed out to fans for the second day running.
Ronaldo exits Man Utd, Glazers look ready to follow him
November 23 – Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United “with immediate effect”, days after he gave an explosive unauthorised interview attacking manager Erik ten Hag and the club’s owners.
Saudis celebrate famous Argentina win with a day off work
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
November 23 – Saudis will enjoy a day off on Wednesday as the Kingdom declared a public holiday to mark the Green Falcons’ historic 2-1 win against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
FIFA clampdown leaves Vertonghen in fear of supporting OneLove; Belgium ordered to change shirts
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
November 23 – On the eve of Belgium’s opening game with Canada in the World Cup, Belgian veteran player Jan Vertonghen has said that he is afraid to talk about the OneLove armband.
A different league: Infantino’s FIFA still no match for UEFA when it comes to revenue growth
By David Owen
November 23 – So, what do you know: 55 minutes into that extraordinary hour-long tormented, angry pre-World Cup vent by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, some hard, or hard-ish, financial information.
Frappart records a World Cup first
November 23 – France’s Stephanie Frappart made history by becoming became the first female official in a men’s World Cup finals when she was selected as the fourth official in Mexico’s 0-0 draw with Poland on Tuesday.
Messi’d up. Saudi Arabia create historical upset with Argentina win
By Samindra Kunti in Lusail
November 22 – Saudi Arabia stunned Lionel Messi’s Argentina 2-1 with goals from Saleh Al-Shehr and Salem Al Dawsari in a five-minute second-half blitz to inspire one of the all-time great World Cup upsets.
FIFA shows no love for ‘OneLove’ campaign and threatens ‘sporting sanctions’
November 22 – European teams have reacted with disappointment and dismay after being forced by FIFA to abandon plans to wear ‘OneLove’ armbands at the World Cup in support of LGBTQ rights.
FIFA-time: Multiple extra minutes lead to more goals and injuries
November 22 – New FIFA guidelines resulted in more than an hour of stoppage time in the first four World Cup games in bid to maximise playing time and avoid time-wasting.
Rangers sack van Bronckhorst as Celtic take grip of Scottish Premiership
November 22 – Scottish giants Rangers have sacked Dutch manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst after just a year in the job, with the club nine points behind bitter rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
Betano puts its money on FIFA as governing body embraces sports betting
November 22 – FIFA, whose articles of association used to prevent it from betting partnerships as it was operating under Swiss chartable laws, has announced its first World Cup betting partner for an event that is taking place in a muslim country where all forms of betting are outlawed.
Iran’s protesting players and fans meet FIFA crackdown but message is heard worldwide
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
November 22 – Iran’s players boycotted their national anthem in a silent protest against the regime back home ahead of their World Cup curtain raiser against England.
Bayern star Alphonso Davies ready to start for Canada’s opener against Belgium
November 22 – After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the fitness of Canada’s most important player, Alphonso Davies has said that is ready to start in Canada’s World Cup opener against Belgium.
World Cup: Two potential last 16 matches that will set the pulse racing
November 22 – Six months later than scheduled, the 2022 World Cup is finally here. Controversy has dominated the media, but it’s now time for football to do the talking.