Summary

  • Southgate wants England to 'focus on games', not feel 'pressure' to protest

  • Allen 'Vital' to Wales, says Bale as captain prepares for record 110th cap

  • Uruguay 0-0 South Korea; Portugal v Ghana under way

  • Switzerland beat Cameroon 1-0 in Thursday's first match

  • Brazil v Serbia is day's final match at 19:00 - live on BBC One

  • Commentary on all four matches on BBC Radio 5 Live

  • Get involved #bbcfootball

  1. 'This is a side that go into the tournament as justified favourites'published at 11:16 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    Brazil v Serbia (19:00 GMT)

    Neymar and Thiago Silva training ahead of Brazil's first match at World Cup 2022Image source, Getty Images

    South American football expert, Tim Vickery, told BBC Radio 5 Live "it will take a very good team on a very good day to stop" Brazil.

    Vickery remembers when the Brazilian coach, Adenor Leonardo Bacchi, commonly known as Tite, said "how struck he was in Russia four years that no one trembled when they saw the yellow shirts."

    "I think he kind of expected that because Brazil have won the World Cup more than anyone else.

    "This coach has experience from the last World Cup, which stands them in very good stead."

    Reflecting on Brazil’s chances of success in this World Cup he added: "They have a generation of attacking talent to die for, they have a solid defensive unit and I think the feeling going into it is that it will take a very good team on a very good day to stop them.

    "There are some hotheads in this team and I know this is something that Brazil’s coaching staff are worried about, trying to control the emotion of the occasion when they’re under scoreboard pressure.

    "There’s also been no opportunity for them to face European opponents.

    "The last time they faced a European team since the last World Cup, was a visit to The Czech Republic three years ago, so that’s another great unknown."

  2. How Brazil's iconic kit became a divisive symbol at homepublished at 11:10 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    A man wearing a Brazil football cries during a protest held by supporters of President Jair BolsonaroImage source, Reuters

    For most football fans, the World Cup and Brazil's iconic canary yellow shirt, worn by the likes of legendary winners Pele, Roberto Carlos and (original) Ronaldo, are inextricably linked.

    But the Selecao's kit has become a contentious issue at home, in the wake of outgoing president Jair Bolsonaro and his supporters co-opting the yellow, blue and green colours (as well as the national flag) as symbols of their far-right cause.

    In recent weeks, many Brazilians have been in the streets wearing the team's colours while protesting and claiming - without evidence - that the recent narrow election defeat of Bolsonaro by his left-wing opponent was a result of fraud.

    These claims were rejected by the country's electoral court on Wednesday.

    This has led to many left-wing Brazilians to buy and wear the team's blue away kit this year, as well as criticising some of the players who have vocally supported Bolsonaro.

    Neymar announced his support for Bolsonaro in September, days ahead of the election, and several other footballers have backed the former president in the past - including Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Spurs forward Lucas Moura.

    Ahead of the election in October, we took a look at people in Brazil's relationship with the kit loved by fans around the world.

  3. 'Let's go': Neymar is readypublished at 11:05 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    Brazil v Serbia (19:00 GMT)

    The stage is set for Neymar.

    Brazil will get their World Cup campaign going today, with an opening match against Serbia.

    Despite having won a haul of silverware at club level, with Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain, star striker Neymar has only a limited number of international honours to his name. He has never won a World Cup trophy and, after injuring his ankle, was not included in the Brazil team that won the 2019 Copa America. His biggest achievement with the national team so far, therefore, is the Olympic gold that he won with Brazil in 2016.

    At 30 years old, Neymar's opportunities may be running out. Nevertheless, Brazil arrive at Qatar as one of the favourites.

    On Instagram, the forward wrote: "Dreaming, aiming and putting your goal as a priority is not contempt for your rivals, but a goal for you to go after. Tomorrow it starts."

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  4. Postpublished at 11:02 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    Let's turn our attention now to tonight's game of Brazil v Serbia.

    Brazil are favourites to lift the World Cup trophy, but as Argentina's defeat to Saudi Arabia and Germany's loss to Japan proved - anything is possible in tournament football!

  5. The Wales fans ditching Qatar for Tenerifepublished at 10:57 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    Paul Martin
    Wales Live

    Media caption,

    World Cup: Wales fan on taking 2,500 supporters to Tenerife

    An estimated 2,500 fans have gone to Tenerife instead of Qatar to watch Wales in the World Cup - and the fan who came up with the idea said she is having "the best time".

    Bethany Evans said the idea snowballed after she posted it on social media.

    She said most fans who have made the journey to Tenerife, were put off a trip to Qatar due to the cost, others because of rules and regulations.

    When Wales qualified, Bethany, from Nelson in Caerphilly county, decided going to Qatar would be too expensive and initially suggested Tenerife as an alternative, as "a bit of a joke."

    But the idea went "a bit mad" as more and more people decided to join her.

    When the tournament began, Bethany says she felt "a little bit gutted" not to be there but as soon as she saw fans having such a good time in Tenerife, she says it was "all I wanted."

    "Seeing the photos and the videos [from Qatar] it does look incredible out there but I'm literally having the best time here. And that bar on Monday night, if you closed your eyes when we were singing the national anthem, it was like you were at that game, and that was good enough for me."

  6. 'Jude could have played me the ball straight through'published at 10:51 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    England 6-2 Iran

    England forward Raheem Sterling told Emma Saunders that team-mate Jude Bellingham could have made his goal against Iran a little easier!

    Speaking on the World Cup Daily podcast, he said: "Jude could have played me the ball straight through and I'd have been one on one with the goalkeeper.

    "So I was upset with that because I thought the chance had gone and I told him that straight away after I'd scored in the huddle!"

    Media caption,

    Raheem Sterling jokes that Jude Bellingham could have made his goal against Iran easier.

  7. Music to the earspublished at 10:43 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    Andy Cryer
    BBC Sport in Qatar

    Education CityImage source, BBC Sport

    You don’t get many stadiums that set up a musical station outside…

    Fans giving the drums a whack as they walk past at Education City.

    Three hours before Uruguay v South Korea, but plenty of noise outside - especially from the colourfully dressed Uruguayans.

  8. 'We are starting the World Cup in the way we want to play'published at 10:37 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    Luke ShawImage source, Getty Images

    England left-back Luke Shaw told BBC TV, Monday's 6-2 win over Iran, shows how the team are approaching the World Cup.

    "Winning your first game is always important. We started really well, got an early goal and cruised into the game from there."

    On the negativity leading into the tournament, he said: "The criticism was understandable. We know we hadn’t been at our best, the results and performances showed that.

    "We are starting the World Cup in the way we want to play and it shows how we are going to approach the tournament. On the front foot and attack teams and take our chances.

    "Full-backs need to be able to attack and defend, that is the modern day full-back and the messages from Gareth and his coaching staff is they want the coaching staff to go forward as much as possible in attack."

  9. Another milestone for Balepublished at 10:32 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    Dafydd Pritchard
    BBC Sport Wales in Doha

    Wales captain Gareth Bale and manager Robert Page will hold their news conference to preview tomorrow's match against Iran at 14:30 GMT this afternoon.

    The Wales players we've spoken to over the past couple of days have described the game as "must-win" as they look to build on Monday's opening draw with the USA.

    The match against Iran will also have added significance for Bale, who is set to overtake team-mate Chris Gunter - who is unlikely to feature on Friday - as Wales' most capped man.

    Bale is already his country's all-time leading scorer in men's football with 41 goals, with his most recent coming from the penalty spot against the USA.

    Gareth BaleImage source, Getty Images
  10. Uruguay fans soaking up the pre-match atmospherepublished at 10:26 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    Uruguay v South Korea (13:00 GMT)

    Emma Sanders
    BBC Sport in Qatar

    .Image source, BBC Sport

    We’re on our way to the Education City Stadium for Uruguay v South Korea.

    It’s still early but plenty of Uruguay fans are heading across to soak up the pre-match atmosphere. There’s a few shirts with Edinson Cavani’s name on the back.

    We met a Canadian earlier who was on his way to the Switzerland v Cameron game.

  11. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 10:22 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    #bbcfootball or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)

    There are several huge names that are likely making World Cup swan songs at this tournament.

    Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer are all at an age where you'd think an other World Cup is beyond them.

    Plus the likes of Virgil van Dijk and England's Harry Kane aren't getting any younger.

    But which player do you think could finish with a flourish so to speak? And while we are at it what's the most memorable moment you can remember from a player in his final World Cup?

    Get involved by tweeting #bbcfootball or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)

  12. Milla in Qatar supporting Cameroonpublished at 10:16 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    Switzerland 0-0 Cameroon

    Lee James
    BBC World Service in Qatar

    Cameroon legend Roger Milla is here watching his team and there was a huge cheer when he walked out onto the pitch before kick off.

    He’s been recognised by FIFA with an award as the oldest player to score a World Cup goal.

    He was 42-years-old back in the World Cup of 1994, when he scored his goal against Russia in the United States.

    Will we see him recreate his famous jig if Cameroon score today?

    Lee James and Roger MillaImage source, BBC Sport
    Fans outsideImage source, BBC Sport
  13. Postpublished at 10:13 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    We'll hear more from Gareth Southgate and Harry Maguire this afternoon, when they address the media at 16:00 GMT.

  14. USA 'will be an athletic team'published at 10:10 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    England v USA (Fri, 19:00 GMT)

    Gareth SouthgateImage source, Getty Images

    England will qualify for the last 16 if they beat the United States tomorrow.

    On qualifying, Southgate added: "We would like to get qualification done as soon as possible.

    "The first objective is to get out of the group.

    "We would love to do that on Friday, but the game won't be anything like Monday.

    "We have to make sure we are back to the psychological place we were at the start because the States will be an athletic team, press really well, be organised, well coached.

    "They have quite a few players we know from the Premier League and they showed in the first half against Wales the best side of themselves.

    "Monday was a great start and it is that reset to be ready for Friday."

  15. Maguire's feeling 'much better'published at 10:05 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    England v USA (Fri, 19:00 GMT)

    Harry MaguireImage source, Getty Images

    Gareth Southgate also confirmed defender Harry Maguire is feeling "much better" after also being substituted on Monday.

    "He was feeling ill and that was affecting his vision," Southgate told BBC Sport.

    "You worry about concussion in that instant, but we were going back through all the footage and there is nothing, so he is in a good area."

  16. Kane fit to play against USApublished at 10:00 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    England v USA (Fri, 19:00 GMT)

    Harry KaneImage source, Getty Images

    Some good news now for England fans ...

    Harry Kane will be fit to play in Friday's World Cup match against the United States.

    The striker injured his ankle early in the second half of Monday's opening 6-2 victory over Iran in Group B and was later substituted.

    "Harry is fine. He has worked slightly separately from the group but all good for Friday night," said Gareth Southgate.

    "He had a scan [on Wednesday] to make sure everything is fine."

  17. Who could buy Man Utd?published at 09:56 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    Manchester UnitedImage source, Getty Images

    A figure of £4bn has been touted for a period of time as one that might just get the Glazers to the negotiating table. As it turns out, they have come to the table first and are waiting to receive offers.

    Realistically, there are not many sources of funds that size. There is no chance of Russian or Chinese involvement, due to the former's invasion of the Ukraine and the latter's government policy., external

    Saudi Arabia are committed to Newcastle, Qatar Sports Investment would need to sell Paris St-Germain, while Dubai and Bahrain are neighbours in the Gulf region with no comparable investment.

    Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a United supporter from his youth and has previously indicated a willingness to talk with the Glazers. On Wednesday, the Telegraph reported the 70-year-old is preparing a bid., external

    However, while extremely wealthy, Ratcliffe is unlikely to be able to complete a deal like this on his own.

    Most likely, it will require more American investment. If the Chelsea sale is any guide, given the sums likely to be needed a private equity group will be involved.

    Meanwhile, the Financial Times has reported, external former United winger David Beckham is "is open to holding talks with potential bidders".

  18. 'There is sure to be a host of suitors'published at 09:51 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    Bill Rice
    BBC Radio Manchester

    From the press boxImage source, BBC Sport

    Never dull is it? With the World Cup in full swing you could be forgiven for thinking it would be quiet at Manchester United, but the last 24 hours have been anything but.

    First the club confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo won't be returning to Old Trafford after the international break, with his contract being terminated by mutual consent. It brings to an end a turbulent second spell at the club, which saw him disciplined for refusing to come on as a substitute, and then criticise the manager and the club in an explosive television interview.

    Then it was confirmed the club's owners - the Glazer family - will consider selling after 17 years in charge.

    There is sure to be a host of suitors interested in the club if a full sale is the way they decide to proceed, although there has been suggestions they are seeking investment to help fund the revitalisation and renovation of Old Trafford.

    The news was met with an excited response from supporters who have long opposed their ownership since the leveraged buyout that plunged the club into debt in 2005, most recently with protests outside the ground at home matches.

    The Manchester United Supporters Trust were among those who called for new ownership, but added "whilst supporters have long called for change, of course this has to be the right change".

  19. Postpublished at 09:47 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    And of course, not long after Ronaldo's exit from Old Trafford was announced, we heard owners the Glazer family are considering selling the club.

    So what's next for Manchester United?

  20. Newcastle not interested in Ronaldopublished at 09:43 Greenwich Mean Time 24 November 2022

    Gossip bannerImage source, BBC Sport

    Despite speculation, Newcastle United have no interest in signing Cristiano Ronaldo, after his departure from Manchester United. (Football Insider), external

    Chelsea are too unlikely to make a move, despite previous interest. (Sun), external

    Ronaldo turned down an offer from Al-Hilal last summer worth more than £125m per year, but is set to receive a lucrative offer to play in Saudi Arabia's Pro League again now he is a free agent. (Telegraph - subscription required), external