World Cup 2022

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      I was beaten unconscious by Iranian government henchmen for listening to music – Fifa must kick my country out World Cup

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      AN IRANIAN schoolgirl beaten unconscious by government henchmen for listening to music has urged Fifa to kick her country out of the World Cup.Mahnaz, 17, was walking home with two friends when the brutes from the Basij morals militia began interrogating them.
      Fifa has been urged to kick Iran out of the World Cup after a teen girl was beaten by government henchmenCredit: AFP
      Iranian Mahsa Amini, 22, died in custody following her arrest for not wearing her hijab correctlyCredit: Newsflash
      When Mahnaz — whose true ID we are concealing — questioned why they were stopped, one responded by punching her in the head, knocking her out.
      She has written about her ordeal for thesun.co.uk — and wants Fifa to act ahead of Iran’s cup opener against England in less than three weeks.
      Mahnaz said: “Ever since it happened I jump up in horror when someone rings our doorbell.
      “I am convinced that every siren I hear on the streets is meant for me or my family. This is normal life in Iran now but I don’t think the rest of the world realises how bad it has become.
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      “Hopefully, the attention of the World Cup will change that.
      “People love football here and have a huge pride in the national team.
      “But the protests have changed everything. People now feel the team represents not the nation of Iran but the regime and all of its aggression.”
      Mahnaz also demanded action over Iran’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The country has supplied kamikaze drones and deployed experts.
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      She said: “How can Fifa support that?”
      At least 270 people have been killed and 14,000 arrested in the Iranian regime’s crackdown on protests.
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      The uprising began when student Mahsa Amini, 22, died in custody following her arrest for not wearing her hijab correctly.
      Fifa declined to comment.
      Mahnaz’s plea
      WHEN I was younger I loved my life in Iran playing with my friends and going to school.
      I thought the life we had here was the same as for every other young girl in the world – but now I know different.
      Two weeks ago, I was walking home from school with two friends.
      We were gossiping about things at school and listening to music, just like teenage girls everywhere.
      But what happened next doesn’t happen in most other places.
      Three men in Basij uniforms stopped us and began asking us questions about the music and what we had in our bags.
      They pushed us and were very aggressive so I asked: “Who are you?”
      The answer came instantly – a fist to my eye.
      I fell to the ground in agony and then everything went black.
      The next thing I knew was when I was back at home. When I woke I couldn’t see very well and the light sent strokes of pain through my eyes into my head.
      My family was afraid to call a doctor so we contacted a nurse who lives in our block.
      It might sound crazy but my family was terrified that being hit by the Basij would be considered a sign of guilt.
      Ever since it happened I jump up in horror when someone rings our doorbell, terrified it is the Basij again.
      I am convinced that every siren I hear on the streets is meant for me or my family.
      I don’t know what I have done wrong, so I don’t know what they will punish me for.
      It wasn’t as if we were not wearing the hijab correctly, like some of the brave women in the recent protests.
      We were just walking home from school listening to music.
      I never thought this could happen here. My three brothers have a good business, my father is a well-respected war veteran and my mother educated many children as a school teacher.
      We are a good family and have never done anything wrong.
      But since the protests in Tehran everything changed and the Basij now roam the streets looking for people to challenge to enforce their rules – even teenage girls.
      This is normal life in Iran now, but I don’t think the rest of the world realises how bad it has become.
      Hopefully the attention of the World Cup will change that.
      People love football here and have a huge pride in the national team.
      We all celebrated when the team qualified for Qatar and we were really hoping they would do well – we even thought they might beat England!
      But the protests have changed everything. People now feel the team represents not the nation of Iran, but the regime and all of its aggression against its own people.
      How can we support the national team when the Basij are attacking people like me on the street on for no reason?
      And how can Fifa allow a country that acts like Iran to compete in the World Cup?
      Russia was banned for invading Ukraine but our government is now helping Russia fight in Ukraine.
      How can Fifa support that – and how can the rest of the world let it happen?
      Fifa must take a stand and ban Iran from the World Cup.
      But however bad it feels for us at the moment, there is still hope.
      As the regime tries to force the population to live in a certain way the weakest link naturally suffers the most.
      In Iran, the regime considers that women are the weakest link – but they are wrong.
      In an Iranian household, the mother calls the shots.
      It is from our mothers that we get our strength and determination – and our hope that one day change will happen in Iran.
      We have no idea when that change will come – but it will happen eventually, of that we are certain.
      And when it does girls will be able to listen to music on their way home from school once more – and we will all support our team at the World Cup again. More

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      How many yellow cards before players are suspended at the 2022 World Cup?

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      BOOKINGS are a big part of football today.And although players need two to be sent off, just one can be have great consequences later on.
      England’s Jordan Henderson is shown a yellow card during the Russia 2018 World CupCredit: AFP
      Gareth Southgate will be praying that his players can stay fit and healthy before the World Cup gets underway in just over two weeks time.
      But injuries aren’t the only thing that can rule players out.
      Suspensions as a result of yellow cards have long tortured sides in international tournaments.

      How many yellow cards before players are suspended at the 2022 World Cup?
      Players who receive two yellow cards in two different matches will result in them missing their country’s next fixture.
      That player can then return to action after serving their one-match ban.
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      However, this is only the case up until the semi-final.
      After this stage, a player’s record is reset and a yellow card will not prevent a player from taking part in the final.
      Germany captain Michael Ballack was booked in the 2002 World Cup semi-final, ruling him out of the final against BrazilCredit: Reuters
      This could lead to a more open semi-final, with players willing to make challenges they would previously be resistant to make.
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      When do yellow cards reset at the 2022 World Cup?

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      YELLOW cards are a major part of any tournament, but rarely do they hold as much significance as in the World Cup.All countries involved will be gearing up for their opening games in Qatar, which is now just around the corner.
      Referre Pierluigi Collina of Italy gives a yellow card to Argentina’s Gabriel BatistudaCredit: Reuters
      Although many players will be wary of picking up suspensions.
      And FIFA have specific rules regarding bookings, and when they are reset at the tournament.
      When do yellow cards reset at the World Cup?
      Unlike in other years, players will not miss the World Cup final if they have been booked previously.
      However, if a player were to pick up a red card, they would still be suspended.
      On World Cup
      Up until the quarter final, players who receive a yellow card in two different games, will then miss their next fixture.
      A player’s record after the quarter final will then be reset, meaning only a red card could prevent them from missing the final.

      Paul Gascoigne in tears after his England lost a penalty shoot-out in the semi-final of the World Cup against West GermanyCredit: AP:Associated Press
      However, the rules haven’t always been this way. Paul Gascoigne famously broke down in tears after picking up a yellow card against West Germany during Italia 90′ World Cup, preventing him from playing in the final.
      As it was, England went on to lose on penalties, but no player in Qatar will have to go through what ‘Gazza’ did that day.
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      What is the time difference between Qatar and the UK?

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      SETTLE in, the winter World Cup in Qatar is coming.England get their tournament underway on November 21 against Iran in Gareth Southgate’s bid to top Group B.
      The FIFA World Cup countdown clock in Doha.Credit: AFP
      USA and Wales make up the rest of the group, with the winners of the other groups lying in waiting at the knockout stages.
      But due to the time difference in Qatar, many of England’s games will be shown at a variety of times and viewers should be aware.
      What is the time difference between Qatar and the UK?
      The UK is currently three hours behind Qatar.
      FIFA have chosen the first two rounds of group stage fixtures to kick-off at 1pm, 4pm, 7pm, and 10pm local time.
      On World Cup
      This will equate to 10am, 1pm, 4pm, and 7pm in the UK.
      England’s first match is set to kick-off at 1pm in the UK, with their next two fixtures taking an evening slot.
      A banner of Harry Kane hangs alongside a building in Doha, QatarCredit: AFP
      The final has been arranged for 6pm in Qatar, meaning the game will kick-off at 3pm in the UK.
      Both sets of semi-finals will take place at 7pm UK time.
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      Man Utd arrange La Liga friendly during World Cup with likes of De Gea, Martial and Sancho set to miss out on Qatar

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have arranged to play a friendly during the World Cup. The fixture, announced by United on Monday, will see them face off against La Liga side Cadiz CF in December.
      Erik ten Hag’s side will face Cadiz in a friendly over the winter breakCredit: Reuters
      David de Gea will be among the high-profile names expected to be involvedCredit: Alamy
      United will not be involved in a competitive match for well over a month due to the tournament in Qatar.
      The club’s final fixture before the break comes on November 13 against Fulham before their next Premier League game on December 27 when they host Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
      However, if United beat Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup third round they will be forced to contend with a fourth-round fixture on December 20 or 21.
      The Spanish side will play host to United at the Nuevo Mirandilla Stadium on December 7.
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      The game will come as Erik ten Hag takes his remaining squad out to Spain for a week-long warm-weather training camp.
      The likes of David de Gea – who failed to make Spain’s 55-man preliminary squad list – will be among a number of high-profile names who are set to miss out on a spot at the World Cup.
      Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek are expected to be a part of this group.
      Meanwhile, Scott McTominay, Victor Lindelof and Anthony Elanga are also set to be involved due to their respective nations failing to qualify.
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      United football director John Murtough said: “Erik and the team have made good progress during this first half of the season, and it is important we maintain this momentum coming out of the World Cup break.
      “A winter training camp will be a vital part of the team’s preparations for the second half of the season.
      “We have lined up a high-quality local opponent to play against, ensuring match fitness and sharpness is retained.
      “The camp and game will also allow for some of our young talent to experience training and playing in a first-team environment, as well as provide entertaining club football for fans.”
      Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek have seen playing time limited ahead of the World CupCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Neither Victor Lindelof nor Scott McTominay will be at the World Cup after their countries failed to qualifyCredit: Getty More

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      Paul Pogba OUT of World Cup as ex-Man Utd star picks up another thigh injury in Juventus training in huge France blow

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      PAUL POGBA is OUT of the World Cup after picking up another thigh injury, his agent has confirmed. The Frenchman suffered a fresh knock in training for Juventus that is set to keep him out for at least three weeks.
      Paul Pogba is out of the World Cup after picking up a new injuryCredit: AFP
      Pogba underwent medical tests in Turin and Pittsburgh which indicated he also still needed to recover from the knee surgery he had in September.
      Agent Rafaela Pimenta told Telefoot that despite the midfielder wanting to be ready for the World Cup, which starts on November 19, he would instead need to be patient.
      She said: “Paul would like to return as quickly as he can but he has to arm himself with patience, work hard in these difficult times, and give his best to be back on the pitch for the fans and his team as soon as possible.”
      It means that he will not feature again for Juventus before the World Cup despite early hopes that his knee surgery would see him return prior to the tournament.
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      The former Manchester United star re-joined Juventus over the summer after leaving Old Trafford on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract.
      However, before Pogba could make his second debut for the Old Lady he was struck down with a lesion of the lateral meniscus in his right knee.
      It left him with an agonising choice to make over whether or not he should have surgery.
      And despite seeking alternative measures to fix his issue, he then agreed to have surgery in hopes of boosting his World Cup chances.
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      However, he has failed to recover in time and leaves France stricken with a number of fellow key stars from the 2018 World Cup-winning side doubtful or out.
      Man Utd’s Raphael Varane and Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante will also miss the tournament, with France’s casualty list reading like the stuff of nightmares for the two-time champions.
      Similarly, England have concerns over injuries to key stars such as big-name defenders Reece James and Kyle Walker who are both in a desperate race against time.
      James has flown out to Dubai in hopes of speeding along his rehabilitation after suffering a knee injury on October 11 that came with an eight-week recovery time. More

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      Chelsea send injured England defender Reece James to Dubai as he fights to save World Cup dream

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      REECE JAMES has not given up on realising his England World Cup dream. The defender has flown out to Dubai in a last-ditch effort to help speed along his rehabilitation from a knee injury he suffered in Chelsea’s 2-0 win against AC Milan.
      Reece James remains hopeful he can beat the clock and make it to the World CupCredit: Simon Jones
      James suffered a knee injury on October 11Credit: PA
      The Chelsea star is in a race against time to prove his fitness and be picked for Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad to go to Qatar.
      James was given an eight-week timeline to fully recover from his injury, with the Three Lions squad due to be picked in half that time.
      Southgate is due to name his squad on November 10 but could face the hard choice of having to leave first-choice right wing-back James at home.
      James, 22, has been accompanied by fellow Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana.
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      Fofana is also hoping to save his World Cup dream and earn a call-up to the French national team – who are the reigning champions after winning in 2018.
      He is similarly suffering from a knee injury sustained against Milan, though the former Leicester star’s came during the 3-0 victory over the Italians at Stamford Bridge.
      In a club statement, Chelsea said: “Reece James and Wesley Fofana will continue their rehabilitation programmes this week in Dubai.
      “A member of the Chelsea medical department will accompany them.”
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      James had been in inspired form for Chelsea prior to the injury, and Graham Potter’s side are now clearly lacking the thrust and defensive nous he provides on the right flank.
      The fitness of Kyle Walker has already been a major cause for concern for England, and with James also facing an uphill battle to be fit it could see Kieran Trippier drafted into the first team.
      Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold could now find a place in the squad despite his less-than-stellar form this season.
      Bukayo Saka has also given England an injury boost after an injury scare during Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
      In an exclusive interview with SunSport, James recently opened up about vile racist abuse he has previously received from online trolls.
      Wesley Fofana is accompanying James on the journey to DubaiCredit: PA More

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      England fans still fuming with Maradona’s Hand of God goal and other controversial World Cup moments that needed VAR

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      MILLIONS of football fans are STILL sore about Diego Maradona’s infamous Hand of God knocking England out of the World Cup in 1986 – and nearly half say they will “never forgive him”.A poll of 2,000 lovers of the game found the Argentine ace’s controversial goal topped a list of the most controversial World Cup moments that might have benefited from video replays for referees.
      Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal is one of the most controversial moments in sporting historyCredit: Getty
      Frank Lampard’s strike in South Africa clearly crossed the line but was missed by the refsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Other memorable moments fans believe would have benefited from VAR include Frank Lampard’s clearly over-the-line shot against Germany in 2010 that wasn’t given.
      And Thierry Henry’s blatant – yet unpunished – handball against Ireland in in a 2009 World Cup play-off was chosen by 28 per cent.
      Just under one in five (19 per cent), however, also suspect Geoff Hurst’s game-changing goal in the 1966 final, which England went on to win, might not have been given had VAR been around.
      The research was commissioned by Samsung UK to showcase the 2022 range of Neo QLED TVs, featuring Quantum Dot technology.
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      VAR analyst and former professional referee Dermot Gallagher, working with Samsung, said: “As a proud Irish man, the most controversial decision for me has to be Thierry Henry’s handball in the World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in 2009.
      “With VAR and decent tech in place, the foul would have been called, bringing the tied game to penalties.”
      Other World Cup injustices football fans recall include Spain having two perfectly good goals disallowed against tournament hosts South Korea in 2002 (19 per cent).
      And 21 per cent are still bitter about West Germany’s Jurgen Klinsmann diving in the 1990 final, which got the Argentine Monzón sent off.
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      Some 63 per cent of respondents believe VAR would have eradicated most of the World Cup injustices that have taken place over the years.
      But 48 say while VAR has advantages, it still has a way to go before it’s a truly useful tool when it comes to refereeing matches.
      The biggest drawback football fans see with VAR is that it means you don’t know whether a goal can be celebrated, in case it’s chalked off for some unseen infringement (28 per cent).
      Another 28 per cent think it’s being used for the “wrong” reasons – like trying to gauge if a handball was deliberate, instead of a binary decision like if a ball had crossed the line.
      And 19 per cent believe that far from solving any debates, VAR actually leads to even more arguments among pundits post-game.
      The study also found during a typical World Cup match, fans will disagree with a referee’s decision four times.
      And a staggering 36 per cent even believe they could competently referee a match at the highest level – the World Cup finals.
      Spokesperson Zeena Hill, for Samsung UK, which has offered to supply the English Football Association, and FIFA World Cup, VAR departments with Neo QLED TVs to help with picture detail, said: “With recent success for the English national teams, the excitement for this year’s World Cup is bigger than ever.”
      Nigel de Jong somehow avoided a red card for this horror tackle on Xabi AlonsoCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Thierry Henry got away with the blatant handball against IrelandCredit: EPA
      Dermot Gallagher had his say on some of the decisions as part of Samsung UK’s campaignCredit: PATop 10 World Cup moments that needed VAR

      Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in 1986
      Frank Lampard’s shot against Germany that hit the bar and clearly crossed the line, but wasn’t given in 2010
      Thierry Henry’s handball for France vs Ireland in a 2010 World Cup Qualifier
      West Germany goalkeeper Harald Schumacher’s unpunished, incredible foul against France’s Patrick Battiston in 1982
      Holland’s Nigel de Jong not being sent off for a studs-up foul into Spain’s Xabi Alonso’s chest in the opening minutes of the 2010 World Cup Final
      West Germany’s Jurgen Klinsmann’s iconic dive in the 1990 Final resulting in Argentina’s Monzón being sent off
      Portugal’s Luis Figo not getting sent off for a headbutt against Netherland’s Van Bommel in 2006
      Neymar receiving a yellow card and not a red for an elbow in Brazil’s game against Croatia in 2014
      Spain having two perfectly good goals disallowed against South Korea in 2002
      Geoff Hurst’s goal for England in the 1966 World Cup Final More