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 .
Qatar 2022
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.
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.
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.
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.
Al Bidda fanfest chaos as supporters flood venue and riot police struggle to maintain safety
November 21 – The main World Cup fan zone in central Doha, where thousands of fans will watch games over the next month, got off to an inauspicious start on Sunday amid scenes of chaos verging on the outright dangerous, according to multiple reports.
Infantino’s lunatic rant stuns, chastises and divides world football
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
November 19 – In what was probably the most remarkable, unhinged and illogical rant ever made by a leading sports administrator, the kind of nonsense straight out of the Donald Trump play book, FIFA president Gianni Infantino embarqued on an almost-hour-long justification of the Qatar 2022 World Cup and chastisement of the western world.
World Cup opens with celebration of Qatar, a call for unity and a match that won’t be remembered
By Samindra Kunti in Al Khor, Qatar
November 20 – After a twelve-year wait and the most controversial build-up in history, Qatar and the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani opened the World Cup on Sunday with a message of unity, tinged with a political and religious overtone, after months of intense scrutiny of the host nation’s human rights record.
Benzema ruled out as France’s injury list grows
November 21 – France’s hopes of retaining the World Cup, already severely compromised by the loss of several key players, have suffered the most crippling blow of all with striker Karim Benzema ruled out of the tournament.
Saudis keep up outreach with Singapore MoU and a pavilion on Doha’s corniche
November 21 – Saudi Arabia is continuing its football charm offensive, signing an MoU with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), and on the ground in Qatar opening a dedicated pavilion showcasing the country’s culture and football history.