World Cup: Danish journalist told to remove 'One Love' armband
The World Cup in Qatar is in full swing with shock results and goals galore as we head into day four of the month-long tournament in the Middle East. England are still brimming with positivity after thrashing Iran in their Group B opening game, but Gareth Southgate now faces an injury concern with Harry Kane set to undergo a scan after picking up a knock on his ankle.
There is plenty of action on the pitch to keep up to date with as four games take place in the Gulf nation. Morocco played out a goalless draw with 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia in the early kick-off in Group F before 2014 winners Germany were stunned by Japan earlier in the day.
Spain will kickstart their tournament with a winnable fixture against Costa Rica before a Premier League-influenced Belgium side face Canada, making their first World Cup appearance in 36 years, in the second Group F match. With stories continuing to intrigue both on and off the pitch, follow Express Sport's live updates throughout the day below...
Wednesday's World Cup fixtures and results (UK time)
Morocco 0-0 Croatia (Group F)
Germany 1-2 Japan (Group E)
Spain 7-0 Costa Rica (Group E)
Belgium 1-0 Canada (Group F)
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World Cup LIVE updates (Image: Express Sport/Getty)
Belgium finish MD1 as Group F leaders after their plucky 1-0 win against Canada. However, Roberto Martinez's side will have to improve to have any chance of lifting the World Cup on December 18.
Croatia and Morocco trail by two points after playing out an uneventful 0-0 draw in the first game of the day.
Canada may be rock-bottom, but they will be optimistic after their performance against the Belgians.
Spain have grabbed control of Group E after their incredible 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica.
But it has piled the pressure on Germany, who face Luis Enrique's side next, after their shock 2-1 defeat to Japan earlier in the day.
The Germans are staring back-to-back World Cup group-stage exits in the face.
\ud83d\udcca CLASIFICACI\u00d3N | La @SEFutbol domina el \ud835\uddda\ud835\udde5\ud835\udde8\ud835\udde3\ud835\udde2 \ud835\uddd8 tras la disputa de la primera jornada en el Mundial de Catar.
\u27a1\ufe0f Espa\u00f1a podr\u00eda cerrar este domingo ante Alemania su clasificaci\u00f3n para los octavos de final.
It goes from bad to worse for Costa Rica. Alvaro Morata whips a ball in, and Gavi, with the outside of his boot, expertly finishes. Terrific stuff from the Barcelona youngster.
Game over. Spain score a penalty through Ferran Torres, with the Barcelona star sending Keylor Navas the wrong way after a foul inside the box. Would take some going to lose this, it's utter, utter dominance.
It's so easy for Spain. Jordi Alba puts the ball into the box and Marco Asensio is there to strike it. If Keylor Navas was younger, maybe he'd keep it out, but he's unable to, and his side now have a mountain to climb.
Great team goal from Spain. Pedri has oozed class so far, and he's involved as they open the scoring through Dani Olmo. Looks like it may be a long night for Costa Rica...
Jack Otway: Just where is everyone at this World Cup? Empty seats galore him around the Al Thumama Stadium. Be interesting to see what FIFA will put down as the attendance. We're going with 50,000 (it holds 40,000).
Our man around the grounds, Jack Otway, is in place at the Al Thumama Stadium and is anticipating a show from Spain's midfield trio:
Both teams have been warming up here at the Al Thumama Stadium. And it'll be fascinating to see Barcelona trio Sergio Busquets, Pedri and Gavi all playing together on the grandest stage of them all. Two youngsters and one experienced statesman. Like Gandalf with Frodo and Sam in Lord of the Rings...
Next up in Wednesday's feast of football... now outright Group E favourites Spain face Costa Rica at the Al-Thumama Stadium.
If Luis Enrique's side triumph tonight and Japan also beat Costa Rica in MD2, Germany would have to avoid defeat against the former to stay alive in the World Cup.
But can the Costa Ricans produce the latest surprise in this unpredictable World Cup of shocks?
The Japanese fans have gone absolutely wild in the stands and that's because another substitute, Takuma Asano, has just put them in front against the 2014 champions.
All it took was one long ball up the pitch and Asano produced a brilliant first touch and even better second to thunder his finish past Neuer.
Hansi Flick looks stunned on the touchline.
Takuma Asano: The Japan substitute fires them into the lead (Image: Getty Images)
Somehow, there have not been any more goals since the break.
Germany have been pushing forward in a bid to find that elusive second goal but Shuichi Konda has been in inspired form, denying Serge Gnabry and Ilkay Gundogan.
Then, Manuel Neuer pulls off a stunning save to deny Takuma Asano, with one of his Japan team-mates blazing over with the goal their mercy.
Ilkay Gundogan's penalty has Germany in front at the break and they look dangerous, with some impressive passing moves and a lot of energy committed to their attacks.
Japan have had the odd opportunity on the break and had a goal ruled out for offside too. But the Asian outfit will be greatful they are still in this one.
The Germany team have released a statement on social media along with a team photograph where the players appear to be covering their mouths, appearing to aim a dig at FIFA for silencing them.
FIFA allegedly threatened teams and players with yellow cards and even match bans if they wore the 'OneLove' armband promoting equality and inclusivity. Along with other European nations, Germany backed down and Manuel Neuer was seen wearing the FIFA armband.
But that did not stop the team from making their own protest against the world governing body for not allowing them to have their say against Qatar's human rights record.
"It wasn’t about making a political statement – human rights are non-negotiable," it read. "That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us.
"Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position."
It wasn\u2019t about making a political statement \u2013 human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn\u2019t the case. That\u2019s why this message is so important to us.
Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position. pic.twitter.com/tiQKuE4XV7
Harry Kane is set to hand England a major fitness boost ahead of their clash against the USA on Friday after undergoing a scan on his ankle.
The striker was rated as a doubt for the clash after picking up a knock during the 6-2 win over Iran on Monday, but it has emerged the captain's injury is not regarded as a concern and he is set to be fit enough to play on Friday evening in Qatar.
More to come on that shortly...
Harry Kane: The England captain could return (Image: Getty Images)
Hopes are high for Germany starlet Jamal Musiala as the Bayern Munich playmaker makes his World Cup today against Japan, with the attacker knowing that he could have been lining up for England instead.
The 19-year-old, formerly on the books at Chelsea, turned down the chance to represent the Three Lions in favour of Germany and now looks set to shine in Qatar.
And the youngster is keen to enjoy his football in the Middle East ahead of their Group E opener against Japan.
“I think in England you learn different things than in Germany. I took a lot with me. They used to say 'play with freedom'," he said.
“This is something I took with me in my career and this will remain with me.”
Maya Yoshida has told his Japan team-mates they must be brave if they are to stand a chance in overcoming Germany in their Group E opener.
The ex-Southampton defender, who is set to earn his 123rd cap for his country, accepts they may be on the back foot due to Germany's quality but wants Japan to show their courage in front of their fans.
"The first match is the challenging one, to win this group it's a very important match," Yoshida told reporters. "We need to be courageous.
"Germany is a top team, it's not easy, but each one of us works hard. We have good qualities and we are united. This is the key.
"They have good qualities, speed and pace and technical ability. There will probably be less opportunities attacking."
England fans could have their Qatari parade rained on as local police are being asked to clamp down on loud chanting in public.
England fans cheered on passionately as Gareth Southgate's men secured a 6-2 win over Iran, while a group of South American fans were also in fine voice after Ecuador beat Qatar in the tournament's curtain-raiser on Sunday.
That came much to the annoyance of some locals, who asked local cops to intervene and do something about the noise. Express Sport was on hand to witness the incident in Doha.
Patrolling officers subsequently warned fans to keep the volume down, which could raise concerns among England fans who face being silenced after shelling out for a trip to see international football's most prestigious tournament.
As a footballer, Joe Rodon is probably used to being criticised for his performances with the Wales national team.
But the Tottenham defender may not have expected a member of his own family to take apart his display during their 1-1 draw with the United States at the World Cup.
And his brother, Sam Rodon, could not resist the opportunity to mock his sibling's display on Twitter after a nervy display from the 25-year-old.
Lucas Hernandez has become the latest casualty of the World Cup as France coach Didier Deschamps faces an injury crisis just four days into the tournament.
The centre-back suffered a rupture to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee during their 4-1 victory over Australia on Tuesday, which will rule out of the rest of the tournament and keep him sidelined for several months.
The Bayern Munich defender was taken off after just 13 minutes and it has been revealed that Hernandez sustained a serious injury after getting his foot stuck in the turf as he went to turn. He was replaced by his brother Theo Hernandez, who helped set up the goal for Adrien Rabiot's equaliser as the reigning champions fought back from a goal down to seal an emphatic victory.
France issued a statement on their official Twitter account on Tuesday evening to confirm their latest injury blow, with Deschamps admitting his absence will see them lose "an important element".
Luka Modric says he is excited about Croatia's new generation of young players coming through but doubts if the Balkan nation can repeat their 2018 heroics.
Croatia beat England to reach the 2018 final before a 4-2 defeat to France in the final in Russia. And Modric, 37, thinks repeating their feat will be tough without the players from that historic run.
"Definitely, what we've been through in 2018 in Russia is unforgettable and indelible in my mind. Others can continue speaking about it but we need to put it aside and focus on what's ahead," Modric told a news conference.
"Many players at the 2018 World Cup in Russia are not here, we have new players, new quality young players with fresh blood and energy.
"This is a new tournament and we have to look at it that way."
Luka Modric: The Croatia star has rated their World Cup chances (Image: AFP)
Romelu Lukaku will not take part in Belgium's Group F opener against Canada tonight as he continues his recovery from injury.
The Chelsea striker, on loan at Inter Milan, had been sidelined for two months after suffering a hamstring problem against Lazio in August before making a brief return to action. However, he suffered a recurrence of the issue and was forced to sit out again.
Despite his struggles with injuries this season, Belgium coach Roberto Martinez called up Lukaku for the World Cup in Qatar, knowing that he was likely to miss the opener.
He could also sit out the game against Morocco, but the Red Devils will need him back for what could be a crucial game against Croatia on December 1. His absence could open the door for Michy Batshuayi to get a rare start in the starting XI.
South Korea have been up bright and early for training at their base ahead of their curtain raiser against Uruguay on Thursday.
Tottenham star Son Heung-min will be key to their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage for the second successive tournament, but the 30-year-old is carrying a facial injury after fracturing his eye socket while playing for Spurs.
As a result, the South Korean is donning a new piece of headgear in training to protect his face.
Son Heung-min: The South Korea forward is wearing a protective mask (Image: Getty Images)
Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich has insisted Germany are determined to make amends for their shock group stage exit in 2018 by getting off to a winning start against Japan.
The 2014 winners suffered a shock exit at the group stage after a 2-0 defeat to South Korea, which ultimately led to Joachim Low's departure from the national team. But Bayern Munich star Kimmich believes the experience will prove helpful in reminding the players of the pain they felt.
"Our motivation is huge. We know that was terrible what happened and we have had quite the wait, four and a half years," he said.
"The first game is extremely important. At the Euros [last year] we lost the first game and we didn't win that. It was quite an experience and I hope we will be winning."
Budweiser are set to demand nearly £40million ($47m) from FIFA in compensation following Qatar's decision to ban alcohol in and around stadiums at the World Cup.
The American beer giant, owned by Anheiser Busch InBev, are seeking the huge amount to be repaid as part of their deal to supply beer for the 2026 World Cup in the USA and Mexico, which is worth around £100m.
It comes after Qatar forced FIFA to issue a ban just days before the tournament began, with beer only allowed to be sold inside the official fan parks in Doha.
As a further complication to Kane's injury, replacement striker Callum Wilson failed to train with the rest of those who were late substitutes or did not feature at all.
He was said to be undergoing “off-feet conditioning” work indoors, while once again James Maddison was unable to train at all.
At least Harry Maguire was able to take a full part in training after recovering from the illness which cause him to suffer blurred vision in the 68th minute of the Iran match.
But it is Southgate who faces the major headache of possibly having just Marcus Rashford as a recognised central striker with the second match against the USA just two days away.
Harry Kane: The England striker picked up a knock to his ankle (Image: Visual China Group)
Harry Kane needs a scan on his ankle which could throw England’s brilliant start to the World Cup into turmoil.
The England captain left the Khalifa International stadium with light strapping on his ankle and the slightest hint of a limp but trained indoors yesterday with the rest of those who played the majority of the 6-2 win over Iran.
The 29-year-old needed treatment after being caught from behind just outside the Iran box but resumed play to set up Marcus Rashford’s fifth goal before finally making way for Callum Wilson in the 76th minute.
England staff, however, became more concerned after the warm-down session at the Al Wakrah Sports Complex base the Three Lions are using for the duration of the tournament.
But the FA are keeping tight-lipped until results of the scan are known and Kane’s ability to feature in the remainder of the tournament are known for sure.
Hello and welcome to Express Sport's LIVE coverage on Day 4 of the World Cup in Qatar.
Stay with us as we bring you all of the latest scores, results and team news throughout the day from the Middle East.
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