The 2022 World Cup in Qatar has had more than its fair share of drama in the opening week. None more so than Saudi Arabia's shock win over one of the tournament favourites Argentina. Then on Wednesday, Morocco held 2018 runners-up Croatia to a goalless draw and Japan stunned Germany by coming back to beat them 2-1.
These three results have served as a warning for all teams early in the tournament. However, deep down fans would want to see a few more upsets to elevate the drama. Will Thursday be the day for more surprises?
World Cup 2022 fixtures, Thursday, November 24
Switzerland v Cameroon (Al Janoub Stadium)
Uruguay v South Korea (Education City Stadium)
Portugal v Ghana (Stadium 974)
Brazil v Serbia (Lusail Stadium)
What time are the matches?
The opening match of the day takes place between Switzerland and Cameroon from 1pm local time (2pm UAE). Then, Uruguay face South Korea from 4pm (5pm UAE), Portugal play Ghana from 7pm (8pm UAE) and Brazil take on Serbia in the last match of the day at 10pm (11pm UAE).
How to watch games in the UAE?
All World Cup matches are shown live on beIN Spots. But for those who want to enjoy the action outside their homes, there are a number of options.
In Abu Dhabi, there is the Emirates Palace fan zone at Oriental Cafe, Shangri-La football village, Vox Cinemas and many, many more venues offering excellent viewing facilities.
In Dubai, you can chose from Expo City Dubai, JBR Football Village, City Centre Mirdif Stadium, among numerous others.
Players to watch
Brazil manager Tite has stacked his squad with nine forwards led by Neymar, who can overtake Pele as the country's all-time top scorer if he scores three more goals to add to his tally of 75.
Since Portugal are playing, all eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo and the tectonic shifts in his club career. Portugal coach Fernando Santos has said his team will not be distracted by the drama surrounding captain Ronaldo's acrimonious departure from Manchester United. Midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who plays for Manchester United, stated that he had not discussed the situation with his now former club teammate.
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From exhibitions to the battlefield
In 2016, the Shaded Dome was awarded with the 'De Vernufteling' people's choice award, an annual prize by the Dutch Association of Consulting Engineers and the Royal Netherlands Society of Engineers for the most innovative project by a Dutch engineering firm.
It was assigned by the Dutch Ministry of Defence to modify the Shaded Dome to make it suitable for ballistic protection. Royal HaskoningDHV, one of the companies which designed the dome, is an independent international engineering and project management consultancy, leading the way in sustainable development and innovation.
It is driving positive change through innovation and technology, helping use resources more efficiently.
It aims to minimise the impact on the environment by leading by example in its projects in sustainable development and innovation, to become part of the solution to a more sustainable society now and into the future.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Wednesday and the pair embraced but he failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5
