Sports
150th anniversary of first int’l football match played between England, Scotland celebrated
British High Commission Dhaka has celebrated the 150th anniversary of the first international football match which was played between two UK nations, England and Scotland, on 30 Nov 1872.
The High Commission organised a friendly football match to mark the day, with teams made up of British and Bengali staff representing England and Scotland.
Through the anniversary the High Commission celebrated the role the UK played in giving the beautiful game to the world.
The anniversary also neatly fell on St Andrew’s Day, which commemorates the Patron Saint of Scotland.
Read: British High Commission Dhaka turns to renewable energy through solar panels
Cheering on the teams, British Deputy High Commissioner Javed Patel said, “I am a big fan of football and I am delighted we are remembering the beginnings of international football in this way.”
He also said, “Football in the UK is global in every way imaginable. Our national league includes players from all over the world. And is followed by fans all over the world, including here in Bangladesh.”
Javed Patel said football has the power to bring people together, regardless of their age, race, gender, culture, or nationality. “Today, we celebrate that.”
Portugal vs Uruguay FIFA World Cup 2022 LIVE Streaming: Where and how to watch online and on TV Channel, predicted XI
Here you can get all the details as to When, Where, and How you can watch the FIFA World Cup 2022 between Portugal vs Uruguay Live Streaming
Portugal can make it two wins out of two and almost certainly secure a place in the 2022 FIFA World Cup knockout stage when they face a Uruguay side seeking their first victory in Group H.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his team-mates saw off Ghana 3-2 in a late thriller in their opening match of the tournament — and they face dangerous opponents again when they come up against the likes of Luis Suarez and Darwin Nunez on Monday in Qatar.
Where and how to watch FIFA World Cup 2022 Portugal vs Uruguay live in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh viewers can watch the match live on all of these channels: BTV, T Sports, PTE LTD and Viacom 18.
Toffee apps live-The digital platform powered by Banglalink
Bangladesh viewers can also enjoy live stream online the World Cup games on Toffee, the digital platform powered by Banglalink.
Besides, many Facebook pages and YouTube channels also live the match
How to watch Portugal vs Uruguay live stream in India
In India, the World Cup is being televised on Sports18, but every game is being shown for free and in 4K via the JioCinema app. You can live stream Portugal vs Uruguay on Sunday night.
Coverage is available in Hindi, English, Malayalam, Bengali and Tamil, and the JioCinema app is compatible with Chromecast, so you can get a big-screen experience.
Anyone outside of India who wants to watch their home World Cup coverage can just pick up a good VPN and follow the instructions above to safely live stream the action.
How to watch Portugal vs Uruguay live stream in Australia
Football fans in Australia can watch Portugal vs Uruguay, along with every World Cup 2022 game, on free-to-air SBS. You can tune in on TV or live stream Portugal vs Uruguay using SBS On Demand.
SBS on Demand is free to use and works on a range of smart devices including mobile phones, smart TVs and web browsers.
How to watch Portugal vs Uruguay live stream World Cup 2022 soccer in the US without cable
Soccer fans in the US can watch Portugal vs Uruguay on FS1 and Peacock TV, with kick-off
Read: Qatar World Cup 2022 Day 9: Neymar-less Brazil to face Switzerland, Ronaldo’s Portugal to take on Uruguay
FS1 shares TV rights to the 2022 World Cup group stage with Fox, but Fox will be showing every game of the knockouts.
Portugal vs Uruguay live stream without cable
If you don't have cable TV, a cord-cutting service is what you need for instant access to Fox and FS1. Sling Blue is the cheapest option. It's $40 per month but you can get your first month half-price with this discount.
FuboTV is another good option. It carries both Fox and FS1, and over 100 channels besides, and allows you to watch the World Cup 2022 in 4K HDR. It's more expensive at $69.99 a month, but first there's a FREE FuboTV trial.
Every game of the World Cup is also being shown on Peacock TV, but the catch is that commentary will be in Spanish. To make up for that, Portugal vs Uruguay and a few other games are being shown for FREE. The Peacock price comes in at $4.99 a month and the service also offers live coverage of the NFL, EPL and WWE.
If you subscribe to Sling, Peacock or any other US streaming service, and find yourself unable to access coverage because you're out of the country, consider using a VPN – we rate ExpressVPN as the best of the best.
How to watch Portugal vs Uruguay live stream in UK
Football fans in the UK can watch Portugal vs Uruguay live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, along with many more World Cup 2022 games, as coverage of the tournament is split evenly between the BBC and ITV.
Every BBC game will be on BBC TV channels in HD and also live streamed on BBC iPlayer in glorious 4K HDR. Just make sure you possess a valid TV license and that your device is 4K-compatible with iPlayer.
Away from home in the UK right now? No worries:
Use ExpressVPN to watch BBC iPlayer from abroad.
BBC iPlayer is free to use and works across a wide range of devices including smart TVs, laptops, games consoles, mobile phones, tablets and streaming sticks. You can watch all the other World Cup 2022 live streams for free on ITV Hub.
How to watch Portugal vs Uruguay live stream in Canada
TSN is the place to watch every 2022 World Cup soccer game in Canada. If you get the channel as part of your cable deal, you'll be able to log in with the details of your provider for access Portugal vs Uruguay live stream.
If you don't have cable, you can subscribe to TSN on a streaming-only basis for $19.99 a month or $199.90 per year.
If you decide to subscribe, or already have, remember you can take your favorite sports streaming service with you wherever you go – just try our No. 1 overall rated VPN 100% risk-free for 30-days and follow the instructions
Read: Brazil vs Switzerland FIFA World Cup 2022 LIVE Streaming: Where and how to watch online and on TV Channel, predicted XI
How to watch live Portugal vs Uruguay Match live from Iran and others country?
If you're abroad during World Cup 2022, and want to tune into your usual home coverage, you'll most likely find yourself geo-blocked and will need to use a VPN to unlock your access.
A VPN is a piece of software that allows you to change your apparent location and World 2022 live streams from any country and streaming service you need. They're easy to use and super-secure. We rate ExpressVPN as the best VPN for streaming.
Portugal vs Uruguay Match live on TV Channels
Bangladesh: BTV, Gazi TV, T-Sports
India: Sports18, Sports18 HD, Sony TV Networks
Pakistan: ARY Digital Network
Nepal: Media Hub Private Limited
Malaysia: Astro GO
Singapore: Singtel TV GO, CAST, StarHub TV+, MeWatch
New Zealand: Sky Go, Sky Sport NOW
Indian Subcontinent: Sony Network
What time and date will the World Cup 2022 Portugal vs Uruguay match are played?
Portugal v Uruguay will take place on Tuesday 28th November 2022. Portugal v Uruguay will kick off at 12.30 AM IST.
Portugal vs Uruguay lineups: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Portugal predicted starting 11
Portugal probable (4-1-2-1-2, right to left): 22. Costa (GK) — 20. Cancelo, 4. Dias, 13. Pereira, 5. Guerreiro — 18. Neves — 8. Fernandes, 25. Otavio — 10. Bernardo Silva — 7. Ronaldo, 11. Joao Felix
Uruguay predicted starting 11
Uruguay probable (4-3-3, right to left): 23. Rochet (GK) — 22. Caceres, 3. Godin, 2. Gimenez, 16. Olivera — 15. Valverde, 5. Vecino, 6. Bentancur — 8. Pellestri, 9. Suarez, 11. Nunez.
Uruguay vs Portugal Head-to-Head Stats
In three head-to-head encounters between the two sides, Portugal have won one game, lost one and drawn one.
Read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Qatari fans hit back at Germany by recalling Özil in protest
Portugal quick facts
Current FIFA world ranking: 9
World Cup titles: 0
World Cup appearances: 8
How they qualified: Qualified from UEFA via playoffs
Coach: Fernando Santos
Key players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Cancelo
Uruguay quick facts
Current FIFA world ranking: 14
World Cup titles: 2 (1930, 1950)
World Cup appearances: 14
How they qualified: Qualified from CONMEBOL
Coach: Diego Alonso
Key players: Luis Suarez, Federico Valverde, Darwin Nunez, Rodrigo Betancur
Brazil vs Switzerland FIFA World Cup 2022 LIVE Streaming: Where and how to watch online and on TV Channel, predicted XI
Here you can get all the details as to When, Where, and How you can watch the FIFA World Cup 2022 between Brazil and Switzerland Live Streaming.
Brazil will square off against Switzerland in their second fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2022 Group G on November 28 at the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium in Qatar. The match is scheduled to start at 9:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Serbia made Brazil wait until the 62nd minute of the opening match for their first goal of the finals, Tottenham forward Richarlison scoring twice in 12 minutes to earn his nation a 2-0 win.
Switzerland will become the latest side to test any fallibilities in 2022 FIFA World Cup favourites Brazil when they lock horns with the early Group G leaders on Monday.
Where to watch World Cup 2022 Brazil vs. Switzerland live in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh viewers can watch the match live on all of these channels: BTV, T Sports, PTE LTD and Viacom 18.
Toffee apps live-The digital platform powered by Banglalink
Live Brazil vs. Switzerland FIFA World Cup 2022 on Toffee
Bangladesh viewers can also enjoy live stream online the World Cup games on Toffee, the digital platform powered by Banglalink.
Brazil vs. Switzerland Live on Facebook and YouTube
Social media Platforms Facebook , Facebook pages and YouTube channels also live the match How to watch Brazil vs. Switzerland live stream in India
In India, the World Cup is being televised on Sports18, but every game is being shown for free and in 4K via the JioCinema app. You can live stream Brazil vs. Switzerland from 9.30 PM IST on Monday night.
Coverage is available in Hindi, English, Malayalam, Bengali and Tamil, and the JioCinema app is compatible with Chromecast, so you can get a big-screen experience.
Read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Qatari fans hit back at Germany by recalling Özil in protest
Anyone outside of India who wants to watch their home World Cup coverage can just pick up a good VPN and follow the instructions above to safely live stream the action.
How to watch Brazil vs. Switzerland live stream in Australia
Football fans in Australia can watch Brazil vs. Switzerland, along with every World Cup 2022 game, on free-to-air SBS. You can tune in on TV or live stream Brazil vs. Switzerland using SBS On Demand.
SBS on Demand is free to use and works on a range of smart devices including mobile phones, smart TVs and web browsers.
How to watch Brazil vs. Switzerland live stream World Cup 2022 soccer in the US without cable
Soccer fans in the US can watch Brazil vs. Switzerland on FS1 and Peacock TV, with kick-off set for 11am ET / 8am PT on Sunday morning.
FS1 shares TV rights to the 2022 World Cup group stage with Fox, but Fox will be showing every game of the knockouts.
Brazil vs. Switzerland live stream without cable
If you don't have cable TV, a cord-cutting service is what you need for instant access to Fox and FS1. Sling Blue is the cheapest option. It's $40 per month but you can get your first month half-price with this discount.
FuboTV is another good option. It carries both Fox and FS1, and over 100 channels besides, and allows you to watch the World Cup 2022 in 4K HDR. It's more expensive at $69.99 a month, but first there's a FREE FuboTV trial.
Every game of the World Cup is also being shown on Peacock TV, but the catch is that commentary will be in Spanish. To make up for that, Qatar vs Ecuador and a few other games are being shown for FREE. The Peacock price comes in at $4.99 a month and the service also offers live coverage of the NFL, EPL and WWE.
If you subscribe to Sling, Peacock or any other US streaming service, and find yourself unable to access coverage because you're out of the country, consider using a VPN – we rate ExpressVPN as the best of the best.
How to watch Brazil vs. Switzerland live stream in UK
Football fans in the UK can watch Brazil vs. Switzerland live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, along with many more World Cup 2022 games, as coverage of the tournament is split evenly between the BBC and ITV.
Every BBC game will be on BBC TV channels in HD and also live streamed on BBC iPlayer in glorious 4K HDR. Just make sure you possess a valid TV license and that your device is 4K-compatible with iPlayer.
Away from home in the UK right now? No worries:
Read: England players' wives, girlfriends spend £20,000 at Qatar cruise liner party
Use ExpressVPN to watch BBC iPlayer from abroad.
BBC iPlayer is free to use and works across a wide range of devices including smart TVs, laptops, games consoles, mobile phones, tablets and streaming sticks. You can watch all the other World Cup 2022 live streams for free on ITV Hub.
How to watch Brazil vs. Switzerland live stream in Canada
TSN is the place to watch every 2022 World Cup soccer game in Canada. If you get the channel as part of your cable deal, you'll be able to log in with the details of your provider for access to Brazil vs. Switzerland live stream.
If you don't have cable, you can subscribe to TSN on a streaming-only basis for $19.99 a month or $199.90 per year.
If you decide to subscribe, or already have, remember you can take your favorite sports streaming service with you wherever you go – just try our No. 1 overall rated VPN 100% risk-free for 30-days and follow the instructions
How to watch live Brazil vs. Switzerland Match live from Iran and other countries?
If you're abroad during World Cup 2022, and want to tune into your usual home coverage, you'll most likely find yourself geo-blocked and will need to use a VPN to unlock your access.
A VPN is a piece of software that allows you to change your apparent location and World 2022 live streams from any country and streaming service you need. They're easy to use and super-secure. We rate ExpressVPN as the best VPN for streaming.
Brazil vs. Switzerland Match live on TV Channels
Bangladesh: BTV, Gazi TV, T-Sports
India: Sports18, Sports18 HD, Sony TV Networks
Pakistan: ARY Digital Network
Nepal: Media Hub Private Limited
Malaysia: Astro GO
Singapore: Singtel TV GO, CAST, StarHub TV+, MeWatch
Read: What happened to Morocco's first-choice GK before kickoff v Belgium?
New Zealand: Sky Go, Sky Sport NOW
Indian Subcontinent: Sony Network
When & Where is Brazil vs. Switzerland Match?
Brazil vs. Switzerland will be played at the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium in Qatar
What time and date will the FIFA World Cup 2022 Brazil vs. Switzerland match are played?
November 28 at the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium in Qatar. The match is scheduled to start at 9:30 PM (IST).
Brazil vs. Switzerland lineups: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Brazil projected lineup (4-2-1-3, right to left): 1. Alisson (GK) — 14. Eder Militao, 4. Marquinhos, 3. Silva, 6. Alex Sandro — 5. Casemiro, 7. Paqueta — 19. Antony — 11. Raphinha, 9. Richarlison, 20. Vinicius Jr
Switzerland projected lineup (3-5-2, right to left): 1. Sommer (GK) — 5. Akanji, 4. Elvedi 13. Rodriguez — 3. Widmer, 17. Vargas, 10. Xhaka, 8. Freuler, 15. Sow — 23. Shaqiri, 7. Embolo
Forward Neymar and right-back Danilo are almost certain to miss Brazil's remaining group games after both suffered ankle injuries against Switzerland.
Read More:Qatar World Cup 2022 Day 9: Neymar-less Brazil to face Switzerland, Ronaldo’s Portugal to take on Uruguay
Brazil vs. Switzerland HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
The two sides have faced each other on nine instances in all competitions, with Brazil winning three of them. Switzerland won twice while four games ended in a stalemate.
Interestingly, the two teams were slotted in the same group in the last edition as well, with the match finishing 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes.
Queiroz slams Klinsmann's criticism of Iran's World Cup team
The Iranian soccer federation and national team coach Carlos Queiroz have angrily hit back at former Germany great Jürgen Klinsmann for saying that Iran's World Cup players use dirty tactics because its in their “culture."
Both the federation and Queiroz on Sunday called for Klinsmann to resign from FIFA’s technical study group, while the Iranian federation said it demands an apology from the former Germany and United States national team coach. The federation asked FIFA for “immediate clarification” on the matter.
Klinsmann, who coached the United States from 2011-16 and led Germany to a third-place finish at the 2006 World Cup, said Friday it's the Iranian players’ “culture” to play dirty and use tricks to turn the referee in their favor as he was commentating on Iran’s win over Wales for British broadcaster BBC.
Read: World Cup: Costa Rica beat Japan 1-0 making things easier for Spain, Germany
Iran plays the United States in a decisive Group B match on Tuesday.
“That’s their way of doing it. And that’s why Carlos Queiroz, he fits really well (with) the Iranian national team,” said Klinsmann, who also disparaged players from Central America. “I worked for the U.S. for six years. They went to Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica. This fits their culture.”
Queiroz, who is from Portugal, responded on Sunday, when he accused the former Germany forward of having "a typical prejudiced judgment of superiority.”
“Those remarks about Iran Culture, Iran National Team and my Players are a disgrace to Football,” Queiroz wrote on Twitter.
As a member of FIFA’s technical study group, Klinsmann is supposed to “provide cutting-edge analysis” of all the matches at the tournament “while increasing and developing understanding of the game across the world,” according to the governing body.
Queiroz invited Klinsmann to visit Iran’s national team camp to see for himself how much the players “love and respect” soccer, but called on the German to resign from FIFA’s group because of his “outrageous remarks” first.
Read: Goalless Mexico on brink of World Cup elimination
Klinsmann was invited by the Iranian federation, too.
“Being a German, it is promised that Mr. Klinsmann will not be judged for the most shameful episode of the World Cup History, the ‘Disgrace of Gíjon’ 82, when West Germany and Austria fixed a result,” the federation said. “As a former player, he will not be judged by his famous dramatic dives.”
Goalless Mexico on brink of World Cup elimination
Mexico’s inability to score — or stop Lionel Messi — has put the team on the edge of missing the knockout stage at the World Cup for the first time since 1978.
Mexico has gone without a World Cup goal for 384 minutes since their second group stage match at the 2018 tournament in Russia. The scoring drought continued Saturday night in Qatar with a 2-0 loss to Messi and Argentina, dropping El Tri to last place in Group C.
Mexico has one remaining game, against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. El Tri can no longer win the group but needs to beat Saudi Arabia to have a chance of placing second and advancing to the round of 16 for the eighth straight World Cup. However, a win may not be enough. If Poland and Argentina draw in their final Group C match, or if Argentina wins, goal difference will determine who places second.
“We are hurt, but as long as the possibility exists, we must continue fighting,” defender Nestor Araujo said. “While there is a chance, we will fight.”
Mexico came to Qatar looking to advance past the round of 16 and play in an elusive “quinto partido” — a fifth game — something the team hasn’t accomplished since hosting the 1986 tournament.
Read: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Will Brazil’s Samba dance continue without Neymar?
Without goals, Mexico had to depend on stalwart goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who stopped Robert Lewandowski’s penalty attempt to preserve a scoreless draw in El Tri’s World Cup opener against Poland.
But Ochoa was helpless against Messi’s second-half blast from distance in the 64th minute on Saturday night. Enzo Hernandez added a second goal for Argentina in the waning minutes.
At the final whistle, Ochoa and Messi grasped hands, and the goalkeeper known by his nickname Memo affectionately patted a gloved hand on his opponent’s head. Ochoa did not speak to reporters after the game.
“We did our job and unfortunately we left with defeat,” Mexico forward Henry Martin said. “So it hurts, but tomorrow we have to be thinking about what’s next in the next game, because we have one last chance and we have to take advantage of it.”
It might be the final World Cup for both men, who in Qatar each joined an exclusive club of players who have been to five editions of of the tournament.
Like Argentina depends on Messi, El Tri have looked to Ochoa because of their sputtering offense. Ochoa’s save of Lewandowski’s penalty attempt added to a World Cup mystique that started when he fended off six Brazilian shots — including a dangerous header from Neymar — in a group-stage draw against the hosts in the 2014 World Cup.
Read: Messi: 4 days between losing to Saudi Arabia and winning against Mexico were ‘very long’
But Ochoa’s efforts couldn’t hide a lack of offense. The last two players who scored for Mexico, back in the group stage in 2018, were Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Carlos Vela, who weren’t on the roster for Mexico in Qatar.
Mexico coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who is from Argentina, drew criticism for his roster choices, including the snub of Chicharito, Mexico’s all-time leading scorer who hasn’t played for his national team since 2019.
El Tri has never beaten Argentina in four attempts at the World Cup, and Martino’s worst defeat as Mexico coach was at the hands of his countrymen in September 2019, when Lautaro Martínez scored a hat trick in a 4-0 win.
Messi played vs Mexico in front of 88,966 spectators, largest turnout in World Cup in 28 years
Lionel Messi played in front of 88,966 spectators on Saturday when Argentina beat Mexico 2-0, the largest attendance at a World Cup match in 28 years.
The Lusail Stadium north of Doha, which will stage the final on Dec. 18, hosted the most people at the World Cup since the 1994 final in the United States, according to FIFA. There were 91,194 people at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, to see Brazil beat Italy in that penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw.
Read More: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Will Brazil’s Samba dance continue without Neymar?
Saturday’s attendance was several hundred more than the figure for the two previous games at Lusail Stadium, when Brazil beat Serbia and Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia.
Qatar’s attendance figures do not rank in the top 30 of all-time World Cup matches. The largest crowd was 173,850 inside the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro in 1950 for Uruguay’s 2-1 victory over host Brazil in the final game of that tournament.
Read More: Despite not knowing where he'll play beyond Qatar, Ronaldo eyes glory in possibly his last World Cup
Other stadiums figuring in the top-30 list are the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, Wembley Stadium in London and the Camp Nou in Barcelona. However, Saturday's Messi-led Argentina vs Mexico contest in the Qatar World Cup attracted 88,966 spectators, which was the largest in the past three decades.
France reach World Cup knockout stage as Mbappe scores 2
France advanced, and Kylian Mbappe got them there.
The French became the first defending champions to reach the round of 16 at the World Cup since Brazil in 2006, beating Denmark 2-1 Saturday with Mbappe scoring both goals.
“Kylian is an extraordinary player. He has the ability to make the difference at any time no matter what the other team plans to contain him,” France coach Didier Deschamps said. “In addition to his great ability he is totally invested in the team and he’s made it an objective of his to win the World Cup.”
Mbappe put his team in front in the 61st minute and then scored the winner with his right thigh in the 86th as Les Bleus became the first team at this year's tournament to advance from the group stage.
The France forward swapped passes with Theo Hernandez down the left flank and poked the ball past Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel for the first goal. He then jumped acrobatically to guide in the second after a cross from Antoine Griezmann — who adapted well in a midfield role and provided his 26th assist for the national team.
Denmark defender Andreas Christensen equalized for his team with a header in the 68th.
Mbappe scored four goals when France won the World Cup four years ago, including one in the final. He now has 31 goals for France, moving him one ahead of Just Fontaine — the all-time leading scorer at a single World Cup with 13 goals at the 1958 tournament.
Read: World Cup analysts cite more goals from crosses, penalties
He joined another France great, playmaker Zinedine Zidane, with 31 goals. Zidane scored twice in the final when France won its first World Cup against Brazil in 1998 and one goal when Les Bleus lost in the 2006 final to Italy on penalty kicks.
“There are different types of leaders," Deschamps said. “Mbappe's a leader, he sets the example with what he shows on the field.”
France beat Australia 4-1 in its opening game while the Danes drew 0-0 with Tunisia. The Aussies beat Tunisia 1-0 earlier Saturday.
“We’re in an ideal position. It makes you feel very calm to be qualified after two games,” Deschamps said. “There’s a strong chance we’ll finish first in the group.”
No other defending champion had made it out of the group stage since 2002 champion Brazil managed to advance four years later. Italy, Spain and Germany all were eliminated early four years after winning their titles.
The first time the French won the World Cup, they also went out early four years later.
With Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema missing from the tournament with a leg injury, Mbappe has taken charge. He has 14 goals in his past 12 games for France, including three so far in Qatar.
“Mbappe played a great match,” Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand said. “He’s a fanastic player, that’s it.”
Read: Poland beat Saudis 2-0 at World Cup
The Danes beat France twice this year in the Nations League but looked tame in attack at Stadium 974 — on the rare occasions they even got near France’s penalty area.
“We knew if would be a tough match. We had lost twice to them before," Griezmann said. "We worked hard and we worked well together. So it was a great win for us.”
VARANE’S RETURN
Central defender Raphael Varane returned to France’s defense for his first game since sustaining a hamstring injury playing for Manchester United on Oct. 11. The 2018 World Cup winner made his 88th international appearance and played 75 minutes before being replaced.
THURAM’S LEGACY
Forward Marcus Thuram came on in the second half as his father, Lilian Thuram, watched from the stands. The elder Thuram was a standout defender who helped France win its first World Cup in 1998.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The final Group D games are scheduled for Wednesday, when France will play Tunisia and Australia will face Denmark.
Saudi fans put on brave face after World Cup loss to Poland
It was a home crowd for Saudi Arabia on Saturday as it played Poland in its second match at the World Cup.
Despite clear disappointment over the 2-0 loss, Saudi fans were still basking in the glow of their team’s improbable win against Argentina earlier this week, one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
“We’re going to forget what happened today,” said Ahmad al-Khalaf, a 35-year-old from the country’s eastern al-Ahsa region, when asked about the defeat. “For sure, we’re going to beat (Mexico) in the next match as we beat Argentina before.”
Read: ‘Normal thing to do’: Japanese fans tidy up at World Cup
The stadium was a sea of green as stands filled with tens of thousands of Saudi fans, lured across the border by the lingering thrill of their country’s rare World Cup triumph. Men in dark green jerseys and women in lime-hued abayas, their faces painted in the colors of the national flag, cheered each moment a Saudi player kicked the ball. When Poland’s players made a move, boos thundered around the pitch.
Some fans speculated that the sheer size and intensity of the crowd created pressure that hurt the team’s performance. But others reveled in the sense of togetherness.
“The crowd was totally beautiful,” said 25-year-old Malek al-Malki from the port city of Jeddah. “It’s clear we suddenly believe more in our national team.”
Few had predicted that the ultraconservative kingdom, the second lowest-ranked team in the World Cup, would have been swept up in the wildest revelry of the tournament so far. But the kingdom’s affection for the national team reflects the new, more nationalistic Saudi Arabia rising under powerful Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The win over Argentina sparked celebrations across the Arab world, from Cairo to Gaza City in a rare display of Arabi unity.
Read: On outskirts of Doha, laborers watch World Cup they built
That pride and patriotism was undimmed on Saturday, even as crestfallen fans filtered out of the stadium.
“That joy lives forever,” said Osama al-Jamal, a 22-year-old student who drove from Riyadh to watch his team play.
On outskirts of Doha, laborers watch World Cup they built
Far from Doha’s luxury hotels and sprawling new World Cup stadiums, scores of South Asian workers poured into a cricket ground in the city’s sandy outskirts to enjoy the tournament they helped create.
Unlike the official FIFA fan zone near Doha’s pristine corniche, this one has no $14 beer or foreign tourists. There are few food options beyond deep-fried Indian snacks, scant soccer jerseys in the crowd and even fewer women.
Instead, the grassy pitch in Asian Town, a neighborhood of labor camps, is packed with migrant workers from some of the world’s poorest countries. They power Qatar, one of the world’s richest, and helped accomplish its multi-billion-dollar stadium-building effort.
Their treatment has been the controversial backstory of the 2022 World Cup, ever since Qatar won the bid to host the soccer championship. They can face low wages, inhospitable housing and long hours, often in the scorching heat.
But on Friday night as the Netherlands played Ecuador, the bleachers of the cricket stadium heaved with workers reveling on their one day off of the week.
The lucky ones scored a small number of World Cup match tickets that went on sale for just 40 riyals ($10) — a special cheaper ticket category for Qatar residents. But for those who can’t afford to go to gleaming stadiums, the giant screens in Asian Town have become a key glimpse into the tournament that has reshaped the tiny emirate.
“Who can afford to go? I keep 400 riyals ($109) a month in my pocket,” said Anmol Singh, an electrician, who sends the rest of his $600 salary to his parents and grandparents in Bihar, eastern India. “I work to give it all to them.”
Read: Japan eye World Cup knockout stage with win against Costa Rica
Even if meager by Western standards, the salaries of migrant workers in Qatar and across the oil-rich sheikhdoms of the Persian Gulf often exceed what they could make back home and serve as lifelines for their families in India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Workers in the fan zone who spoke to an Associated Press journalist on Friday said they coveted their jobs in the country, which has strict laws on speech. The yearslong boycott of Qatar by four Arab nations also stoked nationalism among the migrant workforce that makes up some 85% of the country’s population.
Kaplana Pahadi, a 21-year-old cleaner from Nepal, strolled through the crowded cricket stadium with three co-workers she called “my family.”
Decked out in a maroon Qatar jersey, scarf and cap, she said she moved to the energy-rich emirate over four years ago to pay medical fees for her mother, who developed heart problems after her father’s death. “She’s always sick,” she said. “I want to help her.”
At half-time, the floodlit stadium became a riot of music and dance. A celebrity Indian emcee whipped up the crowds as Hindi pop blared.
Some men hoisted themselves up on the shoulders of their friends. Others jumped up and down with excitement. Most wore jeans and T-shirts, or cream shalwar kameez — a knee-length shirt with a pair of loose-fitting trousers common in South Asia.
Hundreds took out their phones to film the reverie, smiles spreading as women in LED-lit white dresses traipsed onstage.
It was a stark respite from the daily grind.
“These are people from companies doing hard work,” said Imtiaz Malik, a 28-year-old IT worker from Pakistan, gesturing to the crowds of men. “But any kind of work is good.”
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He said he misses his family back in Lahore, Pakistan, and wishes he could hear their voices more often. Despite the difficulties, he said, Qatar has become his home, too.
“This country is becoming better,” he said.
The glaring spotlight of the World Cup has compelled Qatar to overhaul its labor system. The country scrapped the kafala system that tied workers’ visas to their jobs and set a minimum wage of 1,000 riyals ($275) a month, among other changes. Still, rights groups argue more needs to be done. Workers can face delayed wages and rack up debt paying exorbitant recruitment fees to land their jobs.
Imran Khan, 28, said many young men in his hometown of Kolkata, India, dream of working in Qatar. He left his parents and brothers behind to search for work in hospitality during the World Cup. But he has yet to find a job.
The competition is fierce and work harder to come by now that the tournament is underway, he said. In the meantime, he spends his days watching matches on the big screens at the cricket stadium next to the mall.
The fan zone allows Khan and legions of other migrant workers to enjoy the World Cup atmosphere just a short walk from their dormitories. It also means they’re not taking the bus into downtown Doha, which is now filled with foreign fans watching games and celebrating.
“I can’t explain the excitement,” Khan said. “It’s unreal.”
Poland beat Saudis 2-0 at World Cup
Robert Lewandowski finally scored at the World Cup on Saturday, helping Poland beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 and boosting his team’s chances of reaching the knockout stages.
Lewandowski shed tears after scoring in the 82nd minute. He raced toward the corner with his arms outstretched, then stayed slumped on the field as teammates rushed to congratulate him. He got up, rubbed his face, and blew a kiss to the crowd.
It was the Poland forward’s first World Cup goal in his fifth appearance at the tournament.
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The 34-year-old Lewandowski also set up the opener in the 40th minute when he kept the ball in play after goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais’ initial block, then laid it back for Piotr Zielinski to knock in.
Al-Owais denied Lewandowski from scoring a second goal late in the match.
Poland was scrambling for long periods at the Education City Stadium as the Saudi team was pushed forward by enthusiastic fans in what seemed like a home game.
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Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved Salem Al-Dawsari’s penalty at the end of the first half. He then blocked Mohammed Al-Burayk’s shot from the rebound.
Poland will next face Argentina, while Saudi Arabia will meet Mexico in their last Group C games.