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      Why aren’t Italy at the 2022 World Cup?

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      ITALY are absent from the 2022 World Cup and everyone is asking the same question – why?Roberto Mancini’s men were ever so impressive during Euro 2020 and gained plaudits for their performances.
      Italy celebrating after winning Euro 2020Credit: AP
      The Italians ended up winning the tournament, lifting the trophy at Wembley after beating England on penalties.
      However, just a year since the final, Italy are not taking part in the 2022 World Cup.
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      Why aren’t Italy at the World Cup?
      The Azzurri are the most notable absentees from the World Cup along with the likes of Norway and Egypt.
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      Mancini would have been hoping to build on the foundations he laid after winning Euro 2020 but Italy have now missed two World Cups in a row.
      Italy had been on an impressive run of qualifying for every World Cup between 1962 and 2014, only failing to qualify for the tournament once in their history before missing out in 2018.
      Jorginho was in tears after failing to qualify for the World CupCredit: AP
      The Blues missed out again in 2022, falling to defeat against North Macedonia in a qualifying playoff match.
      The winner went on to face Portugal, who came out on top and earned their place for the tournament in Qatar.
      Facing England, Ukraine and North Macedonia in Euro 2024 qualifying, Italy will be hopeful of being present at the next European competition to defend their crown before attempting to make the 2026 World Cup. More

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      Why is the Qatar World Cup stadium called Stadium 974?

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      QATAR are hosting the 2022 World Cup over the winter months in a first of its kind tournament.Due to the severe hit in the Middle East, a decision was made for the tournament to take place during November and December as the top domestic leagues take a break to facilitate this.
      Stadium 974 has already attracted tourists in QatarCredit: Rex
      Stadiums have been constructed and several are unique as Qatar prepared for the tournament
      Much like the 2022 World Cup, Stadium 974 is unique and has never been seen before.
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      Why is the Qatar World Cup stadium called Stadium 974?
      Designed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects, the stadium is constructed on the waterfront in Ras Abu Aboud.
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      The modern stadium will first host Mexico against Poland on Tuesday, 22 November and will then host the likes of France, Brazil and Argentina throughout the tournament, as well as a round of 16 clash.
      The unique name is due to its never before seen design as the stadium incorporates 974 recycled shipping containers. This number is significant as 974 is the dialling code for Qatar.
      The stadium was previously called the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium before the change of name.
      Inside Qatar’s sustainable Stadium 974 ahead of the 2022 World CupCredit: Reuters
      These containers will contain amenities such as bathrooms and concessions, and will be dismantled after the World Cup.
      Once taken apart, the 40,000 seater sustainable stadium will use the seats and containers to assist other under-developing countries. More

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      Why is Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup?

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      QATAR are hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is taking place during the winter months.England will be looking for glory, hoping to push on from their semi-final defeat in the 2018 tournament in Russia.
      Gareth Southgate was in attendance at the 2022 World Cup draw, with England facing Iran, USA and WalesCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate’s men finished runners up in Euro 2020 also, and will be looking to bring home the World Cup in Qatar.
      Top domestic leagues take a break in order for the World Cup to take place in November and December this year, the first of its kind.
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      Why is Qatar hosting the World Cup?
      Back in 2010, Qatar clinched the rights to the World Cup in 2022 despite controversy surrounding their bid.
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      The Arab nation were up against USA, Japan, Australia and South Korea as they all bid to host the tournament in 2022.
      Qatar were seen as outsiders when the bidding process occurred but their public message based on attracting new football fans to the Middle East was in line with FIFA’s aim to expand world football.
      Qatar has been hit by World Cup fever ahead of the 2022 tournamentCredit: AFP
      Despite claims that Qatar had paid FIFA officials £3 million in bribes, they were cleared after a two-year investigation.
      Therefore, the Middle East nation are the host country for the 2022 tournament as 32 teams search for the trophy. More

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      Why is the 2022 FIFA World Cup in winter?

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      QATAR host the 2022 World Cup, and it will be the first of it’s kind – taking place in WINTER.Kicking off on November 20, Qatar will host Ecuador in the first game of the first ever World Cup in winter.
      England fell to defeat against Croatia in the semi-final of the 2018 World CupCredit: The Mega Agency
      England will start their campaign on the second day of the tournament when they face Iran before playing Wales and the USMNT in their group.
      Gareth Southgate’s men will be hoping to return from the tournament with the trophy after falling to defeat in the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
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      Why is the World Cup in winter?
      The World Cup will break up the 2022/23 season, taking place over the winter months in Qatar.
      Most read in Football
      This will be the first tournament to not be held in May, June or July.
      Being reduced to a timeframe of 29 days, FIFA confirmed the decision to play during the winter period back in 2015.
      Gareth Southgate will be looking to lead England to gloryCredit: AFP
      Due to the intense summer heat in Qatar, it would have been impossible to have players playing in such conditions.
      Therefore, the decision to play the tournament during a cooler period in the Middle East was confirmed as domestic leagues will be shut down for several weeks until the tournament is concluded. More

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      Is Leeds vs Arsenal on TV? Channel and live stream info, kick-off time, team news for Premier League clash

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      ARSENAL travel to Leeds this weekend aiming to extend their run at the top of the Premier League.With Manchester City taking Liverpool in the following game, the Gunners could open up a four point lead before the match at Anfield.
      Arsenal stunned Liverpool last time out
      Though should Arsenal fail to pick up all three points at Elland Road, City could finish the day top of the league.
      Leeds, on the other hand, have failed to win in their last five Prem games after a solid start to the campaign.
      The Gunners sealed a stunning 3-2 victory over Liverpool at the Emirates in their last Premier League game, with Bukayo Saka netting twice and Gabriel Martinelli scoring within ONE minute.
      Arsenal face a tricky Europa League tie against Bodo/Glimt over in Norway before they make the trip to Leeds.
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      When is Leeds vs Arsenal?
      Leeds vs Arsenal is taking place on Sunday, October 16.
      The match kicks off at 2pm.
      Elland Road plays host to the Premier League clash.
      What TV channel is Leeds vs Arsenal on?
      Unfortunately, Leeds vs Arsenal will not be broadcast live on UK television.
      Sky Sports are showing Aston Villa vs Chelsea at 2pm, and then Liverpool vs Man City at 4.30pm.
      BBC 5Live will have radio coverage of the game.
      Gabriel Jesus is set to play after being rested
      What is the Leeds vs Arsenal team news?
      Gabriel Jesus is being rested for Arsenal’s Europa League trip to play Bodo/Glimt in Norway.
      Bodo play on a plastic pitch, so Jesus is being rested for the tough trip to Elland Road instead.
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      How many goals has Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski scored for Poland?

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has been one of the most prolific goal scorers in Europe of his generation.The Poland star became one of the greats during his time at Bayern Munich after joining from Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund.
      Robert Lewandowski in action for BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Netting 344 goals in 375 appearances for the Munich side, Lewandowski was one of the top performers at club level.
      He has now joined Barcelona and will be hoping to keep the goals coming for Poland during the 2022 World Cup.
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      How many goals has Robert Lewandowski scored for Poland?
      Lewandowski made his Poland debut in 2008, two years before his move to Dortmund.
      Robert Lewandowski applauding Poland fansCredit: Mike Jones/News Images
      During his time with Lech Poznan, a young Lewandowski had clearly impressed to earn a chance in his national side before he departed his native country, scoring 20 goals in 41 games for Poznan.
      The forward has since earned the captains armband for Poland and leads by example for the national team.
      Most read in Football
      Lewandowski is the most capped Poland player of all time, with 134 matches under his belt at the time of writing.
      He also holds the record as Poland’s all-time top scorer with 76 goals during his time in the national team.
      The Barcelona forward will be looking to add to these stats during the World Cup in Qatar as they face Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Argentina during the group stages. More

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      When is the 2022 FIFA World Cup final?

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      WITH the first World Cup being held in winter, the final will take place on an unusual date in 2022.Qatar are hosting the World Cup this year, with the competition kicking off on Sunday, November 21 as the hosts take on Ecuador.
      England will be hopeful of lifting the 2022 World CupCredit: ©MI News & Sport Ltd
      England will kick-off their campaign full of hope as they face Iran on November 21, a 1pm kick-off UK time.
      The Three Lions will be hopeful of making the final, having reached the semi-final of the World Cup in Russia last time before falling to defeat to Croatia in Moscow.
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      When is the World Cup final?
      The final will take place just under a month following the opening game of the tournament.
      The Lusail Iconic Stadium will play host to the final match of the tournament, being the 64th game of the competition as two teams will battle it out for the trophy.
      Sunday, December 18 is the official date for the final, with kick-off set to begin from 3pm UK time.
      Most read in Football
      Gareth Southgate’s England will be hoping to come out victorious in Qatar, having finished as runners-up to Italy in Euro 2020 and fourth placed in the previous World Cup.
      The Three Lions must first overcome Iran, the USMNT and Wales if they are to qualify for the knock-out stages and look to reach the final. More

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      Has Poland’s Robert Lewandowski won the Ballon d’Or?

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI will go down as one of the greatest players this generation.The Poland international has been one of the most prolific scorers in European football over the last 12 years, joining Borussia Dortmund in 2010, where he netted 103 goals in 187 appearances.
      Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski gives instructions during the Champions League group C soccer match between Inter Milan and Barcelona at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)Credit: AP
      Joining league rivals Bayern Munich, Lewandowski cemented his place as one of the greatest players of his generation as he netted an incredible 344 goals in 375 matches in Munich.
      However, this summer saw the end to his spell in the Bundesliga as Lewandowski sought a new challenge, joining Barcelona in La Liga.
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      Has Robert Lewandowski won the Ballon d’Or?
      Last season, Lewandowski finished as runner up in the Ballon d’Or, with Lionel Messi claiming his 7th award ahead of the Poland star.
      This was the closest that Lewandowski has come to receiving the award.
      Robert Lewandowski has won FIFA’s Best Player award in recent seasonsCredit: AFP
      However, he was heavily tipped to win the Ballon d’Or in 2020, but the ceremony was called off due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a winner was never named.
      Despite being snubbed for the Ballon d’Or, Lewandowski was recognised by FIFA as he received the ‘Best Player’ award in consecutive seasons, with the ceremony taking place in January each year.
      Lewandowski has had his say on not winning the Ballon d’Or, stating that he’d prefer to win the FIFA award instead.
      Most read in Football
      “I’ve been thinking about these two awards lately: FIFA Best Player and the Ballon d’Or,” he said.
      “I’ve come to the conclusion that the FIFA award does matter more. Only journalists vote in the latter – there’s no clear verification.”
      Lewandowski is unlikely to win the Ballon d’Or in his career now, with Karim Benzema the clear favourite for the 2022 accolade. More