World Cup Daily: Kane Is Fit, Bale Set For Record And Brazil Live Up To Billing

Gareth Southgate is set to name an unchanged team vs USA
21:34, 24 Nov 2022

We’ve now seen all 32 teams at the World Cup and Brazil were well worth the wait as Richarlson scored the goal of the tournament so far. Elsewhere, there is team news from the Wales and England camps. Let’s catch up with all the latest from Qatar. 

Another 0-0 draw…

Uruguay and South Korea played out the fourth 0-0 in just 14 matches so far this World Cup. Given there was just one 0-0 in the thrilling 2018 edition, it does beg the question as to why these boring stalemates are occurring so frequently. The most logical explanation suggests that these players have had less training time together than usual, and the disjointed attacking teams we are seeing are a result of that. Hopefully by the time the second round of games rolls around, things will be a whole lot more fluid. 

Inaki Williams slip costs Ghana

Ghana pushed Portugal all the way in their 3-2 defeat, as Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score at five World Cups. But in the last second, Inaki Williams almost stole all the headlines. He hid behind Portugal keeper Diogo Costa and then when he rolled the ball out, Williams snuck round him and stole the ball.

However, at the crucial moment, the forward slipped as he tried to put the ball in. It could have been one of the cheekiest goals in World Cup history, but instead he squandered a huge opportunity. 

Kane set to start vs USA

This may come as no surprise, but England captain Harry Kane is set to start against the USA on Friday night. The Tottenham man picked up an ankle injury against Iran before being substituted, but after a scan he is fit to start with Gareth Southgate saying: “it would be a brave decision to leave him out of the starting lineup." The other news coming out of the England camp seems to suggest the boss will name an unchanged line-up, after his side demolished Iran in the opener. 

Richarlison scores belter as Brazil join the party

Yeah, Brazil have arrived. Richarlison lit up the tournament with a special brace. The first was a tap-in after some quick movement in the box, but the second was unbelievable. He popped the ball with his left foot and volleyed it, on the turn with his right into the bottom corner. Goal of the tournament so far - and it will take some beating. 

The only negative for Brazil was Neymar's late injury that saw him substituted. That will have a whole nation sweating on his fitness before they take on Switzerland on Monday. We all know how it ended in 2014. 

Saudi Arabia interest in Ronaldo and Manchester United

Saudi Arabia would “love” Cristiano Ronaldo to play there, country’s Sports Minister HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal has told Dan Roan. The Saudi government would “definitely support” private Saudi bids for either Man Utd or Liverpool now both clubs are for sale. 

Gareth Bale set to for Wales record

On Friday morning, Wales take on Iran in a crucial Group B clash, and Gareth Bale is set to break yet another record for his country. Barring an injury disaster, the captain will overtake team-mate Chris Gunter as Wales' most-capped man when he takes to the field. 

"It's an amazing achievement, it's an honour to represent my country so many times," said Bale, who currently has 109 caps. "But it's more important that we try and get the victory. Hopefully we can and it'll make it even more special. It will be a difficult game versus Iran - they are a very good team. They are here for a reason, but of course we believe we can beat them."

Joe Allen is back fit and in contention to start for Rob Page’s men, who could go some way to securing qualification with a win. 

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