World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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
      Most read in Football

      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
      Read More on The Sun

      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.

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

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £20 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      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.
      Load more entries… More

    • 275 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Ecuador vs Senegal – World Cup 2022 LIVE SCORE: Stream FREE, TV channel – Sarr scores penalty to put Senegal in last-16

      by

      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

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £20 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      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.
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chris Waddle reveals why Newcastle shouldn’t sign Cristiano Ronaldo after Man Utd exit and talks Arsenal title bid

      by

      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.
      Read More on Football
      “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.
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      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.
      Read More on The Sun
      “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

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup 2022 – Wales vs England LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time as Henderson set to START group clash

      by

      ENGLAND and Wales are two countries separated by a common grudge.And it does not get any bigger than today as the two countries meet in the World Cup for the first time.
      Jordan Henderson looks set to START for the Three Lions and there could be even more to come on the personnel front.
      A win for England tonight would see them top Group B, while Wales need to win and hope USA vs Iran ends in a draw for them to qualify.

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      What time is Wales vs England?

      Wales’ mouth-watering clash against England will get underway from 7pm UK time TONIGHT – Tuesday, November 29.
      The game will be played at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
      And it opened in 2003 and can hold up to 50,000 spectators.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Wales vs England will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The game is FREE to watch, so long as you have a TV licence.

      Stay up to date with all the latest from the Group B clash…
      It’s a goer in Doha
      Fans of both teams are hydrating well in the afternoon sun before a huge game between Wales and England this evening.
      They will need to pace themselves with almost three hours until the big kick-off.
      The Red Lion seems to be a popular venue with both sets of fans in Doha.
      Credit: PA
      Credit: PA
      Credit: PA
      Credit: PA
      Dragons slayed by Iran
      Following Wayne Hennessey’s red card for a dangerously high tackle on Mehdi Taremi, Wales succumbed to injury-time strikes from Roozbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Razaeian to leave supporters devastated.
      Bottom of the group with one point to their name, Wales must beat England and hope that Iran’s game with the USA ends in a draw to secure a place in the knockout stages.
      A win for Iran of the USA will eliminate them unless they can thump the Three Lions by a four-goal margin.
      It will be a little closer to home
      The Three Lions will qualify as group winners with all three points, while Wales must win and hope that other results go their way to stand a chance of going through.
      Before the Baddiel and Skinner tracks start playing up and down the country, victory would certainly bring some closer to home if not heading its way back completely.
      England’s players need to thrive on the big occasion, achieve what they have so often only threatened to do.
      Bars fill up and down the country
      Fans of both Wales and England are heading to the pubs to watch this monumental clash between their nations.
      The atmosphere is everything a World Cup should encourage as fans mix together looking forward to enjoying the action.
      With under four hours until kick off, fans get into the spirit.
      Credit: Louis Wood
      Boss talks about Welsh threat
      The England manager spoke about what he sees as the dangers Wales possess:
      They have some world class players who can produce moments of brilliance and have done for a long time with their clubs and their country. They have a good spirit and organisation. We know the quality of the Ukraine team they beat to get to these finals. They seem to have additional motivation to play England from what they’re saying. We’ve got to be prepared for all of those things. But we’ve got to focus on our own performance and that’s the key.Gareth SouthgateEngland manager
      England fans flock to Al Rayyan
      Enjoying the afternoon sunshine, fans of the Three Lions are enjoying the Qatar weather before tonight’s game.
      Both sets of fans seem to mingling and enjoying the occasion together.
      A huge clash ahead for both sides tonight.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Dan Charity
      Credit: Dan Charity
      Key players need to perform
      Against Iran, national team heroes Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey were practically anonymous in the game.
      Page is unlikely to consider dropping the duo however in such an important fixture.
      Both players need to put in performances of a career for Wales to stand any chance of pulling off the unthinkable tonight.
      Bring back the Phil-good factor
      Gareth Southgate was reluctant to bring on Phil Foden for Mason Mount in the number 10 role on Friday, but with Bukayo Saka have an off night against the USA, Foden could push for a start out wide.
      Pundits are baffled by the absence of one of the most naturally gifted footballers in this squad, not being utilised whatsoever.
      Foden brings a creativity that can unlock defences that was much needed against USA.
      England team news:
      As for England, Southgate could be working with a near fully-fit squad for tonight’s game after welcoming James Maddison back to training from a knee injury.
      Ben White could miss out due to illness, and he is facing plenty of selection dilemmas.
      Kyle Walker’s return to fitness could see the Man City man return on the right over Kieran Trippier, in spite of calls for Southgate to introduce Trent Alexander-Arnold.
      Wales team news:
      Wales number one Wayne Hennessey will serve a one-match suspension for his red card against Iran, opening the door for Danny Ward to start in between the sticks after some recent good form for Leicester.
      Page has no new injury concerns, where Joe Allen was able to come off the bench following his hamstring injury, but the Swansea City man was largely at fault for Cheshmi’s long-range effort with his poor clearance.
      Daniel James and Brennan Johnson should be considered for starts, though Kieffer Moore provides a much-needed physical presence in the final third.
      Welcome to England vs Wales!
      Hello and welcome to England vs Wales at the World Cup 2022 in Qatar!
      It’s a massive game for both sides tonight as the two home nations battle it out for a spot in the last-16 at football’s most famous tournament.
      England are sitting pretty at the top of Group B, while Wales are rock bottom.
      But BOTH can still qualify.
      The task is simple for the Three Lions, who have four points to their name after two games.
      Win and they top the group, with their last-16 game to come on Sunday, December 4 at 7pm against the runners up of Group A.
      Wales need to win, by any margin, and hope that USA vs Iran finishes in a draw for them to qualify in historic circumstances.
      The only way England can be knocked out of the tournament tonight, is to lose 4-0 to Wales.
      Manager Gareth Southgate could make FOUR changes to the side which drew against USA on Friday night, with Jordan Henderson likely to start.
      Kyle Walker could also make his first appearance in Qatar.
      And all eyes will be on Phil Foden, who England fans pleaded for Southgate to bring on against the Americans last week.
      Whatever the weather, we’ll have you covered here at SunSport all evening, so kick back and relax – you’re in for a cracker.
      Load more entries… More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘in talks with Cody Gakpo’s agents with PSV Eindhoven to demand £43m for Holland World Cup star transfer’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly in talks with Cody Gakpo’s agents as they look to swoop for the PSV star. The 23-year-old has underlined his status as one of the most exciting players in Europe with his World Cup performances for Holland.
      Cody Gakpo was one of Europe’s most in-demand stars even before his World Cup displaysCredit: Getty
      Gakpo has two goals in two games so far ahead of tonight’s clash against hosts Qatar where he will hope to add to his tally.
      United are believed to have had interest in the striker before the tournament and his showing on the big stage will have done little to dissuade the Premier League club.
      And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the club are in discussions with the player’s agents over a potential move.
      While he confirms they are yet to contact PSV, the news will increase speculation that the Red Devils are edging closer to the Dutchman.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP
      But it will not be cheap to land him.

      In an interview with the United Stand, Romano added: “Now I think they [PSV] want €50 million [£43m] guaranteed for Cody Gakpo.”
      Gakpo admits he is flattered by any interest from the Premier League.
      He said: “I’m 100 per cent focused now on the World Cup. It’s always nice to hear but I just focus here and do my best.”
      Most read in sport
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Along with his impressive start to the World Cup, Gakpo has also demonstrated eye-catching club form.
      In 14 games in the Eredivisie, Gakpo has found the net nine times and clocked up 12 assists.
      United’s desire for an out-and-out striker will also have increased after Ronaldo’s high-profile departure.
      Goals have been shared throughout the team so far, with Marcus Rashford leading the scoring charts with eight goals in all competitions.
      Anthony Martial is second with four strikes.
      With the Premier League on hold, transfer talk is beginning take hold at Old Trafford.
      Along with Gakpo, Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic have both been heavily linked with a move to Manchester. More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Cameroon vs Brazil price boost: Get Brazil at EVENS to win World Cup clash with William Hill

      by

      BRAZIL clash with Cameroon in their final World Cup group fixture on Friday.And William Hill are offering new and existing customers epic odds of EVENS on the South American heavyweights claiming maximum points — that’s boosted from 1/3!
      BRAZIL TO BEAT CAMEROON – EVENS*
      William Hill special: Get Brazil to beat Cameroon at EvensCredit: GETTY
      WILLIAM HILL: GET £30 IN FREE BETS*
      William Hill also have a bonus sign-up offer for brand new customers.
      Register a new account and stake £10 on football, including the World Cup action, and your account will be credited with 3 x £10 free bets!
      To claim this amazing deal, click HERE*, open an account and stake a tenner on football at minimum odds of 1/2.
      Once that’s settled, you’ll have £30 in free bets which you could place on Brazil to beat Cameroon at Evens!
      BRAZIL TO BEAT CAMEROON – EVENS*
      Brazil are strong favourites to beat Cameroon at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
      Tite’s side have registered six points from their opening games against Serbia and Switzerland, and require a single point to secure top position.
      Changes could be in the offing with Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Rodrigo and Bruno Guimaraes expected to feature. The quartet will want to push for a starting role in the knockout stages and are unlikely to be complacent.
      Cameroon vs Brazil price boostWilliam Hill

      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      FOOTBALL OFFERS
      Remember to gamble responsibly
      A responsible gambler is someone who:

      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

      For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

      *18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook. Further terms apply. Begambleaware.org#ad
      Most read in Football More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Brothers Nico and Inaki Williams play for different World Cup nations after parents trudged across the Sahara barefoot

      by

      BROTHERS Nico and Inaki Williams are playing for different nations at the World Cup – after their parents walked barefoot across the Sahara Desert to safety. The pair of attackers were both born in northern Spain and developed into exciting, attacking stars.
      Inaki Williams switched allegiance to play for Ghana at the World CupCredit: Getty
      Inaki’s younger brother Nico is representing Spain in QatarCredit: Rex
      Mum Maria fled Ghana with dad Felix while pregnant with InakiCredit: https://www.instagram.com/williaaaams11/?hl=en
      At club level, they are tearing it up as team-mates for Athletic Bilbao as the Basque side sit fourth in LaLiga ahead of Atletico Madrid in the race to qualify for the Champions League.
      However, after representing Spain at youth level, they made their independent decisions regarding senior international football.
      Nico, 20, opted for Spain and his sudden breakthrough over the last 12 months saw him earn a call-up for La Roja’s World Cup campaign.
      But older brother Inaki, 28, decided in July to make himself available for selection by Ghana having made one friendly appearance for Spain in 2016.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      The pair were eligible to play for the West African nation through their parents.
      Mother Maria and father Felix fled Ghana while pregnant with Inaki – who was born in June 1994 – as war ripped through the nation.
      The couple left home and made a staggering 4,000km journey from Ghana to Melilla, the Spanish enclave in northern Africa on the Mediterranean coast.
      Temperatures soared as high as 50C as they made the trip which included large sections walking with no shoes and others in crowded truck trailers.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Felix even has damaged soles to this day as a result of the treacherous conditions before they were arrested.
      Inaki – who played in a record 236 consecutive LaLiga games and almost scored the dramatic equaliser against Portugal – said: “Hearing my parents’ story makes you want to fight even harder to give back everything they sacrificed for us.
      “I couldn’t ever repay them – they risked their lives – but the life I try to give them is the one they dreamed of giving us. And, in some way, we can say, ‘We’ve done it.’
      “You’d watch the news and see boats arriving from Africa, people climbing the fence [into Melilla] and I realised I didn’t really know how we got to Spain.
      “It’s something I always asked but my mum avoided it because I was just a kid.
      “And maybe she then thought if she’d told me when I started at Athletic at 18 it would have been a weight on my back.
      “I knew my life was different to my friends’ and I could imagine, but when you hear the details …
      “Details like: I didn’t know they had crossed the desert by foot.
      We always had a bit of a needle in the parks when we were little and I hope we can do it as professionalsNico Williams
      “I knew my dad had problems with the soles of his feet but not that it was because he had walked barefoot across the Sahara sand at 40, 50 degrees.
      “They did part in a truck, one of those with the open back, 40 people packed in, then walked days.”
      Inaki added to The Guardian: “People fell, left along the way, people they buried. It’s dangerous: there are thieves waiting, rapes, suffering. Some are tricked into it.
      “Traffickers get paid and then halfway say: ‘The journey ends here.’ Chuck you out, leave you with nothing: no water, no food.
      “Kids, old people, women. People go not knowing what’s ahead, if they’ll make it.
      “My mum said: ‘If I knew, I would have stayed.’
      “They reached Melilla, climbed the fence and the civil guard detained them. They didn’t have papers and came as migrants, so you get sent back.
      “When they were in jail a lawyer from [the Catholic aid organisation] Caritas who spoke English said, ‘The only thing you can try is tell them you’re from a country at war.’
      The boys grew up in northern Spain after the family were granted asylumCredit: https://www.instagram.com/williaaaams11/?hl=en
      The Wiliams brothers are performing together in the Athletic Bilbao first teamCredit: Getty
      “They tore up their Ghanaian papers and said they were from Liberia to apply for political asylum. Thanks to him, we arrived in Bilbao.”
      That priest who helped the Williamses gain asylum and settle in Bilbao and then Pamplona was called Inaki Mardones – hence the Athletic star’s name.
      Inaki scored the winning goal in the Spanish Supercopa final against Barcelona in 2021 – then Nico followed suit by scoring the winner in the semi-final this year, prompting mum Maria to celebrate by jumping into a swimming pool fully clothed.
      The pair have now played 51 times together for Bilbao – who only allow players born and raised in the Basque region of Spain – and are starting XI regulars now, linking up directly together for two goals.
      Both of those came in a 4-0 win over Almeria in September, with Nico assisting Inaki for the opener and then Inaki returning the favour for his brother later on.
      Now in Qatar, though, they are on opposite sides – and could face off in the quarter-finals.

      And Nico had no doubts they would relish the opportunity.
      He told AFP: “Above all I’d like to face Ghana.
      “It’s that sibling rivalry, we always had a bit of a needle in the parks when we were little, and I hope we can do it as professionals.
      “The truth is that we could never have imagined that we would reach this level, two brothers playing for the same club, each one in a national team and at a World Cup.”
      “In life, this situation happens rarely, and my family is very happy and proud that we are here.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Our parents have given everything for us, my brother and I, suffered a lot for us.
      “My brother is protective of me, he wants to help me, and because of that I am the person that I am today.” More