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Oldest XI of stars set to play at Qatar 2022 World Cup revealed with Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric both 37


QATAR will be full of superstars but for many it will likely be their final World Cup.

The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Thiago Silva have had lengthy careers full of success but have never tasted World Cup glory.

Several stars are set to appear in their final World Cup in Qatar

And that means they will never have their hands on the trophy if their teams fall short over the next couple of months.

For others the upcoming tournament simply presents a chance at a final farewell to the competition, with many World Cup veterans set to feature.

Here, SunSport takes a look at an XI of the oldest players who could take to the pitch in Qatar.

Eiji Kawashima

Kawashima, 39, plays for Ligue Un side Strasbourg and has won 95 caps for Japan.

The goalkeeper is set to feature in his fourth World Cup next month and will be aiming to make it past the second round for the first time.

Eiji Kawashima is set to feature at his fourth World CupCredit: AP:Associated Press

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Dani Alves

The Barcelona and Brazil legend, 39, is hoping to get a call up after being left out of the most recent national team squad in September.

Brazil boss Tite could be keen to have Alves’ experience and influence in his dressing room with the right-back boasting 125 caps.

It is not certain if Dani Alves will be called up to the World Cup by Brazil boss TiteCredit: AFP

Thiago Silva

Another Brazilian colossus, Silva still plays regularly for club and country and has shown good form for Chelsea in recent weeks.

The 39-year-old has featured in three World Cups and famously was suspended for Brazil’s embarrassing 7-1 defeat semi-final to Germany on home soil in 2014.

Thiago Silva is still a key player for Brazil at the heart of defenceCredit: Getty

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Sergio Ramos

A World Cup winner, the Paris Saint-Germain centre-back is now in his twilight years aged 36.

He has won an astonishing 180 caps and despite a 20-month exile from the national team after a disappointing move to PSG, he has still been tipped for a shock return to the fold.

Sergio Ramos has 180 Spain caps and won the World Cup in 2010Credit: Reuters

Jan Vertonghen

Once part of the Belgian golden generation, former Tottenham defender Vertonghen could feature at centre-back or left-back for the Red Devils.

Vertonghen, 35, helped Belgium to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup after beating England in the third-place play-off.

Jan Vertonghen will be a key leader for BelgiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Andres Guardado

The Mexico legend, 36, will get one last hurrah in Qatar after confirming he will retire at the end of the tournament, having represented his country 177 times.

He is captain of El Tri and will hope his guile and experience sends his side through a group consisting of Argentina, Poland and Saudi Arabia.

Andres Guardado is set to say farewell to MexicoCredit: AP

Luka Modric

Modric was a star of the Russia World Cup and despite being 37 years old he shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.

He played a key role for Real Madrid in their LaLiga and Champions league double last season and could help Croatia defy the odds odds once again in Qatar.

Luka Modric was one of the stars of the 2018 World CupCredit: AFP

Bryan Ruiz

Once of Fulham fame, Bryan Ruiz now plays on home soil for Costa Rican top tier side LD Alajuelense.

The 37-year-old is more of a bit part player for Costa Rica these days and will likely have low expectations in a group containing Germany, Spain and Japan.

Bryan Ruiz is aiming to help Costa Rica pull off an upset like they did in 2014Credit: AP

Cristiano Ronaldo

The Manchester United star has been criticised by Portugal fans heading into the tournament but would love to silence the critics – just as he did at Euro 2016.

Ronaldo, 37, has lost his mojo this season but with Portugal considered a dark horse he could make his final World Cup one to remember.

Cristiano Ronaldo is aiming for the top prize in his fifth World CupCredit: AP

Luis Suarez

The Uruguay striker has tremendous World Cup pedigree having helped his team reach the semi-final in 2010 after handballing on the line against Ghana.

He then helped to knock out England in the group stages in 2014 and although he is now 35, he has rediscovered his form for Nacional and would love to bow out of the international stage with a bang.

Luis Suarez is often a big character at the World CupCredit: Getty

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Olivier Giroud

Giroud, 36, helped France win the World Cup in 2018 and could play a similarly valuable role for Didier Deschamps’ side this time around.

The AC Milan striker is battling to get into a France attack with Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe also in the squad.

Olivier Giroud was key for France in their 2018 World CupCredit: Getty


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


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