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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.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      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

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      Huge Bukayo Saka injury boost for Arsenal and England – and star could even play against Chelsea on Sunday

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      ARSENAL are cautiously optimistic that Bukayo Saka did not suffer serious injury on Sunday and could even be available for Sunday’s crunch game at Chelsea.The England winger injured his left ankle during the 5-0 home win against Nottingham Forest and limped off just 27 minutes into the game.
      Bukayo Saka was in obvious pain after the clash against Nottingham ForestCredit: Alamy
      The winger went off in the first half at the EmiratesCredit: Getty
      He had been struggling since slipping down the slope behind the Clock End goal and colliding with an advertising hoarding in the tenth minute.
      And a couple of hefty challenges from Forest full-back Renan Lodi left Saka unable to continue before going straight down the tunnel for treatment.
      Arsenal’s medical team are still monitoring the injury but were encouraged by the fact that Saka was able to play on for 15 minutes after the initial collision before coming off as a precaution.
      And the fact that he was able to leave the Emirates without the need of crutches or a protective boot suggested the injury was not too serious.
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      And though he is almost certainly not going to be involved in Thursday’s final Europa League group game against FC Zurich, he could be involved at Chelsea at the weekend.
      That is good news for manager Mikel Arteta, as well as England boss Gareth Southgate just two weeks before his squad flies to Qatar for the World Cup.
      Saka has been involved in all 17 of Arsenal’s games this season and has been a key player in helping his team open up a two-point lead at the top of the Premier League and Europa League qualification.
      But Arsenal still need to beat Zurich at the Emirates to guarantee finishing first place in their Europa League and avoid February’s round of 32.
      Most read in Football
      Granit Xhaka will also miss Thursday’s game after receiving his third yellow card of the tournament during last week’s 2-0 defeat by PSV Eindhoven.
      But Mo Elneny could be in line for an unexpected return to action after recovering quicker than expected from the hamstring injury which was feared would keep him out of action until after the World Cup.
      Saka’s likely absence on Thursday could open the door for Reiss Nelson to boost his Arsenal claims after coming on as a first-half sub against Forest and scoring twice in his team’s biggest win of the year.
      The 22-year-old winger had only managed one previous Premier League goal for the Gunners more than five years ago.
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      He was close to leaving the club on a permanent basis in the summer after spending two seasons out on loan at Hoffenheim and Feyenoord and has spent most of this season sitting on the bench waiting for his opportunity.
      He admitted: “When I was told to warm-up I was thinking ‘OK, I’m just going warm-up and then be told to sit back down.’
      “But I kept getting up and sitting down like a yo-yo and then the boss said ‘Reiss, you’re going on’ and I was like ‘wow’.
      “I knew this was my moment and that I had to seize the opportunity and I was so happy that I could get on and help the team.
      ‘LIKE PLAYING FIFA’
      “Scoring those two goals felt a bit like playing FIFA. With the first goal, I was going to take it first time but I rolled it to my left before I hit it and I was gutted when the keeper saved it.
      “But my eyes lit up when it came back to me and it went bang into the top corner.
      “The second one I was just busting a gut to get into the box and I just placed it into the corner.
      “My only other Premier League goal came behind closed doors against Liverpool and I’ve been waiting so patiently for this moment. 
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      “There have been times when I felt as though it wasn’t going to come but I always believed in myself and now I’m really just overwhelmed by the occasion.
      “These goals have given me all the confidence in the world and now I have to keep going as hard as I can if I get another opportunity to help the team.”
      Reiss Nelson came off the bench to score two and set up another in the 5-0 thrashingCredit: Getty More

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      Who are the ITV pundits for the World Cup 2022?

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      THE pundits have been announced for ITV’s coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The tournament, which takes place in Qatar, will see some of the best players in world football compete against each other for glory.
      Qatar will host the 2022 World CupCredit: Rex
      Gareth Southgate’s England side will have to get past the likes of France, Brazil, Spain and Germany in their bid to go one step further than last year’s Euro’s.
      And ITV have confirmed a stellar line-up which includes some big names.
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      Who are the ITV pundits?
      Mark Pougatch will be the lead anchor for ITV’s coverage.
      He will be joined by former Arsenal striker and Match of the Day pundit, Ian Wright.
      Ian Wright will be a part of ITV’s 2022 World Cup coverageCredit: Alamy
      Ex-Manchester United player Roy Keane will also be involved. The Irishman famously left his country’s side ahead of the 2002 World Cup following a disagreement with manager Mick McCarthy.
      He will be alongside Gary Neville who should provide some entertainment following a number of amusing moments as a pundit on Sky Sports.
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      Graeme Souness is also part of the team. The former Liverpool midfielder’s honest analysis of players such as Paul Pogba has made him a regular face on TV.
      Ex-Premier League forward Hal Robson-Kanu should provide some interesting insight. The Welshman scored an iconic goal against Belgium in the Euro 2016 quarter final, taking Wales to the semi-final of the tournament.
      Laura Woods, Seema Jaswal, Joe Cole, Karen Carney, Eniola Aluko, Nigel de Jong and Nadia Nadim will all also feature as part of ITV’s coverage. More

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      Wales considering changing team NAME after the World Cup

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      WALES will consider changing the football team name after the World Cup.The country’s teams currently use the English word with Uefa and Fifa.
      Wales may change their official football team name to the Welsh versionCredit: Getty
      However, they are in talks with the European federations to switch the team name to Cymru.
      Cymru – the Welsh name for Wales – is already used by the Welsh FA in its internal and external communications and by staff at the governing body’s headquarters in the Vale of Glamorgan.
      The FAW plans to speak to various stakeholders in Welsh football about the merit of changing the country’s name in international competition.
      FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said ahead of Wales’ first World Cup since 1958: “The team should always be called Cymru, that’s what we call it here.
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      “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.
      “Internationally we feel we have a bit more work to do yet. So we are going to this World Cup as Wales.
      “But 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.
      Most read in Football
      “We’re a very open democratic organisation and we don’t just unilaterally decide today to do something like that.
      “I would say it’s the direction of travel, but there’s no firm decisions on it. It’s more almost by osmosis that we’re heading towards it.”
      The issue of a possible name change for Wales was brought into sharp focus earlier this month when Robert Page’s side were drawn in the same Euro 2024 qualifying group as Turkey.
      The Turks now compete on the international stage as Turkiye after the Ankara government asked for the country to be known globally by its Turkish name and not the anglicised version.
      Mooney said: “We spoke to the Turkish at the Euro 2024 draw about it.
      “We’ve also had unofficial discussions with Uefa over coffees at different events.
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      “We’ve asked what their direction of travel is, for example is there a movement towards people using their indigenous language?
      “What I do know is there’s a renaissance of the Welsh language and a sense of great pride in what we do with the culture and the heritage.”
      Changing its name to Cymru would end Wales’ status as being the last alphabetically of Uefa’s 55 national association members at different draws and meetings.
      Meanwhile, Dafydd Iwan’s Yma o Hyd has been confirmed as Wales’ official World Cup song for Qatar.
      The folk singer, 79, has been a smash hit among Dragons players, management and fans with his Welsh-speaking anthem track which means ‘We’re Still Here’.
      Emotional Iwan belted out his rousing track with tears in his eyes in Cardiff before the play-off semi-final against Austria in March – and was back on the pitch to lead match-winner Gareth Bale and his team-mates in celebratory song after beating Ukraine.

      The Wales squad will not star in a music video like they did with the Manic Street Preachers before Euro 2016 but the footage of Iwan joined by Bale and Aaron Ramsey post-match in Cardiff back in June will figure.
      Iwan said of the remastered version of his song which will be released on November 7: “Yma o Hyd has become a national slogan and now the song which gave meaning to it is the official anthem of the Cymru National Team for the World Cup.
      “It’s an impossible dream come true and the incredible sound of The Red Wall on this track is exciting and inspiring to hear.
      “This version of Yma o Hyd forever documents a marvellous moment in Welsh history, with all those wonderful voices helping Cymru reach the World Cup with their passion.
      “No other nation will have anything like this to inspire their team on the grandest stage of them all. So c’mon Cymru, let us tell the world that we are here.”
      Following the Ukraine win thanks to Bale’s free-kick, Iwan reached the No1 in the iTunes chart after beating Kate Bush’s Running Up the Hill single to top spot.
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      Iwan, whose song was originally recorded in 1981 and released in 1983, tells the story of how Welsh language and culture has survived more than 2,000 years against all the odds.
      Wales kick-off their Group B campaign against USA on November 21 before facing Iran and arch-rivals England.
      Dafydd Iwan’s Yma o Hyd will be Wales’ official World Cup songCredit: Getty
      Cymru is the Welsh word for WalesCredit: Getty More