World Cup 2022

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      World Cup Supercomputer reveals how Cristiano Ronaldo is set to struggle… with England heading for more penalty pain

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      A WORLD CUP supercomputer has predicted final heartbreak for Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.An experiment conducted by BCA Research has found that Argentina will be the winners in Qatar, according to the data collected.
      Lionel Messi has been tipped to win the World Cup with ArgentinaCredit: Getty
      The supercomputer predicts Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo to finish runners-upCredit: AP
      England are expected to miss out on the final on penaltiesCredit: ©MI News & Sport Ltd
      And that means Ronaldo will be defeated in the World Cup final by nemesis Lionel Messi.
      Portugal have never reached the World Cup final but EA Sports FIFA video game player statistics and a sample of all real-life matches from the last four editions of the World Cup tip Fernando Santos’ side to reach the final.
      England have been tipped to replicate their performance in the previous World Cup by once again reaching the semi-final – only to lose on penalties to Portugal.
      The two teams have history in the competition with Sven Goran Eriksson’s 2006 side losing out to Portugal on penalties at the quarter-final stage.
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      The Three Lions are expected to win Group B ahead of Iran, Wales and the USA.
      Gareth Southgate’s side have been given an 84 per cent chance of winning their opening game against Iran.
      The match-up against the USA is closer to call with England given a 54 per cent likelihood of victory, and a 77 per cent chance of beating Wales.
      England have been predicted to then beat Senegal in the second round before taking on Mexico in the quarter-final.
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      England could face France at the quarter-final stage but the holders are predicted to finish as runners-up in Group D before losing to Argentina in the second round.
      England have been tipped to go all the way and win the World Cup by former boss Sam Allardyce.
      The ex-West Brom manager believes the squad is better than the Golden Generation of the noughties and claimed he would have guided England to become World Cup champions if he was still in charge. More

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      England’s Wags heading to World Cup to have extra security in Qatar with ‘ring of steel’ around them during tournament

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      THREE LIONS Wags will be given a “ring of steel” when they support England’s bid for World Cup glory.We can reveal many wives and girlfriends of England’s superstar players will have private security when they head out to Qatar next month. 
      England Wags are set to be out in forceCredit: Instagram
      Eric Dier’s girlfriend Anna Modler is likely to head to Qatar
      Georgina Irwin will be supporting fiance Aaron Ramsdale
      Sasha Attwood is set to support Jack Grealish in QatarCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebecca
      Some are paying for their own bodyguards, while SunSport understands the Football Association will also stump up cash to ensure players’ families are protected.
      Sources say security teams will be tasked to protect the families from robberies, and to ensure they don’t fall foul of the strict laws that exist in the Arabian Gulf.

      A source said: “There will be a ring of steel around the Wags. Many of the players are paying for their own security and the FA are taking steps too.
      “Remember, a lot of the wives and girlfriends flying out there will be taking jewellery and clothing worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. This makes them a target for robbers and criminals.”
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      The source added: “It’s very common now for players to take bodyguards on holiday with them, so having them at the World Cup, where the Wags could be for weeks, is the ultimate insurance policy.
      “It will help give the players a bit of peace of mind too and be able to concentrate on the football.“
      Last month The Sun told how many of the Three Lions Wags will enjoy a life of luxury aboard a €1billion cruise liner during this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
      Several of the England players’ partners and families are set to be based on the MSC World Europa, described as a “floating palace”.
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      It has six pools, 14 ocean-view jacuzzis, dodgems, salons, boutiques, restaurants, bars and the longest dry-slide at sea.
      It will float around the Arabian Gulf with passengers able to be ferried to shore for any games.
      There is usually a booze ban in Qatar that can land flouters in jail, though “select areas” will allow it for the World Cup.
      But because the liner is “offshore”, guests can drink alcohol stress-free and sunbathe, unlike at some hotels. Guests could include model Anna Modler, 24, who is dating defender Eric Dier, and air hostess Georgina Irwin, 26, who is engaged to goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Packages will cost players’ families €6,500 (£5,600) each – a snip for England’s mega-rich footballers.
      Phil Foden’s girlfriend Rebecca Cooke, 22, is among those to have reportedly expressed an interest in staying on it along with the Manchester City ace’s family.
      Fern Maguire, 27, is also expected in the Middle East to support hubby Harry during the tournament, which starts in November.
      While some partners are likely to stay in nearby Dubai and fly in for matches, several have opted to make the MSC World Europa their base. 
      Speaking to The Sun on Sunday earlier this year a source said: “The boat is an amazing place to stay. It is like a floating palace, which is why many of the players’ wives and families quickly snapped up packages that the Football Association arranged.
      “Those staying on the boat can have at least five people with them and also pay for extra guests too. It means nannies and other family members are likely to be heading out to Qatar as well.
      “Due to the fact the boat is off shore, guests can have a drink and enjoy themselves without having to worry about falling foul of Qatar’s strict laws.
      “In many of the bars and clubs around Qatar, you can’t even cheer let alone order a beer. And they certainly don’t like football songs.
      “And many hotels aren’t even allowed sunbathing areas. But by staying on the boat, guests just relax and have a great time.
      “If England do go all the way, it’s likely to become like a carnival on board.”
      The ship can hold 6,762 guests and many fans are reported to still be trying to book rooms. Prices start at about €300 (£260) a night for a double/twin but rise to €690 (£600).
      Those staying on the 205,700- tonne ship are promised a “globally inspired urban design” and a “world of immersive experiences”.
      One of the highlights on deck, especially for children, is an incredible 11-deck high slide called The Venom Drop. Other water slides are also available. A Sportplex zone will offer basketball, bumper cars and even a roller disco rink.
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      Swimming pools, which include one inside with a sliding roof, have themes including “botanic garden”, “zen” or “beach vibes”.
      Gareth Southgate will name a 26-man squad for Qatar. Their first match will be against Iran on November 21 at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium, the day after the tournament starts. 
      Many England Wags are set to stay aboard the MSC Europa
      Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison wears his shirt last yearCredit: The Sun
      Rebecca Cooke supported Phil Foden at Euro 2020Credit: The Sun
      Fern Maguire has always been a huge support for hubby HarryCredit: Getty More

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      World Cup fans warned to steer clear of camels in Qatar over killer bug fears

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      FOOTIE fans banned from drinking, kissing, betting and vaping at the World Cup have now been told to steer clear of camels. There are fears thousands flocking to Qatar could be struck down by a killer bug which is deadlier than Covid.
      Camel flu, or MERS-CoV, is thought to have spread from bats to the desert dromedaries in neighbouring Saudi Arabia and can be transmitted to humans.Credit: Louis Wood
      Harry Kane will be leading the Three Lions out in the World Cup in NovemberCredit: Getty
      There are fears that thousands of fans flocking to Qatar could be struck down by the killer bugCredit: Louis Wood
      Camel flu, or MERS-CoV, is thought to have spread from bats to the desert dromedaries in neighbouring Saudi Arabia and can be transmitted to humans.
      Unlike Covid-19 there is no vaccine or treatment and fans following England and Wales have been warned to heed UK government advice.
      The Sun spotted a herd of camels near the England team’s Souq Al Wakra Hotel base outside Qatar’s capital Doha last week.
      READ MORE ON QATAR 22
      And just weeks ago our man Oliver Harvey took a trip on one of the ships of the desert to show what fans could enjoy between games.
      Yesterday, tourist companies were still advertising camel rides and safari trips.
      Fans heading to the strict Muslim nation will have to abide by bans on provocative clothing, kissing, hugging or drinking in public, men speaking to women they do not know and rude gestures.
      Homosexuals face jail and luggage will be screened for drugs, booze and porn.
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      Prof Paul Hunter, of the University of East Anglia, said: “Fans should steer clear of camels in Qatar.
      “That’s the common sense advice to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
      “It’s a nasty bug, much deadlier than Covid-19 with a very high mortality rate, and there is currently no effective vaccine.”
      Government guidance says human-to-human spread has been limited inside hospitals and care homes but suggests camel contact is risky.
      World Health Organisation chiefs warned in August that about 80 per cent of cases were as a result of contact with infected camels or infected people in hospital.
      The bug, full name Middle East respiratory syndrome, has infected more than 2,000 people and killed at least 850 since it was first identified in Saudi in 2012.
      Experts fear it could soon spread from the Arabian peninsula to Africa through infected camels, which only exhibit mild symptoms.
      Two cases have been reported this year in Qatar, including a camel owner, 85, who later died in Doha.
      A farmer, 50, who drank camel milk has also died.
      Read More on The Sun
      Qatar officials declined to comment and the FA did not respond to requests.
      Meanwhile, Covid controls including tests and proof of vaccination have been lifted.
      Thousands of England fans will travel to Qatar next month
      The Sun has previously reported on the perils of drinking alcohol in the strict Muslim nationCredit: Louis Wood
      The Sun’s chief feature writer Oliver Harvey has previously written about what fans will be able to expect if they travel to Qatar – where homosexuals are jailed and luggage will be screened for drugs, booze and pornCredit: Louis Wood More

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      Iran ‘tried to kidnap 127-cap international legend Ali Karimi after issuing arrest warrant for criticising regime’

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      IRAN tried to kidnap a former national football team captain for criticising the regime, according to his friend.Ex-skipper Ali Karimi made 127 appearances for his country between 1998 and 2012, including at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
      Ali Karimi is at the centre of a kidnap attempt by the Iranian regimeCredit: AFP
      However, he is now said to be living in exile in the UAE and at the centre of a social media ploy to lure him back to his homeland because of his support for recent protests.
      Karimi, 43, went public with comments following the shocking arrest and death in custody three days later of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini 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”.
      And now pal Mehdi Rostampour has detailed how an elaborate plan to capture the former Bayern Munich playmaker was devised.
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      In a lengthy social media post, Rostampour described how a “celebrity” with alleged links to the regime wanted to follow Karimi’s lead and leave the country, requesting to meet in Fujairah, UAE.
      The message was sent to Karimi via another footballer he knew – but the sporting icon grew suspicious.
      Rostampour said: “Karimi was not keen on meeting him in any case.
      “But just before the set time, he received a text from a friend saying, ‘Fujairah is a trap’.
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      “Who was the sender? Someone from within the intelligence ministry!”
      Rostampour alleged the plan – conjured up by Iran’s intelligence ministry – was to force Karimi on to a boat, ship him back to Iran and strongarm him into making a false confession on state TV.
      Protests continue in the country as civilians demonstrate in the face of their oppressive rulers, especially after Amini’s death.
      Around 200 people have died at the hands of security authorities while many of the crowds have chanted Karimi’s name.
      It is thought Iran want to silence Karimi as a powerful voice of opposition – and he has reportedly had his passport confiscated yet still managed to fly to the UAE.
      Rostampour concluded: “Fortunately Ali Karimi is in good hands and safe. He has committed no crime other than standing by his people.”
      All my pain and sorrow is the safety of the people in IranAli Karimi
      Karimi said on Monday: “I thank my countrymen who are worried about my humble self.
      “I and my family have been threatened and are threatened in various ways. But I am not important.
      “I still mourn my countrymen across Iran and all my pain and sorrow is the safety of the people in my homeland.”
      There are growing calls for Fifa to banish Iran from the World Cup due to the oppressive regime and human rights record as well as the government supplying drones to Russia in their illegal invasion of Ukraine.
      Iran are in Group B with England, Wales and the United States – their campaign is due to start against the Three Lions on November 21. More

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      Why is the Dutch football team sometimes called Holland when the country is called the Netherlands?

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      LOUIS VAN GAAL’s Netherlands face Senegal, Qatar and Ecuador in the World Cup Group stages.The 2010 finalists will be hoping to lift the trophy after an impressive run of form ahead of the tournament.
      Winning seven matches and drawing three in 2022, Van Gaal’s side are unbeaten for the year as they head into the competition in Qatar.
      Holland coach Louis van Gaal is retiring after the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
      Their manager is set to retire at the end of the World Cup, with Ronald Koeman in line to replace him going into 2023.
      The Dutch side, who are often referred to as Holland, will be keen to send Van Gaal out on top.
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      Why is the Dutch football team sometimes called Holland when the country is called the Netherlands?
      The national football team has many names including the Netherlands, Oranje and Holland.
      However, the country itself remains named the Netherlands despite picking up the nickname of Holland.
      Memphis Depay will be hoping to fire the Netherlands to World Cup gloryCredit: AP
      In history, between the years of 1588 and 1795, the area of the Netherlands was called the Republic of Seven United Netherlands.
      In 1806, Napoleon appointed Louis as king and turned the country into a kingdom, with the area called ‘Holland’ being the largest contributor to the economy and wealth of the Netherlands.
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      Those dealing with trade to the country were often dealing with the region of Holland, and this led to this being commonly used as a nickname to indicate the entire country.
      The name of Holland has stuck to this day and you will often hear their football team referred to as this. More

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      Who is Sardar Azmoun and why is he nicknamed the Iranian Messi?

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      IRANIAN forward Sardar Azmoun will be looking to fire his side out of Group B at the World Cup in Qatar.However, they will face a tough challenge after being drawn in a competitive group.
      Sardar Azmoun plays for Bayer Leverkusen in the BundesligaCredit: Getty
      The likes of Wales, England and the USMNT will be considered as the favourites to make it into the round of 16, but Iran will be hoping to upset the odds.
      If they are to stand a chance of making it to the knock-out stages, they will be counting on the performances of their key man – Azmoun.
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      Who is Sardar Azmoun?
      The Iranian forward came through the youth system in his native country of Iran before moving to Russia where he made his professional debut for Rubin Kazan in 2013.
      This saw him become the youngest ever ‘Legionnaire’, meaning Iranian playing abroad, in the history of Iran football, moving to Russia at 17.
      Sardar Azmoun is Iran’s best hope ahead of the World CupCredit: AFP – Getty
      Kazan received transfer offers from Arsenal, Liverpool and Zenit during his third season at Rubin Kazan before heading on loan to Rostov, where he kept them up with a goal in the relegation play-offs before extending his deal for the following season.
      He then completed a permanent transfer to Rostov in controversial fashion, with the Russian side triggering his buy-out clause before Rubin Kazan claimed he was still their player, before the Court of Arbitration for Sport had to rule on the case.
      Sardar Azmoun in action for Zenit against ChelseaCredit: Marc Aspland – The Times
      In 2017, he rejoined Rubin Kazan and remained there for two years before making the move to Russia giants Zenit Saint Petersburg, impressing as he netted 62 goals in 104 appearances.
      It was here he gained attraction from Europe, making the move to Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer in July 2022.
      Why is Sardar Azmoun nicknamed the ‘Iranian Messi’?
      Despite his 6’1 stature, the Iranian forward has drawn comparisons to Paris Saint-Germain’s Lionel Messi.
      This is due to the fact that he is widely recognised as the most decorated Iranian player in the European leagues.
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      His skilful dribbling has seen fans from the Iranian national team hand him the nickname, while his goal scoring record is ever so impressive.
      Netting 41 goals in 65 games for his country heading into the World Cup, Iran will be hopeful of the 27-year-old leading them to glory in Qatar. More

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      Inside stunning superyachts which Qatar World Cup fans are hiring for £20k a night with Michelin-star chefs & helipads

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      FOOTBALL fans have been hiring £20,000 superyachts complete with helipads and Michelin-star chefs for the World Cup.Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to flock to the Gulf for the World Cup, which kicks off in Qatar on November 21.
      The Lauren L is available for hire during the World CupCredit: YachtCharterFleet
      The yacht comes with its own helipadCredit: YachtCharterFleet
      Michelin star chefs can be hired to cook for those on board superyachtsCredit: YachtCharterFleet
      Football fans can watch the game in styleCredit: YachtCharterFleet
      But while many will be taking their chances on accommodation on dry land, others will be living in style on the sea.
      Demand for the superyachts is said to be surging ahead of the tournament.
      One of the vessels for hire is the 296ft Lauren L which can accommodate 26 guests in 20 suits or parties of up to 150.
      After landing on its helipad, guests can entertain themselves in the on-board cinema, have a drink in the bar, relax in the deck jacuzzi or play with its jet skis.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      There’s also a beauty salon on board to restore footie fans to their best after watching the Three Lions.
      Many will be heading to Dubai in the UAE and its biggest private yacht charter, Xclusive Yachts, has reported a surge in interest in hiring outs its fleet of 70 yachts.
      “We expect lots and lots of inquiries and lots and lots of bookings as well,” said marketing manager Jainney Thakker.
      “Personally I think when you talk about a game like football, it has a lot of emotional connect with all the people as well.
      “And they’re really excited to watch their favourite players and favourite teams on the big screen and I think lots and lots of people are going to charter with us and we already have 15 bookings.”
      At a cost of around £20,000 per night, customers can rent the 140ft, three-deck Stardom with and capacity for 30 guests.
      If they want to push the boat out, they can also get exclusive use of a Michelin-starred chef on board.
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      Xclusive Yachts have also launched a shared service offer for groups of fans who want to experience a few hours on the boat to watch games.
      Customer Zubin Doshn said the “the expectation is very simple”.
      “I’m sure I will have a good time with my family and friends and watch the World Cup in the middle of the sea, with all the great services they have and of course drink champagne,” he said.
      A million fans are expected to descend on the Yorkshire-sized oil-rich state.
      Some England fans fans will be forced to pay at least £5,000 to follow the team to all the way to the World Cup final, it’s been claimed.
      The Football Supporters’ Association has slammed the Qatar tournament as “the most expensive World Cup ever.
      Qatar 2022 chiefs insist there will be plenty of Fan Village Cabins to be had and urge fans to avoid the private rental market.
      But for those who need to rent, on offer is a cockroach-ridden £650-a-night hovel is among filthy rip-off flats on offer to England fans at the Qatar World Cup.
      The flat, with its cracked walls, soiled mattress and at least five ’roaches in the kitchen, was next to a noisy building site in Doha.
      Another Airbnb host, Riham, was offering digs in the capital with stained walls and lounge-kitchenette for £534 a night.
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      Mohammad showed us snaps of his “lovely” three-room property near Khalifa Stadium — a World Cup ground — at £1,789-a-night.
      They were among dozens of grubby homes advertised by landlords hoping to cash in as fans fear a looming Cup accommodation crisis.
      One of the suites on board the StardomCredit: YachtCharterFleet
      Demand for yachts to watch the World Cup us surgingCredit: Xclusive Yachts
      A luxury vessel will cost around £20,000 to hireCredit: YachtCharterFleet More

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      I’d back myself to win World Cup with this England squad… but I fear for us later in tournament, says Sam Allardyce

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      SAM ALLARDYCE believes he would win the World Cup if he was still England boss.He even named the side he would have picked in Qatar had he not resigned as Three Lions manager in 2017.
      Sam Allardyce thinks he would have won the World Cup with EnglandCredit: Getty
      England face Iran, USA and Wales in Group B and Allardyce would have gone for a blend of youth and experience at the World Cup.
      The former West Brom and England boss appeared on William Hill’s and Footy Accumulators’ No Tippy Tappy Football podcast alongside his former assistant Sammy Lee.
      And when asked if he believed he would have won the World Cup, Allardyce said: “Yes, definitely. With this squad, yes.
      “We’d go for Jordan Pickford in goal, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Conor Coady and Luke Shaw in defence.
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      “Declan Rice in midfield and Jude Bellingham alongside him, along with Mason Mount.
      “Harry Kane up front, and we’ll go with Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden. We’d be celebrating with that, this team would win the World Cup.”
      Allardyce also claimed the current crop is stronger than the Golden Generation of the noughties and, because of that, he is hopeful Gareth Southgate will lead the team to success.
      He added: “The current squad is just as good as the Golden Generation, but stronger in depth, I feel.
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      “I think this is why, hopefully, this squad can go all the way this time. They’ve proven they can get there; now they just need to get over the line.
      “I think that the Paul Scholes generation with Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard – midfield-wise – are better than England’s current midfield. I don’t think there’s any question about that.
      “I think there was a myth that they couldn’t play together which was built up by the media.
      “If that were the case, Sven at the time with Sammy, he wouldn’t have been thinking, ‘Well, we can’t pick them if we don’t think they can play together’.” More