World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans forced to fork out staggering £5,000 to watch Gareth Southgate’s side all the way to Qatar World Cup final

      by

      ENGLAND fans will be forced to pay at least £5,000 to follow the team to all the way to the World Cup final. The Football Supporters’ Association has slammed the Qatar tournament as “the most expensive World Cup ever” after calculating the total outlay for a fan at the tournament, as revealed by the Mirror.
      The Qatar World Cup has been branded the most expensive everCredit: Rex
      Fans will need to fork out at least £5,000 to follow all of England’s games if Gareth Southgate can guide the team to the finalCredit: AP
      The cheapest match ticket prices available to England fans who want to follow the Three Lions all the way to the final – if Gareth Southgate and Co make it – will cost £1,200.
      Return flights to the Arab state range from £800 to £1,100.
      Then for the very cheapest accommodation option available in budget apartments fans will need to fork out at least £75 per night, totalling up to £2,175 if going from England’s opener on November 21 up to the December 18 final.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      And by the time the costs for amenities, transport, food and drink is tallied up the aggregate cost for the trip will go over £5,000.
      The FSA’s Ashley Brown said: “I think it probably has to be the most expensive World Cup ever.
      “The cheapest category of tickets were very difficult to come by.
      “If you have a few beers then those numbers will soon add up.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Beer, which is usually only sold in licensed hotel restaurants and bars in the country, is expected to cost at least £12 in the capital city of Doha.
      Meanwhile, in stadiums beer will be available for just £6 – but the only choice will be non-alcoholic Budweiser Zero, while it can also only be drunk in designated areas.
      One such area – ran by Glastonbury organisers Arcadia – will allow fans to drink for up to 19 hours a day, though even this will cost £8 per pint and tickets will be at least £50 per day.
      However, “sobering tents” will also be in use by Qatari officials in a bid to crack down on boozy antics.
      England fans on the booze will need to watch their wallets with the high cost of beerCredit: Alamy
      There are fears over the quality of accommodation in QatarCredit: Dan Charity More

    • 200 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Motivated again’ – Germany legend Joachim Low targeting return to management 18-months after leaving international role

      by

      JOACHIM LOW has signalled his desire to return to work over a year after leaving his post as Germany boss.The 62-year-old is sniffing out opportunities to get back into the game after taking an extended break following 15 years in his previous job.
      Joachim Low is looking to sniff out new opportunitiesCredit: Getty
      Low reached the pinnacle of football in 2014 when he guided his country to World Cup glory.
      But he handed the reins over to Hansi Flick after underwhelming in subsequent tournaments.
      His last match as a manager was the 2-0 Euro 2020 defeat to England last year.
      Low now finds himself hungry to return to the profession he loves… after he has attended the World Cup in Qatar as a fan.
      Read More Football Stories
      Speaking to German publication Kicker, the coach said: “I already have the intention of taking on a task in football again.
      “The fun in this sport is too much for that.
      “I feel motivated again when I watch football now – that wasn’t the case for a few months.”
      He then added: “If I feel a task appeals to me, I’m ready and attack again.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      On the upcoming festival of football in Qatar, Low continued: “I would like to experience a World Cup on site as an outsider.
      “That’s why I haven’t gotten a job yet.”
      Low hasn’t worked in club management since a stint with Austria Wien during the 2003-04 season.
      Prior to that, he coached FC Frauenfeld, Stuttgart, Fenerbahce, Karlsruher, Adanaspor and Tirol Innsbruck.
      Low then assisted Jurgen Klinsmann as Germany boss between 2004 and 2006, before landing the top job himself.
      Low, 62, hasn’t coached since losing to England at Euro 2020Credit: Getty More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s World Cup Wags plan mega bling holiday to Qatar – including camel racing

      by

      ENGLAND’S Wags aim to have a ball and shop for bling in Qatar while their fellas try to win the World Cup there.The players’ partners have already eyed up a £40,000-a-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton’s five-star Sharq Village and Spa in Doha.
      The Wags, including Sasha Attwood, plan to watch camels race on the sands
      Sasha is the glamorous girlfriend of England’s Jack GrealishCredit: Getty
      Other Three Lions family members will be holed up at the five-star Marsa Malaz KempinskiCredit: KEMPINSKI
      Up to ten aim to share its Royal Villa with ocean views, a chef’s kitchen and 24-hour butler service.
      Spa treatments include a £170 stress relief massage, should the Three Lions be taken to penalties, and a £400 facial to ease tension.
      The Wags — including Harry Maguire’s wife Fern, Jordan ­Pickford’s missus Megan, Kyle Walker’s other half Annie, Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood and Declan Rice’s partner Lauren Fryer — also plan to watch camels race on the sands.
      A planned trip to Pearl Island will include visiting high end jewellery and clothing outlets.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      A source said: “They want to see everything Doha has to offer. They’re excited about going and want to make the most of it.
      “They are going to behave themselves but this is going to be a no expense spared trip of a lifetime for them all.”
      The Wags will be staying on a £1billion cruise liner during the tournament — with other family members holed up at the five-star Marsa Malaz Kempinski.
      Their secret plans emerged after a presentation by the Football Association warned them to be on their best behaviour in Qatar where rules are strict.
      Most read in The Sun
      They were told that in public they must “dress modestly” and avoid displays of affection.
      They must not drink alcohol or swear in public, play loud music, sing, shout or act “inappropriately” during prayer calls.
      The FA delivered the non- negotiable rules at a secret ­presentation ahead of England’s 3-3 draw with Germany at Wembley last month.
      England boss Gareth Southgate is expected to name his World Cup squad in the coming days.
      Read More on The Sun
      His side are among the pre-tournament favourites.
      The Three Lions’ first group match will be against Iran in Doha on November 21 — the day after the tournament starts. More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      England ace John Stones is expecting a World Cup baby with pregnant girlfriend

      by

      ENGLAND ace John Stones is expecting a World Cup baby with his entrepreneur girlfriend.The Man City centre-back, 28, is expected to be named in the Three Lions squad for Qatar.
      A source said nothing would top the birth of their child, but winning the World Cup would be a way to celebrate
      It’s unlikely that Stones’s girlfriend will fly to Qatar, but he could be given permission to fly back for the birthCredit: PA
      And he could be lifting more than the Jules Rimet trophy if Gareth Southgate’s boys win it.
      Stones’ partner, Olivia Naylor, 33 — who has just launched her children’s clothing brand, Moosh — is due to give birth to their first child together towards the end of December.
      A source said: “They’re over the moon.
      “Family means the world to them. They always wanted children together and so this is incredibly special.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      “Nothing will top the birth of his children — but winning the World Cup would be some way to celebrate.”
      Southgate is set to shortly name his 26-man squad for Qatar.
      Their first match will be against Iran on November 21 in Doha — the day after the tournament starts.
      And the final will take place on December 18.
      Most read in The Sun
      It is unlikely Olivia will travel to Qatar to watch Stones.
      But he could be given permission to fly home for the birth — as Fabian Delph was with his wife during the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
      Stones began dating Olivia months after that tournament.
      Read More on The Sun More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal verdict: Ben White could be England’s right-back solution as Gunners star maintains superb form in Saints draw

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE will be finding it harder and harder to ignore Ben White.The Arsenal defender, 25, was left out of England’s squad for their Nations League games against Italy and Germany last month.
      White was impressive again for Arsenal against Southampton on Sunday afternoonCredit: PA
      Since then, Chelsea man Reece James has joined Kyle Walker on the sidelines and is now a major doubt for the World Cup.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold has been desperately struggling for form, with Kieran Trippier the only Three Lions star maintaining his level on the right side of a Premier League defence.
      There are fears England do not have the individual quality to line up with a back four, particularly given the issues around Harry Maguire and the unprovent nature of some of his replacements at international level.
      But White at right-back may well be the perfect compromise between a leaky four and a creatively wasteful five.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      If there is a criticism you can level at England’s greatest manager since Sir Alf Ramsey – and there shouldn’t be – then it is that the style of football has not been particularly thrilling.
      That was all well and good when they were racking up the wins, but recent results have brought the concerned voices back to the fore.
      Many want to see an extra attacker in the team – whether that be Jude Bellingham alongside Declan Rice or switching to a back four and freeing up an additional space in midfield.
      White’s inclusion is one way of facilitating that.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      His previous four England caps have all come as part of a back three.
      But Takehio Tomiyasu’s fitness issues at the start of this season have seen him become Arsenal’s first-choice right-back.
      And he is showing himself to be a dab hand in the position.
      The former Brighton man has started all 11 of Arsenal’s league matches and is fast becoming one of the first names on the team sheet.
      And he offers something each of the other England hopefuls do not.
      What sets him apart from James is White plays as part of a back four every week.
      He also has experience in a centre-back partnership – something which could come in handy if Southgate wants to change formation mid-game.
      That is a facet Trippier, Walker and Alexander-Arnold do not have in their arsenal, while his defending ability already puts him ahead of the Liverpool man in the queue for a spot in a back four.
      And his attacking output is also starting to catch the eye.
      If Southgate is concerned putting White at right-back would negate England’s width going forward, then he needn’t worry.
      The Arsenal man produced an inch-perfect cross for Granit Xhaka to dispatch and set the Gunners on their way.
      Arteta’s side did end up relinquishing the lead in the second period as Stuart Armstrong earned Southampton a point.
      But it would be harsh to pin that goal on White – who was acting as a covering centre-half and was exposed by Gabriel getting drawn to the ball.
      Read More on The Sun
      His versatility could prove crucial if we want to avoid Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford all sitting on the bench.
      But it remains to be seen whether his run for a place in Qatar has come a little too late. More

    • 288 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Raphael Varane injury update with Man Utd ace set not to play again before World Cup after going off in tears at Chelsea

      by

      RAPHAEL VARANE is set to miss the remainder of Man Utd’s games up to the World Cup after the extent of his injury was revealed. The Frenchman suffered an injury against Chelsea after over-stretching on a tackle during the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
      Raphael Varane left the pitch in tears after getting injured against ChelseaCredit: Getty
      It has cast considerable doubt on his World Cup placeCredit: Getty
      He immediately crumpled to the ground and was left in tears as he walked off the pitch, knowing his injury could leave his hopes of playing in the World Cup in tatters.
      And the nature of the injury he suffered has now been revealed.
      According to Julie Laurens – who is a frequent guest for Champions League nights on BT Sports Goals show – Varane suffered a lesion on his femoral biceps which is less serious than first feared.
      However, he added: “He should be out between three to four weeks and sees the MRI results as positive.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “He won’t play for United before the World Cup and then (Didier) Deschamps will have to make a call on him.”
      While United will doubtless be glad the 29-year-old has not suffered a season-ending affliction, there are still six important games to play before the season is halted for the tournament.
      And these games could make or break the club’s season, with their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of the Europa League at crunch time.
      The race for the top four is well and truly on too with United currently sitting in fifth – just one point behind fourth-place Chelsea.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      In the three league games Varane has not started this season United have conceded seven goals.
      His importance to the team cannot be understated, with he and Lisandro Martinez forming a formidable partnership which has kept five clean sheets in eight games when starting together.
      For France it is also a big blow, with Varane one of the core members of the squad which won the last World Cup in 2018.
      But Deschamps is blessed with a plethora of options, and could opt to bring in Arsenal stalwart William Saliba following his impressive start to the season. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Robbie Williams faces fury over plan to perform in Qatar for World Cup – after gig at Russia 2018 opening ceremony

      by

      ROBBIE Williams has faced fury over plans to perform at the World Cup in anti-gay Qatar. The singer, 48, will have scored a “huge own goal” if he sings in the repressive host country, one disappointed fan said. 
      Robbie Williams performing at the 2018 World Cup opening ceremony in RussiaCredit: Getty
      CEO of the Qatar World Cup 2022 Nasser Al Khater and Director General of Qatar’s World Cup Organising Committee Yasir Al JamalCredit: Getty
      Another said it would be “incomprehensible” for the showman, long perceived to be a supporter of the LGBT community, to play there, the Mirror reported. 
      It comes after it was announced Williams would be among the big acts playing at the Qatar Live concerts in December. 
      Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and gay people face fines or up to seven years in jail. World Cup chiefs had to give assurances that gay fans won’t be persecuted when they arrive next month.
      The country has also been condemned for its treatment of women and migrant workers. 
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      TV’s Paul O’Grady, 67, said: “I’m surprised at Robbie. There’ll be a backlash by the LGBTQ community if he does perform.
      “No amount of money would get me there.”
      Williams, currently on his XXV tour, also performed at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He is set to play at the Doha Gold Club on December 8.
      Phil Dann wrote on a fan page: “How do fans make an official protest?
      Most read in The Sun
      “I’m sorry but the Qatar World Cup is wrong on many levels and I am disappointed that Robbie feels it is ­acceptable to so blatantly support it. It is a huge own goal for him.”
      Nic Schwarten added: “His opinion seems to be clear, otherwise he wouldn’t appear there. It’s really incomprehensible that he appears there.”
      Robbie Williams’ reps have been approached for comment.
      Today we revealed England’s World Cup build-up is in a heap of rubble — with the team hotel a construction site just a month before kick-off.
      The Sun witnessed migrant builders in overalls toiling in 35C heat to finish a swimming pool for Three Lions stars.
      A pool bar and changing room were still being hewn from bare breeze blocks.
      Outside the hotel entrance camels watched welders and workmen start turning a dusty site into a car park.
      But bosses at the Souq Al Wakra Hotel, where the Football. Association has booked all 101 rooms, insist work will be completed before Gareth Southgate’s team arrives next month.
      Meanwhile, a cockroach-ridden £650-a-night hovel is among filthy rip-off flats on offer to England fans at the Qatar World Cup.
      We posed as Three Lions followers to view the tiny concrete box described by its owner, Hilal, as “adorable” on rental site Airbnb.
      Read More on The Sun
      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 a lounge kitchenette for £534 a night.
      The Lusail Stadium in Qatar, which is hosting this year’s World CupCredit: AFP More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      I posed as Three Lions fan to view filthy rip-off flats in Qatar – I was disgusted with what I found

      by

      A COCKROACH-ridden £650-a-night hovel is among filthy rip-off flats on offer to England fans at the Qatar World Cup.We posed as Three Lions followers to view the tiny concrete box described by its owner, Hilal, as “adorable” on rental site Airbnb.
      We posed as Three Lions followers to view a tiny concrete box described by its owner, Hilal, as ‘adorable’ on rental site AirbnbCredit: Dan Charity
      A cockroach-ridden £650-a-night hovel is among filthy rip-off flats on offer to England fans at the Qatar World CupCredit: Dan Charity
      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.
      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.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      A million are expected to descend on the Yorkshire-sized oil-rich state.
      Qatar 2022 chiefs insist there will be plenty of Fan Village Cabins to be had and urge fans to avoid the private rental market.
      Omar Al-Jaber, Supreme Committee accommodation boss, said: “We’ll cope. There’s no crisis.”
      They were among dozens of grubby homes advertised by landlords hoping to cash in as fans fear a looming Cup accommodation crisisCredit: Dan Charity
      Most read in The Sun More