Sports
Wales fans can wear rainbow hats in stadiums
The Welsh soccer federation said FIFA has offered assurances that fans wearing rainbow symbols will be allowed at Friday’s World Cup game against Iran.
The federation had asked FIFA for clarity on reports some Wales fans were stopped from taking rainbow bucket hats and flags into the team’s World Cup opener against the United States on Monday.
“FIFA has confirmed that fans with Rainbow Wall bucket hats and rainbow flags will be allowed entry to the stadium,” the Welsh federation posted Thursday to social media.
The Rainbow Wall is Wales’ LGBTQ supporters’ group.
The federation added that all World Cup venues have been “contacted and instructed to follow the agreed rules & regulations.”
Read: Young Spain bring back 'tiki-taka' at World Cup
FIFA confirmed that it has been in contact with the Welsh federation and reiterated the long-standing guarantees from the Qatari authorities that LGBTQ symbols would be allowed into the eight World Cup stadiums. However, the governing body has no authority over stadium security, which is controlled by the local organizing committee.
Rainbow imagery, a symbol of LGBTQ rights, is frowned upon in a country where same-sex relations are criminalized.
In April, a senior Qatari security official overseeing tournament preparations suggested fans carrying rainbow flags could have them removed to protect them from possible attacks.
Read: Portugal beat Ghana in five-goal thriller
Portugal beat Ghana in five-goal thriller
Cristiano Ronaldo closed his eyes, took in a deep breath and then made World Cup history.
The Portugal striker became the first male player to score at five World Cups with his 65th-minute penalty in a 3-2 win over Ghana on Thursday.
Andre Ayew equalized for Ghana eight minutes later, but Joao Felix regained the lead for Portugal in the 78th and Rafael Leao added a third. Osman Bukari reduced Ghana’s deficit in the 89th.
The 37-year-old Ronaldo was looking to showcase his talents to potential new clubs after having his contract terminated at Manchester United this week. After wasting two good chances in the first half, he tumbled under a challenge by Ghana defender Mohammed Salisu to earn a penalty.
Read: Young Spain bring back 'tiki-taka' at World Cup
Wheeling away after the ball struck the back of the net, a smiling Ronaldo performed his usual leap and swivel in the air — the crowd roared his trademark “SI-UUU” as he did the pirouette — before getting mobbed by teammates.
He has now scored in every World Cup since his first in 2006 and has a record 118 international goals.
Independence Cup Football: Police finish top of Group D
Bangladesh Police Football Club became the Group D champions to reach the quarterfinals of the new season's curtain raiser football tournament, the Bashundhara Group Independence Cup 2022, beating Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club 4-3 in their last group match Thursday.
Despite the defeat at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Stadium in Gopalganj, Sheikh Jamal finished group runners-up to reach the quarterfinals.
In the quarterfinals Sunday, Group D champions Police will play Group C runners-up Muktijoddha Sangsad. Group D runners-up Sheikh Jamal will play Group C champions Dhaka Abahani on the same day.
Read: Independence Cup Football: Dhaka Abahani, Muktijoddha make quarterfinals
In the day's match, midfielder Kirmanee put Police in front in the ninth minute (1-0). Forward SM Bablu doubled the lead in the 22nd minute (2-0), and Malikov of Kyrgyzstan scored the third goal for Police in the 37th from a penalty (3-0).
Ezekiel of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines struck two quick goals for Sheikh Jamal in the 38th and 43rd minutes (3-2). Panama forward Avila scored the fourth goal for Police FC in the 57th minute (4-2).
Police defender Rasel scored an own goal in the 76th minute (4-3).
In the day's other match, Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society tasted victory in their third and last group match, outplaying Bangladesh Football Federation Elite Football Academy 3-1 at the Bir Shreshtha Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj Thursday afternoon.
Read: Independence Cup Football: Air Force advance to final round
Tajik forward Fatkhulo scored first for Rahmatganj in the 38th minute (1-0). Brazilian midfielder Morais doubled the lead in the 55th minute (2-0) and defender Saddam Hossain netted the third goal for the Old Dhaka outfit in the 55th minute (3-0).
Local midfielder Asadul Mollah pulled one back for Elite Football Academy in the 77th minute (3-1).
Qatar World Cup: Uruguay settle for 0-0 draw against South Korea
A day for defenders ensued in the match between South Korea and Uruguay as they played out an entertaining 0-0 draw in Group H's opening match in the Qatar World Cup. Both teams failed to score, but Uruguay did hit the post twice, at the end of the first and second halves, respectively.
Diego Godin's header hit the post in the dying minutes of the first half from a corner, and Federico Valverde's rocket hit the post in the 89th minute.
Read More: Belgium’s foreign minister wears 'One Love' armband when meeting FIFA president during her country's World Cup match
South Korea had a few good chances as well, but none came close to Uruguay's brace of post-hits. Striker Ui-Jo had the best chance for the Tigers of Asia, but he missed his chance in the 34th minute to give his nation the lead.
Key Performances
Diego Godin: Our man of the match, the veteran turned back time with his excellent defensive performance through his game reading and awareness.
Federico Valverde: Uruguay's key midfielder didn't disappoint, as his energy, enthusiasm, grit, and determination were visible throughout the game.
Kim Min Jae: The Napoli defender played out of his skin along with his centerback partner in order to ensure a clean sheet for his nation.
Kim Young Gwon: Kim Min Jae's partner at the back, the experienced Ulsan Hyundai defender, was at the top of his game, building a rock-solid foundation for the Taegeuk Warriors.
Read More: Japanese footballers find the energy to clean up locker room after beating Germany, win over internet
Aftermath
As Uruguay vs Korea Republic was the opening match in Group H of the Qatar World Cup, both sides are in the top two positions with one point each after settling for a 0-0 draw.
FIFA World Cup: South Korea hold Uruguay scoreless
South Korea and Uruguay started their World Cup campaigns with a 0-0 draw on Thursday, a result that probably favors the Asian team.
The draw at Education City Stadium was yet another early World Cup match with the favored team stumbling. Argentina and Germany both lost their opening matches in major upsets.
South Korea, with forward Son Heung-min wearing a mask to protect a broken left eye socket, always looked the more likely team to score against the more experienced Uruguayans. The South Koreans were quicker, pressing from the opening whistle.
Read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Netherlands overpower Senegal with last-minute goals
However, in a match with few clear scoring chances, Uruguay had best chances: Diego Godin hit the post in the 43rd minute and Federico Valverde hit it in the 89th.
Uruguay will next face Portugal in Group h while South Korea plays Ghana.
Young Spain bring back 'tiki-taka' at World Cup
It was a World Cup win fit for a king. Literally.
King Felipe VI was among those congratulating Spain in Qatar after its 7-0 rout of Costa Rica in the World Cup opener Wednesday, when “La Roja” reintroduced the “tiki-taka” and put on a masterclass of ball possession and efficient attacking to get off to a good start in its quest to win a second world title.
The historic victory raised expectations about Spain’s chances of succeeding in Qatar and winning soccer’s most coveted trophy for the first time since 2010, when Xavi and Andrés Iniesta were the leaders of the ball-possession style that amazed the soccer world.
“Keep singing,” King Felipe VI told the players as he entered Spain’s locker room at the Al Thumama Stadium after the match. “We’ve enjoyed it, as did everybody else. More than the result, it was delightful to watch you play.”
Spain is led by a couple of teenage sensations who have added some punch to the “tiki-taka” style. Gavi and Pedri, along with a group of other talented youngsters making their World Cup debut, provide speed and energy to go along with the constant rapid passing and ball control inherent to the style.
Read: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: England make strong statement with a thumping win over Iran
“The idea was for all the players in the midfield to have a lot of touches, and from there the quality of our players prevailed,” Spain coach Luis Enrique said.
Spain completed a record 1,003 passes for a 90-minute game on Wednesday, and finished with 75% of ball possession. It had 17 attempts against zero by Costa Rica.
“Our only goal is to control the game continuously, and to do that you need to have the ball,” Luis Enrique said. “The rival gets frustrated and struggles to find space. We were exceptional with how we pressured.”
The 18-year-old Gavi and the 19-year-old Pedri controlled the pace of the match along with veteran Sergio Busquets, the only remaining member of the 2010 World Cup-winning squad. Up front, the 22-year-old Ferran Torres, along with Dani Olmo and Marco Asensio, worked aggressively off the ball to quickly regain possession.
“It was a match in which we came out strong and went for the victory from the very first minute,” said Gavi, who was named the most valuable player and scored in the 74th minute to become the youngest World Cup scorer since Pelé in 1958.
“He is a unique player,” Luis Enrique said of Gavi. “He is 18 but has the personality of an experienced player. We are very happy to have him. I think he is going to be one of the stars in world football.”
Read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Netherlands overpower Senegal with last-minute goals
Spain has the third-youngest squad at this year’s tournament, but Luis Enrique is not worried with his players being overly confident heading into the much-anticipated match against four-time world champion Germany on Sunday. The Germans lost 2-1 to Japan in their Group E opener on Wednesday.
“The praise can make you weaker, but this team will not relax,” Luis Enrique said. “I know it because I see how they practice and I can tell you that they won’t let up. Germany is a powerhouse and it can beat us, but we will come out playing the same way.”
Spain, which hadn’t won a World Cup opener since 2006, still had Xavi and Iniesta when it won its last major title at the 2012 European Championship. Now it will be up to the likes of Pedri and Gavi to make the new “tiki-taka” thrive and lead Spain in its quest for the World Cup trophy.
So far so good, as even the king is impressed.
“It’s nice to get off to a start like this,” King Felipe VI told the players before leaving the team’s locker room carrying a Gavi shirt autographed by the entire squad.
England wary of World Cup upset against US
England scored six goals in its opening World Cup game against Iran, but it was the two it conceded that concern coach Gareth Southgate and provide hope for the United States.
“By the end we looked sloppy,” said Southgate of the 6-2 win over Iran on Monday. He also warned the U.S. would be coming “full-throttle” in Friday’s Group B match.
The tournament has already produced some shocking results, including Saudi Arabia’s win against Argentina and Japan’s upset over Germany.
A win for the U.S. over England would not be on the scale of Saudi Arabia’s win — but Gregg Berhalter’s team is undoubtedly the underdog against one of the tournament favorites.
The two goals conceded against Iran gave Southgate something to focus on in an otherwise encouraging performance.
His message to the players has been clear: They will need to be better against the U.S. team that tied 1-1 with Wales in its opening group game.
Read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Messi seeks history with Argentina
“They’re a top nation with a lot of top players who have played in the Premier League and who we’ve come up against,” said England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. “But it’s about us as a squad being 100%. It’s about us taking the result from Iran and going into the U.S. game positive.”
One of those Premier League players is Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic, a point of focus for England’s defense.
“He’s good with both feet, very clinical,” Pickford said. “We’ve got to be wary of him.”
A win for England would see it qualify for the round of the 16 with a game still to play - but the fate of Lionel Messi and Argentina is proof nothing can be taken for granted.
“It’s what World Cup football is all about,” said Pickford. “There are going to be surprises.”
U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner is predicting more of them at the World Cup.
“You see that the world of football is levelling out in a lot of ways,” he said. “Teams have game plans. Teams have been investing in their youth academies over a number of years.”
“I think the message is when you have one team that’s bought into the same message, you can beat anyone on any given day.”
Read: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: England make strong statement with a thumping win over Iran
The U.S. famously beat England 1-0 in the 1950 World Cup and the teams tied 1-1 in 2010.
If the U.S. is to produce the latest surprise of this year’s tournament, it will have to contain an England attack that was ruthless in the match against Iran, which featured two goals by Bukayo Saka.
“I think it’s pretty clear he’s one of the young stars of world football,” said his Arsenal teammate Turner. “He’s a top, top player and you don’t need me to tell anybody on our team how much of a threat that he poses in the game. He’s scoring goals in a variety of ways. He’s really developed, matured.”
FIFA World Cup: Switzerland beat Cameroon 1-0
Breel Embolo’s goal lifted Switzerland to a 1-0 win over Cameroon at the World Cup on Thursday and he kept his promise not to celebrate scoring against the country where he was born.
The Swiss forward from Yaounde struck with a right-foot shot in the 48th minute, standing all alone eight meters (yards) out in the middle of the goalmouth to take Xherdan Shaqiri’s low pass.
Embolo then pursed his lips in a wry smile and held his arms out wide, before raising his hands in a gesture of apology as teammates rushed to him near the penalty spot.
He pointed toward Swiss fans behind the goal where he had scored then to Cameroon fans at the opposite corner of Al Janoub stadium.
The 25-year-old forward left Cameroon with his family when he was five. They spent time in France before settling in Switzerland, the country he is now representing at a second World Cup.
Though an African-born player scored, teams from Africa are now scoreless through the four games they have played at this World Cup. All have played higher-ranked teams, and Morocco and Tunisia earned 0-0 draws, respectively against Croatia and Denmark.
Cameroon’s streak of losses at World Cup finals tournaments extended to eight games dating back to 2002.
Brazil and Serbia are also in Group G and they meet later Thursday.
Read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Netherlands overpower Senegal with last-minute goals
In the move for Embolo to score, it was too easy for the Swiss to pass the ball quickly through the Cameroon defensive lines from left flank to right.
The fast Swiss start to the second half contrasted with a lack of first-half urgency that could hardly be explained by the 1 p.m. kickoff — one of only seven games in Qatar being played entirely in daylight. The heat peaked at 29 Celsius (84 Fahrenheit), humidity was low and most of the playing area was shaded.
Cameroon wasted a clear scoring chance to take control in the 10th minute. A long, straight pass past Switzerland’s central defenders led to Karl Toko Ekambi firing a half-volley shot high over the bar from just 10 meters (yards).
Cameroon exerted little pressure trying to level the game. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s header in the 66th was aimed directly at goalkeeper Yann Sommer who saved easily.
In the next play, a Swiss move down the right flank almost repeated the goal but goalkeeper Andre Onana saved from Ruben Vargas.
MILLA TIME
Read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Messi seeks history with Argentina
Cameroon great Roger Milla was paraded on the field before the game. Fans were shown a video montage of his goals at the 1990 World Cup where Cameroon became the first African team ever to advance to the quarterfinals.
Milla was joined by Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon’s greatest player who now heads its soccer federation. Eto’o scored the only goal when Cameroon last won at the World Cup — 1-0 against Saudi Arabia in 2002.
REFEREE’S QUIET DAY
Referee Facundo Tello had a quieter day than when he sent off 10 players in Argentina just before coming to Qatar. He showed red cards to seven Boca Juniors players and three from Racing Club after an extra-time brawl. Here, Tello showed three yellow cards and no red cards. This was the 13th game at the World Cup and no player has yet been sent off.
UP NEXT
Switzerland next plays Group H favorite Brazil on Monday evening in Doha. Earlier the same day Cameroon faces Serbia.
Bangladesh announces ODI squad for India series
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday announced the 16-member squad for the three-match ODI series against India starting on December 4 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Tamim Iqbal will lead the team in this series as the regular ODI captain. He was out of the national team for a long time as the team was busy playing Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.
Mahmudullah Riyad, Mushfiqur Rahim are all set to return to the national team with this series. They were also out of the Bangladesh setup when the World Cup took place in Australia. While Mahmudullah was overlooked by the selectors, Mushfiqur retired from the T20 format.
Read more: BPL 2023: Mahmudullah in Barishal, Mushfiqur in Sylhet
Anamul Haque Bijoy is also in the ODI team. He hit two fifties in his last three ODIs against Zimbabwe. He was also part of the T20 team in Zimbabwe series, but he was axed from the World Cup squad.
Mosaddek Hossain, Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam were overlooked for this series. They were part of Bangladesh team in the last ODI series against Zimbabwe.
To replace them, Bangladesh included Shakib Al Hasan, who was out of the Zimbabwe series due to personal reasons, Yasir Ali and Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury.
While the first match of the series is on December 4, the second match is on December 7, and the last match will be played on December 10. First two matches will take place in Dhaka, the last match will be hosted in Chattogram’s Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
Read more: Bangladesh Cricket League One-dayers: South Zone, North Zone win 2nd round matches
After the ODI series, Bangladesh will take on India in a two-match Test series with the first Test being played in Chattogram and second in Dhaka.
Bangladesh ODI squad:
Tamim Iqbal (Captain), Liton Das, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Yasir Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mahmudullah Riyad, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Nurul Hasan Sohan
2nd Sheikh Kamal SAARC Snooker begins Saturday
The 2nd Sheikh Kamal SAARC Snooker Championship'2022, jointly organized by Bangladesh Billiard & Snooker Federation (BBSF) and Dhaka Club Limited, begins on Saturday (November 26) at the Billiard room of Dhaka Club Limited in the capital.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal MP will inaugurate the five-day tournament .
State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russell MP will be the chief guest at the closing ceremony at 7 pm on December 1.
Read more: Breakers Pool & Snooker: Evolving a dream to promote billiards in Bangladesh
Fourteen players including five from host Bangladesh and others from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Afghanistan will take part in the meet sponsored by Dutch Bangla Bank Limited and Shipper Council of Bangladesh.
The first phase round robin league matches (best of seven frame), will be held on November 26-28, the quarterfinal matches (best of nine flame) billed for November 29, semifinals (best of eleven frame) on Nov 30 and final match (best of 13 frame) on December 1.
President of Dhaka Club Limited Khondakar Moshiuzaman Romel disclosed the details of the meet at a press conference at the Dhaka Club premises on Thursday.
BBSF general secretary Syed Mahbub, Tournament Director Ashfarul Islam and media committee co-ordinator and Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shymol Dutta also spoke on the occasion.
Six first phase round robin league matches will be held on the opening day (Nov 26).
Participating players are
Group A -Ahsan Ramzan (Pakistan), Ankit Man Shrestha (Nepal) and Nizamuddin Rossi (Bangladesh),
Group B - Ishpreet Singh Chadha (India), Nadir Rohani (Afghanistan) Mohamed Rikaz Munas (Sri Lanka and Shuvo Biswas (Bangladesh).
Group C - Babar Masih (Pakistan), Brijesh Damani (India) and Mohammad Alamin (Bangladesh)
Group D - Salih Mohammad (Afghanistan), Rajan Lama (Nepal), Asif Imran and Ziaur Rahman Azad (Bangladesh)