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      Inside factory where the World Cup is made EVERY four years… as replica of famous trophy is given to winning nation

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      ITALY may not be at the World Cup this year, but you can guarantee an Italian has already had their hand on the trophy.That’s because the 18 carat gold prize is remade in Paderno Dugnano, a small town near Milan, at trophy and medal manufacturers GDE Bertoni.
      France star Kylian Mbappe kisses the World Cup after their 2018 winCredit: AFP
      Silvio Gazzaniga created the current World Cup trophy in 1971
      A GDE Bertoni worker works on the replica trophyCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      Every four years, workers at the factory are tasked with creating a brass copy of the trophy that’s given to the football federation of the winning team.
      Standing some 36.8 centimetres high and weighing 6.1 kilograms, the original was designed by artist Silvio Gazzaniga in 1971, and presented at the 1974 World Cup to winners West Germany.
      Owned by FIFA, THAT trophy is handed out to the team who wins the World Cup final, after it’s engraved with the country’s name on the trophy’s base.
      But then, following the trophy presentation, it’s handed back to GDE Bertoni who have to restore it before returning it to FIFA, where it sits in their official museum before the NEXT World Cup.
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      Apparently, when players get their hands on it, all sorts of damage can be done when the trophy’s passed around during celebrations. So that’s why Bertoni have to preserve it.
      But how do GDE Bertoni make the replica World Cup trophy?
      First, the brass body is formed in the foundry. The metal is poured into a special container (which is the shape and design of the real World Cup) to produce a plaster cast.
      Once that’s done, it has to be chiselled by die grinders, which remove any excess metal.
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      Die grinders are used to remove any excess metalCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      The top of the World Cup trophy is polished so it’s more refinedCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      Now, comes the human element. Manual chiselling with a small hammer is required to refine and complete the necessary details on the trophy – specifically on the two human figures holding up the world.
      More refining is needed, so it’s polished with heavy machinery to get it looking just perfect after that.
      The trophy then reaches the galvanic department, who are responsible for ultrasonic cleaning and giving it a degreasing bath.
      That’s a process that uses ultrasound and an appropriate solvent to ensure the trophy is cleaned properly and it also enhances the effect of the metal.
      Next, the trophy is dipped into a gilding bath – gilding being a decorative technique for applying fine gold leaf or powder to solid surfaces.
      Following that, it’s washed in distilled water, which again gives it a gleaming shine.
      Then, it’s off to the galvanic department who perform the next step in giving the trophy an ultrasonic cleaning and degreasing bathCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      The trophy is then given a gilding bathCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      Malachite green marble is applied to the base and the trophy is sprayed with a Zapon varnish, which ensures its preservation.
      The trophy is dried, cleaned once again and inspected one final time before it’s ready to be displayed come World Cup final day.
      The whole scientific process from start-to-finish takes around three months.
      As well as making the World Cup trophy, GDE Bertoni are also responsible for crafting the gold medals for the winners.
      And they’re a busy operation all-season long, having to produce other major trophies throughout the year.
      They create replicas of the Champions League, Europa League and even the Supercup trophies
      Gilding is a decorative technique for applying fine gold leaf or powder to solid surfacesCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      Zapon varnish is applied to make sure the trophy is correctly preservedCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      Finally, the World Cup trophy is ready for final inspectionCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      GDE Bertoni staff display the trophies they’ve created through the yearsCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      GDE Bertoni are also in charge of restoring the World Cup after the World Cup final trophy presentationCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      But it’s when the World Cup comes around that GDE Bertoni are at their busiest.
      The real World Cup trophy we see today was created for the 1974 World Cup in West Germany.
      Gazzaniga beat off 53 submissions from other sculptors determined to win the commission.
      Read More on The Sun
      The original is believed to be made of 75% gold and has been estimated to be worth around £10m.
      Is it any wonder why FIFA keep it under lock and key in their World Football Museum in Zurich. More

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      Niclas Fullkrug is Germany’s surprise 29-year-old success story with just one cap after working way up from lower league

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      HANSI FLICK is hoping surprise package Niclas Fullkrug can be the answer to Germany’s long-term striker problems.Fullkrug marked his senior debut aged 29 by scoring the only goal of his country’s uninspiring 1-0 friendly win in Oman on Wednesday evening.
      Niclas Fullkrug made his Germany debut in midweek aged 29Credit: Reuters
      The striker has been in superb form this season for Werder BremenCredit: Getty
      Fullkrug has experience playing in the German second-tierCredit: AP
      Fullkrug plays for mid-table Bundesliga team Werder Bremen and is the first player from that team to play at the World Cup in 12 years -the last being midfielder Torsten Frings.
      The striker played in the German second division last season, helping Bremen bounce back to the Bundesliga after relegation in 2020-21.
      Fullkrug also has experience playing in the second-tier from spells with FC Nurnburg and Greuther Furth.
      He earned a shock call up to the Germany squad after scoring ten goals for his team this season and is considered an old-fashioned number nine.
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      Sources in the German camp claim Fullkrug could be the answer to a long-standing issue of having a ‘real number nine’ in the team since legend Miroslav Klose.
      Fullkrug played at youth level for Die Mannschaft but has never before played for the senior team.
      His one cap one goal record so far rekindles memories for England fans of former Portsmouth striker David Nugent who came on as a sub in a Euro 2008 qualifier against Andorra and scored during his 11 minutes on the pitch.
      He was never capped by England again however, whereas Germany fans are hoping unlikely hero Fullkrug can play a key role in Qatar 2022.
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      Retired Southampton forward Rickie Lambert was 31 when he made his England bow.
      Germany play their opening Group E game against Japan next Wednesday.
      Germany boss Flick said: “I wanted the players to show me if they are ready to play at the World Cup – he did that.”
      Flick does have injury concerns over iconic midfielder Thomas Muller with his country’s opening match less than a week away.
      The 115-cap legend will only start full training tomorrow after a series of niggling injuries has hampered his season.
      Muller, 33, has suffered back, stomach and hip problems in addition to a bout of Covid.
      Flick said: “We already have lots of quality in his position but we will need them all if we want the tournament to be successful. It’s also about what the players offer us.”
      Fullkrug is hoping to make an impact for Germany in QatarCredit: Getty More

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      England’s best and worst football kits, from Moore’s iconic 1966 shirt to Seaman’s garish Euro 96 goalie jersey

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      THROUGH the years the likes of Umbro, Admiral and Nike have encouraged us to reach deep into our pockets to buy an England jersey.Some of those kits have been memorable, often linked to the team’s performance, and have become collector’s items.
      England, wearing the jersey they’ll wear for the 2022 World Cup, have sported a variety of shirts over the yearsCredit: Getty
      Others, however, have been simply forgettable – mainly because they were rarely worn or their design was simply too garish.
      SunSport has delved into its wardrobe to pull out the best and worst kits we’ve ever seen England perform in. There are some crackers… but there are some true stinkers too.THE BEST
      5. 2010-11 HOME KIT
      This special kit was one for the hipsters.
      Designed by Peter Saville, the graphic designer responsible for creating album artwork for Joy Division, Pulp, Suede and more, it was produced by Umbro.
      The cross of St George was carefully stitched onto the shirt and socks to give it that extra patriotic feel.
      While the shorts were a royal blue colour – that certainly suited Chelsea legend John Terry.
      In 2010 iconic graphic designer Peter Saville created this England top
      One for the hipsters, the flag of St George was stitched into the jersey and socks
      4. 1990-92 THIRD KIT
      One for the purists.
      Designed for Italia 90, it only ever got one outing – and that wasn’t just from Bernard Sumner in New Order’s World In Motion video.
      Dennis Wise and Co wore it for a game against Turkey in 1991, and it never appeared again.
      It did look very similar to Manchester City’s shirt of the same era though, that also featured a diamond pattern running through it.

      1990-92 Replica Third Shirt, £35 from Pro Direct Soccer – buy here

      England’s third kit looked like Man CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Umbro kit was only worn once in a friendly against Turkey before it was shelvedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      3. 1990-93 HOME SHIRT
      A jersey linked with special memories.
      From David Platt hammering home a last-minute volley against Belgium to Gazza’s tears and Gary Lineker’s goals, it was worn infamously during the 1990 World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals.
      Its design is steeped in the 90s, with subtle zig-zags adorning a slightly flammable material.

      1990-93 Replica HOME Shirt, £30 form Pro Direct soccer – buy here

      Paul Gascoigne made England’s 1990-93 home jersey iconicCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Gary Lineker and England reached the semi-finals in Italia 90Credit: Getty – Contributor
      2. 1980-83 HOME KIT
      While England didn’t lose a game at the 1982 World Cup, where they wore this number created by Admiral, they failed to make it past the second group round.
      Two frustrating draws against West Germany and Spain, the latter in which an unfit Kevin Keegan missed a sitter of a header saw the Three Lions crash out.
      But in the style stakes, we definitely had the best kit – with a stonking v-neck flanked by a blue and red pattern either side of it.

      1980-83 Replica HOME shirt, £30 from Pro Direct Select – buy here

      Admiral’s England kit is recognised as one of their coolestCredit: Mark Leech Sports
      From 1980-83 England wore a v-neck collar
      1. 1966 AWAY SHIRT
      It had to be.
      Worn expertly by Bobby Moore and Sir Geoff Hurst as we marched to World Cup glory at Wembley defeating West Germany 4-2, it was only worn because (strangely) our opponents were the designated home team that day.
      But its simple design and round collar screams the 1960s, and it’s still a jersey you see fans wearing in the stands today.
      The question is; would it be number one if we hadn’t won the World Cup? Who cares, we did and that’s history.

      1966 Replica AWAY shirt, £25 from Pro Direct Soccer – buy here

      Bobby Moore wears the iconic red 1966 World Cup jerseyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      England only wore red that day because West Germany were the designated home teamCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty

      THE WORST
      5. 1999-2000 HOME KIT
      Desperate to recreate the feel of England’s 1966 shirt, Umbro introduced a round collar for this effort in time for Euro 2000.
      But even David Beckham couldn’t pull it off – as we fell to a last minute goal against Romania in a 3-2 loss in our last group game and were eliminated.
      The fact the shirt only retailed for a year showed you what the FA thought of it.
      Umbro brought back the round neck collar for this design in 1999Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2000 after a dismal Euros the shirt was in the binCredit: Getty – Contributor
      4. 1997-1998 HOME KIT
      Ironically, its predecessor wasn’t much better.
      Another Umbro effort, it did have an iconic moment attached to it when an 18-year-old Michael Owen waltzed past several Argentina defenders to slam home one of the best World Cup goals.
      But in terms of design, it was all over the place – with a bulky trophy neck collar and strange stripes on the side not adding to its glory.
      The centralised badge was a bit too radical too.

      1997-98 Replica HOME shirt, £30 from Pro Direct Soccer – buy here

      Michael Owen’s iconic goal against Argentina made the 1998 jersey memorableCredit: AFP – Getty
      But placing the badge in the centre of the kit went against traditionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      3. 2016 AWAY SHIRT
      When an England legend speaks out about a kit, it must be bad.
      In 2016, Gary Lineker tweeted: “Can’t think of a worse England strip” when the red away jersey was unveiled for the first time.
      And he wasn’t the only one, as fans online lambasted its design.
      For some reason it came with bright blue socks too. Just, no.

      2016 AWAY shirt, from £45, at Vintage Football Shirts – buy here

      England legend Gary Lineker was one of the first to criticise England’s 2016 away jerseyCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      For some reason Umbro paired bright blue socks with the red away kitCredit: PA:Press Association
      2. 1995-1996 AWAY SHIRT
      Sorry, Umbro.
      But when a company designs a shirt they hope looks good with jeans, is grey, and is said to be ‘indigo blue’ you know you’re in trouble.
      The strip was only worn three times, against Bulgaria, then against Georgia and finally against Germany in the Euro 96 semi-final.
      That defeat certainly put the nail in the coffin for it, and the kit was shelved soon after.

      1996-97 AWAY shirt, from £60, at Vintage Football Shirts – buy here

      England’s indigo blue shirt was created by Umbro with the idea it would look good with jeansCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      After England’s Euro 96 heartbreak against Germany the kid was never seen againCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      1. POOR DAVID SEAMAN
      The Arsenal goalie had a momentous tournament at Euro 96.
      A penalty save against Scotland that inspired the Three Lions to victory, the hero in a penalty shootout win over Spain, he became renowned as one of the world’s best keepers soon after.
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      But this kit he wore did him absolutely no favours, even if he did stand out from the crowd.
      A bright red colour, mixed with a splash of green, yellow, purple made it look like something someone who had indulged in too many Skittles might’ve thrown up.
      And why was the E backwards on it? We’ll never know.
      David Seamans goalie jersey from Euro 96 was a monstrosityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      For some reason the E was backwards on the jersey

      Ranking every England manager More

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      How England fans can still drink inside World Cup 2022 stadiums despite Qatar imposing booze ban

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      WORLD CUP goers have been hit with the news this morning that alcohol will NOT be available inside stadiums in Qatar.But there is still a way England fans CAN enjoy a refreshing pint within the grounds of each arena.
      Alcohol will no longer be served inside any of the eight World Cup venuesCredit: AFP
      There is still a way England fans can drink inside stadiums at the World CupCredit: Getty
      It has been confirmed that NO booze will be sold in any of the eight World Cup venues, despite promises that alcoholic drinks will be available.
      The stunning U-turn from Fifa comes just days before the tournament kicks off and is a huge blow to Three Lions fans.
      However, the new rule will NOT apply to official hospitality areas.
      So any fans lucky enough to be in corporate seats will still have access to booze.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      Although tickets in the official hospitality areas cost four-figure sums and each box suite has sold for around £20,000.
      Those seats have been promised “a selection of drinks available according to custom and preference; soft drinks, beers, Champagne, sommelier-selected wines, and premium spirits” available “before, during and after matches”.
      It’s understood the U-turn has come under pressure from Qatar’s Royal Family.
      So now any fans with general admission tickets for games will only be able to buy non alcoholic Bud Zero for around £7-a-pop.
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      In a hilarious tweet after the announcement, which was quickly deleted, official beer sponsor of the tournament Budweiser said: “Well, this is awkward…”
      A Fifa spokesperson said: “Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters. 
      “There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar’s World Cup stadiums. 
      “Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans. 
      “The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™️.”
      A spokesperson for the Football Supporters’ Association said: “Some fans like a beer at a game and some don’t.
      “But the real issue is the last minute u-turn which speaks to a wider problem – the total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters.
      “If they can change their minds on this at a moment’s notice, with no explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues.”
      It now means the Doha city centre Fan Festival will be the only official World Cup site where fans gan grab an alcoholic drink.
      Read More on The Sun
      Prices there for a Budweiser are set at just under £12 – and not even for a full pint.
      England kick off their campaign on Monday against Iran, before further group games against USA and Wales. More

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      Exact worth of World Cup trophy revealed as it’s officially the most valuable prize in football

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      THE WORLD CUP is officially the most valuable trophy in football.It has always been worth its weight in gold and now we know exactly what that is.
      The coveted Jules Rimet trophy is valued at £227,000 at today’s pricesCredit: Getty
      France are the current World Cup holdersCredit: AP
      Boffins at Refinitiv Metals Research have worked out that the coveted Jules Rimet trophy is valued at £227,000 at today’s prices.
      It is made up of 6.175 kilograms of 18 carat gold, the equivalent of 4.93kg of the pure stuff. 
      If England captain Harry Kane were to steal it after lifting it he could have it melted down and flog it for about a week’s wages on the market.
      The World Cup easily outstrips Uefa’s top two cups on value which are the Europa League Trophy and Champions League trophies – worth around £8k and £4K respectively.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Spokesman for Refinitiv Metals Research Federico Gay said: “While the trophy is considered to be priceless by many, its melt-value compared to other major sports trophies places it at the top of the league.
      “Although the gloomy economic environment this year has weighed on gold, price levels remain high compared with the period between 2012 and 2018 so if the winning team is feeling the pinch in this economic environment, they could well leave Qatar with a bit of extra cash in their back pockets.”
      England’s World Cup campaign starts on Monday against Iran.
      Gareth Southgate’s European finalists will also have to fend off challenges from Wales and USA to top Group B.
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      The group will not be an easy task with all three of England’s opponents ranking inside Fifa’s top 20.
      A knockout route to the final will be more tricky than England’s run to the semi’s in 2018.
      Top the group and it’ll be the runners-up from Group A, which will be one of Qatar, Holland, Senegal or Ecuador.
      A quarter-final date with France could happen should England get through the opening knockout round.
      And if England match their 2018 finish they could meet the likely winners of Groups F and H – Belgium or Portugal.
      After reaching the World Cup final as group winners, 2010 winners Spain, 2014 champions Germany or five-time winners Brazil may be waiting. More

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      World Cup 2022’s official beer sponsor Budweiser brilliantly respond to Qatar’s booze ban in now-deleted tweet

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      BUDWEISER issued a brilliant Twitter response after Qatar banned booze from being sold at World Cup stadiums… before quickly deleting their tweet.The opening ceremony for the winter tournament is just days away, with the hosts taking on Ecuador afterwards.
      Budweiser issued a hilarious response after Qatar banned booze being sold at stadiumsCredit: Getty
      Fans will not be able to pick up a pint when going to watch World Cup games in QatarCredit: AFP
      But footy fans in Qatar will have a dry World Cup after authorities performed a stunning U-turn on alcohol.
      It had previously been promised that beer and other drinks would be available at all eight World Cup venues.
      However, Fifa chiefs have bowed to pressure from the Qatari authorities and confirmed they will not be selling alcohol at any stadiums.
      It’s bad news for official beer sponsor Budweiser, who are now due millions in compensation just one day after Fifa told fans they COULD buy booze at matches.
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      It means that the only official World Cup site where fans can have a drink will be the Doha city centre official Fan Festival.
      That’s where a Bud costs almost £12 – and it’s less than a pint with the lager being served in 500ml glasses.
      And taking to Twitter, Budweiser’s official account posted a hilarious reaction to the news.
      They wrote: “Well, this is awkward…”
      The now-deleted tweet from BudweiserCredit: Twitter@Budweiser
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      Football fans were also in good spirits despite the ban, with one saying: “I cannot watch England play whilst I’m sober next Monday.”
      Another laughed: “Just send Bud Light instead, they won’t notice it’s beer.”
      One declared: “Send me the beer that will be wasted if you like.”
      Another added: “It essentially tastes like water anyway.”
      Meanwhile, only Bud Zero will be for sale at stadiums – each measure costing around £7 – and that the promises of alcohol being freely available has been scrapped with immediate effect.

      But that will NOT apply to the official hospitality areas, where tickets cost four-figure sums and each box suite has sold for around £20,000.
      Those seats and packages have promised “a selection of drinks available according to custom and preference; soft drinks, beers, Champagne, sommelier-selected wines, and premium spirits” available “before, during and after matches”.
      That will not be an option for the thousands of fans who have bought normal stadium tickets and represents a huge change that will put Fifa under massive pressure to justify itself.
      It is understood that Qatar’s ruling Royal Family has demanded the U-turn, with growing resentment against attempts to force through a more cosmopolitan approach to the tournament.
      Read More on The Sun
      Earlier this week, the Qataris ordered Fifa to move some Budweiser concession stands that were deemed too “intrusive” into less visible positions.
      And after months of promises that Qatar would recognise that drinking is part of football fan culture worldwide, the sudden change will cause huge anger and upset for travelling supporters.
      A spokesman for the Football Supporters’ Association said: “Some fans like a beer at a game and some don’t.
      “But the real issue is the last minute u-turn which speaks to a wider problem – the total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters.
      “If they can change their minds on this at a moment’s notice, with no explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues.” More

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      Raheem Sterling reveals he watches funny YouTube videos to help prepare for England World Cup clashes

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      ENGLAND ace Raheem Sterling has revealed how funny YouTube videos help him get mentally ready for high-pressure football games.The Three Lions star will be looking to make an impact again after proving to be a crucial part of England’s run to the Euros final last year.
      Sterling is one of the most experienced players in the England squadCredit: Rex
      And the pressure will be ramping up in the coming days as Gareth Southgate’s side look to have another successful tournament.
      And ahead of England’s World Cup opener against Iran, Sterling has revealed how YouTube and mental health apps are the key to helping him relax in between games.
      He said: “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.
      “When it’s closer to the games I like to use my Headspace app and focus on my breathing and try to be present for the game.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      The winger, who has netted 19 goals in 79 appearances for England, also revealed a strange quirk he uses to try and keep a scoring streak going.
      He said: “If I score, I’ll just try to wear the same trainers with my tracksuit to the next game – 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, and the more I don’t think about the game and go about my everyday life the better, to try to block the noise out.”
      Sterling, brand ambassador for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, also discussed the inspirations that took him from the playing fields of north London – to playing at Wembley itself.
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      He said: “There was quite a few inspirational people to me – my mum, anyone I shared a moment with being around a football field, they played a part in that as well.
      “What’s made me the person I am today is all the setbacks I’ve had, all the ‘can’ts’ – you can’t do this, you can’t do that, you’re not good enough – those sort of things always drive me.
      “The way I want to inspire the next generation is to give as much back as I can, that includes time, things I know a lot of communities need, and give back in that sense.
      “Not just throwing money out there, but valuable time, and showing young people if you put your time and energy in, what you can achieve.”
      Sterling was among the players taking part in training in searing Qatar heat – but James Maddison was absent again. More

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      Tunisia’s defensive flaws mean they face early exit from World Cup 2022- predicted line up and stats

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      TUNISIA will be playing in Group D alongside France, Denmark and Australia.It is definitely going to be a complicated group stage for Tunisia, who will start by facing Denmark and then aim to beat Australia before challenging the World Cup holders, France, in the last group stage match. 

      Tunisia’s most difficult test in this World Cup will be the way with which they deal with their first match against Denmark. 
      Playing well in this first game and getting a positive result against a tough Denmark team will change everything in the Tunisian players’ minds and make them very confident to win the second match.
      Predicted Starting XI
      Tunisia will most likely start the tournament with Aymen Dahman as a goalkeeper as he is favoured in comparison with Bechir Ben Said and Sedki Debchi. 
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      Here’s how Tunisia are expected to line up
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      In defence, head coach Jalel Kadri has got some good options to choose from and he will more likely rely on Mohamed Drãger as a right-back and Hamza Mathlouthi as his backup. 
      Wajdi Kechrida proved to be the second-best option for this role alongside Drãger. 
      The central defensive duo will most likely include Lorient’s Montassar Talbi and Salernitana’s Dylan Bronn knowing that both of these players have been consistent throughout this first part of the season.
      Bilel Ifa and Nader Ghandri have also proven their worth whenever they participated with the national team.
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      On the left flank, Ali Maaloul proved during the last few years that he is the best actual left-back in Tunisia.
      Moreover, his chemistry with players like Youssef Msakni, Naim Sliti, Wahbi Khazri and others was obvious to everyone and helped Tunisia win numerous games previously. 
      Therefore, it would be essential to preserve this kind of chemistry and work on improving it.
      Despite these offensive abilities, Maaloul can also be less efficient in defence especially against wingers with great pace such as the ones Tunisia will encounter during the group stage.
      Jalel Kadri can also try to adapt his team to suit the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses by switching to the 3-4-3 as he did in last year’s Arab Cup.
      This formation might be more balanced for the team against teams like Denmark and France.
      In terms of attack, Tunisia doesn’t really have plenty of excellent options and will rely on Youssef Msakni’s magic on the left wing.
      Attacking phase
      The above graphic shows detailed statistics on Tunisia’s attacking style, their weaknesses and strengths. In fact, what we can understand from this pizza plot is that Tunisia pass a lot inside the final third but don’t score a lot of goals despite shooting so often during games.
      Therefore, they will have to improve their finishing accuracy in order to exploit the chances they create and more importantly, it would be important to try shooting more often on goal instead of passing the ball passively.
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      On the counter, Tunisia push numbers forward
      Moreover, working on the offensive duels would help Tunisia a lot during this World Cup in order to have more possession in their opponent’s half.
      The team should focus more on intercepting the ball in their opponent’s half by applying pressure intelligently and efficiently.
      Tunisia can be excellent on the counter especially when their players are 100 per cent focused.
      In the following picture, Jebali had a counterattacking opportunity in the last minutes of the match and had two teammates asking for the ball as you can see. 
      Jebali exploits the use of runners either side by shooting for goal
      These two players offered great passing options but at the same time made defenders hesitate.
      Jebali exploited this situation in the best possible way by showing that he intends to pass while shooting the ball with great power towards the top left angle to score a beautiful goal.
      Defensive phase
      When it comes to defending, Tunisia proved during the Arab Cup and the AFCON that they are solid in defence and that they are improving a lot from this aspect. 
      The team make a lot of interceptions per match but they still do not win a lot of defensive duels. They need to improve their statistics in this regard in order to be more efficient in defence.
      Moreover, the team plays a lot in the air despite not winning a lot of the aerial duels per match.
      And at the same time, Tunisia concede numerous shots per game, which can be very dangerous for them especially knowing that they will face teams with great shooting accuracy.
      The Tunisian defence will have to be very careful when it comes to passes played at the back of this defensive line.
      Since their opponents will certainly include numerous technical midfield players, Tunisia’s defence will have to be attentive to possible penetrations throughout the 90 minutes to not let something like what happened against Brazil occur again.
      In the following picture, we can see how Barcelona‘s Raphinha was penetrating through the back of Talbi while Ben Ouanes didn’t try to cover for his teammate.
      Defensively, Tunisia have a tendency to switch off
      Both players should have defended better in this situation and more importantly, they had to react in a more effective way as soon as Chelsea‘s Thiago Silva crossed the ball.
      Such errors might lead to conceding goals, especially against France and Denmark and therefore, Tunisia should be alert to similar actions.
      In addition, Tunisia will have to avoid conceding too much space to skilful attacking players inside the final third as such players are usually going to create danger if not score goals, like what Raphinha did in the next picture when Tunisia left too much space for him on the right-wing.
      Clever attacking players can exploit Tunisia’s weak defence
      Tunisia will face tough attackers in Group D, like in this friendly against Brazil.
      Transitions
      Tunisia’s offensive transitions are usually quick and quite direct. They rely on one of Skhiri or Laïdouni to start the first pass and then the ball always gets to Msakni or Sliti who are very good dribblers and can advance well with the ball. 
      In the next example, Msakni is advancing with the ball and looks at the striker to see if there is a passing possibility.
      Quick, direct attacking transitions often to Msakni kickstart Tunisia’s attacks
      The Tunisians can also opt for direct passes towards the strikers whenever they detect the adequate opportunity to do so. 
      Direct passes from the flanks are angled towards the forward
      Attackers 
      As mentioned earlier, Tunisia have various options in attack and will mainly rely on Khazri, Jaziri, Khenissi and Jebali.
      Although these players are all 29 or older, all of them are still delivering some solid performances with their respective clubs and are capable of helping their national team by scoring goals during this tournament, knowing that they have the experience needed to help the team.
      Khazri, for instance, has already scored in the previous World Cup against Belgium and Panama and we can expect to see goals from him.
      The same applies to Jaziri who has been excellent during the past few seasons with Al Zamalek and will represent a great weapon for Jalel Kadri knowing that he has some great finishing skills and pace.
      Midfielders
      We have already explained that this might be the team’s best area as the players existing in this part of the field are excellent and will be fundamental for the team both from a defensive and an attacking perspective. 
      Players like Skhiri, Laïdouni, Chaalali, Sassi and probably Ben Romdhane will have a key role during the tournament and will be responsible for dictating how the team will play.
      Also, they will have a very delicate mission which is protecting the defensive line and covering when necessary, according to the head coach’s instructions.
      Defenders
      This might be the most delicate and fundamental section of the team as it is the part that will suffer the most and endure a lot during the group stage, given the quality of the opponent’s attack. 
      Tunisia, indeed, have some excellent names in defence.
      Nevertheless, it will not be sufficient to be excellent on an individual level.
      It is going to be necessary to defend as a unit and have a very organised defensive line in order to avoid mistakes and limit the attacking threats. Otherwise, Tunisia would be in trouble.
      Key Player
      Tunisia’s key player in this tournament is Youssef Msakni.
      The Al Arabi 31-year-old international will be the team’s leader in this competition as he is the most skilful player in the team and the most experienced player to boot. 
      Msakni plays in most attacking positions and doesn’t have problems with adapting to different formations or positions.
      He plays mainly in all final third positions and can also play as a false nine. But most of all, he excels when playing as an advanced playmaker or as a left winger.
      Read More on The Sun
      Tournament prediction
      Tunisia will face a tough group with two clear favourites to qualify to the Round of 16: France and Denmark.
      The team of Tunisia is also considered almost as good as the Australian one, which makes Group D a big challenge to the African team. More