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Men’s Hockey World Cup celebration in Cuttack on Jan 11

Hockey.

To ensure a safe and incident free event, dedicated fire, security and health teams will be deployed days prior to the celebration. Traffic management and crowd control were discussed in detail…reports Asian Lite News

Hockey India is all set to host the Hockey World Cup celebration at the historic Barabati Stadium in Odisha’s Cuttack city on January 11, 2023.

The Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup-2023 will be organised from January 13 to 29 in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.

In order to ensure the smooth conduct of the much awaited event, Odisha Sports Secretary R. Vineel Krishna reviewed the preparations made for the grand celebration at the event venue on Saturday.

Odisha has always played the perfect host, set a benchmark and amazed the global sports audience with its spectacular hosting of the Hockey World Cup of 2018. The excitement has been building up in Cuttack for the upcoming World Cup.

The sports secretary emphasised that this time too all efforts should be oriented towards making this event exemplary. He has advised officials present to support and work closely with the hockey federation to ensure the city is prepared to welcome the World Cup event and that the spectators have a great experience.

To ensure a safe and incident free event, dedicated fire, security and health teams will be deployed days prior to the celebration. Traffic management and crowd control were discussed in detail.

To make the tournament memorable for both the participating teams and also common citizens, the state government is going to organise several mega sporting and cultural events across the state including the hosting cities of Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.

ALSO READ-Argentina more than Messi, Brazil more than Neymar

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Europe Sport Sports

‘We are really happy, we suffered too much’

He then looked ahead to the semifinal against Croatia, who also beat Brazil in a dramatic penalty shootout…reports Asian Lite News

Lionel Messi admitted his side had suffered to qualify for the semifinals of the World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout against the Netherlands.

“We are really happy, we suffered too much, but it’s a quarterfinal in the World Cup, and we suffered what we had to suffer to qualify,” said Messi.

Messi was the man of the match after setting up Nahuel Molina for the opening goal and then scoring Argentina’s second from the penalty spot with just 17 minutes left to play, reports Xinhua.

The game appeared to be over before a late Dutch fightback saw Wout Weghorst score in the 83rd and 10th minute of injury time to take it to extra time and penalties.

“We are taking it game after game with the same intensity and same desire. We want to be protagonists. We are really excited and really want to win and we need this joy for us and for everyone who supports us,” he said.

The striker expressed his frustration at the second equaliser for the Netherlands, saying that Spanish referee, Mateu Lahoz had added on too much injury time.

“I felt really angry at the late goal. I don’t want to talk about the referee, because you can get a suspension, but people saw what happened. FIFA have to look at that. They can’t put in a referee who isn’t up to the job at this stage,” he said.

However, Messi said that he had confidence his side would qualify.

“We knew we had an advantage with Emiliano (Martinez),” he said.

He then looked ahead to the semifinal against Croatia, who also beat Brazil in a dramatic penalty shootout.

“Croatia will be really hard. They were better than Brazil at times and move the ball really well. They are working with the same coach (Zlatko Dalic) as 2018 and it will be really hard.

“I’ve said all World Cup, we are enjoying this, the fans, and taking it step by step.

“I am very happy,” he concluded.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who saved two penalties in the shootout, said: “I am very excited. We played for 45 million people. The people are not having a good time economically and we are giving them some joy.”

“I couldn’t make the saves in 90 minutes, but luckily I was able to do so in the penalties. I saved two and could have saved a third.

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Morocco’s historic cruise into World Cup knock-out stage after 36 years

Another upset in the FIFA World Cup, Morocco beat Belgium 2-0

The Chelsea winger, who provided the spark for a number of his team’s advances throughout the tournament, gave the Morrocans the early lead…reports Armstrong Vaz

Morocco became the second African country to make it to the knockout stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after their 2-1 win over Canada in the Group F encounter on Thursday evening at Al Thumama Stadium.

The North Africans, who were backed by vociferous supporters, took an early lead to keep themselves on course for a place in the last 16 and join the other qualified team from Africa Senegal in the knockout phase of the tournament after emerging as winners in their group.

For Morocco, this is only the second time they are making it to the knockout stage since 1986 in Mexico when they defeated Portugal 3-1 on their way to the knockout stage.

The Atlas Lions started their Qatar campaign with a 0-0 draw against the 2018 finalists Croatia and added another feather in the cap by defeating World No.2 Belgium 2-0 a few days ago. With Thursday’s win, their second in the group, they finished with seven points and topped the group and will take on the runners-up in Group E, which contains Costa Rica, Germany, Japan and Spain, in the last 16.

The winners and runner-up from Group E will be spotted in Thursday’s late matches.

Croatia finished second in the group with one win and two draws, collecting five points. But the disappointment of the tournament were Belgium as they ended up only having four points from three matches, winning one, losing one and drawing one game and crashing out of the tournament.

On Thursday, a huge blunder from goalkeeper Milan Borjan cost Canada an early goal. Man of the Match in the Belgium game, Hakim Ziyech was once again on the spot to find the net.

The Chelsea winger, who provided the spark for a number of his team’s advances throughout the tournament, gave the Morrocans the early lead.

After receiving the ball just outside of the box in Canada’s half, defender Steven Vitoria sent in a rather casual pass to the goalkeeper. However, the defender failed to see the advancing attacker behind and Borjan was forced to dispatch the ball quickly. Undoubtedly panicked, the goalkeeper cleared the ball straight to Ziyech, who spotted the open goal and sent in a lovely chip which created enough distance to beat the keeper as he rushed back to the net.

A goal in the very fourth minute, a horrid start for Canada from which they tried to fight back with The Reds looking to be in damage-control mode as Morocco smelt blood after taking the lead.

The Atlas Lions continued their high press and did well to keep to their lines and break down any attacks, while also having the flexibility to spring the occasional counter when play allowed.

There was a thunderous roar that echoed across Al Thumama Stadium as Morocco consolidated the lead with En-Nesyri adding his name to the scorer’s list in the 23rd minute.

After receiving a long ball on the right side from near the halfway line, En-Nesyri, who was hounded by two defenders, was able to make a beeline for the net, his powerful shot at the near post beat the left hand of Borjan as Morocco double their advantage.

With their objective rather clear, Canada continued to hunt for opportunities to advance up the pitch.

After the two blows, Canada were keener on instigating more attacks, but their long-ball tactics did not yield success.

Morocco on the other hand seem to have worked out their defensive scheme as they continue to spot gaps between the lines to try and applied pressure.

Canada got a new lease of life with an own goal with five minutes to go for the first-half whistle. After picking up the ball on the far left, Sam Adekugbe fired in a cross into the box. The ball, however, grazed the outstretched right leg of Nayef Aguerd, with the resulting deflection beating Yassine Bounou at the near post to find the net, 2-1.

In the second half, Canada kept their attacking and stepped up the pressure with the Moroccan defense suffering some anxious moments.

Canada came close to drawing level midway in the second half when Atiba Hutchinson’s effort came off the crossbar from the centre of the box with Junior Hoilett having set up Hutchinson with a cross following a corner in the 71st minute.

Thereafter, Canada tried to score more goals but Morocco held on to register a deserving win and move into the knockout stage.

ALSO READ-Japan, Spain advance as Germany knocked out of FIFA World Cup 2022

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Portugal joins Brazil, France into knockouts stage of World Cup

Portugal continued to dominate possession but could not create a clear-cut chance while Uruguay struggled to get any control of the ball…reports Asian Lite News

A brace from Bruno Fernandes helped Portugal to a 2-0 win over Uruguay and a place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup.

On Monday, in the last match of the day at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, Portugal’s second successive win took them to six points and to the top of the Group H standings leaving Uruguay, Ghana and South Korea to fight for the second qualification spot from the group.

Portugal joins Brazil and France, the other two teams which have made it to the knockout stage so far.

Portugal started well on the ball, enjoying the lion’s share of possession but Uruguay fashioned the best chance. Rodrigo Bentancur worked his way brilliantly through Portugal’s defence but squandering the game’s best chance in the 33rd minute, firing straight at Diogo Costa from a one-on-one situation.

At the other end Bruno worked hard, winning 100 per cent of his tackles, registering a 93 per cent pass accuracy rate and generally stringing play together for his side and with Joao Felix looking lively for Portugal on the left, Uruguay had a handful to deal with.

An attempt from distance from Joao flew wide but marked a warning shot for Uruguay, from the 23-year-old Atletico Madrid star.

Portugal continued to dominate possession but could not create a clear-cut chance while Uruguay struggled to get any control of the ball.

After a barren first half, Portugal coach Fernando Santos was hoping that his side could find a way to break the deadlock, and they did by scoring nine minutes into the second half through Bruno. The Manchester United striker added a second one in stoppage time of the second half.

Bruno’s first goal was initially credited to his former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo but thereafter credited to Bruno.

In a breakthrough move Bruno’s cross was travelling towards the net, Ronaldo tried to produce a glancing header but did not make contact which ended up in the back of the nets after eluding Uruguay keeper Sergio Rochet’s reach. Ronaldo celebrated wildly, but Bruno was officially credited with the goal.

Uruguay down by a goal pressed the panic buttons and shifted gears during which period they came close to scoring a few times with one of their efforts hitting the metal work. Due credit to the Uruguay substite who changed the pace of the match. All of a sudden, Uruguay had just grabbed the bull by the horns and were taking the game to Portugal

And it was a stunning introduction from Maxi Gomez. After getting a pass on the edge of the box, his first time curled past a flinging Diogo Costa under the Portugal bar only to find the ball bounce off the right upright and away. That was the closest Uruguay came close to equalizing.

Portugal celebrated the goal with a second one through a controversial injury-time penalty which was awarded after VAR review.

Portugal had a penalty awarded after a VAR check. Jose Maria Gimenez handled as he fell backwards after being nutmegged by Bruno. Absolutely unintentional, but it has been given “The guy’s literally putting his hand down to cushion his fall” and it is not for the first time that VAR has been found wanting on penalties

With Ronaldo substituted, the trio of changes that coach Santos made pulling Ronaldo, Felix and Carvalho making way for Joao Palhinha, Goncalo Ramos and Matheus Nunes it was Bruno, who stepped up to take the spot kick, he made a little skip in the air and just waited for Sergio Rochet to fall to the left and just stroked it to the right. A really comfortable hit into the back of the net, 2-0.

Thereafter, Bruno had a chance to register his hat trick but his effort in the eight minute of stoppage time came off the metal work.

Former winners and hosts of the first edition of the football showpiece event Uruguay which drew with South Korea in their first match now have just a point from two matches and play their last match against Ghana. The African side earlier on Monday defeated South Korea 3-2 in a five-goal thriller.

The match saw five players aged 35 and above figuring in the game — Pepe (39), Cristiano Ronaldo (37), Diego Godin (36), Luis Suarez (35) and Edinson Cavani (35) — the most in a World Cup match in history.

Meanwhile in the second half, there was a pitch invader who ran on the pitch holding a rainbow flag.

His T-shirt had “Save Ukraine” written on one side and on the back were the words “Respect For Iranian Woman”.

ALSO READ-IPL 2022 final enters Guinness World Record

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Africa News Sports

Morocco stun Belgium to claim long-awaited World Cup win

The win, their first in 24 years, sends Morocco into first place in the group with four points after having drawn goalless with 2018 runner-up Croatia, who take on Canada in the last match on Sunday…reports Asian Lite News

In a FIFA World Cup which is turning up to be a bagful of surprises, it was the turn of Morocco to upset World No.2 side Belgium 2-0 in the Group F match of the football showpiece event at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday evening.

After a barren first half, substitutes Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal did the trick for Morocco, scoring in the 73rd minute and in the second minute of stoppage time.

For coach Walid Regragui, who took charge of Morocco in September, the match against Belgium was his sixth in charge and till now they have kept clean-sheets in all six games with him at the helm of affairs.

This is Morocco’s finest World Cup moment as Atlas Lions scripted their third-ever win at a World Cup and stand a great chance to qualify for the knockout stage. For Morocco, ranked 22, the two other World Cup wins came in 1998 when they trounced Scotland 3-0 and in 1986 they stunned the football world with a 3-1 win over Portugal and qualified for the knockout stage. The North Africans have not reached the knockout rounds since 1986.

The win, their first in 24 years, sends Morocco into first place in the group with four points after having drawn goalless with 2018 runner-up Croatia, who take on Canada in the last match on Sunday.

Belgium, who were far from impressive in their first match of the group, which they won 1-0 against Canada, have three points from two matches and next face Croatia,

Morocco beating Belgium is the third major upset of the championship which is into its eighth day.

In the earlier matches, Argentina ranked third on the FIFA computer had crashed to a 2-1 loss against Saudi Arabia ranked 51, while World No.11 Germany had lost by an identical score to Japan, who are ranked 13 places below the Germans.

Morocco had to make a last-minute change to their starting XI when goalkeeper Yassine Bounou pulled out after the anthems — for reasons not yet specified — and was replaced by Monir El Kajoui. The understudy made an early save to settle any nerves when smothering an attempt by Michy Batshuayi at close range.

Morocco had the majority of the crowd at Al Thumama Stadium on their side and they thought they had given them a goal to celebrate in stoppage time at the end of the first half when Hakim Ziyech whipped in a free-kick from wide on the right that beat Thibaut Courtois at his near post.

However, Romain Saiss, standing right in front of the goalkeeper, was ruled offside after a VAR check.

Before that, Belgium had had another scare 10 minutes after the break when Sofiane Boufal cut in from the left and shot just past the far post. The Red Devils’ reprieve would be brief, however, as they fell to their first loss in the group stage of the World Cup since Saudi Arabia beat them at USA 94.

Sabiri’s introduction after 68 minutes was his cue to spark arguably Morocco’s greatest World Cup victory. He still has not started a game for his country in a World Cup but took just five minutes to score the most important goal of his life, on what was his fourth international outing, whipping in a free-kick from a position wide on the left, just a metre or two from the touchline into the near post and beating Courtois, who has come off his line ready to try and take the cross.

Roberto Martinez’s 2018 semifinalists fell again this time in stoppage time. El Kajoui’s long goal-kick was headed back towards his own goal by a Belgian defender.

Ziyech seized upon the loose ball, swerved away from Timothy Castagne and cut the ball back toward Aboukhlal at the near post. He sorted his feet out beautifully and clipped a first-time shot into the roof of the net.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said the first goal affected their composure.

“It’s a difficult result because the first goal affected the outcome a lot. It’s a dead-ball situation, we couldn’t get our game going and it’s a game that we need to understand. We need to be together and react in the next game. That’s what happens in the World Cup.

“The way we defended the goal is the way we have been defending free-kicks for six years, that’s not the issue. It’s a good ball in, it’s nothing to do with the setup.

“I think we had good moments but we couldn’t get clear-cut chances, we only had a couple of half opportunities and if you allow that goal to be conceded then it changes the game radically.

“At the moment we conceded the goal we lost our composure too much and we couldn’t get ourselves back in the final third with more thought,” he added.

Morocco thoroughly deserved their victory. Their game plan worked and they hit Belgium on the break.

The substitutes scored the goals, rewarded for a second-half performance full of purpose, style and intensity. Sofiane Boufal and Hakim Ziyech were also terrific, and the defence — which still hasn’t conceded a goal under Regragui — restricted Belgium to only one decent chance.

ALSO READ-IPL 2022 final enters Guinness World Record

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Argentina’s World Cup hope alive with crucial victory

World Cup qualifiers: Messi helps Argentina to 3-0 win over Venezuela

Both Argentina and Mexico meant business right from kick-off but could not create scoring chances and it was left to the brilliance of Messi to open the floodgates of the Mexico defence…reports Armstrong Vaz

Two-time winners Argentina kept their FIFA World Cup knockout stage qualification on course with a 2-0 win over Latin American rivals Mexico at Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

On Saturday, in the last match of the day, Argentina, which lost their first match to Saudi Arabia, scored in the 64th minute through Lionel Messi to register their first win and three points.

La Albiceleste struck a second time in the match through a gem of a goal from Endo Fernandez with three minutes left for the normal period of play to end.

Argentina now have three points after two matches and now are second in Group C with three points, tied with Saudi Arabia and one point behind leaders Poland, who beat the Saudis 2-0 in the earlier game.

Both Argentina and Mexico meant business right from kick-off but could not create scoring chances and it was left to the brilliance of Messi to open the floodgates of the Mexico defence.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner broke the deadlock with a powerful left footer drive which eluded the outstretched Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa after being set up by Angel Di Maria from outside the box.

Ochoa was hitherto unbeaten in Qatar. The strike, then, needed to be true and accurate — and Messi’s crisp shot met both criteria, scooting inside Ochoa’s left post. The unthinkable prospect of Messi’s attempt to win a first World Cup going south after two matches was banished with one swipe of the most famous left foot on the planet.

It was Messi’s eight goal in the World Cup, having netted one in the first match against Saudi Arabia in the 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia. Messi’s eight goals equaled Diego Mardonna’s record of eight goals and only Gabriel Batistuta with 10 goals remains ahead of him in the all-time leading goal scorers for Argentina.

Messi had a hand in the second goal too as the flag kick taken by him ended up with Fernandez, who curled his effort into the top corner for a stunning goal in the 87th minute. The 21-year-old striker who plays club football for Portuguese side Benifica and who came as a second half substitute ‘labelled’ as talented by Messi showed why he is so and why he is on the shopping list of English Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United at a transfer fee of 15 million pounds.

Earlier, Messi was in the thick of the action when the 35-year-old genius sent a 22-yard free-kick over the bar six minutes after half-time which added to the anxiety of the Argentinian fans.

ALSO READ-Stoppage time goals help Iran defeat Wales 2-0

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-Top News Arab News Saudi Arabia

King Salman declares holiday to celebrate victory

Following the team’s shock win, Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard said that sometimes “things completely crazy can happen”….reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Arabia has declared a holiday on Wednesday after its football team’s stunning victory over two-time champions Argentina in a Group C clash at Lusail stadium on Tuesday, local media reported.

“King Salman orders that tomorrow, Wednesday, will be a holiday for all employees in public and private sectors as well as for students in all phases of education, in celebration of #SaudiArabia’s stunning victory against Argentina in #WorldCup2022,” Saudi Gazette, an English language daily in Saudi Arabia, said in a tweet.

Saudi Arabia broke Argentina’s 36-match unbeaten streak, including winning the Copa America 2021. The world no.51 team started their World Cup campaign with a momentous win.

Saudi Arabia stunned two-time champions Argentina 2-1 in a group C FIFA World Cup tie played here at the Lusail stadium.

Following the team’s shock win, Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard said that sometimes “things completely crazy can happen”.

“Congratulations to these fantastic players. I decided to come to this country three and a half years ago and since this time I have had the management, an amazing president and the ministry of sport always behind us,” Renard was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

“Even when we visit our prince two, three weeks ago he did not put any pressure on us. This is the way you have to work in football because when you are putting too much pressure it is not working all the time.”

“We prepared very well and today all the stars in the sky were in the same line for us. But do not forget Argentina are still a fantastic team. They came here without losing lose any game in 36 and they are South American champions.”

“They have amazing players, but this is football. Sometimes things completely crazy can happen. Have a good celebration during 20 minutes and that is it. There are still two games – or more – for us,” concluded the manager.

Argentina got off to a great start as Lionel Messi converted a penalty in the 10th minute to give his side a 1-0 lead. Playing in his fifth World Cup, Messi beat Saudi Arabia’s goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais to find the net.

The second half was a different story altogether as Saudi Arabia came with a new vigour with Saleh Al-Shehri scoring a goal for them to level the score 1-1. Al-Shehri squeezed in a low shot into the nets.

Five minutes later the Saudis took the lead as Salem Al-Dawsari tapped in a goal in the 53rd minute.

Despite a lot of possession after conceding the goal, the two-time champions were unable to level the score. Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais made many important saves and their defence also stood tall in the match’s dying moments.

Abdulelah Al Amri was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his brilliant performance. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia shocks Messi’s Argentina with 2-1 win

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-Top News Arab News

Footy Fever Grips Arabia

With a spectacular opening ceremony at the Al Bayt Stadium, Qatar has kicked off the biggest extravaganza of football….reports Asian Lite News

With the formal kicking off of the once-in-a-four-year and much-awaited FIFA World Cup, football fever has gripped all across the globe.

The biggest extravaganza of football started on November 20 in Qatar and will be held till December 18. Eight stadiums across Qatar will be hosting the 64 matches of this showpiece event.

One of the most popular faces in Hollywood Morgan Freeman and South Korean singer BTS’ Jung Kook stole the limelight during a glittering opening ceremony at the Al Bayt Stadium.

The stadium was also packed as the glitz and glamour of the ceremony caught all the limelight. Some of the superstars of the world performed.

Among the famous faces in the crowd was former England captain David Beckham, who has been working as an ambassador for Qatar 2022.

One of the most colourful elements of the show was an appearance by all former World Cup mascots, including South Africa’s Zakumi and Footix from France 1998.

After the performances, The Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani gave a speech. “Welcome and good luck to all,” he said in English. His speech was followed by loud cheers by the crowd.

“How beautiful it is for people to put aside what divides them in order to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together at the same time.” – Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar

 “We have worked hard, along with many people, to make it one of the most successful tournaments. We have exerted all efforts and invested for the good of all humanity. Finally, we have reached the opening day, the day that you have been eagerly waiting for.”

“People of different races, nationalities, faiths and orientations will gather here in Qatar, and around screens on all continents to share the same exciting moments.

“How beautiful it is for people to put aside what divides them in order to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together at the same time,” he added.

UAE VP attends ceremony

UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, attended the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium in Doha, in the presence of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, heads of states, and senior officials.

On behalf of the UAE’s leadership and its people, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed congratulated Qatar’s leadership and its people on the successful inauguration of the mega event. He said Qatar’s successful hosting of the tournament is an achievement for the Arab world in general and a valuable addition to the Gulf region’s sporting landscape. Sheikh Mohammed wished further progress and prosperity for Qatar.

Sheikh Mohammed’s visit follows the invitation extended by the Emir of Qatar and reflects the strong ties between the two nations and their peoples. Sheikh Mohammed and the Dubai Crown Prince arrived earlier this evening in Doha, where they were received by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Emir of Qatar, along with several ministers and senior officials.

Sheikh Mohammed was also accompanied by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs.

ALSO READ: Hosts Qatar lose on field

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Brazil eyes record-extending victory in World Cup

The 30-year-old has netted 75 times in 121 appearances for his country and looks set to break Pele’s all-time Brazil record of 77 goals in this tournament…reports Asian Lite News

One of the more competitive groups at the FIFA World Cup will get underway on November 24 when Switzerland and Cameroon meet in Al Wakrah. Brazil, who have suffered just one defeat in the past three years, will be clear favourites to claim the Group G leadership.

Serbia and Switzerland are expected to vie for second place, having both finished top of their respective groups in qualifying. Cameroon should not be discounted as contenders for a berth in the knockout phase after a third-place showing at the Africa Cup of Nations in February.

Here is a breakdown of the four teams in Group G.

BRAZIL

Brazil have not lifted the Jules Rimet trophy since 2002, when a Ronaldo-inspired team defeated Germany 2-0 in Yokohama, reports Xinhua. But the five-time world champions are deservedly among the favourites here after a qualifying campaign that included 14 wins, three draws and not a single defeat. The team’s only blemish in the 2020s so far is the Copa America final defeat to Argentina at Rio’s Maracana stadium in July last year.

Manager Adenor Leonardo Bacchi, better known as Tite, has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal with no apparent weakness, except perhaps for the absence of a world-class centre-forward. But that is not really a problem, given an abundance of versatile attacking options and the fluid nature of Tite’s set-up that lends itself to using Richarilson or Gabriel Jesus as a false nine.

Tite has announced he will step down after the tournament and he — along with 216 million football-mad Brazilians –will not be satisfied with anything less than a triumph in Lusail on December 18.

Key player: Neymar

The Paris Saint-Germain forward will again be Brazil’s primary attacking threat and enters the tournament in sublime form, having scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists in 19 games for the French club this season.

The 30-year-old has netted 75 times in 121 appearances for his country and looks set to break Pele’s all-time Brazil record of 77 goals in this tournament.

Neymar’s role with Brazil has changed markedly since the 2014 and 2018 World Cups when he was deployed as a left winger. The former Barcelona star is now used in a deeper, more central role, where he can showcase all of his skill and ingenuity to not only score goals but create them for his teammates.

One to watch: Bruno Guimaraes

Guimaraes has just eight Brazil caps to his name but is already shaping up as a star of the future. The Newcastle United midfielder has shown an impressive ability to play either in a holding midfield position or as an attacking playmaker.

Whether he is used off the bench or as a starter, the 24-year-old is set to play an important role for Brazil in Qatar.

CAMEROON

Cameroon qualified the hard way with an extra-time goal in the second leg of their playoff against Algeria. But Rigobert Song’s men proved they will not be out of their depth by finishing third at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations on home soil. The Indomitable Lions have had mixed results under Song, who has overseen two wins, three losses and a draw since replacing Toni Conceicao as manager in February.

Key player: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting

The forward has been a more-than-handy attacking option for Bayern Munich since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in October 2020. Despite often starting as a substitute, Choupo-Moting has netted 28 goals and provided nine assists in 73 matches. After a frustrating start to the current season because of a groin injury, the 33-year-old has scored 10 times in 15 appearances across all competitions this term.

One to watch: Souaibou Marou

Song surprised many by including 21-year-old striker Souaibou Marou in his 26-man squad. A return of eight goals in 26 matches for Cameroonian club Coton Sport FC is hardly awe-inspiring, but the team’s lack of attacking depth might mean Marou has a role to play in Qatar.

SERBIA

Dragan Stojkovic’s team earned a place in Qatar by going undefeated in qualifying and finishing top of their group, three points ahead of second-placed Portugal.

They have not progressed beyond the group stage since France 98 but there is a feeling the long wait for a return to the last 16 could end here despite a difficult group.

A central midfield pairing of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Nemanja Gudelj combined with an attack led by Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic will prove a headache for Serbia’s rivals. There is, however, a question mark over the team’s defence, highlighted by a 3-0 defeat to Denmark in March.

Key player: Aleksandar Mitrovic

Serbia’s all-time leading scorer was a key member of the Fulham side that earned promotion to the Premier League last season, netting 43 times in 44 outings. His appetite for goals has not diminished in the Premier League with nine goals in 12 top-flight appearances for the London club in 2022-23.

Mitrovic has also been in prolific form at international level. The 28-year-old was the top scorer in Europe’s Group A World Cup qualifier with eight goals, eclipsing Cristiano Ronaldo, who netted six times for Portugal.

One to watch: Dusan Vlahovic

The 22-year-old has quickly emerged as one of the top young strikers in Europe.

His 49 goals in 108 games for Fiorentina have been followed by 17 in 36 matches since his January move to Juventus. Renowned for his strength, sublime dribbling and deft touch, Vlahovic has already made an impact at international level with eight goals and four assists in 16 matches for his country.

SWITZERLAND

Switzerland was another team to highly impress in qualifying, going unbeaten and finishing top of their group, ahead of Italy, Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania.

The Swiss have been a model of consistency in recent years, having reached the last 16 in three of the past four editions of the World Cup. Their best-ever run in the tournament came in 1934, 1938 and 1954, when they reached the quarterfinals.

Key player: Granit Xhaka

The 30-year-old has been in outstanding form for Arsenal this season, scoring four goals and laying off three assists in 19 appearances across all competitions.

The box-to-box midfielder will be playing in his third World Cup, having been an important member of the 2014 and 2018 campaigns in Brazil and Russia, respectively.

Despite having only turned 30 in September, Xhaka is one of the most experienced players in manager Murat Yakin’s squad. He has been capped 106 times for Switzerland since making his international debut as an 18-year-old, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists.

One to watch: Noah Okafor

With two goals in eight international matches, Okafor has hardly set the world alight since making his debut for Switzerland in 2018. But the 22-year-old has grown in confidence in recent months, netting 10 times in 21 outings for RB Salzburg this season, including seven goals in the Bundesliga.

In Qatar, he is likely to prove a vital component of an attack that includes former Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri and Monaco striker Breel Embolo.

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T20 WC: India thrash Zimbabwe, set up semifinal showdown with England

It meant India finished on top of Group 2 and will meet England in the second semifinal at Adelaide on November 10, while Pakistan will face-off against New Zealand in the first semifinal on November 9….reports Asian Lite News

India set up a semifinal showdown with England in the Mens T20 World Cup after a 71-run thrashing of Zimbabwe in their final Group 2 match in the Super 12 stage at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

After Rahul gave India a good start with his 35-ball 51 and Suryakumar Yadav smacked a whirlwind 61 not out off just 25 balls in posting a mammoth 186/5, the bowlers made short work of the Zimbabwe batters to bowl them out for 115 in 17.2 overs.

It meant India finished on top of Group 2 and will meet England in the second semifinal at Adelaide on November 10, while Pakistan will face-off against New Zealand in the first semifinal on November 9.

In defence of 186, India had success on the very first ball as Wesley Madhevere tried to reach out for a drive on a swinging-away delivery from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, but was caught by a diving short cover.

In the next over, Arshdeep Singh lured Regis Chakabva for a drive, but the late swing in off a fuller length meant the ball went through the gate to hit the stumps. With Bhuvneshwar and Arshdeep getting the new ball to swing, it made life difficult for Zimbabwe till captain Craig Ervine took a four each of them.

After hooking Mohammed Shami for a six over fine-leg, Williams swung away from the body and was caught at the third man on the last ball of Power-play. Post-Powerplay, Ervine chipped in the air off Hardik Pandya and was caught by the bowler off his right hand. In the next over, Shami struck again by trapping Tony Munyonga plumb lbw.

Ryan Burl was impressive with his sweep and reverse-sweeps, one of which got him a six off Ravichandran Ashwin apart from smashing anything with width for boundaries off the off-spinner, Pandya and Axar Patel.

But Ashwin struck to break the 60-run partnership, forcing Burl to go for an on-drive on a fuller ball and rattled the stumps. He then took out Wellington Masakadza and Richard Ngarava in quick succession to bag a three-fer. Raza holed out on a pull in the deep off Pandya while Tendai Chatara gave Axar Patel a simple catch off his bowling to give India a huge win.

Brief scores: India 186/5 in 20 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 61 not out, K.L Rahul 51; Sean Williams 2-9, Sikandar Raza 1-18) beat Zimbabwe (Ryan Burl 35, Sikandar Raza 34; Ravichandran Ashwin 3-22, Mohammed Shami 2-14) by 71 runs

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