Your latest World Cup headlines on Sunday, November 20.
Kompany's advice to Roberts and Wales
Vincent Kompany has urged Connor Roberts to remain cool in the Qatar heat as Wales look to progress from their World Cup group.
Roberts is expected to line-up at right wing-back for Wales' tournament opener against the United States of America on Monday in what will be the nation's first match in the competition since 1958.
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Kompany played in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups and the Burnley boss passed on advice to Roberts to help ensure he and Wales do not freeze on the big stage.
"It's the thing of a lifetime. It is hard to comprehend," said the Man City legend. "I spoke about this with Connor, my first World Cup, with all the experience we had in the team with 26-27 year old title winning players, the first 45 minutes it was like we had chewing gum on our shoes.
"Nothing was working, we couldn't play simple passes, we couldn't catch our breath. The magnitude of this event is something you cannot under-estimate. He will be one of the very few people who can create memories for a nation. I hope for him that he is able to do it.
"I think the team who is the most relaxed gets better performances, disciplined, calm, don't over do it. The level of the games is not necessarily higher than what you are used to but the occasion creates something completely crazy. In order to perform you have to trust yourself to be well prepared and do what you have done all the time."
Benzema out of tournament
Karim Benzema will miss the tournament due to injury.
The France striker has been struggling with a thigh issue but was in Qatar with his international team-mates ahead of his side's opener against Australia on Tuesday.
However, it has been confirmed that Benzema has withdrawn from the reigning champions' squad.
Confirming the news, France's official Twitter account wrote: "The whole team shares Karim's sadness and wishes him a speedy recovery."
Posting to his 18.2m followers on the same social media platform, Real Madrid frontman Benzema said: "In my life I have never given up but tonight I have to think about the team as I have always done so reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our group make a good World Cup. Thank you for all your messages of support."
James 'needs' big impact
Clayton Blackmore believes Daniel James is pivotal to Wales' hopes of progressing from their World Cup group.
The winger netted his first goal for Fulham against his former club Manchester United in his final club appearance before the break for the Qatar tournament.
He has been a prominent figure under Rob Page and is expected to start in attack for the Welsh against the USA, and ex-Wales international Blackmore says James' fitness levels could prove hugely beneficial in the Qatar heat.
“James needs to have a really good World Cup for us,” he told BETDAQ. “The team’s got a bit of everything – they can go down both wings and get crosses in.
"Dan James can play on the left or up front, so you’ve got his pace wherever you want. And he runs all day! When you play a pressing game, you can’t all do it because it’s going to be too hot, but you need runners.
“I’m hoping our defence plays really well. The forwards and midfield I’m really happy with, I think they’ll all do well. When they have to step up I think they’ll all do well.
"It’s a team game and I think what they’ve got now that we didn’t have was a bigger squad – you’ve got players who can come in and they’ll do a really good job as well.”
Qatar manager slams 'misinformation'
Qatar boss Félix Sánchez says his side will not be destabilised by rumours of bribery surrounding the World Cup host nation's tournament opener against Ecuador.
Just days before the fixture at Al Bayt Stadium, FIFA was alerted to potential match fixing following claims that Qatar offered bribes to Ecuador players to lose the game 1-0.
However, Qatar boss Sánchez says his players will remain calm and ignore the rumours.
“There is a lot of misinformation,” he said. “The internet is a great tool but it is also very dangerous. No one will be able to destabilise us with these statements. We are not affected at all. We are very happy to be playing in a World Cup. We are focused on bringing our A-game and will not take anything else into account.
“The best thing you can do as a team or as a footballer is keep calm and avoid any rumours or noise around you. Obviously we don’t like people criticising our country but in terms of football we have had great preparation.”
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