Explainers

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend Hannah Atkins and how long has she been dating the Liverpool star?

      by

      TRENT Alexander-Arnold hasn’t quite hit the heights of last season, coming under criticism from fans after a poor start to Liverpool’s campaign.However, the England star’s love life seems to be on the up, dating partner Hannah Atkins.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold is part of the England squad in QatarCredit: AFP
      Liverpool have had a difficult start to the Premier League season, sitting in sixth place, 15 points behind leaders ArsenalCredit: The Times
      Alexander-Arnold hasn’t always been top of Gareth Southgate’s list, only making 17 appearances for the national side.
      However, with injuries to Reece James and Ben Chilwell, the Liverpool right-back looks set to play an important role at the World Cup.
      Read More on Wags
      Who is Trent Alexander’s girlfriend Hannah Atkins?
      Hannah Atkins keeps her personal life under wraps, even opting for a private account on Instagram.
      Alexander-Arnold is also yet to confirm that they are dating, choosing to focus on football when using social media.
      Most read in Football
      However, the pair were pictured together in Ibiza this summer, enjoying a romantic getaway.
      They were also spotted having lunch last year in Cheshire, following an injury to the Liverpool star that kept him out of Gareth the squad for the Euros.
      How long have they been dating?
      It is tough to put a timeline on the couple’s relationship. However, they have been snapped together since 2020.
      Alexander-Arnold was also rumoured to be dating Dua Lipa last year.
      However, he soon quashed the story, labelling it the ‘strangest gossip’ he has ever heard about himself on a podcast with fellow Liverpool full-back, Andy Robertson.
      Alexander-Arnold was rumoured to be dating pop star Dua Lipa last yearCredit: Getty
      Trent-Alexander Arnold has no children, unlike team-mates Declan Rice and Phil Foden.
      With no wedding plans on the horizon yet, the Liverpool star looks to be focusing on his football.
      And when he’s not playing, he has Hannah Atkins to keep him company. More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson and how long has she been dating the Arsenal star?

      by

      BUKAYO Saka has become one of England’s brightest prospects in recent years, and is likely to be key to Gareth Southgate’s World Cup plans.The Arsenal star appears to have some further support off the pitch too, dating long-term partner Tolami Benson.
      Tolami Benson on her InstagramCredit: Instagram
      Who is Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson?
      Tolami Benson is 22-years of age, making her one year older than Bukayo Saka.
      Benson, who has 6,000 Instagram followers, is regularly spotted on social media relaxing on holiday, sometimes with the Arsenal ace by her side.
      Read More on World Cup
      She is also quite the Gunners fan, posting pictures of herself in the shirt as well as following the club on Instagram.
      Tolami Benson wears an Arsenal jersey on her InstagramCredit: Instagram
      How long have they been dating?
      The pair are thought to have started dating in late 2020 but have kept their relationship secret until recently.
      They do not share pictures of them together, and don’t even follow each other on social media.
      Most read in Football
      Dating rumours started when Benson posted a picture with someone in a mask last year.
      Tolami Benson on Instagram, with who fans believe is Bukayo SakaCredit: Instagram
      Their romance was later uncovered by fans in February, when the pair shared individual photos of themselves on a yacht in Dubai.
      However, neither are yet to actually confirm their relationship. More

    • 125 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Costa Rica national anthem: The Himno Nacional translated into English

      by

      THE World Cup is looming and many players have already made the trip to Qatar.Among those competing for World Cup glory are Central American side Costa Rica.
      Costa Rica beat New Zealand in the play-off final 1-0 to book their place in QatarCredit: AFP
      18-year-old Jewison Bennette has become a feature of Luis Fernando Suárez’s new-look sideCredit: Getty
      Fans will have fond memories of 2014, when they beat Uruguay and Italy to top their group.
      Head coach Luis Fernando Suárez will be hoping to surprise again this year. To do so, they will have to navigate past both Spain and Germany in a difficult Group E.
      Read More on World Cup
      What are the lyrics to the Costa Rica national anthem?
      The Himno Nacional de Costa Rica was written by José María Zeledón Brenes, and made official in 1949.
      However, the music has been in place since 1852.
      The anthem reflects the country’s peaceful attitudes, and decision not to deploy an army.
      Here’s how it goes:

      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup

      Verse 1
      Citizens, the sun of the freehas risen radiantly to the zenith;its splendour gives us the breathto win for the Fatherland or die.
      Verse 2
      Costa Rica broke the chainsthat bound her to foreign power;she let loose her own flag to the windand founded the empire of law.
      Verse 3
      Liberty proclaimed enthusiastically,Liberty in order and good;she girded the garland of progresson her virgin and innocent temple!
      Most read in Football
      Chorus
      The ambition of a suspicious foreignertried to submit her to the yoke,outraged, the peoples rose up,and they cried: “Back off, invader!”
      And Walker’s enraged troopslistened, tempering their voices,for over them, the heroic battles,Costa Rica nailed her banner.
      Verse 4
      For long years thereupon heavenwanted to give us happiness and peaceand in its benign shadow, progressfounded national wealth.
      Verse 5
      Constant and active workgave the people, generous, breadand Guardia was, the circumscribed duty,Of the right of the people, the guardian.
      Chorus
      The greed of jealous brothersagitated in constant restlessness:let us not consciously livein peace, progress and light;
      And they challenge us to a fratricidal fightpreparing the traitorous arquebus;Come, then, so that injustice never More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      When is the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony, TV channel, how to stream FREE and who will be performing in Qatar?

      by

      WE are closing in on the highly-anticipated winter World Cup in Qatar – and fans can expect to see a great show before the opening match THIS WEEKEND.Host nation Qatar is scheduled to face a tough Ecuador side on the first day.
      Robbie Williams performed at the 2018 World Cup opening ceremonyCredit: Reuters
      But before the big kick-off, there are the usual formalities which include an opening ceremony.
      And SunSport has all the information on where it will be and who could be performing.
      When is the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony?
      The winter World Cup opening ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, November 20.
      It is expected to get underway at 3pm UK time – one hour before the Qatar vs Ecuador which kicks off at 4pm UK time.
      Read More on World Cup
      Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of the capital of Doha is the allocated arena for this huge fixture.
      And Al Bayt Stadium can host around 60,000 spectators.
      How can I watch the opening ceremony?

      The opening ceremony will be broadcast live on TV in the UK.
      You can watch this on BBC One, where they will also be showing Qatar vs Ecuador after the ceremony.
      If you have a TV licence, you can stream the opening ceremony on BBC iPlayer or via the BBC Sport website.

      Who will be performing at the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony?
      Bollywood star Nora Fatehi has officially been confirmed which is a big moment for the Indian entertainment industry.
      The other artist confirmed for the ceremony is BTS singer and K-Pop star Jung Kook.
      Most read in Football
      Reports suggest that hip-hop artists Black Eyed Peas and J Balvin will be performing.
      Shakira is a strong candidate to get on stage having already had World Cup soundtrack experience with her “Waka Waka (this time from Africa)” song for the 2010 edition.
      Shakira’s Waka WakaCredit: Getty
      Nigerian artist Kizz Daniel is another name mentioned as well as American rap idol Lil Baby.
      But British fans will be disappointed to hear that Dua Lipa, who was claimed to be performing in the opening ceremony of the most prestigious tournament, has rubbished these rumours.

      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is referee Szymon Marciniak and how many World Cups has the Pole officiated at?

      by

      REFEREE Szymon Marciniak will also be looking to represent his country in an exemplary fashion at the World Cup.The Pole is one of the most experienced and respected in world football.
      Credit: Bongarts – Getty
      Marciniak has taken charge of Man City, Liverpool and Spurs games in the Champions League
      Who is Szymon Marciniak?
      Born in Plock, Marciniak had an odd path into refereeing.
      Starting out as a player, he was so incensed at being sent off in one match that he told the referee in a foul-mouthed tirade that he was the worst he’d ever seen.
      And the official replied: “If you think you can do better – you try it!”
      So he did.
      Marciniak rose through the amateur ranks to make his Ekstraklasa debut in 2009.
      He become a Fifa-listed referee in 2011, which made him eligible for selection at Europa League, Champions League and internationals.
      After taking charge of the Under-21 Euro 2015 final, he made his major championship bow the following summer in France.
      There Marciniak reffed Spain vs Czech Republic, Iceland vs Austria in the group stage, as well as Germany vs Slovakia in the knockout phase.
      Russia will be the Pole’s first experience of a World CupCredit: Reuters
      A ref less than a decade, the Polish whistler has established a reputation as card happyCredit: EPA
      Most read in football
      Has he officiated at the World Cup before?
      This will be the Pole’s second experience of a World Cup, after getting his cards out at Russia 2018.
      He has Euro 2016 experience under his belt – but took charge of Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs games in this season’s Champions League.
      At World Cup 2018 he reffed Argentina vs Iceland and Germany vs Sweden.
      He also took charge of the Uefa Super Cup match between Real and Atletico Madrid in 2018.
      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World CupWorld Cup 2022 LIVE: Latest news and updates from Qatar
      World Cup schedule: What are the kick-off times for all the matches?
      World Cup prize money: How much does each winner earn?
      Who are the ITV pundits and commentators?
      Who are the BBC pundits and commentators?
      Meet England’s World Cup wags who are staying on a £1bn cruise ship More

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is referee Danny Makkelie, how many major tournaments has Dutchman refereed at?

      by

      OFFICIAL Danny Makkelie is back on the world stage and is seen as one of the best referees on the planet.The Dutchman, a former policeman, was in charge for England’s Euro 2020 semi-final between England and Denmark.
      Makkelie has been selected as a VAR assistant for the World CupCredit: AFP – Getty
      He was also the ref for Finland’s defeat to Russia in the group stages.Has he officiated at major tournaments before?
      A former police inspector, Makkelie will accept no messing about in the Wembley match-up.
      He was first listed as a FIFA referee in 2011 and at 38 years old, still has plenty of seasons under his belt.
      Before this tournament, Makkelie was the referee for the 2020 Europa League final between Sevilla and Inter Milan, but this is his first major international tournament in the middle.
      What else has he done so far?
      Makkelie made his Eredivise debut in 2009 and has gone on to make over 180 appearances across nine seasons.
      He took charge of five Champions League fixtures in 2019, including the quarter-final first leg when Barcelona beat AS Roma 4-1.
      The Dutchman was blasted by the Italians’ boss Eusebio di Francesco for denying them a penalty in that game, but it proved irrelevant as Roma heroically won the second leg 3-0 to progress on away goals.
      Makkelie has also been involved in the Europe League, officiating 11 matches from 2012 to 2017.
      Most read in sport
      Has he used VAR before?
      The Dutchman has been involved in two major controversies with the VAR system.
      Makkelie became the first referee to send-off a player using the technology after he changed his yellow-card decision to a sending off against Willem II’s Anouar Kalu in a KNVB Cup game in 2016.
      He was also involved in one of the most famous and controversial usages of VAR when he took charge of the Dutch Super Cup final between Feyenoord and Vitesse.
      During that match, Feyenoord saw a goal disallowed and a penalty awarded to Vitesse instead after a VAR review showed Makkelie should have given the spot kick before the goal was scored.
      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World CupWorld Cup 2022 LIVE: Latest news and updates from Qatar
      World Cup schedule: What are the kick-off times for all the matches?
      World Cup prize money: How much does each winner earn?
      Who are the ITV pundits and commentators?
      Who are the BBC pundits and commentators?
      Meet England’s World Cup wags who are staying on a £1bn cruise ship More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      What is England’s World Cup ITV curse, and how have Three Lions results fared on BBC and ITV?

      by

      ENGLAND supporters will be hoping the Three Lions can give them a World Cup trophy as an early Christmas present this winter.And the announcement of their first match being broadcast on BBC ONE has filled fans with joy.
      England players trying to cool themselves down as they prepare for their World Cup opener
      What is England’s ITV curse?
      Compared to when England are shown on the BBC, the Three Lions have a lousy competitive record on ITV.
      Since France 98, England have played 27 games at the World Cup.
      They’ve won twelve of these matches.
      Fourteen of those games have been shown on the BBC – and just TWO games shown on ITV have been won.
      And the ‘curse’ struck again when England were knocked out by Croatia in 2018 which was shown live on ITV.
      England went crashing out to Croatia during the 2018 World Cup on ITV
      How have Three Lions results fared on BBC and ITV?
      Call it coincidence or what you will, but the stats speak for themselves.

      The BBC has shown 14 games with a record of 10 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats
      ITV has show 13 games with a record of 2 wins, 6 draws and 5 defeats

      During the group stages in Russia the BBC showed England’s wins over Tunisia and Panama.
      ITV were in charge for the defeat against Belgium.
      Ian Wright will be one of the pundits on ITV this winter
      Gareth Southgate will be eager for his men to break this ITV curse in Qatar alongside going one step further than the Euro 2020 by lifting the World Cup trophy. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Why do England have Three Lions on their badge, and has the badge always been the same?

      by

      ENGLAND’s badge is one of the most unique in international football.The iconic Three Lions and ten red roses feature on this summer’s World Cup strip, along with a star representing the 1966 win on home turf.
      England’s iconic Three Lions badge and ten red rosesCredit: Alamy
      Why do England have Three Lions on their badge?
      ENGLAND are representatives of the Football Association – and therefore use their emblem on their shirts.
      That happens to be the Three Lions crest and was first used in 1872 when England played Scotland in the first ever international.
      The lion is a huge part of English history and can be traced back to the time of King Henry I and Richard the Lionheart.
      The great Stanley Matthews wearing England strip in 1954Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Banners sporting three golden lions were ridden into battle by Richard and every monarch following him has them on their Royal Coat of Arms.
      When the FA was formed the crest was designed to show that heritage – and has been a feature of England jerseys ever since.
      Because it is officially a royal emblem, the FA had to ask permission to use it with the team.
      You will notice that the crest also features 10 red roses and some believe that they hark back to the War of the Roses between Yorkshire and Lancashire.
      A young England fan shows her support for the team outside the Samara ArenaCredit: PA:Press Association
      Has the badge always been the same?
      THERE has been just one major change in the last 146 years.
      The England cricket team share the same badge and the two were difficult to differentiate between.
      Before 1949 the football version had crowns on the lions, but these were removed.
      Otherwise, the design – save for a few cosmetic differences – has remained since 1872. More