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Lewandowski issued three-match ban after ‘disrespect’ toward ref

BARCELONA, Spain: Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has been given three-match ban in La Liga for showing “disrespect” toward a referee, which he will serve when Spanish domestic football resumes after the World Cup. The Polish striker was sent off for two bookings against Osasuna on November 8 and made a gesture, touching his nose as he left the pitch, which was considered disrespectful to referee Jesus Gil Manzano.

England’s World Cup injuries ease as Maddison, Walker train

DOHA: England’s injury concerns are easing ahead of the World Cup, with Kyle Walker and James Maddison overcoming their previous fitness issues to take part in the team’s first training session in Qatar on Wednesday. Walker has been recovering from groin surgery needed after getting injured during Manchester City’s 6-3 win over Manchester United in the Premier League on Oct. 2.

Saudi Arabia show World Cup ambition despite 1-0 loss to Croatia in Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia may have lost 1-0 to Croatia in Riyadh on Wednesday as preparations for the FIFA World Cup came to an end, but this was the Green Falcons’ best performance of the year so far. The game should give them encouragement and confidence ahead of their meeting with Argentina in the opening game of Group C in Qatar on Tuesday. After a month of training camps, this was the sixth and hardest test for coach Herve Renard’s men, coming against a team that reached the final of the 2018 World Cup.