World Cup 2022

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      I’ve spent thousands on my epic football shirt collection… I’ve got 500 kits & wore one every day in time for World Cup

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      A FOOTBALL fanatic who has spent thousands on his epic shirt collection has worn a different one every day for a YEAR in the run up to the World Cup.Antonio Massari, 36, has scoured the world to bag kits from the biggest clubs to obscure local ones, totting up a tidy 500 tops.
      Footie-mad Antonio Massari has accumulated more than 500 shirts from around the worldCredit: SWNS
      The 36-year-old challenged himself to wear a different kit each day before the 2022 World CupCredit: SWNS
      He even donned a 2009 Wales jersey on Christmas Day to fulfill his promiseCredit: SWNS
      The superfan has splashed out over £10,000 on his ever-expanding wardrobe to ensure he can sport a footie shirt every day.
      He has dedicated his life and his fashion sense to the beautiful game, but decided to take it up a notch ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
      The dedicated fan even wore one a shirt on Christmas Day — a 2009 Wales jersey – to fulfill his football kit fantasy.
      Antonio challenged himself to don a different shirt each day for one whole year and completed his barmy quest in October.
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      It left the Portsmouth and Inter Milan fan with plenty of time to relax ahead of the kick-off in Qatar on November 20.
      The 36-year-old has vowed to keep himself glued to his TV at his home in Portsmouth, Hampshire, for the entirety of the tournament.
      But the Italian admitted he is already missing wearing his beloved shirts after switching back to his ordinary attire.
      Antonio explained: “When I first started my challenge I didn’t consider it would finish near the World Cup.
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      “But I realised it fits really well. I will definitely be following and watching every single game.
      “The tournaments are the best thing – you get to watch lots of different teams and discover new players.
      “Now I’ve finished that challenge I’m back to wearing normal t-shirts and it feels weird to not wear a football shirt.
      “I’m already thinking of what challenge to set myself next – after the World Cup, of course.”
      To celebrate completing his challenge, which he documented on his Instagram account @365footballshirts, he marked the final day by wearing a particularly special shirt.
      He proudly donned an AC Milan Women’s shirt which was given to him by a close pal after she wore it in her final match before she retired from the sport.
      Antonio gushed: “It’s important to recognise women’s teams are good too.
      “I love football shirts because I think they are beautiful, colourful – sometimes even elegant.
      They all have stories – it’s not just a piece of clothing.Antonio Massari
      “They represent a country, or a city, or a category of people – they all have different meanings.
      “They all have stories – it’s not just a piece of clothing.”
      Antonio first began collecting football shirts as a kid after receiving them as gifts for birthdays and Christmas.
      It kickstarted his obsession for stockpiling kits from all over the world which has now snowballed into adulthood.
      He hunts down unique or discontinued jerseys in numerous different ways – such as trawling through charity shops and collectors stores – in over 100 different countries.
      Antonio continued: “I love football but I like football shirts even more than the game itself.
      “A lot of people collect shirts but what they don’t do is wear them – I want to change that.
      “Now I have so many, it’s difficult to find a shirt for a team I don’t already have.”
      As he gears up to watch the first game this Sunday, when host nation Qatar take on Ecuador, Antonio’s love for the game remains as strong as ever.
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      He added: “I’ll watch every single game wherever I can. Football is just the best thing.
      “Even matches where I don’t support either team – I love that I can watch it with an unbiased mentality and still enjoy it.”
      The 36-year-old started collecting football shirts as a childCredit: SWNS
      Antonio sporting his beloved Portsmouth shirt which he bought after the south coast side won the FA Cup in the 2007/08 seasonCredit: SWNS
      The Italian intends to watch every single game during the World CupCredit: SWNS More

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      Man Utd fans all say the same thing as Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni says World Cup squad ‘could still change’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are all saying the same thing after Lionel Scaloni hinted that additional changes may still be made to the Argentina squad.Alejandro Garnacho has been hailed as the Red Devils’ saviour in recent weeks.
      Scaloni reckons his Argentina World Cup squad could still changeCredit: EPA
      Garnacho has been on red-hot form for Man Utd and fans think there’s a possibility he could be called upCredit: Rex
      The 18-year-old scored a stoppage-time winner in the 2-1 victory over Fulham last weekend.
      And now fans of the Old Trafford club think that he should get a look in on the World stage in Qatar – despite never winning a full cap.
      Scaloni revealed: “There’s a possibility that our 26-man list for the World Cup could change. Let’s see.
      “There are players who are not 100 per cent well. We want to be cautious. We want to see their evolution”.
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      And this got supporters of the youngster very excited.
      Social media was awash with comments on who the Argentines could call up.
      A user exclaimed: “Bring on GARNACHO!”
      One United fan wrote: “Time to bring my starboy on board. Gonna cook this WC.”
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      Another agreed: “Tell me you want to add Garnacho without saying it directly.”
      Hundreds of photos and gifs of the winger followed the comments.
      Fans are also ordering the club to tie Garnacho to a new long-term contract after his late winner against Fulham.
      They are asking the Glazer ownership to splash out on a lucrative new deal for the in-form kid.
      He now has two goals and two assists in his last five matches across all competitions.
      Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated on Twitter that United are already working on a new and improved contract with Garnacho.
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      Romano claims that the Red Devils are trying to get the Argentina Under-20 international to put pen to paper “as soon as possible”.
      Garnacho’s current deal runs out in June, which means the Manchester giants will have to act fast. More

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      Top 10 oldest World Cup 2022 players with Cristiano Ronaldo 9th behind Portugal team-mate and Chelsea star

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is on the bench again – after missing out on a six-a-side team of World Cup golden oldies.The unsettled Manchester United legend, 37, will only be the ninth oldest player at Qatar this winter – TWO YEARS short of the top six.
      Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, hopes to put his sensational Old Trafford saga behind him with glory in his World Cup swansong for PortugalCredit: Getty
      Thiago Silva is still shining for Chelsea at the age of 38Credit: AFP
      Two goalkeepers are in the leading five for age, spearheaded by Mexican Alfredo Talavera, 40.
      Five 39-year-olds will be there, including defensive icons Pepe and Dani Alves, plus Canada midfielder Atiba Hutchinson.
      Pepe’s Portugal team-mate Ronaldo is the only frontman in the top 10.
      And another modern-day great just squeezes into the list – Chelsea centre-back Thiago Silva.
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      Cristiano Ronaldo will be the ninth oldest player at the 2022 World Cup, with evergreen team-mate Pepe in third
      England’s opening opponents Iran have the oldest squad, with eight players over 30  taking their average age up to 28.8 years.
      Next come Mexico, while Brazil and Argentina share third place on 27.9.
      Lionel Messi, 35, is a year younger than his oldest Argentinian colleague, keeper Franco Armani.
      And as for their South American neighbours, Alves and Silva are joined by seven other 30-plus stars in Brazil’s 26-man party.
      TOP 10 OLDEST STARS AT QATARHERE’S the lowdown on the most senior players in Qatar. But some have little experience at this level, especially Canadian midfielder and skipper Atiba Hutchinson.
      1 Alfredo Talavera (GK), 40 – Mexico2 Atiba Hutchinson, 39 – Canada3 Pepe, 39 – Portugal4 Eiji Kawashima (GK), 39 – Japan5 Dani Alves, 39 – Brazil6 Remko Pasveer (GK), 39 – Holland7 Aymen Mathlouthi (GK), 38 – Tunisia8 Thiago Silva, 38 – Brazil9 Cristiano Ronaldo, 37 – Portugal10 Danny Vukovic (GK), 37 – Australia

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      In fact, the Brazilians might well have had the oldest squad of all were it not for two of the most exciting young wingers in Europe.
      Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Arsenal’s table-topping trickster Gabriel Martinelli, both 21, have made Tite’s squad thanks to their finest season so far.
      In contrast, Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions hope to come of age with World Cup glory as one of the youngest squads – averaging just26 years and 153 days.
      That’s almost two decades younger than the oldest players ever to play at a World Cup finals.
      That honour fell to Egypt keeper Essam El Hadery, who was outstanding aged 45 years and 10 days old in a 2018 group match against Saudi Arabia, despite conceding a 95th minute winner. More

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      USA squad including Chelsea ace Christian Pulisic train with construction crew in Qatar ahead of World Cup 2022

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      USA stars including Christian Pulisic trained with a construction crew in Qatar on Monday.Gregg Berhalter’s side completed drills alongside beaming workers at Thani bin Jassim Stadium in Doha.
      USA stars complete drills with construction workersCredit: Reuters
      Christian Pulisic signs autographsCredit: Reuters
      The USA squad poses for a picture with a construction crewCredit: Reuters
      Amid controversy over Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers, USA stars enjoyed a kickabout with a stadium crew.
      They also signed autographs for them, with Chelsea star Pulisic a huge attraction.
      It is not clear how the photo opportunity came together – although Fifa urged all sides competing in Qatar to “let football take centre stage”.
      A statement co-authored by Fifa boss Gianni Infantino read: “Please, let’s now focus on the football!”
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      It went on to beg teams to “not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists”.
      In 2013, a report by The Guardian claimed that migrant workers were “denied food and water”.
      While there have been widespread reports accusing Qatar of taking their passports.
      The Middle Eastern country’s attitude towards human rights have also come under scrutiny – as well as their anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
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      Many national teams are planning to have their skipper wear a rainbow armband in Qatar.
      But France captain Hugo Lloris has hinted that he won’t.
      The Tottenham star said: “When we are in France, when we welcome foreigners, we often want them to follow our rules, to respect our culture, and I will do the same when I go to Qatar, quite simply.
      “I can agree or disagree with their ideas, but I have to show respect.”
      Hugo Lloris gives his thoughts ahead of the World CupCredit: AFP More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s interview slamming Man Utd hasn’t been distracting, insists Portugal boss Santos ahead of World Cup

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S explosive interview has not caused a distraction to Portugal’s World Cup preparations, insists boss Fernando Santos.The star, 37, has caused shockwaves at Old Trafford after a number of bombshells.
      Fernando Santos says the Cristiano Ronaldo saga is not distracting his Portugal squadCredit: AP
      He hit out at United for “betraying” him and making him feel like a “black sheep” as well as blaming him for everything going wrong at the club.
      The striker revealed he does not respect manager Erik ten Hag and blasted the club’s lack of progress since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013 – the last time they won the title.
      And he also claimed that the club “doubted” him after he informed them that the reason he arrived late of pre-season was because his baby daughter was in hospital through illness.
      Ronaldo’s club-mate and compatriot Bruno Fernandes appeared to give the legend a frosty reception as the pair met up for Portugal duty this week.
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      And when asked whether the ex-Real Madrid forward’s comments have had any impact on his team ahead of the World Cup, Santos was adamant they had nothing to do with the national team.
      He said: “The player decided to give an interview as many others have.
      “It’s a personal interview, very personal actually, and we have to respect that.
      “Isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo a free man?… It was his decision and we have to understand and respect it.
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      “The only thing we talk about is the preparation for Qatar. It (the interview) does not affect us at all.”
      Ronaldo missed training on Wednesday with a stomach bug and will not play in Thursday’s friendly with Nigeria in Lisbon before heading to Qatar.
      Santos added: “He is in his room resting and recovering.
      “He won’t practice and won’t be ready for tomorrow’s game either.”
      Portugal kick-off their World Cup campaign next Thursday against Ghana.
      They then face Uruguay and South Korea in Group H. More

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      Gareth Bale is the greatest British player of ALL-TIME, warns his Wales team-mate ahead of England World Cup showdown

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      GARETH BALE is the best Britain has to offer, according to international team-mate Jonny Williams.The winger also warned England that superstar Bale’s title success in America was the perfect warm-up for the World Cup.
      Williams warns group stage opponents England that Bale is the ‘best British player of all-time’Credit: PA
      Williams, 29, and the rest of the Wales squad flew out to Qatar on Tuesday to begin preparations.
      They kick off their tournament against USA on Monday before facing Gareth Southgate’s side on November 29.
      And the Swindon midfielder told SunSport, via SkyBet, that they are well equipped to take on the best on the globe.
      He said: “Bale’s achievements and career speak for itself. The important goals in big finals, he’s a five-time Champions League winner, and what he’s done for Wales since coming into the senior team.
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      “I think he’s probably the best British player of all time.
      “I can’t speak highly enough of him as a player and a person, so down to earth, a pleasure to play alongside.
      “Even when I was kid coming through and he is the same now, you can’t always say that about players.
      “It is a credit to him and amazing to see what he did in America, but I am not surprised. He is a winner, a big game player and he always turns up.”
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      Bale scored a dramatic 127th-minute equaliser in the MLS final at the start of November.
      His LAFC side then won the shoot-out to send the 33-year-old to the Middle East with another piece of silverware for his mantelpiece.
      And Welsh fans will be dreaming of adding another, including Williams who believes the Dragons squad is better than the one that shocked everyone by reaching the Euro 2016 semi-final.
      In fact, he claims it’s the strongest since they last participated in a World Cup in 1958.
      He added: “Yeah, I’d have to say it is [the best team since they last qualified].
      “I remember the Wales teams of the past, Hughes, Rush, Davies, there have been some fantastic individuals. But I think as a collective, led by a world-class superstar, I’d have to say yeah.
      “Aaron Ramsey has been phenomenal, it’s a shame he couldn’t have played more,
      “We had a fantastic team in 2016, but in terms of strength in depth, it is a lot better now than in 2016. There is top talent all over the team. I’d have say it’s the best squad.”
      The Cymru squad left for Qatar on TuesdayCredit: PA
      Williams says there is extra motivation in the Cymru camp when it comes to the crunch match against neighbouring England.
      He grew up in the South-East but admitted he still thinks about beating the Three Lions at the Al-Rayyan Stadium.
      The former Charlton winger explained: “Any home nation game there is that extra will to win, for us and the fans, it means a bit extra, I managed to play last time out in the Euros, so we know how much it means to the fans.
      “I’ve always been and supported Wales, so it will continue to be that, even though I was born in England.
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      “My dad will be travelling out, so, there is definitely a rivalry there and it is a game that we will be wanting to win.
      “It all comes down to that day, and who can deal with the pressure, it’s hard to focus on one individual when there is so much quality, but you must believe that you can win every game.” More

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      Who is World Cup star Harry Maguire’s wife Fern Hawkins and do they have children together?

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      HARRY MAGUIRE has battled through the heavy criticism to make Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the World Cup.And Maguire’s wife Fern has always stuck by the Manchester United star through thick and thin.
      Fern Hawkins watches Harry Maguire’s England from the stands
      SunSport will be delving into who she is and if the long-term lovers have children together.Who is Fern Hawkins?
      Fern Hawkins is Harry Maguire’s fiancée and has a Bachelor’s degree in science and physiotherapy, graduating with a First Class Honours in 2017.
      Like Harry, she’s from Sheffield, and the couple have been dating for just over 10 years after getting together on June 19, 2011.
      Fern’s footballer beau isn’t the only target of her affections – her social media posts are littered with tributes to their adorable pet dog Simba.
      But it seems the England ace has done enough to win her heart.
      When did Fern and Harry get married?
      Fern and Harry got engaged on February 17, 2018.
      Fern revealed that he had asked her to marry him during a romantic getaway to Paris.
      She posted on Instagram: “On Saturday night, Harry made me the happiest girl in the world & asked me to marry him in the most perfect way.”
      Harry Maguire and wife Fern got married in 2022
      During the 2018 World Cup, she was snapped wearing a stunning engagement ring as she travelled around Russia supporting her husband-to-be.
      She was frequently seen in the stands enjoying the Three Lions’ stirring performances with a beer, and Harry sought her out after games to pose for loved-up selfies.
      But the long-term lovers officially got married earlier on this year in 2022.
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      Do they have any children?
      Fern Hawkins gave birth to the couple’s first child on April 3, 2019 – naming their new daughter Lillie Saint Maguire.
      This is the sweet photo that England hero Harry Maguire uploaded of his new-born daughter Lillie Saint MaguireCredit: Instagram @_fernhawkins
      She came into the world exactly nine months after England beat Colombia on penalties at the World Cup.
      That Round of 16 clash sparked huge celebrations, while Maguire was also pictured in a famous photo with the future mother of his child.
      In May 2020, Fern gave birth to the couple’s second daughter – Piper Rose. More

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      Neymar reveals his two favourite England players before World Cup 2022 – including Man Utd star who MISSED OUT on squad

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      JADON SANCHO has been described as “incredible” by Neymar despite not making Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.The Brazilian superstar revealed his two favourite England players and the Manchester United winger was one of them.
      Neymar claims Kane and Sancho are his two favourite England starsCredit: Getty
      The Man Utd star missed out on Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World CupCredit: Getty
      Hot shot Harry Kane – who captains the side bidding to win World Cup for first time in 56 years – was the other.
      Yet the 30-year-old forgot about the Three Lions when discussing who he thinks will lift the trophy.
      Neymar told The Telegraph: “I believe the favourites are Argentina, Germany, Spain, and France.
      “I think those four along with Brazil are fully capable of reaching the final.
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      “I really forgot about England but obviously they have a chance!
      “I really like Kane and Sancho. They’re two incredible players and I have a special love for them because I like players that have their qualities.”
      Sancho, 22, has endured a difficult start to the 2022-23 campaign so far.
      And it came as little surprise when it was announced that he had been left out of Southgate’s 26-man squad.
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      He has scored just three goals in 14 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
      But he will be buoyed by the nod of admiration from Neymar.
      The PSG striker is out in Doha already, preparing for the global showcase.
      The tournament starts on Sunday with Brazil having to wait until Thursday to kick off against Serbia.
      Neymar stunned his international team-mates with an outrageous show of skill in training.
      The squad were given a test which involved dropping a ball from a height of 35 metres – above even the stadium roof.
      And in typical Neymar fashion he led by example by bringing the ball under immediate control with a ridiculously good first touch.
      With his second touch he used his knee to flick the ball into his hands – cue pandemonium from his team-mates.
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      They immediately began cheering and surrounding their captain gleefully.
      Brazil are also the bookies’ favourites to win the World Cup for a sixth time, having last lifted the trophy in 2002. More