November 22, 2022 coverage of the World Cup

Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa was 21 years old when he was selected to go to his first World Cup. He was called up as a substitute goalkeeper in the 2006 cup in Germany.

Now, at 37 years old, the Mexican is playing at his fifth World Cup as a consolidated goalkeeper and one of the most outstanding figures of the Mexican team.

In the team's match Tuesday against Poland, the goalkeeper stopped Robert Lewandowski's penalty goal attempt, helping the team keep a 0-0 score.

Ochoa made his professional soccer debut almost twenty years ago with Club América and has been with the Mexican national team for 15 years. His perseverance has earned him an almost indisputable presence in the friendly and official matches of El Tri.

His participation in World Cups throughout the years has been outstanding. In Russia in 2018, he was the goalkeeper who made the most saves in the tournament, according to a technical study by FIFA. For Qatar 2022, the starting goalkeeper returns as the main rival.

"He's at the top of the list of opponents that attackers don't want to face in the World Cup," FIFA described him this year in a video recalling his best saves during the world championships.

Lee la nota completa en español aquí.

Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving Manchester United with immediate effect, the English Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

In a brief statement, United said the decision, which comes a week after Ronaldo gave an explosive TV interview about his frustrations at the club, was made by mutual agreement.

“The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future,” the statement said.

“Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.”

Ronaldo is currently with the Portugal national team in Qatar for the World Cup and said on Monday that the timing of his recent comments about United wouldn’t affect the concentration of his Portuguese teammates.

In an interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV released just before the start of the World Cup, Ronaldo explained how he felt United had betrayed him and that he has no respect for manager ten Hag.

Ronaldo’s departure from United brings the 37-year-old’s second spell at the club to an acrimonious and disappointing end having scored just once in 10 Premier League appearances this season.

He has largely been used as a substitute by Ten Hag and last month refused to go onto the pitch against Tottenham Hotspur, instead walking down the tunnel with minutes of the match still remaining.

This is likely to be Ronaldo’s last appearance at a World Cup, and beyond that it is unclear which club will sign him for the second half of the season.

Mexico and Poland draw 0-0 in their opener. It was a tight affair with both teams struggling to create many exciting chances.

The moment of the match came early in the 2nd half when Poland was awarded a penalty after striker Robert Lewandowski went down in the box. The foul was not initially given but after a check by the video-assisted referee (VAR), the official changed his mind.

Lewandowski, one of the world's most prolific goalscorers, stepped up to the spot. But El Tri's keeper Guillermo Ochoa kept Lewandowski out with a diving save that preserved the tie score.

It was the second straight match at World Cup 2022 to end nil-nil. Earlier, Denmark and Tunisia finished 0-0 in Group D. However, there were fireworks on Tuesday when Saudi Arabia shocked Argentina, defeating them 2-1 to go atop the group.

Poland will face the Saudis on Saturday in Group C. While next up for Mexico is wounded Argentina.

We have one more match today: France takes on Australia at 2 p.m. ET.

Poland missed the chance to score a goal after they were awarded a penalty in the 56th minute. Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa stopped Poland's record goalscorer Robert Lewandowski's attempt. 

What a loss in a game that's been 0-0 so far with Mexico on the attack.

The second half the Mexico-Poland match is underway.

The teams are locked 0-0 after a first half that saw Mexico dominate possession but fail to find the back of the net on a couple of decent chances.

It's all square at 0-0 at the halfway point between Mexico and Poland.

In the first half, most of the attack came from El Tri, with Poland seeming content to let Mexico have the majority of the ball.

Mexico's best chance came in the 27th minute with an Alexis Vega header from inside the box that narrowly missed the target and drifted by the post.

Earlier in the day in Group C, Saudi Arabia pulled off the most unlikely of upsets over heavy favorite Argentina. If this stalemate holds between Mexico and Poland, the Saudis would end the day atop the group with 3 points.

Mexico 0, Poland 0.

Fans traveling to Qatar might be wondering where they stand with the rest of the host country’s local laws and customs.

Drinking: In Qatar, it’s illegal to be seen drunk in public and those who violate this could face legal consequences.Two days before the first match, soccer’s world governing body FIFA confirmed that no alcohol would be sold at the eight stadiums hosting the matches. Alcohol will only be served in designated fan parks and other licensed venues around Doha, FIFA said in a statement. Still, supporters can purchase a Match Hospitality package, with prices ranging from $950 to $4,950 per match, for varying services and including alcohol.

PDA, sex and sexual orientation: Sex outside of marriage is illegal in Qatar, and intimacy in public between men and women can result in arrest. Sex between men is also illegal and punishable by up to three years in prison in the country. A Qatar government official recently told CNN in a statement that the World Cup host was an inclusive country. “Everyone is welcome in Qatar,” the statement read, adding: “Our track record has shown that we have warmly welcomed all people regardless of background.”

Dress codes: Winter in Qatar is a relative term with temperatures still likely to be around 30 degrees Celsius (around 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Despite the heat, all visitors to Qatar should show “respect for local culture by avoiding excessively revealing clothing in public,” according to the country’s tourism authority, adding that it’s recommended that both men and women should cover their knees and shoulders.

Drugs: Using illegal drugs in Qatar can result in heavy fines and long jail sentences, according to the US State Department – this includes possession of marijuana/THC, CBD products and vape products. But there are also restrictions on some prescription drugs, like stimulants, anxiety medication and strong pain relievers, and visitors are advised to check the list of banned substances before they travel.

Freedom of expression: Qatar scores a paltry 25 out of 100 on a scale that combines access to political rights and civil liberties, according to Freedom House, the independent watchdog that gets funding from the US government. By comparison, Saudi Arabia scores a 7, Iran scores a 14, US scores an 83 and Canada scores 98.

Tensions often run high at international football matches, and it’s not uncommon for scuffles to erupt between fans, both in and outside of stadiums, from rival countries – but swearing and making rude gestures are considered obscene acts in Qatar.

CNN’s Zachary B. Wolf and Ben Church contributed reporting

As the Mexico and Poland match gets underway, fans are showing their support from the stands. 

Fans of Mexico's team — known as El Tri — are wearing green, red and white in creative ways. Take a look:

To see more photos from the World Cup, click here.

The first half has begun in Mexico and Poland's World Cup opener.