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      Why isn’t Manchester City’s Erling Haaland at the 2022 World Cup?

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      THE biggest tournament in football is upon us where 32 countries will battle it out for World Cup glory, yet some household names won’t feature in Qatar.One of those is Manchester City star Erling Haaland who will be watching the action from home.
      Haaland broke the Premier League record for most goals scored in the first 10 Premier League matches, with two games to spareCredit: Getty
      He has scored three Premier League hat-tricks already this seasonCredit: Reuters
      Haaland has hit the ground running in Manchester, scoring 18 goals since his arrival in the Premier League, including a hat-trick against rivals Manchester United.
      The 22-year-old has also netted 21 goals in 23 matches for his national side, but won’t be able to extend that record at the World Cup.
      Read More on World Cup
      Why isn’t Haaland playing at the World Cup?
      Haaland is unable to play in Qatar because Norway did not qualify for the tournament.
      The Scandinavian side finished third in their group, five points behind leaders Netherlands, who they were unable to beat in their final qualifying bout.
      Haaland finished joint top scorer of Norway’s Nations League groupCredit: Reuters
      Haaland was unavailable for the game which ultimately proved costly.
      Despite their failure to qualify, the ex-Dortmund man still managed to notch five goals for his country, which he insisted was below par.
      Fellow Norwegian Martin Odegaard will also miss out, with the Arsenal captain getting a well earned rest.
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      An optimistic loan approach for Haaland by non-league Ashton United sent social media into frenzy recently.
      But the offer was promptly turned down by the reigning Champions, meaning Haaland will have to wait until Boxing Day to get back on the pitch.

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      Why do Wales fans wear bucket hats at the 2022 World Cup?

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      QATAR is just around the corner and Wales fans will be getting ready to cheer on their nation at a World Cup for the first time in 64 years.The Dragons’ campaign gets underway against USA with plenty of supporters expected to wear their eye-catching bucket hats.
      The bucket hats have become a symbol of Welsh prideCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun
      Wales beat Ukraine 1-0 to qualify for the World CupCredit: Reuters
      Despite success at the Euros, reaching the semi-finals in 2016, Qatar marks a new territory for many Welsh fans, having never seen their country compete at the World Cup.
      Those fortunate enough to have been in Sweden during 1958, will recall their last appearance in the competition.
      The match saw them fall short against five-time winners Brazil in the quarter finals. A certain teenager named Pele got the winner that day.
      Fast forward to 2022, Wales are back and fans won’t go unnoticed in Qatar.
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      Why do Wales fans wear bucket hats?
      The vibrant yellow, green and red bucket hat has become an iconic symbol of Welsh football, worn by thousands of fans across the country.
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      The hat was originally created by Tim Williams, a small shop owner from Bala, Gwynedd.
      His company, named Spirit of 58′, referencing Wales’ last appearance at the tournament was created in order “to bring a bit of colour and fun” to matches.
      Following Wales’ qualification for Euro 2016, sales sky-rocketed and Williams had to quit his day job, donating all of his time to the hats’ production.
      A giant bucket hat has been put on display in Cardiff ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
      Today, the company sells all sorts of clobber, including socks depicting cult-hero Hal Robson-Kanu.
      The hats can be spotted at every Wales game, and represent the teams’ bold and defiant attitude.
      They are particularly useful for fans to recognise fellow Welsh supporters from a mile off.
      In addition to their striking appearance, the headgear will also provide some valuable protection from the Qatar heat.

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

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      SENEGAL have qualified for for two consecutive World Cup’s and SunSport have taken a look at their national anthem.’The Lion’s of Teranga’ may represent Africa’s best chance at this year’s tournament after winning the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year and reaching the World Cup quarter finals in 2002.
      Senegal lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy for the first time in their historyCredit: AP
      They will be hopeful of becoming the most successful African nation at a World Cup during their time in Qatar.
      Their campaign gets underway against the Netherlands in Group A.
      What are the lyrics to ‘Le Lion rouge’ in English?
      Senegal’s national anthem was written by the country’s first ever president Leopold Sedar Senghor and has been sung since 1960.
      Here are what the lyrics mean.
      Read More on World Cup
      Verse 1
      Everybody, strum your koras, beat your balafons
      The Red Lion has roared.
      The tamer of the bushland,
      He leapt forth in a single bound
      Dispelling the darkness.
      Sun upon our fears, Sun upon our hopes.
      Rise, brothers, for Africa has united.
      Chorus
      Fibres of my green heart.
      Shoulder to shoulder, my more-than-brothers,
      Senegalese people, rise!
      Let’s unite seas and rivers, let’s unite steppes and forests!
      We salute you, mother Africa.
      Aliou Cisse, head coach of Senegal sings the national anthemCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Verse 2
      Senegal, son of the lion’s foam,
      You who have surged fro the night to the gallop of horses.
      Return to us, oh! Return to us the pride of our ancestors,
      Splendid as ebony ad strong as muscle
      Upright, we say, the sword has no burr
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      England kick-off World Cup 2022 preparations with sweltering stretching session as Ben White ‘does a Cristiano Ronaldo’

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      BEN WHITE has taken a page out of Cristiano Ronaldo’s books… by hiking his shorts up for a stretching session.The Arsenal star and fellow England pals loosened up in the sweltering Qatar heat ahead of Monday’s opener against Iran.
      Ben White led the way as England stars enjoyed a stretching session in QatarCredit: Getty
      White took a leaf out of Cristiano Ronaldo’s book by rolling up his shortsCredit: AP
      Eric Dier and Trent Alexander-Arnold limbered up in the scorching sunCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate is hoping to kick off his World Cup campaign with a bang.
      And the Three Lions are doing everything possible to ensure they are fully prepared for the mammoth task ahead.
      One important aspect of training is to limber up before a session, while also stretching off afterwards.
      England’s 26-man squad only touched down in Doha yesterday after being cheered off by supporters.
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      There were plenty of other exercises to complete for the Three LionsCredit: Getty
      England only arrived at their team hotel yesterday eveningCredit: Getty
      But today they were immediately put through their paces as the sun beat down on their hotel.
      Arsenal defender White led the way for a stretching session on mats, and even copied Manchester United misfit Ronaldo by rolling his shorts up his legs as far as possible.

      Other stars looked to be enjoying their time amongst several palm trees too.
      Trent-Alexander Arnold, Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier were all spotted stretching their hip flexors.
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      The Three Lions kick off their World Cup adventure on MondayCredit: Getty
      England play Iran, USA and Wales in Group BCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate’s side are doing everything possible to prep correctlyCredit: Getty
      While Kyle Walker made sure his shoulders were moving freely.
      Some stars could even be seen doing the classic Downward Dog yoga pose.
      But as the Three Lions worked up a sweat with various other stretches, thoughts also turned to the World Cup’s Fan Festival.
      Despite promises of something “huge” from the hosts, supporters will instead have to queue for an hour or more in scenes reminiscent of Heathrow’s arrivals lounge.
      Punters must pay £12.50 for a plastic cup of Budweiser – the only alcohol available and not even on sale until 7pm.
      Read More on The Sun
      Meanwhile, below-par grub like a Greek salad will set punters back £9.
      And with day-time temperatures soaring to well over 30 degrees Celsius, fans could end up having an uncomfortable time until the cool of the evening sets in. More

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      Louis van Gaal bizarrely reveals Holland World Cup 2022 squad numbers have been assigned by AGE as 39-year-old takes No1

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      LOUIS VAN GAAL has claimed Holland’s World Cup squad numbers have been assigned by age.But a closer look at the squad shows a random allocation with no method to the madness.
      Louis van Gaal has left fans confused with his squad number assignmentCredit: Getty
      Ajax’s 39-year-old goalkeeper Remko Pasveer is the oldest player in the squad and he takes the number one jersey.
      But Jurrien Timber, 21, is number two and only one midfielder takes one of the first eleven numbers – Steven Berghuis.
      Senior players such as Denzel Dumfries and Daley Blind are numbered 22 and 17 respectively.
      While Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong takes his favoured number 21 shirt – the number he has worn his entire career.
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      Asked how he picked the numbers, Holland boss Van Gaal said: “I am the one who decided the squad numbers this time and they are based on the age of the players.”
      And when questioned by a reporter if he was joking, he hit back: “No. I don’t make jokes during a press conference. It’s based on their age.”
      The selection left fans perplexed with one commenting: “How is this based on their ages?”
      Another added: “This man really has gone insane in the last few weeks I’m convinced.”
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      And a third said: “Same energy as that dad that can’t remember the kids’ names so just assigns them numbers.”
      Many others found Van Gaal’s attitude hilarious and it seems the former Manchester United manager is set to entertain at the World Cup.
      Last week he revealed he saw some of his players naked while informing them they had not made his World Cup squad. More

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      Prince William reveals who he is supporting during the World Cup – and it’s dividing opinion

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      PRINCE William has revealed who he is supporting during the World Cup – and it is already proving to be controversial.William has been President of the English FA since 2006 but Prince of Wales since September.
      Prince William has been President of England’s FA since 2006Credit: AP
      Actor Michael Sheen has hit out at Wills, saying it was ‘inappropriate’ for the prince to back England while holding the title of Prince of WalesCredit: PA
      He has joked he is supporting both England and Wales in their World Cup 2022 campaigns.
      Not everyone is happy with his decision to back England, with Welsh actor Michael Sheen calling the Prince of Wales’s support for England in the Qatar World Cup as “entirely inappropriate”.
      Sheen said his backing showed a complete lack of sensitivity after he gave Cymru’s World Cup rivals a special send-off before the tournament.
      Prince William told the Three Lions squad: “The rest of the country is behind you, we are all rooting for you. Enjoy it.”
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      Both sides play each other in the group stages on November 29.
      And while his backing, as President of the FA in England, may be understandable to some, it has caused anger in Wales.
      Sheen said that the heir to the throne should be embarrassed for backing England at the same time as holding the title of Prince of Wales.
      Sheen tweeted: “He (Prince William) can, of course, support whoever he likes and as President of the FA his role makes visit understandable – but surely he sees holding the title Prince of Wales at the same time is entirely inappropriate? Not a shred of embarrassment? Or sensitivity to the problem here?”
      Most read in Football
      Many supporters were in total agreement with Sheen’s comments.
      One tweeted: “He’s English, he can support England. In fact, he can support whoever he wants. But that title is objectionable – it implies national subjugation, it must end. He’s ‘Prince of Wales’ by dint of his dad giving him the title. It means literally nothing else, end it.”
      A second said: “William is English and should proudly support England. No problem or bitterness with it. I don’t need him supporting Wales out of duty. Let’s drop the farce and pretence of title of Prince of Wales and allow William to be himself.”
      While another added: “I have to say I agree. I’m a fan of his but he can’t be tone-deaf in his new role. If he is Prince of Wales he can’t be parading around supporting a rival at world stage competition. It’s embarrassing.”
      Not everyone agreed, however.
      CONTROVERSIAL DECISION
      One fan said: “He is the president of the English FA, of course he is going to support England. His title as Prince of Wales has nothing to do with it.”
      William addressed criticism of his support for England’s football team as Prince of Wales on his first visit to the Senedd in Cardiff, today.
      The future King tackled the subject head on during a light-hearted chat with the Llywydd Elin Jones during a tour of the Siambr.
      The Presiding Officer showed the Prince her Wales football bucket hat, which she had on her seat inside the chamber and said: “They play each other in a few weeks time. I won’t ask you!”
      ‘I’M SUPPORTING BOTH’
      But he replied: “No, it’s ok, I’m telling everyone I’m supporting both, definitely. I can’t lose.
      “I’ve supported England since I’ve been quite small. But I support Welsh rugby and that’s my way of doing it.
      “I happily support Wales over England in the rugby so I’ve got to be able to play carefully with my affiliations.
      “I worry otherwise if I suddenly drop England to support Wales then that doesn’t look right for the sport either. So I can’t do that.”
      He added: “An England v Wales World Cup final would be the best, that would be pretty good.”
      He went on: “I’m making sure I’m out there supporting Wales through all the process because I know it’s a big deal for Wales. When I was growing up, Wales weren’t getting through to the tournaments, so I had to make a choice.”
      The Llywydd told William: “I’m much older than you and when I was growing up Wales weren’t getting through to the tournaments. There had been some horrible results.”
      An England v Wales World Cup final would be the best, that would be pretty goodPrince William
      Wills asked: “1958, I believe was the last one? So it’s a big deal.”
      “It’s a huge deal,” she replied.
      Ms Jones, a football fan, said she would not be going because the World Cup is taking place in Qatar, adding: “It’s tragic that it is in Qatar, but the First Minister is going out and that’s going to be absolutely fine for him to go out, in my view.
      “But it’s confused.. we have this great huge happiness about it but then it’s a shame it’s in Qatar and a lot more people could enjoy it.
      “The Euros in 2016, they were glorious. I was there at the game when Wales beat Belgium 3-1 and that was absolutely fabulous.
      “But we will have the Rugby World Cup in France next year, that will be a big deal,” said William.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Wills sent England on their way to Qatar after helping to reveal the squad numbers.
      He has “no plans” to visit Qatar.
      William was made Prince of Wales following the death of the QueenCredit: AP
      Prince Wiliam gave a send off to the England squad before they flew out to QatarCredit: Getty More

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      Inside grim World Cup fan zone which looks like giant concrete car park with awful food & £12 PINTS – only after 7pm

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      THEY promised something “huge” for the fans.The “best Fifa Fan Festival in history”.
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton visiting the fan zone ahead of the tournamentCredit: The Sun
      Fans face long queues to get insideCredit: The Sun
      During the day the fan zone looks like a giant car parkCredit: The Sun
      A Greek salad will set fans back £9Credit: The Sun
      Room for 40,000 supporters from across the globe to gather and watch the greatest show on earth.
      But in a land where expectation and reality do not always match, and where it pays to cast some doubt on everything you are told, the truth of the vast concrete space in the heart of Doha was something different.
      Yes, there is room enough for thousands, in front of a giant stage with a huge screen above it.
      Giant images of Jude Bellingham and Spanish prodigy Pedri.
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      And yes, too, there are the promised food stands and “mega-immersive” and “multi-faceted” entertainment options. On paper.
      But tell hundreds of English, Welsh and German fans they will have to queue up for an hour or more to pay nearly £12 a pop for a plastic cup of Budweiser, from the sole beer stand on site, and you have a recipe for problems, if not chaos.
      Drinks are not served until 7pm local timeCredit: The Sun
      The food does not come cheapCredit: The Sun
      Fans are restricted to “four Budweiser units per person”Credit: The Sun
      The fan zone is in the centre of DohaCredit: The Sun
      Especially when they can’t even get a drink at ALL until 7pm.
      Or that they will pay a similar amount for a ropey paper plate of nachos with guacamole and an underwhelming chicken quesadilla, £9 for a Greek salad or £8 for a slice of pepperoni pizza.
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      At best, average.
      And in temperatures likely to be in the low 90s Fahrenheit when gates open each lunchtime from Saturday, pretty grim.
      Indeed, less a place for “celebration”.
      In such roasting conditions, more like a place for incineration.
      Since Germany 2006, the World Cup Fan Fests have been a place of fun and excitement, encapsulating the spirit of the tournament.

      Even in Russia, where there was also the unofficial 24-party in Red Square, it was smiles, colour… and booze. Lots of it.
      But not in Qatar, where those promises of beer and wine at not much than £7 a go have been turned into another desert mirage.
      Instead, beer, yes. One brand. One measure. Half a litre. Budweiser.
      But not until long after it’s dark.
      There is a giant picture of England ace Jude BellinghamCredit: The Sun
      SunSport counted 78 full fridges ready to serve drinksCredit: The Sun
      There is one beer stand on-siteCredit: The Sun
      A look at the menu inside the fan zoneCredit: The Sun
      And NO wine OR spirits.
      Just that Bud and the zero alcohol alternative.
      Crucially, too, the seeming guarantee of a long wait.
      Fans, restricted to “four Budweiser units per person”, face an elongated snake – reminiscent of the arrivals lounge at Heathrow at the height of summer – to get to the serving desks, although SunSport counted 78 full fridges ready to serve just Anheuser Busch’s “finest”.
      Then again, given the airport-style security screening just to get in – coins, belts, watches and even PENS set off the scanners – that was probably to be expected.
      Make sure you go to the loo before you start to queue.
      Or you might be REALLY uncomfortable.
      To be fair to the Qatari organisers, it will look a great deal better in the dark and relative cool, with the lights on, fans excited by the games, and the “international, regional and local” musical acts on the big stage.
      Mead Alemadi, the boss of the Fan Festival, said: “We’ve waited 12 years for this and we’re so happy to see all this happen.
      “People here will be having fun, looking at live matches with the best view of the Doha skyline.
      “We hope you all have the best possible time in Qatar.”
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      And Fifa’s “head of experiential marketing” Gerdine Lindhout added: “This will be the best place to be in Qatar when you are not at a stadium.”
      If so, then the transformation will be a big one. It didn’t feel like an “amazing experience”. At all.
      A beer will cost just under £12Credit: The Sun
      Fans will pass through airport-style security screening to get inside the fan zoneCredit: The Sun
      The daytime heat is swelteringCredit: The Sun More

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      England fans snap up £40 Three Lions Hawaiian shirts to take the heat out of World Cup

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      ENGLAND fans are snapping up Three Lions Hawaiian shirts to take the heat out of the game.The FA’s £40 garment has a red, white and blue tropical-leaf print covered in England crests.
      The £40 England Hawaiian shirt is perfect for tanning before Monday’s opener against Iran
      The open-button design is perfect for tanning beer bellies before Monday’s opener against Iran.
      But fans back home are also joining in.
      Ben Rispin, 23, of Newcastle, said: “I love this shirt. It’s bringing a bit of vibrant Hawaii across to a cold winter.”
      “I’m going to wear it over my retro Gareth Southgate England top and I’m sure it’ll bring me good luck.
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      And Tom Cullum, 23, of Surrey, said: “I’ve already bought one to wear into the office. It’s class.”
      Cam Clark, 25, of Brixton, South London, added: “It’s a funky twist on the normal colours. I’m buying it even though it may be a little cold.”
      Will McFarland, 24, also from London, said: “It’s vibrant, loud and something a bit different.
      “I like it, I’m buying it and I’ll wear it with pride. Come on England.”
      Most read in The Sun
      It comes after fans went mad for the £99.95 England cardigan which costs £25 more than the home and away shirts.
      The Three Lions shop website says of the Hawaiian alternative: “There’s nothing better to show off your team pride when you’re enjoying the sun this season.”
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