World Cup 2022

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      Gareth Bale bans himself from GOLF SIMULATOR as Wales captain looks to avoid back injury before Iran World Cup game

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      GARETH BALE appears to have banned himself from the golf simulator at Wales’ World Cup hotel.The legendary forward, 33, secured his country a point in their Group B opener with USA on Monday.
      Gareth Bale, pictured in training with Joe Allen, has banned himself from the golf simulatorCredit: PA
      The star’s love of golf is well-known from his time at Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Now he and his team-mates are preparing for a crunch clash with Iran on Friday ahead of their final group showdown with England on Tuesday.
      Bale has suffered a sore back and he is taking no chances out in Qatar – even if it means missing out on his other great love.
      The now Los Angeles FC star is famed for his golfing exploits, and he would have been right in his element playing on the golf simulator machine at Wales’ base in the Middle East.
      However, he is now leaving the swinging to others in the squad, despite the Daily Mail claiming that he had earlier won a “closest to the pin” competition amongst the players.
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      Welsh winger Harry Wilson, 25, revealed: “He hasn’t played as much closer to the game because I think his back might be feeling it a bit.
      “But obviously when Gaz has a swing, he’s very good.”
      Bale’s affection for golf even led to Welsh fans singing “Wales, golf, Madrid” about him during his latter years at Real Madrid.
      When Wales qualified for Euro 2020 back in 2019, the players took to the pitch to celebrate in front of their fans.
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      However, Bale’s team-mates brought a banner on to the pitch during a time where he was facing criticism from Real Madrid fans.
      The flag referenced Bale’s preference for international football as well as his love for playing golf during his time in Spain, with there being prior heavy criticism for the amount of time he spent on the golf course and injury table for Los Blancos.

      Speaking on the banner, Bale previously admitted: “I’d seen the banner a few weeks before.
      “The boys had shown me and they said ‘if we do qualify, let’s try and find it and bring it out.’ I was like ‘do what you want but I won’t be going over to get it.’
      “They brought it down, we were all celebrating as a team and I’m not going to not jump around with my team-mates.
      “It was a bit of banter. A bit of fun. People can see it how they like.”
      The infamous banner stating Bale’s alleged preferencesCredit: Reuters More

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      Eden Hazard dismisses Germany’s rainbow armband protest as he says ‘we are here to play football’

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      EDEN HAZARD has told Germany they should have focused on the football rather than “political messages” after they lost to Japan.The German players covered their mouths for the pre-match team photo ahead of their clash with the Samurai Blue, which they lost 2-1.
      Germany players covered their mouths in response to Fifa’s sanctions regarding the OneLove armbandCredit: Getty
      Eden Hazard said that Germany should focus on the footballCredit: Rex
      They were expressing how they felt silenced by Fifa after the governing body threatened the team with sporting sanctions if they wore the OneLove rainbow armband.
      It drew praise from many across the footballing landscape – but Real Madrid star Hazard was not so impressed.

      The Belgian said: “Germany’s gesture? They would’ve done better if they didn’t do it and tried to win.
      “We’re here to play football, I’m not here to convey a political message.”
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      Swiss star Granit Xhaka agreed with Hazard.
      The Arsenal midfielder said: “I don’t think we need to do anything as the Swiss team.
      “We need to respect the rules and concentrate on our football, that’s all I intend to do.
      “We’re here to play football and not hand out lessons to anyone.”
      The defeat leaves Germany’s World Cup hopes in dire straits after just one game.
      They had looked on course to get their campaign off to the perfect start when Ilkay Gundogan put them ahead from the spot.
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      But Hansi Flick’s side failed to take one of their umpteen chances to make the game safe.
      And Japan made them pay twice late on in the final 15 minutes.
      Firstly, Ritsu Doan restored parity before ex-Arsenal striker Takuma Asano fired home the winner seven minutes from time.
      It means Germany find themselves in a precarious situation ahead of their clash with Spain this weekend.
      If they lose and Japan avoid defeat against Costa Rica, they’re OUT.
      Some German fans said the team ‘deserved’ to lose for focusing “only on politics.”
      One fan wrote: “Germany deserved that for being so obsessed with rainbow armbands and politics.”
      Another said: “Don’t get sidetracked by the ‘politics’ and just play your football.
      “All this needless virtue signaling isn’t helping you win. Germany should’ve won this.” More

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      Liverpool hero Danny Murphy names only two Argentina stars who would get into England’s squad at World Cup

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      LIVERPOOL hero Danny Murphy believes only two Argentina stars would be good enough to make the England squad.That is none other than seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi as well as Tottenham ace Cristian Romero.
      Danny Murphy believes only two Argentina players are good enough for the England squadCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Tottenham ace Cristian Romero would be good enough for England, according to Danny MurphyCredit: Getty
      Argentina captain Lionel Messi remains a top player, says MurphyCredit: Getty
      The two countries endured very different starts to their World Cup campaigns in Qatar.
      The Three Lions destroyed Iran 6-2 whereas the Copa America winners suffered one of the competition’s most shocking defeats of all time as they lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia.
      Murphy watched both games and insists England’s squad is far superior to Argentina’s.
      So much so that only Messi and Romero would be good enough to link up with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham in Gareth Southgate’s team.
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      Murphy told talkSPORT: “I was looking at the Argentina team, and sometimes you easily get drawn on the narrative from the press, they’re unbeaten in 35, they’ve got Messi, they must be one of the favourites.
      “When I actually looked at the game and we were going through the players, I mean I’ll ask you now, how many of those players get in our team?
      “Two? No more than three. You fit Messi in obviously, maybe Romero would get in at centre-half when he’s at it, I know he has been injured for Tottenham.”
      The two teams also had a completely different run coming into the World Cup.
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      Argentina were undefeated for a whopping 36 games across all competitions and also won the Copa America.
      England, on the other hand, were winless in their last six matches, of which they lost three, and were relegated from the Nations League’s top flight. More

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      World Cup fans rage as ref Janny Sikazwe denies Canada ‘TWO clear penalties’ months after ending game on 85 minutes

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      WORLD CUP fans were left baffled by referee Janny Sikazwe after he turned down two Canada appeals for a penalty against Belgium.The Zambian official did award Canada a spot-kick in the ninth minute after Yannick Carrasco handled in the area.
      Fans felt Janny Sikazwe should have awarded Canada three penalties in totalCredit: Reuters
      Axel Witsel appeared to trip Richie Laryea inside the areaCredit: Getty
      Tajon Buchanan was tripped by Jan Vertonghen but was wrongly ruled offsideCredit: Reuters
      Alphonso Davies missed the penalty Canada were awardedCredit: Getty
      Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies could not convert from 12 yards with Thibaut Courtois getting down low to save.
      But Canada continued to pressure the Red Devils and thought they should have had a second penalty when Jan Vertonghen brought down Tajon Buchanan.
      There appeared to be clear contact but Sikazwe did not even have a decision to make because the assistant referee flagged for offside – despite Eden Hazard making the pass.
      Speaking of the failure to award a penalty, former Premier League ref Mark Clattenburg said: “Human error by the VAR and Canada should have had a second penalty.”
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      That glaring error incensed fans, many of whom also felt Canada should have been given a penalty after Belgium’s Axel Witsel clashed with Richie Laryea.
      Witsel appeared to push his opponent but neither the referee nor VAR felt there was sufficient contact to warrant a penalty.

      One fan wrote on Twitter: “I’m sorry to bash a referee but missing three nail on penalties in play isn’t good enough in a world cup.
      “One was corrected by VAR, but Canada should’ve had three penalties in this game and they’ve just been given one. Unacceptable at this level.”
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      Another added: “Should have been a penalty as well because then Vertonghen fouls him. Canada getting robbed here.”
      Sikazwe made headlines during the African Cup of Nations earlier this year and so far he is yet to redeem his reputation in Qatar.
      During a match between Tunisia and Mali Sikazwe blew for the final whislte before the 90th-minute mark.
      Sikazwe says he could have died from heatstroke, and that was why he decided to blow up 13 seconds before the 90.
      He had already signalled the end of the game on 85 minutes – before re-starting.
      It led to chaos on the pitch, as Tunisia players and officials stormed onto the pitch to confront the official.
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      They were 1-0 down but playing against ten men.
      Sikazwe later explained why he did what he did, saying that he could have ‘come back in a casket’. More

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      Son Heung-min looks unrecognisable from 2014 World Cup after starring for South Korea with dyed blonde hair

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      SON HEUNG-MIN looks unrecognisable from his first World Cup appearance back in 2014.The South Korean superstar won his fitness race in order to start for his country in their tournament opener against Uruguay this afternoon.
      Son Heung-min sported a blonde barnet at the 2014 World CupCredit: Getty
      The future Tottenham star played at his first World Cup aged 21Credit: Getty
      This tournament in Qatar is Son’s third World Cup appearance, having played in Russia last time out and in Brazil in 2014.
      At the last finals, the forward was already an established star in the Premier League with Tottenham.
      But he was also in Brazil as a precocious 21-year-old while he still played for Bayer Leverkusen.
      Son, now 30, sported a bleached blonde barnet at his first World Cup finals.
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      He also made an impression, scoring in Korea’s second group game against Algeria.
      The Spurs star added another two World Cup goals four years later in 2018, netting against Mexico and Germany in Russia.

      This time around he is wearing a protective face mask – after suffering multiple facial fractures during Tottenham’s Champions League clash with Marseille on November 1.
      He was subsequently named in Paulo Bento’s 26-man squad for the tournament anyway, ensuring his compatriots that he would give everything to play for them.
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      Son’s statement read: “Hi everyone. I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you all for the messages of support I have received over the last week.
      “I have read so many of them and truly, truly appreciate you all. In a tough time I received a lot of strength from you!
      “Playing for your country at the World Cup is the dream of so many children growing up, just as it was one of mine too.
      “I won’t miss this for the world. I can’t wait to represent our beautiful country, see you soon.”
      After today’s clash with Uruguay Son and Co take on Ghana on Monday before rounding off their Group H campaign against Portugal next Friday.
      Son scored twice at the 2018 World Cup in RussiaCredit: AFP
      The 30-year-old is wearing a mask to play in QatarCredit: Getty More

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      Meet Serbia’s incredible World Cup Wags including qualified doctor, team-mate’s ex and daughter of pop star and warlord

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      SERBIA are hoping to progress into the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in their history. And if they manage this feat it will be an occasion celebrated joyously by the team’s stunning wags.
      Serbia’s wags will be supporting their World Cup all the wayCredit: https://www.instagram.com/carolinastramare_/?hl=en
      The stunning collection includes models, singers and doctorsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/sofijamilo/?hl=en
      Many have been in long-term relationships with members of the teamCredit: https://www.instagram.com/mitrovic__kristina/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c21a5e15-326a-49b7-bd7b-862f6a6dcb40
      While others are newer introductions to the groupCredit: https://www.instagram.com/raznatovicanastasija/
      From a qualified doctor to the daughter of a warlord, Serbia certainly have a diverse supporting cast in their camp.
      And SunSport has all the details you need to know on them ahead of Serbia’s opener against Brazil.

      Natalija Ilic
      Natalija Ilic is married to Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-SavicCredit: https://www.instagram.com/natalija_ilic_/?hl=en
      Long-term Manchester United target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will serve as the primary force driving his team forward from midfield, but back home the Lazio star is supported by wife Natalija Ilic.
      Natalija is a qualified doctor who studied at University in Novi Sad. She and the midfielder first met in 2017 and were engaged soon after – concluding a five-year engagement by finally tying the knot earlier this year.
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      Sofija Milosevic
      Sofija Milosvic announced she was expecting her first child with Luka Jovic back in 2020Credit: https://www.instagram.com/sofijamilo/?hl=en
      Real Madrid flop Luka Jovic may not have scored many goals on the pitch in Madrid, but off the pitch he certainly has with fashion model girlfriend Sofija Milosevic – the ex-of one of his team-mates.
      In 2020 Sofija announced she was expecting her first child with Jovic, but in early 2021 he landed himself in hot water over allegedly flying out to meet Sofija while he should have been self-isolating.
      Kristina Mitrovic
      Aleksandr Mitrovic got married to long-term partner Kristina last yearCredit: https://www.instagram.com/mitrovic__kristina/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c21a5e15-326a-49b7-bd7b-862f6a6dcb40
      Fulham ace Aleksandr Mitrovic tied the knot with model Kristina Janjic in 2021 – seven years after the pair first started dating.
      And while he is the man tasked with firing Serbia to the last 16 for the first time, back home he is tasked with looking after the pairs two children, Luka and Nadja.
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      Anastasia Raznatovic
      Anastasia Raznatovic’s parents are a singer and a warlordCredit: https://www.instagram.com/raznatovicanastasija/
      Serbian singer and model Anastasia Raznatovic is the daughter of popular singer Ceca and Serbian warlord “Arkan” and she has been dating midfielder Nemanja Gudelj.
      However, the pairs relationship has soured after their families fell out with one another according to reports in Serbia.
      Carolina Stramare
      Stramare has 452,000 followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/carolinastramare_/?hl=en
      Dubbed the “Italian Megan Fox”, Carolina Stramare certainly has a big tag to live up to – though the 2019 Miss Italy winner doesn’t seem daunted by the spotlight.
      Therefore, it makes perfect sense that she dates a player who enjoys the spotlight as much as she does, with this coming in the form of Dusan Vlahovic. The pair reportedly began dating earlier his year. More

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      Gary Neville doubles down on ‘Spain have no goals in them’ prediction despite 7-0 win as he’s mocked over Valencia spell

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      GARY NEVILLE has doubled down on his prediction that “Spain have no goals in them” – despite their 7-0 win over Costa Rica.Appearing as a pundit on ITV, the former Manchester United full-back questioned the firepower at Luis Enrique’s disposal before the match.
      Gary Neville is doing punditry work in QatarCredit: Rex
      Spain thumped Costa Rica in their World Cup openerCredit: Rex
      He said of La Roja’s team: “It’s OK but there is no goals in it.”
      Spain went on to batter the Group E minnows – with goals by Dani Olmo, Marco Asensio, two for Ferran Torres and further efforts by Gavi, Carlos Soler and Gavi sealing their emphatic win.
      Despite being mocked for his pre-match comments, Neville doubled down on what he said after the match.
      He said: “We can’t just measure Spain at all off that.
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      “I know they play Germany on Sunday so I look forward to seeing them in that game.
      “Costa Rica are the first team in 32 years at a World Cup not to have a shot on goal.
      “Forget the target, they have not had a shot on goal in the whole game.”
      Spanish reporter Guillem Balague tweeted Neville after the match, writing: “It’s ok, @GNev2. I was thinking exactly the same before the game. What do we know!! Football, eh!!”
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      Neville, 47, again doubled down, however, replying: “I think we will be proved right!”
      The pundit’s comments inevitably drew references to his poor spell as Valencia boss during the 2015-16 season.
      One Twitter user wrote: “He clearly knows nothing about Spanish football, he got flashbacks to his Valencia team that had no goals in it.”
      While a second joked: “Gary I reckon your Valencia team could have put 7 past Costa Rica.”
      A third added: “Neville showing off his expert football knowledge once again. Same knowledge that made him legendary in Valencia.”
      Neville won just 10 of his 28 games in charge of the Spanish side – infamously losing 7-0 to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey.
      Neville endured a nightmare defeat to Barcelona as Valencia bossCredit: EPA More

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      Portugal vs Ghana – World Cup LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo in action, stream FREE, TV channel – updates for Group H clash

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is in Portugal’s starting XI for their clash with Ghana this afternoon. The Manchester United forward has caused a storm over the past week following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
      And on Tuesday night, he was axed by United as a result of his comments about the club.

      Kick-off time: 4pm GMT
      Live stream: ITV X
      TV channel: ITV 1
      Portugal XI: Diogo Costa; Cancelo, Danilo, Ruben Dias, Guerreiro; Neves; Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Otávio, Joao Felix; Ronaldo
      Ghana XI: Ati Zigi; Seidu, Djiku, Salisu, Amartey, Rahman; Partey, Abdul Samed; Kudus, Inaki Williams, Andre Ayew

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      Portugal 0-0 Ghana
      8. A nervy moment for Danilo in defence, who tries to trick his way beyond Andre Ayew inside his own penalty area – but momentarily forgets to take the ball with him.
      Portugal 0-0 Ghana
      7. Portugal have bossed possession early on, but it’s all a little frantic so far.
      Bruno Fernandes has a chance to pierce the Ghana defence, but his lofted through ball is so wayward that it curls out for a throw-in near to the corner flag.
      Portugal 0-0 Ghana
      5. The corner from the left is headed partially away, but only as far as Otavio, who goes for a spectacular response on the volley.
      His first time shot from 25 yards is pulled well wide of the goal.
      Portugal 0-0 Ghana
      4. Guerreiro wins the first corner of the game for Portugal after coming out on top in an intriguing footrace with Seidu.
      Portugal 0-0 Ghana
      2. The crowd cheer as Ronaldo takes his first touch in open play, but it’s an uncharacteristically heavy one that leads to him chopping down Baba Rahman.
      An inauspicious start.
      Kick-off – Portugal v Ghana
      1. American referee Ismail Elfath blows his whistle, and then Cristiano Ronaldo – visibly emotional during the national anthem – gets the game going for Portugal.
      There are bound to be more tears from the 37-year-old during the coming weeks, but will they be of joy or despair?
      Here come the two teams!
      The light show inside Stadium 974 has finished. Now it’s time for Cristiano Ronaldo to try to light up Qatar 2022.
      He looks in relaxed mood as he leads his Portuguese team out on to the pitch. One sign among the travelling fans read: “I resigned from my job to witness the G.O.A.T.’s last dance.” Can he deliver?
      The Ghanaians certainly look happy to be here and they sing their way through a jaunty national anthem, but now it’s time for the serious business.
      Kick-off at Stadium 974 is next.
      Bilbao’s Inaki in attack-y
      Leading the Ghana line this evening is Inaki Williams of Athletic Bilbao.
      If his name, style and look seems familiar, it may because his younger brother – Nico – made an impressive cameo as substitute for Spain in their 7-0 win over Costa Rica yesterday.
      The 28-year-old Inaki is certainly a consistent performer in the domestic game; his 247 consecutive league appearances for Bilbao is the longest current such run in LaLiga.

      A case for the defence
      There was only one goalless draw at the 2018 World Cup, but five days into Qatar 2022 and we’ve already had four.
      Surely there won’t be another one here in Doha this evening? Well…
      Portugal coach Fernando Santos has come under fire from fans for his dour approach with many back home believing he is not making the most of the attacking talent at his disposal.
      Meanwhile, ITV have just revealed that Chris Hughton has been helping out with the Ghana squad, promising that the Black Stars will ‘defend properly’ during this tournament.
      Players put through their paces
      Half-hour from kick-off at Stadium 974, and both sets of coaches are out on the pitch and keeping keen eyes on their players warming up.
      It may only be the pre-match routine, but Cristiano Ronaldo is looking sharp and focused. How will Thomas Partey and co. go about dealing with the FORMER Manchester United star?

      Opportunity to hit the top
      A short while ago, the full time whistle was blown at Education City on the fourth goalless draw of this World Cup so far.
      The 0-0 result between Uruguay and South Korea in Group H’s opening game means this upcoming match is an early opportunity for either Portugal or Ghana to pull clear of the pack. Who will take advantage?
      Here comes your man
      There’s been a first sight this evening of the player that everyone is talking about…
      HUUUGE roar from the crowd as CR7 comes out, clapping his hands above his head to respond to the Portugal fans who still believe he is the greatest player on the planet. If that’s what it’s like for the warm-up, how absolutely mental will it be if he scores the winner?Martin LiptonThe Sun

      Tenth tournament for CR7
      On the pitch or off the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo can’t stop making headlines and setting records.
      This evening, the Portugal captain will play at his tenth major international tournament for his country, becoming the first European to do so.
      His first such competition was Euro 2004 in his home country, a tournament in which he scored his first goal for A Selecao.
      Credit: @Squawka Twitter
      Live from Stadium 974
      Our man in the ground this evening is Martin Lipton, and he’s been busy getting used to the sight of an unattached Cristiano Ronaldo.
      “All eyes will be on one man, of course, inside the remarkable feat of engineering that is Stadium 974 on the Doha waterfront.
      “Seven of the Portuguese side, and four Ghanaians, are current or former Premier League stars.
      “But all of them have a club designation on the official Fifa team-sheet.
      “All except one. Beside the name of Ronaldo it reads: ‘N/A (Free Agent)’
      “That’s been changed quite recently.”
      Brighton’s Lamptey among Ghana subs
      12 Danlad, 16 Nurudeen, 2 Lamptey, 3 Odoi, 6 Owusu, 7 Fatawu, 8 Kyereh, 9 Jordan Ayew, 11 Bukari, 13 Afriyie, 14 Mensah, 15 Aidoo, 22 Sulemana, 24 Sowah, 25 Semenyo
      Partey named in Ghana XI
      Ghana (5-4-1): 1 Ati Zigi; 26 Seidu, 23 Djiku, 18 Amartey, 4 Salisu, 17 Rahman; 20 Kudus, 5 Partey, 21 Abdul Samed, 10 Andre Ayew; 19 Inaki Williams

      On the Portuguese bench tonight
      1 Rui Patricio, 12 Sa, 2 Dalot, 3 Pepe, 6 Palhinha, 9 Andre Silva, 14 Carvalho, 15 Leao, 16 Vitinha, 17 Joao Mário, 21 Horta, 23 Nunes, 24 Antonio Silva, 26 Ramos
      Ronaldo starts and captains Portugal
      Portugal (4-4-2): 22 Costa; 20 Cancelo, 13 Danilo, 4 Ruben Dias, 5 Guerreiro; 8 Bruno Fernandes, 18 Neves, 10 Bernardo Silva, 25 Otavio; 11 Joao Felix, 7 Ronaldo

      Selecao odds-on for success
      The bookies aren’t giving Ghana – the lowest ranked team at Qatar 2022 – much of a chance in this Group H opener against Portugal with the Black Stars priced at almost 8/1.

      Portugal win 1/3
      Draw 4/1
      Ghana win 17/2

      Meanwhile, if you like your bets with a little more longevity, why not consider Cristiano Ronaldo for the Golden Boot? The 37-year-old is a 16/1 shot to put his Manchester United fallout behind him to top score at the World Cup.
      Match odds from Betfair correct at the time of post publication.
      On the last episode
      Not only will Cristiano Ronaldo be looking to secure the golden boot but he’ll want to inflict more pain on Ghana similar to last time out.
      John Boye’s Own goal but Portugal ahead when the sides met in a Group stage encounter back in 2014.
      But Ghanaian legend Asamoah Gyan’s fine finish levelled up the scoring for the Black Stars.
      However, Ronaldo hit a winner on the 80th minute to seal the deal for the European giants.
      World Cup Golden Boot standings
      As it stands, five players are tied at the top for the golden boot – something which Cristiano Ronaldo will have his eye on.

      Bukayo Saka – England – 2
      Olivier Giroud – France – 2
      Mehdi Taremi – Iran – 2
      Enner Valencia – Ecuador – 2
      Ferran Torres – Spain – 2
      Jude Bellingham – England – 1
      Jack Grealish – England – 1
      Kylian Mbappe – France – 1
      Gareth Bale – Wales – 1
      Lionel Messi – Argentina – 1

      The stage is set
      With only two hours to go, time is ticking until the big kick-off at 4pm.
      Credit: Rex
      Credit: Reuters
      Other fixtures happening today
      Breel Embolo’s goal inspired Switzerland to a 1-0 victory over Cameroon.
      Uruguay are currently level with South Korea at the interval in Group H’s early fixture.
      And we round off the day with a mouth-watering match between Brazil and Serbia.
      Welcome to Portugal vs Ghana
      Good afternoon SunSport community and welcome to another huge fixture in what has been an exciting 2022 World Cup so far – and a certain someone is BACK.
      Portugal vs Ghana is big enough as it is, but now, we can add Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United sacking to the mix.
      The footballing legend will be determined to put what has been a controversial week behind him after he saw his mega £500k-a-week contract torn up.
      And that spells danger for the Black Stars who have their eyes set on knock-out qualification for the first time since 2010.
      Make sure to stay tuned into our blog as we will have all the latest gossip, team news, what is happening elsewhere and the starting line-ups ALL before kick-off at 4pm GMT.
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