World Cup

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.
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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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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.
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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

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

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

SUNSPORT’S World Cup columnists Jack Wilshere, Tony Adams and Harry Redknapp kicked off the countdown to Qatar 2022 with a Q&A night in front of fans.The trio were joined by former England star Ledley King, with our Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS asking the questions . . .
Skipper Harry Kane gets backing from our columnists as he aims to help England roar to World Cup Cup gloryCredit: Getty
The Sun’s Head of Sport joined Jack Wilshere and Co to discuss expectations for Qatar and big questions like the Three Lions’ defenceCredit: Simon Jones
Ledley King, Harry Redknapp, Jack Wilshere and Tony Adams spoke with SunSport’s Shaun CustisCredit: Simon Jones
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS  ON A WINTER WORLD CUP?
 ADAMS: I got out in time from Strictly Come Dancing so I could concentrate on watching the games!
It’s perfect timing and I’m going to be glued to every game.Come on, England — let’s hope they can go further than I did on Strictly!
 REDKNAPP: It’s strange, isn’t it? We all get ready for summer coming, a World Cup, book our holidays around it and want to watch as many games as we can but I just find it strange.
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IS THE DEFENCE ENGLAND’S WEAK LINK AT THE TOURNAMENT AND SHOULD HARRY MAGUIRE START?
 WILSHERE: I’d play a back four to face Iran but should we look for momentum and go with a three?
You worry about Harry Maguire in a two, Luke Shaw at wing-back and Trent Alexander-Arnold the same.
Against Iran you might get away with it but against better teams we have to go with a back five.
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As a manager you have your favourites, players you think you can rely on and Maguire is obviously one of them, so I can see why he has taken him.
He is obviously a leader in that group but I don’t think he can play.If he does, we have to play a back three or five.
Maguire is not even playing, at least Ben White is. I’d have included Fikayo Tomori and no Maguire.
 REDKNAPP: Southgate will never leave Maguire out, there’s no danger of that — he absolutely loves him.
He has never let him down. I think he’s certain to start. He has his group that he believes and trusts in.
IS THIS BUKAYO SAKA’S TIME TO SHINE AFTER OVERCOMING HIS PENALTY MISS AT THE EUROS?
 ADAMS: He can redeem himself on penalties like Stuart Pearce did at the Euros. Going forwards, we are the best in the world. Saka is on fire!
He’s pulling Arsenal up to the top of the league, creating goals, scoring goals. He’s a magnificent player so I am positive.
 REDKNAPP: If not, he can always get a pizza advert! Stuart Pearce and    Gareth Southgate got a Pizza Hut advert after their penalty misses.
Ex-England centre-back Ledley King recalled his ‘bittersweet’ World Cup of 2010Credit: Getty
DOES GARETH SOUTHGATE DESERVE THE CRITICISM FOR ENGLAND’S STUTTERING FORM?
 KING: Gareth has brought that love back between the fans and players, which has been missing. During my time there was a disconnect. Gareth understands the youngsters. It’s a group that people like and can get behind. We should be proud of them.
REDKNAPP: The criticism of him over the penalty-takers was fair. That was an almighty blunder he made to bring on a couple of kids who had not even warmed up to take penalties. It was strange beyond belief.
 WILSHERE: He is what everyone sees, a calm, nice guy and good man- manager. He didn’t give me a chance but he was nice!
I got injured at the wrong time. He spoke to me, was honest and clear.
It’s tough, he will be under big pressure at this tournament. There’s negativity around the team so the first game is massive.
In 2018, it was tough to watch because I wanted to be there, I was annoyed. Me and Southgate never quite had that connection.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO  GO TO A WORLD CUP?
 ADAMS: I was clean, sober and free as a bird in France 1998 and it was wonderful.  When we went down to ten men against Argentina in Saint-Etienne with the atmosphere, I thought, “Oh my God.”
But before that I was so serene and at peace and loved every minute — apart from not being skipper! Glenn Hoddle gave it to Alan Shearer.
The lads played golf every single day and I was thinking, “Lads, rest up, we have a game tomorrow so chill out.” But I didn’t have the power when I wasn’t skipper.
 KING: From 2007 I put England to the side to focus on my club. I’d often break down with muscle injuries. Before the 2010 World Cup, Tottenham qualified for the Champions League and it was the first time I felt confident in my body that I could do it.
I knew there was a lot of pressure on me from people saying, “Why are you taking him?”
I played two warm-up games fine but in the first game against the USA I felt my groin go.
I managed to struggle through the first half because I just couldn’t bear to take myself off the pitch. I knew there would be so many people saying, “I told you, you shouldn’t have taken him.”
England notoriously had this effort from Frank Lampard against Germany not given at the 2010 World Cup and will need better luck this timeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

I cheated my way through and I knew then that was it for my World Cup so it was really bitter-sweet.
It’s every young boy’s dream to  represent your country at a World Cup.
WHAT IS THE BEST CHANCE ENGLAND HAVE HAD TO  WIN IT SINCE 1966?
 ADAMS: In 1998, we had so much talent in the country then,. Becks and the Manchester United boys went on to win the treble. But we got done on penalties, fate kind of takes over.
Was it Beckham’s fault? Yeah, of course it was! I went into the dressing room after and he was in floods of tears. I went over to him and joked, “That’s my last-ever World Cup chance and you’ve just blown it”. And he said, “Is he having a laugh here?”
 REDKNAPP: You need the breaks. Frank Lampard’s goal against Germany was two foot over the line in South Africa and, if it’s given happened, who knows what happens?
It’s also the luck of the draw. Like in Russia 2018, Belgium ended up in the side of the draw with France and Brazil and we ended up having to face Raggy Arse Rovers, then Croatia, and we thought, “What a chance we’ve got here.”
WHAT’S IT LIKE GOING  BACK TO YOUR CLUB WITH WORLD CUP WINNERS?
 ADAMS: In 1998, I went back to Arsenal training with five French World Cup winners. That was really good fun!
 WILSHERE: Of course the Germans waved their medals in our faces in 2014. Lukas  Podolski was a character. He reminded us every single day.
 REDKNAPP: I played with the ’66 winners Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters at West Ham.
They got £1,000 each for winning and I remember Bobby told me they ended up in Danny La Rue’s club, the female impersonator.  
They had a table right next to the toilet — the worst in the house and they’d just won the World Cup! It’s a completely different world. They came back and just got on with it.
FINALLY, HOW FAR ARE  ENGLAND GOING TO GO?
 KING: We’re going to win it! There are teams in a better place than us right now but we can beat them.
But Argentina have a good balance of being strong defensively and flair going forward.
 ADAMS: We’ll get out of the group and, if we get on a roll, who knows?
Portugal will win it for me, though.
 WILSHERE: We will get out of the group comfortably but I fancy Brazil.
 REDKNAPP: It depends how we set up. We haven’t got a system of how Gareth plays football. That’s a  problem. We’re all up in the air.I’d go with Argentina — I have a feeling about Lionel Messi. More