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      When do yellow cards reset at the 2022 World Cup?

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      YELLOW cards are a major part of any tournament, but rarely do they hold as much significance as in the World Cup.All countries involved will be gearing up for their opening games in Qatar, which is now just around the corner.
      Referre Pierluigi Collina of Italy gives a yellow card to Argentina’s Gabriel BatistudaCredit: Reuters
      Although many players will be wary of picking up suspensions.
      And FIFA have specific rules regarding bookings, and when they are reset at the tournament.
      When do yellow cards reset at the World Cup?
      Unlike in other years, players will not miss the World Cup final if they have been booked previously.
      However, if a player were to pick up a red card, they would still be suspended.
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      Up until the quarter final, players who receive a yellow card in two different games, will then miss their next fixture.
      A player’s record after the quarter final will then be reset, meaning only a red card could prevent them from missing the final.

      Paul Gascoigne in tears after his England lost a penalty shoot-out in the semi-final of the World Cup against West GermanyCredit: AP:Associated Press
      However, the rules haven’t always been this way. Paul Gascoigne famously broke down in tears after picking up a yellow card against West Germany during Italia 90′ World Cup, preventing him from playing in the final.
      As it was, England went on to lose on penalties, but no player in Qatar will have to go through what ‘Gazza’ did that day.
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      Man Utd arrange La Liga friendly during World Cup with likes of De Gea, Martial and Sancho set to miss out on Qatar

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have arranged to play a friendly during the World Cup. The fixture, announced by United on Monday, will see them face off against La Liga side Cadiz CF in December.
      Erik ten Hag’s side will face Cadiz in a friendly over the winter breakCredit: Reuters
      David de Gea will be among the high-profile names expected to be involvedCredit: Alamy
      United will not be involved in a competitive match for well over a month due to the tournament in Qatar.
      The club’s final fixture before the break comes on November 13 against Fulham before their next Premier League game on December 27 when they host Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
      However, if United beat Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup third round they will be forced to contend with a fourth-round fixture on December 20 or 21.
      The Spanish side will play host to United at the Nuevo Mirandilla Stadium on December 7.
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      The game will come as Erik ten Hag takes his remaining squad out to Spain for a week-long warm-weather training camp.
      The likes of David de Gea – who failed to make Spain’s 55-man preliminary squad list – will be among a number of high-profile names who are set to miss out on a spot at the World Cup.
      Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek are expected to be a part of this group.
      Meanwhile, Scott McTominay, Victor Lindelof and Anthony Elanga are also set to be involved due to their respective nations failing to qualify.
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      United football director John Murtough said: “Erik and the team have made good progress during this first half of the season, and it is important we maintain this momentum coming out of the World Cup break.
      “A winter training camp will be a vital part of the team’s preparations for the second half of the season.
      “We have lined up a high-quality local opponent to play against, ensuring match fitness and sharpness is retained.
      “The camp and game will also allow for some of our young talent to experience training and playing in a first-team environment, as well as provide entertaining club football for fans.”
      Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek have seen playing time limited ahead of the World CupCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Neither Victor Lindelof nor Scott McTominay will be at the World Cup after their countries failed to qualifyCredit: Getty More

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      Paul Pogba OUT of World Cup as ex-Man Utd star picks up another thigh injury in Juventus training in huge France blow

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      PAUL POGBA is OUT of the World Cup after picking up another thigh injury, his agent has confirmed. The Frenchman suffered a fresh knock in training for Juventus that is set to keep him out for at least three weeks.
      Paul Pogba is out of the World Cup after picking up a new injuryCredit: AFP
      Pogba underwent medical tests in Turin and Pittsburgh which indicated he also still needed to recover from the knee surgery he had in September.
      Agent Rafaela Pimenta told Telefoot that despite the midfielder wanting to be ready for the World Cup, which starts on November 19, he would instead need to be patient.
      She said: “Paul would like to return as quickly as he can but he has to arm himself with patience, work hard in these difficult times, and give his best to be back on the pitch for the fans and his team as soon as possible.”
      It means that he will not feature again for Juventus before the World Cup despite early hopes that his knee surgery would see him return prior to the tournament.
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      The former Manchester United star re-joined Juventus over the summer after leaving Old Trafford on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract.
      However, before Pogba could make his second debut for the Old Lady he was struck down with a lesion of the lateral meniscus in his right knee.
      It left him with an agonising choice to make over whether or not he should have surgery.
      And despite seeking alternative measures to fix his issue, he then agreed to have surgery in hopes of boosting his World Cup chances.
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      However, he has failed to recover in time and leaves France stricken with a number of fellow key stars from the 2018 World Cup-winning side doubtful or out.
      Man Utd’s Raphael Varane and Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante will also miss the tournament, with France’s casualty list reading like the stuff of nightmares for the two-time champions.
      Similarly, England have concerns over injuries to key stars such as big-name defenders Reece James and Kyle Walker who are both in a desperate race against time.
      James has flown out to Dubai in hopes of speeding along his rehabilitation after suffering a knee injury on October 11 that came with an eight-week recovery time. More

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      Chelsea send injured England defender Reece James to Dubai as he fights to save World Cup dream

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      REECE JAMES has not given up on realising his England World Cup dream. The defender has flown out to Dubai in a last-ditch effort to help speed along his rehabilitation from a knee injury he suffered in Chelsea’s 2-0 win against AC Milan.
      Reece James remains hopeful he can beat the clock and make it to the World CupCredit: Simon Jones
      James suffered a knee injury on October 11Credit: PA
      The Chelsea star is in a race against time to prove his fitness and be picked for Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad to go to Qatar.
      James was given an eight-week timeline to fully recover from his injury, with the Three Lions squad due to be picked in half that time.
      Southgate is due to name his squad on November 10 but could face the hard choice of having to leave first-choice right wing-back James at home.
      James, 22, has been accompanied by fellow Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana.
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      Fofana is also hoping to save his World Cup dream and earn a call-up to the French national team – who are the reigning champions after winning in 2018.
      He is similarly suffering from a knee injury sustained against Milan, though the former Leicester star’s came during the 3-0 victory over the Italians at Stamford Bridge.
      In a club statement, Chelsea said: “Reece James and Wesley Fofana will continue their rehabilitation programmes this week in Dubai.
      “A member of the Chelsea medical department will accompany them.”
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      James had been in inspired form for Chelsea prior to the injury, and Graham Potter’s side are now clearly lacking the thrust and defensive nous he provides on the right flank.
      The fitness of Kyle Walker has already been a major cause for concern for England, and with James also facing an uphill battle to be fit it could see Kieran Trippier drafted into the first team.
      Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold could now find a place in the squad despite his less-than-stellar form this season.
      Bukayo Saka has also given England an injury boost after an injury scare during Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
      In an exclusive interview with SunSport, James recently opened up about vile racist abuse he has previously received from online trolls.
      Wesley Fofana is accompanying James on the journey to DubaiCredit: PA More

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      England fans still fuming with Maradona’s Hand of God goal and other controversial World Cup moments that needed VAR

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      MILLIONS of football fans are STILL sore about Diego Maradona’s infamous Hand of God knocking England out of the World Cup in 1986 – and nearly half say they will “never forgive him”.A poll of 2,000 lovers of the game found the Argentine ace’s controversial goal topped a list of the most controversial World Cup moments that might have benefited from video replays for referees.
      Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal is one of the most controversial moments in sporting historyCredit: Getty
      Frank Lampard’s strike in South Africa clearly crossed the line but was missed by the refsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Other memorable moments fans believe would have benefited from VAR include Frank Lampard’s clearly over-the-line shot against Germany in 2010 that wasn’t given.
      And Thierry Henry’s blatant – yet unpunished – handball against Ireland in in a 2009 World Cup play-off was chosen by 28 per cent.
      Just under one in five (19 per cent), however, also suspect Geoff Hurst’s game-changing goal in the 1966 final, which England went on to win, might not have been given had VAR been around.
      The research was commissioned by Samsung UK to showcase the 2022 range of Neo QLED TVs, featuring Quantum Dot technology.
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      VAR analyst and former professional referee Dermot Gallagher, working with Samsung, said: “As a proud Irish man, the most controversial decision for me has to be Thierry Henry’s handball in the World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in 2009.
      “With VAR and decent tech in place, the foul would have been called, bringing the tied game to penalties.”
      Other World Cup injustices football fans recall include Spain having two perfectly good goals disallowed against tournament hosts South Korea in 2002 (19 per cent).
      And 21 per cent are still bitter about West Germany’s Jurgen Klinsmann diving in the 1990 final, which got the Argentine Monzón sent off.
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      Some 63 per cent of respondents believe VAR would have eradicated most of the World Cup injustices that have taken place over the years.
      But 48 say while VAR has advantages, it still has a way to go before it’s a truly useful tool when it comes to refereeing matches.
      The biggest drawback football fans see with VAR is that it means you don’t know whether a goal can be celebrated, in case it’s chalked off for some unseen infringement (28 per cent).
      Another 28 per cent think it’s being used for the “wrong” reasons – like trying to gauge if a handball was deliberate, instead of a binary decision like if a ball had crossed the line.
      And 19 per cent believe that far from solving any debates, VAR actually leads to even more arguments among pundits post-game.
      The study also found during a typical World Cup match, fans will disagree with a referee’s decision four times.
      And a staggering 36 per cent even believe they could competently referee a match at the highest level – the World Cup finals.
      Spokesperson Zeena Hill, for Samsung UK, which has offered to supply the English Football Association, and FIFA World Cup, VAR departments with Neo QLED TVs to help with picture detail, said: “With recent success for the English national teams, the excitement for this year’s World Cup is bigger than ever.”
      Nigel de Jong somehow avoided a red card for this horror tackle on Xabi AlonsoCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Thierry Henry got away with the blatant handball against IrelandCredit: EPA
      Dermot Gallagher had his say on some of the decisions as part of Samsung UK’s campaignCredit: PATop 10 World Cup moments that needed VAR

      Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in 1986
      Frank Lampard’s shot against Germany that hit the bar and clearly crossed the line, but wasn’t given in 2010
      Thierry Henry’s handball for France vs Ireland in a 2010 World Cup Qualifier
      West Germany goalkeeper Harald Schumacher’s unpunished, incredible foul against France’s Patrick Battiston in 1982
      Holland’s Nigel de Jong not being sent off for a studs-up foul into Spain’s Xabi Alonso’s chest in the opening minutes of the 2010 World Cup Final
      West Germany’s Jurgen Klinsmann’s iconic dive in the 1990 Final resulting in Argentina’s Monzón being sent off
      Portugal’s Luis Figo not getting sent off for a headbutt against Netherland’s Van Bommel in 2006
      Neymar receiving a yellow card and not a red for an elbow in Brazil’s game against Croatia in 2014
      Spain having two perfectly good goals disallowed against South Korea in 2002
      Geoff Hurst’s goal for England in the 1966 World Cup Final More

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      What does Cymru mean and why could Wales change their name after the World Cup?

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      WALES are participating in only their second-ever World Cup tournament as they face England, USA and Iran in Qatar.Rob Page will be hoping to make history with his side in the Middle East, qualifying for the competition ahead of Ukraine.
      Gareth Bale could be headed to his last World Cup with WalesCredit: Getty
      However, it could be the last tournament where Wales are known by that name.
      Reports believe that the national team are looking to change their name to Cymru after the 2022 World Cup.
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      What does Cymru mean?
      Wales are in talks with the European federations to change the name of their national team to Cymru.
      The word Cymru is pronounced ‘come-ree’ phonetically and literally means ‘the people’ or ‘fellow countrymen’.
      Brennan Johnson will be playing at his first World Cup for Wales, if selectedCredit: Getty
      The Twitter account of the Welsh national team is @Cymru, the term that Welsh speakers recognise their country by.
      Wales’ national language is called ‘Cymraeg’ .
      The language is taught to every child at state school in the country and has been since before the introduction of the Welsh Assembly – later called the Senedd – in 1999.
      Why are the Wales football team changing their name?
      Wales chief Noel Mooney has opened up on the decision to change the name, speaking ahead of their first World Cup since 1958.
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      Mooney said that staff and players at the FAW call the team Cymru – and a natural development would be to re-brand the team.
      Wales’ famous national anthem – Hen wlad fy Nhadau – is sung in Welsh – and ‘Cymru am byth’ has long been a slogan associated with the country’s sporting allegiances.
      He said: “The team should always be called Cymru, that’s what we call it here.
      “Our view at the moment is that domestically we’re clearly called Cymru. That’s what we call our national teams.
      “If you look at our website, how we talk about ourselves, we are very much Cymru.
      “I think 2023 will be a year when we have a good discussion with all the different stakeholders – whether that Governments, our own boards, councils and decision-making bodies, staff, clubs and players.” More

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      World Cup 2022 preview: Betting tips, predictions, latest odds and FREE BETS – winner, Golden Boot and specials

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      THE 2022 World Cup in Qatar is less than 20 days away as Gareth Southgate’s England look to secure their first major trophy since 1966.And here, SunSport takes a closer look at the latest betting odds, tips, predictions, bonuses and special offers ahead of the winter tournament.
      England are available at 15/2 to win the 2022 Qatar World Cup with Betfair
      When and where?
      The opening fixture between Qatar and Ecuador takes place at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday, November 20.
      There will be four fixtures each day for the first 12 days of the competition — all taking place at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm UK time.
      The final group matches will be played simultaneously at 3pm and 7pm.
      It’s the first time that the tournament has been held in the Middle East, and domestic leagues will have to pause to allow it to be played in cooler temperatures.
      The last Premier League fixture will be played on November 13, giving England’s players just eight days to prepare for their opener against Iran.
      It’s a similar story in Spain, Germany, Italy and France.
      The knockout stages begin on Saturday December 3, with the final due to take place at the Lusail Stadium in Doha on December 18.
      World Cup 2022 – winnerBetfair odds

      Brazil – 4/1
      France – 11/2
      Argentina – 13/2
      Spain – 15/2
      England – 15/2
      Germany – 9/1
      Netherlands – 13/1
      Belgium – 16/1
      Portugal – 16/1
      Denmark – 30/1
      Uruguay – 50/1
      Croatia – 50/1

      Who are the favourites?
      Five-time winners Brazil are currently favourites at 4/1.
      The South American heavyweights haven’t tasted World Cup glory since 2002 but boast a stacked squad that features Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Alisson and Richarlison.
      Holders France are well fancied at 11/2 and have the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba at their disposal to become only the third side in history to defend their crown.
      Lionel Messi’s Argentina are further behind at 13/2, just ahead of Spain at 15/2.
      England, who are also 15/2, have been inching closer to international success having reach the semi-finals in Russia before losing to Italy on penalties at Euro 2020.
      2014 champions Germany are available at 9/1, ahead of the Netherlands (13/1) and Belgium and Portugal (16/1).
      Our tip — Spain to win the World Cup: 15/2 – Back with Paddy Power here
      Golden Boot winnerSky Bet odds

      Harry Kane – 7/1
      Kylian Mbappe – 8/1
      Karim Benzema – 12/1
      Lionel Messi – 12/1
      Cristiano Ronaldo – 16/1
      Neymar – 16/1
      Romelu Lukaku – 16/1
      Lautaro Martinez – 25/1
      Memphis Depay – 25/1
      Richarlison – 25/1

      Golden Boot winner
      England talisman Harry Kane leads the way in the battle for the coveted Golden Boot at odds of 7/1 with Sky Bet.
      Kane, 28, won the award at the 2018 World Cup after netting six, and could fill his boots in the group stages against Iran and the USA.
      Superstar Kylian Mbappe is next at 8/1 after scoring 39 goals in 46 appearances for PSG last season, while he’s already notched 17 times this term.
      He also boasts 28 goals in 59 games for France, and could do damage against Tunisia, Denmark and Australia in Group D.
      It’s no surprise to see Mbappe’s compatriot and Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema next at 12/1, along with global superstar Lionel Messi.
      Ronaldo finished as the top scorer at the European Championship with five goals — that’s despite Portugal’s elimination in the Round of 16.
      He’s offered at 16/1, along with Romelu Lukaku and Neymar. Richarlison, Diogo Jota and Lautaro Martinez are tied with several other players at 25s.
      Our tip — Karim Benzema to win the Golden Boot — 12/1 – Back with Sky Bet here
      Cristiano Ronaldo is offered at 14/1 to win the Golden Boot awardCredit: GETTY
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      Ukraine appeal for England opponents Iran to be KICKED OUT of World Cup for ‘supplying weapons to Russia’

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      UKRAINE have appealed for Fifa to ban Iran from the World Cup for allegedly supplying weapons to Russia. Iran are scheduled to be in Group B with England, Wales and United States – with their first match against the Three Lions three weeks today.
      Iran, managed by Carlos Queiroz, are at risk of being booted out of the World CupCredit: Getty
      However, Sky Sports state the executive committee of the Ukrainian FA want to see the country booted out of the tournament before a ball is kicked – and have sent a formal request to Fifa.
      The war-ravaged nation has already accused Iran of supplying drones to Russia to aid their illegal invasion of Ukraine.
      And now the national association are joining with Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin in demanding Iran’s elimination.
      There are also growing calls for Fifa to banish Iran from Qatar 2022 due to their oppressive regime and human rights record – which the Ukrainian FA state is a violation of Articles 3 and 4 of Fifa’s laws.
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      Ukraine cited “systematic manifestations of human right violations in Iran and the “alleged involvement of Iran in the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine” as part of their appeal to have the Middle Eastern national excluded from the World Cup.
      Should Iran be disqualified, Fifa would need to find a late replacement in Group B.
      Ukraine lost to Wales in their qualifying play-off for a place at the tournament and would be many people’s choice given the ongoing war, which has already led to Russia’s suspension.
      However, there is no precedent for this and the slot would more likely be filled by going back through the qualification steps.
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      Iran topped AFC qualifying Group A ahead of South Korea in second – with both sides advancing to the tournament automatically and third-placed UAE going into a play-off.
      There, they lost to Australia who then beat Peru to secure their place.
      Fifa has a limit of two European nations per World Cup group so Ukraine would likely be overlooked meaning Iran or possibly Peru step in should Iran be booted out 21 days before they start their campaign.
      Former Iran captain Ali Karimi was the target of an attempted kidnapping in the UAE.
      The 127-cap hero went public with comments following the shocking arrest and death in custody three days later of Mahsa Amini, 22, in September for wearing her hijab incorrectly.
      As reported by The Times, that resulted in an arrest warrant, accusing Karimi of “collusion with the intention of acting against national security”.
      Mehdi Rostampour has detailed how an elaborate social media plan to capture the former Bayern Munich playmaker was devised.

      Wales beat Ukraine to secure their spot at Qatar 2022Credit: The Times More