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      Inside incredible journey of former Welsh lifeguard who is now aiming to manage 170th-ranked Fiji at first World Cup

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      ROB SHERMAN knows a thing or two about the beach after his time as a champion lifeguard on the Welsh west coast.But he is certainly not taking things easy in his new role as the national football team manager of Fiji – 10,000 miles from home.
      Rob Sherman is the new national team manager of FijiCredit: www.phototek.nz / Fiji Football Federation
      The ex-footballer, left, with his brother Stuart on the Welsh surf lifesaving tour of Australia in 1982Credit: Rob Sherman
      Fiji have never played at a World Cup but could benefit from the extra qualifying spot for OceaniaCredit: www.phototek.nz / Fiji Football Federation
      The 63-year-old took over as head coach in July.
      As well as his remit to develop the beautiful game in the beautiful South Pacific country, Sherman has strong ambitions of leading the nation ranked 170th out of 207 in the Fifa rankings to their first World Cup.
      Those chances were boosted by Oceania now getting 1.5 qualifying spots, up from 0.5 for Qatar 2022, which will see one country from the federation guaranteed a place at the 2026 tournament and another entering an inter-continental play-off.
      New Zealand are the dominant team, reaching South Africa 2010 before losing play-offs for the last three World Cups.
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      But Sherman, who will get a first proper chance to assess his squad in their Pacific Games opener against Northern Marianas Islands in the Solomon Islands on Saturday, believes Fiji can spring a surprise when qualifying gets underway in September 2024.
      Asked whether the Bula Boys can book a spot at United States, Canada and Mexico 2026, Sherman told SunSport: “The extra qualifying spot raises the ambition of all the nations but in particular Fiji. 
      “The ideal is to win the one slot, that’s not beyond the realms if I’m honest. But at the very least an inter-continental play-off raises the profile of football in the region and if you do make the World Cup then happy days. 
      “Personally, qualifying would be a real moment of actualisation. I’ve coached since I was 17.
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      “Because I didn’t make it as a player, being a decent coach has been my way of compensating – so getting Fiji to the World Cup would be a moment of great satisfaction.
      “Getting to the world’s biggest sporting event would be huge for all Fijians across the world.
      “Fiji are very competitive within Oceania. 
      “New Zealand are the top-ranked country with lots of professional players. Then it’s the likes of the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Papa New Guinea, Vanuatu and ourselves.”
      Sherman, whose son Drew was the youngest international manager when he took charge of the Cook Islands aged 28, is based in Christchurch, doing his job remotely before flying the three-and-a-half hours to Fiji for camps. 
      However, he is unable to select some players due to strict Fijian government laws regarding passports. 
      Anyone applying for a Fijian passport for the first time after turning 18 needs to spend five years living in the country, thus ruling out a host of talent abroad with a Fijian grandparent, for example, who would be eligible under Fifa legislation.
      Many of the stars in the Fiji team play in the amateur national league and have regular jobs, from police and army to labouring. 
      FIJI’S FITNESS FIX
      Therefore improving fitness levels is a key priority for Sherman and his backroom team including ex-Premier League goalkeeper Les Cleevely, especially after the “jaded” Under-23s team lost 9-0 to New Zealand in September’s Olympic qualifying final.
      And he sets a high standard having completed an Ironman in 2000, the year after running the New York Marathon. 
      Born and bred in Aberystwyth, Sherman has always prided himself on his ridiculous fitness levels and even represented his country at THREE different sports – plus played off a single-figure golf handicap.
      Football was his primary sport, playing for the Wales Under-18s after being scouted to join Cardiff City as a teenager. 
      He was also an accomplished athlete, holding the national junior 400m hurdles record, as well as competing for his country at the surf lifesaving championships, too.
      But his football career spiralled downwards thanks to a rotten stroke of bad timing at Cardiff.
      On a Tuesday in November 1978, Jimmy Andrews told Sherman he would get his debut on the Saturday – but the manager lost his job on the Thursday.
      Sherman never played for the first team.
      Sherman, far left, representing his country in the beach sprintCredit: Rob Sherman
      The former footballer played for Wales Under-18sCredit: Rob Sherman
      Sherman, bottom row second right, lines up with his Red Ravens team-matesCredit: Rob Sherman
      Sherman held the 400m hurdles junior national recordCredit: Rob Sherman
      The ultra-fit athlete has also completed a triathlon, marathon and IronmanCredit: Rob Sherman
      The national team is unable to select certain players who live abroad due to strict Fijian passport rulesCredit: www.phototek.nz / Fiji Football Federation
      A brief stint under John Toshack at Swansea followed but his playing days “faded out” and he turned to coaching full-time, migrating with his wife to New Zealand in 2007 when he was headhunted to be technical director of the football federation.
      Sherman, who has coached at three Women’s World Cups and helped Canada win Olympic bronze in 2012, was also technical director of Australia and Wales, training many of the Dragons’ ‘Golden Generation’ that reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals. 
      The Welshman said: “There was a series of things at Cardiff, I was asked to do something and refused, a legal matter, and I never had a look in after that.
      “I was lucky enough to go to Swansea but a little bump in the journey became a mountain. I was damaged goods from a mental perspective. 
      “Ironically I coached my son’s team when he was about seven and realised how little I knew. That was the catalyst and I re-did my coaching awards. I’m in it for the player, not for me. 
      “I patrolled the beaches as a lifeguard in my hometown. I was British beach sprint champion. It’s essentially a 100m sprint, the idea being you get to patients quickly to improve rescue efficiency. 
      The athletic potential of Fijian players is enormous… Oceania is untapped for its talent due to the geographyRob Sherman
      “I did it until I was 16, then had four years without it then the Welsh Championships were in Swansea. We didn’t have a game so I went and won. The following year I was out of football so it was a nice diversion.”
      But super-fit Sherman knows the journey for Fiji to the World Cup is a marathon not a sprint, especially when rugby is the country’s beloved No1 sport.
      Fiji beat England at Twickenham in August then stunned Australia at the Rugby World Cup before losing a tight quarter-final to the Red Rose in France. 
      Sherman is determined to use the Flying Fijians’ success as inspiration for his Bula Boys and believes that can unlock a huge new scouting market for top clubs.
      The head coach added: “The athletic potential of Fijian players is enormous.
      “In terms of inspiration, the rugby performances have shown there are no limitations and there is massive opportunity. 
      “Obviously, rugby is their favoured sport, regularly playing against Australia, New Zealand, South Africa. That illustrates the difference, they are professional players and many play in Europe. 
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      “This is the long-term objective for football. South America and Africa have a traditional yield for scouting whereas Oceania is untapped for its talent due to the geography.
      “Through a World Cup or exposure of a good qualifying campaign, some very talented players could get opportunities in professional football, maybe in Australia or directly to Europe.”
      The U23s reached the Olympic qualifying final while the U20s went to the 2023 World Cup in ArgentinaCredit: www.phototek.nz / Fiji Football Federation
      Fiji’s rugby team stunned Australia at the World CupCredit: AFP
      Sherman coached a number of players in Wales’ team that reached the Euro 2016 semi-finalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Sherman led Llantwit Major FC to the Corinthian Cup in his first coaching roleCredit: Rob Sherman
      Sherman did not make a first-team appearance for CardiffCredit: Rob Sherman
      Bad timing meant Jimmy Andrews never gave Sherman his Cardiff debutCredit: Rob Sherman
      Sherman represented Wales in three different sportsCredit: Rob Sherman
      Sherman in action on his debut for hometown club Aberystwyth Town as a 16-year-oldCredit: Rob Sherman
      The Welshman has been director of football for three different countriesCredit: Rob Sherman
      Taking Fiji to the World Cup would be a ‘moment of great personal satisfaction’Credit: Fiji Football Association More

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      First teams already eliminated from 2026 World Cup contention – 969 days before the tournament begins

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      GUAM have become the first nation to be eliminated from 2026 World Cup contention – 969 days before the tournament is set to begin.The western Pacific island take part in the AFC’s qualifying path.
      Nations around the globe are already dreaming of World Cup 2026 gloryCredit: EMPICS Sport
      Twenty sides were drawn into two-legged ties, with the losers of each OUT of World Cup contention.
      Guam drew Singapore and were beaten 2-1 in the first leg.
      The two sides met again in Dededo on Tuesday, with Shawal Anuar’s late goal consigning Guam to a 3-1 aggregate defeat.
      Other Asian nations have since also fallen by the wayside, their dreams of competing on the world stage already parked until 2030.
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      Mongolia were beaten 2-0 on aggregate by Afghanistan.
      Yemen overcame Sri Lanka 4-1 across two legs.
      Cambodia were narrowly edged out 1-0 by Pakistan.
      Timor-Leste were beaten 7-0 on aggregate by Chinese Taipei.
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      Macau held Myanmar to a 0-0 draw at home, but were beaten 5-1 by their rivals in the away leg.
      Bangladesh edged past the Maldives 2-1 on aggregate, holding on with ten men in the second clash.
      Meanwhile, Bhutan fell short in their comeback against Hong Kong, only managing a 2-0 win after losing the first leg 4-0.
      Nepal scaped through against Laos 2-1 and Indonesia thumped Brunei 12-0 – with resounding 6-0 wins home and away. More

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      Watch moment furious Neymar rages at fan as he’s hit in the head by box of POPCORN after World Cup qualifier shock

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      NEYMAR was left raging at a frustrated fan who launched a box of popcorn at his head following Brazil’s draw with Venezuela.The Samba Boys looked on course to continue their 100 per cent World Cup qualification record as they entered the final five minutes 1-0 up courtesy of Gabriel Magalhaes last night.
      Neymar endured a frustrating night as Brazil were held by VenezuelaCredit: Getty
      The superstar was hit on the head by a box of popcorn at full timeCredit: X/@TNTSportsBR
      The star launched a verbal tirade at the alleged culprit in the standsCredit: X/@TNTSportsBR
      EITA! O QUE FOI ISSO? JOGARAM PIPOCA NO NEYMAR E ELE FICOU REVOLTADO! MANDOU O TORCEDOR PRA AQUELE LUGAR! ⚠️🚨 Alerta de clima muito tenso na Arena Pantanal! Pqp! O que aconteceu? O camisa 10 ficou muito bravo! 🤬🤬🤬 pic.twitter.com/49XtPfHZG5— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) October 13, 2023

      But they were forced to settle for just a point after Eduard Bello produced a brilliant bicycle kick to level late on.
      That result last night saw Brazil slip behind rivals Argentina in the table and the supporters at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba were quick to vent their fury at full time.
      A huge chorus or whistles and jeers rang out as the players left the field.
      However, just as Neymar, Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer, was entering the tunnel he was struck on the head by a tub of popcorn.
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      The Al-Hilal ace, who remains the world’s most-expensive footballer, instantly looked up to try and find the culprit in the stands.
      Neymar appeared to launch a number of verbals as his team-mates tried to pull him away.
      He then launched another volley of verbal abuse as he pointed to an individual in the seats.
      Fortunately, he was pulled away by the front of his shirt before more trouble erupted.
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      Neymar had earlier been involved in a bust-up with ex West Brom, Newcastle and Everton striker Salomon Rondon during the game, while Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus was also annoyed by the Venezualan’s actions.
      Then, right on the final whistle, a rash challenge from Bello on Gerson sparked a melee between both sets of players.
      Last night was the first time that five-time world champions Brazil have failed to beat Venezuela at home.
      The draw also ended their 15-match home winning run in World Cup qualifying that had dated back to 2015. More

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      I’m an ex-Premier League star – now I sell swimming pools but fans keep ringing me up to sing France’s World Cup anthem

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      FORMER Premier League star Stephane Guivarc’h has swapped grassy pitches for water as he is now a swimming pool salesman.The Frenchman played for Newcastle and won a World Cup during his career.
      Stephane Guivarc’h has a very different career from when he was a footballerCredit: Federation Franchise Natation
      The former Newcastle star now sells swimming poolsCredit: Tanguy Piscines Bretagne | Constructeur de Piscine
      He works for a company that is run by his childhood friendCredit: Tanguy Piscines Bretagne | Constructeur de Piscine
      Guivarc’h played for Newcastle during his careerCredit: Getty
      The Magpies bought the striker for £3.6million in 1998 after he won the World Cup but he ultimately failed at St James’ Park despite scoring on his debut against Liverpool.
      Guivarc’h, 53, arrived at Newcastle with an impressive goalscoring record in France but could not replicate it in England.
      He was sold just months later to Scottish giants Rangers for £3.5m, where he spent one year before returning to France to see out his career.
      Since retiring in 2002, Guivarc’h has drastically switched his career as he entered the leisure business as a swimming pool salesman at a friend’s company.
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      Unlike many former footballers, the retired striker is happy not to have spent much time in front of the camera and is happy with his “balanced life”.
      He told RMC: “I have been in the swimming pool business for 17 years.  The boss of the company is a friend of mine.
      “It started off because the business was a plumbing firm that was doing work on my house.
      “My friend then told me he was planning to create a swimming pools division, and that he was looking for a sales rep.
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      “As I was unemployed at the time I told him I’d give him a hand – and 17 years later on I am still working with him.
      “I am out on the road all day, things are going very well and I am back home in the evenings.
      “I lead a balanced life. I don’t need to constantly seek to be in front of a camera or a microphone in order to exist.”
      However, just because he is selling swimming pools doesn’t mean he does not get recognised by French football fans.
      Occasionally he will be spotted and will end up speaking to clients about football for even longer than the swimming pool.
      Speaking to The Times, he said: “The first time I meet a customer, if they’re a football fan, it’s not uncommon to spend half an hour talking about swimming pools and an hour talking football.
      “It’s nice, it allows you to connect with somebody’s passion rather than just talking pools, pools, pools. They like to share a moment.
      “But it’s also a professional relationship. You don’t win every deal, there’s a competitive aspect there too.”
      With the swimming pool business being based in the village of Concarneau in Brittany, France there is a very common topic that comes to mind.
      He scored on his debut against Liverpool for the MagpiesCredit: Getty
      After only playing four times Guivarc’h left to join RangersCredit: Alamy
      He added: “The ’98 finals had a huge impact, as they were the first time France won the World Cup.”
      Guivarc’h’s fame from the tournament even sees him be called up by fans with his phone number available on the business’ website.
      He added: “My mobile number is on the company’s website, and fans still phone me up to sing the France World Cup anthem I Will Survive.”
      Guivarc’h has previously admitted that he could have stayed in football.
      After retiring he was the sporting director at Guingamp for six months but left the club after a fallout with the president.
      He said: “My mum then died, and I looked after my dad while I had my house built.
      “My childhood friend – who is now my boss – was fitting a water tank one day when I jokingly told him I could be a salesman for his swimming pool firm.
      “That put a flea in his ear.  He phoned me later on, we spoke the next day and I’ve now been with his company since.”
      Guivarc’h played 14 times for FranceCredit: Getty
      He helped the team win the World Cup in 1998Credit: AFP
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      Guivarc’h left Rangers having helped the club win a Scottish double with the league and cup titles.
      He rejoined his former side Auxerre where he spent the next two years of his career.
      It was his third spell with the club having played there twice either side of a spell at Rennes before joining Newcastle.
      He played 60 games in the French league scoring 25 goals before leaving in 2001.
      In the last year of his professional career, he was at Guingamp, but he only featured 11 times, scoring one goal.
      Guivarc’h played 14 times for France scoring one goal which came in a friendly game against South Africa in 1997.
      He was selected for the World Cup squad in France’s home tournament in 1998, and played in all six games of the tournament.
      He was awarded with a Knight of the Legion of Honour – the highest order of merit in France – following the victory.
      Former UEFA president Michel Platini revealed that the fixture for the 1998 World Cup final was fixedCredit: AFP
      Former France midfielder Michel Platini later claimed that the final was a fix to make sure that the team would not face Brazil until the final of the competition.
      Platini successfully got a change in the rules keeping France and Brazil separated until the final, having been named co-president of the World Cup Organising Committee in 1992.
      Platini added: “If we finished first in the group and Brazil finished first, we could not meet before the final.
      “We did not work until we were bored for six years to organise the World Cup not to do some little shenanigans.
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      “When you are at home, you want to be able to enjoy things.
      “You think the others do not do it for their World Cups? France against Brazil in the final, that was the dream of everyone.” More

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      I scored a legendary goal against England after just 8 seconds… now I work in a shop selling computers

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      DAVIDE GUALTIERI might not be a household football name but he is a cult hero in San Marino and Scotland.This is down to him scoring after just 8.3 seconds in a World Cup qualifier in 1993 against who else but England.
      Davide Gualtieri netted an infamous goal against England in 1993
      Gualtieri latched on to a poor back pass from Stuart PearceCredit: Twitter – @SanMarino_UK
      And slotted past David SeamanCredit: Twitter – @SanMarino_UK
      Gualtieri, now 52, latched on to a poor back pass from Stuart Pearce and slotted the ball under goalkeeper David Seaman.
      The goal went down in folklore in San Marino as England needed to win the game by seven clear goals in order to qualify for the tournament in the USA.
      Graham Taylor’s side would go on to win the game 7-1 but it was in vain as Holland beat Poland to seal the second automatic qualifying spot for the World Cup.
      And Gualtieri’s strike was partly responsible for England’s failure to reach the tournament despite reaching the semi-finals four years earlier.
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      The Sammarinese ace admitted that it was a moment that he would “never forget”, especially as the goal came against England.
      The goal was celebrated immensely in San Marino but also in Scotland as they took great pleasure in seeing England miss out on the finals in the USA.
      Gualtieri now works a 9-5 job in the computer shop, Micronics, which can be found off of a dual carriageway near Monte Titano in San Marino.
      Recently he revealed that he was visited by Scotland fans who had made t-shirts celebrating his achievement against the English.
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      In an interview with The Athletic, Gualtieri said: “It hasn’t changed me.
      “But for San Marino, that goal was like winning the World Cup.
      “When Scotland played here a few years ago, their supporters made T-shirts in my honour.
      “Across the back, it had my name, and, for the shirt number, it was 8.3.
      The goal was celebrated in San Marino and ScotlandCredit: PA:Press Association
      “They came into the shop because they wanted to congratulate me for scoring against England.
      “Even now, nearly 30 years later, I seem very popular with Scottish people.”
      Gualtieri spent his whole career in San Marino and his most prolific spell came at Tre Penne as he netted 50 league goals in 168 appearances.
      He featured a handful of times for the national side, but only scored that one famous goal.
      The 52-year-old retired from international duty in 2000 due to injury but continued to play domestically. More

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      Women’s World Cup ticket sales exceed half a million mark with more due to go on sale before contest

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      MORE than 500,000 tickets have been snapped up by fans for this year’s Women’s World Cup before the tournament’s start in July. And tickets for the August 20 final at Stadium Australia are thought to be attracting the most interest. 
      Surging ticket sales means Australia’s World Cup opener against the Republic of Ireland could be moved to the 83,500-capacity Stadium AustraliaCredit: Getty
      The Republic of Ireland will compete in the Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history this summerCredit: Sportsfile
      England are among the top ten nations with the highest number of buyers of tickets for the tournament this yearCredit: AFP
      Fifa says supporters from more than 120 countries have bought tickets for the contest in Australia and New Zealand with sales passing the half a million mark last week. 
      The tournament, which is being staged for the ninth time, will kick off on July 20 with co-hosts New Zealand and Australia facing Norway and the Republic of Ireland. 
      The Football Ferns will play Norway in their opening game at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
      Meanwhile the Matildas, who are skippered by Chelsea striker Sam Kerr, will take on Vera Pauw’s Republic of Ireland side with their game potentially set for a venue switch due to popular demand for tickets. 
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      Last week the Irish Independent reported their fixture could be moved to the 83,500-seater Stadium Australia. 
      The Republic of Ireland is claimed to be ranking among the top ten nations for ticket buys.
      Their team is set to make history by competing in the tournament for the first time in their 50-year existence. 
      England is also said to be among the nations with the highest number of tickets sold following the Lionesses’ triumph at last summer’s Euros.
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      A record crowd of more than 87,000 people turned out to watch them beat Germany at Wembley in July last year 
      Fifa secretary general Fatma Samoura said: “Fans residing in the United States of America, England, Qatar, Germany, China, Canada, the Republic of Ireland and France are the top 10 purchasers of Women’s World Cup 2023 tickets so far. 
      “This highlights the fantastic pull of the female game and the passion it evokes among the global football fandom, who want to be part of the tournament.”
      This year’s World Cup is set to be the first one in which a total of 32 nations will compete following the contest expanding from a 24-team competition.
      Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses are among the sides considered to be favourites to go all the way along with co-hosts Australia and four-time World Cup winners the USA.
      Olympic gold medallists Canada and Euros 2022 finalists Germany are also considered among the favourites along with Sweden, Copa America Feminina champs Brazil, Spain and France.
      Bev Priestman’s Canada are among the teams considered to be strong contenders to go far in the tournamentCredit: Getty
      Aside from the Republic of Ireland, this year’s contest will see Morocco, the Philippines, Vietnam and Zambia competing in the contest for the first time. 
      A play-off tournament to decide which nations fill the World Cup’s three vacant group stage spots will take place from February 17-23 in New Zealand. 
      The 10 countries who will battle for those slots are Portugal, Cameroon, Thailand, Chile, Haiti, Senegal, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay and Panama.  More

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      Top 10 biggest World Cup wins ever and Germany’s 7-1 demolition over Brazil doesn’t even make the cut

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      THE World Cup never fails to produce some shocking results and the list of the top ten biggest wins proves that.Germany’s demolition of Brazil in 2014 is one that immediately pops into people’s minds, while the 2018 tournament included some high-scoring affairs.
      Brazil were heavily beaten by Germany 7-1 in the 2014 World Cup finals.Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      England thrashed Panama 6-1, Belgium hit five past Tunisia in their 5-2 win and Russia started the tournament with a thrilling 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
      However, none of these games have made the top ten in terms of the biggest wins in World Cup history.
      Here are the ten thrashings that fans will be hoping their sides can emulate at the World Cup in Qatar this month.
      = 7. Portugal 7-0 DPR Korea – 2010
      Raul Meireles scored the first goal for Portugal in their 7-0 win over DPR Korea in 2010.Credit: EPA
      Cristiano Ronaldo netted his first international goal for over a year, although it turned out to be the only one of the tournament for the current Manchester United forward.
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      Raul Meireles, Simao, Hugo Almeida, Liedson and Tiago (two) also scored in the match for Portugal, although the side would exit the tournament in the round of 16 atthe hands of Spain.
      =7. Poland 7-0 Haiti – 1974
      Poland showed their power against Haiti as they won 7-0.Credit: AFP
      A perfect game for Poland in which Andrzej Szarmach netted a hat-trick.
      Grzegorz Lato (two), Jerzy Gorgon, and Kazimierz Deyna also got on the scoresheet as the side went on to finish third in the tournament.
      =7. Turkey 7-0 Korea Republic – 1954
      Turkey’s Suat Mamat netted a brace against Korea Republic in their 7-0 win.Credit: Getty
      The 1954 World Cup in Switzerland threw up some spectacular scorelines and Turkey’s thrashing of Korea Republic was just one of them.
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      Burhan Sargun bagged a hat trick and was joined on the scoresheet by Suat Mamat, Erol Keskin and Lefter Kucukandonyadis
      =7. Uruguay 7-0 Scotland – 1954
      Scottish goalkeeper Fred Martin was unable to stop the flow of goals from Uruguay.Credit: Getty
      Scotland’s first World Cup did not go well as they lost both of their games.
      Against Uruguay Carlos Borges got himself a hat-trick, while Oscar Miguez and Julio Abbadie both scored twice.
      =4. Germany 8-0 Saudi Arabia – 2002
      Miroslav Klose was on fire in Germany’s win over Saudi Arabia in 2002.Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Germany opened the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea in electric fashion as they hammered Saudi Arabia.
      Miroslav Klose scored three and was joined by Michael Ballack, Carsten Jancker, Thomas Linke, Oliver Bierhoff and Bernd Schneider on the scoresheet.
      =4. Uruguay 8-0 Bolivia – 1950
      Uruguay went on to win the tournament after beating BoliviaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      After France withdrew from the tournament in Brazil, eventual winners Uruguay only played one group game, but certainly proved their credentials against Bolivia.
      A hat-trick for Oscar Míguez helped them on their way to their brilliant victory, and he would finish as the second-highest scorer in the tournament only behind Brazil’s Ademir.
      =4. Sweden 8-0 Cuba – 1938
      Swedish fans saw two of their players score hat-tricks in their impressive win over Cuba.Credit: Getty
      Going way back now, but Sweden’s destruction of Cuba in the quarter-finals remains one of the greatest wins.
      Both Harry Andersson and Gustav Wetterstrom scored hat-tricks, while Tore Keller and Arne Nyberg also found the net.
      =2. Yugoslavia 9-0 Zaire – 1974
      Zaire goalkeeper Tubilandu Ndimbi was not able to stop Yugoslavia’s powerful attackers.
      Zaire, now known as DR Congo, did not enjoy their World Cup campaign as they lost to Scotland 2-0 before their hammering by Yugoslavia.
      Dusan Bajevic starred in the game as he scored a hat-trick while six other players also grabbed a goal.
      =2. Hungary 9-0 South Korea – 1954
      Hungary has made the list of biggest wins in World Cup history twice.Credit: Getty
      Ferenc Puskas scored the first and last goal of the game as Hungary made clear their aim of winning the tournament.
      They would go on to the final but missed out on the trophy as they were beaten 3-2 by West Germany.
      1. Hungary 10-1 El Salvador – 1982
      Hungary’s 10-1 win over El Salvador is the biggest win in World Cup history.Credit: Getty
      Laszlo Kiss scored a hat-trick in the match after coming on as a substitute.Credit: Getty
      After qualifying for the World Cup amidst an ongoing civil war in their own country, El Salvador were not able to compete.
      They were thrashed by Hungary as substitute Laszlo Kiss scored a seven-minute hat-trick.
      However, neither team made it out of the group as they both fell behind Belgium and Argentina. More

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      Austria 0 England 2: Russo and Parris on target as Lionesses claim World Cup spot after heroic Euros triumph

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      ALESSIA RUSSO got the ball rolling as England beat stubborn Austria 2-0 to seal their place in next year’s World Cup. The striker’s opener and a Nikita Parris thumper saw the Lionesses’ red-hot run continue with the team now 21 games unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman.  
      Alessia Russo scored her ninth goal for the Lionesses who needed a draw to qualify for next year’s World CupCredit: Getty
      England aim to seal ten wins in ten World Cup qualifiers when they play LuxembourgCredit: PA
      The result saw the Euros winners bag a ninth victory out of nine World Cup qualifying games notching a whopping 70 goals in the process.
      The match also saw Lauren James make her senior England debut with the Chelsea forward entering the fray late on.
      And Wiegman acknowledged Austria provided her stars with a stern test following their Euros triumph.
      The England head coach said: “I think it was a hard game coming out of the Euros without having much rest, with some players having been in the Champions League.
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      “After all that I’m very proud of the team that we came out of this and won the game. It looked so easy, but I think it was very hard.”
      The duel saw super sub Parris smash the ball home late on.
      On Parris’ efforts, Wiegman added: “We wanted more depth and that’s one of the strengths of her game.
      “She had the runs behind and that’s what she did really well.
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      “Her finish was great. That was very successful, so we celebrated that together.”
      The Lionesses – playing for their first game since their European Championship triumph – got off to a flyer in the seventh minute at Wiener Neustadt Stadium.
      The team were also in action for the first time since the retirement of their all-time record scorer Ellen White.
      But Russo showed the future looks bright for England in attack bagging her ninth senior international goal.
      Though off balance in the box, the striker fired Wiegman’s aces ahead after getting a boot on the end of a headed ball from Lauren Hemp.
      And England almost doubled their lead moments after their seventh-minute opener with Hemp outpacing Verena Hanshaw to tee up Russo.
      But Austria, who succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against their visitors during the Women’s Euros, showed precisely why they proved tough opponents during the tournament.
      They grew into the game and blazed the ball over the bar around the 12th minute with Julie Hickelsberger firing after the hosts won possession.
      Nikita Parris doubled England’s lead to secure a win against AustriaCredit: Getty
      And the Austrian midfielder looked to cause problems shortly before half time with her cross forcing a solid block from Alex Greenwood.
      The second spell saw Irene Fuhrmann’s Austria side attempt to up the ante.
      Hickelsberger came close to levelling after pinching the ball off keeper Mary Earps.
      And the England number one made a top-drawer save in the 60th minute parrying Laura Feiersinger’s shot away from goal.
      Wiegman rang the changes with Parris and Beth England coming on for Beth Mead and Russo moments later.
      And Parris blasted England two-nil ahead in the 70th minute before coming close to netting a second shortly after.
      The visitors wrapped up the win to cap off one of the most successful summers in the Lionesses’ history.
      They will take on Luxembourg in their final World Cup qualifier before the start of the new WSL season. More