After US Soccer changes Iranian flag on social media, Iran calls for US to be kicked out of 2022 World Cup

After US Soccer changes Iranian flag on social media, Iran calls for US to be kicked out of 2022 World Cup



CNN
 — 

Iran point out media has called for the US to be kicked out of the 2022 Earth Cup just after the United States Soccer Federation transformed Iran’s flag on its social media platforms to display support for protesters in Iran.

The federation had temporarily shown Iran’s countrywide flag on its formal Twitter, Instagram and Fb accounts without having the emblem of the Islamic Republic. A now-deleted graphic of the Team B standings posted on Saturday shown the Iranian flag only bearing its eco-friendly, white and pink colours.

US Soccer informed CNN on Sunday that it wished to adjust the official flag for 24 hours to exhibit “support for the women of all ages in Iran battling for fundamental human rights” but often prepared to go back again to the unique flag.

A US soccer federation screenshot displaying Iran's national flag on social media without the emblem of the Islamic Republic.

The improve “was a one particular-time graphic,” US Soccer advised CNN. “We have the most important flag on our web page and other sites.” The emblem is at the moment back again on the flag on US Soccer’s social media channels.

A spokesperson for the State Division told CNN it did not coordinate with US Soccer in the sporting body’s decision to transform Iran’s flag on its social media accounts to clearly show assist for protesters in Iran.

“We seem ahead to a tranquil and aggressive match on the field. The United States carries on to obtain techniques to assistance the Iranian persons in the encounter of condition-sponsored violence in opposition to gals and a brutal crackdown towards peaceful protestors,” the Point out Department advised CNN.

Iran state media reported Sunday that the United States must be straight away kicked out of the event and suspended for 10 games for a “distorted image” of the country’s flag.

“By posting a distorted graphic of the flag of the Islamic Republic of #Iran on its official account, the #US soccer crew breached the @FIFAcom charter, for which a 10-activity suspension is the ideal penalty,” Iran condition-aligned Tasnim information company wrote on Twitter on Sunday. “Team #Usa should really be kicked out of the #WorldCup2022.”

FIFA did not straight away respond to CNN’s request for comment.

Iran and the US perform each and every other on Tuesday in a crucial Team B match. It is a have to-earn tie for the US if it is to progress to the knockout phases.

Iran is showing at this World Cup less than the shadow of domestic turmoil. The United Nations Superior Commissioner for Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, has reported that the state is in a “full-fledged human rights crisis” as authorities clamp down on anti-regime dissidents.

Protests, referred to by experts as the most significant considering the fact that the institution of clerical rule pursuing the 1979 Iranian Revolution, and violence have rocked Iran in latest months and threatened the really character of the country’s regime, which has been in power for more than 40 years.

It was sparked by the loss of life of Mahsa Amini, a 22-12 months-old girl who died right after staying detained by Iran’s morality police, allegedly for not abiding by the country’s conservative dress code. Iranian security forces have unleashed a violent reaction.

The most up-to-date controversy arrives following a working day of difficulties in advance of the two teams’ Team B clash in Doha at the Al Thumama Stadium.

US Soccer’s selection came on the exact same working day the previous US Men’s Nationwide Team’s (USMNT) head mentor Jurgen Klinsmann said he will try out to communicate with Iran’s manager, Carlos Queiroz, to “calm issues down” just after Klinsmann’s opinions about Iran’s tradition had been branded “outrageous remarks.”

Pursuing Iran’s 2- victory about Wales on Friday, Klinsmann reviewed Iran’s mindset toward the recreation of soccer, led by Queiroz, for the duration of a panel discussion on the BBC.

“That’s their culture and which is their way of doing it and which is why Carlos Queiroz, he matches actually very well in the Iranian national workforce,” Klinsmann stated. “He struggled in South The us. He unsuccessful with Colombia to qualify then he failed with Egypt to qualify as very well and then he went again appropriate just before the World Cup now and guided Iran where he labored previously for a very long, prolonged time.

“This is not by coincidence. This is all purposely. This is just aspect of their lifestyle. Which is how they enjoy it and they do the job the referee. You noticed the bench normally leaping off, usually working the fourth, the linesmen and the fourth referee on the sideline, continually in their ears. They are frequently in your experience on the subject.”

The 1990 World Cup winner continued: “This is their culture and they kind of make you lose your emphasis and make you reduce your focus and what is really important to you.”

On Saturday, Queiroz responded to Klinsmann in a series of tweets.

“Even not understanding me personally, you dilemma my character with a common prejudiced judgment of superiority,” Queiroz wrote. “No subject how substantially I can regard what you did within the pitch, these remarks about Iran Lifestyle, Iran National Workforce and my Players are a shame to Soccer. Nobody can hurt our integrity if it is not at our stage, of system.”

Queiroz additional: “As American/German, we have an understanding of your no guidance. No challenge. And in spite of your outrageous remarks on BBC hoping to undermine our efforts, sacrifices and abilities, we assure you that we will not create any judgments pertaining to your tradition, roots and track record and that you will constantly be welcome to our Loved ones.”

The Iran Football Federation, in a statement, demanded Klinsmann apologize and resign from his Qatar 2022 Technical Analyze Group situation with FIFA. Iran reported it has requested FIFA “for quick clarification on this make any difference.”

CNN has attained out to FIFA for remark but did not get a response at time of publication.

On Sunday, Klinsmann reported on BBC Breakfast: “There was stuff definitely taken out of context. I will check out to give him a call and serene points down. I have hardly ever criticized Carlos or the Iranian bench. Some even considered I was criticizing the referee simply because he did not do anything about the way they were behaving on the bench.

“All I explained was their emotional way of doing items, which is really admirable in a particular way. The total bench life the game. They’re jumping up and down and Carlos is a very psychological coach. He’s consistently on the sidelines striving to give his players all his energy and route.”

The federation invited Klinsmann to take a look at Group Melli Camp in Doha and “for a lecture on the millennial Persian society and the values of soccer and activity.”

Brazil vs Switzerland prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for World Cup 2022 Group G match

Brazil vs Switzerland prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for World Cup 2022 Group G match

Brazil will face arguably their biggest Group H test without their best player as they match up against Switzerland while the injured Neymar watches on.

The Paris Saint-Germain attacker suffered a nasty ankle injury in Brazil’s group-stage opener, leaving him with a swollen foot and ruled out for the group stages. Brazil boss Tite seemed optimistic that Neymar would return in time for the knockout rounds, but for now, the 30-year-old forward is sidelined.

A Breel Embolo goal was enough to see Switzerland past Senegal 1-0 in their opening match, and they were unlucky not to cash in on other opportunities. The Nati will hope to be more ruthless in a match against the World Cup favorites where every chance will have to count.

With both teams on three points after the first round, a winner here would be in firm control of the group and could potentially even mathematically confirm a knockout place pending the result of the other match.

MORE: How to watch Brazil vs Switzerland

Brazil vs Switzerland odds

Brazil, as tournament favorites, will see the odds heavily skewed in their favor for the foreseeable future, and that’s no different here against European opposition.

Sports books are unclear about whether goals will be scored in this match, with Brazil expected to find the back of the net but Switzerland’s fortunes going forward more unclear.

Odds via BetMGM (USA), Sports Interaction (Canada), SkyBet (UK), and LadBrokes (Australia).

  BetMGM Sports
Interaction
SkyBet LadBrokes
Brazil win -200 1.47 4/9 1/2
Draw +310 4.20 16/5 3/1
Switzerland win +550 6.04 21/4 11/2
Both teams
to score Y / N
-115 / -120 1.84 / 1.77 5/6, 5/6 20/23, 5/6
Over / Under
2.5 goals
-135 / -105 1.77 / 1.98 8/11, 1/1 4/5, 19/20
Brazil -1.5 +135 2.37 — —
Switzerland +1.5 -190 1.57 — —

Brazil vs Switzerland: 3 things to know

Brazil vs Switzerland team news

The absence of Neymar, albeit gargantuan, is unfortunately not the only injury problem for Brazil in this match. Versatile defender Danilo was impressive against Serbia but came off with a similar ankle injury, and he is also likely out for the group stage.

Unlike their opponents, Switzerland have a largely clean bill of health. The only concern coming into the tournament was for goalkeeper Yann Sommer, but he returned from his ankle issue to play in the opener against Cameroon and was extremely impressive, as usual. However, they have lost rising Salzburg star Noah Okafor to a thigh injury for this match.

MORE: Full injury tracker for all 32 teams at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Brazil vs Switzerland key stats

  • Brazil have not lost since the 2021 Copa America final defeat to Argentina, a run of 16 matches unbeaten with 13 wins and three draws.
  • Richarlison has scored nine goals in his past seven international appearances for Brazil, with two assists in that span as well.
  • Xherdan Shaqiri needs eight more international caps to equal the nation’s appearance record of 118 held by Heinz Hermann. Granit Xhaka is right there as well, two back of Shaqiri.
  • Brazil and Switzerland have met twice in World Cup play before (1950, 2018), with both matches ending in a draw.

Brazil vs Switzerland match facts

  • Date: Monday, November 28
  • Kickoff Time: 11:00 am ET / 4:00 pm GMT / 3:00 am AEDT (Tue, Nov. 22)
  • Location: Stadium 974
  • Official: Ivan Barton (El Salvador)

Brazil vs Switzerland prediction

  • Moneyline lean: Brazil (-200)
  • Against the spread lean: Brazil -1.5 (+135)
  • Score prediction: Brazil 2-0 Switzerland

While Brazil took a while to break down Serbia, and they didn’t exactly look impressive, they also remained resilient and came through thanks to Richarlison’s late brilliance. Without Neymar, it will be tougher, but this Brazil side is oozing with talent and will be well suited to weather his absence.

Switzerland are a streaky side and have been capable of a few big upsets in the past, such as taking down Spain in September. Sommer is a match-winner on his own, and it will be tough to get by the feisty goalkeeper. Yet this Switzerland team has also slogged through a nasty losing streak not long ago, so it’s hard to trust them. They can spring a result on any given day, but to back them here would just be too much risk.

MORE: Brazil vs Switzerland World Cup lineups, starting 11 for Group G match

Brazil vs Switzerland: best bet

While either side could secure a knockout-stage spot with victory in this match, Switzerland will be happy just to take a point. Up against the betting favorites, even that will be a tall task, and the Swiss will have to work hard at both ends to secure a result. It may simply be too tall an order.

Brazil vs. Switzerland best bet

  • Pick: Brazil to win to zero
  • Odds: +135 (BetMGM)

While Switzerland found a goal against Cameroon, their overall attacking display was predictable and did not inspire confidence. The Swiss side had 51 percent possession and generated 11 corners, but did practically nothing with the ball. They managed just seven shots all match, did not have a single successful dribble, and pumped 20 crosses into the penalty area, completing just three.

Cameroon made a point to smother Granit Xhaka and force his midfield partner Remo Freuler to progress the ball, and he was largely unable to do so. Freuler had just seven passes into the final third, while Xhaka delivered eight despite 22 fewer touches.

All this is to say Brazil should have no problems handling a Swiss attack that is predictable and preventable.

Brazil vs. Switzerland prop bet

  • Pick: Brazil to win both halves
  • Odds: +260 (BetMGM)

This Switzerland defense can be breached, and if anyone can punish a team for mediocre defending, it’s Brazil. Coming into the World Cup, Switzerland had kept just a single clean sheet this calendar year across nine matches, which came in a 1-0 victory over Portugal in which the opponent still racked up 1.47 xG and 20 shots but came up empty.

Switzerland have Sommer in goal, who can produce a masterclass on his best day, but this match should be one-way traffic even without Neymar. Brazil have too much talent to be bothered by one player’s absence.

Brazil vs Switzerland flier bet

  • Pick: Richarlison 2+ goals
  • Odds: +650 (BetMGM)

Riding the hot hand at the World Cup is essential, both for teams to win games and fans to win bets. With Neymar sidelined, there’s nobody hotter at the World Cup than Richarlison.

The Spurs frontman has nine goals in his past seven international appearances, and he has three braces in that span, including in the opener against Serbia. It will be interesting to see how Tite chooses to replace Neymar in the attack and what effect that will have on the lineup, but at the end of the day, there’s no way Richarlison doesn’t head the forward line, given his blistering form.

World Economic Outlook for 2023 Increasingly Gloomy

World Economic Outlook for 2023 Increasingly Gloomy

The outlook for the world wide economy headed into 2023 has soured, according to a variety of recent analyses, as the ongoing war in Ukraine proceeds to pressure trade, specifically in Europe, and as marketplaces await a fuller reopening of the Chinese financial system subsequent months of disruptive COVID-19 lockdowns.

In the United States, symptoms of a tightening career sector and a slowdown in business exercise fueled fears of a economic downturn. Globally, inflation grew and company action, specially in the eurozone and the United Kingdom, ongoing to shrink.

In an examination released Thursday, the Institute of International Finance predicted a world wide financial growth charge of just 1.2{515baef3fee8ea94d67a98a2b336e0215adf67d225b0e21a4f5c9b13e8fbd502} in 2023, a amount on par with 2009, when the environment was only commencing its emergence from the economical crisis.

The Corporation for Financial Cooperation and Development (OECD) agrees with the pessimistic forecast. In a report issued this 7 days, the organization’s interim Chief Economist Alvaro Santos Pereira wrote, “We are currently facing a quite difficult financial outlook. Our central circumstance is not a international recession, but a considerable progress slowdown for the globe financial system in 2023, as very well as however high, albeit declining, inflation in numerous nations.”

U.S. interest charges

In the U.S., inflation and the Federal Reserve’s initiatives to fight it have been the dominant variables in most analyses of the latest and long term states of the overall economy.

The U.S has been going through its best stages of inflation in 40 decades, with charges starting to soar considerably in mid-2021. By the starting of 2022, annualized rates have been around 6{515baef3fee8ea94d67a98a2b336e0215adf67d225b0e21a4f5c9b13e8fbd502}, and whilst fluctuating a little bit, touched a significant of 6.6{515baef3fee8ea94d67a98a2b336e0215adf67d225b0e21a4f5c9b13e8fbd502} in October.

Beginning in March, the central bank’s Federal Open Sector Committee (FOMC), which sets foundation curiosity costs, has engaged in a dramatic collection of will increase, increasing the benchmark charge from involving .{515baef3fee8ea94d67a98a2b336e0215adf67d225b0e21a4f5c9b13e8fbd502} and .25{515baef3fee8ea94d67a98a2b336e0215adf67d225b0e21a4f5c9b13e8fbd502} to involving 3.75{515baef3fee8ea94d67a98a2b336e0215adf67d225b0e21a4f5c9b13e8fbd502} and 4.{515baef3fee8ea94d67a98a2b336e0215adf67d225b0e21a4f5c9b13e8fbd502} now.

The idea guiding the Fed’s moves is to modify consumers’ incentives. By earning the desire prices on cost savings additional desirable, and the charges on borrowing less so, the central lender is performing to lower demand from customers and therefore slow the level of rate raises.

In normal, the Fed thinks that an yearly 2{515baef3fee8ea94d67a98a2b336e0215adf67d225b0e21a4f5c9b13e8fbd502} price of inflation is wholesome and considers that its extended-phrase concentrate on.

Keeping away from a recession

The Fed’s objective is to get inflation underneath manage with no plunging the economic climate into a detrimental economic downturn. And even though a amount of economic indications show that endeavours to sluggish desire may well be operating, the risk of a economic downturn still looms.

Proof launched this week confirmed that enterprise exercise in the U.S. contracted for a fifth consecutive thirty day period as businesses reacted to lessened shopper demand from customers. Even though the economy has ongoing to increase careers in modern months, applications for unemployment gains are on the increase, suggesting a probable softening in the labor market place.

FILE - Signage for a job fair is seen on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York City, Sept. 3, 2021.

FILE – Signage for a career reasonable is noticed on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York City, Sept. 3, 2021.

The Federal Reserve this week unveiled the minutes from the early November assembly of the FOMC. The minutes unveiled a pessimistic check out between the central bank’s team economists about the U.S. economic system in the coming year.

Among the their conclusions was that they “viewed the risk that the economic system would enter a recession sometime above the next year as just about as very likely as the baseline.”

A “substantial majority” of the voting members of the committee indicated that they think it is time to sluggish the price of desire fee improves, suggesting that the FOMC will retreat from its latest .75{515baef3fee8ea94d67a98a2b336e0215adf67d225b0e21a4f5c9b13e8fbd502} will increase when it satisfies in December, most likely boosting rates by just .5{515baef3fee8ea94d67a98a2b336e0215adf67d225b0e21a4f5c9b13e8fbd502}.

Global wrestle

Internationally, governments are dealing with a difficult problem: supporting their citizens through a time when selling prices are mounting dramatically, particularly for necessities like foods and gas, which have been deeply affected by the war in Ukraine.

In a report this week, the Global Monetary Fund pointed to the hard balancing act governments should regulate, indicating, “With many persons nevertheless battling, governments need to go on to prioritize assisting the most susceptible to cope with soaring food and vitality bills and protect other costs — but governments must also keep away from introducing to combination demand from customers that risks dialing up inflation. In a lot of superior and rising economies, fiscal restraint can reduce inflation while lowering debt.”

According to the Institute of Global Finance (IIF), though world-wide expansion will be reduced but web beneficial in 2023, particular spots will confront declines. Main among the them is Europe, in which the IIF forecasts a 2.{515baef3fee8ea94d67a98a2b336e0215adf67d225b0e21a4f5c9b13e8fbd502} drop in cumulative GDP.

Bright spots

To the extent that there are shiny spots in the international economy in 2023, they are in locations these types of as Latin The usa and China.

A lot of international locations of Latin The us, where the export of raw resources, which include timber, ore, and other significant economic inputs drives quite a few economies, world wide inflation has proved useful insofar as the selling prices for these products have risen. The IIF report tasks a 1.2{515baef3fee8ea94d67a98a2b336e0215adf67d225b0e21a4f5c9b13e8fbd502} enlargement in GDP throughout the location, even as a great deal of the remainder of the planet sees economic contraction.

China has experienced economically as a result of President Xi Jinping’s “zero-COVID” method, which has compelled enormous lockdowns of whole cities and regions, with significant disruption to financial action. The IFF and other businesses expect considerable loosening in China’s policy in the coming yr, which will lead to economic progress of as considerably as 2.{515baef3fee8ea94d67a98a2b336e0215adf67d225b0e21a4f5c9b13e8fbd502} as the Chinese economic climate makes an attempt to revive by itself.

U.K. to put up with

With the exception of Russia, which is nonetheless laboring below crushing sanctions related to its invasion of Ukraine, the United Kingdom faces the gloomiest outlook for the coming 12 months of any of the world’s largest economies.

With inflation managing appreciably ahead of other nations around the world, annualized value will increase are anticipated to touch 10{515baef3fee8ea94d67a98a2b336e0215adf67d225b0e21a4f5c9b13e8fbd502} by the conclude of the calendar year, just before bit by bit moderating in 2023.

Between the G-7 nations, the U.K. is the only a person in which economic output has not returned to pre-pandemic amounts, and it is forecast to shrink more. The OECD jobs that the British economic climate will drop in dimension by .3{515baef3fee8ea94d67a98a2b336e0215adf67d225b0e21a4f5c9b13e8fbd502} in 2023 and will expand at only .2{515baef3fee8ea94d67a98a2b336e0215adf67d225b0e21a4f5c9b13e8fbd502} in 2024.

November 25, 2022 World Cup news and highlights

November 25, 2022 World Cup news and highlights

Ahad of the Earth Cup showdown amongst the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) and England on Friday, US Soccer Federation CEO and Secretary Typical JT Batson told CNN that the staff is sensation completely ready for the competitiveness. 

“The staff appears to be like superior the workforce is experience excellent, they were being in fantastic spirits. … England looked good in the initially match and we know we’ve acquired some stiff competitiveness, but the guys are up for it, which we’re thrilled about,” he instructed CNN’s Becky Anderson. 

“The staff is self-assured. We have a fantastic record in the Globe Cup against England, and we appear to continue to keep that rolling these days,” he claimed.  

The previous time the US participated at the men’s Entire world Cup was 8 several years back. And with the match slipping throughout the Thanksgiving vacation, it could be the most-viewed recreation of soccer in US history. 

“My complete family members was reorienting our Thanksgiving strategies all over staying alongside one another to watch this video game I know our family members was not by itself in that. The numbers are heading to be remarkable, the enjoyment is palpable and we’re on the lookout forward to it,” Batson said. 

So much, Qatar Planet Cup ticket product sales have surpassed 3 million according to FIFA, with America position as just one of the leading nations in those people gross sales. Batson said that speaks to the advancement of the activity in the US. 

“Individuals enjoy large competitions, and of program, we appreciate to win. Nothing will get bigger than the Entire world Cup. The progress of the match in the States has been unbelievable over the past number of decades. … I think this is only heading to mature,” he claimed, introducing that he predicts the US will dominate the most tickets offered at the Women’s World Cup future calendar year.   

In a historic accomplishment, the US Soccer Federation and the United States Women’s National Team USWNT arrived at an settlement to finish a dispute around equivalent pay in February. Requested why it took so extended, he told CNN that they have “very long been dedicated to this.”

“A single of the biggest hurdles was truly the FIFA World Cup prize cash mainly because, it is not just equal pay out on what US Soccer pays the gamers, it’s also equalizing the Globe Cup prize funds. And how do you do that when the men’s Planet Cup prize funds is demonstrably larger sized than the women’s? They agreed to share, so it’s actually transformational in phrases of what it suggests not just for soccer or soccer, but for what it implies broadly for activity and modern society. We’re actually happy of that,” he mentioned. 

“We have long been a chief in women’s soccer, we know the rest of the world is fortuitously now investing in that which is fascinating, and we want to continue on that investment to be the chief for decades to occur,” he continued. 

The USMNT showed their aid for the LGBTQ+ local community by acquiring a rainbow-themed team logo within their training facility. Batson mentioned that speaks to the team’s “lengthy heritage of supporting the LGBTQ local community.”

“Just one of the beauties of America is its diversity. We have gamers from all around the world, from all more than the region, all sorts of distinct backgrounds and distinct views. So we seriously want to give them the platform to advocate on factors that are essential to them, no matter whether it is gun violence, Black Life Matter, basic human legal rights. Everything past that, we want to assist them,” he explained.

November 24, 2022 coverage of the World Cup

November 24, 2022 coverage of the World Cup
Spain's forward #11 Ferran Torres scores a penalty during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group E football match between Spain and Costa Rica at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha on November 23.
Spain’s forward #11 Ferran Torres scores a penalty through the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group E soccer match between Spain and Costa Rica at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha on November 23. (Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Photos)

So 16 games played, with an additional 48 matches to go at the 2022 World Cup. There have been 4 – attracts by now — Russia 2018 only noticed a single — but a couple teams have recorded assertion wins.

England arrived in Qatar getting endured the worst buildup to a Globe Cup in its background. But Gareth Southgate’s team dispelled any criticism by thrashing Iran 6-2, its 2nd biggest victory at the tournament.

Also, France came to the Planet Cup acquiring dropped its dynamic midfield duo of Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kanté to personal injury, not to mention Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema.

After likely behind to Australia early on it seemed like the curse of the defending champion would strike France just as it had the previous 4 winners in their opening game titles. But a brace from Olivier Giroud and targets from Adrian Rabiot and Kylian Mbappé sealed a French comeback and a flying get started to its Environment Cup defence.

Spain’s 7- thrashing of Costa Rica established a new level of excellence at Qatar 2022 — arguably the most dominant overall performance in a World Cup game this century. Not only did La Roja rating 7, but Luis Enrique’s facet did not allow Costa Rica get a one shot in the course of the 90 minutes. Dominance.

Meanwhile, Brazil carries the large burden as pre-event beloved, and it showed in a hard initial fifty percent against Serbia. Then Richarlison acquired to work, grabbing a double, such as an early contender for target of the event with an acrobatic complete to give the Seleção a 2- earn.

Brazil showed its unbelievable attacking depth as Neymar Jr. and more youthful stars like Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Richarlisan and Rodrygo took center phase in a new and thrilling Brazil facet searching to showcase a 2022 edition of jogo bonito (the stunning match) at the World Cup.

Nonetheless, the largest winners of the initial spherical of fixtures were being arguably not from Europe or South The usa, but from Asia.

Saudi Arabia arrived into the event as one particular of the least expensive rated sides and with an not known group fully hailing from domestic club soccer.

In the path of the Environmentally friendly Falcons was an Argentina facet unbeaten in 36 game titles and led by Lionel Messi in his pursuit of the only trophy that has eluded him in his glittering occupation.

But the Saudis ended up not daunted, coming from powering to rating two brilliant aims and result in the largest upset in Earth Cup record.

Just a day later on, Japan followed up with a seismic shock of its possess, turning around Germany. Like Saudi Arabia, the Samurai Blue went at the rear of to a first-half penalty, but turned it about to make the most well-known get in Japan’s record.

2022 World Cup standings, results and news: Live updates

2022 World Cup standings, results and news: Live updates

November 24, 2022 at 5:29 PM EST

Neymar injury update

Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Serbia at the 2022 World Cup was overshadowed by an ankle injury which left Neymar in tears on the substitutes’ bench.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward was repeatedly fouled during the match and was eventually withdrawn after Richarlison had scored a sublime goal to give Brazil a two-goal lead.

After being substituted Neymar appeared to be in tears on the bench. He was then pictured heading towards the dressing room with a badly swollen ankle.

Brazil’s national team doctor later confirmed that Neymar had sustained a sprained ankle, although Tite, the manager, said he believed the 30-year-old would play again in Qatar.

Brazil’s doctor said: “Neymar has a sprain on the right ankle. We started treatment immediately but we need to wait 24 hours to have a better assessment.

“We have nothing else scheduled. Now we need to wait and we cannot make any premature comments.”

Tite later added: “We are confident that Neymar will continue playing, that he will continue playing in the World Cup.”

James Horncastle

James Horncastle·

Serie A Correspondent

November 24, 2022 at 4:51 PM EST

West Ham’s Kurt Zouma set for spell on sidelines

West Ham defender Kurt Zouma is set for a spell on the sidelines after having surgery on a knee problem.

The Frenchman was forced off during the first half of the 2-0 home defeat by Leicester, in the final Premier League match ahead of the World Cup break.

West Ham did not provide a timescale for Zouma’s expected recovery.

A club statement read: “West Ham United can confirm that Kurt Zouma has had surgery on a knee injury.

“The French defender will now continue his rehabilitation at Rush Green with the Club’s medical team.

“Everyone at West Ham United would like to wish Kurt a speedy recovery.”

Ali Humayun

Ali Humayun

November 24, 2022 at 2:15 PM EST

Portugal overcome Ghana 3-2 in nail-biting finish

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score at five World Cups as Portugal began their 2022 World Cup with a winning start following a late flurry of second-half goals.

A match that saw five goals scored in the second half ended 3-2 in Portugal’s favour, and could have ended level if Inaki Williams had managed to stay on his feet in the dying embers of the game.

Enthralling stuff.

Ali Humayun

Ali Humayun

GO FURTHER

Portugal vs Ghana result: Portugal edge past Ghana in five-goal thriller

November 24, 2022 at 1:10 PM EST

Wolves appoint Matt Hobbs as sporting director

The Midlands club have promoted their former recruitment chief.

Steve Madeley

Steve Madeley·

West Bromwich Albion Staff Writer

November 24, 2022 at 12:14 PM EST

Wolves’ technical director Sellars leaves club

Wolves’ tehcnical director Scott Sellars has left the club after eight years.

He originally held the role as under-23s manager before “moving upstairs” three years ago, first as head of player development, then head of the academy and eventually technical director in 2021.

Although Sellars held the title of technical director, a large proportion of players arriving at Molineux did so via super agent Jorge Mendes, with the say-so of executive chairman Jeff Shi.

News of Sellars’ departure comes at a time of change for Wolves, with Julen Lopetegui the club’s new head coach.

Steve Madeley

Steve Madeley·

West Bromwich Albion Staff Writer

November 24, 2022 at 11:19 AM EST

Chelsea to face Aston Villa in Abu Dhabi

Graham Potter’s side will play a friendly on December 11 against Aston Villa.

Kick-off will be at 6:10pm local time, that is 2:10pm GMT, and Chelsea fans can also purchase tickets for the match at the Al Nahyan Stadium.

Simon Johnson

Simon Johnson·

Chelsea Correspondent

November 24, 2022 at 11:00 AM EST

KICK OFF: Portugal 0-0 Ghana

Ali Humayun

Ali Humayun

November 24, 2022 at 10:12 AM EST

Catch up on the Totally Football Show

Ali Humayun

Ali Humayun

November 24, 2022 at 10:00 AM EST

FULL TIME: Uruguay 0-0 South Korea

Another goalless draw at the World Cup but entertaining nonetheless.

Uruguay came closer to grabbing the winner, hitting the woodwork twice, but Ui-jo should also have scored for South Korea.

Neither side really showed enough quality to score, and Group H looks like it will be tight.

Ali Humayun

Ali Humayun

November 24, 2022 at 9:32 AM EST

Hazard criticises Germany World Cup protest: ‘They would have done better to win’

Eden Hazard has suggested Germany would have been better off focusing on winning rather than protesting over the OneLove armband ban.

The German national team covered their mouths in their team photo as a protest against the decision not to allow them to wear the OneLove captain’s armband — which was a planned anti-discrimination message.

They went on to lose 2-1 on Wednesday to Japan in one of the shock results of the World Cup so far.

And Hazard admitted he had been reluctant to wear the armband after the possibility he would be given a yellow card was made clear.

“Afterwards they lost the match,” Hazard told RMC Sport. “They would have done better not to do it and to win.”

Ali Humayun

Ali Humayun

GO FURTHER

Eden Hazard jokingly mocks Germany for World Cup protest: ‘They would have done better to win’

November 24, 2022 at 8:58 AM EST

The Athletic Football Podcast

There’s a lot to dissect after nearly five days of World Cup football…

Luke Bosher

Luke Bosher·

Junior Editor, News

November 24, 2022 at 8:33 AM EST

Follow Uruguay vs South Korea live

Luke Bosher

Luke Bosher·

Junior Editor, News

November 24, 2022 at 7:37 AM EST

Previewing Uruguay vs South Korea

Need something to fill the time before Uruguay – South Korea? Give the Totally Football Show a listen now. Host James Richardson does his best to cheer up German correspondent Rafa Honigstein and the team look ahead to Portugal’s clash with Ghana. Listen now.

Iain Macintosh

Iain Macintosh

November 24, 2022 at 6:41 AM EST

Wales chief exec on OneLove armband threat: ‘It was pretty cheap and pretty low’

Wales chief executive Neil Mooney has spoken about the situation regarding the OneLove armband that his nation and others had been planning to wear, but abandoned after a threat of sporting sanction from FIFA.

Mooney told ITV: “For months and months we have known we were going to wear the OneLove armband and they certainly did. To lay that one on us is pretty cheap and pretty low, to be frank. We are really disappointed by that attitude.

“We have been absolutely furious about this. We have given FA everything we have got in terms of how furious we are about this decision. We think it was a terrible decision.

“I understand why everybody would be upset about the OneLove armband not being there but there was no way we could ask Gareth Bale to take a yellow or red card at his first world cup, how could you do that? Anybody who thinks the player can just take a red card like that, they don’t really understand the psyche of a professional athlete who is going out to play the biggest moment of their lives.”

(Photo: Getty Images)

Luke Bosher

Luke Bosher·

Junior Editor, News

November 24, 2022 at 6:23 AM EST

Here’s today’s games

Switzerland are currently beating Cameroon 1-0 in Group G’s opener, with three more fixtures to come later on.

  • Uruguay vs South Korea (1pm GMT / 8am ET / 5am PT) – Group H
  • Portugal vs Ghana (4pm / 11am / 8am) – Group H
  • Brazil vs Serbia (7pm / 2pm / 11am) – Group G

(Photo: Getty Images)

Luke Bosher

Luke Bosher·

Junior Editor, News

November 24, 2022 at 5:45 AM EST

An interview with Saudi Arabia’s Herve Renard

Oli Kay spoke to the man who masterminded Saudi Arabia’s incredible win over Argentina.

Renard has had quite some journey…

Luke Bosher

Luke Bosher·

Junior Editor, News

November 24, 2022 at 4:54 AM EST

Switzerland vs Cameroon live!

Luke Bosher

Luke Bosher·

Junior Editor, News

November 24, 2022 at 4:31 AM EST

Previewing Switzerland vs Cameroon

Need something to listen to ahead of the Switzerland – Cameroon game? Try The Athletic Football Podcast. Host Adam Leventhal is joined by Rafa Honigstein to discuss that astonishing Japanese victory over Germany. It’s just 30mins long, so you’ll be done in time for kick off!

Iain Macintosh

Iain Macintosh

November 24, 2022 at 4:27 AM EST

So, what are the USMNT doing for Thanksgiving?

Today is American Thanksgiving, but the USMNT play England tomorrow in what is a huge World Cup game.

So what are Gregg Berhalter’s team doing?

Sam Stejskal and Paul Tenorio have the answers.

Luke Bosher

Luke Bosher·

Junior Editor, News