Photo: Stephen Gormley (Red Eye Photo Agency)
Argentina secured a 4-2 penalty victory over current holders France following a dramatic 3-3 draw to win the World Cup in Qatar.
Following four weeks of winter football in the desert it all came down to one match to determine who would be crowned the 22nd World Cup Champions at the end of 2022.
The 88,000 Lusail stadium was dominated by the noisy light blue and white fans of Argentina. Even the most passionate of them would have doubted seeing their team make it all the way to the Final following their shock 2-1 opening-match defeat to Qatari neighbours Saudi Arabia in the very same Lusail stadium three and a half weeks earlier.
However at 35-years old, Argentinean Captain and undoubtedly one of the greatest players world football has ever seen, Lionel Messi magnificently led his team back from that early disappointment with subsequent victories over Mexico, Poland, Australia, Netherlands and Croatia.
The Final turned out to be the battle of the number 10s. Messi and Mbapee were both level on five goals each at the top of the 2022 World Cup scoring charts as the Final commenced.
Argentina looked the hungrier of the sides early on. Di Maria was having the freedom of the left side, twisting and turning the French defence inside out. His efforts paid off in the 21st minute when he was taken down in the box and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Messi stepped up to make it 1-0 to Argentina.
In the 36th minute a sweeping move saw Argentina break forward. Quick balls from Messi to Álvarez to Mac Allister and finally to Di Maria who finished off the beautiful move to make it 2-0 to the South Americans.
It looked like the match was done and dusted as the clocked ticked by with Messi looking relaxed as he relished the prospect of lifting the cup for his country as well as becoming the tournament’s top scorer. However France received a life-line when they were awarded a penalty in the 80th minute after Kolo Muani was dragged down in the box. Up stepped France’s number 10 Kylian Mbappe to score the penalty to make it 2-1.
Suddenly Argentina looked nervous. Their nerves were then shattered just two minutes later when Messi lost possession of the ball and out of nowhere Mbappe levelled the match with a magnificent volley from the edge of the box.
The match continued on into extra time with chances falling to both teams. However in the 108th minute the little magician Messi had one more trick up his sleeve. The ball fell to him in the six yard box, first attempt saved but no mistake with the rebound, it was 3-2 now to Argentina and both number 10s were level again at the top of the scoring charts.
Surely Argentina wouldn’t let their lead slip again when they were ten minutes away again from victory. But no, another penalty was awarded with four minutes to go following a hand ball at the edge of the box and Mbappe dramatically levelled again. Both teams had great chances at the death to win it in the final few seconds of extra time but the match would be decided by penalties.
Mbapee stepped up first for France and put his side ahead with his third successful spot kick of the night. Messi was next up and coolly rolled the ball into the back of the net
France then missed their next two penalties and Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel had the honour of stepping up to slot home his countries fourth successive spot kick to win the title for Argentina 4-2 on penalties.
It was devastating for France who had comeback so well twice in the match from 2-0 down and 3-2 down and in particular very tough on Mbappe who had somehow managed to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final and finished as the tournament’s leading goalscorer but who walked away with a loser’s medal.
In contrast, Argentinean’s number 10 Lionel Messi finally achieved the missing piece of his illustrious career by scoring twice in the Final, converting his penalty kick in the shoot-out and captaining his country to the greatest price in World Football.
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Rafael Leao:
It may come as a surprise to some people that Rafael Leao has been included in this list as he sure made his mark in 2022, winning the Serie A MVP award as AC Milan swept to the Scudetto. However, the winger seems to have much more in his locker than he has already shown.
A quick, skillful and direct player, Leao has arguably become Milan’s most important player due to his ability to get past anyone at will. Hitting double figures in 2021/22 for both goals and assists in all competitions Leao is undoubtedly on his way to being World Class.
The 23-year-old made some superb cameos at the World Cup and bagged two goals on the biggest stage of all. A strong end to 2022 has carried over to 2023 where he scored in AC Milans first fixure of 2023 in a 2-1 victory over Salernitana.
In 2023 then Leao will be aiming to get AC Milan back on the pedestal of Italian football with his mesmerising runs and composed finishes. Come the summer we may see the Portuguese man earn a big move to a European super club with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City being heavily linked.
Alejandro Garnacho:
At 18 years of age, it is a testament to his ability that Garnacho has performed so well at senior level so far for the Red Devils. The Argentinian has already made a big impact for his side with winners in both the Europa League and the Premier League just before the break for the World Cup.
However, the winger has been publicly criticised by both his club manager, Erik Ten Hag and teammate, Bruno Fernandes for his poor attitude. Therefore in 2023 Garnacho will be aiming to put these allegations to bed and become an important player for his side.
With Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial in periods of poor form and Cristiano Ronaldo now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, there are plenty of opportunities for Garancho to leave his mark. With his ability to dribble past defenders, he could offer United something they are currently lacking. Garnacho will also be hoping to make his debut for his national side in the near future after already training with Lionel Messi and co in 2022.
Christopher Wooh:
Arguably the most unknown in this list, Wooh currently plays for free-scoring Rennes in Ligue 1 after making his name at Lens in 2021/22. Wooh can play anywhere in the backline but is most comfortable in central defence where his pace, game reading and on-the-ball ability are utilised best.
With only a handful of starts so far for this season for Bruno Genesio’s side, Wooh will be aiming to work his way into the starting lineup where he can present his quality for all to see. With Rennes new boys Arthur Theatre and Joe Rodon struggling at the heart of defence, fans are calling for Wooh to be included in the starting XI and Genesio seems to have taken on their advice with a start vs Nice in 2023, culminating in a 2-1 victory.
With Rennes as free-scoring as ever it is important that they sort out their defensive frailties if they want to reach the promised land of the Champions League come the end of the season. This will also be Wooh’s aim who will want to establish himself in the team and stop the defence from leaking too many soft goals to the opposition.
Yunus Musah:
After leaving Arsenal’s academy, Musah has gone on to achieve big things for La Liga side Valencia. The midfielder started his career as a winger but his position change has worked wonders for his development at the top level.
After impressing for the USMNT at the 2022 World Cup Musah will be aiming for even more achievements in the coming year. A maestro in midfield, Musah is a clever player who is highly capable of keeping possession and advancing the ball through the lines with incisive passing or mazy dribbles.
With 29 league appearances for a poor Valencia side last season, Musah was one of only a handful of bright stars in an otherwise disappointing campaign, where his side finished ninth. He has deputised excellently for the departed duo of fan favourites Dani Parejo and Francis Coquelin and gives Valencia fans hope for a better placing this time around.
Under new coach Genaro Gattuso, Valencia look somewhat like the impressive side of old with Musah playing a pivotal role in central midfield. The first name on the team sheet has taken well to the Italian’s tactics of quick attacking patterns and a solid defensive base. Valencia will have to work hard to keep their hands on their prized asset with big clubs always around the corner.
Randal Kolo Muani:
A surprise package at the World Cup (he was only included due to injuries), Muani was excellent in all his cameos and made a huge difference in the final, coming on in the first half as France fought back to claim a draw come extra time. With a goal to his name vs Morocco in the semi-final, he certainly announced himself to the World Stage.
With an outstanding tally of eight goals and eleven assists for Eintracht Frankfurt before the turn of the year, Kolo Muani looks like one of the best bargains in recent history when moving from Nantes to Germany for free. Muani is a versatile forward who has great link-up play and precise penalty box finishing as well as a mix of pace and grit which makes him a manager’s favouriote.
2023 will therefore play host to lots of opportunities for the Frenchman who has Champions League knockout football to look forward to as Frankfurt take on Serie A leaders Napoli. Now entrusted by Didier Deschamps Kolo Muani will be hungry to get back to regular football after the World Cup disappointment.
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Sofyan Amrabat
Not many people would have recognised Sofyan Amrabat before the tournament, in fact, it was likely that more people would have remembered Sofyan’s older brother Nordin, who turned out for Watford in the Premier League in the 2015/16 season. Nonetheless, the 26-year-old ended the tournament in most people’s teams of the tournament, as well as collecting accolades such as ‘the new Kanté’, having won possession 57 times – the most by any African player since the 1966 World Cup. Alongside his Moroccan teammate Azzedine Ounahi, Amrabat excelled in Qatar and significantly contributed to Morocco becoming the first-ever African side to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup.
Even before the tournament, there were some rumours linking Amrabat with a move away from Fiorentina, but the 2022 World Cup only added fuel to the fire, with some of the biggest clubs in the world now battling for the midfielder’s signature. If the latest rumours are to be believed, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur seem to be in a direct battle for the Moroccan, but Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, and Sevilla are also linked. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Fiorentina are only willing to let Amrabat go for at least €40m – with Liverpool only recently spending close to that for Cody Gakpo, does this give Tottenham an advantage in the race for the Atlas Lion?
Jude Bellingham
England midfielder Jude Bellingham was by no means an unknown entity before this winter’s World Cup, after already becoming one of the best young players in the world following his €25m move from Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund as a 17-year-old in 2020. However, this was perhaps the 19-year-old’s statement tournament, becoming a crucial member of the Three Lions’ midfield in Qatar. The Birmingham native had not scored for his national side ahead of the tournament, but in England’s opener against Iran, it was Bellingham who notched the first goal of the tournament for the Three Lions, also adding an assist for Jordan Henderson in the round of 16 tie against Senegal. At 19, Bellingham became one of the most important pieces of the England team, having finished first in shot-creating chances, tackles won, blocks, and dribbles completed out of the entire squad.
The Borussia Dortmund man’s stock has only risen after the 2022 World Cup, with the usual suspects, such as Real Madrid and PSG, linked with a move for the England star, but it seems more likely that the 19-year-old midfielder will head back to England, with Liverpool and Manchester City set to go head-to-head for his signature. Manchester City have already snapped up his good pal Haaland last summer, with City perhaps the more logical option for Bellingham, however, according to reports in England, Jude’s father is trying to convince his son to choose Liverpool instead. Only time will tell whether Bellingham will listen to his father or become his own man in 2023. gon
Enzo Fernández
Joško Gvardiol
Alexis Mac Allister
Dominik Livaković
Azzedine Ounahi
Their latest donation has been to Ysgol Plant Y Brics/The Brick Children School in Nepal. It’s an education and skills project which helps get migrant children into school and women into business. The World Cup host country, Qatar, sees itself as a giving rather than a receiving country, so the fans have been helping children’s causes here in Wales and across the world instead during the tournament.
‘Ysgol Plant y Brics,’ The Brick School, a registered charity, is based in the Kathmandu Valley. Many of the local villages here are almost devoid of working-age men as they emigrate to the Middle East in search of an income. With its Nepalese partner organisation Kopila Nepa, Ysgol Plant y Brics works with children who make bricks for a living, getting them into the classroom and giving them a chance to just be kids. School is not just a right, but a break from brickmaking in the valley and a chance for the children to make friends and have some fun too.
Ysgol Plant Y Brics also provides skills and literacy training for women. It is one of the most impactful programmes and has led to many women setting up their own businesses and earning their own money. This in turn, boosts the income of the families so that there is less hardship or need to be exploited abroad. Over 20 years the charity has seeded many successful small businesses so that families are now supporting themselves.
Carole Green, a trustee of the Brick School said,
‘The Nepalis and Bangladeshis are the most disadvantaged in the hierarchy of migrant workers. We are very grateful for the support of Gôl Cymru! We work in true partnership in Nepal with a professionally paid teaching team in Kathmandu. All the programmes are Nepali-devised and Nepali-led. In Wales, we are all volunteers so every penny goes directly to getting kids into school and women into business. This money from the generous Welsh fans will help us to upskill and educate more families, to improve their life chances and economic choices.’
Tom Griffiths from Gôl Cymru! said,
‘We were made very welcome in Qatar and had a great time there. But all football fans attending the World Cup will have been aware of the issues surrounding human rights and the treatment of migrant workers in the Middle East and the effect the men’s absence has on their families back home. We at Gôl Cymru! are pleased to be able to support Ysgol Plant y Brics, a Welsh charity, which is doing such great work to help Nepalese families to help themselves.’
Gôl Cymru! has been extremely busy before and during our first World Cup finals since 1958. Red Wall fans have been running non-stop for miles and children up and down the country have been singing and dancing, all to raise funds to help others. The supporters were glad to be able to return to Babyspullen in Amsterdam on the first leg of their pre-World Cup tour.’ The fans donated baby grows and toys to this remarkable charity which helps young families across the Netherlands who cannot afford the basics for their newborn babies. Gôl Cymru! first linked up with them during their visit to the Netherlands last year’s Euro 2020 campaign.
They then travelled on to meet Prague Raptors FC in the Czech Republic, a community team made up of dozens of nationalities. Daz Moss, President of the Raptors, said, ‘The team is trying to make the world a better place by supporting charities helping children suffering from malnutrition, life-threatening illness, poverty and conflict.’
Next stop was the Menyesksce home in Budapest which the supporters visited before Wales played Hungary in 2019. Gôl Cymru! also visited the Dom Klasje children’s home in Osijek, Croatia to make another donation. As well as offering shelter for children without parental care, this home provides educational and leisure activities for children from poor and vulnerable backgrounds and uses sport as a way to integrate young people into society.
The final stop on the way to Qatar was in Belgrade, Serbia, where the team returned to homes under the care of the Centre for the Protection of Infants, Children and Youths, whom they have visited numerous times since our first visit to the Serbian capital in 2003.
Back in Wales the fans themselves chose a range of charities to support. £500 worth of nappies, formula, babygrows, wipes, towels, lotion and toys were donated to Baby Bundles in Newport to help new mothers and families in need. Ingrid Wilson from Bundles said, ‘Such huge generosity from the football fans to assist babies’ families referred to us at Community House. A huge thank you to all who donated money, went shopping, knitted soft clothes, blankets and toys, and rooted out preloved equipment and clothes – all for us to pass on.’
Neil Dymock from Gôl Cymru! said,
‘This is a charity where everyone can play a part – from buying a raffle ticket in a pre-match party, donating on Just Giving, or running a marathon. We are so grateful to all the Wales fans who help us to help children here at home and abroad.’
Gôl Cymru! wants to reach every part of Wales and has given £500 to North Wales Young Carers; this will pay for the youngsters’ Christmas trip to the pantomime and for some treats at the theatre. The fans have also supported Jig-so in Cardigan which facilitates learning through play and offers support and advice on parenting skills and child development. Their final donation was to Brighter Futures in Rhyl, a community group which organises specific activities for children which include activity packs and breakfast clubs.
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Sir Alf Ramsey was blindsided by an FA committee, Kevin Keegan quit in the Wembley toilets, Roy Hodgson announced he was gone 20 minutes after losing to Iceland. As with politics, most England managerial careers end in failure, even Sir Alf, still the only one to win a trophy.
It has been something to ponder for Gareth Southgate as he contemplated his future at home in Harrogate this last week. The 52-year-old has come closer than anyone to ending the years of hurt, taking a team humiliated in successive tournaments to a World Cup semi-final and a European Championship final. But now he was thinking, ‘do I have the desire for another two years?’
It seems that he does. Which is good news. His record, and the successful re-setting of England players’ relationship with the national team and its fans, is why Southgate should continue.
His reservations centred on the difficult period last summer when a jaded team suffered a string of poor results, notably the 4-0 defeat at home to Hungary after which a section of the crowd called for him to quit.
That was bitterly ironic since one of the main criticisms is that Southgate is defensively-minded. At Molineux it was Hungary who camped in defence, breaking away to score on the counter-attack. England had more than two-thirds of possession, ten shots to six and six corners to none. Hungary were clinical, but they were not attack-minded.
The other charge, that he is not up to it tactically, is mostly levelled by people who have never taken a coaching session in their lives and have no concept of how complex setting up a team is. There was little wrong with Southgate’s tactics at the World Cup, even in the USA game, when the team underperformed, he effectively shut down the midfield to ensure England got a draw – which was all they needed.
There are legitimate questions to be asked about substitutions, but it is easy to be wise after the event. He has earned the right to continue.
Yet the Football Association should still be actively thinking about the succession plan. However England fare in Germany at Euro 2024 it seems likely Southgate will step away and the FA should use the time until then wisely.
Their selection of Sarina Wiegman to lead the women’s team may suggest otherwise, but picking an international manager is an inexact science. Such a perfect candidate is rare.
The FA have tried every conceivable type since Ramsey but stumbled across the most successful, Southgate, as a stop-gap after Sam Allardyce – himself picked because the FA appeared to have run out of ideas and alternatives – was the victim of a newspaper sting.
Southgate had a modest club record as manager but two advantages. Having run the under-21s he knew many of the talented young players coming through the academy pipeline. An England international under Terry Venables, Glenn Hoddle and Sven-Goran Eriksson, he knew the demands of international football, how heavily the shirt weighed upon England players, and how important it was to ease that burden.
There is no one out there with that particular combination, but several candidates who have elements.
Of ex-players Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are the most obvious while Nottingham Forest’s Steve Cooper has a successful background in England age-group teams.
Add Steve Holland who has acquired much knowledge as Southgate’s assistant – and worked with six Chelsea managers, but has not picked a first team since an unhappy spell at Crewe Alexandra 14 years ago.
Then there are Chelsea’s Graham Potter, Newcastle’s Eddie Howe and Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers, none of whom have international experience (though Potter coached in Sweden) but are clearly excellent coaches.
The next England manager ought to come from one of those eight. England should be able to produce a national manager from within its own system (which includes Welshman Cooper and Northern Irishman Rodgers).
When Bobby Robson was England manager he handed part-time roles with the under-21 and B teams, respectively, to future England managers Venables and Graham Taylor.
The FA now employ full-time coaches at age-group level, and utilising a modern Premier League manager this way is likely to meet opposition from their own club and rivals.
Nevertheless, there ought to be a way to ensure possible successors have advance insight into the challenges of managing England, whether it be by making observational visits to St. George’s Park during international get-togethers or regular briefings with Southgate. Such a brains trust could be mutually beneficial.
Southgate has changed expectations of the England team, and for the most part the atmosphere around it. When he does go the FA need to make sure that, unlike after 1990 and 1996, even 2006, the momentum is not lost.
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]]>In an age where upsets have become so rare due to the dominance of the rich elite, Japan provided a refreshing outlook in Qatar with two giant killings against the European superhouses Germany and Spain.
Usually getting knocked out in the round of 16 is not celebrated as an especially impressive achievement but for Japan and coach Hajime Moriyasu it is an achievement that will live long in their memories.
Firstly, coach Moriyasu clearly came into the tournament with a settled formation in a 5-2-3 with the wingers either side of the striker coming inside, leaving the width to the wingbacks. As seen throughout the tournament Japan played with quick, crisp, short passes to break through the lines with central midfielders Ao Tanaka, Hidemasa Morita and Wataru Endo being key to this.
This allowed the team to play with freedom and fluidity throughout games, even against the big boys where Ritsu Doan, Juya Ito and Takuma Asano could cause havoc.
One trait that is usually difficult to implement on the international stage is that of tactical stability. This is due to the little training period and the fact that national teams usually draw their player roster from a range of leagues and tactical systems.
However, Moriyasu did not encounter this problem and instilled a clear identity on the pitch. This was soaking up pressure and using fast players such as Ito and Asano to break after the robust Morita and Endo won the ball in the middle third.
Japan’s system is very high energy and this could be seen in the games against the big hitters where Japan would overwhelm their opponents in 10-15 minute spells and would then sit off and trust the experienced Maya Yoshida, Yuto Nagatomo and Takehiro Tomiyasu to snuff out opposition attacks.
For example, Japan scored both their goals against Spain in a ten-minute period after half time with Spain being completely outplayed after a dominant first half from La Roja.
In games against the big hitters of Germany and Spain, substitutions also made the difference. In the first group game vs Germany both Asano and Doan came on and scored both goals to give their side a 2-1 victory. And then in the last group game vs Spain, Doan came off the bench and struck again while Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma made an impact by assisting Tanaka for the winner. Moriyasu clearly made these changes count and these winning decisions provided all six points in the ‘group of death’. Moriyasu used the new five substitutions rule expertly.
Nowadays on the touchline, we see managers such as Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta very animated but Moriyasu was Mr Composed throughout the World Cup, even in his sides defeats to Costa Rica and Croatia. This could be down to the fact that he holds his players in such trust.
Whether selecting the unfancied Shogo Taniguchi or Junya Ito instead of joint top qualification scorer Takuim Minamino, Moriyasu is clearly a manager who knows what he wants from his players. When announcing his 26-man squad Celtic fans were dismayed to hear both Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate were not on the plane but Moriyasu clearly made the right decisions as the players he trusted proved excellent throughout.
Japan are usually tagged as ‘technically excellent’ and this was no different in Qatar where they were capable of outplaying any team with the ball. However, Japan has been criticised in the past for not being physical enough in the big moments.
This changed in 2022 where midfield duo Endo and Morita dominated the midfield and the defensive line of Yoshida,Ko Itakura and Tomiyasu were excellent at matching their opponents both technically and physically such as the last 30 minutes vs Spain where they held on for a victory superbly. Work is still needed in this department further up the pitch though where Japan struggle to assert themselves.
It wasn’t just on the pitch that Japan inspired but also off it where the passionate Samurai Blue fans gained the following of the neutrals. Whether it was because of their amazing face paint and traditional outfits or helping the staff at the stadiums by cleaning up, the fans seem to always create a good relationship with the host country.
Although a simple gesture, when Japan were knocked out the players and coach bowed in the fans direction showing the tight bond between fans and the squad which nowadays is rare to find.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup Japan will be confident of another impressive performance with young players such as Hiroko Ito and Takefuso Kubo coming through with a host of other young players in top European Leagues. With more coaching from Moriyasu and a little more luck, Japan could well be dark horses in four years time in North America.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of completing his trophy cabinet with the World Cup came to a shocking end as Portugal lost to Morocco.
It was one of the saddest sights in world football as Ronaldo, 37, knew that this was his last attempt at winning the coveted Jules Rimet Trophy and it ended in tears as he was sobbing before disappearing into the tunnel.
Ronaldo and his former Sporting Lisbon and Real Madrid teammate Pepe were the cornerstones of Portugal’s footballing hopes over the last 14 years. The duo has enjoyed unprecedented success during their tenure with the Los Blancos and have carried the nation’s hopes at far too many international tournaments.
Before Ronaldo came along to the international setup, Portugal had failed to qualify for 14 of their previous 17 World Cups. They didn’t qualify for 8 out of 11 European Championships and had no major trophies to their name despite producing incredible talents over the years.
This changed after the inclusion of Ronaldo and Pepe. They have qualified for every international tournament since their respective debuts and have won two trophies.
It was this duo that played a massive role in Portugal’s 2016 Euros success. Pepe was arguably the best player of the tournament and Ronaldo carried the attack and turned it up like only Ronaldo can, especially when it mattered most.
Fernando Santos was the mastermind behind this success, the mastermind behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s greatest triumph. The former Sporting Lisbon manager found ways to galvanize his troops and get them ready for battle. Just four players in that squad plied their trade in Europe’s top-five leagues at the time, Ronaldo and Pepe representing Real Madrid, José Fonte and Cédric Soares from Southampton being the other two.
However, it was also Santos who is mainly culpable for the downfall of this Portuguese team in Qatar. The 58-year-old came up with strange tactical and personnel decisions during the World Cup and that has consistently been the case for the last four years. For instance, not starting Rafael Leão, one of the best players in Serie A, in any of the games in Qatar is baffling.
A lot was made of Santos’ decision to replace Ronaldo in the starting line-up with Gonçalo Ramos. It made sense tactically as Switzerland tend to play a high line and Portugal needed pace with their outlet pass. Santos was justified in the end as the Benfica forward scored a hattrick.
However, to not start Ronaldo against Morocco’s low-block was a mistake. In fact, starting Ronaldo and Ramos could have been the right way to line-up as coupling Ronaldo with another forward in the box could wreak havoc in the opposing defence as they cannot solely zone in on Portugal’s number 7.
Portugal’s best moments in the game came when both of them were on the pitch together. Unfortunately, that did not last long as Ramos was hooked just after the hour mark for Leão, who isn’t a forward but rather an out and out left winger. This left Ronaldo alone in the box and with three Moroccan defenders marking him, the talisman had little to no service.
What certainly didn’t help Portugal’s cause was the abhorrent performances from the Premier League quartet of Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Rúben Neves. Fernandes was racking up incredible numbers in Qatar this year but like the underlying narrative that has existed during his career, the midfielder went missing when it mattered most. The same can be said about Silva as his contribution to the attack was very little, if anything.
While almost all of these players will get a chance to play at the World Cup again in 2026, this was Ronaldo and Pepe’s last hurrah. The desperation on their faces was quite evident towards the end of the game, especially considering that Pepe played the match with a broken arm.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be 38 in two months’ time. Surely this was his last World Cup as he will be 41 by the time the 2026 edition rolls around, but you never know with him. Ronaldo has defied age and logic innumerable times throughout his career, but if this was the last time we’ve seen him on football’s biggest stage, then it was a bitter end to the international career of the greatest player of all time.
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]]>African football is heading in the direction where; only those that invest with a developmental mindset will reap the bounties accruable to such an approach.
Morocco are leading the way on the African continent with respect to investing in the future of the game with a triangular approach to football development. The Triangular approach involves; investment in infrastructure, talent identification and human capital investment. Over the last five years or so; this has been the plan of the Moroccan football authorities; they have built some of the finest centres of excellence across the country to develop the next generation of footballers.
They have expanded their scouting and talent identification drag net to spot players of Moroccan descent all over the world; that may be willing to play for the national team. Crucially they also have adequately funded the training of their coaches across all levels.
Whilst some would say the appointment of Walid Regragui was a gamble; he had however just won the CAF Champions League for Wydad Casablanca just a few months ago. However, that is not the story; a few years ago a list of young Moroccan coaches was circulated on Social Media showing some of the World’s elite coaches that they were to follow, study and adopt their style; Walid Regragui was one of the coaches on that list.
The country is reaping these fruits bountifully; just look at how Morocco has somewhat dominated African football in the last year. Morocco are champions of the continent in club football on two fronts, Finalist at the African Women’s Nations Cup; FAR Rabat Ladies are Champions of the CAF Women’s Champions League, only a matter of time before the Men’s team win Africa’s biggest prize in the form of the AFCON.
Morocco have been a delight to watch; combining great attacking play with solid defensive organization. They have shown little respect to their so-called more illustrious counterparts. The Atlas Lions have played with a hunger and desire that is unusual to any previous Moroccan side from their recent history.
The Atlas lions are historically recorded breakers and pacesetters; they were the first African team to make it into the 2nd round of the World Cup in 1986. In 2022; they now aim to go where no other African team has been before; the Semi-finals. Ghana were a penalty and a shootout away from the Semis in 2010; this Moroccan side have shown that they have the desired mental toughness to get the job done.
If you are a fan of good omens or a believer in De Ja Vu, Morocco defeated Portugal in 1986 to achieve the record-breaking feat of landing in the second round; now in 2022; Portugal also stand in their way of breaking another record in this instance. What or Who is to say Walid Regragui and his band of Moroccan merry men won’t achieve this great feat? This is Africa’s time and a time for the previously asleep Atlas Lions to roar their way back to where they belong.
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has thrown up some amazing statistics of a tournament like no other.
After 13 days and 48 matches, the first edition of the FIFA World Cup to be hosted in the Middle East and Arab world has presented an array of facts and figures, starting with a cumulative stadium attendance of 2.45 million spectators. That equals an average of 96% occupancy and is higher than the corresponding 2.17 million figure for the 2018 edition. The highest attendance in the history of the FIFA World Cup since the 1994 final was seen at Lusail Stadium, where 88,966 fans witnessed the Argentina v. Mexico match.
On the pitch, the FIFA World Cup has faithfully reflected football’s increased competitiveness, as for the first time ever, teams from all continents have advanced to the round of 16. Likewise, three teams from the AFC (Australia, Japan and Korea Republic) have reached the knockout stages – a competition record for the Asian confederation, which previously only had two, in 2002 and 2010. Equally remarkably, for the second time, two African teams (Senegal and Morocco) have reached the knockout stages – the last occasion being in 2014.
History was also made by Stéphanie Frappart, who not only became the first woman to officiate a FIFA World Cup match, but also, together with Neuza Back and Karen Díaz Medina, formed the first all-female trio to take charge. Against Ghana, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo achieved another incredible milestone by becoming the first player to score at five editions of the tournament. Many matches have attracted the best audiences of the year in their respective countries, with England v. USA becoming the most watched men’s football match on US television ever.
“The outcome of the group stage shows the extent to which more countries have acquired the tools to compete at the highest level,” said FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger. “This is the result of better preparation and analysis of the opponents, which is also a reflection of a more equal access to technology. It is very much in line with FIFA’s efforts to increase football’s competitiveness on a global scale.”
As the group stage wrapped up last night, the FIFA Fan Festival welcomed its one millionth visitor. Besides the official tournament venues, Doha’s seaside promenade – the Corniche – has attracted more than two million people since the start of the tournament, with the traditional Souq Waqif market becoming another hotspot for fans from around the world. Uruguayan and Korean fans can be proud of having reached a mighty 131 decibels at their match at Education City Stadium – a noise akin to that heard at a live rock concert.
The most compact FIFA World Cup since the inaugural edition in 1930 is also benefiting fans, teams and media representatives, with the option of attending several matches and entertainment activities per day, while operations continue to run smoothly. During the group stage, the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks notched up 9.19 million trips, with a daily average of 707,032 passengers.
The two international airports are comfortably accommodating the influx of fans and teams – so far, 2 million Hayya (Fan ID) applications have been received, with fans from Saudi Arabia, India, the USA, the United Kingdom and Mexico at the top of the list for tournament attendance to date. In spite of the unprecedented condensed footprint, with 24 teams staying within a 10km radius of each other, players and officials have also smoothly transferred 3,321 times in and around Doha.
“It’s been a fantastic World Cup, with groundbreaking figures and memorable moments both on and off the pitch. Fans are having an amazing time in Doha, and the whole world is following with excitement on TV as new records as set every day,” said FIFA COO World Cup, Colin Smith. “What some saw as a challenge, we saw as an opportunity. Teams, media and spectators are enjoying more matches, more festivals, more football, more fun – the compact footprint is comfortably addressing the influx of visitors through state-of-the-art infrastructure and thorough operational plans.”
“Together with the host country, we are constantly monitoring and addressing any situation that arises, but the figures already achieved and the fans celebrating together in a joyful and peaceful way throughout this group stage speak for themselves – we are on track to deliver a successful and unforgettable FIFA World Cup.”
Sixteen matches remain and the hosts fully intend the global party to continue in and around Doha.
“The fans who have joined us in Qatar for the tournament are enjoying a carnival atmosphere,” added FIFA World Cup Qatar LLC CEO, Nasser Al-Khater. The cultural exchange through football has been heart-warming for everyone. We are now looking forward to the exciting knockout rounds and welcoming thousands more fans from across the globe as they support their favourite teams all the way through to the final at the majestic Lusail Stadium on 18 December.”
]]>Wales, on one point after conceding two late goals to lose 2-0 to IR Iran last time out, can only finish above England, on four points, if they beat them by four goals or more. Should they fail to do so, England will qualify for the round of 16.
The 2018 semi-finalists will guarantee top spot with a victory, though there are many possible permutations as to the group’s final placings, with the combination of a Wales win and a draw between IR Iran and the USA taking both British sides through.
The two teams have met 103 times, Wales winning 14 contests and England 68, including the last six, among them the sides’ only previous major tournament encounter, 2-1 at UEFA EURO 2016.
Wales are unbeaten in their previous three World Cup matches against European teams (W1 D2).
England have only failed to qualify from their group once in their last 11 participations in a World Cup final competition.
England have lost only four of their last 25 FIFA World Cup group-stage matches (W11 D10).
England are three goals away from reaching the landmark of 100 goals scored at FIFA World Cup final competitions.
Harry Kane is two goals away from equalling Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 goals for England.
Gareth Bale has said this won’t be his last game for Wales. Gareth Southgate says England must match Welsh passion.
It’s a World Cup Battle of Britain!
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