FIFA World Cup 2022 results, scores, schedule: China’s TV censorship, Russia considers bid to join Asian Football Confederation
China has been caught out altering its TV broadcast of the World Cup due to fury over harsh Covid lockdowns still in place. Plus, latest talking points from Qatar.
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RESULTS
Japan 0 v Costa Rica 1
Belgium 0-2 Morocco
Croatia 4-1 Canada
Spain 1-1 Germany
FULL GUIDE: STATE OF PLAY IN EVERY WORLD CUP GROUP
The Sun
China’s state broadcaster has been caught out cutting away from maskless fans at the Qatar World Cup amid Covid lockdown rage.
During the live broadcast of the Japan and Costa Rica game, CCTV Sports replaced close-up shots of maskless fans waving flags with images of players, officials or the football stadium.
A Twitter user highlighted the difference between Australian broadcaster SBS’ coverage of Croatia’s match against Canada and what Chinese audiences saw.
The vision, which can be viewed here, shows Croatian fans celebrating a goal on the Australian broadcast.
The Chinese broadcast instead focuses on players and coaching staff after the same goal.
Similar differences were pinpointed between the BBC feed ad Chinese TV.
Footage of the Tunisia and Australia clash on Saturday also emerged showing a stark difference between the state TV’s version of the game and other broadcasts.
CCTV Sports kept the camera on players on the pitch and officials on the sidelines while the other broadcast zoomed in on fans reacting to the game.
And in a video shared of the 1-1 draw between the USA and Wales, the crowd appeared to be blurred in one version of the broadcast.
China is the last major economy still trying to stamp out the spread of Covid with snap lockdowns, lengthy quarantine rules and mass testing regimes.
But the contrast of the harsh restrictions with the raucous World Cup crowds has infuriated many living in China.
The images of maskless fans in Qatar have highlighted to many frustrated Chinese the difference between their country’s Covid curbs and a world that has moved on from masks and lockdowns.
6.20PM: SURPRISINGLY SIMPLE ANSWER TO STAR’S BOOTS MYSTERY
Teen sensation Gavi became the third-youngest scorer in World Cup history when netted one of Spain’s seven goals in its rout of Costa Rica.
Gavi, also the youngest player to represent Spain in a major international tournament, was the youngest player – at 18 years and 110 days – to find the back of the net in the World Cup finals since Pele in 1958.
“I never dreamed to be here at this age,” Gavi said through an interpreter. “I’m so happy to be here. This is only one step. I need to keep going.”
And the Barcelona young gun has been catching the eye for another unusual reason – playing with his bootlaces untied.
And there is no superstition behind the quirk.
Spanish journalist Marc Marba Prats told The Sun “Gavi has been playing with his laces untied since he was very young, it’s because he doesn’t know how to tie them well.
“He doesn’t care and he plays like that.”
5.35PM: FIFA RELEASES NEW CROWD FIGURES
FIFA has revealed numbers to refute claims fans have deserted the World Cup.
Empty seats have been a hot topic in Qatar, with fans questioning why some sections at the stadiums are only half-full.
But FIFA has released numbers to show the stadiums have been at 94 per cent capacity during the opening group games.
“Official figures show that the average overall match attendance stands at an impressive 94 per cent compared to stadium capacities for the event,” a FIFA statement said.
“The highest match attendance of the tournament was the game at Lusail Stadium on 24 November, with 88,103 there to see Brazil beat Serbia 2-0.”
FIFA also clarified why crowd figures were larger than the stadium capacity for some of the opening games.
“Earlier in the week, FIFA also clarified the official capacities and tournament requirements for each of the eight stadiums,” the statement said.
“While FIFA requests that venues hosting the final match, opening game and semi-finals can host a minimum of 80,000 and 60,000 spectators respectively, the magnificent Lusail Stadium can accommodate 88,966 spectators, while Al Bayt Stadium can host up to 68,895 fans.
“For all other matches, a minimum 40,000-seater capacity is required, with the demountable Stadium 974 being the most compact of all Qatar 2022 venues (44,089).
“The capacity figures for the tournament have been finalised after all operational arrangements were made – from the final seating map to temporary infrastructure to accommodate media, broadcasters, and guests.
“It was also explained that capacities for specific matches such as opening and final may vary slightly, and that figures for legacy mode are different and provided by the Host Country.”
BOXING CHAMPION CALLS OUT MESSI’S ‘BULL**** ACT’
Jamie Pandaram
A furious Canelo Alvarez has issued a warning to Lionel Messi that he “better pray to God that I don’t find him” after the Argentinian captain appeared to kick a Mexican football jersey while celebrating.
The world’s best boxer took the extraordinary step of calling out Messi on social media after video emerged of Argentina celebrating their win over Mexico in their changing rooms in Qatar.
“Did you guys see Messi cleaning the floor with our jersey and flag,” Alvarez Tweeted.
“He better pray to God that I don’t find him.
“Just like I respect Argentina, he has to respect Mexico!
“I’m not talking about the country as a whole, just about the bulls — t that Messi did.”
Canelo had some strong words for Messi after seeing his locker room celebration 👀
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) November 28, 2022
(via @canelo, nicolasotamendi30/IG) pic.twitter.com/emRRHK1nGO
4.35PM WORLD CUP HEROICS PUT TOP CLUBS ON NOTICE
Dutch forward Cody Gakpo said in Qatar on Sunday he was flattered by transfer rumours linking him with a move to Manchester United but is focused on the World Cup.
Gakpo has been the star for the Dutch so far, scoring in each of their first two Group A games.
The 23-year-old PSV Eindhoven player was allegedly courted by United’s Dutch manager Erik ten Hag in the close season before the Red Devils decided to sign Brazilian Antony from Ajax instead.
But press reports have said United will go back in for Gakpo in January. “My focus is now on the World Cup. It’s always nice to hear such rumours but I just try to focus here and do my best,” he said.
Gakpo has had a stunning start to the season with PSV and is top scorer with nine goals in the Dutch league. He has also provided a league-high 12 assists.
He scored the Netherlands’ opening goal in their 2-0 win over Senegal and then gave them the lead in their 1-1 draw with Ecuador.
“I’m not surprised of what I’m capable of, but (...) I think I can improve a lot of things,” he added.
The Netherlands play already-eliminated hosts Qatar on Tuesday where avoiding defeat would secure them a place in the last 16.
4.05PM ENGLAND FORCED TO DENY RIFT BETWEEN COACH, STAR
Gary Stonehouse, The Sun
Jack Grealish has defended Gareth Southgate and insists the England boss has NO problem with Phil Foden.
Foden, 22, has been in red-hot form for Man City this term with eight goals and three assists in 20 appearances.
The attacker came off the bench as England thrashed Iran 6-2 in their opening group game but Southgate was highly-criticised by fans and pundits alike for not introducing him during Friday’s drab goalless draw with USA.
Victory would have secured the Three Lions’ place in the last-16 with a game to spare but they struggled to create any clear cut chances against the Americans.
And that has intensified the calls for Foden to start Tuesday’s clash against Wales.
Southgate’s failure to bring Foden on has led to speculation over the relationship between the manager and Foden.
But fellow City and England star Grealish has moved quickly to deny those suggestions as he drew on his own past experiences.
Grealish told BBC Sport: “People always used to say, ‘Ah, he’s got a problem with Jack’ last year or two years ago, and then I come on and it’s like, ‘Oh, he likes Jack now, who is it next?’.
“And then I know people were saying, ‘He doesn’t like Madders (James Maddison)’ and now Madders is in, so it’s fine with him, and then Phil didn’t play, so it’s like, ‘He’s got a problem with Phil’.
“He hasn’t got a problem with anyone. He speaks to all of us the same.
“If you’re not playing – Phil didn’t play the other night – he’s still the same with Phil as he is with me, when I came on, or Harry Kane. “He’s not got a problem with anyone. If he did have a problem with someone, you’d know about it.”
3PM WHERE DOES 68-SECOND STRIKE RANK AMONG WORLD CUP’S FASTEST?
Canadian star Alphonso Davies netted after 68 seconds in this morning’s 4-1 loss to Croatia, the fastest goal scored in Qatar so far.
But incredibly, that goal doesn’t even rank in the top-10 fastest in World Cup history or come close to the fastest ever scored at a World Cup.
Turkey’s Hakan Sukur scored the fastest World Cup goal in 2002, finding the back of the net 11 seconds into a game against South Korea.
Denmark’s Mathias Jorgensen scored the quickest goal at the 2018 World Cup in 55 seconds.
2.30PM UPDATE INSANE OFFER SHOWS WHY RONALDO TO A-LEAGUE IS A PIPEDREAM
Weeks after the chief of the Australian Professional Leagues flagged an interest in Cristiano Ronaldo, the astronomical offer he has received from Saudi Arabia has shown just how unlikely the global superstar is to ever play in Australia.
Danny Townsend said a few weeks ago that Australian football bosses had registered an interest in bringing Ronaldo down under after his release by Manchester United.
But the New York Post reports Ronaldo has been offered $225m (US) over three years to call Saudi Arabia home.
That figure equates to about $112m a season AUD.
The A-League salary cap is less than $3 million, although clubs are allowed to pay marquee players outside the cap.
Regardless, there is a huge gulf between what Ronaldo would earn in the middle east and potentially in Australia.
And his next football home might even be in America after being linked with an incredible move to play with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
Al Nassr is the Saudi Arabian club showing interest in Ronaldo.
2.02PM UPDATE CALLS FOR US TO BE KICKED OUT OF QATAR
Peter Botte – NY Post
The Iranian football federation is planning to file a complaint with FIFA after US Soccer deleted the Islamic Republic emblem from Iran’s flag on social media posts to show support for protesters there.
The posts were later taken down, but not before causing outrage in Iran, the NY Post reports.
The tensions have escalated ahead of Wednesday morning’s (AEDT) World Cup match between the two countries in Qatar, which will decide which squad will advance out of Group B.
US Soccer posted a graphic Saturday of the group standings on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram showing the green, white and red Iranian flag without the emblem, with a US spokesman adding the move was intended to show “support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights.”
The Islamic Republic Emblem features four curves with a sword in the middle and represents the Islamic saying “there is no god but God.”
US Soccer added that it was a one-time display and future social media posts are expected to use Iran’s official flag, the Associated Press reported.
US Soccer also said the posts with the altered flag would be taken down, and they were deleted on Sunday morning.
Another post about Wednesday’s game featured Iran’s official flag.
“Clearly the decision we made was to show support for the women in Iran. That stands,” a U.S. Soccer spokesman told The Athletic.
“This is our decision, not anyone else’s or pressure from anyone else.”
Tasnim News, Iran’s state-affiliated media agency, reported on Sunday that the legal adviser of the Iranian Football Federation said a complaint will be filed to FIFA’s Ethics Committee requesting the U.S. team be booted from the tournament.
“According to section 13 of FIFA rules, any person who offends the dignity or integrity of a country, a person or group of people … shall be sanctioned with a suspension lasting at least ten matches or a specific period, or any other appropriate disciplinary measure,” Tasnim News Agency tweeted.
The legal advisor of the Iranian Football Federation says the sports association will file a complaint against the US Soccer Team to FIFA’s Ethics Committee after the US Men's National Soccer Team disrespected the national flag of Islamic Republic of Iran. https://t.co/z7uOrykk9k
— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) November 27, 2022
“By posting a distorted image of the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran on its official account, the US football team breached the FIFA charter, for which a 10-game suspension is the appropriate penalty. Team USA should be kicked out of the #WorldCup2022.”
At least 450 people have died and more than 18,000 have been arrested, according to human rights advocacy groups, in protests in Iran since the suspicious death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in Tehran.
12.45PM NEYMAR FITNESS UPDATE
Brazilian teammate Marquinhos says captain and superstar Neymark is rehabbing 24 hours a day in a desperate bid to overcome an ankle injury.
As the Brazilians prepare to face Switzerland without their biggest star, the defender gave an insight into Neymar's efforts to fit for the third group match.
The five-time world champions could secure a spot in the knockout phase with a win over the Swiss, depending on the outcome of the day’s early game between Serbia and Cameroon.
Brazil kicked off their campaign in Qatar with a 2-0 victory over Serbia in Group G, but the result was soured when Neymar limped off with a sprained ankle.
“At the time it was difficult for him and after the game he was sad which I think is normal given how much he has dreamt of this,” said Brazil centre-back Marquinhos.
“Now, after the tests and the treatment, he is doing physiotherapy 24 hours a day which shows how much he wants to be back with us.
“We don’t know when, but we hope it’s as soon as possible.”
EARLY AFTERNOON UPDATE: RUSSIAN BID TO SNEAK BACK INTO WORLD CUP REVEALED
Russia is weighing up a bid to join the Asian Football Confederation, according to reports.
Reports from several Russian news agencies and on Twitter have revealed the European nation could become a threat for the Socceroos by switching its allegiance to Asia.
“A few months ago I said that Asia was premature,” Russian Football Union chief Alexander Dyukov reportedly told news agencies.
“But now it is an opportunity that we should consider.”
Russia finished one point from direct qualification for the 2022 World Cup, just missing out to 2018 runner-up Croatia.
The 33rd-ranked Russians were suspended from the World Cup playoffs due to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Russia was ranked five spots ahead of Australia (38th) in the latest FIFA world rankings.
Russian clubs have been suspended from participation in UEFA competitions due to the Ukraine conflict.
The issue has simmered through this year but Dykov ruled out leaving Europe as recently as May.
Spartak Moscow was booted out of the Europa League at the last-16 stage, with teams banned indefinitely from the competition and the Champions League.
11.56AM WILL US MEGA OFFER DISTRACT MESSI?
Etienne Fermie, The Sun
Inter Miami are on the verge of signing Lionel Messi, according to reports.
The Argentine star is set to be a free agent at the end of the season when his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires.
Messi, 35, has been linked with a return to Barcelona to play under former teammate Xavi.
But according to The Times, he is set to be made the highest paid player in MLS history by joining David Beckham’s franchise at the end of the current campaign.
Messi already owns a luxury £5m apartment in Miami, and regularly holidays there with his family.
With the United States joint hosting the next World Cup, MLS would be eager to recruit Messi in order to further raise the profile of their domestic game.
Beckham, 47, has a direct link to PSG’s Qatari owners as an ambassador for the country’s World Cup.
While he also has an avenue to Messi through their respective Adidas endorsement deals.
PSG could try to extend his staggering £1.2m-a-week contract — but the final decision will be up to Messi.
SunSport reported earlier this month that Inter Miami had entered talks with Cristiano Ronaldo.
MID-MORNING UPDATE: SPAIN COACH’S HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE TO DAUGHTER
Spain coach Luis Enrique said his thoughts were with his late daughter Xana on what would have been her 13th birthday, after his side ‘s 1-1 World Cup draw with Germany on Sunday.
Xana died from bone cancer in 2019, aged nine, during a period in which Luis Enrique stood down from the Spain job before later returning.
The coach paid tribute to her on the morning of the game with a video on social media and said he was coping with what happened naturally.
“It was a special day for my family, for a while we have thought about living through this as a natural part of life,” said Luis Enrique.
“We don’t physically have our daughter, but we think about her a lot. “That is how life works. It is not just happiness, but also knowing how to manage these moments.” Luis Enrique left his post in June 2019, with Xana passing away in August, before the coach returned to the helm of the Spain team in November 2019.
He took Spain to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and after two games his team are top of Group E at the World Cup, needing a point from their last game against Japan to progress.
Despite conceding a late goal against Germany that stopped them virtually sealing qualification for the last 16, the coach was content.
“In the end we have to think about the position that we have in this moment,” said Luis Enrique.
“We are top of the classification in the ‘group of death’ and we have to be happy.”
9.10AM SAUDI PLAYER UNDERGOES SECOND SURGERY
Saudi Arabia’s Yasser Al-Shahrani has undergone a second surgery after suffering horror injuries in a collision with his team’s goalkeeper at the World Cup.
Al-Shahrani was injured in Saudi Arabia’s win over Argentina when he collided with Mohammed Al-Owais in stoppage time.
The Green Falcons said Al-Shahrani had a second surgery which was “successful” after earlier undergoing pancreas surgery.
“After the stabilization (sic) of the national football team player Yasser Al-Shahrani, and according to the medical plan,” a statement from the Saudi Arabian national team said.
“The player underwent a second stage of surgical intervention this afternoon and has had facial maxillofacial orthopaedic surgery …
“It should be noted that the player underwent the first stage of the surgical intervention where he had pancreas surgery last week.
“Surgeries at this stage have both been successful, thankfully.
“Our prayers for the player for safety and speedy recovery.”
8:45AM DISGRACEFUL SCENES: FANS RIOT AFTER WORLD CUP UPSET
Police used water cannon and teargas after coming under attack from football supporters who brought havoc to the centre of Brussels on Sunday following Morocco’s shock 2-0 World Cup win over Belgium in Qatar.
Dozens of fans smashed shop windows, threw fireworks and torched vehicles. Even before the end of the match, “dozens of people, including some wearing hoodies, sought confrontation with the police, which compromised public safety,” Brussels police said in a statement.
A spokeswoman said some fans were armed with sticks and a journalist “was injured in the face by fireworks”.
Around a hundred police officers were mobilised while residents were warned to avoid certain areas of the city centre. Metro stations were closed and streets blocked to limit the spread of the violence.
“I condemn in the strongest terms the incidents of this afternoon. The police have already firmly intervened. I therefore advise against fans coming to the city centre. The police are doing all they can to maintain public order,” tweeted the mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close.
“I have ordered the police to carry out arrests of the troublemakers.”
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said his players were weighed down by a “fear of losing” in their shock World Cup defeat by Morocco.
The world’s second-ranked side will have to beat 2018 runners-up Croatia to be sure of a last-16 place after their 2-0 loss at the Al Thumama Stadium.
Belgium were not the only side upset overnight. Costa Rica – given a 0.01% chance of winning at this Cup beat Japan!
EARLY MORNING UPDATE: CANADA COACH SLAMMED FOR SOUR MOVE
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said John Herdman needs to “learn some things” after accusing the Canada boss of ignoring him following his side’s 4-1 victory in the World Cup grudge match on Sunday.
Dalic had claimed Herdman lacked respect earlier this week following the Canadian coach’s profane attempt to inspire his team after their loss to Belgium in their group opener.
In a television interview, Herdman told his players: “You belong here. And we’re going to go and eff Croatia.”
Responding to Herdman’s rant, Croatia’s 24 Sata tabloid ran a full-page photo of a naked man below the Canada manager’s superimposed head, with maple leaf flags over his mouth and private parts and a headline that translated as “You have the mouth, but do you have the balls as well?”
The Croatians let their football do the talking as Andrej Kramaric’s double and goals from Marko Livaja and Lovro Majer sent them to the top of Group F and condemned Canada to an early exit.
But Dalic was still agitated by the row at his post-match press conference as he suggested Herdman deliberately snubbed the traditional handshake at the final whistle.
“I went on the pitch to see my players. I did not see the other head coach. Whether I lose or win, I always see the other coach. He was not there and that’s his way of doing things,” Dalic said.
“He’s obviously mad. He is a good coach, he is a quality professional. It will take some time for him to learn some things.”
Asked if he thought he made a mistake with his rant following the Belgium match, Herdman was initially defiant, telling reporters: “Not in the first 20 minutes (of the Croatia game), no.
“They might be celebrating now, and that is their right, they got the goals, but we didn’t give them an easy night.”
But the Englishman eventually conceded he would learn from the controversy, saying: “I could have been a little more composed coming out of the huddle. That is my learning. I will take that on the chin.”
8:15AM KEEPER'S WEIRD DISAPPEARING ACT
World Cup fans and even the BBC were left totally baffled as Morocco’s goalkeeper appeared to be substituted before kick-off – despite lining up for the national anthem.
Morocco named Yassine Bounou – aka Bono – in the starting XI to face Belgium this afternoon.
The No1 walked out of the tunnel with his teammates and lined up as the North African nation belted out their song.
He is then filmed shaking hands with the Belgium players as usual.
But then Munir Mohand Mohamedi El Kajoui is pictured in the official pre-match team photo.
There was a short delay as the Morocco team lined up and Belgium captain Eden Hazard waited for the coin toss because Munir was getting himself ready and some final words of encouragement from manager Walid Regragui.
And the replacement, who is wearing No12 at the World Cup, took his place between the sticks in time for kick-off – with no sign of Bounou.
Even the BBC commentators, though, didn’t realise for around 25 minutes of the match and referred to the usual first-choice stopper when it was actually Munir who made a save from Michy Batshuayi in the first half.
And it did not take long for fans to spot the discrepancy, with ‘Bono’ trending on social media.
The confusion regarding the last-minute switch was clarified at halftime.
BBC presenter Mark Chapman explained Bounou was feeling unwell and had a problem with his vision.
Chapman said: “Bounou was there as they sang the national anthem.
“He then complained to the coach about something wrong with his eyes.
“Look at how calm the coach is and goes over to El Kajoui with a smile.
“He joins for the photo and then played the first 45 minutes.”
7:38 GERMANY EQUALISE!
They’re not done yet, it’s all square with 7 minutes of normal time to play.
Nrilliant finish from Fullkrug.
And that was enough for the two great footballing nations to share the spoils.
"Danke for saving my job." #Qatar2022pic.twitter.com/wjaLqSj97D
— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) November 27, 2022
7:19 FINALLY A GOAL!
Well it’s taken over an hour but finally the deadlock is broken and VAR has nothing to complain about.
Spain are ahead!
A stunning cross perfectly deflected into the back of the net by Morata.
Brilliant finish.
Germany’s World Cup campaign is in all sorts.
6:39AM GOAL DISALLOWED!
GOAL DISALLOWEDGermany’s Rudiger had the ball in the back of the net for the opener but VAR has ruled it out for off-side.
5:22 CANADA ARE GOING HOME
Croatia romped to a 4-1 win over Canada in Doha on Sunday to knock the North Americans out of the World Cup.
Alphonso Davies had given Canada a shock lead after just 68 seconds but a brace from Andrej Kramaric helped Croatia bounce back and go top of Group F ahead of their last pool stage match.
4:34AM: GERMAN GREAT BRANDED A ‘DISGRACE’ OVER COMMENTARY SLUR
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz called German great Jurgen Klinsmann “a disgrace” and demanded he resign from FIFA’s Technical Committee over a savage commentary assessment in a dramatic postscript to their 2-0 victory over Wales.
Iran had bounced back from their opening game thrashing at the hands of England to defeat Wales and put themselves in with a strong shot at reaching the Round of 16 ahead of their final group game against the USA.
But, in his role as a commentator to BBC, Klinnsman highlighted several fouls from Iranian players during the game, accused them of gamesmanship and said they “worked the referee”.
“Carlos fits really well with the national team and their culture, he failed in South America with Colombia and then failed to qualify with Egypt, and he came in right before the World Cup with Iran, where he worked for a long time,” Klinsmann said.
“It is not by coincidence, it is part of their culture, how they play.
“They worked the referee. They work the linesman and fourth official, they are constantly in their ear. There were a lot of incidents we didn’t see. This is their culture, they take you off your game.”
In response, Queiroz took to social media to brand the World Cup winner, and former Germany and USA national coach, a “disgrace to football”.
“Even not knowing me personally, you question my character with a typical prejudiced judgment of superiority,” Queiroz wrote.
“No matter how much I can respect what you did inside the pitch, those remarks about Iran culture, Iran national team and my players are a disgrace to football.
“Listen from our players how much they love and respect football.
“At the same time, we just want to follow with full attention what will be the decision of Fifa regarding your position as a member of the Qatar 2022 technical study group. Because, obviously, we expect you to resign before you visit our camp.”
Klinsmann attempted to cool the situation on Sunday when he fronted BBC Breakfast to clear the air and suggest his comments were overblown.
“I will try to give him a call and calm things down,” Klinsmann said.
“I have never criticised Carlos or the Iranian bench. Some even thought I was criticising the referee because he didn’t do anything about the way they were behaving on the bench.
“All I described was their emotional way of doing things, which is actually admirable in a certain way. The whole bench lives the game. They’re jumping up and down and Carlos is a very emotional coach, he’s constantly on the sidelines trying to give his players all his energy and direction.”
3AM: ARNIE’S WITHERING SPRAY AT SKIPPER CAUGHT ON CAMERA
Aussie fans went absolutely bonkers when Mitch Duke’s header in the 23rd minute against Tunisia found its way into the back of the net.
Wild scenes unfolded in the stadium crowd, in bars across the globe and in Melbourne’s Federation Square.
But in footage captured by the BBC, Graham Arnold’s joy very quickly turned into a white-hot rage.
The Socceroos coach celebrated briefly before he vented his frustrations in the direction of skipper Mat Ryan.
Arnold was seen pointing and screaming at the goalkeeper, shouting at him to go and celebrate with his teammates.
The moment from the Socceroos manager shows just how much he wants the team to be truly bonded.
Saudis pull handbrake on players’ Rollers deal
– New York Post
It will go down in history as one of the biggest World Cup upsets of all time, but the entire Saudi Arabia team will not be each gifted with a new Rolls-Royce for their deeds.
Team coach Herve Renard has swiped a report that his 26 players would be received the luxury cars by the royal family following their shocking 2-1 win over Argentina.
Several publications reported that crown prince Mohammed bin Salman would be giving out RM6 Million Rolls-Royces, but it seems that the claim in fact surfaced via a tweet from a Pakistani dentist, who was ill-informed.
“There is nothing true about this,” Renard said. “We have a very serious federation and ministry of sport and it is not the time to get something at this moment.”
Saudi Arabia lost 2-0 to Poland in its second group stage match on Saturday morning, needing a win to secure advancement to the knockout stage.
Saudi Arabia forward Saleh al-Shehri also called the report false.
“It’s not true,” he said. “We are here to serve our country and do our best. That is the rewards.”
Perhaps. But a Rolls would be a nice add-on.
‘I’ve given everything’: Much loved Matilda hangs up the boots
The Matildas’ most capped player has revealed she has called time on her glittering national career that has spanned almost half her life, but she will get one last chance to say goodbye to her home fans.
How Kerr will help decide next Matildas coach
The Matildas are set for an epic homecoming - and it’s still unknown if they’ll have a new coach, or star captain Sam Kerr, back by then. But how much of a say will Kerr have on the former?