Debutants

A place in the final four could see them face debutants Morocco, defying the odds ranked 72nd in the world, tournament co-hosts Australia or a formidable French side who sit only one place below them in FIFA’s rankings.

Colac Cricket Club’s Division One side unearthed three more debutants during a tough weekend for the club’s sides.

Defending champions the United States did not lose a game in the group stage but scraping through to the knockout rounds in second place with a nervy 0-0 draw against debutants Portugal was hardly a “win” for a team used to dominating.

In what promised to be an enthralling contest, debutants Guinea started the game on a strong note, displaying dominance and control over the proceedings.

Nigeria’s representatives at the ongoing Basketball Africa League (BAL) in Senegal, Kwara Falcons, suffered another defeat in their second group match yesterday after they were beaten 74-78 by fellow debutants, Stade Malien of Mali.

No English side has had that many debutants on this stage since Leicester City in 2016.

The 26-year-old is one of the eight debutants listed by coach Jose Peseiro for the AFCON billed to kick off from January 13 to February 11.

While Group D first match between Nigeria and the World Cup debutants, the Dominican Republic, holds at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza, Provincia de Mendoza.

World Cup debutants Chile gave a solid account of themselves in defeat by Japan, while Italy took their time but eventually thrashed minnows Namibia, who have to face the All Blacks next.

Along with the debutants, batter Harry Brook returns at number five after missing the tour of India to be with his ill grandmother, who passed away in March.

Four debutants for England - with John Turner finally playing after over a year involved in various squads.

Jordan will now face tournament debutants Tajikistan in the last eight.

No debutants for New Zealand - Stephen Perofeta, preferred at full-back to Beauden Barrett, won three caps in 2022 - but England will have two off the bench (should they appear): Harlequins loosehead Fin Baxter and Northampton wing Ollie Sleightholme.

Ocean Grove has played 36 players at senior level this season, 12 debutants and seven that were part of its 2023 underage program.

On the other side of the pandemic, Southgate takes a young, vibrant squad to the Euros featuring Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount and Jack Grealish among a raft of tournament debutants.

South Africa struck in the second over when Tshepo Moreki, one of six debutants for the Proteas, removed Devon Conway lbw with his first delivery in Test cricket.

After a preliminary round exit as debutants five years ago, Berkane reached the final last season and took African giants Zamalek of Egypt to a penalty shootout before losing.

Defending champions Morocco will face Uganda, Rwanda and debutants Togo in Group C, while in Group B, the tournament’s most successful team DR Congo will face 2014 champions Libya, Niger and Congo.

Not that cash will be the motivator for world number one Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Tsitsipas, Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev and debutants Andrey Rublev and Diego Schwartzman when the tournament's 50th edition starts on Sunday.

There are three debutants in the mix – Ethan Hazell (Lightning Aquatic); Antoine Destang (Sharks) and TherronHerelle (Seajays).