England vs Senegal and more 2022 World Cup news

The Senegal coach, 46-year-old Aliou Cisse, can be seen walking the sideline and directing his players as usual — but that seemed in doubt earlier this week after the team said he was dealing with an illness.

"He (Cisse) has been sick for a couple of days now and he let us take charge of training yesterday obviously with his instructions," assistant manager Regis Bogaert told reporters earlier this week.

But Cisse is present on the pitch as usual.

That's a boost for his squad, especially given his uniquely fitting experience: Cisse played for Senegal in its victory over Sweden at the 2002 World Cup to reach the quarterfinals.

African nations have lost eight of their nine World Cup knockout round games against European sides, with that victory over Sweden as the lone exception.

Cisse will look to repeat history, this time as a manager.

England forward Raheem Sterling is missing this Round of 16 clash against Senegal due to a “family matter,” the national team announced.

“He’s dealing with a family matter. I’ve had quite a bit of time with him this morning but have now had to pass it on to other people to help him with that,” said England manager Gareth Southgate before the match.

“He’s going to go and deal with that matter and then we’ll have to take it from there really.”

England and Senegal's knockout round match has begun.

The West African side is looking for an upset while England tries to chart a path deep into this tournament. Let's go!

Euro 2020 finalist England comes in as a heavy favorite against the West African side.

History would also seem to favor manager Gareth Southgate’s team. England has faced African opposition 20 times, including seven World Cup matches, and has yet to lose.

But as we've acknowledged repeatedly in our Qatar 2022 coverage, this tournament has proven that a surprise outcome is always on the table.

Although African nations have lost eight of their nine World Cup knockout round games against European sides, the lone exception was one that featured Senegal’s current manager, Aliou Cisse.

The 46-year-old Cisse played for Senegal in its victory over Sweden at the 2002 World Cup to reach the quarterfinals, just a few games after having beaten 1998 winner France in the tournament opener. He's surely drawn on that experience in coaching up his squad.

Senegal will be without key midfielder Idrissa Gueye, who is suspended following two yellow cards in the group stage, and star attacker Sadio Mané, who was ruled out for the Lions of Teranga ahead of the tournament with a knee injury.

Senegal could also be without Cisse, who has come down with an illness.

England finished top of its group, twice winning convincingly against Iran and Wales and drawing with the US Men’s National team.

Although star striker Harry Kane has yet to score for England, Southgate’s team has still scored nine goals in three matches, with notable contributions from Marcus Rashford, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.

“Senegal will be tough,” Southgate said, per Reuters. “They’re very well organized, they’ve got a lot of good individual players playing in big European leagues and their expectations now will rise.”

The two sides clash at 2 p.m. ET at the Al Bayt Stadium.

England

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

Defenders: Kyle Walker, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Harry Maguire

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham

Forwards: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden

Senegal

Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy

Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly, Ismail Jakobs, Youssouf Sabaly, Abdou Diallo

Midfielders: Nampalys Mendy, Pathé Ciss, Krepin Diatta, Ismaila Sarr

Forwards: Boulaye Dia, Iliman Ndiaye

Brazil's national soccer team recounted their interactions with soccer great Pelé on Sunday.

Pelé said he’s “strong” and has “a lot of hope” on social media Saturday as he continues his treatment for colon cancer.

Local media in Brazil reported the 82-year-old former footballer’s health had worsened, causing an outpouring from the soccer world in Qatar, where the game's best have gathered for the 2022 World Cup.

"I stopped and I started shaking," the coach said, describing his first interaction. "My hands were sweating. My heartbeat increased. 'Wow!' I'm going to have the opportunity to greet Pelé.'"

"It's something that all of us feel is a difficult moment," Tite said, of monitoring the legend's health.

Assistant coach César Sampaio added: "I also had ... the blessing. I was a player who was in Santos, the same club as Pelé, and I had the opportunity to interact with him sometimes. The very first time I was capped for the national team, I had the opportunity to play with Pelé."

"To talk to him and interact with him on the pitch — It was so difficult, you know, because of what he is, what he represents," he continued. "It's something I never thought would happen in my life.

"We just ask you all to please say a prayer, do whatever you do and please send him very positive vibes. He is a person who has influenced my development, not only as an athlete, but as a man and as a human being."

Brazil faces off against South Korea in the Round of 16 at Stadium 974 in Doha on Monday.

Defending champion France defeated Poland 3-1 in the Round of 16 to advance in the 2022 World Cup.

In the first half, French striker Olivier Giroud opened the scoring. It was Giroud's 52nd goal for his country, allowing him to pass Thierry Henry as France's all-time leading goal-scorer.

In the second half, 24-year-old sensation Kylian Mbappé doubled the French advantage when he found the back of the net.

Then in stoppage time, it was Mbappé again. In the 90th minute, he found the back of the net for the fifth time in the tournament.

The young superstar's five goals in World Cup 2022 thus far lead the golden boot race.

In the final moments of the game, Poland was awarded a penalty for a handball against France in the box. Robert Lewandowski stepped up to the spot. Hugo Lloris stopped the first attempt but was off his line too early. Lewandowski got a second crack and scored to earn Poland a consolation goal.

The French will face the winner of our next match — England vs Senegal — on Saturday.

In the final moments of the game, Poland was awarded a penalty for a handball against France in the box.

Robert Lewandowski stepped up to the spot. France's goalie Hugo Lloris stopped the first attempt but was off his line too early. Lewandowski got a second crack and scored to make it 3-1.

In the 90th minute, Kylian Mbappé gets his second to put Poland away.

The score stands: France 3, Poland 0.