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      World Cup Supercomputer reveals how Cristiano Ronaldo is set to struggle… with England heading for more penalty pain

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      A WORLD CUP supercomputer has predicted final heartbreak for Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.An experiment conducted by BCA Research has found that Argentina will be the winners in Qatar, according to the data collected.
      Lionel Messi has been tipped to win the World Cup with ArgentinaCredit: Getty
      The supercomputer predicts Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo to finish runners-upCredit: AP
      England are expected to miss out on the final on penaltiesCredit: ©MI News & Sport Ltd
      And that means Ronaldo will be defeated in the World Cup final by nemesis Lionel Messi.
      Portugal have never reached the World Cup final but EA Sports FIFA video game player statistics and a sample of all real-life matches from the last four editions of the World Cup tip Fernando Santos’ side to reach the final.
      England have been tipped to replicate their performance in the previous World Cup by once again reaching the semi-final – only to lose on penalties to Portugal.
      The two teams have history in the competition with Sven Goran Eriksson’s 2006 side losing out to Portugal on penalties at the quarter-final stage.
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      The Three Lions are expected to win Group B ahead of Iran, Wales and the USA.
      Gareth Southgate’s side have been given an 84 per cent chance of winning their opening game against Iran.
      The match-up against the USA is closer to call with England given a 54 per cent likelihood of victory, and a 77 per cent chance of beating Wales.
      England have been predicted to then beat Senegal in the second round before taking on Mexico in the quarter-final.
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      England could face France at the quarter-final stage but the holders are predicted to finish as runners-up in Group D before losing to Argentina in the second round.
      England have been tipped to go all the way and win the World Cup by former boss Sam Allardyce.
      The ex-West Brom manager believes the squad is better than the Golden Generation of the noughties and claimed he would have guided England to become World Cup champions if he was still in charge. More

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      England’s Wags heading to World Cup to have extra security in Qatar with ‘ring of steel’ around them during tournament

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      THREE LIONS Wags will be given a “ring of steel” when they support England’s bid for World Cup glory.We can reveal many wives and girlfriends of England’s superstar players will have private security when they head out to Qatar next month. 
      England Wags are set to be out in forceCredit: Instagram
      Eric Dier’s girlfriend Anna Modler is likely to head to Qatar
      Georgina Irwin will be supporting fiance Aaron Ramsdale
      Sasha Attwood is set to support Jack Grealish in QatarCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebecca
      Some are paying for their own bodyguards, while SunSport understands the Football Association will also stump up cash to ensure players’ families are protected.
      Sources say security teams will be tasked to protect the families from robberies, and to ensure they don’t fall foul of the strict laws that exist in the Arabian Gulf.

      A source said: “There will be a ring of steel around the Wags. Many of the players are paying for their own security and the FA are taking steps too.
      “Remember, a lot of the wives and girlfriends flying out there will be taking jewellery and clothing worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. This makes them a target for robbers and criminals.”
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      The source added: “It’s very common now for players to take bodyguards on holiday with them, so having them at the World Cup, where the Wags could be for weeks, is the ultimate insurance policy.
      “It will help give the players a bit of peace of mind too and be able to concentrate on the football.“
      Last month The Sun told how many of the Three Lions Wags will enjoy a life of luxury aboard a €1billion cruise liner during this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
      Several of the England players’ partners and families are set to be based on the MSC World Europa, described as a “floating palace”.
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      It has six pools, 14 ocean-view jacuzzis, dodgems, salons, boutiques, restaurants, bars and the longest dry-slide at sea.
      It will float around the Arabian Gulf with passengers able to be ferried to shore for any games.
      There is usually a booze ban in Qatar that can land flouters in jail, though “select areas” will allow it for the World Cup.
      But because the liner is “offshore”, guests can drink alcohol stress-free and sunbathe, unlike at some hotels. Guests could include model Anna Modler, 24, who is dating defender Eric Dier, and air hostess Georgina Irwin, 26, who is engaged to goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Packages will cost players’ families €6,500 (£5,600) each – a snip for England’s mega-rich footballers.
      Phil Foden’s girlfriend Rebecca Cooke, 22, is among those to have reportedly expressed an interest in staying on it along with the Manchester City ace’s family.
      Fern Maguire, 27, is also expected in the Middle East to support hubby Harry during the tournament, which starts in November.
      While some partners are likely to stay in nearby Dubai and fly in for matches, several have opted to make the MSC World Europa their base. 
      Speaking to The Sun on Sunday earlier this year a source said: “The boat is an amazing place to stay. It is like a floating palace, which is why many of the players’ wives and families quickly snapped up packages that the Football Association arranged.
      “Those staying on the boat can have at least five people with them and also pay for extra guests too. It means nannies and other family members are likely to be heading out to Qatar as well.
      “Due to the fact the boat is off shore, guests can have a drink and enjoy themselves without having to worry about falling foul of Qatar’s strict laws.
      “In many of the bars and clubs around Qatar, you can’t even cheer let alone order a beer. And they certainly don’t like football songs.
      “And many hotels aren’t even allowed sunbathing areas. But by staying on the boat, guests just relax and have a great time.
      “If England do go all the way, it’s likely to become like a carnival on board.”
      The ship can hold 6,762 guests and many fans are reported to still be trying to book rooms. Prices start at about €300 (£260) a night for a double/twin but rise to €690 (£600).
      Those staying on the 205,700- tonne ship are promised a “globally inspired urban design” and a “world of immersive experiences”.
      One of the highlights on deck, especially for children, is an incredible 11-deck high slide called The Venom Drop. Other water slides are also available. A Sportplex zone will offer basketball, bumper cars and even a roller disco rink.
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      Swimming pools, which include one inside with a sliding roof, have themes including “botanic garden”, “zen” or “beach vibes”.
      Gareth Southgate will name a 26-man squad for Qatar. Their first match will be against Iran on November 21 at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium, the day after the tournament starts. 
      Many England Wags are set to stay aboard the MSC Europa
      Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison wears his shirt last yearCredit: The Sun
      Rebecca Cooke supported Phil Foden at Euro 2020Credit: The Sun
      Fern Maguire has always been a huge support for hubby HarryCredit: Getty More

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      Winter World Cup suits me perfectly… I don’t have ANY time to get nervous, admits England wonderkid Jude Bellingham

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM is a young man with the world at his feet.Worshipped by the most  passionate supporters in European football, feted by Real Madrid along with every major Premier League club  and on the brink of his first World Cup.
      Dortmund teenager Jude Bellingham says he hasn’t even had time to properly think about the World Cup, even though it starts on November 21Credit: Reuters
      Bellingham heavily praised his Three Lions’ midfield partner Declan RiceCredit: Alamy
      Yet Borussia Dortmund’s teenage sensation claims a winter tournament will suit him perfectly — because he is too busy to get  nervous about Qatar.
      The brilliant Brummie insists he is striking up a perfect understanding with England midfield partner Declan Rice, a player he describes as ‘a master of his craft’.
      Bellingham, 19, is engrossed in life at Dortmund, the Bundesliga giants whose fanatical fanbase have taken him to their hearts.
      So engrossed that, with the World Cup little more than three weeks away, he has no time to worry about the prospect of playing on sport’s greatest stage.
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      Bellingham said: “It’s true that with the World Cup in mid-season, I haven’t got time to get nervous.
      “With the frequency of the games — how quick and how tough they’re coming, you don’t really get the chance to look a few weeks ahead. You’re not thinking ‘in a few weeks time I could be playing at a World Cup!’
      “Maybe when the time comes, there will be some nerves — that’s natural — but when a couple of weeks ago, we played in the cup against a second division team, I am not thinking about what a World Cup is going to be like.
      “I’m not holding back on any tackles — I’ve got a job to do, haven’t I? And I am going to do it to the best of my abilities.”
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      Bellingham produced his best performance in an England shirt in last month’s 3-3 draw against Germany and he believes he can dovetail perfectly with West Ham anchorman Rice.
      The former Birmingham star has been developing the attacking side of his game this season, having already scored eight goals for fifth-placed Dortmund.
      Bellingham’s club boss, Edin Terzic, who worked with Rice when he was Slaven Bilic’s No 2 at the Hammers, believes those two will dominate England’s midfield for a generation.
      Bellingham said: “Edin has never told me he worked with Declan but I saw it on Twitter the other day.
      “Declan is someone I admire a lot. He’s a top, top player.
      “He is really good at what he does — he masters his craft, the type of midfielder he is, he’s one of the very best.
      “I’ve played with him a few times now for England and it’s been a pleasure.
      “He allows me to do the things that I want to do with the ball, going forward, trying to get in and around the box, he gives you protection, so  we complement each other very well.
      “Goals are something I want to add to my game.
      “I’ve got eight this year and that’s the most I’ve ever got, even at this stage of the season.
      “I want to progress, I want to get better and it really helps when you play with top players like Declan alongside you.”
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      Bellingham and Rice look nailed-on to start England’s tournament opener against Iran on November 21.
      Although, as I spoke to Bellingham after Dortmund had secured their place in the Champions League knockout stage with a goalless draw against Manchester City, Kalvin Phillips walked past to remind us his World Cup hopes are not over.
      City midfielder Phillips, a £42million summer signing from Leeds, has started light training after the shoulder surgery which has kept him out for six weeks.
      He could yet make the plane to Qatar but Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate seems certain to start with Bellingham against Iran.
      It is clear Bellingham is relishing his experience in Dortmund, where the 25,000-strong Yellow Wall at the Westfalenstadion adore the young Englishman.
      He is a mature, articulate, likeable lad who conducted rounds of media interviews after Tuesday’s City clash.
      Asked about the atmosphere at his home ground, Bellingham said: “It’s unbelievable, isn’t it?
      “Speaking to the City lads, I think they were shocked by the noise.
      “You could see how happy the crowd were to be witnessing something like us going through.
      “I say to people, ‘This is not just a football stadium or a set of fans, it’s like an ‘experience’ playing here’. They’re that good, the fans on the Yellow Wall.
      “I’m really happy to play my  football here.
      “To learn here every week, I have a really good connection with the fans and I want to keep that up.”
      Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips still hopes to make the World CupCredit: PA More

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      World Cup fans warned to steer clear of camels in Qatar over killer bug fears

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      FOOTIE fans banned from drinking, kissing, betting and vaping at the World Cup have now been told to steer clear of camels. There are fears thousands flocking to Qatar could be struck down by a killer bug which is deadlier than Covid.
      Camel flu, or MERS-CoV, is thought to have spread from bats to the desert dromedaries in neighbouring Saudi Arabia and can be transmitted to humans.Credit: Louis Wood
      Harry Kane will be leading the Three Lions out in the World Cup in NovemberCredit: Getty
      There are fears that thousands of fans flocking to Qatar could be struck down by the killer bugCredit: Louis Wood
      Camel flu, or MERS-CoV, is thought to have spread from bats to the desert dromedaries in neighbouring Saudi Arabia and can be transmitted to humans.
      Unlike Covid-19 there is no vaccine or treatment and fans following England and Wales have been warned to heed UK government advice.
      The Sun spotted a herd of camels near the England team’s Souq Al Wakra Hotel base outside Qatar’s capital Doha last week.
      READ MORE ON QATAR 22
      And just weeks ago our man Oliver Harvey took a trip on one of the ships of the desert to show what fans could enjoy between games.
      Yesterday, tourist companies were still advertising camel rides and safari trips.
      Fans heading to the strict Muslim nation will have to abide by bans on provocative clothing, kissing, hugging or drinking in public, men speaking to women they do not know and rude gestures.
      Homosexuals face jail and luggage will be screened for drugs, booze and porn.
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      Prof Paul Hunter, of the University of East Anglia, said: “Fans should steer clear of camels in Qatar.
      “That’s the common sense advice to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
      “It’s a nasty bug, much deadlier than Covid-19 with a very high mortality rate, and there is currently no effective vaccine.”
      Government guidance says human-to-human spread has been limited inside hospitals and care homes but suggests camel contact is risky.
      World Health Organisation chiefs warned in August that about 80 per cent of cases were as a result of contact with infected camels or infected people in hospital.
      The bug, full name Middle East respiratory syndrome, has infected more than 2,000 people and killed at least 850 since it was first identified in Saudi in 2012.
      Experts fear it could soon spread from the Arabian peninsula to Africa through infected camels, which only exhibit mild symptoms.
      Two cases have been reported this year in Qatar, including a camel owner, 85, who later died in Doha.
      A farmer, 50, who drank camel milk has also died.
      Read More on The Sun
      Qatar officials declined to comment and the FA did not respond to requests.
      Meanwhile, Covid controls including tests and proof of vaccination have been lifted.
      Thousands of England fans will travel to Qatar next month
      The Sun has previously reported on the perils of drinking alcohol in the strict Muslim nationCredit: Louis Wood
      The Sun’s chief feature writer Oliver Harvey has previously written about what fans will be able to expect if they travel to Qatar – where homosexuals are jailed and luggage will be screened for drugs, booze and pornCredit: Louis Wood More

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      Shocking warning to football fans travelling for World Cup leaves England supporters furious

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      ENGLAND supporters are furious after football fans travelling to Qatar for the World Cup were given a shocking warning.Foreign Secretary James Cleverly was today slammed for dishing out advice to members of the LGBT community who are planning to head out to cheer on the Three Lions.
      Gay England fans heading to the World Cup have been issued a ‘disgusting’ warningCredit: Getty
      Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and punishable by up to three years in prison.
      When asked about gay fans heading over, Mr Cleverly today said: “One of the things I’d say to football fans is please do be respectful of the host nation.
      “They’re trying to ensure that people can be themselves and enjoy the football…
      “I think with a little bit of flex and compromise at both ends, it can be a safe and secure World Cup.”
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      LGBT people and allies rushed to social media to slam the “disgusting” and “inconsiderate” comments.
      One person fumed: “Apart from being totally the wrong tone, if I (god forbid) actually wanted to go and watch some football in Qatar with my male partner, I wouldn’t have the first idea what precisely we would need to ‘compromise’ on in order to not be arrested.
      “Empty and offensive.”
      Another added: “What does this even mean James Cleverly?
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      “How exactly are LGBTQ football fans to compromise? And what compromises will Qatar be making?”
      A third said: “I’m not remotely interested in football, but the idea that LGBTQ+ fans should ‘compromise’ their being in order to ‘respect’ an authoritarian regime which ignores human rights is appalling.
      “James Cleverly, you should be ashamed of yourself.”
      It comes after Qatar’s World Cup chief Nasser Al Khater insisted that gay supporters are able to hold hands throughout the showpiece – which runs from November 20 to December 18.
      He was adamant that no gay persons would be discriminated against in this respect.
      Al Khater added: “All we ask is for people to be respectful of the culture.
      “At the end of the day, as long as you don’t do anything that harms other people, if you’re not destroying public property, as long as you’re behaving in a way that’s not harmful, then everybody’s welcome and you have nothing to worry about.”
      Meanwhile heterosexual couples are also being warned about their behaviour.
      Fans caught having one-night stands at Qatar 2022 could face jail as extra-marital affairs could lead to seven years behind bars.
      Fifa have warned a hardline approach will be taken to ban casual sex at this winter’s tournament in the strict Arab country.
      A UK-based police source told the Daily Star: “Sex is very much off the menu, unless you are coming as a husband and wife team.
      “There definitely will be no one-night stands at this tournament.
      “There will be no partying at all really.
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      “Everyone needs to keep their heads about them, unless they want to risk ­being stuck in prison.
      “There is essentially a sex ban in place at this year’s World Cup for the first time ever. Fans need to be prepared.” More

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

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      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.
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      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’.
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      “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

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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