World Cup 2022

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      Arsenal and Man Utd face losing South American stars for Premier League clash as Conmebol ask Fifa for early release

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs could be without their South American stars for the final match before the World Cup as Conmebol requested they were allowed an early release. Conmebol, the equivalent of Uefa for South America, made a formal request to Fifa to grant their players are free to link up with the squad from Wednesday, November 9.
      Brazilian quarter Alisson, Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino all want to go to the World CupCredit: AP
      That is earlier than initially expected – players were expected to go after that weekend’s matches – and could prompt the European, African, North American and Asian federations to make similar requests.
      TyC Sports report Fifa will now need to negotiate with clubs to work out the date players can jet off to Qatar.
      But South American countries are hoping it is just four weeks away – giving international managers at least 11 days to get ready for the tournament.
      Moises Caicedo’s Ecuador are involved in the opening game as they take on hosts Qatar in the curtain-raiser on November 20.
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      They are joined by five-time winners Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.
      And an early release date could prove a major blow for title-chasing Arsenal and Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United – with both sides brimming with South American talent.
      Arsenal’s team includes Brazilian stars Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Jesus – who all have ambitions of making the expanded 26-man squad.
      United, meanwhile, boast compatriots Fred, Casemiro and Antony as well as Argentine Lisandro Martinez.
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      The Gunners travel to Wolves on Saturday, November 12 while United head to Fulham on the Sunday.
      Liverpool could also be hit hard if Alisson, Roberto Firmino, Fabinho and Darwin Nunez are unavailable to face Southampton on November 12.
      Other South American stars eyeing a World Cup spot featuring in England’s top flight include Cristian Romero, Richarlison, Alexis Mac Allister, Ederson and Thiago Silva.
      United’s 4.30pm kick-off at Craven Cottage is the final Premier League fixture before the six-week World Cup break.
      Matches return on Boxing Day with the traditional bumper day of games.
      Moises Caicedo is likely to start for Ecuador in the opening match at the World CupCredit: Getty
      Antony could join them but may miss United’s trip to FulhamCredit: Reuters
      Tottenham pals Richarlison and Cristian Romero will be on opposite teams in QatarCredit: AFP More

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      Why is the 2022 FIFA World Cup in winter?

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      QATAR host the 2022 World Cup, and it will be the first of it’s kind – taking place in WINTER.Kicking off on November 20, Qatar will host Ecuador in the first game of the first ever World Cup in winter.
      England fell to defeat against Croatia in the semi-final of the 2018 World CupCredit: The Mega Agency
      England will start their campaign on the second day of the tournament when they face Iran before playing Wales and the USMNT in their group.
      Gareth Southgate’s men will be hoping to return from the tournament with the trophy after falling to defeat in the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
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      Why is the World Cup in winter?
      The World Cup will break up the 2022/23 season, taking place over the winter months in Qatar.
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      This will be the first tournament to not be held in May, June or July.
      Being reduced to a timeframe of 29 days, FIFA confirmed the decision to play during the winter period back in 2015.
      Gareth Southgate will be looking to lead England to gloryCredit: AFP
      Due to the intense summer heat in Qatar, it would have been impossible to have players playing in such conditions.
      Therefore, the decision to play the tournament during a cooler period in the Middle East was confirmed as domestic leagues will be shut down for several weeks until the tournament is concluded. More

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      How many goals has Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski scored for Poland?

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has been one of the most prolific goal scorers in Europe of his generation.The Poland star became one of the greats during his time at Bayern Munich after joining from Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund.
      Robert Lewandowski in action for BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Netting 344 goals in 375 appearances for the Munich side, Lewandowski was one of the top performers at club level.
      He has now joined Barcelona and will be hoping to keep the goals coming for Poland during the 2022 World Cup.
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      How many goals has Robert Lewandowski scored for Poland?
      Lewandowski made his Poland debut in 2008, two years before his move to Dortmund.
      Robert Lewandowski applauding Poland fansCredit: Mike Jones/News Images
      During his time with Lech Poznan, a young Lewandowski had clearly impressed to earn a chance in his national side before he departed his native country, scoring 20 goals in 41 games for Poznan.
      The forward has since earned the captains armband for Poland and leads by example for the national team.
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      Lewandowski is the most capped Poland player of all time, with 134 matches under his belt at the time of writing.
      He also holds the record as Poland’s all-time top scorer with 76 goals during his time in the national team.
      The Barcelona forward will be looking to add to these stats during the World Cup in Qatar as they face Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Argentina during the group stages. More

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      When is the 2022 FIFA World Cup final?

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      WITH the first World Cup being held in winter, the final will take place on an unusual date in 2022.Qatar are hosting the World Cup this year, with the competition kicking off on Sunday, November 21 as the hosts take on Ecuador.
      England will be hopeful of lifting the 2022 World CupCredit: ©MI News & Sport Ltd
      England will kick-off their campaign full of hope as they face Iran on November 21, a 1pm kick-off UK time.
      The Three Lions will be hopeful of making the final, having reached the semi-final of the World Cup in Russia last time before falling to defeat to Croatia in Moscow.
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      When is the World Cup final?
      The final will take place just under a month following the opening game of the tournament.
      The Lusail Iconic Stadium will play host to the final match of the tournament, being the 64th game of the competition as two teams will battle it out for the trophy.
      Sunday, December 18 is the official date for the final, with kick-off set to begin from 3pm UK time.
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      Gareth Southgate’s England will be hoping to come out victorious in Qatar, having finished as runners-up to Italy in Euro 2020 and fourth placed in the previous World Cup.
      The Three Lions must first overcome Iran, the USMNT and Wales if they are to qualify for the knock-out stages and look to reach the final. More

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      Has Poland’s Robert Lewandowski won the Ballon d’Or?

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI will go down as one of the greatest players this generation.The Poland international has been one of the most prolific scorers in European football over the last 12 years, joining Borussia Dortmund in 2010, where he netted 103 goals in 187 appearances.
      Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski gives instructions during the Champions League group C soccer match between Inter Milan and Barcelona at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)Credit: AP
      Joining league rivals Bayern Munich, Lewandowski cemented his place as one of the greatest players of his generation as he netted an incredible 344 goals in 375 matches in Munich.
      However, this summer saw the end to his spell in the Bundesliga as Lewandowski sought a new challenge, joining Barcelona in La Liga.
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      Has Robert Lewandowski won the Ballon d’Or?
      Last season, Lewandowski finished as runner up in the Ballon d’Or, with Lionel Messi claiming his 7th award ahead of the Poland star.
      This was the closest that Lewandowski has come to receiving the award.
      Robert Lewandowski has won FIFA’s Best Player award in recent seasonsCredit: AFP
      However, he was heavily tipped to win the Ballon d’Or in 2020, but the ceremony was called off due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a winner was never named.
      Despite being snubbed for the Ballon d’Or, Lewandowski was recognised by FIFA as he received the ‘Best Player’ award in consecutive seasons, with the ceremony taking place in January each year.
      Lewandowski has had his say on not winning the Ballon d’Or, stating that he’d prefer to win the FIFA award instead.
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      “I’ve been thinking about these two awards lately: FIFA Best Player and the Ballon d’Or,” he said.
      “I’ve come to the conclusion that the FIFA award does matter more. Only journalists vote in the latter – there’s no clear verification.”
      Lewandowski is unlikely to win the Ballon d’Or in his career now, with Karim Benzema the clear favourite for the 2022 accolade. More

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      What happened to Denmark’s Christian Eriksen at Euro 2020?

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      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN will feature for Denmark at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar despite his career being in DOUBT last year.The midfielder made the move from Brentford to Manchester United after his contract in London expired at the end of last season.
      Christian Eriksen celebrated with Marcus Rashford for Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters
      Erisken has started well at Old Trafford and is one of the first names on Erik ten Hag’s team sheet.
      The same will likely be true in Qatar when Eriksen will be handed the responsibility of marshalling the Denmark national team’s midfield in the Middle East.
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      What happened to Christian Eriksen at Euro 2020?
      Denmark reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020, falling to defeat against England at Wembley before beating Spain to officially finish third in the tournament.
      They were without Eriksen for the majority of the tournament, however, with his playing career put at risk.
      The midfielder collapsed 43 minutes into Denmark’s first match of the tournament, playing in front of a crowd in Copenhagen.
      Christian Eriksen has returned to action for Denmark since his collapseCredit: Reuters
      After receiving a throw in, Eriksen fell to the ground and with nobody close to him there was immediate concern.
      Denmark captain Simon Kjaer realised the severity of the issue and put his teammate onto his side to ensure that his airway was open.
      While having a defibrillator used on him on the pitch, fans of both Denmark and Finland chanted Eriksen’s name as he was rushed to hospital.
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      The Dane was discharged the same week, having a cardioverter defibrillator implanted, which would shock his heart if he is to experience a cardiac arrest again.
      The midfielder was since cleared to return to playing football, with Brentford signing him last season.
      Upon the expiry of his deal in London, Eriksen joined Manchester United, where he remains a key player. More

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      Who does Wales star Aaron Ramsey play for?

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      AARON RAMSEY has been one of Wales’ key players since his breakthrough at Cardiff City as a youngster.Making 75 appearances for Wales and scoring 20 goals, Ramsey has been part of an impressive squad.
      Aaron Ramsey was impressive at Euro 2016 as Wales reached the semi-finalsCredit: Reuters
      The most impressive run for the Dragons was in Euro 2016, where Wales reached the semi-final before falling to defeat to Portugal.
      Ramsey netted once and registered four assists in the tournament, including setting up two goals against Belgium in a famous quarter-final victory.
      He will be hoping to impress when Wales travel to Qatar for the World Cup in November.
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      Who does Aaron Ramsey play for?
      The midfielder’s most notorious spell was with Arsenal, where he spent 11 years and made 371 appearances before taking a risk to move to Italy on a free transfer.
      A significant pay rise saw Ramsey touted as the future of Juventus’ midfield but his time at the club was hampered by injuries, playing just 70 times in three years.
      With speculation surrounding his future in 2021, Ramsey departed on a season-long loan to Scottish side Rangers.
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      Unfortunately for Ramsey, the most memorable moment of his spell at the Gers was a penalty shoot-out miss in the Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt.
      His Juventus contract expired in 2022, allowing Ramsey to depart for free and he was heavily linked with a move to Nottingham Forest as well as a potential return to Cardiff being touted.
      However, he ended up signing for French side OGC Nice, where he continues to ply his trade in Ligue 1. More

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      Who does Wales captain Gareth Bale play for?

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      WALES star Gareth Bale had his most successful spell for Real Madrid in his illustrious career.The 33-year-old joined Los Blancos from Tottenham Hotspur back in 2013 before lifting five Champions Leagues during his time in Spain.
      Gareth Bale scored 106 goals in 258 Real Madrid appearancesCredit: AP
      The winger had a turbulent time throughout his spell in La Liga and was criticised for celebrating Wales’ Euro 2020 qualification with flag stating ‘Wales, golf, Mardid in that order’.
      Despite this, Carlo Ancelotti was keen for the Welsh star to be given a warm reception when he departed Real Madrid at the end of last season on a free transfer.
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      Who does Gareth Bale play for?
      There was much speculation about where Bale would go once his contract at Madrid expired.
      Spending a season back at Spurs in 2020, his former club remained an option despite rumours of a potential retirement.
      However, with Wales qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, Bale decided against retirement and the search for a new club was on.
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      Cardiff City were the favourites to secure his signature, with it believed that the winger could return to Wales to finish his playing career.
      However, in a surprise move, Bale was named as a new LAFC player as he opted to join the MLS side.
      Bale is still in California, plying his trade for LAFC and has played 12 times, scoring on two occasions for Steve Cherundolo’s side. More