Who is going to win?

I am looking forward to the match England playing USA on Black Friday.

I am looking forward to the match England playing USA on Black Friday.


That's crazy that it will be during the Thanksgiving holiday. Anyhow I'm looking forward to all the Group B matches including USA vs Wales and then US vs England. Also Group E which includes Japan, Germany, Spain, and 4th team TBD.

The World Cup will start a day earlier than planned on Sunday, 20 November with hosts Qatar facing Ecuador.

The game was due to be played on 21 November as the third game, with Senegal against the Netherlands set to be the opening match earlier that day.

However, the administrative arm of world governing body Fifa submitted a proposal to move the Qatar game.

Kick-off will be at 16:00 BST and means the tradition of the hosts or holders starting the tournament continues.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62514018

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be the 22nd running of the FIFA World Cup competition, the quadrennial international men's football championship contested by the senior national teams of the member associations of FIFA. It is scheduled to take place in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022. This will be the first World Cup ever to be held in the Arab world, and the second World Cup held entirely in Asia after the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.

Qatar has scrapped mandatory Covid-19 tests ahead of the FIFA World Cup next month. Visitors to the Gulf state will still have to follow local restrictions, including proof of vaccination. But from 1 November it will drop a requirement for a PCR test 48 hours before arrival, or a lateral flow test a day before.

Alcohol will not be sold at the World Cup's eight stadiums in Qatar after Fifa changed its policy two days before the start of the tournament.

Alcohol was set to be served "in select areas within stadiums", despite its sale being strictly controlled in the Muslim country.

Those in corporate areas of stadiums at the tournament will still be able to purchase alcohol.

The World Cup starts on Sunday when Qatar play Ecuador.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63674631

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has accused the West of "hypocrisy" in its reporting about Qatar's human rights record on the eve of the World Cup.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63687412

... it's 24 hours to go now for kick off!

I am looking forward to the match England playing USA on Black Friday.
The big match on Friday!

Group A
Qatar v Ecuador

Just had the National Anthems, now let the games begin.

Group A
Qatar v Ecuador

Just had the National Anthems, now let the games begin.


Ecuador leads 2-0 going into the second half.

FIFA World Cup, Group A Result, Al Bayt Stadium, Qatar

Qatar 0 v 2 Ecuador

Hosts Qatar opened the 2022 Fifa World Cup in calamitous fashion, easily beaten by Ecuador in a humbling defeat at Al Bayt.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63603375

Today's matches for the 2022 FIFA World Cup

GROUP A
Senegal v Netherlands

GROUP B
England v Iran
USA v Wales

England, Wales and other European nations are in talks over whether to proceed with their plans for their captains to wear a OneLove armband at the World Cup in Qatar. The captains of nine nations, including England's Harry Kane and Gareth Bale of Wales, had planned to wear the armband to promote diversity and inclusion. But they have been warned by Fifa officials that wearing the armband would be a breach of its rules and risk a sporting sanction for captains, such as a booking.

England, Wales and other European nations are in talks over whether to proceed with their plans for their captains to wear a OneLove armband at the World Cup in Qatar. The captains of nine nations, including England's Harry Kane and Gareth Bale of Wales, had planned to wear the armband to promote diversity and inclusion. But they have been warned by Fifa officials that wearing the armband would be a breach of its rules and risk a sporting sanction for captains, such as a booking.
BREAKING: Armbands will not be worn.

GOOOOOAL for England! By Jude Bellingham.

Make that 2. 2nd one by Saka in the 43rd minute.

Make that 2. 2nd one by Saka in the 43rd minute.
O0

You beat me to  it!

O0

You beat me to  it!


And now #3 by Sterling at 45 minutes

And now #3 by Sterling at 45 minutes
You must have a faster connection than me!

GROUP B
England 3 v 0 Iran
Half Time

And now #3 by Sterling at 45 minutes
4 now! Saks scores again!

4 now! Saks scores again!
4-1 now, Mehdi Taremi hits the roof of the netting of the goal for Iran.

GROUP B Result:
England 6 v 2 Iran

England's World Cup campaign opened in thoroughly convincing fashion as they outclassed Iran in Doha.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63603382

I noticed this game had super long stoppage times. 14 minutes in the first half and 10 in the second (including the penalty kick by Iran).

I noticed this game had super long stoppage times. 14 minutes in the first half and 10 in the second (including the penalty kick by Iran).
I found it to a scrappy (too much bodily contact) game. Two yellow cards were issued to the Iranian players and clean sheet for England.

GROUP A Result
Senegal 0 v 2 Netherlands

Two late goals from the Netherlands sealed a crucial victory in their World Cup opener against Senegal in Group A. PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo beat Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to the ball when it was chipped in by Frenkie de Jong to nod the Dutch in front with six minutes remaining. Substitute Davy Klaassen then pounced on a rebound from Memphis Depay's shot to add a second deep into stoppage-time to confirm the success.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63619381

Timothy Weah of USA just scored a goal against Wales.

Wales just tied it 1-1 from a penalty kick.

...and the USA vs Wales game ended in a draw.

For tomorrow's matches it's Groups C and D:

Group C
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia
Mexico vs Poland

Group D
Denmark vs Tunisia
France vs Australia

...and the USA vs Wales game ended in a draw.

USA 1 v 1 Wales

Gareth Bale rode to Wales' rescue once again as the captain's late penalty salvaged a draw against the United States in his country's first World Cup game for 64 years.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63603389

Iran declined to sing their national anthem before their World Cup match with England in an apparent expression of support for anti-government protests in their home country.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63706487

Saudi Arabia upset Argentina 2-1. Messi scored the one goal for Argentina.

Saudi Arabia upset Argentina 2-1. Messi scored the one goal for Argentina.
The Kingdom Saudi Arabia has declared a national holiday to honour this historic sporting moment.

Are we in for another surprise, Australia are one goal up over France.

Are we in for another surprise, Australia are one goal up over France.
Not quite yet, it is 2-1 to France at half time.

Today's final scores:

Group C
Argentina 1 v 2 Saudi Arabia
Mexico 0 v 0 Poland

Group D
Denmark 0 v 0 Tunisia
France 4 v 1 Australia

Today's matches are from Groups E and F:

GROUP E
Germany v Japan
Spain v Costa Rica

GROUP F
Morocco v Croatia
Belgium v Canada

Japan is trailing 0-1 to Germany. The one goal by Germany was a penalty kick. It appeared they scored a second goal during stoppage time, but it was revised. Also Japan shot a ball into the net but it was called offsides.

Japan is trailing 0-1 to Germany. The one goal by Germany was a penalty kick. It appeared they scored a second goal during stoppage time, but it was revised. Also Japan shot a ball into the net but it was called offsides.
It was 1-1 when I last looked.

France defender Lucas Hernandez is the latest player to be ruled out of the rest of the World Cup because of the knee injury he picked up in the win against Australia.

It was 1-1 when I last looked.


Japan came back and won it 2-1. Unfortunately I missed both of Japan's goals since I had to work  :\'(

Today's final scores:

GROUP E
Germany 1 v 2 Japan
Spain 7 v 0 Costa Rica

GROUP F
Morocco 0 v 0 Croatia
Belgium 1 v O Canada

Today's final scores:

GROUP E
Germany 1 v 2 Japan
Spain 7 v 0 Costa Rica

GROUP F
Morocco 0 v 0 Croatia
Belgium 1 v 0 Canada


I happened to see part of the Morocco/Croatia game (our host had it showing on his tv screen) and noticed it went scoreless; did either side win on penalty kicks?

I happened to see part of the Morocco/Croatia game (our host had it showing on his tv screen) and noticed it went scoreless; did either side win on penalty kicks?
As the matches are still at the group stage, there are no penalty shoot outs, these only occur at the knockout rounds.

At this stage of the tournament, after 90 minutes a draw remains as a draw.

Today's matches are from Groups G and H:

GROUP G
Switzerland v Cameroon
Brazil v Serbia

GROUP H
Uruguay v South Korea
Portugal v Ghana

As the matches are still at the group stage, there are no penalty shoot outs, these only occur at the knockout rounds.

At this stage of the tournament, after 90 minutes a draw remains as a draw.

Thank you for letting me know.

Thank you for letting me know.
...and it will the big match tomorrow England v USA, the kick of is 7pm here in the UK, in California it will (I think) 11am?

...and it will the big match tomorrow England v USA, the kick of is 7pm here in the UK, in California it will (I think) 11am?

Yes, that would be about right!

Today's final scores:

GROUP G
Switzerland 1 v 0 Cameroon
Brazil 2 v 0 Serbia

GROUP H
Uruguay 0 v 0 South Korea
Portugal 3 v 2 Ghana

...and it will the big match tomorrow England v USA, the kick of is 7pm here in the UK, in California it will (I think) 11am?


2 pm Eastern so that's correct. Looking forward to that one.

Qatar made history for being the first host country to be eliminated after only 2 games.

Meanwhile today's match scores so far:

Iran 2 vs Wales 0
Senegal 3 vs Qatar 1
Netherlands 1 vs Ecuador 1

...and coming up in about 20 minutes USA vs England

...and it will the big match tomorrow England v USA, the kick of is 7pm here in the UK, in California it will (I think) 11am?

2 pm Eastern so that's correct. Looking forward to that one.

And after the halftime, no score yet. Although England was close to scoring a couple of times.

And after the halftime, no score yet. Although England was close to scoring a couple of times.


No score at the end of the game either. 2nd draw for USA.

No score at the end of the game either. 2nd draw for USA.

Yup... I saw :-\\

Today's match scores:

Australia 1 vs Tunisia 0
Poland 2 vs Saudi Arabia 0
France 2 vs Denmark 1
Argentina 2 vs Mexico 0

Today's match results:

Costa Rica 1 vs Japan 0
Morocco 2 vs Belgium 0 (which caused rioting in Belgium)
Croatia 4 vs Canada 1
Spain 1 vs Germany 1

Today's matches are from Groups G and H:

GROUP G
Cameroon v Serbia
Brazil v Switzerland

GROUP H
South Korea v Ghana
Portugal v Uruguay

No score at the end of the game either. 2nd draw for USA.
Over the years of in the World Cup tournament, after two matches playing each other, England has still not beaten the USA, with a match in the group stage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which ended in a 1–1 draw, and the recent group stage match in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which ended drawn 0–0, both matches drawn.

Today's match results:

GROUP G
Cameroon 3 v 3 Serbia
Brazil 1 v 0 Switzerland

GROUP H
South Korea 2 v 3 Ghana
Portugal 2 v 0 Uruguay

A protester carrying a rainbow flag invaded the pitch during the World Cup game between Portugal and Uruguay. The protester wore a t-shirt with 'Save Ukraine' on the front and 'Respect for Iranian woman' on the back. Stewards chased him and he dropped the flag before being taken off the field at Lusail Stadium, the venue for the final on 18 December. The decision to stage the World Cup in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal, has been criticised by LGBTQ+ groups. Before the tournament, Fifa wrote to all 32 competing teams to tell them to "focus on the football".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63788618

Today's matches are from Groups A and B:

GROUP A
Ecuador v Senegal
Netherlands v Qatar

GROUP B
Iran v USA
Wales v England

Today's matches are from Groups A and B:

GROUP A
Ecuador v Senegal
Netherlands v Qatar

GROUP B
Iran v USA
Wales v England

Wales must win to stand any chance of progressing; England will go through with draw.

Today's matches are from Groups A and B:

GROUP A
Ecuador v Senegal
Netherlands v Qatar

GROUP B
Iran v USA
Wales v England


I noticed that starting today there are 2 matches held at the same time. Instead of 4 separate times.



Wales must win to stand any chance of progressing; England will go through with draw.


Same with US vs. Iran. It will be a "winner take all", while a draw would still allow Iran to advance and US to be eliminated. This group (B) has been interesting.

US wins the nail-biter against Iran, 1-0. England defeats Wales 3-0.

Meanwhile the earlier Group A match results:

Senegal 2 - Ecuador 1
Netherlands 2 - Qatar 0

I noticed that starting today there are 2 matches held at the same time. Instead of 4 separate times.

I am trying to think of the best way to describe it, but it make things fairer playing at the same time, for instance the team on the top of the table could chose by winning or losing to decide which team to face in the next round in the other designated group. If you know what I mean.

I am trying to think of the best way to describe it, but it make things fairer playing at the same time, for instance the team on the top of the table could chose by winning or losing to decide which team to face in the next round in the other designated group. If you know what I mean.


That makes sense.

Today's match results:

Tunisia 1 - France 0 (but France will still advance from the other 2 W's)
Australia 1 - Denmark 0 (Australia advances)
Argentina 2 - Poland 0 (both advance)
Mexico 2 - Saudi Arabia 1 (neither advance. Mexico eliminated due to goal differential)

I noticed that starting today there are 2 matches held at the same time. Instead of 4 separate times.




I am trying to think of the best way to describe it, but it make things fairer playing at the same time, for instance the team on the top of the table could chose by winning or losing to decide which team to face in the next round in the other designated group. If you know what I mean.


Philip is right.

This hasn't always been the case, though. It's all a result of what has become known as the Disgrace of Gijon at the Fifa World Cup 1982, where Austria and West Germany basically settled for a 1 to 0 win for the latter. That way, both teams would progress to the next round, at the cost of surprise team Algeria, who had beaten West Germany in the opening game (2 to 1).

Philip is right.

This hasn't always been the case, though. It's all a result of what has become known as the Disgrace of Gijon at the Fifa World Cup 1982, where Austria and West Germany basically settled for a 1 to 0 win for the latter. That way, both teams would progress to the next round, at the cost of surprise team Algeria, who had beaten West Germany in the opening game (2 to 1).
I just knew there would be a justified reason why. Thank you.

Yesterday's match results:

GROUP E
Costa Rica 2 v 4 Germany
Japan 2 v 1 Spain

Germany crashed out of the Fifa World Cup on a remarkable night of drama despite victory over Costa Rica at Al Bayt Stadium. Japan's controversial 2-1 victory against Spain would have eliminated Germany anyway, but Hansi Flick's side needed three points to give themselves any chance of reaching the last 16.

GROUP F
Canada 1 v 2 Morocco
Croatia 0 v 0 Belgium

Morocco edged past Canada to top Group F and reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 36 years.

Belgium have been knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage as Croatia progressed at their expense with a goalless draw in Qatar.

So now that the bracket is filled, here is the schedule for the 16 teams:

Tomorrow (12/3)
USA vs Netherlands
Argentina vs Australia

Sunday, 12/4
France vs Poland
England vs Senegal

Monday, 12/5
Japan vs Croatia
Brazil vs S. Korea

Tuesday, 12/6
Spain vs Morocco
Portugal vs Switzerland

I think I just saw that team USA has lost to Netherlands. :-\\

So now that the bracket is filled, here is the schedule for the 16 teams:

Tomorrow (12/3)
USA vs Netherlands
Argentina vs Australia

Sunday, 12/4
France vs Poland
England vs Senegal

Monday, 12/5
Japan vs Croatia
Brazil vs S. Korea

Tuesday, 12/6
Spain vs Morocco
Portugal vs Switzerland


Netherlands and Argentina will advance to the quarter finals.


I think I just saw that team USA has lost to Netherlands. :-\\


That is correct, 3-1.

Netherlands and Argentina will advance to the quarter finals.

That is correct, 3-1.

And in the battle of "A" countries, Argentina defeated Australia 2-1. (Thought I'd mention that since you gave the Netherlands-USA score.)

And in the battle of "A" countries, Argentina defeated Australia 2-1. (Thought I'd mention that since you gave the Netherlands-USA score.)
For that match last night, it was not just the initial letter of the country but both sides ended with an 'a' and had nine letter in the name.

BTW, I am getting ready for the big match tonight.

For that match last night, it was not just the initial letter of the country but both sides ended with an 'a' and had nine letter in the name.

Oh yes, I just realised that. Both of them began and ended with "A"; that makes them "A" countries in more w"A"ys than one.

France and England will advance to the quarter finals.

At this point I'm not sure if it's relevant to post the scores as it's now an advance or get eliminated situation.

At this point I'm not sure if it's relevant to post the scores as it's now an advance or get eliminated situation.
Seeing the scores of the matches, gives an indication toward how well the match went, a tough match if low scoring or almost equal scores, or a walkover if high scoring.

France and England will advance to the quarter finals.
Can this be a re-commencement of the Hundred Years War?

Seeing the scores of the matches, gives an indication toward how well the match went, a tough match if low scoring or almost equal scores, or a walkover if high scoring.


Well in that case:

France 3 - Poland 1
England 3 - Senegal 0

So Japan just got eliminated by Croatia in PK's, 3-1. It was painful to watch. Japan only made one of the PK's while Croatia was 3 for 4. The score was 1-1 at the end of full time and extra time.

And Brazil will advance after defeating S. Korea 4-1. All 4 goals scored by Brazil were in the first half.

So Japan just got eliminated by Croatia in PK's, 3-1. It was painful to watch. Japan only made one of the PK's while Croatia was 3 for 4. The score was 1-1 at the end of full time and extra time.

So in this round, if the score is tied at the end of regulation, they get penalty kicks?

So in this round, if the score is tied at the end of regulation, they get penalty kicks?
Yes, equal scores after 90 minutes extra time of 30 will be played, if still level on scores, yes it will be penalties. It will be this way up to and including the final.

Result so far today:

Tuesday, 12/6
Spain 0 v 0 Morocco

Achraf Hakimi made himself a hero with a chipped winning penalty as Morocco stunned Spain in a penalty shootout (3-0) after a goalless draw to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

Portugal stuns Switzerland 6-1. That completes this round of the bracket. Quarter-finals schedule as follows:

Friday, 12/9
Croatia vs. Brazil
Netherlands vs. Argentina

Saturday, 12/10
Morocco vs. Portugal
England vs. France

Portugal stuns Switzerland 6-1. That completes this round of the bracket. Quarter-finals schedule as follows:

Friday, 12/9
Croatia vs. Brazil
Netherlands vs. Argentina

Saturday, 12/10
Morocco vs. Portugal
England vs. France
This means there is a two day rest from football, we can all go out again.

Yes, equal scores after 90 minutes extra time of 30 will be played, if still level on scores, yes it will be penalties. It will be this way up to and including the final.

Good to know, thanks. O0

This means there is a two day rest from football, we can all go out again.


Good time to catch up on movies (especially the Christmas ones) and TV series.

Good time to catch up on movies (especially the Christmas ones) and TV series.
For me it is catch up on other matters.

Croatia will advance to the semi-finals as they defeated Brazil 4-2 in PK's. The score at the end of extra time was 1-1 as Croatia scored the equalizer with only a few minutes remaining.

Argentina advances to semi-finals after (finally) defeating Netherlands 4-3 in PK's. Argentina had a comfortable 2-0 lead until the last 10 minutes of the second half when Netherlands scored the first goal and then the second during stoppage time.

It is a match many England fans have had in their mind as a possibility since the World Cup fixtures were announced: France in the quarter-finals. It is the toughest test so far for Gareth Southgate and his Three Lions. How will they line up and deal with the current holders, and one of the most impressive teams in the tournament so far? The game itself will be historic: It is the first time the men's sides have met in a knockout game in any competition, and the first time at a World Cup since 1982.

Quarter-Final

Morocco 1 v 0 Portugal

Striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning goal in the first half, leaping highest to beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball and heading in to spark pandemonium at Al Thumama Stadium.

Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final and ended the hopes of Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. Morocco, who will face England or France in the last four.

Quarter-Final

Morocco 1 v 0 Portugal

Striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning goal in the first half, leaping highest to beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball and heading in to spark pandemonium at Al Thumama Stadium.

Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final and ended the hopes of Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. Morocco, who will face England or France in the last four.


It will be France vs. Morocco, unfortunately. England was really down on their luck with so many missed opportunities, especially with the penalty kick that missed (too high).

It will be another few days of rest before the semi-finals:

Tuesday December 13th
Argentina v Croatia

Wednesday December 14th
France v Morocco

Rest days, chance to catch up on a few films.

England's defeat to France in Qatar was watched by an average UK audience of 19.4 million viewers, TV figures showed.

It will be another few days of rest before the semi-finals:

Tuesday December 13th
Argentina v Croatia

Wednesday December 14th
France v Morocco

Rest days, chance to catch up on a few films.

Big match later tonight!

Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday, 12/18 as Croatia will face the other team for 3rd place on 12/17. The final score was 3-0.

So it will be France (the defending 2018 WC champions) vs Argentina (who went to the final in 2014 but lost to Germany) in the final. Morocco and Croatia will play for 3rd place. The score of the France-Morocco game was 2-0.

Also Lionel Messi announces his retirement and the final game will be his last game.

So apparently FIFA rejects broadcasting Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy's message of peace for the World Cup final. If that's the case I'm not watching it.

Croatia is in 3rd place after defeating Morocco 2-1.

Argentina finally wins in penalty kicks after a long game. They had a 2-0 lead over France until about 80 minutes when they cost themselves a penalty. Then France scored the second goal within about a minute. During the extra time around the 110th minute Messi scored a goal but then cost themselves another penalty in which France tied back up to 3-3.

Argentina finally wins in penalty kicks after a long game. They had a 2-0 lead over France until about 80 minutes when they cost themselves a penalty. Then France scored the second goal within about a minute. During the extra time around the 110th minute Messi scored a goal but then cost themselves another penalty in which France tied back up to 3-3.

Congratulations to Argentina. O0 I had not realized that France ultimately tied it up during regulation. (But then again I was not following it at all times.)