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      Dani Alves named in Brazil’s World Cup 2022 squad to ‘babysit Neymar’ during Qatar tournament, claims shock report

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      DANI ALVES was only included in Brazil’s World Cup squad to babysit Neymar, according to reports.The right-back, 39, was a surprise inclusion given he is approaching the end of his career.
      Dani Alves was reportedly called up to the squad to babysit NeymarCredit: Reuters
      The right-back sparked controversy with a reckless tackle on Pedro in trainingCredit: Getty
      He could not cut it at the top level at Barcelona last season and was subsequently released by the Catalan club before joining Mexican side UNAM.
      But Alves is going to the World Cup and he will stay play a valuable role in the squad.
      According to Diario Sport, Alves will act as a kind of babysitter for Neymar.
      The pair have a strong bond that dates back to Neymar’s first inclusion in the national team set-up.
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      Alves played when Neymar made his Brazil debut and he played an important role in persuading the superstar to make the move from Santos to Barcelona in 2013.
      And their close relationship means Alves is one of only two players in the squad who is able to assert authority and discipline over the forward.
      Brazil captain Thiago Silva also has that privilege while PSG skipper Marquinhos also has some influence over Neymar.
      Alves’ inclusion has proved a little controversial with former player Ronaldo wishing younger players had been given an opportunity.
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      Also, training photos have emerged showing Alves committing a reckless tackle with his studs up on striker Pedro.
      But if he keeps Neymar in check and motivated to perform, his inclusion could prove to be an inspired decision. More

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      England given huge World Cup 2022 boost as Kyle Walker takes part in full training session ahead of opener vs Iran

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      ENGLAND have been handed a huge World Cup boost as Kyle Walker took part in a full training session. The opening group game against Iran is under a week away as the Qatar tournament edges closer.
      Kyle Walker was spotted in full England training in a huge boost following his injuryCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The England squad are acclimatising to the Qatar weather with temperatures reaching 32C on WednesdayCredit: Reuters
      Grealish will be looking to show off his talent out in QatarCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Walker was one of multiple players who came into the England squad with questions marks hanging over their fitness.
      But new pics show the defender taking part in a squad training at the Al Wakrah SC Stadium – where temperatures reached 32C on Wednesday – ahead of the opening game.
      The 32-year-old missed much of the first-half of the domestic season due to a groin issue.
      But the encouraging training pics suggest the Manchester City ace could be ready to go from the opening match.
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      He was seen jogging alongside his team-mates as the Three Lions trained in the Middle East climate.
      Other snaps show Jack Grealish with a typically impish grin on his face as he was put through his paces.
      James Maddison was also seen investigating the turf in one image following his long-awaited return to the England squad.
      Gareth Southgate was pictured exploring his surroundings with hands on his knees.
      Walker is not the only player in the squad who has been dealing with injury.
      Fans were desperate for James Maddison to get into the squad after his impressive season with LeicesterCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Gareth Southgate has plenty to ponder before the opening game against IranCredit: PA
      Harry Maguire is looking to prove his doubters wrong in this tournamentCredit: Getty
      Kalvin Phillips has been dealing with shoulder problemsCredit: Rex
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      Questions have also dominated the fitness of his City team-mate, Kalvin Phillips, who has also missed a big chunk of the season due to injury.
      But he did get some minutes under his belt when he come off the bench as a second-half substitute for City’s Carabao Cup win over Chelsea.
      With squads announced and the Premier League season paused, discussion has turned to what England’s starting line-up should look like for Iran.
      Glenn Hoddle thinks Harry Maguire could be dropped, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have disagreed on their best XIs while bookies are offering interesting odds on Southgate’s picks.
      If Harry Kane is not firing, Southgate will likely look to Rashford and Wilson for goalsCredit: PA
      Grealish proved to be an impactful bench player at last year’s EurosCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      This is Gareth Southgate’s third major tournament as England bossCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      England were training at the Al Wakrah SC StadiumCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      UAE vs Argentina LIVE: Lionel Messi in action as Di Maria DOUBLES lead in World Cup warm-up game – latest updates

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      ARGENTINA play their final match ahead of the 2022 World Cup as they face the United Arab Emirates in a friendly.Lionel Messi has been named in the starting XI as Argentina have named a strong side ahead of the World Cup.
      They will be hoping for a positive result before beginning their World Cup campaign on Tuesday against Saudi Arabia.
      Keep up with all the action by following our live blog below.
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      UAE 0-2 Argentina
      35 Argentina are pushing for a third before half-time with some high pressure.
      UAE have been unable to put anything together in almost 20 minutes
      UAE 0-2 Argentina
      33 A solid display by Messi so far, who already got an assist.
      It will be interesting to see if manager Scaloni opts to play the second half without him to save him for the World Cup
      UAE 0-2 Argentina
      31 Chance
      Messi takes on a free-kick just inches away from the box but just misses the crossbar
      UAE 0-2 Argentina
      30 This is how the two teams look like today:
      Argentina in full blue, while UAE play in their white kit
      Credit: GETTY
      UAE 0-2 Argentina
      28 UAE have been unable to put together an attack since Alvarez’s opener.
      Argentina are totally comfortable on the pitch after Di Maria’s stunner
      UAE 0-2 Argentina
      25 What a goal by Di Maria! Absolute stunner!!!
      Acuna delivers a pinpoint cross from the left and finds the Juventus star at the far post.
      The winger immediately shoots with his right and nails the ball to the back of Eisa’s net!
      UAE 0-2 Argentina
      25 Goal!
      Di Maria doubles Argentina’s lead!!!
      UAE 0-1 Argentina
      23 Chance
      Argentina continue to knock on UAE’s door, with Alvarez coming close to a second.
      The Man City ace puts the ball down with a magnificent touch before turning around and seeing his shot getting blocked by a defender
      UAE 0-1 Argentina
      20 Argentina finally got their big opportunity and didn’t miss it.
      However, they are still leaving open spaces at the back that UAE have yet to take advantage of
      UAE 0-1 Argentina
      17 Argentina have broken the deadlock after some poor defending by UAE.
      Di Maria plays Messi with a stunning through ball that finds the hosts completely off guard.
      The captain has plenty of space to run and passes to Manchester City star Alvarez who beats Eisa with ease
      UAE 0-1 Argentina
      GOAL!
      Alvarez opens the scoring!!!
      UAE 0-0 Argentina
      16 Chance
      Di Maria plays Messi through from the right and the captain tries a shot from a tight angle that is saved by Eisa
      UAE 0-0 Argentina
      15 Argentina are leaving open spaces behind that fortunately for them UAE can’t take advantage of.
      Lisandro and Otamendi have to get a grip
      UAE 0-0 Argentina
      8 Chance
      UAE show some teeth in the first few minutes with Abdullah attacking from the left but his shot gets deflected and just misses the crossbar
      UAE 0-0 Argentina
      10 Argentina are slowly reimposing their dominance but miss the final pass or shot on target.
      Messi looking comfortable on the ball up front so far
      UAE 0-0 Argentina
      8 After a dominant five minutes, UAE are getting more of the ball and gaining ground.
      The hosts are even applying some significant pressure on the visitors when they try to play out the back
      UAE 0-0 Argentina
      5 Argentina are totally dominating the opening few minutes against UAE.
      The visitors;s midfield and attack are pummeling the hosts, who are barely holding them away from Eisa’s box
      UAE 0-0 Argentina
      2 Another reminder:
      United Arab Emirates manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena appears to have opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation.
      Khalid Eisa starts in goal with Khaled Al Dhanhani at right-back and Shaheen Rahman on the other side, while Al Hussain Saleh and Khalifa Al Hamadi team up at centre-back.
      Abdulla Hamad and Ali Salmeen link up in midfield with captain Ali Mabkhout at No10.
      Harib Abdullah plays down the right wing with Abdullah Ramadan on the other side, while Caio Canedo leads the attack
      UAE 0-0 Argentina
      1 Tiny reminder:
      Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni appears to have opted for a 4-3-3 formation against the United Arab Emirates.
      Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez starts between the sticks with Juan Foyth at right-back and Marcos Acuna on the other side, while Nicolas Otamendi and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez team up at centre-back.
      Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo de Paul link up in midfield.
      Angel Di Maria, Captain Lionel Messi and Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez lead the attack
      UAE 0-0 Argentina
      Peep!
      Off we go in Abu Dhabi!!!
      Here come the teams!
      The Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium is set to host the international friendly between United Arab Emirates and Argentina.
      UAE captain Ali Mabkhout leads his team out in front of their home crowd.
      And of course Lionel Messi dons Argentina’s legendary armband for this encounter.
      Not long to go now…!
      Credit: GETTY
      UAE formation
      United Arab Emirates manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena appears to have opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation.
      Khalid Eisa starts in goal with Khaled Al Dhanhani at right-back and Shaheen Rahman on the other side, while Al Hussain Saleh and Khalifa Al Hamadi team up at centre-back.
      Abdulla Hamad and Ali Salmeen link up in midfield with captain Ali Mabkhout at No10.
      Harib Abdullah plays down the right wing with Abdullah Ramadan on the other side, while Caio Canedo leads the attack
      Argentina formation
      Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni appears to have opted for a 4-3-3 formation against the United Arab Emirates.
      Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez starts between the sticks with Juan Foyth at right-back and Marcos Acuna on the other side, while Nicolas Otamendi and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez team up at centre-back.
      Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo de Paul link up in midfield.
      Angel Di Maria, Captain Lionel Messi and Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez lead the attack
      UAE subs
      Khasif, Al Shamsi, Jameel, Mohammed, Al Hashemi, Heikal, Hassan, Rashid, Nader, Al Zaabi, Saleh, De Lima, Al Ghassami
      Argentina subs
      1 Armani, 12 Rulli, 3 Tagliafico, 4 Montiel, 6 Pezzella, 14 Palacios, 15 Gonzalez, 16 Correa, 18 Rodriguez, 22 L. Martinez, 24 Fernandez, 26 Molina
      Load more entries… More

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      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo star alongside Brazil legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho in Nike’s incredible World Cup 2022 advert

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      NIKE have launched their World Cup 2022 advert starring some of football’s biggest names both past and present. In keeping with many of Nike’s previous football advertisements, they recruited a star-studded lineup to help build hype for football’s biggest competition.
      Footballers past and present were brought together in Nike’s new World Cup advertCredit: Nike
      Kylian Mbappe got to show off some acting skills ahead of QatarCredit: Nike
      Ronaldinho had this hilarious reaction upon seeing MbappeCredit: Nike
      Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed a prominent role in the ad tooCredit: Nike
      Brazil legend Ronaldo poked fun at his own iconic haircutCredit: Nike
      Put loosely, the plot of the advert, which runs for well over four minutes, revolves around a debate between scientists on who is a better player between Ronaldinho and Kylian Mbappe.
      They then activate a time machine to bring together players from the past and present to face off with one another.
      Chaos then descends as more and more players are brought into the “Footballverse”, giving Nike its own unique take on the multi-verse genre that has become popular in cinema in recent years.
      Among the big names involved are legends of the past such as Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Edgar Davids.
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      But it’s far from undersaturated with modern names too.
      Cristiano Ronaldo – who has been making all the headlines this week – lines up alongside the likes of Mbappe, Virgil van Dijk and Kevin de Bruyne.
      Phil Foden even gets a hilarious cameo roughly halfway through the video. There are big names from Women’s football too, including Leah Williamson, Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd and Sam Kerr.
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      Nike even blends fictional characters with their real-life pros, with the short-but-sweet cameo of Gouenji Shuuya from Japanese animation series INAZUMA ELEVEN.
      The advert ends by teasing football’s next generation, with Cristiano Ronaldo Jr and Shane Kluivert both making appearances throughout the video.
      It’s a Nike advert that’s likely to go down among their very best alongside classics such as “Winner Stays On”, “The Last Game” and “The Cage”.
      The “Footballverse” saw multiple editions of the same legend in some casesCredit: Nike
      Phil Foden enjoyed a hilarious cameo tooCredit: Nike
      Nike brought back icons such as Edgar DavidsCredit: Nike
      USWNT star Alex Morgan was among those representing the Women’s gameCredit: Nike
      A wall was formed as Ronaldinho lined up to take a free kickCredit: Nike
      Nike even threw some Japanese animation into the mixCredit: Nike
      It was a real surprise for them to add in INAZUMA ELEVEN’s Gouenji ShuuyaCredit: Nike More

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      How much does the World Cup trophy cost?

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      THE FIFA World Cup is one of the most-viewed sports events in the world being the best football festival celebrated across the globe.The winner out of 32 teams gets to lift the prestigious World Cup trophy.
      The current FIFA World Cup trophy was first used in Germany 1974
      What is the World Cup trophy called?
      The current trophy is called the Fifa World Cup Trophy.
      Before FIFA awarded teams with a different trophy called the Jules Rimet trophy.
      It was named after the FIFA President who founded the tournament back in 1929.
      However, in 1974, FIFA created this new gold trophy and was first lifted by Germany as World Cup winners against The Netherlands.
      West Germany scored two goals thanks to Paul Breitner’s penalty and a goal from Gerhard Muller.
      These goals helped make a comeback against The Netherlands who had a penalty scored by Johan Neeskens in the second minute of the final.
      It has been lifted by many great footballers such as Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and Fabio Cannavaro among many others and weighs in at a hefty 6.2kg.
      FIFA’s regulations now state that the trophy, unlike its predecessor, cannot be won outright, with the winners of the tournament receiving a bronze replica.
      How much gold is in the World Cup trophy?
      Solid gold, the trophy depicts two figures holding up the world.
      With the base removed, it still weighs over 5kg and the gold is 18-carat.
      It was designed by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga and beat competition from 53 other submissions.
      How much does the World Cup trophy cost?
      When it was first created, the trophy cost around $50,000.
      However, over time its value increased and is now estimated to cost around $20million.
      Where is the original World Cup trophy?
      As we said before, the original was called the Jules Rimet Trophy and was used between 1930 and 1970.
      Before 1946, it was called Victory, however, the name changed in honour of Jules Rimet.
      Famously stolen in 1966 and then found by Pickles the dog, Bobby Moore lifted the trophy in England’s only World Cup triumph.
      Rimet had stipulated before his death that if a team won the tournament three times they could keep the gong – and Brazil managed to achieve that feat in 1970.
      Sadly the trophy was stolen again in 1983 and it is widely believed that the thieves melted it down. More

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      Erling Haaland names England as his favourites to win World Cup 2022… along with three other giants

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      ERLING HAALAND has named England as favourites to win the World Cup.But Manchester City’s latest cult hero reckons three other giants are also in the mix for footy’s top prize.
      Erling Haaland reckons England are one of the favourites for the World CupCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Haaland has also named three other sides who could go all the way in QatarCredit: Getty
      England are dreaming of winning a World Cup for the first time since 1966.
      Gareth Southgate has assembled a 26-man squad of all-stars from across the Premier League and beyond.
      The Three Lions face Iran, USA and Wales in the group stage at Qatar 2022.
      And many feel England could go far after reaching the semis in Russia over four years ago.
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      Indeed, one man tipping Southgate’s side to potentially win the entire thing is Man City icon Haaland.
      The Norway ace will not be starring in the Middle East this month after his nation failed to qualify.
      But after scoring 18 goals in his first 13 Premier League games, Haaland’s words already carry plenty of weight.
      And after experiencing English football for the first time this term, he reckons the Three Lions are in with a great shout of going all the way.
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      Man City boast the highest amount of players representing England, with John Stones, Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish all involved.
      However, Haaland has also warned his club teammates the biggest threat to their triumph will come from France, Argentina and Brazil.
      Haaland declared: “Favourites? I think the favourites should be Brazil, Argentina, France and maybe England.
      “I cannot say only one because there’s so many good teams. So yeah, those four.” More

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      Ex-England boss Hoddle reckons Southgate will DROP Maguire in Qatar and hopes ‘special’ Foden and Maddison play together

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      FORMER England boss Glenn Hoddle has predicted that Harry Maguire will be dropped for England’s opening game in Qatar. The tournament is quickly approaching and The Three Lions’ opener against Iran is less than a week away.
      Harry Maguire is often a hot topic when it comes to EnglandCredit: Getty
      This is Gareth Southgate’s third major tournament as England bossCredit: Getty
      Debates continue on Gareth Southgate’s squad and who of the 26 should make their way into his starting line-up of the group game.
      Hoddle, who managed England between 1996 and 1999, has put his thoughts forward and revealed his excitement over a potential Phil Foden and James Maddison midfield link-up.
      The pundit also admitted he thinks the out-of-form Maguire could miss out on Iran.
      Hoddle told the Mail: “I can understand why he’s put Maguire in [the squad].
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      “I don’t think Maguire will start, but he might if Southgate wants to go into a three (at the back). I can see Southgate using him, if needs be, later in the tournament
      “Maguire would love to start the game against Iran but if he was thrown in, there’d be a little doubt in the back of his mind.”
      The 65-year-old also pondered England’s midfield, with Kalvin Phillips’ inclusion in the squad despite his injuries adding to Southgate’s options.
      Hoddle added: “I’m glad to see Maddison’s in — he’s in great form and I would like to see him start.
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      “I think he’s that good and he hasn’t been given a chance yet with England, and he and Foden would be something special.
      “The one doubt I have — not because of his ability because I quite like him and he had a really good Euros — is Kalvin Phillips. Shoulder injuries are very difficult ones to know whether they’re absolutely okay.”
      England’s tournament begins in six days time when they play Iran, before highly-anticipated clashes with the USA and Wales.
      They’re looking to go one better than 2018 when the Three Lions surprisingly reached the semi-finals before being beaten by Croatia.
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      Four years earlier in Brazil, England’s tournament unravelled from the very first game and they crashed out in the group stages.
      While in 2010 the country were beaten by Germany in the knock-outs but only after an infamous Frank Lampard shot was judged to have not crossed the goal line in South Africa. More

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      What are the lyrics to Ghana’s national anthem and what do they mean in English?

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      AFTER failing to qualify in 2018, Ghana are back and mean business under new manager Otto Addo.The heartbreak of 2010 may not have healed quite yet. But the West African side have the chance to get their revenge over Uruguay in Group H.
      Ghana beat Nigeria on away goals to qualify for QatarCredit: AFP
      Ghana held 2014 World Cup champions Germany to their only draw of the tournamentCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The squad is packed with Premier League experience, including Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, right-back Tariq Lamptey, Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew and Mohammed Salisu of Southampton.
      The Black Stars also have a fit and firing centre-forward in the shape of Inaki Williams, who has five goals for Atletico Bilbao so far this season.
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      What are the lyrics to Ghana’s national anthem?
      To get the emotions stirring, the players will sing ‘God Bless our Homeland of Ghana’ before kick-off in Qatar.
      The anthem, adopted in 1957, goes as follows:
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      Verse 1
      God bless our homeland GhanaAnd make our nation great and strong,Bold to defend foreverThe cause of Freedom and of Right;Fill our hearts with true humility,Make us cherish fearless honesty,And help us to resist oppressors’ ruleWith all our will and might for evermore.
      Verse 2
      Hail to thy name, O Ghana,To thee we make our solemn vow:Steadfast to build togetherA nation strong in Unity;With our gifts of mind and strength of arm,Whether night or day, in mist or storm,In every need, whatever the call may be,To serve thee, Ghana, now and for evermore.

      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup

      Verse 3
      Raise high the flag of Ghanaand one with Africa advance;Black star of hope and honourTo all who thirst for liberty;Where the banner of Ghana freely flies,May the way to freedom truly lie;Arise, arise, O sons of Ghana land,And under God march on for evermore! More