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    Scotland fans belt out Ukrainian national anthem in solidarity at World Cup qualifier

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    TARTAN Army fans belted out the Ukrainian national anthem at the World Cup qualifier play-off last night.Scotland’s supporters were asked to sing along in solidarity with Ukraine fans ahead of the crucial match, which had been postponed by the war.
    Scottish footie fans belted out the Ukrainian national anthem at the World Cup qualifier play-offCredit: PA
    A young Scotland fan proudly holds both teams’ flagsCredit: Reuters
    Language-learning website and mobile app Duolingo helped by printing out flyers with phonetic versions of the lyrics to the tune, which translates as: “Ukraine’s glory and freedom are not dead yet.”
    Scotland’s pipers also learned the Ukrainian national anthem to make the several thousand visiting fans — many displaced from their country by the Russian invasion — feel welcome before the match at Hampden Park, Glasgow.
    The Ukrainian side walked out wrapped in national flags. Fans from the Scottish Football Supporters Association were joined by opera singer Vasyl Savenko and duo Julia Kogut-Kalynyuk and Kateryna Trachuk, plus Glasgow’s Voice of the Town choir, to sing the anthem.
    One fan wrote on social media: “Incredible scenes during Ukrainian national anthem at Scotland v Ukraine. The whole world pulling for you Ukraine.”
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    Another added: “I just wept at the Ukrainian national anthem and the emotion with which it was screamed and sung and yelled by everyone in the stands and on the pitch.
    “This is one of those football moments the world won’t soon forget.”
    It was Ukraine’s first competitive football match since Russia began its barbaric war in February.
    The conflict has dominated the build-up to the match, which was postponed in March.
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    Ukraine manager Oleksandr Petrakov’s men have spent the last month training in Slovenia and played friendlies in Germany, Italy and Croatia.
    The country’s home-based players have not been involved in any competitive matches since December as the war began during their winter shutdown.
    Scotland were aiming to make it to their first World Cup in 24 years — and ninth in total.
    But there was disappointment as Ukraine won 3-1.
    Ukraine are now in their first World Cup finals since 2006 — their only other appearance.
    The lyrics for Ukraine’s national anthem are based on an 1862 poem by Pavlo Chubynsky and the music was composed by Mykhailo Verbytsky in 1863.
    The song was formally adopted as the country’s anthem by the Ukrainian parliament in 1992.
    Its words have taken on a new ­poignancy since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
    They include the lines: “The glory and freedom of Ukraine has not yet perished.
    “Luck will still smile on us brother-Ukrainians.
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    “Our enemies will die, as the dew does in the sunshine.
    “And we, too, brothers, we’ll live happily in our land.”
    Ukraine fans in their national dress and team coloursCredit: EPA
    Ukraine are now in their first World Cup finals since 2006 — their only other appearanceCredit: SNS
    A phonetic version of the Ukraine national anthem was given to fans More

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      in Soccer

      Emotional Ukraine players and fans hold back tears as they sing national anthem ahead of Scotland game

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      IT was always going to be an emotional moment. 11 players, for whom kicking a ball was the furthest thing from their minds a few months ago. It seemed unimaginable.
      Ukraine players walk out at Hampden draped in their country’s flagCredit: Getty
      Oleksandr Zinchenko applauds the fansCredit: Getty

      Yet there they stood, draped in their country’s flag and fighting back tears as their national anthem began to ring out around Hampden.
      That was the moment it almost got too much for Ukraine’s players.
      But they were able to summon the strength to sing along to their country’s anthem, Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy, ahead of the World Cup play-off semi-final against Steve Clarke’s Scotland.
      They were roared on by passionate Ukraine fans in the crowd who proudly held up scarves and waved flags.
      Many of those supporters struggled to hold back tears too, given the situation back home.
      Images of the players from the war-torn country walking out from the tunnel with their nation’s flag across their shoulders and with many hundreds if not thousands more flags in the stands will invoke poignant feelings around the world, as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine ravages on.
      Scotland fans also unveiled a large tifo in the form of a saltire as the players lined up for the anthems.
      In the hours before the game, members of the Tartan Army, Glasgow’s Voice of the Town choir and Ukraine fans joined to sing Ukraine’s national anthem outside Hampden together in solidarity.
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      Scottish fans were handed sheets of paper with the lyrics to the anthem, plus their English translation and the phonetics of each word so that they could sing in unison with their Ukrainian counterparts on the steps outside the national stadium.
      In the build-up to the game, Ukraine star Oleksandr Zinchenko broke down in tears in a pre-match press conference.
      He wept as he reflected on the impact of the Russian invasion ahead of the big play-off.
      The Man City ace said: “Every Ukrainian wants one thing – to stop the war.
      “I spoke to kids who don’t understand what’s happening, but they have one dream: They want the war to end.
      “We also have another dream: To make the World Cup.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      San Marino vs England FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time, team news for final World Cup 2022 qualifier

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      ENGLAND travel to San Marino for their final World Cup 2022 Qualifier on Monday.Gareth Southgate’s team currently lead group I, meanwhile San Marino sit right at the bottom after failing to win a single game.
      NINTCHDBPICT000692962338Credit: Reuters
      Last time the Three Lions took on Franco Varrella’s team they came out on top in a 5-0 victory at Wembley Stadium in March.
      Southgate could have a tough task on his hands in terms of player selection, after Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford, James Ward-Prowse, Luke Shaw and Declan Rice all withdrew from the squad due to illness or injury.
      When is San Marino vs England?

      San Marino vs England takes place on Monday, November 15.
      The game kicks off at 7:45pm.
      The San Marino Stadium plays host.

      Where can I watch San Marino vs England?
      ITV will be broadcasting the game in the UK with coverage starting at 7pm.
      You can live stream the action for FREE on the ITV Hub app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      What is the San Marino vs England team news?
      England have a depleted squad for their two final World Cup qualifying games, with Declan Rice, Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford and James Ward-Prowse all withdrawing from the squad.
      Mason Mount could potentially return before Monday after a wisdom tooth infection kept him out of the squad this week.
      Emile Smith Rowe could make an appearance after being called up to the squad for the first time by Southgate. More

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      Liechtenstein vs Germany: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for World Cup qualifying clash

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      GERMANY begin their new era with Hansi Flick as manager tonight in a World Cup qualifier with Liechtenstein. Flick has taken the reins from Joachim Low, whose German side were knocked out of Euro 2020 by England in the summer.
      Hansi Flick has taken his first training session in charge of GermanyCredit: AFP
      What time does Liechtenstein vs Germany kick-off?

      Germany’s clash with Liechtenstein will get underway from 7.45pm UK time TONIGHT.
      The game will take place at Kybun Park in Switzerland.
      There will be fans in attendance to watch the match.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Liechtenstein vs Germany is available to watch on the Sky Sports Red Button.
      You can stream the action from the Sky Sports app, which is available for download onto your mobile device or tablet.

      Team news
      Thomas Muller is not in the side for Germany as he has an adductor problem.
      There are call-ups, however er, for Marco Reus and Mahmoud Dahoud.
      Florian Wirtz has also been selected by new boss Flick.
      Manuel Never is out with an ankle injury.
      Odds

      Liechtenstein to win – 250/1
      Draw – 55/1
      PSG to win – 1/80

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

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      Man Utd star Jadon Sancho suffers knock on England duty and doubtful for World Cup 2022 qualifiers

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      JADON SANCHO picked up a knock in England training on Wednesday morning.The Manchester United winger is now a doubt for England’s World Cup qualifier against Hungary on Thursday, Gareth Southgate has confirmed.
      Jadon Sancho has picked up an injury in England trainingCredit: Getty
      The Three Lions boss did not elaborate on the nature of the injury but admitted he’d need assessing before the match in Budapest.
      Southgate said: “We’ve got a small knock with Jadon this morning.
      “So we’re going to assess him and everybody else I think is fine for the game.”
      England have qualifiers against Andorra and Poland following the Hngaty clash.
      Earlier this week, Southgate told Sancho and his fellow Three Lions stars who missed penalties in the Euro 2020 defeat to Italy to expect jeers.
      Sancho and Marcus Rashford were taunted with ridiculous chants of ‘you let your country down’ by Leeds fans this month.

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      Southgate, who missed a spot-kick at Euro 96, said: “I’m obviously in a good place to be able to help them with that because I experienced that myself.
      “But there’s been some fabulous receptions.
      “I was at Brentford when Bukayo got an amazing reception.
      “I think even some of the supporters who were singing those things were saying, ‘We know it’s not the case but they’re our rivals, we’re into club football now and we’re going to try to put those players off their game’.
      “I think there are different strands of that sort of response and it’s something the players will have to work through.”

      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Sancho has had a slow start to life at Man Utd after his £73million switch from Borussia Dortmund.
      He came off the bench in the Reds’ first two games of the season before starting for the first time at Wolves on Sunday.
      But he had to be consoled on the bench after failing to impact the game and being subbed off after 72 minutes.

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      Ronaldo planning face-to-face talks with Solskjaer as he vows Man Utd boss ‘can count on me for anything’ More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo will not be stripped of Portugal captaincy after throwing armband to ground in disgust against Serbia

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO will keep the armband for Portugal’s game with Luxembourg despite throwing it to the floor against Serbia.Selecao boss Fernando Santos has backed the winger, 36, to bounce back from the controversial draw in Belgrade.
      Cristiano Ronaldo will keep the Portugal captaincy despite his Serbia outrageCredit: Getty
      The forward tossed the armband away in anger on Saturday nightCredit: Getty
      A potential Ronaldo winner in stoppage time was not given after officials decided the ball had not crossed the line.
      Replays showed a defensive clearance occurring just as the ball appeared to have gone in, with no goalline technology to confirm the call.
      The furious Juventus star responded by lambasting officials and throwing his captain’s armband to the ground.
      But Santos insisted his excellent standing in the dressing room, and the justifiable cause behind his anger, will mean he keeps the captaincy.
      The 66-year-old told reporters: “If Cristiano, who is an example to the national team and even the youngest say so, he had offended the coach, his colleagues or the federation, then yes, we would have to think about it.
      “None of this happened.
      Replays suggested the ball had crossed the line for a late winnerCredit: beIN Sports
      Fernando Santos (right) has backed his star man for Tuesday’s game with LuxembourgCredit: EPA
      “What happened was a moment of great frustration that could have happened to me.
      “It was the frustration of someone who always wants to win, who gives everything for the national team.
      “Nobody will say that his reaction was beautiful, but there’s no point to discussing if Cristiano should remain the captain. That’s something I want to be very clear about.”
      The armband dramatically thrown aside by Ronaldo will soon be auctioned for a Serbian children’s charity.
      And Dutch referee Danny Makkelie later apologised for turning down the late winner.
      The draw kept Portugal in second place of World Cup qualification Group A, ahead of Tuesday’s game with Luxembourg – who boast a 100 per cent record having beaten Republic of Ireland.
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      Writing on his Instagram after the incident, Ronaldo stated: “I always give and will give everything for my country, that will never change.
      “But there are difficult times to deal with, especially when we feel that an entire nation is being harmed.
      “We will keep our heads up and face the next challenge now.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez splash out on new dog Antonia More

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      Stephanie Frappart makes history as first woman to ever referee men’s World Cup qualifier in Holland’s win over Latvia

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      REFEREE Stephanie Frappart made history yesterday by becoming the first woman to officiate a men’s World Cup qualifier.The 37-year-old took charge of Holland’s 2-0 win against Latvia.
      Frappart has become the first woman to referee a men’s World Cup qualifierCredit: Getty
      The 37-year-old produced four yellow cards during Holland’s 2-0 win over LatviaCredit: AP
      Frappart has been a trailblazer in the men’s game during the last decade.
      In 2011 she began referring in the third tier of French football, making the step up to Ligue 2 in 2014.
      Frappart began officiating in Ligue 1 in 2019 – and was in charge for the Super Cup match between Liverpool and Chelsea later that year.
      In November she became the first woman to referee a men’s Champions League game, taking charge of a group stage tie between Juventus and Dynamo Kiev.
      That game is fondly remembered for Cristiano Ronaldo’s 750th career goal as the Italian giants cruised to a 3-0 win.
      She has also been a prominent figure in the women’s game, taking charge of several World Cup matches – including the 2019 final between USA and Holland.
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      The French referee had an easy day at the office yesterday, banishing four yellow cards as Holland eased to victory over Latvia.
      Ukrainian official Kateryna Monzul will become the second woman to take charge of a men’s World Cup qualifier later today when Austria face the Faroe Islands.
      Iconic referee Pierluigi Collina, who is now the chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, was full of praise for the duo in a recent interview.

      He told FIFA’s website: “Although they already had some matches in important men’s competitions under their belts, officiating a FIFA World Cup qualifier for the first time is special and is something to be very proud of.
      “They have worked very hard in recent years and these appointments are recognition for the good job that they have done.”
      Both Frappart and Monzul will now be eyeing up a role at the next men’s World Cup in 2022.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Referee Stephanie Frappart ‘not afraid’ to officiate her first men’s game at Super Cup More

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      England opponents San Marino include second-hand car dealer and have never won a competitive match – conceding 730 goals

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      ENGLAND begin the road to next year’s World Cup finals at Wembley on Thursday against a team which includes a second-hand car dealer.And part-timers San Marino, the lowest-ranked team in world football, have only just returned to action after FOUR MONTHS without playing football due to Covid-19 rules.
      Lorenzo Lunadei combines his footballing career with a job selling carsCredit: Getty
      Matteo Vitaioli is another of the minnows’ part-timersCredit: Corbis – Getty
      Sammarinese midfielder Lorenzo Lunadei, 23, who works for a car dealership over the border in Italy, said: “We are both nervous and excited.
      “We are nervous because we’re going to face such a great team.
      “We only restarted playing a few weeks ago because the amateur championships in Italy and San Marino were stopped by the government due to the pandemic. 
      “For this reason, even though we trained individually until February, we should take this into account when we go into the next three World Cup qualifiers over the space of a week.
      “I need to travel with the national team so I have to use my holiday allowance for away games. But I am happy to do it as it is my passion.
      “I have worked as a car dealer at Autocom Riccione for two years. I wake up at 7:30am then I move to the office where I work until 7pm with a little lunch break in the middle.
      “If I have training, I do not get home until 10pm.”
      San Marino, a nation of 33,000 inhabitants, have a ranking of 210 in the world and have never won a competitive match. They have lost all six of their previous matches against the Three Lions.
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      How we expect England to line up at Wembley
      Forward Matteo Vitaioli, 31, said: “We train three or four times per week in the evening, because everybody has a job.
      “We normally start after 7pm until 9:30pm. I work for SIT Group, one of the biggest companies in San Marino that produces packaging.
      “I work in a graphic office from 8:30am till 5:30pm. I started to work here seven years ago and it’s quite complicated when we have to travel abroad.
      “I’m lucky because my company never complained about it but some of my San Marino team-mates have had to withdraw from internationals abroad because of work.
      “We are really excited even if for some players it won’t be the first time in London.
      “I’ll be at Wembley for the third time in my career and some top players from LaLiga and Serie A do not manage that. Obviously, it will be slightly different because Wembley won’t be sold out on Thursday but empty.
      “But it is still exciting. We will share the pitch with players that we are used to seeing on TV.”
      The most famous moment in San Marino’s sporting history was when Davide Gualtieri scored against England after just 8.3 seconds in a 1993 World Cup qualifier. The Three Lions eventually won 7-1.
      Davide Gualtieri’s famous goal past England in 1993 remains stuff of San Marino legendCredit: PA:Press Association
      The tiny nation’s players have stepped out at some of football’s most iconic venuesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Lunadei added: “No-one will get tired of talking about Davide’s flash-lightning goal, even if it is no longer the overall record after a quicklier one from Christian Benteke.
      “We were fond of the memory and it became famous around the world and particularly, England.”
      Vitailo said: “Each Sammarinese person remembers such a big moment and it’s always emotional.
      “It was one of the most beautiful pages in the history book of our football. It is something quite impossible to replicate. But… never say never!”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      England vs San Marino FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for World Cup 2022 qualifier – the sun More

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      England squad announced with Watkins IN, Alexander-Arnold OUT, Lingard back and Bellingham named despite Dortmund row

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      ASTON VILLA striker Ollie Watkins has been picked for England for the first time.Gareth Southgate has also recalled Jesse Lingard and picked Jude Bellingham despite the FA’s row with Borussia Dortmund for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
      Ollie Watkins has been picked for England for the first timeCredit: Getty
      Jude Bellingham is also in despite the fallout with Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty
      Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has been dropped after his poor form for the Reds. And West Brom keeper Sam Johnstone has also received his first ever call-up with Jordan Pickford out injured.
      Manchester rivals Luke Shaw (United) and John Stones (City) are playing the best football of their careers and have been given the nod for the first time since 2018 and 2019 respectively.
      The Three Lions face San Marino (h), Albania (a) and Poland (h) before the end of March as they attempt to qualify for Qatar 2022.
      Lingard has been in scintillating form since joining West Ham from Manchester United on loan in January.
      The midfielder has not played for the Three Lions since 2019.
      But his four goals and two assists in six games for David Moyes’ side has seen him recalled.

      Watkins has 12 goals and three assists from 30 games for Villa this season and has been widely backed for an England bow.
      And elsewhere, the FA will be hopeful Dortmund soften their stance over Bellingham, 17.
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      LATEST ENGLAND SQUADGareth Southgate has named his England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland.
      GOALKEEPERS
      Dean Henderson – Man Utd
      Sam Johnstone – West Brom
      Nick Pope – Burnley
      DEFENDERS
      Ben Chilwell – Chelsea
      Conor Coady – Wolves
      Eric Dier – Tottenham
      Reece James – Chelsea
      Harry Maguire – Man Utd
      Tyrone Mings – Aston Villa
      Luke Shaw – Man Utd
      John Stones – Man City
      Kieran Trippier – Atletico Madrid
      Kyle Walker – Man City
      MIDFIELDERS
      Jude Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund
      Phil Foden – Man City
      Jesse Lingard – West Ham
      Mason Mount – Chelsea
      Kalvin Phillips – Leeds
      Declan Rice – West Ham
      James Ward-Prowse – Southampton
      FORWARDS
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Everton
      Harry Kane – Tottenham
      Marcus Rashford – Man Utd
      Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
      Raheem Sterling – Man City
      Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa

      Jesse Lingard has been recalled having not played for the Three Lions since 2019Credit: Getty
      Trent Alexander-Arnold has been dropped as a result of his poor form for Liverpool this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The England camp were on Monday assured by officials at Dortmund that they would be OK to pick Bellingham.
      They believed he would not have to quarantine for 14 days when returning to Germany after the three matches.
      But after speaking to their local health officials, Dortmund altered their stance.
      And they insisted they would not allow Bellingham to join up with the England squad or Gio Reyna with the United States.
      The FA believe the situation is fluid and could change in their favour. In Germany, there is not an overall countrywide ruling over quarantine as each region decides on its own health laws.
      Bellingham has 22 starts for Dortmund since his £30million move from Birmingham last summer.
      He made his senior Three Lions debut in November’s 3-0 friendly win over Ireland.

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Jose Mourinho hopes Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane can reach ‘compromise’ to protect Tottenham star on World Cup duty More