FIFA World Cup 2022 results, scores, schedule: Qatar slams BBC coverage, latest news
Football legend Gary Lineker and other BBC commentators have been blasted by the head of Qatar’s World Cup organisation, plus the latest talking points.
The head of Qatar’s World Cup organisation has described aspects of the BBC’s coverage as “very racist” and accused Gary Lineker of ignoring attempts to engage with the organisers before criticising them on television.
Hassan al-Thawadi condemned the broadcaster for allowing Lineker to launch its World Cup coverage with a three-minute monologue focusing on the country’s poor human rights record for women, migrant workers, and the LGBT community.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Thawadi, the head of the committee for delivery and legacy, also defended the decision to deny those wearing rainbow colours entry into stadiums and admitted to having “an issue with” European teams wanting their captains to wear a One Love armband in support of LGBT rights.
Stuart Andrew, the UK’s first openly gay sports minister, has announced he will wear the rainbow-coloured armband to Tuesday’s England v Wales final group match. The Welsh MP said that it was “really unfair” that the captains of the two teams faced sporting sanctions after they announced their intention to wear the armband in Qatar. He added that the country’s criminalisation of homosexuality meant that gay fans had been excluded from the tournament.
Thawadi also criticised comments by Jurgen Klinsmann, a BBC commentator and World Cup winner with West Germany in 1990, who accused Iran of having a culture of “working the referee” after they beat Wales last week.
FULL GUIDE: STATE OF PLAY IN EVERY WORLD CUP GROUP
Thawadi said: “Unfortunately, I’ve seen some of the coverage that seems to be kind of pushing towards that stereotype of the Middle East. I’ll give an example: the Iran-Wales game. Iran played very good, would you say so? They were the better team, up until the 95th or 96th minute, right?
“Yet the coverage, for example, on BBC by Jurgen Klinsmann talking about how it’s part of their culture, and reflecting the players in a way that was, I hate using the word . . . very, very elitist, very orientalist, very racist to a certain extent.
“When looking at what was happening and you’re saying, ‘That’s part of their culture’, what do you mean by that? Was it misunderstood or was it a reflection he was representing a culture in a very negative way?”
Thawadi also said he was disappointed that Lineker did not “bother to engage” with the organisers before the start of the tournament. He said: “We reached out many times. In February, we reached out over three or four times, specifically requesting to engage with Gary, to sit down and say, ‘We understand your position. Give us the opportunity to put our case in front. At least hear us out. If you don’t agree then, that’s fine, that’s your decision, and that’s your judgment’. But we never got the chance. There was never the desire to listen to our part of the story.”
He added: “The reality is, a lot of the coverage, the way the BBC covered the opening ceremony, the way Gary Lineker took three minutes (criticising Qatar), they never bothered to do that with any other tournament.
“They never bothered to listen to the other side, or at least present a balanced view to be able to sit down and move forward so there are definitely agendas that are presented very clearly that are beyond football.”
Lineker, 61, who worked for the Qatari-owned broadcaster Al Jazeera in 2009-13, denied refusing to engage with Qatari officials. “This is news to me,” the former England striker said. “Neither my agent nor myself received any request to engage with anyone involved with Qatar 2022. I have my weaknesses, but I’m not that rude. Very odd.”
Although Lineker was not approached directly, his BBC bosses were. A representative for Thawadi’s committee met two senior BBC Sport executives in November 2021. The representative said Thawadi wanted to meet Lineker and the other Match of the Day presenters as well as BBC sports staff.
This was initially met by BBC bosses with enthusiasm and dates were offered by the Qataris for a session with the BBC presenters and senior executives and a separate session for production staff. The Qataris were told that the dates initially suggested, in February, clashed with school half-term holidays. When a different Friday was suggested, the BBC said it was in no position to make presenters like Lineker attend because they were not staff and were therefore not contracted to work on a Friday. Saturday morning? The Qataris were told they were too busy.
When a meeting in London for Lineker and his colleagues was offered as an alternative, a response was not forthcoming. After three months of trying to get BBC Sport to engage, without success, the committee gave up.
The BBC was invited to comment.
Cameroon 3 v Serbia 3
Brazil 1-0 Switzerland
South Korea 2-3 Ghana
EARLIER: BECKHAM FORCED OUT OF $36k A NIGHT HOTEL
David Beckham has had to check out of a luxury five-star hotel in Qatar after fans discovered he was staying there during the World Cup.
UK press are reporting the England football legend had been staying at Doha’s Mandarin Oriental until fans became aware of his presence at the $36,000 a night (AUD) hotel.
The Mail Online reported Beckham checked out of the hotel at the weekend, but it was unclear whether he had moved to a more discreet location or left Qatar altogether.
A source told The Mail Beckham was referred to as ‘Sir David’ by staff and has attended England’s two group matches to date.
Beckham was reportedly staying in the Baraha View suite which is located on the hotel’s top floor and comes with its own dining area, private concierge, an open air courtyard, private pool and gym.
Beckham’s reputation has taken a hit during the World Cup due to his role as an ambassador for Qatar.
His ties to Qatar were slammed by LGBTQ community, where he was previously considered an icon.
6.45PM HOW VIPs GET TO WORLD CUP STADIUM IN QATARI DESERT
Talk to any fans in Qatar and they’ll tell you that getting into the World Cup stadiums is far from a straightforward experience.
All eight stadiums are within 35km of Doha, with four in the Doha city area. The furthest one away is Al Bayt Stadium - where Spain and Germany played in a blockbuster draw this morning.
But whether you try to get to stadiums by Uber, train or bus, you can expect a long walk to actually get to your seat.
Unless of course you’re a Qatari or FIFA official.
Al Bayt Stadium is far from an easy ground to get to. It’s a stadium with virtually no public transport infrastructure and is located in the desert.
As one Wales journalist described it: “Getting to the opening ceremony and first game of the World Cup was, for me if nobody else, an absolute bloody shambles.”
The nearest metro station is still a 35-minute drive from the ground, so fans need to get a bus after the train.
“Allow a minimum of 25 minutes for the bus journey. From the drop-off area, it is a minimum of a 15-minute walk to the stadium,” the official Qatar site says.
The express buses to the stadium can take anywhere from 45 to 65 minutes, depending on your starting point.
But once the Doha traffic starts to build up - especially for the late games - that time can easily blow out. Buses for the Spain-Germany game took up to 90 minutes.
Even then, the bus only brings fans to a “minimum of a 20-minute walk from the stadium”.
And if you thought an Uber was a better option - which are readily available and cheap in Doha - think again.
“The drop-off and pick-up area is a minimum of a 25-minute walk to the stadium,” the Qatar site says about getting an Uber.
In reality your Uber could drop you anywhere up to 4km from the ground, with roads all around the stadium blocked off.
That is of course unless you’re a Qatari and FIFA official.
The Al Bayt Stadium - which hosted the opening game of the tournament and will host one of the semi-finals - literally has a ramp for cars to drive into the stadium to drop people off.
A stream of cars drove up the ramp and into the stadium 15 minutes before the Spain-Germany game, and there was a line of cars ready to people the VIPs up right after full-time.
Speaking before the tournament started, the man responsible for people getting to the stadiums said Qatar would be ready.
The Mobility Operation Director at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Ahmed Al-Binali said: “As you can see, my country is ready”.
“With regards to the opening match, we recommend fans and locals use their private vehicles as the transport modes can be utilised by international fans.
“We have also created around 80,000 car parks all around the stadium and fans have the options to choose between buses, metro, and taxis.
“Spectators can take any of the 37 metro stations and utilise their bus stations to the stadiums. We also have more than 18,000 taxis available including Uber, Kareem, and Karwa. The tournament buses are free of charge to all Hayya holders.”
For locals who do drive to the stadium, the carparks are anywhere from 20 minute to 35 minute walks to the stadium.
6PM AUSSIE TIKTOK STAR UNDER FIRE FOR EXPOSING FAKE WORLD CUP FANS
Aussie TikTok star Jon-Bernard Kairouz has come under fire after questioning the authenticity of certain fans watching the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The comedian uploaded a video from outside one of Qatar’s stadiums on Sunday featuring interviews with a number of fans wearing Brazil jerseys.
Kairouz asks the same questions of the handful of fans, with their responses cut together to paint the picture that they were all paid to be there by the Qatari government.
“Did FIFA pay you to be here,” Kairouz asks one set of fans.
They each reply affirmatively, with one even declaring he is actually an Argentina fan but was paid to support Brazil.
The fans, who were all of Bangladeshi or Indian origin, also all responded that 30-year-old Brazilian superstar Neymar was their favourite player.
However they were each unable to name a single other player from Brazil.
“I’m not a fan of football, I’m a cricket fan,” one fan says to Kairouz after being stumped by the question.
Many viewers also argued that many fans at the World Cup were overseas construction workers and therefore had been paid by Qatar to be there but not necessarily as fans.
“These guys worked on the construction of the stadiums and were given tickets,” one viewer wrote.
“So sad that once you come from another country not in world cup and support a country in world cup...you are FAKE FAN,” wrote another.
“Why you calling them ‘fake fans ‘ it doesn’t matter where they’re from if they support Brazil they support Brazil who are you to call them ‘fake,’”wrote a third.
Kairouz’s video was published after it emerged payments to Qatar’s fake fans had been stopped by authorities following a stream of bad publicity.
Members recruited by the Fan Leader Network have revealed payments were cancelled in recent days, with authorities blaming the media for exposing the questionable ploy.“Due to the recent developments in the media, we are keen to protect our visiting fans from the erroneous misinformed statements regarding ‘fans receiving payment for the trip’,” the message, first reported by The Guardian, read.
“Accordingly, the daily allowance will unfortunately no longer be issued. The allowance was intended as a small uplift on your own personal funds to assist with refreshments during your stay.”
Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, criticised the scheme after news broke of supporters’ payments being cut.
“Who would have thought that an authoritarian regime with an appalling workers’ rights record was not to be trusted?” he said.
“I suppose that’s what you get for accepting to be paid the equivalent of a Qatari monthly minimum wage every four days for the pleasure of doing absolutely nothing.”But FIFA president Gianni Infantino hit back at allegations of fake fans at the World Cup, labelling the criticism “pure racism”.
“I am reading that these people don’t look English so they can’t cheer for England, they look like Indians,” he said.
“What is that? Can someone who looks Indian not cheer for England, Spain or Germany?
“You know what it is? This is racism, pure racism. Everyone in the world has the right to cheer for who they want.”
5PM WILL GROUP DECIDER IGNITE SUAREZ HANDBALL ANGST?
AFP
Uruguay coach Diego Alonso on Monday dismissed the importance of the South American side’s controversial 2010 World Cup quarter-final victory over Ghana ahead of their crunch clash in Qatar.
In South Africa 12 years ago, Uruguay reached the semi-finals after ousting Ghana on penalties.
Uruguay forward Luis Suarez deliberately handled the ball on the goalline deep into extra time to prevent a certain goal, with Asamoah Gyan then missing the subsequent spot-kick.
Despite Suarez’s dismissal, Uruguay made the Africans pay in the shootout. Both are sides are bidding to join Portugal in the last 16 from Group H, with South Korea also still in the hunt.
“It’s a different story, for both of us,” said Alonso following Uruguay’s 2-0 defeat to Portugal on Monday.
“We will both go looking for qualification. Friday will be decisive but it’s a very different story to what happened 12 years ago.” Ghana are in pole position to reach the last 16 having beaten South Korea 3-2 earlier on Monday.
But they still need to win to guarantee their knockout place while both Uruguay and South Korea, who play Portugal, have to win to have any chance of staying in the World Cup.
In order to progress, Alonso acknowledged his team would have to play better than they have done so far, in a 0-0 draw with South Korea and the Portugal defeat.
“The team has to loosen up and motivate itself more to play, like we did in the second half today,” said Alonso.
“We need to take risks, to be the brave team of the qualifiers and the second half today.” Speaking earlier, after his team’s win against South Korea, Ghana coach Otto Addo played down the significance of the rematch.
“I’m a strong believer if you don’t seek too much for revenge for these kind of things, sometimes you get even more blessings,” he said.
4.10PM FANS’ EPIC 50-DAY HITCHHIKE TO MAKE WORLD CUP
Some fans will go to any length to make sure they’re at the World Cup — including hitchhiking thousands of kilometres across continents.
The FIFA World Cup website reported that on October 6, a group of mates set off from Lisbon carrying a sign reading ‘Qatar’.
Four friends - Francisco Albuquerque, Bruno Carvalho, Duarte Delgado and Daniel Estima - had one goal in mind.
Make it to Qatar to watch Cristiano Ronaldo and Portgual’s stars in the flesh.
Over almost two months, they hitchhiked through countries including Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo, FIFA.com reported.
Hitchhiking from Lisbon to Doha 🚗
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 28, 2022
These Portuguese fans doing whatever it takes 🇵🇹 #FIFAWorldCup#Qatar2022pic.twitter.com/51qeHCDkSL
“We didn’t know much about Saudi Arabia, but we were very well received by the people there,” they explained. “They invited us to their homes and farms, we rode horses through the mountains. It was a wonderful experience,” one member of the group said.
The best part of the story? They made it to Qatar in time to watch Portugal win its opening Group H match.
Now that is one seriously epic road trip story.
3.25PM IRANIAN JOURNALISTS TURN BLOWTORCH ON US DURING PRESSER
Iranian journalists have bombarded the US World Cup team with politically-motivated questions in a press conference ahead of the countries’ Group B decider.
Captain Tyler Adams and coach Gregg Berhalter fielded questions from a press pack - which had little to do with the match set to be held at Thumama stadium.
The Americans were quizzed about several topics unrelated to football, including if the players were representing a racist country, US visa rules in place against Iranian citizens and the nation’s naval presence in the Persian Gulf.
Even Adams’ American pronunciation of Iran came under fire during the 30-minute press conference which proved to be highly-charged.
The first question from an Iranian journalist set the tone for the rest of the encounter.
Addressing Berhalter, the reporter asked: “What percentage of the world’s population will be happy if Iran wins this match (versus a US national team (USMNT) victory)?” forcing the coach to try and mediate the tension.
“For us it’s a soccer game against a good team - it’s not much more than that,” Berhalter replied.
A few minutes later, a journalist from the English language Iranian news organisation Press TV fired off: “First of all you say you support the Iranian people but you’re pronouncing our country’s name wrong. Our country is name Iran, not ‘aye-ran’.
“Second of all, are you okay to be representing your country that has so much discrimination against black people in its own borders?”
Adams, who has a white American mum and a dad who is black, refused to take the bait.
He replied: “My apologies on the mispronunciation of your country. That being said, there’s discrimination everywhere you go... in the US we’re continuing to make progress every single day... as long as you make progress that’s the most important thing.”
There was a brief reprieve from the onslaught when a US reporter said he intended to ask a “soccer question”.
But it didn’t last long, with the Iranian media returning to ask about political issues.
One journalist asked: “Sport is something that should bring nations closer together and you are a sportsperson.
“Why is it that you should not ask your government to take away its military fleet from the Persian Gulf?”
Berhalter responded: “I agree, sport is something that should bring countries together... you get to compete as brothers,” making comparisons between the Olympics and the World Cup, but avoided touching on the strained relations between the US and Iran.
By the end of the encounter Berhalter appeared to have grown tired of the questioning and when asked about the strict US laws for Iranian citizens, he simply replied: “I don’t know enough about politics, I’m a soccer coach.
2.45PM BRITISH MINISTER TO WEAR ‘ONELOVE’ ARMBAND
Britain’s sports minister Stuart Andrew will wear the rainbow-coloured armband that FIFA prohibited players from using at the World Cup when he attends England’s clash with Wales in Qatar on Tuesday.
England and Wales were among seven European teams who abandoned plans to wear the anti-discrimination symbol after being threatened with sporting sanctions by world football’s governing body.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser wore the “OneLove” armband while sat next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino for Germany’s shock 2-1 defeat by Japan.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and there were multiple reports of fans having rainbow-coloured items conviscated by security during the first round of games.
“I will most definitely be wearing the ‘OneLove’ armband,” Andrew, who is gay, told ITV News.
“I want to show support and I was delighted to see that the German minister who attended a recent match has worn it, I think it is important that I do so.
“And I think it’s been really unfair on the England and Welsh team that at the 11th hour they were stopped by FIFA from doing it.” England fan group “3LionsPride”, which represents the LGBTQ community, said before the tournament that their members would not travel to Qatar for the tournament.
“These games should be a celebration show and for all football fans to enjoy. But sadly so many of them are feeling that these are not,” Andrew added.
“This is not a tournament for them. I met with LGBT football supporters, and it was really distressing to see actually how emotional they got that they couldn’t be.
“They didn’t feel they could be part of this and that is not acceptable.”
Come on England!#ENGUSA ðŸ¦ðŸ´ó §ó ¢ó ¥ó ®ó §ó ¿ https://t.co/cWcCIIK524
— Stuart Andrew (@StuartAndrew) November 25, 2022
2.12PM LEGEND SLAMS DECISIVE VAR PENALTY
Football legend Ally McCoist was left fuming over the controversial VAR penalty which clinched Portugal’s 2-0 win over Uruguay.
Uruguayan defender Jose Maria Gimenez had fallen to ground when the ball struck his hand behind his body.
It was adjudged a penalty after a VAR check and Bruno Fernandes made no mistake from the sport to secure Portugal’s spot in the knockout stages.
The Sun reported McCoist’s reaction was: “He’s absolutely no idea that it’s going to hit his hand.
“He’s not trying to get an advantage, he’s not trying to gain an advantage, it is a completely and utterly accidental handball.”
EARLIER: WORLD CUP STAR FAT SHAMED BY JOURNALIST
Belgian star Eden Hazard was reportedly asked for a selfie by a journalist who fat shamed him during a World Cup press conference.
The awkward exchange took place during a press conference as world no. 2 Belgium builds toward a must-win group match against 2018 runner-up Croatia.
In a video which has been translated to English, the journalist says:
“We noticed that you have gained a little weight.”
A visibly surprised Hazard replies: “Can you repeat?
The reporter then asks: “Recently, we noticed that you have gained weight. How are you dealing with this and what caused it?
Hazard replies: “No that’s not true. My weight has remained stable. I always work hard on my fitness and I think that’s the most important thing.”
According to reports from Belgium, the same reporter asked for a selfie after the press conference but was turned down.
'I noticed you've gotten fat' — Egyptian journalist to Eden Hazard 😳
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) November 28, 2022
The Belgian star couldn't believe he faced this question, as he rubbished the claims about his weight!#OptusSport#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/Fle4gR1n4I
Hazard’s form and fitness has been under the microscope since moving from Chelsea, where he was regarded as one of the best attackers in the world.
Belgium is third in Group F with one match remaining after a shock 2-0 loss to Morocco.
Last year, a journalist was reportedly kicked off Spanish television for calling Hazard “fat”.
In Marc, 2021, The Sun reported Hazard told L’Equipe: “(My weight?) I don’t hide it. When I am on vacation, I am on vacation. “I am someone who takes weight fast and loses it fast.
“When I was in Lille at 18, I weighed 72 kilos. Afterwards, I gained muscle mass up to 75 kilos.
“On a bad day I weigh 77 kilos, but weighed 80 this summer. I lost everything in 10 days.”
There are conflicting reports about which country the journalist who asked the question was from.
12.25PM WORLD’S BEST PLAYER COULD MAKE STUNNING QATAR RETURN
Tom Barclay, The Sun
Karim Benzema could make a sensational recovery to play at the World Cup.
France were dealt a blow on the eve of the tournament when he withdrew from the squad with a thigh injury that was estimated to keep him out for three weeks.
But sensational reports from Spain have suggested the Real Madrid star may be recovering quicker than expected, and could rejoin the squad at a later date.
Benzema was never replaced so could technically link back up with Les Bleus, but French sources are playing down the likelihood of it actually happening.
Meanwhile, Jules Kounde has promised not to rein it in against Tunisia – despite the risk of suspension.
France have already qualified from Group D after beating Australia and Denmark and will likely rotate their squad against the Tunisians.
EARLIER: CHILLING THREAT TO IRANIAN WORLD CUP STARS
The families of Iranian players have been threatened with torture and imprisonment if they do not “behave”, a damning CNN report claims.
The report claims Iranian players were forced to meet with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps after they refused to sing the national anthem before their World Cup match against England.
It states Iranian players were promised presents and cars before the game against England, which they lost 6-2.
But players and their families have since faced threats after their refusal to sing the national anthem, the report said.
A source told CNN: “In the last game against Wales, the regime sent over hundreds of these actor supporters in order to create a false sense of support and favor amongst the fans. For the next game against the U.S, the regime is planning to significantly increase the number of actors into the thousands.”
Iran has been rocked by civil unrest and deadly protests after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after she was detained by police.
The players sung the national anthem before their second group match against Wales.
The CNN report claims Iran coach Carlos Queiroz had met with members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard separately to his players.
Iran has also called for the USA to be kicked out of the World Cup after a social media post in which it changed the Iranian flag in a show of support for protestors.
Iran’s domestic turmoil has dominated headlines at the World Cup.
The country can secure its place in the last 16 with a victory against USA.
'I noticed you've gotten fat' — Egyptian journalist to Eden Hazard 😳
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) November 28, 2022
The Belgian star couldn't believe he faced this question, as he rubbished the claims about his weight!#OptusSport#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/Fle4gR1n4I
11.15AM FRENCH STAR TO BE FINED FOR MEDIA SNUB
Tony Robertson, The Sun
Kylian Mbappe is set to be hit with a fine after refusing to speak to the press despite winning the Match of the Match award against Denmark.
FIFA rules state a player who wins the Man of the Match award must be prepared to talk to the media after the game.
However, Mbappe refused to speak to the press after his match-winning brace against Denmark and is now likely to face action.
The Paris Saint-Germain ace also refused to speak to the press following his nation’s 4-1 win over Australia.
Mbappe and the French Football Federation (FFF) were warned about the consequences of it happening a second time.
And according to ESPN, the FFF will now share the incoming fine with Mbappe.
Instead of Mbappe, France captain Hugo Lloris was joined by compatriots including Matteo Guendouzi, Aurelien Tchouameni, Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembele, Raphael Varane and others in the press zone.
Both Mbappe and the FFF are aware of the speculation regarding Mbappe’s club future.
And this could be the reason behind the 23-year-old’s refusal to speak to the press in the first place.
He is said to be unhappy at PSG after being unable to have the amount of control in club decisions as he was promised when he signed his new deal.
10.40AM FERNANDES THOUGHT RONALDO HAD SCORED
AFP
Bruno Fernandes said he thought Cristiano Ronaldo had scored Portugal’s opener in their 2-0 win over Uruguay on Monday even though he was credited with the goal.
The Manchester United midfielder’s cross towards Ronaldo flew straight in but the veteran striker was a whisker away from making contact with the ball.
Fernandes added the second from the penalty spot late on after Uruguay were penalised for handball and he was chosen as man of the match.
The win guaranteed Portugal’s progress to the last 16 in Qatar. “I celebrated as if it had been Cristiano’s goal, it seemed to me that he had touched the ball, my aim was to cross the ball for him,” Fernandes said.
“What’s important is that we were able to go to the next round and (secure) a very important win against a very tough opponent.” Fernandes warned that Portugal would have to be at their best in their final group match on Friday against South Korea, with a point enough to guarantee them top spot in Group H.
“We know we will find a very organised team in front of us with a huge skill-set, as we’ve seen in their last matches,” added Fernandes.
“We’ve played at different times and that has allowed us to watch South Korea play. Our objective is to win every match, and we have one ahead of us.” Portugal coach Fernando Santos chose to praise the whole team instead of focusing on Fernandes.
“I think it’s the result of the team’s work,” said Santos. “If the team does not play well then the player himself will not have a good performance.
“I think in the first two games, the team has played well. Diogo Costa (the Portugal goalkeeper) saved two important shots, so I don’t think we should be focusing on individual players.”
10:08AM SOCCEROO’S DEVASTATING ACL NEWS
Martin Boyle has opened up on the devastating injury which ended his World Cup dream, making the extraordinary revelation that he may have been playing with a damaged ACL for the past seven years.
While the Socceroos are preparing for their most important match in 16 years, a clash against Denmark which could deliver them a first World Cup Round of 16 berth since 2006, Boyle has been relegated to the position of the team’s Official Vibes Manager.
It’s a role the up-beat sparkplug fills with aplomb, but Boyle’s positivity hides the agony he’s experiencing as a result of missing out on football’s biggest stage.
Incredibly, Boyle – speaking for the first time on the devastating injury which ruled him out for 12 months on the eve of the World Cup – revealed the true story behind his plight.
9:35AM A LEAGUE REF PLAYS PART IN PORTUGAL WIN
Adam Peacock
The A League’s competition is having an effect on the World Cup beyond the Socceroos performances, with referee Alireza Faghani at the centre of a contentious decision in this morning’s Portugal-Uruguay blockbuster.
Faghani, who moved to Australia from Iran three years ago, and has long been regarded as one of Asia’s premier officials, overruled his own on-field decision to award Portugal a penalty late in the second half.
Uruguayan Jose Maria Gimenez stopped himself being nutmegged with his hand. Faghani originally said play on, as the rule states a the ball can hit a defenders hand if it planting on the ground and is propping him up. On advice from VAR Faghani came over to check, and with Gimenez’s hand off the ground when it hit the ball, a penalty was given.
It was harsh, but by the law, correct.
Bruno Fernades buried the spot kick to confirm Portugal’s 2-0 win and confirm progress to the knockout stages.
Faghani is noted for his no-nonsense approach, and he didn’t let any of the many egos on the pitch run the show, including Cristiano Ronaldo, in front of 88,000 at Lusail Iconic Stadium. Former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Luis Suarez did try his luck, protesting the penalty decision vociferously. Faghani just stared him down and moved on.
On the whole the ref’s have come in for praise this tournament with their decisiveness, and clear eye for spotting when players are trying to con them. And when a player does roll around for an age, finally, the correct amount of stoppage time is being added on, which in turn is producing chaotic endings with up to 15 minutes extra.
Portugal’s win over a disappointing Uruguay was Faghani’s second huge fixture of the tournament, after he took control of Brazil’s opener against Serbia, and he’s sure to be in contention for some bigger games to come.
9:12AM DID HE TOUCH IT? ‘DESPERATE’ RONALDO’S AWKWARD GOAL CLAIM
Cristiano Ronaldo has been described as “too desperate” after celebrating a World Cup goal as his own despite him making no contact with the ball.
A stunning cross from compatriot Bruno Fernandes initially looked to have been nodded into the net by the superstar but replays show it didn’t make contact with even as much as a strand of his hair.
He celebrated what he thought was his second goal of the tournament like a madman before the stadium announcer credited Ronaldo’s ex-Man United team-mate.
Needless to say, social media lit up afterwards.
And at fulltime, Ronaldo was captured pointing to the side of his head, appearing to still be complaining about the goal being awarded to Fernandes.
I think you'll find, FIFA, that Cristiano Ronaldo scored that goal with his aura.
— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) November 28, 2022
Ronaldo so desperate to claim a goal that isn’t his that it’s quite funny. You could fit a double decker bus through the gap between his head and the ball there
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) November 28, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo is the reason that ball went in. He miss guided the goalkeeper. Counts for Ronaldo in my book pic.twitter.com/88PSubO52R
— ð˜“ð˜¶ð˜¶ð˜¬ 🇵🇹 (@Iuuk96) November 28, 2022
An absolutely amazing header from Cristiano Ronaldo. Such an amazing finisher that he doesn't even need to touch the ball anymore to score.
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) November 28, 2022
8:50AM STAR KEEPER BANISHED FROM WORLD CUP
Never a dull moment in Qatar and this time it’s a player being kicked out of the tournament with Cameroon’s Andre Onana banished from the squad after a disagreement with the coach.
The Inter Milan stopper was dropped from Cameroon’s matchday squad for an unspecified disciplinary issue, with reports later circulating that the 26-year-old had been sent home before his team fought back from two goals down in an eventful Group G clash.
“The issue is that Andre has now been left out for disciplinary reasons,” coach Rigobert Song said on the matter.
“In a group, you need to expect the rules [to] apply to everybody. And I prefer to ensure that the teams takes precedent over individuals.
“I think [I] needed to make that decision and it was something that had to happen. Everyone who did get picked was capable and those who didn’t want to be part of that, then that can be judged.”
According to reports, Onana did not agree with his coach’s tactic though other outlets suggest he had concerns about Samuel Eto’o’s involvement with the team.
It remains to be seen if he has left Qatar but with Song not willing to rule him out of the clash with Brazil.
“For the time being, I’ve had to wait and we’ll see if he’s going to stay with us,” Song said.
“It’s up to him as well to a certain extent. So, you’re gonna have to agree to respect the rules to perhaps come back into the squad.”
Cameroon release an official statement confirming Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana has been "temporarily suspended from the group for disciplinary reasons." pic.twitter.com/XrDXuPkysi
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) November 28, 2022
8:20AM QATAR’S BRAVEST MAN
A man with a rainbow flag and wearing a T-shirt with the words “Respect for Iranian Woman” on the back invaded the pitch during a match at the Qatar World Cup on Monday.
The man was on the field for about 30 seconds during the second half of the game between Portugal and Uruguay before being escorted off by security. He also had the words “Save Ukraine” on the front.
Gay rights and the use of the rainbow flag have been a simmering issue at the World Cup in the Gulf state, where homosexuality is illegal.
Captains of seven European teams had planned to wear rainbow-themed anti-discrimination armbands during the tournament as part of a campaign for diversity.
But they backed down over the threat of disciplinary action from football’s governing body FIFA, including yellow cards.
Britain’s sports minister Stuart Andrew will wear the rainbow-coloured armband when he attends England’s clash with Wales on Tuesday.
Fans complained earlier in the tournament that they had been told to remove items of clothing with the rainbow on them.
8AM PORTUGAL ARE THROUGH
A late penalty has secured Portugal’s spot in the last 16 of the World Cup.
A second goal for Fernandes wrapped things up and there was no chance Ronaldo could try and claim that one having been subbed off 15 minutes before the whistle.
7:15AM FANS SICKENED BY SHAMEFUL WORLD CUP SELFIE
A Ghana official attempted to take a selfie with Son Heung-min while he was crying after South Korea’s defeat at the World Cup.
A thrilling Group H clash saw Ghana go 2-0 up – before a quickfire Cho Gue-sung double levelled things up with 30 minutes remaining.
But Mohammed Kudus then netted his second of the game to put Ghana back in front.
And they hung on to secure their first win of this World Cup.
The result leaves Ghana on three points, but South Korea are now facing a difficult task if they wish to qualify for the round of 16 after a draw and a defeat from their opening two matches.
And Tottenham star Son was in tears at the full-time whistle after an emotionally-draining loss.
Yet one member of the Ghana team still had his eyes set on getting a picture with Son – regardless of the South Korean’s deep disappointment.
He came over to the Spurs man and thrust the camera in his face.
Son turned away from the official, before a member of the Ghana backroom staff urged the man to put his phone away.
They then attempted to check on the welfare of Son, but he walked off as it was clear he wanted to be left alone.
Reacting on social media, one person said: “Son is crying and this Ghana coach is taking a selfie with him … bro ”
Another added: “Did that Ghana coach just take a selfie with Son? Shame is actually free.”
A third said: “Nah wanting a selfie with Son afterwards when he’s devastated is crazy. ”
And a fourth added: “Absolutely shameless from that Ghanaian coach taking a selfie while Son crying.”
Originally published by The Sun
7:12AM PORTUGAL SCORE!
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating like he’s scored it but his head didn’t touch it, not even a strand of hair made a connection so the goal belongs to Bruno Fernandes.
Stadium announcer confirms the goal to Ronaldo’s teammate – hasn’t gone down well with the superstar.
Small blow to the ego no doubt.
Ronaldo so desperate to claim a goal that isn’t his that it’s quite funny. You could fit a double decker bus through the gap between his head and the ball there
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) November 28, 2022
Pride flag brought onto the pitch by a fan at #PORURU - and caught on camera by Qatari host broadcaster beIN before they swiftly cut away … pic.twitter.com/5dd0Vg4KaC
— Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceTel) November 28, 2022
6:45AM WHO TURNED OUT THE LIGHTS?
Brazil’s World Cup clash against Switzerland was momentarily suspended when the lights went out inside the stadium. The floodlights at Stadium 974 in Doha suddenly stopped working just as Brazil were about to take a corner on the stroke of half-time.
Luckily they flashed back into life just seconds later to ironic cheers from the crowd.
The game then carried on as normal after the 44,000 seater arena was plunged into darkness.
For a brief moment, the advertising hoardings at the side of the pitch were the only things illuminating the stadium.
In total the lights were out for around seven seconds on the stroke of half-time.
5AM BRAZIL THROUGH WITHOUT NEYMAR
A Brazil side lacking spark without the injured Neymar needed a late strike from Casemiro to edge out Switzerland 1-0 on Monday as the five-time winners secured their place in the World Cup last 16 with one game to spare.
The Brazilians had been frustrated by an obdurate Swiss side at Doha’s Stadium 974 and it looked as if they would have to settle for a point after a Vinicius Junior strike in the second half was disallowed for offside following a VAR check.
But then, with seven minutes remaining, Bruno Guimaraes flicked the ball on to Casemiro just inside the box and the Manchester United midfielder’s volley flew into the net with the help of a slight but significant deflection off Manuel Akanji.
Tite’s side are just the second team to qualify for the last 16 after France and the only side apart from the holders to have won both group matches so far in Qatar.
With six points they will be tempted to rest players for their final Group G game against Cameroon on Friday, when a draw will secure them top spot.
Switzerland, meanwhile, failed to muster a shot on target but remain on course to qualify too, with the 3-3 draw between Serbia and Cameroon earlier meaning a win against the Serbians will take Murat Yakin’s side through and a draw may also suffice.
4AM WORLD CUP THRILLER
Mohammed Kudus scored twice as Ghana beat South Korea 3-2 in a pulsating World Cup encounter to keep their World Cup hopes alive and leave Paulo Bento’s side facing an early exit.
Mohammed Salisu opened the scoring against the run of play midway through the first half at Education City Stadium and Ajax midfielder Kudus doubled the Black Stars’ lead.
But the Asian side, who looked toothless in the first half, roared back after the break, pulling level through a quickfire double from forward Cho Gue-sung either side of the hour mark.
Ghana looked shell-shocked as the Korean fans celebrated wildly but they were back in front in the 68th minute when Kudus finished calmly at the back post after Inaki Williams failed to connect with a cross from the left.
The result takes Ghana into second in Group H on three points. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will have six points and secure qualification for the last 16 if they beat Uruguay in the later kick-off in Qatar.
Despite their efforts, South Korea look likely to crash out of the tournament at the group stage for the third straight World Cup.
3AMBELGIUM SPLIT BY ‘MUTUAL DISTRUST’ AS NATION TURNS ON STAR
Belgium players and press have been split by “mutual distrust” with Kevin De Bruyne in the firing line following defeat to Morocco. The World Cup hopefuls scraped past Canada in their opener thanks to Michy Batshuayi’s first-half goal.
Manchester City’s De Bruyne, 31, incredibly wrote off Belgium’s chances in Qatar due to the squad “ageing”.
What followed was a shock 2-0 defeat to Morocco, leaving Roberto Martinez’s side in third place.
Former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen, 35, responded by taking a swipe at De Bruyne following the crucial loss.
He said: “In the end we conceded two identical goals on the set piece, twice at the near post. Balls that should never go in.
“The first time we got away well (disallowed for off-side), the second time not anymore.
“There’s so much going through my mind right now, things I shouldn’t say in the open air.
“I don’t think we created any chances. Where did it go wrong? We probably also attack badly because we are too old, that must be it now, surely?
“We have a lot of quality up front, but so does Morocco, and they came out better today. This is very frustrating.”
Yesterday, Kevin De Bruyne said that Belgium are ‘too old’ to win the World Cup.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 27, 2022
This is what Jan Vertonghen had to say after Morocco held them scoreless in a 2-0 win today 😳 pic.twitter.com/4CLHh9oql6
The Belgian media also hit out at talisman De Bruyne, with website HLN writing in their headline: “He lost the ball 27 times!”
And De Standaard went one further by saying: “Can someone shake De Bruyne awake?”
Belgium play table toppers Croatia on Thursday knowing only a win guarantees them a spot in the knockout stages.
More Coverage
A-League shock as Central Coast Mariners owner quits
Richard Peil has quit the Central Coast Mariners, with drastic funding cuts made by the governing body making it impossible for him to keep the club afloat from his own pocket.
Sermanni reveals plan to tackle Fowler problem
Where to play football sensation Mary Fowler was a problem former Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson struggled with – interim coach Tom Sermanni is on a mission to find the answer.