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      Why is Astana vs Chelsea kicking off at 3.30pm in the UK?

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      CHELSEA will be looking to continue their perfect record in the Conference League TONIGHT as they take on Astana.Many of the Blues’ fringe players are looking to break through to the first team after four straight wins in Europe.Chelsea have won all of their Conference League matches so far this seasonCredit: GettyLast time out, Chelsea easily brushed aside German side Heidenheim 2-0, with Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk getting on the scoresheet.Enzo Maresca’s men will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Conference League table this evening but face a tricky test in tough conditions.Not only will Chelsea travel eight hours on a plane to Kazakhstan minnows Astana, but they will be forced to play in horrific winter conditions – with temperatures dropping below 0.Why is Astana vs Chelsea kicking off at 3.30pm?Chelsea’s Conference League clash with Astana will kick off at a bizarre time in the UK.READ MORE IN CHELSEAThe match is set to get underway at the Almaty Ortalyk Stadium at 8.30pm local time, which is 3.30pm in the UK.Astana is five hours ahead of London – and with freak winter temperatures expected in Kazakhstan, the fixture cannot be played any later.European games usually kick off at either 5.45pm or 8pm in the UK – but all of Astana’s home games in the Conference League took place at 3.30pm last season.Chelsea face a quick turnaround of fixtures, with the Blues set to face Brentford at 7pm GMT on Sunday – and Maresca has hinted at several changes to his squad this evening.Most read in FootballThe Italian said: “Some of them will be here and some of them will fly with us. More or less, we try to manage in the same way we have done before today.”We have many young players, 17 players with us, and the rest will be here with us. Eight hours is not a normal time for a game, you know, but we have to go there, we have to play, try our best and thinking also about the next game.”How to watch Astana vs ChelseaAstana vs Chelsea will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2.You can live stream the match on discovery+.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog. More

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      Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing £19m car collection which features a rare £9m Bugatti and two luxury Rolls-Royces

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S car collection is the most formidable we’ve ever seen.The Portugal star, still going strong at 39, is raking in millions and loves adding cars to his garage.Cristiano Ronaldo boasts a car collection worth £19millionRonaldo’s £9m Bugatti Centodieci has appeared in Saudi ArabiaThe £400k Ferrari Purosangue was unveiled by Ronaldo earlier this yearCredit: Instagram @cristianoRonaldo was also gifted a BMW XM worth £164k by Al Nassr’s latest sponsorCredit: Instagram @cristianoIncredibly, he is now believed to be worth over £500million thanks to his bumper contracts over the years at clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and now Al Nassr.Ronaldo has made no secret of his love of cars, splashing an astonishing amount on them over the years.It is believed he has amassed a fleet worth over £19million, and that includes a new BMW XM Red Label that carries a £164,000 price tag – thanks to the German car giants now sponsoring Saudi club.Earlier this year, he showed off a dark blue Ferrari Purosangue worth £400,000 from his lavish home.Read more car collectionsBut the pick of his cars has to be a £9million Bugatti, that is one of only 10 ever made.While he also loves a Range Rover as his family car.SunSport takes a look at some motors decorating his amazing garage.Bugatti Centodieci, £9mBack in 2021, CR7 added the most extravagant and expensive car to his collection.Most read in FootballThe £9million Centodieci boasts an 8 litre W16 engine, with special models having 1600hp – some 100hp more than the Chiron and, overall, three times the price of that model. Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Cheshire home on sale for £5m with seven bedrooms, padel courts, pool and guest barnIt can do 0-62mph in just 2.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 236mph.His Centodieci has been spotted in Saudi.Ronaldo was recently seen in Riyadh behind the wheel of Range Rover’s new SUV.Bigger than the Evoque, but smaller than the Sport, it’s the perfect family car for the forward.It’s electric, so it’s good for the environment.It’s acceleration is quite slouchy though, measuring 0-62mph from 5.4 seconds.This stunning Range Rover Velar is now part of Ronaldo’s Middle East fleetAston Martin DBS, £200kWhen Ronaldo played for Manchester United, he turned heads at Carrington as he rocked up to the gates in an amazing Aston Martin DBS Superleggera convertible.The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera boasts a 5.2 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, providing a mind-boggling 715 hp.It has a top speed of 211mph, and can also go from 0-60mph in just 3.4 seconds.The car was certainly a worthy addition to Ronaldo’s stunning motor collection.When Ronaldo played for Man Utd, he had a Aston Martin DBSCredit: AlamyMercedes G-Wagon Brabus, £600What do you buy your boyfriend if he has everything?Well, if you’re Georgina Rodriguez you get a massive, gift-wrapped Mercedes-Benz G-Class.The gorgeous former shop assistant made sure CR7’s had the best birthday ever for his 35th – gifting him a stunning Mercedes G Wagon Brabus that can cost as much £600,000.And the brilliant SUV can reach top speeds of 137mph.This customised Mercedes G-Wagon was gifted to Ronaldo by Wag Georgina RodriguezBugatti Chiron, £2.15mIn 2017, Ronaldo’s need for speed saw the mercurial forward splash the cash on a stunning silver Bugatti Chiron.Incredibly, it can reach speeds of 260 mph, and does 0-60 in just under 2.5 seconds.As we said, he likes two of everything – and this was the second Bugatti he bought, although he denied buying a third  – the Bugatti La Voiture Noire.That was reckoned to be the most expensive car in the world EVER at £9.49million, and was snapped up by a mystery buyer.In 2017, Ronaldo bought a Bugatti Chiron – now worth over £2mBugatti Veyron, £1.7mOnly 450 Veyron 16.4 Grand Sports were built, so of course Ronaldo wanted a slice of that rarity pie.It cost him £1.7m, and the Portuguese legend bought the car as a treat after winning Euro 2016 with his country.Though the car was involved in a crash in 2022 in Majorca. The driver, who was reportedly not Ronaldo, lost control and the car skidded into a wall.The front of the Bugatti was believed to have been wrecked with investigators revealed no other vehicle was involved.The driver of the car did not suffer any injuries and signed an accident report.In 2022, Ronaldo’s Bugatti Veyron was involved in a crashLamborghini Aventador, £260kSimply because a Bugatti Veyron won’t fulfil Ronaldo’s love of fast cars, in the same year he bought that motor he splashed on a Lamborghini Aventador.Made in 2011, it’s the most celebrated model by the Italian car designer – and owned by footballers all over the world, not scared of the outlandish price.Ronaldo celebrated his purchase on Instagram in 2016, with a picture with the caption: “Bom dia (good morning)”.Ronaldo poses with his £260k Lamborghini AventadorCredit: Instagram @CristanoRolls-Royce Cullinan, £330kIn 2020, Ronaldo added a Cullinan to his collection, having previously owned a Rolls Royce Phantom worth around £363,000.Showing his loyalty to his new employers, CR7 even personalised the interior with black and white leather.Standing at five metres long, the Cullinan boasts a V12 engine and a horse power of 571.It is the only SUV Rolls Royce have ever produced.CR7 is a huge fan of Rolls-Royce and has a stunning CullinanFerrari F12 TDF, £350KIn 2017, Ronaldo bought an F12 TDF – another collector’s item with only 799 made in the world.It is certainly one of the favourites he owns, and is zippy with a top speed of 211 mph, and capable of doing 0-62 in 2.9 seconds.Needless to say, pet-friendly Ronaldo won’t let his pooches in though.A lover of supercars, this amazing Ferrari costs £350kChevrolet Camaro, £35kMaybe he learned something from Sir Alex Ferguson about American cars, after all the former Manchester United boss drove a Chevrolet to training when he was Red Devils manager.A more economic motor than others in his garage, the Camaro has a 6.2-litre V8 engine that delivers 453 horsepower.It’s cheaper than anything else he owns, and was bought in 2016 as a family car.Showing that he doesn’t have to always drive flashy cars, Ronaldo was seen in an affordable ChevroletMORE sport featuresMcLaren Senna, £1mA car made as a dedication to the legendary Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna, it would’ve set Ronaldo back around £1million – with only 500 models ever made.So enamoured by its performance on Top Gear, former presenter Jeremy Clarkson said of the McLaren Senna it has ‘rewritten the supercar rule book’.READ MORE SUN STORIESPowered by a twin-turbo charged V8 engine that produces 800 horse power, it can hit 0-62 mph in just 2.8 seconds.Mika Hakkinen is another sports star who owns one of these beauties.This McLaren Senna, worth £1m, was another Ronaldo’s favourite toys More

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      Sandro Tonali agent addresses transfer talk while Callum Wilson releases ’emotional’ 110-word statement after new injury

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      SANDRO TONALI’S agent has rubbished reports that he is unhappy at Newcastle and wants a return to Italy next month.The midfielder, 24, returned from the ten-month betting ban in September that scuppered his first season following his £55m move from AC Milan.Sandro Tonali’s agent insists that the star is happy at NewcastleCredit: GettyWith that now over, and despite some impressive displays of late for club and country, Tonali has still struggled to nail down a place in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.That led to speculation in Tonali’s homeland that Newcastle could look to offload him to help with PSR issues while there were also claims he was not happy in the North East and wanted a loan switch back to the San Siro.However, his agent Guiseppe Riso says: “Sandro is absolutely not considering to return in Serie A.“He’s happy at Newcastle, happy to play in the best league in the world and he’s an idol for Newcastle fans who’ve always supported Sandro in every moment.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMeanwhile, an “emotional” Callum Wilson vowed to do “everything in my power to rediscover the best version of myself” after his latest injury nightmare.Though his fresh setback has not changed Newcastle’s transfer stance in the January transfer window.The 32-year-old England international striker recently returned from a five-month lay-off with a back and hamstring problem and had been building up his fitness with four sub outings.But any hopes Eddie Howe had of Wilson being able to lighten the load on Swedish forward Alexander Isak have now gone up in smoke.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSI’m a former Newcastle striker who filled ex-England star’s car with rotten fish as revenge for him cutting up my clothes The ex-Bournemouth star, who becomes a free agent in June, is out for at least two months with a hamstring strain on his other leg.Wilson posted an emotional message to supporters on Thursday, saying: “Despite all the hard work I’ve put in pushing to get back to full fitness, I need to take a little step backwards unfortunately guys.“Frustrating as it is for everyone out there waiting for my return and to be able to help the team, these shortcomings also upset and frustrate me more than anybody else.“I will, and I am doing everything in my power to rediscover the best version of myself and finally get off this emotional rollercoaster, which I’m hoping 2025 will bring.“Appreciate the patience, love and support from all those closest that know how hard I really work and how professional I always am. Callum.”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story…That leaves Howe low on options in attack, with winger Anthony Gordon now being the main back-up in front of William Osula, 21, as backup to Isak.However, Sun Sport understands that will not lead to a move to bring in more reinforcements up front once the window opens – unless there are further injuries.Instead, the Magpies will continue to prioritise a new right-winger and also focus on strengthening their centre-half options.Callum Wilson has opened up on his latest injury nightmareCredit: Getty More

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      Cole Palmer’s funniest moments, from Chelsea star’s love of ‘chippy chips’ to deadpan interviews live on TV

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      HE is Chelsea’s talisman and is clearly loving life at the moment.On the pitch, Cole Palmer has fired the Blues into title contention with goals and assists.Cole Palmer has his own personal celebration, for being so chilled on the pitchCredit: GettyOff the pitch, several funny moments have established Palmer as comedy goldCredit: Instagram @colepalmer10Palmer hilariously halted an interview with Sky Sport to ask Marc Cucurella what he’d done with his bootsCredit: Sky SportsOff it, he has become a cultural phenomenon – with clips on social media drawing millions of views.Some of those videos involve Palmer being rinsed for not being smart, although that couldn’t be further from the truth – with the forward certainly in on the game.Brilliantly, the search word ‘Palmercore’ has been invented for fans to view a number of these amazing moments.Palmer most recently caused hilarity when he stopped a TV interview halfway through to quiz Marc Cucurella about his boots, following two costly slips that allowed Tottenham to score.Read more football newsMoments later, he was educated by Belgian TV on how the Panenka penalty earned its name.Needless to say, Palmer never knew who Antonin Panenka was – the scorer of the first chipped spot-kick in the Euro 1976 final for the Czechs against West Germany.It’s not the first time the England star has provided the laughs, as SunSport can reveal.Monkeying aroundAt the turn of the year, Palmer and his teammates were in Dubai for some warm-weather training.Most read in FootballEnjoying a bit of downtime, the former Man City man took a trip to the famous Dubai Safari Park.It was there he encountered a chimpanzee , which he was seen holding in a clip.Amusingly, the baby chimp wouldn’t sit still – and when it slapped it’s own hand it. made Palmer squeal.Chelsea Cole Palmer reveals his favourite post-match meal which includes ‘chippy chips’ Instantly, he handed the animal over to its handlers and ran off camera.Meal timeIn an interview with the BBC Sport, Palmer was asked what his favourite post-match meal is.Instantaneously and understandably, he chose a filling Chinese meal. Listing his order, he said: “Salt and pepper chicken, rice, not salt and pepper chips. Too much that.”Then he asked the interviewer, “You know chippy chips?””They have to be them chips, or you don’t get them. Curry sauce, noodles…”Happy with his answer, Palmer then nods towards the interviewer.He later posted a photo of his Panenka penalty against Spurs with the caption: “Chippy chips”.Cole Palmer reveals his love of ‘chippy chips’ on BBC SportCredit: YouTube/BBC SportBy ‘chippy chips’ he means thick-cut chips with curry sauceCredit: InstagramFishing for complimentsSometimes the best humour can be found in just doing nothing.Which is precisely what Cole did in his Burberry ad campaign.Now picture this; he’s starring in a series of ads alongside the likes of Olivia Colman, Barry Keoghan, Little Simz and Cara Delevigne.But it’s the footballer whose video on the fashion house’s YouTube channel that draws the most views.And what is the nine-minute video of? Just Cole, on his own, sat down, in peace, fishing.Occasionally, he’ll get up check his rod, fix his coat, but for most – he’s stood motionless.Behind the scenes, in the same shoot, Palmer also wowed fans with how he makes a cup of tea.Palmer mastered the art of silent comedy in a 9-minute clip for BurberryCredit: YouTube/BurberryBehind the scenes, Palmer showed the art of making the perfect cuppaCredit: TikTok @Burberryread more sport featuresLeave The Cold To ColeFresh off his success with Burberry, Chelsea did right to include Palmer in a Christmas campaign to support the homeless.It was called Leave The Cold To Cole, and was aimed at providing clothing for those sleeping rough.British rapper Central Cee was involved, as was Blues super fan Suggs from Madness.In the video, a young boy is seen walking through a snowy Stamford Bridge wearing a Chelsea shirt with Palmer’s name and number on the back.Palmer then appears by his side to put a coat over him and shelter the lad from the cold.Behind the scenes, Palmer was spotted on camera sharing a joke with Central Cee.”That kid nicked my jacket,” he’s heard saying as the Sprinter singer begins to laugh.In a Chelsea ad campaign supporting the homeless Palmer was front and centreCredit: X @vsrsusBehind the scenes, Palmer got a laugh out of rapper and Chelsea fan Central CeeBeauty expertOne of Palmer’s favourite words to use when he’s confused is, “What?”His sister Hallie drew it out of him when he appeared on her TikTok to answer her ‘girly questions’.She asked, “what’s the difference between bronzer and contour?”Some of Palmer’s replies were hilarious, as he answered the above: “How the f**k am I meant to know that?”But as the questions about make-up and clothes continued, Palmer started getting the answers right — much to his sister’s surprise.The two were left in fits of giggles.And after Palmer correctly guessed what a “kitten heel” was, he turned to the camera and said: “To everyone that says I’m dumb, I’m not dumb!”Hallie Palmer and Cole Palmer discussed beauty products on her TikTokCredit: TikTok @halliejenniferpalmerMore fun with CucarellaMany comedians have a sidekick.For funnyman Palmer, Spanish star Marc Cucurella is his – as was proven in an amazing clip.It appeared on Chelsea’s social and they were asked the meanings of BRB, AM, and PM.But Palmer didn’t know what PM stood for, causing him to issue a gawping: “What?”Cucurella giggled, before helping his mate out and saying the Latin phrase: “Post meridiem.”READ MORE SUN STORIES”Post what?” Palmer then said as everyone in the studio laughed.Whatever you do, Cole. Don’t change.Palmer was confused for what AM and PM stood forTeammate and comedy sidekick Marc Cucurella had to bail Palmer out More

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      Promising footballer, 17, dies on pitch during match as his Sheffield United star cousin pays touching tribute

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      A PROMISING teen footballer has died on the pitch during a match – with his Sheffield United star cousin paying tribute.Kaylen Dennis, 17, died during a Walthamstow Football Club match yesterday.Kaylen Dennis, 17, died during a Walthamstow Football Club match yesterdayLast night Kaylen’s cousin Rhian Brewster pointed his right finger up to the sky in a moving gesture mid-gameCredit: AlamyThe semi-pro club said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing away of one of our U23 players, Kaylen Dennis during a game.”We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates and everyone that knew him.”Last night Kaylen’s cousin and Sheffield United player Rhian Brewster pointed his right finger up to the sky in a moving gesture mid-game.He made the gesture after netting the first goal against Millwall at The Den during a Championship match.Read More SportRhian told BBC Radio Sheffield: “I want to dedicate that goal to my younger cousin. “He passed away earlier today before the game, so that’s one for him and the family.”It’s a very tough time for the family, but I played for him today, and I was very happy to come away with a goal, and that’s for him.”Coach Scott Chickelday said: “‘Heartbreaking to hear yesterday that a 17-year-old boy I had the pleasure of knowing with an unbelievable talent passed away on the football pitch yesterday.Most read in Football”Kaylen Dennis was not just a talented footballer but was a great character and person! God bless Kaylen fly high champ.”Kaylen’s youth team Ryan FC said: “We are so upset and devastated at Ryan FC.”Kaylen started playing for us at 13 and we watched him progress into senior football playing for our partner club Walthamstow FC.”His parents have been so supportive and all our thoughts are with them and their family.”Walthamstow Reserves DC said: “Words cannot describe how we feel about this news today.”A kid with the brightest future, beyond being a talented young footballer, he was a blessed young man.”Our football family will gather around his family during this difficult time. Rest in perfect peace Kaylen Dennis.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo adds stunning £164,000 luxury BMW to £19MILLION car collection as he’s gifted motor by Al-Nassr

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has added a new £164,000 luxury BMW to his incredible car collection.The 39-year-old and his Al-Nassr team-mates were each gifted a new BMW as part of the club’s new sponsorship deal.Cristiano Ronaldo has been gifted a new BMW worth £164,000Credit: instagram @alnassrIt is a new new BMW XM Red LabelCredit: instagram @alnassrThey were pictured receiving the luxury vehicles outside the Saudi Pro League side’s training centre this week.Each player was handed a new company car for the season, courtesy of the German manufacturer.Al-Nassr shared the images on social media with a caption that read: “Luxury meets football stars.”Al Nassr players behind the wheel of their BMWs – where excellence is a way of life.”READ MORE ON RONALDORonaldo posed for a photo with his new BMW XM Red Label at Al-Nassr’s training base.The car is worth around £164,000.The Red Label is the most powerful of the BMX XM range, with a system output of 550 kW.It also has a high-performance twin power turbo V8 petrol engine and is capable of going from 0 to 100kmph in 3.8 seconds.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCristiano Ronaldo has amassed an impressive car collection over the yearsCredit: SplashThe Portugal star has a Lamborghini among his collectionCredit: ReutersHe proudly posed with this beast of a motorCredit: Refer to CaptionCR7 loves a FerrariCredit: Instagram @cristianoRonaldo and his team-mates – including former Liverpool star Sadio Mane – all received their own car, along with head coach Stefano Pioli.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “Really nice, very comfortable.I watched Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al-Nassr, the atmosphere and standard had me shocked… but he didn’t seem bothered”I like it, a good colour, the design [is] really nice.”BMW Saudi Arabia has reached an agreement with Al-Nassr to become the club’s official car partner.The deal will run until 2027.David McGoldrick, general manager of BMW Group Saudi Arabia, said: “This partnership represents a new step in our commitment to supporting Saudi sports in general, and football in particular, especially since football brings people together and inspires generations.”We also look forward to this partnership contributing to enhancing the values ​​of innovation and excellence that unite BMW and Al Nassr Club.”We are confident that this partnership will contribute to achieving new and great achievements for Al Nassr Club and our company alike.”Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar.Ronaldo has a huge car collection that is understood to be worth around £19million.A significant chunk of the value comes from his three Bugattis – the Centodieci, Chiron and Veyron.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis collection also includes a McLaren Senna, two Rolls Royces – a Phantom and a Cullinan – three Ferraris – the 599 GTO, 599 GTB Fiorano and F430 – and two Bentleys – the Continental GT and Flying Spur.In addition, he has a Lamborghini Aventador, an Aston Martin DB9, a Maserati GranCabrio, a Mercedes G-Class and a Porsche Cayenne Turbo.Ronaldo also has two Rolls RoycesCredit: Refer to CaptionAnd he has three BugattisCredit: Instagram @cristianoHe looked particularly delighted when he got this white FerrariCredit: Instagram @cristianoAnother in his collection is this MercedesCredit: Instagram @cristiano More

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      Moment part of Sunderland’s ceiling COLLAPSES bringing press conference to abrupt halt

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      SUNDERLAND reporters were given a fright when part of the ceiling collapsed during Regis Le Bris’ post-match press conference on Tuesday night.The Black Cats had just drawn 1-1 with Bristol City at the Stadium of Light.A ceiling panel caved in during Regis Le Bris’ press conferenceCredit: XThe presser was momentarily interruptedCredit: XAfter the game, members of the press gathered to speak to Le Bris.They were given a mighty fright, however, when a ceiling panel gave in.According to Sunderland beat writer James Copley, the incident was caused by a leak upstairs.A clip of the ceiling falling in subsequently did the rounds on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Is that the roof falling in on their promotion push?” one fan joked.While a second quipped: “Just like their league form.”Sunderland had fallen behind on 62 minutes via Luke McNally’s opener.Patrick Roberts rescued a point with a 93rd minute equaliser.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPatrick Roberts rescued a point for the Black CatsCredit: PAThe Black Cats are fourth in the Championship table having acquired 37 points from their opening 20 games.Their form has stuttered in recent weeks, however, with Le Bris’ men having won just one of their last eight matches.Rising star Chris Rigg talks about his rise through the ranks at Sunderland After the game, Le Bris praised his side’s resilience and claimed they were good value for their point.He said: “Absolutely, I believe we deserved it.”We started the match on the front foot with an excellent tempo.”We executed our game plan with swift ball movement and tactical triangles, creating several opportunities.”However, we lacked the necessary numbers in the box to capitalise on our crosses.”Sunderland will return to action this Saturday with a trip to Swansea.Le Bris’ side have stuttered in recent weeksCredit: Rex More

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      When is the World Cup 2030 and where is it being held? Plus info on the 2034 edition

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      EVERY football player dreams of lifting the World Cup – and the details for the 2030 edition have been confirmed earlier than expected!For the first time, three countries from two different continents are set to be the main hosts of the iconic competition.This will be the 100th FIFA World Cup anniversaryCredit: EPAAnd there will be a special celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup which will be held on a DIFFERENT part of the planet.Qualifying for the 2030 World Cup doesn’t get underway until after the conclusion of the upcoming 2026 edition.But SunSport can reveal all the details on the history-making event SIX years in advance.When is the World Cup 2030?The opening match of the World Cup 2030 will take place on Thursday, June 13.Read more on World CupAnd the final showdown of the iconic competition is penciled in for Sunday, July 21.There will be 48 teams from six confederations battling it out to lift the prestigious trophy.And 20 different venues across 20 different cities is where matches will be played.Where is the World Cup 2030 being held?The World Cup 2030 will be held across three countries – Spain, Portugal and Morocco.Most read in FootballThis means it will be the first-ever World Cup to be held in North Africa with Morocco being one of the hosting countries.However, to commemorate the 100th anniversary, the first match of the competition is scheduled to be played at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay – where the first World Cup was held.In addition to that, fans will witness a special centenary celebration to mark the occasion.Argentina has been selected to host the second match while Paraguay will host the third and then the rest of the games are set to be played in Spain, Morocco and Portugal. What has been said?The World Cup 2030 has already been met with backlash from fans, football officials and environmental groups.There are concerns about a huge increase in carbon footprint due to fans having to travel large distances between South America and Europe.Furthermore, players part of teams that get drawn with Argentina, Paraguay or Uruguay will have a significantly shorter amount of rest once having to travel back to the main hosts in Iberia and Morocco.Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter warned that the number of hosts that the World Cup 2030 is preparing to have would cause the tournament to ‘lose its identity’.Where is the World Cup 2034 being held?SunSport’s Martin Lipton has confirmed that FIFA memberships agreed – in a joint decision approved “by acclamation” that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESPresident Gianni Infantino cut a deal with South American chiefs to open the way for the Saudis.Since then, FIFA has gone through a formal “evaluation” process of the two bids – which both passed with flying colours. More