Germany kicked off its 2022 campaign with a continuation of its World Cup struggles from four years ago. Japan scored a late equalizer followed by an even later winner to secure a historic 2-1 win over the champions from 2014. 

JAPAN TAKES THE LEAD
JAPAN TAKES THE LEAD
JAPAN TAKES THE LEAD pic.twitter.com/V5Jzmnc8cJ

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 23, 2022

DOHA — Germany players placed their hands over their mouths during a team photo ahead of their game against Japan for their World Cup Group E on Wednesday as the row over FIFA's threat of sanctions over the "OneLove" armband continued.

All Germany players took part in the gesture in front of dozens of photographers on the pitch ahead of kickoff, after world soccer body FIFA had threatened seven European teams with sanctions if they wore the armband symbolizing diversity and tolerance.

Las relaciones entre Alemania y la FIFA están tensas. Y prueba de las asperezas que protagonizan fue la decisión de los jugadores de la Mannschaft de cubrir sus bocas durante la foto oficial del equipo, en la previa del duelo ante Japón, como una forma de protesta en contra del organismo.

AL KHOR — Croatia's World Cup campaign got off to a stuttering start with a 0-0 draw against a battling Morocco on Wednesday as the 2018 runners-up lacked the punch of the side that went so close in Russia.

Chances were at a premium at Al Bayt Stadium as an even Group F contest produced little goalmouth action, and ended in the third goalless draw in nine games at the World Cup so far.

There were glimpses of goal for both sides, with Nikola Vlasic going close for Croatia at the end of the first half while Noussair Mazraoui had a header saved for Morocco.

One of the biggest talking points from the USMNT’s 1-1 draw vs. Wales was the absence of wonderkid Giovanni Reyna. The controversy of him not playing has USA fans wondering will Reyna play vs. England?

Through the first 45 minutes of action against Wales it felt like USA head coach Gregg Berhalter could do no wrong. He made the tough call of starting Timothy Weah ahead of Reyna and it paid off in the form of the game’s opening goal. 

Más allá de los actos heroicos de Guillermo Ochoa, la verdad es que el 0-0 ante Polonia dejó un sabor amargo entre los aficionados de la selección mexicana.