Superstar’s ankle injury rocks World Cup

●Switzerland 1-0 Cameroon

●Uruguay 0-0 South Korea

Read Next

●Portugal 3-2 Ghana

●Brazil 2-0 Serbia

SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM QATAR

Brazil captain Neymar suffered a sprained ankle in his team’s World Cup win over Serbia on Thursday and faces a medical assessment in the next 48 hours, a team doctor said.

Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said the Brazilian superstar suffered the injury after a collision with an opponent.

Neymar was substituted in the 79th minute of Brazil’s 2-0 win over Serbia. “We need to wait 24 to 48 hours to have a better assessment,” Lasmar said. “We have not scheduled any MRI and tomorrow we’ll have a new assessment.

“We need to wait, we cannot make any premature comments about his evolution.” Neymar was seen limping heavily after the game while photos of the striker showed swelling on his right ankle.

EARLIER: HOLLAND FAN FORCED TO REMOVE FAKE BREASTS

A famous Holland supporter, nicknamed “T*ts Man”, was forced to remove his inflatable breasts by Qatar authorities at the World Cup.The fan, real name Harry Goudsblom, has revealed he did not have any trouble getting into the stadium to watch the Dutch beat Senegal 2-0 on Monday.

But after the game, while celebrating the win outside the Al Thumama Stadium, he was then accosted by security.

They were quick to demand he remove the fake breasts from under his top.

And the Holland supporter was also told to take off the OneLove armbands he was wearing – which are a symbolic show of support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Goudsblom then phoned into AD.nl to explain what had happened to him.

He said: “Initially there were no problems at all, not with the police, not with the security, everyone even wanted to take selfies with me, everything went well.

“Until during the match I saw a guard talking to an agent and pointing at me. But an officer made a gesture of ‘let it go’.

“Still, I later saw two cops go with an iPad to another fan wearing a OneLove band. I was then able to quickly hide my strap under my sleeves.

“After that the party just continued, we won the game, danced outside on the grounds of the stadium and everything. Also took selfies.

“Then suddenly an overzealous cop showed up and started acting difficult. I had to take off and hand in my OneLove captain’s armbands.

“Then I had to leave the stadium grounds, accompanied by twenty police officers. And along the way I also had to take off my breasts.”

The OneLove armband has been one of the most contentious issues since the World Cup began last weekend.

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar.

And in opposition to the law in the Middle Eastern nation, seven European countries planned for their captains to wear the OneLove armband.

EARLIER: BRAZIL STAR SCORES GOAL OF TOURNAMENT CONTENDER

Brazil and English Premier League star Richarlison has scored an early contender for goal of the tournament in Qatar.

The Tottenham striker latched onto a ball from Vinicius Jr, teeing himself up for a bicycle kick to put Brazil 2-0 ahead after earlier breaking Serbia’s stubborn defence with a tap-in.

His second goal had fans in awe.

“It’s a wow moment, isn’t it,” legendary commentator Martin Tyler said.

9.32AM UPDATE: RONALDO LINKED WITH MIDDLE-EAST MOVE

One of the world’s greatest footballers could be staying in the middle-east after the World Cup.

Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who is a free agent after having his contract terminated, has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.

Ronaldo’s contract was torn up by Manchester United after an interview where he criticised manager Erik ten Hag, the club and its owners.

Reports in the UK claim Al-Hilal tried to sign Ronaldo in the last transfer window but he was reluctant to move.

The 37-year-old scored the opening goal in Portugal’s 3-2 World Cup win over Ghana this morning (AEDT).

8.50AM: ENGLAND OUT TO DODGE US HOODOO

Gareth Southgate urged England to exorcise the ghosts of their World Cup embarrassments against the United States when they clash in Doha on Friday.

The US handed England two of the more chastening results in their World Cup history and their Group B showdown at the Al Bayt Stadium offers an opportunity to finally get revenge.

In 1950, the US, then comprised largely of amateur players, won 1-0 against an England side, featuring the great Tom Finney and Billy Wright in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

The result was so stunning that a film titled ‘The Game of their Lives’ was made about it.

Sixty years later, a horrendous mistake by England goalkeeper Rob Green allowed Clint Dempsey’s shot to squirm into the net for the equaliser in a 1-1 draw in South Africa in 2010.

Those painful memories have clearly made a dent in English football’s usually cast-iron psyche.

Southgate, speaking to reporters on the eve of the match, made it clear England had no right to feel superior to the US even though they go into the game as heavy favourites.

“Have we ever beaten the US at a World Cup? No. Tomorrow we have to try and make history,” Southgate said on Thursday.

“We are good at talking highly of ourselves as a nation on very little evidence. We know we will face a very highly motivated team. I don’t think we will be underestimating the US at all.” England crushed Iran 6-2 in their group opener, while the US were held to a 1-1 draw by Wales.

But Southgate is well aware of the threat posed by a US team featuring several Premier League players, including Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic and Leeds duo Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson.

Southgate also has immense respect for US coach Gregg Berhalter, who has sought advice from the England boss on several occasions.

“Tomorrow’s game will be very different to the first match. They press the ball well and have players with experience in top European leagues,” Southgate said.

“I’ve enjoyed my interactions with Gregg. I’ve learned a lot from him. They have progressed a lot under him, as I expected.” Southgate’s fondness for Berhalter didn’t stop him taking a friendly swipe at the coach for persuading teenage prodigy Yunus Musah to represent the US rather than England.

Musah, born in the US to Ghanian parents, spent time in England as a child and represented the country’s youth teams.

“He took one of ours, which we weren’t very happy about. But fair play,” Southgate said.

Once again, Southgate was asked to play politician over the controversy sparked by FIFA reportedly pressuring the captains of several European teams not to wear a rainbow armband in support of the LGBTQ community at the World Cup.

England captain Harry Kane was due to wear the ‘OneLove’ armband until a last-minute change of heart.

Germany players covered their mouths during a team photo prior to their defeat against Japan on Wednesday in a gesture of protest against FIFA.

But, asked if England would make a protest of their own, Southgate said: “No I don’t think we should feel any pressure. I think there is a risk everyone tries to escalate. Do we have to come up with a better gesture than Germany did?

“We have to be comfortable that we know what we stand for. If we are rushing to be seen to do something we can make an error that doesn’t land well.

“Myself and the players have to be focused on the games.”

8.08AM: PUNTER’S HUGE FAITH IN SENEGAL

One punter is confident host nation Qatar will effectively have its tournament ended when it takes on Senegal in its next group match.

Qatar is considered a $5.50 outsider with TAB and the short odds on Senegal did not deter a bet of $100,000 at $1.70 odds on the African nation.

Senegal has since been wound in to $1.65 with the draw a $3.70 chance.

Some of the biggest bets early in the tournament have come back to bite punters.

One wagered $160,000 on Argentina at $1.13 before their loss to Saudi Arabia while another dropped $100,000 on Argentina to win and more than 2.5 goals to be scored in that match.

The Senegal punter will be hoping they don’t suffer the same fate when the second round of games in Group A kicks off on Friday night at midnight AEDT.

7.31AM: BLUE SAMURAI SETS NEW TARGET AFTER BOILOVER

AFP

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu was given a surprise shower by a pitch sprinkler on Thursday but it did nothing to dampen his spirits after his team’s stunning victory over Germany.

The Blue Samurai came from behind to beat the four-time world champions 2-1 in their Group E opener on Wednesday and are now eyeing a place in the last 16, with Costa Rica their next opponents.

Moriyasu led his team in a workout on Thursday afternoon and was given an unexpected soaking when a sprinkler doused him as he spoke to reporters.

The manager laughed off his early shower but warned his players not to get carried away by their historic triumph.

“All we’re thinking about is the next game that’s in front of us, the same as we always do,” Moriyasu said, stressing that the Germany game was already in the past.

“On the day of a game we celebrate if we win or we feel frustrated if we lose, but we always think of the things we could have done better and start preparing for the next game in a positive way.” Moriyasu said beating Germany had given Japan “peace of mind” for Sunday’s game against Costa Rica, who were hammered 7-0 by Spain in their opener.

Costa Rica must win to revive their chances of reaching the knock-out round and Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo said his team will be waiting to exploit any gaps they leave behind.

Nagatomo believes Japan have become a versatile side who are now “difficult for opponents to understand”.

“Tactically, we have become a team where it wouldn’t look strange if any of us were playing in any position,” he said.

“I think we’ve become hard for our opponents to analyse, almost like a chameleon.”

Japan had to dig deep to stay in the game against the Germans, coming back from 1-0 down to win with goals from substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano.

The result puts Japan in the driving seat to claim a place in the knock-out round but that will not be enough to satisfy their ambitions.

“It was a big result for Japanese football but we haven’t changed history yet,” said Doan.

“Our minimum target is to reach the quarter-finals and that’s what we’ve been talking about as a team.”

7.10AM: VAN GAAL HUGS SENEGAL JOURNO AFTER PRESSER

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal fulfilled a journalist’s wish for a hug during a heartwarming press conference moment at the World Cup.

A Senegalese journalist, reportedly Papa Mahmoud Gueye, told the legendary coach at a [ress conference: “I am a young journalist. I don’t have a question for you. I just want to tell you I am a big fan of you.”

van Gaal reportedly told the journalist: “I want to give you a big hug. Because I like that you say this and I mean it seriously. That does not happen often. “So we’ll give each other a big hug afterwards.”

And he did not disappoint, with the pair catching up and embracing at the end of the press conference.

MORNING UPDATE: RONALDO STUNNED BY STOLEN CELEBRATION

Cristiano Ronaldo was left stunned after a Ghanian player stole his iconic ‘Siu’ celebration during their Group H match on Friday.

Ronaldo was visibly surprised on the Portugeuse bench after Osman Bukari celebrated his 89th-minute goal in trademark Ronaldo style.

“That Ghana player who did the siu is my new favourite player,” one fan wrote on Twitter.

Another supporter said he was “captivated by the ballsiness of it”, while one said Bukari was “the new president of Ghana now”.

Whatever you think, it’s clear Ronaldo was unimpressed.

The Portugal legend opened the scoring in a wild second half after 65 minutes from the penalty spot.

Andre Ayew equalised for Ghana eight minutes later, but Joao Felix and Rafael Leao’s goals ensured Bukari’s strike was only consolation for Ghana.

6.45AM: AFC CHIEF DISMISSES QATAR CONCERNS

The head of the Asian Football Confederation on Thursday brushed off criticism over World Cup host Qatar’s human rights record, instead lavishing praise on the Gulf country’s organisation of the tournament.

Qatar has come under increasing scrutiny over its rights record, particularly its treatment of migrant labourers, women and the LGBTQ community, since winning the bid to host football’s top tournament.

AFC chief Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, a member of Bahrain’s ruling family, on Thursday appeared to launch a sharp attack on Qatar’s critics in remarks to journalists, evoking the Arabic proverb “the dogs bark but the caravan moves on”.

Though he made no explicit mention of the first part of the proverb, his comment appeared to dismiss the criticism of Qatar as “barking”, whilst praising the country’s performance in hosting the event.

“The organisation is luminous, the environment is positive,” he said.

“Our (Qatari) brothers didn’t fail in delivering the facilities and stadiums and I believe it will be one of the most successful tournaments.”

Qatar has repeatedly accused its critics of “double standards” and even “racism”, pointing to their recent reforms of labour laws as signs of improvement.

The latest run-in over rights criticism came Wednesday when German players covered their mouths in a protest against FIFA’s decision to ban rainbow-themed armbands at this year’s World Cup.

6AM: LEGEND’S MESSAGE TO TOURNAMENT FAVOURITE

Football legend Pele gave Brazil a virtual pre-match pep talk Thursday as the national team prepared to make their World Cup debut, telling them: “Bring this trophy home.”

As the five-time champions prepared to take the pitch for their opening match against Serbia, the 82-year-old icon posted a series of photos of his past World Cup glories on Instagram, telling Neymar and his teammates: “Today we start writing a new story.”

“We will be more than 200 million hearts beating as one, vibrating with each achievement of our ‘Selecao,’” wrote Pele, the only player in history to win three World Cups.

“We must respect and play each match with the focus of a final. It is important to play beautifully, yes, but it is also essential to leave everything on the pitch,” he wrote.

“I send these pictures to inspire you guys… I am sending all positive energies to you. I’m sure we’ll have a happy ending. God bless you. Bring this trophy home.” Considered by many the greatest footballer of all time, Pele has had a series of health problems in recent years, but remains active on social media.

Brazil is in action from 6am (AEDT) in its tournament opener against Serbia.

5AM UPDATE: FANS HIT OUT AT QATAR ‘FUN POLICE’

Qatar officials have sparked fury after pulling the plug on pre-noon parties ahead of Wales’ crunch match with Iran.

The World Cup hosts imposed a last minute ban on early drinking, stifling Welsh plans for a boozy pre-game bash.

Around 1,200 Wales fans packed-out pre and post game parties for their USA match at the InterContinental hotel in Doha on Monday night.

And supporters expected another jamboree when they reunite for the Iran clash on Friday.

But their festivities have been cancelled with just 24 hours notice – after Qatari officials banned booze before midday.

The news will affect Australian supporters with similar plans as the Socceroos’ clash with Tunisia is scheduled for 1pm local time.

Welsh supporter Peter Humphreys, 61, said: “The fun police have struck again – but it is hardly surprising.

“If they can ban Budweiser for the tournament then what chance do a few plucky Taffs have of getting a drink before the game?

“Fortunately we’re able to make our own atmosphere but it would be nice to have had a beer to settle the nerves.”

Peter revealed he paid £79 for the pre-game party ticket which included five pints of beer and a curry – but he will now only be able to transfer it to an after-match party instead.

Organiser Leigh James of fans’ charity Gol Cymru told ticketholders: “The hotel have been in discussions with the Qatari authorities overnight and unfortunately, as it is with Qatar, a change has been imposed and we can now no longer serve alcohol before midday Friday.”

Paul Corkrey, from the Wales Football Supporters’ Association said he was “disappointed” by Qatar’s decision to make the change.

He said: “There’s one thing about it – they are consistent, they consistently change the rules.

“There’s not a lot we can do, really, just say that we’re disappointed really.

“A lot of fans are by themselves, in ones or twos, and they go to these things for company and be with their friends or to meet new people.

“It’s such a shame as the facilities, the place, the weather, the fact you can see three or four games in a day is positive. But they keep doing negative things now and then.”

12.05AM TRUTH BEHIND SWISS STAR’S NON-CELEBRATION

Breel Embolo scored against the country of his birth as Switzerland defeated Cameroon 1-0 to make a winning start to their World Cup campaign on Thursday.

Embolo struck three minutes into the second half at Al Janoub Stadium as Switzerland secured a vital three points in a group that includes tournament favourites Brazil and Serbia.

Cameroon have now lost their last eight World Cup matches going back to 2002. Roger Milla was presented with an award before kick-off as the oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, a reminder of past glories for Cameroon who have won just one game since reaching the quarter-finals 32 years ago.

Cameroon coach Rigobert Song, who played at four World Cups including with a 42-year-old Milla in 1994, opted for the in-form Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to lead the attack in place of usual captain Vincent Aboubakar.

African teams had made an encouraging start in Qatar after all five failed to get past the group stage in 2018, but Cameroon will regret not making more of a first half they controlled.

Bryan Mbeumo fired at Yann Sommer after a superb ball through from Martin Hongla before Karl Toko Ekambi lashed over the rebound.

Sommer then got down low to save from Choupo-Moting after he pinched the ball away from Manuel Akanji, although a questionable foul was given against the Bayern Munich striker.

Silvan Widmer made a vital challenge to stop Toko Ekambi turning in a cross from Collins Fai and Sommer pushed away a weak effort by Hongla.

Akanji glanced wide at a corner as Cameroon switched off on the stroke of halftime but there was no such escape when they were again caught napping at the start the second half.

Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler worked the ball out wide on the right to Xherdan Shaqiri whose low cross into the area was swept home by an unmarked Embolo, who chose not to celebrate against his birth country.

Choupo-Moting neatly weaved his way past a couple of defenders in the box but couldn’t beat Sommer from a tight angle.

Andre Onana kept Cameroon in the game with a brilliant stop to deny Ruben Vargas who found himself completely free in an almost carbon copy of Embolo’s goal.

Only a desperate block prevented Haris Seferovic from adding a late second. Song said the rankings meant nothing coming into the tournament, but Cameroon’s eighth World Cup appearance risks being brief with games to come against Serbia and Brazil

Read Next