World Cup 2022

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      Fans all saying the same thing after grim World Cup food is revealed as cheap pastry during awful stadium test event

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      WITH the World Cup just TWO months away, fans heading to Qatar are eagerly anticipating what food they will be able to tuck into inside the grounds.And now one of the stomach-turning options on the menu has been revealed.
      The pastry will set supporters back £3.50.
      Water reportedly ran out during a test event at the Lusail Iconic StadiumCredit: AFP
      The stadium is set to hold the World Cup final in DecemberCredit: Getty
      But fans have been left far from impressed by a picture posted to Twitter by account @FootyScran.
      One delicacy reportedly available to buy is a bog-standard pain au chocolate in plastic packaging.
      It’s claimed the measly pastry will set supporters back £3.50.
      And fans have been left fuming by the price of the grim looking looking snack.
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      One joked on social media: “Get 5 of those out co op for a quid.”
      Another said: “£3.50 for a packeted pan au chocolat? Get tf outta here! That’s absolute robbery, an actual freshly made one would be worth that.”
      A third quipped: “£3.50 for a pain au chocolat, you are taking the p*** mate.”
      The dodgy looking World Cup food was revealed during a disastrous test event at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, which is set to host the final on December 18.
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      The stadium welcomed 78,000 fans last Friday to watch the Lusail Super Cup between Saudi side Al Hilal and Egyptian outfit Zamalek.
      But the test event is believed to have been a shambles all round.
      ESPN claim the stadium had run out of water by half-time, with supporters unable to access any inside or outside the ground.
      It was also claimed that fans stuck in huge queues were begging to be let through after getting held up on their way out of the ground.
      But Three Lions supporters will be glad to know alcohol WILL be served in select areas within stadiums and fan zones throughout the course of the tournament.
      England kick off their World Cup campaign on November 21 – the opening day of the tournament.
      Gareth Southgate’s side face Iran in their first match, before clashes against the USA and Wales. More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold will find it ‘difficult’ to start for England in World Cup amid defensive woes, says Ferdinand

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      LIVERPOOL star Trent Alexander-Arnold will find it “difficult” to start for England in the World Cup.That is according to Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, who claims Alexander-Arnold’s recent performances don’t suit Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate’s style.
      Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has committed some defensive errors recentlyCredit: Getty
      Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand claims Trent Alexander-Arnold will struggle to start for EnglandCredit: Getty
      The right-back was at fault for Ajax’s equaliser on Tuesday as he failed to track the run from Steven Berghuis – allowing the forward to provide the assist for Mohammed Kudus’ goal.
      Joel Matip saved the 23-year-old’s blushes with a late header to help the Reds pick up their first three points in the Champions League this season.
      Ferdinand questioned how Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp wants Alexander-Arnold to play.
      That is because the legendary centre-back claims the England international has been neglecting his defensive duties.
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      Ferdinand told BT Sport: “Is Jurgen Klopp saying to him, ‘You’re in this team to create chances?’ Is he treating him like he’s a No10 in this team from right-back?
      “The game in the right-back position has changed so much. The likes of [Joao] Cancelo and Reece James are dictating games and getting more touches than anyone.
      “Is he telling him, ‘The guys behind you, they’re responsible for defensive situations, and you go out there and play off the cuff without the noose around your neck to be responsible defensively’?
      “I think it will be difficult for Trent to start for England, with the way Gareth has set his team up in recent months.
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      “Jurgen Klopp is not looking at his weakest attributes.
      “He is saying, ‘What are his best attributes and how can I get him out there producing the best parts of his game and amplify the positives?'”
      Southgate is in no way short of options at right-back with the likes of Chelsea’s James, Manchester City’s Kyle Walker and Newcastle Kieran Trippier at his disposal for the winter’s World Cup. More

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      Erik ten Hag backs Man Utd ace Marcus Rashford to come out of international wilderness and star at Qatar World Cup

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      ERIK TEN HAG insists Marcus Rashford can be a star at the World Cup despite being in the international wilderness for 14 months.Gareth Southgate names his England squad today for Nations League games in Italy a week tomorrow and at home to Germany three days later.
      Erik ten Hag insists Marcus Rashford can be a star at the World CupCredit: PA
      Marcus Rashford has been in the international wilderness for 14 monthsCredit: Getty
      Rashford’s recent resurgence under Manchester United boss Ten Hag put him in line for a recall for the first time since last summer’s Euros.
      The 24-year-old’s recent winner against Liverpool and brace against Arsenal had Ten Hag purring about the forward’s ability.
      And while a muscle injury now has him sidelined, Ten Hag says Southgate should still have faith in what he can produce in Qatar.
      The Dutchman said: “That’s quite obvious and quite clear, yes.
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      “He played really good seasons in the past and I think in this season he has had a great comeback and showed his great potential and quality.
      “He has a muscle injury but it’s not really bad and we expect him quite soon to be back in the team.”
      Rashford’s last action in his 46th appearance for England saw him miss a penalty in the Euro finals shootout against Italy.
      He fell out of favour with Southgate as his form slumped with the rest of the United team during last season’s awful campaign that saw the Red Devils finish with their lowest ever Premier League points total.
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      Southgate has also been frustrated at the number of times Rashford pulled out of squads due to injury over the last two years.
      He will need to put in a real run of form for the Red Devils before Southgate names his final World Cup party in the second week of November.
      While Rashford was left at home for United’s Europa League game at Moldova’s FC Sheriff this evening, Jadon Sancho made the trip, with his place at this winter’s World Cup also hanging in the balance.
      His last England cap, his 23rd, came in the World Cup qualifier against Andorra last October.
      Sancho had a poor first season with United but, like Rashford, has had a resurgence over United’s four-game winning Prem run, scoring in the victory over Liverpool and the only goal of the game at Leicester.
      Southgate will be sticking with Harry Maguire, despite him losing his first-team place for United, although he returns for this tie.
      Maguire is likely to lead the team in their second Europa League group game, with the heat on to win having lost the first against Real Sociedad 1-0 at home last week.
      Ten Hag said: “The pressure is always on us to win every game. It’s clear when you lose your first game in a group you have to win your second.”
      Gareth Southgate will be sticking with Harry Maguire, despite him losing his first-team place for UnitedCredit: Getty More

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      Ivan Toney and Eric Dier set for England call-ups but it could be heartbreak for Tammy Abraham

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE will deliver potential World Cup heartbreak on Thursday.The England manager names his Nations League squad to face Italy and Germany tomorrow.
      Dier is set to return to the England set-up after two years awayCredit: Getty
      Toney is expected to be called up to the England squad for the very first timeCredit: PA
      And a number of stars are sweating in the knowledge missing out will virtually end their chances of featuring in Qatar.
      Tyrone Mings, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford hope for recalls after being overlooked from previous squads.
      But Rashford — who last played for the Three Lions when he missed a shootout penalty in the Euros final — has  been struggling with a knock.
      Brentford striker Ivan Toney is set for a first call-up and that could be bad news for Roma hitman Tammy Abraham.
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      Tottenham’s Eric Dier looks likely to make his return having been frozen out for two years.
      Despite struggling for Manchester United, Harry Maguire will remain in the squad as Southgate still rates him his best central defender.
      Out-of-form right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold could benefit from   rival Kyle Walker’s injury worry.
      Jordan Pickford and Jordan Henderson are crocked while Luke Shaw  is nursing a foot problem.
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      England go to Italy a week on Friday and host Germany three days later in their final match before Qatar.
      Southgate names his 26-man World Cup squad on November 9 or 10 with their opener against Iran on November 21.
      They then face USA on November 25, before their final group stage match against Wales on November 29.
      Abraham looks set to miss out on the England squadCredit: Getty More

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      Seven countries that have been banned from playing in the Fifa World Cup in past amid Ecuador passport scandal

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      IT takes some doing to be BANNED from playing in the Fifa World Cup – but a few have managed it and Ecuador could become the latest.The South American nation sealed a spot at the 2022 tournament in Qatar after finishing fourth in their World Cup qualifying group.
      The World Cup starts in November but Ecuador might be blocked from competingCredit: Reuters
      Ecuador’s Byron Castillo is embroiled in fake passport allegations, putting his country’s World Cup spot in doubtCredit: AFP
      But a complaint was made to Fifa against Ecuador by the Chilean FA in April.
      Chile have claimed Bryon Castillo used a fake birth certificate and was an illegal immigrant.
      Castillo has ten caps for Ecuador and helped them reach the finals.
      The Chilean FA stated Castillo was, in fact, born in Colombia in 1995 instead of Ecuador in 1998.
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      A report by the Daily Mail also claims the confession to a false birth certificate was made in an official investigation and was COVERED UP by the Ecuador Football Federation.
      And as a result, Ecuador face being booted out of the World Cup, which starts in November.
      An official decision on the matter is expected on Thursday.
      Chile are hopeful they will be able to take Ecuador’s place in Qatar.
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      With an early World Cup exit on the cards for Ecuador, SunSport looks back at the seven other countries that have managed to be banned from football’s most prestigious tournament.
      Germany & Japan – 1950 World Cup
      Wars have consequences.
      The 1942 and 1946 World Cups were cancelled due to World War II, but the tournament returned in 1950.
      However, Germany and Japan were not allowed to be involved due to their role in the six-year global conflict.
      South Americans Uruguay went on to win the tournament, beating Brazil 2-1 in their own back yard.
      Sweden finished third and Spain fourth.
      Uruguayan forward Juan Alberto Schiaffino scoring in the 1950 finalCredit: AFP
      South Africa – 1961-1992
      South Africa introduced its first racist policy in sport in 1956.
      Leagues had been divided by race, and black-owned football clubs were officially not recognised as equal members to white-owned clubs, according to South African History Online.
      And in 1961, during apartheid, South Africa were expelled from Fifa.
      They were reinstated in 1963, but expelled again after proposing to send an all-white national team to play in the England 1966 World Cup and a Black national team to play in the Mexico 1970 World Cup.
      South Africa were reinstated in 1992, a move motivated by the government’s release of all political prisoners and the open negotiation process of all political parties in the country.
      Fifa would later hand South Africa the 2010 World Cup – becoming the first African country to host the tournament.
      Mexico – 1990 World Cup
      A two-year ban saw Mexico miss out on Italia 90.
      Mexico were banned by Fifa after fielding four players that were above the age limit in the qualifying round of the world junior tournament.
      West Germany went on to win the tournament, beating Argentina in the final.
      Host nation Italy finished third, followed by England in fourth.
      West Germany went on to win the 1990 World Cup… a tournament Mexico were banned fromCredit: Getty
      Chile – 1994 World Cup
      Chile goalkeeper Roberto Rojas pretended to be hurt by a flare thrown by a fan during a clash with Brazil in 1989.
      But it was Rojas who hurt himself, using a hidden blade in his glove.
      As a result, Fifa banned Chile from the 1994 tournament and Rojas was banned for life.
      The World Cup held in the States went on to be won by Brazil, who beat Italy in the final.
      Brazilian forward Romario kisses the FIFA World Cup trophy after 1994 winCredit: AFP
      Myanmar – 2006 World Cup
      Myanmar pulled out of a 2002 World Cup qualifying match that was scheduled to be played in Iran.
      Fifa fined Myanmar £20,000 and banned them from competing in the 2006 edition of the tournament held in Germany.
      Italy went on to claim their fourth world crown, beating France on penalties in a game which saw Zinedine Zidane sent off for a headbutt on Marco Materazzi.
      Zidane’s iconic headbutt came in the 2006 World Cup finalCredit: AFP – Getty
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      Russia – 2022 World Cup
      Russia were globally condemned, for the most part, following their invasion of neighbouring Ukraine earlier this year.
      Fifa decided Russia would be banned from participating in the Qatar World Cup and booted them out of the play-offs, where they were due to face Poland.
      Poland went on to win their play-off route to reach the finals after beating Sweden 2-0.
      Russia were booted out of the World Cup play-offs this year following Putin’s invasion of UkraineCredit: Getty More

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      Fulham starlet Luke Harris could make shock Wales call-up for World Cup squad aged just 17 despite having NO caps

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      LUKE HARRIS could make a shock late run to the World Cup finals with Wales.Fulham’s uncapped 17-year-old attacker has been called up in the Dragons’ 28-man squad for next week’s Nations League ties against Belgium and Poland.
      Fulham ace Luke Harris has been called up by Wales for the Nations LeagueCredit: Getty
      Fulham starlet Luke Harris is in line for a shock World Cup call-upCredit: Getty
      Despite the shock inclusion, Wales boss Robert Page has refused to rule Harris out of contention for the final 26-man squad he will take to Qatar in November.
      Page said: “I never say never – absolutely. I have pretty much got the squad in mind, of course. But the door is never closed.
      “If someone is doing really well and I think it’s going to benefit us, then he will be considered.”
      Harris’ shock call-up will evoke memories of Theo Walcott, who was 17 when he was a shock pick for England’s 2006 World Cup squad under Sven Goran Eriksson.
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      Page also sprang a surprise last summer when he named rookie Rubin Colwill in his Euro 2020 squad after just six first-team games for Cardiff.
      Highly-rated Harris played for Fulham in their EFL Cup 2-0 defeat to Crawley and has been on the bench for Premier League matches under Marco Silva.
      Page added: “He has been in the system now for a few years. He’s a talent and an exciting prospect. He’s at a club who have recognised that potential in their pre-season and have fast-tracked him through.
      “He’s got some ability, he’s doing really well at his club and he scores goals. I like that he’s an attack-minded player, but he also has an eye for goal.
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      “When you have someone scoring goals – including regular hat-tricks – then it makes him an exciting prospect and one I can’t wait to get involved with the other boys.
      “When you have someone with that talent – albeit that he’s just turned 17 years old – then I am not bothered about his age.
      “I have shown that in the past with Rabbi [Matondo], Joe Rodon and DJ [Dan James] and others I have worked with at U21 level and the younger age groups. If I think they are good enough, they will come in and be part of the environment.
      “For these two games, I think it’s a great opportunity for him to come in and get a taste of it, to experience it, and for us to have a look at him. I’ve spoken to the coaches who have worked with him and he’s absolutely ready for it.”
      Fulham team-mate Harry Wilson misses out after only returning to light training this week following a knee injury while Nice midfielder Aaron Ramsey is also out with a hamstring injury. More

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      England fans could have incredible day of live sport with Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury AND crunch World Cup clash

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      ENGLAND fans could be treated to an incredible Saturday of live sport with Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury AND a crunch World Cup match.Joshua has accepted Fury’s challenge to step into the ring for a ‘Battle of Britain’ heavyweight showdown.
      Anthony Joshua is on course to fight Tyson Fury on December 3Credit: AP
      England could be in World Cup action on the same dayCredit: Getty
      Fury offered AJ November 26 or December 3 to fight at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
      And the Watford star confirmed he agreed to a 60-40 purse split to step into the ring on December 3.
      With the bout taking place in the UK, the first bell will likely ring between 10pm and 11pm.
      That could be just a few hours after England have booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
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      The Three Lions’ three group games are on November 21, 25 and 29.
      And should they finish second in Group B behind Wales, United States or Iran, Gareth Southgate’s side will play the winner of Group A at 3pm UK time on December 3.
      That match will be the first knockout match of the tournament with the winners of Group C taking on the runners-up in Group D at 7pm.
      If England play in that 3pm match after finishing second, they would probably go up against the Netherlands.
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      The Dutch are the biggest hitters alongside host Qatar, Senegal and Ecuador – although the South Americans may be replaced by Chile.
      And the potential match-up against Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake and Tyrell Malacia – as well as PSV’s in-form star Cody Gakpo – would be held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan.
      That is where England begin their campaign against Iran at 1pm on a Monday lunchtime.
      However, any Three Lions player desperate to sit down and watch the AJ vs Fury fight from the comfort of their hotel room knows securing top spot in Group B will guarantee that.
      Should England progress as group winners, their last-16 tie will be at 7pm (or 10pm in Qatar) on Sunday, December 4 against the runners-up from Group A.
      Hopefully Gareth will let them stay up and watch the fight though…
      Fury plans to make his return from boxing at the Principality StadiumCredit: AFP
      England could face Virgil van Dijk’s Netherlands in the last 16 of the World CupCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup and they give him THIS?’ – Portugal’s Qatar 2022 kit ‘leaked’ and fans are horrified

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      FANS HAVE been left horrified after it emerged that Cristiano Ronaldo will be wearing a “cheap pyjama top” in what is expected to be his final World Cup.The Manchester United ace and Portugal captain, 37, expects the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to be his last.
      Portugal’s World Cup kit has been slammed by fansCredit: Footy Headlines
      Ronaldo will have to wear the ‘diabolical’ kit in what is expected to be his final World Cup appearanceCredit: Footy Headlines
      Portugal’s kit is predominantly red, combined with green in a diagonal designCredit: Footy Headlines
      And he’ll be hoping to add the one trophy which has alluded his already glittering career.
      But he’ll have to drag Portugal to World Cup glory in a kit that has been described by fans as “diabolical” and a “cheap pyjama top”.
      According to Footy Headlines, Portugal’s kit is predominantly red, combined with green in a diagonal design.
      And just like the kit Portugal wore at Euro 2020, green shorts will accompany the top.
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      The kit is expected to launch this month.
      But Portugal’s new stripes haven’t gone down well with fans, who have been left horrified by the design and feeling sorry for star man Ronaldo.
      As stylish and good looking as Ronaldo is, fans are convinced even he couldn’t save the kit by wearing it.
      One fan said: “Even Cristiano Ronaldo can’t pull of this fit, what’s this?”
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      Another tweeted: “CR7 last World Cup and they come out with this s**t.”
      Ronaldo is already having a tough time at Man Utd, where he is manning the bench, but this kit makes things worse, others are saying.
      A sympathetic Arsenal fan said: “It keeps getting worse for Ronaldo. This is horrendous.”
      Portugal aren’t the only nation to receive a backlash over their new home stripes.
      England’s home kit has been slammed and fans are calling for the away shirt to be worn instead.
      The home shirt features a navy blue to light blue gradient design on the sleeves.
      Its trim will likely spark fans’ memories of England kits during the second half of the 1990s.
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      The away shirt, meanwhile, features a collar reminiscent of that used by Umbro in England’s 1992 away shirt.
      It is an otherwise minimalistic red shirt featuring the Nike swoosh and of course the Three Lions. More