World Cup 2022

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      Poland vs Saudi Arabia – World Cup Group C: How they’re doing, injuries and prediction as minnows look for 2nd shock win

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      SAUDI ARABIA are looking to book their spot in the World Cup 2022 last 16.Herve Renard’s side left the football world in a state of shock after beating one of the tournament favourites, Argentina, in their opening game.

      But they face another tricky test in their quest for knockout round place.
      Saudi Arabia take on Poland in their second match.
      And they’ll be fighting tooth and nail to secure another surprise win that will see them qualify.
      SunSport takes a look at what to expect from the big game… including the all-important scoreline prediction.
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      How are they getting on?
      Poland: Not brilliantly, to be honest.
      Superstar striker Robert Lewandowski missed a penalty as they laboured to a 0-0 draw against Mexico.
      And with Argentina still to come, they’ll need a win here.
      Read the full Mexico vs Poland report…
      Saudi Arabia: They’re on cloud nine, right now, after one of the greatest results in World Cup history.
      Trailing 1-0, Saudi Arabia recovered to beat Lionel Messi and Co 2-1.
      A point in this match could even end up being enough to reach the last 16.
      Read the full Argentina vs Saudi Arabia report…
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      Any injuries to worry about?
      Poland: Nothing major to worry about for Czeslaw Michniewicz.
      However, Kamil Glik did take two heavy blows to the head against Mexico and will be monitored in the build-up to the game.
      Saudi Arabia: Yasser Al-Shahrani will miss the game after a sickening blow to the face against Argentina.
      Al-Shahrani required surgery after leaving on a stretcher having collided with his own goalkeeper, Mohammed Al-Owais.
      Who will be the star men?
      Poland: Robert Lewandowski, it has to be.
      Missed penalty or not, the Barcelona star is comfortably one of the best strikers on the planet – one off day won’t change that.
      Saudi Arabia: Salem Al-Dawsari has long been his nation’s talisman.
      He scored the winner against Argentina and will be looking to add to his tally in this one.
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      What’s the head-to-head?
      The two nations have faced off four times – all in friendly games.
      Poland have won all four, most-recently bagging a 2-1 victory in 2006.
      SunSport prediction
      Poland 2 Saudi Arabia 1 More

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      England booed off pitch after drab 0-0 draw with USA but bullish Southgate insists he’s ‘pleased’ with performance

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      ENGLAND were booed off the pitch after they limped to a goalless draw with the USA – but Gareth Southgate insists he was ‘pleased’ with the performance.The Three Lions never really got going and failed to create clear cut chances throughout the World Cup stalemate.
      Things did not go entirely to plan for England as they struggled to break down the USCredit: Rex
      Some fans were not impressed with the showing
      Phil Foden surprisingly did not make an appearance off the bench despite England’s struggles in front of goalCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate insists he was ‘pleased’ with the performance against USACredit: Getty
      But the Three Lions are still guaranteed a place in the last 16 — unless Wales hand them a four-goal thrashing in Tuesday’s final Group B game.
      Even if Wales were to beat England by four goals, they would still qualify if Iran and USA draw.
      England fired blanks against the Yanks, just four days after they smashed six past Iran, but bullish boss Southgate hailed his side’s ‘great resilience’ against the Americans.
      He said: “I am really pleased with how our players applied themselves.
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      “We didn’t quite have that same zip as against Iran. That is going to happen. It is tournament football.
      “We are not going to sweep through everyone without having nights like that.
      “We have to show different qualities to get a result. But we have shown great resilience to defend against an opponent who kept asking us questions.
      “We controlled the game well from the back but were not able to open up with that clear-cut chance.”
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      Skipper Harry Kane admitted: “It was not our best display. We had some good spells.
      “We just didn’t come up with the final product. It was a complete contrast to Iran, where we took our  chances really well.
      “We had two or three opportunities  and we didn’t put them away tonight. The USA are a tough team.
      “They pressed really well and we knew they would come out and make it difficult for us. They are a good side and we have to respect them.”
      And Kane added: “The result isn’t the end of the world. It puts us in a good position in the group. We know we can play better than that.” More

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      Search begins for England’s own Ivana Knoll – Croatia’s sexy World Cup fan

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      SCORE blimey! Croatian Ivana Knoll is definitely in the knock-out stage of the World Cup after being dubbed its sexiest fan.Pictures of the 30-year-old cheering on her national team against Morocco have stunned supporters worldwide.
      Stunning model Ivana Knoll is known as Croatia’s sexiest fanCredit: Splash
      Ivana’s patriotic dress attempted to rally Croatia’s players to a win against MoroccoCredit: instagram
      Ivana has legions of fans on TikTok and has been heating up the winter World Cup in Qatar.
      Her racy outfit risked breaking the host country’s strict modesty laws.
      But The Sun is certain England can do better — and launching Operation Fit’s Coming Home.
      So if you’re in striking form, send us your pictures of yourself in an England strip.
      How to enter
      YOU can email your photos to exclusive@the-sun.co.uk with “Fit’s Coming Home” in the ­subject field, or WhatsApp to 07423 720250.

      The Sun is searching for England’s own sexy superfan to cheer the Three Lions onCredit: instagram More

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      Why England’s awful 0-0 draw with USA could be a good omen for Three Lions’ chances of winning World Cup 2022

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      ENGLAND’s dour 0-0 draw with the USA was not an easy watch – but it could prove to a good omen for tournament success. The Three Lions endured their first bump in the road in the World Cup as they stumbled against America.
      It was a frustrating 90 minutes for England – but the 0-0 could be a sign of good things to comeCredit: Getty
      Gregg Berhalter’s side were disciplined and probably had the better chances in the 90 minutes.
      But ultimately it was a game to forget with Wags left bored in the stadium and viewers turning their attention to Roy Keane’s appearance.
      But England fans can take one positive omen from tonight’s result, if not performance.
      The group stage 0-0 draw is actually an encouraging indicator for the nation, with the result repeatedly coming up in England’s most successful international tournaments.
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      In 1966 when the Three Lions won the World Cup for the first time, they also endured an early goalless game.
      On that occasion it was Uruguay who England could not get past as they were held in the opening game.
      But 2-0 wins against Mexico and France followed and the host nation were into the quarter-finals.
      They then overcame Argentina, beat Portugal in the semi-final, before Geoff Hurst’s famous goal downed Germany.
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      A 0-0 draw also occurred last year during England’s successful run to the Euros final.
      Gareth Southgate’s side were caught in a scrappy match with Scotland in their second group game which bore resemblances to tonight’s clash with the USA.
      But despite that disappointing result, England went all the way to the final before losing out on penalties to Italy.
      Before England can start dreaming of their first World Cup final since 1966, they must first get past Wales in the final group game. More

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      Harry Kane shows off severely swollen and strapped ankle as England captain plants kiss on wife after dreadful USA draw

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      HARRY KANE has given England fans a fresh fright after showing off his several swollen and strapped ankle.But the Three Lions skipper got over the frustration of Friday’s 0-0 draw with the USA by planting a kiss on his wife in the stands afterwards.
      Harry Kane showed off his strapped ankle after England’s bore draw with the USACredit: PA
      Kane’s ankle appeared to be swollen as he walked around in trainersCredit: PA
      Kane gave a kiss to wife Katie Goodland in the stands afterwardsCredit: PA
      England captain Kane, 29, drew another blank as he failed to hit the target for a second straight game.
      The striker struggled to threaten on an awkward night in Qatar.
      But it was just a relief to see Kane even on the pitch after suffering an ankle injury scare in Monday’s 6-2 win over Iran.
      Unfortunately for the ace though, there are now new fears over the Tottenham star’s fitness for Tuesday’s game against Wales.
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      That’s because after the drab USA stalemate, Kane was seen walking gingerly in trainers with his ankle covered in straps.
      A close-up look of the area showed Kane’s ankle was very much swollen after a gruelling 90 minutes on the pitch.
      And Gareth Southgate will now be waiting with bated breath for the latest fitness update on his star man.
      But Kane got over his problems with a kiss from wife Katie Goodland, 29.
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      His other half was on hand to greet him in the stands after the final whistle.
      Kane was certainly delighted to be reunited with his wife, as well as their children.
      And he joined them for a chat as he clambered into the pitch-side seats.
      It now remains to be seen if Kane will be fully fit to start against Wales, with England almost guaranteed their spot in the next round.
      Only a defeat of four or more goals to their neighbours can spoil the party, with Iran and the USA also in contention to qualify.
      Katie had been cheering Kane on all gameCredit: Reuters
      Kane was delighted to see his family after the matchCredit: PA More

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      England’s Wags rack up eye-watering £20,000 bar bill on luxury World Cup cruise liner

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      ENGLAND’S Wags are clearly on a super booze, racking up a £20,000 bar bill on board their luxury World Cup cruise liner.The group glugged bottles of high-end champagne to celebrate the Three Lions win in the opening game of the tournament in Qatar.
      England’s Wags have racked up a massive bill on their luxury cruise linerCredit: AP
      Harry Maguire’s wife Fern was among the Wags partying until 2amCredit: Getty
      Jordan Pickford’s other half Megan was part of the group glugging champagneCredit: Getty
      And Jack Grealish’s model sweetheart Sasha Attwood was also on a super boozeCredit: Getty
      The women and their families gathered on board the stunning £1billion MSC World Europa to toast their men after Gareth Southgate’s team opened with a 6-2 mauling of Iran.
      And the Wags, including Harry Maguire’s wife Fern, Jordan Pickford’s missus Megan and Jack Grealish’s model sweetheart Sasha Attwood, partied until 2am.
      A source said: “They’re on a premium drinks package whilst on board the cruise liner.
      “It was all paid for before they arrived in Qatar. But they were ordering bottles of champagne at £250 a pop as well as cocktails.
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      “They then hit the karaoke and were belting out Three Lions and Sweet Caroline.
      “They had an absolute blast and drank so much the bar was restocking the following morning.”
      And Kyle Walker’s Wag, Annie, 29, who married the defender last November, has embraced the cruise ship experience.
      She headed to the ship’s main theatre to enjoy a singer belting out classics including Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive and Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You.
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      The ship is docked in Doha for the duration of the World Cup.
      The Wags are among 6,762 guests who have paid up to £6,000 for five-star packages.
      The liner features a 643ft outdoor promenade, 14 ocean-view whirlpools, 13 dining venues and more than 30 bars and cafés.
      For kids and adults with a sense of fun, a Sportplex zone offers basketball, bumper cars and a roller disco.
      But the highlight is the 11-deck high helter skelter called The Venom Drop — the tallest slide on any ship in the world.
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      The Wags can also enjoy a spa and wellness centre, thermal baths, a beauty salon and a gym.
      Their Three Lions are staying at the nearby Souq Al Wakra hotel in a Covid bubble. More

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      Fans joke The Simpsons predicted England and USA’s woeful 0-0 World Cup 2022 draw years ago

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      FANS have taken to Twitter to joke that The Simpsons predicted England’s drab draw with the USA years ago.The Three Lions were outclassed by their American counterparts in a dull stalemate in their second World Cup Group B match.
      England produced a drab display as they drew 0-0 with USA on FridayCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Fans are convinced that The Simpsons predicted the dull draw back in 1997

      Even the Wags were yawning during the game as the toothless Three Lions failed to mount any serious threat to the Americans.
      That result left England still top of the group on four points, one ahead of second-placed Iran.
      The USA, who take on Iran on Tuesday, are third on two points after consecutive draws.
      And Wales, who England face in their final Group B match, are bottom on one point.
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      That means the Three Lions will qualify for the knockouts if they avoid a 4-0 defeat to the Welsh.
      However, virtually guaranteeing a place in the knockouts failed to stop fans from blasting the performance in the bore draw.
      Now many are convinced the hit American TV The Simpsons has actually spookily predicted the future again.
      In a March 2014 episode titled “You Don’t Have To Live Like A Referee,” The Simpsons accurately foretold that it would be Germany lifting the World Cup that summer.
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      That followed on from a number of other predictions that eventually came true – including Donald Trump becoming US president.
      And now many believe that the 1997 episode “The Cartridge Family” may have set the stage for tonight’s England stalemate.
      Homer Simpson, wife Marge and kids Bart and Lisa watched a TV ad for a match that will determine “which is the greatest nation on Earth” – but just seconds into the action the former is heard screaming “boring”.
      And that clip quickly resurfaced after full-time tonight in Qatar, with one tweeting: “The Simpsons predicted this.”
      Another tweeted: “I was literally thinking about this as I was watching.”
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      A fellow fan commented: “England and USA literally mimicked the Simpsons episode where they made fun of soccer. Hyped up to max, and delivering a boring game.”
      While another wrote: “Holy s***, The Simpsons predicted England vs USA.” More

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      Gary Neville slammed by fans for saying England should have brought on Trent Alexander-Arnold in drab USA draw

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      ENGLAND fans have slammed Gary Neville for saying Trent Alexander-Arnold SHOULD have been brought on against the USA.The Three Lions were held to a drab 0-0 draw by their transatlantic cousins in Qatar on Friday night.
      England fans have slammed Gary Neville for saying Trent Alexander-Arnold should have played against the USACredit: Getty
      Neville has been a vocal critic of Alexander-Arnold leading up to the World CupCredit: PA
      And the result served as a warning to supporters still revelling in Monday’s 6-2 victory over Iran.
      Gareth Southgate kept his cards close to his chest against the Americans, using just three of his five available subs.
      The likes of Phil Foden and Callum Wilson were left on the bench despite England’s struggles in front of goal.
      But pundit Neville believes Liverpool ace Alexander-Arnold should have been given the nod on Friday evening.
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      That’s despite being a vocal critic of his fellow right-back in the past.
      And England fans have now hit out at Neville for changing his tune just WEEKS after claiming Southgate “could not trust” Alexander-Arnold in Qatar.
      Neville said after the match: “I’m torn a little bit because I’ve got huge respect for Gareth Southgate and what he’s achieved – he’s achieved more than any manager since Sir Alf Ramsey.
      “But we’ve got a couple of talents there sat on the bench in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden, who in terms of opening up a game…
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      “Trent’s got one of the best deliveries you’ll ever see from a full-back.
      “Those two on the bench… you’re a little disappointed in the sense that you’re trying to win a game, they’re world class talents.
      “I think Gareth’s worried about [Trent] defensively, but if we’re not confident of playing him against the USA when we need a goal…
      “Other countries like Spain, Brazil, France would have Trent and Foden in their starting XIs.

      “I understand it a bit watching Trent defend but in a game like that where we lack creativity, you think ‘those two players should be in there’.”
      This caused fans to lash out online, with one saying: “The audacity of Neville calling for Trent to be played.
      More U-turns than Boris JohnsonEngland fan
      “He spent four years denigrating him, and more than any person has created the mythical ‘understanding’ Trent is an awful defender.”
      Another wrote: “Neville now saying Trent should have come on. Hmm more U-turns that Boris Johnson.”
      One declared: “Neville spent six months telling us Trent shouldn’t be in squad but now moaning he isn’t playing!”
      Another added: “Neville’s flip flopping over Trent is embarrassing at this point.”
      Just this month, Neville said about Trent Alexander-Arnold: “It’s a really tough one because his brilliance going forward is out of this world.
      “How are England going to win or lose in the World Cup? It is going to come down to one moment, and at this moment in time, I can’t see how Gareth can go into a knockout game at the World Cup with Trent.
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      “I want this player to be the greatest right back of all time, but at times today, he looked like he could have cost Liverpool.
      “I think at the World Cup, he is giving away a penalty. I don’t think Gareth will trust him in a knockout game and that may influence his decision as to whether he goes or not.” More