GERMANY WINGER SANE TO MISS OPENER AGAINST JAPAN WITH KNEE INJURY

Germany winger Leroy Sane has suffered a knee injury and will miss their World Cup Group E opener against Japan, the team said on Tuesday. The 26-year-old did not take part in their final training session in northern Qatar ahead of Wednesday’s game in Doha and it was unclear how long he would be sidelined. The Germans also play Spain on November 27 before wrapping up their group matches against Costa Rica on December 1. Four-time champions Germany, who suffered a shock first-round exit at the 2018 World Cup, also had striker Niclas Fuellkrug out for a few days with the flu but he has since returned to training.

TUNISIA HOLD DENMARK; BALE SALVAGES DRAW FOR WALES VS USA

Christian Erikson’s Denmark were held to a goalless draw by Tunisia in Group D on Tuesday. Erikson, back on the global stage after the serious health setback in Euro 2020, put in plenty of work, be it taking corners, free-kicks or creating chances, but the Tunisian defence stood firm. On Monday, USA’S Walker Zimmerman conceded a penalty and Gareth Bale converted it in the 82nd minute, giving Wales a 1-1 draw. Tim Weah put USA ahead in the 36th minute off a pass from Christian Pulisic, scoring in front a crowd that included his father, former FIFA Player of the Year and current Liberia President George Weah.