Fifa World Cup: Results and reactions from day eleven
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Spain are looking to clinch top spot in Group E at the 2022 World Cup with a win against Japan this evening.
Luis Enrique’s side were hit back by Germany last time out, but are still poised to finish first if they can beat Japan, who were stunned by Costa Rica and must win here to stand a chance of making the last 16.
The 2010 champions need a point to guarantee their qualification for the knockout-phase, while half-an-eye will be on the other match in Group E between Costa Rica and Germany.
“We have to think that we are at the top of the so-called Group of Death and we have to stay positive,” Spain boss Luis Enrique said ahead of the match.
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World Cup 2022: Japan vs Spain - TEAM NEWS
Japan: Shuichi Gonda, Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura, Yuto Nagatomo, Takefusa Kubo, Hidemasa Morita, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Ao Tanaka, Maya Yoshida, Daizen Maeda
Spain: Unai Simon, Cesar Azpilicueta, Pau Torres, Sergio Busquets, Alvaro Morata, Gavi, Nico Williams, Alejandro Balde, Rodri, Dani Olmo, Pedri
World Cup 2022: Japan vs Spain
Spain are looking to clinch top spot in Group E at the 2022 World Cup with a win against Japan this evening.
The 2010 champions need a point to guarantee their qualification for the knockout-phase, while half-an-eye will be on the other match in Group E between Costa Rica and Germany.
“There was a strange feeling in the changing room because we had the opportunity to beat Germany and we let it slip through our hands and that was a shame - but we have to think that we are at the top of the so-called Group of Death and we have to stay positive,” Spain boss Luis Enrique said ahead of the match.
Kick-off is at 7pm - team news coming right up!
(Getty Images)
Canada 1-2 Morocco - MATCH REPORT
By Peter Hall in Doha
Morocco were made to work hard for it by a spirited Canada, but two first-half goals were enough to ensure they qualify for the World Cup last 16 for only the second time in history following a 2-1 victory.
On a high from their heroic victory over Belgium in their last match, one of the most famous wins in African sporting history, Morocco are the second team from the continent to reach the knockout stages after Senegal booked a date with England, and incredibly progress as group winners.
Belgium’s miserable month ended in further catastrophe as their failure to beat Croatia means one of the pre-tournament favourites bows out, and Morocco become the first African team to reach the World Cup knockouts as group winners since Nigeria in 1998. But they were made to work mightily hard for their success by a Canada side who finish pointless, despite their best efforts.
After a raucous rendition of the Moroccan national anthem in the Al Thumama Stadium that could not have failed to have roused the Arab nation from any lingering lethargy, Canada were immediately put on the back foot.
What the Canadians needed to do if they were going to have any chance of their first ever World Cup match was just to steady the ship, not let in any early goals, avoiding making mistakes where possible.
Canada 1-2 Morocco: For the first time since 1986, the Atlas Lions are into the knockout stages of the World Cup
Canada 1-2 Morocco
Here’s how close Canada came to equalising through Atiba Hutchinson!
Canada 1-2 Morocco
Most of the Morocco players are crying their eyes out here! It’s their first appearance in the knockout phase of the World Cup since 1986!
They will play the runners-up of Group E - which invovles Spain, Germany, Japan and Costa Rica and concludes tonight - at the Education City Stadium on Tuesday at 3pm (GMT).
Canada 1-2 Morocco
Joyous scenes for Morocco at the Al Thumama Stadium - the Morocco players are celebrating like they’ve won the whole thing!
Frankly, why shouldn’t they?!
Canada have caught the eye - but go home with three losses to their name.
(Getty Images)
Canada 1-2 Morocco
FULL-TIME: The Morocco substitutes sprint onto the pitch in celebration - they have done it!
Morocco finish top of Group F! Croatia come second, Belgium are out.
Canada end up pointless.
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Canada 1-2 Morocco
90+4 mins: Celebrations on the Morocco bench as they hear that Croatia and Belgium has finished goalless!
Belgium are out! Morocco about to finish top...
Canada 1-2 Morocco
90+2 mins: Terrible corner doesn’t beat the first man!
Borjan than screws up again with his feet in midfield... but Davies sprints back to cover for his goalkeeper!
Morocco look to be there.
Canada 1-2 Morocco
90 mins: Four minutes of added time here!
Canada have pushed and pushed and pushed in this second-half!
Borjan is up for Davies’ corner...
