World Cup 2022

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      Harry Kane was threatened with one-match World Cup BAN if England captain wore One Love armband against Iran

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      HARRY Kane and the other European captains were threatened with one game BANS if they wore the OneLove armband.England skipper Kane and fellow captains including Gareth Bale and Virgil van Dijk backed down in the face of FIFA threats they faced potential bookings.
      Harry Kane had intended to wear a One Love armband in Qatar supporting LGBT rights but the FA backed down when the England captain was threatened with a one-match banCredit: Alamy
      But former Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, now a senior executive with the country’s FA, claimed Denmark’s skipper had faced a one-match ban if he had worn the rainbow armband.
      She said: “We could have defied FIFA but that would have risked an entire game ban.
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      “This is what I understand FIFA has threatened, among other sanctions.
      “FIFA has been a little tight-lipped about what sanctions could be envisage but I think it was a valid consideration for us.”
      All seven nations – the group was completed by Germany, Belgium and Switzerland – back down under the threats.
      Kane would instead wear FIFA’s official ‘No Discrimination’ armband against IranCredit: Reuters
      Denmark’s former Prime Minister claims she was told that captain Simon Kjaer (pictured) would receive a ban if he wore the rainbow armbandCredit: EPA
      Thorning-Schmidt added: “Now we’re going to play football. 
      “I am happy for the seven nations who have worked together for this, but maybe it is also time to say now we are playing football. 
      “This does not mean that any of us are giving up the fight for LGBTQ+ rights to have a place in football in general.”
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      Her comments came as America’s most senior diplomat, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, slammed world football chiefs over the issue.
      Blinken, speaking in Doha, said: “It is always concerning when we see any restrictions on freedom of expression.
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      “It’s especially so when the expression is for diversity and for inclusion.
      “In my judgment, no one on a football pitch should be forced to choose between supporting these values and playing for their team.” More

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      BBC slammed for ‘worst ever’ World Cup advert as ‘disgusted’ viewers say it encourages people to be ‘disrespectful’

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      THE BBC have been slammed for their World Cup advert as viewers are left “disgusted”.In what has been mistaken as public service announcement about the increase in domestic abuse during competitions, people have branded it “the worst advert ever”.
      The BBC has been blasted for their World Cup advertCredit: BBC
      It’s been branded the ‘worst advert ever’Credit: BBC
      Displayed across London tube stations it’s meant to copy a football score board – but instead reads: “Kid’s nativities missed 1 – 2 Wales highlights watched.
      “Work meetings attended 2 – 7 Refreshing the sport app.
      “Visits to nan 0 – 3 England games seen.”
      “It’s the World Cup, though.”
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      A TV version – which is meant to promote the Qatar World Cup – arguably promotes the “neglecting of animals and kids” instead.
      In the clip a mum is ignoring her child and a dog is lying next to an empty food bowl.
      It also shows a woman zoned-out listening to her neighbour explain a football match and a Santa Claus watching a game rather than speaking to an excited kid about presents.
      One Twitter user said: “Is anyone else disgusted at the BBC’s World Cup advert?
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      “It’s basically saying it’s ok to be more rude, selfish, disrespectful, and neglecting of animals and kids because the World Cup’s on… well done for making this situation worse.”
      Another added: “Is this the worst advert ever? Ffs BBC you have managed to make the World Cup depressing.”
      Meanwhile someone else said: “This is a very strange way to advertise the World Cup.
      “The whole way through it I was expecting the ending to be for a charity helpline – but it’s just a BBC advert?”
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      The Qatar World Cup has made headlines for its controversy with the BBC even deciding against televising the opening ceremony.
      The Beeb were late in broadcasting live from the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday night because they were airing the Women’s Super League match between Chelsea and Tottenham.
      A BBC spokesperson said: “This is a light hearted take on the nation’s obsession with football.”
      How you can get helpWomen’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families:

      Always keep your phone nearby.
      Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
      If you are in danger, call 999.
      Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
      Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
      If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
      Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.

      If you are a ­victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support ­service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
      Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
      You can also call the freephone 24-hour ­National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. More

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      What is a semi-automatic offside and will it be used in the World Cup 2022?

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      OFFSIDE calls has been one of the major talking points at the winter World Cup in Qatar – but it’s not all down to the referees.FIFA have reportedly spent the last three years testing its semi-automatic offside tool.
      Referees can now get assistance from the semi-automatic VAR tool
      And it has now been in use at the 2022 World Cup on multiple occassions.
      But what is the semi-automatic offside tool?
      What is a semi-automatic offside?
      The semi-automatic offside tool is a piece of technology being introduced to make VAR decisions quicker and more accurate.
      It will be done by a system using computer tracker of 29 body parts of each player, combined with a microchip inside the ball.
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      This is expected to determine the positions of the players at the exact moment the ball has been played.
      So in the case of an offside situation, the video operations room will receive an automated alert alongside an automatic selected point and an instant drawn lines within seconds of the incident.
      Match officials will then have to validate the proposed selected kick point and the drawn offside line before VAR communicates the final decision on the pitch.
      Extra VAR officials will be in charge of calling offsides with the algorithm providing a 3D animation to explain a call in a average of 25 seconds.
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      And that illustration is then available on the giant screens within the stadium and for TV viewers to take a look at in the next stoppage of play.
      Has it been used in the World Cup?
      The 3D animation was deployed in the first match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador.
      Enner Valencia’s opening strike was ruled out for offside within the first three minutes of the match.
      Argentina also saw THREE goals disallowed in their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia courtesy of the semi-automatic VAR.
      Where else has it been used?
      The semi-automatic offside technology was initially meant to be rolled out for the opening fixture of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
      However, UEFA have stolen a march on FIFA as it was deployed in the Super Cup fixture between Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt.
      Karim Benzema’s goal was ruled out due to the semi-automatic VAR systemCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      And now, it has been revealed that they will use the new tool in this season’s Champions League.
      What has been said?
      FIFA’S head of refereeing mentioned that: “There is a talk of robot referees, it looks good but it’s not true. On-field referees will continue to be decisive.
      “Semi-automatic offside will only be used when a player who is offside touches the ball. If there is interreference in play, it will be the referee’s decision.”
      UEFA’S refereeing chief Roberto Rosetti also had a say and he believes that the semi-automatic offside technology will be beneficial to the match officials, players and fans.
      Rosetti said: “We are constantly looking for new technological solutions to improve the game and support the work of the referees. 
      “This innovative system will allow VAR teams to determine offside situations quickly and more accurately, enhancing the flow of the game and the consistency of the decisions. More

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      Inside Saudi Arabia’s wild dressing room celebrations after heroic World Cup win over Argentina as stars dance on tables

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      SAUDI ARABIA players were on top of the world – and tables – as they celebrated their heroic World Cup win over Argentina. Lionel Messi’s side were stunned 2-1 at the Lusail Stadium thanks to an epic second-half turnaround.
      Saudi Arabia players were on top of the world and tables after beating ArgentinaCredit: ITV
      Saudi Arabia fans were seen jubilantly cheering in the dressing roomCredit: ITV
      Saudi Arabia fans were seen jubilantly cheering in the crowd as the players led the celebrations on the field.
      And the good times carried over into the dressing room as the players danced on tables and threw water.
      Messi had opened the lead through the penalty spot after ten minutes but soon saw THREE goals disallowed.
      It set the scene for a colossal upset as a pair of stunners from forwards Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari saw Argentina shocked.
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      Roy Keane, who laughed off Saudi Arabia’s pre-World Cup chances, slammed Messi’s flops.
      He said on ITV: “There is no aggression, there are bodies there but you have to go and attack the ball, there is no composure, they have lost their heads.
      “Look at Di Maria here! Di Maria, my God.”
      Keane added: “They [Saudi Arabia] had something to hold onto by this point.
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      “When they go 2-1 up they are looking at Argentina going, ‘Listen, this is a long way back for you’.
      “They needed quality but they didn’t show that quality. Di Maria, decision making… they get into one or two positions, they were hesitant, Saudi Arabia were getting bodies on the line, they were fantastic.
      “But Argentina have got to do better. Saudi Arabia were aggressive, they were big and strong, had a bit of luck as you need, the goalkeeper did very well but the quality from Argentina was poor.”
      Saudi Arabia stunned Lionel Messi’s ArgentinaCredit: Alamy
      Saudi Arabia players celebrate their shock upsetCredit: Alamy
      Saudi Arabia fans celebrate at the Lusail StadiumCredit: Getty
      The celebrations continued long after the final whistleCredit: Getty More

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      Five biggest World Cup shocks ever as Argentina lose to minnows Saudi Arabia… but where does Messi’s misery rank?

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      SAUDI Arabia stunned Planet Football with their astonishing comeback win over tournament favourites Argentina in the Lusail Iconic Stadium.But where does the humiliation of Lionel Messi and Co rank in the list of all-time World Cup upsets?
      Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari scored a famous winner against ArgentinaCredit: PA
      Saleh Al-Shehri also scored with a fine finishCredit: Getty
      Lionel Messi opened the scoring but he could not prevent a historic lossCredit: AP
      SunSport picks out the five biggest World Cup shockers.
      5. Cameroon 1 Argentina 0 San Siro, Milan, Italy, 1990
      Diego Maradona had inspired his country to the ultimate triumph four years earlier but the holders were humbled in the opening match in Italy.
      It was at times a brutal affair, with Cameroon showing they could chop down anything that moves.
      Francois Omam-Biyik caught the Argentine defence ball-watching before his header squirmed through keeper Nery Pumpido to put the 10-man Indomitable Lions – his brother had been dismissed – ahead.
      Despite a second red card for Gilbert Massing, Cameroon held on.
      Argentina bounced back and reached the final, where they lost to West Germany 1-0.
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      4. Algeria 2 West Germany 1 Gijon, Spain 1982
      Nobody saw this one coming, certainly not Jupp Derwall and “Die Mannschaft”.
      A thrilling Algerian counter was completed when Rabar Madjer poked home from close range at the start of the second half.
      Normal service appeared to be resumed as Karl-Heinz Rummenigge stabbed home from four yards out but within a minute Algeria were back in front when Salah Assad romped down the left and Lakhdar Belloumi turned home.
      Despite the setback Germany finished top in the first and second phase of the group stage and ended the tournament as runners-up, losing 3-1 to Italy in the final.
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      3. North Korea 1 Italy 0 Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough, England 1966
      Rotten tomatoes at the airport for the devastated Italians as they were sent packing by the unheralded team from the pariah state.
      The Azzurri only needed a draw to progress yet were unable to respond to Pak Doo-Ik’s first half goal.
      The strike not only won the game but earned him a promotion in the North Korean Army, from corporal to sergeant.
      And the win was enough to send North Korea through to the knock-out stages ahead of Italy.

      2. Saudi Arabia 2 Argentina 1 Lusail Iconic Stadium, Qatar 2022
      This was supposed to be the first stage in Lionel Messi’s ultimate World Cup journey.
      Everything seemed to be going according to plan when Messi converted from the spot after a VAR penalty intervention, while Argentina had THREE chalked off for offside.
      But two goals in five minutes by Yahya Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari turned the game and the tournament on its head.
      1. England 0 USA 1 Belo Horizonte, Brazil, 1950
      England arrived in Brazil expecting to show it was not a proper World Cup without them and left with their tails between their legs.
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      Stanley Matthews was rested but England still included Stan Mortensen, Tom Finney and Alf Ramsey. They dominated the game but could not score and Haiti-born Joe Gaetjens, later to die at the hands of troops loyal to dictator “Papa Doc” Duvalier, scored the only goal.
      Middlesbrough’s Wilf Mannion summed up the disbelief in the dressing room: “Bloody ridiculous; can’t we play them again tomorrow?”
      The Three Lions ended their World Cup campaign with just a single win, against Chile, and went out in the group stage along with the USA as Spain won the group. More

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      Wales clash with USA beats England’s thumping win over Iran in World Cup TV viewers war between BBC and ITV

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      ENGLAND and Wales will be duking it out during the final game in the World Cup group stage next week. But another intense match over viewing figures is going on in the background between ITV and BBC.
      BBC’s World Cup coverage includes pundits such as Alex ScottCredit: Reuters
      ITV’s coverage features the likes of Roy Keane and Graeme SounessCredit: Getty
      The two TV channels are sharing the World Cup coverage rights with both hoping to eclipse the other in terms of ratings.
      And following the home nations opening matches ITV have taken first blood in this contest.
      As revealed by Lizo Mzimba, BBC viewing figures for England’s 6-2 thriller against Iran saw 7.38 million people tune in according to BARB overnight figures.
      This does not include viewing figures from other platforms.
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      However, Wales’ clash against the USA on ITV1 scored even higher viewing figures.
      Mzimba said: “An average audience of 9.39m TV viewers watched yesterday’s World Cup 1 -1 draw between Wales and USA on ITV (and ITV+1) between 1900 and 2100, according to BARB overnight figures.

      “This doesn’t include viewers watching on S4C or on other platforms.”
      A late Gareth Bale penalty saw Wales salvage a point in their first World Cup game for 64 years after Timothy Weah opened the goalscoring for the US in the first half.

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      ITV will be covering the next England game when they take on the USA on Friday.
      Meanwhile, BBC will be taking the coverage of Wales vs Iran before they take on both of the final games from Group B.
      Both channels have already had some major talking points during their coverage.
      BBC’s coverage of the World Cup’s opening game was criticised after they elected to not show the opening ceremony on BBC One.
      Meanwhile, on ITV Roy Keane and Graeme Souness were involved in a heated bust-up at half-time of Saudi Arabia’s shock victory over Argentina. More

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      Wanda Nara gets over Argentina’s shock World Cup loss to Saudi Arabia while eating ice cream in sexy swimsuit on holiday

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      NEWLY single Wanda Nara has brushed aside Argentina’s shock World Cup loss to Saudi Arabia as only she can – by eating ice cream in a sexy swimsuit in the Maldives. The Argentine beauty, 35, split from footie star Mauro Icardi in September.
      Wanda is in the Maldives while Argentina embarrassed themselves in QatarCredit: Instagram / Wanda_Nara
      The Argentine beauty enjoyed an ice cream while wearing a sexy pink swimsuitCredit: Instagram / Wanda_Nara
      Argentina lost 2-1 to Saudi ArabiaCredit: Instagram / Wanda_Nara
      Wanda recently split from IcardiCredit: Instagram / Wanda_Nara
      And she’s enjoying the single life, getting back into TV presenting work while also continuing to travel the world.
      Wanda was also spotted kissing rapper L-Gante, more than a decade her junior, in a bowling alley and has posted images of the pair cosying up on social media.
      But with Argentina contesting the World Cup, Wanda is instead cooling off in the Maldives, where she enjoyed an ice cream.
      The model was wearing a sexy pink swimsuit as she walked the beaches, while Argentina lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in their World Cup group stage opener.
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      Argentine great Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the first half from the penalty spot.
      But a second half flurry stunned Argentina, who were considered one of the favourites for the tournament.
      Former partner Icardi is NOT in Qatar playing for his country, with the striker now on loan at Galatasaray from Paris Saint-Germain.
      Wanda has lifted the lid on why she split from the 29-year-old, who she first met aged 18.
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      In an interview with magazine Vanity Fair, Wanda explained: “I didn’t expect it, Mauro had never given me reason to be jealous.
      “It was bad, but then I realised that we don’t live in a Disney fairytale and that certain things can happen.
      “I met Mauro when he 18 years old, he wasn’t experienced. I think that’s why. In fact, after the fact, he realised even more how much he loved me. I forgave the mistake, the problem was something else
      “We have already signed the separation. Mauro didn’t want to and it was very difficult, because I still love him very much.
      “But things weren’t working out, the atmosphere was bad at home and at one point I told him: ‘Let’s stop’. We made love until the end, then I went to Argentina.
      “I did advertising campaigns and hosted TV shows. I was away for two months. The distance didn’t help.”
      Wanda says after raising five children, she wanted to get back to her old line of work.
      She continued: “The truth is that I had five children, I breastfed them all, raised them and devoted myself to them for 10 years.
      “I had recently told Mauro that I wanted to go back to work, and he didn’t like it. It’s rare for a footballer’s wife to work.
      “For a long time I only took care of my children and my husband, but now I want to get my time back. And I’m going back to my profession: in Argentina they keep offering me programmes to host and I really like television.
      “He doesn’t like the idea that it takes attention away from the family. Whereas for me independence is fundamental: it is the path to freedom.
      “So every now and then he tries to win me back, the other day he came to pick me up at the airport with a car full of flowers, then he took me out to dinner and said, ‘I’m not giving up’.
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      “Alright, but I know that if we get together again and in two months I mention a new job offer, we’ll be back to square one.
      “My mother was an actress when she was young. She met my father and quit. And I, in 2022, I can’t let history repeat itself.”
      Wanda with long-time lover IcardiCredit: Getty
      Wanda wants to continue taking TV opportunities
      The couple had been long distance due to Wanda’s TV commitments in Argentina
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      World Cup fans enjoy pints for just 66p – here’s how to get yours

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      A POP-up pub opened yesterday to a packed crowd of football fans – all enjoying budget 66p pints.The ZYN Arms, in the heart of Shoreditch, London, played host to 300 punters who were treated to the wallet-friendly prices and table service to ensure they didn’t miss a second of the action as England beat Iran 6-2.
      World Cup fans can enjoy a pint for 66p
      The ZYN Arms is in the heart of Shoreditch
      A study of 2000 Brits found over a third of those who work (36 per cent) said they had already booked time off to watch the tournament, whilst almost half (46 per cent) say they are aiming to catch a match in a pub or bar.
      The research also suggested those who smoke were less likely to take cigarette breaks during the matches, with half saying they were too worried about missing a bit of the game.
      While one in five fans also claim that their most important factor for enjoying a match, was that it would be in a smoke-free environment, if enjoying the event in a beer garden or outside area.
      Operating on a strictly smoke-free basis, smokers are encouraged to ditch their cigarettes by sampling ZYN Pearls Ice Mint Strong, the brand’s latest product release, allowing them to enjoy an immersive experience without any distractions or cigarette breaks.
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      Darren Griffin, UK country manager, said: “We really wanted to cater to football fans this season and listened to these needs by launching The ZYN Arms.
      “With almost a third of Brits claiming their biggest gripe at watching football was inhaling second hand smoke, we wanted to ensure there was a comfortable and worry-free space for all to enjoy.”
      Further results proved the importance of football to adults, with a third admitting to cancelling prior commitments in order to watch this year’s games.
      Birthday parties (52 per cent), office parties (55 per cent), stag/hen parties (45 per cent) and weddings (34 per cent) were among the top events cancelled this year to accommodate the games.
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      Additionally, more than a quarter of those polled, via OnePoll, said they were planning on taking sick days from work to watch the matches, and almost half said they would take a day off to celebrate if England wins the tournament this year.
      The pub will be open until Wednesday 23 November 10pm and will be screening three games per day for over 21s only.
      You can book a table here.
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