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      Why is the Dutch football team sometimes called Holland when the country is called the Netherlands?

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      LOUIS VAN GAAL’s Netherlands face Senegal, Qatar and Ecuador in the World Cup Group stages.The 2010 finalists will be hoping to lift the trophy after an impressive run of form ahead of the tournament.
      Winning seven matches and drawing three in 2022, Van Gaal’s side are unbeaten for the year as they head into the competition in Qatar.
      Holland coach Louis van Gaal is retiring after the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
      Their manager is set to retire at the end of the World Cup, with Ronald Koeman in line to replace him going into 2023.
      The Dutch side, who are often referred to as Holland, will be keen to send Van Gaal out on top.
      Read More World Cup
      Why is the Dutch football team sometimes called Holland when the country is called the Netherlands?
      The national football team has many names including the Netherlands, Oranje and Holland.
      However, the country itself remains named the Netherlands despite picking up the nickname of Holland.
      Memphis Depay will be hoping to fire the Netherlands to World Cup gloryCredit: AP
      In history, between the years of 1588 and 1795, the area of the Netherlands was called the Republic of Seven United Netherlands.
      In 1806, Napoleon appointed Louis as king and turned the country into a kingdom, with the area called ‘Holland’ being the largest contributor to the economy and wealth of the Netherlands.
      Most read in Football
      Those dealing with trade to the country were often dealing with the region of Holland, and this led to this being commonly used as a nickname to indicate the entire country.
      The name of Holland has stuck to this day and you will often hear their football team referred to as this. More

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      Who is Sardar Azmoun and why is he nicknamed the Iranian Messi?

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      IRANIAN forward Sardar Azmoun will be looking to fire his side out of Group B at the World Cup in Qatar.However, they will face a tough challenge after being drawn in a competitive group.
      Sardar Azmoun plays for Bayer Leverkusen in the BundesligaCredit: Getty
      The likes of Wales, England and the USMNT will be considered as the favourites to make it into the round of 16, but Iran will be hoping to upset the odds.
      If they are to stand a chance of making it to the knock-out stages, they will be counting on the performances of their key man – Azmoun.
      Read More World Cup
      Who is Sardar Azmoun?
      The Iranian forward came through the youth system in his native country of Iran before moving to Russia where he made his professional debut for Rubin Kazan in 2013.
      This saw him become the youngest ever ‘Legionnaire’, meaning Iranian playing abroad, in the history of Iran football, moving to Russia at 17.
      Sardar Azmoun is Iran’s best hope ahead of the World CupCredit: AFP – Getty
      Kazan received transfer offers from Arsenal, Liverpool and Zenit during his third season at Rubin Kazan before heading on loan to Rostov, where he kept them up with a goal in the relegation play-offs before extending his deal for the following season.
      He then completed a permanent transfer to Rostov in controversial fashion, with the Russian side triggering his buy-out clause before Rubin Kazan claimed he was still their player, before the Court of Arbitration for Sport had to rule on the case.
      Sardar Azmoun in action for Zenit against ChelseaCredit: Marc Aspland – The Times
      In 2017, he rejoined Rubin Kazan and remained there for two years before making the move to Russia giants Zenit Saint Petersburg, impressing as he netted 62 goals in 104 appearances.
      It was here he gained attraction from Europe, making the move to Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer in July 2022.
      Why is Sardar Azmoun nicknamed the ‘Iranian Messi’?
      Despite his 6’1 stature, the Iranian forward has drawn comparisons to Paris Saint-Germain’s Lionel Messi.
      This is due to the fact that he is widely recognised as the most decorated Iranian player in the European leagues.
      Most read in Football
      His skilful dribbling has seen fans from the Iranian national team hand him the nickname, while his goal scoring record is ever so impressive.
      Netting 41 goals in 65 games for his country heading into the World Cup, Iran will be hopeful of the 27-year-old leading them to glory in Qatar. More

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      Man Utd vs Sheriff Tiraspol: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time and team news for Europa League match

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      MANCHESTER UNITED return to Europa League action against Sheriff with the wind in their sails after recently snatching a point at Stamford Bridge.Former Real Madrid star Casemiro scored a stoppage time header to spoil Chelsea’s party.
      Casemiro scored late on to rescue a point for Manchester United against ChelseaCredit: AFP
      And as a result, United only remain a point off fourth-place Chelsea who both have ambitions of securing a top four spot at the end of the season.
      However, Erik Ten Hag’s side will need more than just a point if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the knock-out rounds as Group winners.
      But first, they’ll need to navigate their way past a Sheriff side who caused the Red Devils problems in the reverse fixture.
      When is Man Utd vs Sheriff?

      Manchester United entertain Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday, October 27.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK time.
      Old Trafford in Manchester will be the allocated arena for this match and it can host a staggering 74,310 spectators.
      The Red Devils escaped Moldova with a 2-0 win in the reverse Group E fixture.

      Cristiano Ronaldo got on the scoresheet last time out against SheriffCredit: Getty
      Read more on Man Utd
      What TV channel is Man Utd vs Sheriff on and can I live stream it?

      Manchester United vs Sheriff Tiraspol will be broadcasted LIVE on BT Sport 1 in the UK.
      Build up is set to get underway from 7:15pm UK time – 45 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscriptions holders of BT Sport can stream the entire action live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.

      What is the team news?
      Erik Ten Hag would have been delighted to see Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Anthony Martial all return to training earlier this week.
      Most read in Europa League
      However, Brandon Williams, Axel Tuenzebe and Donny van de Beek will still require more treatment.
      And in a major blow to club and country, French international Raphael Varane was forced off at Stamford Bridge in tears due to a knee injury.
      Elsewhere, Armel Zohouri will be forced to sit this one out having picked up a red card against Real Sociedad on matchday four.
      But Iyayi Atiemwen and Moussa Kyabou should both return to the fold after serving suspensions of their own last time out.
      Latest odds

      Man Utd to win 1/12
      Draw 19/2
      Sheriff to win 33/1

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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      PSV vs Arsenal: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time and team news for HUGE Europa League clash

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      ARSENAL will be desperate to get back to winning ways in their Europa League encounter against PSV Eindhoven.Stuart Armstrong’s second half strike saw the Gunners’ winning run go up in smoke at St. Mary’s.
      Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by SouthamptonCredit: Rex
      And Erling Haaland’s double against Brighton helped Manchester City to close the gap on the league leaders down to just two points.
      However, Mikel Arteta’s side now need to readjust their focus on securing a point against PSV which would see them finish top of Group A with a match to spare.
      But the Dutch giants haven’t lost at home since a disappointing 1-0 defeat in the Champions League play off to Rangers, way back in August.
      When is PSV vs Arsenal?

      PSV Eindhoven roll out the red carpet for Arsenal on Thursday, October 27.
      It is scheduled to kick off a little earlier than usual at 5:45pm UK time – 6:45pm local time.
      Philips Stadion in Eindhoven, Netherlands is the allocated arena for this match and it can host approximately 36,500 fans.
      Arsenal scraped a 1-0 victory from PSV when the sides met last in the reverse fixture.

      Granit Xhaka’s sublime right-foot strike fired Arsenal into the knock-out roundsCredit: AFP
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      What TV channel is PSV vs Arsenal on and can I live stream it?

      PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal will be broadcasted LIVE on BT Sport 2 in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 5:15pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscriptions holders of BT Sport can stream the entire action live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.

      What is the team news?
      Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy received a huge injury boost as Noni Madueke, Mauro Junior and Luuk de Jong will be available having missed last week’s defeat at the Emirates.
      Most read in Europa League
      However, the PSV boss will remains without Yorbe Vertessen, Marco van Ginkel, Ismael Salibari, Kjell Peersman and Olivier Boscagli.
      Meanwhile, Mohamed Elneny and Emile Smith Rowe continue to be long-term absentees, while Oleksandr Zinchenko is edging closer to a return.
      But Mikel Arteta could be tempted into resting a number of key players with qualification already in the bag.
      Latest odds

      PSV to win 17/10
      Draw 5/2
      Arsenal to win 7/5

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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      Barcelona vs Bayern Munich: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time and team news for CRUCIAL Champions League clash

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      BARCELONA are in need of three points against Bayern Munich to stand any chance of progressing to the Champions League last-16.The Spanish giants were on the verge of crashing out in San Siro when Robin Gosens drilled home what looked to be an Inter Milan winner.
      Robert Lewandowski threw Barcelona a life line with his late doubleCredit: Reuters
      But Robert Lewandowski’s late double ensured that Barcelona could live to fight another day.
      However, Xavi’s side face an uphill task of needing to beat table topping Bayern – who they have already lost to in this campaign.
      And the Catalonians will also need to hope that rock-bottom Viktoria Plzen somehow manages to pull off a shock result in Milan.
      When is Barcelona vs Bayern Munich?

      Barcelona’s mouth-watering fixture against Bayern Munich takes place on Wednesday, October 26.
      It is scheduled kick off at 8pm UK time – 9pm local time.
      Nou Camp in Barcelona, Spain is the allocated arena for this encounter and it can host a staggering 99,354 supporters.
      Bayern comfortably beat Barca 2-0 the last time the sides met in September.

      Leroy Sane capped off a 2-0 win for Bayern over Barcelona last time outCredit: Getty
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      What TV channel is Barcelona vs Bayern Munich on and can I live stream it?

      Barcelona vs Bayern Munich will be broadcasted LIVE on BT Sport 5.
      Subscription holders of BT Sport can stream the match live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.

      What is the team news?
      Barcelona boss Xavi will be tempted to give Hector Bellerin a run out as full-back Sergi Roberto dislocated his shoulder on the weekend.
      Most read in Champions League
      Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Memphis Depay are also set to be out.
      But Gavi is expected to be available despite suffering a blow to his abductor.
      Elsewhere, Manuel Neuer, Lucas Hernandez, Leroy Sane and Bouna Sarr will miss the trip to Barcelona.
      However, it gives Julien Naglesmann the opportunity to go with a front three of Sadio Mane, Kinglsey Coman and Serge Gnabry.
      Latest odds

      Barcelona to win 13/10
      Draw 29/10
      Bayern Munich to win 9/5

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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      Napoli vs Rangers: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Group A Champions League match in Naples

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      RANGERS will be determined to restore some pride in their Champions League fixture against Napoli – but they face an uphill battle.The Scottish giants were humiliated 7-1 by out-of-form Liverpool in their last European outing despite taking the lead.
      Rangers were thrashed 7-1 by Liverpool in their last Champions League outingCredit: Getty
      And it was a result that meant Rangers are yet to register a single point in this season’s competition.
      However, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side can still secure a Europa League spot and they trail third-place Ajax by only three points.
      But Ranger come up against a Napoli side who have gone unbeaten since the start of their 2022/23 campaign.
      When is Napoli vs Rangers?

      Napoli entertain Rangers on Wednesday, October 26.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK time – 9pm local time.
      Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Naples, Italy is the allocated arena for this match and it can host 54,726 fans.
      The Scottish giants were embarrassed on their own turf 3-0 when the sides last met and they also went down to ten men.

      James Sands was sent off in the reverse fixtureCredit: AFP
      Read more on Champions League
      What TV channel is Napoli vs Rangers on and can I live stream it?

      Napoli vs Rangers will be broadcasted LIVE on BT Soort 4 in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 7:15pm UK time – 45 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscription holders of BT Sport can stream the match live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.

      What is the team news?
      Napoli head coach Luciano Spalletti will be delighted to have seen Victor Osihmen return from injury with a winner against Roma on the weekend.
      Most read in Champions League
      However, Amir Rrahmani and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s thigh injuries are expected to keep them out.
      Meanwhile, Giovanni van Bronckhorst will still have a number of key players missing for this huge fixture.
      Glen Kamara, Tom Lawrence, Ianis Hagi, John Soultar, Ryan Jack, Connor Goldson and Filip Helander all look set to be unavailable.
      But on a positive note, Alex Lowry and Kemar Roofe recently returned to action and could be involved in the visitors squad.
      Latest odds

      Napoli to win 1/5
      Draw 11/2
      Rangers to win 13/1

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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      Champions League round of 16 draw: How to watch, format and qualified teams

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      NOTHING beats the anticipation of finding out who your team will be paired against in the Champions League last-16 – until you get a bad draw.Champions Real Madrid remain on course to retain their trophy having secured qualification with two games to spare.
      Antonio Rudiger’s last-gasp brave header secured Real Madrid’s last-16 spotCredit: AFP
      Club Brugge qualified for the knock-out rounds having held Atletico to a 0-0 drawCredit: AP
      And Club Brugge’s early progression to the knock-out rounds has stunned the world when you consider who they have had to deal with in Group B.
      But when is the round of 16 draw and who else has qualified?
      When is the Champions League round of 16 draw?
      The highly-anticipated Champions League round of 16 will be taking place on Monday, November 7.
      It is scheduled to get underway 11am UK time – 12pm local time.
      Read More on Champions League
      The House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland is the chosen venue for where the draw will take place.
      Where can I watch the Champions League round of 16 draw?
      Fans can tune into the Champions League draw on UEFA’S official Youtube channel.
      Or as an alternative, the draw will be broadcasted on the UEFA’S official website.
      How does the Champions League round of 16 draw work?
      The draw features 16 teams – the winners and the runners-up from each of the eight Champions League groups.
      Most read in Champions League
      There will then be a seeding pot formed consisting of the eight group winners while the other seeding pot is set to include the eight runners-up.
      No team can play a club from their group or and side from their association.
      Group winners will play away in the round of 16 legs first and are at home in the return fixtures.
      Who has qualified so far?
      Reigning champions Real Madrid have secured themselves a spot and they’ll be joined by the champions of England Manchester City. More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul vs Anderson Silva undercard: Who is fighting on huge Arizona card?

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      JAKE PAUL takes on Anderson Silva this weekend in a massive step-up fight for the YouTube star’s boxing career. Paul, 5-0, last fought against Tyron Woodley in December 2021, knocking him out in spectacular fashion.
      GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 13: Jake Paul and Anderson SIlva pose together during a Jake Paul v Anderson Silva press conference at Gila River Arena on September 13, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Silva, however, is an MMA legend and is one of the greatest champions in UFC history, and he also has boxing experience.
      The Brazilian beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr last year and provides a real threat to Paul’s unbeaten record.
      It’s all set up to be an entertaining evening of action – with a decent undercard to boot as well.
      Who is on the Paul vs Silva undercard?
      Much of the star power of the night will be with the main event in Paul vs Silva.
      But NFL star Le’Veon Bell is also in action as he takes retired UFC fighter Uriah Hall.
      And lightweight prospect Ashton Sylve also takes to the ring to face Braulio Rodriguez.
      Elsewhere on the card, heavyweight Jeremiah Milton, Chris Avila and Adrian Rodriguez are in action.

      Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva
      Ashton Sylve vs. Braulio Rodriguez
      Alexandro Santiago vs. Antonio Nieves
      Le’Veon Bell vs. Uriah Hall
      Mikhail Varshavski vs. Chris Avila
      Jeremiah Milton vs. Quintin Sumpter
      Danny Barrios Flores vs. Edgar Ortiz Jr.
      Adrian Rodriguez vs. Dominique Griffin
      Eliezer Silva vs. Phillip Carmouche

      🥊 Jake Paul vs Anderson Silva: Ring walk time, live stream, TV channel, undercard for toughest test
      Most read in Boxing
      How to watch Paul vs Silva
      Paul vs Silva will be shown live on Fite TV PPV in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the Fite TV app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The event will cost £17 to watch on PPV.
      The ring-walks for the main event will get going from around 4.30am UK time on Sunday, October 30. More