World Cup

ATIBA HUTCHINSON sent social media wild by playing at the World Cup “with a tampon up his nose”.The Canadian midfielder is playing at his first finals at the age of 39.
Atiba Hutchinson receives some unusual medical treatmentCredit: Getty
Hutchinson was able to play onCredit: Getty
Hutchinson took a hefty whack against Croatia in his side’s second group match, but he was never going to let it end his match.
To the astonishment of fans far and wide, the Besiktas ace appeared to return to the field “with a tampon up his nose”.
Commenting on the bizarre sight, one Twitter user wrote: “Great use for a tampon! Defo works.”
While a second tweeted: “Good time to explain to my 10 year old son what a tampon is.”
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And a third joked: “£10 to whoever had ‘player sticks tampon up their nose’ in the 2022 World Cup bingo card.”
Another added: “Atiba Hutchinson: the best player to ever play at a World Cup with a tampon up his nose.”
While a fifth quipped: “Atiba Hutchinson with a tampon in his nose might be the best moment of this World Cup so far.”
Hutchinson and Co got off to a dream start on the night, Alphonso Davies firing them into the lead after just two minutes.
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John Herdman’s men led for more than half an hour, before being dragged back down to earth.
Former Leicester striker Andrej Kramaric equalised for the 2018 finalists on 36 minutes with his first of the encounter.
Marko Livaja then gave his side the lead on the stroke of half-time, with Kramaric going on to bag his second 20 minutes from time.
Croatia rounded out the match with a goal from Lovro Majer to run out 4-1 winners.
Hutchinson, 39, has the “tampon” appliedCredit: Getty More

NETHERLANDS fans will be expecting three points against this year’s hosts Qatar.The Oranje got three points against Senegal before drawing 1-1 with Ecuador.
Dutchman Cody Gakpo is emerging as a major star at this year’s World CupCredit: Getty
But hosts Qatar are OUT of their home tournament after losing their first two group games.
The Dutch are in fierce form, having not lost a match since June 2021.
It is staggering to to think they did not qualify for the 2018 World Cup, having reached the semi-finals in 2014 and finished runners up in 2010.
However, it is no surprise that they are favourites to win Group A, with some thinking Louis van Gaal’s side could go all the way in Qatar.
All eyes will be on Ajax forward Cody Gakpo, who was heavily linked to Manchester United in the summer and has set the Eredivise alight this season.
Their opponents are experiencing their first outing at a World Cup, and will be dreaming of a miracle to end Netherland’s winning run.
When is Netherlands vs Qatar?

Netherlands will face Qatar on Tuesday, November 29.
The game will kick off from 3pm UK time.
Netherlands vs Qatar will be held at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
The two sides have never played against each other before.

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

Netherlands vs Qatar will be shown live on ITV 1 in the UK.
You can live stream the action from the ITV Hub, which is available for download 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.
What is the team news?
Noah Lang has an ankle injury and will be touch-and-go to play in this third group game for the Dutch.
Qatar’s defender Bassem Al Rawi is not expected to play.
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What are the odds?
Netherlands win 1/6
Draw 13/2
Qatar victory 17/1

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ENGLAND are set for a crunch World Cup clash with Wales on Tuesday as they bid for a place in the Last 16.The Battle of Britain promises some intense action with the Three Lions looking to seal top place in Group B while the Dragons are not giving up on a surprise comeback after their shock loss to Iran.
England boss Gareth Southgate may make changes to his starting XI against WalesCredit: Getty
England have one foot already in the knockouts as a win will see them finish first and a draw could also work but if Iran also emerge victorious then Gareth Southgate’s men would drop to second.
The only way Southgate’s side could crash out would be if they lost by at least 4-0 against Wales and Iran beat USA in the final round of fixtures in the group stage.
Harry Kane and co disappointed on Friday’s goalless draw against the US and many questioned Southgate’s choices in the starting line-up, with many complaining about Phil Foden’s absence.
SunSport rounds up three possible options for how England could line up against Wales:
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IF IT AIN’T BROKE
England could start with their usual 4-2-3-1 formation against Wales
Gareth Southgate claimed he didn’t start Phil Foden against USA because he opted against changing the line-up that destroyed Iran 6-2.
And so Southgate could go for the same 4-2-3-1 formation next week against Wales.
That means Jordan Pickford could start in goal with Kieran Trippier at right-back and Luke Shaw on the other side, while Harry Maguire and John Stones may team up at centre-back.
Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice could link up in midfield with Mason Mount at No10.
Bukayo Saka could cover the right flank with Raheem Sterling on the other side, while Harry Kane would lead the attack.
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HARRY KANE OUT
England boss Gareth Southgate could save Harry Kane for the match with Wales
England are practically already in the World Cup’s Round of 16 with four points in the bag.
And thus Gareth Southgate may still opt against taking risks with Harry Kane’s fitness.
Kane has been dealing with an ankle problem ever since the Iran game and Southgate may prefer to save his captain for the Last 16.
The Three Lions boss could also find the opportunity to start the returning James Maddison in midfield and Phil Foden in a front three, which has suited him at Manchester City.
Therefore, England could start in a 4-3-3 formation with the same back four as Iran and USA.
But Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice could link up with Maddison in midfield.
And Callum Wilson could come on for Kane to team up with Bukayo Saka and Foden.
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PLAYING IT SAFE
England manager Gareth Southgate could go back to a 3-4-3 formation
There is also a chance Gareth Southgate could go back to the 3-4-3 formation.
That would also allow him to rest Kane and replace him with a player he has been favouring more than Callum Wilson; and that is none other than Marcus Rashford.
Jordan Pickford could start in goal with Eric Dier, Harry Maguire and John Stones in defence.
Kieran Trippier could play as a right wing-back with Luke Shaw on the other side, while Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice could team up in midfield.
Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Rashford would then lead the line More

STUNNING Wag Izabel Goulart cheered on Kevin Trapp ahead of Germany’s crunch World Cup clash with Spain.The Brazilian model, 37, is out in Qatar to support her partner, 32, in his quest for football’s top prize.
Izabel Goulart will be cheering on Kevin Trapp against Spain tonightCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Goulart sent a message of support to her partner on social mediaCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Germany take on Spain this evening, with nothing less than victory spelling disaster for Hansi Flick’s men following a shock defeat to Japan.
Trapp is unlikely to start in goal, with Manuel Neuer and Marc-Andre ter Stegen all ahead in the rankings.
But the Eintracht Frankfurt star has been given a boost from Goulart, who posted an inspirational message to her Instagram Story just days after flamboyantly posing in a Germany kit.
Showing a picture of Trapp in his goalkeeper outfit, she wrote: “Game on!! Let’s go Tudinhooo.”
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Goulart is a popular figure on social media, attracting 4.5million followers on Instagram alone.
But despite backing Germany tonight, yesterday she showed she was tipping her native Brazil to go all the way in Qatar.
Goulart posted a series of snaps showing her in a stylish outfit bearing the colours of Brazil.
She stood out from the crowd by wearing a large Brazil flag for a skirt.
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Goulart is backing Trapp’s Germany to go far in the competitionCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Brazilian model Goulart also wants her nation to scoop the top prize in QatarCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
And Goulart even completed the look with socks also showing the Samba Boys’ famous flag.
It was certainly a tamer outfit than the one she wore earlier this month, a leather cat suit which left little to the imagination.
It would certainly have not gone down well in strict Qatar.
Indeed, Goulart and other Germany Wags can count themselves lucky they even made it to the World Cup, with national footy chiefs almost failing to book accommodation for players’ families.
But it remains to be seen whether Trapp strikes lucky himself tonight.
That’s because he famously BANS himself from having sex with Goulart after defeats.
However, with Trapp unlikely to make it off the bench, the stopper could yet find a loophole should the Germans lose to Spain.
Goulart left little to the imagination as she posed in a catsuit earlier this monthCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
The outfit will not have gone down well in strict QatarCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More

ECUADOR take on Africa Cup of Nations winners Senegal in their third round match in Group A.Senegal won their second group game 3-1 against Qatar, while Ecuador drew 1-1 with the Dutch.
Cheikh Dieng of Senegal celebrates his goal with Idrissa Gana Gueye during their 3-1 win over QatarCredit: Getty
Pervis Estupinan of Ecuador celebrates a goal against the Netherlands… but it was ruled offsideCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Senegal HAVE to win this game to qualify for the knockout stages, while a point will do the job for Ecuador.
Ecuador fans have reason to be excited following an influx of talented youngsters, including Brighton trio Moises Caicedo, Pervis Estupinan, and attacking-midfielder Jeremy Sarmiento.
This is their fourth appearance at a World Cup, and head coach Gustavo Alfaro will see this as an opportunity to match their best ever performance in 2002, when they reached the round of 16.
They were knocked out by England in a cagey affair which finished 1-0, with the South American side only qualifying for the competition once since.

Ecuador will come to Qatar confident having drawn against both Argentina and Brazil in qualification, finishing just two points behind third-placed Uruguay.
However, they will have their work cut out against an in-form Senegal side who will hope to translate their African Cup of Nations success into World Cup glory.
When is Ecuador vs Senegal?

Ecuador’s clash with Senegal will take place on Tuesday, November 29.
The game will kick off from 3pm UK time.
Ecuador vs Senegal will be held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar’s capital Doha.
The two sides have played each other once before – in a friendly back in 2002, and the game finished 1-0 to Senegal.

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

Ecuador vs Senegal will be shown live on ITV in the UK.
You can live stream the action from the ITV Hub, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

Can I watch it for FREE?
Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE in the UK, so long as you have a TV licence.
What is the team news?
Ecuadorian goal hero Enner Valencia is a major doubt for this clash after leaving the draw against the Netherlands with a knee problem.
For Senegal Cheikhou Kouyate is an injury doubt while Fode Ballo-Toure will not play.
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What are the odds?
Ecuador win 7/5
Draw 11/5
Senegal victory 11/5
Odds courtesy of Betfair correct as of November 27.

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PORTUGAL head into their clash with Uruguay knowing a win will secure their spot in the knockouts with a game to spare.Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates survived a late scare to seal a 3-2 victory over Ghana on Thursday.
Veteran defender Pepe, 39, looks set to start against UruguayCredit: Getty
Pepe seems certain to start with William Carvalho coming in to midfieldCredit: The sun
That was after Uruguay had played out a goalless draw with South Korea in their Group H opener.
The two sides have only ever met once before – and that was at the last World Cup in Russia.
That night belonged to Uruguay, as Edinson Cavani’s double sealed their spot in the quarter-final and sent Portugal packing.
Free agent Ronaldo, who became the first man to score in five World Cups after finding the net against Ghana, is set to start again and will be desperate to add to his tally.
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But another veteran seems certain to join him in the starting XI as boss Fernando Santos has a couple of injury worries.
Defender Pepe, 39, will come in at the back for Danilo, who is missing with broken ribs.
He will be tasked with trying to stop Uruguay’s attack, who are searching for their first goal of the tournament.
The South Americans have no new injury issues and are likely to start with the same side, although they could mix it up and put the experienced Cavani in to test Pepe’s ageing legs.
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Porto midfielder Otavio is expected to be out after picking up a thigh injury against Ghana.
He may surprise everyone and make it.
But, if as expected, he does not then William Carvalho is expected to come in.
Rafael Leao could also get the nod for Portugal after coming off the bench and scoring against Ghana, but he is likely to be among the substitutes again with Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix supporting Ronaldo.
You will be able to keep up with all of the match action with Sun Sport’s live blog from Portugal’s vs Uruguay.
Fernando Santos could also opt to go for this optionCredit: The Sun More