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Serbia 2 – 3 Switzerland

Switzerland, who knew a draw would be enough to qualify, took an early lead through former Stoke and Liverpool forward Xherdan Shaqiri.

Serbia turned it around in the first half, going 2-1 up with goals from Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic and centre-forward partner Dusan Vlahovic – and they would have gone through as things stood.

The entertainment did not stop there though, as Switzerland’s Breel Embolo equalised on the stroke of half-time when he poked in from close range.

With Serbia needing to win, the second half promised further twists but it was Switzerland who struck next – Embolo coolly flicking it on for Nottingham Forest’s Remo Freuler to thump a half-volley into the net and make it 3-2 in their favour.

Further chances came for both sides but Switzerland held on to set up a meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the next round, while Serbia are eliminated. That set the tone for the match and Serbia midfielder Andrija Zivkovic struck the post before Shaqiri put Switzerland in front when his low shot was deflected off Strahinja Pavlovic.

Shaqiri, who was jeered loudly by Serbia fans during the warm-up, ran straight over to them in celebration, putting his finger to his mouth and pointing to his name on the back of his shirt.

He caused controversy with his double eagle celebration in a 2-1 win over Serbia at the Russia World Cup four years ago.

Fulham striker Mitrovic responded moments later when he superbly headed a Dusan Tadic cross inside the far post and Serbia shortly went 2-1 up when Vlahovic squeezed a left-footed shot into the corner.

But there was more to come as Switzerland’s Embolo equalised on the stroke of half-time, poking the ball over the line from close range after a great pass in by Silvan Widmer.

He later turned provider with a smart backheel flick to set up Freuler’s matchwinner and from then on, Switzerland grew in stature and looked favourites to see out the victory.

Tensions flared towards the end as Xhaka was pushed in the chest by Serbia’s Nikola Milenkovic and a retaliation earned both players a yellow card as Switzerland held out.

Source – BBC

03/12/2022
Cameroon 1 – 0 Brazil

Vincent Aboubakar header the winner in stoppage time but his joy immediately turned to disappointment as he was given a second yellow card for taking his shirt off.

Cameroon had acquitted themselves well throughout as Bryan Mbuemo brought an outstanding save from Manchester City’s Ederson, deputising for Liverpool keeper Alisson, but Switzerland’s victory over Serbia ended their chances of reaching the last 16.

With his side having already qualified after their first two games, Brazil coach Tite made 10 changes and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli took the chance to impress with a fine performance in which he was thwarted on several occasions by Cameroon keeper Devis Epassy.

The pre-tournament favourites finished top of Group G despite the loss and now meet South Korea in the knockout phase after their dramatic late win against Portugal saw them edge out Uruguay, who beat Ghana, on goals scored.

Source – BBC

02/12/2022
South Korea 2 – 1 Portugal

Hwang ran onto Son Heung-min’s pass in the 91st minute to round off a rapid break and start wild celebrations from his side’s fans in the stands.

South Korea had needed to win to stand any chance of joining Portugal in the knockout stage, but even following the final whistle, their progress was not secured.

On the pitch and in the stands, players and supporters watched the final moments of Uruguay’s game with Ghana, knowing another goal for the South American side would send them out.

When that 2-0 win was confirmed, a huge roar went around Education City Stadium, and South Korea were able to start the party for real. Any hope of a happy ending for South Korea had seemed unlikely when they fell behind after only five minutes, with Portugal scoring with their first meaningful attack.

Diogo Dalot surged into the box from the right and from his cutback, Ricardo Horta was in the right place to sweep a first-time shot past Kim Seung-gyu and mark his World Cup debut with a goal.

That made South Korea’s task even harder but falling behind failed to silence their thousands of noisy fans and their team soon responded.

The side led by former Portugal player and coach Paulo Bento thought they had replied instantly when Kim Jin-su turned home the rebound after Diogo Costa saved Cho Gue-sung’s flicked header. But the celebrations were cut short by a flag for offside.

An equaliser was not long in coming, however, and it followed another cross. This time a corner wasn’t cleared and the ball hit Cristiano Ronaldo’s back and rolled into the path of Kim Young-gwon, who could hardly miss from close range.

With Uruguay winning against Ghana, South Korea’s route out of Group H was open again, but the goals they needed did not look like materialising.

Portugal, now safe as group winners, looked more likely to score, with Vitinha and Horta going close.

Tottenham star Son, so often his nation’s hero, seemed to be trying to do too much himself and although he got plenty of power behind two long-range efforts, both were blocked.

At the start of stoppage time, it seemed South Korea were heading out, but they mounted one last attack after clearing a corner and this time Son played the pass instead of shooting himself.

He slipped Wolves forward Hwang clear to run into the area and deliver a cool finish to give this eventful World Cup group stage yet another twist.

South Korea’s reward is a tie against the Group G winners, likely to be Brazil, while Portugal will face Switzerland, Cameroon or Serbia.

Source – BBC

02/12/2022
Ghana 0 – 2 Uruguay

The Uruguay striker played a major role in both of Uruguay’s goals and the 35-year-old was in tears after the final whistle, following what may have been his last international.

Both goals were scored by Giorgio de Arrascaeta, the first a close-range header, the second a sublime volley.

In Group H’s other game, South Korea’s 2-1 victory over group winners Portugal was enough to take them through in second place.

Uruguay and South Korea both ended with a zero goal difference, but the side from Asia netted a total of four goals in their three games, with the South American team scoring just the two they managed against Ghana.

Suarez, whose handball in their previous meeting 12 years ago played a crucial role in sending his side through on that occasion, saw his shot fall into De Arrascaeta’s path for the opener, before the veteran former Liverpool striker followed it up with a glorious assist for the second.

There had been early penalty drama when Ghana striker Andre Ayew saw his spot-kick saved by Sergio Rochet at 0-0. The penalty was awarded by the referee after reviewing the goalkeeper’s foul on Mohammed Kudus on the pitchside monitor. Ghana came into the grudge match with hopes of avenging the defeat from 2010, when Suarez handled the ball on the line and was sent off, before wildly celebrating Asamoah Gyan’s miss from the resulting penalty.

Ghana lost the shootout that followed, and there was plenty of drama this time round too.

At 2-0 up, Uruguay thought they were progressing to the last 16, but news filtered through of South Korea’s comeback against Portugal.

Suarez, who was subbed off on 65 minutes for Edinson Cavani, sat on the bench in disbelief as he was made aware of the final result in the other game.

At full-time, the emotional striker was consoled on the pitch by captain Diogo Godin – both veterans might have been seen in a Uruguay shirt for the last time.

Ghana should have taken the lead, but like Gyan in 2010, Andre Ayew failed to convert and it proved extremely costly.

Otto Addo’s men needed some inspiration in the second period but were unable to find a way through an obdurate Uruguayan defence as Kudus saw a low drive tipped wide by Rochet late on.

Uruguay had scored twice before the break and with time running out they pushed for the winner, but Federico Valverde’s effort was palmed away by Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who also made a stunning stop to keep out Cavani’s header.

Source – BBC

02/12/2022
Ghana 0 – 2 Uruguay

Uruguay beat Ghana but went out of the World Cup on goals scored as they finished third behind South Korea in Group H, despite Luiz Suarez’s heroics.

The Uruguay striker played a major role in both of Uruguay’s goals and was in tears after the final whistle, following what may have been his last international.

Both goals were scored by Giorgio de Arrascaeta, the first a close-range header, the second a sublime volley.

In Group H’s other game, South Korea’s 2-1 victory over group winners Portugal was enough to take them through in second place.

Uruguay and South Korea both ended with a zero-goal difference, but the side from Asia netted a total of four goals in their three games, with the South American team scoring just the two they managed against Ghana.

Suarez, whose handball in their previous meeting 12 years ago played a crucial role in sending his side through on that occasion, saw his shot fall into his De Arrascaeta’s path for the opener before the veteran former Liverpool striker followed it up with a glorious assist for the second.

There had been early penalty drama when Ghana striker Andre Ayew saw his spot-kick saved by Sergio Rochet at 0-0. The penalty was awarded by the referee after reviewing the goalkeeper’s foul on Mohammed Kudus on the pitchside monitor.

02/12/2022
Costa Rica 2 – 4 Germany

Japan’s 2-1 win against Spain would have eliminated Germany anyway, but Hansi Flick’s side needed three points to give themselves any chance of reaching the last 16.

They completed their part of the bargain, but it was to no avail as the four-time champions finished third in the group and were eliminated on goal difference.

Germany were in complete control and in front through Serge Gnabry’s 10th-minute header, only for Costa Rica to turn the match on its head to raise the remarkable possibility of Spain also going out.

Yeltsin Tejeda equalised after Germany keeper Manuel Neuer pushed out Kendall Waston’s header in the 58th minute, before Juan Pablo Vargas bundled in a second 12 minutes later.

At that stage, Costa Rica were going through with Japan, and Spain were heading for the exit.

It would have capped one of the most astonishing nights in World Cup history, but Germany substitute Kai Havertz restored a measure of normality to proceedings with two clinical finishes to extinguish Costa Rica’s hopes of springing a major shock.

Substitute Niclas Fullkrug added a last-minute fourth to confirm victory, but it will be of no consolation as Germany failed to reach the knockout stage of the tournament for the second time in succession. This was also a match that made history as an all-female officiating team took charge of a men’s World Cup game for the first time, with France’s Stephanie Frappart refereeing, joined by assistant referees Neuza Back from Brazil and Karen Diaz Medina from Mexico.

Shocked Germany a fallen power
Germany’s second successive exit at the group stage will come as another shock to their system and they can have no complaints as they leave Qatar.

The skids were under their campaign when they lost 2-1 to Japan in their opener and, despite showing real character to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Spain, the first-game defeat left them vulnerable.

A Germany win looked a formality as they controlled the first half hour with embarrassing ease and led through Gnabry’s strike.

Costa Rica were overpowered but Germany’s complacency gave them an entry into the game and suddenly it was they who looked like qualifying as they went ahead, although it did not last long.

Germany have some fine players in the brilliant Jamal Musiala, along with Bayern Munich’s former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane, but this World Cup may spell the end for the older generation such as goalkeeper Neuer and forward Thomas Muller.

There is certainly likely to be a lengthy inquest into another failure at the finals.

Source – BBC

01/12/2022
Japan 2 – 1 Spain

In a tournament that has been full of shocks, this was perhaps the most dramatic night so far, with Spain left relying on the result of Germany’s game with Costa Rica for them to progress

All four teams had started the evening with a chance of progressing but with Spain needing only a draw to qualify, they were not expected to need any favours from elsewhere.

La Roja were cruising at the break after Alvaro Morata headed home Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross from close range, but Japan would quickly turn the game – and the whole of Group E – on its head.

The Samurai Blue sent on substitutes Ritsu Doan and Kaoru Mitoma at half-time and within six minutes of the restart they had both made a huge impact.

Doan equalised with a fierce shot from the edge of the area and, only 142 seconds later, Mitomo retrieved Doan’s low cross and found Ao Tanaka to bundle home from close range

The goal was initially ruled out by the assistant referee who signalled Doan’s cross had gone out of play, but the Video Assistant Referee ruled Mitomo had reached it in time.

Things got even worse for Spain when Costa Rica took a surprise lead over Germany moments later, because at that stage they were heading out. The big screens at Khalifa International Stadium showed the updated group table, to the disbelief of the Spain supporters, and pretty much everyone else here too.

Luis Enrique’s side were in big trouble, and were showing few signs of knowing how to rescue themselves, with only Germany’s late rally sending La Roja through as group runners-up on goal difference.

Source – BBC

01/12/2022
Canada 1 – 2 Morocco

Morocco edged past Canada to top Group F and reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 36 years.

The Atlas Lions, whose previous trip to the last 16 came in 1986, finished above 2018 finalists Croatia, while Belgium – ranked second in the world – is out after finishing third in the group.

A tough test awaits in the next round against the team that finishes second in Group E, which could potentially be Spain or Germany.

Morocco went ahead after just four minutes courtesy of a goalkeeping howler from Milan Borjan.

The Canada keeper sprinted out of his goal but passed the ball straight to Hakim Ziyech, who lofted a cool finish into an open net from 30 yards.

The north African side doubled their advantage through Youssef En-Nesyri’s well-taken goal as he controlled Achraf Hakimi’s superb pass before firing in.

But sloppy defending gave Canada a route back into the game when West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd stuck a boot out to divert the ball into his own net – the 100th goal scored at this World Cup.

Knowing if they avoided defeat they would go through, Morocco were happy to sit back and soak up pressure in the second period.

But Atiba Hutchinson came close with a header that rattled the crossbar and dropped down onto the line as Canada’s campaign ended without a point.

Morocco didn’t win a game at the last World Cup in Russia but has turned on the style this time, becoming the second African team after Senegal to make it through.

Cameroon plays Brazil (19:00 GMT) and Ghana faces a grudge match against Uruguay in the final round of group fixtures on Friday to determine whether they can make it a total of four from the continent.

Morocco manager Walid Regragui has a team which is full of players with big-game experience.

Chelsea’s Ziyech, who has been off the boil for his club, has found form for his country and grabbed the opener, which was gifted to him by Borjan.

Hakimi and En-Nesyri, a regular scorer in the Champions League, combined for the second as the Sevilla player latched on to the Paris St-Germain full-back’s pin-point pass before smashing in.

He could have had a second but a stunning volley was ruled out for offside.

Before the game, Morocco had kept a clean sheet in all six matches under Regragui but that record went when Aguerd poked into his own net before the break.

Canada probed for a way back in the second half and although Hutchinson came close with a header which hit the woodwork, they failed to produce a shot on target in the match.

Star man Alphonso Davies stabbed a chance wide, meaning his side has now lost all six of their World Cup games, a feat only achieved previously in El Salvador.

source – BBC

01/12/2022
Croatia 0 – 0 Belgium

Belgium has been knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage as Croatia progressed at their expense with a goalless draw in Qatar.

Roberto Martinez’s side, who finished third in Russia four years ago and are ranked second in the world, have had a disappointing tournament with just one win in three matches.

They produced another lacklustre display against Croatia despite knowing a win was necessary to progress to the last 16.

Substitute Romelu Lukaku had numerous chances in the second half but failed to convert any of them.

Lukaku, still searching for sharpness following injury, poked an effort wide and then reacted too late when the ball hit him in front of the goal in stoppage time.

Croatia, finalists in 2018, got the point they needed to progress from Group F as runners-up, with Morocco taking top spot thanks to a 2-1 win against Canada.

Zlatko Dalic’s side will face the winners of Group E – which is currently Spain – in the last 16.

Belgium players fell to the floor at full-time as their supporters behind the far goal politely applauded them off the pitch.

Lukaku, who replaced Dries Mertens at half-time, came into the game with intent and immediately brought additional energy to the Belgium side.

But his missed opportunities in the second half proved costly, with each one bringing an audible collective groan from the stands and Inter Milan striker the punched the dugout in frustration after the final whistle.

Croatia was unconvincing – they had a penalty ruled out by VAR due to an offside in the build-up in the first half – but did enough to secure progression.

However, they looked a level below what they showed to reach the final in Russia four years ago and their celebrations were fairly subdued after scraping through.

This Belgium side was ranked number one in the world in February and their collection of star names have been fancied to do well in recent tournaments – but their supporters are used to disappointment.

On the biggest stages, their ‘golden generation’ has not lived up to expectations, failing to reach a major final despite their array of talented players.

The team, whose key players are approaching the latter stages of their careers, probed for the breakthrough at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium but superstars Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard could do little to change the result.

Croatia had the best chances in a poor first half as Ivan Perisic struck wide while Andrej Kramaric thought he had won a penalty following a foul by Yannick Carrasco, but it was later ruled out by VAR.

Lukaku’s introduction had an immediate impact after the break when he pounced on a rebound from Carrasco’s shot but struck it against the inside of the post.

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric went close when his poked effort was held by club team-mate Thibaut Courtois in a rare Croatia second-half attack.

But the biggest chances fell Lukaku’s way, not least in the closing minutes when he deflected a cross wide then was slow to react and allowed the ball to hit his body and fall into the goalkeeper’s arms from about two yards out.

A draw was probably a fair result and Belgium cannot have too many complaints at their failure to progress after a disappointing group stage.

01/12/2022
Saudi Arabia 1 – 2 Mexico

With Argentina beating Poland 2-0 in Group C at Stadium 974 and Mexico leading by the same scoreline at Lusail Stadium in the 94th minute, Gerardo Martino’s side needed one more goal to prevent them from going out according to Fifa’s fair play rule.

But Salem Al Dawsari’s injury-time consolation goal for Saudi Arabia sent the distraught Mexicans home anyway, leaving the Polish players to celebrate across the city.

After a stop-start first half with little rhythm to it, the match burst into life two minutes after the break as Henry Martin reacted quickest to finish Cesar Montes’ flick on.

Mexico fans had barely calmed their celebrations before Luis Chavez curled a glorious 30-yard free-kick into the top corner to send their supporters into pandemonium.

They thought they had another but Hirving Lozano’s low strike was chalked off for offside and Martin should have had a second but volleyed over from 12 yards out.

It was all Mexico as they pushed for further goals. Chavez nearly struck another stunning free-kick but Mohammed Al Owais palmed it out, then Orbelín Pineda curled narrowly wide.

Mexico thought they had sealed progression when Uriel Antuna stroked in late on, but that too was flagged for offside and they went out in the most excruciating manner. The first half was one to forget, the drama in the second will live long in the memory.

It was absolute chaos before the game, with thousands of Saudi fans making the trip across the border for a game in which victory would have secured a place in the knockout stage.

But they never really managed to put Mexico under pressure and ultimately both sides went out of the competition.

At one stage, Mexico were set to be knocked out because they had collected more yellow cards (seven) than Poland (five), with the two teams level on points and goal difference.

While Al Dawsari’s late goal changed little, Mexico fans were still left dejected at full-time, with some staying long after the final whistle with their head in their hands.

Martin’s opener from close range and Chavez’s peach of a free-kick gave them hope, but two disallowed goals crushed any optimism of advancing out of the group.

The result ends a sequence of progression to the round of 16, having done so at the previous seven World Cups.

For Saudi Arabia, the tournament ends in disappointment by finishing bottom of the group despite an opening game victory over Argentina that will go down as one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.

Mohamed Kanno had his chances, shanking wide from the angle and curling a free-kick narrowly over, while Ali Al Hassan almost headed in on the stroke of half-time.

The stadium was filled mostly with raucous Saudi supporters and they went home with one final cheer as Al Dawsari coolly converted late on.

Source – BCC

30/11/2022