World Cup 2022

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Under-fire England boss Gareth Southgate admits he will be given the boot if Three Lions flop at World Cup

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE admits he will face the BOOT if England suffer a disastrous World Cup.But the under-fire boss urged the boo-boys to back his struggling Three Lions with “positive energy” in tonight’s final Nations League game against Germany at Wembley.
      Gareth Southgate has admitted he will be given the boot if he flops at the World CupCredit: Reuters
      Southgate will be looking for his captain Harry Kane to step things up
      The England gaffer is adamant his long contract will count for nothing if his charges flop in QatarCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      England have failed to win their last FIVE games and were jeered off in the last two matches.
      Southgate’s contract runs until after Euro 2024 — but he accepts that will mean nothing if his team flop in Qatar and he could get the sack.
      He said: “Ultimately, I will be judged on what happens at the World Cup.
      “Contracts are irrelevant as managers can have three, four or five-year deals but you accept that if results are not good enough, it is time to go your separate ways.
      Read More Football
      “Why would I be any different? I am not arrogant enough to think my contract is going to protect me in any way.”
      England’s winless run is their longest since 2014 and Friday’s dismal 1-0 loss in Italy saw them relegated from the Nations League’s top tier — just over a year after reaching the European Championship final.
      There are just 56 days to go until England’s opener with Iran.
      Southgate added: “We understand how the mood changes with results and it has changed.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “I will be judged on what we do in Qatar and I am perfectly happy to be judged in that way.
      “I am the manager and results haven’t been at the level we require. With the national team, that noise is going to be louder and more widespread.
      “I am not hiding from that. We aren’t enjoying not winning but have to keep doing the right things every day to keep improving the small bits of our performances that make the difference.
      “If we keep standards high, then eventually the results will turn.”
      England face a German side with just one win in six.
      But Southgate concedes the negativity surrounding his players is “not healthy”.
      It’s not healthy for the team to be having this noise around them. I would urge the supporters to get behind the teamGareth Southgate
      And he wants fans to recreate the positive atmosphere at the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020.
      He added: “Part of the reason we’ve been successful has been the feeling of togetherness. We can’t succeed with fans against us.
      “That’s been a huge strength over the last five years and it’s harder if we’re having to battle with the opposition AND with things on our own island.
      “Only we can rectify that by performances and results.
      “We’ll have 90,000 people, the stadium’s sold out — people want to come and see this team play.
      “It’s not healthy for the team to be having this noise around them. I would urge the supporters to get behind the team.
      “How they deal with me at the end is completely different.
      “But this is the fans’ last chance to see the boys before they go to the World Cup. And we’re all in it together.
      “We can only succeed if we’re all pushing in the same direction. And we’ve all got that positive energy towards doing well.
      “We wanted to bring people together, we recognised that was a failing and part of the reason we hadn’t succeeded for so long.
      Read More on The Sun
      “What happens to me is irrelevant, frankly. The most important thing is the success of the team.
      “And we don’t want the team to be in that type of environment as it is much harder to succeed.”
      The players failed to show much fight for their under-fire boss against ItalyCredit: Reuters
      England will face Germany in their final match before the World Cup
      Southgate and his players have a tough task on their hands to win over fans right now More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Female football fans risk jail or flogging at World Cup if they are raped in Qatar

      by

      FEMALE England fans risk jail or flogging at the World Cup if they are raped in Qatar.Women at the tournament in November face prosecution if they report offences in the Muslim country.
      Female England fans risk jail or flogging at the World Cup if they are raped in QatarCredit: Reuters
      Qatar’s strict Islamic code outlaws all sexual contact between unmarried couples — and there are 100 prosecutions a year.
      Even rape victims have been hauled into court and handed sentences ranging from seven years in jail to flogging.
      May Romanos, a Middle East expert at Amnesty International, said: “You go to the police, and instead of being the victim, you become the accused.”
      The Detained in Dubai legal aid group has an app to help World Cup fans in trouble.
      READ MORE ON QATAR
      Director Radha Stirling said: “The UAE has a long history of penalising rape victims.”
      Figures show football stadiums in the past have become sex assault hotspots at tournaments.
      There were 72 sex attacks reported in Brent, North London, when the Euro 2020 semis and finals were played at Wembley in July last year — while there were 39 cases at the same tournament in Seville, Spain.
      A Qatar spokesman said the country “promotes the rights of women, and this extends to all women visiting”.
      Most read in The Sun
      Fifa said: “Any fan who reports a sexual assault will have access to Qatar’s ­high-quality healthcare system irrespective of marital status.” More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Netherlands 1 Belgium 0 LIVE SCORE: Van Dijk’s header clinches win for hosts after Dodi’s late bicycle kick hits the bar

      by

      NETHERLANDS continued their incredible unbeaten run under Louis Van Gaal with a gruelling 1-0 win over local rivals Belgium.Virgil Van Dijk’s back-post header was enough to seal all three points for the hosts – securing a Nations League finals spot for next year.
      But things could have been different had substitute Dodi Lukebakio’s last-gasp spectacular bicycle kick flew in during stoppage time.

      RESULT: Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      Live stream: premiersports.com
      TV channel: Premier Sports 1
      Netherlands XI: Pasveer,; Timber, Van Djik, Ake; Dumfries, Blind, Berghuis, de Roon; Klaassen; Bergwijn, Janssen
      Belgium XI: Courtois; Debast, Alderweirald, Vertonghen; Castagne, Meunier, Onana, Witsel; De Bruyne, Hazard; Batshuayi

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      That’s all from Amsterdam
      The Netherlands march on to the finals after securing a famous 1-0 victory on derby day.
      Belgium’s uphill task proved too much against a well-drilled Van Gaal side.
      Thank you for reading this match-blog and have a good evening.
      Former Netherlands player Robin van Persie soaked up the applause at the end of the game.Credit: EPA
      So close to glory
      Lukebakioko came so close to what would have been the goal of the tournament.
      Deep into stoppage time, the substitute attempted a bicycle kick which thundered against the upright, leaving viewers stunned. What an effort.
      Credit: Getty
      Scores on the doors
      Elsewhere tonight…

      Austria 1-3 Croatia
      Denmark 2-0 France
      Wales 0-1 Poland

      Croatia finish top of Group 1 and join the Netherlands in the finals.
      Watch Van Djik head home
      The Liverpool defender rose highest to break the deadlock in the 72nd minute.

      Full time – Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      Anthony Taylor blows his whistle and the Johan Cruyff arena erupts.
      Van Gaal’s near perfect run comes to an end in fitting fashion, with a win over their noisy neighbours. The hosts came here with a game plan and executed it to perfection, suffocating Belgium for large periods of the game and taking their opportunity when it came.
      Van Djik’s sucker-punch header was the difference in the end. Roberto Martinez’s side had their moments, but struggled to gain any real momentum.
      An assured Dutch side march on to the finals!
      .Credit: Getty
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      90+4, Lukebakio hits the post from a bicycle kick!
      That was centimetres away from pure genius. The forward got up brilliantly to meet De Bruyne’s ball in, thumping his over-head kick against the post. The keeper was rooted to the spot.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      90+3, The hosts are still attacking and the fans inside the Johan Cruyff arena are singing loyder than ever. They are very close.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      89, Gakpo makes a brilliant run and plays a pass towards Klassen who had an open goal. Courtois read his intention well, palming it away from danger.
      Tielemans then clips his man and we are to have four added minutes here.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      87, Klassen should score. The midfielder takes the ball down nicely in the area and pokes one towards goal. But his effort is tame and relatively straightforward for Courtois.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      85, Lukebakio attempts to latch on to a pass but Pasveer is out quickly to smother the attack. He’s looked really sharp in goal this evening.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      83, Taylor is booked for a poor challenge on his man.
      7 minutes plus stoppage time for the visitors to score five goals.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      81, Castagne is withdrawn and Lukebakio is thrown on for the remainder of this match.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      77, Dumfries goes into the referee’s book for a late challenge on his man.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      75, Bergwijn almost doubles their advantage!
      He has time to measure a shot, but drags it narrowly wide of the post.
      Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      74, Tielemans is on to replace Onana for the visitors.
      GOAL! – Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
      72, Gakpo curled in the corner and Van Djik leaped highest to score with a thumping header past Courtois, who had no chance!
      It’s a long way back for Belgium now. The hosts can see the finish line.
      .Credit: Getty
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      72, Taylor floats a dangerous ball into the area but it’s headed clear for a Netherlands corner. What can they make of it?
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      71, Bergwijn dances past a few challenges before letting fly. But it’s too central and Courtois keeps the scores level.
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      67, Onana with the chance to break the deadlock!
      The ball is floated into him and he digs out a shot on target but it doesn’t have the power on it. Pasveer can deal with it easily enough.
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      65, Van Gaal uses the break in play to make a change himself, throwing on de Vrij for Timber who has looked solid at the back this evening.
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      64, Hazard wins the free kick and that will be his last involvement. He hobbles off after picking up a knock in the challenge and Trossard is on.
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      61, Hazard drives his team up-field and frees Carrasco down the left. The winger tries to make room for a shot, but it’s blocked by Dumfries.
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      59, It just hasn’t quite clicked for De Bruyne today. He has got into great positions but struggled with the final pass. This time he can’t thread it through to the on-running De Ketelaere through a wall of orange shirts.
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      57, De Ketelaere flashes a wicked ball across the six-yard box but Van Djik is there to intercept and lump it clear.
      Netherlands 0-0 Belgium
      53, Taylor takes the ball in his stride and fires one on goal. It’s blocked and out for a corner which Timber meets well, but can’t direct his header on target.
      Load more entries… More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Southgate casts more doubt on Toney making England’s World Cup squad just days after striker was left out for Italy loss

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE has cast doubt over Ivan Toney’s World Cup dream.The Brentford striker, 26, got his first call-up after five Prem goals this season but was not named in the 23-man squad for Friday’s 1-0 loss to Italy.
      Ivan Toney’s red-hot form for Brentford earned him an England call-upCredit: REX
      But the 25-year-old has yet to feature for the Three Lions in the latest round of international fixturesCredit: GETTY
      England boss Gareth Southgate has cast doubt over Toney’s World Cup dreamCredit: GETTY
      Southgate will once again have to leave five of his 28 players out of the squad for the home game with Germany due to Nations League rules.
      The England boss said: “I understand the push as it is so close to the World Cup but there is life for Ivan Toney beyond the World Cup as well.
      “He is very much in the frame and what he does with his club between now and then is also really important.
      “First and foremost, it has been great for Ivan to be with us and see how we work.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      “Everybody wants to get into the team and on to the pitch.
      “But you have a better chance of doing that if you have been in the group longer and are used to how we play and feel more comfortable with the players.”
      Southgate also revealed he is unsure if Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips’ shoulder problem could see him miss the World Cup.
      FOOTBALL OFFERS
      The 26-year-old has failed to make much of an impact for the Premier League champs following his £45m move from Leeds.
      He said: “The honest answer on the injury is we don’t know.”
      Southgate is set to make changes tomorrow night but Newcastle keeper Nick Pope should keep his place. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Croatia vs Canada: Date, live stream FREE, TV channel and kick-off time for 2022 World Cup Group F match

      by

      RUSSIA World Cup finalist Croatia will be entertaining Canada in the second round of Group F fixtures.The Croatian’s are aware of what it takes to go deep into football’s biggest cup competition as they made it to the final in 2018.
      France beat Croatia in the 2018 World Cup finalCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Canada’s convincing 4-0 win over Jamaica sealed their first World Cup spot in 36 yearsCredit: Reuters
      And head coach Zlatko Dalic will be hoping that his side can go one better this time as France outfoxed them to the trophy.
      But first, Vatreni have to navigate their way past a Canadian side who pipped North American giants Mexico to the top spot in their qualifying group.
      However, this is Les Rouges’ first World Cup campaign since 1986 where they failed to secure a single point in the group stages.
      What time does Croatia vs Canada kick off?

      Croatia’s Group F encounter with Canada takes place on Sunday, November 27.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 4pm UK time – 6pm local time.
      Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar is the allocated arena for this fixture and it can host approximately 45,416 fans.
      History will be made as this is set to be the first ever match between these two sides.

      Read More on World Cup
      What TV channel is Croatia vs Canada on and can it be live streamed?

      Croatia vs Canada will be broadcasted LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action live via the BBC Sport website or BBC iPlayer app.
      BBC iPlayer is available to download on your preferred choice of mobile phone or tablet device.

      Most read in Football
      Can I watch Croatia vs Canada for FREE?
      Good news, you can! Croatia vs Canada is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license. More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Paul Pogba’s Juventus return date revealed with ex-Man Utd star’s France World Cup hopes still alive

      by

      PAUL POGBA is hoping to return to the pitch next month – despite recently going under the knife.The Juventus and France midfielder was expected to be on the sidelines until November after undergoing knee surgery earlier this month.
      Paul Pogba is currently in a race against time to be fit for the World CupCredit: Getty
      The Juventus and France midfielder recently underwent knee surgeryCredit: AFP
      Pogba hopes to be back in action by October 25Credit: AFP
      But the 29-year-old is reportedly hoping to return to action on October 25.
      That’s according to Tuttosport, who claim the former Manchester United man has earmarked Juve’s Champions League clash with Benfica in Lisbon for his return.
      The next ten days, however, are said to be “decisive” in his recovery from a meniscus injury.
      Pogba is said to be moving to the second phase of his recovery, transitioning from swimming and gym work to on-the-pitch exercises.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      The midfielder is currently a major doubt for France’s defence of the World Cup in Qatar this winter and manager Didier Deschamps insists he must be fully fit to be selected in his 23-man squad.
      Deschamps said: “He will not come just because he is a ‘framework’.
      “If he has not played before and is not in top form, it is useless. He himself does not want it.”
      Pogba anticipated a quick recovery from the potentially tournament-ending injury shortly after going under the knife.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The Frenchman said: “The operation went very well, I’m going to recover and come back very, very quickly.
      “I wanted to thank you all for your messages, for your support.
      “Know that mentally I’m okay despite all the worries, the injury, and the other problems. Mentally I’m okay.”
      Deschamps, however, is refusing to plan for Pogba being a dead cert for his squad.
      The former Chelsea midfielder said: “I know Paul well.
      Read More on The Sun
      “He will do everything to recover as soon as possible, but he will only be called up if he is fit and competitive.
      “But it’s too early to say that today.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Japan vs Costa Rica: Date, live stream FREE, TV channel and kick-off time for 2022 World Cup Group E match

      by

      GROUP E’s second round of World Cup fixtures involve a mouth-watering encounter between Japan and Costa Rica in Ar-Rayyan.The Japanese are no strangers to football’s biggest cup competition as they have qualified for the last seven consecutive tournaments.
      Japan’s celebrations were wild after securing a Qatar 2022 World Cup spotCredit: AFP
      Heung-min Son’s late free-kick forced Costa Rica to share the spoils with JapanCredit: Reuters
      But sealing their spot for Qatar may have been the most difficult yet as two last-gasp goals from substitute Kaoru Mitoma in Australia got the job done.
      And now, Hajime Moriyasu’s men face a tough task of collecting three points from Costa Rica who have experience of winning on this ground before.
      However, Los Ticos suffered heartbreak against the last East Asian opponent they came up against courtesy of a wonder strike from Tottenham Hotspur ace Son Heung-min.
      What time does Japan vs Costa Rica kick off?

      Japan are scheduled to encounter Costa Rica on Sunday, November 27.
      It is expected to kick off at 10am UK time – 12pm local time.
      Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Ar-Rayyan, Qatar is the designated venue for this match and it can host up to 44,760 fans.
      Costa Rica have failed to beat Japan on all five occasions these two sides have met each other.

      Read More on World Cup
      What TV channel is Japan vs Costa Rica on and can it be live streamed?

      Japan vs Costa Rica will be broadcasted LIVE on ITV in the UK.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action live via the ITV website or ITV hub.
      ITV hub is available to download on your preferred mobile phone or tablet device.

      Most read in Football
      Can I watch Japan vs Costa Rica for FREE?
      Yes. Japan’s Group E fixture against Costa Rica is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license. More

    • 150 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Relegated England’s possible Nations League B opponents including Kazakhstan, Montenegro and Albania

      by

      ENGLAND could face Kazakhstan, Montenegro and Albania in the next edition of the Nations League.The Three Lions were RELEGATED from the top tier on Friday night as they were downed 1-0 at the hands of Italy in Milan.
      England could face Kazakhstan, Montenegro and Albania in Nations League BCredit: Getty
      Iceland – who famously knocked the Three Lions out of Euro 2016 – could also be a potential opponent in next season’s tournamentCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Gareth Southgate’s side are without a win or a goal in open play in five matches.
      And there is only one game – Germany at Wembley on Monday – before this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
      The demotion to Nations League B in 2024/25 will see our nation’s sweethearts face a host of lesser teams.
      As things stand, England are in the same pot as Wales, Czech Republic and Austria.
      READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS
      And could face a selection of lower-seeded Montenegro, Finland, Albania, Kazakhstan or Georgia.
      Waiting in Pot 2 would also be rivals Iceland – the guilty party in one of the lowest moments in Three Lions history.
      A reunion of the humiliating Euro 2016 defeat in the Nations League could be a potential clash.
      As things stand, Turkey, Greece, Slovenia, Ireland, Serbia, Ukraine would be in the mix as well.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Southgate’s boys stank out the San Siro and were beaten by Giacomo Raspadori’s curled second-half finish. 
      On the basis of this campaign, nobody should be complacent about England progressing from a World Cup group which features Iran, USA and Wales.
      Harry Kane will lead the team out in the side’s opener against Iran on November 21.
      Captain Kane says that a morale-boosting win in front of a packed home crowd on Monday night against Germany will send the Three Lions off to Qatar with their confidence sky high.
      He said: “We’re not panicking. Of course, I understand the frustration of the fans.
      “I was an England fan and still am an England fan whether I’m playing or not. I understand it.
      “But ultimately we are going to be judged on what happens come November.
      “If we have a successful tournament I’m not sure people will be worried about the spell we had over the summer — and that’s the bottom line.
      “We know results haven’t been what we wanted.
      Read More on The Sun
      “As a group, we know what we’re about and we will fight through this tough period.
      “A full house at Wembley against Germany will be great World Cup preparation.” More