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      Dream Team World Cup: Portugal’s star players, potential flops and bargain options

      by

      THE 2022 World Cup looks set to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last chance to claim international football’s ultimate prize.With any other player you’d wonder if a bombshell interview on the eve of a tournament would be a mighty distraction but you just know the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be ultra focused on Portugal’s task at hand once the action is underway in Qatar.
      Fernando Santos’ side are favourites to win Group H where they’ll battle it out with Uruguay, Ghana and South Korea, so Dream Team World Cup bosses might want to take note of their star players, potential flops and bargain options.

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      STAR PLAYERS
      He’s been mentioned once already, and you’ll likely hear plenty more about Ronaldo before this tournament is over.
      Only 6.3% of managers have selected the Portuguese talisman at this stage, perhaps a reflection of his less-than-ideal preparation, but still the figure is remarkable.
      Ronaldo in World Cup training
      Ronaldo is the top goalscorer in the history of men’s international football and will be the focal point for Portugal’s attack, plus the primary penalty-taker.
      He should be fresh coming into this tournament having featured sparingly at Manchester United and his provisional fee of £6.5 – £7m could look cheap in a couple of weeks’ time.
      Bernardo Silva could have a big tournament given his impressive club form in recent times.
      The Manchester City playmaker has seven goal involvements (2G, 5A) so far this season and had four in total during the World Cup qualifying campaign.
      While club mate Joao Cancelo goes into this tournament as he did on the domestic front – the most expensive defender in the game.
      With Portugal favourites to win their group, the chances for clean sheets looks a strong one, particularly with three shutouts in their last five games.
      But it’s going forward where Cancelo thrives and the opportunity to contribute in the final third could be vital to your team’s fortunes this winter – with 17.4% of managers agreeing so far.
      City slickers
      POTENTIAL FLOPS
      He gave Ronaldo a frosty reception when meeting up, now Bruno Fernandes is hoping he doesn’t blow cold himself this winter.
      The Old Trafford playmaker has a relatively modest record at international level with just nine goals in 48 caps.
      And two goals and one assist in the Premier League this term doesn’t make great reading either so he might be one to swerve this time around.
      So too could team-mate Diogo Dalot who has had a good campaign domestically and is fourth in the Season game’s defenders’ points standings to now.
      There are better options out there
      But that will likely count for nothing here with Cancelo switching to right-back to accommodate Nuno Mendes at left-back.
      That hasn’t put managers off however, with 13.5% including the United man – a schoolboy mistake perhaps?
      Ruben Neves will likely play alongside William Carvalho in the engine room.
      However, that pairing provides the solidity in the midfield to allow Fernandes and Silva the opportunity to focus more on attack — and defensive midfielders are a red flag in Dream Team!
      Neves could prove costly
      BARGAIN BUYS
      It’s difficult to really get much of a bargain out the bigger nations, particularly when favourites to storm their group.
      But when looking through the players set to play it might be worth looking at Nuno Mendes.
      The PSG man is likely to get the nod at lef- back and it could prove an inspired choice.
      Not only is his provisional fee lower than that of Cancelo and City team-mate Ruben Dias, but he is currently an undervalued pick with less than 2% of managers selecting him so far – which is less too than compatriot Pepe.
      Rafael Leao could also prove to be shrewd business with Diogo Jota out the tournament.
      The 23-year-old has been excellent for an AC Milan side sitting second in Serie A, chipping in with an impressive seven goals and nine assists in all competitions.
      He only has four caps coming into this tournament but that figure will surely increase and at £4.5 – £5m he is much cheaper that some in the midfield slot and he plays in an attacking wide role.

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      in Soccer

      World Cup 2022 squads: England squad CONFIRMED while Portugal, France, Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Spain announced

      by

      SOME of football’s most talented superstars are set to go up against each other THIS MONTH at the Qatar World Cup – but a few won’t be on the flight.Winter’s blockbuster event is edging closer with the opener scheduled to get underway on Sunday, November 20.
      Japan were the first side to announce their World Cup squadCredit: Getty
      All eyes were on the managers beforehand as they had to rack their brains to select their squads for the huge tournament in Qatar.
      Japanese head coach Hajime Moriyasu wasted no time by becoming the first manager to name his full team.
      And Gareth Southgate can finally focus on England’s opening match against Iran now that he has officially named his squad for Qatar.
      SunSport have ALL of the confirmed 32 squads below.
      When was the deadline for the World Cup squads?
      Managers had until Friday, October 21 to submit their 55-player release list to FIFA.
      Find out more info on the World Cup squads below…
      Read more on World Cup
      However, FIFA gave managers up until Monday, November 14 to decide on their final 26-player squad.
      And once confirmed, each final listing was made public before the World Cup begins.
      Given the possibility of Covid-19 or injuries, each team is able to replace affected players up to 24 hours before their first encounter but they have to be selected from the initial 55-man list.
      What are the confirmed World Cup squads?
      Group A
      Ecuador
      Dangerous attacking duo Enner Valencia and Kevin Rodriguez have made the cut.
      But Ecuador boss Gustavo Alfaro decided not to include Byron Castillo due to previous legal restrictions.
      Ecuador take on hosts Qatar in the very first game of the tournamentCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Alexander Dominguez, Hernan Galindez, Moises Ramirez.
      Defenders: Pervis Estupinan, Angelo Preciado (Gent), Piero Hincapie, Xavier Arreaga, Diego Palacios, Jackson Porozo, Robert Arboleda, Felix Torres, William Pacho.
      Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Jose Cifuentes, Alan Franco, Jhegson Mendez, Carlos Gruezo, Gonzalo Plata, Angel Mena, Ayrton Preciado, Romario Ibarra, Jeremy Sarmiento
      Forwards: Enner Valencia, Michael Estrada, Djorkaeff Reasco, Kevin Rodriguez.
      Netherlands
      The Premier League trio of Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake and Tyrrell Malacia have made the cut.
      Frenkie de Jong and former Tottenham attacker Steven Bergwijn will be on the plane to Qatar too.
      And they’ll be joined by promising PSV youngsters, Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons.
      Netherlands have a tough encounter against Senegal in their opening group gameCredit: Getty
      Goalkeepers: Justin Bijlow, Remko Pasveer and Andries Noppert.
      Defenders: Daley Blind, Stefan de Vrij, Virgil van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt, Denzel Dumfries, Nathan Ake, Jurrien Timber, Tyrell Malacia and Jeremie Frimpong.
      Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Steven Berghuis, Davy Klaassen, Marten de Roon, Teun Koopmeiners, Kenneth Taylor and Xavi Simons.
      Forwards: Memphis Depay, Luuk de Jong, Steven Bergwijn, Vincent Janssen, Wout Weghorst, Cody Gakpo and Noa Lang.
      Senegal
      Chelsea duo Eduoard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly have both made the cut for Senegal.
      But the AFCON champions are reportedly set to be without talisman Sadio Mane who sustained a tendon injury against Werder Bremen.
      However, Mane is still named in the squad with the Senegal boss prepared to take a gamble.
      Senegal will be looking for more international glory after winning AFCON in FebruaryCredit: AP
      Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy, Alfred Gomis, Seny Diang
      Defenders: Bouna Sarr, Saliou Ciss, Kalidou Koulibaly, Pape Abou Cisse, Abdou Diallo, Ibrahima Mbaye, Abdoulaye Seck, Fode Ballo Toure, Cheikhou Kouyate
      Midfielders: Pape Matar Sarr, Pape Gueye, Nampalys Mendy, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Moustapha Name, M. Loum Ndiaye, Joseph Lopy
      Forwards: Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, Bamba Dieng, Keita Balde, Habib Diallo, Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou, Mame Babe Thiam
      Qatar
      Pedro Miguel is in the squad and he’ll be joined by top strikers Almoez Ali and Hassan Al-Haydos who scored in their last outing against Chile.
      Qatar will start the World Cup tournament against EcuadorCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Saad Al Sheeb, Meshaal Barsham, Yousuf Hassan
      Defenders: Pedro Miguel, Musaab Khidir, Tarek Salman, Bassam Al Rawi, Khoukhi Boualem, Abdelkarim Hassan, Ismael Mohammed, Homam Al Amin
      Midfielders: Jassim Jabir, Ali Asad, Mohammed Waad, Salem Al Hajri, Assim Modibo, Mustafa Meshaal, Karim Boudiaf, Abdulaziz Hatim, Naif Alhadhrami
      Forwards: Hassan Al-Haydos, Akram Afif, Almoez Ali, Mohammed Muntari, Ahmed Alaa, Khalid Muneer
      Group B
      England
      Kyle Walker and Kalvin Philips have both battled through their injuries to make it on the plane to Qatar.
      Arsenal duo Ben White and Bukayo Saka get the call up following their sensational starts to the season.
      But the two major talking points is James Maddison who gets hasn’t made an England appearance since 2019.
      And Callum Wilson, who was picked over the likes of Jadon Sancho and Ivan Toney.
      England start their World Cup journey against Iran on November 21Credit: Getty
      Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
      Defenders: Luke Shaw, John Stones, Eric Dier, Harry Maguire, Ben White, Conor Coady, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold
      Midfielders: Mason Mount, James Maddison, Conor Gallagher, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Kalvin Phillips
      Forwards: Harry Kane, Callum Wilson, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka
      Iran
      The ‘Iranian Messi’ Sardar Azmoun has been called up to the Iran side who feature in the same World Cup group as England.
      Iran will take on the mighty England in their first World Cup matchCredit: EPA
      Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand, Hossein Hosseini, Payam Niazmand, Amir Abedzadeh.
      Defenders: Ramin Rezaeian, Abolfazl Jalali, Hossein Kananizadegan, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Mortza Pouraliganji, Majid Hosseini, Sadegh Moharrami, Milad Mohammadi, Ehsan Hajisafi.
      Midfielders: Saeid Ezatolahi, Ahmad Nourollahi, Ali Karimi, Rouzbeh Cheshmi, Vahid Amiri, Mehdi Torabi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Ali Gholizadeh, Saman Ghoddos.
      Forwards: Sardar Azmoun, Karim Ansarifard, Mehdi Taremi.
      United States
      Arsenal’s second choice goal keeper Matt Turner has been included in the squad despite some recent injury issues.
      He’ll be joined by Leeds duo Brenden Aaaronson and Tyler Adams as well as Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic.
      United States open their World Cup account against WalesCredit: AFP
      Goalkeepers: Ethan Horvath, Sean Johnson, Matt Turner
      Defenders: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Sergino Dest, Aaron Long, Shaq Moore, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Joe Scally, DeAndre Yedlin, Walker Zimmerman
      Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson, Kellyn Acosta, Tyler Adams, Luca de la Torre, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Cristian Roldan
      Forwards: Jesus Ferreira, Jordan Morris, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Josh Sargent, Tim Weah, Haji Wright.
      Wales
      Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey will be both on the plane to Qatar this winter.
      And they’ll be joined by Premier League duo Dan James and Brennan Johnson.
      Wales will take on United States in their first World Cup group matchCredit: Rex
      Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Adam Davies.
      Defenders: Ben Davies, Ben Cabango, Tom Lockyer, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Ethan Ampadu, Chris Gunter, Neco Williams, Connor Roberts.
      Midfielders: Sorba Thomas, Joe Allen, Matthew Smith, Dylan Levitt, Harry Wilson, Joe Morrell, Jonny Williams, Aaron Ramsey, Rubin Colwill.
      Forwards: Gareth Bale, Kieffer Moore, Mark Harris, Brennan Johnson, Dan James.
      Group C
      Argentina
      Lionel Messi will be captain of this Argentinian side for potentially his last World Cup.
      And under his guide, the legendary footballer has the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez.
      Argentina won the Copa AmericaCredit: AFP
      But there was no space for Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnarcho in the side.
      Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Franco Armani
      Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, German Pezzella, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Juan Foyth, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna
      Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Guido Rodriguez, Alexis Mac Allister, Alejandro Gomez, Enzo Fernandez, Exequiel Palacios
      Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Angel Di Maria, Paulo Dybala, Joaquin Correa, Nicolas Gonzalez
      Mexico
      Wolves striker Raul Jimenez will be on the plane to Qatar this winter despite lack of game time for his club due to ongoing injuries.
      Mexico open their World Cup campaign against PolandCredit: EPA
      Goalkeepers: Guillermo Ochoa, Rodolfo Cota, Alfredo Talavera
      Defenders: Nestro Araujo, Jesus Gallardo, Gerardo Artega, Hector Moreno, Jorge Sanchez, Johan Vazquez, Cesar Montes, Kevin Alvarez.
      Midfielders: Erick Gutierrez, Orbelin Peneda, Hector Herrera, Carlos Rodriguez, Andres Guardado, Roberto Alvarado, Edson Alvarez, Luis Chavez, Uriel Antuna, Luis Romo
      Forwards: Hirving Lozano, Rogelio Fuenes Mori, Henry Martin, Raul Jimenez, Alexis Vega
      Poland
      Robert Lewandowski could be featuring in his final World Cup as he gets the call-up for Qatar.
      Poland start their World Cup tournament against Saudi ArabiaCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Wojciech Szczesny, Bartlomiej Dragowski, Lukasz Skorupski
      Defenders: Jan Bednarek, Kamil Glik, Robert Gumny, Artur Jedrzejczyk, Jakub Kiwior, Mateusz Wieteska, Bartosz Bereszynski, Matty Cash, Nicola Zalewski.
      Midfielders: Krystian Bielik, Przemyslaw Frankowski, Kamil Grosicki, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Jakub Kaminski, Michal Skoras, Damian Szymanski, Sebastian Szymanski, Piotr Zielinski, Szymon Zurkowski.
      Forwards: Robert Lewandowski, Arkadiusz Milik, Krzysztof Piatek, Karol Swiderski
      Saudi Arabia
      Dangerous duo Firas Al-Buraikan and Saleh Al-Shehri will be on the plane to Qatar.
      Salman Al-Faraj has also been selected to captain the squad.
      Saudi Arabia start their World Cup campaign with a tough opener against ArgentinaCredit: AP
      Goalkeepers: Mohammed Al-Owais, Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Mohammed Al-Yami
      Defenders: Hassan Tambakti, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Abdullah Madu, Saud Abdulhamid, Sultan Al-Ghanam, Mohammed Al-Breik, Yasser Al-Shahrani, Ali Al-Hassan
      Midfielders: Abdulellah Al-Malki, Riyadh Sharahili, Abdullah Otayf, Mohamed Kanno, Nasser Al-Dawsari, Salman Al-Faraj, Sami Al-Najei, Salem Al-Dawsari, Hattan Bahebri
      Forwards: Fahad Al-Muwallad, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Haitham Asiri, Firas Al-Buraikan, Saleh Al-Shehri
      Group D
      Australia
      Experienced central defender Trent Sainsbury was a surprise omission while wonderkid Garang Kuol and former Scotland international Jason Cummings have been called up.
      Australia have a tough opener scheduled against World champions FranceCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan, Danny Vukovic, Andrew Redmayne
      Defenders: Harry Souttar, Milos Degenek, Bailey Wright, Thomas Deng, Fran Karacic, Nathaniel Atkinson, Aziz Behich, Kye Rowles, Joel King
      Midfielders: Aaron Mooy, Jackson Irvine, Ajdin Hrustic, Cameron Devlin, Riley McGree, Keanu Baccus
      Forwards: Jamie Maclaren, Mitchell Duke, Jason Cummings, Garang Kuol, Awer Mabil, Mathew Leckie, Craig Goodwin, Martin Boyle
      Denmark
      Christian Eriksen has been named in Denmark’s squad 17 months after he suffered a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
      Denmark kick off their World Cup campaign against TunisiaCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel, Oliver Christensen
      Defenders: Simon Kjaer, Joachim Andersen, Joakim Maehle, Andreas Christensen, Rasmus Kristensen, Jens Stryger Larsen, Victor Nelsson, Daniel Wass
      Midfielders: Thomas Delaney, Mathias Jensen, Christian Eriksen, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
      Forwards: Andreas Skov Olsen, Jesper Lindstrom, Andreas Cornelius, Martin Braithwaite, Kasper Dolberg, Mikkel Damsgaard, Jonas Wind
      France
      Manager Didier Deschamps has found room for Raphael Varane in his squad, despite the Manchester United star’s injury.
      France are the current World Cup holdersCredit: AFP
      Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda
      Defenders: Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Koundé, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane
      Midfielders: Youssouf Fofana, Eduardo Camavinga, Matteo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout
      Forwards: Karim Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe, Christopher Nkunku
      Tunisia
      Arsenal defender Omar Rekik failed to make the final 26-man Tunisia squad for the World Cup.
      However, Manchester United wonderkid Hannibal Mejibri is included after only swapping allegiances from France in 2021.
      Tunisia are scheduled to face Denmark in their opening World Cup group matchCredit: PA
      Goalkeepers: Aymen Dahmen, Mouez Hassen, Aymen Balbouli, Bechir Ben Said
      Defenders: Mohamed Dräger, Wajdi Kechrida, Bilel Ifa, Montassar Talbi, Dylan Bronn, Yassine Meriah, Nader Ghandri, Ali Maâloul, Ali Abdi
      Midfielders: Ellyes Skhiri, Aissa Laidouni, Ferjani Sassi, Ghaylen Chaaleli, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, Hannibal Mejbri
      Forwards: Seifeddine Jaziri, Naim Sliti, Taha Yassine Khenissi, Anis Ben Slimane, Issam Jebali, Wahbi Khazri, Youssef Msakni
      Group E
      Costa Rica
      Paris Saint-Germain veteran Keylor Navas makes the cut and so has former Arsenal forward Joel Campbell.
      Costa Rica are scheduled to face Spain in their first World Cup match this monthCredit: AFP
      Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, Esteban Alvarado, Patrick Sequeira
      Defenders: Francisco Calvo, Juan Pablo Vargas, Kendall Waston, Oscar Duarte, Daniel Chacon, Keysher Fuller, Carlos Martinez, Bryan Oviedo, Ronald Matarrita
      Midfielders: Yeltsin Tejeda, Celso Borges, Youstin Salas, Roan Wilson, Gerson Torres, Douglas Lopez, Jewisson Bennette, Alvaro Zamora, Anthony Hernandez, Brandon Aguilera, Bryan Ruiz
      Forwards: Joel Campbell, Anthony Contreras, Johan Venegas
      Germany
      There’s no place for injured Marco Reus but Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan and Chelsea’s Kai Havertz make the cut.
      However, the big surprise is that Moukoko, 17, will be on the plane to Qatar.
      Germany will take on Japan in their World Cup openerCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Kevin Trapp
      Defenders: Armel Bella Kotchap, Mathias Gintar, Christian Gunter, Thilo Kehrer, Lukas Klostermann, David Raum, Antonio Rudiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Niklas Sule
      Midfielders: Julian Brandt, Niclas Fullkrug, Leon Goretzka, Mario Gotze, Ilkay Gundogan, Jonas Hofmann, Joshua Kimmich
      Forwards: Karim Adeyemi, Serge Gnabry, Kai Havertz, Youssoufa Moukoko, Thomas Muller, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane
      Japan
      Arsenal ace Takehiro Tomiyasu has been selected while Celtic stars Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate failed to make the cut.
      Japan will take on Germany in their opening World Cup matchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima, Shuichi Gonda, Daniel Schmidt
      Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Maya Yoshida, Hiroki Sakai, Shogo Taniguchi, Miki Yamane, Ko Itakura, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Ito
      Midfielders: Gaku Shibasaki, Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita, Daichi Kamada, Yuki Soma, Kaoru Mitoma, Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka, Takefusa Kubo
      Forwards: Takuma Asano, Daizen Maeda, Ayase Ueda, Shuto Machino
      Spain
      Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta and Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte have made the cut.
      Spanish veteran Sergio Busquets will be guiding the likes of Gavi and Pedri in midfield.
      But Manchester United’s first-choice keeper David de Gea has NOT been included in the squad.
      Spain play Costa Rica in their World Cup openerCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, Robert Sanchez and David Raya.
      Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Cesar Azpilicueta, Eric Garcia, Hugo Guillamon, Pau Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba and Jose Gaya.
      Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Rodri, Gavi, Pedri, Carlos Soler, Koke and Marcos Llorente.
      Forwards: Alvaro Morata, Ferran Torres, Pablo Sarabia, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Marco Asensio and Ansu Fati.
      Group F
      Belgium
      Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne and Leandro Trossard make it on the plane to Qatar for the Red Devils.
      Former Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard takes up his spot too but no place ex-Liverpool star Divock Origi.
      Belgium start their World Cup campaign against Canada in Group FCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Koen Casteels
      Defenders: Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Leander Dendoncker, Zeno Debast, Arthur Theate, Wout Faes
      Midfielders: Hans Vanaken, Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana, Kevin De Bruyne, Yannick Carrasco, Thorgan Hazard, Timothy Castagne, Thomas Meunier
      Forwards: Romelu Lukaku, Michy Batshuayi, Loïs Openda, Charles De Ketelaere, Eden Hazard, Jeremy Doku, Dries Mertens, Leandro Trossard
      Canada
      Bayern Munich ace Alphonso Davies will be on the plane to Qatar and John Herdman has registered him as a forward.
      Canada find themselves with a tough opener against BelgiumCredit: AFP
      Goalkeepers: Milan Borjan, James Pantemis, Dayne St Clair
      Defenders: Kamal Miller, Steven Vitoria, Joel Waterman, Derek Cornelius, Sam Adekugbe, Alistair Johnston, Richie Laryea.
      Midfielders: Atiba Hutchinson, Stephen Eustaquio, Jonathan Osorio, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Sam Piette, Ismael Kone, Liam Fraser, David Wotherspoon
      Forwards: Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Junior Hoilett, Cyle Larin, Lucas Cavallini, Liam Millar, Ike Ugbo.
      Croatia
      Midfield veteran Luka Modric, Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovcic and Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic will all be on the plane to Qatar.
      But Rangers’ Antonio Mirko Olak was cut from the preliminary squad.
      Croatia got the semi-final in the 2018 World CupCredit: EPA
      Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Ivica Ivusic, Ivo Grbic
      Defenders: Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, Borna Barisic, Josip Juranovic, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa, Josip Stanisic, Martin Erlic, Josip Sutalo
      Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Kristijan Jakic, Luka Sucic
      Forwards: Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Bruno Petkovic, Mislav Orsic, Ante Budimir, Marko Livaja
      Morocco
      Achraf Hakimi has got the call up and Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech makes his return to the fold.
      Morocco face Croatia in their first World Cup matchCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Yassine Bono, Munir, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti
      Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Romain Saiss, Achraf Dari, Jawad El-Yamiq, Yahia Attiat-Allal, Badr Benoun
      Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Selim Amallah, Abdelhamid Sabiri, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilel El Khanouss, Yahya Jabrane
      Forwards: Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal, Zakaria Aboukhlal, Ez Abde, Amine Harit, Ilias Chair, Abderrazak Hamdallah, Walid Cheddira
      Group G
      Brazil
      Arsenal’s attacking duo Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were both selected for the Brazilian squad.
      However, their defensive teammate Gabriel Magalhaes has been left out and so has Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino.
      Brazil come up against Serbia in their World Cup openerCredit: AFP
      Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Weverton
      Defenders: Bremer, Eder Militao, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Alex Sandro, Alex Telles, Danilo, Dani Alves
      Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Everton Ribeiro, Fabinho, Fred, Lucas Paqueta
      Forwards: Antony, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Raphinha, Richarlison, Pedro, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr
      Cameroon
      Experienced captain Vincent Aboubakar will feature in yet another World Cup for the African giants.
      And he’ll be supported up top by Bayern Munich’s Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.
      Cameroon open their World Cup account against PanamaCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Devis Epassy, Simon Ngapandouetnbu, Andre Onana
      Defenders: Jean-Charles Castelletto, Enzo Ebosse, Collins Fai, Olivier Mbaizo, Nicolas Nkoulou, Tolo Nouhou, Christopher Wooh
      Midfielders: Martin Hongla, Pierre Kunde, Olivier Ntcham, Gael Ondoua, Samuel Oum Gouet, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa
      Forwards: Vincent Aboubakar, Christian Bassogog, Eric-Maxime Choupo Moting, Souaibou Marou, Bryan Mbeumo, Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu, Jerome Ngom, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, Jean-Pierre Nsame, Karl Toko Ekambi
      Serbia
      In form Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has got the the call-up and he’ll be joined by Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Luka Jovic.
      Serbia are scheduled to play Brazil in their first World Cup fixtureCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Marko Dmitrovic Predrag Rajkovic, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic
      Defenders: Stefan Mitrovic, Nikola Milenkovic, Strahinja Pavlovic, Milos Veljkovic, Filip Mladenovic, Strahinja Erakovic, Srdjan Babic
      Midfielders: Nemanja Gudelj, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Sasa Lukic, Marko Grujic, Filip Kostic, Uros Racic, Nemanja Maksimovic, Ivan Ilic, Andrija Zivkovic, Darko Lazovic
      Forwards: Dusan Tadic, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Dusan Vlahovic, Filip Duricic, Luka Jovic, Nemanja Radonji
      Switzerland
      Granit Xhaka will captain the Swiss team as they go for glory in Qatar and he’ll be joined by former Liverpool attacker Xherdan Shaqiri.
      Switzerland open their World Cup campaign with a fixture against CameroonCredit: EPA
      Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel, Philipp Kohn, Jonas Omlin, Yann Sommer
      Defenders: Manuel Akanji, Eray Comert, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodriguez, Fabian Schar, Silvan Widmer
      Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Edimilson Fernandes, Fabian Frei, Remo Freuler, Ardon Jashari, Fabian Rieder, Xherdan Shaqiri, Djibril Sow, Renato Steffen, Denis Zakaria, Michel Aebischer
      Forwards: Breel Embolo, Christian Fassnacht, Noah Okafor, Haris Seferovic, Ruben Vargas
      Group H
      Portugal
      Cristiano Ronaldo has been called up for what could be his last World Cup.
      And the Portuguese legend will be joined by the likes of Joao Cancelo, Rafael Leao and his Manchester United teammate, Bruno Fernandes.
      Cristiano Ronaldo will lead his side out against Ghana in their first group gameCredit: AFP
      Goalkeepers: Jose Sa, Rui Patricio, Diogo Costa
      Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Danilo Pereira, Antonio Silva, Nuno Mendes, Raphael Guerreiro
      Midfielders: William, Ruben Neves, Joao Palhinha, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Otavio, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Mario
      Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Ricardo Horta, Andre Silva, Goncalo Ramos
      Ghana
      The Black stars have a whole host of Premier League players featuring in their 26-man World Cup squad.
      Mohammed Salisu, Tariq Lamptey, Daniel Amartey and Jordan Ayew have all made the cut.
      And Arsenal talisman Thomas Partey has made the cut too.
      Ghana’s first World Cup fixture will be against PortugalCredit: AFP
      Goalkeepers: Danlad Ibrahim, Manaf Nurudeen, Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
      Defenders: Mohammed Salisu, Tariq Lamptey, Daniel Amartey, Baba Abdul Rahman, Alexander Djiku, Alidu Seidu, Gideon Mensah, Denis Odoi, Joseph Aidoo.
      Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Elisha Owusu, Salis Samed, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, Mohammed Kudus.
      Forwards: Inaki Williams, Kamal Sowah, Osman Bukari, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, Jordan Ayew, Andre Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana.
      South Korea
      Tottenham ace Son-Heung-min has battled through his fractured eye injury to make it on the plane to Qatar.
      Son Hueng-min and co will be taking on Uruguay in their first World Cup matchCredit: AP
      Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu, Jo Hyeon-woo, Song Bum-keun
      Defenders: Kim Min-jae, Kim Jin-su, Hong Chul, Kim Moon-hwan, Yoon Jong-gyu, Kim Young-gwon, Kim Tae-hwan, Kwon Kyung-won, Cho Yu-min
      Midfielders: Jung Woo-young, Na Sang-ho, Paik Seung-ho, Son Jun-ho, Song Min-kyu, Kwon Chang-hoon, Lee Jae-sung, Hwang Hee-chan, Hwang In-beom, Jeong Woo-yeong , Lee Kang-in
      Forwards: Hwang Ui-jo, Cho Gue-sung , Son Heung-min
      Uruguay
      The deadly striking trio of Luis Suarez, Darwin Nunez and Edinson Cavani have all got the phone call for the trip to Qatar.
      Darwin Nunez and Luis Suarez are among the dangerous strikers union for UruguayCredit: Reuters
      Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet, Fernando Muslera, Sebastián Sosa.
      Defenders: Diego Godín, José María Giménez, Ronald Araujo, Sebastián Coates, Martín Cáceres, Mathiás Olivera, Guillermo Varela, José Luís Rodríguez, Matías Viña.
      Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Betancour, Matías Vecino, Lucas Torreira, Manuel Ugarte, Nicolás de la Cruz, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Facundo Pellistri, Facundo Torres, Agustín Canobbio.
      Forwards: Luis Suárez, Darwin Núñez, Edinson Cavani, Maximiliano Gómez. More

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      Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo tells Portugal squad secret to winning World Cup 2022 is to ‘stay humble’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Cristiano Ronaldo has told the Portugal squad that the secret to winning the World Cup is to “stay humble”.The 37-year-old has experienced most things in football during his illustrious career and he is captain of the Portuguese side heading to Qatar.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has asked for his team to “stay focued”Credit: Getty
      He believes being “humble” is important for World Cup gloryCredit: Getty
      The tournament in Qatar could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s lastCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo has offered some words of wisdom ahead of the tournament and is confident his country can go all the way.
      He said: “Of course we’re there to win and I believe we have the squad to do it.
      “But then there are a number of top teams out there with world-class talent so we have to stay focused, stay humble, and go out there and show what we can do. The rest will follow.”
      Ronaldo knows how to win on the international stage as he was part of the team that won Euro 2016 and the inaugural edition of the Nations League with Portugal.
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      But he has never lifted a World Cup and this will be his record equalling sixth attempt at glory.
      Portugal’s best result in the tournament with Ronaldo playing came in 2006 when the team reached the semi-final. Portugal didn’t make it past the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup.
      But Ronaldo will not live in the past saying: “It’s hard to compare one generation with another.
      “Everyone who plays for Portugal, whether in the past or today, has overcome so much to compete at the top level.
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      “There has always been and there always will be rising stars at the top level. I have no doubt that the World Cup will unveil the next generation of talent ready to change the game.”
      Portugal play Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in the group stage.
      And all eyes will be on CR7 after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
      He slammed Man Utd for “betraying” him and hit out at manager Erik ten Hag and his former boss Ralf Rangnick.
      He also hit out at former teammates Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney for criticising him.
      But Ronaldo has moved on and is training for the World Cup looking to turn around a poor season.
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      He shared a photo of himself online training captioning it: “Total and absolute focus on the work of the National Team. A united group, towards a single objective: to fulfil the dream of all Portuguese people!”
      There may be some difficulties in camp though after Bruno Fernandes appeared to give him an icy welcome on international duty. More

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      Inside the personalised packages given to England stars by Prince William ahead of World Cup 2022

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      PRINCE WILLIAM presented every England player with their own personalised package before the World Cup.The Prince of Wales met the squad on Monday before they flew out to Qatar today.
      Prince William presented Harry Kane with the famous number nine shirtCredit: AP
      Each package included information about the number and a message from Gareth SouthgateCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Jack Grealish shared a laugh with the Prince of WalesCredit: AP
      Harry Maguire’s number six is perhaps the most iconic in English historyCredit: Getty
      He spoke to the whole group and was seen laughing with Harry Kane, Jack Grealish and Kieran Trippier after handing out his gifts.
      Each member of the squad was presented with their shirt number and the history behind it.
      The box told the stars how many England players have worn their number before and at which World Cup.
      Manchester United captain Harry Maguire wore the famous no. 6 at the 2018 World Cup and will do so once again in Qatar.
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      He continues a formidable lineage that includes England greats Bobby Moore, Terry Butcher and John Terry.
      The boxes also contained a message from manager Gareth Southgate, which Maguire shared on social media.
      It read: “Qatar 2022 will only be the 16th time England have appeared at a World Cup.
      “As we represent over 55 million people, of all ages from every community, you will also remember everyone who has helped you reach this point.
      Jordan Pickford takes the number one jerseyCredit: Getty
      Prince William also had a one-to-one with Nick PopeCredit: Getty
      The England squad were all in smiles while listening to the President of the FACredit: PA
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      “Wear your shirt with pride and embrace the opportunity to make history.”
      Kane also shared a photo on Instagram of the moment he received his package from Prince William, which he captioned: “Pride in the shirt 🦁🦁🦁.”
      The Prince, who is the President of the FA, also shared a message with the Three Lions squad.
      He said: “What you and Gareth have built here is something special, that’s clear to see.
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      “Play for each other, support each other, enjoy it, and I’m sure you’ll go far.
      “I’m really here to point out the rest of the country is behind you, we’re all rooting for you. Enjoy it.” More

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      Former England striker Peter Crouch releases Christmas album with Paul Potts to inspire World Cup 2022 stars

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      FORMER England hero Peter Crouch has released a Christmas album with opera star Paul Potts – mashing football terrace chants with classical music.The unlikely collaboration in time for the World Cup sees the duo deliver a unique twist on popular fan songs such as ‘Enger-land, Enger-land Enger-land’ and ‘V.A.R My Lord. V.A.R’.
      Ex-Three Lions hitman Peter Crouch hopes to be on target with a unique albumCredit: Rex
      The difference in singing pedigree between Crouch and opera tenor Paul Potts is as big as the contrast in their statureCredit: Rex
      Eight-track charity album ‘Crouchy Conducts The Classics’ also features orchestral versions of ‘Who Ate All The Pies’ and ‘We Love You England’.
      Ex-Tottenham and Liverpool striker Crouch makes his conductorial debut in the concept album which has been created in partnership with bookmaker Paddy Power, who have launched a record label to support the new release.
      The Stoke legend, 41, leads a 20-piece orchestra through a canon of terrace anthems, supported by a full gospel and chamber choir and three world class operatic soloists, including Potts, who mesmerises with his stirring rendition of ‘You’re Not Singing Anymore’.
      Crouch said: “I’ve always dreamed of releasing my own album – so what better time than during a World Cup at Christmas?
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      “We’ve taken the best terrace chants and sprinkled a bit of festive magic on them.
      “The whole team put in a big shift and I’m really happy with the teamwork, dedication and the finished product.
      “With Paddy Power’s bank roll and the people’s support we hope a Christmas number one album is coming home – at the very least.” 
      All profits from the album will help fund Stonewall’s work to combat LGBTQ+ oppression in Qatar and across the world.
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      Stonewall’s Robbie de Santos said: “With LGBTQ+ people criminalised in 70 countries around the world, including Qatar, we’re so grateful for the support of Paddy Power and everyone who buys this album, which will help us campaign with our partners for LGBTQ+ human rights across the world.”
      In the 10 years since Potts won the first series of Britain’s Got Talent, the opera star has sold more than five million albums and performed more than 800 times in 44 countries.
      He said: “Our goal with the album is to inspire England fans to cheer on the team and give the country the lift they so desperately need right now.
      “It was an honour to get the World Cup call-up from an England legend like Peter. I’ve always looked up to him.”
      Also featured on the album are esteemed soprano Olivia Safe, who has recorded with the likes of Hans Zimmer, Trevor Horn and Robbie Williams, while English National Opera regular Robin Bailey leads as tenor.
      Working with acclaimed musical director and Royal Academy of Music alumni James Radford on the album, Crouch has been undergoing, high-intensity classical training ahead of his conducting debut.
      ‘ALBUM FEELS LIKE A PENALTY KICK’
      Other noteworthy tracks on the album include England favourites ’Super Jacky Grealish’ and ‘England till I Die’ as well as a World Cup take on ’12 Days of Christmas’.
      The new rendition cheers on the squad, name-checking Gareth Southgate, Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
      The album of World Cup terrace anthems has been available to stream on Spotify and to buy on iTunes since Tuesday, November 15.
      A spokesperson from Paddy Power said: “Over the last few years the quality of England’s football has seen a marked improvement. It’s about time the chants got an upgrade.
      “Ever since I was knee high to Crouchy’s ankle I’ve dreamt of having a Christmas hit in the charts.
      “This album feels like a penalty kick…then again, we know how those have gone in the past.”  More

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      Sadio Mane ruled OUT of Senegal’s World Cup 2022 start as manager tells team ‘not to whine too much’

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      SADIO MANE has been ruled out of Senegal’s World Cup start due to a leg injury.The former Liverpool attacker is Senegal’s star player and will be a big miss for his side at the tournament in Qatar.
      Sadio Mane picked up his injury in Bayern Munich’s match against Werder Bremen.Credit: AP
      The rest of the squad that includes players such as Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly have been bluntly told “not to whine” about the absence of their talisman.
      Senegal soccer federation board member Abdoulaye Sow said: “Senegal will have to cope without its best player for the start of the tournament and not whine too much.
      “We will have to rely on playing the first games without Sadio and win without Sadio because we have 25 players apart from Sadio.
      “No one would have wanted it, but that’s what’s happened to us.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Sow didn’t specify how many games Mane is expected to miss, and there has been no official word from Senegal or his current team Bayern Munich.
      Mane was injured a week ago in a German league game between Bayern and Werder Bremen.
      He was substituted in the 20th minute of Bayern’s 6-1 win.
      Bayern said the two-time African player of the year has an injury to the head of the fibula bone in his lower right leg.
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      Most of Senegal’s squad arrived in Qatar for the World Cup on Sunday without Mane.
      The team’s first game in Qatar against the Netherlands is on Monday but Mane was still waiting for more tests by the Bayern medical team.
      Senegal, the reigning AFCON champions, play hosts Qatar four days after it faces the Netherlands on November 21.
      Its final game in Group A is against Ecuador on November 29.
      The news for Mane is that he will now likely miss out on a reunion with Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk, who was his teammate at Liverpool.
      Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann had put doubts over Mane’s fitness after his injury.
      He said: “It is obvious that Senegal would like him to play.
      “But if he’s in pain, he can’t play. The medical things are more important than the sporting ones.
      “That’s the case with us and also with everyone else.” More

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      Supercomputer simulates World Cup 2022 with England set for heartbreak in Qatar thanks to horror route

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      A WORLD CUP supercomputer has predicted heartbreak for England in Qatar.The Three Lions are expected to top Group B ahead of Iran, USA and Wales.
      England are predicted to lose to France in the quarter-final
      England could have a very tough road to the finalCredit: Getty
      Next Gareth Southgate’s side are tipped to beat Senegal in the second round, with the African champions predicted to finish second in their group behind the Netherlands.
      But the latter stages could prove very tricky with a supercomputer simulation run by Lord Ping predicting England to lose to France in the quarter-final.
      The reigning champions boast stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Raphael Varane and Karim Benzema and could prove too much for England.
      Even if England can beat Les Bleus they still face a massive effort to claim the trophy.
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      The supercomputer expects the winner of England vs France to take on Germany in the semi-final, with Brazil and Argentina also predicted to make the last four.
      Brazil would meet England in the final if the Three Lions make it that far, after beating top teams like Spain and Uruguay along the way.

      The England team flies out to Qatar today after being given a royal send-off by Prince William.
      And though the supercomputer has not tipped the side for success, Lionel Messi thinks they are the team to beat.
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      He claims there are three teams with a better chance of winning the World Cup than his Argentina side.
      Messi said: “The candidates are always the same. There are a few surprises but in general, the big teams are the candidates.
      “Above the rest? Brazil, France, England. Today, they are a little above the rest but anything can happen.” More

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      AC Milan star Brahim Diaz offered chance to play at World Cup 2022 – but he’d have to give up Spain dream

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      FORMER Manchester City prospect Brahim Diaz has reportedly been offered a chance to play at the World Cup in Qatar… but not for Spain.The midfielder has always dreamed of turning out for Spain as he played for the nation’s youth teams.
      Brahim Diaz could be offered a late chance to go the World Cup in Qatar.Credit: Getty
      However, Diaz has dual citizenship with Morocco and after an injury to Marseille’s Amine Harit, manager Walid Regragui is reportedly trying to get him on board.
      The 23-year-old plays in the same position as Harit and could be tempted into the switch and line-up for group games against Costa Rica, Germany and Japan.
      It is not the first time Morocco have tried to poach the on-loan AC Milan star, and Marca have reported that the interest in him is “not new.”
      But the Real Madrid player is still dreaming of playing for Spain and he reportedly wants to be “part of the ‘cycle’ for Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.”
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      Diaz first played professional football for Manchester City as he made five Premier League appearances for the club between 2016 and 2019.
      The Citizens had signed the winger from LaLiga side Malaga when he was only 16.
      Despite his lack of consistent minutes, he had done enough to impress Real Madrid, as the Champions League holders splashed over £15million to bring him to the Spanish capital.
      But after one season, 15 league appearances, and one goal, Diaz was shipped out on loan to Serie A, where has finally cemented himself in the AC Milan squad.
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      He has played 71 times in the Italian league and helped the club to the title last season.
      Daiz would have likely been expected to be with the Milan players that are not going to the World Cup.
      But he could yet make one of the toughest decisions of his career and jet off to Qatar. More