Morocco make history beating Portugal to reach World Cup semi-finals

Details

Written by northsouth

Category: Sport

Published: 11 December 2022

Hits: 859

DOHA - Morocco stunned Portugal to become the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Youssef En-Nesyri’s header three minutes before half-time was the only goal of a 1-0 victory that was greeted with jubilation by the massed ranks of Morocco fans in the Al Thumama Stadium.

Cristiano Ronaldo was again left out of the starting line-up but came on early in the second half for his 196th international appearance, equalling the men’s world record of Kuwait’s Badr Al-Mutawa.

But he barely made an impact and ended what will surely be his final World Cup in tears as Morocco battled with energy and skill to achieve what previous quarter-finalists Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana could not.

Portugal made only one change from the 6-1 victory over Switzerland, Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves replacing William Carvalho, while Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui were both injured for Morocco so Jawad El Yamiq and Yahya Attiat-Allah started.

Despite swathes of empty seats – fans reported chaotic scenes outside the stadium – the Moroccan supporters in the ground made it a rousing atmosphere from the start.

Deafening whistles greeted Portugal possession, and there was an early escape for the Atlas Lions when Joao Felix’s header from a free-kick was pushed away by Bono.

En-Nesyri gave notice of his threat with a header from a corner and Felix went close again with a deflected effort that flew just over the bar but the pace of Morocco’s play and their willingness to attack in numbers gave them real impetus.

An impressive passing move led to the goal, with En-Nesyri producing a mighty leap to beat Diogo Costa to the ball and power a header into the net, causing bedlam in the stands.

Portugal almost managed a quick reply through Bruno Fernandes’ audacious over-the-shoulder volley but the ball smacked against the bar.

It took only six minutes of the second half, during which Costa did well to beat away Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick, for Portugal boss Fernando Santos to turn to Ronaldo and Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo.

Morocco were forced into a change with captain Romain Saiss unable to continue because of a troublesome hamstring problem and Achraf Dari taking his place.

Portugal probed for an opening and Goncalo Ramos, the hat-trick hero against Switzerland but largely invisible here, headed wide before Fernandes was just off target with another well-struck effort.

Felix had been Portugal’s biggest danger and he drew a brilliant one-handed save from Bono with a shot from the edge of the box, while Pepe should have scored with the final chance of the match.

Morocco were reduced to 10 men in injury time when Walid Cheddira picked up two quick yellow cards but it was a minor blip on a historic day.

Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Manchester United with immediate effect

Details

Written by northsouth

Category: Sport

Published: 22 November 2022

Hits: 937

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United with immediate effect, the Premier League club have announced.

United issued a statement on Tuesday evening announcing they had reached a mutual agreement with the player to terminate his contract.

The development comes a week after Ronaldo unsettled the club in an outspoken TV interview.

The club statement read: “Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.

“The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.

“Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik Ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.”

Ronaldo, 37, rejoined United for a second spell last year but he had fallen out of favour this season under new manager Erik Ten Hag.

The Portuguese issued his own statement which read: “Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early.

“I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge.

“I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future.”

The development means Ronaldo is now free to negotiate with other clubs. The PA news agency understands there are no restrictions on who he can play for under the terms of his departure agreement with United, nor are there any ongoing obligations for the Old Trafford outfit.

Ronaldo’s relationship with the club had appeared to become strained during the early part of the season and problems were brought to a head by last week’s interview with TV presenter and journalist Piers Morgan.

Among his comments in the programme were claims that he felt “betrayed” by United and that he had no respect for Ten Hag.

He also said that he felt people at the club were trying to force him out and that United showed a lack of empathy when his daughter was in hospital ill.

There were also wider complaints about the standard of facilities at the club as well as criticism of the owners.

When United responded by appointing lawyers to consider potential action for alleged breach of contract, it became clear a parting of the ways was likely.

It is an abrupt end to a career at United that was revived amid much fanfare in August last year.

Ronaldo had looked set to join rivals Manchester City from Juventus but a late intervention from United took him back to Old Trafford.

Ronaldo first joined United from Sporting Lisbon as a teenager in 2003. He won three Premier League titles and the Champions League before going on to even greater success with Real Madrid.

After nine years at the Bernabeu and a further three at Juve, he returned to United as a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

He scored 18 goals in the Premier League last season but United struggled, finishing sixth in a campaign in which they were managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick and Ralf Rangnick.

He made a slow start to the current campaign under new boss Ten Hag after missing their pre-season tour, starting just four Premier League games. There were further controversies as he left the ground early during a friendly and refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham.

World Cup 2022: Fixtures, dates, venues and times

Details

Written by northsouth

Category: Sport

Published: 19 October 2022

Hits: 910

ZURICH - Here is a complete fixtures list for the tournament with the stadiums and kick-off times.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 will kick off on November 20.

Hosts Qatar will take on Ecuador in the opening game at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.

The 32 teams have been broken down into eight groups with the top two from each group qualifying for the knockouts.

Here is a complete fixtures list for the tournament. All kickoff times are local Qatar time (GMT +3).

Group stage

Sunday, November 20

Group A: Qatar vs Ecuador (Al Bayt Stadium, 7pm)

Monday, November 21
Group B: England vs Iran (Khalifa International Stadium, 4pm)
Group A: Senegal vs Netherlands (Al Thumama Stadium, 7pm)
Group B: USA vs Wales (Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, 10pm)

Tuesday, November 22

Group C: Argentina vs Saudi Arabia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, 1pm)
Group D: Denmark vs Tunisia (Education City Stadium, 4pm)
Group C: Mexico vs Poland (Stadium 974, 7pm)
Group D: France vs Australia (Al Janoub Stadium, 10pm)

Wednesday, November 23

Group F: Morocco vs Croatia (Al Bayt Stadium, 1pm)
Group E: Germany vs Japan (Khalifa International Stadium, 4pm)
Group E: Spain vs Costa Rica (Al Thumama Stadium, 7pm)
Group F: Belgium vs Canada (Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, 10pm)

Thursday, November 24

Group G: Switzerland vs Cameroon (Al Janoub Stadium, 1pm)
Group H: Uruguay vs South Korea (Education City Stadium, 4pm)
Group H: Portugal vs Ghana (Stadium 974, 7pm)
Group G: Brazil vs Serbia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, 10pm)

Friday, November 25

Group B: Wales vs Iran (Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, 1pm)
Group A: Qatar vs Senegal (Al Thumama Stadium, 4pm)
Group A: Netherlands vs Ecuador (Khalifa International Stadium, 7pm)
Group B: England vs USA (Al Bayt Stadium, 10pm)

Saturday, November 26

Group C: Tunisia vs Australia (Al Janoub Stadium, 1pm)
Group C: Poland vs Saudi Arabia (Education City Stadium, 4pm)
Group D: France vs Denmark (Stadium 974, 7pm)
Group C: Argentina vs Mexico (Lusail Iconic Stadium, 10pm)

Sunday, November 27

Group E: Japan vs Costa Rica (Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, 1pm)
Group F: Belgium vs Morocco (Al Thumama Stadium, 4pm)
Group F: Croatia vs Canada (Khalifa International Stadium, 7pm)
Group E: Spain vs Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, 10pm)

Monday, November 28

Group G: Cameroon vs Serbia (Al Janoub Stadium, 1pm)
Group G: South Korea vs Ghana (Education City Stadium, 4pm)
Group H: Brazil vs Switzerland (Stadium 974, 7pm)
Group H: Portugal vs Uruguay (Lusail Iconic Stadium, 10pm)

Tuesday, November 29

Group A: Netherlands vs Qatar (Al Bayt Stadium, 6pm)
Group A: Ecuador vs Senegal (Khalifa International Stadium, 6pm)
Group B: Wales vs England (Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, 10pm)
Group B: Iran vs USA (Al Thumama Stadium, 10pm)

Wednesday, November 30

Group D: Australia vs Denmark (Al Janoub Stadium, 6pm)
Group D: Tunisia vs France (Education City Stadium, 6pm)
Group C: Poland vs Argentina (Stadium 974, 10pm)
Group C: Saudi Arabia vs Mexico (Lusail Iconic Stadium, 10pm)

Thursday, December 1

Group F: Croatia vs Belgium (Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, 6pm)
Group F: Canada vs Morocco (Al Thumama Stadium, 6pm)
Group E: Costa Rica vs Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, 10pm)
Group E: Japan vs Spain (Khalifa International Stadium, 10pm)

Friday, December 2

Group G: South Korea vs Portugal (Education City Stadium, 6pm)
Group G: Ghana vs Uruguay (Al Janoub Stadium, 6pm)
Group H: Serbia vs Switzerland (Stadium 974, 10pm)
Group H: Cameroon vs Brazil (Lusail Iconic Stadium, 10pm)

Round of 16

Saturday, December 3

Game 49 – Winners of Group A vs Runners-up of Group B (Khalifa International Stadium, 6pm)
Game 50 – Winners of Group C vs Runners-up of Group D (Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, 10pm)

Sunday, December 4

Game 52 – Winners of Group D vs Runners-up of Group C (Al Thumama Stadium, 6pm)
Game 51 – Winners of Group B vs Runners-up of Group A (Al Bayt Stadium, 10pm)

Monday, December 5

Game 53 – Winners of Group E vs Runners-up of Group F (Al Janoub Stadium, 6pm)
Game 54 – Winners of Group G vs Runners-up of Group H (Stadium 974, 10pm)

Tuesday, December 6

Game 55 – Winners of Group F vs Runners-up of Group E (Education City Stadium, 6pm)
Game 56 – Winners of Group H vs Runners-up of Group G (Lusail Iconic Stadium, 10pm)

Quarter-finals

Friday, December 9

Game 58 – Winners of 53 vs Winners of 54 (Education City Stadium, 6pm)
Game 57 – Winners of 49 vs Winners of 50 (Lusail Iconic Stadium, 10pm)

Saturday, December 10

Game 59 – Winners of 55 vs Winners of 56 (Al Thumama Stadium, 6pm)
Game 60 – Winners of 51 vs Winners of 52 (Al Bayt Stadium, 10pm)

Semi-finals

Tuesday, December 13

Game 61 – Winners of 57 vs Winners of 58 (Lusail Iconic Stadium, 10pm)

Wednesday, December 14

Game 62 – Winners of 59 vs Winners of 60 (Al Bayt Stadium, 10pm)

Third place playoff

Saturday, December 17

(Khalifa International Stadium, 10pm)

Final

Sunday, December 18

(Lusail Stadium, 6pm)