World Cup 2022

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      Argentina 1 Saudi Arabia 2 – World Cup LIVE RESULT: Messi and co suffer torrid start after Saudi ends unbeaten run

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      ARGENTINA got off to the worst possible start in their World Cup campaign after being stunned by Saudi Arabia.Lionel Messi opened the scoring early courtesy of a coolly dispatched penalty.
      However, Saudi Arabia’s quick fire double in the second half has left the World Cup favourites stunned as they see their 36-match unbeaten run go up in smoke.

      RESULT: Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      Argentina XI: Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, Paredes, De Paul, Gomez, Di Maria, Messi, Martinez
      Saudi Arabia XI: Al Owais, Abdulhamid, Al Boleahi, Al Buraikan, Al Dawsari, Al Faraj, Al Malki, Al Shahrani, Al Shehri, Kanno, Tambakti

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      Martinez reacts
      The Argentina striker had the ball in the back of the net twice today, but both goals were chalked off for offiside.
      This hurts a lot. We had big hope of starting the World Cup with a win. but this is over now and we must train and think about what’s to come.Lautaro Martinez, Argentina striker
      The winning goal
      Al Dawsari with a moment of magic.

      The world is on their feet
      Cheers and clapping can be heard from the Virtual Stadium 2 in the Main Media Centre of Qatar.
      The Virtual stadium is one of two large cinemas where media can watch games and take part in post-match press conferences.
      Credit: EPA
      Credit: Reuters
      From Andrew Dillon at Lusail Stadium
      SunSport’s Andrew Dillon, who is in the stands right now, has this report from Qatar:
      A STUNNING GAME of two halves in a vast stadium where nobody can buy a pint.
      Even the strictly sober Saudis must have fancied a Bud to toast the most remarkable result in their football history and one which is sending shockwaves through the World Cup.
      From a goal down after ten minutes and three hair’s-breadth offside decisions going in their favour in the first half, the Arab minnows came storming back to beat one of the tournament favourites.
      And Argentina’s bewildered skipper Lionel Messi would have been proud to score both the high quality goals which condemned the two-times world champions to an almighty giant killing.
      He had stabbed his team ahead in the tenth minute by stroking home a penalty following a foul on Juve’s Leandro Paredes.
      It marked the veteran’s 92nd goal in 162 games for his country and it looked like this Group C opener would become another routine rollover.
      But when Messi and strike partner Lautaro Martinez had a hat-trick of narrow offsides go against them in the first half this game began turning on its head.
      The introduction of ultra-sensitive new technology caught them out time and time again but yet there was still a feeling that vastly experienced Messi would lead his in-form team mates to eventual victory.
      Argentina were unbeaten in 36 games going into a game they were expected to stroll. And maybe that was their biggest mistake.
      Saudi’s French coach Herve Renard insists his country is not here just for a ‘jolly’ but try wiping the smiles off their faces now.
      In just five minutes they upended the entire 2022 World Cup with football’s equivalent of an Arab Spring.
      Just three minutes into the second half Saudi forward Saleh Al Shehri picked up a threaded through ball on a run towards the Argentina box but the danger looked well covered.
      Only Tottenham’s normally formidable centre half Cristian Romero uncharacteristically went all Spursy and shied away from making a tackle.
      Instead he allowed his opponent to outpace him over five yards then plant a laser-like shot across the face of goal into the opposite corner of the net.
      We can only suspect Argentina were in shock because shortly afterwards the entire defence crumbled.
      Saudi’s star man Salem Al Dawsari picked up the ball on the right hand edge of the box. A 180 degree turn later he glided past three defenders before striking a rising shot which Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez could only paw into the back of his net.
      Saudi Arabia are 51st in the world, have never been beyond the last 16 at a World Cup and have won only one game at a finals since 1994. That shows what this result means to them.
      Seeing the Argentina team on the deck at the final whistle shows what this humiliation means to them.
      Saudi’s heroic rearguard action was topped by a headed clearance off the line by Abdulelah Al Amri in injury time but gallant defender Yasser Al Shahrani was Ko’d by a knee to the head from his own keeper.Andrew DillonSunSport
      FULL-TIME – Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      TAKE A BREATH. SAUDI ARABIA MAKE HISTORY IN QATAR.
      One of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, in football history, in sporting history. This will be talked about for years to come.
      Saudi Arabia, take a bow.
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      90+10, Al Owais saves!
      Alvarez sends a looping header and the keeper dives like a falcon through the sky to keep Saudi dreams alive.
      Di Maria then curls an ugly ball out for a goal kick. Have they done it now?
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      90+10, Acuna swings in another corner and the saudis survive once more.
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      90+9, Al Shahrani raises a thumbs up for his family and Argentina have one final corner…
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      90+7, Al Shahrani is thankfully back to his feet.
      He will be carried off on the stretcher as Saudi Arabia look to see out the final moments.
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      90+5, Al Shahrani is down on the deck after taking his keeper’s knee to the head.
      Al Owasi looks distressed next to him. This doesn’t look good at all.
      The referee ignored him in the first instance, as he laid there out cold.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      90+3, Al-Dawsari is frustratingly called offside near the opposition corner flag.
      Argentina can launch at least one more attack.
      Saudi Arabia can taste one of the greatest World Cup upsets in history.
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      90+1, Cleared off the line!
      Al Amiri heads off Alvarez’s effort from the line.
      Al Owais is then booked for complaining.
      And then the flag is raised for offside. What a strange set of events, but Saudi Arabia are still in the lead and that’s all they will care about.
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      90, There will be eight minutes added time.
      If you are just tuning in, this is really happening.
      Credit: Getty
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      89, Renard makes some more changes as the bookings continue to be waved for time wasting.
      Al Amiri and Asir are on.
      Al Abed and Al Buraikan are on.
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      87, Boos ring out as their striker Firas isn’t allowed to come back on.
      Argentina surge forward and Di Maria curls one into Martinez. A heroic Tambakti hooks the ball away from the striker and lumps it up field.
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      86, Firas takes a break off the pitch after picking up a knock. Understandably, he’s in no rush.
      We can expect a fair chunk of added time I’m sure.
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      85, Five minutes of normal time left.
      Argentina haven’t lost a game in which they scored first since 1958!
      They believe.
      Credit: Getty
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      83, Massive chance for Messi!
      Di Maria curls in a ball to the back post where Messi was waiting unmarked.
      His header lacks power and is straight at the keeper.
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      80, It wasn’t to be.
      Messi curls it well over the upright. A wince of disappointment across his face.
      By his standards, that was poor.
      Credit: Reuters
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      78, Messi is clipped on the edge of the area in prime Messi territory.
      The world watches on once more. Can he do it…
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      77, Al Bolehi is booked for time wasting. No surprise really.
      Meanwhile, the referee has to hurry Al Shehri off the pitch, who is very unhappy about being taken off.
      Al Ghannam is on.
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      75, Fernandez gets above his man and meets the corner, but his header goes high and into the stands.
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      74, De Paul slides Martinez in behind Saudi Arabia’s high line but this time Al Owais had read it well, sprinting forward and thumping it up field.
      To think Argentina have had three goals ruled out for offside.
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      72, Fernandez flashes a dangerous ball across the six-yard box, but no one in blue and white had gambled.
      It came back to Messi who slides in Di Maria. His shot is saved, and eventually held on to by Al Owais.
      Argentina are threatening.
      Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
      70, Acuna is on for Tagliafico.
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      Incredible moment Japan fans clean up World Cup stadium in Qatar… and their team ISN’T even playing

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      JAPAN fans continued their custom of cleaning up stadiums at the end of matches – even though their team did not play.Several Japanese fans attended the World Cup opening game between Qatar and Ecuador.
      Japanese fans cleaned the Al Bayt Stadium at the end of Qatar vs Ecuador
      A Qatari fan was so impressed he filmed the supporters cleaning
      Japan fans have cleaned up after matches at previous World Cups
      And at the end of the game they went around the Al Bayt Stadium picking up rubbish and collecting Qatar flags left behind by fans.
      One Qatari fan was so shocked he began filming the group of Japanese supporters before joining in to help.
      He asked why they chose to clean up before hugging one supporter and telling the group how much he respected him.
      A fan explained their actions saying: “We never leave, Japanese never leave rubbish behind us. We respect the place.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      The Qatari who filmed the video said: “Woah! I thought maybe one or two people. But they are cleaning all around the stadium.
      “This is a thing I heard about but I never thought it was real. Wow! All respect.”
      Japanese fans have a reputation to uphold after cleaning up after themselves at the Russia World Cup in 2018.
      Win, lose or draw they always tidy up and take bin bags to games – including at the 2014 World Cup.
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      Fans on social media were impressed with the clean-up crew with one saying: “They are always very conscientious!”
      Another added: “They are taught this from kindergarten, their discipline is hope for humanity.”
      And a third said: “Without fail, every time.” More

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      Argentina 1 Saudi Arabia 2: Lionel Messi flops in huge World Cup shock as favourites suffer first loss in THREE years

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      A STUNNING game of two halves in a vast stadium where nobody can buy a pint.For Saudi Arabia, this is the most remarkable result in their football history and one which is sending shockwaves through the World Cup.
      Lionel Messi and Argentina were stunned by Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
      Saleh Al-Shehri and Firas Al-Buraikan celebrated as they threatened the major shockCredit: Getty
      Argentina keeper Martinez is powerless to stop Salem Al Dawsari’s winning strikeCredit: Reuters
      It was pure joy for Saudi Arabia fans who made the short trip to QatarCredit: Getty
      From a goal down after ten minutes and three hair’s-breadth offside decisions going in their favour in the first half, the Arab minnows came storming back to beat one of the tournament favourites.
      And Argentina’s bewildered skipper Lionel Messi would have been proud to score both the high-quality goals which condemned the two-times world champions to an almighty giant killing.
      He had stabbed his team ahead in the tenth minute by stroking home a penalty following a foul on Juve’s Leandro Paredes.
      It marked the veteran’s 92nd goal in 162 games for his country and it looked like this Group C opener would become another routine rollover.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      But when Messi and strike partner Lautaro Martinez had a hat-trick of goals ruled out by narrow offsides in the first half, this game began turning on its head.
      The introduction of ultra-sensitive new technology caught them out time and time again but yet there was still a feeling that vastly experienced Messi would lead his in-form team-mates to eventual victory.
      Argentina were unbeaten in 36 games going into a game they were expected to stroll. And maybe that was their biggest mistake. 
      Saudi’s French coach Herve Renard insists his country is not here just for a ‘jolly’ but try wiping the smiles off their faces now.

      Most read in Football
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      In just five minutes they upended the entire 2022 World Cup with football’s equivalent of an Arab Spring.
      Just three minutes into the second half Saudi forward Saleh Al Shehri picked up a threaded through ball on a run towards the Argentina box but the danger looked well covered.

      Only Tottenham’s normally formidable centre-half Cristian Romero uncharacteristically went all Spursy and shied away from making a tackle.
      Instead, he allowed his opponent to outpace him over five yards then plant a laser-like shot across the face of goal into the opposite corner of the net.

      Salem Al-Dawsari turned on the style with his celebration to match his explosive finishCredit: PA
      Saleh Al-Shehri of Saudi Arabia threaded into the bottom corner to equaliseCredit: Getty
      It was a historic moment for the Middle Eastern nationCredit: Getty
      Devastated Argentina fans couldn’t believe what they were seeingCredit: Getty
      Fans saw their three-year unbeaten run come to an end in shocking fashionCredit: Alamy
      We can only suspect Argentina were in shock because shortly afterwards the entire defence crumbled.
      Saudi’s star man Salem Al Dawsari picked up the ball on the right hand edge of the box.
      A 180-degree turn later he glided past three defenders before striking a rising shot which Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez could only paw into the back of his net.
      Saudi Arabia are 51st in the world, have never been beyond the last 16 at a World Cup and have won only one game at a finals since 1994.
      That shows what this result means to them.
      Seeing the Argentina team on the deck at the final whistle shows what this humiliation means to them.
      Saudi’s heroic rearguard action was topped by a headed clearance off the line by Abdulelah Al Amri in injury time but gallant defender Yasser Al Shahrani was KO’d by a knee to the head from his own keeper.
      The Green Falcons made some incredible clearancesCredit: AFP
      Salem Al-Dawsari struck a super hit into the top cornerCredit: Getty
      Lionel Messi had put Argentina in front with a tenth-minute penaltyCredit: Getty
      There were three tight offsides in the first halfCredit: ITV
      Saudi defended resolutely as they clung on to their leadCredit: AFP
      Yasser Al-Shahrani was carried off on a stretcher after taking a knee to the headCredit: AP More

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      Saudi Arabia star stretchered off after being KOd by own keeper in horror injury in Argentina clash at World Cup

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      SAUDI ARABIA defender Yasser Al-Shahrani was stretchered off the pitch after a horror collision with goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais. The full-back went up for an aerial collision when he clattered into keeper Alowais, leaving him knocked out.
      Yasser Alshahrani was stretchered off after a collision with Mohammed AlowaisCredit: AFP
      Yasser Al-Shahrani is consoled by his team-matesCredit: Reuters
      Saudi Arabia’s Yasser Al-Shahrani on a stretcherCredit: AP
      Al-Shahrani had to be stretchered away but put his thumbs up as Saudi Arabia desperately defended their shock 2-1 lead over Argentina.
      Stopper Alowais cut a distressed figure as his team-mate was taken off the field in added time.
      It added even more time to Saudi Arabia fans, who nervously watched on as a historic upset was on the cards.
      And amazingly, after over 100 minutes were played, Lionel Messi’s Argentina were stunned in Qatar.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      The PSG superstar opened the lead on just ten minutes after coolly converting from the penalty spot.
      But he suffered frustration as THREE goals were ruled out – which was a sign of things to come.
      Striker Saleh Alshehri levelled on 48 minutes with an excellent finish into the bottom corner.
      It set the scene for an upset for the ages.
      Most read in Football
      Winger Salem Aldawsari took home the spoils with a stunning goal to win the game.
      He cut in on his right foot on 52 minutes to curl home what is already going to be a contender for goal of the tournament.

      Argentina knocked on the door for well over 40 more minutes but Saudi Arabia remained solid at the back, especially keeper Alowais.
      Al-Shahrani’s injury will come as a blow to manager Herve Renard, who guided his team to a famous win.
      Saudi Arabia celebrate their upset winCredit: Getty More

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      Heartwarming letter Jack Grealish was sent by disabled fan Finlay Fisher, 11, who made one request of his ‘idol’

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      ENGLAND star Jack Grealish received a heartwarming letter from a young fan – who made just one request.The note was sent by Finlay Fisher, 11, who suffers from cerebral palsy after the young fan learned that his idol’s sister lives with the same condition.
      The England star Jack Grealish received a heartwarming letter from the young fanCredit: Manchester City FC
      Finlay was able to meet his idol and make a special requestCredit: ITV
      Finlay asked the Manchester City ace to dedicate a goal celebration to him at the World Cup, to raise awareness about the disability on the global stage.
      The schoolboy wrote: “To Jack, my name is Finlay and I am 11 years old. I am a huge Man City and England fan.
      “I have cerebral palsy and I saw that your sister has cerebral palsy too. Are you a good brother to her?
      “I love the way you are really good with your sister, you really get it. You always have her there with you and you look really proud. Especially when you won the league.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      The lovely note continued: “I wish there were more people in the world just like you who treat people with disabilities the same as anyone else.
      “It makes me really happy when I see you, a famous footballer, know what it’s like to live with people with cerebral palsy.”
      Footie-mad Finlay added that he loves to play the beautiful game, but sometimes struggles due to his disability.
      He went on: “My dad is really good and takes me to Man City on a Monday to train even though he supports [Man] United. He plays with me in the garden and he never lets me win – I will one day.
      Most read in Football
      “I can’t move as fast as my brain can see the pass. I don’t always get picked because I am slow or I get put in goal, I then get really frustrated, lose my temper, get upset and then get in trouble.
      “It is my dream to meet you and give you a high five because I can’t hand shake.”
      The Premier League star responded to the letter with one of his own and arranged to meet the star-struck fan.
      During their time together, Finlay asked Grealish to do ‘the worm’ as a celebration at the World Cup, but the Three Lions playmaker joked that he would get injured if he tried.
      The pair agreed that he would do the ‘arm worm’ by wiggling his arms up and down instead.
      And Grealish did exactly that after bagging a goal against Iran in England’s opening match.
      He took to Instagram after the game, writing “For you Finlay” with a love heart emoji.
      And the youngster was delighted at the special tribute.
      The young lad thanked Grealish for raising awareness for cerebral palsy by debuting the celebration in front of a global audience.
      The Manchester City star came off the bench to score the sixth as the Three Lions got their campaign off to a flier.
      He put the gloss on the victory late on in what is England’s best ever start to a World Cup.
      After tapping home from Callum Wilson’s unselfish cutback, Grealish wheeled away in celebration.
      It was Grealish’s first goal since he scored in a 3-0 win over Wolves back in September.
      The superb Jude Bellingham put Gareth Southgate’s England ahead against Iran with a looping header ten minutes before half-time.
      Read More on The Sun
      Raheem Sterling netted in between a Bukayo Saka brace, before Marcus Rashford and Grealish completed the rout.
      After the victory, Finaly says he is now certain that the boys will bring it home and win the World Cup.
      He kept his word and debuted the ‘arm worm’ celebrationCredit: Getty
      Grealish’s sister also suffers from cerebral palsyCredit: Reuters
      He bagged a goal as England route Iran 6-2 in their World Cup openerCredit: Reuters More

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      Calls for UK asylum scheme for Iran players who could face prison or DEATH after refusing to sing anthem at World Cup

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      SENIOR Tory MPs have called for Britain to open its arms to brave Iranian footballers who could face persecution when they return home from the World Cup.The Iranian XI stood tall but silent as their national anthem played ahead of the clash with England at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha yesterday.
      The Iranian national team remained silent during the national anthem before their match against England yesterdayCredit: Getty
      Iran supporters held protest signs with the rallying cries of ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ and ‘Freedom For Iran’ at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha yesterdayCredit: Rex
      Iranian fans in the Qatari stadium were moved to tears by the incredible gesture, as massive protests continue to sweep the Islamic Republic.
      But the team’s gesture could land them in serious trouble back home if the brutal Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei decides to make an example of them.
      Political dissent is a crime in Iran – and is one of the offences subject to capital punishment, with 21 protesters already facing execution after sham trials since the start of an uprising in September.
      This week Tory MPs have led called for the players to be offered sanctuary in the UK if they ask for it.
      Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith told The Sun: “The Iranian team may choose not to go back to Iran given what’s going.
      “Our government should treat those individuals with an accelerated asylum process if that’s the case.
      “Iran is a dictatorial, brutal regime.”
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      Last night former minister Caroline Nokes told TalkTV’s Late Edition programme the Home Office “has to be ready” for potential asylum claims.
      She said: “These young men have taken a very brave stance in the same way that young women across Iran are also being phenomenally brave.
      “Perhaps we need to look at a bespoke scheme for them so that instantly we know whether there’s going to be a legal route for them into the UK or not.”
      Iranian officials had already been discussing cracking down on perceived disrespect to their national anthem and flag ahead of the World Cup.
      And the national team’s defiance on such an international scale will spark fury amongst the regime – and could spark retribution.
      Massoud Setayeshi, spokesman for the Iran’s Judiciary, said just days ago that punishments could be meted out for those who reject the anthem.
      Iranian courts have been taking a brutal line on people linked to the protests, with more than 15,000 people arrested and hundreds killed by the security forces.
      Most read in The Sun
      Tory MP David Simmonds, who is also Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Migration, told The Sun: “The brave actions of the Iranian footballers who have heroically stood up to the Government means they could face persecution when they return.
      “This highlights the importance of the U.K. having a strong resettlement scheme for those facing persecution.”
      This morning a No10 spokesperson said they wouldn’t “speculate about what actions individuals might take”.
      But they added: “We do have a proud tradition of providing refuge to those in need and equally we’ve condemned violence levelled at the protesters in Iran.” More

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      France vs Australia – World Cup Group D: Teams news, how they made it and prediction as reigning champs hit by injuries

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      WITH the World Cup finally underway every team in the tournament is hotly anticipating their first game in Qatar – with the pressure on holders France perhaps the greatest.The depleted world champions face Australia in Group D looking to avoid a major upset.
      Kylian Mbappe will be hoping to kick start France’s World Cup with a bangCredit: AFP
      The Australia squad train ahead of their World Cup openerCredit: Getty
      The 2018 World Cup winners will be desperate to retain their title despite having a host of big names side-lined for the tournament.
      These two teams faced off in the group stage at the Russia World Cup.
      France ran out 2-1 winners back then as both sides converted penalties and were only separated by an Aziz Behich’s own goal.
      Here, SunSport takes a look at whether those fortunes could change as they lock horns again at the 40,000 seater Al Janoub Stadium.
      How did they get there?
      France: Qualified in first place of their qualifying group.
      They did not lose a single match in the process and topped the group by six points and a goal difference of +15.
      Australia: The Socceroos were one of the final teams to qualify for the World Cup.
      They only confirmed their ticket to Qatar in June after beating Saudi Arabia and then Peru in World Cup play-off matches.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      What’s the form?
      France: Les Blues have been in patchy form for most of the year, winning just three of their eight games in 2022 as Didier Deschamps experiments with a new formation.
      They lost their most recent game in the UEFA Nations League 2-0 to Denmark and narrowly avoided relegation to the second tier.

      Australia: The Aussies were one of the last teams to make it to the World Cup but have enjoyed strong recent form despite a rough start to 2022.
      They have won each of their last five games which has included both World Cup qualifiers and a pair of friendlies against New Zealand.

      Who are the managers?
      France: Didier Deschamps has been in charge of the French team for an entire decade now.
      He took over in 2012 and has overseen the creation of a global superpower – much like the France side he was in as a player which won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship.
      Under his stewardship France made it all the way to the finals of Euro 2016 before winning the 2018 World Cup in dominating fashion.

      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup

      Australia: Graham Arnold will be giving up something in terms of experience against Deschamps as he enters his first World Cup with Australia.
      He was appointed for his second stint shortly after the 2018 World Cup and has maintained Australia’s record of reaching the World Cup on every occasion since 2006.
      In 2019 Australia crashed out of the quarter-finals of the Asia Cup despite being the reigning champions.
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      Who are the star players?
      France: KYLIAN MBAPPE will once again be likely to make the headlines as he takes an even more prominent role in Didier Deschamps side than the one he did in 2018.
      The PSG superstar was France’s top scorer alongside Antoine Griezmann in Russia.
      And with Karim Benzema ruled out of the squad the onus will once again fall on Mbappe to score the goals for Les Blues.
      It truly is a testament to the quality of players from France that despite missing a host of big names likes Ballon d’Or winner Benzema plus midfield mainstays Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante they still have a squad spilling over with quality.
      How France may line up against Australia
      Australia: AARON MOOY will likely be the man tasked with trying to lead Australia to the latter stages.
      The Socceroos have only made it past the group stage of the World Cup on one occasion – 2006 – and the difficult group they have landed in means their hopes of doing so again look bleak.
      But former Huddersfield midfielder Mooy will be looked to to make sure Australia both defend stoutly and attack with creativity.
      And his ability to find space in midfield and snuff out danger will be pivotal against a new-look France midfield.
      How Australia could line up against France
      What’s the head to head?
      France wins: 3
      Draws: 1
      Australia wins: 1
      Which TV channel will show the game?
      BBC One will be broadcasting the game at 7pm on Tuesday.
      Odds
      France 3/10
      Draw 26/5
      Australia 12/1
      SunSport prediction
      Considering the recent history of fixtures between these two sides and their respective recent achievements, there is only really one way this is expected to go.
      That being said, Australia will not be pushovers for France and are more than capable of causing an upset if Mbappe and Co are not at 100 per cent.
      FRANCE 3-1 AUSTRALIA More

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      Denmark vs Tunisia – World Cup Group D: How they got there, form & prediction as Eriksen returns to the biggest stage

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      DENMARK open up their World Cup campaign against Tunisia on Tuesday.The pair have met once before in a pre-2002 World Cup friendly and are set to kick-off at 1pm UK time at the Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan.
      All eyes will be on Christian Eriksen following his Euros scareCredit: Getty

      The Danes are looking to build on their excellent showing at Euro 2020, where they reached the semi-final before being knocked out by England.
      Christian Eriksen will be a key source of inspiration and all eyes will be on the Manchester United playmaker following his scare at the Euros.
      The midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the pitch as his team-mates provided a protective shield around him.
      Eriksen is now fit and healthy and ready for action in Qatar after being fitted with an ICD heart-starter device.
      How they got there
      Denmark: Won nine of their ten qualifying games to top Group F ahead of Scotland.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Tunisia: Beat Mali 1-0 in a double-legged World Cup play-off thanks to a hilarious own goal from Moussa Sissako, while the referee gave them a helping hand by controversially blowing early for full-time.
      What’s the form?
      Denmark: Had a mixed showing in the Uefa Nations League, impressively beating France and Austria earlier this year but also losing to Croatia.
      They also suffered a shock 2-0 loss to Scotland in the last game of their qualifying campaign.

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      Tunisia: Jalel Kadri’s side looked far from their best in their two September friendlies.
      First they struggled to overcome Comores in a 1-0 win before being thrashed 5-1 by Brazil.
      They did manage to beat Iran 2-0 in a warm-up game before the tournament kicked off.
      Star men to look out for
      Denmark: Eriksen will pull the strings and create chances for hitman Kasper Dolberg, as will Tottenham midfield dynamo Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
      That pair are likely to make up a midfield three alongside Dolberg’s Sevilla team-mate Thomas Delaney.
      Denmark’s 4-3-3 formation served them well at the Euros and key men Kasper Schmeichel and Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen will be crucial to keeping things tight at the back.
      Denmark’s 4-3-3 formation brought them success at Euro 2020
      Tunisia: Former Sunderland ace Whabi Khazri is the man they will be looking to keep quiet – the winger scored 24 goals in 71 games for Tunisia and helped his side reach the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final last year.
      United winger Hannibal Mejbri will also be looking to boost his profile on the international stage, if he can force his way into the starting XI.
      Tunisia’s most capped player Youssef Msakni could pose problems on the left flank, and Ellyes Skhiri will be tasked with keeping a close watch on Eriksen.
      Whabi Khazri is the main man for Tunisia
      What’s the head to head?
      Denmark wins: 1
      Draws: 0
      Tunisia wins: 0
      What TV channel will the game be on?
      ITV will broadcast the match at 1pm on Tuesday.
      To stream the game live, head to the ITV Hub.
      What are the odds?
      Denmark to win: 4/9
      Tunisia to win: 39/5
      Draw to win: 10/3
      SunSport prediction
      Denmark are fancied by many as dark horses and should get their World Cup campaign off to a fine start.
      Tunisia’s poor form means confidence could be low and we expect Denmark to take advantage.
      3-1 Denmark More