World Cup 2022

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup stars including England hero Bukayo Saka and Brazil winger Raphinha swear by personalised shin pads

      by

      FORGET fancy boots, these footballers are customising to the finest detail by wearing unique shin pads.Stars from countries including England, Spain, Germany and more are wearing guards that feature images of their Wags, families, dedications to their clubs and even themselves.
      Bukayo Saka’s love for Arsenal shines through with his shin padsCredit: Getty
      In the past, we’ve seen Cristiano Ronaldo wear shin pads with pictures of him and Georgina Rodriguez on in a major tournament.
      And like CR7, these stars are no different.
      Bukayo Saka
      Arsenal is England winger’s Saka’s first love, clearly.
      read more world cup news
      The Three Lions star, who boasts three goals in the World Cup, has his club crest on his shin pads.
      Read more football
      On top of that is his squad number – “7” – for all his team-mates to see.
      The Spurs contingent of Harry Kane and Eric Dier won’t want to see them, though.
      Just imagine the bragging rights.

      Raphinha
      As the camera panned to the bench during Brazil’s game against Cameroon, we caught a glimpse of the Barcelona star’s shinnies.
      Most read in Football
      And a fetching set they were. They featured Raphinha’s image on the them – wearing his country’s famous yellow jersey.
      Transate (loosely) what’s written on the top of them and they say, “Bring the Cup home”.
      Raphinha’s shin pads feature a World Cup vowCredit: Alamy
      Antonio Rudiger
      Germany didn’t have the best of World Cups – getting eliminated in the group stages.
      So, Rudiger didn’t get long to sport his custom pads.
      They are symbolic of his play – as a defender – with a clenched fist punching the air alongside his signature.
      A punching fist is seen on Antonio Rudiger’s shin guardsCredit: Getty
      Koke
      For the Spain and Atletico Madrid star, Koke’s club and family are his life.
      His shin pads represent both – with images of his family, saluting the crowd at the Wanda Metropolitano and more emblazoned on them.
      Should Spain win the World Cup he will have more more memories to etch on them.
      Koke’s family and success at Atletico Madrid are pictured on his shin padsCredit: Getty
      Youssoufa Moukoko
      The 18-year-old Borussia Dortmund wonderkid made just one sub appearance at the World Cup, before the Germans departed.
      But, with his talent, you get the feeling he will be around for many more.
      Moukoko dons the famous yellow and black of Dortmund, with an image of himself on his shin pads. There’s also a touching message to his mother.
      Youssoufa Moukoko gives a shout out to his ‘mama’Credit: Getty
      Dani Carvajal
      Full back Carvajal has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s success.
      It’s no wonder then that he has several images representing Los Blancos on his shin guards.
      His surname is also blasted across the middle in a futuristic-looking font.
      Club man Dani Carvajal shows his loyalty to Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Gareth Bale
      Wales legend Bale likes to keep it simple with his shin pads.
      There’s no fancy graphics or imagery. Simply, he has the Welsh flag on the middle.
      Below that, you’ll find his initials and number.
      Gareth Bale keeps it simple with his country’s flag, his initials and squad numberCredit: Getty
      Kevin Trapp
      When you are married to one of the most beautiful women in the world, you would want to show that off.
      Former Victoria’s Secret supermodel Izabel Goulart features in a clench with German keeper Trapp on his specially designed guards.
      There is absolutely no reference to football on there whatsoever.
      Kevin Trapp shows of glam wife super model Izabel GoulartCredit: Getty
      Gaku Shibasaki
      Japan is synonymous with anime – which draws scores of fans.
      Shibasaki is clearly a fan, judging by what he was wearing ahead of a match against Costa Rica.
      His featured himself, dressed up as a samurai in anime form.
      Gaku Shibasaki is immortalised as a Japanese anime samuraiCredit: Getty
      Karim Adeyemi
      German youngster Adeyemi is also a fan of Japanese anime.
      His favourite show is Dragon Ball Z, with characters from that drawn on to his shin pads.
      In the past, we’ve seen other footballers in love with the cartoon including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has some Dragon Ball Z tattoos.
      Karim Adeyemi is also a fan of Japanese anime, with this dedication to Dragon Ball ZCredit: Getty
      Pablo Sarabia
      The PSG winger has got all sentimental with his shin pads.
      Family means the world to him, as well as his girlfriend Carmen who is featured holding his hand as they walk into the sunset.
      Other family members and their names are also adorned on the shin pads.
      Family man Pablo Sarabia dedicates his shin pads to family and girlfriend CarmenCredit: Getty
      Pedro Miguel
      Qatar defender Miguel was born in Portugal, hence what is written on his shin pads.
      Read More on The Sun
      Translated from Portuguese, “fe em deus” is roughly translated as faith in god in English.
      An image underneath it features Miguel pointing up towards the message or the sky, showing he’s a religious man.
      Religious Pedro Miguel of Qatar puts his faith in godCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Kylian Mbappe MISSES training and spotted in recovery room with doctor just days before World Cup clash with England

      by

      KYLIAN MBAPPE missed France training just DAYS before their huge World Cup quarter-final clash with England.The 23-year-old is leading France’s World Cup title defence and the race for the Golden Boot.
      Mbappe missed training days before France’s quarter-final date with EnglandCredit: Getty
      Deschamps was seen in long conversation with France’s doctorCredit: Reuters
      France will play England on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      Mbappe has scored five and assisted two in four games.
      He netted a brace in the 3-1 round of 16 win over Poland to set up a date with Gareth Southgate’s free-scoring England.
      However, according to L’Equipe, via Get French Football News, Mbappe missed France training days before Saturday’s clash.
      And boss Didier Deschamps was seen in a long discussion with Les Bleus’ doctor at the start of the session with Mbappe doing work in the recovery room.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP

      Whether Mbappe’s absence is injury-related is yet to be seen.
      But the Frenchman avoided an ankle injury scare ahead of the tournament while playing for club Paris Saint-Germain.
      Mbappe was withdrawn before the 90th minute in the 2-1 win over Lorient after feeling discomfort.
      Three Lions boss Southgate will have been putting together some kind of a plan to stop Mbappe.
      Most read in Football
      Mbappe is leading France’s World Cup title defence
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      England legend Gary Neville identified England speedster Kyle Walker as Mbappe’s Kryptonite.
      Neville told Sky Sports: “I always thought we’d play three at the back in this tournament, but I don’t think we will now.
      “I didn’t think the centre-back pairing would be strong enough, but John Stones and Harry Maguire are holding up.
      “It’s whether what they’ve played against so far in the first three games is going to be anything like what they face moving forward, and I don’t think it is.
      “It looks like a collision course waiting to happen doesn’t it? Mbappe versus Walker.
      “We’ve got the perfect right-back to deal with Mbappe if anyone can – physical, pace, experience.”
      Rio Ferdinand has echoed his former Manchester United team-mate’s comments, as has Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash, who was tasked with stopping Mbappe while turning out for Poland.
      France’s team in an evening training sessionCredit: Reuters
      Mbappe was doing recovery workCredit: Reuters More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gabriel Jesus ‘to undergo knee surgery and out for at least three months’ in huge blow to Arsenal’s Prem title hopes

      by

      ARSENAL star Gabriel Jesus is set to undergo knee surgery after sustaining an injury at the World Cup.There are fears that Mikel Arteta could be without his No.9 for at least three months.
      Gabriel Jesus went off with a knee problem at the World Cup and it’s bad news for ArsenalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The striker played as Brazil boss Tite rotated the squad in their 1-0 defeat to Cameroon.
      But Jesus went off injured in the 64th minute with a knee issue.
      And now The Telegraph are reporting that he requires surgery handing the Gunners a major blow in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
      It means that the 25-year-old’s World Cup campaign with Brazil is certainly over and Arsenal will now have to rely on Eddie Nketiah up top.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      The North London side have a number of crucial matches after the World Cup break – they return to action on Boxing Day versus West Ham.
      If Jesus is in the treatment room for the minimum three months reported then it means he will miss February’s clash with his former club and title rivals Manchester City.

      He looks also set to miss the North London derby versus Tottenham and the fixture versus Manchester United.
      The injury is devastating news with Arsenal fans fearing the worst when he went down in Friday night’s game.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      One supporter even claimed that it’s “season over.”
      It’s not just the fans who are concerned, defender Takehiro Tomiyasu was left shocked and worried in an interview when he found out the news his teammate sustained an injury.
      Despite Jesus being out of form in front of goal, suffering a lengthy drought before the World Cup, his work-rate will be heavily missed.
      With the January transfer window around the corner it could force the club to go out and buy a new centre-forward. More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup carnage as Qatar riot cops filmed crushing screaming fans outside stadium ahead of Spain v Morocco clash

      by

      SPANISH and Moroccan fans were caught up in crowd carnage as they were trapped in a crush outside their World Cup game. Riot cops were deployed as fans were pushed trapped against a chain link fence before the round of 16 kick off at the Education City Stadium.
      Riot cops clashed with Spain and Morocco fans outside the stadiumCredit: Twitter
      Security officials were confronted with a large crowdCredit: Twitter
      Riot police in armour could be seen pushed back fansCredit: Twitter
      Harrowing video shows World Cup fans of both teams stuck on a narrow pathway between two fences.
      Riot cops and security guards are seen at the end blocking their way and shoving the supporters back.
      Other footage shows a huge crowd as cops in helmets clash with the fans.
      Security officials reportedly blamed the crush on fans attempting to enter the stadium without tickets.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Men, women and children could all be seen stuck in the crowd pressed against the fence in footage shared from the scene.
      Police lined up with riot shields as they corralled the fans waiting near the stadium.
      Moroccan fans are some of the most numerous of any team left at the world cup.
      Many of them live and work in Qatar and are hoping to see their team advance to its first quarter-final.
      Most read in Football
      Ahead of kickoff on Tuesday, security appeared tighter than at other games.
      Rows of riot police were deployed on the ground, drones were seen flying overhead, and cops were seen on horseback.
      Marshals at the stadium perimeter shouted “show your tickets please” at approaching fans and guards checked for tickets before letting them through.
      A crowd of fans without tickets were waiting beyond the marshals.
      “We hope to get in,” said one man, who declined to give his name.
      While Morocco, in the last 16 for the first time since 1986, are the underdogs, the support of their vociferous, red-clan fans has been seen as a big asset in the first World Cup hosted by an Arab state.
      “Atlas Lions carry hopes of a whole continent,” the Moroccan newspaper Maroc Le Jour declared in a front-page headline.
      The match may gain piquancy from the familiarity of the opponents.
      The Spanish mainland is visible from Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar and thousands of Moroccans live there for work.
      As a colonial power, Spain controlled swathes of northern Morocco as well as the disputed territory of Western Sahara, which Rabat sees as its own, and still retains two small North African enclaves at Ceuta and Melilla that Rabat says it should quit.
      Diplomatic ties improved this year after Morocco had withdrawn its ambassador to Spain in 2021 in a dispute over Madrid’s handling of medical treatment for a Western Sahara separatist leader.
      The Moroccan consulate has asked fans to “show sportsmanship regardless of the result” and to avoid doing anything that could trigger incidents with Spanish fans. 
      Riot police lined up outside the stadium before the gameCredit: Reuters

      Read More on The Sun More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      James Maddison reveals which England star he would ban his sister from dating and who he’d welcome as brother-in-law

      by

      JAMES MADDISON has revealed the England player he would BAN his sister from dating… and the one he would be happy for her to marry.The Leicester playmaker, 26, is yet to feature for the Three Lions at the World Cup.
      James Maddison revealed his ideal brother-in-law and the nightmare man for his sisterCredit: Twitter / @talkSPORT
      He was plagued with a knee problem for the opening two games and failed to get any minutes in the subsequent wins over Wales and Senegal.
      But that has not hampered Maddison’s spirits as he took to media duties on Tuesday – four days before England’s crunch quarter-final against France.
      And he had very contrasting points to make about fellow international team-mates Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish.
      When asked which member of the England squad would make the best son-in-law, he told talkSPORT: “The first one who springs to mind is Bukayo Saka. He’s just such a nice kid, man.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP

      “You just get this relationship with him where he’s such a nice guy to everyone that you build such a good relationship with him.
      “If I had a sister or a daughter and they said to me ‘I’m going on a date with Bukayo Saka’, I’d be like ‘enjoy yourself, let him pay, but enjoy yourself’.
      “But if I had a family member and they told me ‘I’m going on a date with Jack Grealish’, I’d be like ‘nah you’re not’.”
      Saka, 21, has been joined in Qatar by partner Tolami Benson.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Grealish, 27, has also seen his girlfriend Sasha Attwood fly out for the tournament.
      Between them, Saka and Grealish have managed four goals at the World Cup so far, with the Arsenal man bagging three and his Man City counterpart netting one.
      Both are in contention to feature against France at the weekend, but have serious competition for their places in the starting line-up.
      Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount will all be hoping to land a spot in the XI.
      Raheem Sterling could also be involved if he returns to Qatar after being forced to fly back to England following a burglary at his family home.
      Sasha Attwood is the current girlfriend of Jack GrealishCredit: Getty
      Tolami Benson is Bukayo Saka’s current partnerCredit: World Cup News Pool (WCNP) – England vs Senegal More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Holland boss Louis van Gaal labels Brazil ‘just a counter-attacking team’ after 4-1 World Cup demolition of South Korea

      by

      LOUIS VAN GAAL has dismissed Brazil as a “counter-attacking team” after their 4-1 thumping of South Korea last night.The Selecao wowed fans with their amazing goals during a thrilling first 45 minutes against the Koreans.
      Louis van Gaal is not overly impressed by the Brazil teamCredit: AFP
      Brazil were in sumptuous form against South Korea last nightCredit: AP
      But Van Gaal, whose Netherlands side could face Brazil in the semi-finals, was nonplussed.
      He said: “I’ve seen them, that’s just a counter team.
      “I read in the Dutch media that it was sparkling, but that is just a counter team.
      “South Korea has only attacked.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP

      Prior to a potential meeting with the “counter-attacking” Brazilians, Van Gaal and Co must take on Argentina on Friday night.
      On the prospect of playing against Lionel Messi, Van Gaal said: “He is indeed the most dangerous player who creates the most chances and makes them himself.
      “But on the other hand he does not play much with the opponent when they have possession of the ball. That is where our chances lie.”
      Under Van Gaal’s stewardship the Dutch lost to Argentina on penalties in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals, following a 0-0 draw.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      And the ex-Manchester United manager is desperate to finally avenge that defeat eight years on.
      He added: “We still have a score to settle.
      “I don’t like to think about it because I thought we would win and then I also exchanged for the win.
      “I would like to convince the people at home to just go and watch the game and cheer for us. Then we will derive a lot of support from that.”
      ITV pundit Roy Keane was also unhappy with Brazil last night.
      But it wasn’t their football that irritated him – more their vibrant celebrations.
      The Irishman said: “It’s like watching Strictly. I can’t believe what I’m watching.
      “I don’t like this. I think it’s disrespecting the opposition. It’s four [goals] and they’re doing it every time.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I don’t mind the first kind of little jig – whatever they’re doing – but they’re still doing it after that and then the manager getting involved with it.
      “I’m not happy with it, I don’t think it’s very good at all.”
      Argentina beat the Netherlands on penalties in the 2014 World Cup semi-finalsCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It makes me emotional’ – Jude Bellingham shows softer side as England star watches old coach talk about his journey

      by

      ENGLAND star Jude Bellingham admitted it was “emotional” to see a video of his old coach talking about his stunning leap to stardom.The 19-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top after joining the Birmingham City academy aged seven.
      Jude Bellingham revealed it was ’emotional’ to hear words from his old coachCredit: ITV
      Mike Dodds oversaw Bellingham’s development in the Birmingham City academyCredit: ITV
      Bellingham played one season in the first team before signing for Borussia DortmundCredit: PA
      The 19-year-old is now one of the hottest prospects in world footballCredit: Getty
      Bellingham’s development was overseen by academy coach Mike Dodds, who spoke to ITV about the England superstar.
      The teenager has started all four games for the Three Lions at the World Cup so far.
      He scored his first England goal in the 6-2 win over Iran, before setting up Jordan Henderson for the opener in the 3-0 last-16 victory over Senegal.
      When Dodds was asked for one thing he’d tell Bellingham before games that he’d say again now, the coach said: “Go and be the best player.”
      Read More World Cup News

      And Bellingham, who was shown footage of the interview, admitted that Dodds’ words were “emotional” to hear.
      He said in response: “Wow. It makes me feel a bit emotional actually.
      “But I’ll try my best.”
      Bellingham has starred for England in Qatar so far, and will looking to put in another stellar performance against France in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      The now Borussia Dortmund ace revealed old coach Dodds is one of the reasons for his success.
      Bellingham said on Dodds: “[He’s] the biggest influence I’ve had outside of my family in terms of football.
      “My first coach, and the one who kind of oversaw my development.”
      Star midfielder Bellingham played one season in the Championship for Birmingham aged 16, becoming the club’s youngest ever player and goalscorer in the process.
      He then moved to German giants Borussia Dortmund in 2020.
      His No22 shirt was retired at St Andrew’s following his departure.
      After continuing his development in the Bundesliga, he is now one of the most sought after names on the planet.
      Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City are the three frontrunners to sign Bellingham, with Manchester United reported to be out of the running.
      Bellingham opened his England account in the 6-2 win over IranCredit: PA More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Bruno Fernandes could have represented another country if his dad had his way but Man Utd’s Portugal star refused

      by

      PORTUGAL star Bruno Fernandes could have represented another country if his father had his way. The Manchester United midfielder’s dad Jose wanted his family to leave Portugal but his son refused aged just 12.
      Bruno Fernandes could have ended up not representing PortugalCredit: Getty
      Fernandes wanted to stay in his homeland because he thought the standard of football was better there and he stood an improved chance of making it as a professional.
      But his dad, who also was a footballer, was keen for his family to emigrate to Switzerland, according to newspaper Blick.
      If Fernandes did make the move he would have then been eligible to play for the Swiss national team.
      Portugal take on Switzerland later today in the World Cup at the last-16 stage.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Fernandes was perhaps correct when choosing to stay in Portugal as he was offered a contract at Boavista.
      The 28-year-old then moved to Italy for spells at Novara, Udinese and Sampdoria before coming back to his nation starring for Sporting Lisbon earning him his big money transfer to Man Utd.

      Portugal’s No.8 has impressed in Qatar netting twice and assisting a further a two goals as his side topped Group H.
      Fernandes may even captain Portugal against Switzerland with former club teammate Cristiano Ronaldo potentially being dropped by Fernando Santos.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      The manager admitted that he was not happy with CR7 after he sulked when he was subbed off against South Korea.
      A shock poll in Portugal revealed a shocking number of fans want him dropped for the huge game. More