World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Iran ‘tried to kidnap 127-cap international legend Ali Karimi after issuing arrest warrant for criticising regime’

      by

      IRAN tried to kidnap a former national football team captain for criticising the regime, according to his friend.Ex-skipper Ali Karimi made 127 appearances for his country between 1998 and 2012, including at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
      Ali Karimi is at the centre of a kidnap attempt by the Iranian regimeCredit: AFP
      However, he is now said to be living in exile in the UAE and at the centre of a social media ploy to lure him back to his homeland because of his support for recent protests.
      Karimi, 43, went public with comments following the shocking arrest and death in custody three days later of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini 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”.
      And now pal Mehdi Rostampour has detailed how an elaborate plan to capture the former Bayern Munich playmaker was devised.
      READ MORE ON IRAN FOOTBALL
      In a lengthy social media post, Rostampour described how a “celebrity” with alleged links to the regime wanted to follow Karimi’s lead and leave the country, requesting to meet in Fujairah, UAE.
      The message was sent to Karimi via another footballer he knew – but the sporting icon grew suspicious.
      Rostampour said: “Karimi was not keen on meeting him in any case.
      “But just before the set time, he received a text from a friend saying, ‘Fujairah is a trap’.
      Most read in Football
      “Who was the sender? Someone from within the intelligence ministry!”
      Rostampour alleged the plan – conjured up by Iran’s intelligence ministry – was to force Karimi on to a boat, ship him back to Iran and strongarm him into making a false confession on state TV.
      Protests continue in the country as civilians demonstrate in the face of their oppressive rulers, especially after Amini’s death.
      Around 200 people have died at the hands of security authorities while many of the crowds have chanted Karimi’s name.
      It is thought Iran want to silence Karimi as a powerful voice of opposition – and he has reportedly had his passport confiscated yet still managed to fly to the UAE.
      Rostampour concluded: “Fortunately Ali Karimi is in good hands and safe. He has committed no crime other than standing by his people.”
      All my pain and sorrow is the safety of the people in IranAli Karimi
      Karimi said on Monday: “I thank my countrymen who are worried about my humble self.
      “I and my family have been threatened and are threatened in various ways. But I am not important.
      “I still mourn my countrymen across Iran and all my pain and sorrow is the safety of the people in my homeland.”
      There are growing calls for Fifa to banish Iran from the World Cup due to the oppressive regime and human rights record as well as the government supplying drones to Russia in their illegal invasion of Ukraine.
      Iran are in Group B with England, Wales and the United States – their campaign is due to start against the Three Lions on November 21. More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Why is the Dutch football team sometimes called Holland when the country is called the Netherlands?

      by

      LOUIS VAN GAAL’s Netherlands face Senegal, Qatar and Ecuador in the World Cup Group stages.The 2010 finalists will be hoping to lift the trophy after an impressive run of form ahead of the tournament.
      Winning seven matches and drawing three in 2022, Van Gaal’s side are unbeaten for the year as they head into the competition in Qatar.
      Holland coach Louis van Gaal is retiring after the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
      Their manager is set to retire at the end of the World Cup, with Ronald Koeman in line to replace him going into 2023.
      The Dutch side, who are often referred to as Holland, will be keen to send Van Gaal out on top.
      Read More World Cup
      Why is the Dutch football team sometimes called Holland when the country is called the Netherlands?
      The national football team has many names including the Netherlands, Oranje and Holland.
      However, the country itself remains named the Netherlands despite picking up the nickname of Holland.
      Memphis Depay will be hoping to fire the Netherlands to World Cup gloryCredit: AP
      In history, between the years of 1588 and 1795, the area of the Netherlands was called the Republic of Seven United Netherlands.
      In 1806, Napoleon appointed Louis as king and turned the country into a kingdom, with the area called ‘Holland’ being the largest contributor to the economy and wealth of the Netherlands.
      Most read in Football
      Those dealing with trade to the country were often dealing with the region of Holland, and this led to this being commonly used as a nickname to indicate the entire country.
      The name of Holland has stuck to this day and you will often hear their football team referred to as this. More

    • 150 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Sardar Azmoun and why is he nicknamed the Iranian Messi?

      by

      IRANIAN forward Sardar Azmoun will be looking to fire his side out of Group B at the World Cup in Qatar.However, they will face a tough challenge after being drawn in a competitive group.
      Sardar Azmoun plays for Bayer Leverkusen in the BundesligaCredit: Getty
      The likes of Wales, England and the USMNT will be considered as the favourites to make it into the round of 16, but Iran will be hoping to upset the odds.
      If they are to stand a chance of making it to the knock-out stages, they will be counting on the performances of their key man – Azmoun.
      Read More World Cup
      Who is Sardar Azmoun?
      The Iranian forward came through the youth system in his native country of Iran before moving to Russia where he made his professional debut for Rubin Kazan in 2013.
      This saw him become the youngest ever ‘Legionnaire’, meaning Iranian playing abroad, in the history of Iran football, moving to Russia at 17.
      Sardar Azmoun is Iran’s best hope ahead of the World CupCredit: AFP – Getty
      Kazan received transfer offers from Arsenal, Liverpool and Zenit during his third season at Rubin Kazan before heading on loan to Rostov, where he kept them up with a goal in the relegation play-offs before extending his deal for the following season.
      He then completed a permanent transfer to Rostov in controversial fashion, with the Russian side triggering his buy-out clause before Rubin Kazan claimed he was still their player, before the Court of Arbitration for Sport had to rule on the case.
      Sardar Azmoun in action for Zenit against ChelseaCredit: Marc Aspland – The Times
      In 2017, he rejoined Rubin Kazan and remained there for two years before making the move to Russia giants Zenit Saint Petersburg, impressing as he netted 62 goals in 104 appearances.
      It was here he gained attraction from Europe, making the move to Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer in July 2022.
      Why is Sardar Azmoun nicknamed the ‘Iranian Messi’?
      Despite his 6’1 stature, the Iranian forward has drawn comparisons to Paris Saint-Germain’s Lionel Messi.
      This is due to the fact that he is widely recognised as the most decorated Iranian player in the European leagues.
      Most read in Football
      His skilful dribbling has seen fans from the Iranian national team hand him the nickname, while his goal scoring record is ever so impressive.
      Netting 41 goals in 65 games for his country heading into the World Cup, Iran will be hopeful of the 27-year-old leading them to glory in Qatar. More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside stunning superyachts which Qatar World Cup fans are hiring for £20k a night with Michelin-star chefs & helipads

      by

      FOOTBALL fans have been hiring £20,000 superyachts complete with helipads and Michelin-star chefs for the World Cup.Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to flock to the Gulf for the World Cup, which kicks off in Qatar on November 21.
      The Lauren L is available for hire during the World CupCredit: YachtCharterFleet
      The yacht comes with its own helipadCredit: YachtCharterFleet
      Michelin star chefs can be hired to cook for those on board superyachtsCredit: YachtCharterFleet
      Football fans can watch the game in styleCredit: YachtCharterFleet
      But while many will be taking their chances on accommodation on dry land, others will be living in style on the sea.
      Demand for the superyachts is said to be surging ahead of the tournament.
      One of the vessels for hire is the 296ft Lauren L which can accommodate 26 guests in 20 suits or parties of up to 150.
      After landing on its helipad, guests can entertain themselves in the on-board cinema, have a drink in the bar, relax in the deck jacuzzi or play with its jet skis.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      There’s also a beauty salon on board to restore footie fans to their best after watching the Three Lions.
      Many will be heading to Dubai in the UAE and its biggest private yacht charter, Xclusive Yachts, has reported a surge in interest in hiring outs its fleet of 70 yachts.
      “We expect lots and lots of inquiries and lots and lots of bookings as well,” said marketing manager Jainney Thakker.
      “Personally I think when you talk about a game like football, it has a lot of emotional connect with all the people as well.
      “And they’re really excited to watch their favourite players and favourite teams on the big screen and I think lots and lots of people are going to charter with us and we already have 15 bookings.”
      At a cost of around £20,000 per night, customers can rent the 140ft, three-deck Stardom with and capacity for 30 guests.
      If they want to push the boat out, they can also get exclusive use of a Michelin-starred chef on board.
      Most read in Sport
      Xclusive Yachts have also launched a shared service offer for groups of fans who want to experience a few hours on the boat to watch games.
      Customer Zubin Doshn said the “the expectation is very simple”.
      “I’m sure I will have a good time with my family and friends and watch the World Cup in the middle of the sea, with all the great services they have and of course drink champagne,” he said.
      A million fans are expected to descend on the Yorkshire-sized oil-rich state.
      Some England fans fans will be forced to pay at least £5,000 to follow the team to all the way to the World Cup final, it’s been claimed.
      The Football Supporters’ Association has slammed the Qatar tournament as “the most expensive World Cup ever.
      Qatar 2022 chiefs insist there will be plenty of Fan Village Cabins to be had and urge fans to avoid the private rental market.
      But for those who need to rent, on offer is a cockroach-ridden £650-a-night hovel is among filthy rip-off flats on offer to England fans at the Qatar World Cup.
      The flat, with its cracked walls, soiled mattress and at least five ’roaches in the kitchen, was next to a noisy building site in Doha.
      Another Airbnb host, Riham, was offering digs in the capital with stained walls and lounge-kitchenette for £534 a night.
      Read More on The Sun
      Mohammad showed us snaps of his “lovely” three-room property near Khalifa Stadium — a World Cup ground — at £1,789-a-night.
      They were among dozens of grubby homes advertised by landlords hoping to cash in as fans fear a looming Cup accommodation crisis.
      One of the suites on board the StardomCredit: YachtCharterFleet
      Demand for yachts to watch the World Cup us surgingCredit: Xclusive Yachts
      A luxury vessel will cost around £20,000 to hireCredit: YachtCharterFleet More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I’d back myself to win World Cup with this England squad… but I fear for us later in tournament, says Sam Allardyce

      by

      SAM ALLARDYCE believes he would win the World Cup if he was still England boss.He even named the side he would have picked in Qatar had he not resigned as Three Lions manager in 2017.
      Sam Allardyce thinks he would have won the World Cup with EnglandCredit: Getty
      England face Iran, USA and Wales in Group B and Allardyce would have gone for a blend of youth and experience at the World Cup.
      The former West Brom and England boss appeared on William Hill’s and Footy Accumulators’ No Tippy Tappy Football podcast alongside his former assistant Sammy Lee.
      And when asked if he believed he would have won the World Cup, Allardyce said: “Yes, definitely. With this squad, yes.
      “We’d go for Jordan Pickford in goal, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Conor Coady and Luke Shaw in defence.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      “Declan Rice in midfield and Jude Bellingham alongside him, along with Mason Mount.
      “Harry Kane up front, and we’ll go with Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden. We’d be celebrating with that, this team would win the World Cup.”
      Allardyce also claimed the current crop is stronger than the Golden Generation of the noughties and, because of that, he is hopeful Gareth Southgate will lead the team to success.
      He added: “The current squad is just as good as the Golden Generation, but stronger in depth, I feel.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

      “I think this is why, hopefully, this squad can go all the way this time. They’ve proven they can get there; now they just need to get over the line.
      “I think that the Paul Scholes generation with Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard – midfield-wise – are better than England’s current midfield. I don’t think there’s any question about that.
      “I think there was a myth that they couldn’t play together which was built up by the media.
      “If that were the case, Sven at the time with Sammy, he wouldn’t have been thinking, ‘Well, we can’t pick them if we don’t think they can play together’.” More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Activist Peter Tatchell ‘arrested’ in Qatar for protesting against anti-gay regime just weeks before World Cup

      by

      PETER Tatchell said he has been arrested after staging a one-man protest against Qatar’s treatment of gay people.The activist was pictured holding a placard supporting Qatari people, just 26 days before the start of the football World Cup.
      Peter Tatchell protesting in Qatar against the country’s treatment of LGBT+ peopleCredit: Twitter
      Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and punishable by up to three years in prison.
      Qatar denied that Tatchell had been arrested and hit back at the what it claimed were “baseless accusations”.
      Tatchell stood for more than hour wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with “#Qatarantigay” and holding a placard that read Qatar arrests and subjects LGBTs to conversion.
      Two uniformed police officers and three plain clothes officials arrived at the scene.
      They folded up his placard and took photos of Tatchell’s passport and other papers, and those of a man accompanying him.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Police left after shaking hands with Tatchell, who remained on the pavement.
      The activist said he was arrested for the demonstration but later freed.
      “There can be no normal sporting relations with an abnormal regime like Qatar,” he said speaking from Qatar shortly before his protest.
      “It is a homophobic, sexist and racist dictatorship.
      Most read in News
      “Qatar cannot be allowed to sportswash its reputation. It is using the World Cup to enhance its international image.
      “I did this protest to shine a light on Qatar’s human rights abuses against LGBT+ people, women, migrant workers and liberal Qataris. I am supporting their brave battle against tyranny.”
      Prior to the 2018 World Cup, Tatchell was detained in Moscow whiile staging a protest against the treatment of gay people in the Russian republic of Chechnya.
      Human Rights Watch on on Monday said security forces in Qatar arbitrarily arrested and abused LGBT Qataris as recently as last month.
      A Qatari official said in a statement that HRW’s allegations “contain information that is categorically and unequivocally false”.
      In response to Tatchell’s protest, Qatar’s Government Communications Office said reports of his arrest are “completely false and without merit”.
      “An individual standing in a traffic roundabout was cordially and professionally asked to move to the sidewalk, no arrests were made. 
      “We are extremely disappointed to see baseless accusations being freely reported by media outlets, without facts.
      “Many organisations will use increased media attention on Qatar ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to promote their own profiles.
      “We are always open to dialogue with entities that wish to discuss important topics, but spreading false information with the deliberate intention of provoking negative responses is irresponsible and unacceptable.”
      England manager Gareth Southgate said earlier this year that it’s “horrible” that female and gay England fans fear travelling to the World Cup.
      Australian footballer Josh Cavallo has said he’s “very scared” to play at the World Cup after coming out as the first openly gay male footballer.
      Over the summer World Cup chiefs said they have been given assurances that gay fans will not be persecuted when they visit the country in November.
      A Uefa working party, including FA chief executive Mark Bullingham, travelled to Doha for a third scoping visit.
      There have been suggestions that hotels might prevent gay couples from sharing rooms but Uefa said: “LGBTQI+ rights were discussed at length.
      “Assurances were provided regarding fans being safely welcomed with rainbow flags, in line with previous statements welcoming everyone to Qatar and ensuring local culture and customs are respected. 
      Read More on The Sun
      Uefa added that meetings had been held with a number of agencies including Qatar’s ruling Supreme Committee and the country’s FA as well as human rights organisations.
      Migrant workers told the Uefa group that they still needed additional legal support, shelters for abused workers and translation services to fill in official forms and access to information on rights. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Portugal in disarray just weeks before World Cup 2022 as Cristiano Ronaldo exile at Man Utd adds to injury woes

      by

      PORTUGAL are in disarray just weeks before the World Cup kicks off – with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United exile adding to their woes.The Euro 2016 champions only just scraped into this winter’s tournament in Qatar.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is adding to the problems within the Portugal squadCredit: Reuters
      Fernando Santos will be having headaches ahead of the World Cup next monthCredit: EPA
      Fernando Santos’ side had to beat Turkey and North Macedonia in the play-offs to reach the main draw – where they will face Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.
      But even with one final warm-up friendly against Nigeria, the squad is in a real mess due to injuries, players’ poor form and selection problems.
      And captain Ronaldo is only worsening the situation.
      The 37-year-old talisman, Portugal’s top goalscorer on 117, currently finds himself pushed out of the United team with his Old Trafford career hanging in the balance.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      He has started just twice in the Premier League this term and then came his antics against Tottenham last week, refusing to be subbed on then leaving Old Trafford before full-time.
      That saw him slapped with a £720,000 fine by United as Erik ten Hag forced him to stay at home for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea.
      Ronaldo now faces showdown talks with the Dutch boss to work out his future – but could head into Portugal’s first game on November 24 with very little football under his belt.
      The same can be said for Portugal’s other star attacker, Joao Felix.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The £112million Atletico Madrid man is out of favour under Diego Simeone having started just one of the last seven LaLiga matches.
      To make matters worse, he has failed to score in 14 appearances for club and county – and his last assist came on the opening day of the season in the middle of August.
      Bruno Fernandes has rediscovered some form while fellow Manchester-based players Diogo Dalot, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias are doing well for their clubs.
      Rafael Leao is banging in the goals and assists for AC Milan.
      But Wolves quartet Jose Sa, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Neves and Pedro Neto are in pretty dire form.
      Summer-signing Nunes has failed to trouble the scorers and mustered just one assist in 11 games in England.
      Neto managed zero goal involvements before suffering his ankle injury which has ruled him out of the World Cup.
      Neto joins former Wolves team-mate Diogo Jota in being forced to watch the tournament from the treatement room.
      Jota damaged his calf and was taken off on a stretcher against Manchester City last week before Jurgen Klopp confirmed the Liverpool ace would not be back in time to link up with his national team.
      PSG holding midfielder Danilo Pereira, who has also filled in at centre-back for Portugal, is currently out with a hamstring problem but is expected to be back in action in the coming weeks.
      Read More on The Sun
      Portugal are appearing at their ninth World Cup – but their best finish came way back in their debut in 1966 when they came third.
      They were knocked out by Group H rivals Uruguay in the round of 16 in Russia four years ago thanks to an Edison Cavani double.
      Joao Felix has got used to this view from the sidelines for Atletico MadridCredit: Getty
      Diogo Jota will not be going to the World Cup after damaging his calf for LiverpoolCredit: PA
      Portugal are struggling with poor form and fitness across the squad going into QatarCredit: EPA More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Guardiola warns Prem rivals Haaland will get BETTER after World Cup break… as long as he behaves himself in Marbella

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA believes Erling Haaland could be even deadlier in the second half of the season — as long as the Norwegian stays off the carbs in Marbs.While most elite players face a gruelling World Cup campaign, the Manchester City striker, 22, can look forward to going on his holidays.
      Erling Haaland is set to fly to Marbella for a holiday during the World CupCredit: Reuters
      Guardiola feels the Norwegian could return from his break even better than he is nowCredit: INSTAGRAM / ERLING HAALAND
      Etihad boss Guardiola said: “He will be in Marbella, for sure, and Norway. How perfect he’ll be in the second half of the season depends on how he behaves in Marbella.”
      Haaland returns to old club Borussia Dortmund for a Champions League clash on Tuesday night, having already notched up 22 goals for City since his summer move.
      And Guardiola is hoping he can become even more prolific against some tired opponents after the tournament in Qatar.
      Guardiola added: “I’m sure he’d love to be at the World Cup with Norway and hopefully he will be at the next tournament.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “But he has a house in Marbella and he will go there. He will play golf, hopefully not eat and drink too much and come back in great shape for the second half of the league.
      “It’s the first time in our lives it’ll happen [a mid-season World Cup] so we don’t know how the players will come back.
      “If you have six players who are world champions they will be really positive. Others may be depressed. Or the guys knocked out might have more holidays.
      “With this incredible schedule, you’ve seen how many players will miss the World Cup because of this insane calendar.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “We’ll see how they feel, we’ll smell it, when they come back. We’ll adapt to our routine to play again.”
      Guardiola has been surprised by Haaland’s “fox in the box” attributes, especially his ability to move in tight spaces.
      He said: “I knew he was a guy for big transitions and over 30 or 40 metres he was unstoppable but I didn’t know how good he moves in small spaces.
      “He has scored a lot of goals because he moves really well.
      “He is so intuitive and makes movements I like a lot — he goes away from the action to be close to the ball afterwards.
      “This type of movement is not easy for a striker. He’s so smart in the right moments.
      “Apart from that, his work ethic — he’s one of the first to arrive and is one of the last to leave.
      “He takes care of his body perfectly.
      Read More on The Sun
      “He’s also well educated in the way he has to live as a professional.
      “Last season here in Dortmund he had a lot of problems, he could not play regularly. This season, thanks to our physios, he’s being treated really well and he can play every three or four days.” More