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      99% of Dream Team World Cup gaffers are missing this simple trick ahead of Argentina’s first game

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      WITH the World Cup now just three days away, Dream Team bosses will no doubt be on the hunt for some last-minute tips and tricks.Look no further.
      Every gaffer will be keen to burst out of the blocks and one way to achieve this is to target the favourable match-ups in the first round of fixtures.
      One that immediately jumps out is Argentina v Saudi Arabia on Tuesday morning.

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      A little known player named Lionel Messi is one to watch next week…Credit: getty
      Lionel Scaloni’s side are second favourites to triumph in Qatar according to the bookmakers while all 26 players selected for Saudi Arabia play their domestic football in their homeland.
      There’s nothing wrong with that of course it’s just that the standard is a step or two below the top European leagues, where plenty of Argentine stars reside.
      Now, if you’re thinking this is leading to us tipping Lionel Messi (£7.5m) then, please, give us more credit than that.
      The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will be one of the first names that comes to mind for Dream Team World Cup managers as they select their XIs – it goes without saying that he’s a great pick for the first round of fixtures and beyond.
      But what 98.6% of gaffers are overlooking right now is the potential for some cheap and easy points in defence.
      Nahuel Molina may fit the bill for Dream Team World Cup managersCredit: getty
      Again, we do not intend to disrespect the Saudi team but Argentina will likely dominate the fixture and should keep a clean sheet.
      A reminder here that the Copa America champions have not lost a game in over three years.
      At the time of writing, Lisandro Martinez (£4m) is by far and away the most-popular Argentina defender in the game with a massive ownership of 16.8%.
      However, it could well be Cristian Romero (£4m) and Nicolas Otamendi (£4m) pairing up at centre-back come Tuesday morning.
      Here’s where Nahuel Molina (£3.5m) enters the conversation.
      The 24-year-old, who signed for Atletico Madrid in the summer, has been Argentina’s first-choice right-back since his debut in 2021.
      Granted, full-back is the area in which the two-time World champions are perhaps most vulnerable but it’s this notion that resulted in Molina being finalised at £3.5m.
      Given he’s virtually a guaranteed starter for one of the pre-tournament favourites, affordably priced, and he has a favourable fixture to kick things off, his ownership should be way higher than 1.4%.
      Molina hasn’t been great for Atletico but he was a regular starter for Argentina during qualifyingCredit: getty
      The ex-Udinese defender may not be one of the most exciting talents on display at Qatar, and his club form has been shaky of late, but Dream Team World Cup managers should only be concerned with where the points are coming from.
      And Molina looks ripe for at least five points this coming Tuesday – plus, he’s £0.5 cheaper than Romero, Otamendi, Martinez and Nicolas Tagliafico.
      It’s not a sure thing of course – there’s no such thing in football or Dream Team – but backing Molina looks a savvy move ahead of the first week.

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      England are trying to disrupt Iran’s preparations ahead of World Cup 2022 opener, claims player Alireza Jahanbakhsh

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      IRAN star Alireza Jahanbakhsh has suggested there is an English effort to disrupt Iran’s preparations ahead of Monday’s World Cup opener.There have been mass anti-government protests in Iran following the death of a 22-year-old woman who had been detained by the country’s so-called ‘morality’ police for allegedly breaking their hijab rules.
      Iran suggest England are trying to disrupt their World Cup preparationsCredit: Reuters
      Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates 15,800 have been detained and 341 killed in the protests.
      Some sports people have shown solidarity with the protestors, including Iran forward Sardar Azmoun.

      Yet when asked about how the political situation back home has affected the squad ahead of their World Cup campaign, Jahanbakhsh hit back, hinting at an ulterior motive from his English inquisitor.
      Speaking ahead of Monday’s group opener against the Three Lions, the former Brighton forward, 29, said: “So first of all to be honest I’m not surprised you are asking this question. 
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      “I think everyone is expecting this sort of question and I assume you’re from the English media probably. 
      “I’m going to start with this that obviously it’s going to come up, similar questions, the next question definitely. 
      “But like everyone of you know we are here for our duty and our duty is to play football. To be honest, I’m not sure if England wasn’t in our group you would have come with this question firstly. 
      “And secondly we have been facing this already for a couple of weeks with all the English media – this was all the headlines as we get closer to the World Cup whatever the reason is.
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      “What I’m trying to say – and I’m sure you’re going to ask Ali (Beiranvand, his team-mate) the same question – is that we are out here to play football and that is the main thing everybody is focused on. 
      “Why are we here? To be honest if you ask this question outside my duty to the national team I would have answered the question with a different view. 
      “But since I was a kid I was always dreaming to play for the national team and Team Melli has always been a big dream for me and I’m sure it’s the same for everyone in the squad. 
      “We always want to respect the jersey and to respect Team Melli no matter what and every single guy who represents the Iran national team has worked so hard to be here and for the last World Cups. 
      “We’ve been through a lot of difficulties and listen, throughout the years there have been a lot of up and downs in every way we can talk about but when football comes together I think we can make joy and we can make happiness for people.
      “That’s all I want to say because listen to bring it this way – ok, play a mental game, ask a question about what’s going on here or there or whatever but we have just four days to go to play one of the biggest games of our lives – every single person involved in Team Melli – and all of us are focusing on that game.”

      Jahanbakhsh was also asked whether he would celebrate a goal if he scored and if the team would sing the national anthem.
      Players in the Iranian league have refused to celebrate goals for months now in a show of solidarity with those protesting against their government.
      When they do net, usually the player brings their hands down – a gesture where the intention appears to be to remind those watching of what is going on in the country.
      While some players in the squad have not sung their national anthem in recent games.
      The ex-Albion ace, who famously netted an overhead kick against Chelsea on New Year’s Day 2020, replied: “You talk about celebrations?
      “Celebrations are something very personal, every single player has different celebrations and you ask about the national anthem that is also something that has to be decided in the team, which we have already talked about and obviously everyone has talked about it. 
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      “But we have never made a big deal out of it because everybody is only thinking and talking about football. 
      “I’m just saying that for everybody who is here in this room, that’s the answer from me and every single player who is representing Team Melli.” More

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      Man Utd fans convinced Alejandro Garnacho is set for last-gasp Argentina call-up for World Cup 2022 after boss hint

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      MANCHESTER UNITED supporters seem convinced that Argentina’s boss has hinted that Alejandro Garnacho will get a late call-up for World Cup duty.The 18-year-old star has broken into the Red Devils’ first-team this year and impressed under Erik ten Hag.
      Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has hinted their could be changes to his squadCredit: EPA
      Manchester United supporters are convinced that Alejandro Garnacho will get a call-upCredit: AP
      He scored against Real Sociedad in the Europa League before firing a last-gasp winner against Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday.
      Garnacho also caught the eye with a brilliant assist for Scott McTominay against Aston Villa and now excitement is mounting amongst United fans.
      The teenage attacker has previously been involved with Argentina’s senior set-up but is yet to be capped.
      He missed out on the 26-man squad named for the World Cup in Qatar.
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      Argentina stretched their unbeaten run to 35 matches last night with a 5-0 win over United Arab Emirates in Dubai.
      However, the country’s manager Lionel Scaloni has revealed that Cristian Romero, Nicholas Gonzalez, Paulo Dybala and Alejandro Gomez are all suffering with injuries.
      And afterwards the boss hinted that he could be considering making some changes ahead of the tournament’s start next week.
      He said: “We have days to decide.
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      “There are some players who are physically troubled. The truth is that we are not sure that these 26 players are all in the squad, luckily, we have days to decide if we have to make any modifications.”
      And after those comments came to light, United supporters soon took to Twitter to claim that their talented ace would be getting a call-up.
      One wrote: “Get Garnacho on the plane!”
      Another commented: “Garnacho incoming.”
      A fellow follower tweeted: “Scenes when Garnacho gets the nod, scores against Portugal & pulls off that Ronaldo celebration.”
      While another said: “Garnacho keep that ringer on lad!”
      Argentina begin their World Cup campaign with a clash against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
      They then take on Mexico before facing Poland in their final Group C clash on Wednesday 30 November.

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      Fans all say same thing as England stars Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka to wear Stone Island boots at World Cup 2022

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      ENGLAND duo Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka are “getting the badge in” at the World Cup with the pair set to wear STONE ISLAND boots.The Three Lions kick off their group stage campaign in Qatar next Monday against Iran.
      New Balance has teamed up with Stone Island to create a kit and bootsCredit: Stone Island
      The boost have the Stoney badge on the backCredit: Stone Island
      Sterling and Saka will be wearing the boots at the World CupCredit: Stone Island
      Sterling was seen in the boots during trainingCredit: Stone Island
      James Maddison and Kyle Walker are expected to miss the game.
      However, two players who will be in the squad, barring any injuries, are Sterling and Saka, who will wear STONE ISLAND football boots at the World Cup.
      And the designer boots, in collaboration with New Balance, has left all fans saying the same thing: Get the badge in.
      If you go to any football match up and down the country, you’ll probably see Stone Island clobber in the form of a jacket, jumper or jeans.
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      And due to the astronomical prices of Stone Island, some feel it’s very, very important to “get the badge in”, as a sign of seriousness.
      One fan quipped on Twitter: “Badge isn’t big enough.”
      There’s even a dedicated Twitter page with 167,000 followers which rate’s people’s “attempts at getting the badge in”.
      Their review and rating of the boots reads: “Class. The badge on the front is a masterpiece, but they’ve missed a trick not including one as a sleeve sponsor.
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      “Defenders will be petrified seeing the lads run at them wearing stoney boots.
      ” Plus-10 all attributes wearing those. Bring it home whilst getting the #badgein lads. 9.9/10.”
      A fan replied: “This is taking #badgein to a whole new level.”
      The boots have a camouflage designCredit: Stone Island
      The Stoney gear will be available on November 21Credit: Stone Island More

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      Marcus Rashford thanks Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag for helping revive his England career just in time for World Cup 2022

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      MARCUS RASHFORD had probably given up hope last summer of being in Qatar as his miserable last season came to a close.Indeed it was questionable whether he should be playing for Manchester United never mind England.
      Marcus Rashford is delighted to be part of the England World Cup squadCredit: Getty
      The forward paid credit to Erik ten Hag for the turnaroundCredit: Getty
      He was used as a sub nearly as many times as he started games in the league – 12 to 13.
      His form and confidence was shot and there were even thoughts in his camp as to whether a move abroad was needed to revive his career.
      Fast forward and just over four months of the Erik ten Hag reign has revived the 25-year-old and got him back in Gareth Southgate’s squad.
      Rashford said: “He’s had a big impact, with a lot of changes. It takes some time to adapt for him and the players as well.
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      “But so far, it’s been good. We’re enjoying working under him and we’re just looking forward to what the future holds.”
      His last kick of a ball for the Three Lions boss came with his missed penalty in the shoot-out in the Euros final against Italy.
      There looked little chance of him adding to his 46 caps and 12 goals as last season ended.
      Ten Hag had belief in him, has had meetings at Carrington with him one-to-one and it has been like having a new player.
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      Last month Rashford celebrated his 100th goal for Manchester United with the only goal at home to West Ham, a thumping header which he marks out as his favourite moment in a Red Devils shirt.
      The forward said: “It was a tight game. We weren’t playing as well as we would have liked to.
      “We’d obviously played a lot of games; we were just coming to the end of that block of tough games in a short space of time.
      “So I felt we were maybe a bit tired and not 100 per cent at it, but we were in the game, we were creating chances. We could have scored one or two goals before; I could have scored one before as well.
      “But I just felt like I was getting in good positions you know? I felt like it was going to come.
      “I just had to keep investing my energy in making the box, making the back post, getting across the front post – whatever I felt was needed in the moment… just invest 100 per cent to it.
      “We got the goal, and then we had to defend well after that! It was obviously a nice game to win, and a special day for me to get that goal.”
      Extra special for a player born and bred in Manchester and a fan of the club his whole life.
      Still he admits that passion for the club which comes from being a supporter has had to be channelled on the pitch.
      He said: “Obviously, being a fan, you feel everything that the lads are feeling watching the game.
      “Sometimes you just get carried away – sometimes it’s happiness, sometimes it’s anger. But you just have to try and find a fine line, because it definitely affects your performance and your decision-making.
      “It’s weird. It’s obviously impossible, but I have to try and block the fans out for me to keep my emotions in check.
      “Because if I don’t, automatically it’s just natural for me to feel what they feel. And you can’t be on that rollercoaster.
      “It took me probably a year for me to be able to fully be able to do it.

      “It’s harder than what people might think it is, because there’s 75,000 people there in close proximity.
      “But it was a shock to me: how connected you stay to that feeling of just being a fan.”
      Those same fans who had started to doubt him are now revelling in his revival that has brought eight goals this season.
      While Rashford puts a lot of it down to Ten Hag he also believes he benefitted from a good rest last summer.
      Speaking to MUTV he said: “I didn’t know that I needed it.
      “But when I’ve had it and when I came back, even towards the end of holidays, I was just eager to get back on the pre-season tour and just start playing games.
      “There was a lot of things to look forward to. I just wanted to start the process and I probably needed (the break for) the mental side of things more than the physical, really.”
      Southgate knows he has a player who can switch to number nine, play wide left, or as a number ten.
      He can tear through defences with his pace again, link with his teammates and find the back of the net.
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      While he may not start the big kick-off for the country next week, he could be key coming from the bench.
      Rashford is most certainly back, and ready.
      Rashford is back in form for Manchester United againCredit: AFP
      He trained with fellow England strikers Harry Kane and Callum Wilson in QatarCredit: PA More

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      Yaya Toure reveals who he believes will win World Cup 2022 and gives damning verdict on England’s chances

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      YAYA TOURE reckons England will make it out of the group stages at the World Cup… but from things will get “tough” from there.Instead the 39-year-old Tottenham youth coach can’t see past a South American team lifting football’s biggest prize.
      Yaya Toure reckons it will be “tough” for England to go far at the World CupCredit: Getty
      The Three Lions kick off their campaign on MondayCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Lionel Messi’s Argentina are tipped to do wellCredit: Reuters
      Brazil and Argentina are well fancied by many, while Uruguay could have the capability to be dark horses.
      But Manchester City legend Toure believes England will feel a “duty” to do well, which could make things difficult for the Three Lions.
      Gareth Southgate’s side take on Iran on Monday, before further group games against USA and Wales.
      Qualifying from Group B will see them take on either the Netherlands, Senegal, Ecuador or Qatar in the round of 16.
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      And Toure told talkSPORT: “You will see up there, you’re going to see a lot of different countries coming there just to try and enjoy and represent their country.
      “I think it’s going to look like a duty for them and it’s maybe going to get tough for England.
      “I’m confident in the first stage they maybe can go through, but after that, it can become tough.”
      Toure, who played 101 times for Ivory Coast and appeared at three World Cups, admitted he wants a team from Europe to win.
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      But with the South American teams, especially Brazil and Argentina, looking “scary”, Toure reckons that could be a tall order.
      There hasn’t been a winner from outside of Europe since Brazil’s win in 2002, while Argentina last lifted the trophy in 1986.
      Toure continued: “I’ve always fancied good teams and Brazil has always been the favourite of all the tournaments.
      “Any tournament or World Cup they’ve played in, they’ve always been the favourites.
      “I want a European team to win, but to be honest with you, the South American [countries] are looking really, really scary.
      “Argentina recently, they’ve been winning, they won the Copa America. They are in good form, good coach, [Lionel] Messi’s up there.
      “He’ll want to make a statement, Brazil as well, it’s going to be tough.”
      Toure reckons Brazil will have a good tournamentCredit: AP More

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      England World Cup 2022 star Raheem Sterling reveals incredible scoring streak superstition ahead of Iran opener

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      RAHEEM STERLING has revealed his incredible superstition when he gets on a goalscoring run.And now England fans will be hoping he is forced to stick with it for the next month in Qatar.
      Raheem Sterling is hoping to deliver the goods for England at the World CupCredit: PA
      The winger will be confident of starting against IranCredit: Getty
      Sterling, 27, looks on course to start for Gareth Southgate at the World Cup, the winger’s third global tournament with the Three Lions after Brazil and Russia.
      And he is desperate to grab his first World Cup goals this time around.
      Should he do so, the Chelsea winger will waste no time picking out his outfits on matchdays.
      Sterling said: “If I score, I’ll just try to wear the same trainers with my tracksuit to the next game.
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      “And if I don’t score it’s going back in the closet.
      “When it comes to really big games, I try to get myself in the mindset of how I’m going to affect the game.
      “The more I don’t think about the game and go about my everyday life the better, to try to block the noise out.
      “One of my favourite apps to get ready for a game is YouTube, I like to escape a little in humour and distract myself from any nerves.”

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      Sterling has 19 goals in 79 senior caps for England since making his debut in 2012.
      Going into the last World Cup, he had just two Three Lions goals – in Euro 2016 qualifying against Lithuania and Estonia.
      But he has gone on an incredible streak in the last four years with an extra 17 goals including his maiden international hat-trick and three crucial strikes at Euro 2020 to beat Croatia, Czech Republic and Germany.
      Despite his struggling form since swapping Manchester City for Chelsea in the summer – he has managed just five goals and two assists for his new side – Sterling is a trusted and experienced man Southgate can rely on on the biggest stage of all.
      He joined his team-mates in training on Thursday in blistering 33C heat.
      However, the Three Lions will be boosted by the temperatures dropping down to around 26C by 4pm on Monday when they kick off against Iran.

      Raheem Sterling was speaking as part of his brand ambassadorship with Samsung for the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4

      Sterling likes to arrive at matches with his headphonesCredit: Getty More

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      Over a quarter of Brits to stay at home and snub rowdy and expensive pub booze-ups for England World Cup 2022 campaign

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      More than a quarter of Brits will shun the pub in favour of staying at home to watch the football World Cup – because boozers are too rowdy and expensive.A poll of 2,000 adults found 45 per cent intend to watch more of the upcoming tournament at home than the pub.
      Over a quarter of Brits will stay at home instead of heading to a pub to watch the World CupCredit: Getty
      Pubs are seen as too expensive and rowdy so here’s ex-England boss Eriksson with a family at homeCredit: PA
      A third who plan to watch the game at home are doing so because it’s cheaper than the boozer.
      And 43 per cent of those planning to stay at home intend to invite friends and family over to watch the games.
      More than a quarter simply don’t want to leave the comfort of their own home, while 14 per cent said it’s too cold outside.
      Being able to rewind the game at crucial moments and pubs being too rowdy were also cited as reasons people may stay in.
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      In fact, 18 per cent felt they had a better set-up at their home to watch football than visiting the local pub.
      And three in four of the adults who plan to watch matches want to improve their home viewing experience – including buying a new TV and sound system.
      The study was commissioned by Toshiba TV, as the brand decided to surprise unknowing sports fan Jack Moore with a visit from former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who gave a unique insight into his greatest England moments.
      Jack, who lives in east London, was nominated by friends as the ultimate fan of the Swedish manager, who popped round to take in some footie and share his expertise.
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      Bart Kuijten, commercial director at Toshiba TV, said: “This winter football season will be like no other.
      “We’ve become accustomed to packed fan parks and pub beer gardens during summer tournaments, but with colder days and darker nights, we can see fans choosing to plan watch parties at home instead.
      “With a feast of international football on offer, fans are upgrading their TVs, installing smart doorbells to greet their friends, and even buying new furniture to make everyone comfortable.
      “The football watch party is going to be the way to watch in the lead up to a Christmas final.”
      The research also found almost one in five of those sticking at home for games will do so because they’re less likely to have their view of the TV blocked than they would in a crowded pub.
      And more than one in 10 know they won’t be available at the exact time of kick-off so they’re able to watch games on catch-up at their leisure.
      It also emerged stocking up on snacks, listening to football podcasts to improve their knowledge and covering their home in flags are among other ways viewers want to improve their experience.
      As well as subscribing to sports channels, buying a personalised football t-shirt and downloading Spotify playlists.
      The electronics maker also created a quiz so you can find out what kind of football fan you are.
      The study, conducted via OnePoll, also found 24 per cent of those eagerly anticipating watching the matches expect to watch all 64 games, with 49 per cent planning to view more than half.
      A fifth of hopeful fans are rooting for England to take home the trophy this year, with Brazil, France and Germany at the top of footie enthusiasts prediction list.
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      Credit: Jam Press/@emmawill2014
      Bart Kuijten from Toshiba added: “Our watch party with Sven was a great occasion for our lucky football fans.
      “While a home visit from an international manager is a once in a lifetime experience, all football fans can make this tournament a special one from home.” More