Tag: FIFA world cup

Algeria 2023: Ugbade says his boys want to go all the way after sweet victory over Amajimbo

Nduka Ugbade captained the first Nigerian squad to win a FIFA World Cup, in 1985, and was assistant coach when the Golden Eaglets won the FIFA U17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates 10 years ago. He also took a FIFA U20 World Cup silver medal in 1989. Now, he is looking to lead the Nigeria U17 team to win the Africa U17 Cup of Nations as preparatory to giving the FIFA U17 World Cup a shot later this year.

“These boys have now picked up the confidence they needed following the defeat by Morocco and they are now looking forward to going all the way here,” Ugbade said on Sunday following the Golden Eaglets’ 3-2 win over South Africa in their last match of Group B in Constantine on Saturday.

Vicky Mkhawana steered the Amajimbo ahead in the 6^th minute of the encounter, from South Africa’s first corner kick of the match, and Nigeria equalized in the 33^rd minute also through a corner kick as Charles Agada powerfully nodded into the net with the Amajimbo goalkeeper stranded.

Much against the run of play, the Amajimbo restored their lead with a fabulous solo goal in stoppage time by Siyabonga Mabena.

Undeterred, the five-time world champions restored parity when Light Eke finished coolly from a low cross by Charles Agada, two minutes into the second period.

The Nigerians were completely in control afterwards, and Abdullahi Abubakar scored his first goal of the competition with a calm finish in the 63^rd minute.

“This victory has restored the boys’ confidence. We needed such a win going into the knock-out rounds and it is our belief that we can handle the pressure there.

“The loss to Morocco was also a good lesson for us. When you’re at a championship, you need a winning mentality, but also a match that provides good lessons along the way. Both factors make for a very strong and ready squad.”

The Golden Eaglets will play the winner of the clash between Cameroon and Burkina Faso (Group C) in the quarter finals on Thursday.

May 7, 2023
FIFA Women’s World Cup: HotSports awaits Trophy Tour to launch big plan for Super Falcons

Renowned sports marketing company, HotSports says it is at an advanced stage of baking an elaborate plan for a huge boost from Corporate Nigeria for the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons’ campaign at the 9^th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand this summer.

“I am happy at the conversation we have had with the NFF President, which centred on doing something special for the Super Falcons around the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” HotSports President/CEO, Mr. Taye Ige said after a meeting with President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau in Abuja on Thursday.

The Super Falcons will be one of the 32 teams to compete at FIFA Women’s World Cup Down Under between 20^th July – 20^th August, and Nigeria is one of only seven countries to have featured in every edition of FIFA’s flagship women tournament since it was launched in China 32 years ago.

Ige added: “There is no gainsaying that this is the biggest Women’s World Cup in history and there is the need to get as much support as possible for the team to have the best preparations possible for the finals.” He disclosed that the meeting had been facilitated by a Member of the NFF Board and immediate past Chairman of the Nigeria Women Football League, Ms Aisha Falode, who expressed her enthusiasm to have Corporate Nigeria coalesce support for the Falcons ahead of the World Cup.

In a move that further underscores the desire of the present NFF administration to take the branding, marketing and general management of the women National Teams to levels never previously contemplated, Gusau said he agreed to meet with Ige in a turf-exploring meeting because the Federation is ready to consider proposals that will robustly boost the women’s game.

“Women’s football has earned the right to greater attention, interest and funding, and we have to follow in the paths of what FIFA is doing for the game. We have 32 teams playing in Australia and New Zealand, making this the biggest-ever Women’s World Cup. Our Super Falcons definitely need all the support to prepare adequately for the finals,” NFF President Gusau said.

Ige says HotSports is excited that the original Women’s World Cup trophy is coming to Nigeria for only the third time and the organization will use the trophy tour of 26^th March in Abuja as a launchpad for its project.

The Super Falcons are presently in Mexico for a Four-Nation Tournament involving the host nation as well as World Cup-bound Costa Rica and Colombia, after which they will take part in another tournament in Türkiye in April.

February 19, 2023
France vs Argentina: Polish referee, Marciniak admits making errors

Polish referee, Szymon Marciniak, has revealed that he made a mistake while officiating the final game between France and Argentina at the just concluded Qatar 2022 World Cup.

The referee became the first Polish to officiate a World Cup final in history.

Although, Marciniak has admitted he made errors, soccer fans and pundits still gave him pass mark for his performance in the game.

Among Marciniak’s highlight were three rightfully awarded penalties and booking French striker Marcus Thuram for diving without consulting VAR.

Meanwhile, Marciniak has revealed he would have loved to do better.

“Of course, there were mistakes in this final,” he told Sport.PL.

“I interrupted the French counter-attack after a bad tackle by Marcos Acuna.

“I was afraid that the fouled player wanted to unwind, and I read it wrong because nothing happened, and you could give an advantage and then come back with a card.

“It’s hard. In a game like this, I take such a mistake in the dark. The important thing is that there were no big mistakes.”

Prior to officiating in the final, Marciniak had intially officiated Both France and Argentina in the group stage of the competition.

However, Marciniak’s performance was rated top notch despite admitting he made errors in the game.

December 25, 2022
France vs Argentina: Mbappe’s pep talk to teammates at halftime revealed

France’s rising soccer star, Kylian Mbappe’s encouraging moment during France versus Argentina final has now been revealed.

The 23-year old forward delivered a powerful speech and pep talks within 15 minutes as a means to ginger his teammates while they were 2-0 down inside the dressing room.

Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria fired Argentina into a deserved 2-0 lead by the break, and it was looking all over for the French.

But the Europeans came into the second half more prepared and fired up, they fought back and scored two late goals to have a glimmer of hope concerning winning the World Cup trophy.

It ended 3-3 at extra time with the game going into penalty shoot out.

However, the French succumbed to the Argentines 4-2 on Penalties at the Lusail stadium in Doha

Telefoot has now revealed footage of the 23-year-old’s speech to his teammates.

“We can’t do worse than what we did,” Mbappe began.

“We go back on the pitch, either we let them play or we go in, put some intensity in the duels and do something else, guys.

“It’s a World Cup final. It’s done.

“They scored two goals, we are down two goals. We can come back. Guys, this is every four years.”

December 21, 2022
France vs Argentina: Pogba urges teammates to win trophy for him

Injury-hit France midfielder, Paul Pogba, has finally uttered a word on the ongoing 2022 FIFA World cup in Qatar, after sending his teammates a video message ahead of the clash between Les Blues of France and the Albicelestes of Argentina today in Doha.

According to Pogba, the Les Blues have made it to the second consecutive final and he gives the players his support , urging them to win it for him.

He said: “Well guys. For a second time guys…in the World Cup final. And this is the second time in a row. Here, I give you all my support, all my strength.

“And a final, you know, you don’t play it, you win it! So I wish you all the best. Good luck to you. Yes sir! Allez Les Bleus.”

” Please win it for me and every one of us at home”

France is looking to retain the trophy they lifted four years ago in Russia.

Pogba couldn’t play at the World Cup after getting injured while playing for his club side Juventus in the Italian Serie A.

December 18, 2022
Qatar 2022: Check out stars who had a disappointing tournament

Before the tournament in Qatar, football pundits and analysts tipped some names to shine and go far at the tournament but unfortunately, that didn’t get to happen.

TheNewsGuru brings you some of the football Stars that had a very disappointing tournament in Qatar.

Kelvin De Bruyne

Unarguably one of the best players in the world at the moment but the mercurial Midfielder also crashed out of the tournament so early with Belgium.

The number two footballing playing nation was already tipped as the favorite to win the trophy in Qatar but to the surprise of many, they crashed out of the competition in the group stage with their array of Stars that included Manchester City star De Bruyne and many others.

Thibaut Courtois

The Real Madrid goalkeeper won the goalkeeper of the year award last season for his exploits in between the sticks for his Spanish club side last year, Unfortunately, Courtois was not at his best as he conceded goals that led to Belgium’s early exit in the tournament.

Gareth Bale

Angeles FC Player, Gareth Bale is another player many thought would propel his team to at least a quarter-final placement but the reverse is the case. Bales crashed out of the tournament in the group stage after Wales finished last on the table. It was the first time Bale would be featuring at the World Cup after his country qualified first time in 64 years.

Jamal Musiala

German prodigy Musiala has been dubbed the next big thing in World football but the youngster’s reign in his first World Cup appearance has been short-lived. Musiala shone like a million stars at the Mundial for Germany but unfortunately, his team couldn’t make it to the second round as they crashed out of the tournament due to a goal difference. Japan eventually qualified ahead of them.

Lukaku

He was already tagged as one of the world’s best prolific scorers in the World and that explains why he was snapped up for 100 million pounds by Chelsea two seasons ago. The heavily built striker failed to convert a golden opportunity in Belgium’s last game and that resulted in their elimination. Overall, the Inter Milan striker had a very disappointing tournament in Doha.

Darwin Nunez

Due to his fine form for club side Benfica and now Liverpool, the 23-year-old striker has been rated as one of the best in the world but he couldn’t help his country secure qualification in Qatar,

Nunez fired blanks all through the competition as the only time they scored was against Ghana on the last day of the competition and the two goals came from unlikely source Giorgian de Arrascaeta who plays for Flamengo.

Thomas Muller

After a disappointing 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Thomas Muller calls it quit.

The German footballer who also plays for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich announced his retirement from the German national team following Germany’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Manuel Neuer

Another player many tipped to excel for Germany is Manuel Neuer, but that didn’t get to happen as the very talented goalie couldn’t do much to save the German machine from exiting the tournament early in the competition.

He has had a vice grip on Germany’s No. 1 jersey since the 2010 World Cup — despite plenty of competition at the position.

FC Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen is also a global superstar but has had to spend his international career largely in Neuer’s shadow. Eintracht Frankfurt keeper Kevin Trapp and ex-Arsenal FC, now Fulham man Bernd Leno form another part of the rotating cast behind Neuer in the national team call-ups.

Luiz Suarez
Luiz Suarez had a very quiet World Cup as his team Uruguay also crashed out of the Mundial on goal difference and lost the round of 16 place to South Korea.

Suarez was visibly upset following the results and took to social media to thank his nation’s fans and insist his side gave it their all in Qatar as he defended his teammates.

December 3, 2022
Qatar 2022: Hard fighting Cameroon stun Brazil 1-0 in a thrilling encounter

Gallant indomitable Lions of Cameroon bowed out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after defeating the Samba Boys of Brazil 1-0 in the last group H encounter.

A heroic, famous victory for Cameroon, who becomes the first African nation to defeat Brazil at the World Cup! But it won’t be enough to save them, because Switzerland has defeated Serbia 3-2 and secured the second spot behind Brazil on goal difference.

Aboubakar is then sent off for taking his shirt off in wild celebration, his second booking in short order, but doesn’t appear to care. Lost in the moment, passions at an all-time high, as he contemplated one of the biggest achievements of his career.

Meanwhile, Switzerland defeated Serbia 3-2 to secure the runners-up spot, the Swiss missed topping the table on goal difference.

The Swiss will slug it out with Portugal for the quarter-final ticket while Almighty Brazil will square up with the South Koreans.

Japan v Croatia

Brazil v South Korea

Morocco v Spain

Portugal v Switzerland

Netherlands v USA

Argentina v Australia

France v Poland

England v Senegal

December 2, 2022
Qatar 2022: England set to battle Senegal for Quarter-Final ticket

After defeating Wales and topping group B at the ongoing Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Three Lions of England set up a round of 16 clash with African Champions Senegal.

Earlier the West African country booked their place in the second round of the competition following their 2-1 win over South American side Ecuador.

Ismaila Sarr’s penalty gave Senegal the lead, before Moises Caicedo levelled for the South Americans late in the match, Captain Kalidou Koulibaly’s volley then sealed the win.

Meanwhile, goals from Manchester players, Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden settled England’s qualification ticket.

Upon introduction in the second half, Rashford scored two goals while Foden scored one in the encounter.

However, England have never lost to an African team in the World Cup, winning 14 times and drawing six games.

Recall that the Super Eagles of Nigeria drew with the Three Lions 0-0 at the 2022 World Cup held in Japan and South Korea.

The other quarter-final fixture will see the Netherlands slug it out with United States of America.

November 30, 2022
Qatar 2022: Uruguay, South Korea share spoils at Education City Stadium

The Qatar 2022 World Cup witnessed another goalless draw as the South American side Uruguay and an Asian team South Korea ended it 0-0 after 90 mins plus additional time at the Education City Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur star Heung-min Son played despite recently fracturing an eye socket, but was unable to inspire his nation to victory, despite some bright moments.

The South Koreans will be thanking their stars for escaping with at least a point in the encounter as the woodwork twice saved their blushes. Diego Godin’s head struck the goalpost before talented midfielder Federico Valverde struck the post another time with a powerful long-range strike.

West African side Ghana will look forward to getting all three points when they face Portugal later this evening, the winner of this encounter will climb to the top of Group H.

Similarly, Ghana will be aiming to be the first African side to score a goal as the four other teams that have played before now failed to score a single goal.

November 24, 2022
Glitz, glamour, fun filled atmosphere as Qatar 2022 WC begins
The 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup will get underway in the Asian country of Qatar today, November 20, 2022.

The hosts Qatar take on Ecuador in the opening game of the World Cup on Sunday, but the all-important opening ceremony will precede the opening football match.

The hosts will aim to get off to the perfect start with all three points against South American opponents.

However, they must first put on an impressive display with their opening ceremony, which is scheduled to take place before the game. The introductory performance has become a staple part of tournament tradition and now it is Qatar’s turn to welcome the world with open arms and make a positive first impression.

The opening ceremony for the 2022 World Cup will take place at 2pm (GMT) on Sunday, November 20 at the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.

The ceremony was originally scheduled to take place on November 21, after two games had already been played, but it was brought forward along with the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador in order to preserve the tradition of the first game featuring the hosts.

Qatar is a land that offers unique experiences and captivating landscapes. It’s a land that truly inspires with its unparalleled food scene, rich cultural heritage, luxurious treats, and cutting-edge architecture. Get inspired as you explore Qatar and unfold its wide selection of offerings.

Check out general facts about the host nation
- Third-best airport in the World Hamad International Airport.
- Qatar has no forests.
- It is a country where the sea meets the desert.
- The national animal is the Arabian Oryx.
- Qatar has very cheap gas.
- Qatar has the longest-drilled oil well in the World.
- Qatar’s flag is unusual and owns great importance.
- Population: about 3 million people live in Qatar (2022)
- Capital City: Doha (Al Dawha in Arabic)
- Language: Arabic.
- Literacy: About 97% can read and write.
- Religions: Islam is the official religion. …
- Currency: 1 Qatari Riyal = 100 fils.
- Government: Absolute Monarchy.
  
  Qatar will be the first Arab country to host the FIFA World Cup
  
  One of the most exciting events in the world of football is the FIFA World Cup. Countries worldwide hope to be the next ones to host it, and in 2022, Qatar will be the first Arab country to hold this major sporting event.
  
  Not only that, but it will also be the smallest country ever to host it and the only one to hold it in the wintertime. Furthermore, it will be the first-ever carbon neutral World Cup. Qatar has invested in this event heavily, and it promises to be a great World Cup when the time comes.
  
  The national animal is the Arabian Oryx
  
  If you have ever seen the Qatar airlines logo or the mascot for the 2006 Asian Games, you will have seen the Arabian Oryx being represented as the national animal of Qatar.
  
  This beautiful animal was saved from extinction in the 1970s by different zoos and reserves. It is an antelope with a long straight horn and a tasseled tail. Wherever you go in Qatar, you are bound to come across images of their national animal.
What FIFA President Said

‘I feel Qatari, I feel gay, I feel disabled’

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has created a lot of headlines by accusing the west of “hypocrisy” and says Qatar 2022 will be the “best World Cup ever”.

In an extraordinary monologue at a news conference in Doha, Infantino spoke for nearly an hour and made a passionate defence of Qatar and the tournament.

He opened by saying: “Today I have strong feelings. Today I feel Qatari, I feel Arab, I feel African, I feel gay, I feel disabled, I feel a migrant worker.”
November 20, 2022