World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Lionel Messi ‘lose his mind’ in incredible speech before Argentina’s Copa America final win over Brazil

      by

      LIONEL MESSI “lost his mind” in a passionate speech before Argentina’s Copa America final win over Brazil last year.The legendary Argentine, 35, hadn’t had the best of luck on the international stage until then.
      Messi ‘lost his mind’ in a pre-game speech, Di Maria said
      Di Maria scored the winnerCredit: Getty
      Messi won his first international trophy with ArgentinaCredit: AFP
      He racked up a World Cup final loss to Germany in 2014 and finished runner-up on three different occasions in the Copa America.
      But ahead of playing Brazil in their own back yard at the Maracana in the final of the 2021 Copa America, Messi “lost his mind” in a passionate speech.
      Ex-Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain ace Angel Di Maria said of the moment: “Before the start of each game, he (Messi) spoke.
      “But this last speech was different, he lost his mind.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Messi said as the group huddled together: “We already know what Argentina and Brazil mean.
      “I don’t want to say anything today, just thank you guys.
      “Thank you very much for these 45 days.
      “I told you on my birthday, we have made a beautiful group, and I enjoyed it very much.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “Forty-five days where we traveled, ate, were locked up in hotels.
      “Forty-five days without seeing our families guys.
      “Dibu (Emiliano Martinez) had a daughter and he couldn’t even see her, he couldn’t hold her in his arms.
      “Chino also had a son, and he only got to see him for a little while.
      “All for what? For this moment. Because we had a goal, and we are very close to achieving that.
      “And you know what the best of all is? That this depends on us.
      “That’s why we’re going out on the pitch, and we’re going to raise the cup.
      “We’re going to take it to Argentina to enjoy it with our family and friends, and with those who have always supported us.
      “The last thing, with this I finish. There are no coincidences guys.
      “This cup was going to be played in Argentina, but God wanted it to be played in Brazil, so that we can win it at the Maracana, and make it more beautiful for all of us.
      “So go out to the pitch confident and calm, we’ll take this cup home.”
      FINALLY MESSI WINS
      And take it home they did, winning 1-0 with a Messi-inspired Di Maria getting the goal, inside the ground where they lost the 2014 World Cup final.
      Argentina carried that momentum on, beating Euro 2020 winners Italy in the Finalissima.
      The South American champs won 3-0 at Wembley.
      Messi and Co are on a 35-game unbeaten run heading into next month’s winter World Cup, which will be the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s last.
      He has also returned to form at club level after a poor first season at PSG.
      Messi has 12 goals and 14 assists in 18 games played this season for PSG, heading into Qatar in frightening form.
      Argentina will fancy their chances, with European champions Italy not at the tournament.
      Read More on The Sun
      France, Germany and England aren’t having the best of times either.
      Their main rivals could be Brazil, who are looking for their sixth world crown.
      Messi and Argentina are in frightening form heading into the World CupCredit: AFP More

    • 175 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Which teams should Dream Team World Cup gaffers back and who should they avoid?

      by

      DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP is live and one of the very first things you’ll need to consider before selecting your XI is which teams will be in the best shape in Qatar.The logic is simple: the better a team performs, the more likely they are to score goals and keep clean sheets, meaning plenty of Dream Team points.
      So who are the favourites to lift the prestigious trophy on December 18th?

      CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 IN PRIZE MONEY UP FOR GRABS

      The South American giants are favourites with the bookies with Brazil generally priced at 4/1 and Argentina at 11/2.
      Tite’s side have won their last seven games in row, scoring 26 goals and conceding just two.
      The Selecao have only lost one game in the last two years and eleven months and their attacking pedigree is virtually unmatched on the world stage.
      With the likes of Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Richarlison having impressed on the international stage so convincingly in recent times, quality forwards like Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino may not even make the squad.
      Richarlison has been a regular goalscorer for Brazil in recent months
      Argentina are widely fancied because, as reigning Copa America champions, they easily defeated Euro 2020 winners Italy in the first ever Finalissima.
      Lionel Scaloni’s men haven’t tasted defeat in over three years and while the squad may not be as star-studded as previous generations, they are as galvanised and disciplined as they have been in years.
      The Albiceleste will once again be heavily dependent on the brilliance of Lionel Messi, who has recaptured something close to his best form this season at the age of 35.
      Argentina’s iconic No10 has scored 19 goals in his last 22 international appearances – he bagged five in one game against Estonia earlier this year to send out something of a warning to the world’s defenders.
      France are third favourites, closely followed by England, though both teams have suffered disappointing results this year.
      The defending world champions have just won of their last six games, a run that includes three defeats.
      Les Bleus will also be without injured absentees N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, two midfielders who have been regulars during Didier Deschamps’ reign.
      France will be without Pogba and Kante this winterCredit: getty
      Similarly, the Three Lions have lost to Hungary twice this year and went five games without a goal from open play before an entertaining 3-3 draw with Germany at Wembley in their last outing.
      However, France and England both boast talented squads that have performed well in recent major tournaments.
      Spain and Germany are next in line according to the bookmakers though again, both sides have found wins harder to come by than they would have liked this year.
      What may surprise some casual fans is that Netherlands (12/1) are shorter odds than Portugal (14/1) and Belgium (16/1).
      Louis van Gaal has done a good job at the helm of the Oranje so far, registering two wins over Belgium and a 4-2 victory over an organised Denmark side this year.
      Memphis Depay has scored 21 international goals in the last two years and should be a popular selection in Dream Team World Cup, despite the fact he’s not getting many minutes for Barcelona this season.
      Netherlands have reached the World Cup semi-finals five timesCredit: getty
      If you’re looking for a dark horse then Denmark may fit the bill.
      No European team earned more points when qualifying for the tournament and they beat France home and away in the Nations League earlier this year.
      As luck would have it, they’ve been drawn alongside Kylian Mbappe and co in Group D and will secretly fancy their chances of causing an upset or two in Qatar.
      Croatia, Uruguay and Senegal follow in the odds with the rest of the participants all 100/1 or more.
      So what can we gauge from this overlook?
      Dream Team World Cup bosses should definitely be thinking of backing at least two assets each from Brazil and Argentina – although be aware that neither have faced many European opponents recently.
      Brazil and Argentina are the two favourites for the 2022 World CupCredit: getty/DREAM TEAM
      It may not be wise to overinvest in the likes of France and Germany – perhaps England too although Gareth Southgate’s team have been gifted a relatively friendly group.
      You should probably give appropriate consideration to both Netherlands and Denmark as both nations should offer decent value for money if you do a bit of research.
      Remember, you can make as many changes to your XI as you want before the tournament gets underway so there’s no reason to shy away from getting involved right now!

      CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 IN PRIZE MONEY UP FOR GRABS

      Most read in Dream Team More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sergio Ramos breaks silence on shock inclusion in Spain’s World Cup squad… 18-months after last playing for them

      by

      SERGIO RAMOS has broken his silence on his shock inclusion in Spain’s initial World Cup squad. The 36-year-old defender made it into Luis Enrique’s 55 man list of players, which he will need to break down into 26 in the coming weeks.
      Ramos is Spain’s most-capped player and is hoping for a sensational turnaround to his international careerCredit: Getty
      Ramos will hope to make the cut again but some fans were stunned he even made it into the initial squad, given he has not appeared for Spain for 18 months.
      The PSG defender last won an international cap against Kosovo in March 2021.
      He even missed Euro 2020 as Enrique turned to younger alternatives to man the Spanish defence.
      But after an injury hit spell, the legendary centre-back is hoping to fight his way all the way to Qatar.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      He told Mundo Deportivo: “Everyone knows what it means to defend those colours. I feel good again, I feel prepared, but ultimately it doesn’t depend on me but on Luis Enrique, whom I respect a lot. 
      “I still have a lot of excitement to return and play this World Cup. I hope I can be in Qatar.”

      The star also discussed the injury issues which held him back after leaving Real Madrid, seeing him only make 12 league appearances in his debut season at the Parc des Princes.
      He added: “Last year was tough because I had a lot of problems, as well as having to adapt to another club after almost a lifetime at Real Madrid.
      England begin their World Cup campaign in under two weeks

      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “Throughout my career I have been injured very little. At no time did I think it was the end. 
      “They are challenges that life presents to us, and if there is something that gives meaning to my way of being, it is effort, personality and perseverance.
      “I think I have years left at the highest level, I love this sport. When you dedicate so much to it, in the end you reap the rewards.”
      Ramos is Spain’s most capped player in their history with 180 international appearances between 2005 and 2021.
      That is 13 more than second-place Iker Casillas and well ahead of Sergio Busquets, who is third with 139 caps.
      Read More on The Sun
      Ramos was also part of the golden era who won back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012 and the World Cup in 2010.
      With his injuries behind him, Ramos has become a regular at PSG this season as the club look to win their first ever Champions League. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Wales fail to fill 55-player provisional World Cup squad – with Gareth Bale set to lead nation despite injuries

      by

      WALES have not filled their full allocation of 55 players for their provisional World Cup squad.Unlike Group B rivals England, Robert Page’s Dragons opted to name 40-odd players on their preliminary list for Qatar.
      Bale will lead Wales into the World CupCredit: Getty
      Page has selected 40-odd players instead of 55 for the provisional squadCredit: Reuters
      The first draft of names are given to Fifa for logistical reasons ahead of the tournament.
      Page will name his final 26-man squad in his hometown of Tylorstown in the Rhondda valley next Wednesday night with few surprises expected.
      Captain Gareth Bale will lead Wales with stars Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen also included despite recent injuries as Page remains loyal to his long-serving stalwarts.
      Wales, who have used 30 players during 2022, do not plan to release their provisional list – just like Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      The Dragons – making their first finals appearance since 1958 – are similar to European rivals Holland, 2018 finalists Croatia and Poland, who also did not use their full allocation.
      Luka Modric leads 34 Croatian players while Virgil van Dijk spearheads a 39-player Dutch party and Poland also picked 47 players.
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Uruguay, featuring Luis Suarez, Rodrigo Bentancur and Edinson Cavani, have gone for full allocations.
      The 32 competing nations have different plans in naming their squads.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Japan were the first country to finalise their 26-man World Cup squad on Tuesday.
      Fifa have set a deadline of November 14 for nations to submit their final squads.
      England boss Southgate will announce his squad four days prior. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Son Heung-min’s World Cup dreams hang in the balance as South Korea set to make final decision on injured Tottenham star

      by

      SON HEUNG-MIN’S World Cup dream hangs in the balance.That’s after South Korea’s FA admitted they may not be able to call their captain up with the Tottenham star to undergo surgery.
      Son Heung-Min must wait to find out if his World Cup dream is alive after surgeryCredit: AP
      Son, 30, was forced to come off the pitch in Spurs’ dramatic Champions League group stage win at Marseille on Tuesday.
      The forward’s head was rocked by Chancel Mbemba’s shoulder during a challenge.
      And Tottenham confirmed yesterday that Son would go under the knife to fix a fracture around his left eye in the next 48 hours – once the swelling has subsided.
      But South Korea chiefs have now cast doubt over the striker’s participation at Qatar 2022.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      They admit both they and Son remain in the dark until he has surgery.
      And only then can a decision be made on whether the national hero is fit enough for selection.

      A statement read: “We will decide whether he could participate the World Cup or not after the outcome of his surgery.
      “We are keep cooperating with Tottenham medical team on Son’s injury.”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Meanwhile, Son’s close friend and South Korea left-back Kim Jing-su insists the Spurs star will give everything in his bid to play at the World Cup.
      Kim added: “I spoke with Son this morning. He is a very responsible man and representative of the Korean national team.
      “He will not easily give up to play in the World Cup.”
      Son is a key player for South Korea, having scored 35 goals in 104 games.
      He won his first cap back in 2010 and scored seven goals in qualifying. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Spain vs Germany: TV channel, live stream FREE and kick-off time for HUGE 2022 World Cup Group E clash

      by

      GRAB your popcorn football lovers as Spain are scheduled to take on Germany in the standout tie of Group E.And both European giants are on a mission to right their wrongs from what happened at the 2018 Russia World Cup.
      Spain were kicked out of the 2018 World Cup by the hosts RussiaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Germany failed to make it out of the group stages in 2018Credit: Getty – Contributor
      A penalty shoot-out saw Spain go crashing out of the competition at the hands of the hosts despite being in control for most of the tie.
      However, Germany’s bags were packed even earlier as they failed to make it out of the group stages by finishing rock bottom.
      But the personnel has changed on both sides since then which includes the managers.
      What time does Spain vs Germany kick off?

      Spain’s mouth-watering fixture against Germany takes place on Sunday, November 27.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 7pm UK time – 9pm local time.
      Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar is the allocated arena for this encounter and it can host approximately 60,000 fans.
      Germany got annihilated 6-0 when the European giants last met in a Nations League game back in 2020.

      Read More on World Cup
      What TV channel is Spain vs Germany on and can it be live streamed?

      Spain vs Germany will be broadcasted LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action live via the BBC Sport website or BBC iPlayer app.
      BBC iPlayer is available to download on your preferred choice of mobile phone or tablet device.

      Most read in Football
      Can I watch Spain vs Germany for FREE?
      Good news, you can! Spain vs Germany is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license. More

    • 225 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Croatia vs Canada: TV channel, live stream FREE and kick-off time for 2022 World Cup Group F match

      by

      RUSSIA World Cup finalist Croatia will be entertaining Canada in the second round of Group F fixtures.The Croatian’s are aware of what it takes to go deep into football’s biggest cup competition as they made it to the final in 2018.
      France beat Croatia in the 2018 World Cup finalCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Canada’s convincing 4-0 win over Jamaica sealed their first World Cup spot in 36 yearsCredit: Reuters
      And head coach Zlatko Dalic will be hoping that his side can go one better this time as France outfoxed them to the trophy.
      But first, Vatreni have to navigate their way past a Canadian side who pipped North American giants Mexico to the top spot in their qualifying group.
      However, this is Les Rouges’ first World Cup campaign since 1986 where they failed to secure a single point in the group stages.
      What time does Croatia vs Canada kick off?

      Croatia’s Group F encounter with Canada takes place on Sunday, November 27.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 4pm UK time – 6pm local time.
      Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar is the allocated arena for this fixture and it can host approximately 45,416 fans.
      History will be made as this is set to be the first ever match between these two sides.

      Read More on World Cup
      What TV channel is Croatia vs Canada on and can it be live streamed?

      Croatia vs Canada will be broadcasted LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action live via the BBC Sport website or BBC iPlayer app.
      BBC iPlayer is available to download on your preferred choice of mobile phone or tablet device.

      Most read in Football
      Can I watch Croatia vs Canada for FREE?
      Good news, you can! Croatia vs Canada is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Japan vs Costa Rica: TV channel, live stream FREE and kick-off time for 2022 World Cup Group E match

      by

      GROUP E’s second round of World Cup fixtures involve a mouth-watering encounter between Japan and Costa Rica in Ar-Rayyan.The Japanese are no strangers to football’s biggest cup competition as they have qualified for the last seven consecutive tournaments.
      Japan’s celebrations were wild after securing a Qatar 2022 World Cup spotCredit: AFP
      Heung-min Son’s late free-kick forced Costa Rica to share the spoils with JapanCredit: Reuters
      But sealing their spot for Qatar may have been the most difficult yet as two last-gasp goals from substitute Kaoru Mitoma in Australia got the job done.
      And now, Hajime Moriyasu’s men face a tough task of collecting three points from Costa Rica who have experience of winning on this ground before.
      However, Los Ticos suffered heartbreak against the last East Asian opponent they came up against courtesy of a wonder strike from Tottenham Hotspur ace Son Heung-min.
      What time does Japan vs Costa Rica kick off?

      Japan are scheduled to encounter Costa Rica on Sunday, November 27.
      It is expected to kick off at 10am UK time – 12pm local time.
      Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Ar-Rayyan, Qatar is the designated venue for this match and it can host up to 44,760 fans.
      Costa Rica have failed to beat Japan on all five occasions these two sides have met each other.

      Read More on World Cup
      What TV channel is Japan vs Costa Rica on and can it be live streamed?

      Japan vs Costa Rica will be broadcasted LIVE on ITV in the UK.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action live via the ITV website or ITV hub.
      ITV hub is available to download on your preferred mobile phone or tablet device.

      Most read in Football
      Can I watch Japan vs Costa Rica for FREE?
      Yes. Japan’s Group E fixture against Costa Rica is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license. More