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Argentina, as expected are through to the next round of the FIFA World Cup following a 2-0 win over Poland, showing they have completely put behind the defeat to Saudi Arabia in their first game of the tournament. Second half goal from Alexis McAllister and Julian Alvarez are enough to conquer The Poles, who were kept in the game in the first half by Goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny, saving a Lionel Messi penalty with half time approaching. Argentina were ahead just one minute after the restart as Messi laid the ball for Nahuel Molina done the right flank. The Atletico Madrid send a square ball into the area and Alexis McAllister was first to it, firing a low shot beyond the reach of Szczesny for the first goal conceded by Poland in this competition. Seven minutes after the hour mark, Julian Alvarez makes it 2-0 following a pass from Enzo Fernandez. The striker hold of his marker before planting a brilliant effort into the top corner, leaving Szczesny no chance as Argentina run out 2-0 wi

France's historical run of six consecutive wins in the FIFA World Cup finals, which started in the round of 16 of the last edition in Russia has been brought to a halt, after a Wahbi Khazri’s strike just two minutes before the hour mark gave Tunisia a 1-0 win in Al Rayyan. A much changed France XI saw the like of Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and even Goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris taken out of the starting Didier Deschamps’ picks for the match. Only Aurélien Tchouameni and Raphael Varane made the starting XI as the likes of Edouardo Camavinga, Randal Kolo Muani, Kingsley Coman, Youssouf Fofana, Axel Disasi, Jordan Veretout, Matteo Guendouzi and Steve Mandanda all included this time. Needing at least a win to seal qualification, Tunisia must have been relieved to see the French’s lineup and they indeed did their part as Wahbi Zhazri’s only goal gave them maximum points but unfortunately, their hardwork yielded no reward as Australia beat Denmark to go six points. Melbou

GROUP C Argentina can seal top spot with a win against Poland and that will be enough to finally make fans forget their shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in their first game. Their convincing win over Mexico has proven the loss to Saudi Arabia is only a fluke but they have to seal next round progress with a win today to completely silence their critics. POLAND are the only unbeaten team in the group and face their most difficult test yet, the one that will determine their fate of going to the next round. Apart from the results, the team hasn't been convincing and have been second best to their opponents so far. Argentina will not be so kind if Poland are vulnerably setup as they've been in their previous games but with the next round ticket at stake, comes the motivation to give it all until the final whistle. SAUDI ARABIA are arguably the best team in the group. From pulling off one of the greatest upset in FIFA World Cup finals to completely dominating Poland but for the result,

Marcus Rashford’s brace and a Phil Foden’s goal downed Wales while The US nick one off a sloppy Iran to seal passage into the next round of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar. England saw off their fellow Brit to claim the top spot in Group A and set up a round of 16 clash with African Champion, Senegal while the USMNT secure runner up spot and faces The Netherlands in the next round. After a rather boring first half, Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden scored a quick fire double at the start of the second half to help England establish a two goal lead. Marcus Rashford stepped up and fired home a free-kick from 20 yards after Phil Foden was fouled by Joe Rondon, five minutes after the restart. Two minutes later, Foden was on the score sheet as the Manchester City attacker made a great run to get on the end of a Harry Kane cross and fire a one time shot into the back of the net. Marcus Rashford made it 3-0 in the 68th minute as his shot was too powerful for Danny Ward to prevent, following

The Netherlands and Senegal are through to the next round of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar following wins in their respective final group games as Ecuador followed Qatar out of the competition from the group round. Qualified as the group winner, the Netherlands were always bound to have it their way against a Qatar side, who have made themselves the whipping team in the group despite playing in front of their home fans. Cody Gakpo fired home for his third goal in as many games following a sweeping team move, which ended with Davy Klaassen setting him up four minutes before the half hour mark. Less than five minutes after the restart, the Dutch got their second of the game following a cross from Davy Klaassen, which was headed into the path of Memphis Depay. The Barcelona man brought it down under pressure, his shot came of the chest of Meshaal Barsham and fell kindly for Frenkie De Jong, who fired a simple shot into the unguarded net. An instant impact from substitute, Steven Berghuis as

Today, judgement will be passed on Group A and B teams as seven of the eight still hopeful of round of 16 tickets, which will only be available for four. GROUP A Qatar are definitely out of the FIFA World Cup following two losses from their opening two games, becoming the first host nation to lose their opening two games in the competition They also become only the second host nation not to reach the next round after South Africa in 2010 and now will play their final group game against The Netherlands, only for the culture. However, the match held more significance for their opponents THE NETHERLANDS who might need at least a draw to secure their passage into the next round while a win will most likely see them emerge as group winner. Even with a loss, Louis van Gaal’s side will still progress depending on result in the other Group A meeting between Senegal and Ecuador. ECUADOR did themselves a world of good by earning a point against the Netherlands in their last game, which now means

Portugal are through to the next round following a 2-0 win over Uruguay thanks to two second goals from their main man on the night, Bruno Fernandes. The European nation controlled proceeding but did not create much clear scoring chance in the first half and the best chance of the day, went to Uruguay’s Rodrigo Bentancur, whose brilliant run was followed by a shot well saved by Diogo Costa. Portugal got the reward for their dominance, six minutes before the hour mark as Bruno Fernandes curled a cross into the box looking for Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the effort was too high and Ronaldo's run ends up deceiving the Goalkeeper, who stood rooted to a spot as the ball ends into the back of the net for the first goal of the match. Substitutes Maxi Gomez and Luis Suarez went close for Uruguay but they were unable to beat Diogo Costa until late in the game, when Jose Gimenez was penalized for a foul in the box. Bruno Fernandes, who drew the handball stepped up and beat Sergio Rochet, sen

Brazil are through to the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup following a 1-0 win over Switzerland, which made it two wins from their opening two game of the group G. Winless in their last two meetings with Swizerland, it was never going to be easier for Tite’s side to conquer Switzerland, more so without Neymar Junior, who has been sidelined for the rest of the group games following an injury against Serbia. The first half ended goalless despite Brazil threatening on occasions but were unable to find the breakthrough. Vinicius Junior thought he has had his nation in front just four minutes after the hour mark but his well taken goal was disallowed for a Richarlison offside in the buildup. The winner finally came eight minutes before the end of normal time as Vinicius Junior feeds substitute, Rodrygo Goes, who flicked the ball towards Casemiro in the box, and the Manchester United midfielder unleashed one, leaving Yann Sommer no chance. Brazil go six points and are through to the next ro

Every team needs a Cody Gakpo but to take his game to the next level and earn deserved recognition, it will be very difficult for the best suited teams to come for him now, unfortunately. The PSV Eindhoven forward as has been in astonishing form in the last couple of seasons but it is this season that he has really catch the eye and has received more mentions for his attacking prowess. International recognition has also helped raising his stock having been handed his first cap for the Netherlands by former manager, Frank De Boer in the UEFA European Championship in 2021. Already 30 goal contributions for PSV Eindhoven across all competitions this season while also on a run of five consecutive games in which he has contributed goals for his country, elite clubs are alerted of his potentials and will all be looking to make him theirs starting this January. The situation is however complicated for the 23year old, given most of the best suited and elite clubs, who could have been his best

For the first time in their FIFA World Cup history, the Black Stars of Ghana have scored three in a single game following a 3-2 victory in an entertaining clash with Korea Republic and they have Ajax playmaker, Mohammed Kudus to thank for it. On the back of a heartbreaking loss but one that held lots of positives against Portugal, Otto Addo led side stormed into the lead six minutes before half hour mark as Mohammed Salisu scored his second international goal from a Jordan Ayew free-kick. The lead was doubled ten minutes later as Jordan Ayew, again, sent a delicious cross into the area. Making his presence felt in the box, Mohammed Kudus kept himself onside and powered his header past the helpless Seung-Gyu Kim in Korea’s goal. Ghana, in the strong position, saw out the first half with their two goal lead, preventing Korea from attempting a shot on their goal. Korea made a couple of change after the break and after one minute of coming on, Kang-In Lee sent a perfect cross into the box

Cameroon, inspired by Vincent Aboubakar come from 3-1 down to earn a massive point against Servia as both sides just about keep themselves in the hunt for a round of 16 ticket. The African side went through all the emotions in the match. From taking the lead to leveling, falling by one, then two, scoring two in two minutes and nursing the believe that they can win it. Yes, it all happened Al Wakrah. Serbia scored twice in the space of two minutes just before the end of the first half. Cameroon scored twice in the space of two minutes just after the hour mark. A showing for the ages that was. Rigobert Song’s men took the lead just before the half hour mark as Jean-Charles Castelletto as Nouhou Tolo’s corner was flicked into his path for a simple finish at the back post by Nicolas N'Koulou. Serbia however hit back with a quick double in the added minutes of the first half. Dusan Tadic’s free-kick met the head of Strahinja Pavlovic, who beats the stand in Goalkeeper for Cameroon to le

When Canada faces Morocco in their final group game, it will only be for the culture as a 4-1 loss to Croatia made it two loss from as many games for them in Qatar and subsequent elimination from the tournament. The North American nation waited 36 years to return to the global competition following their first appearance back in Argentina, 1986, but after just two group games, their fate is already decided. Their much better performance in their first game in Qatar will so much hurt them because the poor result taken out of the game has in the end haunted them. Played that first one against Belgium, the second best ranked team in the world. No one gave them a chance heading into the game but during it, they were surprisingly the better side and were awarded an early penalty to take the lead but Alphonso Davies could not convert. The Bayern Munich player did in the end scored in the 4-1 loss to Croatia but instead of being a potential winner like it might have been against Belgium albei

Belgium are in big danger of not reaching the next round of the FIFA World Cup following a disappointing 2-0 loss to Morocco in their second group game, while Japan blow away a good chance to ease fears of falling out. Japan 0-1 Costa Rica Keysher Fuller scored nine minutes from the end of normal time to hand Costa Rica the maximum points against a Japan side, who were miles the better side in the match, which was the first kickoff of the day. Going into the match on the back of a humiliating loss to Spain, who put seven goals past them without a single reply, Costa Rica needed to respond and keep themselves in a position to reach the next round of the competition. However, they were made to do lots of defending as Japan asked all the questions, enjoyed much of the possession and had more efforts on and off goal but Keylor Navas was always there when required to make a save. After the first half ended goalless, Hajime Moriyasu would have been the more confident of the managers and afte

Lionel Messi scores one and assisted another in a much better second half showing as Argentina makes it a fourth consecutive win against Mexico in a 2-0 win to go second in Group C. On the back of a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, the Copa America winners needed a positive response and they had to wait until four minutes after the hour mark to hit the back of the net. Angel Di Maria, with a bouncing pass to Messi in his kind of position and the seven time Ballon d'Or winner applied a neat finish from 25 yards out. The goal make it eight for him in the FIFA World Cup, equaling the number recorded by Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta remains the only Argentine with more goals than him in the competition with ten. The PSG forward turns provider three minutes from the end of normal time following a short corner. Fernandez, with a couple of step overs to deceive Gutierrez unleashed a curling effort into the top corner, beating the stretched hand of Guillermo Ochoa to double Argentina’s lea

Kylian Mbappé scored FIFA World Cup goals number six and seven to help France earned their first win in four attempts against a resilient Denmark side, who now have to beat Australia to have any hope of reaching the next round. Having preciously became the first defending Champions of the competition to win their opening game of the following edition since Germany in 2006, with a 4-1 come from behind win over the Aussies in their opening game, France's intention was to make a statement by beating Denmark and they have indeed achieved that. After a goalless first 45 minutes, of which they had more control but unable to creat real threat but for a shot blasted over the bar by Kylian Mbappé from an Ousmane Dembele's cross with half time approaching. Denmark had chances of their own but none of the sides was able to break the deadlock until one minute after the hour mark. Kylian Mbappé's beautiful exchange with Theo Hernandez was swiftly returned to the PSG forward, who then fi

Robert Lewandowski, Piotr Zielinski and Mitchell Duke, all first time Goalscorer in the FIFA World Cup finals decide the first two games of the day, keeping alive the hopes of their nations reaching the next round. Group C Following defeat to defending Champions, France in their opening game, Australia bounced back with a 1-0 win over Tunisia to put themselves in a promising position ahead of their final group game against Denmark. The Socceroos made a good start and are ahead as early as the 23rd minute after Mitchell Duke glanced his header past Tunisia Goalkeeper, Aymen Dahmen following a deflected cross from Craig Godwin. That ended up as the only goal of the game as all of Tunisia’s effort to score an equalizer proved abortive as Graham Arnold's side held on for maximum points, which move them up to second before Denmark and France face off later in the day. Group D Robert Lewandowski set up one and score the other to give Poland a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the first game o

Senegal becomes the first African side to take a lead in Qatar 2022 following a comprehensive win over host nation, who are literally out of the FIFA World Cup home soil following two losses from two games. African Champion, Senegal, who capitulated late in their opening game against The Netherlands made their intentions clear earlier on by dominating proceedings and were rewarded four minutes before the end of the normal time of the first half. Boulaye Dia pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired past Qatari goalkeeper, Meshaal Barsham and make Senegal the first African team to lead in the ongoing global tournament in Qatar. Three minutes after the restart, the lead was doubled as Famara Diehiou made a great run to connect with Ismaila Jakobs corner to double the lead for Aliou Cissé’s men. Mohammed Muntari pulled one back for the host, heading home from a Ismael Mohammed’s cross to halve the deficit with Qatar’s first ever goal in the FIFA World Cup. However, their joy or any hop

Richarlison scored a second half double to help huge favourite, Brazil to a 2-0 win over Serbia in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. After a goalless first half that presented chances for the South American, it wasn't until two minutes after the hour mark before they had the breakthrough through Tottenham Hotspur forward, Richarlison. Neymar does well under pressure before releasing Vinicius Junior, whose shot was charged down by the Goalkeeper and falls gracefully to Richarlison, who pokes home from close range. Brazil were 2-0 up eleven minutes later. Vinicius again with a well weighted pass into the heart of the Serbia area and Richarlison applied a bicycle kick volley to make it 2-0 to Tite’s men. Leading the line for Brazil, Richarlison has now scored nine for the record winners of the global tournament in seven games. Further strengthening his grip on the position and the starting XI. Brazil move top of the table, above Switzerland on goal difference. A repe

Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the show as his record headlines a nervy win for Portugal over the Black Stars of Ghana as five second half goals ensured the penultimate kickoff of the day not without excitement. Portugal started the game brightly as Ghana adopted the plan to absorb the pressure and play out from the back. The Black Stars successfully execute their plan and were also able to pressure the Portuguese on the break. Cristiano Ronaldo wasted a promising chance after his first touch let him down and Ghanian Goalkeeper, Ati-Zigi made himself big enough to cover any danger just after ten minutes and couple of minutes later, Ronaldo again rise highest to meet a cross but couldn't make the right connection. The Portugal captain had the ball in the back of the net on the half hour mark only for it to be disallowed for a foul on Alexander Djiku even before the former Manchester United man strike the ball into the back of the net. Five minutes after the hour mark, Cristiano R

Breel Embolo’s goal against his country of birth condemned Cameroon to a defeat in their opening game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar as Switzerland emerged winners in the early kickoff. The first half was controlled by the Swiss but the better chances fell to Cameroon, with the likes of Bryan Mbuemo and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting not at their best when in promising postions. Less than three minutes after the restart, Switzerland made them pay for those missed chances as Xherdan Shaqiri’s squared pass found Breel Embolo in a position he can not miss. The Monaco forward fired home to open the scoring and Switzerland, who are unbeaten in their previous seven world cup games when scoring first since losing to Spain in 1996 held on to the lead to see the game out at 1-0. The win takes Murat Yatkin’s side to the group summit before Brazil play Serbia later in the day while Cameroon disappointingly go bottom of the group. Breel Embolo becomes the first player in World Cup history to score

Saudi Arabia’s shocking win over Argentina. Consecutive goalless draws which saw Guillermo Ochoa kept out a Robert Lewandowski’s penalty and Tunisia got a point against Denmark and last, France rubbishing the defending Champions curse. Those were the headlines of yesterday's day three games and more surprises unfolded in Qatar, finally getting fans into that FIFA World Cup spirit. Today, actions continue with European countries in action against their opponents from the other continents like Africa, Asia and North America. Group E Germany vs Japan Second kickoff of today, Germany lock horns with one of the tournament’s dark horses, Japan. Knowing fully well how it ended the last time they faced an Asian nation in this competition over four years ago in Russia, Germany will be wary and rightly so because Japan have the football as well as the quality to hurt any side in the group. Nonetheless, Hansi Flick's side head into the contest as favourites and will be looking to start wi

Defending Champions, France off to a dream start in Qatar but had to do it the hard way following a come from behind win over Australia at the Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar. Goals from record equaling Olivier Giroud, a goal and an assist each for Kylian Mbappé and Adrien Rabiot while Theo Hernandez and Ousmane Dembele also registered assist each as France put four past Australia despite going behind early. The Aussies took a shock lead in the ninth minutes after Matthew Leckie did brilliantly well to beat Lucas Hernandez, who got injured in the process, before teeing up Craig Godwin for a simple finish. Lucas was then replaced with his brother, Theo and just before the half hour mark, the substitute sends a cross into the box following a cleared corner and it was met with the head of Adrien Rabiot to restore parity for the two time world Champions. Adrien Rabiot was again at the heart of things five minutes later as France completed the comeback. The Juventus midfielder pressed th