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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

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      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?

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      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

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      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”.
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      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?

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      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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      World Cup 2022 Group A LIVE TABLE: Standings as Netherlands currently TOP, Ecuador and Senegal bid for last-16

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      GROUP A at the World Cup 2022 has gone down to the final round of fixtures, which are taking place RIGHT NOW!Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal can ALL still advance to the last-16, though hosts Qatar are OUT.
      There is all to play for in Group A
      Click on the LIVE Group A table below for full World Cup groups…

      Group A fixtures and results
      Sunday November 20

      Monday November 21

      Friday November 25

      Tuesday November 29
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      Last 16 fixture dates
      Last 16
      Saturday, December 3

      Match 49: Winners Group A vs Runners-up Group B (3pm)
      Match 50: Winners Group C vs Runners-up Group D (7pm)

      Sunday, December 4

      Match 52: Winners Group D vs Runners-up Group C (3pm)
      Match 51: Winners Group B vs Runners-up Group A (7pm)

      Monday, December 5

      Match 53: Winners Group E vs Runners-up Group F (3pm)
      Match 54: Winners Group G vs Runners-up Group H (7pm)

      Tuesday, December 6

      Match 55: Winners Group F vs Runners-up Group E (3pm)
      Match 56: Winners Group H vs Runners-up Group G (7pm)

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

      What are the most important dates for the World Cup?

      The group stages got underway on Sunday, November 20.
      Round of 16 will be on 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 participated on Sunday, December 18.

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      Netherlands vs Qatar – World Cup 2022 LIVE SCORE: Stream FREE, TV channel – Gakpo opens scoring for Dutch

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      NETHERLANDS are taking on Qatar RIGHT NOW – and they lead 1-0!The Dutch know a win will guarantee their progression to the last-16.
      The Oranje comfortably beat Senegal 2-0 in their opening match courtesy of two late goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen.
      But the Netherlands were held to a frustrating draw in their second fixture against Ecuador.
      However, Louis Van Gaal’s side will be expected to secure a last-16 spot against Qatar who are already OUT of the tournament.

      Kick-off: 3pm UK
      Group A: LIVE TABLE
      TV channel: ITV 1
      Live stream: ITV X
      Netherlands XI: Noppert, Timber, Van Dijk, Ake, Dumfries, De Roon, De Jong, Blind, Klaassen, Gakpo, Depay
      Qatar XI: Barsham, Ismail, Pedro, Khoukhi, Hassan, Homam, Al Haydos, Madibo, Hatem, Almoez, Afif

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      GOAL! – Netherlands 2-0 Qatar
      48, De Jong doubles the Netherlands advantage!
      Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
      47, Gakpo attempts to slide a pass into Depay who would have been in, but for a timely interception by Khoukhi.
      Al Haydos then drives forward and Mohammad’s ball in is dealt with by Ake.
      Van Gaal will want a goal to create a buffer here.
      Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
      46, Qatar win an early free-kick and get bodies in the box.
      Ake sends a commanding header clear.
      SECOND HALF – Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
      45, We’re back underway in Qatar!
      No changes to report for either side.
      Half time stats
      As expected, Netherlands have been dominant and have the all important goal.
      Mind you, they’ve looked sloppy in possession at times and Qatar, with nothing to lose, are showing glimpses of promise in attack.
      Second half up next.

      Neil Custis at the Al Bayt Stadium
      SunSport’s Neil Custis has this half-time report from Al Khor.
      CODY GAKPO is becoming one of the stars of this World Cup.
      Many Dutch fans felt they would struggle for goals with Memphis Depay unable to start the opening two games.
      But PSV Eindhoven’s Gakpo has filled the gap with three in as many games.
      In so doing he has joined exulted company as only the fourth Dutch player to do so at the World Cup after Johan Neeskens (1974) Dennis Bergkamp (’94) and Wesley Sneijder (2010).
      His strike against Qatar broke the deadlock here at the Al Bayt Stadium in the 26th minute and it was a cracking slick move to that lead to it.
      There had been question marks over why wing-backs Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries had not been getting more involved in the opening two games.
      But Blind was constantly part of anything good the Dutch did in the first period.
      It was he who found Memphis Depay who moved it on to Gakpo who played a slick one-two with Davy Klaassen before executing another fine finish curling the ball beyond the goalkeeper’s outstretched arm in to the far bottom corner.
      In their opening group win over Senegal he stole in to nick a header home to break that deadlock and was on the mark with scorching shot after just six minutes against Ecuador.Neil CustisSunSport
      HALF-TIME – Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
      Depay takes the shot on first time, dragging it wide of the target before raising his hands in apology.
      The Dutch have the lead at the break, and as things stand, are winning group A.
      Ismaila Sarr’s penalty over in Doha bumps Senegal up to second.
      Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
      45+1, Afif runs out of room and shakes his head in frustration.
      Gakpo then attempts to let one run for Depay but Miguel is on his toes and thumps it clear.
      Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
      45, There will be three minutes of added time here.
      Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
      Elsewhere in group A, Senegal have scored. That puts them up to second, one point behind the Netherlands as things stand.
      Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
      40, De Roon slides a ball into Gakpo who takes one touch before firing an effort narrowly over the bar.
      The flag was up against him, but that was a good chance by his standards.
      Akram Afif of Qatar takes on Nathan Ake of NetherlandsCredit: Getty
      Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
      38, Madibo has a nibble at the heels of Depay and Netherlands continue to play around Qatar who patiently wait for a Klaassen mistake and pounce.
      Hassan drives into Dutch territory but isn’t on the same wavelength as Ali who wanted it in behind, and not to feet.
      Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
      34, Hasan curls in a dangerous ball but no one in white had bothered to get into the box, allowing Van Djik to calmly mop up.
      Neil Custis in Qatar
      A word on the attendance from SunSport’s Neil Custis:
      Well, they left Al Bayt stadium 20 minutes before the end as Qatar stumbled to defeat in their opener here and this time thousands have just not bothered to even turn up for the match against Holland. The sight of large patches of empty seats in the 68,895 capacity tent like structure out in the desert is embarrassing for the hosts.Neil CustisSunSport
      Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
      With every goal that Gakpo scores at this tournament, you sense the higher his price will rise.
      He looks so composed in front of goal.
      Cody Gakpo scores Netherlands’ first goalCredit: Reuters
      Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
      28, Mohammad latches on to a loose Klaassen pass and goes for goal.
      It bounces just in front of Noppert who does well to hold on.
      GOAL! – Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
      26, Gakpo smashes the Dutch in front! Who else?!
      Klaassen smartly flicks the ball on to Gakpo who powered into the penalty area before unleashing a low drive past Barsham and inside the near post.
      His third goal of the tournament, taken expertly.

      Credit: Getty
      Netherlands 0-0 Qatar
      25, Blind clips a ball in behind to Depay who turns his man, but can’t get his shot away.
      Afif then asks too much of Al Haydos at the other end.
      Netherlands 0-0 Qatar
      24, Afif is in acres of space down the left and floats a ball in towards Ali, forcing Van Djik to knock it behind for another corner.
      It’s driven into Hassan who’s right-footed shot is high and into the stands.
      With the shackles off, this is the best I’ve seen Qatar play.
      Netherlands 0-0 Qatar
      21, Ali looks to sweep the ball on to Hatem on the counter-attack but Ake cuts out the danger.
      They move the ball well and Ahmed’s cross is out for a Qatar corner.
      Netherlands are in control but it’s good to see the hosts carry some kind of threat.
      Netherlands 0-0 Qatar
      20, For a team that are already out of the World Cup, the Qatari supporters are doing well to generate some real noise here.
      It almost feels louder than their opening game against Ecuador, which saw half the stadium leave at half-time.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      Netherlands 0-0 Qatar
      18, The free kick is given against Depay and the Barcelona man waves his arms in disbelief.
      They quickly win it back and are awarded their second corner of the day.
      Klaassen attacks it well, but his header is glanced well wide of the target.
      Netherlands 0-0 Qatar
      15, Dumfries glides past Hassan like he wasn’t there.
      His ball across is intercepted and we have our first corner of the afternoon.
      It comes to nothing.
      Credit: Getty
      Netherlands 0-0 Qatar
      14, The chances are coming for Netherlands.
      Depay and De Jong combine well before the latter strikes one on goal.
      It hits Klaassen and breaks to Depay who’s instinctive first time volley flies over the bar.
      Netherlands 0-0 Qatar
      12, Netherlands cut through the Qatar defence with ease.
      Blind picks out Klaassen who’s first time effort is blocked.
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      Ecuador vs Senegal – World Cup 2022 LIVE SCORE: Stream FREE, TV channel – Sarr scores penalty to put Senegal in last-16

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      ECUADOR are facing Senegal in their final Group A clash RIGHT NOW – and both teams can still advance.The Ecuadorians held table-topping Netherlands to a 1-1 draw which has put them in a good position to progress to the next round.
      But Senegal secured a crucial 3-1 win against hosts Qatar to keep them within touching distance of the two teams above.
      Senegal HAVE to win this game to qualify for the knockout stages, while a point will do the job for Ecuador.

      Kick-off: 3pm UK
      Group A: LIVE TABLE
      TV channel: ITV 4
      Live stream: ITV X
      Ecuador XI: Galindez, Preciado, Torres, Hincapie, Estupinan, Franco, Caicedo, Plata, Estrada, Valencia
      Senegal XI: Mendy, Sabaly, Koulibaly, Jakobs, Diallo, Ciss, P. Gueye, Ndiaye, I. Gueye, Sarr, Dia

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      Kick-off – Ecuador 0-1 Senegal
      46. We said that Ecuador would have to change something in the second half, and Gustavo Alfaro has realised that.
      The Ecuador coach has made a double change at the break with Brighton’s Jeremy Sarmiento on along with Jose Cifuentes.
      Alan Franco and Carlos Gruezo are the pair that make way.
      Live from Khalifa International Stadium
      Andy Dillon is our man at the ground this afternoon, and he’s been in touch to give us his half-time thoughts.
      “Ismaila Sarr has turned up the volume of the Senegalese drums with a surprise goal that puts them in the driving seat to reach the last 16.
      The African champions need victory to overtake Ecuador and are now in the lead thanks to the Watford winger’s athleticism and steely nerve.Andy DillonThe Sun
      “He was wiped out by Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie as he burst through on goal. And in the absence of injured Senegal captain Sadio Mane, stepped up to score from the penalty spot.
      “It’s a deserved lead as Ecuador have been sitting tight looking for the point they need to go through and it’s backfired.
      “Depending how results go later, Senegal could face England in the knockout stages where Chelsea pair Edouard Mendy and Kalibou Koulibaly would meet some familiar faces from Stamford Bridge on the opposite side of the pitch.”
      First half facts and figures
      Ecuador may have had the greater share of possession, but Senegal have bossed this game from the off as demonstrated by the shots total of either side.
      The fact that only one of their ten attempts – the penalty they scored – has been on target is perhaps indicative of a side missing their main Mane.

      Half-time – Ecuador 0-1 Senegal
      Clement Turpin calls time on the first half, and Senegal take a deserved lead in with them at the break courtesy of Ismaila Sarr’s penalty.
      It’s unlikely that the Watford star has ever scored as important a goal with his strike currently the one taking his country through to the Last 16 of the World Cup.
      Ecuador 0-1 Senegal
      45+4. There’s something of a flashpoint down by the corner flag as Valencia crashes to the ground, holding his knee.
      There’s the suggestion that Sabaly has caught the Ecuador captain off the ball, but replays show that there was barely anything in it.
      French official Clement Turpin is too experienced an official to be fooled into anything daft there.

      Ecuador 0-1 Senegal
      45+2. You expect Ecuador will regroup and rethink once they’re get back in the dressing room, but the game may be beyond them by that point!
      Ndiaye goes close to notching a quickfire second after another weaving run into the box.
      Ecuador 0-1 Senegal
      45. The board goes up to signal six minutes of stoppage time, but that may be extended following the flamboyant celebrations that greeted Sarr’s goal.
      Ecuador 0-1 Senegal
      44. Ismaila Sarr scores for Senegal!
      The Watford man is as cool as you like as he stutters in his run-up before stroking his right-footed spotkick into the bottom corner beyond the flat-footed Hernan Galindez.
      It’s a huge goal that puts the Africans on course for the Last 16!
      Ecuador have been happy to defend so far, but how will they respond now?

      Advantage Senegal!

      Ecuador 0-0 Senegal – Penalty to Senegal!
      42. Piero Hincapie mistimes a challenge, and crashes into Ismaila Sarr inside the area…
      …and Clement Turpin points to the penalty spot!
      The Ecuador players are furious at the decision, but they can have no complaints with the decision. It’s as clear-cut as they come.

      Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
      39. The Africans are finishing the half as strongly as they started it with Sarr and Ndiaye causing problems in possession.
      Can Ecuador see it through to half-time?
      Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
      37. A set-piece brings similar disappointment for Senegal.
      Pathe is up highest to a free-kick swung over from the right, but his header rises up above Galindez’s goal.
      Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
      35. A wonderful dink over the top from Pape Gueye almost sends Dia through on goal, but the ball takes an unfortunate bounce at the vital moment and Ecuador escape again.
      Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
      33. A strong challenge by Koulibaly on Valencia leaves the striker momentarily down in the heap, but thankfully for the watching Ecuador fans, he’s quickly back to his feet.
      That was firm but fair from the Chelsea defender.
      Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
      31. Ecuador have grown in confidence in the past five minutes or so, and have begun to keep the ball very well at the back.
      The South Americans are knocking it around, and attempting to tire their opponents, who started this contest at such a furious pace.
      Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
      29. Another stoppage gives television directors around the world the chance to show the opening goal from the group’s other game where Cody Gakpo has fired his third of the tournament to put the Dutch ahead against Qatar.
      Few would have been expecting the hosts to do much in that match, but the deadlock being broken does reinforce the fact that Senegal have to win here.
      Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
      27. The Senegalese are pushing again.
      To such an extent that even captain Kalidou Koulibaly has crossed the halfway line.
      Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
      25. The corner comes to nothing, and you do start to wonder about all these Senegal chances.
      Would a fit Sadio Mane have been the difference at these finals?
      Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
      24. A slice of Hertfordshire comes to Qatar as Watford’s Sarr cuts inside from the left with a drop of the shoulder, and then curls a shot wide of the far post.
      In fact, the forward’s attempt took the slightest of touches off a defender – think Cristiano Ronaldo’s hairline – and has gone behind for a corner.
      Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
      23. Dia and Sabaly combine well, and look to have unlocked the Ecuador defence.
      However, the Senegal attack then delay the final ball, and that’s just enough for the South Americans to drop back into their defensive shape.
      Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
      21. The Ecuador left-back is back on but moving very gingerly indeed.
      It will be worth keeping an eye on him over the next few minutes.
      Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
      20. There’s a pause in play for treatment after Sarr crashes into Preciado on the far side.
      Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
      18. Idrissa Gueye is playing further forward than I’ve ever seen him do so before.
      The combative Everton midfielder is operating almost as a number 10, and has just forced the Ecuador defence into conceding another corner.
      Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
      16. If the Senegal fans were in fine voice before kick-off, they’ve taken it to another level now.
      They are absolutely loving life right now. You can only imagine how they’d react if they actually scored.
      Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
      14. Despite their dominance, the warning signs are there for Senegal – and they come in the form of Enner Valencia.
      The Ecuador captain is a livewire whenever the ball gets near the box, and looks desperate to grab his own slice of World Cup history.
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      Chris Waddle reveals why Newcastle shouldn’t sign Cristiano Ronaldo after Man Utd exit and talks Arsenal title bid

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      NEWCASTLE legend Chris Waddle insists his former club’s mega rich owners shouldn’t sign Cristiano Ronaldo after his dramatic Manchester United exit.United ripped Ronaldo’s contract apart after his bombshell interview in which he slammed the club from top to bottom and took shots at manager Erik ten Hag, the owners and former team-mates.
      Newcastle shouldn’t sign Cristiano Ronaldo, insists Chris WaddleCredit: Getty
      The Portugal international’s future is uncertain as he is currently focused on the World Cup, but the Magpies are one of the few clubs that can match his £500,000-a-week wages.
      However, Waddle insists the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wouldn’t fit Eddie Howe’s high pressing game and the Toon should instead look for younger talent with significant longevity.
      The former England international expects the 37-year-old star forward to “see his days” abroad in a slower and more possession-based league.
      Waddle told SunSport: “I think it would be great publicity for the owners and the club. Personally no, if you want to progress as a club I don’t think they should get Ronaldo.
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      “Yes, sign him to the end of the season but Callum Wilson is doing ever so well. Would you leave Callum Wilson out? Ronaldo wants to play, Ronaldo’s not gonna sit on the bench. For me it’s a no no.
      “I think we will see Cristiano Ronaldo going off abroad and I think that’s where he will see his days. I think he’s done with England.
      “If I was Newcastle United, I would be looking long term. I’d be looking to think, ‘Can I get a player in who can play for the next three or four seasons?’ For me, if I was Newcastle, I’d avoid Cristiano Ronaldo.Ronaldo is very much an individual and plays the way he plays.
      “He’d have to play as a centre-forward, you couldn’t play him anywhere else at the minute. Newcastle press and they work very very hard. If you watch Newcastle, they press, they play high. That’s not Ronaldo’s game.
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      Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United after his explosive interviewCredit: Getty
      “So I don’t think he’d be a great fit. I’m sure he’d score goals cause he will score goals wherever he goes. He’s a great player, still a good player today. But I think he’ll end up going somewhere where it’s more possession based, slower league; I think that would suit Ronaldo.
      “I think if he goes to somewhere like that, I think that would suit him. But if I was Newcastle, I think there’s better options out there if you want to spend money.”
      Ronaldo could get significant time off to recover from the World Cup as a free agent, but the same doesn’t go for Arsenal and Manchester City players – something that could affect both clubs’ title chances.
      Waddle doesn’t expect the high-flying Gunners to remain top of the league as he believes key players’ national teams will go far in Qatar and that will affect their form in the Premier League.
      The former attacking midfielder believes City will retain their Prem crown, and isn’t counting Liverpool, United, Chelsea and former clubs Tottenham as well as Newcastle out of the top-four race.
      Waddle added: “It’s gonna be hard because a lot of these players will go quite away in the tournament and if they go quite away and go back they will be tired. Imagine the highs and the lows.
      Chris Waddle doesn’t expect Arsenal to win the Premier League titleCredit: William Hill
      “The ones who are getting knocked out in the semis or the quarters…. Very disappointed and you will have to lift them when they’re back. They will have to kick back in the Premier League, which is not an easy league to kick into cause it’s very, very physical, demanding and it’s not gonna be easy.
      “The ones that will win it, they may not be back for days. They will have been celebrating and they’re gonna have to go in. It’s gonna be very awkward for a lot of players – for Arsenal and Man City, two teams who are up there at the minute riding high.
      “The ones who haven’t got the players away will definitely benefit, I don’t doubt anything about that. I think Arsenal have a very focused manager, decent squad I would say. But his men have to come back on a high.
      “I don’t think Arsenal will win it, I think City will win it. I wouldn’t rate Liverpool coming in the top four. I wouldn’t write Liverpool off, I wouldn’t write off Man Utd for the top four, Newcastle, Tottenham and Chelsea.
      “I’m sure Chelsea will be looking at the squad and thinking, “Why we’re not firing”. I think Chelsea know they need to sort something out.
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      “A club like Chelsea has to finish top four, very important that they get the Champions League because of money and everything that goes with it. You’d really expect Chelsea to kick start after January.”
      Chris Waddle was speaking at the launch of William Hill’s first Home Shop in Hillsborough. Home Shops give customers a unique matchday experience, with another eight going live when the Premier League returns. More