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    Watch Cristiano Ronaldo star alongside Brazil legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho in Nike’s incredible World Cup 2022 advert

    NIKE have launched their World Cup 2022 advert starring some of football’s biggest names both past and present. In keeping with many of Nike’s previous football advertisements, they recruited a star-studded lineup to help build hype for football’s biggest competition.
    Footballers past and present were brought together in Nike’s new World Cup advertCredit: Nike
    Kylian Mbappe got to show off some acting skills ahead of QatarCredit: Nike
    Ronaldinho had this hilarious reaction upon seeing MbappeCredit: Nike
    Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed a prominent role in the ad tooCredit: Nike
    Brazil legend Ronaldo poked fun at his own iconic haircutCredit: Nike
    Put loosely, the plot of the advert, which runs for well over four minutes, revolves around a debate between scientists on who is a better player between Ronaldinho and Kylian Mbappe.
    They then activate a time machine to bring together players from the past and present to face off with one another.
    Chaos then descends as more and more players are brought into the “Footballverse”, giving Nike its own unique take on the multi-verse genre that has become popular in cinema in recent years.
    Among the big names involved are legends of the past such as Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Edgar Davids.
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    But it’s far from undersaturated with modern names too.
    Cristiano Ronaldo – who has been making all the headlines this week – lines up alongside the likes of Mbappe, Virgil van Dijk and Kevin de Bruyne.
    Phil Foden even gets a hilarious cameo roughly halfway through the video. There are big names from Women’s football too, including Leah Williamson, Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd and Sam Kerr.
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    PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
    Nike even blends fictional characters with their real-life pros, with the short-but-sweet cameo of Gouenji Shuuya from Japanese animation series INAZUMA ELEVEN.
    The advert ends by teasing football’s next generation, with Cristiano Ronaldo Jr and Shane Kluivert both making appearances throughout the video.
    It’s a Nike advert that’s likely to go down among their very best alongside classics such as “Winner Stays On”, “The Last Game” and “The Cage”.
    The “Footballverse” saw multiple editions of the same legend in some casesCredit: Nike
    Phil Foden enjoyed a hilarious cameo tooCredit: Nike
    Nike brought back icons such as Edgar DavidsCredit: Nike
    USWNT star Alex Morgan was among those representing the Women’s gameCredit: Nike
    A wall was formed as Ronaldinho lined up to take a free kickCredit: Nike
    Nike even threw some Japanese animation into the mixCredit: Nike
    It was a real surprise for them to add in INAZUMA ELEVEN’s Gouenji ShuuyaCredit: Nike More

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    Erling Haaland names England as his favourites to win World Cup 2022… along with three other giants

    ERLING HAALAND has named England as favourites to win the World Cup.But Manchester City’s latest cult hero reckons three other giants are also in the mix for footy’s top prize.
    Erling Haaland reckons England are one of the favourites for the World CupCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Haaland has also named three other sides who could go all the way in QatarCredit: Getty
    England are dreaming of winning a World Cup for the first time since 1966.
    Gareth Southgate has assembled a 26-man squad of all-stars from across the Premier League and beyond.
    The Three Lions face Iran, USA and Wales in the group stage at Qatar 2022.
    And many feel England could go far after reaching the semis in Russia over four years ago.
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    Indeed, one man tipping Southgate’s side to potentially win the entire thing is Man City icon Haaland.
    The Norway ace will not be starring in the Middle East this month after his nation failed to qualify.
    But after scoring 18 goals in his first 13 Premier League games, Haaland’s words already carry plenty of weight.
    And after experiencing English football for the first time this term, he reckons the Three Lions are in with a great shout of going all the way.
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    Man City boast the highest amount of players representing England, with John Stones, Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish all involved.
    However, Haaland has also warned his club teammates the biggest threat to their triumph will come from France, Argentina and Brazil.
    Haaland declared: “Favourites? I think the favourites should be Brazil, Argentina, France and maybe England.
    “I cannot say only one because there’s so many good teams. So yeah, those four.” More

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    Ex-England boss Hoddle reckons Southgate will DROP Maguire in Qatar and hopes ‘special’ Foden and Maddison play together

    FORMER England boss Glenn Hoddle has predicted that Harry Maguire will be dropped for England’s opening game in Qatar. The tournament is quickly approaching and The Three Lions’ opener against Iran is less than a week away.
    Harry Maguire is often a hot topic when it comes to EnglandCredit: Getty
    This is Gareth Southgate’s third major tournament as England bossCredit: Getty
    Debates continue on Gareth Southgate’s squad and who of the 26 should make their way into his starting line-up of the group game.
    Hoddle, who managed England between 1996 and 1999, has put his thoughts forward and revealed his excitement over a potential Phil Foden and James Maddison midfield link-up.
    The pundit also admitted he thinks the out-of-form Maguire could miss out on Iran.
    Hoddle told the Mail: “I can understand why he’s put Maguire in [the squad].
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    “I don’t think Maguire will start, but he might if Southgate wants to go into a three (at the back). I can see Southgate using him, if needs be, later in the tournament
    “Maguire would love to start the game against Iran but if he was thrown in, there’d be a little doubt in the back of his mind.”
    The 65-year-old also pondered England’s midfield, with Kalvin Phillips’ inclusion in the squad despite his injuries adding to Southgate’s options.
    Hoddle added: “I’m glad to see Maddison’s in — he’s in great form and I would like to see him start.
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    “I think he’s that good and he hasn’t been given a chance yet with England, and he and Foden would be something special.
    “The one doubt I have — not because of his ability because I quite like him and he had a really good Euros — is Kalvin Phillips. Shoulder injuries are very difficult ones to know whether they’re absolutely okay.”
    England’s tournament begins in six days time when they play Iran, before highly-anticipated clashes with the USA and Wales.
    They’re looking to go one better than 2018 when the Three Lions surprisingly reached the semi-finals before being beaten by Croatia.
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    Four years earlier in Brazil, England’s tournament unravelled from the very first game and they crashed out in the group stages.
    While in 2010 the country were beaten by Germany in the knock-outs but only after an infamous Frank Lampard shot was judged to have not crossed the goal line in South Africa. More

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    What are the lyrics to Ghana’s national anthem and what do they mean in English?

    AFTER failing to qualify in 2018, Ghana are back and mean business under new manager Otto Addo.The heartbreak of 2010 may not have healed quite yet. But the West African side have the chance to get their revenge over Uruguay in Group H.
    Ghana beat Nigeria on away goals to qualify for QatarCredit: AFP
    Ghana held 2014 World Cup champions Germany to their only draw of the tournamentCredit: AP:Associated Press
    The squad is packed with Premier League experience, including Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, right-back Tariq Lamptey, Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew and Mohammed Salisu of Southampton.
    The Black Stars also have a fit and firing centre-forward in the shape of Inaki Williams, who has five goals for Atletico Bilbao so far this season.
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    What are the lyrics to Ghana’s national anthem?
    To get the emotions stirring, the players will sing ‘God Bless our Homeland of Ghana’ before kick-off in Qatar.
    The anthem, adopted in 1957, goes as follows:
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    Verse 1
    God bless our homeland GhanaAnd make our nation great and strong,Bold to defend foreverThe cause of Freedom and of Right;Fill our hearts with true humility,Make us cherish fearless honesty,And help us to resist oppressors’ ruleWith all our will and might for evermore.
    Verse 2
    Hail to thy name, O Ghana,To thee we make our solemn vow:Steadfast to build togetherA nation strong in Unity;With our gifts of mind and strength of arm,Whether night or day, in mist or storm,In every need, whatever the call may be,To serve thee, Ghana, now and for evermore.

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    Verse 3
    Raise high the flag of Ghanaand one with Africa advance;Black star of hope and honourTo all who thirst for liberty;Where the banner of Ghana freely flies,May the way to freedom truly lie;Arise, arise, O sons of Ghana land,And under God march on for evermore! More

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    What are the lyrics to South Korea’s national anthem and what do they mean in English?

    SOUTH KOREA travel to Qatar for their tenth consecutive World Cup, more than any other Asian country.Fans will have fond memories of 2002, where the Taeguk Warriors reached the semi-finals in their home tournament, accompanied by their famous national anthem.
    South Korea beat Spain to reach the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup where they lost 1-0 to GermanyCredit: AFP
    South Korea finished second in their group to qualify for QatarCredit: Reuters
    The Aegukga, translated as ‘The Patriotic Song’, was adopted in 1948, the year the country was founded. However, its lyrics date back to the 1890s.
    The anthem was originally set to the popular Scottish song ‘Auld Lang Syne’, before composer Ahn Eak-tai created its own melody.
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    What are the lyrics to South Korea’s national anthem?
    Aegukga is thought to mean ‘the song to wake up the mind to love the country’. You can’t say it’s not patriotic!
    It’s lyrics reference the country’s nature, mentioning South Korea’s famous Namsan Mountain in Seoul.
    Here’s how it goes:
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    Verse 1
    Until the East Sea’s waves are dry, Mt. Paekdu worn away,God watch over our land forever, our Korea manse.
    Verse 2
    Rose of Sharon, thousand miles of range and river land;Guarded by her people, ever may Korea stand.
    Verse 3
    Like that Mt. Namsan armoured pine, standing on duty still,wind or frost, unchanging ever, be our resolute will.

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    Verse 4
    In autumn’s arching evening sky, crystal and cloudless blue;be the radiant moon our spirit, steadfast, single and true.
    Verse 5
    With such a will, such a spirit, loyalty, heart and hand,Let us love, come grief, come gladness, this our beloved land. More

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    What are the lyrics to Uruguay’s national anthem and what do they mean in English?

    TWO-TIME World Cup champions Uruguay travel to Qatar with the aim of topping group H.Portugal look to be their main competitors. However, Ghana are also seeking revenge following their dramatic penalty shootout defeat in 2010.
    Luis Suarez is set to play in his fourth World CupCredit: EPA
    Diego Alonso joined the Uruguay national team in 2020 after being sacked by David Beckham’s Inter MiamiCredit: Reuters
    Newly appointed manager Diego Alonso finished third in his qualification group, ensuring their place at this winter’s tournament.
    However, they did struggle against rivals Brazil and Argentina, losing all four games they played against them.
    In Qatar, Alonso looks set to rely on the versatile Federico Valverde and Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur to help pull the strings from midfield.
    Old school veterans Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani are expected to lead the line once more for their country.
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    What are the lyrics to Uruguay’s national anthem?
    Himno Nacional de Uruguay is the longest national anthem of all the countries competing at the tournament, made up of 105 bars.
    However, a far shorter version will be performed before matches.
    Its lyrics were written by Francisco Acuña de Figueroa in 1833 and has been the official anthem ever since.
    Figueroa was also the author of the lyrics to Paraguay’s national anthem.
    Uruguay won the first ever World Cup in 1930Credit: EMPICS Sport
    Here’s how the age-old piece goes:
    Verse 1
    Easterners, the Fatherland or the grave!Liberty or with glory we die!It is the vow that the soul pronounces,and which, heroically we will fulfill!It is the vow that the soul pronounces,and which, heroically we will fulfill!Which we will fulfill!We will fulfill! We will fulfill
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    Verse 2
    Liberty, Liberty, Easterners!This cry saved the fatherland.Which her brave warriors, in fierce battlesWith sublime enthusiasm filledFrom this sacred gift the glory we deservedTyrants: Tremble!Tyrants: Tremble!Liberty in combat we shall cry out!And dying, Freedom too!Liberty in combat we shall cry out!And dying, Freedom too!Freedom too!

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    What are the lyrics to Cameroon’s national anthem and what do they mean in English?

    RIGOBERT SONG has led his side to their eighth World Cup, with the Indomitable Lions keen to stamp their mark on Group G. Cameroon make up five African countries boarding the plane to Qatar and all-time top-scorer Samuel Eto’o has lofty ambitions for his nation.
    Ex-West Ham defender Rigobert Song played in four World Cups for CameroonCredit: EPA
    Cameroon beat Algeria 2-1 in the play-off final to book their place at the World CupCredit: AP
    Following their dramatic last gasp win against Algeria, booking their place at the tournament, Eto’o told the dressing room: “We go to Qatar to win the World Cup.”
    The former Barcelona and Chelsea striker, who is head of the Cameroonian Football Federation, went on to say: “We enter each match to win. The others don’t have the same magic as we do.”
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    What are the lyrics to Cameroon’s national anthem?
    To get them in the mood, Cameroon will sing their inspiring ‘O Cameroon, Cradle of our Forefathers’ before games.
    The anthem, known widely as The Rallying Song, reflects the dreams and ambitions of the Cameroonian people.
    It was composed in 1928 and rapidly gained worldwide popularity. An English version was written in the 1960s.
    Here’s what it means:
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    Verse 1
    O Cameroon, cradle of our ancestors,Go, upright and protective of your freedom.Like a sun, your proud flag must beAn ardent symbol of faith and unity.May all your children, from North to SouthFrom East to West, be all love,May serving you be their only goalTo fulfil their duty always.
    Chorus
    Dear Fatherland, cherished land,You are our one and true happiness.Our joy and our lifeTo you, love and great honour.
    Verse 2
    You are the grave where our fathers sleep,The garden that our ancestors have cultivated.We work to make you prosperousOne fine day we will finally get there.Be Africa’s faithful childAnd always progress in peaceHoping that your young childrenWill love you without bounds forever.

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    What are the lyrics to Serbia’s national anthem and what do they mean in English?

    SERBIA have qualified for their second consecutive World Cup, and face five-time winners Brazil in their opening gambit.The journey to Qatar has been quite the story, beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in stoppage time to top their group.
    Aleksandar Mitrovic scored in stoppage time to book their place in Qatar, sending Portugal to the play-offsCredit: Reuters
    Serbia also won their Nations League groupCredit: AP
    The Eagles’ national anthem is an equally heroic tale. ‘Boze pravde’, meaning ‘God of Justice’, was put on hold when Serbia became a part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.
    The anthem wouldn’t return for another 77 years, when citizens demanded their beloved anthem be reinstated following the dissolution of Yugoslavia.
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    What are the lyrics to Serbia’s national anthem?
    Boze pravde became official in 2006 when the country restored its independence.
    Here’s what the words mean in English:
    God of Justice; Thou who saved uswhen in deepest bondage cast,Hear Thy Serbian children’s voices,Be our help as in the past.
    With Thy mighty hand sustain us,Still our rugged pathway trace;God, our hope; protect and cherish,Serbian lands and Serbian race! More