World Cup

ENGLAND put on an exhilarating show in their World Cup opener against Iran.But Gareth Southgate has firmly shifted his focus to game two – the USA.
England got their World Cup 2022 campaign off to a flyer with a 6-2 win over IranCredit: Getty

A win will see the Three Lions progress to the last 16… in fact, a draw might be enough thanks to their goal difference.
But the Americans will no doubt prove to be a sterner test than Iran.
And following their draw against Wales, USA will be itching to bounce back and keep their dream of reaching the knockout stages alive.
SunSport takes a look at what to expect from the big game… including score prediction.
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How are they getting on?
England: After a tricky year to date, the Three Lions came out of the blocks firing in Qatar.
England raced to a 6-2 win over Iran and were unfortunate to even concede a second via a controversial penalty.
Goals came from all over the pitch, with a number of standout performers in the game, especially Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham.
Read the full England vs Iran report…

USA: Dominated the first-half of their match against Wales, leading 1-0 at half-time.
But they didn’t bring the same intensity in the second period, allowing Gareth Bale – largely-anonymous during the match – to slot home a late, equalising penalty.
Read the full USA vs Wales report…
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Any injuries to worry about?
England: James Maddison has already been ruled out of the game as he continues to recover from the knee injury he suffered before the tournament.
Kyle Walker is back in training to put himself in contention for a starting spot against the Americans.
Harry Kane is hoping to lead the line after a scan confirmed no serious damage to his ankle following a knock in the win over Iran.
Harry Maguire is expected to be ready for England’s second game after being taken off against Iran due to illness, having taken part in subsequent training sessions.
USA: Gregg Berhalter has no injury concerns for the game against England.

Who will be the star men?
England: It would be very easy to say Harry Kane, but Jude Bellingham can be Southgate’s No1 player this summer.
The Three Lions have lacked a player like Bellingham in recent years, someone to link the midfield and attack.
Rice and Phillips have always performed admirably together for England, but lacked a certain attacking threat.
Bellingham, alongside Rice and Mount, can be the perfect player to help unlock stubborn defences,
He wasted no time showing the world what he can do with a scintillating performance against Iran.
USA: It’s hard to look past Christian Pulisic.
The Chelsea star knows plenty about this England team thanks to his time in the Premier League and, on his day, he can be unstoppable.
However, Southgate will also have to pay attention to roaming right-back Sergino Dest – on loan at AC Milan from Barcelona – and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.
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What’s the head-to-head?
The Three Lions have taken on America 11 TIMES in history, winning eight and losing just twice – in 1950 and 1993.
Most-recently, England won a 2018 friendly 3-0 thanks to goals from Jesse Lingard, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Callum Wilson.
In their last World Cup meeting, England famously slipped to a 1-1 draw in the 2010 opener following a Rob Green howler.
Odds
England 4/7
Draw 10/3
USA 26/5
SunSport prediction
England 3 USA 1 More

IT’S clash of the Group A table-toppers to look forward to on Friday afternoon.Holland and Ecuador both secured wins in their first matches to sit level on three points apiece.

Both clubs harbour ambitions of reaching the last 16, being in the same group as Senegal and Qatar.
And while many pundits tipped the hosts to snatch a spot in the knockout stages, Ecuador are in pole position to join Holland in the latter part of this winter’s tournament.
A win for either side would send them through, while a draw could ultimately prove sufficient to see them both progress.
Take a look at SunSport’s in-depth preview of the big game… including scoreline prediction.
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How are they getting on?
Holland: In a nutshell, solid if unspectacular.
The Dutch navigated their way past a tricky Senegal team, but needed two very late goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen to snatch all three points.
Read the full Senegal vs Holland report…

Ecuador: Flew out of the gate on the back of a quickfire Enner Valencia double against hosts Qatar.
The South Americans had another goal disallowed early doors and looked lively, although they did – perhaps understandably – take their foot off the accelerator in the second half.
Read the full Qatar vs Ecuador report…
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Any injuries to worry about?
Holland: None for Louis van Gaal… but he’s likely to make changes.
Among them, Memphis Depay is expected to be passed fit to play and will almost-certainly take over from Vincent Janssen in attack.
Ecuador: Worryingly, yes. And it’s a big one.
Valencia is a concern going into the second game after his opening-day heroics, but boss Gustavo Alfaro is confident his leading man will be fit to start.
Who will be the star men?
Holland: A hugely talented squad featuring a host of world-class talent, but Virgil van Dijk will be key in this one.
The giant Liverpool centre-back will be tasked with keeping Valencia quiet, should he be passed fit, and Holland’s success will start at the back.
Ecuador: It’s that man, Valencia.
He looked unstoppable in the first-half against Qatar, but will face a much tougher task in Van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt and Co.
Moises Caicedo will be vital in keeping Ecuador ticking in this one, too.
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What’s the head-to-head?
These nations have played each other twice before, both in friendlies.
Holland won their 2006 meeting 1-0, before the spoils were shared in a 1-1 draw in the run-up to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Odds
Holland 4/5
Draw 10/3
Ecuador 43/10
SunSport prediction
Holland 2 Ecuador 0 More

QATAR look to bounce back from their opening-day defeat to Ecuador when they face Senegal.Many big-name pundits, including Samuel Eto’o and Tim Cahill, tipped the hosts to make it through to the knockout stages.

How Qatar lined up against Ecuador
The World Cup icons even believed Qatar would beat England in the last 16.
However, if they are to make it out of Group A, they need to grab an all-important, morale-boosting win in their second match.
They go up against a Senegal also pushing for a spot in the knockout stages.
SunSport takes a look ahead to the game with a comprehensive preview… including scoreline prediction.
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How are they getting on?
Qatar: Lost their opener as the stadium emptied shortly after half-time, such was the manner of their dismal first-half display.
Ecuador scored twice – with another disallowed – before the hosts settled down to make a game of it in the second half.
Read the full Qatar vs Ecuador match report…

Senegal: Qatar go up against the giants of African football on Friday after they too tasted defeat in their Group A curtain-raiser.
Holland snatched all three points with two very late goals through Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen.
Read the full Senegal vs Holland match report…
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How Senegal played against Holland
Any injuries to worry about?
Qatar: No fitness concerns for the hosts ahead of their second match. And that’s about all the good news from their opener.
After failing to register a shot on target against Ecuador, boss Felix Sanchez may consider a few changes.
Senegal: Cheikhou Kouyate was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after being hit in the privates during the defeat to Holland and could miss the match against Qatar.
Elsewhere, Abdou Diallo is also a doubt for the game after he was subbed off with a knock of his own.
Who will be the star men?
Qatar: Akram Afif will be the man the hosts turn to for goals.
The 2019 Asian Footballer of the Year was quiet in the opening match but it’s far too early to count him out.
Senegal: They may be missing Sadio Mane, but The Lions of Teranga still boast plenty of talent.
The likes of Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye will all start, but Ismaila Sarr could be the man to break through the Qatar defence.
What’s the head-to-head?
These two nations have never played each other.
SunSport prediction
Qatar 0 Senegal 1 More

WALES go into their second World Cup 2022 knowing a win is vital to their hopes of reaching the last 16.Rob Page’s side drew their tournament-opener 1-1 against USA.
Gareth Bale salvaged a point for Wales from the penalty spot in their tournament opener against the USACredit: Getty
How star men Bale and Taremi compare
How Wales lined up against USA in their first game
In Wales’ first World Cup for 64 years, it would be some achievement to reach the knockout stages.
And against Iran, three points is almost a necessity if they are to keep their dream alive, with only England to come in Group B.
So what should we expect from the game?
SunSport takes a look with an in-depth preview… including scoreline prediction.
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How are they getting on?
Wales: Secured a late point in their opener against the USA.
Tim Weah had given the Americans a first-half lead before Gareth Bale’s 82nd-minute penalty saw them snatch a draw.
Read the full USA vs Wales match report…

Iran: Battered in a pulsating clash against England.
Carlos Queiroz’s side were mauled 6-2 by the Three Lions… and one of those goals was from a rather fortuitous penalty decision.
Read the full England vs Iran match report…
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Any injuries to worry about?
Wales: Ethan Ampadu is a slight concern after picking up an ankle knock vs USA.
But Joe Allen could return to the team, likely from the bench, after missing the first match through injury.
Iran: Star goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand will miss the match after entering concussion protocols following a sickening blow early in the loss vs England.
Queiroz’s side will miss his world-record long throws but otherwise appear to be in good shape.
How Iran started against England
Who will be the star men?
Wales: Gareth Bale. It’s got to be, hasn’t it?
He was well below his best during the draw against USA but still came up with the goods when it mattered most.
Iran: Mehdi Taremi. Scored both against England, proving his lethal finishing ability can stun teams.
The Porto man is no stranger to the big stage with a wealth of Champions League experience.
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What’s the head-to-head?
They’ve played each other just once, way back in 1978.
But Wales won that day, securing a 1-0 friendly win through Phil Dwyer’s goal.
SunSport prediction
Wales 2 Iran 2 More

NEYMAR broke down in tears after suffering an injury in Brazil’s 2-0 win over Serbia at the World Cup.The 30-year-old forward limped off in the second-half with a suspected problem shortly after being caught on the end of a poor challenge from defender Nikola Milenkovic.
He seemed to be in tears while watching the end of the game from the benchCredit: Getty
He revealed the swelling after the shocking tackleCredit: AFP
Neymar had to ride a few heavy challenges from Serbia throughout the gameCredit: AP
He was chopped down at the ankle in the second halfCredit: Rex
He appeared in real pain after being scythed downCredit: Reuters
He was worryingly holding his ankle while on the floorCredit: Alamy
Neymar appeared upset when he came off and had to be consoled by his team-matesCredit: Alamy
It remains to be seen whether Neymar’s injury is seriousCredit: Getty
He was subbed with 10 minutes to go and could be seen in the dugout looking distraught – seemingly in tears.
He also had a bag of ice around his ankle in what was a worrying sight for Brazil fans.

Brazil’s team doctor says they have got to wait 24 to 48 hours to assess the injury.
But manager Tite gave a positive update, saying: “Don’t worry, Neymar will play the World Cup. He will keep playing, you can be sure about that.”
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It is not yet known whether he will be fit in time for their next group stage match against Switzerland on Monday.
They then face Cameroon four days later.
Neymar is just three goals away from overtaking Pele as Brazil’s all-time top scorer.
He currently has a sensational tally of 75 in 122 appearances for his country.
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And while he will be eager to play every match at the Qatar tournament, Tite has a host of superstar attacking players to call upon.
On the bench against Serbia, he had Manchester United man Antony and Arsenal pair Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
Meanwhile, prior to the start of the tournament, Neymar raised eyebrows when he altered his Brazil kit so it had six stars on it.
The South Americans have won the World Cup five times, but Neymar is so confident they will do so again in 2022 that he has changed his strip ahead of time.
German outlet BILD subsequently labelled him “arrogant”, before team-mate Richarlison – who scored a superb brace against Serbia on Thursday night – hit back in his defence.
He said: “They [BILD] are arrogant. We’re just dreamers.
“We are dreaming of this sixth star and we will pick it up, whether they like it or not. That reporter is an a**hole.”
Neymar appeared distraught as he had his ankle checkedCredit: Reuters More

ARGENTINA fans clashed with their Mexican counterparts in a fan zone in Qatar after supporters filmed themselves chanting “f*** Messi”.Tensions boiled over in the supporters’ area at the Al Bidda Park in Doha on Wednesday night after Mexican supporters were seen insulting the Argentina superstar.
Mexico and Argentina supporters have clashed in Qatar
Mexico fans were heard chanting ‘f*** Messi’
It comes after Messi and Argentina were stunned in a 2-1 defeat to Saudi ArabiaCredit: AP
Rival fans came to blows in Qatar ahead of Saturday’s Group C clash between Argentina and Mexico.
Qatari authorities didn’t appear to be present in the footage, which raises concerns ahead of the weekend’s game, with 80,000 fans set to descend on the Lusail Stadium.
Several people are believed to have suffered minor injuries in the scrap which took place in one of FIFA’s dedicated fan zones, designed for World Cup supporters from different nations to watch their teams together.
The ugly scenes came just a day after Argentina were stunned by Saudi Arabia 2-1, in one of the biggest World Cup shocks of all time.
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Lionel Messi’s team were one of the pre-tournament favourites, and seemed to be on their way to a routine opening victory when the PSG forward put them ahead from the spot.
But the Saudis turned the game around with second-half strikes from Salah Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari, making Saturday’s game with Mexico all the more critical.
A defeat for either side would leave them on the brink of elimination.
And the tensions were clearly on display at the Al Bidda Park, after a group of Mexican supporters filmed themselves chanting “f*** Messi”.
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Video posted on Twitter shows groups of supporters clashing, with several launching kicks and punches at their rivals.
Mexican journalist Omar Nino who was at the scene reported that several fans required treatment for minor injuries.
It is the worst reported crowd trouble at the Qatar tournament so far, after a largely peaceful World Cup.
Saudi fans have joined in the mockery of Argentina and the six-time Ballon d’Or winner since their shock victory.
A group of fans were filmed performing the iconic “Siuuu” celebration of Messi’s rival Cristiano Ronaldo following the game, although on this occasion, the Argentina fans did not react.
And another Saudi supporter went viral after interrupting a Korean TV reporter outside the stadium to ask: “Excuse me, where is Messi?”
Another supporter gets involved and asks: “Can I ask you a question? Ask all the 88,000, where is Messi?”
The 35-year-old has admitted earlier this year that Qatar is likely to be his final World Cup as a player.
Argentina’s opening defeat was all the more shocking, bringing to an end an unbeaten run stretching back to July 2019.
Brazilian fans have also expressed their glee at the defeat of their South American rivals.
Several supporters of Brazil were filmed waving the green Saudi flag during their Thursday night tie against Serbia.
Mexico for their part could only muster a 0-0 draw with Poland, and Group C is one of the toughest to call at the World Cup.
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On Wednesday, FIFA opened an investigation into potentially homophobic chanting by Mexican supporters during the game.
The Mexican Football Federation has previously been sanctioned by FIFA due to recurring anti-gay chanting aimed at opposition goalkeepers.
Several Brazil fans were seen carrying Saudi flags to mock their South American rivalsCredit: Reuters
Mexico face Argentina in a hotly-anticipated clash this SaturdayCredit: Alamy More

NEYMAR’s stunning sister Rafaella Santos has shown her colours as she cheers on Brazil and her brother at the World Cup.The Samba Boys had to wait a while to get their tournament up and running in Qatar.
Rafaella was getting herself in the mood for Brazil’s game against SerbiaCredit: Instagram @rafaella
Rafaella was supporting her brother Neymar and Brazil in their bid for World Cup gloryCredit: Instagram @rafaella
But they finally got to face Serbia in their opening group game tonight, four days after hosts Qatar kicked off proceedings.
Rafaella took to Instagram to show off her support for her country, who are targeting their first World Cup win since 2002.
The Brazilian beauty snapped herself pouting at the camera as she prepared for the game against Serbia.
Around her two men can be seen donning the Brazilian shirts and flag and colours.
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In another picture, the model sits on the edge of the sofa with her face barely visible to the camera in a black and white snap.
What can be seen is the back of the shirt, which bears her name and the number 10, the same as what Neymar wears for his country.
She adds the caption: “Meu número preferido!” which translates as “My favorite number!”
Rafaella has always supported Neymar throughout his career and the pair appear to share a special sibling bond.
Rafaella is a social media sensation and posts gorgeous pics which wow her fansCredit: Instagram @rafaella
The glamorous model follows Brazil and her brother Neymar closelyCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Rafaella has 5.6million followers on Instagram
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The relationship appeared so strong that the PSG star appeared to always be unavailable to play for his club around the same time as Rafaella’s birthday.
But footie fans noticed that the ‘curse’ was finally broken this year.
There was almost no chance of Neymar missing the game against Serbia as he looks to lead his country to World Cup glory.
Brazil were beaten by Belgium at their last attempt to land the Jules Rimet trophy in 2018.
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And in their home tournament four years earlier, Brazil were famously humbled and humiliated by Germany in the semi-finals.
If they are to make it that far this time round, they will have to navigate their way out of a group containing Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon.
The Brazilian beauty enjoys a close bond with brother NeymarCredit: Splash
Rafaella will be hoping to cheer Brazil all the way to the final
Neymar has infamously been injured or suspended around the time of his sister’s birthday More

RICHARLISON scored a SENSATIONAL overhead kick for Brazil against Serbia in the World Cup favourites’ opening game in Qatar.The Tottenham forward, 25, got off the mark shortly after an hour on Thursday evening, reacting first from a Vinicius Jr shot to lash home the rebound.
Richarlison acrobatically scored a wonder goal for BrazilCredit: EPA

The Tottenham man wowed the crowd with a startling finishCredit: AP
Richarlison celebrated scoring his second goal of the gameCredit: AP
But 11 minutes later he doubled his tally for the evening in breathtaking fashion.
Vinicius crossed into the penalty area and Richarlison did the rest, teeing himself up before acrobatically swivelling to lash an outrageous effort into the corner beyond Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
And football fans feel it may have already won the Puskas award for goal of the year.
Reacting on social media, one person said: “NOW THAT IS ABSOLUTELY EXCEPTIONAL FROM RICHARLISON…”
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Another added: “Give him the Puskas award directly at the end of the match. What a goal from Richarlison.”
A third said: “Ladies and gentlemen, for now Puskas’ World Cup goal belongs to Richarlison 🇧🇷.”

And a fourth added: “Oh yeah, Richarlison is winning the Puskas Award for sure. That was an amazing goal.”
Richarlison has now scored 19 goals in 39 appearances for Brazil.
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And, despite no goals for Spurs in the Premier League so far this season, he has nine in his last seven appearances at international level.
He will already have his eyes firmly set on the Golden Boot after registering a brace in the opening game.
Next up for Brazil is a clash with Switzerland on Monday, before their final group stage match against Cameroon four days later.
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They remain the favourites to lift the World Cup on December 18 in what would be a record-extending sixth title.
Brazil previously won the competition in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. More