World Cup 2022

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      What does Cymru mean and why could Wales change their name after the World Cup?

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      WALES are participating in only their second-ever World Cup tournament as they face England, USA and Iran in Qatar.Rob Page will be hoping to make history with his side in the Middle East, qualifying for the competition ahead of Ukraine.
      Gareth Bale could be headed to his last World Cup with WalesCredit: Getty
      However, it could be the last tournament where Wales are known by that name.
      Reports believe that the national team are looking to change their name to Cymru after the 2022 World Cup.
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      What does Cymru mean?
      Wales are in talks with the European federations to change the name of their national team to Cymru.
      The word Cymru is pronounced ‘come-ree’ phonetically and literally means ‘the people’ or ‘fellow countrymen’.
      Brennan Johnson will be playing at his first World Cup for Wales, if selectedCredit: Getty
      The Twitter account of the Welsh national team is @Cymru, the term that Welsh speakers recognise their country by.
      Wales’ national language is called ‘Cymraeg’ .
      The language is taught to every child at state school in the country and has been since before the introduction of the Welsh Assembly – later called the Senedd – in 1999.
      Why are the Wales football team changing their name?
      Wales chief Noel Mooney has opened up on the decision to change the name, speaking ahead of their first World Cup since 1958.
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      Mooney said that staff and players at the FAW call the team Cymru – and a natural development would be to re-brand the team.
      Wales’ famous national anthem – Hen wlad fy Nhadau – is sung in Welsh – and ‘Cymru am byth’ has long been a slogan associated with the country’s sporting allegiances.
      He said: “The team should always be called Cymru, that’s what we call it here.
      “Our view at the moment is that domestically we’re clearly called Cymru. That’s what we call our national teams.
      “If you look at our website, how we talk about ourselves, we are very much Cymru.
      “I think 2023 will be a year when we have a good discussion with all the different stakeholders – whether that Governments, our own boards, councils and decision-making bodies, staff, clubs and players.” More

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      World Cup 2022 preview: Betting tips, predictions, latest odds and FREE BETS – winner, Golden Boot and specials

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      THE 2022 World Cup in Qatar is less than 20 days away as Gareth Southgate’s England look to secure their first major trophy since 1966.And here, SunSport takes a closer look at the latest betting odds, tips, predictions, bonuses and special offers ahead of the winter tournament.
      England are available at 15/2 to win the 2022 Qatar World Cup with Betfair
      When and where?
      The opening fixture between Qatar and Ecuador takes place at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday, November 20.
      There will be four fixtures each day for the first 12 days of the competition — all taking place at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm UK time.
      The final group matches will be played simultaneously at 3pm and 7pm.
      It’s the first time that the tournament has been held in the Middle East, and domestic leagues will have to pause to allow it to be played in cooler temperatures.
      The last Premier League fixture will be played on November 13, giving England’s players just eight days to prepare for their opener against Iran.
      It’s a similar story in Spain, Germany, Italy and France.
      The knockout stages begin on Saturday December 3, with the final due to take place at the Lusail Stadium in Doha on December 18.
      World Cup 2022 – winnerBetfair odds

      Brazil – 4/1
      France – 11/2
      Argentina – 13/2
      Spain – 15/2
      England – 15/2
      Germany – 9/1
      Netherlands – 13/1
      Belgium – 16/1
      Portugal – 16/1
      Denmark – 30/1
      Uruguay – 50/1
      Croatia – 50/1

      Who are the favourites?
      Five-time winners Brazil are currently favourites at 4/1.
      The South American heavyweights haven’t tasted World Cup glory since 2002 but boast a stacked squad that features Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Alisson and Richarlison.
      Holders France are well fancied at 11/2 and have the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba at their disposal to become only the third side in history to defend their crown.
      Lionel Messi’s Argentina are further behind at 13/2, just ahead of Spain at 15/2.
      England, who are also 15/2, have been inching closer to international success having reach the semi-finals in Russia before losing to Italy on penalties at Euro 2020.
      2014 champions Germany are available at 9/1, ahead of the Netherlands (13/1) and Belgium and Portugal (16/1).
      Our tip — Spain to win the World Cup: 15/2 – Back with Paddy Power here
      Golden Boot winnerSky Bet odds

      Harry Kane – 7/1
      Kylian Mbappe – 8/1
      Karim Benzema – 12/1
      Lionel Messi – 12/1
      Cristiano Ronaldo – 16/1
      Neymar – 16/1
      Romelu Lukaku – 16/1
      Lautaro Martinez – 25/1
      Memphis Depay – 25/1
      Richarlison – 25/1

      Golden Boot winner
      England talisman Harry Kane leads the way in the battle for the coveted Golden Boot at odds of 7/1 with Sky Bet.
      Kane, 28, won the award at the 2018 World Cup after netting six, and could fill his boots in the group stages against Iran and the USA.
      Superstar Kylian Mbappe is next at 8/1 after scoring 39 goals in 46 appearances for PSG last season, while he’s already notched 17 times this term.
      He also boasts 28 goals in 59 games for France, and could do damage against Tunisia, Denmark and Australia in Group D.
      It’s no surprise to see Mbappe’s compatriot and Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema next at 12/1, along with global superstar Lionel Messi.
      Ronaldo finished as the top scorer at the European Championship with five goals — that’s despite Portugal’s elimination in the Round of 16.
      He’s offered at 16/1, along with Romelu Lukaku and Neymar. Richarlison, Diogo Jota and Lautaro Martinez are tied with several other players at 25s.
      Our tip — Karim Benzema to win the Golden Boot — 12/1 – Back with Sky Bet here
      Cristiano Ronaldo is offered at 14/1 to win the Golden Boot awardCredit: GETTY
      World Cup betting offers
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      Ukraine appeal for England opponents Iran to be KICKED OUT of World Cup for ‘supplying weapons to Russia’

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      UKRAINE have appealed for Fifa to ban Iran from the World Cup for allegedly supplying weapons to Russia. Iran are scheduled to be in Group B with England, Wales and United States – with their first match against the Three Lions three weeks today.
      Iran, managed by Carlos Queiroz, are at risk of being booted out of the World CupCredit: Getty
      However, Sky Sports state the executive committee of the Ukrainian FA want to see the country booted out of the tournament before a ball is kicked – and have sent a formal request to Fifa.
      The war-ravaged nation has already accused Iran of supplying drones to Russia to aid their illegal invasion of Ukraine.
      And now the national association are joining with Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin in demanding Iran’s elimination.
      There are also growing calls for Fifa to banish Iran from Qatar 2022 due to their oppressive regime and human rights record – which the Ukrainian FA state is a violation of Articles 3 and 4 of Fifa’s laws.
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      Ukraine cited “systematic manifestations of human right violations in Iran and the “alleged involvement of Iran in the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine” as part of their appeal to have the Middle Eastern national excluded from the World Cup.
      Should Iran be disqualified, Fifa would need to find a late replacement in Group B.
      Ukraine lost to Wales in their qualifying play-off for a place at the tournament and would be many people’s choice given the ongoing war, which has already led to Russia’s suspension.
      However, there is no precedent for this and the slot would more likely be filled by going back through the qualification steps.
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      Iran topped AFC qualifying Group A ahead of South Korea in second – with both sides advancing to the tournament automatically and third-placed UAE going into a play-off.
      There, they lost to Australia who then beat Peru to secure their place.
      Fifa has a limit of two European nations per World Cup group so Ukraine would likely be overlooked meaning Iran or possibly Peru step in should Iran be booted out 21 days before they start their campaign.
      Former Iran captain Ali Karimi was the target of an attempted kidnapping in the UAE.
      The 127-cap hero went public with comments following the shocking arrest and death in custody three days later of Mahsa Amini, 22, in September for wearing her hijab incorrectly.
      As reported by The Times, that resulted in an arrest warrant, accusing Karimi of “collusion with the intention of acting against national security”.
      Mehdi Rostampour has detailed how an elaborate social media plan to capture the former Bayern Munich playmaker was devised.

      Wales beat Ukraine to secure their spot at Qatar 2022Credit: The Times More

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      Who are the ITV pundits for the World Cup 2022?

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      THE pundits have been announced for ITV’s coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The tournament, which takes place in Qatar, will see some of the best players in world football compete against each other for glory.
      Qatar will host the 2022 World CupCredit: Rex
      Gareth Southgate’s England side will have to get past the likes of France, Brazil, Spain and Germany in their bid to go one step further than last year’s Euro’s.
      And ITV have confirmed a stellar line-up which includes some big names.
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      Who are the ITV pundits?
      Mark Pougatch will be the lead anchor for ITV’s coverage.
      He will be joined by former Arsenal striker and Match of the Day pundit, Ian Wright.
      Ian Wright will be a part of ITV’s 2022 World Cup coverageCredit: Alamy
      Ex-Manchester United player Roy Keane will also be involved. The Irishman famously left his country’s side ahead of the 2002 World Cup following a disagreement with manager Mick McCarthy.
      He will be alongside Gary Neville who should provide some entertainment following a number of amusing moments as a pundit on Sky Sports.
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      Graeme Souness is also part of the team. The former Liverpool midfielder’s honest analysis of players such as Paul Pogba has made him a regular face on TV.
      Ex-Premier League forward Hal Robson-Kanu should provide some interesting insight. The Welshman scored an iconic goal against Belgium in the Euro 2016 quarter final, taking Wales to the semi-final of the tournament.
      Laura Woods, Seema Jaswal, Joe Cole, Karen Carney, Eniola Aluko, Nigel de Jong and Nadia Nadim will all also feature as part of ITV’s coverage. More

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      Wales considering changing team NAME after the World Cup

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      WALES will consider changing the football team name after the World Cup.The country’s teams currently use the English word with Uefa and Fifa.
      Wales may change their official football team name to the Welsh versionCredit: Getty
      However, they are in talks with the European federations to switch the team name to Cymru.
      Cymru – the Welsh name for Wales – is already used by the Welsh FA in its internal and external communications and by staff at the governing body’s headquarters in the Vale of Glamorgan.
      The FAW plans to speak to various stakeholders in Welsh football about the merit of changing the country’s name in international competition.
      FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said ahead of Wales’ first World Cup since 1958: “The team should always be called Cymru, that’s what we call it here.
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      “Our view at the moment is that domestically we’re clearly called Cymru. That’s what we call our national teams.
      “If you look at our website, how we talk about ourselves, we are very much Cymru.
      “Internationally we feel we have a bit more work to do yet. So we are going to this World Cup as Wales.
      “But I think 2023 will be a year when we have a good discussion with all the different stakeholders – whether that Governments, our own boards, councils and decision-making bodies, staff, clubs and players.
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      “We’re a very open democratic organisation and we don’t just unilaterally decide today to do something like that.
      “I would say it’s the direction of travel, but there’s no firm decisions on it. It’s more almost by osmosis that we’re heading towards it.”
      The issue of a possible name change for Wales was brought into sharp focus earlier this month when Robert Page’s side were drawn in the same Euro 2024 qualifying group as Turkey.
      The Turks now compete on the international stage as Turkiye after the Ankara government asked for the country to be known globally by its Turkish name and not the anglicised version.
      Mooney said: “We spoke to the Turkish at the Euro 2024 draw about it.
      “We’ve also had unofficial discussions with Uefa over coffees at different events.
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      “We’ve asked what their direction of travel is, for example is there a movement towards people using their indigenous language?
      “What I do know is there’s a renaissance of the Welsh language and a sense of great pride in what we do with the culture and the heritage.”
      Changing its name to Cymru would end Wales’ status as being the last alphabetically of Uefa’s 55 national association members at different draws and meetings.
      Meanwhile, Dafydd Iwan’s Yma o Hyd has been confirmed as Wales’ official World Cup song for Qatar.
      The folk singer, 79, has been a smash hit among Dragons players, management and fans with his Welsh-speaking anthem track which means ‘We’re Still Here’.
      Emotional Iwan belted out his rousing track with tears in his eyes in Cardiff before the play-off semi-final against Austria in March – and was back on the pitch to lead match-winner Gareth Bale and his team-mates in celebratory song after beating Ukraine.

      The Wales squad will not star in a music video like they did with the Manic Street Preachers before Euro 2016 but the footage of Iwan joined by Bale and Aaron Ramsey post-match in Cardiff back in June will figure.
      Iwan said of the remastered version of his song which will be released on November 7: “Yma o Hyd has become a national slogan and now the song which gave meaning to it is the official anthem of the Cymru National Team for the World Cup.
      “It’s an impossible dream come true and the incredible sound of The Red Wall on this track is exciting and inspiring to hear.
      “This version of Yma o Hyd forever documents a marvellous moment in Welsh history, with all those wonderful voices helping Cymru reach the World Cup with their passion.
      “No other nation will have anything like this to inspire their team on the grandest stage of them all. So c’mon Cymru, let us tell the world that we are here.”
      Following the Ukraine win thanks to Bale’s free-kick, Iwan reached the No1 in the iTunes chart after beating Kate Bush’s Running Up the Hill single to top spot.
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      Iwan, whose song was originally recorded in 1981 and released in 1983, tells the story of how Welsh language and culture has survived more than 2,000 years against all the odds.
      Wales kick-off their Group B campaign against USA on November 21 before facing Iran and arch-rivals England.
      Dafydd Iwan’s Yma o Hyd will be Wales’ official World Cup songCredit: Getty
      Cymru is the Welsh word for WalesCredit: Getty More

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      England handed DOUBLE 2022 World Cup boost with Pep Guardiola ‘optimistic’ Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker will be fit

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      ENGLAND have been handed a DOUBLE World Cup boost with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola “optimistic” on Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker’s fitness.Both City aces underwent surgery and featuring in Qatar for the Three Lions was in doubt.
      Phillips has had a difficult start to life at Man City and the shoulder injury has halted his progressCredit: Getty
      Walker had surgery on his groinCredit: Getty
      The pair are pivotal to Southgate’s Three LionsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Big money summer signing Phillips had surgery on his shoulder, which has halted his progress at the Etihad.
      While Walker went under the knife for a groin injury.
      But in a boss to England boss Gareth Southgate, City chief Guardiola is “optimistic” both players will be fit.
      He said on Phillips at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s win against Leicester: “He feels really well, his mobility in his shoulder is perfect.
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      “He has to avoid contact with his teammates at the moment.
      “If he is fit and I believe he can play then maybe he can make some minutes [before the World Cup].”
      On the pair, Guardiola continued: “They are positive, optimistic, they are in touch with Gareth [Southgate].
      “I don’t know, hopefully they can be ready to be selected.”
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      Walker being back for the winter tournament would ease Southgate’s injury concerns at right-back.
      Chelsea’s Reece James is still on crutches and is expected not to be fit in time.
      However, James told SunSport he hasn’t given up on his dream of playing in this year’s World Cup.
      He plans on starting to run in the next few days in the swimming pool. More

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      Gay former England footballer planning to come out blasts Qatar for being World Cup host

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      A GAY former England footballer planning to come out has blasted the decision to let Qatar host the World Cup.The ex-Premier League ace is considering openly discussing his sexuality on TV.
      As well as anti-homosexuality laws, Qatar has also been blasted over the deaths of migrant workers building football stadiumsCredit: Reuters
      And he believes the Gulf state’s anti-homosexuality laws should have prevented Fifa from staging the tournament there.
      A source said: “He thinks it was wrong to decide the tournament should be played in Qatar when they criminalise gay sexual relationships.
      “Obviously England will be taking part but he doesn’t blame them.
      He’s heartened to see the current squad of players will support the LGBTQ movement and captain Harry Kane will wear the OneLove rainbow armband.
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      “He’s hoping there will be many acts of protest against Qatar’s stance on homosexuality.”
      The decision to host the showpiece, kicking off next month, in the strict Muslim country has sparked fury from LGBTQ campaigners over its appalling human rights record.
      Qatar has also been blasted over the deaths of migrant workers building football stadiums.
      Earlier this month, Gary Lineker said he knew of two gay Premier League footballers and commented it would send a strong message to Qatar if they came out during the tournament.
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      The ex-England striker turned TV presenter added: “I know for a fact that some have been very close and contemplated it.”
      Last week, campaigner Peter Tatchell, 70, said he was “arrested and detained on the kerbside” while staging a protest in Qatar’s capital Doha, although the state’s government denied it.
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      Desperate Chelsea star Reece James refusing to give up on World Cup dream as he prays Southgate gambles on crocked stars

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      REECE JAMES is refusing to give up on his World Cup dream and will try everything to make the winter tournament.The England and Chelsea right-back is sidelined with a knee injury and still in a brace and on crutches.
      James hasn’t given up on his World Cup dreamCredit: Simon Jones
      The Chelsea and England defender picked up a knee injury in the game against AC MilanCredit: Simon Jones
      James could miss the World Cup with a knee injuryCredit: Simon Jones
      James, 22, knows he is chasing a miracle to deliver a quicker-than-expected return as he hobbles around the Blues’ Cobham training ground.
      But he will keep fighting until November 10, the day Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is set to name his 26-man squad for Qatar.
      The defender, who suffered the injury against AC Milan in the Champions League on October 11, said: “I need to keep working hard over the next few weeks and see where I am on call-up day.
      “I will try and not rule myself out. It is still slow and in the early stages.
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      “I have been in rehab for two weeks, so I am still taking it day-by-day.
      “The Chelsea medical staff have not given me a percentage of my chance of being back for the World Cup.
      “It is down to how I feel closer to the time and how stable it is.”
      Blues boss Graham Potter fears the injury will take eight weeks to heal which would see James miss the World Cup.
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      The Three Lions defender added: “It is going to be very tough.
      “It is an injury which could take a long time and it came at an awkward period but I am trying my best and hopefully it is possible and if it is not, I know I tried everything.”
      Reece to start to run
      James hopes to start running again – starting off in a swimming pool – in the next few days.
      The Stamford Bridge star said: “I am trying to be positive. I am not not sure how long this injury will take.
      “I am not in pain. But if I try to speed it up, it might be a bit of a risk. I am trying hard every day to improve and make it right and get fit as soon as possible.
      “You are more gutted in the early stages of the injury and then you have to get your head around it.
      “I don’t know when I will be able to run again. I ask that question every day but the medical team do not give many answers.
      “You don’t go from walking to running. That is a difficult thing about injuries — you have to do it in stages, so I have to start running in the pool first.
      “Hopefully, this will be in the coming days.
      “Each day, I come in and get assessed and then I go on electric machines and receive therapy.
      “I go to the gym and the pool. After that, more treatment.”
      James hopes to start running in a swimming pool in the next few daysCredit: Simon Jones
      Injury worse than initially feared
      James was absolutely flying before the incident in the Champions League Group E clash.
      He was playing well for Chelsea and in the final internationals before the World Cup, he picked up senior caps No 14 and No 15 against Italy and Germany in the Nations League.
      James appeared certain to start at right wing-back against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium next month.
      He then suffered the injury in the second half of Chelsea’s 2-0 win in Milan and despite being taken off, he initially felt fine.
      While most of his team-mates stayed in Italy for a day off, James then returned to England for treatment.
      He said: “It was just one challenge.
      “The ball was mid-air, I tried to stud it down but my foot got caught and I got barged to the side and my leg went out.
      “I felt like I could have carried on but we were 2-0 up and they were down to ten men so I thought it was best to stop.
      “It felt fine. We did tests and it seemed like I tweaked it and only when I came back I realised it was not too good.
      “It was a big blow. Especially when you don’t think it is bad and then get told it is quite bad.”
      Immediately after picking up the knee injury, James spoke to England boss Southgate.
      The player added: “He asked me how I was, how bad it was but it was not in-depth.
      “I played in the England games and thought I played reasonably well.
      “So to then get injured before the World Cup is not what you want.”
      James with SunSport’s Charlie Wyett talking on his injuryCredit: Simon Jones
      Three Lions sweating
      James is one three England stars sweating over whether he’ll be on the plane for the World Cup.
      Manchester City duo Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips also picked up injured, but are optimistic of being fit for Qatar.
      Walker, 32, has had hip surgery while 26-year-old Phillips — who has played just three games this season — could soon return from a shoulder problem.
      James said: “I have not spoken to Kalvin but I spoke to Kyle after his surgery. It is tough for all of us.
      “These things happen in football and hopefully the other players in the England squad will stay fit.”
      James is impressed by new Chelsea boss Graham Potter, who returns to his former club Brighton today on a nine-match unbeaten run.
      He said: “He has done well and the performances have been good.
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      “I have spoken to him a couple of times since the injury but he has not really known what to say.
      “He just tells me to keep working hard and to be back as soon as I can for club and country.”
      James all smiles with The Sun’s Clemmie MoodieCredit: Simon Jones
      James is still on crutches as he fights to be fit for the World CupCredit: Simon Jones More