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      Portugal 4 Nigeria 0 LIVE RESULT: Fernandes’ double inspires hosts win as Santos’ side run riot WITHOUT Ronaldo

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      PORTUGAL’S final game before the World Cup couldn’t have gone any better – and they did it WITHOUT Cristiano Ronaldo.Bruno Fernandes’ first half double set the tone for the remainder of match.
      And Nigeria’s night went from bad to worse when courtesy of two late strikes from Goncalo Ramos and Joao Mario.

      RESULT: Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
      TV channel: Sky Sports Premier League
      Live stream: NOW TV
      Portugal XI: Patricio; Dalot, Dias, Antonio Silva, Mendes; Otavio, Fernandes, Carvalho; Felix, Andre Silva, Bernardo Silva
      Nigeria XI: Uzoho; Osayi-Samuel, Akpoguma, Troost-Ekong, Bassey; Aribo, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman, Simon, Moffi

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      Make the eagles super again
      Jose Peseiro has got a tough task on his hands to change the fortunes of his Nigeria side.
      Too often guilty of failing to live up to their billing, it has been a disappointing 12 months for Nigeria on the international stage.
      Shock exit from AFCON at the hands of Tunisia, followed by yet more sorrow when Ghana ended their World Cup hopes.
      Peseiro needs to work towards the AFCON qualifiers now to try and get Nigerian football back on track.
      Bond is strong within squad
      Portugal head into the World Cup, despite being one of the fancied teams, as real dark horses for the competition.
      They are capable of not turning up on the big occasion and all too often fall in the latter stages.
      On their day, they are capable of beating anyone.
      That is what makes them so dangerous, you do not know which Portugal will turn up, making them unpredictable.
      But there seems to a bond amongst the squad, all working towards the same cause, fighting for one another until the final whistle.
      Credit: Getty
      All roads lead to Qatar
      Portugal will head to the FIFA World Cup this weekend with their first fixture being next Thursday against Ghana at 4pm (BST).
      They then have their biggest test of the group as they face the likes of Luis Suarez and Darwin Nunez as they take on Uruguay on Monday 28 November.
      Their final group game against South Korea may have more importance depending on the outcome of the game against Uruguay.
      Portu-geezers head off to Qatar
      Portugal put in a solid performance this evening as they smashed Nigeria 4-0 in a largely one-sided contest.
      The Super Eagles struggled to contain the hosts and were lucky to go in at the break only two goals down.
      Despite keeping Santos’ side out for the opening twenty minutes of the second half, they were helpless to keep them out for the rest of the game.
      Portugal will head to the FIFA World Cup full of confidence of what could be.
      Credit: Getty
      FT: Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
      A solid performance for Fernando Santos and his Portugal side.
      They created problems for the visitors from start to finish.
      Portuguese fans will be confident having seen their side in such good form heading to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
      Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
      90+1. We are going to have two additional minutes.
      It is mission accomplished here in Portugal.
      They can fly to Qatar full of hope of what the tournament may bring.
      Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
      89. If anyone was questioning Portugal’s ability to score goals when Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t firing on all cylinders, their questions have been answered tonight.
      CR7 may struggle to break into this team at the moment.
      Nigeria are trying to run the clock down now, they have had enough for one evening.
      Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
      87. Portugal have really turned the screw in the last ten minutes.
      The scoreline does reflect their efforts this evening.
      Apart from a drab 20 minute period after half time, they have bossed this game from start to finish.
      Credit: Getty
      Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
      85. Great football by Fernando Santos’ side.
      The assist by Ramos was sublime, with an elaborate flick at the near post, knocking it into the path of Mario.
      It was more difficult to miss the chance such was the approach play.
      Goal – Joao Mario (Portugal)
      Portugal 3-0 Nigeria
      83. What a costly miss that penalty really was for the Super Eagles.
      No sooner was it cleared, Portugal broke with real pace.
      Laying it on a plate for Ramos to open his account.
      Goal – Goncalo Ramos (Portugal)
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
      82. The Nigerian players argue about who will take the kick.
      Emmanuel Dennis grabbed the ball and decided to take it.
      Not a convincing penalty which allows Patricio to tip it onto the post.
      Penalty saved by Rui Patricio
      Penalty to Nigeria
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
      80. Dalot is penalised for a foul on Samuel.
      Nigeria counter attack quickly, stretching the defence.
      VAR is having a look at this, it could be a penalty.
      Credit: Alamy
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
      78. Portugal will face much stronger sides than this in Qatar.
      When it comes to the group stages, you have to beat the sides put in front of you, so tonight’s experience could be key.
      Ramos manages to win a corner off Bassey.
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria – Felix chance
      76. Joao Felix has another chance to get himself on the scoresheet as he keeps making moves into dangerous areas.
      Taking the shot on first time, a little wide in the box, he looks to bury the ball in the far corner of the goal.
      The ball narrowly misses the back post with goalkeeper beaten.
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria – Felix chance
      74. Portugal attack at pace.
      Joao Felix is free at the back post and the ball is played to his feet.
      He looks to get a shot off which slightly deflects making the fingertip save by Uzoho all the much better.
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria – Chukwueze chance
      72. Chukwueze has a first chance of the game for Nigeria.
      He loses his man and has a sight of goal and looks to put it in the far corner.
      Patricio does brilliantly to save with his legs at the expense of a corner.
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
      70. Santos’ side seem to overcomplicate things at times.
      Looking to play three of four passes to do something they could do in two.
      It all gets congested on the edge of the box with Portugal unable to play through the West Africans.
      Credit: Reuters
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
      68. Portugal are probing and prodding the Nigerian defence again.
      Neither side has been much of an attacking threat in this half.
      It has turned into more of an exhibition match now.
      Not quite like that dancing contest with Tommy Fury on the weekend.
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
      66. There are jeers all around the stadium as the referee fails to award a free kick for a challenge on Joao Felix.
      He takes his frustration out on Bassey giving away a free kick.
      Portugal are guilty of trying one too many passes when attacking.
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
      64. Portugal break with Andre Silva.
      They have numbers over the visitors.
      Silva slides it to his right to Joao Mario who looks to return the favour but can only find a Nigerian defender.
      He should have taken that one on himself.
      Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
      62. Moses Simon is fouled by Mario on the edge of the box.
      Pushing Simon in the back as he glided passed him.
      It is in a wide area so would be difficult to trouble Rui Patricio from here.
      Credit: Getty
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      ‘Student’ James Maddison credits watching Man Utd ace Bruno Fernandes for his England recall for World Cup 2022

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      JAMES MADDISON has credited Bruno Fernandes for his World Cup call-up.The 25-year-old midfielder hasn’t played for England since his debut in the 7-0 win over Montenegro in 2019.
      Maddison watched Man Utd’s Fernandes closely when he was trying to get back in the England squadCredit: Reuters
      He missed out at Euro 2020 and was snubbed in the last two international breaks.
      But the all-important Three Lions call-up came for the world’s biggest football showcase.
      Many were demanding Maddison’s inclusion in the Qatar-bound squad after he played a part in 27 of Leicester’s goals in 2022.
      And the Foxes playmaker has credited a Premier League rival for giving him the inspiration to succeed.
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      Maddison said: “A couple of seasons ago, when I wasn’t in the England squad, Bruno Fernandes was playing very well for Manchester United and putting up ridiculous numbers in terms of goals and assists.
      “So I probably watched him a bit closer at that time. ‘How is he scoring so many goals? What runs is he making that I’m not?’.
      “If that makes me a student of the game, then that’s what I am.”
      The former Norwich dynamo explained that his partner goes mad at him for watching studying so many matches.
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      He added: “I watch every game. My house is football mad.
      “My girlfriend goes crazy because I watch so much. During the lockdown, when there were four games a day, I had them all on.
      “I don’t think that there is a player now that I model my game on – maybe when I was younger. I appreciate all the good players in the Premier League.
      “I try and take something from each of the players I watch, whether they are a higher level, the same level or lower. If I’m watching a game on TV, I’m often watching players in my position.
      “I’m a football man. I’ve said that many times. Because I just love the game.
      “In my head, I’m still that little boy who is kicking the ball around in the garden on or with [England] face paint on.” More

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      World Cup 2022 – England vs Iran: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time, team news for Qatar showpiece

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      ENGLAND’S World Cup campaign begins in just a matter of days against Iran.The Three Lions landed in Qatar on Tuesday night and checked into their hotel ahead of next week’s opening clash in Group B.
      England landed in Doha on Tuesday evening ahead of next week’s gameCredit: Getty
      The players were greeted with gifts as they checked into their hotelCredit: Getty
      England’s last World Cup tournament ended in agony as they lost 2-1 to Croatia in the semi-finals of the 2018 edition in Russia.
      But four years on from then, and with a Euro 2020 final appearance in the bag too, Southgate’s men are looking to finally overcome the very last hurdle.
      It’s been 56 years since England won their first and only World Cup, and expectations of the team continue to grow every four years.
      Iran will be their first test, before further group stage clashes with rivals Wales and 2010 World Cup group rivals USA.
      This tournament could be make or break for Southgate, who may view the Qatar showpiece as his last opportunity to finally win major silverware as England boss.
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      When is England vs Iran?

      England’s 2022 World Cup opener with Iran will get underway from 1pm UK time on Monday, November 21.
      The game will be held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar’s capital Doha.
      The stadium was opened in 1976 and can hold up to 45,000 fans.

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

      England vs Iran will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The game is FREE to watch on the BBC, so long as you have a TV licence.

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      Who is in England’s 26-man squad?
      Gareth Southgate has finally announced his 26-man squad for England ahead of the World Cup.

      Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Nick Pope (Newcastle)
      Defenders: Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Benjamin White (Arsenal), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Conor Coady (Everton, on loan from Wolves), Luke Shaw (Man Utd)
      Midfielders: Declan Rice (West Ham), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Man City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Mason Mount (Chelsea)
      Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Callum Wilson (Newcastle), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Man City), James Maddison (Leicester City)

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      Inside Argentina’s World Cup 2022 digs with Lionel Messi and Co staying in STUDENT HALLS so they can host barbecues

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      LIONEL MESSI and his Argentina team-mates have shunned the five-star hotel treatment for STUDENT ACCOMMODATION at the World Cup. And the reason why? So they can host barbeques.
      Lionel Messi and co have arrived in Qatar as one of the tournament favouritesCredit: AP
      Argentina’s squad will be living a life similar to a Qatari student for the next monthCredit: Qatar University
      The campus has a large canteen and has 90 rooms insideCredit: Qatar University
      An open-air area has already been constructed to suite the team’s needsCredit: Qatar University
      Argentina’s squad arrived in Doha during the early hours of Thursday morning, but rather than head for some of the slicker accommodation options they have headed to Qatar University to stay in the student halls there.
      It’s not to say any of the Argentine team need further education – particularly in football given their Copa America triumph last year.
      Instead, the decision was taken by Argentine officials in order to allow them to have asados, which is one of the country’s traditional culinary dishes.
      A source from the Argentine FA told the Mail: “We visited the campus several times and chose it because not only does it have great facilities but it also has open-air space for asados.
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      “This is very important to the players and Argentines in general, it’s part of our culture.
      “We want to make them feel at home while they are in Qatar and the best way to do this is to make sure that they get a taste of home while focusing on the football.”
      A custom-built barbeque has already been installed to allow the team to enjoy asados, which is typically barbequed meat coated lightly with coarse salt and then paired with a salad and wine.
      While they will likely be told to not overindulge in the latter, the main dish of meat has been brought along for the ride along with a specialist asado chef.
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      The accommodation itself houses start-of-the-art sporting facilities including an Olympic size swimming pool and a 10,000-capacity stadium.
      The 90-room campus located on the edge of Doha is considered to be one of the leading Universities in the region.
      Messi has already confirmed that Qatar will be his final World Cup.
      As a result, he will be hoping to go out on a high after suffering in the 2014 final as Mario Gotze crashed home an extra-time winner for Germany.
      However, a trio of pundits predict that Argentina will at best make it to the quarter-finals, while they also reckon Qatar will beat England in the last 16.
      The campus is equipped with state of the art sports facilitiesCredit: Qatar University
      The Campus is located just outside of DohaCredit: Qatar University
      Messi has previously been pictured trying his hand at barbequeing More

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      England third most backed team to win World Cup behind Brazil and Argentina

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      ONLY Argentina and Brazil have attracted more bets to win the World Cup in the past 24 hours than England.That’s according to Betfair, who report just under 10% of all bets in that time have been for the Three Lions to triumph.
      England third most backed team to win World Cup behind Brazil and ArgentinaCredit: Getty
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      Gareth Southgate’s men are fifth favourites in the betting to end their 56-year wait.
      And punters are flocking to back England to go all the way.
      Brazil (7/2) look worth favourites with defensive solidity and an embarrassment of riches in attack.
      Betfair customers feel likewise with 18.5% of all outright bets going on Seleção.
      That’s slightly more than the 18.4% going on Lionel Messi and co to win it with Argentina (11/2).
      The most backed sides to win the World Cup
      Then it’s England (8/1) with 9.4% of the share, with Belgium (16/1) backed at bigger odds by 7.7% of all people.
      Portugal (7%, 14/1) and France (6.8%, 13/2) are next, just ahead of the Germans (5.6%) who will fancy being there or thereabouts once more at 11/1.
      Uruguay (5%, 35/1) and Netherlands (3.1%, 11/1) are two more of the fancied outsiders, with just 2.7% of punts going on Spain at 15/2.
      The Spaniards are fourth favourites to win the competition but are seeing surprisingly low support.
      Wales have attracted 2.2% at a huge price of 125/1, with Denmark (22/1) just ahead of them with 2.7%.
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      Most backed teamBetfair

      Brazil: 18.5%
      Argentina: 18.4%
      England: 9.4%
      Belgium: 7.7%
      Portugal: 7%
      France: 6.8%
      Germany: 5.6%
      Uruguay: 5%
      Netherlands: 3.1%
      Spain: 2.7%
      Denmark: 2.7%
      Wales: 2.2%

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      Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “We’ve monitored the bets placed on the World Cup winner over the last 24 hours and England, who are 7/1 have received 9.4% of the bets.
      “Argentina, the 11/2 second-favourites have received 18.4% of the bets whereas the frontrunners, Brazil, have received 18.5% of bets and are 7/2 to win the tournament.
      “It almost looks too close to call with the 0.1% difference.”
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      Portugal boss Fernando Santos hints Cristiano Ronaldo might NOT play at World Cup 2022 as he questions recent form

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      PORTUGAL boss Fernando Santos says he’s under no obligation to play benched Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup.The 37-year-old is having a tough season both on and off the pitch.
      Santos is under no obligation to play all-time international top scorer Ronaldo at the World CupCredit: Getty
      He has just three goals to his name across all competitions and has started a considerable amount of games from the substitutes bench.
      Ronaldo is also involved in an on-going row with Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag, who he says he does not respect, as well as the club.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has lifted the lid on the goings-on at Old Trafford in a sit-down interview with SunSport columnist and TalkTV main man Piers Morgan.
      But despite his legendary status, Portugal boss Santos says he’s not obligated to play the out-of-form star at the November-December’s World Cup.
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      On the all-time international top scorer, with 117 goals, Santos said on whether he is forced to play CR7: “Forced? This is not about forcing me.
      “This is not a requirement. No one is forced to do anything here.

      “The question could be, you could ask me, based on what Cristiano Ronaldo did [in recent weeks on the pitch] should he start?
      “This is valid for Cristiano Ronaldo and all the players who are with the national team.
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      “If the head coach is forced to put a player in the XI…there aren’t those things here.”
      Portugal play Nigeria in a pre-tournament friendly on Thursday.
      They will then contest World Cup Group H against Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea. More

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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