World Cup 2022

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      Harry Redknapp: Gareth Bale is now arguably Wales’ best EVER.. but Kieffer Moore is World Cup 2022 secret weapon

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      IT WAS easy to see why Gareth Bale got all the headlines after winning — and scoring — the penalty that earned Wales a point against the United States.I’d now rate him alongside John Charles as the greatest Welsh footballer of all time — and as someone who saw the Gentle Giant play, I never thought I’d say that.
      Gareth Bale has already made his mark on the World Cup for WalesCredit: Getty
      Harry Redknapp thinks he knows how Wales can make it through the groupCredit: Splash
      What a career he’s had — and what a dream he is for a manager. I know that as well as anyone after working with him at Tottenham.
      He’s very similar to Luka Modric in that they’re both family men, both great trainers, great attitudes, perfect role models… as is Harry Kane, I should point out.
      You’re never worried about picking up the paper and seeing pictures of any of them falling out of a nightclub or making the wrong sort of headlines.
      When he took the penalty against the US, there was no doubt where it was ending up.

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      It might sound obvious but what a striker of a football Gareth is.
      So Gareth scored the goal and got the spotlight… but he wasn’t the one who changed the game for Wales.
      That was Kieffer Moore, who came on at half-time and gave a perfect example of everything I say about the modern game — that the age of the big, bullocking centre- forward has gone.
      Years ago every team would have a Duncan Ferguson-type figure. A forward who’d put themselves about, be a real nuisance and was generally just a real handful.
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      And the centre-halves trying to cope with them obviously had to be big and strong as well to meet the challenge.
      If you were up against a 6ft 4in fella built like a brick outhouse, you would have to be a certain build yourself or you would just be bullied out of it.
      But the modern striker is all about movement, buzzing around, and the centre-backs changed accordingly. They got smaller as well — became more footballing defenders.
      So when Wales chucked Moore into the equation on Monday, suddenly they were a totally different team and the States really couldn’t cope.
      Kieffer Moore could be the answer to Wales’ World Cup hopesCredit: Reuters
      There was a focal point to the team, which allowed Bale to get forward and on the ball a lot more… and we saw what happened.
      Now, at 33, Gareth’s not running past opponents so much but popping up all over the pitch — and he only needs half a yard in that final third to get a shot away.
      As for Moore, I’ve seen a lot of him at Bournemouth this season and he wins virtually every header he goes for, whether it’s corners, free-kicks or long balls from the back.
      You play it up to him, he holds it up, backs into defenders and puts the fear of God up them because they’re simply not used to playing against blokes like him any more.
      These days everyone wants to be a No 10, strolling around the place, buzzing round feet.
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      Kieffer is a great throwback to the old-school strikers but the other night he was the one who changed everything for Wales.
      He might not have got the headlines his performance deserved — but I’m sure he got plenty off Gareth and the rest of the Welsh lads, because they’ve got a right chance now. More

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      Watch Alphonso Davies ‘END Youri Tielemans’ career’ as he leaves Belgium star on backside with quick feet at World Cup

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      FOOTBALL fans concluded that Canada star Alphonso Davies “ended Youri Tielemans’ career” with a sumptuous piece of skill at the World Cup.Roberto Martinez’s men somehow edged past the North American underdogs 1-0 on Wednesday evening despite being thoroughly outplayed.
      Alphonso Davies put Youri Tielemans on his backside with a neat piece of skillCredit: AP

      And the Leicester midfielder was left in heap on the floor as Davies darted beyond himCredit: AP
      And while Davies, 22, did miss a penalty early on for his side, he was still one of the best players on the pitch.
      His superb technical prowess was typified by a moment in which he left Tielemans, 25, on his backside.
      The Bayern Munich winger flew down the left flank before chopping back inside with a lovely flick.
      And it sold Leicester man Tielemans all ends up as he crumbled to the floor.
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      The camera then caught Davies flying past the Belgian as he laid flat out on the grass.
      The clip did the rounds online and people were quick to poke fun at just how silly Davies made Tielemans look.

      Reacting on social media, one person said: “He’s just ended Tielemans career.”
      Another added: “Alphonso Davies absolutely ruined Tielemans there, oh my word.”
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      A third said: “Alphonso Davies just COOKED Tielemans 😭🇨🇦.”
      And an Arsenal fan, whose club have been linked with a move for the midfielder, hilariously reacted: “I don’t want us to go for him in January now as I’ll never be able to get that image out of my head.”
      Next up for Canada is a clash with Croatia on Sunday, while Belgium take on Morocco earlier in the afternoon.
      And Martinez knows his side will have to improve significantly if they are to go deeper in the tournament.
      He said: “It was the worst performances in tournament we’ve had. But was it the worst game? No, because we won in the World Cup. 
      “It was such a difficult game and Canada were much better than us.  We had to show another side of our play and I’m delighted we won through grit. 
      “The victory is more important than playing well but we need to play better and grow. 
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      “This tournament is going to make you develop and grow as the tournament goes on. If you do that by winning games, it’s an incredible advantage.
      “Today we didn’t win by our normal talent and quality on the ball, but you don’t win in the World Cup if you don’t do the other side of the game.” More

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      World Cup 2022 – Wales vs Iran: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time for huge Group B clash

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      WALES take on Iran in their second Group B game at the 2022 World Cup. The Dragons have a tough group to navigate, having already drawn 1-1 with USA and a clash with England still to come.
      Iran took on Wales in their group at the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Gareth Bale may see Qatar 2022 as his last opportunity to play at a World CupCredit: AP
      Iran have some experienced players, including Sardar Azmoun and ex-Brighton midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
      The Middle Eastern side will be giving it their all to reach their first ever knockout stages at the World Cup, but they got off to an awful start as they lost 6-2 to England on Monday.
      But Robert Page’s Dragons will also want to progress, with the tournament likely being one of superstar Gareth Bale’s last as a Wales international.
      Bale moved to LAFC in the summer, and may see his plying opportunities for Wales decrease as he gets older.

      When is Wales vs Iran?

      Wales’ big clash with Iran will take place on Friday, November 25.
      The game will kick off at 10am UK time, which is 1pm local time.
      Wales vs Iran will take place at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan.
      The stadium was opened in 2003 and can hold up to 50,000 spectators.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Wales vs Iran will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

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      Is Wales vs Iran FREE to watch?
      Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE, so long as you have a TV licence in the UK. More

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      World Cup 2022 – Portugal vs Ghana: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time as Cristiano Ronaldo returns for country

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      PORTUGAL face Ghana in their first clash at the World Cup as Cristiano Ronaldo sets out to win football’s most coveted prize.Ronaldo won Euro 2016 as Portugal captain but he’s still looking for major success in the World Cup.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is still looking to win his very first World CupCredit: Getty
      Ghana qualified for the 2022 World Cup with a win over NigeriaCredit: AP
      They were knocked out of the 2018 tournament in Russia at the round of 16 stage, losing 2-1 to Uruguay.
      And with time running out for Ronaldo on the international stage, this is likely his last chance to win it all.
      Ghana will also be looking to put a showing in similar to their 2010 heroics, when they reached the quarter-finals.
      But they couldn’t be up against a tougher task in their first group game against Ronaldo and Co.

      When is Portugal vs Ghana?

      Portugal’s clash with Ghana will take place on Thursday, November 24.
      The game will kick off from 4pm UK time.
      Portugal vs Ghana will be held at Stadium 947 in Qatar’s capital Doha.
      The two sides have played each other once before – at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and the game finished 2-1 to Portugal.

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      What TV channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Portugal vs Ghana will be shown live on ITV 1 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the ITV Hub, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch for FREE?
      Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE in the UK, so long as you have a TV licence. More

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      World Cup 2022 – Switzerland vs Cameroon: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time for Group G opener

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      SWITZERLAND open up their 2022 Qatar World Cup campaign against African giants Cameroon.The Swiss scraped through the 2018 group stages finishing runners up to five-time champions Brazil.
      Granit Xhaka was unable to guide the Swiss through the last 16 in the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Cameroon’s last World Cup game was a 3-1 defeat to Brazil in 2014Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Only to be sent home by Swedish attacker Emil Forsberg’s 66th minute deflected effort in the round of 16.
      But Granit Xhaka and co will be determined to not let lightning doesn’t strike twice despite them being paired in the same group with Brazil once again.
      However, their first encounter against serial AFCON winners Cameroon could be a tough one as they’ll be hungry to make up for not being involved in the Russian World Cup edition.

      What time does Switzerland vs Cameroon kick off?

      Switzerland’s opening clash with Cameroon will take place on Thursday, November 24.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 10am UK time – 12pm local time.
      Al Wakrah Sports Complex in Al Wakrah, Qatar is the allocated arena for this fixture and it can host around 40,000 spectators.
      This will be the first time these two countries encounter each other competitively.

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      What TV channel is Switzerland vs Cameroon on and can it be live streamed?

      Switzerland vs Cameroon will be broadcasted LIVE on ITV in the UK.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action live via the ITV website or ITV hub.
      The ITV hub is available to download onto your mobile or proffered tablet device.

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      Can I watch Switzerland vs Cameroon for FREE?
      Yes! Switzerland’s first 2022 World Cup clash against Cameroon is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license. More

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      Spain boss Luis Enrique joked he’ll pick Ferran Torres at World Cup 2022 ‘or daughter will come and chop my head off’

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      LUIS ENRIQUE joked his daughter will chop his head off if he did not pick Ferran Torres at the World Cup. The Spain boss made the quip before Torres scored a brilliant brace in Wednesday’s 7-0 group stage opener against Costa Rica.
      Luis Enrique will be hoping to guide Spain back to World Cup glory in QatarCredit: Getty
      Ferran Torres scored twice in Spain’s 7-0 win over Costa RicaCredit: AP
      Sira Martinez is a big advocate for Torres playing for Spain at the World CupCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Enrique will be watching his back if he doesn’t pick TorresCredit: Reuters
      When asked who would lead the line before kick-off, Enrique said: “Very easy – It’s Mr Ferran Torres – otherwise my daughter will come after me and chop off my head.”
      The former Manchester City star is dating Enrique’s daughter Sira Martinez.
      The pair went public with their relationship earlier this year, but reports of their acquaintance with one another stretched back into late last year.
      Sira is a professional Spanish show-jumper in Barcelona and is a member of the swanky Barcelona Royal Polo Club.
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      Torres swapped Man City for Barcelona last January and has scored 12 goals and added seven assists in 44 appearances.
      He has also been a regular in the Spanish national team and finally ended an eight game drought with his brace against Costa Rica.

      Asked whether he felt extra pressure due to his relationship with Enrique’s daughter at a press conference, he said: “Not at all.
      “I think the coach and I, we know how to differentiate between when it’s family and when we are manager and player.
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      “I think we have to get on with it in a natural way, just that and we’re getting along fine.”
      Enrique himself made waves before Spain’s epic win over Costa Rica.
      That’s by showing off his ripped figure in a pair of shorts.
      Despite being aged 52, Enrique looked like he could still play at the highest level.
      That’s after hanging up his boots 18 years ago.
      Sira has 155,000 followers on InstagramCredit: @siramartinezc
      She and Torres went public with their relationship earlier this yearCredit: @siramartinezc More

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      Belgium 1 Canada 0: Chelsea flop Batshuayi seals World Cup win against run of play after De Bruyne and Co are dominated

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      UNLUCKY anyone who had Belgium in the sweepstake then.Yeah yeah, they’re up and running thanks to Michy Batshuayi, but boy were they rotten. 
      Alphonso Davies missed an early penalty for CanadaCredit: Getty
      Thibaut Courtois got down to save the spot kick in the 10th minuteCredit: Reuters
      Michy Batshuayi put Belgium in front just before half-timeCredit: Getty
      The former Chelsea man celebrated scoring his 26th goal for BelgiumCredit: Rex
      If anyone looks to have a Golden Generation right now, it’s Canada.
      It might not happen for them this time, but the world needs to watch out when on home soil in 2026. 
      After a 36-year World Cup absence, led by County Durham lad John Herdman, the Maple Leafs battered the Red Devils. 
      Ranked 41st in the world, 39 places below the supposed heavyweights, Canada had 21 shots to bang-average Belgium’s nine. 

      This result was so cruel on the minnows but when you miss a penalty and can’t defend a simple ball over the top, it’s hard to complain too much. 
      Alphonso Davies, one of the world’s rising stars, butchered the big moment just 10 minutes in. 
      Exceptional with everything else, the 22-year-old’s spot-kick lacked any conviction and was gobbled up by Thibaut Courtois. 
      Batshuayi’s sucker punch just before the break settled it, but that doesn’t tell half the story. 
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      While Argentina and Germany are hiding away in shame after Saudi Arabia and Japan did for them, Roberto Martinez’s side shouldn’t be feeling much better about themselves.
      For a team of so-called stars, they really were terrible. 
      Kevin De Bruyne is the only genuine world class player left in the ranks…and he was the worst of the lot! 
      You can’t keep a great man down and nobody would be surprised if the Manchester maestro turns it on against Morocco and Croatia. 
      Granted, they should now breeze the group barring a complete and utter capitulation – but nobody should fear them based on this shoddy showing. 

      Martinez’s squad had a combined 104 World Cup matches heading to the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, more than any other side in Qatar. 
      Experienced or just old, knackered and ready for the tip? Well it didn’t take long to find out.
      Young, hungry and with pace everywhere you looked, Canada tore into the dawdling Belgians in their first first World Cup clash since 1986.
      They were already under the cosh by the time a penalty was given nine minutes in following a VAR review for Yannick Carrasco clearly handling Tajon Buchanan’s sweeping volley. 
      On his World Cup bow, star man Davies’ effort was weak, allowing Courtis to flop down to his right and save comfortably. 
      It was the only mistake they made in a rollicking opening 45 minutes. 
      If Martinez thought that would shock his boys into gear, he was sorely wrong. 
      De Bruyne’s men were given the runaround despite Belgium’s victoryCredit: Getty
      Canada produced a superb display but somehow failed to scoreCredit: Getty
      The pressure was unrelenting and Belgium were so frazzled that even De Bruyne was misplacing simple passes.
      Bayern prodigy Davies put his miss behind him and was running the show on the left, leaving Martinez shell-shocked. 
      Consett-born Herdman was a bundle of energy, roaring his lads on with his not-quite-Geordie twang. 
      Belgium could not do the simple things so went for the simplest… a good ol’ punt from back to front. 
      Toby Alderweireld’s hoof looked harmless yet Batshuayi somehow got on the end of unchallenged and sweetly swept home into the far corner off his left peg after 44 minutes. 
      Thoroughly undeserved yet the kind of expert finish Canada lacked. 
      But they kept coming and coming in injury time, with Buchanan flashing a great low cross over. 
      Martinez was unsurprisingly still livid after the goal and surely delivered a rocket at the break. 
      Anonymous Youri Tielemans and Carrasco were hooked for Amadou Onana and Thomas Meunier.   
      The only question out in the desert was whether the Canadian could keep up their remarkable intensity. 
      Well, 100 seconds after the restart and another brilliant chance – only for striker Jonathan David to nod wide from six yards.
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      Gaps opened for Belgium as Les Rouges pushed, but the last-ditch defending was remarkable. 
      From back to front they were a credit to the 5,000 supporters out here in Doha and 38 million back home – and they will still fancy their chances of progression. More

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      Five best free agents to play in World Cups as Cristiano Ronaldo joins likes of Frank Lampard and Zinedine Zidane

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO joins a small group of football greats who competed in the World Cup as free agents.Manchester United terminated Ronaldo’s £500,000-a-week contract via mutual consent on Tuesday after his bombshell interview with SunSport columnist Piers Morgan.
      Cristiano Ronaldo will compete in the 2022 World Cup as a free agentCredit: Getty
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner tore United to shreds from top to bottom as he took shots at the the Glazers, manager Erik ten Hag and former team-mates Wayne Rooney as well as Gary Neville.
      The Portugal captain is now fully focused on the 2022 World Cup as he has nowhere to go back to after the end of the tournament in Qatar.
      But who else does the star forward join in the list of players that competed at the World Cup without a team?
      SunSport take you through five big names that competed in the esteemed competition as free agents:
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      CRISTIANO RONALDO
      The list’s most recent addition, Cristiano Ronaldo, has yet to kick a ball in Qatar and is already a free agent as well as the centre of attention.
      Manchester United legend Ronaldo will be looking for a new club once he returns from this year’s tournament, with the likes of Chelsea and Sporting Lisbon linked.
      But first the Portugal international will focus on Group H opponents Ghana, South Korea and Uruguay.
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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE
      Zinedine Zidane decided to end his career in the 2006 World Cup and was determined to go out with a bang… literally.
      Zidane had just ended his glittering five-year stint at Real Madrid when he decided to retire from club football.
      The legendary playmaker then opted to roll credits on his scintillating career with France’s shirt on as he led his country to the final.
      And the Juventus legend almost won the trophy for the second time but his temper got the better of him as he headbutted Italy’s Marco Materazzi and was sent off during extra-time.
      Zinedine Zidane left Real Madrid before retiring with France in the 2006 World CupCredit: Getty
      FRANK LAMPARD
      Frank Lampard found himself in a strange position during the 2014 World Cup as he was no longer a Chelsea player.
      Lampard’s legendary 13-year stint at Stamford Bridge came to an end before linking up with England for a shambolic run that saw them crash out in the group stage.
      Things got better for the legendary midfielder soon after as he signed for Manchester City.
      Frank Lampard competed for England in the 2014 World Cup after leaving ChelseaCredit: AP:Associated Press
      TONY CASCARINO
      Tony Cascarino was a free agent when he linked up with the Republic of Ireland for the 1994 World Cup.
      Cascarino had been released by Chelsea in the summer before jetting off to the United States.
      But the striker managed to seal a move to Marseille soon after and spent two years at the Velodrome.
      Giorgos Karagounis led Greece in the 2014 World Cup after leaving FulhamCredit: Reuters
      GIORGOS KARAGOUNIS
      Just like Zidane, Giorgos Karagounis decided to have his last hurrah at the World Cup with Greece in 2014 – just 10 years after helping his country win Euro 2004.
      Karagounis had left Fulham following their relegation to the Championship and was fully focused on leading his country to yet another international success.
      And the legendary midfielder did just that as he helped the Greeks reach the Last 16 for the first and only time in their history.
      Fernando Santos’ men went to penalties with Costa Rica, who netted all of their spot kicks before Karagounis could hit Greece’s fifth and final shot. More