World Cup qualifiers

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup qualifying draw: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel and pots for European groups

      by

      THE countdown to the 2022 World Cup is on.
      It may feel like a long time until the finals in around two years time, but qualifying is already underway in South America – and now it’s time for European nations to discover their fate.

      The 2022 World Cup qualifying draw for European teams is on Monday, December 7
      When is World Cup qualifying draw?

      A total of thirteen nations from Europe will make it through to the finals in Qatar once qualifying is complete.
      55 teams will go into the hat for the qualifying draw and be sorted into ten groups.
      The draw will be held in Zurich on Monday, December 7.
      It will begin at 5pm GMT.
      The 55 teams will be split in six different Pots, with ten in Pots 1-5 and five in Pot 6.
      The teams will be drawn into ten groups: five groups of five teams (Groups A–E) and five groups of six teams (Groups F–J)
      England are in Pot 1, while Wales are in Pot 2 after their excellent performance in the Nations League.

      Qatar is set to host the tournament for the very first timeCredit: AFP
      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      As yet, TV coverage is still to be confirmed in the UK.
      But you can watch the draw for FREE on Uefa’s official website.

      South American nations have already begun their qualifying campaignCredit: Reuters
      The governing body will be providing a streaming link which allow you to watch on your mobile, tablet or PC.
      And here on SunSport we’ll be running a dedicated LIVE BLOG from Switzerland so you don’t miss a thing.

      Confirmed pots
      Pot 1: Belgium, France, England, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands
      Pot 2: Switzerland, Wales, Poland, Sweden, Austria, Ukraine, Serbia, Turkey, Slovakia, Romania
      Pot 3: Russia, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Czech Republic, Norway, Northern Ireland, Iceland, Scotland, Greece, Finland
      Pot 4: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Bulgaria, Israel, Belarus, Georgia, Luxembourg
      Pot 5: Armenia, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Lithuania, Latvia, Andorra
      Pot 6: Malta, Moldova, Liechtenstein, Gibraltar, San Marino

      England will be hoping to go one better than they did in 2018, where they crashed out in the semi-finalsCredit: EPA
      World Cup key dates
      Qualifying dates
      Matchday 1 – 24-25 March 2021
      Matchday 2 – 27-28 March 2021
      Matchday 3 – 30-31 March 2021
      Matchday 4 – 1-2 September 2021
      Matchday 5 – 4-5 September 2021
      Matchday 6 – 7-8 September 2021
      Matchday 7 – 8-9 October 2021
      Matchday 8 – 11-12 October 2021
      Matchday 9 – 11-13 November 2021
      Matchday 10 – 14-16 November 2021
      Play-off dates
      Play-off semi finals – 24-25 March 2022
      Play-off finals – 28-29 March 2022
      Tournament dates
      21 November to December 18, 2022 More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Paulo Dybala dropped from Argentina squad due to genital problems with Juventus star set to miss World Cup qualifiers

      by

      JUVENTUS star Paulo Dybala has been left out of his national team – with Argentina’s FA revealing his absence is due to genital problems.
      The £72million-rared playmaker came on as a sub in Juve’s 1-1 Serie A draw at Lazio on Sunday.

      Paulo Dybala is dropped from international duty with the Argentine FA blunt about the reasoning. Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      He previously scored in the Turin giants’ 4-1 midweek Champions League win over Hungarians Ferencvaros.
      Dybala had been called into Argentina’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru.
      But the 26-year-old has now been dropped after team doctors diagnosed problems with his private parts.
      The Argentine FA made no attempts to spare Dybala’s blushes as they released a statement about him and national teammates Marcos Acuna.

      The association said: “Marcos Acuna and Paulo Dybala have been dropped.
      “The Sevilla player has been withdrawn from the squad as a result of the muscle problem he suffered playing for his club on Saturday.
      “Meanwhile Dybala has also been left out after presenting general genito-urinary symptoms.
      “He needs to rest from playing sport, and to have tests.”

      Dybala grabbed his groin after going down in Juventus’ draw with Lazio yesterday, but it is not clear if this moment is directly related Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Angry Argentina fans have since begun speculating as to the cause of Dybala’s problems as the 29-cap ace fails to show for international duty yet again.
      The five-time Serie A winner last played for the AlbiCeleste a year ago, and has since missed out for a host of different reasons.

      Dybala’s South American national bosses have failed to show him the usual discretion players receive when suffering unusual problems.
      Everton declined to fully explain why James Rodriguez was sidelined after a knock against Liverpool last month.
      It took media in the winger’s native Colombia to reveal he had in fact suffered a testicle injury. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Paulo Dybala dropped from Argentina squad due to genital problems with Juventus star to miss two World Cup qualifiers

      by

      JUVENTUS star Paulo Dybala has been left out of his national team – with the Argentine FA revealing his absence is due to genital problems.
      The £72million-rared playmaker came on as a sub in Juve’s 1-1 Serie A draw at Lazio on Sunday.

      Paulo Dybala is dropped from international duty with the Argentine FA blunt about the reasoning. Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      He previously scored in the Turin giants’ 4-1 midweek Champions League win over Hungarians Ferencvaros.
      Dybala had been called into Argentina’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru.
      But the 26-year-old has now been dropped after team doctors diagnosed problems with his private parts.
      The Argentine FA made no attempts to spare Dybala’s blushes as they released a statement about him and national teammates Marcos Acuna.

      The association said: “Marcos Acuna and Paulo Dybala have been dropped.
      “The Sevilla player has been withdrawn from the squad as a result of the muscle problem he suffered playing for his club on Saturday.
      “Meanwhile Dybala has also been left out after presenting general genito-urinary symptoms.
      “He needs to rest from playing sport, and to have tests.”

      Dybala grabbed his groin after going down in Juventus’ draw with Lazio yesterday, but it is not clear if this moment is directly related Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Angry Argentina fans have since begun speculating as to the cause of Dybala’s problems as the 29-cap ace fails to show for international duty yet again.
      The five-time Serie A winner last played for the AlbiCeleste a year ago, and has since missed out for a host of different reasons.

      Dybala’s South American national bosses have failed to show him the usual discretion players receive when suffering unusual problems.
      Everton declined to fully explain why James Rodriguez was sidelined after a knock against Liverpool last month.
      It took media in the winger’s native Colombia to reveal he had in fact suffered a testicle injury. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi in X-rated bust-up on Argentina duty after rowing with ‘bald’ Bolivia coach in World Cup qualifier win

      by

      LIONEL MESSI has been caught on camera launching into an X-rated rant at Bolivia coach Lucas Nava after Argentina’s 2-1 win.
      The 33-year-old helped his country beat their South American opponents away for the first time since 2005 in their World Cup 2022 qualifier.

      3

      Argentina forward Lionel Messi was visibly angry at Bolivia coach Lucas Nava

      And after the full-time whistle, tensions boiled over as the Barcelona forward was seen swearing at the opposition.
      Officials and Messi’s team-mates had to pull him and Bolivia goalscorer Marcelo Martins away.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner was also visibly furious with Nava.
      According to TyC Sports, the Blaugrana legend told him: “The c*** of your mother. What’s up baldie?”

      Before adding: “You were screaming the whole game.
      “What are you doing? From the bench you are yelling at me the whole game.”
      Argentina came back from behind to win their second World Cup qualifier from as many games.
      Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez equalised for the visitors before the break, with Lazio forward Joaquin Correa firing in the winner in the 79th minute.

      3

      Messi launched into an X-rated rant at Nava after the 2-1 victoryCredit: AFP or licensors

      3

      Argentina have won their opening two World Cup 2022 qualifying matchesCredit: AFP or licensors

      Martinez’s strike was incredibly the first time in four years that an Argentina player has scored in a World Cup qualifier from someone that isn’t Messi.
      Speaking after the match, Martinez said: “We knew what this game meant to us because of its history.
      “We’re not going to deny that it’s difficult to play here.
      “I think this team showed lots of heart and lots of brains. We’re very happy.”

      FIFA 21 guesses that Barcelona’s Ansu Fati will win the Ballon d’Or in 2034 More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Neymar goes past Ronaldo as Brazil’s second-highest goalscorer with hat-trick in thumping 4-2 win over Peru

      by

      NEYMAR became Brazil’s second-highest goalscorer of all time last night as his hat-trick helped thump Peru 4-2 in a 2022 World Cup qualifier.
      The PSG star leapt above Ronaldo with his goals last night and only lags behind legend Pele.

      3

      Neymar bops away in celebration after netting his first goal from the spotCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      3

      Ronaldo’s stunning goal tally for Brazil has been overcome, leaving only Pele to chaseCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      The 28-year-old now has 64 goals for his country while Pele has 77, and with time still on his side the forward will hope to catch him.
      Performances like last night will help, with two penalties and a stoppage-time strike helping Brazil continue their 100 per cent start to the qualifying campaign.
      Everton’s Richarlison also got in on the act, with Peru eventually reduced to nine men and taking nothing from a game they led twice.
      Neymar’s 64 goals come in 103 games while Ronaldo scored 62 in only 98 games, helping his nation to win two World Cups, the Copa America twice and a Confederations Cup in a stellar17-year career.

      Legendary Brazilian goalkeeper Taffarel believes Neymar is a ‘superstar’ talent who will also help the country win their first World Cup since 2002.
      He told the official FIFA website in August: “[Neymar is] a great player. He plays the game in a beautiful way. He’s an incredible dribbler, sets up goals, scores fantastic goals.
      “He’s very important for us. We really hope he can be at his best and help Brazil win another World Cup. He’s a superstar.
      “I cheered a lot for Paris [in the Champions League final] because of the Brazilians who play there. I really wanted Neymar to win this Champions League and, consequently, The Best FIFA [Men’s Player] award.

      3

      Neymar steps up to the spot as he adds to his historic goals haulCredit: Rex Features

      BRAZIL’S TOP GOALSCORERS OF ALL-TIME

      Neymar has stepped into second place in Brazil’s talented list of all-time goalscorers, with the striker now only 13 goals behind the legendary Pele

      Pele – 77
      Neymar – 64
      Ronaldo – 62
      Romario – 55
      Zico – 48
      Bebeto – 39
      Rivaldo – 35
      Jairzinho – 33
      Ronaldinho – 33
      Ademir – 32
      Tostao – 32

      “But it’s just one day. I really hope in the future he can win this award and be considered the best player in the world.”
      Neymar’s first and second goals were penalties which he netted with ease.
      He also scored a stoppage time tap-in to steal the match ball.
      Richarlison’s goal came when he headed the ball over the line after Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino flicked it across the six-yard box.
      Neymar’s record-breaking goals are the latest chapter in an eventful season for him so far.

      The former Barcelona man announced he tested positive for coronavirus at the beginning of last month, but recovered in time for Paris-Saint Germain’s eventful match against Marseille.
      He was one of five players sent off in injury time, with Neymar striking defender Alvaro Gonzalez on the back of the head before accusing him of racism, which the Marseille player denies.
      After he returned from suspension, he scored twice as PSG hammered Angers 6-1 in their last game before the international break.

      Watch Neymar humiliate Angers rival who shoved him with amazing ‘sombrero’ as Brazilian runs riot in PSG’s 6-1 win More