World Cup 2022

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City star Kalvin Phillips set to pull out of England squad and could miss World Cup as shoulder injury returns

      by

      KALVIN PHILLIPS’ World Cup dreams are in the balance after a recurrence of his shoulder problem.Phillips was left out of the Manchester City squad for Saturday’s comfortable 3-0 win at Wolves and is set to pull out of Gareth Southgate’s 28-man party for the forthcoming Nations League matches.
      Phillips is set to pull out of the England squad and is now a doubt for the World CupCredit: Getty
      And if the chronic injury requires surgery, the Euro 2020 hero will face a race against time to be fit to go to Qatar in November.
      Phillips has played just 13 minutes of competitive football for City since moving to the Etihad from Leeds for £45million in the summer.
      He and Declan Rice formed a midfield partnership that was key to England’s success at the Euros last year.
      Southgate’s options in that department were already limited and losing Phillips for the World Cup would be a huge blow.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Three Lions boss is set to name his squad for Qatar in less than a month and there must now be serious doubt about his availability.
      The setback for Phillips was the only bad news for City in their victory over 10-man Wolves.
      Jack Grealish opened the scoring after 55 seconds and Erling Haaland made it 2-0 in the 16th minute to continue his incredible start to life at City.
      The Norwegian now has 14 goals in 10 appearances, and 11 in seven in the Premier League.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Life was made even easier for City when Nathan Collins was sent off for an X-rated foul on Grealish in the 33rd minute.
      Wolves played better with 10 men than 11, but Phil Foden grabbed a third goal as City went top of the Premier League.
      Boss Pep Guardiola said: “To play at this time after a Champions League game is so dangerous.
      “The game started really well for us with the two goals and the red card.
      “To come here at 12:30 with the quality they have, they can keep the ball and transitions are fast, it was an incredible victory.
      “We struggled a lot after half-time until Phil’s goal so a lot of credit to Wolves.”
      Both Guardiola and Wolves boss Bruno Lage said they thought that Collins’ foul was unintentional.
      Lage said: “I don’t believe Collins wanted to do that. He tried to play the ball.
      “It can be a yellow card or a red. I saw a similar situation in the Aston Villa against Southampton game and it was just a foul.
      “It depends on the referee, but I have nothing to say against [the red card].”
      Wolves captain Ruben Neves said: “We had a plan for the game. We worked all week on the plan then in the first minute we conceded.
      “It’s hard to play against Manchester City and it’s even harder when you start the game losing 1-0. They’re the best team in the world with the ball. When they’re winning they control the game really well.
      Read More on The Sun
      “The red card took us down a little bit.
      “We did a great second half. We were controlling the game – even with 10 men – before their third goal. Our plan was to do that from the beginning.” More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Distraught Dortmund star Marco Reus, 33, stretchered off in tears as he looks set to suffer Germany World Cup heartbreak

      by

      TEARFUL Marco Reus is sweating on his World Cup place after being carried off for Dortmund on Saturday.The Germany attacking midfielder looked in agony and then devastated after hurting his leg half an hour into a 1-0 Bundesliga win over Schalke.
      Dortmund team-mates were quickly over to check on crocked Marco ReusCredit: AP
      Dortmund’s attacking midfielder Marco Reus was carried off in the first halfCredit: Rex
      Reus, 33, admitted his “dream had been burst” when he missed Germany’s World Cup 2014 glory through injury.
      And it seemed his mind went back to Brazil as he was taken off on a stretcher this weekend – two months before the finals in Qatar
      Team-mates consoled the former Borussia Monchengladbach hero as he clutched his shin.
      Reus sat out the finals eight years ago with an ankle injury.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      The 48-cap star said at the time: “For me, a dream has burst.
      “The first few days were extremely hard. Luckily I had my family and friends around me.”
      He raised eyebrows last month when by naming Mario Gotze as his top Dortmund team-mate ever – ahead of names like Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski and Jadon Sancho.
      Gotze was a playing substitute in Germany’s 1-0 final win over Argentina in 2014.
      Reus, who joined Dortmund a decade ago, told OMR: “When I came to Dortmund back then, Mario Gotze was the exceptional talent.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “It was incredible back then. It was amazing and everyone I spoke to raved about him.”
      Reus added: “We had an incredible number of good players at Dortmund.
      “Jadon Sancho was and is also an incredibly good player because, combined with his dribbling, he has great timing with his passes.”
      Crocked Reus was replaced by Giovanni Reyna after 32 minutes against Schalke – with Youssoufa Moukoko heading a late winner.
      Earlier on Marco Reus had teased the Schalke defenceCredit: Rex
      Marco Reus’ pain was clear to see as he had to be taken off on a stretcher in the first half of Dortmund’s home Bundesliga win over SchalkeCredit: Rex More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I’d fight them even if they had guns’ – Dusan Tadic opens up on fighting off robbers who stuck tracker on his car

      by

      SERBIAN star Dusan Tadic has spoken out on his terrifying encounter with violent robbers who targeted him after tracking his car.The 33-year-old Ajax playmaker was attacked by crooks on July 28 after driving home from a night out.
      Dusan Tadic has spoken out on the night he was attacked by armed robbers in JulyCredit: Getty
      Tadic played just days after the attack, wearing plasters on his fingersCredit: Getty
      At the time Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claimed Tadic was involved in a physical altercation with the assailants.
      And now the former Southampton ace has opened up on the horrifying ordeal to the same outlet.
      He claims the robbers put a tracker on his car while he was out for dinner with a friend, before following him home and attacking him.
      Tadic said: “I was having dinner with a friend. They placed a ‘tracker’ underneath my car so they could follow me.
      Read More World Cup News
      “When I arrived home, two men tried to attack me. I then took a 400 meter sprint. I was wearing a suit and formal shoes and I was still faster than them.
      “But then they got on their scooter and they managed to catch up with me. After that a fight broke out.
      “I handed out a few punches. I moved left and right in order to separate the two which made me able to give a couple punches to their leader.”
      Tadic said one of the crooks “grabbed” his throat – but luckily he managed to escape their clutches and run away to safety.
      Most read in Football
      He continued: “The other guy then grabbed me from behind at my throat but he received an elbow strike from me. After that I took another sprint and that’s when I lost them.
      “Afterwards you start to realize that things could have turned out different, but at that moment you are full of adrenaline and you just start fighting.”
      And Tadic vowed he would have fought off the robbers even if they were carrying guns.
      The Ajax star revealed growing up in Serbia, who he is set to represent at this year’s World Cup, had taught him how to fight.
      He added: “Even if I saw that they carried three guns with them, I would never give up my pride.
      “I am born in Serbia and as a child I have been in many fights. I felt good and strong.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Tadic wore plasters on his right hand against PSV in the Johan Cruyff Shield just days after the attack, and he has now confirmed that was due to the fight.
      The ex-Premier League ace also admitted he did not tell his three young children about the terrifying ordeal. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua backed to ‘shatter all PPV records’ and overshadow any ‘World Cup glory’ for England

      by

      TYSON FURY and Anthony Joshua have been backed to “shatter all pay-per-view records” and overshadow any “World Cup glory” in the process. The heavyweight pair are in the closing stages of tying up a shock deal to fight on December 3 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
      Anthony Joshua has been sent a contract to fight Tyson FuryCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are lined up to fight on December 3Credit: PA
      England could play on the day of Tyson Fury’s fight with Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty
      Promoter Frank Warren, who has sent a contract to AJ, believes it will sell 2million PPVs, breaking the UK record currently set at 1.5m.
      And depending on how England fare in their World Cup group stage, they could play on the same weekend as the proposed Battle of Britain.
      Warren told the Daily Star: “For years we’ve wanted this to happen and we were close before but now seems to be the time it will finally happen.
      “What a treat for British fight fans that it will take place on these shores, too.
      READ MORE ON AJ VS FURY
      “They deserve it for supporting Tyson – and Joshua for that matter – for years and we hope once it is all signed and sealed as many as possible can get their hands on tickets.
      “It will shatter all pay-per-view records and will be one of the sporting occasions of the year.
      “That’s saying something considering England will also be out in Qatar at the same time going for World Cup glory.
      “But we believe this fight will be just as big as that and the whole of the UK will stop to watch it.
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “In fact, I think it will capture the imagination of the world too.”
      England kick off their World Cup campaign on November 21 in an opening day match against Iran.
      If Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions finish as runners-up in their group, they will play at 3pm UK time, just hours before Fury and AJ’s ringwalk.
      But if England top the table, they will play a day later, creating an almighty sporting weekend for fans.
      Joshua, 32, looked set for a comeback trail following back-to-back losses to Olekandr Usyk, 35, most recently in Saudi Arabia last month.

      🥊 When will Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua take place? All you need to know on blockbuster bout
      And Usyk ruled himself out of action until next year after returning to his war-torn home of Ukraine after months away in training.
      That meant hope of Fury, 34, unifying the titles were put on ice and ultimately led to AJ being handed a shock WBC title shot.
      Joshua has since conceded terms to a 60/40 split, and Warren claimed paperwork has now been sent his way.
      He said: “The contracts have been sent to Anthony Joshua’s team. They will have arrived on Friday morning.
      “Now we wait for them to go through them and sign so we can get one of British boxing’s biggest events on.
      “Since the passing of the Queen, Tyson has been respectful and kept his counsel while we work on the deal behind the scenes.
      Read More on The Sun
      “The next step was sending over the contracts which we promised Joshua would arrive soon.
      “I don’t anticipate there will be any problems. We all want this fight to happen.”
      Tyson Fury with his promoter Frank WarrenCredit: PA More

    • 263 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘For once in my life, I had nothing to say’ – Ecstatic Brentford ace Ivan Toney reacts to sensational England call-up

      by

      IVAN TONEY has admitted he was left speechless after receiving his first England call-up.The Brentford striker has been included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the upcoming Nations League games against Italy and Germany.
      Ivan Toney has scored five goals in six Premier League games this seasomCredit: Getty
      And Toney, 26, has revealed he had “nothing to say” after being told he had been called up to the national team.
      The striker is known for his humour, and has mocked both Arsenal and Everton on social media in the last year.
      But after discovering he was in the England squad, Toney hilariously told Brentford’s Twitter: “I got the call, and I didn’t know what to do.
      “For once in my life, I had nothing to say!”
      Read More On England
      Toney is the first Brentford player to be called up for Three Lions duty since 1939.
      But boss Southgate wasn’t the one who delivered the news to the ex-Peterborough forward.
      Instead he let Bees gaffer Thomas Frank inform the striker he was in the squad – with Frank hailing Southgate for showing “how great a man he is”.
      Speaking on Toney’s call-up, a delighted Frank said: “I’m very, very pleased, but I don’t think I can beat the happiness of Ivan.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “But there’s a nice little touch to the story, I would say, and that’s that Gareth Southgate just showed how great a man he is.
      “He texted me earlier in the morning and said ‘Thomas, you can deliver the news to Ivan’.
      “It’s not often that we as head coaches or managers can bring the good news.”
      Frank confirmed Toney’s admission – revealing that the striker was lost for words after being told he was in Southgate’s squad.
      The Bees boss added: “It’s not often Ivan is speechless, but he was laughing and just very happy. And I think that’s a wonderful story.
      “He’s a very confident guy and the journey has definitely not been straightforward for him. I know he dreamt about being an England international since he was a kid.”
      Gareth Southgate let Brentford manager Thomas Frank deliver the good newsCredit: PA
      Toney praised Southgate for giving him the honour of informing ToneyCredit: Reuters More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Ecuador to play in World Cup opening game as Fifa REJECT Chile appeal over ‘fake passport and Byron Castillo scandal’

      by

      ECUADOR have kept their place in the World Cup Finals – after a Fifa panel ruled defender Byron Castillo WAS eligible to play for the country.South American rivals Chile had claimed Castillo was not a legitimate player because he was actually born in Colombia and is three years older than his documents suggest.
      Chile claimed Ecuador ace Byron Castillo was ineligible for the World Cup qualifiersCredit: Getty
      FIFA ruled in favour of Ecuador, who are expected to play in the World CupCredit: AP
      The initial case ended in a victory for Castillo and Ecuador in June but a formal appeal was launched as Chile insisted they had “compelling evidence” of their case.
      Chile demanded Ecuador forfeit all eight qualification games in which Castillo had featured with a 3-0 defeat, which would have seen them jump from seventh to fourth in the 10-team table and take the last automatic South American qualification place.
      That would have meant Chile replaced Ecuador alongside Qatar, Netherlands and Senegal in Group A and been potential last 16 opponents for England or Wales.
      Chile’s case was bolstered as it emerged Castillo had made admissions about his birthplace and age in an interview with Ecuadorean officials in 2018.
      Read More on Football
      Castillo declined to attend, either in person or virtually, for the hearing by Fifa’s Appeal Committee in Zurich on Thursday.
      But less than 20 hours after the hearing was ended, Fifa announced the verdict which gives Ecuador the Qatar 2022 green light.
      Fifa said: “Having analysed the submissions of all parties and after a hearing had been conducted, the Appeal Committee confirmed the decision of the Disciplinary Committee to close the proceedings initiated against the Ecuadorean Football Association. 
      “Amongst other considerations, it deemed that on the basis of the documents presented, the player was to be considered as holding permanent Ecuadorian nationality in accordance with Fifa Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes.”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      The statement confirmed Fifa had informed the Ecadorean, Chilean and Peruvian FAs – who had joined Chile in appealing the initial decision – while world chiefs anticipated a further appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
      But with barely two months to the opening game of the World Cup – which will be Qatar versus Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium north of Doha – it seems unlikely that the appeal verdict will be overturned.
      According to Sky, though, Chile have confirmed they’ll go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
      A statement read: “The weight of evidence is clear & we urge the (FIFA) Appeal Committee to deliver the grounds of the decision very quickly because there were enough unjustifiable delays” More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Patrice Evra says he REGRETS playing for France and would have chosen Senegal if he could go back

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Patrice Evra has revealed he wanted to play for Senegal instead of France. In a visit to Ghana where he met President Nana Akufo-Addo, Evra revealed he REGRETTED playing for France.
      Patrice Evra earned 84 caps for France but regrets playing for themCredit: EPA
      Evra was in attendance at the F1 Italian Grand Prix last weekendCredit: EPA
      He told Sports Brief: “If I could go back, I would choose to represent my home country, Senegal, instead of France.
      “I was born in Dakar but grew up in France.
      “One of the painful lessons I learnt with this choice is when you play good and win, you are celebrated as a French; when the team lose, you are singled out as Senegalese.”
      Many members of the French national team have African origins, due to post-World War Two labour policies which saw an influx of workers from French colonies to ease a labour crisis.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      An astonishing 87% of the French 2018 World Cup winning team was made up of players who had roots based in African countries.
      While Evra was not involved in that successful campaign, he was a player who fit this category, and he has championed player choice for who they represent at the international stage in the modern day.
      He said: “We need to let this young generation know that they can still succeed playing for their original countries.”
      Many players in England’s own set-up share dual nationality with other countries, with the likes of Michail Antonio and Wilfried Zaha ultimately choosing to represent Jamaica and the Ivory coast respectively.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Now 41 years old, Evra was one of the world’s best left-backs during his playing career and won a whole host of accolades at club level with the likes of Man Utd and Juventus.
      However, despite making the 2016 European Championships final, Evra was not able to replicate this with France. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Southgate fears England’s World Cup plans have been hit by players’ lack of Premier League game time

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE is worried England’s World Cup plans have been hit by his players’ lack of Premier League game-time.The Three Lions boss admits it is “not ideal” that Ben Chilwell, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips have struggled to feature this season.
      Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are both struggling to get minutes for Manchester UnitedCredit: EPA
      Gareth Southgate is concerned by the lack of action for some of his playersCredit: PA
      A 28-man squad has been picked for the final two World Cup rehearsals against Italy and Germany — with Brentford striker Ivan Toney getting a first call-up.
      Southgate said: “Clearly, we have a number of players who are not playing a lot of minutes with their club.
      “It is not ideal but we feel they have been, and can be, important for us.
      “It is not a perfect situation but there is still a lot of football before Qatar.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL

      England play Nations League games against Italy in Milan next Friday and at home to Germany three days later before their World Cup finals opener against Iran in Qatar on November 21.
      Shaw, although struggling with a foot problem, has made just two starts for Manchester United this campaign.
      New Manchester City arrival Phillips, who has had a shoulder issue, has been restricted to three substitute appearances.
      Chilwell has started just twice and made four sub appearances for Chelsea.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      While Manchester United captain Maguire has only started two Prem games.
      He was a 90th-minute sub for last night’s Europa League win against Sheriff Tiraspol.
      If Toney, 26, makes his England debut next week, Brentford will have to pay previous club Peterborough a £1million bonus — taking the striker’s overall fee to £8m.
      Southgate said: “We have been tracking him for a long time.
      Ben Chilwell has made an impact when given the nod over Marc Cucurella for ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Ivan Toney got his first England call-up following his fine start to the seasonCredit: Reuters
      “His form and his qualities — not only his goalscoring but his technical ability, build-up play and aerial prowess — gives us a different threat.”
      Spurs defender Eric Dier is back and Marcus Rashford, who misses out this time through injury, could still make it to Qatar.

      FULL ENGLAND SQUAD
      Goalkeepers
      Dean Henderson, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
      Defenders
      Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Eric Dier, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
      Midfielders
      Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
      Forwards
      Tammy Abraham, Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Ivan Toney More