World Cup

USA stars including Christian Pulisic trained with a construction crew in Qatar on Monday.Gregg Berhalter’s side completed drills alongside beaming workers at Thani bin Jassim Stadium in Doha.
USA stars complete drills with construction workersCredit: Reuters
Christian Pulisic signs autographsCredit: Reuters
The USA squad poses for a picture with a construction crewCredit: Reuters
Amid controversy over Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers, USA stars enjoyed a kickabout with a stadium crew.
They also signed autographs for them, with Chelsea star Pulisic a huge attraction.
It is not clear how the photo opportunity came together – although Fifa urged all sides competing in Qatar to “let football take centre stage”.
A statement co-authored by Fifa boss Gianni Infantino read: “Please, let’s now focus on the football!”
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It went on to beg teams to “not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists”.
In 2013, a report by The Guardian claimed that migrant workers were “denied food and water”.
While there have been widespread reports accusing Qatar of taking their passports.
The Middle Eastern country’s attitude towards human rights have also come under scrutiny – as well as their anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
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Many national teams are planning to have their skipper wear a rainbow armband in Qatar.
But France captain Hugo Lloris has hinted that he won’t.
The Tottenham star said: “When we are in France, when we welcome foreigners, we often want them to follow our rules, to respect our culture, and I will do the same when I go to Qatar, quite simply.
“I can agree or disagree with their ideas, but I have to show respect.”
Hugo Lloris gives his thoughts ahead of the World CupCredit: AFP More

CRISTIANO RONALDO’S explosive interview has not caused a distraction to Portugal’s World Cup preparations, insists boss Fernando Santos.The star, 37, has caused shockwaves at Old Trafford after a number of bombshells.
Fernando Santos says the Cristiano Ronaldo saga is not distracting his Portugal squadCredit: AP
He hit out at United for “betraying” him and making him feel like a “black sheep” as well as blaming him for everything going wrong at the club.
The striker revealed he does not respect manager Erik ten Hag and blasted the club’s lack of progress since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013 – the last time they won the title.
And he also claimed that the club “doubted” him after he informed them that the reason he arrived late of pre-season was because his baby daughter was in hospital through illness.
Ronaldo’s club-mate and compatriot Bruno Fernandes appeared to give the legend a frosty reception as the pair met up for Portugal duty this week.
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And when asked whether the ex-Real Madrid forward’s comments have had any impact on his team ahead of the World Cup, Santos was adamant they had nothing to do with the national team.
He said: “The player decided to give an interview as many others have.
“It’s a personal interview, very personal actually, and we have to respect that.
“Isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo a free man?… It was his decision and we have to understand and respect it.
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“The only thing we talk about is the preparation for Qatar. It (the interview) does not affect us at all.”
Ronaldo missed training on Wednesday with a stomach bug and will not play in Thursday’s friendly with Nigeria in Lisbon before heading to Qatar.
Santos added: “He is in his room resting and recovering.
“He won’t practice and won’t be ready for tomorrow’s game either.”
Portugal kick-off their World Cup campaign next Thursday against Ghana.
They then face Uruguay and South Korea in Group H. More

GARETH BALE is the best Britain has to offer, according to international team-mate Jonny Williams.The winger also warned England that superstar Bale’s title success in America was the perfect warm-up for the World Cup.
Williams warns group stage opponents England that Bale is the ‘best British player of all-time’Credit: PA
Williams, 29, and the rest of the Wales squad flew out to Qatar on Tuesday to begin preparations.
They kick off their tournament against USA on Monday before facing Gareth Southgate’s side on November 29.
And the Swindon midfielder told SunSport, via SkyBet, that they are well equipped to take on the best on the globe.
He said: “Bale’s achievements and career speak for itself. The important goals in big finals, he’s a five-time Champions League winner, and what he’s done for Wales since coming into the senior team.
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“I think he’s probably the best British player of all time.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him as a player and a person, so down to earth, a pleasure to play alongside.
“Even when I was kid coming through and he is the same now, you can’t always say that about players.
“It is a credit to him and amazing to see what he did in America, but I am not surprised. He is a winner, a big game player and he always turns up.”
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Bale scored a dramatic 127th-minute equaliser in the MLS final at the start of November.
His LAFC side then won the shoot-out to send the 33-year-old to the Middle East with another piece of silverware for his mantelpiece.
And Welsh fans will be dreaming of adding another, including Williams who believes the Dragons squad is better than the one that shocked everyone by reaching the Euro 2016 semi-final.
In fact, he claims it’s the strongest since they last participated in a World Cup in 1958.
He added: “Yeah, I’d have to say it is [the best team since they last qualified].
“I remember the Wales teams of the past, Hughes, Rush, Davies, there have been some fantastic individuals. But I think as a collective, led by a world-class superstar, I’d have to say yeah.
“Aaron Ramsey has been phenomenal, it’s a shame he couldn’t have played more,
“We had a fantastic team in 2016, but in terms of strength in depth, it is a lot better now than in 2016. There is top talent all over the team. I’d have say it’s the best squad.”
The Cymru squad left for Qatar on TuesdayCredit: PA
Williams says there is extra motivation in the Cymru camp when it comes to the crunch match against neighbouring England.
He grew up in the South-East but admitted he still thinks about beating the Three Lions at the Al-Rayyan Stadium.
The former Charlton winger explained: “Any home nation game there is that extra will to win, for us and the fans, it means a bit extra, I managed to play last time out in the Euros, so we know how much it means to the fans.
“I’ve always been and supported Wales, so it will continue to be that, even though I was born in England.
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“My dad will be travelling out, so, there is definitely a rivalry there and it is a game that we will be wanting to win.
“It all comes down to that day, and who can deal with the pressure, it’s hard to focus on one individual when there is so much quality, but you must believe that you can win every game.” More

JADON SANCHO has been described as “incredible” by Neymar despite not making Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.The Brazilian superstar revealed his two favourite England players and the Manchester United winger was one of them.
Neymar claims Kane and Sancho are his two favourite England starsCredit: Getty
The Man Utd star missed out on Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World CupCredit: Getty
Hot shot Harry Kane – who captains the side bidding to win World Cup for first time in 56 years – was the other.
Yet the 30-year-old forgot about the Three Lions when discussing who he thinks will lift the trophy.
Neymar told The Telegraph: “I believe the favourites are Argentina, Germany, Spain, and France.
“I think those four along with Brazil are fully capable of reaching the final.
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“I really forgot about England but obviously they have a chance!
“I really like Kane and Sancho. They’re two incredible players and I have a special love for them because I like players that have their qualities.”
Sancho, 22, has endured a difficult start to the 2022-23 campaign so far.
And it came as little surprise when it was announced that he had been left out of Southgate’s 26-man squad.
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He has scored just three goals in 14 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
But he will be buoyed by the nod of admiration from Neymar.
The PSG striker is out in Doha already, preparing for the global showcase.
The tournament starts on Sunday with Brazil having to wait until Thursday to kick off against Serbia.
Neymar stunned his international team-mates with an outrageous show of skill in training.
The squad were given a test which involved dropping a ball from a height of 35 metres – above even the stadium roof.
And in typical Neymar fashion he led by example by bringing the ball under immediate control with a ridiculously good first touch.
With his second touch he used his knee to flick the ball into his hands – cue pandemonium from his team-mates.
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They immediately began cheering and surrounding their captain gleefully.
Brazil are also the bookies’ favourites to win the World Cup for a sixth time, having last lifted the trophy in 2002. More

KYLE WALKER has ruled himself OUT of England’s World Cup opener against Iran.Gareth Southgate selected the Manchester City star in his 26-man squad for Qatar, despite him having not played for his club since October 2.
Kyle Walker took part in England training todayCredit: PA
Walker, 32, was involved in the session in 32 degree heatCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Walker, 32, gave his manager a boost by taking part in England training today.
The defender took part in a session at the Al Wakrah SC Stadium – where temperatures reached 32C on Wednesday.
But the opener vs Iran next Monday will come too soon for the full-back, according to Sky Sports.
Walker himself claims, however, that he will “raring to go” for their next matches.
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The Three Lions take on the USA on Friday, 25 November, before a Battle of Britain tussle with Wales on Tuesday, 29 November.
Updating fans on Walker’s status when naming his squad for Qatar, Southgate said: “Kyle’s a little bit different in that he’s not back in full training yet but he’s going to be available before the end of the group stage.
“Of course we had to make a very difficult call with Reece [James] who we think is a fantastic player but he wasn’t going to be available, if everything went perfectly, until the latter stages of the tournament.
“There are too many unknowns for us on that road to recovery and also I don’t think we can take a player who is not available for the group stages as that would be deemed arrogant in some circles.
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“But also, if everything went well and he was available and he was ready and we were picking him, then you’d be dropping him into a quarter-final after eight weeks out and that would be really demanding. Tough call.
“Kyle is a long way ahead of that and is progressing really well.”
The 70-cap star has made just seven Prem appearances this term, having suffered with a groin injury during the 6-3 win over Man United. More