World Cup 2022

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      Who is Netherlands vs Qatar referee Bakary Gassama and how many World Cups has he officiated at?

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      FIFA has selected 38 referees from around the globe for Qatar 2022 – and Gambia’s Bakary Gassama is one of the lucky men chosen.He takes charge of the game between the Netherlands and Qatar in the last round of group matches.
      Gassama is making his second World Cup appearanceCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The official is one of the chosen few to officiate matches at the World Cup, having experienced officiating on the world stage in 2018 and 2014.
      Here’s all you need to know about the experienced Gassama.
      Who is Bakary Gassama?
      Since starting in 2003, Gassama has risen from the Gambian league to taking charge of games at the highest level.
      After becoming Fifa-listed in 2007, his first major tournament was the 2012 London Olympics, where he was fourth official in the gold medal match between Brazil and Mexico.
      A veteran of three African Cup of Nations, the Gambian took charge of the 2015 final.
      With VAR in use in Russia, Gassama has prior knowledge of the system after its trial in the Confederations Cup last year.
      He is also the first non-Asian referee to ever officiate in the Qatari league.
      He got into a heated argument with now-Qatar coach Carlos Queiroz after the former Manchester United assistant manager raged at his decision when he was Egypt manager.
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      Egypt won the match – an Afcon semi-final – and Queiroz was sent off.Has he officiated at the World Cup before?
      This will be Gassama’s second World Cup after he appeared in Rio.
      The Gambian took charge of a Group B clash which saw Holland beat Chile 2-0.
      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World CupWorld Cup 2022 LIVE: Latest news and updates from Qatar
      World Cup schedule: What are the kick-off times for all the matches?
      World Cup prize money: How much does each winner earn?
      Who are the ITV pundits and commentators?
      Who are the BBC pundits and commentators?
      Meet England’s World Cup wags who are staying on a £1bn cruise ship More

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      Netherlands vs Qatar: TV channel, kick-off time, stream FREE and team news for 2022 World Cup Group A tie

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      NETHERLANDS fans will be expecting three points against this year’s hosts Qatar.The Oranje got three points against Senegal before drawing 1-1 with Ecuador.
      Dutchman Cody Gakpo is emerging as a major star at this year’s World CupCredit: Getty
      But hosts Qatar are OUT of their home tournament after losing their first two group games.
      The Dutch are in fierce form, having not lost a match since June 2021.
      It is staggering to to think they did not qualify for the 2018 World Cup, having reached the semi-finals in 2014 and finished runners up in 2010.
      However, it is no surprise that they are favourites to win Group A, with some thinking Louis van Gaal’s side could go all the way in Qatar.
      All eyes will be on Ajax forward Cody Gakpo, who was heavily linked to Manchester United in the summer and has set the Eredivise alight this season.
      Their opponents are experiencing their first outing at a World Cup, and will be dreaming of a miracle to end Netherland’s winning run.
      When is Netherlands vs Qatar?

      Netherlands will face Qatar on Tuesday, November 29.
      The game will kick off from 3pm UK time.
      Netherlands vs Qatar will be held at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
      The two sides have never played against each other before.

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      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Netherlands vs Qatar will be shown live on ITV 1 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the ITV Hub, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      You’re in luck. The game is available to watch for FREE in the UK, so long as you have a TV licence.
      What is the team news?
      Noah Lang has an ankle injury and will be touch-and-go to play in this third group game for the Dutch.
      Qatar’s defender Bassem Al Rawi is not expected to play.
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      What are the odds?
      Netherlands win 1/6
      Draw 13/2
      Qatar victory 17/1

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      Three ways England could line up against Wales in third World Cup clash with Foden set to play and Kane rested

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      ENGLAND are set for a crunch World Cup clash with Wales on Tuesday as they bid for a place in the Last 16.The Battle of Britain promises some intense action with the Three Lions looking to seal top place in Group B while the Dragons are not giving up on a surprise comeback after their shock loss to Iran.
      England boss Gareth Southgate may make changes to his starting XI against WalesCredit: Getty
      England have one foot already in the knockouts as a win will see them finish first and a draw could also work but if Iran also emerge victorious then Gareth Southgate’s men would drop to second.
      The only way Southgate’s side could crash out would be if they lost by at least 4-0 against Wales and Iran beat USA in the final round of fixtures in the group stage.
      Harry Kane and co disappointed on Friday’s goalless draw against the US and many questioned Southgate’s choices in the starting line-up, with many complaining about Phil Foden’s absence.
      SunSport rounds up three possible options for how England could line up against Wales:
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      IF IT AIN’T BROKE
      England could start with their usual 4-2-3-1 formation against Wales
      Gareth Southgate claimed he didn’t start Phil Foden against USA because he opted against changing the line-up that destroyed Iran 6-2.
      And so Southgate could go for the same 4-2-3-1 formation next week against Wales.
      That means Jordan Pickford could start in goal with Kieran Trippier at right-back and Luke Shaw on the other side, while Harry Maguire and John Stones may team up at centre-back.
      Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice could link up in midfield with Mason Mount at No10.
      Bukayo Saka could cover the right flank with Raheem Sterling on the other side, while Harry Kane would lead the attack.
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      HARRY KANE OUT
      England boss Gareth Southgate could save Harry Kane for the match with Wales
      England are practically already in the World Cup’s Round of 16 with four points in the bag.
      And thus Gareth Southgate may still opt against taking risks with Harry Kane’s fitness.
      Kane has been dealing with an ankle problem ever since the Iran game and Southgate may prefer to save his captain for the Last 16.
      The Three Lions boss could also find the opportunity to start the returning James Maddison in midfield and Phil Foden in a front three, which has suited him at Manchester City.
      Therefore, England could start in a 4-3-3 formation with the same back four as Iran and USA.
      But Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice could link up with Maddison in midfield.
      And Callum Wilson could come on for Kane to team up with Bukayo Saka and Foden.
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      PLAYING IT SAFE
      England manager Gareth Southgate could go back to a 3-4-3 formation
      There is also a chance Gareth Southgate could go back to the 3-4-3 formation.
      That would also allow him to rest Kane and replace him with a player he has been favouring more than Callum Wilson; and that is none other than Marcus Rashford.
      Jordan Pickford could start in goal with Eric Dier, Harry Maguire and John Stones in defence.
      Kieran Trippier could play as a right wing-back with Luke Shaw on the other side, while Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice could team up in midfield.
      Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Rashford would then lead the line More

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      Stunning WAG Izabel Goulart cheers on her man Kevin Trapp ahead of Germany’s crunch World Cup clash with Spain

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      STUNNING Wag Izabel Goulart cheered on Kevin Trapp ahead of Germany’s crunch World Cup clash with Spain.The Brazilian model, 37, is out in Qatar to support her partner, 32, in his quest for football’s top prize.
      Izabel Goulart will be cheering on Kevin Trapp against Spain tonightCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Goulart sent a message of support to her partner on social mediaCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Germany take on Spain this evening, with nothing less than victory spelling disaster for Hansi Flick’s men following a shock defeat to Japan.
      Trapp is unlikely to start in goal, with Manuel Neuer and Marc-Andre ter Stegen all ahead in the rankings.
      But the Eintracht Frankfurt star has been given a boost from Goulart, who posted an inspirational message to her Instagram Story just days after flamboyantly posing in a Germany kit.
      Showing a picture of Trapp in his goalkeeper outfit, she wrote: “Game on!! Let’s go Tudinhooo.”
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      Goulart is a popular figure on social media, attracting 4.5million followers on Instagram alone.
      But despite backing Germany tonight, yesterday she showed she was tipping her native Brazil to go all the way in Qatar.
      Goulart posted a series of snaps showing her in a stylish outfit bearing the colours of Brazil.
      She stood out from the crowd by wearing a large Brazil flag for a skirt.
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      Goulart is backing Trapp’s Germany to go far in the competitionCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Brazilian model Goulart also wants her nation to scoop the top prize in QatarCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      And Goulart even completed the look with socks also showing the Samba Boys’ famous flag.
      It was certainly a tamer outfit than the one she wore earlier this month, a leather cat suit which left little to the imagination.
      It would certainly have not gone down well in strict Qatar.
      Indeed, Goulart and other Germany Wags can count themselves lucky they even made it to the World Cup, with national footy chiefs almost failing to book accommodation for players’ families.
      But it remains to be seen whether Trapp strikes lucky himself tonight.
      That’s because he famously BANS himself from having sex with Goulart after defeats.
      However, with Trapp unlikely to make it off the bench, the stopper could yet find a loophole should the Germans lose to Spain.
      Goulart left little to the imagination as she posed in a catsuit earlier this monthCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      The outfit will not have gone down well in strict QatarCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More

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      Ecuador vs Senegal: TV channel, kick-off time, stream FREE and team news for 2022 World Cup Group A clash

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      ECUADOR take on Africa Cup of Nations winners Senegal in their third round match in Group A.Senegal won their second group game 3-1 against Qatar, while Ecuador drew 1-1 with the Dutch.
      Cheikh Dieng of Senegal celebrates his goal with Idrissa Gana Gueye during their 3-1 win over QatarCredit: Getty
      Pervis Estupinan of Ecuador celebrates a goal against the Netherlands… but it was ruled offsideCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Senegal HAVE to win this game to qualify for the knockout stages, while a point will do the job for Ecuador.
      Ecuador fans have reason to be excited following an influx of talented youngsters, including Brighton trio Moises Caicedo, Pervis Estupinan, and attacking-midfielder Jeremy Sarmiento.
      This is their fourth appearance at a World Cup, and head coach Gustavo Alfaro will see this as an opportunity to match their best ever performance in 2002, when they reached the round of 16.
      They were knocked out by England in a cagey affair which finished 1-0, with the South American side only qualifying for the competition once since.

      Ecuador will come to Qatar confident having drawn against both Argentina and Brazil in qualification, finishing just two points behind third-placed Uruguay.
      However, they will have their work cut out against an in-form Senegal side who will hope to translate their African Cup of Nations success into World Cup glory.
      When is Ecuador vs Senegal?

      Ecuador’s clash with Senegal will take place on Tuesday, November 29.
      The game will kick off from 3pm UK time.
      Ecuador vs Senegal will be held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar’s capital Doha.
      The two sides have played each other once before – in a friendly back in 2002, and the game finished 1-0 to Senegal.

      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Ecuador vs Senegal will be shown live on ITV in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the ITV Hub, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE in the UK, so long as you have a TV licence.
      What is the team news?
      Ecuadorian goal hero Enner Valencia is a major doubt for this clash after leaving the draw against the Netherlands with a knee problem.
      For Senegal Cheikhou Kouyate is an injury doubt while Fode Ballo-Toure will not play.
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      What are the odds?
      Ecuador win 7/5
      Draw 11/5
      Senegal victory 11/5
      Odds courtesy of Betfair correct as of November 27.

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      How Portugal could line up for crucial World Cup clash vs Uruguay with 39-year-old Pepe set to start

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      PORTUGAL head into their clash with Uruguay knowing a win will secure their spot in the knockouts with a game to spare.Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates survived a late scare to seal a 3-2 victory over Ghana on Thursday.
      Veteran defender Pepe, 39, looks set to start against UruguayCredit: Getty
      Pepe seems certain to start with William Carvalho coming in to midfieldCredit: The sun
      That was after Uruguay had played out a goalless draw with South Korea in their Group H opener.
      The two sides have only ever met once before – and that was at the last World Cup in Russia.
      That night belonged to Uruguay, as Edinson Cavani’s double sealed their spot in the quarter-final and sent Portugal packing.
      Free agent Ronaldo, who became the first man to score in five World Cups after finding the net against Ghana, is set to start again and will be desperate to add to his tally.
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      But another veteran seems certain to join him in the starting XI as boss Fernando Santos has a couple of injury worries.
      Defender Pepe, 39, will come in at the back for Danilo, who is missing with broken ribs.
      He will be tasked with trying to stop Uruguay’s attack, who are searching for their first goal of the tournament.
      The South Americans have no new injury issues and are likely to start with the same side, although they could mix it up and put the experienced Cavani in to test Pepe’s ageing legs.
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      Porto midfielder Otavio is expected to be out after picking up a thigh injury against Ghana.
      He may surprise everyone and make it.
      But, if as expected, he does not then William Carvalho is expected to come in.
      Rafael Leao could also get the nod for Portugal after coming off the bench and scoring against Ghana, but he is likely to be among the substitutes again with Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix supporting Ronaldo.
      You will be able to keep up with all of the match action with Sun Sport’s live blog from Portugal’s vs Uruguay.
      Fernando Santos could also opt to go for this optionCredit: The Sun More

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      Croatia 0-1 Canada – World Cup 2022 LIVE SCORE: Stream FREE, TV channel – Alphonso Davies with brilliant early goal

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      CANADA are facing Croatia RIGHT NOW – and they lead 1-0 in the crucial clash.The Canadians will be knocked OUT of the World Cup should they lose this afternoon.
      And neither team has even scored in this tournament yet as Croatia were held to a goalless score while the Canadians suffered defeat at the hands of Belgium.
      But you get the feeling that could all change in this upcoming mouth-watering game.

      Kick-off time: 4pm GMT
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer
      TV channel: BBC One
      Croatia XI: Livakovic, Juranvoic; Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Livaja, Kramaric, Perisic
      Canada XI: Borjan; Johnston, Vitoria, Miller; Laryea, Hutchinson, Estaquio, Davies; Buchanan, David, Larin

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      6. Croatia 0-1 Canada.
      That is the fastest goal of the tournament so far, scored by someone who is arguably the fastest player at the tournament.
      It’s probably only Kylian Mbappe who could beat him in a race at this seasons finals…
      4. Croatia 0-1 Canada.
      What a goal that is from Canada, their first ever in a World Cup finals!
      Kyle Larin, in for Junior Hoilett takes a wonderful first touch and feeds Buchanan on the right hand side, who impressed against Belgium.
      Buchanan whips a perfect ball in towards Davies who connects perfectly with a header into the ground that left Livakovic with no chance.
      Redemption, Alphonso.
      2. Croatia 0-1 Canada.
      What a start! What a goal!
      They do get at them! It’s 1-0 to Canada, and it’s Alphonso Davies!
      0. Croatia 0-0 Canada.
      Here we go, it is Croatia who get us underway, let’s see if Canada can get at them and impress as they did against Belgium.
      Here they come…
      The players are on the way out at the Khalifa Stadium, led by captains Luka Modric and Omari Hutchinson.
      The national anthems will now be sung, and then we will have kick-off with you in just a few minutes time!
      Lack of respect…
      We have an update for you from Tom Barclay who is at the Khalifa International Stadium for this one in Qatar.
      “The Canadians were desperately unlucky to lose their opener against Belgium and will have impressed many who had possibly written them off before the tournament.
      “There is some unexpected needle going into this clash after Canada’s English boss John Herdman claimed his side were going to “eff” Croatia in a post-match interview after the Belgium clash.
      “That prompted one Croatian paper to mock up the Geordie on the front of the paper, naked, with two maple leaves covering his mouth and private parts. The headline read: “You have the mouth but do you have the balls?”
      “Herdman laughed it off but Croatian boss Zlatko Dalic was not impressed with his opposite number, demanding there be more “respect” for his side given what they have achieved.
      “It should be a spicy one!”
      That is from Tom Barclay, SunSport reporter in Qatar.
      The Drake curse?
      Those of you who live and breathe football and keep up to date with it on social media may be familiar with ‘The Drake Curse’…
      The Drake Curse is essentially the idea that any athlete/sports team endorsed by Drake, will then have an absolute stinker in their next game.
      A good example is that he lost a £535,000 bet in October after gambling on Barcelona to beat Real Madrid in El Clasico and Barca were thrashed after they wore a special kit to celebrate Drake becoming the first artist to reach 50billion streams on Spotify.
      Alphonso Davies and Co took to the field while Drake’s hit ‘Started From the Bottom’ blared out of the speakers at the Al-Rayyan Stadium.
      They then proceeded to have 22 shots during the game, but somehow failed to score, even missing a penalty to go 1-0 up.
      Canadian football fans will be hoping that it is part of God’s Plan that they get through this group…
      Magical Modric
      Croatia’s cunning midfield is nothing short of spectacular.
      Kovacic is one of the most underrated midfielders in the world, with his undeniable ability to drive through midfield, be strong in a tackle and score the occasional worldie.
      Brozovic has been one of Serie A’s most consistent performers, and is defensively astute with an eye for a wonderful pass too.
      But it is of course Ballon D’or winner, magical Modric who takes all the plaudits in this Croatia side.
      He has been the talisman in this team for so long, and will be hoping that he can produce one more brilliant tournament in his illustrious playing career.
      His creativity is almost unmatched on a global scale, and he is now commonly being mentioned in the debate for who is the best midfielder of a generation that included Iniesta and Xavi.
      He will almost certainly be a thorn in the side of Canada today, but their athleticism might work against the Real Madrid man…
      Luka Modric gets ready to lead his team out in Croatia vs Canada.Credit: Getty
      What are the odds?
      This is how the betting looks ahead of today’s game between Croatia and Canada.
      It could really go either way, and could well come down to which team wants it more.

      Croatia 6/5
      Draw 23/10
      Canada 5/2

      Odds from Betfair correct at the time of post publication.
      How does the group look now?
      This group is absolutely wide open, as Morocco have just got a 2-0 win against Belgium in the 1pm game in Group F.

      Morocco (P2, 4pts)
      Belgium (P2, 3pts)
      Croatia (P1, 1pt)
      Canada (P1, 0pts)

      A win for Canada could see them move into the qualifying position before they face Morocco in the last game, whereas a win for Croatia would see them at least into second in the group and would see Canada OUT of the tournament.
      How do Canada line up?
      This is Canada’s starting XI as they fight for survival in Group F…
      Canada’s starting XI vs Belgium.Credit: @CanadaSoccerEN via Twitter.
      Croatia’s starting XI.
      This is how Croatia line-up today against Canada…
      Croatia’s line-up against Canada.Credit: @HNS_CFF via Twitter
      Predictions?
      This is certainly a tough one to call, as Canada were simply brilliant against Belgium in their first group game, and Croatia failed to really impress against Morocco.
      That said, you would still back Croatia to win this one, and at SunSport that is what we are going to go with.
      We are backing the quality of Modric, Kovacic and others to shine through, and Croatia to take a 2-1 win, with Canada scoring their first World Cup goal.
      But what do you think? If you guess the right score in our score predictor, you have a chance to win £5000.

      Good afternoon from Qatar!
      Welcome back to the 2022 World Cup and live SunSport coverage of the Group F clash between Croatia and Canada.
      This is game represents a chance for both teams to get their first win at this World Cup, after Croatia drew with Morocco and Canada were beaten by Belgium.
      It was expected that Belgium would win the group, but that perception may well be changing as they are currently 1-0 down to current leaders Morocco.
      Finalists in the last rendition of this tournament, Croatia will be the favourites to win this game, but Canada showed against Belgium that they can certainly compete with the big boys, despite having never scored a World Cup goal.
      Against Belgium, Canada looked more than capable of causing an upset as we saw Alphonso Davies have a penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois, before Michy Batshuayi put the ball in the back of the net.
      This is the first time that these two sides have played each other in men’s football, so we don’t know what to expect other than an open contest with plenty of talent on the pitch.
      The action kicks off at 7pm local time – 4pm in the UK – and team news is on the way.
      Croatia fans are hoping to get their first win of the 2022 World Cup.Credit: Reuters
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      Why is Croatia player Josko Gvardiol wearing a mask at World Cup 2022?

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      JOSKO GVARDIOL is one of the most sought-after talents in European football.The RB Leipzig centre-back, 20, has attracted transfer interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid in recent months.
      Josko Gvardiol puts on his face mask after the anthems at the World Cup in QatarCredit: Reuters
      Gvardiol was sporting two black eyes when he was on the bench for Croatia’s World Cup warm-up match recentlyCredit: Alamy
      But he has remained loyal to the Bundesliga club, who are regulars in the Champions League.
      And fans will have noticed the Croatia star is wearing an unfamiliar facial decoration during their World Cup campaign, starting against Morocco.
      Read more World Cup
      Why is Josko Gvardiol wearing a mask?
      Gvardiol was taken to hospital on November 10, during Leipzig’s 3-1 Bundesliga win over Freiburg.
      He collided with team-mate Willi Orban in the 17th minute and injured his face.
      Gvardiol wasn’t actually supposed to start the game but Abdou Diallo injured his knee in the warm-up.
      Unfortunately for Gvardiol, he injured his face, with a nose and eye problem and left the pitch with a bloody nose.
      Josko Gvardiol had a bloodied nose after a nasty collision with a team-mate during Leipzig’s 3-1 win over FreiburgCredit: Reuters
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      Scans later showed he broke his nose and is therefore being forced to wear a face mask at the World Cup, with Croatia’s first game less than two weeks away.
      RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose said: “I heard he has a broken nose.
      “The eye is swollen. He looks like a boxer after 12 rounds against a tough opponent.” More