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      Why is the Argentina national anthem shortened at the World Cup, and what is it called?

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      ARGENTINA are in the World Cup again – and are, of course, one of the favourites.And their anthem is one of the most iconic at football’s biggest tournament and Lionel Messi is hoping to finally win the big one to round off his stellar career.
      Argentina singing the national anthem prior to their match against Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
      Why is the Argentina national anthem shortened?
      The first Argentinian anthem was composed as early as 1810, before it was adopted as the official song three years later following the Revolution.
      Its lyrics were written by the Buenos Aires-born Vicente Lopez y Planes, whilst the music was composed by a Spaniard, Blas Parera.
      There is a long, anti-Spain section in the middle of the piece which has been omitted since 1924 – and the whole piece is extremely long.
      As a result, in the Olympics, rugby games and at the World Cup, only the instrumental introduction (which lasts 1 minute 6 seconds) is played.
      The Argentinian Pumas use the same short version as the footballersCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      What is it called?
      The anthem is simply known as the Himno Nacional Argentino.
      It had previous names that translated as the Marcha Patriotica (Patriotic March) or Cancion Patriotica Nacional (National Patriotic Song).
      Argentina last won a World Cup in 1986Credit: Reuters
      What are the lyrics translated into English?
      Hear, mortals, the sacred cry:”Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!”Hear the sound of broken chainsSee noble equality enthroned.Their most worthy throne have now openedThe United Provinces of the South.

      And the free people of the world reply:”To the great Argentine people, good health!””To the great Argentine people, good health!”And the free ones of the world reply:”To the great Argentine people, good health!”And the free ones of the world reply:”To the great Argentine people, good health!” More

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      Ex-Man Utd and France star picks five England players in combined XI including ace unlikely to start in quarter-final

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      FORMER Manchester United and Arsenal star Mikael Silvestre has picked his combined England-France XI.And there are no less than FIVE of Gareth Southgate’s men in the side – including one who is unlikely to start against the world champs on Saturday.
      Former Premier League star Mikael Silvestre has picked his combined England-France XICredit: Getty
      Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe face off in a striker showdown tomorrow for a place in the World Cup semis.
      There are sure to be thrilling battles all over the pitch as a host of star names look to make an impact.
      And it has opened the door for fans to choose some brilliant combined team XIs, with both countries spoiled for choice in terms of talent.
      One man who knows a thing or two about England AND France is Silvestre.
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      The 45-year-old played 361 times for Manchester United and a further 43 times for Arsenal.
      Silvestre, who was a top centre-back in his day, also won 40 caps for France.
      And he has delivered the low-down on his personal combined XI to bettingexpert.
      Silvestre has first opted for Hugo Lloris over Jordan Pickford in goal.
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      There are five Englishmen in Silvestre’s dream team
      And the Spurs stopper is protected by two of his countrymen, with Raphael Varane and Dayot Upamecano in the centre of defence.
      But it’s all English at full-back, with Luke Shaw on the left and Kieran Trippier on the right – even though he’s due to lose out to Kyle Walker tomorrow.
      Silvestre’s midfield three is comprised of two Frenchmen and one Englishman, with Jude Bellingham joined by Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot.
      However, the Three Lions dominate the attack, with Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane playing alongside Kylian Mbappe.
      Ironically, Silvestre feels the best battle on the pitch tomorrow will be between two players who do NOT make his combined XI.

      He said: “You have to win one-vs-ones everywhere on the pitch.
      “The attacking three for England and for France have to be decisive. It’s a good match-up all over the place.
      “Jules Kounde, not a natural right-back but in terms of defending, he’s pretty solid. It will be a good battle with Phil Foden, or whoever plays on the left for England.
      “There will be battles within the big battle.” More

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      Why isn’t Sergio Aguero playing for Argentina at the 2022 World Cup?

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      ARGENTINA are one of the favourites for the 2022 World Cup but head into the tournament without one of their stars of the past, Sergio Aguero.The Manchester City legend had become a regular in the Argentina team after his breakthrough in Europe, becoming an elite goal scorer at Atletico Madrid.
      Sergio Aguero left Manchester City as a legend after his trophy-filled time with the clubCredit: AFP
      However, they will be without the former national team striker for a World Cup for the first time since the 2006.
      We have all the information regarding the reason for the striker not being at the World Cup.
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      Why isn’t Sergio Aguero playing for Argentina?
      Having been called into the 2010 World Cup squad, Aguero made his debut in the competition on matchday two against South Korea.
      Since then, the forward was a key player for his national team and built a strong bond with fellow forward Lionel Messi.
      Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi built a strong relationship playing alongside each other for their countryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      However, in what could be Messi’s last World Cup, he will be playing without one of his closest friends.
      Moving to Barcelona in 2021, Aguero was hoping to play with Messi at club level just for the Argentine to depart the Camp Nou himself.
      Aguero was keen to prove himself on his return to La Liga despite Messi’s departure and scored in his first El Clasico, a 2-1 defeat.
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      After making four appearances for Barcelona, the striker was taken to hospital with a chest discomfort before being diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia.
      On December 15, 2021, Aguero announced his retirement from football after taking advice from doctors, meaning that he would miss out on the 2022 World Cup.
      Despite this, he will be supporting his former teammates and friends from the sidelines as Argentina search for glory in Qatar. More

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      What is the history of the Netherlands’ national anthem and what does it mean in English?

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      NETHERLANDS are determined to finally secure World Cup success in Qatar – and their fans will be right behind them.Louis Van Gaal’s side go up against Argentina TONIGHT with a semi-final spot up for grabs.
      Netherlands and their supporters will be in full voice for the national anthemCredit: Rex
      But before the game kicks off, Holland supporters will once again be in full voice, bellowing their ‘Het Wilhelmus’ national anthem.
      Find out the history of Het Wilhelmus below…
      What is the history of the Netherlands’ national anthem?
      Netherlands’ national anthems, titled Het Wilhelmum, is one of the oldest anthems to date.
      It was initially orchestrated in 1572 but officially recognised as the Dutch anthem on May 10, 1932.
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      The lyrics is reportedly based on William of Orange and his fight against the King of Spain to gain independence.
      And it has been written at the beginning of the Netherlands War of Independence from Williams perspective.
      What are the Dutch lyrics to The Netherlands’ national anthem?
      Wilhelmus van Nassouweben ik van Duitsen bloedden vaderland getrouweblijf ik tot in den dood.Een Prinse van Oranjeben ik, vrij onverveerd,den Koning van Hispanjeheb ik altijd geëerd.
      Mijn schild ende betrouwenzijt Gij, o God mijn Heer,op U zo wil ik bouwen,verlaat mij nimmermeer.Dat ik doch vroom mag blijven,uw dienaar t’aller stond,de tirannie verdrijvendie mij mijn hart doorwondt.
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      What is the English translation of The Netherlands’ national anthem?
      William of Nassau am I, of German descent;True to the fatherland I remain until death.Prince of Orange am I, free and fearless.To the King of Spain I have always given honour.
      You, my God and Lord, are my shield, on You I rely.On You I will build; never leave me,So that I may remain pious, your servant at all moments,Dispelling the tyranny that wounds my heart. More

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      Has Lionel Messi retired from international football and when did he retire before?

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      ARGENTINA will be determined to make amends in the 2022 World Cup for what happened in Russia four years ago – and nobody will be more desperate than Lionel Messi.Despite the Argentinian magician’s best efforts in a dramatic 4-3 loss to France, he couldn’t find the net and recreate the run to the final they enjoyed in 2014.
      Lionel Messi has now failed to score a World Cup knockout round goal in eight yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But Messi has what could be his last chance to finally secure World Cup glory in Qatar.
      However, after defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opener, Argentina must get a result against Mexico this week.
      Has Lionel Messi retired from international football?
      Simple answer is no but Messi did take a temporary ‘break’ from the international stage.
      In 2018, Argentina went crashing out of the World Cup quarter-final to reigning champions France.
      Messi had dragged Argentina to Russia with a hat-trick against Ecuador in qualifying – and scored as they beat Nigeria to reach the knockouts.
      But the last-16 stage just proved to be too much for his national side which led him to make the ‘break’ statement.
      Messi could walk out on Argentina again, two years after retiring for a weekCredit: AP:Associated Press
      When did he retire before?
      That wasn’t the first time where Lionel Messi announced a departure from the international stage.
      Following the devastating shootout defeat to Chile in the 2016 Copa America, Messi revealed he no longer wanted to play for his country.
      It was his fourth defeat in a major final and the Barca superstar was distraught after missing a penalty.
      But just a week after his decision, Messi was convinced to change his mind and he returned to the international fold in September 2016.
      An Argentina fan pulls up the Lionel Messi shirt he displayed during France defeatCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lionel Messi dejected as Argentina knocked out of World Cup by France More

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      Why do Brazil dance as a celebration after scoring at the World Cup 2022?

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      BRAZILIANS are known for having good footwork with the ball at their feet – but they are evidently gifted without the ball too.The most successful national team in history of the World Cup progressed into the quarter-finals having thumped South Korea 4-1.
      Brazil humiliated South Korea in their last-16 contestCredit: Rex
      And after every goal, the Brazilian stars would mesmerise the fans with their dance skills which Manchester United legend Roy Keane was not impressed with.
      Find out where the dances stemmed from and what has been said about it below…
      Why do Brazil dance as a celebration after scoring at the World Cup 2022?
      Dancing has been traditional in Brazilian celebrations for many years whenever they hit the back of the net.
      But the World Cup 2022 got to see the first glimpse of the flamboyant celebrations after Vinicius Jr’s opening goal against South Korea.
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      The joyous first celebration which gave delight to fans inside the 974 stadium was inspired by a popular TikTok in Brazil called Pagado do Birmbola.
      Brazil orchestrated a dance after each goal they scoredCredit: AP
      Fans were delighted to see Brazil’s extravagant celebrationsCredit: AP
      Neymar’s coolly tucked home a penalty shortly after which led to the quartet of Vinicius Jr, Lucas Paqueta, Raphinha and Neymar himself doing a synchronised dance to Oz Crias da Selecao.
      Spectators were treated to that same dance following Lucas Paqueta’s strike and the West Ham midfielder revealed that his teammates do it as a symbol of joy.
      Paqueta stated: “In dance, we symbolise joy of scoring the goal. We don’t do it to disrespect, we don’t go in front of an opponent.”
      But Richarlison’s orchestrated dance after his brilliant strike went viral the most as it stems from a funk song called Danca do pigeon (Dance of the pigeon) where even manager Tite got involved.
      Brazilian boss Tite got involved in the goal celebrationsCredit: Reuters
      What did Roy Keane say about the dancing?
      Manchester United legend Roy Keane fumed about Brazil dancing after every goal scored.
      Keane, 51, said: “Fantastic finish by Vinicius, great start to the game. But I’ve never seen so much dancing.
      “I can’t believe what I’m watching, I can’t believe what I’m watching, it’s like watching Strictly [Come Dancing].

      “I don’t like this. People say it’s their culture. But I think that’s really disrespecting the opposition.”
      “It’s four goals, and they are doing it every time.
      “I don’t mind so much the first jig, it’s the one after that, and the manager getting involved.
      “I’m not happy about it. I don’t think it’s good at all.”
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      Who are Brazil facing in the World Cup quarter-finals?
      Brazil are set to take on Croatia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
      It is scheduled to take place on Friday, December 9 and the game will get underway from 3pm UK time.
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      Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan is the allocated arena for this huge clash and fans in the UK can watch the entire action live on BBC One. More

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      How England’s team is shaping up ahead of France and where the massive World Cup quarter-final clash will be won

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      ENGLAND are preparing for their massive clash against France with confidence brimming in the squad.Charlie Wyett looks at the state of Gareth Southgate’s team – and if they can win the quarter-final against the world champions.
      England are looking to make back-to-back World Cup semi-finalsCredit: Getty
      Goalkeeper
      Jordan Pickford has kept three successive clean sheets although he has been well protected by the defence.
      Everton’s No1 generally saves his best form for England and will make his 50th appearance against France.
      He was desperately unlucky to save two penalties in the Euros shoot-out against Italy and still be on the losing side.
      He will be prepared if spot-kicks are needed. Could once again be a hero.
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      Jordan Pickford has been supremely consistent in an England shirtCredit: Reuters
      Defence
      The England back four has been solid apart from a dodgy opening spell against Senegal when Harry Maguire and John Stones kept giving the ball away.
      Yet Maguire, despite much criticism over his selection, has been one of England’s best players, particularly as he causes problems at set-pieces at the other end.
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      Luke Shaw and Stones have been decent and few would have thought Kyle Walker had not played since October 2 and needed a groin operation by the way he has played since starting against Wales.
      His pace against Kylian Mbappe will be crucial.
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      Kyle Walker will be tasked with keeping Kylian Mbappe quietCredit: Getty
      Midfield
      This is the key area against France.
      If they win the midfield battle then England will be through to the semi-finals.
      England have looked a lot more solid since Jordan Henderson came in for Mason Mount.
      This has also benefitted Jude Bellingham who has been able to push forward without worrying about defensive duties.
      He has been one of the midfield stars of the World Cup and Southgate will surely keep the same midfield three.
      Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are shoe-ins to start in the midfieldCredit: Getty

      Attack
      England have scored 12 goals which is outstanding but the French defence will be much tougher.
      Southgate made a big call by dropping Marcus Rashford for the Senegal game but it worked.
      Yet the key man is Harry Kane and the French are worried about him.
      He scored against Senegal and will need to be on his A game at the Al Bayt Stadium.
      It’s time for Kane to start shining in front of goal.
      Harry Kane scored his first goal of the tournament against SenegalCredit: Getty
      Substitutes
      Southgate is lucky that certainly offensively – although not defensively – he has a lot of options.
      With Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka expected to start, he will still be able to call on Rashford, Jack Grealish and even Raheem Sterling – who could be on the bench after returning from England.
      These players could be the key if the game is a stalemate.
      England possess a wealth of options throughout their squad, particularly in attackCredit: Getty
      Verdict
      It will be tight, tense and totally nerve-shredding. But England can do this.
      For the first time since I covered England, I have never known a team so confident without being arrogant.
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      The fact Maguire said “we have got to win the World Cup” summed it up.
      Even if England do beat France, there will be no celebrations as the job will be nowhere near finished. More

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      EFL lift 3pm blackout and fixture times moved so England fans can cheer on Kane and Co against France in World Cup

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      TWO Championship games will be streamed live on Saturday as the EFL lift the 3pm blackout to enable fans to watch England’s World Cup quarter-final with France.English football’s second tier returned for the first time since the start of the World Cup last weekend as Sunderland beat Millwall.
      The country will come to a stand still for England’s clash with FranceCredit: Rex
      But the first full set of fixtures since mid-November takes place this Saturday, beginning with Blackburn’s home game against Preston at midday – one of three televised Championship matches.
      That clash and the 12.30pm game between Rotherham and Bristol City have both been moved to earlier in the day.
      As has Reading vs Coventry which will take place at 2pm.
      And according to BBC Sport, the nationwide televised blackout ordinarily put in place for football at 3pm will be temporarily lifted for two of the afternoon games.
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      Huddersfield’s trip to Sheffield United and Stoke’s clash with Cardiff will be streamed by the EFL, the report states.
      This and the earlier kick-off times mean supporters do not need to worry about getting back in time for England’s crunch clash with France.
      Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions take on the reigning world champions in Qatar at 7pm.
      The huge match is being aired on ITV1, with coverage getting underway from 6pm.
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      Meanwhile, Burnley sit top of the Championship table as they get their domestic action back underway away at QPR.
      A defeat for Vincent Kompany’s men would see Sheffield United leapfrog them into top spot if they can beat rock bottom Huddersfield.
      Blackburn, Watford, Norwich and QPR currently make up the play-off places, while Wigan and Blackpool join Huddersfield in the relegation zone. More