All eyes are now on the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, to be held in Qatar later this year. Ahead of the mega event, which will be the first to be played in a Muslim country, Qatar's World Cup stadiums are set to be alcohol-free with beer sales outside arenas only allowed prior to and after the conclusion of some matches, a source with knowledge of plans for the football tournament revealed.

Thus, the alcohol ban can present&nbsp;a unique challenge for the organisers of the showpiece event as often fans can be seen enjoying their drinks&nbsp;sponsored by global brewing brands in such tournaments.

"At stadiums, the plans are still being finalised, but the current discussion is to allow fans to have beer upon arrival and when leaving stadium, but beer won't be served during the match or inside the stadium bowl," the source told Reuters.

Football's relationship with booze has long become a lot more tricky in recent times. For the unversed, in the lead up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Brazil had to lift a ban on alcohol at stadiums owing to pressure&nbsp;from governing body FIFA.

There were dark clouds hovering over&nbsp;the availability of alcohols at this year's competition&nbsp;ever since the Gulf Arab state won the hosting rights in 2010. Nonetheless, it is believed that the fans&nbsp;will&nbsp;be able to buy beer during restricted times in certain parts of the main FIFA fan zone in the Al Bidda park in Doha, the Qatari capital. "Unlike previous World Cup fan zones, beer won't be served all day long, but at restricted times," the source added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-fifas-new-high-technology-for-offside-calls-at-2022-qatar-world-cup-493572">EXPLAINED: FIFA's new high technology for offside calls at 2022 Qatar World Cup</a>

A spokesperson for the organisers -- Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy -- has pointed out&nbsp;that together with FIFA they will reveal the plans regarding&nbsp;alcohol availability&nbsp;"in due course".

"Alcohol is already available in designated areas in Qatar, such as hotels and bars, and this will not change in 2022. With the aim of catering to visiting fans in 2022, alcohol will be available in additional designated areas during the tournament," the spokesperson said.

The upcoming 32-nation World Cup will be the first to be held&nbsp;at the end of the calendar year in November and December. France will enter the tournament as the defending champions, beating Croatia 4-2 in last edition's final.

All eyes are now on the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, to be held in Qatar later this year. Ahead of the mega event, which will be the first to be played in a Muslim country, Qatar's World Cup stadiums are set to be alcohol-free with beer sales outside arenas only allowed prior to and after the conclusion of some matches, a source with knowledge of plans for the football tournament revealed.

All eyes are now on the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, to be held in Qatar later this year. Ahead of the mega event, which will be the first to be played in a Muslim country, Qatar's World Cup stadiums are set to be alcohol-free with beer sales outside arenas only allowed prior to and after the conclusion of some matches, a source with knowledge of plans for the football tournament revealed. Thus, the alcohol ban can present a unique challenge for the organisers of the showpiece event as often fans can be seen enjoying their drinks sponsored by global brewing brands in such tournaments. "At stadiums, the plans are still being finalised, but the current discussion is to allow fans to have beer upon arrival and when leaving stadium, but beer won't be served during the match or inside the stadium bowl," the source told Reuters. Football's relationship with booze has long become a lot more tricky in recent times. For the unversed, in the lead up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Brazil had to lift a ban on alcohol at stadiums owing to pressure from governing body FIFA. There were dark clouds hovering over the availability of alcohols at this year's competition ever since the Gulf Arab state won the hosting rights in 2010. Nonetheless, it is believed that the fans will be able to buy beer during restricted times in certain parts of the main FIFA fan zone in the Al Bidda park in Doha, the Qatari capital. "Unlike previous World Cup fan zones, beer won't be served all day long, but at restricted times," the source added. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: FIFA's new high technology for offside calls at 2022 Qatar World Cup A spokesperson for the organisers -- Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy -- has pointed out that together with FIFA they will reveal the plans regarding alcohol availability "in due course". "Alcohol is already available in designated areas in Qatar, such as hotels and bars, and this will not change in 2022. With the aim of catering to visiting fans in 2022, alcohol will be available in additional designated areas during the tournament," the spokesperson said. The upcoming 32-nation World Cup will be the first to be held at the end of the calendar year in November and December. France will enter the tournament as the defending champions, beating Croatia 4-2 in last edition's final.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Stadiums to be alcohol-free for mega event in Qatar

The stage is set for the forthcoming Qatar World Cup, which will kick off later this year in November-December. Ahead of the showpiece event, FIFA has announced, on Friday (July 01),&nbsp;that it will introduce a new technology to improve offside calls at this year's marquee event in Qatar.

Over the years, the decision-making on offside calls have often consumed a lot of match time. While the decision can well determine the fate of the match, officials tend to take time before making a final call. Thus, in order to cut down time on making a decision regarding offside rules, FIFA has gone ahead with a unique method where it will be resorting to a limb-tracking camera system.

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WHAT IS IT? HOW DOES IT WORK?

FIFA revealed today&nbsp;that it is all set to launch semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), which will&nbsp;use&nbsp;several cameras to track players' movements plus a sensor in the ball and will quickly show 3D images on stadium screens at the tournament; to help spectators and viewers&nbsp;understand the referee's call.

For the unversed, it's the third successive World Cup that sees FIFA introduce new technology to help referees. In 2014, the Goal-line technology was ready for mega event in Brazil following a notorious refereeing fiasco in 2010. In the next edition, held in Russia in 2018, video review to help referees judge game-changing incidents came into effect. Talking about the new offside system, it promises to provide faster and more accurate decisions than are currently made with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

Each stadium in Qatar will have a dozen cameras beneath the roof, synchronized to track 29 data points on each player's body 50 times a second. Data is processed with artificial intelligence to create a 3D offside line that is notified to the VAR officials. In addition, a&nbsp;sensor in the match ball helps to track its speed,&nbsp;acceleration and&nbsp;provides&nbsp;a precise "kick point", i.e. when the decisive pass is played to align with the offside line data, explained the FIFA innovation director Johannes Holzmller during an online discussion.

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The new high-tech was something which was always in FIFA's agenda, however, the push to get the new and unique system ready for the 2022 World Cup&nbsp;slowed down due to&nbsp;the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, live in-game trials were conducted&nbsp;at the Arab Cup in Qatar, 2021 as well as during&nbsp;FIFA's Club World Cup, held early this year&nbsp;in the UAE.

At present, the new technology promises a lot. It remains to be seen how it helps officials and the answers will be known during the upcoming World Cup.

The stage is set for the forthcoming Qatar World Cup, which will kick off later this year in November-December. Ahead of the showpiece event, FIFA has announced, on Friday (July 01), that it will introduce a new technology to improve offside calls at this year's marquee event in Qatar.

The stage is set for the forthcoming Qatar World Cup, which will kick off later this year in November-December. Ahead of the showpiece event, FIFA has announced, on Friday (July 01), that it will introduce a new technology to improve offside calls at this year's marquee event in Qatar. Over the years, the decision-making on offside calls have often consumed a lot of match time. While the decision can well determine the fate of the match, officials tend to take time before making a final call. Thus, in order to cut down time on making a decision regarding offside rules, FIFA has gone ahead with a unique method where it will be resorting to a limb-tracking camera system. ALSO READ | Lionel Messi's run at Paris Saint-Germain to end? Argentinian could follow Neymar out of club: Report WHAT IS IT? HOW DOES IT WORK? FIFA revealed today that it is all set to launch semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), which will use several cameras to track players' movements plus a sensor in the ball and will quickly show 3D images on stadium screens at the tournament; to help spectators and viewers understand the referee's call. For the unversed, it's the third successive World Cup that sees FIFA introduce new technology to help referees. In 2014, the Goal-line technology was ready for mega event in Brazil following a notorious refereeing fiasco in 2010. In the next edition, held in Russia in 2018, video review to help referees judge game-changing incidents came into effect. Talking about the new offside system, it promises to provide faster and more accurate decisions than are currently made with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. Each stadium in Qatar will have a dozen cameras beneath the roof, synchronized to track 29 data points on each player's body 50 times a second. Data is processed with artificial intelligence to create a 3D offside line that is notified to the VAR officials. In addition, a sensor in the match ball helps to track its speed, acceleration and provides a precise "kick point", i.e. when the decisive pass is played to align with the offside line data, explained the FIFA innovation director Johannes Holzmller during an online discussion. ALSO READ | FIFA retracts suspension of Pakistan Football Federation The new high-tech was something which was always in FIFA's agenda, however, the push to get the new and unique system ready for the 2022 World Cup slowed down due to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, live in-game trials were conducted at the Arab Cup in Qatar, 2021 as well as during FIFA's Club World Cup, held early this year in the UAE. At present, the new technology promises a lot. It remains to be seen how it helps officials and the answers will be known during the upcoming World Cup.

EXPLAINED: FIFA's new high technology for offside calls at 2022 Qatar World Cup

2022 FIFA World Cup: Reliving previous 5 finals before showpiece event in Qatar

Portugal beat Switzerland 4-0 in the ongoing UEFA Nations League clash&nbsp;at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon. In the one-sided encounter, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to have a memorable outing.&nbsp;

After William Carvalho opened the scoring for the Portuguese, Ronaldo followed suit and struck his first goal in the 35th minute. The five-time Ballon D'or winner found himself on the scoresheet once again, just after four minutes,&nbsp;as Portugal were 3-0 up at the time of the half-time interval. Later, Joao Cancelo scored&nbsp;in the 68th minute as Portugal romped past the hapless Swiss line-up.&nbsp;

It was after Portugal's second goal and the first of the evening for superstar Ronaldo that the cameras focused on his mother&nbsp;Dolores Aveiro. She was in attendance and stood up to applaud her son after he joined the scoring sheet and extended his lead&nbsp;as the top goal-scorer ever in men's international football (118* goals). Aveiro, a proud mother, was left in tears seeing Ronaldo's blitz. Here's the video:

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Cristiano's mother cries 🥺 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CR7%F0%93%83%B5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CR7𓃵</a> 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORSUI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PORSUI</a> <a href="https://t.co/X7AasNcSEj">pic.twitter.com/X7AasNcSEj</a>
— Sudarshan⭐ (@meThesudarshan) <a href="https://twitter.com/meThesudarshan/status/1533533565874753536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Post the game, Ronaldo took to his official&nbsp;Twitter account and wrote, "A very important victory in our journey, a lot of pride and confidence in this group, a lot of strength to give the Portuguese what we so desire: victories and convincing performances. It looks like the season is about to end, but really… this is just beginning!"

Portugal beat Switzerland 4-0 in the ongoing UEFA Nations League clash at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon. In the one-sided encounter, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to have a memorable outing.

Portugal beat Switzerland 4-0 in the ongoing UEFA Nations League clash at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon. In the one-sided encounter, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to have a memorable outing. After William Carvalho opened the scoring for the Portuguese, Ronaldo followed suit and struck his first goal in the 35th minute. The five-time Ballon D'or winner found himself on the scoresheet once again, just after four minutes, as Portugal were 3-0 up at the time of the half-time interval. Later, Joao Cancelo scored in the 68th minute as Portugal romped past the hapless Swiss line-up. It was after Portugal's second goal and the first of the evening for superstar Ronaldo that the cameras focused on his mother Dolores Aveiro. She was in attendance and stood up to applaud her son after he joined the scoring sheet and extended his lead as the top goal-scorer ever in men's international football (118* goals). Aveiro, a proud mother, was left in tears seeing Ronaldo's blitz. Here's the video: Cristiano's mother cries 🥺 #CR7𓃵 #PORSUI pic.twitter.com/X7AasNcSEj — Sudarshan⭐ (@meThesudarshan) June 5, 2022 × ALSO READ | PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe is world's most valuable player, reveals study Post the game, Ronaldo took to his official Twitter account and wrote, "A very important victory in our journey, a lot of pride and confidence in this group, a lot of strength to give the Portuguese what we so desire: victories and convincing performances. It looks like the season is about to end, but really… this is just beginning!"

Cristiano Ronaldo's mother in tears after her son scores in Portugal's 4-0 win vs Switzerland - Watch

Wales beat Ukraine 1-0 in the European World Cup qualifying playoff in Cardiff on Sunday to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time in 64 years. Wales, whose only previous finals appearance was in Sweden in 1958, will join England, Iran and the United States in Group B at the World Cup which kicks off in Qatar on Nov. 21.

'Wales boss Page hails "world-class" Hennessey'

Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was hailed as "world class" after his outstanding display, with nine saves, ensured a 1-0 victory over Ukraine in Sunday`s playoff and a place in the World Cup finals. Hennessey was chosen by interim manager Rob Page for the qualification decider having stepped in for first choice Danny Ward when he was injured for the playoff semi-final win against Austria. The 35-year-old has spent this past Premier League season as back-up keeper at Burnley but despite his lack of first-team action he delivered a match-winning performance.

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"He was magnificent, world class," said Page, "I pulled Wardy (for a chat) and showed him that respect that I was starting Wayne, it was purely because he played in the semi-final and didn’t let us down so it would have been harsh to drop him. I thought he went to another level tonight," he added. Hennessey`s alertness kept Wales in the game a difficult opening half hour when he made three crucial saves and late in the game he produced the best save of all with a one-handed palm to keep out a header from Artem Dovbyk. The former Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers keeper, who was making his 102nd appearance for his country, said he had saved his best performance for Wales for the most important match.

"That`s the best game I`ve had in a Welsh shirt, I`m buzzing," he said. "It`s incredible. Everyone on the pitch tonight was amazing, and even those who didn`t make it on. "We`re a small nation, and it`s great to take everyone to a World Cup," he added.

Wales beat Ukraine 1-0 in the European World Cup qualifying playoff in Cardiff on Sunday to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time in 64 years. Wales, whose only previous finals appearance was in Sweden in 1958, will join England, Iran and the United States in Group B at the World Cup which kicks off in Qatar on Nov.

Wales beat Ukraine 1-0 in the European World Cup qualifying playoff in Cardiff on Sunday to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time in 64 years. Wales, whose only previous finals appearance was in Sweden in 1958, will join England, Iran and the United States in Group B at the World Cup which kicks off in Qatar on Nov. 21. 'Wales boss Page hails "world-class" Hennessey' Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was hailed as "world class" after his outstanding display, with nine saves, ensured a 1-0 victory over Ukraine in Sunday`s playoff and a place in the World Cup finals. Hennessey was chosen by interim manager Rob Page for the qualification decider having stepped in for first choice Danny Ward when he was injured for the playoff semi-final win against Austria. The 35-year-old has spent this past Premier League season as back-up keeper at Burnley but despite his lack of first-team action he delivered a match-winning performance. ALSO READ | Dominik Szoboszlai's penalty earns Hungary first win over England in 60 years "He was magnificent, world class," said Page, "I pulled Wardy (for a chat) and showed him that respect that I was starting Wayne, it was purely because he played in the semi-final and didn’t let us down so it would have been harsh to drop him. I thought he went to another level tonight," he added. Hennessey`s alertness kept Wales in the game a difficult opening half hour when he made three crucial saves and late in the game he produced the best save of all with a one-handed palm to keep out a header from Artem Dovbyk. The former Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers keeper, who was making his 102nd appearance for his country, said he had saved his best performance for Wales for the most important match. "That`s the best game I`ve had in a Welsh shirt, I`m buzzing," he said. "It`s incredible. Everyone on the pitch tonight was amazing, and even those who didn`t make it on. "We`re a small nation, and it`s great to take everyone to a World Cup," he added.

Gareth Bale-led Wales beat Ukraine 1-0, qualify for 2022 World Cup

Diego Maradona's sudden demise in late 2020 shocked the whole sporting fraternity. The legendary footballer died of a heart attack in November 2020 and the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, to be held later this year in Qatar, will be the first-ever&nbsp;edition of the showpiece event without the presence of Maradona.

Nonetheless, a plane --&nbsp;designed as a flying museum --&nbsp;dedicated to the great footballer Maradona was unveiled in Argentina and is set to fly for the&nbsp;Qatar World Cup, which will kick off on November 21.

The Maradona-inspired aircraft

The 12-seater plane -- called Tango D10S -- has been financed by an Argentine fintech company in memory of Maradona, who led the national team&nbsp;to&nbsp;the 1986 World Cup title.&nbsp;The aircraft features a picture of Maradona kissing the elusive World Cup trophy on the fuselage whereas the plane's tail comprises&nbsp;his face.

Talking about the wings, it has&nbsp;both of his goals in Argentina's famous 2-1 win over England in the World Cup quarter-final. The 'Hand of God' goal is on the left-wing whereas&nbsp;one of his goals that has been&nbsp;hailed&nbsp;as the greatest of all time on the opposite wing.

“I am mad about Maradona, one of those people who still watch videos of Diego before I go to sleep at night,” Gaston Kolker, CEO of fintech company Give and Get, told Reuters. "This is the first World Cup without Maradona and maybe the last with (Lionel) Messi. I said, I want to make Diego’s plane, I want to make Diego’s plane. And so we launched Tango D10S. When Maradona’s team mates saw it, the World Cup winners from 1986, they were amazed, they were hypnotised by the aircraft," he added.

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Further, it has been known that the&nbsp;plane will be available for private hire before eventually being auctioned for charity. "We can't believe or understand this craziness, the love involved," Maradona's daughter Dalma said. "How far will fans go? As far as a plane."

Diego Maradona's sudden demise in late 2020 shocked the whole sporting fraternity. The legendary footballer died of a heart attack in November 2020 and the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, to be held later this year in Qatar, will be the first-ever edition of the showpiece event without the presence of Maradona.

Diego Maradona's sudden demise in late 2020 shocked the whole sporting fraternity. The legendary footballer died of a heart attack in November 2020 and the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, to be held later this year in Qatar, will be the first-ever edition of the showpiece event without the presence of Maradona. Nonetheless, a plane -- designed as a flying museum -- dedicated to the great footballer Maradona was unveiled in Argentina and is set to fly for the Qatar World Cup, which will kick off on November 21. The Maradona-inspired aircraft The 12-seater plane -- called Tango D10S -- has been financed by an Argentine fintech company in memory of Maradona, who led the national team to the 1986 World Cup title. The aircraft features a picture of Maradona kissing the elusive World Cup trophy on the fuselage whereas the plane's tail comprises his face. Talking about the wings, it has both of his goals in Argentina's famous 2-1 win over England in the World Cup quarter-final. The 'Hand of God' goal is on the left-wing whereas one of his goals that has been hailed as the greatest of all time on the opposite wing. “I am mad about Maradona, one of those people who still watch videos of Diego before I go to sleep at night,” Gaston Kolker, CEO of fintech company Give and Get, told Reuters. "This is the first World Cup without Maradona and maybe the last with (Lionel) Messi. I said, I want to make Diego’s plane, I want to make Diego’s plane. And so we launched Tango D10S. When Maradona’s team mates saw it, the World Cup winners from 1986, they were amazed, they were hypnotised by the aircraft," he added. ALSO READ | Watch | Texas school shooting: NBA coach Steve Kerr makes emotional plea to senators Further, it has been known that the plane will be available for private hire before eventually being auctioned for charity. "We can't believe or understand this craziness, the love involved," Maradona's daughter Dalma said. "How far will fans go? As far as a plane."

Argentine great Diego Maradona's tribute plane unveiled, set to fly for 2022 Qatar World Cup

The 2022 World Cup hosted by Qatar is expected to be watched by 5 billion people around the world, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Monday. The TV audience for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was a record-breaking 3.5 billion people.

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The forthcoming showpiece event is set to kick off later this year. It will commence on November 21 and conclude on December 18. France are the reigning champions after beating Crotia in the 2018 edition's finale.

The 2022 World Cup hosted by Qatar is expected to be watched by 5 billion people around the world, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Monday. The TV audience for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was a record-breaking 3.

The 2022 World Cup hosted by Qatar is expected to be watched by 5 billion people around the world, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Monday. The TV audience for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was a record-breaking 3.5 billion people. ALSO READ | PSG's Nasser Al-Khelaifi responds to La Liga president's 'insult to football' remark on Kylian Mbappe deal The forthcoming showpiece event is set to kick off later this year. It will commence on November 21 and conclude on December 18. France are the reigning champions after beating Crotia in the 2018 edition's finale.

Qatar's World Cup audience projected to be 5 billion, claims FIFA president Gianni Infantino

European champions Italy failed to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2022 to be played in Qatar after being stunned by North Macedonia 0-1 in their play-off here at Renzo Barbera Stadium. This is for the second consecutive time that the four-time World Champions Italy have failed to qualify for the showpiece event. The Italians played well but failed to get to the scoring sheet.

Aleksandar Trajkovski scored for North Macedonia in the 92nd minute to cause one of the biggest upsets. Italy had failed to qualify for the World Cup four years ago, missing out for the first time since 1958. Roberto Mancini`s side had 32 efforts at goal but failed to convert it into goals. The hosts became more desperate in their search for a winner after the first half as chances continued to come and go before, in stoppage time, Trajkovski scored a decisive goal.

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Eight months ago Italy were crowned as Euro Champions and now they have failed to qualify for FIFA WC. Roberto Mancini`s Italy side was booed by the crowd after the defeat. After defeating Italy, North Macedonia will now take on Portugal in the playoff final on Tuesday in order to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.&nbsp;

European champions Italy failed to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2022 to be played in Qatar after being stunned by North Macedonia 0-1 in their play-off here at Renzo Barbera Stadium.

European champions Italy failed to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2022 to be played in Qatar after being stunned by North Macedonia 0-1 in their play-off here at Renzo Barbera Stadium. This is for the second consecutive time that the four-time World Champions Italy have failed to qualify for the showpiece event. The Italians played well but failed to get to the scoring sheet. Aleksandar Trajkovski scored for North Macedonia in the 92nd minute to cause one of the biggest upsets. Italy had failed to qualify for the World Cup four years ago, missing out for the first time since 1958. Roberto Mancini`s side had 32 efforts at goal but failed to convert it into goals. The hosts became more desperate in their search for a winner after the first half as chances continued to come and go before, in stoppage time, Trajkovski scored a decisive goal. ALSO READ | AC Milan owners Elliott Management join Nick Candy-led Blue Football consortium in bid for Chelsea Eight months ago Italy were crowned as Euro Champions and now they have failed to qualify for FIFA WC. Roberto Mancini`s Italy side was booed by the crowd after the defeat. After defeating Italy, North Macedonia will now take on Portugal in the playoff final on Tuesday in order to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

Huge blow! European champions Italy to miss FIFA World Cup 2022

Portugal survived a nervy finale to move one step closer to reaching the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Turkey, who missed a late penalty that could have forced extra time in their playoff semi-final on Thursday.

Roared on by a sold-out Dragao Stadium in Porto, Portugal dominated the game from the start and went 2-0 up in the first half after Otavio scored one goal and created another for Diogo Jota.

But Fernando Santos's side were pegged back by a Burak Yilmaz goal in 65th minute that put the Portuguese fans on the edge of their seats as Turkey started to threaten.

Defender Jose Fonte then fouled Enes Unal inside the area in the 85th minute to concede a penalty but Yilmaz fired his effort high over the bar.

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Portugal substitute Matheus Nunes then relieved the pressure on the hosts in added time with their third goal from a counter attack.

"I wasn't upset with the team but we played with fire today," Santos told reporters.

"We had the game under control but slowed down. Obviously the players are not machines, we didn't manage to score for 3-0 and those things can happen in football. But I'm glad we reacted very well. That moment (the penalty) could have been difficult for us."

After missing out on automatic qualification in November, Portugal will now host North Macedonia on Tuesday with the winner qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Portugal would have been expecting to face Italy, but they were shocked in a 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia in the other semi-final in Palermo, depriving fans of a highly anticipated face-off between the last two European champions.

Portugal started strongly, scoring twice in the first half with the result looking like a foregone conclusion going into the break.

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Brazilian-born Porto midfielder Otavio, a surprise inclusion in the starting team, provided Portugal’s main attacking threat.

He scored from a rebound in the 15th minute after a Bernardo Silva shot came back off the post and just before halftime, he crossed from the right flank for Jota to aim an unstoppable header into the net.

But Portugal took their foot off the gas in the second half and allowed the visitors to get into the game.

Yilmaz scored following a one-two with Cengiz Under and had the chance to equalise from the spot after the video assistant referee spotted a foul in the penalty area, but sent his effort soaring high over the bar.

Portugal survived a nervy finale to move one step closer to reaching the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Turkey, who missed a late penalty that could have forced extra time in their playoff semi-final on Thursday.

Portugal survived a nervy finale to move one step closer to reaching the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Turkey, who missed a late penalty that could have forced extra time in their playoff semi-final on Thursday. Roared on by a sold-out Dragao Stadium in Porto, Portugal dominated the game from the start and went 2-0 up in the first half after Otavio scored one goal and created another for Diogo Jota. But Fernando Santos's side were pegged back by a Burak Yilmaz goal in 65th minute that put the Portuguese fans on the edge of their seats as Turkey started to threaten. Defender Jose Fonte then fouled Enes Unal inside the area in the 85th minute to concede a penalty but Yilmaz fired his effort high over the bar. ALSO READ: AC Milan owners Elliott Management join Nick Candy-led Blue Football consortium in bid for Chelsea Portugal substitute Matheus Nunes then relieved the pressure on the hosts in added time with their third goal from a counter attack. "I wasn't upset with the team but we played with fire today," Santos told reporters. "We had the game under control but slowed down. Obviously the players are not machines, we didn't manage to score for 3-0 and those things can happen in football. But I'm glad we reacted very well. That moment (the penalty) could have been difficult for us." After missing out on automatic qualification in November, Portugal will now host North Macedonia on Tuesday with the winner qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Portugal would have been expecting to face Italy, but they were shocked in a 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia in the other semi-final in Palermo, depriving fans of a highly anticipated face-off between the last two European champions. Portugal started strongly, scoring twice in the first half with the result looking like a foregone conclusion going into the break. ALSO READ: Substitute Kaoru Mitoma's brace sends Japan, Saudi Arabia to World Cup finals Brazilian-born Porto midfielder Otavio, a surprise inclusion in the starting team, provided Portugal’s main attacking threat. He scored from a rebound in the 15th minute after a Bernardo Silva shot came back off the post and just before halftime, he crossed from the right flank for Jota to aim an unstoppable header into the net. But Portugal took their foot off the gas in the second half and allowed the visitors to get into the game. Yilmaz scored following a one-two with Cengiz Under and had the chance to equalise from the spot after the video assistant referee spotted a foul in the penalty area, but sent his effort soaring high over the bar.

Portugal survive Turkey scare to move closer to World Cup

The world's economic output will exceed $100 trillion for the first time in the year 2022. A London based think tank CEBR has predicted China will become world's top economy in dollar terms by the year 2030.

The world's economic output will exceed $100 Trillion dollars in the year 2022