FIFA World Cup 2022 Archives

FIFA World Cup to feature Pakistan-made environmental-friendly footballs

KARACHI: The upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022, scheduled to be held in Qatar later this year will feature Pakistan-made environmental-friendly footballs, Senior Vice President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI), Sheikh Zohaib Rafique Sethi announced.

The Sialkot-based leading export firm has produced bio-based recycling material footballs that will be used in the upcoming mega event of football.

Talking to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Sethi said that ‘Forward Sports’ had produced ‘Al Rihla’ football for Adidas which would be played officially in FIFA football World Cup-2022 as it was a great honour and pride for Sialkot and even for Pakistan.

He further claimed that it was the third time that the Sialkot-made footballs would be used in the FIFA World Cup.

Talking about the design and the composition of the footballs, Sethi stated that the design would be as per the culture of Qatar and the material used was sustainable and environment-friendly.

“The world is currently moving towards sustainability and the material used in its manufacturing is a bio-based recycling material. No solvent chemicals are used in football making but water-based chemicals are used which do not pollute the environment,” he added.

“The ball consists of 20 panels and has been declared one of the best footballs in the world” he concluded.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in Qatar from 21 November to 18 December 2022, which will be the first-ever Football World Cup to be held in the Arab world.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan is not a participant in FIFA World Cup as the country is currently facing suspension from international football.

READ: Gilgit Baltistan to host Polo Tournament this month after two years’ pause

Ecuador retain World Cup spot after FIFA rejects Chile’s complaint

Ecuador will play at the World Cup in Qatar this year after FIFA dismissed the appeal of Chile to disqualify the team for fielding an ineligible player in the World Cup qualifiers.

Chile filed a complaint with FIFA that Byron Castillo, who played for Ecuador in the eight World Cup qualification matches, was actually a Columbian-born and three and a half years older than his documented age.

The governing body for world football, however, announced on Friday that it had decided to close the proceeding against the Ecuadorian Football Federation after considering all elements.

Following the decision, Ecuador will retain its spot in Group A which also features hosts Qatar, the Netherlands, and Senegal.

READ: 70-year-old Pakistani Naseemuddin receives two Guinness World Records

FIFA World Cup trophy reaches Pakistan

LAHORE: The FIFA Trophy of the Football World Cup 2022 in Qatar, has reached here for its tour to Pakistan.

Former French player and 1998 World Cup winner Christian Karembeu brought the glittering trophy to Pakistan.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy was taken to Pakistan via a chartered flight following the conclusion of its tour to Azerbaijan.

Karembeu, on this occasion, talked to the media and expressed his excitement about touring the country for the second time. He also commented on the future of football in Pakistan and claimed that playing more often will help in the promotion of the sport.

“I feel immensely pleased to be touring Pakistan for the second time. I had a desire to tour the country again which has now been fulfilled,” Karembeu stated.

“If more and more football is played in Pakistan then it will help in the promotion of football in the country,” he concluded.

The captain of the Pakistan women’s national football team Hajra Khan also received the trophy at the airport and termed its tour to the country honour.

“FIFA World Cup Trophy’s tour to Pakistan is an honour for us. People here love and play football and are passionate about it,” Hajra stated.

“The situation of Pakistan football is not good but still the tour of FIFA trophy is a big thing,” she concluded.

According to the details, the official ceremony of the FIFA World Cup trophy will take place at a local hotel this afternoon. Whereas, will leave for Saudi Arabia tonight.

READ: ‘Root has minimum five years so Tendulkar’s record is achievable’ Ross Taylor

Wales edge Ukraine 1-0 to qualify for FIFA World Cup after 64 years

CARDIFF: The Wales National Football team has qualified for the forthcoming Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 after defeating Ukraine 1-0 in the European Qualifiers Playoff Final, here on Sunday.

In a rain-hit match, the Ukrainian captain Andriy Yarmolenko made a major mistake as he netted the ball in his side’s post while attempting to block the free-kick from Wales’ Gareth Bale.

Following this, Wales took the lead 1-0 in the 34th minute and managed to maintain their lead till the final whistle.

Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey displayed brilliance as he made nine saves to bolster their side for an easy win.

Following this victory, Wales will now go into the Group B of the World Cup beginning in Qatar in November, alongside England, the United States and Iran.

READ: Ronaldo double leads Portugal to sweep Switzerland in Nations League

FIFA World Cup trophy to tour Lahore instead of Islamabad

KARACHI: The FIFA World Cup Trophy tour ahead of the Football World Cup 2022 in Qatar will now tour Lahore instead of the previously decided destination – Islamabad, following the possible political unrest in the capital.

The trophy tour, which was kicked off on May 12 in Dubai will stop in 51 countries and territories including Pakistan. The destination of the glittering trophy in Pakistan, however, has been changed from Islamabad to Lahore.

According to the details, The trophy will arrive in Lahore on June 7 after arriving from Uzbekistan and will travel to Saudi Arabia on June 8 following a day-long stay in the country.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy will be unveiled at a local hotel here on June 7.

READ: Nida storms into the top 10 of the ICC T20I Women’s Bowling Rankings

New Zealand to face Costa Rica for FIFA World Cup spot on June 14

AUCKLAND: The New Zealand Football (NZF) announced that the Kiwis will lock horns with Costa Rica on June 14 for a spot in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held in Qatar.

The intercontinental playoff was set to take place in Doha in mid-June, but there was no set date. New Zealand Football, on the other hand, announced the date for the crucial match against Costa Rica on Twitter.

“The date has been set for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Intercontinental Play-Off,” New Zealand Football wrote.

The date has been set for the @FIFAWorldCup Qatar 2022 Intercontinental Play-Off 💪🇳🇿🇨🇷 pic.twitter.com/dhp3LjN8zS

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) April 20, 2022

The winner of the match will join former champions Germany and Spain, as well as Japan, in Group E of the World Cup in Qatar.

The Kiwis are striving to qualify for the World Cup for the third time, having previously appeared in the tournament in 1982 and 2010.

The upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar will roll into action on November 21.|

READ: Robertson outclasses Hugill in first-round of World Snooker Championship

Eight groups finalized for the upcoming Qatar FIFA World Cup

DOHA: Following the results from Friday’s final draw here, all eight groups for the upcoming 32-team Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 have been determined.

In the final draw, a total of 29 teams were allocated to eight different groups, while three teams are yet to be confirmed for the mega event.

The hosts of the upcoming world cup – Qatar have been placed in Group A, alongside Ecuador, Senegal, and the Netherlands.

Whereas, the defending champions France have got themselves placed in Group D with Denmark and Tunisia and the winner of the Intercontinental Play-offs champion.

On the other hand, Group E comprises two former champions — Germany and Spain, alongside Japan with one team yet to be confirmed.

Taking to Twitter, FIFA shared the results of the draw.

The #FIFAWorldCup groups are set 🤩

We can't wait! 🏆#FinalDraw pic.twitter.com/uaDfdIvbaZ

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) April 1, 2022

It is pertinent to mention here that the 32-teams mega event will roll into action on November 21 with the Netherlands taking on Senegal in the curtain-raiser at Al Thumama stadium.

Whereas, the final of the mega event will be played on December 18 at Lusail stadium.

Portugal and Poland grab FIFA World Cup 2022 spots

PARIS: Portugal beat North Macedonia 2-0 and Poland saw off Sweden by the same score in the play-off finals on Tuesday to book their places in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Bruno Fernandes scored both goals for Portugal to overcome the Balkan nation that had knocked out European champions Italy in a stunning result last week.

Italy’s shock exit had North Macedonia dreaming of their first-ever appearance at a World Cup finals but Portugal proved a step too far in Porto.

Fernandes set Portugal on their way at the Estadio do Dragao by finishing off Cristiano Ronaldo’s pass in the first half and then put the victory beyond doubt in the second, connecting with a sublime cross from Diogo Jota.

The victory means Portugal extend their run of qualifying for all six of the World Cups since the turn of the century while Manchester United forward Ronaldo is on course for his fifth, aged 37.

Ronaldo’s best previous result was reaching the semi-finals in 2006 when Portugal were beaten by Germany.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos said: “I would like to congratulate the players for their attitude and their quality. We controlled the match in a very clear way.

“Now, having already won the Euro and the Nations League we have a dream of bringing enormous joy to Portugal.”

On the other hand, Robert Lewandowski stroked home a second-half penalty as Poland booked their berth in front of a fervent home crowd in Chorzow.

After the Poland captain converted a spot-kick, Piotr Zielinski completed the scoring with a superb second goal for the hosts.

Poland go into Friday’s draw for the group stages of the World Cup finals, from November 21 to December 18, after dominating the second half.

The Poles were awarded the crucial penalty just after half-time when midfielder Sebastian Szymanski rolled the ball to substitute Grzegorz Krychowiak, who was fouled by Jesper Karlstrom.

The referee pointed straight to the spot and Lewandowski casually arced his run, waited for Robin Olsen to move and then slotted the ball to the left of the Swedish goalkeeper.

It was his 75th goal for Poland and arguably one of his most important.

“It was really tough. I mean, this pressure!” Lewandowski said. “Even though I have taken many penalties in my career, this was one difficult. I knew this moment would have so much significance.

“We suffered, but now we can celebrate. I am proud and happy.”

Zielinski put the result beyond doubt when he capitalised on a slip by Sweden defender Marcus Danielson and sprinted clear.

He slotted his shot past Olsen with 18 minutes left to spark wild celebrations from the home crowd.

Only a superb save from Olsen denied Lewandowski a second goal when the Poland striker was allowed a rare late chance in the area by the Swedish defence.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic came on for the final 10 minutes, but the 40-year-old Sweden striker was unable to influence the course of the match and will miss out on a third appearance at a World Cup finals.

Twelve European sides have now clinched a place at the World Cup.

Gareth Bales’ Wales will take part in the other playoff final but that is on hold until at least June because the war in Ukraine led to the postponement of the Ukrainians’ semi-final away to Scotland.

READ: Pakistan delegation leaves for Qatar to attend 72nd FIFA Congress