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    Who is Poland vs Argentina referee Danny Makkelie at World Cup 2022?

    OFFICIAL Danny Makkelie is back on the world stage and is seen as one of the best referees on the planet.He takes charge of Argentina’s massive group stage against Poland at the World Cup, days after he was in charge of Spain’s 1-1 draw with Germany.
    Danny Makkelie was in charge during England’s Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark when he awarded a controversial penaltyCredit: PA
    The Dutchman, a former policeman, was in charge for England’s Euro 2020 semi-final between England and Denmark.
    He was also the ref for Finland’s defeat to Russia in the group stages.Has he officiated at major tournaments before?
    A former police inspector, Makkelie will accept no messing about in the Wembley match-up.
    He was first listed as a FIFA referee in 2011 and at 38 years old, still has plenty of seasons under his belt.
    Before this tournament, Makkelie was the referee for the 2020 Europa League final between Sevilla and Inter Milan, but this is his first major international tournament in the middle.
    What else has he done so far?
    Makkelie made his Eredivise debut in 2009 and has gone on to make over 180 appearances across nine seasons.
    He took charge of five Champions League fixtures in 2019, including the quarter-final first leg when Barcelona beat AS Roma 4-1.
    The Dutchman was blasted by the Italians’ boss Eusebio di Francesco for denying them a penalty in that game, but it proved irrelevant as Roma heroically won the second leg 3-0 to progress on away goals.
    Makkelie has also been involved in the Europe League, officiating 11 matches from 2012 to 2017.
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    Has he used VAR before?
    The Dutchman has been involved in two major controversies with the VAR system.
    Makkelie became the first referee to send-off a player using the technology after he changed his yellow-card decision to a sending off against Willem II’s Anouar Kalu in a KNVB Cup game in 2016.
    He was also involved in one of the most famous and controversial usages of VAR when he took charge of the Dutch Super Cup final between Feyenoord and Vitesse.
    During that match, Feyenoord saw a goal disallowed and a penalty awarded to Vitesse instead after a VAR review showed Makkelie should have given the spot kick before the goal was scored.
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    Saudi Arabia vs Mexico: TV channel, kick-off time, live stream and team news for 2022 World Cup Group C encounter

    SAUDI ARABIA take on South American giants Mexico in their final match in Group C.The Saudis have provided the upset of the World Cup so far, with their opening-round victory over Argentina.
    Saudi Arabia’s Saleh Al-Shehri celebrates scoring against Argentina at the World CupCredit: Reuters
    Despite a tough group, fans will hope that their side can go further than they’ve ever been, and reach the round of 16.
    Head coach Hervé Renard discussed his team’s mentality, stating: “Even though we are in a tough group, you have to be ambitious.
    “Going to the World Cup without ambition is pointless. We have to believe we have a chance and push ourselves to the limit.”
    It looks to be a tough test against a Mexico side who have reached the knockout stages in the last six consecutive World Cups.
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    When is Saudi Arabia vs Mexico?

    Saudi Arabia’s clash with Mexico will take place on Wednesday, November 30.
    The game will kick off from 7pm UK time.
    Saudi Arabia vs Mexico will be held at the Lusail Stadium, which will also host the final.
    The two sides last played in the 1999 Confederations Cup, with Mexico coming away 5-1 winners.

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    What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

    Saudi Arabia vs Mexico will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
    You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which can be download onto your mobile or tablet device.

    Can I watch it for FREE?
    Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE in the UK, so long as you have a TV licence.
    What is the team news?
    The Mexicans will be without Andres Guardado, who has a muscle injury.
    For Saudi Arabia, midfielder Salman Al Faraj is out with an injury.
    Al-Hilal defender Yasser Al Shahrani might be out with a broken cheekbone but could also wear a facemask.
    Abdulelah Al Malki is out due to suspension.
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    What are the odds?
    Saudi Arabia win 15/4
    Draw 31/10
    Mexico victory 4/6
    Odds courtesy of Betfair correct as of November 29. More

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    I’m England’s hottest fan & I have VERY raunchy plans to celebrate if they win

    A WOMAN dubbed “England’s hottest fan” has revealed her raunchy celebration plans for if the Three Lions win the World Cup.Babestation favourite Amber Paige, from Buckinghamshire, promised to run a saucy stream if Gareth Southgate’s boys bring it home.
    The Babestation star vowed to stream naked for 24 hours to celebrate a World Cup winCredit: Instagram/@amber_paige_xx
    She would also cut the price of a call in to the show by halfCredit: Instagram/@amber_paige_xx
    Amber, 22, vowed to stream naked for 24 hours straight to celebrate the victory, much to the delight of her fans.
    The bombshell also said she would cut the price of a call to her throughout the stream.
    However, she admitted that doesn’t expect England to win the big one.
    She told the Daily Star: “I want to do a 24 hour live stream and I really want them to win but I’m pretty scared they will pull it out the bag and actually do it.
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    “But after the last performance against the USA I don’t think I will be doing the stream to be honest. On the off chance they do I wanted to do something out there and different.
    “I stream anyway but have never done it for 24 hours. I will make it half price to call me up and I will be doing a lot of offers and doing games throughout.” 
    She added: “It will be a fun show, I mean it will have to be because it will be for 24 hours and otherwise I will be flagging.
    “I’ve not really looked at times yet. I could do it straight after they finish the game or I could do it the day after the final.
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    “I will start looking at details once it’s looking a bit more promising that they will win, maybe after the group stages.”
    Before featuring on Babestation, Amber was a hospitality manager, but decided to make the radical career change two years ago during the pandemic.
    The brunette beauty is already one of the adult channel’s most popular stars and is hoping to grow her brand during the World Cup.
    She said: “I had a lot of ideas for it and people were saying to go streaking in Qatar or do this or that at an England game but I wasn’t going to risk anything outrageous over there.
    “So my message to fans over at the tournament is to come back and celebrate with me at home at Babestation.”
    The World Cup final will be held on December 18, while England continue their campaign tonight against Wales.
    Their progress has been mixed, with a spectacular 6-2 thrashing of Iran in their opening game followed up by lacklustre 0-0 draw against the USA.
    Amber Paige, 22, joined Babestation two years agoCredit: Instagram/@amber_paige_xx
    Some have dubbed her ‘England’s hottest fan’ after the promiseCredit: Instagram/@amber_paige_xx More

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    Poland vs Argentina: TV channel, kick-off time, live stream and team news for 2022 World Cup Group C contest

    POLAND and Argentina face off in the third group game of the World Cup, with the two sides occupying the top two slots in Group C.Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia in the first game and then bagged a Lionel Messi-inspired 2-0 win against Mexico.
    Lionel Messi celebrates Argentina’s 2-0 win over MexicoCredit: Getty
    And Robert Lewandowski got his first World Cup goal as Poland beat Saudi Arabia after their 0-0 draw against Mexico.
    Czeslaw Michniewicz’s side secured their spot in Qatar after beating Sweden 2-0 in their play-off final, who they hadn’t beaten for 45 years.
    Poland haven’t made it out of the group stages since 1986, and their disappointing Euro 2020 campaign won’t inspire confidence amongst fans.
    The European side finished bottom of their group with just one point on the board.
    Poland will no doubt look to Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski for goals. The striker has translated his Bayern Munich form to Spain, scoring 18 goals in his first 17 matches.
    However, the 34-year-old will know this could be his last chance at international success.
    Two-time winners Argentina lay in waiting, and will be hoping to go one step further than in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and lift the trophy.
    Read More on World Cup
    When is Poland vs Argentina?

    Poland’s clash with Argentina will take place on Wednesday, November 30.
    The game will kick off at 7pm UK time.
    Poland vs Argentina will be held at Stadium 947 in Qatar’s capital Doha.
    The two sides last played in a 2011 friendly and the game finished 2-1 to Poland.

    What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

    Poland vs Argentina will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
    You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.

    Can I watch it for FREE?
    Yes, you can! The match will be FREE to watch in the UK, so long as you have a TV licence.
    What is the team news?
    Both sides appear to have a clean bill of health, with no suspensions to worry about.
    Most read in Football
    What is the team news?
    Poland win 7/1
    Draw 31/10
    Argentina victory 40/85 More

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    Arsenal and Brazil’s World Cup ace Gabriel Jesus claims his finishing is NOT an issue despite criticism over goal record

    GABRIEL JESUS insists his finishing is NOT an issue – despite recent criticism over his goal record.The Arsenal and Brazil striker has come under question with just six goals in 24 appearances this season.
    Gabriel Jesus defended his finishing despite one goal in his last 23 Brazil gamesCredit: Getty
    The last of those came in the North London derby win over Tottenham on October 1.
    It means he has now gone 13 games without a goal for club and country – as in-form talisman Richarlison leads the line for the Selecao ahead of him.
    But despite the barren spell, Jesus believes in his ability in front of goal.
    He told Apostagolos at the World Cup: “Of course, I’m the player who should score every now and then, I’m here for the goals.
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    “When I’m on the field I try to score, but I also try to help.
    “When we win, I’m happy too. To be honest, I’m not thinking about that. If I get a chance, I’ll score. I’m sure.”
    Asked specifically if his finishing is a problem, the 25-year-old hit back: “No, I don’t think so.
    “We can talk about finishing, but the most appropriate thing is to talk about the chances I had. It’s different football here and at Arsenal.
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    “Even though I had a few chances and I lost, I’m sure it’s not about submitting.
    “I started the season so well and nobody was asking about it.
    “But it’s not a problem. I’ll kick the ball into the net soon and I won’t stop again.”
    Jesus scored 95 goals in 236 games for City and is on five from 20 for the Gunners despite an electric pre-season.
    On the international stage, the 58-cap star has 19 goals for Brazil.
    The first came way back in September 2016 but he only has two in tournament football, both in the 2019 Copa America.
    In fact, the second of those, against Peru, was in his 35th cap.
    Since then, he has added just one goal – in a 5-1 win friendly win over South Korea in June – in 23 games.
    His last goal was against Tottenham on October 1Credit: Getty More

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    Who is Iran vs USA referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz at World Cup 2022?

    ANTONIO MATEU LAHOZ is one of the most highly-respected officials in Europe.And the hugely-experienced Spaniard, 45, takes charge of Iran vs USA in the group stages.
    Mateu Lahoz brushing away Man City players’ complaints in the Champions League finalCredit: Reuters
    Who is Antonio Mateu Lahoz?
    One of the games most eccentric and entertaining refs, Lahoz often rocks up to stadiums wearing rock-star sunglasses and a beaming grin.
    Active since 1999, the Spaniard became Fifa-listed in 2011 and took charge of the World Cup 2014 qualifying games.
    He’s a regular fixture in La Liga and has been accused in the past of favouring Real Madrid by some fans.
    Lahoz has been a referee since 1999Credit: Getty – Contributor
    Lahoz is also famous for handing out yellow cards for the slightest of confrontations while ignoring potentially dangerous challenges.
    A bizarre showing in Italy’s World Cup qualifier defeat to Sweden saw him blasted on the internet, with one viewer ranting: “The referee in the game is far too bothered about being the centre of attention.”
    Giving an insight into his style, Lahoz revealed: “For me, reading what is being said in the media in the lead up to a game is fundamental.
    “I want to know how every player comes into the game, if there is pressure, if they have been accused of diving, how many bookings they have. I spend hours reading, watching videos and making notes on my next game.”Has he officiated at major tournaments before?
    Mateu Lahoz made his European Championship debut in 2021 by taking charge of Belgium’s 3-0 win over Russia in St Petersburg. More

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    England team to face Wales confirmed in huge World Cup clash as Gareth Southgate makes FOUR changes including Foden in

    ENGLAND have made FOUR changes for tonight’s crunch World Cup clash against Wales.Gareth Southgate has shuffled the pack for the first time this tournament as his side look to qualify for the knockouts – and send Wales home in the process.
    Gareth Southgate has made four change for the Wales clash
    Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford are both starting against WalesCredit: Alamy
    Kyle Walker has recovered from injury in time to face the DragonsCredit: Getty
    Jordan Henderson comes into midfield in place of Mason MountCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Kyle Walker and Jordan Henderson are all IN from the start for this evening’s mouthwatering Battle of Britain encounter.
    They are all making their first start of the tournament, with Foden starting a World Cup game for the first time.
    Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and Kieran Trippier drop to the bench.
    There have been calls for Foden to be involved more, with The Sun columnist Piers Morgan describing him as “the most wondrously gifted player we’ve had since Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne”.
    Read More World Cup News
    The 22-year-old came off the bench in the 6-2 win over Iran but was an unused sub in the dreary 0-0 draw against USA.
    Rashford will play on the opposite flank to Foden after the Manchester United forward netted off the bench in the opening game, with skipper Harry Kane keeping his place up top.
    Boss Southgate dismissed fears the Tottenham striker needed a rest after he picked up an ankle knock in the win against Iran.
    Henderson comes into midfield in place of Chelsea ace Mason Mount to play alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
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    One option is for Henderson and Rice to sit deeper, allowing Bellingham to play further forward.
    Walker is in after recovering from the injury that has kept him out since the start of October.
    Harry Maguire and John Stones will continue at centre-back, with Jordan Pickford between the sticks.
    James Maddison is included in England’s matchday squad for the first time having recovered from a knee injury.
    Wales meanwhile have made three changes from the heartbreaking 2-0 defeat to Iran.
    Boss Rob Page has brought in Joe Allen, Dan James and Danny Ward, with Harry Wilson, Connor Roberts and the suspended Wayne Hennessey making way.
    The Three Lions will top Group B with three points, which would set up a last 16 tie with Senegal.
    They are guaranteed to qualify for the knockouts if they avoid defeat.
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    But Netherlands are the opponents if Southgate and Co do not top the group.
    Wales meanwhile must win the game to have any hope qualifying.
    Henderson and Jude Bellingham will play in midfield, alongside Declan RiceCredit: Reuters
    Harry Kane will skipper the Three Lions against WalesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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    Who is Wales vs England referee Slavko Vincic at World Cup 2022 and why was he arrested?

    SLOVENIAN referee Slavko Vincic has emerged from a very turbulent couple of years to be appointed for the Fifa World Cup in Qatar.He takes charge of England’s crucial group game against Wales.
    Slavko Vincic took charge of Lionel Messi and Argentina’s game against MexicoCredit: Rex
    One of Europe’s showpiece fixtures seemed a world away in 2020, when he was arrested in Bosnia and accused of being part of a drugs and prostitution ring.
    However, he was later released without charge and is now free to focus on football, where he is recognised as one of Europe’s best referees.
    Who is Slavko Vincic?
    A native of Maribor, Vincic turned professional in 2007 making his debut in Slovenia’s top flight.
    Vincic was included in the Slovenian officiating team at Euro 2012 as an unused additional assistant.
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    The experienced 41-year-old has been a Fifa accredited referee since 2010 and has regularly officiated in the Champions League and Europa League.
    Vincic took charge of Liverpool’s Champions League last 16 first leg tie against RB Leipzig in February and the first leg of Chelsea’s quarter final against Porto.
    He is part of Uefa’s group of elite referees having officiated across Europe’s top competitions.
    He also took charge of games at Euro 2020.
    What happened in Bosnia?
    Slavko Vincic said of his arrest: “I found myself on this ranch by chance. I have my own company, I was in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a business meeting.
    “I accepted an invitation to lunch, which turned out to be my biggest mistake. I regret it.
    “I was sitting at a table with my company, all of a sudden the police came and what happened, happened.
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    “I have nothing to do with the group that was arrested and detained, nor do my business partners.
    “Yes, they really took us to the police, asked as witnesses, when it turned out that we didn’t even know them, we were able to go.”
    Vincic was defended by the Slovenian FA who viewed the incident as their man being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

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