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      England boss Gareth Southgate vows to get England smiling again with rousing World Cup battle cry

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      CHEER We Go! Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate vowed to get England smiling again with a rousing World Cup battle cry.Fans back home are struggling with the cost of living crisis and the soccer spectacular in Qatar has been dogged by grim human rights rows and a beer ban.
      Gareth Southgate vowed to get England smiling again with a rousing World Cup battle cry
      There were empty seats at the Qatar World Cup’s elaborate opening ceremonyCredit: Getty
      Captain Harry Kane wants to lead England to its first World Cup win since 1966
      The team’s One Love armband makes a stand for LGBT+ rights
      But the patriotic pair pledged to give lionhearts a tournament to make them forget their woes ahead of tomorrow afternoon’s Group B curtain raiser clash against Iran.
      Gaffer Gareth said: “We’re in the middle of an economic recession and life has been difficult for a lot of our people.
      “So we want them to enjoy their football and have a journey with the team that brings some real happiness.
      “Our country expects. The team are excited.”
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      England face minnows Iran at the 45,400-seat Khalifa International Stadium after reaching the semi-final at Russia 2018 and losing the final of Euro 2020 on penalties.
      But captain Kane, 29, spoke of his hunger to go one better in Qatar and end 56 years of hurt by landing our first trophy since 1966.

      The Spurs idol said “You have to appreciate these moments, and I am really looking forward to this one because we have got a really good team, a great blend of experience and youth.
      “In life in general you have to take opportunities that come your way.”
      Most read in The Sun
      Tomorrow’s opening England game kicks off at 1pm on a day that has been dubbed “Bunk-Off Monday” as millions of workers either throw a sickie or tune in while at work.
      School pupils – and soccer-mad staff – across the country will also take time out to watch the big game on TV.
      As many as one-in-ten schools will allow pupils – and footy mad teachers – to take a break, according to a survey by app Teacher Tapp.
      Chris Dyson, headteacher of Parklands Primary School, Leeds, said: “If the children know they can come in and watch the game, they’ll come in.”
      World Cup 2022 ambassador David Beckham watched hosts Qatar play Ecuador from a private boxCredit: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock
      There was a display of fireworks at the elaborate opening ceremonyCredit: Getty
      Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman performed at the opening ceremonyCredit: Getty
      He was on stage with disabled Qatari influencer Ghanim al MuftahCredit: Getty
      Apart from the football fans can expect to see the Three Lions take the knee as they back their campaign against racism.
      Southgate said: “We have discussed taking the knee, we feel we should. It is what we stand for as a team and have done for a considerable amount of time.”
      Kane and Southgate fired the opening shots of the Qatar campaign after a glitzy opening ceremony earlier today led by Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman.
      But the Arab hosts were stung by a 2-0 defeat to Ecuador – and catcalls from the South American fans demanding: “queremos cerveza” or “we want beer”.
      The jibe came as beer sponsors Budweiser showed off the mountainous stocks of cans going to waste thanks to Qatar’s last ditch stadium ban – and offered them to the nation which triumphs.
      Qatar tournament ambassador David Beckham took his seat in the VIP section at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor near under-fire Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
      The Fifa bigwig – who sparked a storm by branding Europeans racist for daring to criticise the hosts appalling record on migrant worker deaths – smiled benignly as the pageant began.
      Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani — who bankrolled the incredible £185billion spent on the tournament — also smiled and waved from the stands.
      Shawshank Redemption star Freeman, 85, narrated the opening of the show and chatted on stage in a segment with disabled Qatari entrepreneur and influencer Ghanim al Muftah, 20.
      Read More on The Sun
      Empty seats could be seen in the 60,000 Al Bayt Stadium during the opening ceremony which filled only at kick-off when performers piled in and began cheering on the host nation.
      Big name performers shunned the ceremony where South Korean star Jungkook of boy band BTS topped the bill. More

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      England’s Harry Kane vows to end 56 yrs of World Cup hurt as Three Lions roar into action against Iran in Qatar

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      ENGLAND captain Harry Kane roared into action in Qatar last night — pledging to end 56 years of World Cup hurt.The striker is aiming to lead the Three Lions to victory in their first group match today against Iran.
      Harry Kane is aiming to lead England to victory in their first group match today against IranCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The striker and captain revealed he is willing to defy any Fifa moves to ban the ‘One Love’ rainbow armband he will wearCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The World Cup began yesterday with a spectacular opening ceremonyCredit: Getty
      Two yellow cards in the first two group games will rule the Kane out of boss Gareth Southgate’s (pictured) side for the vital third clash with WalesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      And he revealed he is willing to defy any Fifa moves to ban the “One Love” rainbow armband.
      Pressure mounted last night as it emerged he could be booked the second the match kicks off if he wears it, or be forced to remove it in the dressing room.
      Two successive yellow cards in the first two group games will rule the Spurs goal-scoring ace out of boss Gareth Southgate’s side for the vital third clash with Wales.
      The move — backing gay rights and inclusivity — will defy a ban by football’s world governing body Fifa on promoting “political” issues at matches.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Homosexuality is banned in the Muslim Gulf state and can still carry the death sentence.
      FA and Fifa bosses were last night wrangling over the issue as a Three Lions source confided: “We’ve had no clarity from Fifa but there are rumours.”

      Irked world football bosses issued an alternative armband to the 32 competing nations on the eve of yesterday’s opening game which saw hosts Qatar lose 2-0 to Ecuador.
      Harry, 29, said he was prepared to risk a fine or booking for making the gesture — and vowed to back the team’s core values.
      Most read in The Sun
      He said: “We have made it clear as a team and an organisation that we want to wear the armband.
      “I know that the FA and Fifa are talking and we will have a decision, but I want to wear it”.
      England are the first of eight European teams committed to the policy.
      A shadow also potentially hangs over Liverpool’s Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk and Wales skipper Gareth Bale, who also play today.
      Fifa declined to make any comment on “speculation”.
      Read More on The Sun
      But with the FA insisting Kane will wear the armband, there was support from Germany’s camp.
      Their FA president Bernd Neuendorf said yesterday: “We will play with it — and tomorrow England, Wales and the Netherlands will play with it.”
      Kane, 29, added: ‘We have made it clear as a team and an organisation that we want to wear the armband’Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      I’m sure Bukayo Saka will step up if England have another penalty shootout, the Euro 2020 final won’t bother him at all

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      I WONDER if the England fans realise what a truly great player we have in Bukayo Saka.Yes, I know I’ll be accused of bias because Bukayo plays for Arsenal but, honestly, he has special gifts.
      Bukayo Saka is set to start for England in their first match of the World CupCredit: Getty
      What amazes me about him is he always makes the right decision, it’s incredible.
      It is so rare for a young player – he’s only just turned 21 – to instinctively know what is right in any given situation. I stress with my Arsenal Under-18 players to study him.
      If the situation calls for a five-yard pass he’ll do it but if he has to beat someone he’ll do that too. Bukayo always gets it right, which is a skill itself.
      His level of understanding is that he’ll know if he plays a certain pass, the free player will be there. He won’t try and force it.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      He can make the difference too with his scoring and assists.
      He is the most humble kid – not one of those big-time types – who will come over and watch my U-18s and talk to them.
      In the training ground restaurant, he’ll be over to chat and shake everyone’s hand.
      Bukayo was in the academy when I was in the first team. I watched him impress in a few Youth Cup games but you never know how someone will react once they’re on the big stage.
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      But when Unai Emery came in as manager he put a bit of trust in him, playing him in a few Europa League games and, again, he made all the right decisions.
      In the Euros last year, Gareth Southgate trusted him too.He missed that crucial penalty in the final but bounced back and now he’s Arsenal’s penalty taker.
      I’m sure if there’s another penalty shootout he will step up. He won’t be bothered at all by what happened before.
      We should have no trouble against Iran, who I suspect will sit in and frustrate us but we have the players in Bukayo, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish who can unlock the door.
      What worries me is if Harry Kane gets injured, what do we do?
      I played with Callum Wilson at Bournemouth and he’s fantastic at what he does.
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      He makes bad balls look good and will run in the channels but to ask him to start would be a big challenge.
      I was disappointed Tammy Abraham was left out because if Harry gets injured Tammy would have been a good alternative to start. It’s such a big role to fill.
      Part of me likes a winter World Cup. They should all be feeling good because it’s not the end of a long, gruelling season.
      At Arsenal we used to call it ‘six-week syndrome’ where, six weeks before the end of the season, you could feel it in your body that the season was coming to an end. There isn’t that this time.
      We’ve got a group who have been with Gareth Southgate for a while and they know his playing style, so I don’t feel only having a week’s preparation will be a problem.
      Against Iran we should dominate the ball and can use players who there have been doubts about, like Trent Alexander-Arnold.
      He won’t be seriously tested defensively and we can use his vision and ability to help break them down.
      And if he gets some confidence from that match, he can go on and have a good tournament.
      Gareth Southgate is guiding England to a World Cup for the second timeCredit: Getty
      Foden, who I’d like to see play centrally, and Grealish can create an overload or dribble past someone.
      We don’t need two holders so I’d play with what I call two No 8s. If you have Declan Rice sitting I’d play Jude Bellingham higher up with Foden, someone who can take the ball and beat players.
      Bellingham is playing so well he has to start but Grealish can come on and be an impact player when they are tiring.
      What I don’t like about the squad is there’s no left-footed centre-back. You need balance.
      I’d also prefer Aaron Ramsdale in goal because of his ability with his feet.
      Jordan Pickford’s good at going longer but Ramsdale can play through the lines and eliminate players.
      The biggest thing I’ve learned in coaching is that everyone has to be clear and everyone has to be committed.
      “Are you clear with the playing style? Are you clear with what we’re going to do when we are out of possession? Do you see the reasons why we are doing this?”
      If they get those two aspects right, then we have enough talent to go a long way.
      England will be hoping to go further than the semi-final – where they managed to get to in 2018Credit: Reuters More

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      I’d make Declan Rice England captain, Harry Kane is a great player but the armband makes it very hard to sub him

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      HARRY KANE is a great player,  a top goalscorer, commands total respect from his team-mates and is rightly the first name on the England teamsheet.So far, so good, but I have my reservations about him as captain.
      Harry Kane is a key player but England might need more pace during some games, while Harry Maguire might struggle unless in a back threeCredit: PA
      Declan Rice has taken centre stage for England and deserves to be captainCredit: Getty
      It’s not because I doubt his abilities as a leader but if Gareth Southgate ever needs to change things he cannot take Harry off.
      All strikers have a bad day occasionally, even Harry, but nothing looks worse to the rest of the team than if the skipper is subbed.
      You look across to the bench, see your leader sitting there and it sends a bad message. Consequently Harry stays on when it might be detrimental to the team.
      Ok, that might not be very often, but it does happen.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      If your skipper is in midfield or defence you give them the armband knowing that, even if you want to switch tactics, you’re still unlikely to sub them.
      It is more likely to be a striker who comes off either to be directly replaced or to add an extra body in midfield or defence.
      We are at the stage now where you need alternatives to Kane. I thought we needed that against Croatia in the semi-final of the last World Cup.
      We were short and should have freshened it up properly.
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      When Glenn Hoddle took the England captaincy off me and gave it to Alan Shearer I thought it was the wrong decision, not just because it hurt my pride, but also that it meant Alan would never come off even when we needed a quick player on up front.
      Personally, I’d have given the captaincy to Declan Rice. I love his character, he had a fantastic Euros, and you know he’s going to give you 90 minutes.
      Don’t forget the last time we won it we had a West Ham captain so it makes perfect sense!
      We do have the basis of a very strong team. I’ve been so impressed by Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka, who is flying, and I’m sure we’ll come through well against Iran today and get out of the group — but I can see us falling short against the top teams.
      Gareth’s always been really defensive. His teams are cautious and he won’t put a team out there which will just go and play football.
      It also worries me he doesn’t seem to know his right team or formation.
      I was in despair when he played Saka at left wing-back in the recent game against Italy. Please no more of that.
      He doesn’t seem to know his best back four or whether he’ll play with three central defenders.
      I wouldn’t worry about Saka, who missed the penalty in the final — he’s well over that, it’s obvious when you see how he’s playing.
      Then he’s got the situation with Harry Maguire not having played much which isn’t great.
      I think he will be fine in a three but in a two I’m not so sure and he could get exposed.
      But Maguire has done it for this manager and there is a trust there so I’d be prepared to go with him too for this game and see how he goes.
      This team has been brought through by Gareth and while people can argue they have been making progress with a semi-final and final in the last two tournaments, we didn’t win them and we may have missed the boat.
      Those who played in both have the baggage of failing at a vital stage and it could have a mental effect on them.
      I’d be feeling we’ve had such a great opportunity to win the last two tournaments and we didn’t do it.
      But I wouldn’t be worried about Saka, who missed the penalty in the Euros final — he’s well over that, it’s obvious when you see how he’s been playing since. More

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      Who is Declan Rice’s girlfriend Lauren Fryer and how many children do they have?

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      DECLAN RICE will be hoping to lift the World Cup with England this winter, while he and his teammates will be cheered on by the England fans, and one in particular – his girlfriend, Lauren Fryer.The pair will hope to be celebrating together upon England’s return from the tournament as Gareth Southgate’s team target success in Qatar.
      Declan Rice and his girlfriend Lauren FryerCredit: Instagram @laurenfryer_
      It will not be easy, however, as the West Ham midfielder will know that his country must overcome some of the best nations when they face off at the World Cup.
      But he will be looking to do his country and family proud, and we have all the information on his partner Lauren.
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      Who is Lauren Fryer?
      Lauren Fryer is Rice’s long-term girlfriend after meeting during their younger years.
      She is from Chessington and has 36,500 followers on Instagram as of November 17, 2022.
      Declan Rice, Lauren Fryer and their dogCredit: Instagram @laurenfryer_
      The pair have been together for seven years, as was revealed on her Instagram when they celebrated six years together in 2021.
      She is supportive of her boyfriend, often attending matches and most notably posted a message to Rice after England’s Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy, reiterating her pride in the West Ham captain.
      How many children do they have?
      The pair have just the one child together.
      While Rice did not confirm his son’s birth, back in August he debuted a tattoo with the name of his new-born baby and the date of his birth.
      Most read in Football
      The ink appears to have the name Jude and numbers 07.08.2022.
      As of public knowledge this is the only child that the pair have together, although he often brings his nephew onto the pitch at West Ham which has previously been mistaken as his own son. More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton wants England AND Brazil to lift World Cup 2022 trophy as F1 stars predict winners with hilarious results

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      FORMULA ONE star Lewis Hamilton has hilariously predicted that he wants England and Brazil to win the World Cup together. The 37-year-old is of course cheering on England in Qatar but he also has a soft spot for Brazil after becoming an honorary citizen of the country.
      Hamilton was given a diploma and medal to signify his citizenship for Brazil
      Alexander Albon made a hilarious predictionCredit: Getty
      Hamilton is hugely popular in the South American nation and cites Brazillian legend Ayrton Senna as his idol.
      Many drivers were asked who they think was going to win the World Cup and when it came to Hamilton he joked: “I’m going to have to have a t-shirt for Brazil and England put together, stitched together.”
      And the seven-time world champion has a good chance of being correct with his prediction with Brazil tipped as one of the favourites.
      Hamilton was given his honorary citizenship a matter of weeks ago in a special ceremony prior to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Most F1 drivers went for their own nation to win with Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz both confidently saying Spain.
      Lando Norries went for England and Pierre Gasly thought France would retain their crown.

      There was a number of comical answers, Alexander Albon admitted he didn’t even know the World Cup was on.
      The Williams racer then said: “I have to say Thailand. Even though Thailand aren’t playing.”
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      Speaking ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which was Sebastian Vettel’s last race before retirement, Mick Schumacher joked the German would switch sports and win the World Cup.
      F1 title winner Max Vertsappen was hopeful the Netherlands would do well and his Red Bull teammate said he hoped Mexico would win, if not, he was backing Argentina.
      Daniel Ricciardo, who will not be on the grid next season, backed a team from Group D.
      He said either his nation Austrailia or France would lift the trophy come December. More

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      World Cup 2022 Qatar vs Ecuador LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time for opener after stunning ceremony

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      THE WORLD CUP has kicked off with hosts Qatar vs Ecuador taking place RIGHT NOW!But fans in the UK have fumed with BBC after the TV channel did NOT show the entire opening ceremony.
      The Middle Eastern side face the South Americans as they look to gain an early foothold in Group A, which also contains Senegal and the Netherlands.
      The Qataris had never qualified for a World Cup before, but are the current Asian champions so will expect to put up a good fight in front of their own fans.

      Qatar vs Ecuador kick-off time: 4pm
      TV channel: BBC One
      Live stream: BBC website

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      Qatar 0-0 Ecuador
      5. The free kick is lofted into the box and the keeper came for it and didn’t make it at all.
      The ball is kept alive and played into the six yard box.
      Valencia is there to head home his fourth ever World Cup goal.
      Amazingly it has been ruled out for offside.
      Loud cheer from the home fans.
      Goal – Enner Valencia (Ecuador)
      Qatar 0-0 Ecuador
      3. Free kick is given to Ecuador, Caicedo was caught late.
      He is back up on his feet, walking a little gingerly.
      Chance for them to put a ball into the Qatar penalty box.
      Qatar 0-0 Ecuador
      1. The hosts decide to kick-off before the in-stadium countdown ends.
      Looking to play the ball directly, testing the Ecuador defenders.
      It is all a bit scrappy in the opening exchanges.
      Kick-off: Qatar vs Ecuador
      We are ready to go in the Al Bayt Stadium.
      It is a 60,000 sell-out here today.
      Qatar kick off, the 2022 FIFA World Cup is underway.
      The one that they all want
      We are moments away from the kick-off of the 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup.
      The hosts walk out to standing ovations from their fans who have already been in the ground three hours before kick-off.
      As the national anthems of both sides are played, we edge closer to the tournament we have all been craving.
      Credit: Reuters
      Ecuador tipped as dark horses
      Brazil manager Tite has tipped Ecuador as his dark horses for the 2022 World Cup.
      Having drawn with his side on the last two meetings, Tite’s side have struggled to get one over their fellow South Americans.
      Qatar will be hoping they can prove him wrong today.
      Credit: Getty
      Ecuador subs:
      4. Arboleda, 5. Cifuentes, 6. Pacho, 8. Gruezo, 9. Preciado, 12. Ramírez, 14. Arreaga, 15. Mena, 16. Sarmiento, 18. Palacios, 21. Franco, 22. Domínguez, 24. Reasco, 25. Porozo, 26. Rodríguez
      Ecuador starting XI:
      1. Galíndez, 17. Preciado, 2. Torres, 3. Hincapié, 7. Estupiñán, 19. Plata, 20. Méndez, 23. Caicedo, 10. Ibarra, 13. E Valencia, 11. Estrada
      Qatar subs:
      4. Jadoua Al Bayati, 5. Odeh, 7. Abdelmotaal, 8. Thaimn Qambar, 9. Muntari, 13. Djebril Mohamed, 17. Mohammad, 18. Mazeed, 20. Al Hajri, 21. Ali, 22. Barsham, 23. Al Haj Madibo, 24. Al Hadhrami, 25. Abdulsallam, 26. Meshaal
      Qatar starting XI:
      1. Al Sheeb, 15. Al Rawi, 16. Khoukhi, 3. Al Haj Fadlalla, 2. Carvalho Deus Correia, 12. Boudiaf, 6. Mohammed Abdullah, 14. Ahmed, 10. Al Haydos, 19. Abdulla, 11. Afif
      Fans ready for the football
      An impressive opening ceremony has built the excitement with the fans for the festival of football to begin.
      Supporters of both teams are making themselves heard.
      It is a sea of colour in the Al Bayt Stadium.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      Qatar readying themselves for debut
      Felix Sanchez Bas’s men are competing on the biggest international stage for the first time in their history.
      While Ecuador will make their return to the World Cup finals after an eight-year absence.
      Qatar are aiming to become the first World Cup debutants to win their opening match since Senegal beat then defending champions France in 2002.
      Ecuador players wait in the tunnel, tensions building for kick off.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      Spectacle for the eye to see
      As explosions go off all around us, the firework display is something to behold.
      The entire stadium lit up by the display, lighting the night sky.

      Stadium filling for the opening game
      It is almost reaching fever-pitch in the stadium now as we edge ever closer to kick off.
      This has been some ten years in the waiting for the people of Qatar.
      In and around the ground you can feel the excitement.
      Credit: Getty
      Firework display
      Fireworks have exploded during the opening ceremony.
      Let’s hope for fireworks on the pitch as the first match of the tournament will do well to live up to the opening ceremony.
      It’s been quite the event in the packed out Al Bayt Stadium ahead of kick-off.

      La’eeb appearance
      The Qatar World Cup mascot made an appearance during the opening ceremony.
      The name La’eeb comes from the Arabic word meaning super-skilled player and the mascot will be seen a lot during the tournament.
      Fifa have declared that everybody is invited to interpret what it looks like.

      Translations now available
      I was right: “Welcome and good luck to all,” the Emir finishes, the signal for a thunderclap of spectacular fireworks to light up the desert night sky.
      Al Bayt is a giant Bedouin tent, with two honking great firepits as well outside.
      But that’s it.
      Credit: Alamy
      Ceremonies continue in Qatar
      My Arabic is slightly shaky, I confess. 
      But I think he’s just welcomed the world to Qatar and declared the World Cup officially open.
      Who do you think he’s cheering for?
      Can’t see too many armbands on that dais, I must admit.
      South Korea sensation
      Jung Kook from BTS was there to perform as the KPOP superstar took to the stage.
      It was high budget for Junk Kook, who will be supporting his country South Korea.
      They kick-off their World Cup campaign on Thursday against Uruguay in Group H.

      Freeman paints a picture
      “Football spans the world,” intones Morgan.
      Just struck me, he was part of the US delegation for the vote in 2010. Along with Bill Clinton, When they lost to Qatar.
      Good to see he’s a man of principle…
      So it goes.
      Shirts as far as the eye can see
      And the music.
      Loads of fan chants from around the world.
      So, “please don’t take me home” and a riff on the Crystal Palace chant. Holmesdale Road meets Al Khor. Lovely.
      Meanwhile, giant shirts of all 32 teams bounce up and down, along with the flags of the competing countries. 
      In case I didn’t say….it’s flipping loud, too.
      Credit: Reuters
      Credit: Reuters
      Famous faces to be seen everywhere
      Here we go, then.
      Al Bayt Stadium
      Morgan Freeman promises us a journey over land and sea…lovely.
      Credit: AP
      Ceremony underway!
      The World Cup opening ceremony has been brilliant.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Alamy
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      Ceremony fast approaches
      The Sun’s Chief Sports Reporter, Martin Lipton, from Qatar:
      Those at home are watching a video of Arabian tribesmen in the desert. I think that was just basking sharks, too. Nice music, mind.
      Oh, by the way, did I tell you about the absolute nightmare I had getting in? No. Well, I’m here, just.
      And, to be fair, there is a lot of excitement.
      Now for the show.. 
      Load more entries… More

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      Fans all say same thing about dodgy sound on BBC’s coverage of World Cup 2022 after snubbing entire opening ceremony

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      FOOTBALL fans have slammed the BBC’s coverage of the first World Cup game after issues with the sound during the broadcast.Gary Lineker introduced the tournament live from Doha ahead of Qatar’s clash with Ecuador.
      The sound kept cutting in and out during BBC’s coverage of the opening gameCredit: BBC
      They opted against showing any of the opening ceremony in a move criticised by many on social media.
      And those online were then angered even further as the audio began to bizarrely cut in and out.
      Speaking on Twitter, one person said: “Why does it sound like somebody is washing the dishes in the background of the BBC World Cup coverage? 🤣🤣🤣 The audio is horrendous.”
      Another added: “What the f*** is wrong with the sound on BBC1?”
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      A third said: “Why does it sound like someone is playing with spoons next to a microphone on the BBC??”
      A fourth added: “Is that the stadium still being built in the background on the BBC sound?”
      And another said: “What’s with the sound on the BBC in the studio? Sounds like Gary is talking into a glass box on Teams.”
      The Qatar World Cup has come under severe criticism due to the country’s human rights record.
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      There have also been allegations of corruption during the process of winning the bid.
      But, nearly 12 years after being awarded the tournament, it is now getting underway.
      Qatar’s game against Ecuador is the only match taking place on Sunday.
      It is followed on Monday by three more matches, starting with England vs Iran, before Senegal vs Netherlands and USA vs Wales. More