2022 World Cup – Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 November

Group B: Wales 0 (0) – (0) 2 Iran (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Iran scorers: Cheshmi (90’+8’), Rezaeian (90’+11’)

The Welsh will say that the sending-off of ‘keeper Wayne Hennessey with four minutes remaining was the turning point in this game, but the harsh truth is that Iran were the better side even before the red card. Gareth Bale had a quiet game and all in all it was a nervy and lacklustre performance from a side known for its passion and fighting qualities. Was there a touch of complacency on the part of the Wales team? Were they too focused on saying what they are going to do to England without dealing with the game in front of them? Whatever the reason, Wales are now in real danger of being on an early flight home.

 

Group A: Qatar 1 (0) – (1) 3 Senegal (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Qatar scorer: Muntari (78′). Senegal scorers: Dia (41′), Diedhiou (48′), Dieng (84′).

Thankfully the results in Group A today meant that the hosts are out. What was telling yet again was the sight of ‘fans’ hitting the exits at half-time. Proof if needed that there is no appetite for the game in the country. I just hope those who voted for Qatar enjoy their thirty pieces of silver. It’s a tournament doing nothing for the game except bringing controversy.

 

Group A: Netherlands 1 (1) – (0) 1 Ecuador (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Netherlands scorer: Gakpo (6′). Ecuador scorer: E Valencia (49′)

The Dutch have been deeply criticised by their own media and pundits back home and this display showed why. They scored early in this game through Cody Gakpo with a powerful strike but then struggled therein after although credit must go to spirited Ecuador side. The South American’s will have felt slightly aggrieved that they had a first half goal struck off, with the decision that a player was in an offside position and in the ‘keepers eye-line. However, they were level soon after a Enner Valencia scored his third of this tournament with a tap-in and could have gone ahead when a Gonzalo Plata effort rattled the crossbar. All to play for in the final round of games, with the Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal battling for the two places to progress.

 

Group B: England 0 (0) – (0) 0 USA (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

It was mentioned more than once in commentary that this was a mirror of the Euros when England drew 0-0 with Scotland in their second group game. Then as now it was a poor  performance, but it meant the Three Lions have their destiny in their own hands when they face Wales next week. This was a return to the disappointing displays of this summer and once again dissenting voices questioned Gareth Southgate’s tactic and substitutions during this encounter. Credit though to the USA for getting their tactics right and more than deserving a point.

 

Group D: Tunisia 0 (0) – (1) 1 Australia (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)

Australia scorer: Duke (23′)

Whilst driving I caught the last 15 minutes of this game on the radio, and it sounded all Tunisia and only some superb defending and solid goalkeeping from Mat Ryan preserved their clean sheet and enabled the Aussies to claim the win thanks to a deft header in the first half thanks to Mitchell Duke. Australia know that victory over the Danes in their final game would guarantee a place in the last sixteen.

 

Group C: Poland 2 (1) – (0) 0 Saudi Arabia (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Poland scorers: Zielinski (39′), Lewandowski (82′)

By the time I arrived at my destination (Long Eaton United v Pontefract Collieries) this game was already underway, and despite the fact that the fixture was on various screens, their seemed little appetite for the action, which is a shame given from the highlights it looked a bit of a cracker with chances and incidents galore. Whilst 2-0 looks a solid win, it tells nothing of the Saudi’s attacking threat and some great saves from Wojciech Szczesny in the Polish goal including an excellent penalty save at the end of the first half. Robert Lewandowski scored late on to seal the points and take Poland top of the group.

 

Group D: France 2 (0) – (0) 1 Denmark (Stadium 974, Doha)

France scorer: Mbappe (61′, 86′). Denmark scorer: Christensen (68′)

France secured the win and a place in the last sixteen with a late win in an entertaining encounter. Les Bleus dominated the first forty-five but couldn’t finish any of the chances they created. It took until just after the hour to go ahead from Mbappe which spurned Denmark into action and indeed they levelled on sixty-eight minutes. Both sides had chances to win it but with four minutes remaining it was the World Champions who claimed the win with Mbappa bundling in at the post for his and France’s second goal.

 

Group C: Argentina 2 (0) – (0) 0 Mexico (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Argentina scorers: Messi (64′), Fernandez (87′)

After the shock defeat to Saudi Arabia, Argentina knew that nothing but a victory would be enough against Mexico. Given that pressure it was perhaps not surprising that this was best described as a cagey game. It took two smart finishes from Messi and Fernandez to see off the spirited Mexicans. Poland await Argentina in the final game of the group stage, whilst Mexico play Saudi Arabia will the group wide open.

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2022 World Cup – Friday 25 November 2022

Group G: Switzerland 1 (0) – (0) 0 Cameroon (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)

Switzerland scorer: Embolo (48′)

 

Group H: Uruguay 0 (0) – (0) 0 South Korea (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

 

Group H: Portugal 3 (0) – (0) 2 Ghana (Stadium 974, Doha)

Portugal scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (65′ pen), Félix Sequeira (78′), da Conceicao Leao (80′). Ghana scorer: A Ayew (73′), Bukari (89’minutes)

 

Group G: Brazil 2 (0) – (0) 0 Serbia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Brazil scorer: Richarlison (62′, 73′)

 

Thursday was a drab old day in West Yorkshire, rain, grey sky and a biting wind reminding all that winter has assuredly arrived. And it pretty much felt as if some of that dourness had seeped into the  first two games of the day as the first round of group games played to a conclusion.

Whilst Cameroon had an energy about them in a first half in which they were the better side, genuine chances were at a premium and there was an inevitability about it being goal-less at the break. The deadlock was broken early in the second half as a swift Swiss move saw Cameroon born Breel Embolo sweep his adopted country into the lead. After that, well, Switzerland were more positive, but it fizzled out as quickly as the crowds are want to do at these finals in Qatar. The chant of ‘we can see you sneaking out’ should be changed for Qatar to ‘switch the lights off last one out’ (I know it doesn’t properly scan at all, but you get the picture).

Uruguay v South Korea offered little more. The South American’s hit the woodwork in each half but apart from that it felt as if both sides were satisfied with a point.

Then like the sun breaking through the clouds it all changed as Portugal and Ghana offered up a bit of a belter. Ronaldo seemingly unburdened by his Old Trafford kiss and tell revelations was at the heart of all of Portugal’s best moments, with two decent chances spurned and an effort disallowed for a foul. No goals at the break, but a game nicely simmering under, which exploded into action in the last twenty five minutes. First up Portugal were rather generously awarded a penalty after a foul on the Portugal skipper, who then stepped up to convert and become the first man to score in five World Cup finals – love him or hate him, you can’t keep him out of the headlines. However, the lead was short-lived with poor Portuguese defending allowing Ayew to fire home inside the six-yard box on seventy-three minutes. Ghana though were then hit by two goals and with ten minutes remaining it looked game over as they trailed 3-1. But with just a minute left on the clock back came the Black Stars with a header from Bakari to set up a frantic finish. And it nearly came in the ninth minute of time added on. Costa the Portugal ‘keeper put the ball down to kick it up field, whilst  panto-style (he’s behind you) Inaki Williams waited. Williams dashed forward to get the ball but slipped at the crucial minute and the chance for a dramatic leveller was gone. Breathless stuff!

To round off the day, Brazil took on Serbia. I’m not a great fan of the South American team, but they were good enough to see off a dogged Serbian team, with a double from Richarlison, the second of which, a scissor-kick volley, is an early contender for goal of the tournament.

 

In a flash we are already at the start of the second round of Group Stage games and depending on results some teams will already be waving mae alsalama to the finals. Here’s todays line-ups.

Group B: Wales v Iran (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

After their fine second half performance against the USA, and Iran’s heavy defeat, the Welsh will be in prime position to take three points this morning. I’ll be hoping the Red Dragons do the business, so that the final group game for both the Three Lions and Wales leaves both already through to the knockout stages.

 

Group A: Qatar v Senegal (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

I’m not a vindictive person but simply hoping that Qatar get another good hiding – plain and simple. Nothing else to say.

 

Group A: Netherlands v Ecuador (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

The Dutch already have three points in the bag after a win over Senegal and I expect nothing more than a similar outcome today.

 

Group B: England v USA (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

I’ll trot out the old fact that England have played USA twice in the World Cup and have yet to beat them. 1950 was the infamous 1-0 loss at the Brazil World Cup for an England side that contained the stars of the day such as Tom Finney, Billy Wright, Stan Mortensen and future England manager, Alf Ramsey. Then in 2010 when South Africa hosted the tournament, despite an early Steven Gerrard goal, the USA levelled five minutes before the break when Rob Green had a moment to forget allowing Clint Dempsey’s speculative shot to squirm its way into the goal. I don’t expect another 6-2 result but believe a solid 2-0 for Three Lions is not out of their reach.

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2022 World Cup – Monday 21 November 2022

The BBC were first out the blocks showing live the opening game of the competition and the hour before the first game was unlike any other build-up I’d witnessed for previous World Cups. The first thirty minutes were more akin to a political programme, as the show provided background and context from the awarding of the hosting to Qatar in 2010 whilst also highlighting the issues around the  regarding Qatar’s stance on same-sex relationships, its human rights record and treatment of migrant workers. Whilst some will have not favoured the handling of this, I genuinely believe that it was the right thing to do, in continuing to air the issues. To ignore what has and is going on and simply focus on the football as if nothing happened would be trite. Indeed, the Opening Ceremony was not shown on the main BBC1 coverage, an indication that there was a desire no to show what might be considered propaganda. This certainly didn’t feel like a celebration of the game or indeed the tournament to come.

FIFA bangs on about football being for everyone, but as pundit Alex Scott highlighted, Qatar is a venue where not every section of society is welcome.

Group A: Qatar 0 (0) – (2) 2 Ecuador

Scorers: E Valencia (16′ pen, 31′)

Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

An inauspicious start for the hosts, not just on, but off the pitch. As the PA announcer tried to whip up the crowd with a countdown to kick-off from 10 to 1, the game started with the crowd not even getting down to a count of four. Not a great start.

Then on the pitch it was evident that Ecuador were too strong from the off. It looked like Enner Valencia had given the South American’s a lead after three minutes, only for VAR to come up with an offside that sums up why this equipment, its use and interpretation are making a farce of the game.

However, it wasn’t long before Valencia and Ecuador had the goal they deserved. Saad Al Sheeb the Qatar ‘keeper who has looked vulnerable in the melee that preceded the disallowed goal, then gave away a penalty just after the quarter of an hour mark, bringing down Valencia. The Fenerbahce forward dusted himself down and calmly slotted home the spot-kick. Ecuador dominated possession and it was no surprise when they scored a second on thirty one minutes, with Valencia beautifully heading home Preciado’s stunning cross. Qatar under the cosh and struggling.

They made it to the break just the two goals down and didn’t concede any further in a very flat second period. Ecuador took their foot off the gas as the game became a training ground stroll and the atmosphere wasn’t helped as many ‘fans’ left at half-time and on the hour mark. At the whistle it was three points to Ecuador and more pain one presumes to come for Qatar with fixtures against Senegal and the Netherlands remaining in the group.

My prediction of a 0-0, well it was truly off the mark – no surprise there given my record down the years!

Group B: England v Iran (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Qualification route:

England – UEFA Group I winners

Iran – Asian Football Conference (AFC) third round Group A winners

Form (last three games):

14 June (UEFA Nations League A) England 0–4 Hungary   [Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, England]

23 September (UEFA Nations League A) Italy 1–0 England [Milan, Italy]

26 September (UEFA Nations League A) England 3–3 Germany [Wembley Stadium]

 

27 September (Friendly) Iran 1–1 Senegal [Maria Enzersdorf, Austria]

10 November (Friendly) Iran 1–0 Nicaragua [Tehran, Iran]

16 November (Friendly) Iran 0–2 Tunisia [Doha, Qatar]

Preview:

I’m old enough to remember the awful starts that the Three Lions have in the Group stages of major competitions down the years. This on paper is another potential banana skin. The Nations League relegation and fears over the teams defensive capabilities don’t do anything to calm the nerves and therefore it will be interesting to see how England approach this game.

The Iranian squad contains a sprinkling of players from around the European leagues and should not be taken lightly. Those looking for a Premier League link in the Iranian squad can find it with Brentford’s midfielder Saman Ghoddos. Ghoddos was born in Sweden to Iranian parents and made two appearances for them in friendly internationals in 2017 against the Ivory Coast and Slovakia. However, he made the switch to Iran later that year and has been part of the squad since. Additionally there is Carlos Queiroz the Iranian coach who had spells at Manchester United.

Of course my heart wants this to be a comfortable and stress free victory, but my head tells me that this could be a tight one with England nicking a 1-0 win.

Group A: Senegal v Netherlands (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Qualification route:

Senegal – Confederation of African Football (CAF) third round winners

Netherlands  – UEFA Group G winners

Form (last three games):

17 July (COSAFA Cup 3rd-place match) Mozambique 1–1 (2–4 p) Senegal [Durban, South Africa]

24 September (Friendly) Bolivia 0–2 Senegal [Orléans, France]

27 September (Friendly) Iran 1–1 Senegal [Maria Enzersdorf, Austria]

 

14 June (UEFA Nations League) Netherlands 3–2 Wales [Rotterdam, Netherlands]

22 September (UEFA Nations League) Poland 0–2 Netherlands (Warsaw, Poland}

25 September (UEFA Nations League) Netherlands 1–0 Belgium [Amsterdam, Netherlands]

Preview:

Senegal nicknamed the Lions of Teranga are appearing in their third World Cup finals, having reached the Quarter-Finals in 2002 going out to Turkey 1-0 AET but not making it out of the group stages in Russia in 2018. Their squad is littered with players plying their trade in England including Chelsea duo, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Nampalys Mendy (Leicester City) and Nottingham Forest’s Cheikhou Kouyate. However, the squad were dealt a major blow when Sadio Mane withdrew injured before the tournament started.

The Dutch are a squad packed with stars from across Europe and follow in the tradition of the Oranje sides of yesteryear, who have got to three finals in 1974, 1978 and 2010 but have yet to lift the trophy. The Netherlands could be dark horses in this competition, and I expect them to start off with a victory by a single goal.

Group B: USA v Wales (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Qualification route:

USA – Confederation of African Football (CAF) third round winners

Wales  – UEFA Group G winners

Form (last three games):

14 June (CONCACAF Nations League) El Salvador 1–1 USA [San Salvador, El Salvador]

23 September (Friendly) Japan 2–0 USA [Dusseldorf, Germany]

27 September (Friendly) Saudi Arabia 0–0 United States [Murcia, Spain]

 

14 June (UEFA Nations League) Netherlands 3–2 Wales [Rotterdam, Netherlands]

22 September (Nations League) Belgium 2–1 Wales [Brussels, Belgium]

25 September (Nations League) Wales 0–1 Poland [Cardiff, Wales]

Preview:

As a Fulham fan its great to see the Whites represented by the defensive duo of Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream. West London is also represented by Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic, and further representative from the English capital in Arsenal’s goalkeeper Matt Turner. Drawn in with England and Iran as well as Wales, the USA will fancy their chances of progression

The story around Wales centres on their talisman Gareth Bale and the fact that the last time the Welsh qualified was in 1958. As with the USA, Wales also include two Fulham players in their squad, in Harry Wilson and loanee Dan James.

Could be the first draw of the tournament in a cagey encounter.

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2022 World Cup – Sunday 20 November 2022

Group A: Qatar v Ecuador (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

So here we are the opening game of the 2022 World Cup, and the hosts take on South American opposition in the guise of Ecuador.

Qualification route:

Qatar – N/A (Hosts)

Ecuador – South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) Fourth Place

Form (last three games):

27 October (Friendly) Qatar 1–0 Honduras [Marbella, Spain]

5 November (Friendly) Qatar 2–1 Panama [Marbella, Spain]

9 November (Friendly) Qatar 1–0 Albania [Marbella, Spain]

 

23 September (Friendly) – Saudi Arabia 0–0 Ecuador [Murcia, Spain]

27 September (Friendly) – Japan 0–0 Ecuador [Dusseldorf, Germany]

12 November (Friendly) – Ecuador 0–0 Iraq [Madrid, Spain]

Preview:

Hard to gauge what level Qatar (The Maroons) are realistically on the world stage, despite a FIFA ranking of No: 50, since they have not taken on any of the big guns at international level in the last couple of years. However, they come into this first game on the back of an unbeaten five game run in games played out in Spain with victories over Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and Albania.

Ecuador (The Tricolours) are appearing at their fourth Finals having qualified in 2002, 2006 and 2014. Their best performance was back in 2006 when they emerged from their group as runners-up, before going out to England in the last sixteen to a second-half David Beckham free-kick. The team ranked 44 in the FIFA standings have gone unbeaten in their recent three game tour in Europe and have not conceded in their last six fixtures, however, they have only scored two goals in those games and not scored in their last three.

Whilst the Qatar squad is drawn from the Qatari Stars league, there are some familiar faces from the Ecuador squad, who all coincidently play for Brighton in the English Premier League – defender, Pervis Estupinan, and midfielders, Jeremy Sarmiento and Moises Caicedo. Sarmiento is an interesting one in that he played for England at U16, U17 and U18 before switching to the country of his birth.

Opening games tend to be cagey affairs with goals at a premium and given the recent form of the respective sides today there is no reason to see that changing. I’m going for a 0-0 later today, with both sides happy to take a point.

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2022 World Cup – Saturday 19 November 2022

On Sunday 20 November the 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup competition begins with hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium. Am I excited? Am I looking forward to this edition which for the first time takes place in Winter rather than the traditional summer period?

Quite simply – No.

Part of it is due to the fact that it comes after a loaded sporting few weeks of tournaments both here in England and abroad featuring our national teams, as well as events such as the NFL International Series games at Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. As a fan I’ve shared the disappointment as the Red Roses, England women’s rugby union team, agonisingly lost to their New Zealand counterparts in the Final down-under, and in the Rugby League World Cup here in England where both the Men’s and Women’s suffered Semi-Final defeats. However, there has been joy though as the Men captured the T20 cricket trophy over Pakistan, and the Men’s England Wheelchair Rugby League side became World Cup winners.

Given this mega-feast of sport lately, the World Cup seems like an afterthought.

Of course after the Lionesses triumph in this summer’s European Championships and the Three Lions, run to the 2018 World Cup Semi-Final and European Championship Finals last year, expectation and excitement for football should be high. However, for me the Nations League performances against Germany, Hungary, and Italy showed that Gareth Southgate has taken the side as far as he can and there’s no disgrace in that given what he has achieved in his time in charge.

Other reasons for not being ‘up’ for the World Cup. Well, there are the much publicised concerns regarding Qatar’s stance on same-sex relationships, its human rights record and treatment of migrant workers. Additionally there must be real concerns over player and indeed match officials health in such temperatures. Nobody wants a repeat of the Christian Eriksen incident in the recent Euros.

Then there is FIFA swerving any position around the rainbow rainbow-coloured armband featuring a rainbow heart design to campaign against discrimination that some team captains will be wearing. The FIFA position is very much, don’t upset our hosts, it’s all about the football – totally blinkered. But what do you expect when the FIFA delegates will want for nothing in Qatar during their time in the Middle East. Who said corruption and backhanders within the walls of Zurich are dead? Politics and football – a heady mix but one football’s governing body will be engaging in during the coming weeks to defend the decision to be in Qatar.

Then this week late in the day more negative publicity. Firstly, another example of one rule for fans and one for the rest, as beer will not be sold to supporters, yet those in corporate areas of stadiums at the tournament will still be able to purchase alcohol. Then it has been followed by a curious speech by FIFA President Infantino which opened with the line: “Today I have strong feelings. Today I feel Qatari, I feel Arab, I feel African, I feel gay, I feel disabled, I feel a migrant worker.” We thought Blatter was bad, but here we are with another man in power messily defending the award of the World Cup to a country that bought the right to host it.

The most bizarre World Cup looms, who knows what it will bring.

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