More stories

  • in

    Who is Serbia’s Japanese assistant manager Katsuhito Kinoshi and why does he sing the national anthem?

    SERBIA are no doubt one of the dark horses for the 2022 World Cup, with the Europeans having some tricks up their sleeves.Everyone is aware of the quality that Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic possesses, having netted 9 Premier League goals going into the World Cup.
    Katsuhito Kinoshi and Dragon Stojkovic have a strong relationshipCredit: Instagram: coach_kino

    But could the real secret weapon for Serbia be in the form of their patriotic assistant coach?
    We have all the information on Katsuhito Kinoshi, his background and why he sings the national anthem for a country that he isn’t born in.
    read more world cup
    Who is Katsuhito Kinoshi?
    Kinoshi is the current assistant manager for Serbia and acts as the second in command to Dragon Stojkovic.
    His coaching career began in his native country back in 2003 after being appointed as fitness coach at Omiya Ardija before climbing the ladder in Japan.
    Under a year after being appointed at Omiya Ardija, Kinoshi joined Yokohama FC where he took the role as assistant manager and fitness coach until 2008.
    Serbia are looking to shock the world in QatarCredit: Instagram: coach_kino

    However, it wasn’t until his next club where he met Stojkovic and built a bond with the head coach.
    Moving to Nagoya Grampus, Kinoshi initially joined as the fitness coach before being promoted to the role of assistant manager after six years.
    He oversaw 278 games with Stojkovic before the Serbian departed and Kinoshi became assistant manager to Akira Nishoni.
    Katsuhito Kinoshi has become a fan favourite after showing his patriotism to SerbiaCredit: Instagram: coach_kino

    However, this would not be the last time that Stojkovic and Nishoni worked together as the manager came in for his former fitness caoch when he took over at GZ R&F in China.
    Kinoshi reunited with Stojkovic and the pair enjoyed a further 141 matches together before they departed and once again started working together, this time with the Serbia national team.
    This move made the Japanese coach the first from his nation to ever be on the coaching staff of a European team.
    Why does Katsuhito Kinoshi sing the Serbian national anthem?
    Fans will notice that when the national anthems of each side are sung during the World Cup, Kinoshi is pictured on the sidelines singing the anthem.
    Most read in Football
    Despite being from Japan, he can be seen loud and proud belting out the words to the Serbian national tune.
    And this is all down to his pride at being the first coach from Japan to be on the backroom staff of a European side.
    Showing patriotism for a country that is not his own, the coach feels at one with his players and the nation when representing them and as a mark of respect and a show of his dedication, he participates alongside the manager, players and fans in singing the anthem. More

  • in

    Switzerland vs Cameroon: TV channel, live stream FREE and kick-off time for 2022 World Cup Group G clash

    SWITZERLAND open up their 2022 Qatar World Cup campaign against African giants Cameroon.The Swiss scraped through the 2018 group stages finishing runners up to five-time champions Brazil.
    Granit Xhaka was unable to guide the Swiss through the last 16 in the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Cameroon’s last World Cup game was a 3-1 defeat to Brazil in 2014Credit: AP:Associated Press
    Only to be sent home by Swedish attacker Emil Forsberg’s 66th minute deflected effort in the round of 16.
    But Granit Xhaka and co will be determined to not let lightning doesn’t strike twice despite them being paired in the same group with Brazil once again.
    However, their first encounter against serial AFCON winners Cameroon could be a tough one as they’ll be hungry to make up for not being involved in the Russian World Cup edition.
    What time does Switzerland vs Cameroon kick off?

    Switzerland’s opening clash with Cameroon will take place on Thursday, November 24.
    It is scheduled to kick off at 10am UK time – 12pm local time.
    Al Wakrah Sports Complex in Al Wakrah, Qatar is the allocated arena for this fixture and it can host around 40,000 spectators.
    This will be the first time these two countries encounter each other competitively.

    Read More on World Cup
    What TV channel is Switzerland vs Cameroon on and can it be live streamed?

    Switzerland vs Cameroon will be broadcasted LIVE on ITV in the UK.
    Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action live via the ITV website or ITV hub.
    The ITV hub is available to download onto your mobile or proffered tablet device.

    Most read in Football
    Can I watch Switzerland vs Cameroon for FREE?
    Yes! Switzerland’s first 2022 World Cup clash against Cameroon is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license. More

  • in

    Uruguay vs South Korea: TV channel, live stream FREE and kick-off time for 2022 World Cup Group H clash

    URUGUAY begin their 2022 Qatar World Cup journey with a tough test against Asian giants South Korea.La Celeste were unfortunate to come up against the eventual winners France at the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals stage.
    Luis Suarez failed to guide Uruguay past 2018 World Cup winners FranceCredit: EPA
    Son Heung-min’s 2018 strike against Germany wasn’t enough to send South Korea throughCredit: AFP or licensors
    Goals from Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann was enough to send the Urguyan’s home early following a hard fought campaign.
    However, Diego Alonso will be hoping that the French defeat can give his side that fire in their belly this time round – especially all-time top goal scorer Luis Suarez whose club future is up in the air.
    But first, Uruguay have to navigate Son Heung-min and co who are determined to make it out of the group stages for the first time since 2010.
    What time does Uruguay vs South Korea kick off?

    Uruguay are all set to take go up against South Korea on Thursday, November 24.
    It is scheduled to kick off at 1pm UK time – 3pm local time.
    Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar is the designated arena for this encounter and it can host around 45,350 fans.
    South Korea scraped a 2-1 win when the sides last met in an 2018 friendly but haven’t won any of the other seven games before that.

    Read More on World Cup
    What TV channel is Uruguay vs South Korea on and can it be live streamed?

    Uruguay vs South Korea will be broadcasted LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
    Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action live via the BBC Sport website or BBC iPlayer app.
    The BBC iPlayer app is available to download onto your mobile or preferred tablet device.

    Most read in Football
    Can I watch Uruguay vs South Korea for FREE?
    Yes! Uruguay’s opening World Cup clash with South Korea is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license. More

  • in

    Misfits Boxing 3 fight card and live stream guide: Hasim Rahman Jr vs Vitor Belfort headlines, Fangs vs 6ar6ie6 on show

    BOXER Hasim Rahman Jr faces MMA legend in a HUGE bout to headline the Misfits Boxing 3 card in Texas this weekend.The fight was originally set for October but now tops the massive show in Austin instead.
    How the big card is shaping up
    Second generation star Rahman Jr, 31, has a pro record of 12-1, and was set to face Jake Paul earlier this year in September.
    A dispute over the weight for the fight meant it was called off at late notice.
    While Brazilian MMA star Belfort, 45, beat Evander Holyfield inside one round in a big exhibition bout last year.
    YouTube sensations King Kenny and Deen the Great are also on a STACED bill in the US.
    Read more boxing
    When is Misfits Boxing 3?
    Misfits Boxing 3 takes place on Saturday, November 19.
    The Moody Center in Austin, Texas, plays host.
    What live stream and TV channel is Misfits Boxing 3 on?
    Misfits Boxing 3 will be broadcast live on DAZN.
    DAZN costs £7.99 per month for subscribers.
    Vitor Belfort battered Evander Holyfield last year
    What is the Misfits Boxing 3 fight card?
    Hasim Rahman Jr vs Vitor Belfort
    Josh Brueckner vs Chase DeMoor
    King Kenny vs DK Money
    Deen The Great vs Walid Sharks
    Minikon vs Nick Joseph
    Fangs vs 6ar6ie6
    Brandon Buckingham vs Ice Poseidon
    Most read in Boxing More

  • in

    Who is Yunus Musah and could he have played for England at The World Cup?

    THE World Cup is upon us, and Gareth Southgate has a large pool of talented players to choose from, but could teenage superstar Yunus Musah have been one of them?Each country is allowed to bring 26 players on the plane to Qatar with the England manager yet to announce his final selection as he looks to whittle down a 55-man preliminary squad.
    Yunus Musah playing for Valencia CFCredit: Alamy
    Players in contention will be hoping to impress in their final club matches before the tournament gets underway on November 21.
    Some players, such as Yunus Musah, had the option to play for more than one country at Qatar.
    Who is Yunus Musah?
    Yunus Musah is a 19-year-old USA midfielder who plays for La Liga side Valencia.
    Musah started his career at Arsenal but was moved on in 2019 after seven years at the academy.

    The wonder-kid has since made over 80 appearances for ‘Los Che’ and become the youngest non-Spanish player to score for the club.
    The Gunners may regret letting the creative midfielder leave North London, as might England.
    Yunus Musah was at Arsenal for seven years before moving to SpainCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Could he have played for England?
    Musah was born in New York, where his mum was on holiday at the time.
    He then moved to Italy with his Ghanaian parents until the age of nine, before residing in London.
    Musah represented England at several U21 levelsCredit: Getty

    Musah represented England at under 15, U16, U17 and U18 level, captaining the Young Lions along the way.
    But in 2020, the USA snapped him up for the national side. Musah now looks set to play against England in the group stages.
    Most read in Football

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

  • in

    Why does Wales have a red dragon on the flag?

    THE Welsh flag has become a symbol of national pride for the country, with it’s dragon appearing all over Wales.Rob Page’s side have qualified for the World Cup for the first time in over 60 years, with supporters desperate to see the likes of Gareth Bale in action in Qatar.
    Rob Page has led Wales to their first World Cup since 1958Credit: Getty
    Wales captain Gareth Bale scored two goals in the play-off semi-final against AustriaCredit: Reuters
    They are up against fierce rivals England in group B, with the big showdown scheduled for November 29.
    The players will wear a red dragon on their shirt and the reason behind it is very interesting.
    Where does the Welsh dragon originate from?
    The red dragon originates from an ancient Welsh legend involving a Celtic king named Vortigern.
    After finding a place to build his castle on the hills of Dinas Emrys, Vortigen was warned that his plans for the castle were directly above an underground lake, where two dragons were sleeping.

    Upon starting the building, Vortigen came across two dragons, one red, and one white.
    After a fierce battle, the red dragon won and has gone on to represent a symbol of Welsh pride and independence.
    A later excavation in 1945 found castle ruins and evidence of a lake dating back to Vortigen’s time. Perhaps, dragons aren’t just a myth after all.
    Why does Wales have a red dragon on the flag?
    The red dragon was depicted in various battles by British soldiers on their way to Rome in the fourth century.
    Welsh kings later adopted the emblem to show their authority and power.
    Ivor Allchurch wears the red dragon on his chest in 1957Credit: Hulton Archive – Getty
    Wales last played at the World Cup in 1958 where Pele’s goal for Brazil knocked them outCredit: AFP – Getty

    The country’s first official use of the flag is thought to be during the thirteenth century, during the Battle of Bosworth Field in England.
    Today, the dragon is a symbol of national pride and fearlessness, with the Welsh football team hoping to match it’s meaning at this year’s Qatar World Cup.
    Whereas the Welsh rugby team use the Prince of Wales’ feathers as their logo, the football team have adopted the red dragon for the last century and happily make it their monkier.
    Wales’ national anthem is also one of the most famous in the world and will be belted out at the World Cup for the first time since 1958.
    Most read in Football

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

  • in

    How to watch Oman vs Germany and what is the team news for World Cup warm-up?

    GERMANY will test themselves against Oman ahead of their 2022 World Cup campaign this winter.Hansi Flick’s side will play the clash a week before their World Cup opener against Japan.
    Ilkay Gundogan will be looking to keep up his fine international form after scoring against England in the last international breakCredit: Alamy
    The Germans will be looking to get a positive result and minutes in the tank for their stars ahead of the international tournament in Qatar.
    And we have all the news ahead of their final match before competing on the world stage.
    Read More World Cup
    When is Oman vs Germany?

    Oman vs Germany takes place on Wednesday, November 16.
    The match will get underway from 5pm UK time.
    Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Oman is the venue for the clash and can hold up to 34,000 spectators.

    How can I watch Oman vs Germany?

    Unfortunately, Oman vs Germany is not being televised in the UK.
    However, you can keep up with all the action with our live blog below.

    What is the latest team news?
    Striker Abdulaziz Al-Muqbali will likely start in attack, his sides top goal scorer while Harib Al-Saadi will be looking to add to his 44 caps with an appearance against the European giants.
    Most read in Sport
    Flick will look to hand minutes to his squad ahead of the World Cup but also find his best line-up ahead of the tournament.
    Chelsea forward Kai Havertz could be named in attack, as has been the preference in recent times.
    Former Cobham and now Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala could have earned his way into the German’s plans as Germany look for victory in their last match before the World Cup. More

  • in

    How can I watch UAE vs Argentina and what is the team news for the World Cup warm-up?

    ARGENTINA will play their final match ahead of the 2022 World Cup when they face the United Arab Emirates this week.Lionel Messi will be in action as he looks to rally the troops ahead of their World Cup campaign in Qatar, with their sights firmly set on the trophy.
    Lionel Messi will be looking to lift the World Cup for his countryCredit: Getty
    However, Messi is yet to lift the trophy since his debut for Argentina and knows that this year could be the last opportunity to do so in his career.
    And we’ve got all the information ahead of Argentina’s final clash before the tournament in Qatar.
    Read More football
    When is UAE vs Argentina?

    The clash will take place on Wednesday, November 16.
    UAE vs Argentina kicks off at 3:30pm UK time.
    The match is live from the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
    The stadium can hold up to 42,056 spectators and has previously hosted the Club World Cup final.

    How can I watch UAE vs Argentina?

    Unfortunately, the match is not being televised in the UK.
    However, you can keep up with all the action with our live blog below.

    Lautaro Martinez will likely lead the attack for ArgentinaCredit: Getty
    What is the latest team news?
    UAE coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena will not be leading his team to the World Cup but will select a strong team as they look to defeat Argentina.
    However, with another friendly against Kazakhstan on Saturday, the UAE could field a rotated XI.
    Most read in Football
    As for Argentina, Lionel Messi is joining up with the squad this week but it would be a surprise to see him start, with the PSG star looking likely to feature from the bench.
    There could be place for Paulo Dybala in the line-up as he looks to gain match fitness after an injury scare threw his World Cup dream into doubt. More