World Cup

FURIOUS World Cup fans have complained that they already want to go home after their £170-a-night accommodation was flooded with sewage.Fed-up Australian supporters have only seen the Socceroos play one game but are considering selling up their tickets and leaving Qatar.
A number of World Cup supporters have complained they already want to leaveCredit: Twitter
Many supporters were forced to queue for hours to get into their pre-booked roomsCredit: Twitter
Some compared the ‘unfinished’ accommodation to a ‘refugee camp’Credit: Twitter
While plenty of fans have loved their World Cup experiences, a number have complained about the shoddy state of accommodation and chaotic scenes in the fan zones.
Many reports have filtered through of serious issues at the fan villages designed for fans of different countries to stay in together.
Problems with accommodation have been reported at the Barwa Barahat Al Janoub Housing Unit, the Fan Village Cabins Zarafan, the Free Zone Fan Village, and the Saffron Fan Village.
Qatar has already offered full refunds and new accommodation to World Cup fans staying in some of the worst tent villages.
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A number of supporters reportedly arrived on time, only to be made to wait through the night while their rooms were made ready.
But when they finally got into their accommodation, they discovered the accommodation, many of which cost on average £170 a night, had leaking bathrooms flooded with sewage and no hot water.
Posting on a forum for fans in Qatar, one Aussie supporter said: “Anyone else in the fan villages having a horrible experience?
“Leakage in the bathroom causing flooding, no hot water, customer service have been overrun with people’s complaints.”
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They added: “Honestly don’t know what to do. We’re considering selling our tickets and leaving early but I think our chances for a refund on the accommodation are low.”
Another fan complained: “We are in the Baraw village and our apartment has been flooded with sewage 2 days in a row.”
They said officials claimed to have fixed the problem and had sent a team of cleaners, “but they also said that yesterday”.
The fan went on: “We gave up and found accommodation elsewhere. If you need a number of a guy I can give it to you.
“He is a property manager and rents furnished apartments out by the month but just stay how long you need. It’s the same price.”
Anyone else in the fan villages having a horrible experience?Australian World Cup fan
Aussies aren’t the only supporters to complain about the state of facilities for some of the World Cup fans.
A number have ranted online, saying there were a lack of buses, air conditioning units didn’t work, and pre-booked accommodation wasn’t available.
Others have said their accommodation was unfinished even after the World Cup had started.
One supporter compared the fan village at Zafaran to “a refugee camp”.
They questioned why a country the size of Qatar had been given a World Cup.
“Half a population of a country staying for a month was never going to be achieved,” they said.
Supporters have complained about bathrooms flooded with sewageCredit: Twitter
Some of the basic-looking cabins available for World Cup supportersCredit: Twitter
Accommodation in Qatar is going for 740 Qatari riyal, or almost £170 a nightCredit: Twitter
Another claimed they were unable to access their room hours after arriving.
“Management delegation in the village of Saffron fans,” they wrote. “Hundreds of fans who have reservations have not received their rooms under the pretext that there are no available rooms and that there are no twin rooms?”
They added: “And the situation is as it is today, Morocco, without a solution. Chaos after chaos and the staff is very bad.”
In a statement, the Qatari Supreme Committee told The Sun Online: “We are aware that a number of fans have faced delays checking into select Fan Village accommodation due to owner and operator negligence.
“A section of units in these facilities, which are delivered and managed by different private entities, have not met the required standards that were advertised to fans.
“While these sites are managed by independent commercial entities, rectifying these issues remains the utmost priority for the Supreme Committee.
“Full refunds are being offered to fans severely impacted by this issue as well as alternative accommodation which will be free of charge for the duration of their stay.”
Supporters have also complained about the state of food available in the fan villages.
On Friday, fans were left shocked at a £7 chicken shawarma wrap being sold at the World Cup clash between Switzerland and Cameroon.
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While a terrible breakfast included as part of a £200-a-night deal was roasted by supporters.
The “breakfast box” included just a sandwich, an apple, a sad-looking muffin, and a doughnut. More

PHIL FODEN created as many chances as Harry Kane, Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling combined against USA – and he didn’t even play.And that stat sums up what was a lacklustre display by England as they drew 0-0 in their second World Cup Group B match.
Phil Foden was not the only one baffled that he never got any action against USACredit: Getty
The star was an unused sub during the drab England drawCredit: Getty
Even the Wags were yawning during the drab affair as the toothless Three Lions failed to mount any serious threat to the Americans.
Other than an early chance for Kane and a Mount effort just before the break, it was all USA and there was no doubt that they should have been ahead at half time.
Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic will feel the most hard done by after his effort whacked Jordan Pickford’s crossbar.
The pressure continued after the restart, eventually forcing Southgate into a reshuffle.
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Fans were left baffled by Jordan Henderson’s introduction, who came at the same time as Jack Grealish, on 68 minutes in an effort to turn the tide.
Kane had another opportunity at the death to snatch an undeserved winner but headed high and wide as it finished honours even at the World Cup.
Despite the chances they had for themselves, neither Kane, Mount or Sterling, who was replaced by Grealish, created any opportunities for their team-mates.
And that is exactly the same as the unused Foden – who many fans and pundits were desperate to see get on.
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Foden, 22, has been in red-hot form for Man City this term with eight goals and three assists in 20 appearances.
And former England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville was one of those leading the call for him to start.
The ITV pundit said: “ Phil Foden not to be playing for England is a real shame because he’s a massive talent.
“I think he’s our best player, our best talent by a mile. He should be playing in that team.”
He added later: “I’m torn because I’ve go ta lot of respect for Gareth and what he’s achieved – he’s achieved the most since Alf Ramsey.
“But we’ve got a couple of talents sat on the bench in the form of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Foden who are capable of opening up the game.
“Alexander-Arnold has some of the best deliveries you’ll ever see from full-back and on that right side when Rashford came on, he had Henderson and Trippier so he was blocked from getting that delivery in.
“I think those two coming off the bench is a little bit disappointing, if you’re trying to win the game they’re world class talents.”
The result left England still top of the group on four points, one ahead of second-placed Iran.
The USA, who take on Iran on Tuesday, are third on two points after consecutive draws.
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And Wales, who England face in their final Group B match, are bottom on one point.
That means the Three Lions will qualify for the knockouts if they avoid a 4-0 defeat to the Welsh. More

GARETH SOUTHATE stressed the starting XI against Iran has earned the right to face the United States.And in any case, everyone would have thought the England manager had lost his marbles had he decided to do some tinkering after a brilliant win on the opening day.
England boss Gareth Southgate has some big questions to answer after drawing with the USA and is likely to make changes against WalesCredit: Rex
Star man Harry Maguire and fellow centre-back John Stones grimace on a tough night for the Three Lions in QatarCredit: Getty
This was not great, neither was it a disaster. It was certainly not a blockbuster for the crowd of 68463.
Yet starting with Wales on Tuesday, and surely into the knockout rounds, Southgate is certain to mix and match both his formations – and personnel – depending on the opposition.
Had his Three Lions not humiliated Iran 6-2, then England would have probably started with a back three and wing-backs last night.
He will now think about ditching the back four for what is now an intriguing game with the Welsh even though England, barring a disaster, are through.
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At his pre-match press conference on Thursday evening, Southgate had warned fans not expect goalfests against either States or Wales.
He said: “I guess people wouldn’t expect us to be like that having watched us for a couple of years and the style of football we play. Maybe we will regress to the norm!”

Southgate was only half joking when he spoke about returning to normal and unfortunately, that is what happened.
The full-backs, in particular, Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw, both struggled defensively.
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Both did well enough going forward but at times, both John Stones and Harry Maguire – England’s best player – were exposed and defended well, particularly as they were not being protected well enough by the midfield, where there was a bit of a gap.
It was certainly a reality check. But a tap on the shoulder which, in turn, may not hurt England too much.
At the back, in particular, Shaw found himself over-run with right-back Sergino Dest, of Juventus, getting forward to support Weston McKennie, with Raheem Sterling not always getting back quickly enough to help protect.
McKennie wasted one good chance then did brilliantly to create the chance for Christian Pulisic whose shot rattled the crossbar.
Trippier, who was guilty of some slopping passing, foolishly invited Pulisic to take the shot, not realising it would be such a terrific effort from a difficult angle.
At the end of the first half, Shaw delivered some bright moments with a couple of good passes at the other end.
Equally, it would have not been the greatest of surprises had Southgate decided to change things at half-time.
USA frontman Christian Pulisic take centre stage, ahead of, from left to right, Jude Bellingham, sliding Bukayo Saka and No 3 Luke ShawCredit: EPA
Things did not improve as they were forced into some proper last-ditch stuff and it was a relief, with just over 20 minutes to go, when Henderson was brought on to steady the ship in place of Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish for Raheem Sterling, who lacked energy.
In fairness to Sterling, though, he was certainly not the only one.
Southgate will not allow himself or the team to get too downhearted by this performance.
In the same way the coach and his 26-man squad were not doing a conga along Al Wakrah beach after their win on Monday.
It would have been nice for England to blow the States apart but maybe we were asking a bit too much.
There were more Three Lions fans inside the Al Bayt Stadium compared to the first game – and the team will certainly need them against Wales.
Do not forget how the Welsh players celebrated when England were knocked out of Euro2016 by Iceland.
It would nice to get one back – big style. More

ENGLAND’S World Cup campaign ground to a halt on Friday after being held by the USA.Gareth Southgate’s men struggled to get out of first gear in a dull 0-0 draw.
England stuttered in the World Cup with a 0-0 draw against the USACredit: AP
The result was certainly a reminder to fans of England’s form prior to the 6-2 win over Iran.
And the Three Lions must now beat Wales in their final group game to seal a spot in the knockout stages.
But who was England’s best player against the USA? And did anyone have a match to forget?
Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies delivers his England player ratings…
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JORDAN PICKFORD – 6/10
No saves to make despite a worrying first half in front of him. One dicey moment under a corner but otherwise did what he had to do.
KIERAN TRIPPIER – 5
Lax in defence for second game running, especially in first half for McKennie and Pulisic chances. Is Kyle Walker fit enough to start?
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JOHN STONES – 7
Important interventions in both halves when team in danger of conceding more chances. Less effective in possession than v Iran.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 8 STAR MAN
Won almost everything in the air, which was vital at times in second half.
Fought fires down England’s left. Like Stones, unable to do as much with the ball.

LUKE SHAW – 5
The USA got in behind him far too easily in first half, forcing Maguire to cover. Had fewer opportunities to deliver at the other end.
Declan Rice was one of England’s slightly better performersCredit: Getty
JUDE BELLINGHAM – 5
Unable to dictate game as v Iran, struggling against athletic, three-man midfield. Non-existent in second half before being subbed. Reality check.
DECLAN RICE – 6
Opponents’ greater dynamism and numerical advantage caused him problems in the first half, but improved in second to stabilise team.
MASON MOUNT – 6
Online haters piled on, but only player close to matching energy of opening game. Admittedly without much reward bar first-half shot.
Mason Mount was far from his brilliant bestCredit: Reuters
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
Started well, but did not have enough of the ball in good positions to threaten regularly. Suffered from what was going on behind him.
HARRY KANE – 6
Should he have put more on the early shot? Looked a bit sluggish, raising questions about his fitness. Will rue sending late header wide.
RAHEEM STERLING – 5
Teeing up Mount shot and one run only highlights of frustrating night when he was starved of decent ball, but deservedly taken off.
Harry Kane found opportunities hard to come byCredit: Getty
SUBSTITUTES
JACK GREALISH (for Sterling, 68mins) – 6
Increased threat and won free kicks
JORDAN HENDERSON (for Bellingham, 69mins) – 6
Fresh legs but little impact
MARCUS RASHFORD (for Saka, 78mins) – 6
No fairytale this time. Had a shot at least.
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Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale, Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips, Eric Dier, Conor Coady, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, Ben White, Callum Wilson, Conor Gallagher. More

ENGLAND are facing a nightmare tie in the last 16 of the World Cup after their shocking performance against USA.Having thumped Iran 6-2 in their tournament opener, Three Lions fans were in buoyant mood ahead of Friday night’s clash.
England face a potential nightmare draw in the World Cup last 16 after their USA stalemateCredit: Reuters
How Groups A and B look going into the final round of fixtures
But after a dreadful 0-0 draw against the USA, England are now most-likely to face HOLLAND in the first knockout stage.
Gareth Southgate’s men may only need a draw against Wales if they are to secure top spot in Group B.
A 4-0 loss – however unlikely – would likely see them crash OUT of the tournament.
A win would guarantee top spot, but failing to do so would almost-certainly see them face Louis van Gaal’s Dutch giants in the last 16.
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Holland are currently top of Group A, level on points with Ecuador following their 1-1 draw earlier on Friday, but have only Qatar to play.
Qatar have lost both of their opening fixtures and are officially the WORST host nation in the World Cup’s 92-year history.

Meanwhile, Ecuador face a tricky clash with Senegal as they aim to steal top spot from the Netherlands.
In their most-recent game against Holland, England famously lost 3-1 in their 2018-19 Nations League semi-final.
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Ex-Manchester United boss Van Gaal guided his side to a late 2-0 win over Senegal in their tournament opener before Cody Gakpo’s early strike was cancelled out by Enner Valencia against Ecuador.
However, they are overwhelming favourites to top Group A.
Should England fail to grab top spot and reach the last 16 in second, they will play Holland.
Of course, there’s still the possibility the Three Lions win the group and still face the Dutch, should they slip to second.
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Indeed, with Qatar out of the running, England could still play Holland, Ecuador or Senegal.
First thing’s first, though… Southgate and Co must get past Wales. More

SO which was the real England – the one which demolished Iran or the one made to look bang average by the United States? We will find out in the knockout stage and the good news is that Gareth Southgate’s men are effectively through to the last 16 now.
England failed to beat USA in a real mood-dampener following their 6-2 win over IranCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Gareth Southgate was unable to rally his troops in an uninspiring performanceCredit: Getty
Harry Maguire and John Stones kept a clean sheet but England were woeful in attackCredit: Getty
Christian Pulisic nearly gave the USA the lead in the first-halfCredit: AFP
Harry Kane looked off the pace despite being passed fit for the match following a knock to the ankleCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Because however sloppy and uninspired England were here, they are not bad enough to lose 4-0 to Wales and that is what would be needed for the Three Lions to fall at the first hurdle. 
With the exception of Harry Maguire, outstanding as he won his 50th cap, and Declan Rice, who prevented England from being overwhelmed in midfield, this was dismal. 
But England usually throw in a stinking 0-0 in a group stage – remember Algeria, Slovakia, Scotland? 
And in tournament football, nobody plays like the Harlem Globetrotters every time. 
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Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling, all so sparkly against Iran, were flat here. 
Harry Kane, who has been nursing an ankle problem, looked shy of peak sharpness. 
Full-backs Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw showed little adventure. 
And for long spells of both halves, the States were the better side. 
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Southgate is too level-headed to get angry about it – it wasn’t as if Jordan Pickford had to make a single save of note. 
It was the sort of game previous England sides might even have lost. 
And it will dampen down the elements of over-optimism which crept in after that 6-2 hammering of Iran.

England arrived at the Al Bayt Stadium – a giant circus big top in a lunar landscape miles from anywhere – buoyed by that opening battering, a result which looked even better after the Iranians had dispatched Wales earlier in the day. 
Southgate named an unchanged starting line-up – how couldn’t he? – but England made a sluggish start. 
There was nothing like the same rapid pass-and-move football which overwhelmed Iran. 
Aside from one pleasing rat-a-tat-tat move involving Kieran Trippier, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka and ending with a Harry Kane shot being blocked, England looked leggy and lacking in inspiration.  
After the ensuing corner, Harry Maguire improvised a dribbling routine and soon after Bellingham was showing his enthusiasm by shoulder-barging Saka to collect one pass. 
But as the first half progressed, the States began to believe. 

First, Haji Wright flashed a header wide from Weston McKennie’s cross, then McKennie volleyed over with the England defence static. 
McKennie, the Juventus man with the rainbow hairdo, was beginning to boss the midfield – fast, brave, direct, everything that England were not. 
The next time the American went forward, Christian Pulisic was afforded the space to thunder an angled shot against the crossbar.
As Southgate pointed out on the eve of the match, England had never beaten the States at a World Cup – a stunning defeat in 1950 and a miserable draw, to kick off a miserable campaign, in South Africa 12 years ago. 
Was that sequence going to continue? It looked like it. England were sloppy in their passing and tentative on their attitude. 
The Yanks were loving it.
“It’s called soccer, it’s called soccer!!” taunted their supporters. And their players continued to tease England’s defence.
Next, full-back Sergino Dest cut inside on a darting run and Maguire needed to halt him with a smart block.
Only in the final moments of the first half did England regain the initiative.
Luke Shaw bulldozed through and cut back for Saka who couldn’t find enough space and shot wide under pressure. 
Jordan Henderson was introduced late in the game to help wrestle back control in midfieldCredit: Reuters
Harry Kane attempted a spectacular overhead kick but failed to make a connectionCredit: AP
It was the first time England had come close to threatening the American goal.
Soon though, from a cute Sterling pass, Mason Mount lashed a shot and Matt Turner plunged to his right to push round the post. 
It was the only save of the opening period. The euphoria from that Iran performance had evaporated. America had been the better side, England had looked bang-average. 
The second half began in the same vein. All the snap and crackle belonged to the Americans. 
Any time England had a sniff of an opening, they made a poor decision or took a heavy touch. 
Bellingham had been as diffident here as he’s been dominant on Monday. He’s only 19 and it will happen but Southgate might easily have withdrawn him earlier than he did – midway through the second half.
Jordan Henderson replaced the young Brummie, in the hope that England might gain some control in midfield and Jack Grealish arrived in place of Sterling, who had suffered a frustrating night. 
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There was little improvement once the subs arrived though – Kane headed well wide from a Shaw free-kick in injury-time. 
But this was one to forget, to chalk up to experience.  More