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    Roberto Mancini’s own MOTHER slates his Italy team selection and blames Chelsea’s Jorginho for World Cup embarrassment

    ROBERTO MANCINI’S own MOTHER has criticised her son’s team selection after Italy crashed out of the World Cup play-off in humiliating fashion.Marianna Puolo, Mancini’s mum, also stuck the boot in to Chelsea midfielder Jorginho – blaming him in part for the Azzurri’s failure to qualify for this winter’s World Cup.
    Roberto Mancini’s mum Marianna was unimpressed with Italy’s lossCredit: Getty
    Mancini’s side were stunned by North Macedonia in the World Cup play-offCredit: Alamy
    Italy’s campaign ended at the hands of minnows North Macedonia, who struck in the 92nd minute to beat the Euro 2020 winners 1-0.
    Puolo spoke to Radiouno in the aftermath of the game – and claimed that her son’s side needed Super Mario.
    She said: “Yesterday could’ve gone better, but this is football, sometimes things go right and sometimes things go wrong.
    “We had the match in our hands but the attack wasn’t great.
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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;}’HAUNT ME FOREVER’ .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;}Jorginho breaks down after Italy’s World Cup KO and rues penalty misses
    “I would have called up Balotelli, because he has incredible physical strength and in front of the goal nobody can stop him.”
    Puolo believed that Italy shouldn’t have found themselves in such a precarious position at all.
    Jorginho, 30, missed three spot kicks during the group phase – and Puolo certainly hasn’t forgotten.
    She said: “Unfortunately, mistakes like Jorginho’s cost us.
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    Marianna wanted Super Mario to playCredit: Getty
    Jorginho is ‘haunted’ by his penalty missesCredit: Getty
    “I don’t want to point my finger at him because he certainly didn’t do it on purpose, but if you miss three penalties…”
    Jorginho was left devastated after yesterday’s match – admitting that his missed spot-kicks will ‘haunt him forever’.
    Puolo also criticised Gianluigi Donnarumma – while claiming that the English would enjoy the result.
    She continued: “Macedonia only had one shot, maybe Donnarumma could’ve saved it but it’s useless to talk about it now.
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    “This squad hasn’t lost the magic of the European Championship but perhaps some were afraid of making mistakes.
    “Yesterday, I think the ones who celebrated the most were the English.” More

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    Watch US striker Jordan Pefok’s incredible miss against Mexico with goal at his mercy from six yards out

    USA striker Jordan Pefok produced one of the worst misses of the season against Mexico on Friday.Pefok, 25, had the chance to win the game for his side in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifier, which instead ended 0-0.

    Jordan Pefok missed with the goal at his mercy
    The striker was devastated at the end of the match as his miss cost USA all three points
    He looked devastated at the end of the game as he lay on the turf with his head in his hands.
    For good reason too as he completely messed up his chance at glory, failing to connect properly with the ball to send it spinning wide.
    The goal was gaping too and the ball was laid on a plate for Pefok just six yards out.
    Borussia Dortmund star Giovanni Reyna, who supplied the pass, could not believe his team-mate missed the glorious opportunity and neither could fans inside the stadium.
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    The draw does not suit either team with Mexico second and USA third in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.
    Both countries remain three points behind leaders Canada, though all three are still likely to automatically qualify for Qatar 2022.
    There are still two rounds of fixtures left to play however with Mexico and USA taking on Honduras and Panama respectively next.
    And should either one lose Costa Rica could jump into the automatic spots by beating El Salvador.
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    The fourth-placed team will then be entered into a play-off where they will take on a team from the Oceania Football Confederation.
    Canada are almost certain to qualify however and need just one point from their remaining games against Jamaica and Panama. More

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    Which teams have qualified for the World Cup 2022? Uruguay and Ecuador join England and Argentina in Qatar

    THE World Cup is starting to take shape as more qualifiers become known.And overnight, two more entrants from South America were revealed.
    Luis Suarez and Uruguay have qualified for their fourth straight World CupCredit: Getty
    Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal may have to get past European Champions Italy to make it to QatarCredit: AFP
    But there will be no room for Italy who were stunned at home by North Macedonia.
    Who has qualified for the World Cup 2022?
    Three teams have so far qualified for the World Cup 2022.

    Qatar (as hosts/ had taken part in UEFA Group A)
    Germany (UEFA Group J winners)
    Denmark (UEFA Group F winners)
    Brazil (CONMEBOL top four)
    Serbia (UEFA Group A winners)
    Spain (UEFA Group B winners)
    France (UEFA Group D winners)
    Belgium (UEFA Group E winners)
    Netherlands (UEFA Group G winners
    Croatia (UEFA Group H winners)
    Switzerland (UEFA Group C winners)
    England (UEFA Group I winners)
    Argentina (CONMEBOL top four)
    Iran (AFC Group A top two)
    South Korea (AFC Group A top two)
    Japan (AFC Group B top two)
    Saudi Arabia (AFC Group B top two)
    Ecuador (CONMEBOL top four)
    Uruguay (CONMEBOL top four)

    How do the play-offs work?
    Joining the 10 second-placed teams in the play-offs are the two highest-ranked teams from the Nations League who have not already qualified or finished in a runners-up spot.
    And the play-offs for this World Cup are tougher than ever before.
    Rather than the traditional two-legged format, the 2022 World Cup campaign sees the 12 teams put into three paths of four teams, with each path consisting of two one-legged semi-finals and a final.
    There will also be inter-confederation play-offs which will see the the best placed team not to have qualified from Asia take on the fifth placed team from South America, and the fourth placed team from North American face the top team from Oceania.
    The unprecedented Qatar World Cup takes place from November 21 to December 18, 2022.
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    Gareth Bale accused of ‘trampling on’ Real Madrid as crazed Spanish pundits lay into Wales star again

    GARETH BALE’S starring display for Wales against Austria left one Spanish pundit to demand Real Madrid FIRE him in an extraordinary rant.The 31-year-old scored both goals in Thursday night’s 2-1 win in Cardiff to send The Dragons into the World Cup play-off final on March 29.
    Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale starred for Wales in Thursday’s 2-1 win against AustriaCredit: Getty
    Spanish pundit Cristobal Soria raged that Los Blancos should rip up Bale’s contract at the BernabeuCredit: El Chiringuito TV
    Former Tottenham ace Bale opened the scoring in the 25th minute with an emphatic free-kick.
    He then doubled his and Wales’ tally early into the second half when he rifled an attempt into the top right corner.
    Bale, who has featured just five times for Los Blancos in all competitions this season, was slammed in the Spanish press after deeming himself fit for Wales just days after missing Sunday’s defeat to Barcelona.
    News outlets savaged Bale with headlines including ‘The Miracle of Wales’ and ‘It doesn’t hurt any more’ while he was also mocked up as a ‘parasite’.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read more on 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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;}BALE BITES BACK .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 hits back at ‘disgusting’ Spanish press after ‘parasite’ jibe
    And one Spanish pundit has now called for Real to rip up Bale’s contract early, with the player set to become a free agent in the summer.
    Speaking in the El Chiringuito studio, broadcaster Cristobal Soria raged: “He’s stamping on the club! And you’re here saying ‘well it’s that, it’s that.’
    “What?! He has to go! You have to fire him! But what do you mean June? He’s going to carry on lacking respect for the badge and the institution.
    “And you want to wait until June? My God man…”
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    Interjecting, one pundit then remarked: “But they can’t just fire him!”
    To which Soria said: “What do you mean they can’t just fire him? Where does it say you can’t just fire him? Show me it. And you’d have to pay it in June.
    “You won’t laugh at me again, I’ll fire you. And then a judge will tell me when and how much I have to pay you. They’ll end up paying anyway!”
    Bale hit back at the Spanish press in his post-match interview where he declared ‘they should be ashamed’.
    He commented: “No. I don’t need to send a message, honestly. It’s a waste of my time.
    “It’s disgusting and they should be shamed of themselves. I’m not fussed  – end of.” More

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    Inside North Macedonia dressing room after minnows beat Italy meaning European Champions fail to qualify for World Cup

    THESE were the wild celebrations inside North Macedonia’s dressing room after their incredible win in Italy last night.The international minnows stunned Euro 2020 champions Italy and ended their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar this year.
    North Macedonia’s players and staff celebrated wildly in the dressing room
    It marks one of the biggest results in the country’s history
    They will now look to qualify for the finals against Portugal on Tuesday
    Mancini faces the sack as Italy boss following Italy’s failure to qualify for the World CupCredit: Getty
    Aleksandar Trajkovski’s 92nd-minute winner saw them stun the four-time world champions in dramatic fashion in Palermo.
    And the celebrations in the North Macedonian dressing room after the game were something to behold.
    A video emerged of the players and staff singing and dancing as they enjoyed a truly sensational victory in their World Cup play-off semi-final.
    North Macedonia, who are looking to qualify for the World Cup for the first time as an independent nation, will now face Portugal on Tuesday for a place in Qatar later this year.
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    Meanwhile, Italy boss Roberto Mancini was forced to apologise after his side failed to qualify for the World Cup for the second time in a row.
    The Azzurri, who also missed out on the finals in 2018, have suffered the shock qualification embarrassment just eight months after clinching Euro 2020.
    And Mancini is now expected to be sacked as Fabio Cannavaro is touted as a potential replacement.
    Speaking after the defeat, the former Manchester City manager said: “I think that if last July was the best thing I had professionally, I think this is the biggest disappointment.
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    “You can’t say anything. This is football. Sometimes incredible things happen and tonight it’s happened.
    “Maybe we shouldn’t have been there, but we did everything to try to win.
    “It is difficult to comment on this match, with a goal that arrived after the 90th minute without conceding anything else.
    “This is a group with great players and I’m sorry because we didn’t deserve it. Now it is too early to talk about the future, we still have to digest this defeat.
    “I think that the victory of the European Championship was deserved, then luck turned into total bad luck.
    “On a human level, I can say that I love the boys more tonight than in July. It is a time of great difficulty and therefore my affection is even greater.” More

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    Mo Salah out for revenge on Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane as Egypt face Senegal again in World Cup play-off showdown

    MOHAMED SALAH has vowed his Egypt team will give everything to reach the World Cup – and avenge their agonising African Nations Cup defeat to Senegal.The 29-year-old Liverpool forward will once again go up against club team-mate Sadio Mane in a crunch World Cup play-off against Senegal – with a place in Qatar at stake.
    Mohamed Salah will be looking for revenge on Liverpool team-mate Sadio ManeCredit: Rex
    Mohamed Salah’s Egypt was beaten by Sadio Mane’s Senegal at the Africa Cup of NationsCredit: EPA
    The two teams clashed just seven weeks ago in Cameroon in the final of the African tournament with Mane’s Senegal prevailing on penalties after a 0-0 draw in 120 minutes.
    Egypt, managed by former Manchester United coach Carlos Queiroz, will host tonight’s first leg in Cairo with the return in Diamniadio.
    Salah, who saw his appearances at the 2018 World Cup hampered by injury, said: “We promise everyone that we will give everything to win this match.
    “I don’t want to talk too much about it, because anyone can see the importance of the two matches and God willing, we will win.”
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    Meanwhile Egypt’s assistant coach Roger De Sa reckons a good World Cup is the only thing missing from superstar Salah’s CV.
    And he hopes the Pharaohs’ talisman can ensure that by not taking on all the pressure and responsibility on his own shoulders.
    De Sa said: “All his career is missing is big performances at a World Cup, and I think that is what he is looking to achieve.
    “He does carry the team a lot and maybe he needs to ease that pressure on himself and just play naturally a bit more.
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    “We have talked to him about that, he is a wonderful person and human being. Working with him every day is incredible.
    “Mohamed is a down-to-earth, humble guy, great to coach, and always ready to give 120 per cent.” More

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    Wales 2 Austria 1: Watch Gareth Bale’s STUNNING dipping free kick as hero’s double fires Dragons one step from World Cup

    THE MIRACLE of Wales.That’s what the Spanish media called it when Gareth Bale was spotted training with his country less than 48 hours after missing the Classico with a ‘niggle’.

    Real Madrid star Gareth Bale gave Wales the lead with a stunning free-kickCredit: EPA
    Maybe they went too early.
    Because despite only playing 77 minutes of club football since November the Real Madrid man scored two stunners for his beloved Dragons.
    Who writes the former Tottenham man’s scripts?
    Even by his standards it was incredible stuff from the captain and talisman to put his nation on the brink of a first World Cup in 64 years.
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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;}Wales 2 Austria 1 .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;}Superb Bale brace inspires Dragons to World Cup play-off final spot
    They still have one more step to go – but Rob Page’s men will be in the draw when it is made in Doha next Friday.
    And with Bale in their side, who would bet against them sealing their place when they face Scotland or Ukraine in the summer?
    Once again he was their man for the big occasion on an electric night in the capital.
    And what an ovation he got when he was subbed deep into stoppage time with his work pretty much done – and how richly deserved it was.
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    Wales were unbeaten in their last three meetings with Austria – and had not lost to anyone in Cardiff in 16 matches.
    No wonder the Dragons fancied their chances – despite coming up against such experienced opponents.
    They almost got off to the dream start as Connor Roberts closed down David Alaba and the ball fell to Dan James whose shot was too close to Heinz Lindner.
    Yet they were almost caught out at the other end as a super through ball from Marcel Sabitzer split the home defence wide open.
    Christoph Baumgartner went clear but took his shot early and it beat Wayne Hennessey but bounced back off the crossbar.
    Gareth Bale scored his first free-kick goal for Wales since Euro 2016 against EnglandCredit: EPA
    What a let off for the home side – and they almost took full advantage as James stood up a cross from the left that just evaded the on-rushing Aaron Ramsey at the back post.
    It was 1958 last time Wales qualified for the World Cup finals – when they also did it via the play-offs.
    Yet there was no sign of the nerves from Page’s men.
    If anything it was the visitors who seemed rattled – including Alaba who must have thought he had seen it all during his time with Bayern Munich and Real.
    A cross by Liverpool’s Neco Williams found the head of Ramsey but he could not quite direct it on target.
    Gareth Bale is determined to lead Wales to the 2022 World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
    Then midway through the first half, Baumgartner stuck out an arm to stop Harry Wilson bursting past him and was given a yellow card.
    More importantly, though, it gave Wales a free-kick 25 yards out – in a position which looked perfect for you-know-who.
    He puffed out his cheeks, took a four step run up and then floated a perfect ‘knuckle-ball’ free-kick over the wall and in off the underside of the bar.
    What a goal and what a moment.
    His 37th goal for his country – and his first from a free-kick since the one that beat England’s Joe Hart in the group stage of Euro 2016.
    Wales have one more big game to go through to seal World Cup qualificationCredit: AFP
    That’s four goals and three assists now in the current qualifying campaign – where would they be without him?
    Wales were almost caught out as Alaba’s free-kick was punched out by Hennessey straight onto Ben Davies – but luckily the rebound dropped wide.
    And back at the other end, the home side came so close to extending their lead as some great pressing from James saw Wilson flip through Ramsey.
    The on-loan Rangers man took a touch before firing a shot that was superbly tipped round the post by Lindner.
    What a boost a second goal would have been going into half-time – particularly as Page’s men made a sloppy start to the second half.

    Former Stoke man Marko Arnautovic saw a header comfortably saved by Hennessey..
    But more pressing saw James win his team a corner and then send a dangerous ball into the box from the left.
    Davies got there first but his old Spurs mate Bale did the rest, taking a touch before sending a fierce drive across Lindner and into the far corner.
    Just after the hour, the hat-trick was on as he raced away down the right but blazed his effort just inches over the bar.
    That would have wrapped it up but instead, less than a minute later, Austria got back into it as Sabitzer’s tame shot from outside the box would have been straight at Hennessey.

    Yet it took a horrible deflection off Davies and looped over the Burnley keeper – a really soft one for the visitors.
    Again Wales had the chance to seal it as a delightful ball from Ramsey put James in but Lindner got down well to save from the Leeds man.
    And he was slipped in again by Harry Wilson a couple of minutes later but this time he was denied by some last-ditch defending from Xavier Schlager.
    The Dragons seemed intent on doing it the hard way but they hung on to seal a famous win – and now they are within touching distance. More

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    Boris Johnson wrong-footed on Ukraine getting World Cup bye at Scotland’s expense

    BORIS JOHNSON was nearly wrong-footed when he was quizzed on Ukraine getting a free pass to the World Cup at Scotland’s expense.Speaking at the Nato press conference in Brussels, The Sun posed several questions to the Prime Minister, including one about the war-torn country’s qualification for this year’s tournament in Qatar.
    Prime Minister Boris Johnson didn’t realise Scotland were due to face UkraineCredit: AP
    Scotland manager Steve ClarkeCredit: Kenneth Ramsay
    Ukraine were due to play Scotland in a play-off semi-final this evening, but the tie was postponed to June due to the Russian invasion.
    And Mr Johnson was asked about the idea of Ukraine getting automatic qualification – a prospect that could, in theory, see them grab a spot at Scotland’s expense.
    Our reporter asked the PM: “You said earlier that you’d like to see Ukraine handed the hosting of the next World Cup.
    “Would you like to see them automatically qualify for this year’s World Cup?”
    As part of a long answer to several points, the PM replied: “On Ukraine qualifying for the, for the European – is it the European?
    “I’m not, look, I, football is not my best subject, as you know.”
    After an interruption from the Press corps, the PM added: “The World Cup?
    “You mean should they be given a bye and qualify automatically? Sounds like a good idea to me. But I’m out of area here.
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    “I’ve got to admit, that’s not my strong subject. I don’t, I don’t see why not, is my view.”
    Another reporter is then heard saying: “Instead of Scotland?”
    Mr Johnson replied: “James, I’m not going to say that.”
    The same reporter then appeared to say: “That’s who they’re playing.”
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    The PM responded with a nervous laugh and said: “I’m not going to comment on that, James. I’m not going to comment on that.”
    But before moving to the next question, Mr Johnson said: “But let me put it this way.
    “Given what Ukraine has been going through, given the privations that Ukrainian footballers have had to endure, I’m sure that every possible sympathy, and allowances should be made for them.
    “Let me put it that way. How about that?”
    Meanwhile, Scotland are instead set to face off against Poland at Hampden Park, Glasgow, in a friendly this evening.
    Both countries have taken the opportunity to raise money for Unicef’s work in Ukraine, with £10 from every ticket sold going to the charity.
    Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More