FIFA to review plan to cancel four-team groups – Infantino

Posted on by Inkoom Esther

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino revealed on Friday that FIFA is looking forward to review plans to create three team groups for the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA previously announced that the 2026 final, which will be expanded from 32 to 48 teams, will divide the country into 16 groups of three in the first round. In this format, the top two teams from each group advance to a 32-team elimination tournament.

However, FIFA President Infantino said the unexpected success of the traditional first-round format at the Qatar World Cup, where teams are divided into traditional groups of four, forced him to rethink his decision. Several groups in Qatar started their races with qualification hanging in the balance until the final whistle.

“The groups of four have been absolutely incredible until the last minute of the last match. We have to revisit or at least rediscuss the format, whether it’s 16 groups of three or 12 groups of four. This is something that will be on the agenda in the next few weeks,” Infantino told a press conference in Doha.

Infantino added that the 2026 World Cup format could mimic the European Championship with six groups of four, with the top four teams in third place also advancing to the playoffs.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Infantino said that increased competition would bring financial prosperity to FIFA. Revenue for the four-year cycle ending in 2026 is expected to rise from €7.5bn for the cycle ending in 2022 to €11bn.

When asked about expected significant revenue growth, Infantino cited an increase in the number of teams, existing arena infrastructure, and market size in North America.

“We are bullish about the power of football. We are convinced the impact of the game will be massive. It has been massive here and it will be incredible in North America. Three huge countries, 48 teams. More games, revenues will go up in terms of broadcasting, in terms of sponsorship, hospitality. We will play in huge stadiums used for American football. We are expecting 5.5 million fans travelling for these events,”  Infantino concluded.

 

Qatar dropped out of the World Cup after Senegal’s victory

Posted on by Inkoom Esther

Senegal faced Qatar in a World Cup match at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha. Senegal won 1-3 despite their efforts. As a result, Qatar dropped out of the biggest competition.

Goals either side of half-time from Boulaye Dia and Famara Diedhiou gave Senegal the lead before Qatari substitute Mohamed Muntari responding with a dramatic 78th-minute finish. Senegal substitute Bamba Dieng scored six minutes later to put the result beyond doubt and lift the African champions, who opened with a 2-0 loss to the Netherlands, right back into contention in Group A.

The defeat left bottom side Qatar sweating on results elsewhere if they are to avoid following South Africa in 2010 as only the second World Cup hosts to bow out after the first round. Their elimination would be confirmed if Ecuador fail to beat the Netherlands later in the day, and would make Qatar the first World Cup hosts to go out after two games. Qatar started the tournament on a nervous note with a 2-0 loss to Ecuador and again looked shaky against Senegal.

 The Asian champions left their goalkeeper Saad Al-Sheeb on the bench after a shaky performance in the opener. His replacement, Meshaal Barsham, did not inspire much confidence from the start and shot from around the corner when Senegal looked to take the lead.

 Ismaila Sarr and Nampalys Mendy missed Senegal’s chances at this point, while Idrissa Gana Gueye and Youssouf Sabali lost more during the first half.

Qatar spent much of the first 45 minutes on the back foot, but a rare run forward pissed off Akram Afif, who did not earn a penalty after being tackled by Sarr.

Senegal seemed ready to go into the first half without breaking Qatar’s resistance only after the hosts conceded a goal in the 41st minute. Qatari defender Boualem Koukhi allowed Dia to go past Barsham after stepping on a loose ball. Senegal doubled their lead shortly after the break when Diedhiou headed from a corner at the near post.

 Qatar became more ambitious from two goals down and Afif was involved  in it all. Almoez Ali forced a fingertip save out of Senegal goalkeeper Eduoard Mendy and the Chelsea player once again saved the African team from Isamil Mohamad. Mendy was tied to his lane as Muntari brought the hosts back into play  with a powerful cross .

 The goal spurred the crowd on and Qatar looked for another goal, but Dieng scored Senegal’s third  goal in the 84th minute.

 Abdelkarim Hassan fired a free kick from the post, Qatar tried to score, but Senegal sealed the win.

Magical Richarlison ensures Brazil beat Serbia in World Cup opener

Posted on by Inkoom Esther

Richarlison scored a bicycle kick goal against Serbia.

Brazil lived up to supporters’ expectations. Tite’s team were considered favourites for the World Cup title by many people and they proved it in their debut in Qatar. Against a Serbia side that defended well throughout the match, Richarlison’s goals were enough to give the ‘Selecao’ all three points.

Brazil means Jogo Bonito. Tite’s side proved to have one of the best attacks of the World Cup, as despite facing a Serbia side that defended incredibly well, the ‘Selecao’ managed to take all three points in a game that could have ended in a goal fest. Despite Casemiro hitting the post twice, Richarlison made the most of his two chances to sink Serbia’s hopes and score one of the best goals of the World Cup so far.

 

Spain sink Costa Rica with a 7-0 victory.

Posted on by Inkoom Esther
Dani Olmo opened the scoring gate against Costa Rica

Luis Enrique’s Spain side sailed to an easy victory over a feeble and out-of-place Costa Rica team. This victory leaves ‘La Roja’ top of Group E on goal difference after improving upon Japan’s earlier result.

Spain dominated in the first half which saw them cruise to a deserved three goal lead. Dani Olmo opened his and Spain’s account for this World Cup after a wonderful move, leaving him the easy job of slotting it past Navas.

 Asensio was next to add to the tally, as he calmly slotted home off a Jordi Alba cross. Alba then aided for the third, as he was fouled in the penalty area, leaving Ferran Torres the simplest of tasks of converting the spot-kick.

The second half brought much of the same, with the Europeans dominating start to finish. There were three more goals to be had in the half, with Torres adding to his collection, and then Gavi getting Spain’s deserved fifth. Soler then added the sixth after some sloppy keeping from Navas, before Morata deservedly getting on the score-sheet.

This win leaves Spain top of Group E, level with Japan on points, but ahead on goal difference. They await Germany in their next game which promises to be a mouth-watering tie, with the Germans desperately needing a win. Costa Rica find themselves bottom, with Japan to play next.

 

News from Canada at Qatar World Cup on 23rd November, 2022

Posted on by Inkoom Esther
Canadian national football team

Morocco faced Croatia in Group F and the result was 0-0 in a game that had limited chances. In the next few matches, Germany will play Japan in Group E, Luis Enrique’s Spain will host Costa Rica in the same group, and Belgium will play Canada in Group F. Canada will also be preparing to face Belgium in the first match of the World Cup, where Alphonso Davies will start after recovering from injury, as well as Steven Eustaquio and Milan Borjan.

Arsenal vs. Liverpool: Premier League start time, date, odds

Posted on by Inkoom Esther

Liverpool have won 9-1-2 against Arsenal since August 2016 and have a chance to continue this success on Sunday. They meet at 15:30 for the first game of the season. At the Emirates Stadium. The Reds won two matches against Arsenal last season (4-0 and 2-0) and are looking forward to the same result.

Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday ended up a point each after a 3-3 draw.

 Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur usually have all the answers at home, but Arsenal proved too much of a challenge on Saturday. Arsenal won 3-1. There was a 1-1 draw at half-time, but the team was better in the second half.

After the draw, Liverpool is aiming for three points in this match.

Liverpool have won 9 out of their last 12 matches against Arsenal.

Odds: Arsenal +150; Draw +260; Liverpool +160 (via Caesars Sportsbook)   

Series History

  • Mar 16, 2022 – Liverpool 2 vs. Arsenal 0
  • Nov 20, 2021 – Liverpool 4 vs. Arsenal 0
  • Apr 03, 2021 – Liverpool 3 vs. Arsenal 0
  • Sep 28, 2020 – Liverpool 3 vs. Arsenal 1
  • Jul 15, 2020 – Arsenal 2 vs. Liverpool 1
  • Aug 24, 2019 – Liverpool 3 vs. Arsenal 1
  • Dec 29, 2018 – Liverpool 5 vs. Arsenal 1
  • Nov 03, 2018 – Liverpool 1 vs. Arsenal 1
  • Dec 22, 2017 – Liverpool 3 vs. Arsenal 3
  • Aug 27, 2017 – Liverpool 4 vs. Arsenal 0
  • Mar 04, 2017 – Liverpool vs. Arsenal. 3 – 1
  • Aug 14, 2016 – Liverpool vs. Arsenal 4 – 3

 

Chelsea-Wolves (14:00) Preview

Posted on by Inkoom Esther
Graham Potter

Graham Potter believes Chelsea have made progress since his appointment ahead of hosting Wolves and could offer former Blues hero Diego Costa a start at Stamford Bridge.

Potter’s team beat Crystal Palace with a dramatic goal last Saturday and followed that result by beating AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday.

 The former Brighton & Hove Albion manager remains vigilant against threats from out-of-control Wolves after Bruno Lage was sacked on Sunday.

“I think we’ve made a little bit of progress from the first day to now, as you’d expect. There is a long way to go. We have to focus on the next match,’’ said Potter.

 Potter added that wolves ‘’have a lot of talented players and you can’t control the opposition’s situation. They have been in games they have narrowly lost and we are expecting a tough game.”

LAKER TO OBSERVE

Diego Costa

Costa when at Chelsea averaged one goal or assist every 95 minutes in a league game.

FACTS

Chelsea have defeated in their last 4 Premier League matches against Wolverhampton, with their last 3 matches ending in draws.

Chelsea more than any other team  lost eight points in 2018, since Wolves returned to the Premier League.

This will be Graham Potter’s first Premier League home game as Chelsea manager. None of the last 14 managers who have managed the Blues in this competition lost their first home match  since Graham Rix and Ray Wilkins lost in September 2000 against Leicester.

Joao Moutinho

Joao Moutinho could make his 151st Premier League appearance for Wolverhampton, which would put him on par with Conor Coady in the club’s most competitive appearances. Ruben Neves also made 150 appearances for Wolves in the competition but is suspended for today’s game.

Manchester United underestimate Cristiano Ronaldo’s style of play

Posted on by Inkoom Esther

Ronaldo has started in just one of United’s seven Premier League matches this season, and his last appearance on the bench was Sunday’s derby against Manchester City. Eric Ten Hag chose not to bring on the 37-year-old despite a 6-3 defeat at the Etihad Stadium, and Keane took issue with the way he was treated after his summer transfer request was denied.

 Keane, the Red Devils legend told Sky Sports after the Manchester City defeat: “I think Man United are just showing disrespect to Ronaldo. I think he should have been let go before the transfer window. I think the manager is holding on to him. Okay, you say you need options, but you don’t hold on to Ronaldo to sit on the bench. He’s one of the greatest players ever.

“He had options. This idea that he had no options is rubbish; he did have options, four or five very good options. It’s just going to get uglier as the season goes on.”

 Ronaldo has been linked with various clubs in the latest transfer window including Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid and Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal.

The Portuguese captain may push for another transfer in January, at the moment, he can sign preliminary agreements with potential applicants.

 For now, the five-time Ballon d’Or winners could return to Ten Hag’s starting XI when Manchester United resume their Europa League season in Omonia, Nicosia on Thursday.

‘Let the GOAT be the GOAT’ – Stormzy defends Ronaldo after the star is benched for their 2-1 victory against Liverpool.

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Stormzy impel the media not to disturb Cristiano Ronaldo after the striker was benched for Manchester United’s impressive victory over Liverpool.

Stormsey expressed his excitement in an interview with Sky Sports after Manchester United beat Liverpool 2-1. He went on to say we need to “let the man (Ronaldo) be great’, despite rumours linking the Portuguese legend with a move away from Old Trafford. Stormzy added: “As much as there’s been a bit of a fuss, that’s a GOAT. You’ve got to let the GOATS be the GOATS’.

Erik ten Hag won his first Premier League title as manager of Manchester United by beating Liverpool at Old Trafford. The Dutch made some important choices and left captains Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, the latter appearing for five minutes as a substitute.

Ronaldo insisted on a transfer all summer, but never found the groom he wanted.