Football
The best goals from round 2 of the World Cup group stages

The World Cup in Qatar continues apace as we head into the final round of group fixtures, but just in case you’ve been overwhelmed by the four fixtures we’ve had each and every day (RIP) and missed some of the action, this is the only thing you need to catch up: a countdown of all the best goals.
Here are the bangers, the screamers, the crème de la crème of all the World Cup goals scored from Friday through Monday. Enjoy.
MESSIIIIIIIIIIIIII!! 🙌
The Argentina captain comes up with a moment of magic to light up the tight game with this gorgeous finish… 🇦🇷#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/RIHjU46QDC — ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 26, 2022
Where else to start? Given what was at stake for both Argentina and Lionel Messi this is probably the goal of the tournament so far. It’s certainly the moment of the World Cup. Just look at those celebrations from the Argentinian players.
The goal itself isn’t bad, either.
First #FIFAWorldCup 🙌 And what a way for Enzo Fernandez to do it! 🔥#LetItFly with @qatarairways pic.twitter.com/kh9X6w8GpM — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 27, 2022
First International Goal ⚽️
Messi took the headlines but on any other night, 21-year-old Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez would have earned the lion’s share of plaudits for this beauty. The feet were dazzling, the finish even better. A decent first goal for his country, truth be told.
SCOOP! 👌
After a quick VAR check, Vincent Aboubakar’s superb lob stands #ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/jFgOYUXzjN
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 28, 2022
What a finish this is. It’s like something a fifteen-year-old would do to you on FIFA.
Vincent Aboubakar came off the bench to devastating effect for Cameroon against Serbia, leading the comeback from 3-1 back to 3-3. This ridiculous scoop – likely a ‘why not?’ decision because Aboubakar thought he was offside – belongs in the Louvre. Stunning.
Aleksandar Mitrović!
The all-time Serbian goalscorer capped off this lovely move with his first goal in the 2022 World Cup 👏#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Y3KL8cdZs5
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 28, 2022
Whereas that goal was all Aboubakar, this one is about the team as Serbia surge forward in numbers and keep their composure to create an easy tap-in for Aleksandar Mitrovic. This is football how it’s meant to be played.
Cody Gakpo scored an absolute piledriver against Ecuador 🚀🚀🚀#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/KPFv8qtSQ2
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 25, 2022
This left-footed rasper to open the scoring against Ecuador was a beauty from Cody Gakpo. The boy is a surefire star and has two goals in two games for the Netherlands so far. Coming soon to a Premier League near you.
Niclas Fullkrug stepping up to the plate for Germany! 👊#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup pic.twitter.com/iFq5Stj2tv
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 27, 2022
There’s only one word to describe Niclas Fullkrug’s dramatic equaliser against Spain: BOSH.
The Werder Bremen striker came off the bench to earn a valuable point for the Germans and keep them in the tournament. Head down and laces through it, just like he was taught. Unai Simon had no chance.
A superb finish to seal the win for IR Iran! 🇮🇷#LetItFly with @qatarairways pic.twitter.com/0JKljHPM9k
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 25, 2022
Iran’s first goal wasn’t bad but due to suspect goalkeeping, I’m plumping for their second from the exhilarating stoppage time win over Wales. This chipped finish from Ramin Rezaeian is just *chef’s kiss*. He made it look easy.
💥 Casemiro shatters the deadlock!
It’s a hammer blow to Swiss hopes#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/U9hKhmOHQg
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 28, 2022
Some technique for a defensive midfielder. Casemiro’s gorgeous volley against Switzerland makes it despite a slight knick off Manuel Akanji’s rear end, but really, who cares about that? This is how you win a tight match in the 82nd. An individual moment of brilliance.
Brilliant header 😍
Mitchell Duke gives Australia the lead! 📺📻📲 Watch 🇹🇳 v 🇦🇺 on @BBCiPlayer, listen on @BBCSounds & get more on the @BBCSport app
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 26, 2022
Never the easiest on the eye, Mitchell Duke finds his way into this week’s best goals with a superb improvised header. How often do you see a deflected cross bounce up to meet the striker? Duke’s timing was perfect and this goal gave Australia a huge 1-0 win against a fancied Tunisian side.
Everyone in Morocco just stood up simultaneously!! 🇲🇦
What a strike from @ZAboukhlal! 🚀#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/cS3OBAoRSA — ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 27, 2022
And we’ll end on a high note, with Zakaria Aboukhlal’s hammer blow to Belgium. It’s great work by Hakim Ziyech in the build-up and smashed home in style to secure Morocco a momentous 2-0 win over Belgium.
Just look at those limbs behind the goal. Spine-tingling stuff, exactly how the World Cup is meant to be.
EPL
Cody Gakpo reflects on first month at Liverpool

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has opened up on his first month on the books at Anfield, admitting he is still getting used to Jurgen Klopp’s tactics.
The Dutchman was wanted by a number of elite sides, with Manchester United expected to win the race for his signature, but it was Liverpool who snuck in and agreed to pay an initial £35m to bring Gakpo to England.
The 23-year-old, who made his name as a left winger but has spent time as a striker at Liverpool, is yet to score after four appearances for his new side, but he told club media that is it just a matter of getting to grips with his new surroundings
“My feeling, personally, is everyone in the team has so much quality,” he said. “That is what I see in training and in phases in the games.
“It is also a part of football, that sometimes things don’t work out exactly the way you want them to. We just have to keep improving, working hard, and the quality will come out. Then, you’re going to see the real Liverpool.”
He continued: “From a football perspective, it’s a new environment on the pitch, with new players and a new team. I can tell it’s a really great group. Every day I am looking forward to working with them, to train hard and to play the games. I am trying to adapt as quickly as possible, to improve every day and in the end show the best version of myself.
“Off the pitch, to be honest, I haven’t been in the city so many times yet. Most of the time I have been in the hotel. I am moving this week, actually. That’s also something I’m looking forward to.”
Listen now as Scott Saunders hosts Graeme Bailey and Toby Cudworth to discuss the latest transfer news. On today’s agenda: Dusan Vlahovic, Anthony Gordon, Enzo Fernandes, Amadou Onana, Malo Gusto, Nicolo Zaniolo, Pedro Porro, Weston McKennie, Milan Skriniar, Maiximo Perrone & more!
If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!
Gakpo also confessed that he is still trying to adapt to his new role in Liverpool’s team.
“It is a little bit different to what I’m used to,” the Dutchman admitted. “Normally, I have played on the left for almost the past three years.
“It’s something I can improve, playing in the striker role, and I want to show my quality there. It’s a great position and playing there makes me more complete as a technical player.
EPL
Fulham launch bid Fluminense midfielder Andre

Fulham have made a bid to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre, 90min understands.
The 21-year-old has quickly established himself as one of Fluminense’s top players and a number of sides across Europe have expressed an interest in luring him away from his homeland in 2023.
Sources have confirmed to 90min that Fulham have approached Fluminense to try and thrash out a deal, but the Brazilian side are reluctant to part ways with their star player during the 2023 campaign.
Andre, who has been linked with the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool, has spoken out about the interest and insisted his focus remains solely on his current employers.
“Obviously, I’m focused and very happy,” Andre said recently. “I just renewed my contract until 2026.
“It’s normal to get offers, but I’m focused here on Fluminense and having an excellent season.”
Listen now as Scott Saunders hosts Graeme Bailey and Toby Cudworth to discuss the latest transfer news. On today’s agenda: Dusan Vlahovic, Anthony Gordon, Enzo Fernandes, Amadou Onana, Malo Gusto, Nicolo Zaniolo, Pedro Porro, Weston McKennie, Milan Skriniar, Maiximo Perrone & more!
If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!
Andre’s agent, Carlos Leite, also took to Instagram to confirm that the 21-year-old had agreed to remain with Fluminense until the end of the current campaign, which runs over the entire calendar year.
“Thanks to the great work carried out, Andre entered the radars of some of the biggest European clubs and, with that, he has received several enquiries and some official proposals,” Leite wrote.
“However, the player and Fluminense, through president Mario Bittencourt, sealed an agreement for the midfielder to remain at the club at this time, with all the dedication and commitment, always seeking the best for Fluminense in all competitions.”
EPL
Sporting CP manager makes Pedro Porro admission as Tottenham talks continue

Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has warned Tottenham that he will not take right-back Pedro Porro out of his starting lineup until a transfer has been 100% agreed.
90min understands Tottenham are confident they will get a deal over the line for the 23-year-old eventually, but Sporting’s reluctance to budge from their asking price of Porro’s €45m release clause has led to some lengthy negotiations which are not yet over.
And while Porro is still contracted to Sporting, Amorim will not hesitate to use the right-back and risk an injury which could see the entire move collapse.
“Porro does not leave before the game,” Amorim said ahead of Saturday’s Allianz Cup final against Porto. “Clubs have to come first, and as far as I know, a player who is able to play and is signed up by a club, he has to go to games.
“I realise that [negotiations] involve a lot of players’ minds, but the indication I have is that Porro is fit, and the most important thing for me, as a manager, is that if he wasn’t there, there would be someone else. The game cannot be played with just one player. Porro is fit. Whatever has to happen will happen, we are prepared for all scenarios.”
Listen now as Scott Saunders hosts Graeme Bailey and Toby Cudworth to discuss the latest transfer news. On today’s agenda: Dusan Vlahovic, Anthony Gordon, Enzo Fernandes, Amadou Onana, Malo Gusto, Nicolo Zaniolo, Pedro Porro, Weston McKennie, Milan Skriniar, Maiximo Perrone & more!
If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!
Amorim continued: “Is this Porro’s last game at the club? I don’t know. There are a few days left until February 1, then everyone will know if Porro stays or leaves.
“Porro hasn’t left yet. We are scouting, but not everything is easy, you’re in a real hurry to send Porro away!”
Spurs have repeatedly tried to lower Sporting’s asking price for Porro by including at least one player in the deal, but the Portuguese side have been clear about their determination to hold out for the right-back’s release clause – in full.
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