World Cup 2022

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      Holland 1 Ecuador 1: Enner Valencia the hero again as he cancels out Cody Gakpo goal to KO hosts Qatar from World Cup

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      THERE WILL be no hanky panky for the Van Gaals after this.Not after Louis’ Dutch side went limp in the second-half at the Khalifa Stadium.
      Ecuador players celebrate after their equaliser against HollandCredit: Getty
      Cody Gakpo rifled the Dutch into the lead with just six minutes on the clockCredit: EPA
      Enner Valencia stabbed home after the restart to earn a drawCredit: Reuters
      A stunning sixth-minute opener from Cody Gakpo had him up off his seat.
      But he was a frustrated figure after Enner Valencia grabbed a deserved leveller on 49 minutes for Ecuador.
      The South Americans were closest to getting the winner too when Gonzalo Plata rattled the bar on 59 minutes.
      So it will be just a cold cup of tea and biscuits probably back at base camp Oranje for the Van Gaals on this occasion.
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      To think Louis was all giddy after a 2-0 opening group game victory over Senegal this week.
      He was caught on camera at the Dutch training ground the following day saying to wife Truus ‘But you can come to the hotel. Just to my room. To get laid’ as he laughed.

      No reason for fun and frolics on this occasion and Ecuador will feel justice has been done in earning a share of the spoils.
      Boos had rung out at the Khalifa at half time.
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      It was in the final minute of the first period when a poor corner to the near post was cleared to the edge of the area from where Angelo Reciado shot and Pervis Estupinan stuck out a boot to deflect the ball past goalkeeper Andries Noppert.
      Celebrations round the ground where Ecuador fans outnumbered the Dutch by four to one.
      But the linesman’s flag was raised against Jackson Porozo who was standing in the six-yard box.
      He didn’t touch the ball but was adjudged to have affected the goalkeeper’s view even though Noppert was already diving to his right before Estupinan’s intervention.
      No Dutch players appealed, not even Noppert who looked as confused as the Ecuador players when the flag was raised.
      The whistle for the break blew seconds later and the protests to all the officials went on with the Ecuador players perplexed by the explanation they were getting.
      But they would get their reward when four minutes after the break after a catalogue of errors by the Dutch finished with Valencia playing the ball wide to Estupinan and following up to poke home his parried cross shot.

      Worryingly for Ecuador, however, Valencia would later leave the field on a stretcher before limping heavily to the dugout.
      What a goal it was that had given Holland the early lead.
      Brighton’s Moises Caicedo was guilty of losing possession to Davy Klaassen and what he did next was class.
      Taking the ball to his right and two defenders with him he then produced  a clever back heel to Gakpo.
      He still had three Ecuador players to evade which he did with a curling shot that began outside the left-hand upright but altered it’s direction in the air finding a gap between post and the goalkeeper’s outstretched arm.
      His second goal in two games after breaking the deadlock in the 84th minute of Holland’s 2-0 victory over Senegal, in which Klaassen came on as a sub to add the second.
      But that bright start fizzled out very quickly with Ecuador finishing much the stronger. More

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      Qatar OUT of World Cup 2022 after FIVE DAYS as they break record for worst host nation in tournament’s 92-year history

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      WORLD CUP hosts Qatar have been officially knocked out of the competition already.The Netherlands’ 1-1 draw with Ecuador all but ended the Qatari national team’s slim hopes of making it out of Group A.
      Hosts Qatar have already been knocked out of the 2022 World CupCredit: Reuters
      Qatar have officially had the worst run out of any other World Cup hostCredit: Getty
      Felix Sanchez’s men lost both of their opening matches against Ecuador and Senegal, making their final game against Holland in the group stage nothing but a formality.
      Qatar have officially had the worst run out of any other World Cup host nation as they have been eliminated earlier than all of their predecessors and with fewer points.
      It only took five days for the Qatari national team to crash out of the tournament.
      That poses as a record for a host nation in the World Cup’s 92-year history.
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      South Africa became the first ever host nation to crash out of the group stages in 2010.
      But the South African were drawn in a tough group alongside Uruguay, Mexico and France.
      They still managed to finish third and were eliminated on goal difference.
      That was after drawing 1-1 with Mexico, losing 3-0 to Uruguay and famously beating France 2-1.
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      Qatar also became the first World Cup hosts to lose their tournament opener as they were defeated 2-0 by Ecuador.
      Of the previous 22 hosts, 16 won their opening games and the other six drew it.

      In fact, Qatar had zero efforts on target against the Ecuadorians – a feat achieved by teams only four times throughout the whole 2018 tournament.
      In all, that game provided just 11 goal attempts – the lowest total for an opener since records began with England’s triumphant hosting in 1966. More

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      I love England so much I quit my job to watch every Three Lions match – I’d be miserable if I missed a single minute

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      A FAN who quit his job because he loves England so much said he would be miserable if he missed a single minute.Casey Bishop, 39, handed in his resignation for his job at Northumbria University in Newcastle so he doesn’t miss any footy at home or in the pub.
      Casey Bishop, 39, handed in his resignation for his job in the name of footballCredit: NNP
      He took drastic action as he wanted to watch every single World Cup gameCredit: NNP
      Football mad Casey said: “I would have been so miserable stuck at work.
      “I’m a massive football fan, and I just couldn’t imagine not being able to watch them. 
      “Morally I felt as though I couldn’t go [to Qatar]. I’ve always been against it but when I heard about the atrocities and the human rights record. I couldn’t give my money to them. 
      “I have also heard from mates over there they are paying £16 for a pint of beer so I’m glad I made that decision.”
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      Thankfully Casey has a new job lined up for the new year, and his last boss kindly halved his notice period to two weeks so he could leave just as the World Cup began. 
      He is watching the matches at the pub, fan zones and at home.

      It comes as England fans got the party started in pubs tonight ahead of the Three Lion’s crunch game against the USA.
      Raucous England fans have already been pictured getting in the mood for tonight’s drama by packing out pubs and flying the flag.
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      Excited fans were in cheery spirits as they got the party started at the Red Lion pub in London with one loyal fan even donning a whole flag as an outfit.
      Some have been snapped donning player-themed fancy dress as one supporter wore a Harry Maguire mask and hoisted aloft a replica World Cup trophy.
      While Boxpark Wembley was packed out with fans who arrived for a pint after clocking off work early.
      A win will see the Three Lions progress to the last 16 while a draw could potentially be enough thanks to their goal difference.
      Gareth Southgate’s side head into the game in stunning form after thrashing Iran 6-2 in their opener in Doha.
      In Qatar, Amie Coady and other Wags have been spotted heading to the stadium to support the England stars.
      Up to 11 million reportedly swerved the office in favour of working from home for Monday’s match in honour of the earlier 1pm whistle.
      Following their draw against Wales, USA will be itching to bounce back and keep their dream of reaching the knockout stages alive.
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      England last faced the USA in the World Cup 12 years ago when a Rob Green howler saw the game end 1-1 between the two sides.
      Wales’ World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after two late Iran goals broke Welsh hearts earlier today. More

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      Chelsea legend John Terry urges England ace Harry Kane to QUIT Tottenham and move to Real Madrid to end trophy drought

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      JOHN TERRY believes Harry Kane could quit Tottenham for Real Madrid as he is desperate to win trophies.Former England skipper JT claims the current national captain has no chance of fulfilling his club dreams at Spurs.
      Whatever Harry Kane decides in the future, his mind is focused on England in the World Cup as he takes in the Al Khor stadium in Qatar for the USA clashCredit: Reuters

      Kane leads the Three Lions against the USA in Qatar on Friday night as he battles to land World Cup glory as well as his first major silverware.
      And Chelsea legend Terry had no doubts when asked if the striker, 29, would be interested in joining Real.
      JT told beIN Sports: “I couId see it. I think he’s got ambition to go and win trophies.
      “Any chance to have a pop at Spurs I will! 
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      “But let’s be honest with ourselves. He’s one of the best strikers in the world, probably the best No9 in the world right now.
      “He wants to win trophies. He wants to play for the best and biggest teams.

      “Spurs are not going to give him trophies, what he wants.
      “He wants to finish his career with some trophies – so he can look back and say he done proud.”
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      Kane was only given the all-clear for Friday’s second group game 24 hours before kick-off.
      England manager Gareth Southgate described the 2018 Golden Boot winner as “all good” following a scan on a leg injury from Monday’s 6-2 destruction of Iran. More

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      Brazil in another World Cup blow as Man Utd star Antony misses training through illness amid Neymar injury fears

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      BRAZIL have been dealt another blow after Antony missed training through illness.The five-time winners are already sweating on the fitness of Neymar, who limped off against Serbia on Thursday after injuring his ankle.
      Antony came on in the second half of Brazil’s win against SerbiaCredit: Getty
      The PSG star was reduced to tears after being on the recieving end of a poor tackle from Nikola Milenkovic.
      According to Brazilian journalist Andres Onrubia Ramos, Neymar won’t miss the rest of the World Cup, but might not play again in the groups.
      He said: “His participation in the World Cup is not in danger, although he may not return until the round of 16. Good news.”
      But the South Americans have been handed another blow after a malaise forced Manchester United winger Antony to sit out training on Friday.
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      According to Isabelle Costa, Antony was one of four absent players.
      Along with Neymar, West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta and Liverpool star Alisson Becker also missed out.
      Antony’s setback comes less than 24 hours after making his World Cup debut in the Serbia win.
      Strangely, it was the ex-Ajax star who replaced Neymar late in the game.
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      Brazil don’t play again until Monday, but they’ll need Antony available, especially with Neymar potentially missing out against Switzerland and Cameroon.
      Regardless, Tito still has an abundance of wide options, with the likes of Rodrygo, Gabriell Martinelli and Flamengo’s Pedro all waiting in the wings. More

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      World Cup 2022 – Netherlands vs Ecuador LIVE: Stream FREE, score, TV channel – Gakpo opens scoring with stunning strike

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      NETHERLANDS are taking on Ecuador in their crucial Group A clash RIGHT NOW – and they lead 1-0!Earlier in their group this afternoon, Senegal defeated hosts Qatar 3-1.
      This means that should the game end in a draw today then Qatar will be knocked out.
      Holland failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup leaving the entire world stunned due to their unbelievable squad.
      But their new range of talent such as Frankie de Jong and Cody Gakpo has led people to believe that they could be the dark horses of the tournament.
      And Netherlands will be backed to get the job done against an Ecuadorian side who haven’t made it out the group stages since 2006.

      Kick-off: 4pm UK
      TV channel: ITV 1
      Live stream: ITV X
      Netherlands XI: Noppert, Dumfries, Timber, Van Dijk, Ake, Blind, Koopmeiners, F. de Jong, Klaassen, Gakpo, Bergwijn
      Ecuador XI: Galindez, Caicedo, Estrada, Estupinan, Hincapie, Mendez, Plata, Porozo, Preciado, Torres, Valencia

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      Holland 1 – 0 Ecuador
      7. Klassen nicked the ball off the Ecuador defence and fed Holland’s most in-form striker.
      The forward took two touches to the ball out from under his fast feet.
      And then he unleashed a howitzer into the stanchion.
      Holland 1 – 0 Ecuador
      6. GAKPO BANGER!
      A left-foot piledriver flies in the top bin.
      Pick that out
      Holland 0 – 0 Ecuador
      4. Ecuador have an injury with Preciado down and needing treatment.
      The defender gets to his feet but has to go off.
      A bit of physio TLC appears to have cured him and we have 11 v 11 again.
      Holland 0 – 0 Ecuador
      2. The Dutch controlling the ball with Total Football.
      Ecuador are not pressing too high or desperately.
      Edgar Davids is wearing sunglasses on the bench. Well you would too if you were Eddie Davies
      Headache
      Some Dutch fans are wearing traditional Arabic head dresses in the stadium.
      There are reports that fans are not allowed to drink alcohol while wearing such outfits.
      So lets hope they’re teetotal or have alternative clothes under their orange robes.
      EcuaRoar
      The boys belt out their anthem with some gusto.
      Valencia shuts his eyes tightly as studies have shown voluntary blindness can increase singing volume by up to 3 per cent.
      They are up for this.
      Ecuabore at the back
      The yellow underdogs are on a run of seven consecutive clean sheets starting way back in March.
      The Dutchm, though, have kept four clean sheets in their last four World Cup matches and have their eye on equalling the tournament record of five.
      A goal fest is not on the cards.
      Beginning of the Enner
      Ecuardor ace Enner Valencia kicked the Qatar tournament off with a classy brace against the hosts.
      But how will the sharp shooter fare against the Dutch and their star defender Virgil van Dijk?
      The Liverpool leader has struggled at times in the Prem this season. Can he be exposed again?
      Ecualiser?
      The South Americans go 5-4-1 in a defensive bid to blockade against the Dutch attack.
      Expect wave after to wave of orange skill and flair.
      But we have seen a few superb upsets so far and would love another.
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      Some real aces in the dug-out hole for Netherlands today.
      De Ligt, Depay and De Jong all start on the bench.
      Will it be D-Dady for the Dutch or Ecuador?
      Group A state of play
      So here is the Group A table.
      And this means that if this next game is a draw then hosts Qatar will be the first team knocked out.
      There will be no way of them reaching four points with one game left.

      Atmosphere building
      The fans are arriving in their droves in Doha.
      Not long to kick-off now.
      And remember, if it is a draw then hosts Qatar will be knocked OUT.
      Credit: AFP
      Credit: AFP
      Team News
      Netherlands XI: Noppert, Dumfries, Timber, Van Dijk, Aké, Blind, Koopmeiners, F. de Jong, Klaassen, Gakpo, Bergwijn.
      Ecuador XI: Galindez, Caicedo, Estrada, Estupinan, Hincapie, Mendez, Plata, Porozo, Preciado, Torres, Valencia.
      Sambad news
      Neymar is reportedly out of Brazil’s next two games at the World Cup.
      The PSG forward injured his ankle against Serbia and now looks ruled out of the remaining group games.
      What effect will that have on the World Cup favourites?
      Depay sidelined
      The rapid forward only gets a spot on the bench.
      But we can expect him to get at least the second 45 minutes.
      Depay de price
      LvG has revealed that fellow Manchester United reject Memphis Depay could play a half of the game after his hamstring injury.
      The boss said: “The injury he has makes it so difficult to decide when he can start.
      “But he is an extraordinary player and so I have set aside my principles because I consider him to be incredibly important to my team.
      “I explained this to the players, that I am doing all this for Memphis, and the players accepted this.”
      Dum For
      Holland started the OneLove campaign but have decided against pressuring Fifa further over the armbands.
      Defender Denzel Dumfries said: “Over the past few weeks, we’ve really talked about it a lot. But we came to Qatar to play football.
      “That’s what we’re focusing on”.
      No Stance
      Holland boss Luis van der Gaal insists his side do need to copy Germany and their anti-Fifa gesture.
      The ex-Man United manager said: “”We put a full stop after all the political issues last Thursday.
      “We have this purpose and we’re not going to have that tarnished by the actions of Fifa, or whichever other organisation”.
      Load more entries… More

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      Watch Saudi Arabia boss Herve Renard’s incredible half-time team talk vs Argentina that inspired shock World Cup win

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      SAUDI ARABIA boss Herve Renard produced an incredible half-time team talk to inspire shock victory over Argentina. Renard’s men were 1-0 down to Lionel Messi’s Argentina, with the Barcelona legend opening the lead from the spot.
      Herve Renard produced an incredible half-time team talk to inspire victory over ArgentinaCredit: Twitter
      Saudi Arabia were inspired to beat ArgentinaCredit: Twitter
      And Saudi Arabia were staring defeat in the face as they returned to the dressing room lucky to be just one down.
      That was until Renard – once sacked by CAMBRIDGE – gave his side some motivational words of wisdom.
      He was captured saying: “Messi, he has the ball in the middle of the pitch and you stand [hands up] in front of the defence.
      “You have to go and mark him in the middle. Take your phone, you can make a picture with him!
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      “You don’t feel we are able to come back? You don’t feel it? You play relaxed. Come on guys, this is the World Cup. Give everything!”
      Renard’s message paid dividends as just three minutes into the second half Saleh Al-Shehri brilliant slotted into the corner to equalise.
      But winger Salem Al-Dawsari took home the spoils after his wonderstrike sealed a famous win.
      He cut in from the left and fired into the top corner on 53 minutes and Saudi Arabia held on for well over 40 minutes.
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      The Government declared a national holiday such was the magnitude of the upset win.
      Saudi Arabia look to continue their World Cup heroics tomorrow against Robert Lewandowski’s Poland.
      Meanwhile, Argentina fight to keep their tournament alive when they play Mexico.
      Herve Renard led Saudi Arabia to victory over Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty More

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      I am USA’s ‘hottest World Cup fan’ – I hope we beat England but there is something about the Brits that makes me MELT

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      AN AMERICAN woman dubbed the “hottest World Cup fan” has faith her team will triumph over England – but admitted she just can’t resist Brits charms. Rachel Stuhlmann, 26, has football fans falling at her feet with her sexy snaps showing her support for her side ahead of Friday’s game.
      Patriotic footie fan Rachel Stuhlmann admitted she is left swooning by BritsCredit: Jam Press
      The 26-year-old wants a win for USA – but is also rooting for the Three Lions in Friday’s gameCredit: Jam Press
      She has become a ‘huge soccer fan’ following the end of her pro tennis careerCredit: Jam Press
      The former tennis pro turned influencer sported an eye-popping bra adorned with the US flag to rally Americans before their team take on their transatlantic rivals.
      Although she only attended her first-ever football game on November 16 in her hometown of from St Louis, Missouri, Rachel has buckets of enthusiasm for the World Cup.
      She says she was converted to a “huge soccer fan”, even though St Louis’ reserve team lost 0-3 against Bundesliga side Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
      But despite being ready to witness a win, Rachel admitted she is somewhat a fan of the Three Lions too.
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      The 26-year-old, who boasts a whopping 234,000 Instagram followers, confessed Brits have the ability to make her “melt”.
      The six-foot brunette said eligible bachelors from the UK disarm her with their irresistible accent.
      Rachel gushed: “I’ll be honest, I don’t know much about either team’s seasons to be able to make an intelligent prediction.
      “I’ve heard the England team is amazing and are one of the favourites to win not only that game, but the whole tournament.
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      “However, since they didn’t qualify for World Cup in 2018, I think USA will come out ready to play and with a chip on their shoulder!
      “I think it’s going to be an entertaining and well-played game. But I wish both teams could win.
      “I’ve met a few British guys on tour and they are all so nice and charming – I just love the accent, it melts me!”
      England is heading into tonight’s game in stunning form after thrashing Iran 6-2 in their opener in Doha.
      But now they’ll have to switch their focus on USA, who drew 1-1 with Wales on Monday night.
      Rachel is putting down her tennis racket to tune into the pivotal game that kicks off at 7pm UK time.
      She is swerving the sweltering heat in Qatar to watch the game elsewhere, as she prefers a colder climate.
      The athlete added: “I love cold weather! Winter time is my absolute favourite time of year!
      “I love the fall and winter seasons and the holidays. My favourite thing is spending time with my family around the holidays. I also love the fresh air outside when it’s cold, and fall and winter fashion.
      “I love staying in on a winter night and watching a movie!”
      Rachel first gained recognition after playing NCAA Division I tennis for the University of Missouri from 2010 to 2014, earning a national ranking in singles and doubles.
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      She then moved into journalism and modelling, and now uses her online profile to “keep pushing the sport of tennis forwards”.
      The influencer said: “My goal is to make the sport more mainstream and relatable – cool like other sports!”
      The tennis star turned influencer confessed she finds the British accent irristibleCredit: Jam Press
      Rachel said she prefers a cooler climate rather than the soaring temperatures in QatarCredit: Jam Press
      The six-foot brunette has her eye on eligible bachelors who hail from across the pondCredit: Jam Press More