World Cup 2022

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      Who is Spain vs Germany referee Danny Makkelie at World Cup 2022?

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      OFFICIAL Danny Makkelie is back on the world stage and is seen as one of the best referees on the planet.He takes charge of Spain’s massive group stage against Germany at the World Cup.
      Danny Makkelie was in charge during England’s Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark when he awarded a controversial penaltyCredit: PA
      The Dutchman, a former policeman, was in charge for England’s Euro 2020 semi-final between England and Denmark.
      He was also the ref for Finland’s defeat to Russia in the group stages.Has he officiated at major tournaments before?
      A former police inspector, Makkelie will accept no messing about in the Wembley match-up.
      He was first listed as a FIFA referee in 2011 and at 38 years old, still has plenty of seasons under his belt.
      Before this tournament, Makkelie was the referee for the 2020 Europa League final between Sevilla and Inter Milan, but this is his first major international tournament in the middle.
      What else has he done so far?
      Makkelie made his Eredivise debut in 2009 and has gone on to make over 180 appearances across nine seasons.
      He took charge of five Champions League fixtures in 2019, including the quarter-final first leg when Barcelona beat AS Roma 4-1.
      The Dutchman was blasted by the Italians’ boss Eusebio di Francesco for denying them a penalty in that game, but it proved irrelevant as Roma heroically won the second leg 3-0 to progress on away goals.
      Makkelie has also been involved in the Europe League, officiating 11 matches from 2012 to 2017.
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      Has he used VAR before?
      The Dutchman has been involved in two major controversies with the VAR system.
      Makkelie became the first referee to send-off a player using the technology after he changed his yellow-card decision to a sending off against Willem II’s Anouar Kalu in a KNVB Cup game in 2016.
      He was also involved in one of the most famous and controversial usages of VAR when he took charge of the Dutch Super Cup final between Feyenoord and Vitesse.
      During that match, Feyenoord saw a goal disallowed and a penalty awarded to Vitesse instead after a VAR review showed Makkelie should have given the spot kick before the goal was scored.
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      Virgil van Dijk blasts stinging criticism from Holland legend Marco van Basten after World Cup draw with Ecuador

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK has hit back at criticism from Dutch legend Marco van Basten.The Liverpool defender skippered his country as they drew 1-1 with Ecuador yesterday.
      Virgil van Dijk is skippering his country in QatarCredit: AP
      Marco van Basten slammed his nation’s captainCredit: Getty
      A point still leaves Louis van Gaal’s men top of Group A going into matchday three – but Netherlands legend Van Basten, working as a pundit, was still unhappy after the game.
      In particular, he took aim at Van Dijk.
      The 58-year-old said of the centre-back’s role in Ecuador’s equaliser: “Van Dijk is just waiting and watching him shoot. What is he looking at? He needs to be on top of him!
      “He just lets him shoot! He doesn’t take the lead. He takes care of nothing in the team. He makes a sound, but he doesn’t say anything. This is what he does.”
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      In his post match press conference Van Dijk, 31, came out swinging – hitting back: “I don’t think he is ever positive, so what am I supposed to do with it?
      “It’s easy to talk from the studio. Me failing as a captain? What do you want me to do with that info?
      “I am always upfront. I lead the team the best way possible.”
      Despite the Netherlands’ underwhelming performances thus far, Van Dijk remains positive.
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      He added: “There aren’t many teams who have been perfect so far. It is a tournament, many teams are just trying to grow into it.
      “Hopefully before our next match we can find some form and consistency that is needed in a tournament. Every team needs time, and we are no different.”
      The Dutch needed two late goals to see off Senegal and after taking a sixth-minute lead against Ecuador they just went flat.
      They had only two shots, one on target, compared to Ecuador’s 14 with five of them on target.
      We lost every challenge, every duel, every second ballLouis van Gaal
      Van Gaal is not one to pull any punches and his assessment of his team’s performance afterwards was even more damning than the first game when he complained about their ball possession.
      He said: “We lost every challenge, every duel, every second ball.
      “We were very poor in terms of ball possession and created too few chances.
      “We could not pass the ball to our own players.
      “If you want to become world champions, that needs to improve a lot, because the quality of the opponents we have yet to face is at a much higher level.”
      That next opponent will most likely be one from USA or Iran with England taking on the runners-up from Group A likely to be either Ecuador or Senegal.
      However a big win for Ecuador and Holland misfiring in front of goal even against Qatar could switch the top two around.
      On the evidence of the game at the Khalifa stadium England would be better off facing the Dutch.
      Ecuador impressed, not least striker Enner Valencia who scored again making it three in two games.
      He finished the game on the bench with an ice pack on his knee but is expected to be okay for the final group game.
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      He celebrated his goal against Holland by pretending to scribble on a note pad in response to media in Ecuador who suggested the 33-year-old, who had spells at West Ham and on loan to Everton, should not be at this World Cup.
      Ecuador Coach Gustavo Alfaro said: “I told him he would be successful during this World Cup. He is going through such a good spell.”
      Enner Valencia has been on fire for EcuadorCredit: AP More

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      Spain vs Germany: TV channel, stream FREE, kick-off time and team news for HUGE 2022 World Cup Group E clash

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      THE stand-out group game of the 2022 World Cup is here – as 2010 champions Spain get set to take on 2014 winners Germany.La Roja can KNOCK OUT the Germans with victory in this second game, with Die Mannschaft still reeling from a stunning 2-1 defeat to Japan in the opening game.
      Gavi celebrates scoring against Costa Rica in a dominant performance from the SpaniardsCredit: AP
      Spain were in sublime form as they stuck SEVEN goals past Costa Rica.
      Both European giants are on a mission to right their wrongs from what happened at the 2018 Russia World Cup.
      A penalty shoot-out saw Spain go crashing out of the competition at the hands of the hosts despite being in control for most of the tie.
      However, Germany’s bags were packed even earlier as they failed to make it out of the group stages by finishing rock bottom.
      But the personnel has changed on both sides since then which includes the managers.
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      What time does Spain vs Germany kick off?

      Spain’s mouth-watering fixture against Germany takes place on Sunday, November 27.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 7pm UK time – 9pm local time.
      Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar is the allocated arena for this encounter and it can host approximately 60,000 fans.
      Germany got annihilated 6-0 when the European giants last met in a Nations League game back in 2020.

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

      Spain vs Germany will be broadcasted LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action live via the BBC Sport website or BBC iPlayer app.
      BBC iPlayer is available to download on your preferred choice of mobile phone or tablet device.

      Can I watch Spain vs Germany for FREE?
      Good news, you can! Spain vs Germany is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license.
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      What are the odds?
      Spain win 13/10
      Draw 13/5
      Germany victory 19/10 More

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      Watch raging England fans go crazy and launch beer at World Cup party when TV shows wrong channel by accident

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      IRATE England fans launched beer and went crazy during a World Cup party.That’s after the hosts put on the WRONG TV channel for last night’s game against the USA.
      England fans launched beer after a viewing party put on the wrong TV channelCredit: https://twitter.com/ladbible/status/1596464366244986881
      Supporters flocked to a fan party in Newcastle to take in the Three Lions’ second group stage game.
      But disaster struck when the match kicked off – as the giant screen was showing the incorrect channel.
      Instead of seeing stars like Harry Kane on the screen, fans were instead left to watch a car driving down a suburban street.
      As the hosts frantically tried to find the game, supporters started chanting “we want our money back.”
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      And things only got worse when another channel was selected – only for it to be the wrong one too.
      This led to more loud jeers and boos from those in attendance, with one fan particularly angry.
      He roared: “The game’s on, why are we watching a car? Get the England match on!
      “Put the bloody game on! It’s the wrong channel! Channel three you thick s****s, not four!
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      “Put channel three on you f*****g muppets! Three! Put three on, not four!
      “School up you thick c***s, put f*****g three on! F**k me.”
      Thankfully, the England game was eventually put on the TV.
      It saw the crowd erupt into wild cheers, with beer and other drinks sent flying through the air.
      But fans at home all said the same thing after watching England’s turgid 0-0 draw against the USA, claiming those at the viewing party were LUCKY to be watching something else.
      One laughed: “Tbf they’d done them a favour not putting it on.”
      Another declared: “Would have been better off watching something else.”
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      One insisted: “Was probably for the best.”
      Another added: “Bet you wished they had stayed on the original channel.” More

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      World Cup’s ‘hottest fan’ risks breaking law AGAIN as she stuns in downtown Doha despite ‘modesty’ warning by Qatar

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      A FOOTIE fanatic who has wowed supporters worldwide has risked breaching Qatar’s modesty laws once again as she stepped out in downtown Doha.Ivana Knoll – known as both Croatia and the World Cup’s “hottest fan” – is visiting the Middle Eastern nation to cheer on her beloved side captained by Luka Modric.
      Ivana Knoll steps out in Doha in support of CroatiaCredit: Splash
      Ivana appears to be pushing the limits of Qatar’s modesty lawsCredit: Splash
      She had previously slammed the Qatar World Cup as a “disaster” – and dubbed the sporting event a “circus”.
      And she seems determined to test the limits of modesty laws in Qatar.
      The 30-year-old racy form fitting outfit to her side’s game against Morocco and shared snaps of herself in a revealing swimsuit while posing up by the curved skyscraper in Lusail.
      Photographers caught Ivana going for a stroll in Doha wearing a pair of white shorts and a midriff exposing Croatia strip.
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      Ivana has already received abuse online from trolls calling for her to better respect the cultural code of Qatar.
      But the model appears to be unphased ahead of Croatia’s clash with Canada.
      World Cup fans had been urged to keep outfits conservative despite the soaring temperatures.
      Glam footie fans risk being slapped with huge fines or even put behind bars if they flash their figures in Qatar.
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      Although non-Qatari women don’t need to wear the abaya – the long, black robe – their tops must cover their midriff and shoulders, and skirts, dresses and trousers must cover the knees.
      Women travelling in to the Arab nation are also banned from wearing any tight clothing, or flashing any cleavage.
      WAGs were advised to wear a scarf around their necks in a bid to cover up their busts.
      “Visitors (men as well as women) are expected to show respect for local culture by avoiding excessively revealing clothing in public,” the Qatar tourism authority warned before the World Cup.
      “It is generally recommended for men and women to ensure their shoulders and knees are covered.”
      Ivana however appears to be determined however to test the rules – maybe even breaking point.
      And she hasn’t scared to criticise Qatar’s World Cup, branding it a “disaster” after her itinerary was left in chaos.
      The stunning brunette told her 570k Instagram followers the winter tournament has “the worst organization in history.”
      She complained that some of her pals still hadn’t received their ‘Hayya’ cards – the personalised document required by all visitors attending World Cup matches in Qatar.
      Read More on The Sun
      The clothing brand owner has wowed the world with her appearance at the World Cup in both 2014 and 2018.
      Meanwhile, The Sun is searching for England’s very own Ivana Knoll with our competition Operation Fit’s Coming Home.
      Ivana Knoll showed off her assets – and support – for Croatia ahead of their match against MoroccoCredit: Instagram/knolldoll
      The Croatian superfan teased followers that she would dress like this in QatarCredit: instagram/knolldoll
      Ivana Knoll, a diehard Croatian supporter, has hit out at this year’s World CupCredit: Instagram/@knolldoll More

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      Who is Croatia vs Canada referee Andres Matonte at World Cup 2022?

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      THE Qatar World Cup is HERE and referees have done a top job so far.Andres Matonte is one of nine South American referees taking part in Qatar and is in charge of Croatia vs Canada in the group stage.
      Andres Cunha was the last Uruguayan to referee a World Cup match, back in 2018Credit: AFP
      Here is all you need to know about him.
      Who is Andres Matonte?
      Andres Matonte was born in 1988.
      He made his debut at the age of just 20, refereeing in the Uruguayan Championship.
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      Since 2019, he has been an official FIFA referee and has taken charge of some important matches.
      His involvement in the 2021 Arab Cup and the South American World Cup qualifiers have earned him a spot at this year’s tournament.
      More recently, the 34-year-old took charge of Liverpool, no not that one, and Luis Suarez, yes that one, scored two against them.
      The former Liverpool and Barcelona star has returned to the Uruguayan Primera Division and netted twice for Club Nacional against Uruguayan club, Liverpool FC.
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      Cristiano Ronaldo labelled ‘total genius’ by Fifa for winning controversial penalty in Portugal’s World Cup 2022 opener

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      FIFA have labelled Cristiano Ronaldo a “total genius” for the “smart” way he won a controversial penalty in Portugal’s World Cup opener.Ghana boss Otto Addo was outraged by the soft spot-kick that Ronaldo converted to become the first player to score at five World Cups.
      Cristiano Ronaldo slumped to the floor under a gentle challenge from Mohammed Salisu to persuade referee Ismail Elfath to give a penaltyCredit: AP
      Ronaldo tucked in the spot-kick to become the first player ever to score at five World Cups, putting Portugal on the way to a 3-2 win vs GhanaCredit: Alamy
      Legend Ron tumbled all too easily under the challenge of Mohammed Salisu but Fifa claim it was a perfect example of strikers getting smarter” in their thinking and movement.
      The historic goal from the Manchester United discard sparked a 3-2 victory.
      And Sunday Oliseh, from Fifa’s technical study group (TSG), believes Ronaldo, 37, should be “complimented” for it.
      Oliseh told a briefing in Doha: “Maybe the strikers are getting smarter?
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      “The Ronaldo penalty, people can say what they want about him, but the smartness to wait for that second, to touch the ball, continue his leg and then get the contact. That is total genius.
      “Let’s give strikers the compliment for getting smarter. 
      “VAR is also a major reason why this (more penalties being awarded) is happening. Referees can look at it three or four times.”
      Ronaldo flew to the floor out of all proportion to the slight touch he seemed to get from Southampton defender Salisu.
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      And Addo said: “I think the referee didn’t make the right decision… He gave a penalty which was not a penalty – everyone saw that.
      “Why? Because it’s Ronaldo or something?
      “If someone scores a goal, congratulations. Congratulations – with special gifts from the referees. The referee was not in our favour.”
      Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger spearheads TSG, which is examining every match in Qatar for trends and stats.
      Nine penalties have been awarded in the first 20 games.
      That suggests the previous record of 24 spot-kicks in World Cup group ties – set in Russia four years ago – could be beaten.
      Ronaldo certainly had no qualms over celebrating his hotly-debated spot-kickCredit: AP More

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      Who is Belgium vs Morocco referee Cesar Arturo Ramos at World Cup 2022?

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      MEXICO’S referee for the 2022 World Cup is Cesar Arturo Ramos, who is making his second trip to the world’s biggest tournament.And he will have a big game on his hands as he takes charge of Belgium vs Morocco in the group stages.
      Ramos is taking charge at his second World Cup, after officiating at the 2018 tournamentCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Who is Cesar Arturo Ramos?
      Born in Culiacan in 1983 Ramos began his career Ascenso MX – Mexico’s second tier – where he spent five years from 2006 and eventually progressed up to the Liga MX.
      His performances in Mexico’s top division saw him promoted to Fifa-listed status in 2014 and since Ramos has taken charge of a number of high-profile games.
      The Mexican was in the middle for the 2017 Club World Cup Final between Real Madrid and Gremio, whilst he was also named CONCACAF Referee of the Year.
      Has he officiated at the World Cup before?
      Ramos refereed at the World Cup in Russia in 2018, which was his debut.
      He refereed four qualifiers and has big-game experience, having taken charge of key matches in the under-20 World Cup in 2017.
      Ramos was in charge of Denmark’s clash with Tunisia in the 2022 World Cup.
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