World Cup 2022

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool players at World Cup 2022: Who has been CONFIRMED for Qatar and who is staying at home?

      by

      LIVERPOOL stars look for a change in fortune as they head to Qatar in poor form.Despite a rocky start to the season for the Merseyside outfit, Qatar comes calling for Brazilian and English duo meanwhile it’s injury and despair for forwards Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.
      Virgil Van Dijk, Fabinho and Alisson will all feature at the 2022 World CupCredit: The Times
      Alisson and Fabinho are confirmed to be in Brazil’s 26-man-squad however fellow countryman Roberto Firmino missed out on a place on the plane.
      Here’s our guide to the Liverpool players representing their nations in the middle-east.
      read more on Liverpool
      ENGLAND
      Jordan Henderson will feature in his third and most likely final World Cup for England as Trent Alexander-Arnold embarks on his first after missing out on Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2021 side due to injury.
      BRAZIL
      Alisson and Fabinho will be wearing the famous yellow jersey in Qatar.
      FRANCE
      Young defender Ibrahima Konate has been selected by Didier Deschamps for the France squad.
      Darwin Nunez will attend his first World Cup as Uruguay search for successCredit: Getty
      NETHERLANDS
      Virgil Van Djik will look to further the achievements of the 2010 final reaching side as he captains Netherlands into the tournament.
      URUGUAY
      £64million man Darwin Nunez has found form at the right time as he gets the call up.
      STAYING AT HOME
      The most notable absence from the competition will be Mohammed Salah after his missed penalty against Senegal saw Egypt lose out on a spot in the tournament.
      Most read in Football
      Andy Robertson and Joel Matip’s World Cup hopes ended in similar fashion as Scotland and Cameroon also failed to qualify.
      Diogo Jota has been ruled out of the Portuguese squad through a calf injury he suffered against Manchester City in October whilst Colombia’s Luis Diaz is still recovering from a knee injury.
      Spanish manager Luis Enrique has left out midfield maestro Thiago as he will be watching from home along with Brazil’s Roberto Firmino as well as England duo Joe Gomez and Harvey Elliot, all of which not being favourable selections with their managers. More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Callum Hudson-Odoi ‘snubs Ghana’s World Cup call-up as Chelsea star holds out on breaking into England squad’

      by

      CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI has rejected the chance to play for Ghana at the World Cup.The Chelsea winger is on loan at Bayer Leverkusen and shining in the Bundesliga.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi has snubbed a World Cup call-up for GhanaCredit: Getty
      The Blues academy graduate is eligible to play for Ghana, who booked their place at the tournament in March after drawing 1-1 with Nigeria.
      Hudson-Odoi was reportedly considering switching his international allegiance from England to Ghana in order to play at the World Cup.
      Hudson-Odoi has three senior Three Lions caps but can still switch as they all took place before he turned 21.
      His father Bismark was also a footballer in Ghana for Hearts of Oak.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      However, the Chelsea ace has now opted to snub the African nation’s advances in order to focus on his club football, according to the Evening Standard.
      And he wants to keep his options open regarding a potential recall for the Three Lions.
      Hudson-Odoi, whose last England cap came in 2019, was not included in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man World Cup squad on Thursday.
      But he is allegedly due to release a statement to explain his reasons behind snubbing Ghana shortly.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      Manager Otto Addo is currently preparing to announce the Black Stars’ squad for Qatar.
      Ghana were drawn in Group H for the showpiece with Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay. More

    • 263 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Louis van Gaal reveals he saw his players naked while FaceTiming the 11 stars he cut from World Cup 2022 squad

      by

      HOLLAND boss Louis van Gaal has revealed he caught some of his players “naked” on FaceTime when telling them they had not made his World Cup squad.The Dutch head coach, 71, announced his 26-man side for Qatar on Friday.
      Van Gaal said some bizarre lines during his squad announcement press conferenceCredit: EPA
      Prior to confirming the squad, Van Gaal told each of the 11 players he had not included that they would not be in the final selection.
      But it did not go exactly to plan, with the ex-Manchester United boss claiming some of his stars were not yet dressed.
      Speaking in his announcement press conference, he said: “It’s not easy dropping someone.
      “I spent 1 hour and 45 minutes Facetiming the 11 players this morning. It wasn’t easy.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      “I also took into account the time difference with the English players. I saw some naked players because they were still in bed.”
      Man Utd midfielder Donny van de Beek and Newcastle centre-back Sven Botman were among the players snubbed from the final squad.
      During the presser, Van Gaal was also quizzed about his wife saying he was superstitious.
      To which he rather bizarrely replied: “No. I received orange underpants from her. Do you really think I will wear these orange pants every day?
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      “I only do it on match days. This is why I wear it. Out of respect for my sweet wife.”
      Van Gaal has a lot of quality to choose from in his final squad, including the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay.
      And he is not shying away from Holland’s chances of winning the tournament – despite them failing to qualify in 2018.
      He said: “We stand a big chance to win the World Cup.
      “There are not a lot of managers who dare to say this, but I’m here to tell you this.”
      During his time at Bayern Munich, Van Gaal once dropped his trousers in front of his players to prove he has total authority.
      Italian striker Luca Toni revealed: “The coach wanted to make clear to us that he can drop any player.
      “It was all the same to him because, as he said, he had the balls.
      Read More on The Sun
      “He demonstrated this literally by dropping his trousers. I have never experienced anything like it, it was totally crazy.
      “Luckily I didn’t see a lot, because I wasn’t in the front row.”
      The Dutch are one of the fancied sides heading to Qatar More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Spain announce World Cup 2022 squad with Man Utd star David De Gea and PSG’s Sergio Ramos left out

      by

      SPAIN have left legendary defender Sergio Ramos and goalkeeper David De Gea out of their World Cup squad.Paris Saint-Germain star Ramos, 36, has won 180 caps and is his country’s most-capped player in history.
      David De Gea has missed out on Spain’s World Cup squadCredit: Getty
      Sergio Ramos has also failed to make the cutCredit: Getty
      But national boss Luis Enrique decided there was no place for the veteran or Manchester United stopper De Gea on the flight to Qatar next week.
      And they are not the only star names that failed to make the 26-man Spanish World Cup squad.
      Liverpool midfielder Thiago also misses out having last appeared for his country at the Euros in 2021.
      However, there was room for five Premier League stars among Enrique’s selections.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta and Manchester City duo Aymeric Laporte and Rodri both made the cut.
      And Brentford and Brighton goalies David Raya and Robert Sanchez also got picked.
      They are involved instead of De Gea, who won the last of his 45 Spain caps in October 2020, and Chelsea’s injured stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
      Barcelona’s 20-year-old wonderkid Ansu Fati was also chosen after recent speculation over whether he would make Enrique’s squad.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      And ex-Man City forward Ferran Torres and former Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata were among the attackers.
      Both Real Madrid and Barcelona veterans Dani Carvajal and Jordi Alba are in, along with another former City man in Eric Garcia.
      Barca youngsters Gavi and Pedri were also included, as expected.
      While Enrique also added some experience with midfielders Sergio Busquets and Koka selected.
      Spain were drawn in Group E for the tournament in Qatar with Costa Rica, Germany and Japan. 
      SPANISH WORLD CUP SQUADLUIS ENRIQUE’S 26-man selection in full:
      Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, Robert Sanchez, David Raya
      Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta, Dani Carvajal, Eric Garcia, Hugo Guillamon, Pau Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba, Jose Gaya
      Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Rodri, Gavi, Carlos Soler, Marcos Llorente, Pedri, Koke
      Forwards:  Ferran Torres, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Alvaro Morata, Marco Asensio, Pablo Sarabia, Dani Olmo, Ansu Fati More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans furious after Primark stocks England kit in Welsh stores for the World Cup… but not a single Wales strip

      by

      FURIOUS shoppers in Wales have lashed out after Primark only stocked England kit in its Welsh stores.Red Dragon fans are breathing fire after England tops, t-shirts and beanies were given pride of place in one of the company’s Welsh stores, with nothing on show for Gareth Bale’s Wales team.
      Shoppers blasted Primark’s Bale-ful failure to stock any Wales kit in its Welsh storesCredit: WNS
      Primark stores from Cardiff and Swansea to Wrexham and Llandudno were left with no Wales World Cup gear – as the company blamed supply issues for the situation.
      A photo taken in the Wrexham store shows England jumpers, t-shirt and beanies available to purchase on the rails but not a stitch for Welsh fans.
      Frustrated Red Dragon fans called on Primark to “sort it out” with the first Wales and England matches in Qatar later this month.
      The Primark store in Cardiff came under fire after it only stocked England kitCredit: WNS
      A Wales supporter asked: “Why are you selling these in Welsh stores?” and questioned if they knew Wales was in the World Cup too.
      One social media suggested the Llandudno store should be “annexed” for not having any Wales branded clothing available, while another asked “where’s the Wales stock?”
      Another said there was “nothing Welsh at all” in their Swansea and Cardiff stores. Shoppers found red bobble hats with Wales written on them – but nothing for the World Cup.
      Most read in The Sun
      Primark blamed a supply issue preventing their Welsh stock from reaching shelves.
      A spokesperson for the clothing shop said “due to the timings of the playoffs, we’ve experienced some delays in the delivery of our Welsh stock, however these are due into stores soon.”
      And they promised that Wales fans will be able to purchase Welsh World Cup Christmas jumpers, t-shirts and hats when they’re finally in stock.
      Primark says shoppers will soon be able to get hold of its Wales merchCredit: WNS
      A spokesperson for Primark said: “We’re delighted to offer our customers the chance to pick up official World Cup merchandise, including t-shirts, jumpers and hats, at affordable prices in our stores across all markets – this includes Welsh merchandise, endorsed by The Football Association of Wales.
      “Unfortunately due to the timings of the playoffs, we’ve experienced some delays in the delivery of our Welsh stock, however these are due into stores soon – fans can expect a Welsh World Cup Christmas jumper among other items, including tees, long sleeve t-shirts and beanie hats.” More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal’s Martinelli says he broke down in tears over Brazil call-up and hits back at claims his inclusion is a ‘joke’

      by

      GABRIEL MARTINELLI revealed how he sobbed at being called up for Brazil’s World Cup squad.The Arsenal forward added that club boss Mikel Arteta has told him to go and “smash it” in Qatar.
      Gabriel Martinelli has revealed his reaction to be called-up by Brazil for the World CupCredit: Getty
      Martinelli, 21, who has only three international caps and is off to his first major tournament, was left speechless by the big news that he was part of Tite’s Brazilian squad.
      He said: “I’m very happy, it’s one of the most important moments in my life and in my family’s life as well – I’m buzzing. I’m so excited to go there and be part of this team.
      “I cried a lot, I couldn’t even talk and I was with my family and on the phone but I needed to turn the phone off and call them later because I couldn’t even talk.
      “I think it will be good for my career and to play in the World Cup will be amazing.
      READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
      “I’m so excited to go there and I’m prepared for the challenge and and I hope we will win it.”
      Martinelli has been a driving force in Arsenal’s dramatic resurgence this season and is earning rave reviews from boss Arteta.
      Martinelli said: “I think my Arsenal form has been so important because if I’m not playing good at Arsenal I cannot be called up and that’s why I’m there because I’m doing well with the club.
      “When I talked to Mikel, he was so happy for me, said congratulations, and said go there and smash it.”
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      Meanwhile, Martinelli’s inclusion was branded “a joke” and a “lack of respect for football” by ex-Brazil star Neto after Copa Libertadores winner Gabigol was one of those overlooked.
      But Martinelli, who has played a key role in Arsenal’s rise to the top of the Premier League, hit back.
      He said: “I think this is normal. Some people in Brazil don’t know me and it’s also normal to say that other players deserved to be there. But I’m pretty cool about it. I think this is normal.
      “I know what I’m doing at my club, I know my ability and I know what I can do.
      “And you can be sure that I will do my best for the Brazilian team, in whatever I can help the team I will help. It will be a great experience for me.”
      Brazil begin their quest for World Cup glory with a Group G clash against Serbia on November 24.
      They then take on Switzerland four days later before facing Cameroon in their final group game on December 2. More

    • 113 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is the oldest FIFA World Cup goal scorer?

      by

      PLAYING at the World Cup is the pinnacle of any footballer’s career but it’s sometimes the players at the tail-end of their journey who create the best stories.The Qatar World Cup will be one-of-a-kind with it being the first in the tournaments 92-year history to be hosted during winter.
      39-year-old Atiba Hutchinson in action for CanadaCredit: AP
      This year sees Canadian midfield veteran holding the unwanted title of oldest player in the competition. But a goal from the 39-year-old would only see him reach number two on the list of oldest scorers in the tournament.
      A hattrick for anyone over the age of 33 years and 130 days will see them break the record set by Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2018 Russian World Cup during Portugal’s 3-3 draw to Spain.
      read more on world cup
      Who is the oldest FIFA World Cup goal scorer?
      Three players have managed to find the net at the age of 37, the youngest of which being Panama’s Felipe Baloy who at 37 years and 120 days found himself on the scoresheet in their 6-1 defeat to England in 2018.
      Roger Milla and Omeg Salenko after Milla became the oldest goalscorer at a World CupCredit: PA:Press Association
      Swede Gunnar Gren and Mexican Cuauhtémoc Blanco make up second and third place respectively, yet are still five years younger than the current record holder.
      However it’s none other than the Cameroonian legend Roger Milla who holds the prestigious title of the oldest man to score in a World Cup game.
      Most read in Football
      With 42 years and 39 days under his belt, Milla bagged a consolation goal against Russia in a 6-1 defeat during the group stages, breaking his own record he set four years previous in Italia 1990.
      Milla wasn’t the only player to break a record that day, as Russian forward Omeg Salenko became the first and only player to score five goals in a single World Cup game.
      Whilst holding onto the record of the oldest scorer, Milla lost out to Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary in 2018 as the oldest player to feature in a World Cup game topping the list at 45 years of age. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Holland announce World Cup 2022 squad with Newcastle star Sven Botman and Man Utd’s Donny van de Beek snubbed

      by

      NEWCASTLE defender Sven Botman is a surprise omission from the Netherlands squad for the World Cup.Botman, 22, has excelled this season, helping the Magpies to third in the Premier League going into the final round of fixtures before the tournament.
      Sven Botman has missed out despite enjoying a fine season with NewcastleCredit: Getty
      Donny van de Beek has been snubbed after struggling again this season for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Virgil van Dijk will captain Holland at the World CupCredit: PA
      But his performances have not been enough to catch the eye of national team gaffer Louis van Gaal.
      The ex-Manchester United boss, who will be succeeded by Ronaldo Koeman after the World Cup, boasts a strong squad for the tournament.
      Red Devils midfielder Donny van de Beek also misses out as his Old Trafford woes continue.
      Botman has not been capped by the Netherlands but has been one of the Prem’s best defenders this season, while Van de Beek has played 19 times for his country.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is a third big name to have been omitted from the squad.
      But three Dutch Premier stars have secured their plane tickets to Qatar.
      Liverpool ace Virgil van Dijk is national team captain, while Manchester City defender Nathan Ake and United summer signing Tyrell Malacia are also included.
      Unfortunately for Botman, Van Gaal is blessed with a number of star centre-backs.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      As well as Van Dijk and Ake, Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt and Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij have got the nod ahead of him.
      Elsewhere, Manchester United targets Frenkie de Jong and Cody Gakpo are in the squad.
      The likes of Jurrien Timber, Denzel Dumfries and Jeremie Frimpong, who have all also been linked with United, are in the squad too.
      While former Red Devils Daley Blind and Memphis Depay will be on the plane to Qatar.
      Van Gaal’s side kick off their campaign with a tricky clash against Senegal in 10 days time.
      They are in a group that includes hosts Qatar and Ecuador, and are well fancied to go a long way in the tournament.
      Louis Van Gaal’s Netherlands squad for the World CupCredit: https://twitter.com/OnsOranje More