World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Who has created the most assists in World Cup history? Top 10 revealed including Pele and David Beckham

      by

      THE top scorers at the World Cup are revered by football fans around the world.But very few would be able to rattle off the best playmakers in World Cup history.
      Beckham is the only England man to make the listCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      That is what SunSport is looking at here as we list the top 10 assist-makers to have played in the tournament.
      Here they are…
      10) ROBERT GADOCHA – 5
      Not a household name by any means, but former Polish winger Robert Gadocha assisted five goals during the 1974 World Cup.
      He did not score at the tournament but was an inspirational playmaker as Poland finished third, beating Argentina, Italy and Brazil on their route there.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      9) BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER – 6
      Bastian Schweinsteiger was a member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning side and went to three tournaments with his country.
      He was always a creative presence in the German midfield and managed six assists at the world’s most famous football tournament.
      Schweinsteiger was one of Germany’s best midfielders of the last generationCredit: Reuters
      8) THOMAS MULLER – 6
      The only active player in the list, Germany’s Thomas Muller could break the record in Qatar this summer if he assists three or more goals for Hansi Flick’s side.
      Along with his eight World Cup goals, the Bayern Munich star has contributed six assists across his three tournaments to date.
      Muller will look to add to his six assists at this year’s World CupCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      7) PELE – 6
      Arguably the most famous World Cup player in history and the only player to lift the trophy three times – in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
      Pele scored 12 goals at the World Cup and also managed an impressive six assists in the four tournaments he went to.
      Pele led Brazil to win the World Cup three times in 12 yearsCredit: Getty
      6) THOMAS HASSLER – 6
      In Thomas Hassler’s 14 games at the World Cup, the German managed a superb six assists.
      He went to three tournaments, lifting the trophy with the country in his first visit to the World Cup in 1990.
      Most read in Football
      The players with the most assists in World Cup history
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      5) DAVID BECKHAM – 6
      David Beckham is the only Englishman to make the top 10.
      He went to three World Cups with the Three Lions – in 1998, 2002 and 2006 – racking up six assists in the process.
      Beckham is by some distance England’s most prolific assist-maker in World Cup historyCredit: AP:Associated Press
      4) FRANCESCO TOTTI – 6
      Francesco Totti was a generational talent in Italian football and showed that on the grandest stage.
      He went to the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, contributing six assists and lifting the trophy in his final visit to the competition.
      Totti was inspirational in helping Italy win the World Cup in 2006Credit: AP:Associated Press
      3) GRZEGORZ LATO – 7
      Grzegorz Lato is another name younger people may not be familiar with, but only one player in World Cup history has more assists than the former Poland international.
      He went to the 1974, 1978 and 1982 tournaments, registering seven assists and picking up two third place finishes.
      2) PIERRE LITTBARSKI – 7
      The most prolific German assist-maker in World Cup history is Pierre Littbarski.
      The former attacking midfielder went to the 1982, 1986 and 1990 World Cups, contributing seven assists and lifting the trophy on one occasion.
      Read More on The Sun

      1) DIEGO MARADONA – 8
      The great Diego Maradona holds the record for the most assists at the World Cup.
      The Argentine legend racked up eight in total – five of which came on his way to lifting the trophy in 1986.
      Maradona has assisted more goals than any other player in World Cup historyCredit: AFP More

    • 250 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Any player with minor injury could miss out, it’s not fair!’ – Jamie Carragher slams ‘disgusting’ timing of World Cup

      by

      JAMIE CARRAGHER branded the timing of the World Cup as “disgusting” with minor injuries threatening to rule players out. Raphael Varane will miss France’s defence at Qatar 2022 after the Manchester United man pulled his hamstring at Chelsea while Liverpool’s Diogo Jota is out for Portugal.
      Son Heung-min is a doubt for the World Cup after getting a blow to the eyeCredit: Reuters
      Raphael Varane was in tears when his hamstring pull ruled him outCredit: Rex
      And Son Heung-min now faces a race against time to make it on the plane.
      The Tottenham forward and South Korea captain suffered a horror eye injury after a blow to the cheekbone in Tuesday’s crunch Champions League win at Marseille.
      Son had to be subbed off and has just three weeks for his swollen eye to recover before his country kick off their World Cup campaign against Uruguay on November 24.
      The tournament starts on November 20, just seven days after the final Premier League matches – giving stars virtually no time to recover from even minor problems.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Carragher is furious that placing the tournament in the middle of the regular season means some of the best players will not be there.
      The Liverpool legend blasted to CBS Sports: “I think it’s an absolute disgrace that the World Cup is in the position it’s in, for lots of reasons.
      “It was corrupt that Qatar were given the World Cup, we knew that at the time.
      “They campaigned on having it in the summer, it is impossible there to have a World Cup in the summer with the temperature, it gets moved to the situation where it is now in the middle of the season.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “Players who spend their whole lives dreaming of playing in a World Cup and now could be [out injured] – as we’ve seen with Son and players all around the world.
      “Varane was crying coming off the pitch at Stamford Bridge. That’s how close we are to a World Cup.
      “An injury, a ten-day or two-week injury, is going to keep players out of a World Cup and it should not be happening.
      “And it all started with Fifa giving Qatar the World Cup and then moving it. I think it’s absolutely disgusting.”

      As well as Varane and Jota, there are a whole host of other players either definitely out or desperately rushing to get back to fitness in time before the managers name their squads in less than a fortnight.
      Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante and Pedro Neto will watch the tournament from home while Paulo Dybala, Romelu Lukaku, Reece James, Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips, Marco Reus, Raul Jiminez, Matthijs de Ligt and Ronald Araujo are doubts.
      England trio James, Walker and Phillips are doing all they can to be back in time.
      Read More on The Sun
      Pep Guardiola admitted he would not give his Manchester City duo game time just to help Gareth Southgate – and acknowledged they may well be undercooked if they do go to Qatar.
      Meanwhile, James told SunSport he is not giving up hope of recovering from his knee injury, despite still being in a brace and on crutches.
      Jamie Carragher blasted the tournament taking place in the middle of the seasonCredit: CBS Sports
      Reece James is battling to be back in time but is still in a braceCredit: Simon Jones More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How England could line-up with Gareth Southgate using fringe stars of 55-man squad including Welbeck and Eze

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE has named a 55-man provisional England squad for the World Cup later this month.The Three Lions boss will need to trim that number down to 26 by November 14 – with the England manager expected to do so four days earlier on November 10.
      Welbeck is a surprise inclusion in Southgate’s 55-man squadCredit: Getty
      Eze is an outside bet to make England’s final 26-man World Cup squadCredit: Getty
      But for the time being there are a host of fringe stars who will be hoping a late upturn in form or injuries could see them included in the final squad.
      And SunSport has taken a look at the team Southgate could field from those who are expected to have made the 55-player roster.
      In goal, Dean Henderson is thought to be the fourth choice behind Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope.
      At the back, Leicester’s James Justin could be called upon on the left side if anything happens to either Luke Shaw or Ben Chilwell.
      Southgate has a host of fringe players to call on outside of his favoured stars

      At centre-half, Lewis Dunk has been confirmed in the provisional squad, with Liverpool defender Joe Gomez also making a late play for selection after a run in Jurgen Klopp’s team.
      Arsenal man Ben White props up the back line as he has shown his versatility this season, moving out to right-back.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      And with injuries to Reece James and Kyle Walker, Southgate could be tempted to pick the Gunners star.
      In midfield, Chelsea man Loftus-Cheek and Crystal Palace talent Eberechi Eze are a pair already confirmed to be in the 55.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

      Leicester playmaker James Maddison is another who has put himself in the frame following a superb start to the season.
      And Everton youngster Anthony Gordon has also starred for his club and will be looking to translate that to a national team call up.
      Then up front, Brighton’s Danny Welbeck was confirmed alongside Dunk as a fellow surprising Seagulls player in Southgate’s provisional World Cup squad.
      And he is joined in attack by Newcastle striker Callum Wilson – who has not been capped since 2019 but is in the form of his life after six goals in his opening nine Premier League games. More

    • 288 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Co to REJECT Argentina’s request to leave players out of final round of Prem games to rest for World Cup

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs will reject Argentina’s request to leave players out of the final round of domestic games.The South Americans are wanting to begin their World Cup preparations earlier than expected.
      Prem clubs like Man Utd will not let their Argentine stars leave early for the World CupCredit: Getty
      There are currently six players in the Prem who are involved with Argentina’s national side.
      Two are at Manchester United in Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho.
      Another two play for Aston Villa – Emi Buendia and Emi Martinez.
      Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister and Tottenham’s Cristian Romero are also expected to be named in Lionel Scaloni’s final World Cup squad.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The clubs do not have to release their players until November 14, a day after the final round of league fixtures.
      But Argentina want their stars to meet up earlier than that.
      The Mail claims they already asked one English club to release their player before the final league match.
      The unnamed club are understood to have instantly rejected Argentina’s request.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

      They also informed other Prem clubs who have stars from the South American country.
      And the agreed consensus was that they too will snub Argentina should similar requests be made.
      The report adds that some Spanish clubs have also been approached about letting players go early.
      The final LaLiga games take place on November 8 and 9, with preliminary Spanish Cup matches on the 12th and 13th.
      Some sides are exempt, while others usually play weakened teams.
      Villarreal are believed to have given Tottenham loanee Gio Lo Celso the green light to depart early.
      Read More on The Sun
      But Atletico Madrid, who boast three players in Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo de Paul and Angel Correa, do not want to risk an upset.
      And sources at the club say they will reject Argentina’s early release request if one is made. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek included in Gareth Southgate’s 55-man England squad for World Cup in Qatar

      by

      CHELSEA star Ruben Loftus-Cheek has made it into Gareth Southgate’s provisional 55-man England squad for the World Cup.The Blues midfielder, 26, was included in the Three Lions’ squad for the Russia World Cup four years ago.
      Loftus-Cheek has shown his versatility so far this seasonCredit: PA
      Southgate previously took Loftus-Cheek to the 2018 World CupCredit: PA
      But he has not been capped by Southgate since November 2018, falling out of favour after a number of injury problems.
      However, according to The Athletic, he has been included in the England manager’s huge 55-player list which he will need to trim down to 26 later this month.
      Loftus-Cheek has started 10 of Chelsea’s 12 Premier League games so far this season.
      Speaking last week about the possibility of making the World Cup squad, he said: “It would be amazing. It would mean a lot.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      “Going into the 2018 World Cup you see your trajectory go upwards and to be at the next World Cup if everything goes well.
      “A lot has happened in that time and I am just happy and grateful that I am fit and healthy and playing football now consistently.

      “If I go to the World Cup it would mean the world — but that is not at the forefront of my mind now.
      “It would be selfish to think about my personal aspirations rather than the club at the moment.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

      Loftus-Cheek earned most of his 10 England caps during the 2017/18 season while out on loan at Crystal Palace.
      He then returned to Chelsea but faced several fitness issues which plagued his career.
      Now, though, he seems to be thriving under Graham Potter – who has used him as both a central midfielder and right wingback.
      And that could be useful for England following injuries to full-backs Reece James and Kyle Walker.
      In midfield, Three Lions fans are also waiting to hear whether Kalvin Phillips will recover in time for the tournament – which begins for England on November 21 when they take on Iran.
      Read More on The Sun
      Southgate has to trim his squad to 26 players by November 14, although England are set to name theirs four days earlier.
      Earlier this week, it was revealed that Brighton duo Lewis Dunk and Danny Welbeck were included as surprise selections in the provisional 55-man roster. More

    • 250 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd starlet Facundo Pellistri set for ‘imminent’ loan transfer exit after shock call up to Uruguay’s World Cup squad

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED youngster Facundo Pellistri is set for an “imminent” loan move away from the club, according to his agent.The Uruguayan winger, 20, is yet to make a first team appearance for the club since joining from Penarol in 2020.
      Pellistri is eyeing a spot at the World Cup with UruguayCredit: AFP
      He has had two separate loan spells with Spanish outfit Deportivo Alaves, but returned to Old Trafford on both occasions due to a lack of opportunities.
      And now, with the expectation of making Uruguay’s World Cup squad, his agent Edgardo Lasalvia has claimed he will soon be loaned out once more.
      Speaking to ESPN Uruguay, he said: “I think with a good World Cup, as we think he is going to have, his departure [from United] is imminent.”
      Pellistri has made inroads into the Uruguay national team despite no senior appearances for Man Utd.
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      He has already been capped seven times by his country in 2022, a run which looks set to seal his spot in Qatar.
      Pellistri was linked with a loan move away from Old Trafford in the summer, but an injury prevented any deal from being completed.
      He is now fully fit once more, but is yet to feature in any of the club’s Premier League or Europa League matches.
      And a permanent move away from United could also be an option for the South American.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      However, with three years left on his existing deal, the club hold the cards to his future and will only sell if they are happy to cash in.
      Erik ten Hag has a great deal of competition in his squad when it comes to the wide areas.
      The likes of Antony, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho are all currently ahead of Pellistri in the Dutchman’s plans. More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I wear the poppy to salute my World War II hero grandad – it makes me proud, says Gareth Southgate

      by

      ENGLAND footie boss Gareth Southgate says he is proud to wear a poppy — to salute his World War Two hero grandad.He explained Arthur Toll, who served with the Royal Marines, instilled in him the importance of remembering those who serve.
      Gareth Southgate’s war hero grandad Arthur, instilled in him the importance of remembering those who serve or have servedCredit: Rex
      Gareth, who will lead the Three Lions in this month’s World Cup, said: “The poppy is a symbol that leads people to remember.
      “It keeps humility in the group because it means you’re not just thinking about yourselves.
      “The freedoms that we have are because of the commitment and sacrifice the people that came before us made.
      “My grandad was in the Royal Marines so since I was a kid there’s been that connection and appreciation of what people went through.”
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Gareth, 52, was launching this year’s football shirt auction in which fans can bid for stars’ kit embroidered with the poppy to raise money for the annual British Legion appeal.
      His grandad Arthur was a meat wholesaler in 1939 when war broke out.
      He died in Watford, Herts, in 1994, age 87.
      To bid in the auction go to matchwornshirt.co.uk/poppy
      Most read in The Sun More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      England star Terry Butcher poses with Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball which could fetch more than £3million at auction

      by

      EX-England star Terry Butcher poses with Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” ball — as speculation grows it will fetch more than its £3million estimate at auction.The defender played in the 1986 World Cup defeat to Argentina in which Maradona scored twice — the first with a punch.
      Ex-England star Terry Butcher poses with the ball used in the 1986 World CupCredit: AFP
      It is expected to fetch more than £3million at auctionCredit: Popperfoto
      The ball will be sold in two weeks, with auctioneer Graham Budd saying: “All the best prices I’ve ever had at auction have made multiples of the estimate.
      “When you have an exceptional item, you get multiple bidding.
      “Sometimes it takes a long while for the last person to pull out.
      “Almost anything’s possible at auction which is why it’s so exciting.
      READ MORE ON MARADONA
      “It’s an absolutely exceptional piece.”
      We told earlier how Tunisian ref Ali Bin Nasser was selling the ball.
      Maradona died aged 60 in 2020.
      Most read in The Sun More