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      Ecuador vs Senegal – World Cup Group A: How they’re doing, injuries and prediction as both aim to make last-16

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      ECUADOR are set to face Senegal as Group A comes to a close, with a chance one team could go through and the other could go home. The Netherlands are currently level with Ecuador on four points at the top with Senegal just behind on three.

      Ecuador drew with the Netherlands lining up like this
      Louis van Gaal’s side face a poor Qatar team who are already out and are therefore expected to win – that means this clash has a play-off feel.
      Ecuador have been praised heavily for their compact style and technical players with star striker Enner Valencia scoring for fun.
      The Lions are missing their talisman Sadio Mane but remain a team full of quality and confidence after winning the last African Cup of Nations.
      SunSport takes a look at what to expect from Ecuador vs Senegal including our score prediction.
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      How are they getting on?
      Ecuador: The South Americans began the tournament in style thanks to a brace from Valencia as they blew away the host nation in the opening 45 minutes of the tournament winning 2-0.
      They then faced group favourites Holland and made life difficult for them in a 1-1 draw, Ecuador will count themselves unlucky not to win that match.
      Read the full report from that game here.
      Senegal: Aliou Cisse’s side conceded two late goals against the Netherlands in a tight game.
      The pressure was on against Qatar and they responded winning 3-1.
      Read the full report as Senegal beat Qatar.

      Senegal beat Qatar lining up like this
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      Any injuries to worry about?
      Ecuador: They could be without captain and World Cup goal machine Valenica after he was stretchered off in their last outing.
      Manager Gustavo Alfaro highlighted his importance to the team but revealed no more suggesting he is unsure on his fitness not ruling out him starting, coming off the bench or not being available at all.
      Senegal: There are no fresh injury concerns for Senegal – of course Mane is not named in the squad due to injury.
      Who will be the star men?
      Ecuador: Enner Valencia if fit will be the key player. But it is worth keeping an eye on Moises Caicedo.
      The Brighton midfielder is energetic and tough tackling, he keeps the side ticking.
      Senegal: Boulaye Dia scored versus Qatar and provides hard work up front.
      He will need to be supplied by pacey wingers Ismalia Sarr and Krepin Diatta. Both can create something from nothing with their direct styles.
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      What’s the head-to-head?
      These two nations only ever met once before, back in 2002.
      Senegal won the friendly 0-1.
      Permutations
      Ecuador on four points, need to win or draw to qualify.
      If Senegal pick up three points they go through but a draw could be enough if Qatar beat the Netherlands.
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      SunSport prediction
      Ecuador could be heavily impacted if Valencia is not fit but they are not just reliant on him. They have proved tough to beat so far in the competition and have real team spirit and belief.
      Ecuador 1-1 Senegal More

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      Netherlands vs Qatar – World Cup Group A: How they’re doing, injuries and prediction the Dutch look to secure top spot

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      NETHERLANDS will be hoping to secure their place in the last-16 of the World Cup as group winners when they take on hosts Qatar.The 2010 finalists are on four points from two games, but are yet to hit top gear so far in the tournament.

      This is the Holland team that started the draw with Ecuador
      As a result, the Dutch haven’t yet secured their place in the knockouts but should do exactly that and claim top spot in Group A with a victory.
      Louis van Gaal’s were favourites to win the group and need to do exactly that to potentially avoid a date with England.
      Meanwhile, Qatar were the first side to be knocked out of the World Cup and will be looking to avoid a third group stage defeat in a row.
      SunSport takes a look at what to expect from Netherlands vs Qatar including our score prediction.
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      How are they getting on?
      Netherlands: The Dutch have underwhelmed so far and will have to play far better if they want to go deep in the competition.
      Regardless, they should have far too much here for the hosts, with Cody Gakpo surely licking his lips at the prospect of adding to his tally.
      Read the full Netherlands vs Ecuador match report…
      Qatar: A poor showing against Ecuador had them facing an early exit on the opening day of the tournament.
      The hosts were slightly better and scored their first ever World Cup goal against Senegal, but they surely need a miracle to avoid losing here.
      Read the full Qatar vs Senegal match report…

      Here’s how Qatar started against Senegal
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      Any injuries to worry about?
      Netherlands: Memphis Depay was introduced at half-time against Ecuador, but his lack of game-time could see him benched once again.
      In his pre-match press conference, Van Gaal said: “We are not taking any risks with Memphis.”
      Qatar: The hosts have no fresh injury concerns from Friday, but might be tempted to draft Mohammed Muntari into the team after his goal against Senegal.
      Who will be the star men?
      Netherlands: Considering he’s scored in both games and was one of the most in-form players in Europe ahead of the tournament, Gakpo is the standout danger man for Holland.
      But from midfield, Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong has also impressed and was named man of the match in their opener.
      Qatar: They’ve registered just two shots on target in three hours of action, so they’re not exactly stacked with quality.
      But Muntari took his goal brilliantly, so Virgil van Dijk and Co will have to be wary of his aerial threat.

      Permutations
      It’s simple for Netherlands, avoid defeat and they’re through, but they’re also seal their place in the last-16 if Ecuador beat Senegal.
      In terms of winning the group, they will secure top spot if they win and Ecuador fail to beat Senegal.
      If them and Ecuador both win, it’ll come down to goal difference.
      As for Qatar, they’re already out and will need a huge victory to avoid finishing bottom of the group.
      Read More on The Sun
      What’s the head-to-head?
      Perhaps unsurprisingly, considering Qatar aren’t in Europe and have never qualified for a World Cup previously, the game at the Al Bayt Stadium will be their first ever meeting between the sides.
      SunSport prediction
      Netherlands 3 Qatar 0 More

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      Harry Kane and Gareth Bale face off tomorrow as England take on Wales in World Cup’s first all-British clash

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      HARRY Kane and Gareth Bale face off in the World Cup’s first all-British clash tonight with 16 million roaring them on at home.Thousands have taken Tuesday and Wednesday off work for the historic game in Doha, which will see England top the group with a victory. Wales progress if they win by four goals but any margin will do if USA and Iran draw. 
      Harry Kane and Gareth Bale face off in the World Cup’s first all-British clash on TuesdayCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The Three Lions will be roared on by 16 million viewers at home, while 8,000 of their fans will make their voices heard in the stadiumCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Talking of what is required of Wales to qualify for the knockout stages, Wales ace Gareth Bale, 33, said: ‘There have been a few shocks in the World Cup’Credit: Getty
      England boss Gareth Southgate says skipper Harry Kane and his men are fired up to slay the Dragons in tonight’s Battle of Britain.
       Southgate vowed his team would “give everything” in the crunch World Cup showdown with Wales.
      The Three Lions will be roared on by 16 million viewers at home, while 8,000 of their fans will make their voices heard in the stadium.
      But around 6,000 Dragons die-hards will raise the roof at the other end for the final group game.
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      England slumped from heroes after the 6-2 demolition of Iran in their first game to zeros in the goalless bore draw against USA.
       Wales have a mountain to climb after drawing their first match against the USA 1-1 and then suffering a heartbreaking 2-0 defeat at the hands of Iran.
      Spurs goal king Kane, 29, pledged to “ignore the noise” from critics over the form slump.
      He said: “We go from a 6-2 win and everyone is talking about us winning the tournament then we have not a bad result with a 0-0 and people have their opinions.
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      “But that is part and parcel of major tournament football.”
      Southgate said his players were ready to go “as far as we possibly can”. England need a quick return to form — but he warned Wales would be no pushover as the men of St George prepared for their first ever battle with the Dragons at a World Cup at Doha’s Al Rayyan Stadium.
      England need only to avoid losing by four goals against the struggling Welsh to reach the last 16. 
      But they need a win to top the group and hopefully get an easier path in the knockout stages. Wales must win by four to go through, or by any margin if Iran and USA draw.
      Southgate said: “There’s a lot for both teams resting on the game.
      “We played well with the ball in the first game and scored a lot of goals and the second game was tougher for us and we defended really well. Now we want to put both elements together.
      “We are expecting a team that will give everything for the shirt.”
      £215MILLION ON DRINKING AND GRUBBy JoeMorgan
       A MASSIVE £215million is estimated to be spent on food and drink for the big match today.
      A £75million spending boost is set to cheer pubs.
      And the other £140m will be splashed on supermarket food and drinks for home parties, a GlobalData Retail study for VoucherCodes.co.uk said.
      Luke Dearden, general manager of The Sydney Arms in Chelsea, West London, said: “Never mind dry January, it’s wet November thanks to the World Cup. We’ve had to get more beer stocks in.”
      At the Red Lion bar in Doha, Qatar, England fan Chris Whight, 32, was among supporters of both sides sharing a drink.
      The London financier clinked glasses with Chris Thomas, 53, from Maesteg, South Wales
      The England fan joked: “I’ve got Welsh cousins and I can’t wait to be cheering when they lose.”
      Train driver Mike Gronow, 49, of Cardiff, said: “We’re clinging to the dream.”

      England’s Jack Grealish and Harry Kane share a joke during training ahead of their clash with WalesCredit: PA
      England boss Gareth Southgate said ‘We’ve got a chance to win the group with a positive result’Credit: Getty
       Wales ace Gareth Bale, 33, said: “There have been a few shocks in the World Cup and there’s no reason why we can’t do the same.” 
      But Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, 32, also rallied the troops after Welsh rival Kieffer Moore taunted: “We would love to beat the English.”
      Steely Henderson replied: “Our motivation is to win games and do our talking on the pitch and focus on the game — and that is what we are going to do.”
      Southgate sparked laughter when asked by a foreign journalist to explain the rivalry between the two UK nations yesterday.
      Placing his hands side-by-side, he grinned: “They’re here and we are here — it’s like any two countries whose borders are next to each other. For me, it’s a great sporting rivalry — it’s no more than that — but that might not be mutual.”
      The big match booze-up at home will see 25 million pints sunk as an early rush-hour from 3pm will see staff quit work early to get home or to the pub for the 7pm kick-off.
      Hundreds of thousands have booked today and tomorrow off work — bracing for a hangover
      Annual leave is up 14 per cent today and 12 per cent tomorrow, said BrightHR, which monitors absence among employees.
      Others will skip off work early. Traffic congestion at 3pm on Friday, before the 7pm England v USA game, was 13 per cent worse than normal in London, TomTom traffic data showed.
      Read More on The Sun
      The atmosphere began building in Qatari capital Doha yesterday as English and Welsh fans mingled happily as they necked £12 pints.

      PORTUGAL’S match with Uruguay was halted last night when a protester ran on to the pitch carrying a rainbow flag. The man was marched off by security. Meanwhile Sports minister Stuart Andrew will wear the rainbow armband prohibited by Fifa at tonight’s England-Wales match. The gay Tory frontbencher said it was “really unfair” the two captains could not wear them. 

      BEZ BUZZING
      By Bez, Happy Mondays Legend
      AS an Englishman, I long for football to finally come home.
      But tonight’s game presents me with a problem… because I love Wales too.
      My love affair began in the 2000s. I was approaching 40 and doubted I’d survive another ten years due to excessive partying.
      I met some Welsh hippies at Glastonbury and went to live on a farm.
      I found peace and believe Wales probably saved my life. In the World Cup, I’ve found myself cheering them on and their anthem makes the hairs on my neck stand on edge.
      But, no matter how much I love the country, when it comes to football I’m an out-and-out Englishman.  More

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      Inside the border village where English and Welsh fans are divided by a single street

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      WELSH and English fans are divided by a single street in the border village of Llanymynech.Rival flags adorn each side of the road. 
      Fans from England and Wales are divided by a single street in the border village of LlanymynechCredit: fpnw.co.uk©2022
      England-born Jean Williams and Welsh husband Kevin, married 20 years tomorrow, will watch separately.
      Jean, 65, said: “I’m hoping for a Three Lions victory. I reckon we’ll beat The Dragons 3-O. I’ll be over the moon.”
      Electrical engineer Keith, 59, chipped in: “I think my wife’s got that wrong.”
      Supporters in the Dragon Inn, which straddles the border, were celebrating early.
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      Welsh farmer Dan Lee said: “We’re going to win 4-1.” 
      English mate Jay Holding, 21, said: “There’s a lot of rivalry but it’s friendly.
      “I’d like to say 10-0 for England but I’d better say 2-1 as I’m drinking with a Welsh friend in a Welsh pub.
      “Yes, there’s a lot of rivalry and banter but it’s all quite friendly.”
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      Meanwhile scaffolder pal Tommy Pugh, 20, who was born in Wales but grew up in England, is confused who to support.
      He said: “Some of my mates support England, Wales, I am right down the middle.
      “I thought I was an England fan living in Wales and now I may be a Welsh fan living here.
      “You know what I’ll be supporting the team that wins, whoever wins!” More

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      Why is the Championship returning when the World Cup hasn’t finished?

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      THE 2022/23 Championship season will soon be put on hold for the Qatar World Cup, but games will resume before the competition has reached it’s conclusion.England supporters will be hoping their side can go all the way this year, having fallen short at the semi-final in 2018, and then the final at the Euro’s.
      Ismaila Sarr was a part of Senegal’s team for the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The vast majority of footballers that play in the country who will feature at this year’s tournament will predominantly play in the Premier League.
      However, there will be a few representatives from England’s second division.
      Why is the Championship returning when the World Cup hasn’t finished?
      The English Football League has agreed that the Championship will have a break in matches lasting almost a month between November 13th and December 9th.
      This period will include the World Cup group stage along with the opening round of knockout games. But then, the Championship season will restart.
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      An official statement from the EFL read: “Match round 16 in the Championship, set to take place on Saturday, November 12, will be the final round of fixtures played ahead of the call-up period for the tournament, which begins on Monday, 14.”
      “The Championship will resume on December 10 2022 following the culmination of the World Cup group stages, whist League One and League Two futures will continue as normal.”
      Tim Krul saves a penalty to win in a shootout during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Quarter FinalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      It is thought that players from the English second tier are less likely to be called up to their countries and have a lower chance of progressing further past the group stages.
      However, a number of Championship players could well be on show in Qatar this year, based on their involvement during the recent international breaks.
      These include Watford’s Ismaila Sarr, Netherlands goalkeeper Tim Krul and former Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen.
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      Which teams have qualified for the last-16 at the 2022 World Cup?

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      WITH the second round of games in the 2022 World Cup groups being played, some teams have already made it into the next round.While the likes of France, England, Brazil and Argentina were considered favourites for the tournament, it has been a mixed bag so far.
      DOHA, QATAR – NOVEMBER 28: Players of Brazil celebrate after winning the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match between Brazil and Switzerland at Stadium 974 on November 28, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mohammed Dabbous/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)Credit: Getty
      Lionel Messi’s side, who went into Qatar as favourites, suffered a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia on the first game, putting their place at risk.
      They are yet to qualify, but let’s have a look at who has already made it into the next round with a game to spare.
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      Which teams have qualified for the last-16?
      Group A
      Nobody has made it out of Group A yet, with Netherlands and Ecuador sitting level on four points, and Senegal on three behind them.
      Netherlands face Qatar, who are out of the tournament, on the last day of the group while Senegal take on Ecuador in a winner takes all clash.
      Group B
      While England lead the pack in Group B, nobody is through as of now.
      The Three Lions sit top on four points, with Iran in second place on three while the USA are on two and Wales CAN still go through, but remain on one point.
      Group C
      Despite many backing Argentina to qualify from Group C with ease, Saudi Arabia handed them a defeat on the first game, but victory over Mexico saw them gain three points.
      Poland sit top of the table with four points as Argentina and Saudi Arabia are on three and Mexico are on one with it all to play for in Group C.
      Lionel Messi handed Argentina a chance of qualification after scoring against MexicoCredit: EPA
      Group D
      France became the first nation into the next round, with the World Champions on route to reclaim their title in 2022.
      Australia are surprisingly sitting second in the group, having beaten Tunisia, but will have to get a result against Denmark if they are to join France in the next round.
      Group E
      It is all to play for going into the final match in Group E, with Germany surprisingly sitting bottom.
      Defeat to Japan saw their World Cup dreams put into doubt but a draw with Spain and Costa Rica beating Japan means that they can still make it through, and Spain could still fall out of the group despite sitting top.
      Group F
      No team has qualified for the last-16 from Group F but Canada are out.
      Croatia sit top on four points, the same as Morocco, and they face Belgium, who are third on three points, on the final day.
      If Morocco beat Canada, they will seal their place in the last-16 and Belgium must beat Croatia to go through.

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

      Group G
      Brazil are through after winning both their matches, picking up six points.
      Switzerland remain in second on three points while Cameroon and Serbia could still qualify depending on results.
      Group H
      Bruno Fernandes’ brace saw Portugal seal their place in the next round, sitting top of Group H with six points.
      Ghana are in second with three and face Uruguay on the final day as they seek qualification.
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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
      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. More

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      Australia vs Denmark: Date, TV channel, kick-off time and live stream for 2022 World Cup Group D contest

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      AUSTRALIA’S third and final Group D challenge is against Denmark.The Soceroos had a bumpy road to qualification, finishing seven points off second-placed Japan in their group.
      Australia’s only point at the 2018 World Cup came against Denmark in a 1-1 drawCredit: Reuters
      Denmark scored 30 goals during qualification, conceding just 3Credit: Kenneth Ramsay
      Consequently, they had to grit their teeth and do it the hard way, edging Peru in a dramatic semi-final penalty shootout to book their place in Qatar.
      Graham Arnold’s side have qualified for the last four World Cups, but have failed to get past the group stage in their last three.
      They will have to pull out all the stops if they are to navigate past Denmark who topped their qualification group by four points.
      The Scandinavian side were Euro 2020’s surprise act, reaching the semi-finals where they were knocked out by England 2-1.
      When is Australia vs Denmark?

      Australia’s clash with Denmark will take place on Wednesday, November 30.
      The game will kick off at 3pm UK time.
      Australia vs Denmark will be held at the Al Wakrah Sports Complex.
      The last time the two two sides met was during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and the points were shared in a 1-1 draw

      Read More on World Cup
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

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

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      You’re in luck! The game is available to watch for FREE in the UK, so long as you have a TV licence.
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      Fans all say the same thing with Luis Suarez’s Uruguay set for group decider with rivals in replay of World Cup epic

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      FOOTBALL fans are salivating at the prospect of the potential second round of Luis Suarez versus Ghana in the World Cup.The Uruguayan striker, 35, was surprisingly named on the bench for his country in tonight’s Group H defeat to Portugal.
      Fans cannot wait to see Luis Suarez versus Ghana round twoCredit: Getty
      The star’s hanfball against them in the 2010 World Cup made him public enemy No.1Credit: AFP
      And that has led to many believing that the former Liverpool, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid star, who did appear off the bench, was being kept fresh for the crunch final group game shoot-out against his old foes.
      Ghana, who have four points from two games after the win over South Korea earlier, will be out for revenge against Uruguay, who only have one going into their now must-win last group game.
      The sides faced off in the quarter final back in 2010 during the World Cup in South Africa, and a rivalry was born.
      Sulley Muntari put Ghana ahead only for Uruguay to equalise through Diego Forlan to send the match to extra time.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      With penalties looming as the score remained level, Ghana were putting on the pressure and came close to scoring in the final minute of the match only for Suarez to punch the ball off the line.
      He was instantly sent-off as the referee awarded a penalty – but Asamoah Gyan blew his country’s semi-final dream by blasting over.
      If that was not bad enough, Suarez was still on the touchline watching on and burst into wild celebration as the game went to a shoot-out – which was eventually won by Uruguay.
      That made him public enemy No.1 in Ghana, and now supporters cannot wait to see the next instalment.
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      One tweeted: “Fridays game is Ghana vs. Suarez. It’s not even Ghana vs. Uruguay. It’s Ghana vs. Suarez!!”
      Another wrote: “Suarez is the most wanted man in Ghana.”
      A fellow fan commented: “Cannot wait for Suarez vs Ghana 12 years on!”
      Another said: “I’m excited for Ghana vs Uruguay what a game that will be. Suarez public enemy to Ghana.”
      While another added: “I need another Suarez vs Ghana moment.” More