World Cup 2022

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      I played in the 2002 World Cup, scored in this season’s Europa League and am now hosting my own TV talk show

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      WHEN a 21-year-old winger played for Spain at the 2002 World Cup, not many fans would have imagined he would still be scoring in Europe TWO DECADES later.Even fewer would have believed the now 41-year-old hosts his own TV show alongside his football career.
      Joaquin played in the 2002 World Cup for SpainCredit: AFP
      The winger has scored in the Europa League this seasonCredit: AFP
      Joaquin even has his own TV talk showCredit: https://www.instagram.com/joaquinarte/?hl=en
      The man in question is La Liga legend Joaquin, who made his professional debut way back in the 1999-2000 season.
      Two years later he was included in the Spain squad for the World Cup in South Korea.
      Joaquin played in Spain’s final group game of the tournament, a 3-2 win over South Africa, and missed a crucial penalty in the quarter-final shootout defeat to hosts South Korea.
      Fast forward 20 years – and 816 club appearances later – and Joaquin is still delivering on the football pitch.
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      The winger scored a stunning goal in Betis’ 3-2 Europa League win over Ludogorets last month.
      And in doing so the 52-cap Spain international became the oldest scorer in the history of the competition.
      Joaquin’s show is set to air on WednesdayCredit: https://www.instagram.com/joaquinarte/?hl=en
      The 41-year-old made his debut in the 1999-2000 seasonCredit: Getty
      Joaquin has spent the majority of his career with Betis, but he also played over 200 times for Valencia and had spells with Malaga and Fiorentina.
      He extended his contract with Betis for a further year over the summer, and was also snapped up by Spanish TV channel Antena 3.
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      The first episode of his brand new series ‘Joaquin, the rookie’ airs this Wednesday.
      The programme is a TV talk show, and will see Joaquin joined by various celebrity guests.
      Speaking on his new venture on to the screen, Joaquin said: “I like television very much. I have a great time and I have fun. 
      “I jumped head first at this proposal because it is a very nice opportunity.”
      His current Betis contract expires at the end of the season, and Joaquin has vowed to continue playing on next year if Manuel Pellegrini’s side qualify for the Champions League.
      He told Diario AS last month: “In principle, the intention is for it to be my last year. But, if we qualify for the Champions League? They won’t be able to get rid of me!”
      Joaquin in action for Spain at the 2002 World CupCredit: Getty
      The winger missed a penalty in the quarter-final shootout defeat to South KoreaCredit: EPA More

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      Youngest World Cup scorers ever revealed including an England legend, an 18-year-old Lionel Messi and Pele

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      SCORING in the World Cup is no mean feat.That is even more true if you are still a teenager – unless you are Pele, Lionel Messi or Michael Owen.
      Pele scored six goals in his first World Cup aged just 17Credit: Getty
      The trio are amongst the youngest ever World Cup goalscorers with Pele the only player to have scored in the competition before his 18th birthday.
      The Brazilian boasts several World Cup records including the youngest ever player to score a hat-trick but there is a chance for a new youngster to write his name into the history books with a goal in Qatar.
      Barcelona and Spain star Gavi has that opportunity since he is only 18-years-old – the same age Owen was when he scored his famous goals against Romania and Argentina in 1998.
      Here, SunSport takes a look at the ten youngest goalscorers in World Cup history.
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      1. Pele – 17 yrs, 239 days – 1958
      Perhaps the greatest player of all time, Pele announced himself to the world with six goals in his debut World Cup.
      The first came against Wales in the quarter-final before a hat-trick against France in the semis and two in the final against hosts Sweden as Brazil won the World Cup for the first time.
      Pele is also the youngest player to score a hat-trick and to net a World Cup final goalCredit: Getty – Contributor
      2. Manuel Rosas – 18 yrs, 93 days – 1930
      The Mexican defender held the youngest scorer record for 28 years with his double against Argentina.
      Rosas got off the mark with a penalty – the first spot-kick ever scored in the competition – but despite adding a second later in the match Mexico succumbed to a 6-3 defeat.
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      3. Michael Owen – 18 yrs, 190 days – 1998
      The fresh-faced then Liverpool star burst on to the scene with blistering pace and a keen eye for goal, notching his first in the World Cup against Romania.
      But it was his second against Argentina that really generated excitement as he took on two defenders before firing into the top corner.
      To date he is the youngest European scorer in the competition and the only Englishman to score in the World Cup before the age of 22 – something Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka could change in Qatar.
      Michael Owen is the youngest European to score at a World CupCredit: AFP – Getty
      4. Nicolae Kovács – 18 yrs, 197 days – 1930
      The Romania star was the 11th goalscorer in the World Cup after netting in the third match in 1930.
      Kovacs scored just six goals for Romania but his strike against Peru wrote him into World Cup folklore despite being scored in front of just 2,549 people.
      5. Dmitry Sychev – 18 yrs, 231 days – 2002
      Sychev replicated Owen’s brilliance at the previous World Cup with a goal against Belgium and was subsequently dubbed the “Russian Michael Owen”.
      His performances in East Asia earned him a move to Marseille but he did not match the achievements of Owen, spending 12 years at Lokomotiv Moscow where he scored 74 goals in 224 games.
      6. Lionel Messi – 18 yrs, 357 days – 2006
      Messi’s World Cup debut against Serbia was one to remember.
      Brought on with 15 minutes remaining, Messi first produced a wonderful assist for Hernan Crespo before firing in Argentina’s sixth of the game.
      Now 35, Messi could become one of the oldest ever World Cup scorers if he nets in Qatar.
      Lionel Messi took just 13 minutes to score his first World Cup goalCredit: Reuters
      7. Julian Green – 19 yrs, 25 days – 2014
      The American’s well-taken volley against Belgium was his first for his country but could not prevent the USA bowing out of the 2014 World Cup at the quarter-final stage.
      Like others on this list, Green failed to kick on and has won just 16 caps – the last of which came in 2018.
      Julian Green (right) has not played for USA since 2018Credit: EPA
      8. Divock Origi – 19 yrs, 65 days – 2014
      The Liverpool cult hero showed his knack for scoring important goals with an 88th-minute winner against Russia in Group H.
      That is one of only three goals Origi has scored for the Red Devils but there is a chance he will be able to add to that tally if Roberto Martinez picks him for the World Cup.
      Divock Origi’s 2014 goal against Russia is just one of three he has scored for BelgiumCredit: Alamy
      9. Martin Hoffman – 19 yrs, 88 days – 1974
      Hoffman played in all six of East Germany’s matches in 1974 – the only World Cup the country participated in.
      The striker scored in the 1-1 draw with Chile and would go on to help East Germany win gold in the 1976 Olympics.
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      10. Constantin Stanciu – 19yrs, 92 days – 1930
      Stanciu scored in the same game as team-mate Kovacs as Romania beat Peru 3-1 in their debut World Cup game.
      He is the tenth scorer in the competition but he and Kovacs were later thrashed by eventual winners Uruguay and knocked out of the competition. More

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      Harry Redknapp: Harry Maguire is what I call a ‘proper’ defender… Man Utd star should start for England at the World Cup

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      HARRY MAGUIRE will be stuck on the sidelines once again when today’s Manchester derby kicks off.And judging from the stick he’s had this week, that’s where most people would like him to be when England begin their World Cup adventure next month.
      Despite his recent struggles, Harry Maguire should be starting for England at the World CupCredit: PA
      Maguire had a shocker against Germany but Gareth Southgate continues to back himCredit: Getty
      Well, it might not be the popular view right now but here’s a thing… if I was picking the side to face Iran on November 21, Harry would be in it, for sure.
      You don’t need me to say he’s had a rough time of things lately. Maguire’s such a straight guy, he’d tell you that himself.
      Yes, he’s made a few ricks although getting as much grief as he is doesn’t make it any easier.
      But Harry is a really decent lad and the one thing he won’t do is shy away from it all. He’s also a strong enough character — and good enough player — to come through it.
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      In the big games — and they don’t come any bigger than the World Cup — you need a big presence, and he’s certainly that. On the pitch and in the dressing room.
      Fair enough, he wasn’t great against Germany but he never let England down in Russia and if he gets the chance, I’m sure he won’t in Qatar either.
      I’d have him in the middle of a back three with John Stones and Kyle Walker or Eric Dier either side. They are quick enough to deal with the full-back positions.
      Harry isn’t the best mover, shall we say. Put it this way, if he was walking around the paddock, you wouldn’t be rushing to spend millions on him!
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      I remember the first time I saw him, when he was at Sheffield United and thinking, ‘This kid could get exposed today’.
      But he was magnificent, headed everything, won every tackle and was man of the match.
      He will never be the quickest but he’s what I call a “proper” defender, like Steve Bruce. Throws himself into challenges, never hides, blocks everything, body on the line every time.
      You need guys like that, just as much as you need the silkier footballers.
      Lisandro Martinez could struggle against Erling Haaland due to the immense height differenceCredit: Getty
      Haaland has set the Premier League alight since joining in the summerCredit: AFP
      And in my book they don’t come more solid than Harry.
      Erling Haaland would certainly find it harder to out-muscle Maguire than Lisandro Martinez at the Etihad this afternoon.
      Martinez is clearly a good defender, a real competitor and growing into the job at United.
      But he is 5ft 9in — giving away over six inches to the Norwegian — and Pep Guardiola will be telling Haaland to pull on him. If he does, it’s no contest.
      Having said that, it’s been no contest in every game he’s played this season, because no one has come close to stopping Haaland yet.
      I know Haaland’s scored goals wherever he’s been, but even by his standards, 14 goals in ten games — including two hat-tricks — is some start.
      He wasn’t great against Germany but he never let England down in Russia and if he gets the chance, I’m sure he won’t in Qatar either.Redknapp on Maguire
      Never mind finishing as the Premier League’s top scorer, he could shatter the record of 34 goals in a season.
      I remember Clive Allen getting 49 in all competitions back in the 1980s but Haaland’s so good that it really wouldn’t surprise me if he ended up with half a century.
      Then again, when you’ve got so many top players making killer passes and creating such good chances, a finisher as good as him is always going to end up with a hatful.
      The kid has an arrogance and confidence about him — he’s certainly not shy — but then again, there’s a very good reason for that.
      Haaland is an absolute monster of a player. Pace, power, height… he’s the Full Monty, all right.
      I just can’t see how United can stop him. And even if they manage it, this City side is so good that there are nine others who could cause just as much damage.
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      The way they’ve started the season, they’ll win the title at a canter — and I expect them to do exactly that at the Etihad today.
      United have picked up and had a couple of decent results but they’re still a long way short and there’s only one outcome for me. And a comfortable one at that. More

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      The youngest players in World Cup history revealed ahead of Qatar 2022.. and it’s a Brit who holds the record

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      THE YOUNGEST players to ever grace the World Cup have been revealed. Ahead of the upcoming Qatar World Cup in November, anticipation is building around the globe.
      Qatar is set to host the 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup later this yearCredit: AP
      Many players never get to experience a World Cup tournament throughout their careers.
      However, some get their chance to shine at an extremely young age.
      And thanks to research from The Analyst, the youngest five of these have been revealed.
      Below SunSport will take you through this esteemed list.
      5. Pele
      One of the most iconic footballers of all time kicks off the list, with the Brazilian legend making his World Cup debut at the age of 17 years and 234 days old and still holds a number of records even to this day.
      Pele is the only player to have won three World Cups, doing so in 1958, 1962 and 1970 and still holds the record for assists (10) and joint-most final goals (3).
      The 81-year-old scored 12 times in 14 World Cup games, placing him at number five in the all-time standings for goalscorers at the tournament.
      Pele is lifted up by Jairzinho as Brazil win the 1970 World CupCredit: Rex
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      4. Salomon Olembé
      The next man on the list, Salomon Olembe, first appeared for Cameroon at the 1998 World Cup at the age of 17 years and 184 days old.
      Olembe registered an assist in his first-ever game in a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso but the 98′ tournament would prove to be his most successful.
      Cameroon‘s Salomon Olembe never consolidated his debut appearance at the World CupCredit: EPA
      3. Femi Opabunmi
      Femi Opabunmi overtook Olembe at the next World Cup, making his debut against England at the age of 17 years and 100 days old in 2002.
      During the early stages of his career, he had courted interest from the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, but within four years of his World Cup debut he was forced to retire after suffering from glaucoma which left him blind in one eye.
      Femi Opabunmi in action against Rio Ferdinand in 2002Credit: PA:Press Association
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      2. Samuel Eto’o
      Samuel Eto’o made his first appearance on the World Cup stage six days before compatriot Olembe managed his own, at the age of 17 years and 98 days.
      The iconic forward would go on to appear at four World Cups for his nation, scoring three goals in eight games.
      And while the World Cup never fostered better than a group stage exit for the Indomitable Lions with Eto’o present, he did help his nation win an Olympic Gold medal and two African Cup of Nations.
      Samuel Eto’o made eight appearances across four tournamentsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      1. Norman Whiteside
      And finally, the youngest player to ever appear at the World Cup is Northern Irishman Norman Whiteside, who drew comparisons with George Best before injuries curtailed his career.
      The former Manchester United star made his World Cup bow against Yugoslavia in 1982 at the age of 17 years and 40 days old.
      While his solitary goal at the World Cup didn’t arrive until the 1986 tournament, he did become the youngest ever player to receive a booking in World Cup history on his debut.
      Norman Whiteside in action during his World Cup debutCredit: Getty More

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      Kylian Mbappe blasted by Arsenal legend Petit who warns PSG star that Messi will be getting ‘sick a tired’

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      ARSENAL legend Emmanuel Petit has told Kylian Mbappe to keep his mouth shut.Paris Saint-Germain superstar Mbappe, 23, has figured in a series of recent controversies.
      Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe has been linked with backstage dramaCredit: AFP
      Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has criticised Kylian Mbappe’s media outburstsCredit: Rex
      The striker publicly questioned the tactics used by new PSG coach Christophe Galtier, contrasting them with the way he is used in France’s national side.
      Mbappe has also been at the centre of a rift with clubmate Neymar that threatens to wreck the Ligue 1 leaders’ season.
      France World Cup winner Petit, who also won the Double with Arsenal, has now slammed Mbappe for his series of media outbursts.
      Petit, 52, told RMC: “It’s always about the same player, and at some point it has got to stop.
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      “Mbappe is intelligent, but does it ever occur to him two seconds after saying something that his words have consequences?
      “They have a boomerang effect.  He should say them to his manager in private.
      “Players speak from the heart about their team – and there he goes putting things in the public domain.
      “I imagine Lionel Messi and company are starting to get sick and tired of hearing him speak out every time.
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      “The next step will be PSG asking him what sort of team he wants them to pick.  That will be the next step.”
      Mbappe has reportedly been causing tension ever since signing his mega-money new contract with PSG, having argued with Neymar over who would take a penalty against Montpellier in August.
      The star striker is also allegedly unhappy with how much more influence and respect the Brazil international has in the dressing room. More

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      Gareth Bale’s beer brand to hit supermarkets in celebration of Wales’ first World Cup appearance for 64 years

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      GARETH BALE’S own brand of beer is set to hit Welsh supermarkets next week as the country celebrates reaching the World Cup for the first time in 64 years.The former Tottenham and Real Madrid superstar, 33, helped Rob Page’s men to Qatar earlier this year.
      Bale’s lager and ale will be sold in supermarkets across WalesCredit: PA
      Bale Ale is a celebration of Wales’ World Cup qualificationCredit: PA
      Tesco will stock the unique beers marketed by BaleCredit: PA
      And they will now face England, Iran and the USA in the group stage of the World Cup – their first appearance at the tournament since 1958.
      As a mark of the historic accomplishment, Welsh supporters will be able to celebrate the games with a glass of Bale Ale or Bale Lager.
      Bottles of both will be available in Wales’ Tesco stores for £1.70 from October 3.
      National team skipper Bale plans to donate a percentage of the profits from the beers to the development of grassroots football in his home country.
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      He told PA news agency: “I am really looking forward to launching Bale Ale and Bale Lager into Tesco stores across Wales – it’s something we started a few years ago and to see the brand grow is really exciting.
      “Being able to team up and work with Glamorgan Brewing Co, who are based only 10 minutes from my house, makes it even more special and we are extremely proud of what we have created together.
      “With this partnership we aim to give something back to Welsh grassroots football, and in particular, we want to help develop football facilities across Wales on a local level.
      “We hope fans across Wales will be able to enjoy some Bale Ale and Lager as we head into the World Cup this year.”
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      It has not yet been confirmed whether or not Bale’s beers will be stocked across other parts of the UK outside of Wales.
      But there are plans to export it to California in 2023 – where he is currently playing his club football for Los Angeles FC.
      Bale Ale has been described as a “bright, fresh-tasting juicy golden brew” made from Goldings, Columbus and Citra hops.
      While Bale Lager is said to be a “crisp, clean-tasting” drink brewed with Saaz hops.
      The Welsh wizard even poured himself a glass to get a good look at the colourCredit: PA
      Both an ale and a lager will be available for customers in WalesCredit: PA More

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      Watch international referee make bizarre error as Colombia kick off BOTH HALVES in 3-2 friendly defeat to Mexico

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      A strange refereeing mistake took place during an international friendly on Wednesday.Colombia took on Mexico at the Levi’s Stadium in California and played out an entertaining clash.
      The referee made a basic mistake during the international friendlyCredit: AP
      Colombia kicked off in the first half to get the match underway
      Colombia then wrongly also kicked off the second half
      Colombia, who have not qualified for the World Cup later this year, eventually came out on top in a 3-2 victory.
      But it wasn’t the result which caught the eye.
      Instead, it was identified that Colombia kicked off BOTH halves in a rarely seen error by a referee.
      Neither side appeared to dispute the decision at the time, but it was noticed by those watching.
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      And the blunder has seen US official Nima Saghafi be exposed for the rookie mistake.
      It is made worse by the fact that Colombia not only kicked off the match, but they then kicked off a further two times before half-time after Mexico scored twice.
      The South American outfit then got the game underway for the fourth time in a row at the start of the second half – making it quite remarkable that none of the players realised the error.
      Nevertheless, given it was a friendly match, there was little uproar given the lack of impact it had on the game.
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      Colombia fought back in the second period to win the match 3-2 as Leeds star Luis Sinisterra’s double helped them to victory.
      They will not be in Qatar after failing to qualify for the World Cup.
      But Mexico will be there and have been drawn in Group C alongside Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Poland. More

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      England fans can drink up to 17 HOURS a day in Qatar after World Cup chiefs draft in Glastonbury event promoters

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      ENGLAND fans can drink for up to 17 HOURS a day at the Qatar World Cup.But they will have to dig deep to get a piece of the desert festival action.
      The Arcadia spider is being transported to Qatar for the World CupCredit: Getty
      Booze will not be sold inside stadiums while games are being playedCredit: Reuters
      World Cup chiefs, who confirmed that fans will not need proof of Covid vaccinations but will have to have a negative PCR test within 48 hours of travelling to the Gulf state, have contacted Glastonbury event promoters Arcadia to run a Qatar 2022 version.
      The “Arcadia Spectacular”, complete with the fire-breathing 50-tonne Glastonbury spider, will offer a capacity of 15,000 per day.
      As well as the promised “A-list line ups from the global stage of techno and house music” it will have food options and bars selling alcohol from 10am through to 3am the next day, allowing fans to watch all four daily games in the group stage of the tournament that starts on November 20.
      The festival, offering “the most immersive shows on Earth”, will be sited between Doha’s airport to the south of the city and the England team base camp Souk Al-Wakrah hotel, around 20 minutes from the centre of the capital.
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      Qatari organisers have yet to confirm the pricing policy but it is understood that beer will be available from around £8 per pint.
      But tickets to get into the event are likely to cost £50 per DAY, which is likely to prevent some fans being able to pile in.
      World Cup bosses have also set up an official, free to enter Fan Festival, catering for thousands more supporters, in the city centre Al Bidda Park.
      That will also serve booze but only from 5pm until the end of the last match of the day, at midnight.
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      And alcohol will also be available after fans have passed through match day stadium security gate before and after games.
      Bars will be shut during games, though, with no fans allowed to consume alcohol in the stadium “bowl” in sight of the pitch.
      The booze news comes as the Qatari government confirmed its Covid regulations for all visitors to the tournament.
      Unvaccinated fans are allowed but anybody aged six years or older must present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of their arrival in Qatar, or a Rapid Antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure.
      There will be no quarantine restriction although anybody testing positive in the country will need to isolate and masks are required in hospitals and on public transport.
      In addition, all fans and other visitors must download the Ehteraz tracing app on their phones, with a “green” status required to enter any indoor public space. More