Tag: FIFA World Cup

Seems like Japan is the dark horse of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. After shocking Germany with a 2-1 win with a 2-1 win, the South Asian team has stunned 2010 World Cup champions Spain by making a wonderful comeback after being 1-0 down.

The match started with Spain’s usual possession game. This tactic worked amazingly, with the team getting on the scoresheet in the 11th minute with a wonderful header from Alvaro Morata in the box. The Spaniards went into halftime with a comfortable lead.

However, as soon as the second half began, Japan equalised with an amazing counter-attacking goal from Ritsu Doan in the 48th minute. The Japanese, ranked 24 on FIFA men’s rankings, killed the game with a VAR-backed goal in the 51st minute by Ao Tanaka.

The goal, checked by VAR, appeared to be a little inside the line, while the ball looked out from other angles. After a lengthy review by the Mexico Var Fernando Guerrero, the goal was given to widespread astonishment in the Khalifa International Stadium.

Japan’s dramatic win over Spain threw Germany out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The 2014 World Cup champs have been out in the Group Stage of the World Cup for the second consecutive time.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is full of surprises. After Argentina and Germany, 2018 World Cup champions France suffered a massive defeat in their Group D clash against Tunisia. As a result, France were beaten in a World Cup match for the first time since the 2014 quarter-final (0-1 v Germany), ending a run of nine games without defeat.

The match started with France making nine changes, with the likes of Matteo Guendouzi, Kingsley Coman and Jordan Veretout given chances to shine. France was quickly down on the backfoot as the Tunisian players took advantage of the low chemistry of the French team. They attacked relentlessly and came quite close to beating the French defence.

The match’s turning point came in the 58th minute when Wahbi Khazri, Tunisia’s star striker, cut through the French defence to land the ball into the net. The goal shocked the entire French team. However, they tried to make a comeback by bringing their first-choice players, including Rafael Varane, Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Greizmann and Ousmane Dembele.

With the clock ticking towards the ninth minute of added-on time, Griezmann looked like he’d broken Tunisian hearts by firing in a loose ball in the box. However, a VAR review was eventually triggered, and the referee was ordered to the pitchside screen to review Griezmann being two yards offside from the original ball.

With this ruled-out goal, Tunisia had one of their most famous World Cup wins. But the FIFA #30 ranked team crashed out of the tournament as Australia defeated Denmark and occupied the second qualifying spot in Group D.

Cameroon’s first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana has been suspended from the national team due to disciplinary reasons, the country’s federation (FECAFOOT) said after he was left out of the squad for their clash against Serbia at the FIFA World Cup.

The official statement from FECAFOOT said, “The Cameroon Football Federation hereby informs the public that following Mr. Rigobert Song Bahanag’s decision, head coach of the Indomitable Lions, the player Andre Onana has been temporarily suspended from the group for disciplinary reasons.”

Cameroon official statement on André Onana situation. 🚨🇨🇲 #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/vu6d8f1oru

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 28, 2022

The statement further stated, “The Cameroon Football Federation reiterates its full support to the head coach and his entire staff as they implement the federation’s policy aimed at preserving discipline, solidarity, complementarity, and cohesion within the national team. FECAFOOT further reaffirms its commitment to create a peaceful atmosphere for the team and to provide them with adequate facilities for an outstanding performance.”

Devis Epassy played in the absence of Onana in their Group G clash against Serbia, which ended in a draw with 3 goals scored from both sides.