- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
-
Contact the PP Team
FIFA World Cup 2022 - Squads Thread
- Thread starter MenInG
- Start date
Kianig89
T20I Star
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2012
- Runs
- 32,260
Going by the squad Brazil might play all forwards in midfield
4-2-4 formation
Alison
Danilo Militao Marquinhos Telles
Casemiro Fabinho
Anthony Jesus Neymar Vicinuus Jr
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
All 32 participating nations have two key deadlines to meet when it comes to sharing official squad lists.
Southgate announced his expanded preliminary squad on Friday, October 21. He could name up to 55 players but the list was not made public although there have been rumours.
The final 26-man squads must then be submitted to FIFA on Sunday, November 13.
However, it is understood that Southgate will name his final England squad on Thursday, November 10 – before the final round of Premier League fixtures.
Southgate announced his expanded preliminary squad on Friday, October 21. He could name up to 55 players but the list was not made public although there have been rumours.
The final 26-man squads must then be submitted to FIFA on Sunday, November 13.
However, it is understood that Southgate will name his final England squad on Thursday, November 10 – before the final round of Premier League fixtures.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Japan has become the first nation to reveal its World Cup squad for the showpiece tournament – and other squad announcements are set to come in thick and fast in the coming days.
This year, squads can include 23 to 26 players, up from the previous maximum of 23 after the Covid-19 pandemic – in line with rule changes that allow five substitutions instead of three.
The deadline to submit squads to FIFA is 5am AEDT on Tuesday, November 15, with FIFA set to publicly announce all squad lists later that day.
But most teams will reveal their squads well before then, with Australia’s announcement coming at 4pm AEDT on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
The first nation to announce its squad was Japan.
Teams may also replace a seriously injured or ill (including with Covid-19) player up until 24 hours before their first World Cup match. We’ll update the squads below if that occurs.
JAPAN (Group E)
Goalkeepers: Shuichi Gonda (Shimizu S-Pulse), Eiji Kawashima (Strasbourg/FRA), Daniel Schmidt (Sint-Truiden/BEL)
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Maya Yoshida (Schalke/GER), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal/ENG), Hiroki Sakai (Urawa Reds), Shogo Taniguchi (Kawasaki Frontale), Kou Itakura (Borussia Moenchengladbach/GER), Miki Yamane (Kawasaki Frontale), Hiroki Ito (Stuttgart/GER)
Midfielders: Wataru Endo (Stuttgart/GER), Hidemasa Morita (Sporting/POR), Ao Tanaka (Fortuna Dusseldorf/GER), Daichi Kamada (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER), Junya Ito (Reims/FRA), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton/ENG), Takumi Minamino (Monaco/FRA), Yuki Soma (Nagoya Grampus), Gaku Shibasaki (Leganes/ESP), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad/ESP), Ritsu Doan (Freiburg/GER)
Forwards: Daizen Maeda (Celtic/SCO), Takuma Asano (Bochum/GER), Ayase Ueda (Cercle Brugge/BEL)
LATEST: Yuta Nakayama suffered a torn Achilles tendon, with the Huddersfield Town centre-back ruled out for the remainder of the season and set to undergo surgery. His replacement has not yet been named. Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is also in doubt after a right thigh concern last week.
The biggest surprise absences are Celtic stars Kyogo Furuhashi, who has nine goals in 11 league appearances this season, and Hoops teammate Reo Hatate.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/footba...c/news-story/cd4770c74fa8539a80d2ad0fa43578d2
This year, squads can include 23 to 26 players, up from the previous maximum of 23 after the Covid-19 pandemic – in line with rule changes that allow five substitutions instead of three.
The deadline to submit squads to FIFA is 5am AEDT on Tuesday, November 15, with FIFA set to publicly announce all squad lists later that day.
But most teams will reveal their squads well before then, with Australia’s announcement coming at 4pm AEDT on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
The first nation to announce its squad was Japan.
Teams may also replace a seriously injured or ill (including with Covid-19) player up until 24 hours before their first World Cup match. We’ll update the squads below if that occurs.
JAPAN (Group E)
Goalkeepers: Shuichi Gonda (Shimizu S-Pulse), Eiji Kawashima (Strasbourg/FRA), Daniel Schmidt (Sint-Truiden/BEL)
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Maya Yoshida (Schalke/GER), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal/ENG), Hiroki Sakai (Urawa Reds), Shogo Taniguchi (Kawasaki Frontale), Kou Itakura (Borussia Moenchengladbach/GER), Miki Yamane (Kawasaki Frontale), Hiroki Ito (Stuttgart/GER)
Midfielders: Wataru Endo (Stuttgart/GER), Hidemasa Morita (Sporting/POR), Ao Tanaka (Fortuna Dusseldorf/GER), Daichi Kamada (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER), Junya Ito (Reims/FRA), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton/ENG), Takumi Minamino (Monaco/FRA), Yuki Soma (Nagoya Grampus), Gaku Shibasaki (Leganes/ESP), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad/ESP), Ritsu Doan (Freiburg/GER)
Forwards: Daizen Maeda (Celtic/SCO), Takuma Asano (Bochum/GER), Ayase Ueda (Cercle Brugge/BEL)
LATEST: Yuta Nakayama suffered a torn Achilles tendon, with the Huddersfield Town centre-back ruled out for the remainder of the season and set to undergo surgery. His replacement has not yet been named. Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is also in doubt after a right thigh concern last week.
The biggest surprise absences are Celtic stars Kyogo Furuhashi, who has nine goals in 11 league appearances this season, and Hoops teammate Reo Hatate.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/footba...c/news-story/cd4770c74fa8539a80d2ad0fa43578d2
KingKhanWC
World Star
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2010
- Runs
- 50,454
Possible but imo unlikely as Brazil has a couple of ageing defenders and midfielders.
Brazil has a great squad, will need to keep clean sheets to win the Cup but possible.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has been named in Denmark's preliminary squad for the Fifa World Cup in Qatar.
Eriksen, 30, collapsed during their Euro 2020 game against Finland last year and had life-saving treatment on the pitch.
Denmark have named 21 players of the 26-man squad and will reveal the final five following the last round of European fixtures.
They take on Tunisia on 22 November.
The final squad must be delivered to Fifa by 13 November, before the tournament starts on 20 November.
"Many things can happen," said Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand. "It's unsolvable, but it's the right way to do it - there are two games left for many of our players, and that can easily change things."
"There are 10 or 12 players still in contention for the last five spots."
Following Eriksen's cardiac arrest at the European Championship, the former Tottenham man had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) device - a type of pacemaker - fitted.
In January, he said it was "a goal, a dream" to play for his country again in front of their home crowd at Parken Stadium and at this year's World Cup.
Eriksen joined Brentford on a six-month deal at the start of the year after agreeing to end his contract with Inter Milan prematurely as players with an ICD cannot play in Serie A.
He made his international return in March and scored two minutes after coming on for Denmark in a friendly defeat by the Netherlands, before completing a move to United in the summer on a free transfer.
Other top-flight players given a place in the squad include Spurs midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Leeds United defender Rasmus Kristensen and Eriksen's ex-Brentford team-mate Mathias Jensen.
After facing Tunisia in their opening Group D game, Denmark will play defending champions France on 26 November and Australia on 30 November.
Denmark preliminary squad
Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel (Nice), Oliver Christensen (Hertha Berlin).
Defenders: Simon Kjaer (AC Milan), Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace), Joakim Maehle (Atalanta), Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Rasmus Kristensen (Leeds United), Jens Stryger Larsen (Trabzonspor), Victor Nelsson (Galatasaray), Daniel Wass (Brondby).
Midfielders: Thomas Delaney (Sevilla), Mathias Jensen (Brentford), Christian Eriksen (Manchester United), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham).
Forwards: Andreas Skov Olsen (Club Bruges), Jesper Lindstrom (Eintracht Frankfurt), Andreas Cornelius (Copenhagen), Martin Braithwaite (Espanyol), Kasper Dolberg (Sevilla), Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford), Jonas Wind (VfL Wolfsburg).
BBC
Eriksen, 30, collapsed during their Euro 2020 game against Finland last year and had life-saving treatment on the pitch.
Denmark have named 21 players of the 26-man squad and will reveal the final five following the last round of European fixtures.
They take on Tunisia on 22 November.
The final squad must be delivered to Fifa by 13 November, before the tournament starts on 20 November.
"Many things can happen," said Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand. "It's unsolvable, but it's the right way to do it - there are two games left for many of our players, and that can easily change things."
"There are 10 or 12 players still in contention for the last five spots."
Following Eriksen's cardiac arrest at the European Championship, the former Tottenham man had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) device - a type of pacemaker - fitted.
In January, he said it was "a goal, a dream" to play for his country again in front of their home crowd at Parken Stadium and at this year's World Cup.
Eriksen joined Brentford on a six-month deal at the start of the year after agreeing to end his contract with Inter Milan prematurely as players with an ICD cannot play in Serie A.
He made his international return in March and scored two minutes after coming on for Denmark in a friendly defeat by the Netherlands, before completing a move to United in the summer on a free transfer.
Other top-flight players given a place in the squad include Spurs midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Leeds United defender Rasmus Kristensen and Eriksen's ex-Brentford team-mate Mathias Jensen.
After facing Tunisia in their opening Group D game, Denmark will play defending champions France on 26 November and Australia on 30 November.
Denmark preliminary squad
Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel (Nice), Oliver Christensen (Hertha Berlin).
Defenders: Simon Kjaer (AC Milan), Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace), Joakim Maehle (Atalanta), Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Rasmus Kristensen (Leeds United), Jens Stryger Larsen (Trabzonspor), Victor Nelsson (Galatasaray), Daniel Wass (Brondby).
Midfielders: Thomas Delaney (Sevilla), Mathias Jensen (Brentford), Christian Eriksen (Manchester United), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham).
Forwards: Andreas Skov Olsen (Club Bruges), Jesper Lindstrom (Eintracht Frankfurt), Andreas Cornelius (Copenhagen), Martin Braithwaite (Espanyol), Kasper Dolberg (Sevilla), Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford), Jonas Wind (VfL Wolfsburg).
BBC
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Graham Arnold has revealed his 26-man World Cup squad for this month’s World Cup, confirming a dream call-up for 18-year-old sensation Garang Kuol and some bombshell omissions.
Arnold announced the squad from Qatar on Tuesday afternoon, with star midfielder Tom Rogic — considered by many as Australia’s best player — overlooked despite being widely tipped to return to the squad after his mysterious absence from June’s crunch qualifying playoffs.
Key defenders Kye Rowles and Harry Souttar were also selected despite only just returning from significant injuries but veteran centre back Trent Sainsbury, Arnold’s son-in-law and a former captain of the team, was another shock name missing.
The phone call to Sainsbury was just one of the many agonising made by Arnold to overlooked players in recent days, along with the joyous ones to those who made the cut, including 17 who will be going to their first World Cup.
Scottish-based midfielders Keanu Baccus and Cameron Devlin were among the bolters included in squad along with Scottish-born striker Jason Cummings, who joined Central Coast teammate Kuol in booking a fairytale ticket to Qatar. Cult hero Cummings was the beneficiary as Japan-based veteran Adam Taggart was among the notable omissions.
The announcement confirmed earlier reports of the stunning snub of veteran goalkeeper Mitch Langerak, who was widely expected to be included — and perhaps even pressure Mat Ryan for the starting gig — after being coerced out of international retirement earlier this year.
Langerak — Nagoya Grampus’ player of the year — missed out as the ‘Grey Wiggle’ Andrew Redmayne and Danny Vukovic were the other two keepers to make the squad.
Langerak returned to the international fold for the friendlies against New Zealand in September after discussions with Arnold but did not feature in the matches.
News of Langerak’s likely omission was earlier on Tuesday met with surprise on Twitter from ex-Socceroos Robert Cornthwaite and Tommy Oar, the latter seemingly accusing Arnold and goalkeeping coach John Crawley of giving “jobs for the boys”.
“It’s an absolute wind up,” Oar, who played 28 times for the Socceroos, wrote.
“Takes jobs for the boys to a whole new level. He’s (Langerak) been one of our best performing players consistently for the last five years and is one of the best blokes you’ll meet, respected by everyone.”
Arnold said the call to omit Langerak was made by Socceroos’ goalkeeping coach John Crawley.
“Bringing Mitch back (for the New Zealand friendlies), it was about a plan in case something happened to one of the other goalkeepers and at the end of the day, and John Crawley’s beliefs.
“We believe we’ve picked the three best goalkeepers for this World Cup and that’s what we’re sticking to.”
Arnold insisted the call to omit Rogic had nothing to do with him missing the late stages of the qualifying campaign due to personal reasons.
The 29-year-old has been slowly building form and fitness since moving to West Brom but Arnold favoured players who were “fit and ready”.
“At the end of the day I only can pick two players for every position. We’ve obviously gone for Ajdin Hrustic and Riley McGree and again we need some flexibility and players that are extremely fit and ready,” Arnold said.
“Tommy’s been absolutely brilliant for Australian football and he will continue to be so but I have to make those decisions.”
On overlooking Sainsbury, Arnold revealed the 30-year-old, 58-cap veteran’s lack of playing time with Qatari side Al-Wakrah was decisive.
“It was a very, very difficult decision. I spoke to Trent about where he’s at at this moment in time. He hasn’t played for a number of weeks,” Arnold said.
“Overall I’ve gone for players like Harry Souttar, Kye Rowles who have done exceptionally well and continue to do exceptionally well. Trent was very understanding of the situation but it’s a decision that was very hard to make.”
Kuol, 18, made a big statement with two assists off the bench in his latest outing for the Mariners and remarkably makes the Cup squad despite having never started a professional club match — convincing Arnold with some scintillating performances off the bench for the Mariners in recent weeks.
“Garang has really shown how he can change a game. I watched him with the Under 20s national team .. and I’ve watched what he can do individually,” Arnold said of Kuol, who has been signed up by Premier League club Newcastle United.
“He fit into the Socceroos family so well (for the New Zealand games) and really he’s a player that has absolutely zero fear when he goes out and he wants to entertain.
“... When we talk about an impact player, a player who can do something different for us, someone can that can have a 1v1 individual action and have a moment that can change the course of the game, I think Garang can be that player.”
There will still be the opportunity for Arnold to make changes to his squad until the FIFA deadline of Tuesday, November 15 should injury strike.
The Socceroos face France in their first match in Qatar on Wednesday, November 23 (6am AEDT).
AUSTRALIA’S 26-MAN WORLD CUP SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Mat Ryan (capt)
Danny Vukovic
Andrew Redmayne
DEFENDERS
Nathaniel Atkinson
Aziz Behich
Fran Karacic
Joel King
Kye Rowles
Harry Souttar
Milos Degenek
Thomas Deng
Bailey Wright
MIDFIELDERS
Keanu Baccus
Cameron Devlin
Ajdin Hrustic
Jackson Irvine
Aaron Mooy
Riley McGree
FORWARDS
Craig Goodwin
Martin Boyle
Jamie Maclaren
Awer Mabil
Mat Leckie
Garang Kuol
Mitchell Duke
Jason Cummings
SOCCEROOS FIXTURES
Wednesday, November 23
Australia vs France, Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, 6am
Saturday, November 26
Australia vs Tunisia, Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, 9pm
Thursday, December 1
Australia vs Denmark, Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, 2am
https://www.foxsports.com.au/footba...d/news-story/640883c7313bcbde9117dcc6e166c6c8
Arnold announced the squad from Qatar on Tuesday afternoon, with star midfielder Tom Rogic — considered by many as Australia’s best player — overlooked despite being widely tipped to return to the squad after his mysterious absence from June’s crunch qualifying playoffs.
Key defenders Kye Rowles and Harry Souttar were also selected despite only just returning from significant injuries but veteran centre back Trent Sainsbury, Arnold’s son-in-law and a former captain of the team, was another shock name missing.
The phone call to Sainsbury was just one of the many agonising made by Arnold to overlooked players in recent days, along with the joyous ones to those who made the cut, including 17 who will be going to their first World Cup.
Scottish-based midfielders Keanu Baccus and Cameron Devlin were among the bolters included in squad along with Scottish-born striker Jason Cummings, who joined Central Coast teammate Kuol in booking a fairytale ticket to Qatar. Cult hero Cummings was the beneficiary as Japan-based veteran Adam Taggart was among the notable omissions.
The announcement confirmed earlier reports of the stunning snub of veteran goalkeeper Mitch Langerak, who was widely expected to be included — and perhaps even pressure Mat Ryan for the starting gig — after being coerced out of international retirement earlier this year.
Langerak — Nagoya Grampus’ player of the year — missed out as the ‘Grey Wiggle’ Andrew Redmayne and Danny Vukovic were the other two keepers to make the squad.
Langerak returned to the international fold for the friendlies against New Zealand in September after discussions with Arnold but did not feature in the matches.
News of Langerak’s likely omission was earlier on Tuesday met with surprise on Twitter from ex-Socceroos Robert Cornthwaite and Tommy Oar, the latter seemingly accusing Arnold and goalkeeping coach John Crawley of giving “jobs for the boys”.
“It’s an absolute wind up,” Oar, who played 28 times for the Socceroos, wrote.
“Takes jobs for the boys to a whole new level. He’s (Langerak) been one of our best performing players consistently for the last five years and is one of the best blokes you’ll meet, respected by everyone.”
Arnold said the call to omit Langerak was made by Socceroos’ goalkeeping coach John Crawley.
“Bringing Mitch back (for the New Zealand friendlies), it was about a plan in case something happened to one of the other goalkeepers and at the end of the day, and John Crawley’s beliefs.
“We believe we’ve picked the three best goalkeepers for this World Cup and that’s what we’re sticking to.”
Arnold insisted the call to omit Rogic had nothing to do with him missing the late stages of the qualifying campaign due to personal reasons.
The 29-year-old has been slowly building form and fitness since moving to West Brom but Arnold favoured players who were “fit and ready”.
“At the end of the day I only can pick two players for every position. We’ve obviously gone for Ajdin Hrustic and Riley McGree and again we need some flexibility and players that are extremely fit and ready,” Arnold said.
“Tommy’s been absolutely brilliant for Australian football and he will continue to be so but I have to make those decisions.”
On overlooking Sainsbury, Arnold revealed the 30-year-old, 58-cap veteran’s lack of playing time with Qatari side Al-Wakrah was decisive.
“It was a very, very difficult decision. I spoke to Trent about where he’s at at this moment in time. He hasn’t played for a number of weeks,” Arnold said.
“Overall I’ve gone for players like Harry Souttar, Kye Rowles who have done exceptionally well and continue to do exceptionally well. Trent was very understanding of the situation but it’s a decision that was very hard to make.”
Kuol, 18, made a big statement with two assists off the bench in his latest outing for the Mariners and remarkably makes the Cup squad despite having never started a professional club match — convincing Arnold with some scintillating performances off the bench for the Mariners in recent weeks.
“Garang has really shown how he can change a game. I watched him with the Under 20s national team .. and I’ve watched what he can do individually,” Arnold said of Kuol, who has been signed up by Premier League club Newcastle United.
“He fit into the Socceroos family so well (for the New Zealand games) and really he’s a player that has absolutely zero fear when he goes out and he wants to entertain.
“... When we talk about an impact player, a player who can do something different for us, someone can that can have a 1v1 individual action and have a moment that can change the course of the game, I think Garang can be that player.”
There will still be the opportunity for Arnold to make changes to his squad until the FIFA deadline of Tuesday, November 15 should injury strike.
The Socceroos face France in their first match in Qatar on Wednesday, November 23 (6am AEDT).
AUSTRALIA’S 26-MAN WORLD CUP SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Mat Ryan (capt)
Danny Vukovic
Andrew Redmayne
DEFENDERS
Nathaniel Atkinson
Aziz Behich
Fran Karacic
Joel King
Kye Rowles
Harry Souttar
Milos Degenek
Thomas Deng
Bailey Wright
MIDFIELDERS
Keanu Baccus
Cameron Devlin
Ajdin Hrustic
Jackson Irvine
Aaron Mooy
Riley McGree
FORWARDS
Craig Goodwin
Martin Boyle
Jamie Maclaren
Awer Mabil
Mat Leckie
Garang Kuol
Mitchell Duke
Jason Cummings
SOCCEROOS FIXTURES
Wednesday, November 23
Australia vs France, Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, 6am
Saturday, November 26
Australia vs Tunisia, Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, 9pm
Thursday, December 1
Australia vs Denmark, Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, 2am
https://www.foxsports.com.au/footba...d/news-story/640883c7313bcbde9117dcc6e166c6c8
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Robert Page has named his 26-man squad for Wales' first World Cup in 64 years, with midfielder Joe Allen included despite being a major injury doubt.
Gareth Bale captains a squad that has no surprising inclusions or omissions.
Rhys Norrington-Davies is out with a hamstring injury so Tom Lockyer is recalled more than a year since he last played for Wales, while a calf injury rules out forward Tyler Roberts.
Wales face the United States in their opening World Cup match on 21 November.
They are joined in Group B by Iran and England, who name their squad on Thursday.
Page had previously indicated he had already decided on the majority of the 26 players he would be taking to Qatar, and that was evident at Wednesday's announcement in his hometown of Tylorstown in the Rhondda valley as he stuck to a tried and trusted squad.
His biggest injury concern is influential midfielder Allen, who is named in the squad despite not playing for Swansea City since injuring his hamstring in September.
Swans head coach Russell Martin has confirmed Allen will not play for the Championship side before the World Cup, but Wales still hope the 32-year-old will be able to play some part in Qatar, even if he is not fit enough to start against the United States.
"It's not ideal if I'm honest but we're giving him every opportunity to get him fit to get into the starting XI for the first game," said Page.
"There's a couple of other players in a similar boat but Joe's been so important to me overall the last couple of years, how I want to play and how he sits in front of the back four.
"He's one of those from 2016 [European Championship] when they had the success and when he was playing really well, Wales were winning games.
"Again he's earned the right to be there. I spoke to him two days ago and he's in a positive frame of mind and looking forward to it."
There is better news regarding captain Bale, who has at least been playing for his club side, Los Angeles FC.
However, the 33-year-old said he was "not 100%" fit after scoring a crucial late goal in LAFC's MLS Cup final triumph over Philadelphia Union last weekend.
The former Real Madrid player has made just two starts - plus 11 substitute appearances - for LAFC since joining the American club in June.
Bale has been integral to Wales' recent success - they have qualified for three of the past four major tournaments having reached only one before that - and will be their talisman once more at the World Cup.
"Ideally would we want him to play more minutes? Of course," said Page.
"Am I worried? No, because he's shown time and time again that irrespective of how many minutes he's played at club level he always comes in and has important moments in the game, whether it's a free-kick against Austria or Ukraine [in the World Cup play-off semi-final and final].
"Big players step up for big occasions . We've said it with Aaron [Ramsey] in the past - Hungary at home when he got two goals for us - and it's no different with Gareth.
"Opposing managers will look at the team sheet and if they see his name they know at any moment he can win a game for you."
Along with Bale and Allen, goalkeepers Wayne Hennessey and Danny Ward, defenders Ben Davies and Chris Gunter and midfielders Ramsey and Jonny Williams are the players who will be representing Wales in a third major tournament, having played at the past two European Championships.
Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson, Cardiff City attacker Mark Harris and Huddersfield Town winger Sorba Thomas will be going to their first major tournament.
"The worst part of this job is disappointing the ones that are not in the 26," said Page.
"The others I've not phoned to tell them they're in, I'd rather them see it when [it is announced].
"That's going to be nice for them to see but on the other side of it there's always going to be someone who's disappointed.
"I've had a couple of uncomfortable conversations - some through injury, some through choice.
"We've got to move forward now and pick the squad that will go and compete and go and win us games."
Wales squad
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), Danny Ward (Leicester City), Adam Davies (Stoke City).
Defenders: Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Joe Rodon (Rennes, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Ethan Ampadu (Spezia, on loan from Chelsea), Chris Gunter (AFC Wimbledon), Connor Roberts (Burnley), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town).
Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey (Nice), Joe Allen (Swansea City), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Jonny Williams (Swindon Town), Matthew Smith (Milton Keynes Dons), Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town).
Forwards: Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC), Dan James (Fulham, on loan from Leeds United), Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth), Mark Harris (Cardiff City), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest).
BBC
Gareth Bale captains a squad that has no surprising inclusions or omissions.
Rhys Norrington-Davies is out with a hamstring injury so Tom Lockyer is recalled more than a year since he last played for Wales, while a calf injury rules out forward Tyler Roberts.
Wales face the United States in their opening World Cup match on 21 November.
They are joined in Group B by Iran and England, who name their squad on Thursday.
Page had previously indicated he had already decided on the majority of the 26 players he would be taking to Qatar, and that was evident at Wednesday's announcement in his hometown of Tylorstown in the Rhondda valley as he stuck to a tried and trusted squad.
His biggest injury concern is influential midfielder Allen, who is named in the squad despite not playing for Swansea City since injuring his hamstring in September.
Swans head coach Russell Martin has confirmed Allen will not play for the Championship side before the World Cup, but Wales still hope the 32-year-old will be able to play some part in Qatar, even if he is not fit enough to start against the United States.
"It's not ideal if I'm honest but we're giving him every opportunity to get him fit to get into the starting XI for the first game," said Page.
"There's a couple of other players in a similar boat but Joe's been so important to me overall the last couple of years, how I want to play and how he sits in front of the back four.
"He's one of those from 2016 [European Championship] when they had the success and when he was playing really well, Wales were winning games.
"Again he's earned the right to be there. I spoke to him two days ago and he's in a positive frame of mind and looking forward to it."
There is better news regarding captain Bale, who has at least been playing for his club side, Los Angeles FC.
However, the 33-year-old said he was "not 100%" fit after scoring a crucial late goal in LAFC's MLS Cup final triumph over Philadelphia Union last weekend.
The former Real Madrid player has made just two starts - plus 11 substitute appearances - for LAFC since joining the American club in June.
Bale has been integral to Wales' recent success - they have qualified for three of the past four major tournaments having reached only one before that - and will be their talisman once more at the World Cup.
"Ideally would we want him to play more minutes? Of course," said Page.
"Am I worried? No, because he's shown time and time again that irrespective of how many minutes he's played at club level he always comes in and has important moments in the game, whether it's a free-kick against Austria or Ukraine [in the World Cup play-off semi-final and final].
"Big players step up for big occasions . We've said it with Aaron [Ramsey] in the past - Hungary at home when he got two goals for us - and it's no different with Gareth.
"Opposing managers will look at the team sheet and if they see his name they know at any moment he can win a game for you."
Along with Bale and Allen, goalkeepers Wayne Hennessey and Danny Ward, defenders Ben Davies and Chris Gunter and midfielders Ramsey and Jonny Williams are the players who will be representing Wales in a third major tournament, having played at the past two European Championships.
Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson, Cardiff City attacker Mark Harris and Huddersfield Town winger Sorba Thomas will be going to their first major tournament.
"The worst part of this job is disappointing the ones that are not in the 26," said Page.
"The others I've not phoned to tell them they're in, I'd rather them see it when [it is announced].
"That's going to be nice for them to see but on the other side of it there's always going to be someone who's disappointed.
"I've had a couple of uncomfortable conversations - some through injury, some through choice.
"We've got to move forward now and pick the squad that will go and compete and go and win us games."
Wales squad
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), Danny Ward (Leicester City), Adam Davies (Stoke City).
Defenders: Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Joe Rodon (Rennes, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Ethan Ampadu (Spezia, on loan from Chelsea), Chris Gunter (AFC Wimbledon), Connor Roberts (Burnley), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town).
Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey (Nice), Joe Allen (Swansea City), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Jonny Williams (Swindon Town), Matthew Smith (Milton Keynes Dons), Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town).
Forwards: Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC), Dan James (Fulham, on loan from Leeds United), Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth), Mark Harris (Cardiff City), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest).
BBC
WC-Passion
ODI Debutant
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2015
- Runs
- 8,711
Dani Alves getting in the squad is a hilariously bad pick, should Brazil have Danilo go down it could be ugly. Dodo, Gilberto or Emerson would've been way better choices, but unfortunately, Brazilian football is plagued by strange picks based on favouritism and politics.
James
World Star
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Runs
- 50,833
- Post of the Week
- 2
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Raphael Varane has been included in France's World Cup squad even though he is still recovering from injury.<br><br>More 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCFootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCWorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCWorldCup</a></p>— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1590439928239980544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCFootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCWorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCWorldCup</a></p>— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1590439928239980544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
WC-Passion
ODI Debutant
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2015
- Runs
- 8,711
Probably worth the spot honestly. France's squad midfield wise is looking weak though. Tchouaméni and Camavinga are great prospects, but they just do not bring what Pogba and Kante has. Their defence and attack are star-studded, that has to be said, so probably still a top 3 squad in the world at the very least.
daytrader
ODI Debutant
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2015
- Runs
- 10,850
- Post of the Week
- 1
France World Cup squad: William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate picked by Didier Deschamps in 25-man squad
Didier Deschamps has named only a 25-man squad for France at the World Cup, despite being able to pick 26; William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate were called up along with Premier League goalkeepers Hugo Lloris and Alphone Areola
France have named William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate and Olivier Giroud in their World Cup squad with Didier Deschamps only electing to name 25 players for the tournament.
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is also selected in the reigning World Cup champions' squad despite tearing his hamstring in a draw at Chelsea two weeks ago.
Goalkeepers Hugo Lloris and Alphonse Areola join Saliba, Konate and Varane as the only Premier League-based players in the France team.
Arsenal's Saliba has enjoyed a breakthrough 2022 year with the Gunners this season and on loan at Marseille last term, while Giroud has been in and out of France's squad this calendar year due to the heavy competition up front that includes Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Karim Benzema.
But the 36-year-old has been rewarded for a positive start to the season in which he has scored nine goals in 18 matches for AC Milan in Serie A and the Champions League and could become France's all-time top scorer in with the former Arsenal striker just two goals behind Thierry Henry's record of 51.
Meanwhile, Konate's inclusion in Les Blues' team is a surprise given he has only been capped twice by France and has featured in just four matches in all competitions for Liverpool this season.
Marseille duo Matteo Guendouzi and Jordan Veretout have been preferred to Kamara with Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Adrien Rabiot and Youssouf Fofana the other midfielders in the squad.
There is also no place for Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier in the team despite some recent good displays for Jesse Marsch's squad. Veteran goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, 37, joins Areola as back-up to captain Lloris.
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Rennes)
Defenders: Lucas Hernardez (Bayern Munich), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris Saint-Germain), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamencano (Bayern Munich), Raphael Varane (Manchester United)
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Matteo Guendouzi (Marseille), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Jordan Veretout (Marseille)
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kinglsey Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)
Sky Sports
Didier Deschamps has named only a 25-man squad for France at the World Cup, despite being able to pick 26; William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate were called up along with Premier League goalkeepers Hugo Lloris and Alphone Areola
France have named William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate and Olivier Giroud in their World Cup squad with Didier Deschamps only electing to name 25 players for the tournament.
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is also selected in the reigning World Cup champions' squad despite tearing his hamstring in a draw at Chelsea two weeks ago.
Goalkeepers Hugo Lloris and Alphonse Areola join Saliba, Konate and Varane as the only Premier League-based players in the France team.
Arsenal's Saliba has enjoyed a breakthrough 2022 year with the Gunners this season and on loan at Marseille last term, while Giroud has been in and out of France's squad this calendar year due to the heavy competition up front that includes Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Karim Benzema.
But the 36-year-old has been rewarded for a positive start to the season in which he has scored nine goals in 18 matches for AC Milan in Serie A and the Champions League and could become France's all-time top scorer in with the former Arsenal striker just two goals behind Thierry Henry's record of 51.
Meanwhile, Konate's inclusion in Les Blues' team is a surprise given he has only been capped twice by France and has featured in just four matches in all competitions for Liverpool this season.
Marseille duo Matteo Guendouzi and Jordan Veretout have been preferred to Kamara with Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Adrien Rabiot and Youssouf Fofana the other midfielders in the squad.
There is also no place for Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier in the team despite some recent good displays for Jesse Marsch's squad. Veteran goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, 37, joins Areola as back-up to captain Lloris.
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Rennes)
Defenders: Lucas Hernardez (Bayern Munich), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris Saint-Germain), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamencano (Bayern Munich), Raphael Varane (Manchester United)
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Matteo Guendouzi (Marseille), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Jordan Veretout (Marseille)
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kinglsey Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)
Sky Sports
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Leicester midfielder James Maddison has been included in England's 26-man squad for the Fifa World Cup in Qatar.
Manager Gareth Southgate has also picked Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and Newcastle striker Callum Wilson, Manchester City full-back Kyle Walker and Arsenal defender Ben White.
But AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori, Brentford striker Ivan Toney and West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen miss out.
England face Iran in their World Cup opener on 21 November (13:00 GMT).
They are joined in Group B by Wales and the United States.
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, despite only recently returning from two months out with a shoulder problem, is in, as is centre-back Harry Maguire, who has struggled to get a game for Manchester United this season.
However, Maguire's club team-mate Jadon Sancho has not made the squad.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Eric Dier (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Conor Coady (Everton), Ben White (Arsenal), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)
Forwards: James Maddison (Leicester), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Callum Wilson (Newcastle), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Maddison's inclusion is reward for his superb form for Leicester this season.
He has been instrumental in the Foxes' resurgence following their poor start to the season and has six goals and four assists in 12 Premier League games.
His only cap for England came almost three years ago to the day - in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro when he played 35 minutes.
"He is playing really well," said Southgate.
"He is a good player. We have always said he is a good player. He has earned the right. We think he can give something slightly different to the other attacking players we have.
"He is playing as well as any of the attacking players in this country and he is a bit different to the others."
Walker has proved his fitness to Southgate after undergoing groin surgery and not playing in more than a month.
The England boss has also put his faith in Phillips, despite the midfielder having had injury struggles this season. Phillips, who has had surgery on his shoulder, returned to action as a second-half substitute in Manchester City's 2-0 win against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Rashford has not played for England since the Euro 2020 final defeat by Italy, but the Manchester United forward has scored seven goals in all competitions this season.
Newcastle striker Wilson, who has scored six goals in 10 games this season, joins Tottenham's England captain Harry Kane as the Three Lions' main striker options for the World Cup.
But, like Brentford's Toney and West Ham's Bowen, Roma striker Tammy Abraham has been overlooked.
"We have wanted to make sure we have the balance of the squad right," said Southgate.
"In this day and age squad is more important than ever with five substitutes. You want different options for different moments of matches and different stages of the tournament as well.
"We have had to cover a couple of players who are not fully match fit as well so having 26 players means you can take a couple of risks.
"We think the balance is there. We think we have everything covered."
'A great day but some disappointment'
Southgate says he has spoken to all the players who missed out on a place in the squad to explain the reasons behind his decision.
The 52-year-old has not yet managed to chat to all of those who have been included, but he did inform Maddison of his return to the England XI.
"I spoke to James this morning," he said. "There was a lot of speculation and we decided a couple of weeks ago he would be in the squad.
"I didn't get a chance to speak to Callum. My priority on these days is the difficult and sad news.
"The nature of those conversations reminds you how much it means to a player to go to a World Cup. It's a great day but we've had some disappointment."
BBC
Manager Gareth Southgate has also picked Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and Newcastle striker Callum Wilson, Manchester City full-back Kyle Walker and Arsenal defender Ben White.
But AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori, Brentford striker Ivan Toney and West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen miss out.
England face Iran in their World Cup opener on 21 November (13:00 GMT).
They are joined in Group B by Wales and the United States.
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, despite only recently returning from two months out with a shoulder problem, is in, as is centre-back Harry Maguire, who has struggled to get a game for Manchester United this season.
However, Maguire's club team-mate Jadon Sancho has not made the squad.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Eric Dier (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Conor Coady (Everton), Ben White (Arsenal), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)
Forwards: James Maddison (Leicester), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Callum Wilson (Newcastle), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Maddison's inclusion is reward for his superb form for Leicester this season.
He has been instrumental in the Foxes' resurgence following their poor start to the season and has six goals and four assists in 12 Premier League games.
His only cap for England came almost three years ago to the day - in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro when he played 35 minutes.
"He is playing really well," said Southgate.
"He is a good player. We have always said he is a good player. He has earned the right. We think he can give something slightly different to the other attacking players we have.
"He is playing as well as any of the attacking players in this country and he is a bit different to the others."
Walker has proved his fitness to Southgate after undergoing groin surgery and not playing in more than a month.
The England boss has also put his faith in Phillips, despite the midfielder having had injury struggles this season. Phillips, who has had surgery on his shoulder, returned to action as a second-half substitute in Manchester City's 2-0 win against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Rashford has not played for England since the Euro 2020 final defeat by Italy, but the Manchester United forward has scored seven goals in all competitions this season.
Newcastle striker Wilson, who has scored six goals in 10 games this season, joins Tottenham's England captain Harry Kane as the Three Lions' main striker options for the World Cup.
But, like Brentford's Toney and West Ham's Bowen, Roma striker Tammy Abraham has been overlooked.
"We have wanted to make sure we have the balance of the squad right," said Southgate.
"In this day and age squad is more important than ever with five substitutes. You want different options for different moments of matches and different stages of the tournament as well.
"We have had to cover a couple of players who are not fully match fit as well so having 26 players means you can take a couple of risks.
"We think the balance is there. We think we have everything covered."
'A great day but some disappointment'
Southgate says he has spoken to all the players who missed out on a place in the squad to explain the reasons behind his decision.
The 52-year-old has not yet managed to chat to all of those who have been included, but he did inform Maddison of his return to the England XI.
"I spoke to James this morning," he said. "There was a lot of speculation and we decided a couple of weeks ago he would be in the squad.
"I didn't get a chance to speak to Callum. My priority on these days is the difficult and sad news.
"The nature of those conversations reminds you how much it means to a player to go to a World Cup. It's a great day but we've had some disappointment."
BBC
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Strikers Luis Suárez, Edinson Cavani and three other veteran Uruguay players will be at the World Cup for the fourth consecutive time.
Led by the veterans and young talents like Federico Valverde, Uruguay’s squad for the tournament in Qatar was announced on Thursday by coach Diego Alonso.
Alonso, who replaced coach Óscar Tabárez during the final rounds of South American qualifying, included Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo in his squad even though the player is still recovering from right thigh surgery.
Suárez and Cavani, both 35, are expected to play in their fourth and last World Cup. Three other veteran members of the squad were also named — goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and defenders Diego Godín and Martín Cáceres.
URUGUAY SQUAD
Goalkeepers - Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Sergio Rochet (Nacional), Sebastián Sosa, (Independiente)
Defenders - Diego Godín (Velez Sarsfield), José María Giménez (Atletico Madrid), Sebastián Coates (Sporting Lisbon), Martín Cáceres (Los Ángeles Galaxy), Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Matías Viña (Roma), Mathías Olivera (Napoli), Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), José Luis Rodríguez (Nacional)
Midfielders - Matías Vecino (Lazio), Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Lucas Torreira (Galatasaray), Manuel Ugarte (Sporting Lisbon), Facundo Pellistri (Manchester United), Nicolás De la Cruz (River Plate), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Agustín Canobbio (Athletico Paranaense) and Facundo Torres (Orlando City)
Forwards: Darwin Núñez (Liverpool), Luis Suárez (Nacional), Edinson Cavani (Valencia), Maximiliano Gómez (Trabzonspor)
“With the same hopes of day one, and the dream of 3 million people,” Godín said on Twitter.
Uruguay is in Group H with Portugal, South Korea and Ghana. The team’s first match in Qatar will be against South Korea on Nov. 24.
The five veterans played under Tabárez and reached the World Cup semifinals in 2010, the round-of-16 in Brazil four years later and the quarterfinals in Russia in 2018.
Suárez is Uruguay’s top scorer with 68 goals in 134 matches, followed by Cavani, who netted 58 in 133 games.
Other players with World Cup experience include defenders José María Giménez and Sebastián Coates, who will be in the tournament for the third time.
https://sportstar.thehindu.com/foot...-announcement-fifa-wc-por/article66123169.ece
Led by the veterans and young talents like Federico Valverde, Uruguay’s squad for the tournament in Qatar was announced on Thursday by coach Diego Alonso.
Alonso, who replaced coach Óscar Tabárez during the final rounds of South American qualifying, included Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo in his squad even though the player is still recovering from right thigh surgery.
Suárez and Cavani, both 35, are expected to play in their fourth and last World Cup. Three other veteran members of the squad were also named — goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and defenders Diego Godín and Martín Cáceres.
URUGUAY SQUAD
Goalkeepers - Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Sergio Rochet (Nacional), Sebastián Sosa, (Independiente)
Defenders - Diego Godín (Velez Sarsfield), José María Giménez (Atletico Madrid), Sebastián Coates (Sporting Lisbon), Martín Cáceres (Los Ángeles Galaxy), Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Matías Viña (Roma), Mathías Olivera (Napoli), Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), José Luis Rodríguez (Nacional)
Midfielders - Matías Vecino (Lazio), Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Lucas Torreira (Galatasaray), Manuel Ugarte (Sporting Lisbon), Facundo Pellistri (Manchester United), Nicolás De la Cruz (River Plate), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Agustín Canobbio (Athletico Paranaense) and Facundo Torres (Orlando City)
Forwards: Darwin Núñez (Liverpool), Luis Suárez (Nacional), Edinson Cavani (Valencia), Maximiliano Gómez (Trabzonspor)
“With the same hopes of day one, and the dream of 3 million people,” Godín said on Twitter.
Uruguay is in Group H with Portugal, South Korea and Ghana. The team’s first match in Qatar will be against South Korea on Nov. 24.
The five veterans played under Tabárez and reached the World Cup semifinals in 2010, the round-of-16 in Brazil four years later and the quarterfinals in Russia in 2018.
Suárez is Uruguay’s top scorer with 68 goals in 134 matches, followed by Cavani, who netted 58 in 133 games.
Other players with World Cup experience include defenders José María Giménez and Sebastián Coates, who will be in the tournament for the third time.
https://sportstar.thehindu.com/foot...-announcement-fifa-wc-por/article66123169.ece
James
World Star
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Runs
- 50,833
- Post of the Week
- 2
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
South Korea have named Son Heung-min in their 26-man World Cup squad after the Tottenham forward declared himself fit for the tournament.
Son, 30, had been a doubt after having surgery on a fractured eye socket suffered earlier this month.
But he assured South Korea fans on Wednesday that he will play in Qatar.
Coach Paulo Bento says he is not sure when Son can start training again, ahead of their first game against Uruguay on 24 November.
"We don't have that information yet," said Bento.
"We are in contact with him, with the Tottenham medical department. We need to wait, we need to analyse day by day his situation.
"We have time to decide and the most important is he recovers as well as possible, he feels comfortable and then we will take the final decision."
Son may need to wear a protective mask if he is to play any part in Qatar, where South Korea will also face Ghana and Bento's native Portugal in Group H.
Other notable inclusions are Napoli's Kim Min-jae and Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan, who will be looking to help their country reach the knockout stages for the first time in 12 years.
South Korea squad
Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu (Al Shabab), Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan Hyundai), Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk Motors)
Defenders: Kim Min-jae (Napoli), Kim Jin-su (Jeonbuk Motors), Hong Chul (Daegu FC), Kim Moon-hwan (Jeonbuk Motors), Yoon Jong-gyu (FC Seoul), Kim Young-gwon (Ulsan Hyundai), Kim Tae-hwan (Ulsan Hyundai), Kwon Kyung-won (Gamba Osaka), Cho Yu-min (Daejon Citizen)
Midfielders: Jung Woo-young (Al Sadd), Na Sang-ho (FC Seoul), Paik Seung-ho (Jeonbuk Motors), Son Jun-ho (Shandong Taishan), Song Min-kyu (Jeonbuk Motors), Kwon Chang-hoon (Gimcheon Sangmu), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Hwang In-beom (Olympiacos), Jeong Woo-yeong (Freiburg), Lee Kang-in (Real Mallorca)
Forwards: Hwang Ui-jo (Olympiacos), Cho Gue-sung (Jeonbuk Motors), Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)
Son, 30, had been a doubt after having surgery on a fractured eye socket suffered earlier this month.
But he assured South Korea fans on Wednesday that he will play in Qatar.
Coach Paulo Bento says he is not sure when Son can start training again, ahead of their first game against Uruguay on 24 November.
"We don't have that information yet," said Bento.
"We are in contact with him, with the Tottenham medical department. We need to wait, we need to analyse day by day his situation.
"We have time to decide and the most important is he recovers as well as possible, he feels comfortable and then we will take the final decision."
Son may need to wear a protective mask if he is to play any part in Qatar, where South Korea will also face Ghana and Bento's native Portugal in Group H.
Other notable inclusions are Napoli's Kim Min-jae and Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan, who will be looking to help their country reach the knockout stages for the first time in 12 years.
South Korea squad
Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu (Al Shabab), Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan Hyundai), Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk Motors)
Defenders: Kim Min-jae (Napoli), Kim Jin-su (Jeonbuk Motors), Hong Chul (Daegu FC), Kim Moon-hwan (Jeonbuk Motors), Yoon Jong-gyu (FC Seoul), Kim Young-gwon (Ulsan Hyundai), Kim Tae-hwan (Ulsan Hyundai), Kwon Kyung-won (Gamba Osaka), Cho Yu-min (Daejon Citizen)
Midfielders: Jung Woo-young (Al Sadd), Na Sang-ho (FC Seoul), Paik Seung-ho (Jeonbuk Motors), Son Jun-ho (Shandong Taishan), Song Min-kyu (Jeonbuk Motors), Kwon Chang-hoon (Gimcheon Sangmu), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Hwang In-beom (Olympiacos), Jeong Woo-yeong (Freiburg), Lee Kang-in (Real Mallorca)
Forwards: Hwang Ui-jo (Olympiacos), Cho Gue-sung (Jeonbuk Motors), Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)
James
World Star
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Runs
- 50,833
- Post of the Week
- 2
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani has been called up to the France World Cup squad in place of the injured Christopher Nkunku.
RB Leipzig striker Nkunku suffered a leg injury in training on Tuesday and was ruled out for the whole tournament.
Kolo Muani has scored eight goals in 23 appearances for Frankfurt this season.
The 23-year-old made his first two appearances for France as a substitute against Austria and Denmark in the Nations League in September.
Nkunku is the latest high-profile French player to be ruled out of the World Cup through injury, with midfielders Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante and defender Presnel Kimpembe also absent.
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is also still recovering from an injury but is included in their squad.
Didier Deschamps' side are due to fly out to Qatar later on Wednesday.
The begin their title defence on 22 November against Australia in Group D, which also includes Denmark and Tunisia.
BBC
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
It was widely believed and reported that Mane will miss the tournament altogether after he picked up an injury in Bayern Munich's penultimate match before the winter break.
However, the forward was included in the squad anyway in the hope that he would recover in time to play some part in Qatar.
That may well be the case if they get beyond the group stages, but it has been confirmed that he won't be fit to play in their opening World Cup matches.
"We will have to rely on playing the first games without Sadio and win without Sadio because we have 25 players apart from Sadio,” said Senegal federation board member Abdoulaye Sow.
“No one would have wanted it, but that’s what’s happened to us.”
That means that Mane will definitely be unavailable for Senegal's first, and most difficult, group stage match against the Netherlands and presumably for the second game against Qatar too.
If all of the games go as expected, the team's final match against Ecuador could well be the one that determines whether they advance to the round of 16 or not, so it's likely they'll try and play Mane in that crucial clash.
While they do have other players in the squad that play at a top level, Mane is undoubtedly their star man and their biggest threat going forward - without him, they're considerably weaker and so will be trying to get him fit as soon as possible.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/foo...sedgntp&cvid=2bdde2af99bd4715faaa2a8d810643ae
However, the forward was included in the squad anyway in the hope that he would recover in time to play some part in Qatar.
That may well be the case if they get beyond the group stages, but it has been confirmed that he won't be fit to play in their opening World Cup matches.
"We will have to rely on playing the first games without Sadio and win without Sadio because we have 25 players apart from Sadio,” said Senegal federation board member Abdoulaye Sow.
“No one would have wanted it, but that’s what’s happened to us.”
That means that Mane will definitely be unavailable for Senegal's first, and most difficult, group stage match against the Netherlands and presumably for the second game against Qatar too.
If all of the games go as expected, the team's final match against Ecuador could well be the one that determines whether they advance to the round of 16 or not, so it's likely they'll try and play Mane in that crucial clash.
While they do have other players in the squad that play at a top level, Mane is undoubtedly their star man and their biggest threat going forward - without him, they're considerably weaker and so will be trying to get him fit as soon as possible.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/foo...sedgntp&cvid=2bdde2af99bd4715faaa2a8d810643ae
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Senegal forward Sadio Mane has been ruled out of the World Cup because of the leg injury he sustained playing for Bayern Munich last week.
On Tuesday, Senegal's football federation said Mane would miss their "first games" at the tournament but further tests have since been done.
Mane, 30, was forced off during Bayern's win over Werder Bremen with an injury "to his right fibula".
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63670760
On Tuesday, Senegal's football federation said Mane would miss their "first games" at the tournament but further tests have since been done.
Mane, 30, was forced off during Bayern's win over Werder Bremen with an injury "to his right fibula".
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63670760
SalimBhai
First Class Player
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2022
- Runs
- 2,857
He is a good player will be missed
Poland National Team Escorted By F-16 Jets On Their Way To Qatar For FIFA World Cup
The sporting world has shifted its focus to the biggest football festival in the world, the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but there continues to remain tensions around the Ukraine-Russia border amid the ongoing war between the two countries. Poland, a country that shares its border with both Ukraine and Russia, has also been in a tense situation following the recent missile that reportedly dropped near the Poland-Ukraine border, killing two people. In the wake of the current situation, the Poland national football team, which is to participate in the Qatar World Cup, was escorted by F-16 fighter jets on their way to the Middle-Eastern country.
The official Twitter account of the Poland national team shared the video of the same. The plane carrying the Poland players was reportedly escorted to the border of the country by the F-16 jets.
"We were escorted to the southern border of Poland by F-16 planes! Thank you and greetings to the pilots!", the Poland national football team's Twitter account posted, with a few pictures of fighter planes.
As far as the FIFA World Cup goes, Poland begin their campaign in the Group C clash against Mexico on Tuesday. The Robert Lewandowski-led side then takes on Saudi Arabia on November 26 before squaring off against Lionel Messi's Argentina in the most anticipated clash of the group on November November 30.
Poland would be looking to guide the team into their first FIFA World Cup knockouts for the first time since 1986.
NDTV
The sporting world has shifted its focus to the biggest football festival in the world, the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but there continues to remain tensions around the Ukraine-Russia border amid the ongoing war between the two countries. Poland, a country that shares its border with both Ukraine and Russia, has also been in a tense situation following the recent missile that reportedly dropped near the Poland-Ukraine border, killing two people. In the wake of the current situation, the Poland national football team, which is to participate in the Qatar World Cup, was escorted by F-16 fighter jets on their way to the Middle-Eastern country.
The official Twitter account of the Poland national team shared the video of the same. The plane carrying the Poland players was reportedly escorted to the border of the country by the F-16 jets.
"We were escorted to the southern border of Poland by F-16 planes! Thank you and greetings to the pilots!", the Poland national football team's Twitter account posted, with a few pictures of fighter planes.
As far as the FIFA World Cup goes, Poland begin their campaign in the Group C clash against Mexico on Tuesday. The Robert Lewandowski-led side then takes on Saudi Arabia on November 26 before squaring off against Lionel Messi's Argentina in the most anticipated clash of the group on November November 30.
Poland would be looking to guide the team into their first FIFA World Cup knockouts for the first time since 1986.
NDTV
daytrader
ODI Debutant
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2015
- Runs
- 10,850
- Post of the Week
- 1
Argentina and Uruguay each ship 2,000lbs of meat to Qatar as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez look forward to traditional barbecues throughout World Cup
Argentina and Uruguay will be filling up their stars with meat as they bid for glory at the World Cup in Qatar.
The South American nations are famed for their consumption of prime beef and it has been revealed that both countries have each shipped 2,000lbs of meat over so that their players can indulge during their down time.
The players will be able to switch off from the pressures of the tournament by enjoying a traditional barbecue known as an ‘asado’ which is their equivalent to the UK’s Sunday roast.
“Meals like this are a big part of our identity and culture. These gatherings are a big part of family life in Argentina and they create a good atmosphere in the group,” explained Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi is believed to have had a huge grill built into the kitchen at his home in Paris.
Meanwhile, Uruguay’s FA (AUF) reached an agreement with the country’s National Institute of Meat (INAC) for them to supply the team for the tournament with meat for the tournament.
He said: “The national team is being accompanied by the best nourishment.”
“The AUF is a historic ambassador of our country and will take with it another ambassador, which is Uruguayan meat, the best meat in the world.”
“The mate [a form of tea], the asado [meat] and football go together in Uruguay and are part of our culture,” said INAC president Conrado Ferber.
Both Argentina and Uruguay arranged asado’s for their squads when they arrived in the United Arab Emirates ofr their final World Cup preparations.
Argentina ran out 5-0 winners over UAE on Wednesday and flew directly to Doha to celebrate the victory with a barbecue.
Uruguay open up their World Cup campaign against South Korea next Thursday whilst Argentina kick off open up against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
talk sport
Argentina and Uruguay will be filling up their stars with meat as they bid for glory at the World Cup in Qatar.
The South American nations are famed for their consumption of prime beef and it has been revealed that both countries have each shipped 2,000lbs of meat over so that their players can indulge during their down time.
The players will be able to switch off from the pressures of the tournament by enjoying a traditional barbecue known as an ‘asado’ which is their equivalent to the UK’s Sunday roast.
“Meals like this are a big part of our identity and culture. These gatherings are a big part of family life in Argentina and they create a good atmosphere in the group,” explained Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi is believed to have had a huge grill built into the kitchen at his home in Paris.
Meanwhile, Uruguay’s FA (AUF) reached an agreement with the country’s National Institute of Meat (INAC) for them to supply the team for the tournament with meat for the tournament.
He said: “The national team is being accompanied by the best nourishment.”
“The AUF is a historic ambassador of our country and will take with it another ambassador, which is Uruguayan meat, the best meat in the world.”
“The mate [a form of tea], the asado [meat] and football go together in Uruguay and are part of our culture,” said INAC president Conrado Ferber.
Both Argentina and Uruguay arranged asado’s for their squads when they arrived in the United Arab Emirates ofr their final World Cup preparations.
Argentina ran out 5-0 winners over UAE on Wednesday and flew directly to Doha to celebrate the victory with a barbecue.
Uruguay open up their World Cup campaign against South Korea next Thursday whilst Argentina kick off open up against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
talk sport
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RMC Sport reports that Karim Benzema was unable to complete his first full session with the French squad, and the Ballon D'or winner is already expected to miss the opener with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUS</a> while there are no guarantees he will be available for the remainder of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FRA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FRA</a> <a href="https://t.co/imI6t5rMFB">pic.twitter.com/imI6t5rMFB</a></p>— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenDinnery/status/1594043563225989120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Qatar have big ambitions for this year's World Cup - not just in terms of hosting it successfully but also regarding how far their national team can progress.
This will be their first appearance in the tournament, having qualified by virtue of being hosts, and getting through the group stage is their minimal target.
That may seem a lofty ambition for a country with relatively little football history and a population of Qatari nationals smaller than Leicester.
But they are no pushovers. They are the Asian champions and have spent at least a generation building for this moment, so how have Qatar created a football team they believe is capable of surprising the world and advancing to the knockout stages?
Qatar being awarded the World Cup in 2010 understandably raised eyebrows, not only from an ethical point of view but also from a football one, with the country having only a short football heritage.
They did not play their first official match until 1970, when they lost 2-1 to neighbours Bahrain, and have a small pool of players - the country has a population of 2.9 million but only around 300,000 of those are Qataris.
"Qatar has a strict requirement that even if you are born in the country but your parents aren't Qatari you have no rights to citizenship," John McManus, social anthropologist and author of Inside Qatar, told BBC Sport.
"Part of the reason for that is in order to keep the benefits that come with citizenship so generous - the 11% of Qatar nationals get free education, a well-paid job and lots of other big perks. More people getting citizenship would mean that would have to be spread out more."
Despite the challenges of a limited number of players being available to them, they did produce some notable results over the next few decades.
Qatar reached the final of the 1981 Youth World Championship in Australia, beating Brazil and England along the way, and in the early 1990s they got to the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Olympics before winning the Gulf Cup.
Speaking in March 2022, Qatar World Cup 2022 secretary general Hassan Al-Thawadi tells Dan Roan hosts 'ready to welcome the world'
But the drive to really improve the national team so that it could be more competitive globally accelerated at the turn of the century.
Having enjoyed some good results under Brazilian coaches in the previous decades - their Olympics and Gulf Cup success came under Sebastiao Lapola - Qatar looked to see if they could add some South American flair to their playing squad.
Despite their own naturalisation rules being stringent, in 2004 Qatar tried to secure the services of uncapped Brazilian trio Ailton, Dede and Leandro, who were significant players in the German Bundesliga at the time.
The trio had no prior ties to Qatar but the attempt to naturalise them was ultimately blocked by Fifa, who then tightened regulations so that players had to show a "clear connection" to those they were hoping to represent, which included spending a set amount of time in the country before they could be naturalised.
"Fifa toughened the rules up based on what Qatar tried to do and they made it more difficult to import talent," added McManus.
"They changed tact and focused on developing what they have got."
A long-term vision
Qatar did still try and naturalise talent in line with the new regulations - Uruguayan Sebastian Soria was invited to play in the Qatari League 2004 and two years later he met the eligibility criteria to be naturalised, and a number of other players from overseas followed similar paths, but a lot of focus was placed on the longer term and the country's ability to develop their own players.
Eighteen years ago the £1bn Aspire Academy was founded with the aim of finding and nurturing the best talent both in football and in other sports - Mutaz Essa Barshim, who won high jump gold at the Tokyo Olympics last year, graduated from it.
In football, the academy scouts 5,000 11-year-olds in Qatar annually, with the most promising talent given a grant and then spending the next seven years being coached, alongside receiving an education.
The academy utilises coaches who have been influenced by the best in Europe. Felix Sanchez was a youth coach at Barcelona's famed La Masia academy.
He was employed by Aspire in 2006, and moved through the age groups with the same players, going on to manage Qatar's Under-19s, U23s and now the senior team.
"Aspire has an important and critical role in Qatar sports," former Qatar goalkeeper Ahmad Khalil, who starred for the national team when they won the 1992 Gulf Cup, told BBC Sport.
"The players of the national team began as young players with Sanchez in Aspire and they moved with him to the national team when he became Qatar coach."
That continuity and familiarity between coach and players has clearly been important.
In 2014, Qatar - coached by Sanchez - won the AFC U19 Championship with a team comprised of players from the Aspire Academy. Five years later, several of those players and coach Sanchez were part of the side that beat Japan to win the 2019 Asian Cup.
"We all came up together with the same coach," said Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo at last year's Concacaf Gold Cup, a tournament the national team had been invited to and where they reached the semi-finals, losing to the United States.
"I'm with this culture from 11 or 12 years old now, so to make it here to the top it's a big thing for us."
USA coach Gregg Berhalter, who had previously visited the Aspire Academy, said: "Having had an inside look on what they do, they almost operate like a club team.
"After their club team games, they all meet up together and do regeneration at the facility there. They get to spend time with each other, look at the games, analyse it.
"It's a really unique model and I'm excited to see how they play in the World Cup because they really have a blueprint for how to prepare."
It is all well and good having a team grow together, but the locally developed players also needed to be exposed to quality opponents on a regular basis, and Qatari football having significant wealth to draw from has helped with that.
Since the early 2000s, Marcel Desailly, Pep Guardiola, Xavi Hernandez and James Rodriguez have all been tempted over to play in the Qatar Stars League.
Facing such opposition was not only beneficial for the local players but also boosted the profile of the league, making it more attractive for higher calibre footballers.
Qatar's players have grown together and won together. The foundations put in place almost two decades ago have the team on the right path as they now head into the World Cup as Asian champions and 50th in the Fifa rankings.
"Yes it has involved a lot of money but they still had to make it happen," added McManus. "They stopped looking for quick fixes and are seeing the results of that now."
Khalil added: "After winning the Asian Cup, the aim is for our performances to improve and develop even further. It is quite a tough group but everything is possible for us to progress to the next round.
"Football is filled with surprises and we hope we can surprise. I expect the Qatar national team to dazzle the world."
BBC
This will be their first appearance in the tournament, having qualified by virtue of being hosts, and getting through the group stage is their minimal target.
That may seem a lofty ambition for a country with relatively little football history and a population of Qatari nationals smaller than Leicester.
But they are no pushovers. They are the Asian champions and have spent at least a generation building for this moment, so how have Qatar created a football team they believe is capable of surprising the world and advancing to the knockout stages?
Qatar being awarded the World Cup in 2010 understandably raised eyebrows, not only from an ethical point of view but also from a football one, with the country having only a short football heritage.
They did not play their first official match until 1970, when they lost 2-1 to neighbours Bahrain, and have a small pool of players - the country has a population of 2.9 million but only around 300,000 of those are Qataris.
"Qatar has a strict requirement that even if you are born in the country but your parents aren't Qatari you have no rights to citizenship," John McManus, social anthropologist and author of Inside Qatar, told BBC Sport.
"Part of the reason for that is in order to keep the benefits that come with citizenship so generous - the 11% of Qatar nationals get free education, a well-paid job and lots of other big perks. More people getting citizenship would mean that would have to be spread out more."
Despite the challenges of a limited number of players being available to them, they did produce some notable results over the next few decades.
Qatar reached the final of the 1981 Youth World Championship in Australia, beating Brazil and England along the way, and in the early 1990s they got to the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Olympics before winning the Gulf Cup.
Speaking in March 2022, Qatar World Cup 2022 secretary general Hassan Al-Thawadi tells Dan Roan hosts 'ready to welcome the world'
But the drive to really improve the national team so that it could be more competitive globally accelerated at the turn of the century.
Having enjoyed some good results under Brazilian coaches in the previous decades - their Olympics and Gulf Cup success came under Sebastiao Lapola - Qatar looked to see if they could add some South American flair to their playing squad.
Despite their own naturalisation rules being stringent, in 2004 Qatar tried to secure the services of uncapped Brazilian trio Ailton, Dede and Leandro, who were significant players in the German Bundesliga at the time.
The trio had no prior ties to Qatar but the attempt to naturalise them was ultimately blocked by Fifa, who then tightened regulations so that players had to show a "clear connection" to those they were hoping to represent, which included spending a set amount of time in the country before they could be naturalised.
"Fifa toughened the rules up based on what Qatar tried to do and they made it more difficult to import talent," added McManus.
"They changed tact and focused on developing what they have got."
A long-term vision
Qatar did still try and naturalise talent in line with the new regulations - Uruguayan Sebastian Soria was invited to play in the Qatari League 2004 and two years later he met the eligibility criteria to be naturalised, and a number of other players from overseas followed similar paths, but a lot of focus was placed on the longer term and the country's ability to develop their own players.
Eighteen years ago the £1bn Aspire Academy was founded with the aim of finding and nurturing the best talent both in football and in other sports - Mutaz Essa Barshim, who won high jump gold at the Tokyo Olympics last year, graduated from it.
In football, the academy scouts 5,000 11-year-olds in Qatar annually, with the most promising talent given a grant and then spending the next seven years being coached, alongside receiving an education.
The academy utilises coaches who have been influenced by the best in Europe. Felix Sanchez was a youth coach at Barcelona's famed La Masia academy.
He was employed by Aspire in 2006, and moved through the age groups with the same players, going on to manage Qatar's Under-19s, U23s and now the senior team.
"Aspire has an important and critical role in Qatar sports," former Qatar goalkeeper Ahmad Khalil, who starred for the national team when they won the 1992 Gulf Cup, told BBC Sport.
"The players of the national team began as young players with Sanchez in Aspire and they moved with him to the national team when he became Qatar coach."
That continuity and familiarity between coach and players has clearly been important.
In 2014, Qatar - coached by Sanchez - won the AFC U19 Championship with a team comprised of players from the Aspire Academy. Five years later, several of those players and coach Sanchez were part of the side that beat Japan to win the 2019 Asian Cup.
"We all came up together with the same coach," said Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo at last year's Concacaf Gold Cup, a tournament the national team had been invited to and where they reached the semi-finals, losing to the United States.
"I'm with this culture from 11 or 12 years old now, so to make it here to the top it's a big thing for us."
USA coach Gregg Berhalter, who had previously visited the Aspire Academy, said: "Having had an inside look on what they do, they almost operate like a club team.
"After their club team games, they all meet up together and do regeneration at the facility there. They get to spend time with each other, look at the games, analyse it.
"It's a really unique model and I'm excited to see how they play in the World Cup because they really have a blueprint for how to prepare."
It is all well and good having a team grow together, but the locally developed players also needed to be exposed to quality opponents on a regular basis, and Qatari football having significant wealth to draw from has helped with that.
Since the early 2000s, Marcel Desailly, Pep Guardiola, Xavi Hernandez and James Rodriguez have all been tempted over to play in the Qatar Stars League.
Facing such opposition was not only beneficial for the local players but also boosted the profile of the league, making it more attractive for higher calibre footballers.
Qatar's players have grown together and won together. The foundations put in place almost two decades ago have the team on the right path as they now head into the World Cup as Asian champions and 50th in the Fifa rankings.
"Yes it has involved a lot of money but they still had to make it happen," added McManus. "They stopped looking for quick fixes and are seeing the results of that now."
Khalil added: "After winning the Asian Cup, the aim is for our performances to improve and develop even further. It is quite a tough group but everything is possible for us to progress to the next round.
"Football is filled with surprises and we hope we can surprise. I expect the Qatar national team to dazzle the world."
BBC
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Brazil are ready to win the World Cup again. It has not happened for 20 years, which is an awful long time for the football-crazy nation. But progress made under the coach, Tite, since he was appointed in 2016 means there is real hope as the team travel to Qatar. Importantly, the coach himself feel they are ready to go all the way.
His record as Brazil coach reads played 76 with 57 wins, 14 draws and only five defeats. The numbers in between this World Cup and the last in Russia are consistent with that (50 games, 38 wins, nine draws and three defeats) but there is an unmistakable change in mentality. Everyone is more prepared, from the players to the coaching staff, on and off the pitch.
As Tite sits down with the Guardian to discuss his hopes for Qatar, he picks out the 1-1 draw with Switzerland in 2018 to highlight one of the things he has learned from his only World Cup so far. Brazil took the lead through Philippe Coutinho but before the Swiss equaliser there was a foul on Miranda, which made Tite angry. However he did not do anything about it.
“I know more how to focus my attention now,” he says. “I got angry during that game because it was a foul [on Miranda]. In the 10 minutes after the goal I was [moves his head like he is lost] … ‘Man it’s the World Cup and Brazil are the biggest team in the world.’ A lot of things were going through my head. Filipe Luís told me later that we need to know that everyone is looking at us, and that we have to be natural. I didn’t act naturally at that point.
“I was also naive and inexperienced. I told my players not to complain about refereeing because of VAR. It was a foul! In sport, any touch unbalances you; disturbs you, and Miranda said as much to me after the game. If and when it happens again, you need to respectfully complain and speak to the referee. We did this against Ecuador. We learned.”
Brazil have evolved as a football team too. In 2018 it was Neymar and 10 other players. And while the Paris St-Germain forward remains the biggest star of the team, now he has backup from emerging talent such as Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha. Indeed, such has been the progress of Vinícius at Real Madrid that many expect him to eclipse Neymar in Qatar.
Cléber Xavier, who has been Tite’s loyal assistant since 2001, explains in more detail what has happened between the two World Cups. “We realised after Russia that we had to change the Seleção. We lost Dani [Alves] and Renato [Augusto] before the tournament and Neymar wasn’t himself as he was carrying an injury, so we had to kind of build a new team during the tournament. Now it is completely different. If we lose a player we know much better how to deal with it. In 2018 we hadn’t had enough time to know the players inside out but now we have had that time with them.”
Tite also acknowledges that he has learned along the way. He agrees with Xavier that having had more time in the job helps. He has been able to experiment with the team but also got better at his communication. “Having had a full cycle between two World Cups will help me. The way I talk to Neymar, for example, is different to the way I talk to Dani [Alves] and I have learned that.
“There are many people in Brazil who say that you don’t need to study football, that it is an easy game and that if you, as a coach, just don’t create problems it will all be fine. I think that experience helps a coach, but so does energy too and you must always be willing to learn, to have a desire to always find new knowledge. I don’t have the same energy as some of the younger people but my coaching staff mixes experience and energy and we have someone who has won the World Cup [the CBF’s coordinator Juninho Paulista] as well.”
Tite is engaging company but there are two topics he does not want to discuss. The first is his relationship with a certain Luiz Felipe Scolari, the last Brazilian coach to win the World Cup with his country. They played together in the 1970s at Caxias and had a very good relationship for many years. But since 2012 they have not been close because of a disagreement when Scolari was in charge of Palmeiras and Tite was coach of Corinthians. Asked about Scolari, Tite’s only words are: “I have gratitude and respect for what he has done.”
The second area he is not willing to discuss is politics. The last four years in Brazil have been extraordinarily turbulent with controversy surrounding the president, Jair Bolsonaro, who will leave his position in January after losing the election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is set to embark on his second stint in power.
Tite does know, however, that this is a chance to reunite a country that has been divided under Bolsonaro’s stewardship and during the election. Now it is time for football to mend the Brazilian society and to patch up differences.
This sentiment, however, adds pressure on Tite’s team. It feels as if now, more than ever, Brazil needs a good tournament. Luckily for the coach, he has a couple of veterans in the squad he can lean on to help the younger players, such as Thiago Silva and Dani Alves, 38 and 39 respectively.
“Even if the world was falling apart they would be focused on the game,” he says. “And my focus is on the game, not on the fans or anything else. It’s about concentration. Thiago and Dani have it – they’re like animals. And their insights and instincts are fantastic. They are great leaders and set a great example by behaving the way they do.”
All eyes are focused on the 61-year-old and of course he wants to win the World Cup but Tite is phlegmatic about the month ahead. Most of all he wants just one thing; he wants to be at peace. “Whether we win or not, I want to be at peace,” he says. “At peace with myself. That’s my big desire. There are things that I can’t control. I want to do my best work and be at peace. I’m sure I can do this.”
https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...ngs-i-cant-control-i-just-want-to-be-at-peace
His record as Brazil coach reads played 76 with 57 wins, 14 draws and only five defeats. The numbers in between this World Cup and the last in Russia are consistent with that (50 games, 38 wins, nine draws and three defeats) but there is an unmistakable change in mentality. Everyone is more prepared, from the players to the coaching staff, on and off the pitch.
As Tite sits down with the Guardian to discuss his hopes for Qatar, he picks out the 1-1 draw with Switzerland in 2018 to highlight one of the things he has learned from his only World Cup so far. Brazil took the lead through Philippe Coutinho but before the Swiss equaliser there was a foul on Miranda, which made Tite angry. However he did not do anything about it.
“I know more how to focus my attention now,” he says. “I got angry during that game because it was a foul [on Miranda]. In the 10 minutes after the goal I was [moves his head like he is lost] … ‘Man it’s the World Cup and Brazil are the biggest team in the world.’ A lot of things were going through my head. Filipe Luís told me later that we need to know that everyone is looking at us, and that we have to be natural. I didn’t act naturally at that point.
“I was also naive and inexperienced. I told my players not to complain about refereeing because of VAR. It was a foul! In sport, any touch unbalances you; disturbs you, and Miranda said as much to me after the game. If and when it happens again, you need to respectfully complain and speak to the referee. We did this against Ecuador. We learned.”
Brazil have evolved as a football team too. In 2018 it was Neymar and 10 other players. And while the Paris St-Germain forward remains the biggest star of the team, now he has backup from emerging talent such as Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha. Indeed, such has been the progress of Vinícius at Real Madrid that many expect him to eclipse Neymar in Qatar.
Cléber Xavier, who has been Tite’s loyal assistant since 2001, explains in more detail what has happened between the two World Cups. “We realised after Russia that we had to change the Seleção. We lost Dani [Alves] and Renato [Augusto] before the tournament and Neymar wasn’t himself as he was carrying an injury, so we had to kind of build a new team during the tournament. Now it is completely different. If we lose a player we know much better how to deal with it. In 2018 we hadn’t had enough time to know the players inside out but now we have had that time with them.”
Tite also acknowledges that he has learned along the way. He agrees with Xavier that having had more time in the job helps. He has been able to experiment with the team but also got better at his communication. “Having had a full cycle between two World Cups will help me. The way I talk to Neymar, for example, is different to the way I talk to Dani [Alves] and I have learned that.
“There are many people in Brazil who say that you don’t need to study football, that it is an easy game and that if you, as a coach, just don’t create problems it will all be fine. I think that experience helps a coach, but so does energy too and you must always be willing to learn, to have a desire to always find new knowledge. I don’t have the same energy as some of the younger people but my coaching staff mixes experience and energy and we have someone who has won the World Cup [the CBF’s coordinator Juninho Paulista] as well.”
Tite is engaging company but there are two topics he does not want to discuss. The first is his relationship with a certain Luiz Felipe Scolari, the last Brazilian coach to win the World Cup with his country. They played together in the 1970s at Caxias and had a very good relationship for many years. But since 2012 they have not been close because of a disagreement when Scolari was in charge of Palmeiras and Tite was coach of Corinthians. Asked about Scolari, Tite’s only words are: “I have gratitude and respect for what he has done.”
The second area he is not willing to discuss is politics. The last four years in Brazil have been extraordinarily turbulent with controversy surrounding the president, Jair Bolsonaro, who will leave his position in January after losing the election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is set to embark on his second stint in power.
Tite does know, however, that this is a chance to reunite a country that has been divided under Bolsonaro’s stewardship and during the election. Now it is time for football to mend the Brazilian society and to patch up differences.
This sentiment, however, adds pressure on Tite’s team. It feels as if now, more than ever, Brazil needs a good tournament. Luckily for the coach, he has a couple of veterans in the squad he can lean on to help the younger players, such as Thiago Silva and Dani Alves, 38 and 39 respectively.
“Even if the world was falling apart they would be focused on the game,” he says. “And my focus is on the game, not on the fans or anything else. It’s about concentration. Thiago and Dani have it – they’re like animals. And their insights and instincts are fantastic. They are great leaders and set a great example by behaving the way they do.”
All eyes are focused on the 61-year-old and of course he wants to win the World Cup but Tite is phlegmatic about the month ahead. Most of all he wants just one thing; he wants to be at peace. “Whether we win or not, I want to be at peace,” he says. “At peace with myself. That’s my big desire. There are things that I can’t control. I want to do my best work and be at peace. I’m sure I can do this.”
https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...ngs-i-cant-control-i-just-want-to-be-at-peace
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Ican play a lot of different styles,” said Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, this month. “I admire Guardiola, Simeone and Ancelotti, but I also have my own style which allows me to adapt the team according to the qualities of the players available.”
Regragui, a former defender born in France to parents from Fnideq in northern Morocco, spent three years playing in Spain and won 45 caps for Morocco but never appeared at a World Cup finals. Yet his appointment to replace the Bosnian Vahid Halilhodzic at the end of August represented a significant moment in the history of African football.
His presence on the touchline in Qatar, along with that of his fellow former professionals Aliou Cissé of Senegal, Cameroon’s Rigobert Song and Ghana’s Otto Addo, and Tunisia’s ultra-experienced career coach Jalel Kadri, means that for the first time all of the continent’s representatives at the World Cup will have an African manager in the dugout. Fittingly, each is homegrown.
The 47-year-old Regragui deserves his opportunity having guided Wydad Casablanca to a surprise victory in the CAF Champions League final over the reigning champions Al Ahly in May after six successful years at FUS Rabat and having won the Qatari title with Al-Duhail in 2020. Regragui’s Champions League triumph saw him dubbed the “Moroccan Guardiola” by a Tunisian commentator but there is no doubting the former assistant to Rachid Taoussi is his own man after he recalled Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech from the international wilderness.
Whether he can follow in the footsteps of Nigeria’s Stephen Keshi, who became the first homegrown coach to lead an African side to the knockout stages in 2014, remains to be seen given their task in a difficult group containing Belgium, Croatia and Canada. Morocco will hope for a repeat of their breakthrough success under the Brazilian José Faria at the 1986 World Cup when they topped a group that included England before being eliminated in the last 16 by West Germany.
Until 2014, only 10 of 38 African teams at the World Cup were led by homegrown coaches, with the three sides who reached the quarter-finals – Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010 – managed by Europeans.
The straight-talking Cissé, captain of Bruno Metsu’s team that shocked the reigning champions and Senegal’s former colonial masters France in the opening match in 2002, was one of two African home-grown coaches at the last World Cup in Russia and suffered the agony of seeing his team eliminated because of an inferior disciplinary record. Level on all other criteria with Japan, they went out.
Since then the Teranga Lions have developed a more ruthless streak and were crowned African champions for the first time in February, even if their chances of making a real impression in this tournament have been hit by Sadio Mané’s absence through injury.
“I represent a new generation that would like to have its place in African and world football,” said Cissé, a former Birmingham and Portsmouth midfielder, four years ago. “We need African coaches for our football to go ahead.”
Cissé has been in charge of Senegal since 2015 but has worked with many of the same players for almost a decade after starting as an assistant to the Under-23s. Song, who won 137 caps and played at four World Cups, also has some experience at the helm having served as Cameroon’s caretaker manager for an extended period in 2017 before returning in February after the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 46-year-old’s presence in Qatar is all the more remarkable given that six years ago he suffered a cerebral attack and was in a coma for two days. Emulating his 1994 mentor Léonard Nséké and becoming the second Cameroonian to qualify for the World Cup as a coach was a huge endorsement of his credentials.
https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...ds-way-for-african-coaches-at-qatar-world-cup
Regragui, a former defender born in France to parents from Fnideq in northern Morocco, spent three years playing in Spain and won 45 caps for Morocco but never appeared at a World Cup finals. Yet his appointment to replace the Bosnian Vahid Halilhodzic at the end of August represented a significant moment in the history of African football.
His presence on the touchline in Qatar, along with that of his fellow former professionals Aliou Cissé of Senegal, Cameroon’s Rigobert Song and Ghana’s Otto Addo, and Tunisia’s ultra-experienced career coach Jalel Kadri, means that for the first time all of the continent’s representatives at the World Cup will have an African manager in the dugout. Fittingly, each is homegrown.
The 47-year-old Regragui deserves his opportunity having guided Wydad Casablanca to a surprise victory in the CAF Champions League final over the reigning champions Al Ahly in May after six successful years at FUS Rabat and having won the Qatari title with Al-Duhail in 2020. Regragui’s Champions League triumph saw him dubbed the “Moroccan Guardiola” by a Tunisian commentator but there is no doubting the former assistant to Rachid Taoussi is his own man after he recalled Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech from the international wilderness.
Whether he can follow in the footsteps of Nigeria’s Stephen Keshi, who became the first homegrown coach to lead an African side to the knockout stages in 2014, remains to be seen given their task in a difficult group containing Belgium, Croatia and Canada. Morocco will hope for a repeat of their breakthrough success under the Brazilian José Faria at the 1986 World Cup when they topped a group that included England before being eliminated in the last 16 by West Germany.
Until 2014, only 10 of 38 African teams at the World Cup were led by homegrown coaches, with the three sides who reached the quarter-finals – Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010 – managed by Europeans.
The straight-talking Cissé, captain of Bruno Metsu’s team that shocked the reigning champions and Senegal’s former colonial masters France in the opening match in 2002, was one of two African home-grown coaches at the last World Cup in Russia and suffered the agony of seeing his team eliminated because of an inferior disciplinary record. Level on all other criteria with Japan, they went out.
Since then the Teranga Lions have developed a more ruthless streak and were crowned African champions for the first time in February, even if their chances of making a real impression in this tournament have been hit by Sadio Mané’s absence through injury.
“I represent a new generation that would like to have its place in African and world football,” said Cissé, a former Birmingham and Portsmouth midfielder, four years ago. “We need African coaches for our football to go ahead.”
Cissé has been in charge of Senegal since 2015 but has worked with many of the same players for almost a decade after starting as an assistant to the Under-23s. Song, who won 137 caps and played at four World Cups, also has some experience at the helm having served as Cameroon’s caretaker manager for an extended period in 2017 before returning in February after the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 46-year-old’s presence in Qatar is all the more remarkable given that six years ago he suffered a cerebral attack and was in a coma for two days. Emulating his 1994 mentor Léonard Nséké and becoming the second Cameroonian to qualify for the World Cup as a coach was a huge endorsement of his credentials.
https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...ds-way-for-african-coaches-at-qatar-world-cup
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
African sides will break new ground at the World Cup this year as all five qualifiers from the continent head to Qatar with home-grown coaches.
Four of those men are taking charge at the finals for the first time, with just Senegal's Aliou Cisse in the dugout in Russia four years ago.
All five African teams were knocked out in the group stage in 2018, so the main task will be to clear the opening hurdle before they can even consider making history in Qatar by passing the last eight.
Here, BBC Sport Africa looks at the major issues facing the quintet as the first ever mid-season World Cup - and the first staged in the Middle East - is about to get under way.
Can any sides break through the quarter-finals?
Africa's qualifiers have a point to prove as, for the first time since 1982, no side from the continent reached the knock-out stages in 2018 - when Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, who all return, represented Africa alongside Egypt and Nigeria.
Cameroon and Ghana return to the party this year after enduring regrettable 2014 World Cups with an on-field fight and very public bonus row respectively.
Having won their first Africa Cup of Nations in February, Senegal's high hopes have been dramatically checked by the late injury-enforced absence of Ballon d'Or runner-up Sadio Mane, whose penalties claimed both the continental crown and World Cup qualification.
Despite having a coach who took charge only two months ago, Morocco could make life tougher in Group F than Belgium, with their famed generation getting older, 2018 runners-up Croatia and Canada might think.
Fifa World Cup: Groups & Schedule
A desert World Cup and a dust-storm of controversy
Cameroon played with pace and power at times when hosting this year's Nations Cup but the prediction by striker-turned-federation president Samuel Eto'o that the Indomitable Lions, led by Rigobert Song and disappointing in recent friendlies, will beat Morocco in the final stretch the limit.
Just three African teams have reached the World Cup quarter-finals - out of 49 visits - with none coming closer to progressing further than Ghana, whose last-minute penalty miss in extra-time against Uruguay in 2010 will be constantly in mind with the two teams meeting again in Group H.
The aim still remains a first semi-final, but Mane's injury may realistically have put paid to that given his importance to the Teranga Lions, Africa's top-ranked side since November 2018.
How will Senegal coach Cisse replace Mane?
Senegal coach Aliou Cisse at a training session in Doha
Coach Aliou Cisse led Senegal to their first senior continental title in Cameroon in February
Senegal lost both their talisman and main source of goals when Mane, his country's all-time top scorer with 34 strikes, was ruled out of the tournament.
Not since George Weah's victory in 1995 has an African footballer finished in the top two of the Ballon d'Or, which gives an indication of how much the Bayern Munich star will be missed.
Watford forward Ismaila Sarr and Alanyaspor striker Famara Diedhiou, with 10 international goals apiece, are the next highest scorers in the Teranga Lions squad, while the burden may also fall on Salernitana's Boulaye Dia to lead the line.
Cisse was part of Senegal's golden generation which reached the last eight in Japan and South Korea in 2002 and, having taken charge seven years ago, will be drawing on all of his experience to come up with a new game plan at short notice.
The West Africans face the Netherlands in their opening Group A game on Monday, with games against the hosts and Ecuador to follow.
Who will be African star in place of Mane?
Hakim Ziyech
Hakim Ziyech has 18 goals in 43 caps for Morocco, having returned from the international wilderness in September
With Mohammed Salah and Riyad Mahrez also absent, after Egypt and Algeria failed to qualify, the chance is on for others to grab the spotlight.
Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus will take some stopping should he continue his sparking Champions League form with Ajax, and Cameroon boast talented forwards in Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Karl Toko Ekambi and Vincent Aboubakar, who grabbed eight in seven games at the Nations Cup.
While Tunisians hope midfielder Aissa Laidouni can continue to impress, Hakim Ziyech will aim to deliver after the long-running saga of his exclusion from the Morocco squad, with his goal from inside his own half in a recent friendly proving a stunning return.
A feud with former coach Vahid Halilhodzic saw the Chelsea winger dropped last year and omitted from the Nations Cup squad, with the 29-year-old - who quit international football in February - back in the fold once the Bosnian was dismissed three months ago.
Can conditions benefit African quintet?
The Football News Show: What will the weather be like for the World Cup in Qatar?
This World Cup was moved from its traditional timing in June and July to avoid the mid-year heat in Qatar, when average afternoon temperatures are about 40 degrees Celsius and the mercury can even tip 50 degrees.
The climate may prove too much for European sides, with November and December usually seeing temperatures of 27-30 degrees and humidity making it feel more like 30 to 35 degrees, although locals talk of unseasonably hot weather in Qatar at present.
Yet temperatures dip in the evenings and the stadia built for the tournament have been designed to maximise shade, with air conditioning also expected to lower on-pitch temperatures to a more manageable 21 degrees.
African sides are used to a range of conditions from qualifiers and tournaments held around the globe's second-largest continent, including intense heat, so can this experience be to their benefit in Qatar?
Will locals throw support behind North African pair?
Tunisia fans in Qatar
Tunisia fans may dream of getting their hands on the World Cup trophy - but the Carthage Eagles have never reached the knock-out stages in five previous appearances at the finals
Qatar hosted the Arab Cup in December last year to serve as a test event for the World Cup, with Tunisia losing to Algeria in the final.
The Carthage Eagles benefited from their large fan base in Qatar during their run, and are expected to have a home-like atmosphere when they return in Group D encounters against Denmark, Australia and defending champions France.
The North Africans need all the help they can get as they aim to reach the knock-out stages for the first time at the sixth attempt.
"I think playing in Qatar will help us, the African countries and especially the Arab countries," Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazri told BBC Sport Africa.
"We are going to play on a familiar continent, there is a big Tunisian diaspora in Qatar. They showed it at the Arab Cup where the stadiums were packed in Tunisian red, and if it can help us to excel and do more it will be exciting."
The same applies to Morocco too, where the local culture, such as the lifestyle and call to prayer, will be different but familiar.
Is it time for an African coach to shine?
Otto Addo, Rigobert Song, Walid Regragui and Jalel Kadri
Otto Addo (Ghana), Rigobert Song (Cameroon), Walid Regragui (Morocco) and Jalel Kadri (Tunisia) will all be managing at the World Cup for the first time
For the first time since Africa played with more than one team at the finals, which was 40 years ago in Spain, all its World Cup representatives are led by local coaches.
By far the most experienced is Senegal's Cisse, who took charge in 2015, since all four others were only appointed this year.
Three came in immediately after relative Nations Cup failures, with former Tunisia assistant Jalel Kadri promoted to the top job, Borussia Dortmund talent coach Otto Addo handed the Ghana role and Song being entrusted with Cameroon by former team-mate Eto'o.
The long-running Ziyech saga ended with Walid Regragui replacing Halihodzic as Morocco boss in August and like the rest, he is bidding to become the first African coach to lead an African side to a World Cup quarter-final at least.
After games against Portugal and South Korea, Black Stars coach Addo has the added burden of a rematch of their dramatic 2010 quarter-final when they face Uruguay on 2 December.
After his infamous goalline handball deep into extra-time at Soccer City in Johannesburg 12 years ago, former Liverpool and Barcelona forward Luis Suarez will be a marked man when the two sides meet again.
The incident is one of the most controversial in World Cup history, even if Suarez's gleeful celebrations are a bigger crime for many than his actual 'save'.
Now 35, should he take to the field against the West Africans, then every tackle on him should be worth keeping your eyes on in Africa's stand-out group match.
BBC
Four of those men are taking charge at the finals for the first time, with just Senegal's Aliou Cisse in the dugout in Russia four years ago.
All five African teams were knocked out in the group stage in 2018, so the main task will be to clear the opening hurdle before they can even consider making history in Qatar by passing the last eight.
Here, BBC Sport Africa looks at the major issues facing the quintet as the first ever mid-season World Cup - and the first staged in the Middle East - is about to get under way.
Can any sides break through the quarter-finals?
Africa's qualifiers have a point to prove as, for the first time since 1982, no side from the continent reached the knock-out stages in 2018 - when Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, who all return, represented Africa alongside Egypt and Nigeria.
Cameroon and Ghana return to the party this year after enduring regrettable 2014 World Cups with an on-field fight and very public bonus row respectively.
Having won their first Africa Cup of Nations in February, Senegal's high hopes have been dramatically checked by the late injury-enforced absence of Ballon d'Or runner-up Sadio Mane, whose penalties claimed both the continental crown and World Cup qualification.
Despite having a coach who took charge only two months ago, Morocco could make life tougher in Group F than Belgium, with their famed generation getting older, 2018 runners-up Croatia and Canada might think.
Fifa World Cup: Groups & Schedule
A desert World Cup and a dust-storm of controversy
Cameroon played with pace and power at times when hosting this year's Nations Cup but the prediction by striker-turned-federation president Samuel Eto'o that the Indomitable Lions, led by Rigobert Song and disappointing in recent friendlies, will beat Morocco in the final stretch the limit.
Just three African teams have reached the World Cup quarter-finals - out of 49 visits - with none coming closer to progressing further than Ghana, whose last-minute penalty miss in extra-time against Uruguay in 2010 will be constantly in mind with the two teams meeting again in Group H.
The aim still remains a first semi-final, but Mane's injury may realistically have put paid to that given his importance to the Teranga Lions, Africa's top-ranked side since November 2018.
How will Senegal coach Cisse replace Mane?
Senegal coach Aliou Cisse at a training session in Doha
Coach Aliou Cisse led Senegal to their first senior continental title in Cameroon in February
Senegal lost both their talisman and main source of goals when Mane, his country's all-time top scorer with 34 strikes, was ruled out of the tournament.
Not since George Weah's victory in 1995 has an African footballer finished in the top two of the Ballon d'Or, which gives an indication of how much the Bayern Munich star will be missed.
Watford forward Ismaila Sarr and Alanyaspor striker Famara Diedhiou, with 10 international goals apiece, are the next highest scorers in the Teranga Lions squad, while the burden may also fall on Salernitana's Boulaye Dia to lead the line.
Cisse was part of Senegal's golden generation which reached the last eight in Japan and South Korea in 2002 and, having taken charge seven years ago, will be drawing on all of his experience to come up with a new game plan at short notice.
The West Africans face the Netherlands in their opening Group A game on Monday, with games against the hosts and Ecuador to follow.
Who will be African star in place of Mane?
Hakim Ziyech
Hakim Ziyech has 18 goals in 43 caps for Morocco, having returned from the international wilderness in September
With Mohammed Salah and Riyad Mahrez also absent, after Egypt and Algeria failed to qualify, the chance is on for others to grab the spotlight.
Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus will take some stopping should he continue his sparking Champions League form with Ajax, and Cameroon boast talented forwards in Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Karl Toko Ekambi and Vincent Aboubakar, who grabbed eight in seven games at the Nations Cup.
While Tunisians hope midfielder Aissa Laidouni can continue to impress, Hakim Ziyech will aim to deliver after the long-running saga of his exclusion from the Morocco squad, with his goal from inside his own half in a recent friendly proving a stunning return.
A feud with former coach Vahid Halilhodzic saw the Chelsea winger dropped last year and omitted from the Nations Cup squad, with the 29-year-old - who quit international football in February - back in the fold once the Bosnian was dismissed three months ago.
Can conditions benefit African quintet?
The Football News Show: What will the weather be like for the World Cup in Qatar?
This World Cup was moved from its traditional timing in June and July to avoid the mid-year heat in Qatar, when average afternoon temperatures are about 40 degrees Celsius and the mercury can even tip 50 degrees.
The climate may prove too much for European sides, with November and December usually seeing temperatures of 27-30 degrees and humidity making it feel more like 30 to 35 degrees, although locals talk of unseasonably hot weather in Qatar at present.
Yet temperatures dip in the evenings and the stadia built for the tournament have been designed to maximise shade, with air conditioning also expected to lower on-pitch temperatures to a more manageable 21 degrees.
African sides are used to a range of conditions from qualifiers and tournaments held around the globe's second-largest continent, including intense heat, so can this experience be to their benefit in Qatar?
Will locals throw support behind North African pair?
Tunisia fans in Qatar
Tunisia fans may dream of getting their hands on the World Cup trophy - but the Carthage Eagles have never reached the knock-out stages in five previous appearances at the finals
Qatar hosted the Arab Cup in December last year to serve as a test event for the World Cup, with Tunisia losing to Algeria in the final.
The Carthage Eagles benefited from their large fan base in Qatar during their run, and are expected to have a home-like atmosphere when they return in Group D encounters against Denmark, Australia and defending champions France.
The North Africans need all the help they can get as they aim to reach the knock-out stages for the first time at the sixth attempt.
"I think playing in Qatar will help us, the African countries and especially the Arab countries," Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazri told BBC Sport Africa.
"We are going to play on a familiar continent, there is a big Tunisian diaspora in Qatar. They showed it at the Arab Cup where the stadiums were packed in Tunisian red, and if it can help us to excel and do more it will be exciting."
The same applies to Morocco too, where the local culture, such as the lifestyle and call to prayer, will be different but familiar.
Is it time for an African coach to shine?
Otto Addo, Rigobert Song, Walid Regragui and Jalel Kadri
Otto Addo (Ghana), Rigobert Song (Cameroon), Walid Regragui (Morocco) and Jalel Kadri (Tunisia) will all be managing at the World Cup for the first time
For the first time since Africa played with more than one team at the finals, which was 40 years ago in Spain, all its World Cup representatives are led by local coaches.
By far the most experienced is Senegal's Cisse, who took charge in 2015, since all four others were only appointed this year.
Three came in immediately after relative Nations Cup failures, with former Tunisia assistant Jalel Kadri promoted to the top job, Borussia Dortmund talent coach Otto Addo handed the Ghana role and Song being entrusted with Cameroon by former team-mate Eto'o.
The long-running Ziyech saga ended with Walid Regragui replacing Halihodzic as Morocco boss in August and like the rest, he is bidding to become the first African coach to lead an African side to a World Cup quarter-final at least.
After games against Portugal and South Korea, Black Stars coach Addo has the added burden of a rematch of their dramatic 2010 quarter-final when they face Uruguay on 2 December.
After his infamous goalline handball deep into extra-time at Soccer City in Johannesburg 12 years ago, former Liverpool and Barcelona forward Luis Suarez will be a marked man when the two sides meet again.
The incident is one of the most controversial in World Cup history, even if Suarez's gleeful celebrations are a bigger crime for many than his actual 'save'.
Now 35, should he take to the field against the West Africans, then every tackle on him should be worth keeping your eyes on in Africa's stand-out group match.
BBC
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
France boss Didier Deschamps has announced the surprise decision to not call up a replacement for injured striker Karim Benzema.
Les Bleus were hit by bad news last night as Ballon d’Or winner Benzema was ruled out of the World Cup with a thigh strain.
The Frenchman scored 44 goals in 46 matches last season for Real Madrid and has already bagged five goals in his first seven La Liga appearances this term.
France’s official Twitter account tweeted: “Karim [MENTION=42404]benzema[/MENTION] has pulled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury. The whole team shares Karim’s disappointment and wishes him a speedy recovery.”
Before Benzema posted a message on Instagram: “In my life I never give up but tonight I have to think about the team, like I always do, so the reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our team to make a great World Cup.
Benzema’s statement seemed to suggest that Deschamps would call up a replacement with Manchester United’s Anthony Martial, Monaco’s Wissam Ben Yedder and Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby all rumoured to be possible options.
However, the France boss insisted that he wouldn’t be replacing the Real Madrid star after admitting that it comes as a “big blow” to his team.
Deschamps told Telefoot on Sunday: “It’s obviously a big blow to lose Karim. He had done everything [to be available], so had we. He was in a session and felt pain in his other leg after an innocuous action.
“The scans confirmed that unfortunately it is too big a strain compared to the schedule that awaits us. Will he be replaced? No.”
When pushed further on why he won’t be calling up another striker, Deschamps replied bluntly: “Because I decided, simple.”
Deschamps has already lost Christopher Nkunku to injury earlier this month and there is a worry that France now only have seven attacking players.
“We had already lost Christopher but we have an objective, a goal, and the group knows very well what awaits us,” continued Deschamps.
“We have a quality group, we are together. I am convinced of it and I have confidence in the group.”
France are one of the bookmakers’ favourites for the tournament with Brazil, Argentina and England amongst the other fancied nations.
Deschamps’ side kick off their World Cup campaign on Tuesday against Australia before facing Denmark on Saturday and Tunisia on Wednesday.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/foo...sedgntp&cvid=d6e39427b0b74171a1f921803dc8ac2b
Les Bleus were hit by bad news last night as Ballon d’Or winner Benzema was ruled out of the World Cup with a thigh strain.
The Frenchman scored 44 goals in 46 matches last season for Real Madrid and has already bagged five goals in his first seven La Liga appearances this term.
France’s official Twitter account tweeted: “Karim [MENTION=42404]benzema[/MENTION] has pulled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury. The whole team shares Karim’s disappointment and wishes him a speedy recovery.”
Before Benzema posted a message on Instagram: “In my life I never give up but tonight I have to think about the team, like I always do, so the reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our team to make a great World Cup.
Benzema’s statement seemed to suggest that Deschamps would call up a replacement with Manchester United’s Anthony Martial, Monaco’s Wissam Ben Yedder and Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby all rumoured to be possible options.
However, the France boss insisted that he wouldn’t be replacing the Real Madrid star after admitting that it comes as a “big blow” to his team.
Deschamps told Telefoot on Sunday: “It’s obviously a big blow to lose Karim. He had done everything [to be available], so had we. He was in a session and felt pain in his other leg after an innocuous action.
“The scans confirmed that unfortunately it is too big a strain compared to the schedule that awaits us. Will he be replaced? No.”
When pushed further on why he won’t be calling up another striker, Deschamps replied bluntly: “Because I decided, simple.”
Deschamps has already lost Christopher Nkunku to injury earlier this month and there is a worry that France now only have seven attacking players.
“We had already lost Christopher but we have an objective, a goal, and the group knows very well what awaits us,” continued Deschamps.
“We have a quality group, we are together. I am convinced of it and I have confidence in the group.”
France are one of the bookmakers’ favourites for the tournament with Brazil, Argentina and England amongst the other fancied nations.
Deschamps’ side kick off their World Cup campaign on Tuesday against Australia before facing Denmark on Saturday and Tunisia on Wednesday.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/foo...sedgntp&cvid=d6e39427b0b74171a1f921803dc8ac2b
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
France defender Lucas Hernandez has torn his ACL — he is out of the World Cup and his 22/23 season is over.
Follows Benzema, Nkunku, Kanté, Paul Pogba, Maignan and Kimpembé as injuried players for France.
Follows Benzema, Nkunku, Kanté, Paul Pogba, Maignan and Kimpembé as injuried players for France.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
France defender Lucas Hernandez has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup because of the knee he injured in the win against Australia.
The 26-year-old Bayern Munich left-back ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee in the defending champions' 4-1 opening-game victory.
Several key France players, including Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, were injured before the tournament started.
"I am extremely sorry for Lucas," said manager Didier Deschamps.
"We are losing an important element. Lucas is a warrior and I have no doubt he will do everything possible to return to the game.
"On behalf of the group, I wish him the best possible recovery."
James
World Star
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Runs
- 50,833
- Post of the Week
- 2
BREAKING: Denmark confirm midfielder Thomas Delaney will miss the remainder of the World Cup after suffering a knee injury during their 0-0 draw with Tunisia.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
New Delhi: Following Saudi Arabia’s stunning 2-1 victory against Argentina in FIFA World Cup 2022, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud has announced to gift al the players a RM6 million Rolls Royce Phantom each.
The rewards come after the Falcons came from behind to score two goals to cancel Lionel Messi’s opener to secure their biggest-ever victory in football history.
Messi started the scoring in the ninth minute before Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari scored inside five minutes to stun the 2021 Copa America champions.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman had declared a public holiday in the country on Wednesday to mark the stunning victory.
Saudi Arabia top Group C with three points. They next meet Poland on Saturday.
https://www.cricketcountry.com/news...yce-each-after-historic-argentina-win-1054471
The rewards come after the Falcons came from behind to score two goals to cancel Lionel Messi’s opener to secure their biggest-ever victory in football history.
Messi started the scoring in the ninth minute before Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari scored inside five minutes to stun the 2021 Copa America champions.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman had declared a public holiday in the country on Wednesday to mark the stunning victory.
Saudi Arabia top Group C with three points. They next meet Poland on Saturday.
https://www.cricketcountry.com/news...yce-each-after-historic-argentina-win-1054471
SpiritOf1903
ODI Debutant
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2009
- Runs
- 9,834
Puts meaning to Rolls Royce of a player
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil's next two World Cup games after sustaining ligament damage in his right ankle, says their team doctor.
The 30-year-old forward was replaced in the 80th minute of Thursday's 2-0 win over Serbia after a heavy tackle from Nikola Milenkovic.
Neymar sat with his face covered while receiving treatment and pictures showed his right ankle was swollen.
Right-back Danilo will also miss the next two games with ankle damage.
Brazil face Switzerland in their second Group G game on Monday (16:00 GMT), before playing Cameroon next Friday (19:00 BST).
"Neymar and Danilo went through a MRI on Friday afternoon and we found ligament damage in the ankle of both of them," said Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.
"It is important to be calm and evaluate day by day. The idea is to recover them for the rest of the competition."
Speaking after the win against Serbia, Brazil head coach Tite said they were "confident Neymar will continue playing in the World Cup" and that he "didn't see he was injured - the capacity he has to overcome it tricked even me".
The Paris St-Germain striker has suffered a number of injury problems with his right foot over the past few years.
He missed the 2019 Copa America after suffering torn ligaments in his right ankle and was out for several weeks in 2021 with a similar injury.
Neymar was fouled nine times during the game against Serbia, drawing four more free-kicks than any other player at this year's World Cup so far.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63760430
The 30-year-old forward was replaced in the 80th minute of Thursday's 2-0 win over Serbia after a heavy tackle from Nikola Milenkovic.
Neymar sat with his face covered while receiving treatment and pictures showed his right ankle was swollen.
Right-back Danilo will also miss the next two games with ankle damage.
Brazil face Switzerland in their second Group G game on Monday (16:00 GMT), before playing Cameroon next Friday (19:00 BST).
"Neymar and Danilo went through a MRI on Friday afternoon and we found ligament damage in the ankle of both of them," said Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.
"It is important to be calm and evaluate day by day. The idea is to recover them for the rest of the competition."
Speaking after the win against Serbia, Brazil head coach Tite said they were "confident Neymar will continue playing in the World Cup" and that he "didn't see he was injured - the capacity he has to overcome it tricked even me".
The Paris St-Germain striker has suffered a number of injury problems with his right foot over the past few years.
He missed the 2019 Copa America after suffering torn ligaments in his right ankle and was out for several weeks in 2021 with a similar injury.
Neymar was fouled nine times during the game against Serbia, drawing four more free-kicks than any other player at this year's World Cup so far.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63760430
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Serbia's football association after its team hung a controversial flag depicting Kosovo in their dressing room prior to their World Cup defeat by Brazil.
The flag showed an outline of Kosovo filled with the Serbia flag, with the words 'no surrender'.
Tensions are running high between ethnic Serbs and the Albanian-led government in Kosovo, amid fears violence could flare up again, 23 years after the Kosovo war.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but Serbia - an ally of Russia - does not recognise it as an independent country.
On Friday, the Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) submitted a complaint to Fifa, football's world governing body, over Serbia's "chauvinistic rhetoric".
In a statement, it said: "Such acts of chauvinism have no place in a sports event, and even less inside the facilities where the biggest event of world football takes place, therefore FFK, as an equal member with all other members of Fifa, demands from this institution to undertake sanctioning measures against actions that incite hatred between peoples and are against human values."
It added: "It is unacceptable for this act to pass in silence, therefore we strongly request that Fifa strictly implement its rules and punish the football federation of Serbia for this aggressive action and against the values that football conveys."
Kosovo's sports minister, Hajrulla Ceku, said it expected "concrete actions" from Fifa against Serbia's "hateful, xenophobic and genocidal messages".
The flag showed an outline of Kosovo filled with the Serbia flag, with the words 'no surrender'.
Tensions are running high between ethnic Serbs and the Albanian-led government in Kosovo, amid fears violence could flare up again, 23 years after the Kosovo war.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but Serbia - an ally of Russia - does not recognise it as an independent country.
On Friday, the Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) submitted a complaint to Fifa, football's world governing body, over Serbia's "chauvinistic rhetoric".
In a statement, it said: "Such acts of chauvinism have no place in a sports event, and even less inside the facilities where the biggest event of world football takes place, therefore FFK, as an equal member with all other members of Fifa, demands from this institution to undertake sanctioning measures against actions that incite hatred between peoples and are against human values."
It added: "It is unacceptable for this act to pass in silence, therefore we strongly request that Fifa strictly implement its rules and punish the football federation of Serbia for this aggressive action and against the values that football conveys."
Kosovo's sports minister, Hajrulla Ceku, said it expected "concrete actions" from Fifa against Serbia's "hateful, xenophobic and genocidal messages".
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
RIYADH: Saudi football player Saleh Alshehri has denied news about a Rolls Royce Phantom car being gifted to players of the Saudi Arabian football team after their win against Argentina in their inaugural game of the FIFA world cup in Qatar, ARY News reported.
According to details, Saudi players put all speculation about receiving super luxury Rolls Royce cars for defeating Argentina to rest in a press conference on Saturday. The news about the KSA Crown Prine gifting Rolls Royce to the team had started circulating over social media after the KSA team beat two-time world champions Argentina.
Saleh added that representing their country is the most significant honour. The green falcons had beaten Argentina by 2-1 in their first game of the FIFA world cup 2022.
The Saudi team will play their second tournament game against Poland today.
Earlier, news about the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud promising the football players of the national team a Rolls Royce Phantom for their win against Argentina in their Fifa World Cup opener in Qatar had started circulating over social media.
The speculation have been put to rest after Saleh Alshehri’s statement.
https://a-sports.tv/saudi-arabias-alshehri-denies-reports-rolls-royce-argentina-win/
According to details, Saudi players put all speculation about receiving super luxury Rolls Royce cars for defeating Argentina to rest in a press conference on Saturday. The news about the KSA Crown Prine gifting Rolls Royce to the team had started circulating over social media after the KSA team beat two-time world champions Argentina.
Saleh added that representing their country is the most significant honour. The green falcons had beaten Argentina by 2-1 in their first game of the FIFA world cup 2022.
The Saudi team will play their second tournament game against Poland today.
Earlier, news about the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud promising the football players of the national team a Rolls Royce Phantom for their win against Argentina in their Fifa World Cup opener in Qatar had started circulating over social media.
The speculation have been put to rest after Saleh Alshehri’s statement.
https://a-sports.tv/saudi-arabias-alshehri-denies-reports-rolls-royce-argentina-win/
Romelu Lukaku had to pull apart Kevin De Bruyne and Jan Vertonghen as the Belgium pair came to blows after their World Cup defeat, as per reports.
The European nation arrived in Qatar looking to justify their 'Golden Generation' tag after a semi-final appearance in Russia four years earlier. A shock defeat to Morocco on Sunday though has cast doubt over their qualification hopes and led to major cracks within the group.
De Bruyne made comments about the age of the side, which Vertonghen himself then responded to, before the two players and Eden Hazard clashed in the dressing room with Lukaku having to act as peacemaker, according to RTL Sport.
Belgium must now beat Croatia in their final group game or face an embarrassing early exit which would almost certainly spell the end of this squad's hopes and the tenure of current boss Roberto Martinez. De Bruyne has been the figure head of a talented group that has been unable to deliver in major tournaments.
They've threatened to justify their quality at recent World Cups and Euros, but with many of their leading lights now into their 30s this tournament in Qatar represented arguably their last chance of success.
Their age profile has been the crux of the fallout since their loss to the African nation at the weekend. De Bruyne claimed his nation were "outsiders" to win the tournament in Qatar, insisting they are now over the hill. “No chance, we’re too old. I think our chance was 2018," he told the Guardian.
The European nation arrived in Qatar looking to justify their 'Golden Generation' tag after a semi-final appearance in Russia four years earlier. A shock defeat to Morocco on Sunday though has cast doubt over their qualification hopes and led to major cracks within the group.
De Bruyne made comments about the age of the side, which Vertonghen himself then responded to, before the two players and Eden Hazard clashed in the dressing room with Lukaku having to act as peacemaker, according to RTL Sport.
Belgium must now beat Croatia in their final group game or face an embarrassing early exit which would almost certainly spell the end of this squad's hopes and the tenure of current boss Roberto Martinez. De Bruyne has been the figure head of a talented group that has been unable to deliver in major tournaments.
They've threatened to justify their quality at recent World Cups and Euros, but with many of their leading lights now into their 30s this tournament in Qatar represented arguably their last chance of success.
Their age profile has been the crux of the fallout since their loss to the African nation at the weekend. De Bruyne claimed his nation were "outsiders" to win the tournament in Qatar, insisting they are now over the hill. “No chance, we’re too old. I think our chance was 2018," he told the Guardian.
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has hit back at suggestions of a rift in the team's camp at the World Cup and appeared to accuse the French media of trying to derail his side's campaign.
French newspaper L'Equipe reported that Kevin de Bruyne, Jan Vertonghen and captain Eden Hazard clashed in the dressing room after Belgium's shock defeat to Morocco on Sunday.
There were reports that Romelu Lukaku had to pull apart his feuding team-mates during an inquest about the 2-0 loss to the African side, which has left the Red Devils' World Cup hopes in the balance.
Martinez has labelled the claims as 'fake news' and hinted the French press had deliberately set out to cause ruptures in their squad in Qatar.
'You've got some outlets in Belgium who are quite happy to jump on fake news, which is quite astonishing,' he said at his press conference on Wednesday.
'It has made the group more aware that the less they listen to the noise from the outside, the better.
'A World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world and there are many World Cups getting played.
'You can see that maybe a country like France did a good job with a story that became the main talking point of the outlets in Belgium.
'It shows that maybe there is more desire to find negative news around this team than get the nation together, support this team, enjoy the talent of the best generation that we've ever had in Belgian football.
'That was a lesson for all of us that we are here on our own. We are here to fight for what we believe is the way we want to play and hopefully the fans - the real fans - of the Red Devils can enjoy the process.'
French newspaper L'Equipe reported that Kevin de Bruyne, Jan Vertonghen and captain Eden Hazard clashed in the dressing room after Belgium's shock defeat to Morocco on Sunday.
There were reports that Romelu Lukaku had to pull apart his feuding team-mates during an inquest about the 2-0 loss to the African side, which has left the Red Devils' World Cup hopes in the balance.
Martinez has labelled the claims as 'fake news' and hinted the French press had deliberately set out to cause ruptures in their squad in Qatar.
'You've got some outlets in Belgium who are quite happy to jump on fake news, which is quite astonishing,' he said at his press conference on Wednesday.
'It has made the group more aware that the less they listen to the noise from the outside, the better.
'A World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world and there are many World Cups getting played.
'You can see that maybe a country like France did a good job with a story that became the main talking point of the outlets in Belgium.
'It shows that maybe there is more desire to find negative news around this team than get the nation together, support this team, enjoy the talent of the best generation that we've ever had in Belgian football.
'That was a lesson for all of us that we are here on our own. We are here to fight for what we believe is the way we want to play and hopefully the fans - the real fans - of the Red Devils can enjoy the process.'
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Confirmed: Roberto Martínez stands down from his role as Belgium manager after early World Cup exit …
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Brazilian football journalist Ricardo Setyon, speaking on BBC World Service's World Football in Qatar: "Neymar is the centre of everything around Brazil but I was sure that we are not Neymar dependant and that we could play without him. Then it happens and it is not like this, we need him there.
"He has an ankle injury and also a problem in the bone of the ankle, it’s not only the ligaments but a blood clot inside the bone. Normally it takes 20-25 days [to recover].
"Yesterday I was at the Brazilian camp… and I saw Neymar practising at the pool of the hotel and he was quite well, he was doing everything the other players were doing. He is going to be evaluated on Saturday, so he won’t play against Cameroon.
"In my opinion, he won’t be 100% before the semi-finals. He would maybe be 75% and it will depend on who we play in the round of 16 whether he will be on the bench or not. But basically, today Brazil is aware of something: we need Neymar.
"Hopefully Vinicius Junior starts playing football instead of whatever he’s playing because we need him sharp."
"He has an ankle injury and also a problem in the bone of the ankle, it’s not only the ligaments but a blood clot inside the bone. Normally it takes 20-25 days [to recover].
"Yesterday I was at the Brazilian camp… and I saw Neymar practising at the pool of the hotel and he was quite well, he was doing everything the other players were doing. He is going to be evaluated on Saturday, so he won’t play against Cameroon.
"In my opinion, he won’t be 100% before the semi-finals. He would maybe be 75% and it will depend on who we play in the round of 16 whether he will be on the bench or not. But basically, today Brazil is aware of something: we need Neymar.
"Hopefully Vinicius Junior starts playing football instead of whatever he’s playing because we need him sharp."
James
World Star
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Runs
- 50,833
- Post of the Week
- 2
Belgium’s story in this World Cup has got to be one of the all time disasters in international football.
Ageing “golden generation” squad
Horrible tacky shirt for the tournament
One goal scored, one extremely lucky win
Rubbish defending
Inept football
De Bruyne saying he didn’t deserve MOTM
Couldn’t get the ball off Morocco
Loads of chances missed v Croatia
Lukaku can’t hit a barn door
Battered in open play throughout every game
Scathing public comments in interviews
Senior players falling out and having fights
Manager has lost the dressing room
Tears at full time
No trophy won again
Coaching staff leaving their positions
Upcoming player retirements
It would make for a great documentary.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Gabriel Jesus and Alex Telles have been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup after picking up injuries in Brazil's 1-0 defeat by Cameroon on Friday.
The pair both sustained right knee injuries and underwent MRI scans on Saturday morning.
In a statement, Brazil's football association (CBF) said it was "impossible" for them to participate any further in the tournament in Qatar.
Favourites Brazil play South Korea in the last 16 on Monday (19:00 GMT).
"Players Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus underwent tests on Saturday morning accompanied by Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar and a MRI on their right knees confirmed the extent of the injuries and the impossibility of recovery in time to participate in the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022," the CBF said in a statement.
It is yet to be decided if Arsenal forward Jesus and full-back Telles - on loan at Sevilla from Manchester United - will remain in Qatar or return to their respective clubs for treatment.
They are the latest in a line of Brazil players to pick up injuries at the World Cup, with Neymar sitting out their final two Group G games with ankle ligament damage.
Right-back Danilo also missed the Cameroon game and the win over Switzerland with an ankle issue while Alex Sandro suffered a hip injury earlier in the tournament.
BBC
The pair both sustained right knee injuries and underwent MRI scans on Saturday morning.
In a statement, Brazil's football association (CBF) said it was "impossible" for them to participate any further in the tournament in Qatar.
Favourites Brazil play South Korea in the last 16 on Monday (19:00 GMT).
"Players Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus underwent tests on Saturday morning accompanied by Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar and a MRI on their right knees confirmed the extent of the injuries and the impossibility of recovery in time to participate in the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022," the CBF said in a statement.
It is yet to be decided if Arsenal forward Jesus and full-back Telles - on loan at Sevilla from Manchester United - will remain in Qatar or return to their respective clubs for treatment.
They are the latest in a line of Brazil players to pick up injuries at the World Cup, with Neymar sitting out their final two Group G games with ankle ligament damage.
Right-back Danilo also missed the Cameroon game and the win over Switzerland with an ankle issue while Alex Sandro suffered a hip injury earlier in the tournament.
BBC
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">�� Samuel Eto'o attacked a young man last night before the match between Brazil and South Korea. ��<br><br>(�� <a href="https://twitter.com/partidazocope?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@partidazocope</a>)<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/Q8YNbV9spu">pic.twitter.com/Q8YNbV9spu</a></p>— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeadlineDayLive/status/1600027288849944577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
Luis Enrique has left his role as Spain boss after they were knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco in the last 16.
The 52-year-old took charge in 2018 and guided Spain to the Euro 2020 semi-finals, where they lost to Italy.
"We would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff," said the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Spain Under-21s coach Luis de la Fuente has been recommended for the role, but his appointment must be approved by the board, which meets on Monday.
Spain thrashed Costa Rica 7-0 in their opening group match in Qatar, but their possession-based game led to them being accused of playing "boring" football as they drew 1-1 with Germany and lost 2-1 to Japan.
They were then knocked out of the tournament on penalties by Morocco, after a goalless 120 minutes.
Spain drew plaudits for their style and established themselves as the world's leading nation under Luis Aragones and Vicente del Bosque in their era of domination between 2008 and 2012, during which they won two successive European Championships either side of their first World Cup.
But they have not won a major trophy since being crowned European champions in 2012. And they have not progressed past the last 16 at the World Cup since their triumph in 2010.
Luis Enrique's most successful period as manager at club level came with Barcelona. Between 2014 and 2017 he won the Champions League and guided them to two La Liga titles, three Copa del Reys, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup and Spanish Super Cup.
He took over as manager of Spain in the wake of their chaotic 2018 World Cup campaign, succeeding Fernando Hierro who had stepped in two days before the tournament because Julen Lopetegui was sacked for announcing he was taking over at Real Madrid after the tournament.
Former Spain midfielder Luis Enrique stepped away from his role for a short period in 2019 because his late daughter had been diagnosed with bone cancer, before returning for the side's run to the last four of the delayed Euro 2020.
De la Fuente has been part of the Spanish set-up since 2013 and has coached their youth teams.
He led Spain to a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
BBC
The 52-year-old took charge in 2018 and guided Spain to the Euro 2020 semi-finals, where they lost to Italy.
"We would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff," said the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Spain Under-21s coach Luis de la Fuente has been recommended for the role, but his appointment must be approved by the board, which meets on Monday.
Spain thrashed Costa Rica 7-0 in their opening group match in Qatar, but their possession-based game led to them being accused of playing "boring" football as they drew 1-1 with Germany and lost 2-1 to Japan.
They were then knocked out of the tournament on penalties by Morocco, after a goalless 120 minutes.
Spain drew plaudits for their style and established themselves as the world's leading nation under Luis Aragones and Vicente del Bosque in their era of domination between 2008 and 2012, during which they won two successive European Championships either side of their first World Cup.
But they have not won a major trophy since being crowned European champions in 2012. And they have not progressed past the last 16 at the World Cup since their triumph in 2010.
Luis Enrique's most successful period as manager at club level came with Barcelona. Between 2014 and 2017 he won the Champions League and guided them to two La Liga titles, three Copa del Reys, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup and Spanish Super Cup.
He took over as manager of Spain in the wake of their chaotic 2018 World Cup campaign, succeeding Fernando Hierro who had stepped in two days before the tournament because Julen Lopetegui was sacked for announcing he was taking over at Real Madrid after the tournament.
Former Spain midfielder Luis Enrique stepped away from his role for a short period in 2019 because his late daughter had been diagnosed with bone cancer, before returning for the side's run to the last four of the delayed Euro 2020.
De la Fuente has been part of the Spanish set-up since 2013 and has coached their youth teams.
He led Spain to a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
BBC
James
World Star
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Runs
- 50,833
- Post of the Week
- 2
<b>Morocco’s ‘Bono’ linked to big clubs after World Cup heroics</b>
<I>The Moroccan goalkeeper has already created history, helping his nation reach the World Cup semifinals.</I>
Morocco’s win over Portugal to become the first African side to reach the World Cup semifinals produced some iconic images: Youssef En-Nesyri’s leap for the goal, Sofiane Boufal dancing with his mother on the touchline, manager Walid Regragui being hoisted by his players, the unbridled joy among Moroccan fans in the stands.
Yet a crucial moment that enabled these scenes of euphoria came in the 84th minute, with Portugal pressing hard for an equaliser.
Joao Felix was teed up by Cristiano Ronaldo and the curling left-footed strike he unleashed seemed destined for the top corner of Morocco’s goal.
But Yassine Bounou had other ideas. The goalkeeper tipped the ball behind for a corner, leaving Felix with an expression of disbelief. It was a moment that passed by in a split second but one that Moroccan football will relive for decades.
It is among a string of such epic saves by Bounou at the World Cup in Qatar that helped his side create history while also propelling him into the global limelight.
Rumours are swirling of top European clubs, from Real Madrid to Manchester United, taking interest in the Moroccan goalkeeper, who is also known as Bono – the name he wears on his jersey.
Albeit protected by an able defence, Bounou has kept three clean sheets so far in the World Cup, the joint-best in the tournament. It is a feat no African goalkeeper has ever achieved before.
In four games between the posts, Bounou has conceded just one goal. His goals conceded per 90 minutes is 0.23, the lowest so far in this World Cup. He did not play in Morocco’s first big upset of the tournament, against Belgium.
But he starred in his side’s win over Spain in the round of 16, keeping out all three penalties in the shootout.
While Bounou is one of the breakout successes of the World Cup, La Liga fans are well acquainted with his skills.
The Sevilla keeper conceded five fewer goals last season than Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, arguably the number one goalkeeper in the world. The Moroccan’s 13 clean sheets saw him crowned the best goalkeeper of the year in La Liga.
Born in Montreal to Moroccan parents, Bounou was eligible to play for Canada and was even contacted by the Canadian manager in 2013. But he ultimately opted to play for Morocco.
“I am originally from Morocco and I grew up there. I always dreamed of playing for the Atlas Lions,” he said in an interview to the Spanish television show Balón Parado before the World Cup.
While Moroccan fans must be thanking their stars for Bounou, Sevilla supporters may soon have to part ways with him.
He has begun to receive courting glances from Europe’s elite clubs, and the Andalusian side – where he is currently in his fourth year – will have a task on their hands to keep hold of him.
For teams that have still not found what they are looking for between the posts, “Bono” might be the answer.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/11/bounous-world-cup-showings-will-turn-heads-across-europe
<I>The Moroccan goalkeeper has already created history, helping his nation reach the World Cup semifinals.</I>
Morocco’s win over Portugal to become the first African side to reach the World Cup semifinals produced some iconic images: Youssef En-Nesyri’s leap for the goal, Sofiane Boufal dancing with his mother on the touchline, manager Walid Regragui being hoisted by his players, the unbridled joy among Moroccan fans in the stands.
Yet a crucial moment that enabled these scenes of euphoria came in the 84th minute, with Portugal pressing hard for an equaliser.
Joao Felix was teed up by Cristiano Ronaldo and the curling left-footed strike he unleashed seemed destined for the top corner of Morocco’s goal.
But Yassine Bounou had other ideas. The goalkeeper tipped the ball behind for a corner, leaving Felix with an expression of disbelief. It was a moment that passed by in a split second but one that Moroccan football will relive for decades.
It is among a string of such epic saves by Bounou at the World Cup in Qatar that helped his side create history while also propelling him into the global limelight.
Rumours are swirling of top European clubs, from Real Madrid to Manchester United, taking interest in the Moroccan goalkeeper, who is also known as Bono – the name he wears on his jersey.
Albeit protected by an able defence, Bounou has kept three clean sheets so far in the World Cup, the joint-best in the tournament. It is a feat no African goalkeeper has ever achieved before.
In four games between the posts, Bounou has conceded just one goal. His goals conceded per 90 minutes is 0.23, the lowest so far in this World Cup. He did not play in Morocco’s first big upset of the tournament, against Belgium.
But he starred in his side’s win over Spain in the round of 16, keeping out all three penalties in the shootout.
While Bounou is one of the breakout successes of the World Cup, La Liga fans are well acquainted with his skills.
The Sevilla keeper conceded five fewer goals last season than Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, arguably the number one goalkeeper in the world. The Moroccan’s 13 clean sheets saw him crowned the best goalkeeper of the year in La Liga.
Born in Montreal to Moroccan parents, Bounou was eligible to play for Canada and was even contacted by the Canadian manager in 2013. But he ultimately opted to play for Morocco.
“I am originally from Morocco and I grew up there. I always dreamed of playing for the Atlas Lions,” he said in an interview to the Spanish television show Balón Parado before the World Cup.
While Moroccan fans must be thanking their stars for Bounou, Sevilla supporters may soon have to part ways with him.
He has begun to receive courting glances from Europe’s elite clubs, and the Andalusian side – where he is currently in his fourth year – will have a task on their hands to keep hold of him.
For teams that have still not found what they are looking for between the posts, “Bono” might be the answer.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/11/bounous-world-cup-showings-will-turn-heads-across-europe
Similar threads
