World Cup news and highlights

Belgium players celebrate after the match?against Canada on November 23.

A hard-fought match ends?in Belgium’s favor. They defeat Canada, 1-0.

In the first half, it was the underdog Canadians that got off to a better start. And in the 10th minute, they were awarded a penalty after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) spotted a handball by Belgium inside the box. But Alphonso Davies failed to convert as Belgian goaltender Thibaut Courtois made a clutch save to keep it nil-nil.?

Canada thought they might have gotten a second penalty later in the half. Richie Laryea went down under Axel Witsel’s challenge who appeared to stand on his foot. There certainly seemed to be contact but the referee waved play on. Canada’s fans started chanting “VAR” from behind the opposite goal and they got their wish when the VAR started looking. But no penalty was awarded.

Then in the 44th minute and against the run of play, Belgian forward Michy Batshuayi received the ball and deposited it in the back of the Canadian net to grab the lead.

In the second half, Belgium shifted into a more defensive shape after snatching the lead. Canada continued to apply pressure.?

As the half progressed, the Canadians began to take more risks — pushing to find that equalizer — and the game opened up. But alas, Canada’s search for its first World Cup goal continues.

Canada will feel they deserved something?out of this performance but it’s Belgium who take all three points and sit atop Group F.?Earlier today in the group, Morocco and Croatia ended in a 0-0 stalemate.?

Germany will not face any disciplinary action from FIFA, football’s governing body, following the team’s pre-match gesture on Wednesday at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.?

Prior to the team’s 2-1 defeat to Japan, Germany’s starting 11 posed with their right hands over their mouths, in silent protest against freedom of speech in the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.?

“Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.”

Germany's soccer team players cover their mouths as they pose for a group photo before the match against Japan on November 23.

Following their loss to Japan on Wednesday, German players revealed the team’s silent protest against FIFA’s decision to ban the “OneLove” armband in Qatar was a “spontaneous” gesture.

Germany’s starting 11 all posed with their right hands in front of their mouths, and within minutes, the image was circulating widely on social media.?

Brandt’s teammate, striker Kai Havertz, told ESPN, “I think first it was the right time to do to show the people that — yeah we try to help wherever we can. Of course, FIFA makes it not easy for us but we tried to show with that thing.”

On Wednesday, the German Football Federation (DFB) released a series of tweets shortly after the game had kicked off indicating that FIFA had prevented them from using their voices to speak up at the World Cup for issues they felt passionate about, hence the protest.

We’re back underway in Belgium vs Canada.

The Red Devils lead 1-0.

It’s 1-0 halfway through Canada and Belgium’s Group F?match.

It was the underdogs from Canada that got off to a better start. And in the 10th minute, they were awarded a penalty after the video-assisted referee (VAR) spotted a handball by Belgium inside the box. But Alphonso Davies failed to convert as Belgian goaltender Thibaut Courtois made a clutch save to keep it nil-nil.

Canada continued to look the better side throughout the half. Then in the 44th minute and against the run of play, Belgian forward Michy Batshuayi received the ball and deposited it in the back of the Canadian net to grab the lead.

Earlier today in the group, Morocco and Croatia ended in a 0-0 stalemate. If Belgium can hold the lead and earn a victory here they’ll end the day atop Group F.

Quite remarkable scenes so far this half. Canada has had one penalty saved already but probably should have had another.

Richie Laryea goes down under Axel Witsel’s challenge who appeared to stand on his foot.

There certainly seemed to be contact, but the referee waved play on. Canada’s fans started chanting “VAR” from behind the opposite goal and they got their wish when the Video Assistant Referee started looking.

But no penalty was awarded.

Moments later, Michy Batshuayi put Belgium in front with a goal. It’s a cruel game.

Belgium's Michy Batshuayi celebrates scoring their first goal against Canada on November 23.

Belgium opened its account at the tail end of the first half when Michy Batshuayi scored a goal for the Red Devils.

Belgium 1-0 Canada

Fans are seen in the stands during the match between Canada and Belgium on November 23.

Canada is 39 places below Belgium – which sits second – in FIFA’s official ranking, but you wouldn’t be able to tell on the pitch.

They’ve already missed a penalty and have been on the front foot all game.

The thousands of Canadian fans inside the stadium are making plenty of noise, stamping their feet and cheering every time their team gets close to the Belgian goal.

Belgium are just not clicking and cannot deal with the pace and trickery of Alphonso Davies – who missed the spotkick – down the left.

Canada just needs to find their shooting boots before Belgium, and its star man Kevin De Bruyne, wake up.

Thibaut Courtois of Belgium saves the penalty taken by Alphonso Davies of Canada on November 23.

Canada is awarded an early penalty but Alphonso Davies fails to convert as Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois saves it!

Huge moment in the first half.

Canada's Alphonso Davies fights for the ball with Belgium's Timothy Castagne on November 23.

The first half is underway in Belgium and Canada’s Group F match.

Earlier in the day in Group F, Morocco and Croatia each grabbed a point when they drew 0-0 in their World Cup opener.

Canadian brothers Michael and Chris Lewis traveled on four planes to make it to the World Cup in Doha, Qatar.

We don’t want to state the obvious, but Canada is nowhere near Qatar.

It means those fans coming to watch their side play its first World Cup match in 36 years have had to do a fair bit of traveling.

That’s certainly true for brothers Michael and Chris Lewis, who arrived in Doha from Edmonton, Canada.

The pair have had to fly on four planes, totaling about 16 hours of air travel to be here tonight.

They’re both aware that on paper, Belgium should be beating their country comfortably, but the shock results so far this tournament have given them hope.

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is seen in Doha on November 23.

The Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is located right on the edge where the city meets the desert.

It is located in a region that’s the focus of many traditional Qatari tales and it will play host to Belgium vs Canada.

The venue’s design is based on the undulating sand dunes that stretch through the desert beyond Doha and it really is a sight to behold.

The wrap-around facade is alive with a dynamic light show that honors the colors of both nations.

Plenty of fans are still waiting outside to take pictures of the stadium but seats are filling up as both teams start their warmups.

Those who have already been to a few games will recognize the playlist from a resident stadium DJ who is doing his best to hype up those already in the stands.

Spain’s thrashing of Costa Rica has ended 7-0.

It was an utterly dominating performance by La Furia Roja. Spain found the back of the net three times in the?first half — with Dani Olmo, Jordi Alba, and Ferran Torres all getting goals.

The second half proved to be much of the same with Spain dominating possession and continuing its relentless attack.?

In the 54th minute, Torres got his?second to make it 4-0 before being subbed off.?

Twenty minutes later, Gavi scored a 5th for Spain. With his goal, the 18-year-old Spanish sensation became his country’s youngest goalscorer at a World Cup.

But Spain was not done. In the 89th minute, Carlos Soler scored a sixth. Then, mere moments later, Alvaro Marata got Spain a seventh.

Spain will end the day atop Group E. The?+7 goal differential they earned against Costa Rica places them one spot above Japan, who bested Germany earlier in the day, 2-1.

Alvaro Morata of Spain celebrates after scoring their team's seventh goal?during the match against Costa Rica on November 23.

Spain’s relentless attack keeps coming and this time it’s álvaro Morata who adds to the team’s scoresheet.

Spain leads 7-0.

Spain's Carlos Soler scores their sixth goal?against Costa Rica on November 23.

The goals keep raining on Costa Rica!

Spain’s Carlos Soler just scored the sixth goal for La Furia Roja in the 89th minute.

Spain's Gavi, left, celebrates scoring his team's fifth goal during the match against Costa Rica on November 23.

La Furia Roja continues its furious assault on the Los Ticos goal.

Eighteen-year-old Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, better known as Gavi, gets Spain’s fifth in the 74th minute.

Spain 5, Costa Rica 0.

Spain's Ferran Torres scores the team's fourth goal during a match against Costa Rica on November 23.

Ferran Torres gets the fourth goal for Spain and his second of the match.

It’s the first time Spain has gotten four goals in a World Cup match since its 4-0 win against Ukraine in a 2006 group stage, according to FIFA commentators.

Where the score stands: Spain 4, Costa Rica 0

Costa Rica starts the second half of the match. Los Ticos have the hard task of matching up to Spain’s lead of 3-0.

Nothing like the awesome sense of collective responsibility.

Team Japan’s fans stayed to clean up their surroundings after the match ended with their team pulling a stunning victory over Germany, a four-time World Cup champion.

Japanese fans clear garbage from the stands after the Germany and Japan match at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday.

After Japan shocked four-time World Cup champion Germany to win their opening match, pulling another big upset, players and fans were seen celebrating on and off the pitch. Here are some photos from Qatar 2022.

Ko Itakura of Japan celebrates winning against Germany at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday.

Japan's players celebrate their win against Germany at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday.

Japan fans celebrate their team's 2-1 victory against Germany at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday.

Japan fans celebrate outside the Khalifa International Stadium after the match in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday.

Well, that was pretty one-sided.

Spain leads Costa Rica 3-0 at the half.

La Furia Roja opened the scoring account with Dani Olmo delivering the first goal in the 10th minute of the match.

In the 21st minute, Marco Asensio doubled Spain’s advantage when he blasted a Jordi Alba cross past Costa Rican goalie Keylor Navas’ hands.

Next up, Ferran Torres made it 3-0 in the 31st minute when Spain was awarded a penalty after Alba was taken down in the box by Oscar Duarte.

Costa Rica managed to stop the bleeding for the final quarter-hour of the half but they go into the break with a huge hole to climb out of. And with goal differential a consideration here, no reason to believe that Spain plans to let up against Los Ticos in the second half.

Earlier in the day in Group E, Japan pulled off the upset over Germany, 2-1, to go atop the group.

Ferran Torres of Spain converts the penalty to score his side's third goal during the match against Costa Rica on November 23.

Spain is blowing Costa Rica out of the water.

Ferran Torres scored for La Furia Roja. Spain was rewarded a penalty kick after Costa Rica’s Oscar Duarte took Jordi Alba down with 30 minutes still to go in this first half.

Where things stand: Spain 3, Costa Rica 0

This post has been updated to reflect that Ferran Torres took the penalty kick.

Spain's Marco Asensio, left, celebrates scoring their second goal with Dani Olmo during a match against Costa Rica on November 23.

A cross from Jordi Alba allowed Marco Asensio to deliver a second goal for La Furia Roja. It went right through Costa Rican goalie Keylor Navas’ hands.

Spain now leads Costa Rica 2-0.

Dani Olmo of Spain scores their team's first goal during the match against Costa Rica on November 23.

Spain just opened their account with Dani Olmo delivering the first goal in the 10th minute of the match.

Where things stand: Spain 1, Costa Rica 0

Spain's Dani Olmo controls the ball against Costa Rica's Carlos Martinez during a match on November 23.

Spain and Costa Rica have kicked off in their opening World Cup match.

Costa Rica’s Los Ticos should have their hands full against Spain’s La Furia Roja who many have pegged as a team with real potential to go far in the tournament.

Spain players prepare for their match against Costa Rica on November 23.

Like Germany, Spain has also undergone some lean years since its World Cup triumph in South Africa in 2010, and will be relying on a mix of a young generation and the old guard for success in Qatar.

The team’s likely starting midfield will consist of 19-year-old Pedri, 18-year-old Gavi and 34-year-old Sergio Busquets as Head Coach Luis Enrique’s men seek to go one further than last year’s semifinal exit at the European Championships.

For Costa Rica, it is a last hurrah for some of the country’s legendary players. Captain Bryan Ruiz, 37, will lead the team, while the experienced Celso Borges and Keylor Navas could be appearing in their final World Cup.

Spain

Manager: Luis Enrique

Goalkeepers: Unai Simón, Róbert Sánchez, David Raya

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, César Azpilicueta, Eric García, Hugo Guillamón, Pau Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba, José Gayà

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo Hernández, Gavi, Carlos Soler, Marcos Llorente, Pedri, Koke Resurrección

Forwards: Ferrán Torres, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, álvaro Morata, Marco Asensio, Pablo Sarabia, Dani Olmo, Ansu Fati

Starting XI: Simon; Azpilicueta, Rodri, Laporte, Albi; Busquets; Gavi, Pedri; Torres, Asensio, Olmo

Costa Rica

Manager: Luis Fernando Suárez

Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, Esteban Alvarado, Patrick Sequeira

Defenders: Francisco Calvo, Bryan Oviedo, Daniel Chacón, óscar Duarte, Kendall Watson, Rónald Matarrita, Keysher Fuller, Juan Pablo Vargas, Carlos Martínez

Midfielders: Celso Borges, Bryan Ruiz, Yeltsin Tejeda, Gerson Torres, Jewison Bennette, Youstin Salas, Roan Wilson, Brandon Aguilera, Douglas López, Anthony Hernández, álvaro Zamora

Forwards: Joel Campbell, Johan Venegas, Anthony Contreras

Starting XI: Navas; Martinez, Fuller, Duarte, Calvo, Oviedo; Campbell, Borges, Tejeda, Bennette; Contreras

Canada forward Alphonso Davies kicks the ball during practice at the World Cup in Doha on Tuesday.

Belgium’s campaign in Qatar is seen as the last opportunity for the nation’s so-called “golden generation.”

Having lit up European football for years, Thibaut Courtois, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Axel Witsel, De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens are all in their 30s and could be playing in their last World Cup. Suffering from a hamstring injury, striker Romelu Lukaku is likely to miss Belgium’s first two group matches.

Belgium’s results in major tournaments have been underwhelming, given the talent at its disposal, the 2016 shock defeat to Wales in the quarterfinals of the European Championships a particular frustration.

So, with one final shot at glory, Belgium begins against a Canada side making its second appearance at a World Cup.?

Canada ended its 36-year drought to play in a World Cup when it qualified earlier this year. And, behind the exuberance and excellence of Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David in attack, could prove a danger for any team.?

Heading into its opening game, midfielder Jonathan Osorio said his team believes it can shock Belgium.?

“We want to show that we are a football nation, that we can compete with the best in the world,” Osorio said, according to Reuters.?

“We want to surprise people because I think people still see us as underdogs. ‘It’s the World Cup, they should just be happy to be here.’ But that’s not our mentality.”

Japan players celebrate the 2-1 win against Germany at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday.

Wow!

Japan provides another big World Cup upset, beating Germany for the first time ever.

Germany dominated for large periods of the match and had plenty of opportunities to extend its lead after going 1-0 up, but Japan rode its luck and was clinical when the chances arrived.

Though not on the level of Saudi Arabia’s victory over Argentina on Tuesday, there would still have been very few people predicting this result.

Japan’s victory has blown Group E wide open and given Germany a real mountain to climb – the 2014 World Cup winner faces the daunting prospect of Spain next.

Surely, it won’t be two consecutive group stage exits for Germany … will it?

The players of Japan celebrate after scoring their second goal against Germany at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday.

Japan takes a 2-1 lead through Takuma Asano and we are on the verge of another huge World Cup upset.

With just nine minutes of regular time left, Asano leathers the ball past Neuer who can do nothing to prevent another goal.

All the Japanese substitutes rush onto the pitch while the Japanese fans in the stands are all out of their seats for the final minutes of this game.

Ritsu Dōan of Japan scores their team's first goal against Germany at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday.

Japan equalizes through Ritsu Dōan with just 15 minutes remaining.

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer makes a brilliant initial save, but he can only palm the ball back into the danger area and Dōan runs onto it and makes no mistake with the finish.

The entire Japanese bench empties and runs to the corner flag to celebrate with Dōan, who may have just earned Japan a huge point.

Germany fan Nick Boettcher waves a German flag in the Khalifa International Stadium on November 23.

It was a moment so brief that the thousands of fans inside the Khalifa International Stadium could easily have missed it. But a moment, the time it took for the photographers amassed in front of the German World Cup team to snap a picture, was all it needed for Germany’s national football team to stage a protest.

The starting 11 all posed with their right hands in front of their mouths, and within minutes, the image was circulating widely on social media. As Germany kicked off their World Cup campaign against Japan in group E, the team’s social media feed confirmed that the gesture was designed as a protest to FIFA’s decision to ban the ‘OneLove’ armband that many European captains had been hoping to wear in Qatar.

“We wanted to use our captains armband to take a stand for values that we hold in the Germany national team: diversity and mutual respect,” the statement read. “Together with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard. It wasn’t about making a political statement, human rights are non negotiable. Denying the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.”

Germany fan Nick Boettcher told CNN that it was “sad” that FIFA had taken the stance to deny players the opportunity to wear the armband. “FIFA is making a lot of questionable decisions and so it’s good that people speak up. I’m very proud that they did that. People will talk about this for sure, and the attention will grow. The pressure on FIFA and Qatar is definitely increasing.”

England fan Samir Cordell told CNN inside that stadium that he was “over the moon” with the protest. “Germany and the German fans should be proud,” he said. “I’m an England fan and I didn’t like seeing England not wearing the armband. I would have loved to see Harry Kane wear it and get the booking. I think it’s great, I think it’s fantastic. Hats off to them.”

The second half kicks off with Japan looking to equalize or nab the surprise victory and Germany to maintain its lead.

Here we go!

With the World Cup now underway in Qatar, many are wondering how this moment arrived – that a tiny Gulf nation with little footballing history ended up hosting the biggest event the sport has to offer.

Qatar had never previously appeared at a World Cup tournament – let alone staged one – and became the first host nation to lose the opening game of the tournament with?a 2-0 defeat against Ecuador?on Sunday.

The country’s World Cup debut was 12 years in the making, a period in which Qatar’s host status has stirred controversy within the footballing community and beyond.

To read more, click below.

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 21: A general view during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and IR Iran at Khalifa International Stadium on November 21, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Related article How Qatar ended up hosting the World Cup | CNN

?lkay Gündo?an’s penalty is the difference between the sides at the interval.

Japan looked lively in the opening stages and had the ball in the back of the net, but Daizen Maeda’s effort was ruled out for offside.

It was a clumsy foul from Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda to concede the penalty after Japan had done well to keep Germany at bay for more than half an hour.

Kai Havertz then looked to have given Germany a 2-0 lead right on half time, but it was eventually ruled out by VAR for offside.

This game is far from over, with Japan still looking dangerous when going forward.

Germany's players cover their mouths as they pose for a team photo before their match against Japan at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday.

Germany’s players placed their hands over their mouths in a pre-game team photo in an act of protest.

Players for the German national team covered their mouths in a team photo taken shortly before their World Cup opening match against Japan in Qatar on Wednesday. The action comes in protest over FIFA’s decision to sanction players wearing “OneLove” armbands, meant to promote diversity and inclusion at the World Cup.

Captains from England, Wales, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany and Denmark had planned to wear OneLove armbands at the Qatar World Cup, before FIFA made it clear on Monday players would be yellow carded.

The German national team’s official Twitter account later released a statement, indicating that they had been prevented from using their voices to promote human rights at the World Cup.

“We wanted to use our captain’s armband to take a stand for values that we hold in the Germany national team: diversity and mutual respect,” the team’s official account tweeted shortly after the game began. “Together with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard.

“It wasn’t about making a political statement – human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us.

“Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position,” it added in a threaded tweet.

?lkay Gündo?an of Germany celebrates after scoring their team's first goal against Japan at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday.

?lkay Gündo?an gives Germany a lead in the 33rd minute after Japan’s goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda conceded a penalty. The midfielder steps up and makes no mistake converting it.

Kai Havertz of Germany kicks off during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Germany and Japan at Khalifa International Stadium on November 23.

We are underway at the Khalifa International Stadium! Can the opening match of Group E break the streak of goalless draws at this year’s World Cup??

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou grabs the ball during the World Cup group F soccer match between Morocco and Croatia, at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor , on November 23.

After another 0-0, this time between Morocco and Croatia, goalless draws are (unfortunately) becoming a bit of a feature of this World Cup.

We’re only on Day Four of Qatar 2022, but the tournament has already recorded three 0-0s.

For comparison, Russia 2018 had just one goalless draw in the entire competition.

Is this a sign of misfiring forwards or defensive dominance?

Germany is playing in its first World Cup match since its shock exit in the group stages in 2018 when it was the defending champion.

Japan did reach the knockout stages at the last edition of the World Cup, but was defeated in heartbreaking fashion by Belgium after going two goals up.

This time, both are in one of the most difficult groups, alongside Spain and Costa Rica.

All eyes will be on the ‘Japanese Lionel Messi,’ as 21-year-old Takefusa Kubo has been dubbed back home, while Germany will be hoping that stalwart Thomas Müller is firing on all cylinders

Nobody playing in this tournament has scored more World Cup goals than Thomas Müller.

He’ll be leading the line against Japan at the Khalifa International Stadium today, hoping to add to his tally of 10.

Germany fans in Qatar on November 23.

Lionel Messi after losing to Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on November 22.

Argentina’s game against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday was supposed to serve as the perfect springboard for?Lionel Messi’s?last dance at the?World Cup.

But the Argentine captain was overshadowed by arguably the?biggest upset in World Cup?history and, as Saudi Arabia celebrated its win, Messi trudged down the tunnel with a face of thunder.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or, who has yet to lift the World Cup trophy, didn’t hide from the embarrassment though.

As many of his teammates stormed past reporters on the way to the team bus, Messi was one of two players to speak to the media – the other being goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.

Words such as “nightmare” and “inexplicable” were used by Argentine media reacting to the shock result which leaves its side with no margin for error.

“The truth? Dead,” Messi said when asked about the team’s morale.

To read more of Messi’s reaction to the defeat, click below.

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - NOVEMBER 22: Lionel Messi of Argentina looks dejected following their side's defeat in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium on November 22, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Related article Lionel Messi fronts up to defeat as Saudi fans take over Doha after World Cup upset | CNN

Japan

Manager: Hajime Moriyasu

Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima, Shuichi Gonda, Daniel Schmidt

Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Maya Yoshida, Hiroki Sakai, Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Ito, Miki Yamane

Midfielders: Gaku Shibasaki, Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita, Daichi Kamada, Yuki Soma, Kaoru Mitoma, Ao Tanaka, Takefusa Kubo

Forwards: Takuma Asano, Shuto Machino, Daizen Maeda, Ritsu Doan, Ayase Ueda

Starting XI: Gonda, Itakura, Nagatomo, Sakai, Yoshida, Endo, Kubo, Ito, Kamada, Tanaka, Maeda

Germany

Manager: Hansi Flick

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Kevin Trapp

Defenders: Matthias Ginter, Antonio Rüdiger, Niklas Süle, Nico Schlotterbeck, Thilo Kehrer, David Raum, Lukas Klostermann, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Christian Günter

Midfielders: ?lkay Gündo?an, Jonas Hofmann, Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, Thomas Müller, Julian Brandt, Mario G?tze

Strikers: Kai Havertz, Youssoufa Moukoko, Niclas Füllkrug, Karim Adeyemi

Starting XI: Neuer, Ruediger, Raum, Suele, Schlotterbeck, Kimmich, Gnabry, Mueller, Musiala, Guendogan, Havertz

Morocco's defender Achraf Hakimi shoots but fails to score during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group F football match between Morocco and Croatia at the Al-Bayt Stadium, on November 23.

The opening match of Group F finished all square at the final whistle after neither Croatia or Morocco could break through the other’s defense.

It was a game that never really got going with both sides each engineering just two shots on target, ending in the third goalless draw in this World Cup’s last four games.?

The highlight of the second half came in the 64th minute when Achraf Hakimi almost scored a howitzer from a free kick 35 yards out but it was saved by Dominik Livakovic.

Let’s hope the goals come in Germany vs Japan at 8 a.m. ET!

Ecuadorian fans watch the opening match of the FIFA World Cup between host Qatar and Ecuador, at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, on November 20.

FIFA is investigating Ecuador after allegations of homophobic chants in its World Cup opening game win against Qatar on Sunday, Reuters reports.

Ecuador opened up its World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over hosts Qatar on Sunday, and Reuters reports that some of the South American team’s fans made homophobic chants against Chileans.

In a statement released Tuesday, FIFA said: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Ecuadorian Football Association due to chants by Ecuadorian supporters during the Qatar v. Ecuador FIFA World Cup match played on 20 November. The proceedings were opened on the basis of article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”

CNN reached out to Ecuador for comment.

Prior to the World Cup, tensions between Ecuador and Chile had been high because of questions arising around the nationality of Byron Castillo.

Chile had brought a case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing Castillo had been ineligible to play in World Cup qualifying matches for Ecuador because his true nationality was Colombian.

The claim was dismissed in November, but the disputes body still ruled that Ecuador would lose three points ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and was fined 100,000 Swiss francs ($106,000) for using “a document with false information.”

Ecuador are in World Cup Group A alongside host Qatar, Senegal and the Netherlands.

Following a hard-fought first half, Morocco and Croatia take back to the pitch hoping to break the 0-0 deadlock.

And we’re underway!

Luka Modric of Croatia controls the ball against Sofyan Amrabat of Morocco during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group F match between Morocco and Croatia at Al Bayt Stadium on November 23.

It was an evenly matched opening 45 minutes between Morocco and Croatia with both sides struggling to gain a foothold in the game.

Just moments before halftime, Croatia’s Nikola Vlasic managed the game’s first shot on target but it was well saved by Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Croatia captain Luka Modric then fired narrowly over from just outside the box.

Rwandan referee Salima Mukansanga holds the substitute board during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Group D match between France and Australia at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar, on November 22.

Salima Mukansanga made history yesterday when she became the first African woman to officiate in a men’s World Cup match, taking charge as the fourth official for France vs Australia.

“I would look at what the referees are doing, just to copy the best things they’re doing, so that one day I would be in the World Cup like this,” the Rwandan told CNN earlier this month, adding that her family couldn’t wait to see her take to the pitch.

Earlier that day, Stéphanie Frappart had become the first female official at a men’s World Cup match when she was the fourth official for Mexico vs Poland.

“It’s a surprise, you cannot believe it and after two or three minutes, you realize that you are going to the World Cup. It’s amazing, not only for me, but also for my family and also for the French referees,” Frappart told CNN Sport.?

Youssef En-Nesyri of Morocco passes the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group F match between Morocco and Croatia at Al Bayt Stadium on November 23.

The national anthems have played, the fans are in full voice and we are underway!

Led by its playmaker Luka Modri? in his final World Cup, Croatia will be seeking to go one better than its performance at the 2018 tournament, while Morocco will be looking to emulate and surpass its 1986 campaign when it reached the round of 16.

Fans of Croatia and Morocco wait in the stands ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group F football match between Morocco and Croatia at the Al-Bayt Stadium on November 23.

Croatia, the runner-up at the 2018 World Cup, kicks off this year’s campaign with a difficult game against Morocco which is making its sixth World Cup appearance.

In 2018, Croatia made it all the way to the final, defeating Denmark, Russia and England along the way before falling to France at the final hurdle.

Its captain and talisman Luka Modri? remains the leader of the side at 37, shoring up the midfield, but both sides are packed with players who ply their trade at top clubs in Europe.

Morocco’s star-studded defense includes Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and Roman Sa?ss with Sofyan Amrabat and Hakim Ziyech providing attacking options further up the field.

Morocco

Manager: Walid Regragui

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir Mohamedi, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Roman Sa?ss, Nayef Aguerd, Badr Benoun, Jawad El Yamiq, Achraf Dari, Yahia Attiyat-Allal

Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Selim Amallah, Yahya Jabrane, Abdelhamid Sabiri, Bilel El Khanouss

Forwards: Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri, Abderrazak Hamdallah, Amine Harit, Ilias Chair, Abde Ezzalzouli, Sofiane Boufal, Zakaria Aboukhlal, Walid Cheddira

Starting XI: Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Sa?ss, Mazraoui; Amrabat, Ounahi; Amallah, Boufal, Ziyech; En Nesyri

Croatia:

Manager: Zlatko Dali?

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovi?, Ivica Ivusi?, Ivo Grbi?

Defenders: Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, Borna Barisi?, Josip Juranovi?, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa, Josip Stanisi?, Martin Erli?, Josip Sutalo

Midfielders: Luka Modri?, Mateo Kovaci?, Marcelo Brozovi?, Mario Pasali?, Nikola Vlasi?, Lovro Majer, Kristijan Jaki?, Luka Suci?

Forwards: Ivan Perisi?, Andrej Kramari?, Bruno Petkovi?, Mislav Orsi?, Ante Budimir, Marko Livaja

Starting XI: Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvadiol, Sosa; Brozovic, Modric, Kovacic; Vladic, Kramaric, Perisic

Saudi Arabian fans celebrate after full-time in Lusail City on Tuesday.

Argentina?has won the World Cup twice – in 1978 and 1986 – but at Qatar 2022?La Albiceleste?wrote its name into the history books in an altogether different way.

According to sports data group Gracenote, Argentina’s 2-1 defeat by Saudi Arabia in their Group C match is the biggest upset in?World Cup?history.

Led by?Lionel Messi, ranked third in the world, unbeaten for three years and among the favorites to win the 2022 tournament, many had expected Argentina to sweep aside Saudi Arabia with 48 places separating the two teams in the world rankings.

All the pre-match talk focused on Messi, one of the world’s greatest ever players who is likely playing his last World Cup.

The Argentina captain scored an early penalty to put his side in the lead, but two second-half goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari turned the game on its head.

Al Dawsari’s incredible winner from distance – and subsequent acrobatic celebration – will become one of the moments of this – or any – World Cup, and undoubtedly, in time, an “I-was-there” moment for fans.

According to Gracenote, the previous most surprising World Cup win was USA’s victory against England in 1950, in which the American team had a 9.5% chance of victory.

To read about the other big upsets, click here

Saudi and Argentine players react after a stunning upset at Lusail Stadium on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia produced one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history Tuesday, beating?Lionel Messi’s?Argentina 2-1 in an astonishing?Group C match.

Many had expected the South American team, ranked third in the world, unbeaten for three years and among the favorites to win the tournament, to sweep aside its opponent, ranked 48 places below it in the world rankings.

All the pre-match talk focused on Messi, one of the greatest players ever who is playing in what is likely to be his last World Cup. The Argentina captain scored an early penalty to put his side in the lead, but two second-half goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari turned the game on its head.

The thousands of Saudi fans inside the Lusail Stadium couldn’t believe what they were watching as they celebrated their unexpected victory.

Such a comeback hadn’t looked remotely possible for much of the match. Argentina controlled the game after taking the lead but whatever Saudi manager Hervé Renard said at halftime worked. His team came out with a new-found belief and stood toe-to-toe with Argentina’s world-class team.

Al Dawsari’s incredible winner from distance – and subsequent acrobatic celebration – will become one of the moments of this or any World Cup and undoubtedly, in time, an ‘I-was-there’ moment for fans.

To read more, click below.

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - NOVEMBER 22: Salem Al-Dawsari of Saudi Arabia celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium on November 22, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Related article Saudi Arabia stuns Lionel Messi's Argentina in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history