More stories

  • in

    Georgina Rodriguez stuns in bikini on beach after watching Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal lose to South Korea at World Cup

    GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ headed to the beach in Qatar this week after arriving to support partner Cristiano Ronaldo.The 28-year-old missed the start of the tournament, but has since jetted to the Middle East with their five kids to cheer on her man.
    Georgina Rodriguez headed to the beach in QatarCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
    The model attended Portugal’s defeat to South KoreaCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
    Georgina brought the kids along to the gameCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
    While ex-Manchester United star Ronaldo, 37, is busy training with his Portugal team-mates, Georgina has been enjoying some down time.
    The stunning model relaxed on the beach in Doha upon her arrival, after being greeted by an enormous Cristiano cake at her accommodation.
    She shared a snap to her to Instagram story, donning a green bikini to enjoy the Qatari sunshine.
    Things didn’t go so well when it came to attending her first game of the finals.
    READ MORE ON WAGS
    Despite his side having already qualified, Ronaldo was named in Fernando Santos’ starting XI against South Korea.
    Portugal took an early 1-0 lead through Ricardo Horta, but failed to add to their advantage.
    And they were made to pay, with a Ronaldo gaffe playing a part in South Korea’s comeback.
    Paulo Bento’s side levelled from a set piece, Kim Young-gwon scoring on 27 minutes after Ronaldo turned his back, inadvertently deflecting the ball into his opponent’s path.
    Most read in Football
    The free agent then missed a pair of presentable opportunities, before being substituted for Andre Silva on 65 minutes.
    Portugal kept pressing for a winner, but it was South Korea who dramatically went in front in the 91st minute.
    Star man Son Heung-min brilliantly charged forward on the counter attack, before delicately finding Hwang Hee-chan with a perfect through ball – the Wolves forward expertly finishing to send his side through to the round of 16.
    Georgina watched the drama unfold from the stands, where she sat with the kids while donning a yellow shirt and jeans.
    Georgina will likely be at Portugal’s round of 16 clash with Switzerland on TuesdayCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
    Cristiano Ronaldo waves to his loved ones before the gameCredit: Rex More

  • in

    England’s best and worst routes to World Cup final with Mbappe, Messi and Ronaldo waiting for Southgate’s boys in Qatar

    ENGLAND now know their potential route to end 56 years of World Cup hurt with the knockout draw for Qatar 2022 completed – and may have to see off three of the best players on the way. South Korea and Switzerland joined Portugal and Brazil by sealing their places in the last 16 on Friday.
    England know their possible path to World Cup gloryCredit: Getty
    Gareth Southgate hopes to be leading his men out at the Lusail Stadium on December 18Credit: Getty

    The wheat have been separated from the chaff and now the wallcharts are looking perfectly set up and ready for the drama of knockout tournament football.
    So Gareth Southgate and the Three Lions fans in Qatar and back home can work out how their fixtures could unfold over the next fortnight.
    SunSport has looked through and worked out the best and worst scenarios for England’s road to glory…
    Last 16 vs SENEGAL, Sun 4 Dec, 7pm, Al Bayt Stadium
    England topped Group B which means they play the runners-up from Group A in the last 16 which were Senegal.
    READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    Senegal will pose a threat to England in the last 16 on SundayCredit: AP

    Even without main man Sadio Mane, the Lions of Teranga pose a threat with the likes of Ismaila Sarr in attack.
    But England should be confident of hurting the Africa Cup of Nations champions and making it through to the quarters with their rich pool of attacking talent and a defence that is looking sturdier by the game.
    The 1966 champs return to the Al Bayt Stadium for this one, the scene of their drab bore goalless draw with the United States.
    Quarter-final, Sat 10 Dec, 7pm, Al Bayt Stadium
    Quite simply, it would be a major shock if England don’t face France in the quarters next weekend.
    Most read in Football
    The reigning world champions topped their group and Kylian Mbappe looks in devastating form and the Three Lions defence – especially Kyle Walker – will likely need their A-game to keep him quiet.

    Kylian Mbappe is in red-hot form and will want to take France all the way to glory againCredit: AFP
    Robert Lewandowski and Poland will try and cause a mighty shock against the reigning champsCredit: Reuters
    France have been pitted against Poland in their last-16 tie, fresh from an uninspiring Group C campaign which included a goalless draw with Mexico, scraping past Saudi Arabia and a defensive job to restrict Argentina to two goals.
    England would be confident of seeing off the Polish side lacking strength in depth across the pitch – and hope Harry Kane can outshine Robert Lewandowski.
    Semi-final, Weds 14 Dec, 7pm, Al Bayt Stadium
    Another knockout game, another trip to the Al Bayt Stadium should England reach the last four by seeing off France or Poland.
    There, the worst-case scenario would be Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal or a Spain side that smashed Costa Rica for seven.
    Both sides have recent trophy-winning experience and would have the confidence of going all the way if they reached the semis.
    Cristiano Ronaldo would surely love to keep some of his ex-United team-mates quiet in a possible semi-finalCredit: Reuters
    Spain have a strong blend of youthful quality and experienced headsCredit: Getty
    Spain play surprise package Morocco in their last-16 clash after missing out on top spot by losing to Japan.
    Portugal, meanwhile, take on Switzerland in the second round – with the Swiss arguably the weakest team in that quarter.
    Narrow wins over Cameroon and Serbia saw the Swiss progress but they lack the firepower up front and can be targeted, especially by the Three Lions’ wide men.
    Final, Sun 18 Dec, 3pm, Lusail Stadium
    The World Cup final, the biggest match in football – and England are just three wins away from it.
    If the Three Lions can prove to be the best of the bunch in the bottom half of the draw, they will book their spot in the showpiece event and a first trip to the now-89,000-seater Lusail Stadium.
    The worst-case scenario, let’s be frank, would be pre-tournament favourites Brazil or Argentina.

    Will Lionel Messi add the World Cup to his trophy cabinet?Credit: Getty
    Brazil’s squad is packed full of incredible talentCredit: PA
    Brazil have probably the best squad at the World Cup but despite two wins in the group, have not been at their swashbuckling best many expected.
    Argentina, aka Lionel Messi and Mates, suffered that shock early defeat to Saudi Arabia but bounced back to beat Mexico and Poland and safely go through.
    They are scheduled to meet in a blockbuster all-South American semi-final on December 13.
    Brazil must get past South Korea and then Japan or Croatia while Argentina face Australia in the last 16 before Holland or USA in the quarters.
    Read More on The Sun
    It would be a huge surprise if it was not a Brazil vs Argentina semi-final – and it’s too tough to call who would win that at the moment.
    The weakest teams on that half of the draw are probably USA or Australia – while England would certainly fancy their chances against the Dutch, South Korea, giant-killers Japan and Croatia in revenge for 2018. More

  • in

    World Cup 2022 LIVE: Gabriel Jesus ‘OUT of World Cup with injury’, Neymar boost, Luis Suarez in TEARS, England latest

    BRAZIL stars Gabriel Jesus and Alex Telles have reportedly been ruled OUT of the World Cup with injuries. The Arsenal star suffered a knee injury against Cameroon, while the Manchester United left-back also hobbled off in the 1-0 defeat.
    But Brazil have been handed boost with Neymar set to return to action.
    The Paris Saint-Germain superstar suffered ankle ligament damage in Brazil’s opening game against Serbia which fans feared would rule him out of the whole tournament.
    But a video went viral last night of the Brazilian magician doing some muscle work in the gym – trying to regain fitness for the knock-out stages.
    One side that will not be in the last-16 is Uruguay having lost out to South Korea on goal difference and forward Edison Cavani took out his frustration by PUNCHING a VAR monitor after the game.

    World Cup 2022 sign up offer: Get £40 in FREE BETS when you stake £10 at Sky Bet
    Stay tuned with all the latest ahead from tournament…
    Gabriel Jesus statement
    Brazil shared a statement confirming Gabriel Jesus’ injury will not allow him to play in the 2022 World Cup.
    A Brazil statement read: “As announced by the Brazilian FA after the game against Cameroon, players Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus underwent tests on Saturday morning.
    “Accompanied by the Brazilian National Team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, they underwent an MRI on the right knee that confirmed the injuries and the impossibility of recovery in time to participate in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
    “The coordinator of the Brazilian National Team, Juninho Paulista, is in contact with the sports directors of Arsenal and Sevilla to define whether Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus remain with the squad in Doha to continue the treatment or return to their clubs”
    Ronaldo tempted by Chelsea
    Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Chelsea after his dramatic departure from Manchester United.
    Ronaldo has had two major offers from Saudi Arabian clubs Al Nassr and Al Hilal earlier on this week.
    But reports suggest that the Blues’ owner Todd Boehly has held talks with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s super agent Jorge Mendes.
    And the Portugal international is “tempted” by the move
    ‘Polish Mourinho’
    Poland manager Czeslaw Michniewicz has been getting World Cup advice from Jose Mourinho, Max Allegri, Steven Gerrard and Xavi on how to beat the French, writes SunSport’s Mark Irwin.
    Michniewicz has been revelling in his ‘Polish Mourinho’ nickname after pulling off a defensive master class to steer his nation through to the last 16 in Qatar.
    He said: “When I hear all the criticism, I can only smile. Because all the teams who were not defensive and let their opponents score easily in the group stage are already back at home and watching on TV.
    “We were good at defending and our reward is a game against the world champions. If we can win against France, we could become the next champions.
    “The comparisons with Mourinho are out of date but I will just tell you that football is all about winning trophies and being successful.
    “I have spoken with Mourinho, Allegri, Xavi, Steven Gerrard, Fabio Cannavaro and all the other coaches who have helped to prepare my players so well for this tournament.
    “And I hope this is not my last chance to thank them from the bottom of my heart. We always dreamed of leaving the group phase and we don’t care about any opinions of our team.
    “The fourth of December in Poland is Barborka, the miner’s national holiday, and we will do our best to celebrate the day with victory against a wonderful opponent”
    New FA chair
    Debbie Hewitt, the Football Association’s first female chair, combines a strong business background with proper football knowledge, writes SunSport’s Dan King.
    Hewitt, 59, remains on the board of Visa Europe and other blue-chip firms.
    But among the interesting things to emerge from a reception at the British Embassy in Doha was the fact that the lifelong Liverpool fan also knows the words to England’s 1982 World Cup song “This Time (We’ll Get It Right)”.
    Maybe the FA have done just that by appointing someone who sees what needs to be done AND has the skills and experience to do it
    Credit: Splash
    Ready to Go
    Kick-off is steadily approaching as Holland and the US look to become the first country to book a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
    After a crazy week of group stage football, can the last-16 keep up with the drama?
    Follow every twist and turn with our live text commentary here.
    Staying Put
    Gabriel Jesus will stay put with the Brazil team for now while his injury is assessed.
    Reports this morning suggest the striker will miss the rest of the World Cup – but it is not clear how severe his knee problem is.
    ESPN’s James Olley reports: “Gabriel Jesus is expected to remain with the Brazil squad in Qatar for the time being while the full extent of his injury is determined. Further updates expected in due course.”
    Lee’s Big Role
    LEE CARSLEY has played a key role in preparing England for today’s last 16 clash with Senegal, writes SunSport’s Dan King.
    The Under-21 boss was given the task of scouting the African champions and presenting his findings to Gareth Southgate and his backroom team.
    Southgate has consistently given opportunities to fellow English coaches to be part of the senior set-up.
    In 2018, then Under-21s manager Aidy Boothroyd joined the team for the World Cup in Russia just weeks after leading the Three Lions to victory in the Toulon Tournament.
    Last summer, Newcastle assistant head coach Graeme Jones came on board and proved a popular and effective member of the group.
    Senegal Blow
    Senegal have suffered a World Cup blow with manager Aliou Cisse ill on the eve of their round of 16 clash with England.
    The 46-year-old has been unwell for the last couple of days and did not take his side’s pre-match press conference.
    Start your engines
    Poland striker Arkadiusz Milik reckons there’s only one way to stop Kylian Mbappe tomorrow – and it involves a motorbike.
    The French forward has been in outstanding form this tournament and will be looking for his fourth goal of the World Cup against Poland.
    Milik said: “How do we stop him? With scooters!
    “He is one of the best players in the world and he is so fast that it will be difficult to keep up with him without a motor bike.
    “So we need to play collectively and have very good co-operation because no-one will be able to stop him on their own.”
    Van Gaal on the defence
    Louis Van Gaal had to launch another staunch defence of his tactics ahead of this game with criticism in Holland of his negative, dull style.
    And he has made clear he is wary of the threat the US pose.
    The ex-Man United boss said: “The USA is a very energetic squad, with physically strong players and that is tough for any opponent and you can tell that from their results.
    “I think that they have evolved well. It’s typically American I would say, that they evolve rapidly and have many players in top European clubs so it goes without saying they would perform and achieve these results.”
    Line-Ups
    Holland are unchanged from the team that beat Qatar as they look to get through the USA.
    While Christian Pulisic starts after sustaining a blow while he scored against Iran. The USA make two changes with Walker Zimmerman and Jesus Ferreira in for Cameron Carter-Vickers and Timothy Weah
    Holland: Noppert; Timber, van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, de Roon, de Jong, Blind; Klassen, Gakpo, Depay
    US: Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, Robinson; Musah, Adams, McKennie; Ferreira, Weah, Pulisic
    More goals, Cody?
    It could be a fairly tight and competitive encounter between Holland and the US in today’s afternoon last 16 game.
    One who could make the difference is PSV star and Manchester United target Cody Gakpo, who has three goals in three games so far. The teams will be revealed soon.

    Guess Siu
    Harry Maguire has included the recently-departed Cristiano Ronaldo in his five-a-side team.
    The centre-back is enjoying a good tournament in the World Cup and said he would still include the Portuguese star despite his messy exit from Manchester United.
    Maguire told England’s Youtube Channel: “Stonesy [John Stones] at the back. I’d go for Harry Kane up top, whenever we play five-a-side he’s top goalscorer every time.
    “I’d put Cristiano [Ronaldo] in there. Those two together, you’ve won the game already. I’d put myself in there. And then I’d go with a midfielder, I’d go with Declan Rice. He protects everything doesn’t he.”
    Hero Concern
    Pele has been moved to palliative end-of-life care in hospital, according to reports.
    The footballing icon, 82, is said to no longer be responding to chemotherapy as he battles with bowel cancer.
    Pele was taken into hospital on Tuesday and now Folha in Sao Paulo state he will no longer be subjected to invasive tests or treatment. 
    The three-time World Cup has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment since September 2021.
    Read more on the developing story here.
    Bell of the Ball
    Emmanuel Petit has declared himself a fan of rising star Jude Bellingham after his brilliant World Cup performances.
    The former Arsenal midfielder told Midnite: “I love Jude Bellingham. He’s the mix between Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. He’s very mature, and his body language on the pitch is tremendous.
    “He can do so many things on the pitch so for me, he’s one of the best players [in his position] in the world right now.”
    The Special 1,000
    Lionel Messi is set to play his 1,000th game in professional football when Argentina take on Australia today.
    The 35-year-old genius is arguably the best player of his generation and continues to stun fans weekly even at the later stage of his career.
    With 778 games for Barcelona and 53 matches for current club PSG, his 169th cap for Argentina today will lead to the big milestone.
    The magician has had a mixed tournament so far, scoring a brilliant goal against Mexico last week before missing a penalty against Poland.
    Telles’ Pain
    Alex Telles looked devastated as he left the pitch against Cameroon yesterday.
    The Manchester defender, on loan at Sevilla, had his head in his shirt as a knee injury left his limping off as he was subbed.
    Reports this morning suggest both the full-back and Gabriel Jesus are set to miss the rest of the tournament for Brazil.

    ‘I fear England the most’
    Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has admitted fearing England “the most” in the World Cup knockouts.
    The former midfielder thinks his native France will not want to play against the Three Lions.
    Speaking to Midnite, Petit said: “I fear England the most. There are four teams that are different for me, there’s England, Brazil, Spain and France. They’re the teams that have shown something different.
    “Gareth Southgate has received so much criticism recently but I have confidence in him. England have improved and it’s very difficult to win big tournaments. I’m not sure if Southgate will still be England’s manager after the World Cup but it’s time for England to make a point and he is doing the right things.”
    Time After Time
    THE clampdown on time-wasting at the World Cup has resulted in over TEN HOURS of additional time being played in the group stages in Qatar.
    And research by Midnite can reveal that in total that has meant 640 minutes of stoppage time have been played already in 2022’s World Cup.
    That equates to enough time for seven full 90 minute matches being played, which would be enough to contend a whole group consisting of four teams, with a game to spare.
    That has already surpassed the amount of added time played at Russia 2018 throughout the entire tournament, in 18 fewer matches played.
    Dutch Courage v American Dreams
    It’s the first last-16 clash this afternoon as Holland take on the USA from 3pm.
    It is set to be first ever competitive meeting between the sides after five friendlies previously.
    In that collection, the US only have one win (4-3 in 2015) but will be hoping to extend that record this afternoon.
    Gregg Berhalter’s side have impressed at this tournament and escaped a difficult looking group.
    They and Holland are one of only five nations yet to taste defeat across the ridiculously bonkers group stages.
    With Louis Van Gaal looking to drag his nation to the first ever World Cup, do they have enough to get past America? And will Cody Gakpo score again?
    Jesus Wept
    Brazil pair Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus have been ruled OUT of the World Cup, according to reports.
    The Arsenal star suffered a knee injury against Cameroon, while the Manchester United also hobbled off in the 1-0 defeat.
    Telles was withdrawn early in the second period on Friday, while the Arsenal man came off 10 minutes later.
    According to Brazilian outlet Globo, the pair will play no further part in Qatar, with South Korea to come on Monday in the last-16.
    The Elite Club
    Xherdan Shaqiri joined an exclusive club last night by scoring against Serbia.
    The former Liverpool ace was on target as his country won 3-2 to secure a place in the round of 16. Shaqiri, 31, became just the third player to score at the last three World Cup finals in a row.
    The only other two to have matched that feat are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Shaqiri, now of Chicago Fire in MLS, was part of Switzerland’s squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa aged 18.
    He failed to score that time around, receiving only 12 minutes of action – but he has put that right since in Brazil, Russia and now Qatar.
    Rashford MUST start tomorrow
    Jack Wilshere has come out batting for Marcus Rashford to get a start against Senegal tomorrow. 
    Gareth Southgate is spoilt for choice after multiple players put themselves in the frame with an impressive second-half showing against Wales. 
    Wilshere exclusives says in the Sun: “Marcus didn’t play for England for 16 months from that final to the Iran game but he is right in the groove now and I would definitely start him against Senegal tomorrow.
    “When we played against Australia [in 2016, on Rashford’s debut], Marcus didn’t actually have that good a good game but he had the knack of doing something special even if he was slightly off his game.”
    Read Wilshere’s rave review of the Manchester United star here.
    Southgate’s Handbrake
    England fans should not expect to see teams stuffed with attacking players anytime soon, according to pundit Graeme Souness.
    He said in the Mail: “We got a little insight into how Gareth Southgate’s football brain works — and how he sees football — when England played Wales this week.
    “With the greatest respect to Wales, if you couldn’t be proactive that night, then whenever could you be? We’re talking about a game which had as little jeopardy as you’ll ever get in tournament football. The only risk England had of not qualifying that night was by losing 4-0.”
    “Don’t expect to see England minus the handbrake any time soon unless they’re chasing a game. Don’t expect to see a great deal of [Mason] Mount, or anything of [James] Maddison.”
    England vs Senegal referee confirmed
    El Salvador chemistry professor Ivan Barton is set to be in charge for England’s World Cup last-16 clash against Senegal.
    Barton, 31, impressed with his officiating in Germany’s 2-1 loss to Japan.
    And has now been rewarded with the chance to ref at his first ever World Cup round of 16 tie.
    SunSport have all the info needed for England vs Senegal
    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Gabriel Jesus and Alex Telles ‘OUT of World Cup 2022 after Brazil’s Arsenal and Man Utd stars suffer injuries’

    GABRIEL JESUS has been ruled out for at least a month with a knee injury in a major blow to both Brazil and Arsenal.The 25-year-old picked up the knock in the 64th minute of the Samba Boys’ final World Cup group stage clash – a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon – having come off the bench.
    Alex Telles will miss the rest of the World Cup after suffering a knee injuryCredit: EPA
    The Manchester United left-back was devastated as he left the pitchCredit: Getty
    Gabriel Jesus’ knee was heavily strapped up after he was withdrawnCredit: EPA
    And following a scan, Brazil confirmed his Qatar journey was over – as well as Manchester United full-back Alex Telles, currently on loan at Sevilla, who was also subbed clutching his knee.
    While Telles is expected to need surgery, Jesus’ injury is seen to be less serious – but will still miss the Gunners’ festive period, starting on Boxing Day, a in a serious dent to their early title charge.
    It is unclear whether Jesus or Telles will stay with the Brazil camp or return to their clubs for further treatment.
    A Brazil statement said: “As announced by the Brazilian FA after the game against Cameroon, players Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus underwent tests on Saturday morning.

    READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
    “Accompanied by the Brazilian National Team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, they underwent an MRI on the right knee that confirmed the injuries and the impossibility of recovery in time to participate in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
    “The coordinator of the Brazilian National Team, Juninho Paulista, is in contact with the sports directors of Arsenal and Sevilla to define whether Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus remain with the squad in Doha to continue the treatment or return to their clubs.”
    Brazil head coach Tite is fearing an injury crisis, with star man Neymar sidelined with ankle ligament damage having already missed the last two group games.
    Right-back Danilo (ankle) and left-back Alex Sandro (hip) are also doubts for their Last 16 tie against South Korea on Monday.
    Most read in football
    As for Jesus, he is now set to miss Arsenal’s clash with West Ham on December 26, as well as their New Years’ Eve trip to Brighton and potentially a January 3 game versus Newcastle.
    He will then be in a race against time to get back into Mikel Arteta’s squad for two crucial back-to-back fixtures away at rivals Tottenham and then at home to Manchester United later that month.
    Arsenal are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League, having lost just once.
    But they will now be reliant on back-up striker Eddie Nketiah to produce the goals that have seen the north London club so far romp the Prem.
    Jesus is the second Arsenal player to leave the World Cup early, with defender Ben White leaving the England camp due to personal reasons. More

  • in

    Xherdan Shaqiri joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in elite World Cup club after scoring in Swiss win over Serbia

    XHERDAN SHAQIRI joined an exclusive club last night by scoring against Serbia.The former Liverpool ace was on target as his country won 3-2 to secure a place in the round of 16.
    Xherdan Shaqiri scores at his third World Cup finals in a rowCredit: Alamy
    Shaqiri, 31, celebrates his landmark strikeCredit: Getty
    Shaqiri, 31, became just the third player to score at the last three World Cup finals.
    The only other two players to have matched that feat are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Shaqiri, now of Chicago Fire in MLS, was part of Switzerland’s squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa aged 18.
    He failed to score that time around, receiving only 12 minutes of action – but he has put that right since.
    Read More World Cup Stories

    The attacker bagged a memorable hat-trick against Honduras in Brazil in 2014.
    While he also scored against Serbia four years later in Brazil.
    On both occasions Switzerland made it through the group stage, only to be eliminated in the round of 16.
    Shaqiri and Co will hope to put that right this time around, when they take on Ronaldo’s Portugal on Tuesday night.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    Shaqiri scored a hat-trick against Honduras in 2014Credit: AFP
    The winger also scored against Serbia four years agoCredit: EPA
    The 37-year-old made history earlier in the tournament by becoming the first player to score at the last FIVE World Cups in a row.
    He netted his first World Cup goal all the way back in 2006, bagging against Iran on his side’s way to the semi-finals.
    In 2010 he added another to his tally, scoring against North Korea in the group stage before his side were knocked out in the round of 16.
    Four years later his side failed to make it out of Group G, although Ronaldo did score against Ghana.
    While in 2018 he produced his most memorable World Cup performance, scoring a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw with Spain, before also netting the winner against Morocco.
    Messi, 35, has scored twice so far in Qatar – a penalty against Saudi Arabia and a brilliant strike from range in the 2-0 victory over Mexico.
    Like Ronaldo, the Argentine also got off the mark on the world stage in 2006 – scoring from the bench against Serbia as an 18-year-old.
    He failed to score at the 2010 finals, however, with his side bowing out to Germany in the quarter-finals.
    Read More on The Sun
    In Brazil he scored four times on the way to the final – grabbing strikes against Bosnia and Iran before a double vs Nigeria.
    Four years later he again scored against the Super Eagles, although his side were beaten 4-3 by eventual winners France in the round of 16.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has scored at five World Cups in a rowCredit: Getty
    Lionel Messi scored a pivotal goal against MexicoCredit: Getty More

  • in

    World Cup 2022 fixtures: What dates do England play? Kick-off times for knockouts and final plus results

    TIME to be excited football lovers as the World Cup knock-out rounds is upon us – and SunSport is here to bring you the ENTIRE fixture list including England’s encounters.The Three Lions secured last-16 qualification in style by humiliating Brit rivals Wales in their final Group B clash.
    Marcus Rashford’s double inspired England to a convincing win over Brit rivals WalesCredit: Getty
    And Gareth Southgate will be hoping his side can navigate past African Cup of Nations champions Senegal when England face them in the next round.
    Reigning champions France, favourites to win the tournament Brazil Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Lionel Messi’s Argentinian squad have all taken up their positions in the last-16 too.
    But four-time winners Germany and Belgium’s golden generation were both eliminated.
    Find out the ENTIRE fixture list below…
    What are the most important dates for the World Cup?

    The group stages got underway on Sunday, November 20.
    Round of 16 takes place from December 3 – December 6.
    Quarter-final stages begin on December 9 – December 10.
    Semi-finals are taking place on December 13 – December 14.
    The World Cup final will be on Sunday, December 18.

    World Cup full fixture dates
    The fixture list has been revealed for the World Cup 2022, following the big draw.
    Group stage
    Sunday, November 20

    Monday, November 21

    Tuesday, November 22

    Wednesday, November 23

    Thursday, November 24

    World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup

    Friday, November 25

    Saturday, November 26

    Sunday, November 27

    Monday, November 28

    Tuesday, November 29

    Wednesday, November 30

    Thursday, December 1

    Friday, December 2

    Last 16
    Saturday, December 3

    Sunday, December 4

    Monday, December 5

    Tuesday, December 6

    Quarter-finals
    Friday, December 9

    Match 58: Winners of Match 53 vs Winners of Match 54 (3pm)
    Match 57: Winners of Match 49 vs Winners of Match 50 (7pm)

    Saturday, December 10

    Match 60: Winners of Match 55 vs Winners of Match 56 (3pm)
    Match 59: Winners of Match 51 vs Winners of Match 52 (7pm)

    Semi-finals
    Tuesday, December 13

    Match 61: Winners of Match 57 vs Winners of Match 58 (7pm)

    Wednesday, December 14

    Match 62: Winners of Match 59 vs Winners of Match 60 (7pm)
    Third/Fourth place play-off

    Saturday, December 17

    Losers of Match 61 vs Losers of Match 62 (3pm)

    Final
    Sunday, December 18

    Winners of Match 61 vs Winners of Match 62 (3pm)

    Based on UK time zone
    Most read in Football
    What are the kick-off times for the World Cup?
    The Qatar time zone is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time which means that games will be played earlier in the UK than locally.
    FIFA have stated that the first two rounds of games will kick-off at 1pm, 4pm, 7pm and 10pm local time – 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm UK time.
    Read More on The Sun
    However, the kick-off timings in the final round of group fixtures and knock-out ties will be at 6pm and 10pm local time – 3pm and 7pm UK time.
    Leaving the final to be scheduled at 6pm local time – 3pm UK time. More

  • in

    Who is England vs Senegal referee Ivan Barton at World Cup 2022?

    IVAN BARTON is set to be the man in the middle for England’s World Cup clash last-16 clash against Senegal – but that isn’t his only job.Barton took charge of Japan’s 2-1 win over Germany before being the referee for Brazil’s marginal victory over Switzerland.
    Ivan Barton took charge of Germany’s group game against Japan at the 2022 World CupCredit: Getty
    And now football fans will get the chance to see Barton in action once again during a mouth-watering round of 16 match.
    Here is some more information on him.
    Who is Ivan Barton?
    Ivan Barton was born in Santa Ana in 1991, making him the third-youngest referee at the World Cup, behind Kevin Ortega and Said Martinez.
    Barton currently referees in El Salvador’s Primera Division and was appointed as a FIFA referee in 2018.
    Read More on World Cup
    The 31-year-old has plenty of experience officiating international tournaments, taking charge of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the Under-17 World Cup in Brazil.
    Here, he came across the likes of Manchester city star Phil Foden, who will be in Gareth Southgate’s plans for Qatar.
    Ivan Barton officiated at the Brazil Under-17 World Cup in 2017Credit: AP:Associated Press
    Most read in Football
    Aside from football, Barton obtained a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Sciences from the University of El Salvador.
    He has since become a organic chemistry professor at the institution.

    World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup More

  • in

    Fans all say same thing as supporter shows off picture of dodgy hot dog from Qatar World Cup stadium

    FANS all said the same thing as a supporter showed off their dodgy-looking hot dog at the World Cup. The football lover who has travelled to Qatar to watch their team in action took a photo of their grub at one of the stadiums.

    And it is safe to say other social media users were less than impressed by the questionable presentation.
    The photo, posted by AJ Jakubec, reveals the bun and three pieces of dark brown meat inside – making it look more like a cigar than a juicy, flavoursome sausage.
    Jakubec captioned the post: “World Cup stadium food. Not the best.”
    And the replies were full of hilarious responses.
    READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
    One said: “Cigar in a bun weird but I’d try it.”
    Another added: “Always fancied a cigar in bread.”
    A third commented: “Decent cigars.”
    And a final user quipped: “Is that a Cuban?”
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    Meanwhile a few suggested it was something even worse than a cigar.
    One joked: “What’s wrong with turd on a bun?”
    Another wrote: “Looks like what my dog serves up on his morning walk.”
    And a third responded: “I got food poisoning just looking at that.”
    It is unclear exactly how much the hot dog in the stadium cost.
    But for comparison, the unappealing food at the Fan Zone in Doha is not cheap – a beef burger is £10, a chicken sandwich £8 and a paltry Greek salad sets supporters back £10.
    The Greek salad costs an incredible £10
    Nachos with guacamole cost around £4.60 while a chicken quesadilla is £8 More