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      Who is the oldest FIFA World Cup goal scorer?

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      PLAYING at the World Cup is the pinnacle of any footballer’s career but it’s sometimes the players at the tail-end of their journey who create the best stories.The Qatar World Cup will be one-of-a-kind with it being the first in the tournaments 92-year history to be hosted during winter.
      39-year-old Atiba Hutchinson in action for CanadaCredit: AP
      This year sees Canadian midfield veteran holding the unwanted title of oldest player in the competition. But a goal from the 39-year-old would only see him reach number two on the list of oldest scorers in the tournament.
      A hattrick for anyone over the age of 33 years and 130 days will see them break the record set by Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2018 Russian World Cup during Portugal’s 3-3 draw to Spain.
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      Who is the oldest FIFA World Cup goal scorer?
      Three players have managed to find the net at the age of 37, the youngest of which being Panama’s Felipe Baloy who at 37 years and 120 days found himself on the scoresheet in their 6-1 defeat to England in 2018.
      Roger Milla and Omeg Salenko after Milla became the oldest goalscorer at a World CupCredit: PA:Press Association
      Swede Gunnar Gren and Mexican Cuauhtémoc Blanco make up second and third place respectively, yet are still five years younger than the current record holder.
      However it’s none other than the Cameroonian legend Roger Milla who holds the prestigious title of the oldest man to score in a World Cup game.
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      With 42 years and 39 days under his belt, Milla bagged a consolation goal against Russia in a 6-1 defeat during the group stages, breaking his own record he set four years previous in Italia 1990.
      Milla wasn’t the only player to break a record that day, as Russian forward Omeg Salenko became the first and only player to score five goals in a single World Cup game.
      Whilst holding onto the record of the oldest scorer, Milla lost out to Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary in 2018 as the oldest player to feature in a World Cup game topping the list at 45 years of age. More

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      Holland announce World Cup 2022 squad with Newcastle star Sven Botman and Man Utd’s Donny van de Beek snubbed

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      NEWCASTLE defender Sven Botman is a surprise omission from the Netherlands squad for the World Cup.Botman, 22, has excelled this season, helping the Magpies to third in the Premier League going into the final round of fixtures before the tournament.
      Sven Botman has missed out despite enjoying a fine season with NewcastleCredit: Getty
      Donny van de Beek has been snubbed after struggling again this season for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Virgil van Dijk will captain Holland at the World CupCredit: PA
      But his performances have not been enough to catch the eye of national team gaffer Louis van Gaal.
      The ex-Manchester United boss, who will be succeeded by Ronaldo Koeman after the World Cup, boasts a strong squad for the tournament.
      Red Devils midfielder Donny van de Beek also misses out as his Old Trafford woes continue.
      Botman has not been capped by the Netherlands but has been one of the Prem’s best defenders this season, while Van de Beek has played 19 times for his country.
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      Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is a third big name to have been omitted from the squad.
      But three Dutch Premier stars have secured their plane tickets to Qatar.
      Liverpool ace Virgil van Dijk is national team captain, while Manchester City defender Nathan Ake and United summer signing Tyrell Malacia are also included.
      Unfortunately for Botman, Van Gaal is blessed with a number of star centre-backs.
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      As well as Van Dijk and Ake, Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt and Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij have got the nod ahead of him.
      Elsewhere, Manchester United targets Frenkie de Jong and Cody Gakpo are in the squad.
      The likes of Jurrien Timber, Denzel Dumfries and Jeremie Frimpong, who have all also been linked with United, are in the squad too.
      While former Red Devils Daley Blind and Memphis Depay will be on the plane to Qatar.
      Van Gaal’s side kick off their campaign with a tricky clash against Senegal in 10 days time.
      They are in a group that includes hosts Qatar and Ecuador, and are well fancied to go a long way in the tournament.
      Louis Van Gaal’s Netherlands squad for the World CupCredit: https://twitter.com/OnsOranje More

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      Phil Foden claims he will get a new dog and give it a special name if England win World Cup in Qatar

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      PHIL FODEN says he will get a dog called ‘World Cup’ if England triumph in Qatar – to go with the pooch he already has named ‘Carabao’.The Manchester City ace got himself a French bulldog soon after his boyhood club won the League Cup for a third straight year in March 2020.
      Foden plans to buy a dog and name it after the World Cup if England win the tournamentCredit: Mark Pain / Premium Sports Image
      The Man City midfielder named his French bulldog after the Carabao Cup when the Etihad giants won it in 2020Credit: PA
      Asked if it was true the mutt had been christened after the energy drink who sponsor the competition, Foden said: “Yeah, it is.
      “After I won it, I got a dog just after the final, so I decided to call it that. It’s not having puppies though, no chance.”
      The Etihad favourite was part of the Three Lions squad who came so close to glory in the Euros.
      Asked if he would consider calling another dog ‘World Cup’, he said: “If we get there and win it then yeah – definitely.”
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      Before then he is aiming to add the Champions League to a medal collection that already includes three Premier Leagues,an FA Cup and four Carabao Cups – at the tender age of 21.
      He said: “Obviously that’s the one we dream about, the one we want.
      “We’ve won the Premier League all these times and all the cups but it would be extra special if we could – but if not I still believe we’ve been so successful in the last few years.”
      Foden was stunned recently when City legend and former team-mate Sergio Aguero named him as his favourite current player.
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      He said: “When I saw it I couldn’t believe it. I was a City ballboy, growing up watching him play – for him to say that is special.”
      With Aguero long gone, the young midfielder has played as an emergency forward at times and says it is all part of playing under Pep Guardiola.
      He said:“You never know what he’ll do, always mixing it up and changing positions.
      “He’s very crazy,obsessed with football, he pushes us every day. He always wants more – that’s the kind of person he is.” More

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      Jack Wilshere picks his England XI to face Iran at World Cup 2022 with Arsenal stars dominating team

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      FORMER Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has named his England team for their opening World Cup game against Iran.Gareth Southgate’s side kick off their campaign on November 21, before two more group games against USA and Wales.
      How Wilshere would set England up at the World Cup
      There has been much debate about whether Southgate will line up with a back three or four.
      But, speaking on talkSPORT, Wilshere insisted a four is the way to go against Iran, although his defensive selections are very surprising indeed.
      One of the most eye-catching calls from the ex-England star sees him go with Aaron Ramsdale ahead of regular No1 Jordan Pickford.
      And he continues the Arsenal theme at centre-back, selecting Gunners man Ben White ahead of both John Stones AND Harry Maguire.
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      Wilshere opts instead to pair White with Tottenham man Eric Dier.
      And he continues the somewhat left-field defence with Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.
      The only uncontroversial choice in the defence is Luke Shaw at left-back.
      Wilshere has gone with a 4-2-3-1 formation, picking Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham to sit in front of the defence.
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      Phil Foden has been chosen as the No10, with Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling either side of him.
      And England captain Harry Kane is obviously leading the line in attack.
      Wilshere earned 34 caps for England and played at the 2014 World Cup – which saw the Three Lions exit in the group stage.
      Injuries hampered the end of his career and he was forced to retire in July at the age of just 30. More

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      Ex-Man Utd star Anders Lindegaard announces retirement aged 38 after missing out on Denmark World Cup squad

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      FORMER Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has announced his retirement from football aged 38.Lindegaard has been capped five times by Denmark, but was not included in the squad for the World Cup.
      Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has retired from footballCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Lindegaard in action for the Red Devils in 2012 against West HamCredit: EPA
      The ex-United stopper has not played for the national team since 2011.
      Ex-Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel will start for Denmark in Qatar, while Hertha Berlin goalie Oliver Christensen is also in the initial 21-man squad, which will be increased to 26 this weekend.
      In an emotional statement on Instagram, Lindegaard said he was “grateful for all the memories” from his near 20-year career as a pro.
      He officially joined the Red Devils in January 2011 before leaving in the summer of 2015.
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      As well as the Red Devils, Lindegaard also had spells with Preston, Burnley and West Brom.
      He most recently played for Helsingborgs in the Swedish first division.
      Part of his statement said: “After 20 years of professional football I’ve decided to retire. I’m humble and grateful for everything it has given me.
      “Football has shown me the world and given me experiences I could only ever dream of.
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      “I look back at my career with great proudness and gratitude and I thank everyone who’s been there for me and everyone I’ve met and worked with in the beautiful game.
      “Players, managers, coaches, staff, fans – I’m grateful for all the memories.”
      Lindegaard admitted he had been preparing to hang up his boots for “many years”.
      He added: “As anyone else retiring from their ‘dream job’ would. I think the most important thing is to accept the premise and reflect upon it.
      “I’m privileged to have picked the moment myself. I’ve prepared for this day for many years and I feel ready. I’m looking forward to start a new chapter in my life.”
      In total Lindegaard played 29 times for the Red Devils, winning two Premier League titles. More

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      Why isn’t Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante playing for France at the World Cup?

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      FRANCE kick off their World Cup campaign against Australia in Qatar yet there will be an absence in the French midfield with N’Golo Kante missing out on a seat on the plane.Didier Deschamps released his 26-man squad list for the tournament on Wednesday with the Chelsea midfielder not featuring.
      N’Golo Kante in action for FranceCredit: Getty
      Kante was an integral piece of the Les Blues 2018 World Cup winning side with the then 27-year-old playing every minute for the national side.
      Now four years on, the rise of young talents such as Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni has provided Kante with heightened competition for a place in the midfield.
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      Why isn’t N’Golo Kante playing for France at the World Cup?
      The absence of the midfielder will be a huge blow for France as well as for Chelsea as shown by their poor defensive record as of late.
      The Blues number six has been sidelined for four months due to a hamstring injury suffered during a 2-2 draw with Tottenham in August.
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      The injury has meant Kante will miss the opportunity to help France to become only the third side to retain the World Cup.
      Providing all goes will with the 31-year-olds recovery, it looks likely we will see him return to action soon after the season proceeds. More

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      Gareth Southgate should QUIT as England manager even if he wins World Cup 2022, claims Jamie Carragher

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has told Gareth Southgate to quit as England manager after the World Cup – whatever happens in Qatar.The Three Lions boss will lead the country into a third major tournament later this month as he looks to build on a semi-final in 2018 and Euros final last summer.
      Southgate took over as England manager in 2016Credit: AFP
      Carragher feels Southgate should walk away from the England job after the World CupCredit: Getty
      Southgate is England’s most successful manager since Sir Alf Ramsey led them to their only major trophy back in 1966.
      But he has come in for some criticism in recent months after a six-game winless run in the lead-up to the World Cup.
      And while Carragher has slammed the negativity surrounding Southgate, he also feels it may be time for the head coach to step aside.
      Speaking in his column for The Telegraph, the Liverpool legend said: “If I was Gareth Southgate, I would make the Qatar World Cup my swansong as England manager.
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      “Hopefully England will produce to a strong enough level to ensure that it is Southgate’s call.
      “After his excellence in the job to this point, the least he deserves is to leave on his own terms when he feels the time is right.
      “He is intelligent enough to have sensed a mood shift over the last few months, even if some of the negativity surrounding him during the build-up to the tournament is a joke.”
      In the summer, England lost to Hungary twice and drew with Italy and Germany.
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      Then in September – their final games before the World Cup – Southgate’s men lost 1-0 to Italy before drawing 3-3 with Germany.
      And Carragher feels the unmerited criticism is something the England boss has been unable to shake heading into the World Cup.
      “Southgate’s problem heading into this year’s tournament is an undercurrent of negativity about his approach has taken hold and it is difficult to see how he reverses it without actually winning the World Cup,” he added.
      “It is unreasonable to suggest he should change course from the formula that took England so far in their last two competitions.
      “He has not failed to get the most of a talented squad, as some argue. He has overperformed with a very good bunch.” More

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      Qatar vs Ecuador: Kick-off time, TV channel, live stream free and team news for opening World Cup 2022 match

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      AFTER years of talking, it’s time for the host nation to get their World Cup underway.Qatar take on Ecuador in the opening match of the tournament as they look to gain an early foothold in a group also containing Senegal and the Netherlands.
      Almoez Ali (right) will be key to any potential Qatar successCredit: Getty
      2021 Europa League winner Pervis Estupinan (left) will be looking to star for Ecuador
      The Qataris have never qualified for a World Cup before, but are the current Asian champions so will expect to put up a good fight in front of their own fans.
      Opponents Ecuador have qualified for three previous World Cups, with their best previous finish coming in 2006 when they reached the last 16 before being beaten by a David Beckham free kick against England.
      And they impressed in qualifying for this tournament, making it to Qatar with a game to spare as they picked up a fourth placed finish.
      However, they were made to sweat on their place at the tournament after a complaint was filed about them fielding an ineligible player, but ultimately rebuffed by Fifa.
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      What time does Qatar vs Ecuador kick off?
      Qatar take on Ecuador on Sunday, November 20.
      The match kicks off at 7pm UK time.
      It will be held at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor.
      The sides last met in 2018, when Qatar won 4-3 in a friendly in Doha.
      What TV channel is Qatar vs Ecuador on and can I live stream it?

      Qatar vs Ecuador is live on BBC.
      To stream the game live, head to the BBC iPlayer.

      Can I watch Qatar vs Ecuador for free?
      Yes. BBC is free for all UK viewers with a TV licence.
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