World Cup qualifiers

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      Gareth Bale OUT of Wales’ crunch World Cup qualifier against Belgium after picking up calf injury against Belarus

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      GARETH BALE has been ruled out of Wales’ crunch World Cup qualifier with Belgium.The Real Madrid superstar played 45 mins against Belarus on Saturday to win his 100th cap following a two-month hamstring layoff.
      Bale will miss tonight’s World Cup clash against BelgiumCredit: Rex
      But Uefa released Wales’ 23-man squad for tonight’s Cardiff showdown on their website on Tuesday morning and Bale – as well as Mark Harris and the suspended Ethan Ampadu – were not included.
      Wales boss Robert Page claimed captain Bale was never going to be fit to start both qualifiers.
      But the fact he has not even been included in the squad is a blow for the Dragons.
      Wales need a point to finish second in Group E and win a home play-off semi-final above Poland.
      An away tie could see Bale and co face the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Euro 2020 champions Italy.
      Without Bale, Cardiff striker Kieffer Moore is expected to lead the line after a one-match ban.

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      Page reckons Wales can cope without talisman Bale after the 2-2 away draw to the Czech Republic last month.
      And despite reaching the 100 caps milestone, Bale’s banking on his country’s qualification for the World Cup as his reward.
      After the achievement, Bale beamed: “No one is prouder than us to play for Wales and to get to 100 caps is a special moment for me.
      “Hopefully now we can celebrate even more by trying to qualify for the World Cup.”
      However, not everyone was in the mood to celebrate Bale’s centurion accolade.
      Spanish media weren’t happy about his inclusion for the Belarus game as the winger has missed Real’s last 13 matches.
      One reporter claimed Bale shouldn’t be Los Blancos’ highest-paid star and went as far as to suggest he wasn’t worthy to don the club’s badge.
      Wales boss Rob Page confirms Gareth Bale is ruled out of squad with ‘significant hamstring tear’ More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo consoled by the ‘Serbian Cristiano’ who helped inflict World Cup qualifying loss on Man Utd star

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was consoled by his Serbian replica Nemanja Radonjic after the underdog’s shock victory over Portugal on Sunday.Ronaldo, 36, held back tears following Serbia’s last-gasp 2-1 win in the World Cup qualifier which saw Portugal crash into the play-offs.
      Cristiano was comforted by his Serbian duplicate after Portugal’s shock loss to the European minnows in the World Cup qualifier
      Radonjic earned the nickname ‘SR7’ after smashing in five goals for Marseille last seasonCredit: Rex
      But as the Manchester United star sat in a heap, Serbian winger Radonjic, dubbed ‘SR7’ for his similarities on the pitch to Ronaldo, ran over to give him a helping hand.
      The heart-warming moment was captured on camera and posted to Radonjic’s Instagram account with the caption: “Hand to the greatest, ” accompanied by the goat emoji.
      Radonjic, 25, earned the ‘SR7’ moniker while playing for Marseille last season where he scored five goals and provided one assist.
      Speaking on his comparison to the five-time Ballon d’Or, Radonjic previously said: “I saw that my team-mates compared me to Ronaldo on Instagram.
      “It may be because we have a similar game during games and training.”
      But when it comes to scoring goals, the pair are worlds apart.

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      This season alone Cristiano’s hit the net nine times in just 13 games, keeping under-fire United boss Ole Gunnar Solskaer in a job on several occasions.
      In comparison, Radonjic has only scored once in five games while on loan at Benfica from Marseille.
      And all in all, Cristiano’s racked up a phenomenal 683 career goals in 907 matches, in contrast to Radonjic’s tally of 26 – albeit in 161 games.
      However, not all of Radonjic’s teammates were sympathetic to Cristiano’s tears as Portugal’s World Cup spot in Qatar next year hangs in the balance.
      It may be the last time the Red Devils winger features in the competition but Serbian’s match-winner Aleksandar Mitrović was in no mood for niceties as he allegedly trolled Cristiano after the game.
      The striker ran over to the small section of Serbia fans holding a can of Coke aloft after firing his team to victory.
      And some are convinced it’s a cheeky reference to Ronaldo’s coke snub at Euro 2020.
      But Cristiano can always count on his mum, Dolores Aveiro, to be there for him and she posted a picture with him after Portugal’s shocking loss on her Instagram account in a bid to cheer him up.
      His No.1 fan wrote a rousing caption alongside the snap that read: “Force to believe always son.”
      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo’s strop after Serbia winner as Man Utd ace moans to Portugal boss about his own disallowed goal More

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      International women’s keeper accused of being a man as Jordan demand gender test for Iran’s penalty shootout hero

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      The president of the Jordan Football Association (JFA) has called for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to carry out a gender test on Iranian women’s goalkeeper Zohreh Koudaei.Iran beat Jordan 4-2 on penalties in September, with Koudaei saving TWO spot kicks.
      Koudaei has been accused of being a man posing as a woman
      The JFA’s letter insisting on a gender testCredit: @AliBinAlHussein
      The heroics helped Iran to qualify for the 2022 Women’s Asia Cup for the first time in their history.
      But the JFA have doubts over the ‘eligibility of a participating player,’ and have demanded a gender test on the shot-stopper.
      They believe Koudaei was in fact a man impersonating as a woman.
      In response Iran’s team selector Maryam Irandoost strongly denied the allegations.
      Irandoost told sports news site Varzesh3: “The medical staff have carefully examined each player on the national team in terms of hormones to avoid any problems in this regard, and so I tell all fans not to worry.
      “We will provide any documentation that the Asian Confederation of Football wishes without wasting time.”
      It comes after president of the Jordan Football Association, Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein, tweeted a letter calling for a gender test.
      He has slammed the AFC over the ‘very serious issue,’ and fumed at the confederation to ‘wake up’.

      The JFA have demanded an ‘independent panel of medical experts’ take a look at the issue.
      Part of the letter reads that the JFA: “Understand that gender verification is not mandatory for participating players, however the article reserves the right for AFC to investigate and take appropriate measures if there is a doubt on the eligibility of a participating player.
      “Considering the evidence submitted by JFA and given the importance of the competition,
      “We request the AFC to initiate a transparent and clear investigation by a panel of independent medical experts to investigate the eligibility of the player in question and others on the team,
      “Particularly that the Iranian Women Football team has a history with gender and doping issues.”
      Gareth Southgate reacts to England’s 10-0 victory against San Marino More

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      Which teams have qualified for World Cup 2022? England cruise to Qatar as Italy edged out by Switzerland

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      ENGLAND have qualified for the World Cup after hammering San Marino to finish top of Group I.The winners of each group advance to the Qatar World Cup, with the second-placed teams heading to the play-offs before fans can think about booking their tickets.
      Gareth Southgate’s England are on the brink of advancing to Qatar
      And that means Italy and Portugal are not yet certain of their spot in the Gulf next November after failing to win their groups.
      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)
      Croatia (UEFA Group H winners)
      Switzerland (UEFA Group C winners)
      England (UEFA Group I winners)

      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 (currently Wales and Austria).
      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.
      The unprecedented Qatar World Cup takes place from November 21 to December 18, 2022. More

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      Harry Kane breaks 94-year-old record to move onto 16 England goals in calendar year against San Marino

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      HARRY KANE broke a 94-year-old record to move to 16 England goals in calendar year as he scored FOUR against San Marino. The Tottenham forward was previously level on 12, joined by George Hilsdon in 1908, and Dixie Dean in 1927. 
      Harry Kane scoring against San MarinoCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Phil Foden celebrates with skipper Harry KaneCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      But after yet another hat-trick before the break, having done the same against Albania, Kane moved to 16 and in doing so broke the record.
      The striker becomes the first person to score four in an England game since Ian Wright in 1993, which was a 7-1 win over San Marino.
      He also took his international tally to 48, level with Gary Lineker, with Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 under increasing threat.
      Lineker tweeted: “Hello @HKane, welcome to the 48 goal club.
      “I suspect your membership will expire within minutes, but it’s been a pleasure to have you alongside.
      Kane scored a perfect hat-trick on Friday against Albania, a much needed boost having struggled for form with Spurs.

      Credit: The Sun
      But he somehow went one better against San Marino as he got four before the break, albeit two penalties.
      Kane becomes the England fourth player to score a hat-trick in consecutive appearances, after Vivian Woodward in 1909, Dean in 1927 and Tommy Taylor in 1957.
      Before the match, Gareth Southgate promised his side would not hold back, and he was as good as his word.
      He said: “Without doubt, we should never take qualification for granted.
      “You are quite right. Italy are not confirmed, Holland could still go out.
      “There hasn’t been a lot of margin for error — but we dealt really well with the games in Warsaw and Budapest, which were probably the key ones in terms of qualification.
      “We have responded well to every hurdle that has been thrown at us, across a  calendar year in which we have had total contrast in  the quality of opponents we have played.
      “The mentality has been good. That is why in 90 minutes and extra-time, we haven’t been beaten — and that is a record we want to keep building on.
      “We have got the best defensive record in Europe, in terms of goals to games.
      “We are fifth in terms of goals scored and chances created. It is a good challenge to try and improve on it.”
      Harry Kane scores brilliant diving goal in Spurs training More

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      Watch Van Dijk giggle as Van Gaal is unable to do press conference in person because wheelchair won’t fit through door

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK couldn’t help but giggle as Louis van Gaal told reporters his ‘brain is still working’ via an enormous television as he conducted a press conference sitting in a wheelchair. The ex-Manchester United boss couldn’t be there in person as his wheelchair couldn’t fit through the door of the interview room.
      A giant van Gaal conducting Netherlands’ press conferenceCredit: Getty
      Van Dijk tried to hold back his laughterCredit: Getty
      But in the end couldn’t resist
      Van Gaal was projected onto a gigantic screen that dwarfed the 6ft3in van Dijk sitting next to it.
      And national team captain van Dijk could only see the funny side he was quizzed by reporters alongside something reminiscent of a robot film.
      The 70-year-old was taken to hospital after picking up an injury when falling off his bike ahead of the Netherlands’ World Cup qualifier against Norway.
      He’s using a wheelchair for the time being but isn’t thought to have any lasting injuries and re-joined his squad today to conduct training.
      Van Gaal told reporters: “Physically I’m not good, but the brain is still working. I’m in a lot of pain, that’s why I was in a buggy during training.
      “I can still do everything and have done all the preparation that I normally would have.”
      And star centre-back van Dijk revealed his relief that the Netherlands boss was still fit enough to lead the side.
      He said: “We are happy that he can lead us and it hasn’t impacted much in terms of the preparation.

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      “This morning he chaired an important meeting and still guides us. Van Gaal is still keen to make it to the World Cup.”
      It’s not the first time van Gaal has been in the wars either.
      He underwent a hip replacement in 2012 during his first spell as manager of the Netherlands.
      And before that in 2007 when coach of AZ Alkmaar he broke his leg and ankle, forcing him to take training while sitting in a GOLF CART.
      The Netherlands can guarantee a spot a the 2022 World Cup with a point against Norway on Tuesday evening.
      Qualification could have already been secured with victory over Montenegro on Saturday but van Dijk and Co squandered a two goal lead, conceding twice in the last ten minutes to draw 2-2.
      Neil Custis says that Manchester United should look to appoint Brendan Rodgers as manager More

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      Gareth Bale will NOT start for Wales in crunch World Cup qualifier against Belgium with calf injury picked up vs Belarus

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      WALES will give Gareth Bale until the last minute to prove he is fit to play some part in their crunch World Cup qualifier against Belgium on Tuesday.Dragons boss Rob Page has confirmed the Real Madrid superstar will NOT be ready to start against Roberto Martinez’s side in Cardiff.
      Bale won his 100th cap for Wales in the game against Belarus in CardiffCredit: Getty
      But was taken off at half time as a precautionCredit: Getty
      He is feeling the effects of his 45 minute run-out against Belarus on Saturday when he also picked up a minor calf complaint.
      However the hope is Bale will take his place on the bench as his country go in search of the point they need to secure second place in the group.
      Ideally Wales could do with winning the game to ensure a home draw in the play-offs in March – and to avoid the likes of Portugal.
      Page said: “Gareth is going to be stiff, he’s not played at any level for a couple of months, so to throw him in on Saturday was big ask.
      “He’s done his own recovery and we leave it until the last minute to see if he’s able to play any minutes.
      “He was never going to start. The plan was always for him to get half and then maybe come on and have impact in second.
      “So we are giving him some tender loving care and we’ll make the decision late on.”
      Bale had not played for club or country since early September but was in the starting line-up to win his 100th cap on Saturday.

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      He did not re-appear after the break and Page said: “He’s getting there, slowly but surely.
      “It’s just frustrating for him, he knew he wasn’t 100%. He takes credit for effort he made but he knows he’s not anywhere near what he could be.”
      Wales have proved during the current campaign they can still perform without their captain and talisman. 
      They secured an excellent draw in Prague last month when Bale was out injured – and Page is hoping for that kind of effort. 
      He said: “With Gareth we are a really good team but without him we can create chances and score. 
      “That was one of our best performances in the game against the Czechs so that’s really encouraging.”
      Wales pose in lopsided team photo… and Bale and Co have been at it all summer More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum sends inspirational message to Man Utd star son as Portugal loss leaves him fighting back tears

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S mum believes all is not lost despite Portugal being dumped into the World Cup play-offs by Serbia.Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Co face missing out on Qatar 2022 entirely, but Dolores Aveiro is still harbouring hope that she will see her son on the biggest stage once again.
      Dolores smiles alongside an upset RonnyCredit: DOLORESAVEIROOFFICIAL
      After he was overcome with emotion following defeat to SerbiaCredit: Getty
      CR7’s No1 fan took to Instagram after the game against Serbia on Sunday night, posting a picture alongside a rather grumpy looking Ronaldo.
      And in inspirational style she captioned the post: “Force to believe always son.”
      Dolores is still confident that her son will feature at a FIFTH World Cup next year.
      Only three other players in history have achieved the feat, with Ronaldo in real danger of missing out in the lottery of March’s play-offs.
      Many fans also believe next year’s tournament would be Ronaldo’s last appearance at a major international competition.
      The emotion of missing out on an automatic spot at next year’s finals was almost too much for the 26-year-old Manchester United star to take.
      He fell to the ground at full time following the dramatic 2-1 defeat to Serbia and had to fight back TEARS as he was consoled by team-mates.
      The forward also angrily threw a strop as he stormed off the pitch and moaned at Portugal boss Fernando Santos.

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      But CR7 can always count on doting Dolores for support.
      Back in October she was one of the first to congratulate CR7 and Georgina Rodriguez after the couple announced they were expecting twins.
      She wrote on his Instagram: “Let my grandchildren be born healthy. That’s what matters the most.”
      Dolores, who suffered a life-threatening stroke last year, also posted the twins’ ultrasounds on an Instagram Story along with an applause emoji.
      And the ever-supportive Dolores was also spotted in tears at Old Trafford after Ronaldo scored twice on his emotional return to Manchester United.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo’s strop after Serbia winner as Man Utd ace moans to Portugal boss about his own disallowed goal More