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    Sun mascot Harry Mane wears rainbow bucket hat celebrating FIFA bowing to pressure

    SUN mascot Harry Mane became Harry Mane-bow yesterday as he celebrated FIFA bowing to pressure over rainbow bucket hats by donning one of his own with pride.Welsh fans had rainbow hats and flags confiscated by hard line cops before their first game against America.
    Sun mascot Harry Mane wears a rainbow bucket hat in World Cup host country QatarCredit: Dan Charity
    The crackdown made a mockery of FIFA’s message that “everybody will be welcome” at the World Cup.
    But they caved in when The Football Association of Wales (FAW) demanded clarification over what fans could wear.
    Red Dragons fans echoed Harry’s jubilation over the climb down before the match but were left heartbroken at the final whistle after two late Iran goals left them on the brink of elimination.
    Rob Page’s men now need a miracle against England in their final group game to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockout stage in their first World Cup in 64 years.
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    Professor Laura McAllister, 55, refused to let the 2-0 defeat dampen her sprits after she was allowed to wear her rainbow bucket hat to the game.
    She made headlines all over the world when footage of her being told to take it off at the first match against the USA went viral.
    Laura, professor of policy at Cardiff University, said: “The security stewards told me to put it in the bin or take it to the restricted items area.
    “I asked why and all they said was ‘regulation’. I challenged them but they wouldn’t budge so it was clearly an orchestrated stance.
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    “I went outside and when I was out of sight of the guards I put it in my back pocket and went back in to the ground.
    “FIFA can’t have it both ways. They can’t say that their tournament is for everyone and push the diversity message and then refuse to let fan wear rainbow hats with others feeling so unwelcome they haven’t travelled here.
    “This is not a Qatar World Cup, it’s a World Cup in Qatar.
    “The irony though is that rather than keeping things under wraps, they have achieved the exact opposite. Everyone is now talking about it.
    “Wearing my hat was a small act of defiance but an important one because there are still many countries where homosexuality is illegal.”
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    Civil servant Jon Bettinson, 52, of Cardiff, wore a rainbow necklace to the match to show his support for the LGBT community.
    He said: “It was important for us take make a stand however small it might be. Every gesture helps.” More

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    Bored England fans turn attention to ‘haunted lighthouse keeper’ Roy Keane during dreary USA clash after ITV appearance

    BORED England fans turned their attention to “haunted lighthouse keeper” Roy Keane during a dreadful game against the USA.The Three Lions struggled during the opening 45 minutes and could not replicate their formidable performance against Iran from Monday.
    Keane’s beard, shirt and general demeanour got England fans talking amid a poor game of World Cup football
    And after a dreary first-half that did little to energise football fans, the spotlight shifted to the pundits.
    Keane, on duty for ITV, caught the interest of viewers for his interesting World Cup look as he analysed the match.
    The Irishman was sporting a thick greying beard and wore a patterned grey, beige and white shirt.
    Twitter users were relentless as they poked fun of the former Manchester United midfielder.
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    One said: “Roy Keane, looking more than ever like a haunted lighthouse keeper facing a deep personal crisis.”
    The theme continued as another tweeter said: “Roy Keane looks about three years away from living in a lighthouse.”
    Meanwhile, bored fans were also taken aback by Keane’s shirt.
    One person said: “Roy Keane wearing a shirt that looks like he stapled three carpet samples together.”
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    Another wrote: “Weird feeling when you’ve just watched a #Eng game and your main post match question is ‘where did Roy Keane get his shirt from?’
    A third person wrote: “Roy Keane shirt and beard combo….horrific.”
    When the action did get underway in the second-half, things did not improve.

    Both sides once again struggled to create chances and even England’s Wags struggled to pretend they were entertained.
    The game ended 0-0 and boos could be heard at the full-time whistle.
    Despite the uninspiring performance, England know they are all but through to the knock-outs unless they suffer a complete collapse against Wales.
    Meanwhile, it’s win or bust for the USA in their final group game against Iran. More

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    Our £170-a-night World Cup accommodation is flooded with sewage and has no hot water – we want to sell up and go home

    FURIOUS World Cup fans have complained that they already want to go home after their £170-a-night accommodation was flooded with sewage.Fed-up Australian supporters have only seen the Socceroos play one game but are considering selling up their tickets and leaving Qatar.
    A number of World Cup supporters have complained they already want to leaveCredit: Twitter
    Many supporters were forced to queue for hours to get into their pre-booked roomsCredit: Twitter
    Some compared the ‘unfinished’ accommodation to a ‘refugee camp’Credit: Twitter
    While plenty of fans have loved their World Cup experiences, a number have complained about the shoddy state of accommodation and chaotic scenes in the fan zones.
    Many reports have filtered through of serious issues at the fan villages designed for fans of different countries to stay in together.
    Problems with accommodation have been reported at the Barwa Barahat Al Janoub Housing Unit, the Fan Village Cabins Zarafan, the Free Zone Fan Village, and the Saffron Fan Village.
    Qatar has already offered full refunds and new accommodation to World Cup fans staying in some of the worst tent villages.
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    A number of supporters reportedly arrived on time, only to be made to wait through the night while their rooms were made ready.
    But when they finally got into their accommodation, they discovered the accommodation, many of which cost on average £170 a night, had leaking bathrooms flooded with sewage and no hot water.
    Posting on a forum for fans in Qatar, one Aussie supporter said: “Anyone else in the fan villages having a horrible experience?
    “Leakage in the bathroom causing flooding, no hot water, customer service have been overrun with people’s complaints.”
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    They added: “Honestly don’t know what to do. We’re considering selling our tickets and leaving early but I think our chances for a refund on the accommodation are low.”
    Another fan complained: “We are in the Baraw village and our apartment has been flooded with sewage 2 days in a row.”
    They said officials claimed to have fixed the problem and had sent a team of cleaners, “but they also said that yesterday”.
    The fan went on: “We gave up and found accommodation elsewhere. If you need a number of a guy I can give it to you.
    “He is a property manager and rents furnished apartments out by the month but just stay how long you need. It’s the same price.”
    Anyone else in the fan villages having a horrible experience?Australian World Cup fan
    Aussies aren’t the only supporters to complain about the state of facilities for some of the World Cup fans.
    A number have ranted online, saying there were a lack of buses, air conditioning units didn’t work, and pre-booked accommodation wasn’t available.
    Others have said their accommodation was unfinished even after the World Cup had started.
    One supporter compared the fan village at Zafaran to “a refugee camp”.
    They questioned why a country the size of Qatar had been given a World Cup.
    “Half a population of a country staying for a month was never going to be achieved,” they said.
    Supporters have complained about bathrooms flooded with sewageCredit: Twitter
    Some of the basic-looking cabins available for World Cup supportersCredit: Twitter
    Accommodation in Qatar is going for 740 Qatari riyal, or almost £170 a nightCredit: Twitter
    Another claimed they were unable to access their room hours after arriving.
    “Management delegation in the village of Saffron fans,” they wrote. “Hundreds of fans who have reservations have not received their rooms under the pretext that there are no available rooms and that there are no twin rooms?”
    They added: “And the situation is as it is today, Morocco, without a solution. Chaos after chaos and the staff is very bad.”
    In a statement, the Qatari Supreme Committee told The Sun Online: “We are aware that a number of fans have faced delays checking into select Fan Village accommodation due to owner and operator negligence.
    “A section of units in these facilities, which are delivered and managed by different private entities, have not met the required standards that were advertised to fans.
    “While these sites are managed by independent commercial entities, rectifying these issues remains the utmost priority for the Supreme Committee.
    “Full refunds are being offered to fans severely impacted by this issue as well as alternative accommodation which will be free of charge for the duration of their stay.”
    Supporters have also complained about the state of food available in the fan villages.
    On Friday, fans were left shocked at a £7 chicken shawarma wrap being sold at the World Cup clash between Switzerland and Cameroon.
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    While a terrible breakfast included as part of a £200-a-night deal was roasted by supporters.
    The “breakfast box” included just a sandwich, an apple, a sad-looking muffin, and a doughnut. More

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    England’s Phil Foden created as many chances as Kane, Mount and Sterling in stat that sums up lacklustre performance

    PHIL FODEN created as many chances as Harry Kane, Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling combined against USA – and he didn’t even play.And that stat sums up what was a lacklustre display by England as they drew 0-0 in their second World Cup Group B match.
    Phil Foden was not the only one baffled that he never got any action against USACredit: Getty
    The star was an unused sub during the drab England drawCredit: Getty
    Even the Wags were yawning during the drab affair as the toothless Three Lions failed to mount any serious threat to the Americans.
    Other than an early chance for Kane and a Mount effort just before the break, it was all USA and there was no doubt that they should have been ahead at half time.
    Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic will feel the most hard done by after his effort whacked Jordan Pickford’s crossbar.
    The pressure continued after the restart, eventually forcing Southgate into a reshuffle.
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    Fans were left baffled by Jordan Henderson’s introduction, who came at the same time as Jack Grealish, on 68 minutes in an effort to turn the tide.
    Kane had another opportunity at the death to snatch an undeserved winner but headed high and wide as it finished honours even at the World Cup.
    Despite the chances they had for themselves, neither Kane, Mount or Sterling, who was replaced by Grealish, created any opportunities for their team-mates.
    And that is exactly the same as the unused Foden – who many fans and pundits were desperate to see get on.
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    Foden, 22, has been in red-hot form for Man City this term with eight goals and three assists in 20 appearances.
    And former England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville was one of those leading the call for him to start.
    The ITV pundit said: “ Phil Foden not to be playing for England is a real shame because he’s a massive talent.
    “I think he’s our best player, our best talent by a mile. He should be playing in that team.”
    He added later: “I’m torn because I’ve go ta lot of respect for Gareth and what he’s achieved – he’s achieved the most since Alf Ramsey.
    “But we’ve got a couple of talents sat on the bench in the form of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Foden who are capable of opening up the game.
    “Alexander-Arnold has some of the best deliveries you’ll ever see from full-back and on that right side when Rashford came on, he had Henderson and Trippier so he was blocked from getting that delivery in.
    “I think those two coming off the bench is a little bit disappointing, if you’re trying to win the game they’re world class talents.”
    The 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.
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    And Wales, who England face in their final Group B match, are bottom on one point.
    That means the Three Lions will qualify for the knockouts if they avoid a 4-0 defeat to the Welsh. More

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    England verdict: We’ll get out of the group barring disaster, but expect Southgate to tinker – and return to 3-4-3

    GARETH SOUTHATE stressed the starting XI against Iran has earned the right to face the United States.And in any case, everyone would have thought the England manager had lost his marbles had he decided to do some tinkering after a brilliant win on the opening day.
    England boss Gareth Southgate has some big questions to answer after drawing with the USA and is likely to make changes against WalesCredit: Rex
    Star man Harry Maguire and fellow centre-back John Stones grimace on a tough night for the Three Lions in QatarCredit: Getty
    This was not great, neither was it a disaster. It was certainly not a blockbuster for the crowd of 68463.
    Yet starting with Wales on Tuesday, and surely into the knockout rounds, Southgate is certain to mix and match both his formations – and personnel – depending on the opposition.
    Had his Three Lions not humiliated Iran 6-2, then England would have probably started with a back three and wing-backs last night.
    He will now think about ditching the back four for what is now an intriguing game with the Welsh even though England, barring a disaster, are through.
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    At his pre-match press conference on Thursday evening, Southgate had warned fans not expect goalfests against either States or Wales.
    He said: “I guess people wouldn’t expect us to be like that having watched us for a couple of years and the style of football we play. Maybe we will regress to the norm!”

    Southgate was only half joking when he spoke about returning to normal and unfortunately, that is what happened.
    The full-backs, in particular, Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw, both struggled defensively.
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    Both did well enough going forward but at times, both John Stones and Harry Maguire – England’s best player – were exposed and defended well, particularly as they were not being protected well enough by the midfield, where there was a bit of a gap.
    It was certainly a reality check. But a tap on the shoulder which, in turn, may not hurt England too much.
    At the back, in particular, Shaw found himself over-run with right-back Sergino Dest, of Juventus, getting forward to support Weston McKennie, with Raheem Sterling not always getting back quickly enough to help protect.
    McKennie wasted one good chance then did brilliantly to create the chance for Christian Pulisic whose shot rattled the crossbar.
    Trippier, who was guilty of some slopping passing, foolishly invited Pulisic to take the shot, not realising it would be such a terrific effort from a difficult angle.
    At the end of the first half, Shaw delivered some bright moments with a couple of good passes at the other end.
    Equally, it would have not been the greatest of surprises had Southgate decided to change things at half-time.
    USA frontman Christian Pulisic take centre stage, ahead of, from left to right, Jude Bellingham, sliding Bukayo Saka and No 3 Luke ShawCredit: EPA
    Things did not improve as they were forced into some proper last-ditch stuff and it was a relief, with just over 20 minutes to go, when Henderson was brought on to steady the ship in place of Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish for Raheem Sterling, who lacked energy.
    In fairness to Sterling, though, he was certainly not the only one.
    Southgate will not allow himself or the team to get too downhearted by this performance.
    In the same way the coach and his 26-man squad were not doing a conga along Al Wakrah beach after their win on Monday.
    It would have been nice for England to blow the States apart but maybe we were asking a bit too much.
    There were more Three Lions fans inside the Al Bayt Stadium compared to the first game – and the team will certainly need them against Wales.
    Do not forget how the Welsh players celebrated when England were knocked out of Euro2016 by Iceland.
    It would nice to get one back – big style. More

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    World Cup 2022 – Tunisia vs Australia: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time for Group D clash

    TUNISIA are set to take on Australia in their second 2022 Qatar World Cup encounter.The Eagles of Carthage landed a spot in football’s biggest cup competition by scraping past African rivals Mali over two legs.
    Jackson Irvine was on the losing team as the Aussies were thrashedCredit: Getty
    And they’ll be determined to at least go one step further than their 2018 campaign which saw them finish third behind Belgium and England in Group G.
    However, the Aussie’s fourth place group finish during the Russian World Cup edition could spur them on in the same manor as Tunisia.
    But the Socceroos haven’t managed to secure a World Cup knock-out spot since 2006.
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    What time does Tunisia vs Australia kick off?

    Tunisia will be taking on Australia in the second set of Group D fixtures on Saturday, November 26.
    It is scheduled to kick off at 10am UK time – 12pm local time.
    Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar is the allocated arena for this encounter and it can host a capacity of 40,000 fans.
    The Tunisian’s came out on top when the sides last met way back in a 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup clash.

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

    Tunisia vs Australia 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.
    The BBC iPlayer app is available to download on your mobile phone or preferred tablet device.

    Can I watch Tunisia vs Australia for FREE?
    Yes! Tunisia’s Group D clash against Australia can be watched for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license.
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    What are the odds?
    Tunisia win 6/5
    Draw 9/4
    Australia victory 13/5 More

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    England player ratings: Harry Maguire stands tall against the USA but Manchester United pal Luke Shaw not at races

    ENGLAND’S World Cup campaign ground to a halt on Friday after being held by the USA.Gareth Southgate’s men struggled to get out of first gear in a dull 0-0 draw.
    England stuttered in the World Cup with a 0-0 draw against the USACredit: AP
    The result was certainly a reminder to fans of England’s form prior to the 6-2 win over Iran.
    And the Three Lions must now beat Wales in their final group game to seal a spot in the knockout stages.
    But who was England’s best player against the USA? And did anyone have a match to forget?
    Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies delivers his England player ratings…
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    JORDAN PICKFORD – 6/10
    No saves to make despite a worrying first half in front of him. One dicey moment under a corner but otherwise did what he had to do.
    KIERAN TRIPPIER – 5
    Lax in defence for second game running, especially in first half for McKennie and Pulisic chances. Is Kyle Walker fit enough to start?
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    JOHN STONES – 7
    Important interventions in both halves when team in danger of conceding more chances. Less effective in possession than v Iran.
    HARRY MAGUIRE – 8 STAR MAN
    Won almost everything in the air, which was vital at times in second half.
    Fought fires down England’s left. Like Stones, unable to do as much with the ball.

    LUKE SHAW – 5
    The USA got in behind him far too easily in first half, forcing Maguire to cover. Had fewer opportunities to deliver at the other end.
    Declan Rice was one of England’s slightly better performersCredit: Getty
    JUDE BELLINGHAM – 5
    Unable to dictate game as v Iran, struggling against athletic, three-man midfield. Non-existent in second half before being subbed. Reality check.
    DECLAN RICE – 6
    Opponents’ greater dynamism and numerical advantage caused him problems in the first half, but improved in second to stabilise team.
    MASON MOUNT – 6
    Online haters piled on, but only player close to matching energy of opening game. Admittedly without much reward bar first-half shot.
    Mason Mount was far from his brilliant bestCredit: Reuters
    BUKAYO SAKA – 6
    Started well, but did not have enough of the ball in good positions to threaten regularly. Suffered from what was going on behind him.
    HARRY KANE – 6
    Should he have put more on the early shot? Looked a bit sluggish, raising questions about his fitness. Will rue sending late header wide.
    RAHEEM STERLING – 5
    Teeing up Mount shot and one run only highlights of frustrating night when he was starved of decent ball, but deservedly taken off.
    Harry Kane found opportunities hard to come byCredit: Getty
    SUBSTITUTES
    JACK GREALISH (for Sterling, 68mins) – 6
    Increased threat and won free kicks
    JORDAN HENDERSON (for Bellingham, 69mins) – 6
    Fresh legs but little impact
    MARCUS RASHFORD (for Saka, 78mins) – 6
    No fairytale this time. Had a shot at least.
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    How England could face nightmare World Cup last 16 draw after shambolic USA stalemate with final clash vs Wales pivotal

    ENGLAND are facing a nightmare tie in the last 16 of the World Cup after their shocking performance against USA.Having thumped Iran 6-2 in their tournament opener, Three Lions fans were in buoyant mood ahead of Friday night’s clash.
    England face a potential nightmare draw in the World Cup last 16 after their USA stalemateCredit: Reuters
    How Groups A and B look going into the final round of fixtures
    But after a dreadful 0-0 draw against the USA, England are now most-likely to face HOLLAND in the first knockout stage.
    Gareth Southgate’s men may only need a draw against Wales if they are to secure top spot in Group B.
    A 4-0 loss – however unlikely – would likely see them crash OUT of the tournament.
    A win would guarantee top spot, but failing to do so would almost-certainly see them face Louis van Gaal’s Dutch giants in the last 16.
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    Holland are currently top of Group A, level on points with Ecuador following their 1-1 draw earlier on Friday, but have only Qatar to play.
    Qatar have lost both of their opening fixtures and are officially the WORST host nation in the World Cup’s 92-year history.

    Meanwhile, Ecuador face a tricky clash with Senegal as they aim to steal top spot from the Netherlands.
    In their most-recent game against Holland, England famously lost 3-1 in their 2018-19 Nations League semi-final.
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    Ex-Manchester United boss Van Gaal guided his side to a late 2-0 win over Senegal in their tournament opener before Cody Gakpo’s early strike was cancelled out by Enner Valencia against Ecuador.
    However, they are overwhelming favourites to top Group A.
    Should England fail to grab top spot and reach the last 16 in second, they will play Holland.
    Of course, there’s still the possibility the Three Lions win the group and still face the Dutch, should they slip to second.
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    Indeed, with Qatar out of the running, England could still play Holland, Ecuador or Senegal.
    First thing’s first, though… Southgate and Co must get past Wales. More