#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/sport/40022277

Ecuador coast past hapless hosts Qatar in World Cup opener

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2022

Reuters

Ecuador eased past World Cup debutants Qatar 2-0 on Sunday (November 20) with two goals from veteran striker Enner Valencia in a first opening game defeat for a host nation in the tournament’s history.

Ecuador’s all-time top scorer, nicknamed “Superman” at home, scored an early penalty and added a well-taken 31st-minute header to give the South Americans a commanding first-half lead as the Qataris looked overcome by the enormity of the occasion.

It could have been even worse for the hosts in front of a 67,372 crowd at the tent-shaped Al Bayt stadium had Valencia, 33, not had a third minute header disallowed for a marginal offside after goalkeeper Saad Alsheeb had flapped at the ball.

It was Alsheeb who later tripped Valencia when he was through on goal and then dived the wrong way as the Ecuadorean coolly dispatched the resulting penalty in the 16th minute.

For his second, Valencia was unmarked but still showed great technique to stoop and take Angelo Preciado’s cross almost from behind him to head past Alsheeb again.

That goal killed the Group A game as a contest and the second half was played at a slow pace, with many Qataris leaving before the end as Ecuador’s fans chanted “Ole!”

Despite an enviously long time to bond and train together, including summer camps in Europe, Qatar looked largely toothless. Almoez Ali had their best chance at the end of the first half, heading wide but then judged offside.

Mohammed Muntari also fired over in the dying minutes.

Both sides now have to play Senegal and the Netherlands in the group stage, with Qatar’s chances of picking up points or qualifying looking slim on this performance.

Ecuador are dreaming of surpassing their best ever previous World Cup showing when they reached the last 16 in 2006.

Reuters

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/sport/40022276

Opening ceremony gets World Cup underway

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2022

THE NATION

The World Cup kicked off in Qatar on Sunday (November 20) with the Muslim nation, which faced a barrage of criticism over its treatment of foreign workers, LGBT rights and social restrictions, staking its reputation on delivering a smooth tournament.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani arrived at the stadium flanked by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, to a roaring crowd, and took their seats alongside other Arab leaders.
 

A show then unfolded on the pitch, featuring American actor Morgan Freeman and a performance of a new tournament song called Dreamers featuring singer Jungkook of K-pop boy band BTS, alongside Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi.

Saudi Arabia’s crown prince and the presidents of Egypt, Turkey and Algeria, as well as the United Nations Secretary-General, are among leaders at the in a tent-shaped stadium ahead of the first match between the hosts and Ecuador.

General view outside the stadium with fireworks during the opening ceremony
 

Qatar, which has denied accusations of abuse of workers and discrimination, and FIFA hope the spotlight will now turn to action on the pitch. Organisers have also denied allegations of bribery for hosting rights.

Inside Al Bayt Stadium many seats were still vacant with gridlock on the expressway leading to the arena, where cheers went up as Qatar’s team appeared for their opening match.

The soccer tournament, the first held in the Middle East and the most expensive in its history, is a culmination of Qatar’s soft power push, after a 3-1/2 year boycott by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain which ended in 2021.

General view during the opening ceremony

THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/sport/40022273

Nation TV to screen biggest first-round clash of Fifa World Cup – Spain v Germany

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022

Nation TV will broadcast two of the most highly anticipated first-round matches of the Fifa World Cup, including the showdown between Spain and Germany.

The tournament kicks off with hosts Qatar playing Ecuador live on True4U or T Sports 7 from 11pm Thai time on Sunday.

Sports Authority of Thailand governor Kongsak Yodmanee confirmed the whole tournament would air for free, during a press conference at Bangkok’s CentralWorld on Sunday.

The government and private sector’s purchase of the broadcasting rights aims to encourage Thais to exercise and play sports, he added.

Several parties had worked to negotiate the purchase for US$33 million or 1.2 billion baht, which will rise to 1.4 billion baht after tax and other costs, Kongsak said.

The money will be paid to Fifa in two instalments.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) has already paid the first instalment of 600 million baht, while the other 600 million baht from the private sector will be paid on Friday (November 25).

Three corporations – Charoen Pokphand Group (CP), ThaiBev and PTT – reportedly contributed a combined 550 million baht to the second instalment. CP Group’s True Corp was then allocated 32 of the matches, sparking a complaint to the broadcasting regulator by other broadcasters.

Kongsak also asked Thai football fans to avoid gambling on the tournament.

Football gambling is illegal in Thailand, but the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimates Thais will bet a whopping 57.2 billion baht on the World Cup.

“We expect the 2022 World Cup to inspire Thai football players and youth to boost their skills, resulting in Thailand qualifying for international competitions and generating more revenue from football,” said the SAT chief.

He said that apart from the 17 digital TV channels, people can also watch World Cup matches on big screens in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Suphanburi, Chonburi, Nakhon Ratchasima and Songkhla.

“Bangkokians can watch the matches at Groove@CentralWorld,” he added.

This year’s tournament is being hosted by Qatar from November 20 to December 18. Thirty-two national teams will play 64 matches in pursuit of the sport’s most prestigious trophy.

Fans in Thailand can watch the tournament on True4U, T Sports 7, Channel 3, Channel 5, Channel 7, Channel 8, Channel 9 MCOT, NBT, TPBS, Thairath TV, Amarin TV, Mono 29, PPTV 36, GMM 25, Nation TV, ONE 31, and JKN18.

Nation TV will broadcast two of the most highly anticipated first-round matches:

– Spain vs Germany on November 28 at 2am (Thai time)

– Ghana vs Uruguay on December 2 at 10pm

Related stories:

• Can Thai police stop multibillion-baht World Cup gambling? Don’t bet on it
• Broadcasters cry foul after True dominates World Cup match allocation
• Brazil neighbourhood bursts with art and colour to support World Cup team

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/sport/40022266

Thailand blind footballers hailed as heroes after qualifying for World Games

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022

The Thailand men’s team arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday after scoring the runners-up spot in the Blind Football Asian-Oceania Championships in Kochi, India.

The team were given a heroes’ welcome by Sports Authority of Thailand deputy governor Prachum Boonthiam, International Paralympic Committee of Thailand secretary-general Maj-General Osot Pawilai and Sports Association for the Blind president Amnuay Klinyoo.

Thailand overcame tough challenges in the fiercely competitive tournament to clinch a place in Saturday’s final against China, where they lost narrowly 2-1.

China earned qualification for the 2024 Paralympic Games.

Meanwhile Thailand secured their berth for the 2023 IBSA World Games in Birmingham, UK, along with China, and Japan and Iran.

Thais will be the Thai team’s second appearance at the IBSA World Games after the 2019 event in Madrid, Spain.

Related stories:

• Broadcasters cry foul after True dominates World Cup match allocation
• Brazil neighbourhood bursts with art and colour to support World Cup team
• Benzema ruled out of World Cup

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/sport/40022257

Broadcasters cry foul after True dominates World Cup match allocation

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022

Digital TV broadcasters said they will file a complaint to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) on Monday over the allocation of 2022 Fifa World Cup matches.

The move comes after the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) handed 32 of the 64 matches to True Corp’s True4U channel – leaving only 32 matches for 16 other digital television operators.

True Corp is a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Group (CP), which was reportedly among three corporations that helped fund the purchase of the broadcast rights for 1.2 billion baht.

The Association of Digital Television Broadcasting (ADTEB) will file the complaint on behalf of the 16 broadcasters, namely T Sports 7, Channel 3, Channel 5, Channel 7, Channel 8, Channel 9 MCOT, NBT, TPBS, Thairath TV, Amarin TV, Mono 29, PPTV 36, GMM 25, Nation TV, ONE 31, and JKN18.

The 32 matches allocated to True4U comprise the final, third-place playoff, one quarter-final, two semi-finals, four round-of-16 matches and 23 first-round matches.

ADTEB secretary Dew Waratangtragoon, who is also CEO of broadcaster ONE Enterprise, said the allocation of matches was done by lottery but was still basically unfair.

Dew pointed out that the NBTC had allocated 600 million baht from the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund for Public Interest (BTFP) to ensure that all people could watch the World Cup matches and maintain fairness in allocating the broadcasts.

“Hence, SAT’s move to allocate 32 of the 64 matches to True4U does not meet NBTC’s resolution to maintain fairness in broadcasting rights allocation,” he said.

ADTEB will file a letter of complaint with the NBTC, asking it to examine SAT’s move, he added.

Adisak Limparungpattanakij

Adisak Limparungpattanakij, an ADTEB consultant and Special Adviser to Nation Group, said the association had allowed SAT to allocate football matches to 17 digital television operators to ensure that all people will be able to watch the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador at 11pm Thai time on Sunday (tonight).

“If NBTC stands by its principle of thoroughness and equality, ADTEB still reserves the right to disagree with SAT’s move,” he said.

Related stories:

• Brazil neighbourhood bursts with art and colour to support World Cup team
• Benzema ruled out of World Cup
• Fans understanding of World Cup stadium beer ban

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/sport/40022254

Brazil neighbourhood bursts with art and colour to support World Cup team

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022

THE NATION

With the World Cup about to start, soccer-mad Brazilians have started to gear up for the competition hoping their national squad will clinch their sixth world title.

Painting streets and hanging flags ahead of the tournament have already become a tradition in the five-time world champions nation.
 

“I am a designer, and I missed the energy of it. It is very pleasant. Besides the bond you form with neighbours, friendships are strengthened.” Said RODRIGO HABIB BRAZILIAN ARTIST

Locals, children, and teenagers in the Vila Isabel neighbourhood, helped decorate their streets on Saturday (November 19) with yellow and green garlands and paintings on asphalt.

“I don’t know how to explain what I feel. I am happy to be painting the street and decorating it for the World Cup.” Said  ISABELA JORGE 

Meters away, a wall featured a cartoon figure of Brazilian soccer legend Pele and forward Vinicius dancing.

Brazil kick off their World Cup campaign on Thursday (November 24) against Serbia before facing their other Group G opponents, Switzerland and Cameroon.

The Qatar World Cup starts on Sunday (November 20) and runs until the final on December 18.

A general view of a street decorated for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, in the Alvorada neighborhood in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil

An aerial view of a street decorated for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, in the Alvorada neighborhood in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil

A boy plays soccer along the Third Street of the Alvorada neighbourhood which is decorated for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil

A young woman poses for a photo on Third Street of the Alvorada neighbourhood which is decorated for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil

THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/sport/40022253

Benzema ruled out of World Cup

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022

THE NATION

Didier Deschamps’ France took to the training field ahead of Tuesday’s 2022 World Cup opener against Denmark.

Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe and Raphael Varane trained amongst a host of other star names as Les Bleus prepare to defend their crown.
 

However, after the cameras finished their 15 minutes filming time, Benzema reportedly picked up a bad thigh injury and is being assessed.

France are concerned that the Ballon d’Or winner may be ruled out of the opening game and even the tournament, according to L’Equipe.

The French are one of the favourites to win the tournament, behind only Brazil and Argentina in the bookmakers’ pecking order.
 

THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/sport/40022240

One day to kick-off – but still no Thai TV World Cup schedule

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2022

Just one day before the 2022 Fifa World Cup kicks off on Sunday, fans in Thailand are still confused over the TV schedule for free live broadcasts of the matches.

Hosts Qatar face Ecuador in the opening match of the tournament, which kicks off at 11pm Thai time on Sunday.

The opening ceremony from 10pm will feature performances by British pop star Robbie Williams and Jungkook from K-pop group BTS.

Williams has faced criticism for taking money to perform in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal and punished by up to three years in prison, with the possibility of the death sentence for gay Muslims. Williams has in the past won fame for supporting the LGBTQ+ movement.

Media have also reported that Shakira, Black Eyed Peas, and J Balvin could make surprise appearances at the opening ceremony.

The tournament features 32 teams, split into eight groups of four. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the last-16 knockout stage.

The round of 16 will be played from December 3 to 6.

The quarter-finals will kick-off on December 9 and 10.

The semi-finals are scheduled for December 13-14, before the losers face off in the third-place play-off on December 17.

The winners will fight for the trophy in the final on December 18.

The Thai government bought the broadcast rights for all 64 matches of the World Cup earlier this week, after three major conglomerates contributed 600 million baht to the purchase fund.

The Sports Authority of Thailand held a videoconference with digital television operators on Saturday. As a result, live World Cup matches will be broadcast on 17 digital television channels on a rotating basis.

Fans in Thailand can watch the tournament on True4U, T Sports 7, Channel 3, Channel 5, Channel 7, Channel 8, Channel 9 MCOT, NBT, TPBS, Thairath TV, Amarin TV, Mono 29, PPTV 36, GMM 25, Nation TV, ONE 31, and JKN18

The opening match will be broadcast on True4U channel while the schedule for other matches will be announced later.

Related stories

• Fans understanding of World Cup stadium beer ban
• Thailand secures World Cup broadcast rights for THB1.4 billion
• Joy and smiles as Spain’s World Cup squad train

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/sport/40022235

Atthaya named golf’s Rookie of the Year after rising to world No 1

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2022

Nineteen-year-old Atthaya Thitikul has won the 2022 Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year award after winning LPGA Tour titles and rising to world No 1 in her first year as a professional golfer.

Atthaya is the third player from Thailand to win the award, after Patty Tavatanakit last year and Moriya Jutanugarn in 2013.

The LPGA Tour handed out year-end silverware at its annual awards show on Thursday in Florida.

The 2022 Player of the Year and money leader will be decided this week at the CME Group Tour Championship.

Atthaya is one of four players in the running, led by favourite and former world No 1 Lydia Ko of New Zealand, who has had a comeback year on tour.

The other two players who can still win Player of the Year are Australian Minjee Lee and Canada’s Brooke Henderson.

Ko leads Lee in the standings by just one point and will clinch the award with a victory at the Tour Championship.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Chun In-gee won the Founders Award for the player who best embodies “the spirit, ideals and values of the LPGA”.

The Annika Major Award for the best performance across all five Majors this season went to Minjee Lee.

She won the US Women’s Open, earned a tie for second at the Women’s PGA Championship, came 12th at the Chevron Championship and tied for 43rd at the Amundi Evian Championship. She closed out her major season with a tie for fourth at the Women’s Open, her fifth top-10 result in nine appearances at the championship.

Related stories

• Pavarisa and Jaravee Prove Neck-And-Neck after 9th SAT-TWT Open Midway Stage
• Kusuma Grabs Lead Despite Unfamiliarity at Pattaya Country Club
• Three EPSON Tour Players Sign Up for 9th SAT-TWT Open

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/sport/40022233

French leader Macron ‘knocked out’ by Muay Thai at legendary Bangkok stadium

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2022

French President Emmanuel Macron took time out during the Apec summit to visit the famed Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium in Bangkok.

The French leader visited the stadium, where legends of Muay Thai have fought since 1945, to speak with fighters on Thursday.

Macron arrived in Thailand to attend the annual Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok on Friday and Saturday, but the French president is known to have a keen interest in sports.

Welcoming him at Rajadamnern Stadium were Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, media firm Plan B’s managing director Pinijsorn Luechaikajohnpan, and the stadium’s executive manager Jit Cheosakul.

Macron told them that he was a big sports fan and liked watching football and boxing, including Muay Thai.

He then watched ringside as two Muay Thai fighters gave a demonstration of their martial arts skills in a short sparring exhibition, showcasing traditional kicks and leg-swipes that have become a staple of modern mixed martial arts.

Macron was also gifted a pair of Muay Thai shorts with his own name written across them, said Thainchai Pisitwuttinan, CEO of Global Sport Ventures, organiser of the Rajadamnern World Series.

The French leader tweeted a video of himself speaking to students at the stadium and watching as they sang “The Marseilles” French national anthem. He also praised Muay Thai as not just Thailand’s national sport but also a treasure worthy of global respect.

Related stories

• Youths from 21 countries joining United Through Sports exchange in Bangkok
• Buakaw gains sweet revenge over only fighter to knock him out
• Buakaw fuelled by desire for revenge against Japanese boxer