It’s been another belting day at the World Cup and by tomorrow, we will have seen all 32 teams in action for the first time. Here’s all the latest news from the 2022 World Cup.
We had a major World Cup shock this week when Saudi Arabia beat Argentina - but Japan followed suit by coming from one goal down to beat Germany 1-0. It was a shock of epic proportions but one that was fully deserved after an impressive second half performance.
It’s a result that leaves Germany on the brink, as they face Spain on Sunday knowing that a defeat could spell the end of the road. Two group stage exits in two consecutive World Cups for the Germans is unthinkable… isn’t it?
Germany cover mouths ahead of kick-off
Ahead of that shock result, Germany’s players made their own stand after FIFA refused their request to wear the ‘One Love’ armband. "It was a sign, a message that we wanted to send out. We wanted to convey the message that Fifa is silencing us," said head coach Hansi Flick.
"Of course, it's important for us to make a statement like this," Kai Havertz added. "I think we spoke about the game, what we can do.I think it was the right thing to do, to show the people that we tried to help wherever we can and Fifa makes it not easy for us."
Spain bag biggest World Cup win
“The team’s okay but there’s no goals in it,” ITV pundit Gary Neville said before Spain faced Costa Rica. 90 minutes and seven goals later, Luis Enrique’s men may have proved the former Manchester United man wrong. The 7-0 thumping of a woeful Costa Rica side was their biggest ever World Cup win and with Germany to come on Sunday, they look like a side ready to take this tournament by storm.
Star man Gavi also made a bit of history with his excellent volley as he became the youngest World Cup goalscorer since Pele in 1958. 18 years and 110 days old.
Belgium looked like an ageing side against Canada in their World Cup opener, as Alphonso Davies and co. ran them ragged. Yet for all of the huffing and puffing, and despite having more shots than Spain in their 7-0 win, John Herdman saw his side fall to a 1-0 defeat. It was a painful lesson, but the Canadians are sure to entertain us for the rest of the group stage - at least.
Herdman told his team after the game "We belong here and we are going to 'F' Croatia. It's as simple as it gets."
Harry Kane trains with England
England captain Harry Kane had a scan on his ankle which had the whole nation holding its breath, but it seems to be an overreaction. Jordan Pickford confirmed that Kane trained with the team today, although James Maddison was absent again.
"I think he is good," said Pickford, ahead of the USA match on Friday. "I'm sure he is fine. He was out on the grass with us today which is good. He is our captain."
Brazil ready to get World Cup party started
There’s a lot of excitement building about World Cup favourites Brazil and tomorrow, after five days, they finally begin their tournament against Serbia. Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Raphinha and Richarlison are all set to start as Tite lets his talented attackers run riot, while Serbia manager Dragan Stojkovic had a laugh in his press conference when hearing that news:
“Did you say that FOUR strikers will play tomorrow? It's over for us...it's finished!"
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