World Cup digest: Martinez won't rush Lukaku back
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku is ahead of schedule in his recovery from injury but is unlikely to feature against Morocco on Sunday, coach Roberto Martinez confirmed.
Qatar Sport News
Goalless draws at World Cup come from cautious approach
AL RAYYAN, Qatar : A cautious approach from many teams in the opening round of the World Cup was behind a record-approaching number of goalless draws at the tournament in Qatar, FIFAs technical study group said on Saturday.
Saudi Arabia blocks Qatari beIN's World Cup streaming platform
RIYADH : Saudi Arabia has blocked Qatari broadcaster BeIN's popular streaming service TOD.tv since the start of the World Cup on Nov. 20, according to a Reuters witness, in a sudden disruption after 10 months of smooth operations.
Japan aims for World Cup knockout stage against Costa Rica
DOHA, Qatar: How big was Japan’s 2-1 upset of Germany in the opening round of the World Cup?Newspapers in Japan used the term “Daikimboshi” from sumo wrestling to describe the magnitude of the surprise: when a low-ranked wrestler overpowers a grand champion.The victory has also been compared to Japan’s 34-32 upset of powerful South Africa in the 2015 rugby World Cup in England.Japan was the underdog against four-time champion Germany, but it will be a strong favorite in its next Group E match against Costa Rica, where a victory could move Japan into the knockout stage with a game to spare.A loss by Costa Rica on Sunday would eliminate it from advancing. Costa Rica faces Germany in its final match and Japan goes against Spain.Costa Rica is reeling from a 7-0 thrashing against Spain in its opener, and it’s anyone’s guess how the Ticos will respond.
Clinical edge key for South Korea in Ghana clash
DOHA : South Korea were proud of their effort in the stalemate with Uruguay in their World Cup opener but would need to find the much-needed clinical edge when they face Ghana in Monday's game, where both teams will be desperate for victory.
England on brink of last 16, but all options open in Group B
AL WAKRAH, Qatar : England's lacklustre 0-0 draw against the United States on Friday, a few hours after Iran's dramatic stoppage time victory against Wales, has left World Cup Group B heading to its conclusion with all scenarios still possible.
Australia and Tunisia make one change each for Group D clash
AL WAKRAH, Qatar : Australia and Tunisia both made one change for their World Cup Group D clash on Saturday with no place in the starting line-ups for Socceroos midfielder Ajdin Hrustic or feted Tunisian striker Wahbi Khazri.
Cameroon and Serbia find themselves in potential win-or-go-home scenario
AL RAYYAN, Qatar : Cameroon and Serbia go into Monday's Group G match knowing that anything less than a victory could send them packing from the World Cup by the time Brazil and Switzerland play later in the day.