World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Southgate fears England are being TARGETED at World Cup 2022 after referees shown clip of cheeky corner routine

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE fears England are being targeted by World Cup referees after they featured in a pre-tournament video nasty.The Three Lions boss wants urgent talks with Fifa, believing his side should have had a penalty in Monday’s 6-2 win over Iran.
      Harry Maguire was denied a penalty despite being wrestled to the ground vs IranCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate fears England are being targeted by refs at the World CupCredit: BBC
      Harry Maguire was rugby-tackled by Roozbeh Cheshmi but VAR did not recommend a review.
      Yet Iran scored a late spot-kick through Mehdi Taremi when John Stones was adjudged by VAR to have pulled the shirt of Morteza Pouraliganji.
      Southgate revealed his worries after officials were shown a video of Maguire’s goal in a World Cup qualifier against Albania 12 months ago.
      It would now be ruled out because Kalvin Phillips blocked a defender.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIES
      Southgate said: “What worries me is we were used as an example in the referees’ video.
      “We were told that incident in the first half would be a definite penalty.
      “For the second half (Iran penalty), maybe there’s a shirt pull — but I’m a bit worried we were the example shown and then to get a decision as happened in the first half.
      “We need some clarification really as to how it’s going to be.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “We’ve got to have that dialogue with Fifa. We want clarity otherwise we don’t know where we stand.”
      England also want clarity on the amount of extra-time being played after 24 MINUTES were added in their opener.
      Southgate’s stars who did not start against Iran had a light training  session yesterday.
      But James Maddison sat it out again as he nurses his knee injury and is in a race against time to be fit for Friday’s tie with the US.
      The Three Lions hope to get another boost after Friday’s match — by  seeing their families.
      Read More on The Sun
      Southgate is willing to allow loved ones into the team hotel as long as Covid cases remain low.
      The manager said: “We’ve talked about it but we’ve got to monitor what the rates are out here.” More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish’s disabled fan Finlay Fisher, 11, left gobsmacked by call from England star after special celebration

      by

      ENGLAND star Jack Grealish made his biggest fan’s day when he sat down for a one-on-one video call with the lucky lad.The Three Lions and Man City ace performed his special goal celebration on Monday as a nod to young Finlay Fisher after netting against Iran.
      England ace Jack Grealish sat down to video-call his biggest fan Finlay Fisher
      Grealish celebrated with ‘The Finlay’ after netting for England against IranCredit: Getty
      Grealish gave the young lad a signed City shirt to his young fanCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      Young Finlay, 11, who suffers from cerebral palsy, wrote to Grealish after learning that his idol’s sister has the same condition.
      The youngster, who plays disability football at Manchester City, had the chance to meet Grealish earlier this month and asked him to perform a special celebration when he next scored.
      When Grealish tucked home in England’s opening World Cup game, he wiggled his arms as he carried out the celebration, dubbed “The Finlay”.
      And on Tuesday, Finlay was left gobsmacked after the former Aston Villa star personally video-called him for a chat.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      “I liked your goal,” he told Grealish, who replied: “Nah, you liked the celebration more!”
      He joked that little Finlay had “been everywhere the past 24 hours, you’re famous now,” before asking him if he had thought he was going to do the celebration.
      “I thought you’d forgotten,” he admitted.
      Finlay almost missed the magic moment, as he only just got out of hospital in time to watch the game.
      Most read in Football
      He had injured his leg on Monday morning and only got home from A&E ten minutes before kickoff.
      Grealish revealed that the celebration almost didn’t happen on Monday, as he had almost scored last week for City against Chelsea.
      “I just felt like I was going to score and I didn’t score,” he said. “Yesterday, to be fair, I didn’t think I was going to score yesterday because the game was a bit gone by the time I’d come on.
      “So I was buzzing to get a goal and then I could do my little celebration just for you. It was always in the back of my mind, mate.”
      I was buzzing to get a goal and then I could do my little celebration just for youJack Grealish
      Finlay also asked Grealish how he was finding Qatar, to which he replied: “It’s hot.”
      He added that his England teammates were “buzzing” and were just “looking forward to the next game now”.

      Finlay revealed during the call he was wearing the signed City shirt given to him by Grealish.
      After a few minutes, Grealish ended the call as he had to shoot off to an England team meeting in ten minutes.
      Fin looked starstruck after speaking to his hero.
      Finlay wrote to Grealish because his sister Holly also suffers from cerebral palsyCredit: @jackgrealish
      Grealish dedicated the celebration to FinlayCredit: Getty
      Little Fin looked delighted after the video-call from his hero
      He appeared overwhelmed by the sweet gesture
      It comes after the Premier League shared footage of the pair meeting in person, with the City star telling Finlay he would dedicate a celebration to him when he next scored.
      Initially, Finlay hilariously asked for Grealish to do the worm dance, but after the England star admitted he couldn’t, Finlay settled for a wiggle of the arms.
      And Grealish did exactly that after bagging a goal against Iran in England’s opening match.
      He took to Instagram after the game, writing “For you Finlay” with a love heart emoji.
      Finlay told the BBC’s Today Programme: “I thought he was going to score, and I was like, ‘Come on Grealish! Score a goal!’ And he finally scored. I knew, I had the feeling.
      “I thought he’d actually forget but he stuck to his word and stayed true. I was just amazed.”
      The young lad thanked Grealish for raising awareness for cerebral palsy by debuting the celebration in front of a global audience.
      The Manchester City star came off the bench to score the team’s sixth goal as the Three Lions got their campaign off to a flier.
      He put the gloss on the victory late on in what is England’s best ever start to a World Cup.
      After tapping home from Callum Wilson’s unselfish cutback, Grealish wheeled away in celebration.
      Following the final whistle, a topless Grealish rushed over to celebrate with his girlfriend Sasha Atwood in the stands.
      Read More on The Sun
      England sit top of Group B, ahead of the USA and Wales, who shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw on Monday.
      Gareth Southgate’s side face the Yanks next on Friday in a 7pm kickoff, ahead of a hotly-anticipated clash with Wales on Tuesday, also at 7pm. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Jude Bellingham jokes Three Lions fans should ‘sack work’ to watch England’s march to World Cup glory

      by

      JOKER Jude Bellingham yesterday urged fans to bunk off to watch England’s march to World Cup glory.The wonderkid, 19, scored in a stunning midfield display during the 6-2 demolition of Iran on Monday.
      Jude Bellingham told fans ‘Sack it! Don’t go to work when we’re playing!’Credit: Getty
      Millions bunked off work and school to watch the game in Qatar, which kicked off at 1pm UK time.
      Jude was shown a clip of fans in a beer-chucking frenzy at London’s Box Park as his header went in.

      The Stourbridge-born Borussia Dortmund star asked: “It would have been one o’clock there? Half one?”
      He joked: “Sack it! Don’t go to work when we’re playing!
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP 2022
      “This is what you love seeing really. This is why we play, especially when so far away from home.”
      Jude — the first player born after 2000 to score in a World Cup — told how he was unable to sleep afterwards.
      He said: “I’m coming down from the high now and focusing on the next game.
      “It’s difficult to sleep to be fair — I was up all night.”
      Most read in The Sun
      But he added: “We have to back it up with a good performance and a good win against America.”
      A win on Friday will get the side to the knockout stage.
      Read More on The Sun More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Morocco vs Croatia – World Cup Group F: How they got there, current form and prediction as 2018 runners-up kick off

      by

      CROATIA reached the final of the last World Cup – and will begin this one with high hopes of causing another surprise. Zlatko Dalic remains in the dugout for the Europeans as they begin their campaign against Morocco.

      Luka Modric, middle, will be at the centre of things on the pitchCredit: AFP
      Achraf Hakimi will be a key player for Morocco in QatarCredit: AFP
      Morocco, meanwhile, are at back-to-back World Cups for the first time since 1994 and 1998 and will be desperate to reach the knockouts as they did in 1986.
      The Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor will host this Group F opening clash which kicks off at 10am UK time on Wednesday.
      Croatia come in as the favourites, sitting 12th in the world according to Fifa, against the 22nd-ranked country.
      So SunSport previews the showdown that will kick off what will surely be Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic’s last World Cup.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      How did they get there?
      Morocco: Morocco blitzed through their African qualifying group with Guinea-Bissau, Guinea and Sudan, securing six wins from six.
      They then saw off DR Congo 5-2 on aggregate in the play-off.
      Croatia: Croatia lost their opening game of Uefa qualifying to Slovenia.
      They then won seven and drew two of their remaining games to top Group H with 21 goals scored on 23 points, one clear of since-banned Russia.
      How Croatia could line up
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      What’s the form?
      Morocco: The Atlas Lions played one warm-up friendly and comfortably brushed Georgia aside 3-0.
      They are unbeaten in their last five with wins over South Africa, Liberia and Chile before a draw against Paraguay in September.
      Croatia: Andrej Kramaric got the only goal against Saudi Arabia last week.
      That took their winning run to five matches including two against Denmark, one against Austria and even a 1-0 victory over world champions France – little revenge for the 2018 final.

      Who are the managers?
      Morocco: Frane-born Walid Regragui took over from Vahid Halilhodzic on August 31 – just 12 weeks ago – and managed his first game 21 days later.
      The 45-cap former Moroccan right-back was previously in charge at Wydad, where he won the Moroccan first division and the African Champions League.
      Croatia: Dalic has been at the helm of the national team since 2017.
      A gaffer since 2004, he has a wealth of experience – including 32 wins from 63 games with Croatia.

      Croatia lost the 2018 World Cup final to FranceCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun
      Who are the star players?
      Morocco: Achraf Hakimi is one of the best full-backs in the world, with his immense speed, ability to attack the box and ability to cross the ball into dangerous areas.
      Hakimi is an important element of the team, and his combinations with Hakim Ziyech will likely be a key difference between failure and success in Qatar after his return to the fold.
      Croatia: The midfield is Croatia’s bread and butter.
      The incredible trident of Marcelo Brozovic, Modric and Mateo Kovacic makes for one of the best midfields at the tournament – even with the skipper’s veteran legs.
      How Morocco are set to line up
      What’s the head to head?
      Their only meeting came in the semi-final of the Hassan II Trophy in 1996.
      After a 2-2 draw, Croatia eventually prevailed 7-6 in the penalty shootout.
      What TV channel will show the game
      Morocco vs Croatia 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.
      Hakim Ziyech is back in the frame for the national teamCredit: Getty
      SunSport prediction
      1-0 Croatia More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup 2022 – Belgium vs Canada: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time for group game

      by

      BELGIUM take on underdogs Canada in their very first match-up at the Qatar World Cup. The Canadians finished top of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying group, two places above big rivals USA.
      Belgium’s team of superstars are still yet to win a major trophyCredit: Getty
      Canada topped their World Cup qualifying group earlier this yearCredit: Reuters
      And now they’ll be looking to put in some big performances in the Middle East, having not competed in the World Cup since 1986.
      Belgium have had quite the team of superstars at their disrection over the past decade but have yet to put it altogether at a major tournament.
      The likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois are all still hoping to win a big trophy for their country.
      In Russia four years ago, Belgium were knocked out of the tournament by France in the semi-finals, before beating England 2-0 in the third-place playoff.

      When is Belgium vs Canada?

      Belgium’s clash with Canada will take place on Wednesday, November 23.
      The game will get going from 7pm UK time.
      Belgium vs Canada will be held at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan.
      The two sides have played once before in 1989 and the game finished 2-0 to Belgium.

      Most read in Football
      What TV channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Belgium vs Canada will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, 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. More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Belgium vs Canada – World Cup Group F: How they got there, current form and prediction as Red Devils eye early win

      by

      BELGIUM’S final chance to deliver on their ‘Golden Generation’ name tag begins against Canada. Roberto Martinez’s side are blessed with some world-class talent – but have just a third-place finish from Russia in 2018 to show for it.

      Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne will want to make a fast startCredit: AFP
      Canada, meanwhile, are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1986 and still looking for their maiden goal.
      The Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan will host this Group F blockbuster clash which kicks off at 7pm UK time.
      Belgium come in as the heavy favourites, sitting second in the world according to Fifa, against the 41st-ranked country.
      So SunSport previews the showdown that could be Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois’ last chance to be world champions.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      How did they get there?
      Belgium: The Red Devils made a safe passage through their Uefa qualifying group ahead of Wales, Czech Republic, Estonia and Belarus.
      They recorded six wins and two draws from their eight games, scoring 25 goals in the process – including eight against Belarus.
      Canada: Considering they had not qualified for the World Cup since 1986, the Canadians looked like an experienced side as they topped CONCACAF qualifying on 28 points from 14 games.
      That saw them pip Mexico and USA while Costa Rica went into the play-offs. Canada sealed it by thumping Jamaica 4-0 in March.
      How the Belgians could line up
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      What’s the form?
      Belgium: They had the worst warm-up game imaginable by losing 2-1 to Egypt in a friendly on Friday.
      Before that, Belgium lost their last competitive game to the Netherlands in September, three days after scraping past Wales.
      Canada: The Maple Leafs crammed in two friendlies before the tournament, a 2-2 draw with Bahrain and then a 2-1 win over Japan.
      Canada also beat Qatar 2-0 in September but lost by the same scoreline to Uruguay in the same week.
      Roberto Martinez took Belgium to the semis in RussiaCredit: AFP

      Who are the managers?
      Belgium: It’s a familiar face in the Belgian dugout with Roberto Martinez still in charge.
      The former Swansea, Everton and Wigan boss – assisted by Thierry Henry and Thomas Vermaelen – took over in 2016 and surely must prove himself as a top boss in Qatar.
      Canada: Englishman John Herdman was born in County Durham and enjoyed success with New Zealand Women and Canada Women.
      He switched across to the men’s side in 2018, using his winning formula to fire Canada up the rankings.
      Alphonso Davies may not be risked in the Group F openerCredit: AP
      Who are the star players?
      Belgium: The standout name is De Bruyne, the creative heartbeat of the side.
      Martinez builds the side around him and he is given complete freedom to play in areas of the pitch where he can hurt teams.
      Courtois is arguably the best goalkeeper at Qatar 2022 while Eden Hazard and Youri Tielemans can cause damage – although Lukaku is ruled out.
      Canada: The star man is Alphonso Davies but the Bayern Munich pace machine is an injury doubt and may not be risked.
      Jonathan David, the Lille forward, and Club Brugge winger Tajon Buchanan may be left to try and hurt the Belgian defence instead.
      Possible Canadian team
      What’s the head to head?
      The two sides have played once before in 1989.
      That game finished 2-0 to Belgium.
      What TV channel will show the game?
      Belgium vs Canada will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Canada are at their first World Cup since their debut in 1986Credit: AP
      SunSport prediction
      3-0 Belgium More

    • 288 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Spain vs Costa Rica – World Cup Group E: How they got there, form and prediction as Spaniards look to avoid shock loss

      by

      SPAIN kick off their World Cup campaign on Wednesday against Costa Rica – who proved they can cause an upset by topping England’s group in 2014.Luis Enrique’s side will be wary of the Costa Ricans, who qualified for the tournament via the play-offs.

      Costa Rica failed to make it to the knockouts in 2018, but four years before that in Brazil they somehow topped a group that included England, Italy and Uruguay.
      Saudi Arabia’s stunning 2-1 win over Argentina will make the Spaniards even more wary that no wins are guaranteed at the World Cup.
      With heavyweights Germany also in their group, Spain will know nothing but three points will do as they get their campaign underway at Al Thumama Stadium.
      Here, SunSport previews the Group E clash.

      How did they get there?
      Spain: Finished top of their qualifying group ahead of Sweden.
      Won six out of their eight games, but were in danger of having to go through a play-off if they lost their final game against the Swedes.
      In the end an 86th minute Alvaro Morata winner sealed top spot and an automatic ticket to Qatar.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Costa Rica: Held their nerve to seal a spot at the World Cup with a nervy 1-0 play-off win over New Zealand.
      Finished fourth behind USA in the third round of CONCACAF qualifying which failed to see them through automatically.

      What’s the form?
      Spain: The Spaniards go into the tournament on a good run of form, having won four out of their last five games.
      That included a 1-0 win against rivals Portugal back in November, Morata again popping up with a late winner.
      But they were also beaten by Switzerland in September, so Costa Rica will know there are weaknesses to Spain.
      Costa Rica: Also on an excellent run of form, and have not been beaten in 12 games this calendar year.
      Eased past Nigeria 2-0 in a friendly earlier this month, and also have wins against USA and Canada to their name in recent months.
      Who are the managers?
      Spain: Luis Enrique was not afraid to leave star names out of his travelling party to Qatar.
      The 52-year-old ex-Barcelona gaffer snubbed David De Gea, Sergio Ramos and Thiago Alcantara from his squad.
      Won 62 caps for Spain as a player, and featured at three World Cups.
      Luis Enrique is aiming to guide Spain to a second World Cup triumphCredit: Getty
      Costa Rica: Luis Fernando Suarez leads Costa Rica into the tournament after taking over the role last year.
      The 62-year-old from Colombia has previous World Cup experience, having been in charge of Ecuador in 2006 when his side were knocked out on the Round of 16 by England.
      He also led Honduras at the 2014 World Cup.
      Luis Fernando Suarez is at his third World Cup as a managerCredit: Getty
      Who are the star players?
      Spain: PEDRI has already been capped 14 times by Spain, despite still being just 19-years-old.
      The teenager is tipped for stardom at Barcelona, where he is already a mainstay in Xavi’s team.
      And Barca rate him so highly they stuck a ONE BILLION EURO release clause into the new contract he signed last year.
      All eyes will be on Spanish midfielder PedriCredit: AP
      How Spain could line up against Costa Rica
      Costa Rica: JOEL CAMPBELL secured Costa Rica’s place at the tournament with the winning goal in their play-off victory against New Zealand.
      The 30-year-old former Arsenal forward is now playing his club football in Mexico with Leon.
      Hasn’t found his scoring boots yet this season with just one in 18 games, but will be hoping that can change in Qatar.
      Joel Campbell is an ex-Arsenal starCredit: Getty
      How Costa Rica could line up against Spain
      What’s the head to head?
      Spain wins: 2
      Costa Rica wins: 0
      Draws: 1
      Which TV channel will show the game?
      Spain vs Costa Rice will be shown live on ITV 1 in the UK.
      It will also be streamed live on ITVX.
      What are the odds?
      Spain win: 2-13
      Costa Rica win: 20-1
      Draw: 7-1
      SunSport prediction
      Spain will quite simply have too much for Costa Rica, who are ranked No31 in the world, in this one.
      They will dominate the ball throughout, and while it may take them a while to gel, that possession will likely turn into goals.
      3-0 Spain More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Germany vs Japan – World Cup Group E: How they got there, form and prediction as Germans aim to banish 2018 demons

      by

      GERMANY kick off their quest for a record-equalling fifth World Cup with a meeting against Japan. The 2018 campaign in Russia ended in a miserable group stage exit, so Hansi Flick’s side will be desperate to right their wrongs from four years ago.

      Although expectation is not particularly high for the 2014 champions, who have reached at least the semis in four of the last five tournaments.
      Japan on the other hand reached the Round of 16 in Russia, and Germany will be desperate not to avoid a slip up, especially with Spain also in the group.
      The Samurai Blue are skippered by former Southampton star Maya Yoshida, with Arsenal ace Takehiro Tomiyasu providing more defensive solidity.
      Here, SunSport previews the Group E clash as Germany look to avoid a repeat of their disastrous 2018 campaign.

      How did they get there?
      Germany: The 2014 champions breezed through qualifying, winning nine out of their 10 games en route to Qatar.
      Their only loss was a shock 2-1 defeat at home to North Macedonia.
      But their qualifying campaign did include a 6-0 win against Armenia and a 9-0 victory over Liechtenstein.
      Japan: The Samurai Blue finished second in their group during the third round of Asian qualifiers to seal their spot in tournament.
      Most read in Football
      They qualified automatically, behind Saudi Arabia, winning seven out of their 10 games.

      What’s the form?
      Germany: The Germans aren’t on the best of runs going into the tournament, winning just two out of their last eight games.
      That includes two draws against England, and a shock home defeat to Hungary in September.
      The four-time winners edged past Oman 1-0 in a friendly last week in far from convincing fashion.
      Japan: The Samurai Blue lost a friendly against Canada last week after conceding in the 95th minute.
      But they did register an impressive 2-0 win over USA back in September, with Brighton ace Kaoru Mitoma one of the scorers.
      Underestimating them would be foolish.
      Who are the managers?
      Germany: Hansi Flick is the highest-paid manager at the World Cup, earning a reported £5.5MILLION-a-year.
      The 57-year-old took over in 2021 after a two-year spell with Bayern Munich that saw him guide the Bundesliga side to Champions League glory.
      He also spent eight years as Germany assistant manager from 2006-2014, winning the tournament in Brazil eight years ago.
      Hansi Flick won the World Cup with Germany as assistant managerCredit: Getty
      Japan: Hajime Moriyasu was appointed manager of Japan immediately after the last World Cup.
      The 54-year-old led them to the final of the Asia Cup in 2019.
      But his side were beaten by this year’s World Cup hosts Qatar.
      Hajime Moriyasu will be hoping to upset the odds with Japan at the World CupCredit: AP
      Who are the star players?
      Germany: SERGE GNABRY has been on fire this season for Bayern Munich, and will be hoping to continue that stunning form into the tournament.
      The ex-Arsenal winger has scored 10 goals and provided 10 assists in 23 games in all competitions since the summer.
      His form in recent months has seen him linked with a return to the Gunners.
      Serge Gnabry has been in fine form for Bayern Munich this seasonCredit: Getty
      How Germany could line up against Japan
      Japan: KYOGO FURUHASHI is likely to start up front for Japan, and he could pose some problems for the Germans.
      The 27-year-old has been a revelation since joining Celtic in the summer of 2021.
      Furuhashi has netted 10 times in 13 Scottish Premiership games this season, and has 31 goals in 53 games for Celtic overall.
      Kyogo Furuhashi will be hoping to replicate his club form at the World CupCredit: Getty
      How Japan could line up against Germany
      What’s the head to head?
      Germany wins: 1
      Japan wins: 0
      Draws: 1
      Which TV channel will show the game?
      Germany vs Japan will be shown live on ITV 1 in the UK.
      The game will also be streamed live on ITVX.
      What are the odds?
      Germany win: 4-9
      Japan win: 33-5
      Draw: 7-2
      SunSport prediction
      Germany may not be in the best of form, but, 2018 aside, they turn up when the World Cup comes around.
      And their exciting attackers, mixed with the experienced Thomas Muller and Joshua Kimmich, should be too much for Japan.
      3-1 Germany More