World Cup 2022

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      Sweden vs Czech Republic: Live stream, TV channel, team news, kick-off time – World Cup 2022 play-off build-up

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      SWEDEN are looking to put their poor form behind them as they take on Czech Republic in a World Cup playoff semi-final.The Swedes lost back-to-back group games against Georgia and Spain as they threw away top spot in qualifying Group A
      The veteran Zlatan Ibrahimović is expected start up front along side Alexander Isak.Credit: EPA
      Czech Republic were pretty mediocre in qualifying as they finished third in their group behind Belgium and Wales.
      But they made it to the play-off by virtue of topping a Nations League group also containing Scotland, Israel and Slovakia.
      The winner of this match will visit Poland in the play-off final.
      The Poles received an automatic final berth after their opponents Russia were kicked out of the World Cup following the invasion of Ukraine.
      What time does Sweden vs Czech Republic kick off?

      Sweden vs Czech Republic on Thursday, March 24 – TODAY.
      The match kicks off at 7:45pm in the UK.
      It takes place at the Friends Arena in Sweden.
      When the sides last met they played out a 1-1 draw in a friendly in 2016.

      What TV channel is Sweden vs Czech Republic on and can I live stream it?

      Sweden vs Czech Republic is live on Sky Sports
      Coverage commences at 7.40pm – 5 minutes before kick off.
      To stream the game live, head to Sky Go or Now TV.

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      Team news
      Sweden
      40 year old Zlatan Ibrahimovic is fit and raring to go ahead of what will surely be his last World Cup if Sweden were to qualify.
      Alexander Isaak hasn’t been in his best form this season with just eight goals in 33 apps, but the young Swede is still being linked heavily to Arsenal.
      Captain Victor Lindelof is fit and is expected to start despite all the noise surrounding the Manchester United camp.
      Czech Republic
      Czech Republic are without Patrik Schick after the Bayer Leverkusen forward failed to recover from injury in time for Thursday’s fixture.
      There is no rest for Czech captain Tomas Soucek after his header helped West Ham through to the Europa League quarter-finals last week.
      But fellow West Ham team mate Vladimir Coufal is out injured, after he had surgery on a groin injury back in February.
      Latest odds
      Sweden Evens
      Draw 21/10
      Czech Republic 3/1
      (Odds via Betfair) More

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      Portugal vs Turkey: Live stream, TV channel, team news, kick-off time – World Cup 2022 play-off build-up

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      PORTUGAL have given themselves a mountain to climb to book their place at the World Cup.They take on Turkey at home and will follow that up with a potential final against European champions Italy if they win.
      Cristiano Ronaldo will have to get through the play-off if he wants to reach what is likely to be his final World CupCredit: Getty
      Turkey will be looking to spring a surprise against PortugalCredit: PA
      Cristiano Ronaldo and co were expected to win their qualifying group comfortably, but came unstuck in their final match against Serbia.
      A last minute header from Aleksandar Mitrovic in Lisbon saw the Serbs progress to Qatar and the Portuguese sent to the play-offs.
      Opponents Turkey finished second to Netherlands in their group but managed to pip Erling Haaland and Norway to the runners up spot and a play-off place.
      What time does Portugal vs Turkey kick off?

      Portugal take on Turkey on Thursday, March 24.
      The match kicks off at 7.45pm in the UK and Portugal – 10.45pm in Turkey.
      It takes place at the Estadio do Dragao, Porto.
      The sides last met in 2012, when Turkey picked up a shock 3-1 in a friendly in Lisbon.

      What TV channel is Portugal vs Turkey on and can I live stream it?

      Portugal vs Turkey is live on Sky Sports Premier League.
      Coverage commences at 7.40pm – five minutes before kick-off.
      To stream the game live, head to Sky Go or Now TV.

      Team news
      Portugal
      Portugal have been hit with a mega blow as their two first choice centre-backs are out of this one.
      Man City’s Ruben Dias is injured, with Sporting’s Goncalo Inicio called up in his place.
      And Pepe has been ruled out after testing positive with Covid, meaning Lille’s Tiago Djalo has been called up instead.
      That means veteran former Southampton and West Ham star Jose Fonte is almost certain to start, with the second starting berth in central defence up for grabs.
      But there is no doubt Pepe will be a huge miss, as he also missed out the 2-1 defeat to Serbia through suspension.
      Fernando Santos has also kept the faith with Rui Patricio despite an error against the Serbs.
      Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa was initially overlooked by Santos for this game despite a fantastic season at Molineux.
      But he has now been added to the squad following an injury to Lyon’s Anthony Lopes.
      Portugal squad
      Goalkeepers: Jose Sa (Wolves), Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Patrício (Roma)
      Defenders: Cédric Soares (Arsenal), João Cancelo (Manchester City), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting), José Fonte (Lille), Tiago Djalo (Lille), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)
      Midfielders: Danilo Pereira (PSG), Matheus Nunes (Sporting), William Carvalho (Real Betis), Rúben Neves (Wolves), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), João Moutinho (Wolves), Otávio Monteiro (Porto), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
      Forwards: João Félix (Atlético Madrid), André Silva (RB Leipzig), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Gonçalo Guedes (Valencia), Rafael Leão (AC Milan)
      Turkey
      Turkey manager Stefan Kuntz has no new injury or suspension worries for this game.
      Veteran Burak Yilmaz is expected to lead the line at the age of 36.
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      Latest odds
      To win in 90 minutes
      Portugal 1/3
      Draw 4/1
      Turkey 15/2
      To qualify for the play-off final
      Portugal 1/8
      Turkey 5/1
      *Odds from Betfair correct as of Sunday, March 20
      What they said
      Portugal manager Fernando Santos: “This is one of the most important moments since I became Portugal coach.
      “We will be playing for Portugal, the stadium has been sold out for a month, we know the whole country is behind us.
      “The focus is total to win and get to the World Cup.”
      Turkey manager Stefan Kuntz: “We have a good defence and good midfield. As a team, we will have to take the field with courage.
      “We have to believe in ourselves. They have to beat us.
      “If you are riding on a wave. If the wave is there, you have to get on top of it and surf…
      “There are also things you can’t control, so you need a little luck too.
      “However, no matter what, we have to make sure that from the first touch, we have to make them say, ‘This match will not be easy.’
      “When you start the match, you have to play like a child.
      “You want to go out on the field and play football…
      “It’s important to be able to do what’s in your mind and heart against an opponent like Portugal. You should have fun playing.” More

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      Italy vs North Macedonia: Live stream, TV channel, team news, kick-off time – World Cup 2022 play-off build-up

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      EUROPEAN champions risk going from heroes to zeroes in the space of less than nine months.The Azzurri won the Euros against England at Wembley last July, but now face missing out on the World Cup.
      Jorginho missed penalties at home and away to group winners SwitzerlandCredit: Getty
      North Macedonia will look to upset the odds and qualify for their second successive major tournamentCredit: Getty
      A goalless draw against Northern Ireland in Belfast saw the Italians fail to make it to Qatar automatically, despite going through the entire qualifying campaign unbeaten.
      Switzerland were the beneficiaries of that result as they finished top of the group, condemning Roberto Mancini’s side to a play-off at home to North Macedonia.
      And to make matters worse, the play-off draw then handed them a likely away tie against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal if they win this match.
      Italy’s Balkan opponents have come on leaps and bounds as a football power, qualifying for their first ever tournament when they reached Euro 2020.
      And the Italians will be well aware that the North Macedonians beat Germany away in qualifying, so they can’t expect this one to be a formality.
      What time does Italy vs North Macedonia kick off?

      Italy take on North Macedonia on Thursday, March 24.
      The match kicks off at 7.45pm UK time – 8.45pm in Italy and North Macedonia.
      It takes place at the Stadio Renzo Barbera, Palermo.
      The sides last met in 2017 when an equaliser from Aleksandar Trajkovski saw North Macedonia earn a surprise 1-1 draw in World Cup 2018 qualifying in Turin. Italy would go on to miss out on the World Cup.

      What TV channel is Italy vs North Macedonia on and can I live stream it?

      Italy vs North Macedonia is live on Sky Sports Arena.
      Coverage commences at 7.40pm – five minutes before kick-off.
      To stream the game live, head to Sky Go or Now TV.

      Team news
      Italy
      Brazil-born duo Luiz Felipe and Joao Pedro have been called up to the Italy squad for this play-off.
      However, there’s no emotional return for Mario Balotelli, who Roberto Mancini had recalled to his previous squad.
      Centre-back Alessio Romagnoli has also failed to make the cut.
      Italy are also without the star of the Euro 2020 final, Federico Chiesa, who missed out with a knee injury.
      Defender Leonardo Spinazzola has been out since the European Championship with a ruptured achilles tendon and will play no part in this one.
      There are also concerns over the condition of Lorenzo Insigne, Nicolo Barella and captain Giorgio Chiellini and the performances of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
      Manager Roberto Mancini has even confirmed that Chiellini is only likely to play in one of the two World Cup play-off matches, assuming Italy reach the final.
      North Macedonia
      Key midfielders Eljif Elmas and Tihomir Kostadinov are both out for North Macedonia while striker Adis Jahovic is also out.
      Serie A legend Goran Pandev is unavailable after retiring from international football following Euro 2020 last summer.
      That could lead Trajkovski to lead the line as he looks to get one over on Italy again.
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      Latest odds
      To win in 90 minutes
      Italy 2/13
      Draw 13/2
      North Macedonia 15/1
      To qualify
      Italy 1/20
      North Macedonia 9/1
      What they said
      Italy manager Roberto Mancini is in confident mood ahead of the play-off semi-final.
      He said: “I am optimistic because I have players who won Euro 2020 starting from nothing when nobody believed in us.
      “We must think about what we did to have more self-confidence, the team is solid and with quality.
      “Our goal is to win the World Cup. To do it we have to start by winning these two games.
      “We want to go to the World Cup to win it.” More

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      ‘Miracle of Wales’ – Gareth Bale SLAMMED in Spain for declaring himself fit for World Cup playoff after Clasico ‘niggle’

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      GARETH BALE was not fit for Sunday’s El Clasico — but is ready for Wales’ World Cup play-off with Austria on Thursday.The Real Madrid star came under fire in Spain as his return was dubbed ‘The Miracle of Wales’.
      Gareth Bale has declared himself fit for Wales’ World Cup qualifying play-offCredit: Getty
      Another paper had the headline, ‘It doesn’t hurt any more’.
      Bale’s late withdrawal from the 4-0 hammering at the hands of Barcelona due to a mystery ‘niggle’ has left many scratching their heads.
      Reports in Spain yesterday suggested Real president Florentino Perez has even told boss Carlo Ancelotti not to play Bale in the final few weeks of his contract at the Bernabeu.
      But Bale, 32, has refused to be drawn on the exact nature of his injury ahead of a blockbuster play-off semi-final in Cardiff.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}TAKE IT THREE-ASY .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Bale one of THREE Wales stars wrapped in cotton wool for massive play-off
      He said: “I don’t need to clarify. I don’t need to tell anyone what was up — I don’t need to give anyone anything to use against me.
      “But everything is fine now, I have no issues.
      “It’s normal to have niggles now and again but I’ve been training for the last two months.”
      Ex-Tottenham ace Bale has played 77 MINUTES of club football since November, when he won his 100th cap.
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      Bale added: “I’m in better shape than last time, when I’d been out for about three months.
      “So I’m ready to play — and we will give it everything we can.”
      Bale has four Champions League titles, two LaLiga winner’s medals, plus domestic cups, Super Cups and World Club Cups on his CV.
      Yet leading the Dragons to the finals of a World Cup is something he has always dreamed about — and tonight he can take them to the brink in a game he describes as one of the biggest of his career.
      The Welshman was slammed in Spain after being ruled out from El ClasicoCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Bale said: “For sure it will be one of the biggest games I’ve played in.
      “Qualifying for a World Cup is something I want to achieve and the fans, the country. It’s definitely a massive game.
      “I remember loving watching the tournament, Brazilian Ronaldo, Samba football, they were probably my first memories.
      “It’s a dream come true for everyone to play in a World Cup.
      Bale is determined to get Wales into the 2022 World Cup in QatarCredit: Alamy
      “To do it for Wales would be an incredible achievement.
      “I wouldn’t say it would be a regret if I didn’t play in a World Cup as it’s not really in my hands but it’s something I would love to achieve.
      “It’s been a long time. It will only be a regret if we don’t give 100 per cent. Don’t leave anything in the tank.
      “Once you’ve done that there won’t be regrets, regardless of the result.” More

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      in Boxing

      Is Ghana vs Nigeria on TV? Channel, live stream, team news and kick-off time for 2022 World Cup play-off clash

      by

      GHANA and Nigeria are set to clash in a huge two-legged clash which will determine which side will play at the 2022 World Cup. The two giants of African football will be desperate to make it to Qatar at the end of the year.
      Nigeria fans will be hopeful their men can make it to Qatar 2022Credit: AFP
      And having been less than impressive at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, both Nigeria and Ghana will be out to do their nations proud.
      But only one of the two sides can play at football’s biggest tournament in November and December.
      What time does Ghana vs Nigeria kick-off?

      Ghana’s big World Cup play-off clash with Nigeria will get going from 6.30pm UK time on Friday, March 25.
      The game will take place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, in Ashanti, Ghana.

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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’WASN’T OUR DECISION’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}England stars fail to speak out on Qatar as Kane again skirts issue

      There will be a capacity of 40,000 fans in attendance at the clash.

      Is Ghana vs Nigeria on TV?

      Ghana vs Nigeria is not on UK television.
      But fear not, you can watch all the action legally via free streaming service Mola TV.
      You can download the Mola TV app onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Team news
      Ghana’s captain Andre Ayew won’t be available to play as he is under suspension.
      But the Black Stars have no other missing players or injuries to contend with heading into the clash.
      Nigeria have Alex Iwobi suspended, while both Wilfred Ndidi and Maduka Okoya are unavailable.
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      Odds

      Ghana – 13/8
      Draw – 9/5
      Nigeria – 17/10

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It wasn’t our decision’ – England stars fail to speak out on Qatar human rights as Kane again skirts World Cup issue

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE spent over half an hour speaking to England’s squad about the controversy surrounding the World Cup in Qatar.At their first team meeting of 2022 at St George’s Park, the players were briefed about the country’s disgraceful human-rights issues.
      Harry Kane gave an unsatisfactory answer to questions regarding QatarCredit: Reuters
      England stars at working at St George’s Park ahead of their upcoming two friendliesCredit: Getty
      From workers’ rights to the discriminatory policies towards the LGBT community.
      But still we wait for a proper message from the England players.
      Harry Kane touched on the subject on Wednesday, speaking ahead of the Three Lions’ first game of this World Cup year against Switzerland on Saturday.
      Yet there was not much substance in the captain’s words, however well intentioned.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUE BEAUTY .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Chelsea CAN sell tickets for Champions League clash with Madrid and FA Cup semi
      Germany’s players have worn T-shirts expressing their concerns over human rights in Qatar. So have Norway and Holland.
      Kane wants to speak to other international captains, namely Spurs team-mates Hugo Lloris of France and South Korea’s Son Heung-min over the situation.
      And whether or not they can hatch some sort of plan, he could have easily had that conversation in the four months since England’s qualification.
      But will the England players actually do anything? Do not hold your breath.
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      Gareth Southgate has spoken to his playersCredit: Getty
      Kane said: “It’s not something that we’ve had deep discussions about. Obviously, we had the meeting last night. That was the first time we spoke about it.
      “I think over this camp and the next camp, we’ll talk about what we can do.
      “There’s a couple of other national captains in my team at Tottenham. Maybe we will now see if we can be unified.
      “So, yes, that’s something that obviously myself and some of the senior players in the team will look to try and achieve over the coming months.”
      Kane was pressed on whether it is right that the World Cup is being staged in the tiny nation in the Middle East. He said: “It wasn’t our decision, it was the decision of Fifa.
      “As players, all we can do is look forward to an amazing tournament and hope that everything else around it, the issues around it, can be resolved as well as possible.
      “We are not expecting everything to change overnight, these things take time.
      “It’s a different culture, it’s a different religion, so to answer just yes or no is difficult. We just have to do what we can.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BAKE BRITAIN .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Brits to bask in sizzling sunshine ALL week, with highs of 19C today
      “A World Cup is, professionally, one of the greatest tournaments that I have ever played in.
      “There is definitely that excitement of being there and experiencing that again.
      “Of course, there are some issues that you can’t hide away from.
      “There are some conflicting emotions around it. But I guess for me, and for our team, it’s about controlling what we can control.
      “And that’s to make sure we do what we can and use our platforms to help in any way we can.
      “As captain, along with the other senior players in the team, we will have to learn to cope with it and balance the two.”
      Southgate spoke to the squad about Qatar, with Kane, along with a few others, raising various issues.
      Kane said: “We wanted to qualify for the World Cup before doing that and we’ve done that, so it was our first chance to have that chat.
      Germany’s players before last year’s World Cup qualifier against IcelandCredit: Getty
      “Gareth led that meeting and we spoke about what to expect, and obviously some of the important issues that are surrounding the World Cup.
      “I think for us now, as players, it’s important to talk amongst ourselves, not just in this camp but the camps going forward as well in June.
      “I feel like, as a group, we’ve never shied away from important issues and we’ve always had our opinions, and we’ve always tried to show unity in anything we’ve done.”
      It is an utter disgrace that the World Cup is being staged in Qatar but any hopes of teams boycotting the competition was always pie in the sky.
      And even if things appear to improve during the World Cup in November and December, they will return to normal afterwards.
      It is similar to the previous tournament in Russia in 2018 as the country put on its best face until members of feminist punk rock group Pussy Riot held up the final with a pitch protest against Vladimir Putin.
      I feel like, as a group, we’ve never shied away from important issuesHarry Kane
      Elsewhere, Kane was asked about his Spurs future and ducked the issue.
      He said: “My main purpose is to finish this season, first and foremost.
      “We are still in a race for the top four and that is where my focus lies. I cannot control what will happen in the future. It’s a big year for everyone.
      “Not just me. I want to be going into that tournament in the best form and it is about controlling what I can control — and that is doing what I have been doing the last few months.
      “It is important over the summer to stay focused and I look forward to a fantastic tournament.”
      Asked whether Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has asked him to stay, he said: “Look, I am not going to get into discussions, personal discussions with the manager.”
      So, given the chance, it looks as though Kane will probably be off.
      The Three Lions are preparing for games against Switzerland the Ivory CoastCredit: Getty
      The England squad has a trio of new additionsCredit: Getty More

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      When is Brazil vs Argentina and where will it be played? Date, kick-off time, TV channel for World Cup qualifier

      by

      BRAZIL are set to host Argentina in an extraordinary re-arranged World Cup qualifier.The original match was called off in extremely bizarre circumstances last September.
      Neymar will do battle with Argentina once againCredit: AFP
      Lionel Messi and Argentina are likely to face Brazil outside of South AmericaCredit: Reuters
      Just six minutes into the game in Sao Paulo, the Brazilian health authorities invaded the pitch looking to deport four Premier League Argentina players who they said had violated Covid rules to enter the country from the UK.
      Those players were Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso of Tottenham and Emi Buendia and Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa.
      All foreigners arriving from the UK at the time were required to undergo quarantine in Brazil.
      However, Fifa have now ordered the match to be replayed.
      When is Brazil vs Argentina?
      Despite being a World Cup qualifier, Brazil vs Argentina will be replayed as a standalone fixture once the South American qualifying campaign has concluded.
      This would not normally be permitted under Fifa rules, but both sides have already qualified, so there is only (a lot of) pride to play for.
      The Superclasico is expected to be held in June.
      Fifa also decided to fine both associations and suspend the four Premier League Argentines for two international matches.
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      Where will Brazil vs Argentina be played?
      Fifa ruled that a rematch between Brazil and Argentina will be held “at a date and location to be decided by Fifa”.
      This is believed to mean a location outside South America.
      There are reports that Brazil would like the game to be held in Oceania.
      In 2017, Melbourne hosted a successful friendly between the two sides at the MCG in front of 95,000 people.
      However, Argentina are scheduled to take on Italy at Wembley on June 1 in Uefa and Conmebol’s showpiece Finalissima between the European and South American champions.
      Therefore, if the Brazil match takes place within the June international window, a European venue may hold more appeal to the Argentines.
      What TV channel will Brazil vs Argentina be on and can I live stream it?
      The only thing about the match that is in little doubt is the UK TV channel.
      Premier Sports have the rights to South American World Cup qualifiers and will retain those rights for Brazil vs Argentina.
      To live stream matches with Premier Sports, head to the Premier Player. More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Fight to put Portugal in our rightful place’ – Man Utd ace Cristiano Ronaldo inspires squad ahead of World Cup play-off

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO has issued a battle cry to his Portugal team-mates ahead of their World Cup play-off clash this week.Portugal made their route into the winter World Cup difficult after a shock 2-1 loss in the group stages to Serbia saw them finish in second spot.
      Ronaldo has issued a rallying battle cry to his Portugal team-mates ahead of their World Cup play-off clash this weekCredit: AFP
      Portugal take on Turkey in the play-off clash and Ronaldo reckons its his homeland’s rightful position to be in the World CupCredit: EPA
      Ronaldo and Co ended up in the play-offs after losing to Serbia in the group stages which resulted in them finishing in second spotCredit: Getty
      And now Ronaldo and his compatriots will first have to get past Turkey in the play-offs on Thursday to have any chance of competing in the Qatar World Cup later this year.
      Then Fernando Santos’ side need to dispose of the winners of the other play-off clash between Italy and North Macedonia five days later to earn a spot amongst football’s elite on the world stage.
      But Ronaldo’s laser-focused on helping Portugal secure their position in the World Cup which he feels is his homeland’s rightful place to be.
      Speaking on Instagram, he said: “Total focus on the 2022 World Cup. ‘Proud, as always, to represent Portugal.
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      “We know that the path will not be easy, we have the utmost respect for the opponents we will face and who share the same goals as us.
      “But together, we will fight to put Portugal in its rightful place. Let’s do it.”
      If Portugal come unstuck in the play-offs, it will be the first time they’ve failed to get into the competition since 1998.
      The 2016 European Champions will be counting on Ronaldo to put on the scoring boots that saw him score a hat-trick in Man United’s 3-2 win over Tottenham earlier this month.
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      And the 37-year-old will also be looking towards Liverpool rival and fellow countryman Diogo Jota to help him in the attacking department.
      Jota overtook Ronaldo to become the top Portuguese goalscorer across Europe’s top five leagues this season after he scored Liverpool’s only goal in their 1-0 FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest on the weekend.
      However, Portugal’s weak spots are likely to be in defence as centre-backs Pepe and Ruben Dias have both been ruled out of the Turkey game.
      Manchester City star Ruben Dias suffered a hamstring injury earlier this month and could be out for up to six weeks.
      Meanwhile, Porto’s Pepe made the squad last week but has now tested positive for Covid.
      To make matters worse, Portugal only called up three centre-backs to their squad in the first place. More