World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      England XI in line for World Cup debuts in Qatar including Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE is set to name a whole host of World Cup debutants when he confirms his squad for Qatar tomorrow.The Three Lions side that reached the semi-finals in Russia four years ago featured the likes of Dele Alli, Jamie Vardy and Ashley Young – none of whom are in contention this time around.

      Mason Mount and Phil Foden are set to go to their first World CupCredit: Getty
      Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice were not around the England fold yet in 2018Credit: Getty
      In their place will be plenty of young, fresh talent – with expectations high on England despite their awful Nations League campaign.
      Jordan Pickford starred between the sticks in 2018, but Arsenal No1 Aaron Ramsdale will get his first taste of World Cup football this time around.
      His Gunners team-mate Ben White is likely to be there too, as well as star man Bukayo Saka.
      Conor Coady’s excellent Everton form should clinch him a place in his first World Cup squad, while Fikayo Tomori’s AC Milan exploits may be enough to secure a place on the plane.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Neither Declan Rice nor Jude Bellingham were in Russia, with the latter only 14-years-old when the 2018 squad was announced.
      James Maddison has only earned one cap for the Three Lions, a substitute appearance against Montenegro three years ago.
      But his sensational form for Leicester this season, during which he has scored six goals and assisted a further four in 12 Prem outings, has put him right in the mix.
      It’s difficult to remember a Southgate England side without Mason Mount or Phil Foden – such is the senior status that they both appear to hold now.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      But neither were named in 2018 – the former having just enjoyed a loan spell at Vitesse and the latter still a young fringe player at Manchester City at the time.
      Both will get their first tastes of World Cup action in Qatar.
      Harry Kane won the Golden Boot in Russia and will look to repeat the feat this time around – but his cast of back-ups is likely to change somewhat.
      Vardy and Danny Welbeck deputised for him on that occasion – but now Tammy Abraham is in pole position to be first back-up.
      During the last World Cup, Abraham was back at Chelsea after a mixed loan spell at Swansea.
      Callum Wilson, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney will also be hoping to make the plane for their first World Cup experience.
      Tammy Abraham could deputise for Harry KaneCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Dream Team World Cup gaffers backing Lionel Messi to put the demons of 2014 to rest in Qatar

      by

      EVER since Lionel Messi was not much older than a toddler, when he jinked past his first opponent in a vaguely familiar style, the legacy of Diego Maradona has cast a shadow over him.As an Argentine footballer, living up to the nation’s most outrageous talent is a near impossible task.
      And yet, in many ways, Messi has surpassed Maradona, scoring more goals, providing more assists, winning more trophies and doing it all with a stylistic panache at least equal to that of El Pibe de Oro.
      However, only one No10 has delivered a World Cup for Argentina almost single-handedly (not a deliberate Hand of God reference).

      PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

      How will Messi perform at his last World Cup?Credit: getty/DREAM TEAM
      Maradona’s campaign in Mexico in ’86 is the stuff of legends, remembered as the greatest ever showing from an individual on the biggest stage sport has to offer.
      His mazy dribble against England in the quarter-finals is regularly cited as the best goal of all time and so when Messi scored an eerily similar goal for Barcelona against Getafe in 2007, the pressure on the latter to flourish into the second coming was cemented for eternity.
      For a long while, Messi has known that no matter what he achieves at club level, he will not be as revered in his homeland as Maradona unless he delivers a World Cup.
      He came ever so close in 2014, inspiring the Albiceleste to the final in Brazil where they were ultimately defeated by Germany through Mario Gotze’s extra-time strike.
      Messi was named Player of the Tournament, just as Maradona was in ’86, but without the trophy the comparison was nothing.
      Maradona’s 1986 World Cup campaign is the stuff of legendsCredit: getty
      Barca’s all-time top scorer broke his international duck in 2021 when Argentina beat Brazil in the final of Copa America.
      Messi finished as top scorer and top assist provider in the tournament, an effort wholly appreciated by his compatriots, but the standards expected of the all-time greats are stratospheric.
      The Copa America triumph was one to celebrate but it did not exorcise the demons of 2014 – only victory in Qatar, Messi’s last World Cup, could do that.
      So how likely is it that the 35-year-old will write a fairytale ending to his story, a triumph that would probably cement him as the outright greatest player in history, if he isn’t already?
      Lionel Scaloni’s side are second-favourites to succeed in Qatar according to most bookmakers, and deservedly so.
      By the time the tournament gets underway, Argentina will have gone almost three and a half years unbeaten in all competitions.
      Argentina’s hopes rest on Messi’s shoulders once againCredit: getty
      This is in stark contrast to several of the fancied European giants (France, Germany, England, Spain) who have all suffered more defeats than they would have liked in the last year or so.
      Messi and company have been drawn in Group C alongside Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland – a reasonably favourable set of fixtures all things considered.
      However, one factor to consider is that Argentina have played very few European teams in recent times because of Covid restrictions – although they did beat Italy 3-0 in the Finalissima, a meeting between the champions of South America and Europe.
      And rather ominously, Messi scored all five goals in his side’s 5-0 win over Estonia earlier this year – something of a warning shot to every team set to frequent Qatar this winter.
      Dream Team World Cup gaffers are seemingly confident that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will impress at his last World Cup – his ownership of 30.2% makes him the sixth-most popular player in the game at this stage.
      Given a provisional price range of £7m – £7.5m, Messi could well be Dream Team World Cup’s most-expensive player when prices are finalised next week but his price tag evidently isn’t much of a deterrent.
      The 2014 World Cup final still haunts Messi and ArgentinaCredit: getty
      Dream Team World Cup managers should also note the legendary No10’s superb form for PSG this season – he’s scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in just 17 appearances across Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
      Messi is one of those players who could seriously hurt you if you leave him out of your XI, especially with Argentina set to take on Saudi Arabia in their first group game.

      PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

      Most read in Dream Team More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola slams ‘crazy World Cup’ after Sepp Blatter admits it was a ‘mistake’ to host tournament in Qatar

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA has slammed the “crazy World Cup” and would totally understand some of his Manchester City squad having one eye on the showpiece in Qatar.The first ever winter edition of the tournament gets underway later this month.
      Pep Guardiola is fuming about the winter World CupCredit: Getty
      Despite the first game kicking off in just 11 days, City still have two fixtures left before the season pauses.
      They host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup tonight before Brentford travel to the Eithad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.

      Reece James and Sadio Mane are the latest big names set to miss out in Qatar through injury and Guardiola fears for the welfare of his players.
      “We have a crazy World Cup and the players can’t rest,” he said. “The players have one eye on the World Cup.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      “If you got an injury against Brentford, it’s not going to change anything in terms of winning the Premier League or not, but you’re going to miss the World Cup.
      “I had to tell the guys to be focused a month ago, but now it’s around the corner.
      “We play Saturday and on Sunday they have to be with the national team.
      “I’m pretty sure that will be in the players’ minds. I would be the same.”
      Most read in Football
      When asked about the availability of his players post-Qatar, Guardiola joked that some of his staff might end up getting a game.
      He added: “It’s better not to think about it.
      “If we have don’t have our international players, OK go with the academy — or with some physios!”
      Meanwhile, Fifa president Sepp Blatter admitted that allowing Qatar to host the tournament was a mistake.
      He told Swiss newspaper Tages Anzeiger: “Qatar is a mistake.
      “It is too small of a country. Football and the World Cup are too big for it.” More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup 2022 squads CONFIRMED: Jesus and Martinelli make Brazil cut while Mane RULED OUT for Senegal

      by

      SOME of football’s most talented superstars are set to go up against each other THIS MONTH at the Qatar World Cup – but that’s if they are selected.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
      But all eyes will be on the managers beforehand as they 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 Brazilian boss Tite has followed suit but his selection has raised a lot of eyebrows.
      Find out more info on the World Cup squads below…
      When is the deadline for the World Cup squads?
      Managers had until Friday, October 21 to submit their 55-player release list to FIFA.
      Read more on World Cup
      However, FIFA have given managers up until Monday, November 14 to decide on their final 26-player squad.
      And once confirmed, each final listing will be 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?
      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
      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
      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
      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
      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
      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
      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.
      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
      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 More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo keen to play until he’s 40 but he will RETIRE as soon as body slows down, claims Portugal manager

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO will play until he’s 40 – but will retire as soon as his body slows down, according to Portugal boss Fernando Santos.The Manchester United star, 37, has dominated headlines over recent months as he looked to force a move away from Old Trafford before his now infamous refusal to appear as sub against Tottenham.
      Cristiano Ronaldo will play into his 40s if his physical levels don’t dropCredit: Instagram / @cristiano
      Cristiano Ronaldo has been angling for a move away from Man UtdCredit: AP
      However, Santos has revealed Ronaldo will keep on playing until his physical level finally drops.
      In 2020, Santos told TVI24: “Cristiano is ready to play until he’s 40, but he doesn’t know if it will happen.
      “At some point he may feel that he no longer has the same conditions.
      “He’s not a player who will lower his level, when he feels like he can’t be Ronaldo, he won’t.”
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      Ronaldo was surprisingly handed the armband as the Red Devils slipped to a 3-1 defeat at Villa Park on Sunday.
      He has started each of United’s last four games but it appears Erik ten Hag is happy to let him leave at the beginning of next year.
      A report this week has also claimed that a return to Sporting Lisbon could be on the cards.
      The veteran is also preparing for what will most-likely be his last World Cup with Portugal this month.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      But one thing is for certain, Ronaldo is not planning to retire any time soon – and his incredibly detailed fitness regime makes that all possible.
      In 2020, Ronaldo revealed his desire to play until he’s 40 after celebrating his 35th birthday.
      Quizzed on how long he can keep going, the Portuguese icon told Marca: “Much will depend on what I feel, on my motivation.
      “Physically it will never be a problem.
      “I am treating myself well and I think can play safely up to 40 years.
      “The most important factor, honestly, will be more psychological – that will be the one that makes the difference.
      “In any case, everything has a beginning and an end. I won’t last a lifetime but I still feel strong enough to continue winning. I will stop if I have no incentives.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sadio Mane ‘ruled OUT of World Cup 2022 after Senegal star suffers tendon injury in Bayern’s clash vs Werder Bremen’

      by

      BAYERN MUNICH star Sadio Mane is reportedly out of the World Cup after limping off with an injury against Werder Bremen on Tuesday.Mane went down and received medical attention on the pitch before being taken off.
      Sadio Mane was forced off with the injury during Bayern Munich’s match against Werder BremenCredit: Getty
      According to L’Equipe the former Liverpool forward has picked up a knee injury after damaging his tendon and is set to spend several weeks on the treatment table.
      A Bayern statement read: “Sadio Mané has picked up an injury and he won’t be available for game against Schalke.
      “Further tests will follow in the next few days — Bayern is in contact with the medical team of Senegalese Football Association”.
      Speaking after the game, Bayern assistant coach Dino Toppmoller looked to play down the severity of the injury.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      He said Mane suffered a slight nerve pinch but it wasn’t too serious and his World Cup shouldn’t be at risk.
      However Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann confirmed after the match that the winger will “have an x-ray”.
      Nagelsmann said: “I didn’t see him [Mane] after the game, I hope it’s not a big injury.
      “But I don’t know at the moment. We’ll see tomorrow and then give an update.”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Mane looks set to join a host of star names who won’t be taking part at the tournament.
      Just for England, Reece James is a major doubt and Ben Chilwell, Kalvin Phillips and Emile Smith Rowe definitely aren’t going.
      N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba miss out for France, While Timo Werner of Germany and Diogo Jota of Portugal are among those who are sidelined.
      It is a huge blow for Senegal who are in World Cup Group A and could face England in the second round.
      They start their campaign against the Netherlands on November 21.
      Host nation Qatar will be next up on November 25 before their final group game against Ecuador. More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale BANNED from playing his beloved hobby golf at the Qatar World Cup

      by

      GARETH BALE’S golf days are out of bounds at the World Cup.Wales boss Robert Page swung by Doha Golf Club during a Qatar recce in June to tee up a round for his squad.
      Gareth Bale has been banned from playing golf in QatarCredit: Alamy Live News
      Bale celebrated winning the MLS Cup with LAFC last weekendCredit: Reuters
      The Welshman is a well-documented lover of golfCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But Page says 18 holes in their downtime is off limits due to the demands the finals will bring for golf nut Bale and his team-mates.
      Page said: “We had a round of golf planned. I went to the Doha club, it’s run by a British lad. He said, ‘I’ll book you a time’.
      “But it gets dark at four o’clock. We looked at it but there are other functions we might have to do, so we will probably not get the chance to do it.”
      When asked if Page had told captain Bale, he laughed: “Yeah. There’s no golf. We’re out there to do a job.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      “In the past I may get Gareth, Kieffer Moore or Aaron Ramsey come up to me and say, ‘What’s the plan for tomorrow afternoon? Are there meetings?’
      “I’d say, ‘No, there’s no meetings, so if you want nine holes then go and play’.
      “But that is when you have a week building up to a double-header. Out there, we won’t have enough time. Every four days there is a game. It’s relentless.”
      Wales kick off their World Cup campaign — their first since 1958 — against the USA on November 21, followed by group matches with Iran and England.

      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      Bale completed his domestic season with Los Angeles FC by winning the MLS Cup last Saturday, so he will be the first on camp when Wales meet up this weekend.
      The Dragons are expected to be kept in a strict Covid bubble in Qatar — like the one imposed at last summer’s Euros.
      Page said: “We will have a bubble. In Holland in June, we had Wayne Hennessey feeling terrible and Rubin Colwill flew home the night before the game.
      “Both tested negative but if it was Covid, then it could have an impact on performance.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Reece James given devastating news as Gareth Southgate calls him to say England World Cup dream is OVER

      by

      REECE JAMES has been given the devastating news by England boss Gareth Southgate that his World Cup dream is over.Right-back James, 22, was desperate to make Southgate’s squad for Qatar despite last month’s knee injury.
      Reece James’ World Cup dream is over despite his best effortsCredit: Simon Jones
      James was injured last month during a game against AC MilanCredit: AP
      A positive scan yesterday increased the defender’s belief he could be back for the knockout stages — and James ran on grass at Chelsea’s Cobham base for the first time since his operation.
      But Southgate rang the Blues ace to deliver the bad news in person, telling him he could not afford to take a risk on his fitness.
      A source said: “Reece was confident he would be OK by the start of December.
      “But Gareth decided he could not take the gamble.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      “It is devastating news for Reece because he believed he would be OK.”
      James suffered his injury against AC Milan on October 11 and was always facing a tough race.
      Southgate names his 26-man squad for the tournament tomorrow, with England kicking off against Iran on November 21 and facing a potential second-round tie on December 4.
      Hours earlier, Chelsea manager Graham Potter revealed Blues medics had been in regular touch with England staff — although  he had not contacted Southgate directly.

      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      Potter said: “Reece was outside having a jog. It is just about how he responds. We know he is pretty optimistic about it — but in this situation you need to be.”
      Yet Southgate’s decision ended all that optimism and also suggests he may have to take a similarly tough call on Manchester City duo Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips, despite Pep Guardiola suggesting they will be available for selection after injuries.
      However, it improved the chances of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. More