Football
Brazil coach sends message of support to Pelé
Brazil coach Tite sent a message of support to Pelé from the World Cup on Thursday.
Pelé was hospitalized Tuesday in Sao Paulo to regulate the medication in his fight against a colon tumor, his daughter Kely Nascimento said. She added that there was “no emergency” concerning her 82-year-old father’s health.
“We all want to wish good health to Pelé,” Tite said in Qatar a day before Brazil’s next match against Cameroon.
Brazil, seeking its first World Cup title in two decades, reached the round of 16 after two group matches. The team needs a draw against Cameroon to finish first in Group G.
“(Pelé) is our biggest extraterrestrial representative,” Tite joked.
Read: Pelé back in hospital to regulate medication
Pelé was listed in stable condition after arriving at the hospital “for a reevaluation of the chemotherapeutic treatment of the tumor.” The hospital said the former great “has full control of his vital functions” and was not taken to intensive or semi-intensive care units for treatment.
Women's Football: Cumilla United Club outplay Nasrin Sports Academy 5-1; Sadia makes a hattrick
A brilliant hattrick by Sadia guided Uttara Football Club to earn a comfortable 5--0 goal victory over Jamalpur Kacharipara Akadash in the 4th round match of the Bashundhara Group Women's Football League' 2021-22 at the Bir Shreshta Shaheed Shipahi Mohammad Mustafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur on Thursday.
Sadia made a hattrick scoring three consecutive goals in the 22nd, 33rd and 65th minutes while Lipi netted the remaining two goals for Uttara FC in the 71st and 74th minutes.
Read more: Women's football: Bashundhara Kings hammer Dhaka Rangers 12-0
In the day's other match at the same venue, Cumilla United Club outplayed Nasrin Sports Academy by 5-1 goal.
Maria, Shipra, Ripa, Sumi and Roaja scored one each for Cumilla United, which dominated the first half by 4-1 goal.
Read more: Women's Football: Barisal FA beat Cumilla United 2-0
Kursia Jannat netted the lone goal for Nasrin Academy.
Rainbow items allowed at World Cup stadiums: FIFA
One day after Iran and Wales were eliminated at the World Cup, FIFA finally gave a public assurance Wednesday that rainbow items and banners supporting protests in Iran will be allowed into stadiums.
Stadium security staff organized by Qatari authorities had seized items with rainbow colors and slogans such as “Women. Life. Freedom” to stop them from getting inside stadiums.
In the first week of the tournament, seven European teams including Wales lost the fight to wear multi-colored “One Love” armbands during World Cup matches and some fans complained they weren’t allowed to bring items with rainbow colors, a symbol of LGBTQ rights, into the stadiums of the conservative Islamic emirate.
Read: Qatar World Cup: Spain has some work to do vs Japan to guarantee spot in the round of 16
The match between Iran and the United States on Tuesday was charged with emotion among Iranian fans, some of whom had come to Qatar not only to support their team, but the protest movement back home with banners and flags.
“FIFA is aware of some incidents where permitted items were not allowed to be displayed at stadiums,” soccer’s world body said in a statement on Wednesday, more than a week after some incidents were reported at World Cup stadiums. “FIFA has received assurances by authorities that venue commanders have been contacted in relation to the agreed rules and regulations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”
FIFA’s assurances that have seemed to be overridden by Qatari authorities.
Read: US, Iran fans mingle in Qatar ahead of World Cup clash
Wales and Iran will not play any more games at the World Cup after results late Tuesday sent England and the United States from their Group B into the knockout rounds.
“FIFA continues to work closely with the Host Country to ensure the full implementation of related regulations and agreed protocols,” FIFA said.
In Ukraine, seeing World Cup, playing football pose challenges
Ukrainian video-game vendor Roman Kryvyi, fresh from a soccer game on a snow-blanketed field in suburban Kyiv, sat up close to a TV in a kebab shop as intermittent city power returned just in time for Tuesday’s World Cup game between Wales and England.
For the 22-year-old soccer buff, there was no question about which side to support in the matchup: He remembers how he was crestfallen — rolling on the floor in despair and on the verge of tears — when Wales ousted his beloved Ukraine in the qualifiers. The grudge hasn’t worn off.
“Only England! England has supported us in a military way,” Kryvyi said, overlooking the fact that England and Wales are both part of the United Kingdom — whose government has generously backed Ukraine with firepower and other support as it tries to repel Russia’s invasion. He wants England to go all the way.
With their team not having made the finals this year, many Ukrainian soccer fans are throwing their support behind European countries that have backed Ukraine’s fight against Moscow’s forces, or teams with greats like Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi of Argentina. Others just want to see top-notch play, out of appreciation for the game.
For Ukrainians these days, soccer trails well behind mere survival in the order of priorities. But the sport — as in many places around the world — can offer an escape from the troubles of daily life. For players, running around a field can offer up camaraderie and churn up body heat, and in this war-battered, says simply: Life must go on. Watching the World Cup in Qatar gives a sense of connection to the rest of the world.
Read: Special record that Messi can break if he plays in FIFA World Cup 2022 final
Like many fans in Ukraine, Kryvyi and teammate Hlib Kuian, 21, were far from certain that they would be able to see the England-Wales match. Russian military strikes in recent weeks have devastated power plants, rendered internet services uncertain and affected basics like water and heating — on top of the deaths and injuries they have caused.
Only minutes before Tuesday evening’s match, which England ended up winning 3-0, Mazza Cafe kebab-stand operator Mashrabjan Haydarov spotted that the lights had come back on in an apartment building across the street, so he turned off the generator outside that had been powering his bulbs and TV, and switched back to the local grid.
Then, even though the electricity was back, the internet popped off momentarily. The friends, accustomed to daily setbacks large and small, shrugged off the delay until the service rebooted. They also had to return home right when the match was set to end because of an 11 p.m. wartime curfew.
“In my house. I have no internet, so it’s a big problem for me,” said Kuian, an economics student. The only alternative to going out to see the match, he said, was watching it on his mobile phone’s small screen.
For all their interest in watching the World Cup, Kuian and Kryvyi prefer being on the field themselves.
As night fell, their team joined up with two others on a fenced-in field in a public park in Irpin, a town that Russian forces occupied earlier this year — and their pullout exposed suspected atrocities committed against civilians.
Read: Qatar World Cup: Spain has some work to do vs Japan to guarantee spot in the round of 16
In yet another sign of the Ukrainian resourcefulness that has become legendary in their war-battered country, the teams purchased and strung up lights to illuminate the field, and powered them up with an old — and recharged — car battery on the sideline. One player got up on a motorized scooter to shovel off the field, as snowflakes continued to fall.
Time was that they would have preferred to play in Irpin’s larger stadium, but it was pockmarked by craters and a nearby cultural center gutted as Ukrainian and Russian forces battled for control of the town.
As for the obstacles to soccer-playing, electricity shortages and other woes, Kuian is taking them in stride.
“I have to live with it. I know who made this (happen),” he said. “I know that the Russian Federation wants that I live like this.”
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.”
Ind Cup Football: Holders Dhaka Abahani eliminated from semis losing to Sheikh Russell KC
Defending champions Dhaka Abahani Limited was eliminated from semifinal of the season's curtain raiser soccer meet, the Bashundhara Group Independent Cup Football' 2022 losing to Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra by 2-3 goal at the Bir Shrestha Fl Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj on Wednesday.
Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra will the play final on Monday (December 5) at 1 pm at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla against the winners of Bashundhara Kings and Bangladesh Police FC, who will meet each other in the 2nd semifinal on Thursday (December 1) at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj.
Read more: Round-4 matches of Women's Football League begins Wednesday
The 3rd place deciding match between two losing semifinalists will be held on Sunday (December 4) at the Bir Shrestha Fl Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj.
The winners led the first half by a solitary goal.
In the day's first semifinal, Ivory Coast medio jean Charles Didier put Sheikh Russell KC ahead in the 31st minute (1-0) while Nigerian striker Mfon Sunday Udoh doubled the margin the 54th minute (2-0)
Nigerian fowrad Peter Nworah pulled Abahani the margin one back in the 64th minute (2-1) while Uzbek defender Timur Talipoy again sounded the Sheikh Russell margin in the 72nd minute (3-1).
Russian World Cup playing Costa Rica booter Daniel Colindres reduced the Abahani margin in the stoppage time (90+5 minute) of the match from a penalty (3-2).
Later, Kpeji Jean Charles Didier of Sheikh Russell KC was adjudged the man of the match.
Read more: Ind Cup Football: Dhaka Abahani to play Sheikh Russell KC in first semifinal on Wednesday
Earlier, Dhaka Abahani Limited qualified for the semi-final eliminating Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by 2-1 goals while Sheikh Russell KC booked a seat for the last four stage eliminating Chittagong Abahani Limited by 1-0 goal in the quarterfinals.
Bangladesh Police FC qualified for the semis defeating Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad KC by 5-4 goals while star-studded Bashundhara Kings assured the semifinal berth beating Dhaka Mohammedan SC by 2-0 goal in their respective quarterfinals.
Why are World Cup players donning unusual face masks on pitch?
From South Korea's Son Heung-min, Croatia's Joško Gvardiol, Tunisia's Ellyes Skhiri, Belgium's Thomas Meunier to Iran's Alireza Beiranvand, several players have been spotted wearing unusual face masks on the pitch during the FIFA World Cup 2022 matches in Qatar, drawing comparisons to Batman and the Phantom of the Opera.
The masks, made from materials like polycarbonate, are leaving social media users curious as to why the footballers are sporting the black shields.
But it's not a fashion statement. When football players suffer facial injuries, they frequently don protective masks. Some of these masks are 3D printed, enabling them to be customised to each player's facial features.
Read more: France's Benzema ruled out of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Fernando Torres, and Antonio Rudiger wore face masks before.
RB Leipzig centre-back Gvardiol sported a black protective mask during the Group F match against Morocco and Canada.
The reason for the 20-year-old sporting the face covering is he had a collision with teammate Willi Orban in a Bundesliga match on November 10, with scans later showing he had broken his nose and suffered minor injuries to his face and eyes.
Also read: Neymar to miss Brazil’s second World Cup match due to injury
In a similar on-field collision, Son suffered a fracture in his face, specifically around the eye socket, while playing for Tottenham during a November 1 Champions League win against Marseille.
The 30-year-old winger also stepped onto the field against Uruguay and Ghana, donning a black carbon fibre mask.
FC Köln midfielder Ellyes donned a mask against Denmark and Australia in Group D. The 27-year-old is nursing a broken cheekbone after suffering an injury in October.
Read More: Qatari bathrobes’: German commentator under fire for disparaging remark about traditional attire
Belgium's Borussia Dortmund star Thomas Meunier was also seen wearing a mask against the Red Devils' match against Canada.
In Dortmund's match against Hannover 96 earlier this season, the defender fractured his cheekbone and had to undergo surgery.
FIFA World Cup 2022: Germany earn crucial late draw against Spain
Germany forward Niclas Füllkrug salvaged a 1-1 draw against Spain on Sunday at the World Cup.
The Germans still need to win their last group match to have a chance of advancing to the knockout stage. The four-time champions were eliminated in the group stage four years ago in Russia.
Germany will next face Costa Rica, which defeated Japan 1-0 earlier Sunday. Even a win may not be enough for the Germans, who are in last place in Group E and need the other result to go their way.
Read more: World Cup: Costa Rica beat Japan 1-0 making things easier for Spain, Germany
Spain can reach the last 16 with a draw against Japan.
Álvaro Morata put Spain ahead in the 62nd minute and Füllkrug equalized for Germany in the 83rd.
The match between the pre-tournament favorites was one of the most anticipated in the group stage.
Spain tried to control the pace of the game with ball possession but wasn’t able to create many opportunities, while Germany was able to threaten sporadically with breakaways and set pieces.
Read more: Young Spain bring back 'tiki-taka' at World Cup
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.
FIFA World Cup 2022: Messi leads Argentina to 2-0 win over Mexico
Lionel Messi came up with another crucial goal for Argentina in a 2-0 win over Mexico on Saturday that ignited the team’s World Cup chances.
Messi took a touch from Angel Di Maria’s pass across the face of the area and drove a low shot from 25 meters (yards) into the bottom corner in the 64th minute.
He ran toward Argentina’s fans with his arms outstretched arms before getting mobbed by his jubilant teammates. He looked emotional as he grabbed and shook his jersey, then blew a kiss to the crowd.
Substitute Enzo Fernandez added a second goal in the 87th minute.
Read more: Argentina Squad analysis for 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Argentina bounced back from a shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in its opening match. The team is in second place in Group C ahead of its last match against Poland on Wednesday.
The 35-year-old Messi is likely playing in his last World Cup, which is the only major title missing from his collection.
Read more: ‘Now's the time to be more united than ever’: Messi after Argentina's shocking defeat to Saudi Arabia
It was an eighth World Cup goal for Messi — the same number scored in the tournament by rival Cristiano Ronaldo and also Diego Maradona, the Argentina great with whom he is so often compared.
For some, Messi needs to win the World Cup to join the ranks of Pele and Maradona as soccer’s greatest ever players. Thanks to this win, it could still happen.
Until his goal, Messi was enduring a frustrating match, finding himself with two defenders on him each time he received the ball.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made five changes from the Saudi Arabia game in a bid to inject some more energy into the team but they initially made little difference.
The momentum of the game changed completely after Messi’s goal, his 93rd in internationals and his second of the tournament after a penalty against Saudi Arabia.