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    Where Lionel Messi’s 15 wonderkids picked out to be future superstars are now, including Mason Mount

    IN 2020, Lionel Messi picked out 15 young stars to watch – but where are they now?The PSG superstar, 35, named his favourite wonderkids for a Topps ‘Lionel Messi Designed Set’ card pack.
    We look at how the 15 youngsters Messi picked out as ones to watch have fared in the year that followedCredit: Reuters
    Messi selected a hatful of young English talent among his crop – with no fewer than FOUR Three Lions stars making the grade.
    But the 15 youngsters have endured very different years since Messi’s announcement.
    Take a look at where they are now, one year on…
    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
    Alexander-Arnold has struggled a bit for consistency since his epic riseCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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    MESSI got a first-hand view of the Liverpool right-back’s talent in the 2018-19 Champions League.
    Alexander-Arnold, 24, was in blistering form as the Reds thumped Barcelona 4-0 in the second-leg of their semi-final clash – and even took the corner leading to Divock Origi’s winning goal to send them to the final.
    Still Liverpool’s No1 right-back, Alexander-Arnold has faced criticism over his defensive ability in the last few seasons.
    But with key Liverpool players, it’s little wonder consistency has been hard to come by.
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    HOUSSEM AOUAR
    Houssem Aouar excelled for Lyon in his first full seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
    LINKED with a move to Arsenal, Aouar has captained Lyon and already won cap for France.
    Technically superb, the versatile midfielder, 24, was expected to complete a big-money move to another of Europe’s giants in 2021.
    However, a loss of form and questions about his temperament emerged.
    Most recently, Nottingham Forest reportedly tried to bring him to the Premier League.
    FRENKIE DE JONG
    Frenkie De Jong is still waiting to find his top form at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    A former team-mate of Messi, the Argentine knows all about De Jong.
    The Dutchman, 25, moved from Ajax following their run to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-final.
    While De Jong is yet to replicate his top form at the Nou Camp – time is certainly on his side.
    Man Utd thought so, anyway, and were desperate to sign him in the summer. However, he snubbed their offer – preferring to stay at Camp Nou.
    MOUSSA DEMBELE
    Moussa Dembele moved to Atletico Madrid on loan in 2021Credit: Alamy Live News
    THE French striker, 26, joined Atletico Madrid on loan from Lyon with a view to a permanent move back in 2021.
    But, he failed to impress Diego Simeone – and was soon back to France.
    The ex-Fulham and Celtic forward was rated one of Europe’s most-sought-after stars after a sensational three-year spell in France.
    Dembele has scored 69 times in 159 matches in all competitions for Lyon.
    JOAO FELIX
    Joao Felix is slowly starting to find his feet at Atletico MadridCredit: Reuters
    ANOTHER Atleti forward, Diego Simeone added Felix to his squad for a record £113million in 2019.
    But the 23-year-old has failed to live up to the hype expected of him.
    A poor return of 33 goals in 129 games and has meant Simeone is ready to cut his losses.
    Man Utd are one of the clubs that have been linked with the fallen wonderkid.
    PHIL FODEN
    Phil Foden has been in exceptional form for Man CityCredit: AFP
    THE Manchester City star, 22, is making a name for himself across Europe.
    As well as Messi, Foden has garnered praise from the likes of Arsene Wenger.
    Under Pep Guardiola, Foden has flourished and become a full international.
    The clamour for him to be England’s main man at the World Cup was too much for Gareth Southgate to resist – and he inspired the Three Lions to a 3-0 win over Wales.
    KAI HAVERTZ
    Kai Havertz has struggled mightily since his £70m move to Chelsea last summerCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
    AFTER Messi’s comments, Havertz teased clubs across Europe by showing off his unquestionable talent at Bayer Leverkusen.
    After Chelsea opted to splash £70m on the midfielder/forward, Havertz, 23, was expected to take the next step.
    The German star has blown hot and cold for the Blues, showing glimpses of his talent – but never on a consistent level.
    LUKA JOVIC
    Luka Jovic tried to rekindle his form back at Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: EPA
    SIGNED by Real Madrid from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019, Jovic’s career has really stalled.
    The Serbian, 24, scored just twice in 21 LaLiga games before being shipped back on loan to Frankfurt last year.
    Jovic scored twice off the bench in his first game back in the Bundesliga – but didn’t exactly pull up trees.
    Los Blancos cut their losses in the summer – flogging him to Fiorentina where he has seven goals in all competitions this season.
    JOSHUA KIMMICH
    Joshua Kimmich continues to prove he is one of the best players in the worldCredit: AFP
    HARDLY a wonderkid at the time of Messi’s revelation – Kimmich was already 25.
    The German feels like he’s been around for a decade already and is easily one of the best players on the planet.
    The versatile star can play in midfield or at right-back and has already won 74 international caps, while helping Bayern Munich to a famous Treble last season.
    Kimmich was part of the Bayern team who trounced Messi’s Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-final, even getting on the scoresheet.
    KYLIAN MBAPPE
    Kylian Mbappe is arguably the best striker on the planet at presentCredit: AFP or licensors
    QUITE possibly the best striker on the planet right now, Mbappe has scored a sensational 190 goals in 237 league games for Paris Saint-Germain.
    The 2018 World Cup winner, 22, was set to move to Real Madrid last summer, but snubbed the LaLiga giants for a bumper £300million contract with the French club.
    Now he is his country’s greatest light at the World Cup in Qatar.
    EDER MILITAO
    Eder Militao is yet to earn himself a regular spot in the Real Madrid XICredit: Getty Images – Getty
    HAVING moved to Real Madrid from Porto in the summer of 2019, huge things were expected of the Brazilian, who was handed a SIX-YEAR contract.
    Militao, 24, has shown flashes of talent after breaking into the first team last campaign.
    But Militao can’t dislodge Thiago Silva and Marquinhos in the Brazilian national team.
    MASON MOUNT
    Mason Mount has been in superb form for a struggling Chelsea this seasonCredit: Tom Jenkins/ The Guardian
    A FUTURE Chelsea – and possibly even England – captain, Mount has been superb for the Blues.
    Mount, 23, bizarrely seems to split fans – but has shown grit, determination and extraordinary talent in a struggling Chelsea team.
    The midfielder has gone from strength-to-strength since Messi comments.
    It’s expected Mount will go on to forge an incredible partnership with the likes of Declan Rice, Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Phil Foden for England in what’s increasingly looking like another ‘Golden Generation’.
    BENJAMIN PAVARD
    Benjamin Pavard is a key member of Bayern Munich’s rampant squadCredit: EPA
    MESSI was never going to leave the Bayern Munich man out of his list.
    After all, Pavard, 26, scored the goal of the tournament as France knocked Argentina out of the 2018 World Cup at the last-16 stage with a sensational strike in a 4-3 win.
    The versatile defender is now a regular in the Bayern XI, playing 140 Bundesliga games since joining from Stuttgart in 2019.
    CHRISTIAN PULISIC
    Christian Pulisic needs to fully recover from his injuries to show his true talentCredit: PA
    DESPITE struggling with injuries, Pulisic has shown fans – and Messi – just what he can do.
    Chelsea always seem to look more dangerous with the American, 24, in the team.
    Pulisic has also led the USA’s charge in Qatar.
    JADON SANCHO
    Sancho starred at Borussia Dortmund, but has struggled since moving to Man UtdCredit: EPA
    OF all the players on Messi’s list, Sancho has arguably been the most disappointment.
    The Man Utd star, 20, was the subject of the longest-running transfer saga ever, seemingly in 2021.
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    Sancho eventually joined in a deal worth a staggering £73million.
    But he has been a big disappointment at Old Trafford – which culminated in being dropped from Southgate’s World Cup squad. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo still wants to play in Champions League and hopes World Cup can attract elite team, says Piers Morgan

    CRISTIANO RONALDO wants to play in the Champions League after leaving Manchester United.That’s according to Piers Morgan, who adds the Portugal star hopes to attract an elite side with his World Cup performances.
    Cristiano Ronaldo wants to join a Champions League club after leaving Man UtdCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Ronaldo, 37, is a free agent after sensationally leaving United last month.
    His contract was mutually terminated following a bombshell interview with Morgan on TalkTV.
    And Ronaldo is now on the hunt for a new club as he seeks more trophies.
    So far, the only concrete offer he’s received is from Saudi Arabia.
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    Al-Nassr are willing to make Ronnie the best-paid athlete in history with a £173million-a-year salary on a 36-month deal.
    But it appears the veteran has his sights set on remaining in Europe.
    Chelsea continue to be linked with a move for Ronaldo, with owner Todd Boehly a huge fan.
    Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have also been tipped to possibly offer short-term deals, despite both clubs claiming to not be interested.
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    According to Morgan, Ronaldo sees himself joining one of Europe’s top clubs as he chases yet another Champions League title.
    And the Portugal star reckons it will be a done deal if he can lead his country to World Cup glory in Qatar.
    Morgan told the Telegraph: “He thinks that if he does well at this World Cup, he’ll get what he really wants, which is a club in the Champions League that extends his record and his legacy.
    “It’s not about money at this stage of his career. 
    “It comes down to a burning desire to play football at the highest level, to break records and win trophies.
    “And he has done that in more countries than any other player in history.” More

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    Juventus 1 Arsenal 1: Miedema nets as Gunners stay top of Champions League group by denying Juve a win in Turin

    JONAS EIDEVALL praised Vivianne Miedema’s fighting spirit after Arsenal survived a scare against Joe Montemurro’s Juventus. Just as it looked as if the Gunners’ were in for another unfortunate night after their loss Manchester United, the striker netted to seal a 1-1 draw. 
    Vivianne Miedema ensured Arsenal shared the spoils with Juventus in their third Champions League Group C gameCredit: Getty
    The Arsenal striker netted a 61st-minute equaliser against JuveCredit: Getty
    Miedema’s second-half equaliser saw the WSL’s all-time top scorer net for the first time since bagging a brace against Tottenham at the Emirates in September. 
    Her goal on Thursday night came three weeks after she was granted time off for rest by club and country before the Gunners’ 4-0 defeat of Leicester on November 6. 
    The Netherlands star was also absent from her nation’s 2-0 and 4-0 friendly defeats of Denmark and Costa Rica. 
    Of Miedema being given time off for a recharge, Arsenal chief Eidevall said: “I think it’s always (about) striking the balance with freshness and having continuity in the training and playing.
    “You obviously need to strike that balance.”
    On the Arsenal ace’s first goal in the Champions League group stages, Eidevall added: “I’m very pleased with her goal. 
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    “You could see that Viv was really fighting hard today together with the team on the pitch and that’s what we need. 
    “You could see in tough moments in the game, where we kept thinking positively, we kept thinking about the next action, we kept thinking team first and that was really pleasing to see.”
    Arsenal, who have been battling with injuries with skipper Kim Little and Beth Mead, among their key players crocked, had the majority of shots on target.
    Stina Blackstenius was through on goal twice in the first half forcing a top drawer block from former Gunners goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin in the 38th minute. 
    And Caitlin Foord forced another last ditch save earning a corner in the opening moments in the second half.
    But Eidevall’s side were caught with a counter-attacking sucker punch with Juve taking the lead at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
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    And they did so with a clinical finish from Miedema’s Netherlands team-mate Lineth Beereynsteyn who was put through by Cristiana Girelli. 
    But Arsenal, eager to ensure they did not fall to a second match loss in five days, hit back in the 61st minute. 
    Frida Maanum’s corner-kick found Miedema who headed home before Peyraud-Magnin denied Foord a dramatic late winner.
    The 1-1 finish ensures Arsenal remain top of Group C before their December 7 clash with Juve at the Emirates. 
    And it denied former Gunners’ boss Montemurro the chance to get one over his old club who hope to return to winning ways in the WSL against Everton next Saturday.
    Lineth Beerensteyn put Juventus 1-0 up in the 52nd minuteCredit: Getty More

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    Katie McCabe says Beth Mead injury is ‘a massive loss’ for Arsenal and pays tribute to former boss Joe Montemurro

    KATIE MCCABE says Arsenal will do their utmost to support Beth Mead after admitting it was ‘devastating to see her sustain an ACL injury. The Gunners forward, 27 is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering damage to a knee ligament last Saturday. 
    Katie McCabe says Arsenal’s players are rallying around Beth Mead following her anterior cruciate ligament injuryCredit: Getty
    Arsenal are yet to confirm how long Mead will be sidelined as a result of her ACL injuryCredit: Reuters
    The WSL star, who won the Euros Golden Boot after helping the Lionesses win the tournament in July, was forced off by injury during Arsenal’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United at the Emirates. 
    Her club, who play Juventus in Italy tonight, will also be without skipper Kim Little and forward Lina Hurtig. 
    The duo are also sidelined due to injuries along with defenders Leah Williamson and Rafaelle.
    The centre-backs are currently working their way back to fitness. 
    The Gunners hope to complete a hat-trick of Group D wins in their third Champions League group stage game.
    McCabe, 27, told reporters: “It’s devastating for (Beth) coming off the pitch with an injury like that. She’s been so important for us over the last few years. 
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    “The high she was on at the minute in terms of her personal achievements, having such a good Euros and a great start to the season for us.”
    Mead, who netted six goals at the Euros and finished as the WSL’s third highest scorer last season, has made an impressive start to this term. 
    The Arsenal star notched up three goals and four assists in seven top-flight appearances and a brace during the Gunners’ 5-1 demolition of Lyon in October.
    McCabe added: “She’s going to be a massive loss, but we’ve got a fantastic medical team at the club and they’ll be doing their utmost to try and get her back (to full fitness).
    “Beth has got great support in our team and we’ll be rallying around her for sure.”
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    Arsenal’s game against Juve will see the club’s players go up against former boss Joe Montemurro, 53, for the first time since he left the Gunners at the end of the 2020-21 season. 
    Since then the Australia-born head coach guided his side to a trophy treble with the club winning a Serie A title, the Italian Cup and the Italian Women’s Super Cup last season. 
    Juve, who reached the quarter-finals of last season’s Champions League, are currently unbeaten across all competitions this term. 
    Under Montemurro they have gone eight games unbeaten at home in Europe this season.
    McCabe has made 100 appearances for the Gunners since her 2015 move from Irish side Shelbourne.
    And she credits her former Arsenal boss for believing in her talent during her early years at the club. 
    The Republic of Ireland star had at one stage considered leaving the WSL title chasers after a 2017 loan spell at Glasgow City. 
    However the Gunners offered her a contract extension and the versatile winger has flourished ever since. 
    Arsenal’s players are due take on a Juventus side managed by their former boss Joe MontemurroCredit: Getty
    McCabe added: “I’m looking forward to seeing him because I’ve not seen him in a while. 
    “I’ve got the utmost respect for Joe and how he helped me grow as a player within the Arsenal set-up when I came back from loan. 
    “He’s a big, big part of my career.” More

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    Emma Hayes praises Cuthbert’s commitment after Chelsea thwart Real Madrid in Europe before WSL duel with Leicester

    ERIN CUTHBERT may not like it when fans say she ‘only scores bangers’. But her stunning effort helped Chelsea stay top of their Champions League group by overcoming a stubborn Real Madrid side.  
    Erin Cuthbert has notched up one goal and one assist in two Champions League appearances this termCredit: Getty
    Sophie Ingle opened the scoring for Chelsea as the Blues netted twice against Real Madrid at KingsmeadowCredit: Alamy
    It was a hardfought 2-0 result in a game at the WSL leaders’ Kingsmeadow home that until the 67th minute looked on course to end as a stalemate. 
    That was until Sophie Ingle broke the deadlock for the hosts before Cuthbert put the win beyond doubt with a Champions League goal of the season contender. 
    And Hayes believes the Scotland star’s strike is a fine example of her commitment to Chelsea’s cause with her side chasing their first trophy win in the tournament.
    Hayes, 46, whose aces take on Madrid in Spain next month, said: “I don’t think there was a blade of grass she didn’t cover. She was outstanding. 
    “There was a tenacity to her performance that we’ve all come to expect, but by signing her contract, for me that confirms her commitment to the club.”
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    Chelsea went close to opening the scoring in the first half with Niamh Charles’ cross causing problems for Madrid keeper Misa Rodriguez. 
    Just as it looked as if the duel would end as a scoreless draw, Ingle sparked fresh life into the game powering home a 67th-minute header following Cuthbert’s delivery and Millie Bright’s flick-on.
    And the Scotland ace doubled the Blues lead from the right touchline with her strike flying over Madrid keeper Rodriguez and into the back of the net.
    It was a hell of a finish that saw the WSL leaders, who play Leicester on December 3, notch up their first win against a Spanish club after seven attempts. 
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    And Hayes, who strengthened her ranks with some impressive summer signings including ex-Lyon centre-back Kadeisha Buchanan, believes this is the best team she has managed to date. 
    The Chelsea chief added: “I thought two years ago we had a decent amount of experience, but this team is on another level.
    “I’ve said it before, this is the best team I’ve had.”
    Emma Hayes and her Blues will play Leicester City in the top tier before a December 8 clash with Madrid in SpainCredit: PA More

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    Who is the Uruguay vs South Korea referee Clement Turpin at Word Cup 2022?

    THERE will be a familiar face in the middle for Uruguay’s opening World Cup game against South Korea.Clement Turpin is a hugely experienced referee and was in charge for the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid last season.
    Turpin is only 39 but has over 10 years’ experienceCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Who is Clement Turpin?
    Turpin is one of the most experienced whistlers heading to this summer’s tournament.
    The Frenchman began in the National league in 2006, taking just two years to reach Ligue 1 and the highest rung in the domestic ladder.
    In 2010 he was given Fifa listed status, meaning he could branch out into Europe.
    Since then he has reffed in 2014 and 2018 World Cup qualifiers and was in the middle during Euro 2016 in his home country.
    Turpin was in the middle for last month’s Europa League finalCredit: PA
    You may recognise Turpin from the Europa League final in Gdansk last year, where he was ably assisted by Jérôme Brisard and Benjamin Pages.
    Those two assistants have worked with the Frenchman for years.
    Ahead of the 2021 match between Man Utd and Villarreal he said: “I feel very proud.
    “Not only for myself, but also for my assistants, who have accompanied me for a number of years, and for all referees in France.
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    “I never said to myself that I would referee a European final one day.
    “From the start, I preferred to set myself small targets and challenges along the way.
    “I’ve never had a particular role model as a referee, but I’ve watched other referees and taken little bits of what they do and incorporated them into my own refereeing.”
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    Millie Bright relishes Real Madrid battle and backs calls for more away ends in the Women’s Super League

    MILLIE BRIGHT hopes to see more away ends in the women’s top tier following the intense atmosphere at Chelsea’s last game in Europe.And the Blues vice-captain, 29, is relishing taking on Caroline Weir for the first time since the Scotland star’s July move to Real Madrid.
    Millie Bright says away sections in women’s football are important for momentum in the gameCredit: Getty
    The fans of Albanian side Vllaznia created a raucous atmosphere when their team took on Chelsea at Kingsmeadow in OctoberCredit: Getty
    Tonight Chelsea will play their first Group A game against Real Madrid whose squad includes Caroline WeirCredit: Alamy
    Bright was speaking ahead of Chelsea’s first-ever Women’s Champions League group stage clash with Madrid this evening.
    The Group A game at Kingsmeadow comes four weeks after the Blues trounced Albania side Vllaznia 8-0 at the ground.
    Despite the score their opponents’ enthusiastic away fans provided raucous support throughout the encounter.
    The Albanian club’s fans had been allocated a section behind a goal at the Blues’ fortress which their supporters had pretty much filled.
    Bright said: “I think every player will agree that we want that in the women’s game.
    “It’s intense, but that’s what you want games to be like.
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    “It can change the game and can sway momentum for or against.
    “The fans enjoy it, and it shows what football in Europe is all about and we want to bring that to the WSL as well.”
    Uefa’s Women’s Champions League regulations stipulate that clubs competing in the competition should ‘make at least five per cent of the total capacity of their stadium available exclusively to visiting supporters in a segregated, safe area’.
    However, in the women’s domestic game in England, separate sections for away fans are not offered by all clubs.
    Some away visitors have had to set up accounts on the websites of the home teams their clubs are playing in order to buy tickets.
    And some visiting supporters have found themselves sitting with home fans rather than having the option of a designated section.
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    It is an issue that a number of supporters groups, including Manchester United Women’s Supporters Club, hope to see addressed with the introduction of away ends.
    On Saturday more than 1,000 Red Devils supporters were clustered in a section of the Emirates cheering their team’s 3-2 defeat of Arsenal in the league.
    Chelsea boss Emma Hayes and Ian Wright are among the leading figures in the sport who back the idea of away sections at WSL games.
    Hayes, 46, said: “It’s probably the thing I’ve screamed for the most, I’ve wanted the most.
    “I’ve always felt we have to separate into certain sections, it creates atmosphere. For fan safety, it has to be that.
    “Watching the Man Utd-vs-Arsenal game and seeing the Man Utd fans there in their numbers; this is what has to happen going forward.
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    “Everything that’s happening is a notch up from where the game has been.
    “I think that inevitably this time next year it won’t be a conversation we’re having because I imagine those things will be in place.”
    This evening will see Chelsea take on Real Madrid for the first time ever in the Champions League.
    The Liga F giants, currently third in Spain’s top tier, have lost just once in 12 games across all competitions this season when they fell to a 4-0 home defeat against Barcelona this month.
    Everybody knows Caroline’s technical ability and the magic that she can perform, but we’re just focusing on ourselves.Millie Bright on Caroline Weir
    Tonight’s game will see Weir, 27, in action against Chelsea for the first time since the Blues beat her former side Man City in the FA Cup final in May.
    Bright added: “She’s a wonderful player and she’s gone to a new level since she has been out there
    “Everybody knows her technical ability and the magic that she can perform, but equally, we’re just focusing on ourselves.
    “We know Real Madrid’s threats but equally, we know us and we’re just ready for the game.
    Weir has notched up four goals and three assists in seven games for Real Madrid in Spain’s top divisionCredit: Alamy
    “We’re expecting them to be aggressive with great energy and an attacking presence.
    “We’ve got to be switched on defensively. It’s going to be an interesting game.
    “I think it’s going to be a feisty (game) and certainly one that we’re ready for.”
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    What is a semi-automatic offside and will it be used in the World Cup 2022?

    OFFSIDE calls has been one of the major talking points at the winter World Cup in Qatar – but it’s not all down to the referees.FIFA have reportedly spent the last three years testing its semi-automatic offside tool.
    Referees can now get assistance from the semi-automatic VAR tool
    And it has now been in use at the 2022 World Cup on multiple occassions.
    But what is the semi-automatic offside tool?
    What is a semi-automatic offside?
    The semi-automatic offside tool is a piece of technology being introduced to make VAR decisions quicker and more accurate.
    It will be done by a system using computer tracker of 29 body parts of each player, combined with a microchip inside the ball.
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    This is expected to determine the positions of the players at the exact moment the ball has been played.
    So in the case of an offside situation, the video operations room will receive an automated alert alongside an automatic selected point and an instant drawn lines within seconds of the incident.
    Match officials will then have to validate the proposed selected kick point and the drawn offside line before VAR communicates the final decision on the pitch.
    Extra VAR officials will be in charge of calling offsides with the algorithm providing a 3D animation to explain a call in a average of 25 seconds.
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    And that illustration is then available on the giant screens within the stadium and for TV viewers to take a look at in the next stoppage of play.
    Has it been used in the World Cup?
    The 3D animation was deployed in the first match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador.
    Enner Valencia’s opening strike was ruled out for offside within the first three minutes of the match.
    Argentina also saw THREE goals disallowed in their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia courtesy of the semi-automatic VAR.
    Where else has it been used?
    The semi-automatic offside technology was initially meant to be rolled out for the opening fixture of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
    However, UEFA have stolen a march on FIFA as it was deployed in the Super Cup fixture between Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt.
    Karim Benzema’s goal was ruled out due to the semi-automatic VAR systemCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    And now, it has been revealed that they will use the new tool in this season’s Champions League.
    What has been said?
    FIFA’S head of refereeing mentioned that: “There is a talk of robot referees, it looks good but it’s not true. On-field referees will continue to be decisive.
    “Semi-automatic offside will only be used when a player who is offside touches the ball. If there is interreference in play, it will be the referee’s decision.”
    UEFA’S refereeing chief Roberto Rosetti also had a say and he believes that the semi-automatic offside technology will be beneficial to the match officials, players and fans.
    Rosetti said: “We are constantly looking for new technological solutions to improve the game and support the work of the referees. 
    “This innovative system will allow VAR teams to determine offside situations quickly and more accurately, enhancing the flow of the game and the consistency of the decisions. More