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      Watch Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s surprise pick for World Cup player of the tournament and Golden Boot in hilarious interview

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      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC hilariously only had one player on his mind when he was quizzed about who would take the World Cup by storm.The Swedish legend, who has penned a new contract at AC Milan despite turning 41, will unfortunately not be part of the Middle East football fest.
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic expects his Milan team-mate Olivier Giroud to sjine in QatarCredit: AFP
      The Swede was typically hilarious with his World Cup predictionsCredit: Getty

      His nation failed to qualify and he is also recovering from knee surgery.
      Last season he helped Milan win the Serie A title, scoring eight goals in 23 outings and playing for SIX MONTHS with his ACL injury.
      But with his country not participating, it is his strike partner at the San Siro who is rooting for out in Qatar.
      During an interview with 443, he picked Olivier Giroud, who is already off to a flying start after a brace in France’s 4-1 win over Australia on Tuesday, to win the World Cup Golden Boot.
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      However, the AC Milan star’s 36-year-old club-mate was also on his mind when he was asked to name who will be the biggest surprise of the tournament.
      And Ibra continued with that theme as he was then asked who he thought would be the best player in Qatar.
      The icon, 41, replied: “I root for my friend Olivier Giroud.”
      Next he was asked: “Who will be the biggest talent of the tournament?”
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      And, you guessed it, Ibrahimovic went for the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star again.
      He responded: “Olivier Giroud because he is still young and if I say that he’s young then that means that I am young also.”
      Ibrahimovic will no doubt be tuning in and rooting for his pal again on Saturday as he looks to surpass Thierry Henry as his country’s all-time top scorer after equalling his record against the Aussies.
      France take on Denmark knowing a victory will secure their place in the knockouts.
      They then face Tunisia next Wednesday in their final Group D game. More

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      Shock moment Qatari cops SEIZE Brazilian fans’ state flag after mistaking it for LGBTQ symbol… because it has a rainbow

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      QATARI officials have seized a Brazilian fan’s flag after mistaking it for the LGBTQ rainbow.The dispute happened outside the Lusail Stadium, Doha, after Saudi Arabia shocked the footballing world by beating Argentina yesterday.
      A Qatari official seizes the Pernambuco flag, mistaking it for the LGBTQ flagCredit: Jam Press
      Fans explain to the Official that he has made a blunder and they will report himCredit: Jam Press
      The fans, known as the Samba Boys, were carrying the Pernambuco State flag outside the stadium when they were approached by officials.
      The flag has a rainbow on it, but the officials thought it was a LGBTQ flag and subsequently seized the item, and allegedly threw it on the ground and stomped on it.
      The flag was being carried by Brazilian journalist Victor Pereira and a friend.
      He claimed Qatari officials confiscated his mobile phone until he agreed to delete a video he took of the incident.
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      However, he managed to film several other scenes of the stadium row with Qatari officials.
      In one viral clip viewed more than one million times on Twitter, Pereira says: “Guys, I’m nervous, shaking in fact, because we had a Pernambuco flag.”
      “I’m shaking, because I was attacked by some Qatari officials, people with that outfit, and also police officers.
      “They came up to the women thinking it was an LGBT flag, but in fact, it’s just the flag of Pernambuco.
      “I went to film it and they took my phone. They just gave it back to me after forcing me to delete the video I took.”
      “The guy took the Pernambuco flag, threw it on the ground, and stepped on it. My reaction was to take out my phone and record absolutely everything.”
      In Qatar, same-sex relationships are punishable by imprisonment or death.
      The conservative measures have shun a light on LGBTQ+ rights, which have been at the centre of controversies around the World Cup.
      Recently, Fifa officials stepped in and ordered Qatari officials to stop forcing fans to remove their rainbow hats when entering stadiums.
      Eventually, bystanders intervened and calmed down the situation following the flag incident.
      Pereira said the Qatari officials realised their mistake and later apologised.
      “They said they had no right to do what they did and, if I wanted, I could report it inside, because we were close to two towers that have cameras and the guy can be identified. I’m trying to do that, but it’s all very complicated.”
      The incident was reported to Fifa officials.
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      Fans attending the 2022 World Cup have mostly been behaved, one excited Saudia Arabian fan celebrated his country’s win over Argentina by ripping his door off.
      Other fans were left devastated as Lionel Messi failed to get his team across the line in Argentina’s opening game.
      The Qatari official was met by a crowd who explained the reason for the flag, which calmed down the situationCredit: Jam Press More

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      World Cup 2022 – Germany 1 Japan 2 LIVE RESULT: Japan complete INCREDIBLE fight back to stun Germany

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      GERMANY kick off their World Cup 2022 campaign in a clash against Group E opponents Japan TODAY!The Germans were knocked out in the group stages four years ago at the Russia World Cup so will be looking for a different turnout this time.
      Germany will be hoping to improve on their 2018 World Cup campaignCredit: Getty
      Japan are Germany’s first opponents of the 2022 World CupCredit: Getty
      Players like Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry are now at the forefront of a resurgent German side.
      The four-time World Cup winners are looking to win their first major tournament since their triumph in Brazil in 2014.
      Japan are a tough international side to contend with, however, and will be hoping they can make it to the knockout stages once again.
      They were knocked out at the last-16 stage by Belgium in 2018, lossing 3-2 having been 2-0 up early in the game.
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      When is Germany vs Japan?

      Germany’s big clash with Japan will take place on Wednesday, November 23.
      The match will kick off at 1pm UK time in the UK.
      Germany vs Japan will be held in the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan.
      The last time the two sides played each other was in 2019 and they drew 2-2.

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

      Germany vs Japan 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 for FREE?
      Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE in the UK, so long as you have a TV licence.
      Herr Flick talks German attacking options
      The Germany manager has spoken about Thomas Muller’s return from hip injury and knee issue suffered by Leroy Sane:
      He is definitely an option. He did a very good job today in training. We are happy with him. He gives us one more option. It’s bitter that we have to do without Leroy. He can decide a game with his quality alone. We hope he can play on Sunday.Hansi FlickGermany manager
      From Russia without much love
      Germany are looking to consign memories of Russia 2018 to history, finishing bottom of their group and crashing out of the tournament.
      The curse of the defending champions was well and truly alive for the Germans at the 2018 World Cup, as the side formerly led by Joachim Low saw the defence of their 2014 crown fall at the first hurdle.
      This was then followed up with a last-16 elimination to England in the recent European Championships.
      True FIFA legends card status applies
      Thomas Muller returns to the national team after his exile, looking to build on a record of 10 goals and 6 assists in 16 World Cup matches for Germany.
      The Bayern Munich attacker will be hoping to spearhead Die Mannschaft’s attack.
      A player with the ability of being in the right place at the right time is priceless when it comes to tournament football such as the World Cup.
      Welcome to Germany vs Japan
      Germany kick off their World Cup 2022 Group E campaign against Japan at the Khalifa International Stadium this afternoon.
      The pre-World Cup talk regarding the Germany camp was unsurprisingly focused on Marco Reus, who suffered yet another cruel injury blow to rule him out of the World Cup.
      Reus has now missed Euro 2016, Euro 2020, the triumphant 2014 World Cup tournament and this year’s showpiece in Qatar through injury.
      However, Germany are expected to be working with a fully-fit squad for the opening matchday barring knee victim Leroy Sane, with striker Niclas Fullkrug back from illness and the duo of Thomas Muller and Antonio Rudiger also returning to training over the weekend.
      As for Japan, Karou Mitoma and Wataru Endo have overcome illness and a head injury respectively to make themselves available, while Sporting Lisbon midfielder Hidemasa Morita is back from a calf problem and could be fit enough to start.
      Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu was rested against Canada following his recent muscular problem but should be fine to take his place in the team here, most likely alongside 122-cap skipper Maya Yoshida in the heart of defence.
      Attacking options are rife within the Samurai Blues ranks for the World Cup, and Takuma Asano’s greater international experience compared to his fellow forwards should work in his favour.
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      World Cup beer row continues after Qatar U-turn and Budweiser bust-up could rumble into tournament in four years’ time

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      SPURNED World Cup sponsor Budweiser will demand their pound of flesh from Fifa after the late beer in-stadium U-turn.Owners ABInbev agreed an estimated £95m deal to continue as the official beer suppliers to the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico – up £30m from the Qatar agreement.
      There will be thousands of leftover Budweiser following the late U-turn on salesCredit: Getty
      That was on the basis of a 48-team and 80-match tournament across the three countries.
      But it is expected Budweiser will now demand a massive reduction in lieu of taking legal action against Fifa for breach of contract.
      And the blow will be eased further when Fifa confirms early in 2023 that the opening phase will now consist of 12 groups of four teams rather than the planned 16 groups of three, meaning a 104-match World Cup.
      That will offer the brewery a further 24 matches with exclusive sales rights at the stadium plus the likelihood of extra official Budweiser-catered Fan Festivals across the three host nations.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Fans were set to be able to drink £12-a-pint beer in the venues at Qatar 2022 before tournament chiefs reversed on their promises at the 11th hour.
      That leaves Budweiser with thousands of crates of beer that cannot be sold.
      So the company vowed to give all the leftovers to the winning country at the World Cup.
      It means supporters can only purchase alcohol at the official FanZone.
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      Furious, regular fans are being forced to pay almost the same amount as the richest visitors to Doha.
      The USA team are among the VIPs staying at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel in the swanky Pearl district.
      A bucket of six 33cl cans of the official tournament tipple is on sale in the hotel’s sports bar for £51.20 – so £8.5 per can, or 26p per cl.
      In the FanZone, it’s £11.62 for a 50cl can – so 22p per cl – in much less luxurious surroundings. More

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      Germany 1 Japan 2: Another huge World Cup shock as brilliant Japanese stun one of the favourites in famous win

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      IT was the Mexicans waving them bye-bye four years ago.And as a Mexican wave broke out here at Doha’s Khalifa Stadium, Germany may well be on the way to heading home early again thanks to Japan’s supersubs.
      Japan secured a famous victory over Germany with a late rallyCredit: Getty
      Ritsu Doan fired the Japanese level just moments after coming off the benchCredit: Reuters
      Takuma Asano then raced clear to fire Japan into the leadCredit: Reuters
      That secured Japan the most famous victory in their World Cup historyCredit: Getty
      Germany and their fans could now be heading for another group stage exitCredit: Getty
      Hansi Flick’s side looked to be cruising when Ilkay Gundogan’s penalty put them ahead just after the half hour.
      But their Asian opponents hit back with two goals from substitutes in eight second-half minutes, first through Ritsu Doan and then a stunner from Takuma Asano.
      Asano’s effort will go down in World Cup history as he brilliantly controlled a long ball, sped into the area and beat Manuel Neuer at his near post with a thumping finish.
      It leaves Germany in familiar territory, having crashed out at the group stage four years ago in Russia as reigning champions having lost their opening game to Mexico.
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      Recovering from here could be very tricky given 2010 champions Spain are also in their group, along with Costa Rica.
      Midfielder Joshua Kimmich had spoken on Tuesday of the team’s “huge motivation” to put things right this time and the importance of winning the first game.
      Yet despite starting so well, they are now in an equally perilous position and face a massive uphill battle to get out of the group.
      Germany’s players protested against Fifa ahead of the game, outraged by the pressure the world football governing body had put on them not to wear a One Love rainbow armband via threats of sporting sanctions.
      Japan won a memorable game with just 26 per cent possession
      Germany dominated most of the game but slumped to a shock 2-1 defeaet
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      That included warming up in training kit with rainbows on the sleeves, having rainbows etched on their boots and covering up their mouths for the team picture to indicate how their planned show of support to the LGBTQ community had been silenced.
      German interior minister Nancy Faeser also wore the One Love armband while sitting next to Fifa president Gianni Infantino up in the stands.
      It really was one-way traffic in the first half, making the turnaround all the more remarkable. Japan only completed 62 passes, while untroubled German goalkeeper Neuer had 35.
      Saying that, it was actually the Asian side who had the ball in the net first when striker Daizen Maeda emphatically finished off a rapid counter only to be ruled offside.
      Kimmich and Gundogan were firing warning shots from distance before Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton, at 31, the tournament’s third youngest whistler, awarded a penalty against Shuichi Gonda, two years his senior for tripping David Raum and then falling on him for good measure.
      Japan barely got out of their own half in their historic win

      It allowed Manchester City star Gundogan to coolly slot in his 17th goal for his country.
      Kai Havertz thought he had doubled the lead just before the break – and minutes after the Mexican wave around the Khalifa Stadium – but he too had strayed offside.
      England were dealt a blow last year when former Young Lion Jamal Musiala switched allegiances to play for Germany, the country of his birth.
      The wonderkid, who went to the same private school in Croydon as Callum Hudson-Odoi and Danny Cipriani, went on a stunning mazy run at the start of the second half, beating three players but fired over the bar.
      On the hour, Musiala squared to Gundogan who struck the base of the post with his shot.
      Gonda went some way to making up for his penalty error by making FOUR saves in a matter of a seconds, three from Serge Gnabry and another from sub Jonas Hofmann.
      Antonio Rudiger had plenty of the ball against Japan
      Germany were left stunned by their late collapseCredit: Getty
      Japan celebrated their epic victory wildly on the pitch after the whistleCredit: Reuters
      Germany’s stars covered their mouths for the team picture having been silenced by Fifa in their support to the LGBTQ communityCredit: Rex
      Japan fans cranked up the nose late on to help get their heroes over the lineCredit: Rex
      Japan’s fans cranked up the noise in a bid to inspire their team and they would have had a leveller sooner were it not for Manuel Neuer’s brilliant stop to deny Junya Ito, before Hiroki Sakai blazed over.
      Eventually the equaliser did come as ex-Liverpool man Takumi Minamino, who had just come on as a sub, saw his cross-shot palmed out by Neuer, only for Doan to find the net.
      Eight minutes later, it got even better for Japan thanks to Asano’s moment of genius.
      He masterfully controlled a routine long ball from defender Ko Itakura, managing to take it past Nico Schlotterbeck and race in on goal before burying it past Neuer at his near post.
      It was a wonder goal worthy of winning any game – and one that has put four-time champions Germany in deep trouble already. More

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      Escort sites spring up in Qatar as call girls charge up to £20,000 for randy Brit World Cup fans who risk 7yrs in jail

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      WORLD Cup fans are risking up to seven years in jail by hiring high-class hookers to pose as their wives in Qatar. Bookings to Qatar-based call girl services are soaring – with prostitutes offering rates of between £10,000 and £20,000 to accompany soccer fanatics to matches and act as their partners.
      Footie fans are risking jail time to score some female companionship for the World Cup
      Escorts are offering to wear traditional abayas to help them blend in as punter’s wives
      Bookings for escort services in Qatar have boomed since the tournament kicked off
      UK-based sites are also offering the same service to cash in on the tournament.
      An insider said: “It’s a bonkers risk, but some football fans will chance it.
      “Sites are springing up every day in Qatar and the UK offering rates to go with them to matches and pose as their wives, as sex outside marriage is outlawed in Qatar.
      “But if they are caught they and the prostitutes are risking years in jail, and there will be nothing the British Foreign Office will be able to do to save them as they will be bang to rights for breaking Qatar’s laws.”
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      Sex outside of marriage and homosexuality are illegal in Qatar, where the tournament will be held, and each ­carries a prison ­sentence of up to seven years.
      Working as a prostitute carries a typical jail term of at least three years under the state’s strict Islamic code.
      Women can be jailed for up to seven years and forced to endure up to 100 lashings if they are found guilty of engaging in pre-marital sex, known as zina.
      Even rape victims can face prosecution if a suspect claims the sex was consensual – which sparked alarm bells for female footie fans.
      Most read in The Sun
      Figures show soccer stadiums become sex assault hotspots when booze-fuelled crowds flock to big games during tournaments.
      But many supporters will still be willing to take the risk for the sake of female companionship during the World Cup.
      Many of the escorts are based in Qatar’s capital of Doha, but are offering to travel and stay for days and weeks with punters.
      They often cover up their faces on their online ads, with Western hookers offering to travel to Doha obscuring their faces in images to avoid authorities being able to prove they are working as a call girl if caught.
      Rates are from 2,500 Qatari Rial per hour (£600) to small fortunes for long-term “companionship to coincide with the World Cup” according to one advert.
      The escorts are also offering to wear the traditional abaya, a long black robe that covers the entire body to make them appear more authentic when posing as wives, with others offering to cover their hair.
      Our insider warned the ploy is “extremely risky” as fake passports will have to be used to avoid jail as authorities will check partners’ names match when checking into hotels.
      Football fans are also being warned one-night stands could lead to seven years behind bars in Qatar, with FIFA officials saying “no exceptions” will be made.
      FIFA has said “all are welcome” at the tournament – but there is a growing concern that is not the case as there have already been reports of fans with different surnames being stopped from booking and sharing hotel rooms.
      Nasser al-Khater, chief executive of the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar has said: “The safety and security of every single fan is of the utmost importance to us.
      “But public displays of affection are frowned upon, it’s not part of our ­culture – and that goes across the board to everybody.”
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      The Qatar Supreme Committee for the delivery of the 2022 World Cup also warned of the strict laws in place.
      In a statement it said: “Qatar is a ­conservative country and public ­displays of affection are frowned upon ­regardless of sexual orientation.”
      Sex workers can face up to 3 years behind bars under the Arab country’s strict laws
      Call girls are charging thousands to thrill footie supporters from across the globe
      Fans could face seven years in prison if they are found guilty of engaging in pre-marital sex More

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      Fans all say the same thing about Antonio Rudiger’s hilarious running during World Cup clash against Japan

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER had social media buzzing with his bizarre running during Germany’s clash with Japan.The Real Madrid star was in action for his country as they kicked off their 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar.
      Antonio Rudiger bizarrely ran towards the touchline
      Fans noticed the Germany star’s strange running technique
      And it was an incident in the 64th minute that really got people talking.
      Trailing 1-0, Japan desperately sought to get back in the game.
      Manager Hajime Moriyasu threw on former Arsenal forward Takuma Asano in the second half as he chased an equaliser.
      Asano chased a long hopeful ball down the channel, but was marshalled by Rudiger.
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      Rather than conventionally shepherding the ball out of play, however, Rudiger bizarrely jumped into his run as he galloped towards the touchline.
      The former Chelsea ace grinned as he ran back into position, with fans noticing his strange run.

      One wrote: “Wtf is rudiger doing.”
      While a second tweeted: “Rudiger has got to be one of the weirdest players I’ve ever seen.”
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      A third asked: “What is blud doing?”
      Another added: “Look at the way Rudiger runs how can you hate this guy.”
      Japan DID equalise shortly after, with Ritsu Doan grabbing a deserved leveller just 15 minutes from time.
      And they went in front in stunning fashion moments later, Asano somehow squeezing a brilliant shot beyond Manuel Neuer.
      Germany pushed hard for an equaliser, Rudiger flashing a shot from range wide late on.
      But Japan managed to hold on for a famous 2-1 victory.
      Takuma Asano stunningly put Japan in frontCredit: Reuters More

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      Unemployed Cristiano Ronaldo missing out on £71,000 a DAY at World Cup after having contract ripped up by Man Utd

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      UNEMPLOYED Cristiano Ronaldo is missing out on an eye-watering £71,000-a-day at the World Cup after having his contract ripped up by Manchester United.The 37-year-old football icon angered United with an explosive sit-down interview with SunSport columnist and TalkTV main man Piers Morgan.
      Ronaldo is missing out on £71,000-a-day after having his contract ripped upCredit: Reuters
      Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo accused Man Utd of betrayal, and slammed the lack of investment in the club’s infrastructure.
      Present United figures such as boss Erik ten Hag were in the firing line, with Ronaldo admitting he does not respect the Dutchman.
      And former team-mates Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney were also slammed for their criticism.
      Ronaldo got his wish of an exit from Old Trafford, albeit a few months late, after slamming the club, with United ripping up his £500,000-a-week contract.
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      The Portugal captain had seven months left on his deal for which he was taking home around £71,000-a-day.
      Whether Ronaldo’s next move at club level is revealed during the World Cup is yet to be seen.
      Euro 2016 winners Portugal are contesting World Cup Group H alongside Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.
      Portugal play Ghana in their group opener on Thursday.
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      If Ronaldo was to stay in the Premier League, he has been handed a two-game ban and fined by the Football Association for knocking an autistic fan’s phone to the ground.
      The FA are due to officially announce Ronaldo’s punishment later this afternoon.
      And they will provide the full written reasons behind their decision for the sanction also.
      Both Chelsea and Newcastle have been linked with a swoop for the Portuguese legend.
      However, SunSport exclusively revealed Chelsea are not overly keen on a deal. More