Japan Stun Germany, Spain Thrash Hapless Costa Rica
The ongoing 2022 Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) FCT week will now climax today, November 24 with the special recognition award to deserving personalities as well as the epoch-making installation of Patrons, organisers have revealed.
According to the updated schedule of activities lined up for the grand finale of the events released by the secretary of the organising committee, Ayodeji Makinde, the minister of youth and sports development, Chief Sunday
Dare, alongside permanent secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr. Olusade Adesola; immediate past 1st Vice President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi; President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation Engr. Musa Nimrod; Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike, and Commonwealth Handball Secretary-general, Mr. Saidu Jibril Ojih will be honoured.
Others are former Super Eagles coordinator Mr. Emmanuel Attah; CBN Director Corporate Communications Mr. Osita Nwanisobi; President Nigeria Rugby Federation Dr. Ademola Are; president Cycling Federation of Nigeria, Chief Giandomenico Massari; president Red and Black Football Club, Rt. Hon George Alli; executive board member, Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Major General T.A Gagariga; chairman Mark Mentors, Mr. Igoche Mark; president Mo’Heat Basketball Club, Mohammed Shehu and former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia.
There will also be installation of Chairman of Chrome Group, Chief Emeka Offor; President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, Barr. Paul Edeh and esrtwhile director-general of defunct National Sports Commission, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut as SWAN FCT Patrons.
Meanwhile, the semi-finalists for football competition as part of this year’s SWAN week programme have emerged.
In the fixtures, Africa’s largest television station Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) will square up against international radio station Voice of Nigeria (VON), while 2021 finalists News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) confront radio giants Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in the last four encounter at the Practice Pitch of Moshood Abiola National stadium Abuja.
After Saudi Arabia’s win over Argentina, Qatar 2022 saw not just another shock, but another come-from-behind upset with the supposed minnow, Japan, upending the heavy favorite, Germany 2-1 on Wednesday.
Like Argentina, Germany went ahead in the first half via a Ilkay Gündogan penalty, but substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano struck in the last 15 minutes to turn the tie on its head.
Japan’s 2-1 victory underscores just how shaky this Germany side have become, particularly when they appear in control.
Four years ago, Japan were on the verge of knocking out Belgium and advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals. This time, they began with arguably the biggest shock result they have ever garnered, over four-time world champions Germany. But their 2-1 win owes a lot to this side’s ability to remain calm and make the sort of substitutions that change games.
Meanwhile, Spain put up a masterclass performance as they thrashed hapless Costa Rica 7-0 to claim their biggest ever World Cup win and took pole position in Group E, yesterday. Dani Olmo opened the scoring with a neat turn and finish on 11 minutes to hand Spain an early lead at the Al
Bayern Munich defender Lucas Hernandez will play no part again at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after rupturing his ACL just minutes into Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Australia.
Hernandez, who started every game for Didier Deschamps’ side in the successful 2018 campaign, fell to the ground while attempting to challenge Matthew Leckie in the buildup to Craig Goodwin’s ninth-minute goal and had to be replaced by brother Theo.
The French Football Federation confirmed overnight that the Bayern
Thumama Stadium in Qatar, and Marco Asensio doubled their advantage 10 minutes later with a well-taken finish from a Jordi Alba cross.
Costa Rica provided little in response, and their task became harder on 31 minutes when Alba was brought down by defender Oscar Duarte in the box, with Ferran Torres converting the ensuing penalty.
Torres added his second on 54 minutes when he took advantage of some sloppy Costa Rica defending before Gavi added another with a superb volley, becoming the youngest World Cup scorer since Pele in 1954. Striker Carlos Soler came off the bench and netted Spain’s sixth on 90 minutes, while fellow substitute Alvaro Morata scored a seventh moments later.
Spain, who last won the World Cup in 2010, face Germany on Sunday -- a now pivotal game for Germany after a shock defeat to Japan.
Switzerland v Cameroon (11:00am) Uruguay v South Korea (2:00pm) Portugal v Ghana (5:00pm) Brazil v Serbia (8:00pm)
Tunisia 0-0 Croatia Germany 1-2 Japan Spain 7-0 Costa Rica Belgium 1-0 Canada
Munich man’s injury is serious and that his tournament is over in the latest blow to France, who are already missing a host of key players.
Deschamps is without Presnel Kimpembe, N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Christopher Nkunku and Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema in Qatar.