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      Why does Cristiano Ronaldo stand sideways during Portugal’s national anthem?

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is hoping to win his first World Cup with Portugal in Qatar this winter.The 37-year-old has cemented his place as one of the best players of all time after scoring his 700th club goal earlier in the season.
      Cristiano Ronaldo standing sideways during the national anthem against Hungary at Euro 2020Credit: AFP
      With what could be his potential last appearance at a World Cup, Ronaldo will be keen to leave his mark in a group containing South Korea, Ghana and Uruguay.
      However, Portugal face competition if they are to make it to the late stages of the tournament, with Brazil and France favourites to lift the trophy.
      Why does Cristiano Ronaldo stand sideways during Portugal’s national anthem?
      Before a game kicks off at the World Cup, the national anthems of both teams are observed.
      Players join in unison to blast the lyrics to their country’s anthem, but Ronaldo has been spotted doing his own thing, standing sideways in the line-up.
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      With his hand on the shoulder of Portugal’s goalkeeper, Ronaldo stands at an angle during the anthem and the reason for this has been revealed.
      The forward does this in order to face the Portugal flag during the national anthem, a patriotic gesture from CR7.
      Whether this becomes a superstitious act remains to be seen, with the European side hoping to make it as far into the competition as they can. More

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      What happened last time Uruguay played Ghana in the World Cup?

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      GHANA are seeking revenge when they face Uruguay in Group H of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.The sides faced off in the quarter final back in 2010 during the World Cup in South Africa, and a rivalry was born.
      Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez celebrating against Ghana in 2010Credit: Getty – Contributor
      They will now face each other for the first time in 12 years as the sides look to battle it out to reach the knock-out stages.
      However, it will not be easy to qualify from Group H as Portugal and South Korea make up the group.
      What happened last time Uruguay played Ghana?
      To find the last time these two met, you have to go back over a decade ago when a certain Luis Suarez made headlines.
      Luis Suarez denying Ghana a last-minute winner with his handsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      No, the controversial figure did not bite anyone despite having done so three times in his career, but he did have his say on the match.
      With Sulley Muntari putting Ghana ahead, Uruguay equalised through Diego Forlan before the match was sent to extra time.
      With penalties looming as the score remained level, Ghana were putting on the pressure and came close to scoring in the final minute of the match.
      Uruguay beat Ghana on penalties after Luis Suarez’s controversial saveCredit: AFP
      However, Suarez was on the line to clear a shot away completely legally before the rebound came in. This time, the forward opted to punch the ball off the line to prevent a late goal.
      Suarez was dismissed for this and Ghana were awarded a penalty and up stepped Asamoah Gyan with his country’s semi-final dream in his hands.
      The striker blasted the ball over the bar, with Suarez on the touchline watching on before bursting into celebration as the match was to be decided by a penalty shoot-out.
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      Uruguay came out victorious, winning 4-2 on penalties and securing a place in the semi-final after Suarez’s dark arts.
      The African side will no doubt be seeking revenge in Group H as they look to make up for the 2010 heartbreak caused by Suarez, who will face off against them once more, and potentially for the last time in the 35-year-old’s career – with Gyan considering a stunning return for the showdown. More

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      How England should line up in 2022 Qatar World Cup according to Tim Sherwood with three Southgate regulars DROPPED

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      TIM SHERWOOD has picked his dream England World Cup line up… with Raheem Sterling one of three regulars AXED from the XI.The former Tottenham boss would have the 19-goal Three Lions forward on his bench.
      Tim Sherwood’s dream World Cup XI
      There is no room for Raheem Sterling in Sherwood’s teamCredit: EPA
      And ruthless Sherwood, 53, has also snubbed Jordan Pickford from his starting line up.
      Appearing on talkSPORT, Sherwood named Arsenal stopper Aaron Ramsdale in his team ahead of Pickford.
      Ramsdale has impressed between the sticks this season, helping the Gunners top the Premier League with nine wins from 10 games.
      But Pickford is still likely to be Gareth Southgate’s first choice stopper.
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      Sherwood has also surprisingly named Jack Grealish ahead of Sterling in his England team.
      That’s despite Grealish starting just three games in the Prem this campaign.
      Sterling on the other hand has been a regular for Chelsea, and is one of the most experienced Three Lions in the squad.
      Another shock omission is Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka.
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      Sherwood doesn’t have the winger in his XI, despite the 21-year-old scoring four goals and providing four assists in just 10 Prem games this season.
      Instead the Ex-Spurs gaffer would play Phil Foden off the right hand side, to fit in Grealish on the left.
      Kieran Trippier is in at right-back, but Sherwood revealed he would pick Reece James if fit.
      He also picked Luke Shaw over Ben Chilwell at left-back, and put Manchester City pair John Stones and Kyle Walker together in the heart of defence.
      Although Walker is a World Cup doubt after having groin surgery earlier this month.
      There is no room for Harry Maguire either, although the Manchester United skipper is also currently sidelined by a thigh injury picked up on England duty last month.
      Sherwood has dropped Bukayo Saka, and would play Jack Grealish on the leftCredit: Getty
      There is no place for Harry Maguire in Sherwood’s teamCredit: Alamy More

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      How many players has Uruguay’s Luis Suarez bitten?

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      DURING his time at Ajax, Liverpool and with Uruguay, Luis Suarez had bitten off more than he could chew with several on-the-field controversies.Bursting onto the scene at the 2010 World Cup, Suarez earned a move to Anfield in 2011 before making a career-defining move to Barcelona.
      Luis Suarez currently plys his trade for Uruguayan side NacionalCredit: Reuters
      The 35-year-old is now likely to be playing at his last ever World Cup as Uruguay will be keen to send him off in style.
      Scoring 68 goals in 134 games for his country, Suarez has made memories on the pitch but there have also been moments to forget for the controversial figure.
      How many players has Luis Suarez bitten?
      During his playing career, Suarez’s footballing quality has never been called into question despite some crazy incidents.
      The striker made headlines during his time at Ajax, being labelled as a villain for the first time back in 2010.
      Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic signalling that Luis Suarez had bitten himCredit: EPA
      The forward earned a seven-game suspension after sinking his teeth into PSV Eindhoven’s Otman Bakkal, biting his shoulder as his teammates looked on in disbelief.
      You’d have thought that Suarez would learn from his mistake, losing his cool as a youngster before earning a move to Liverpool, where he would become one of the best strikers in the world.
      But, no, Suarez was at it again in 2013. In an off-the-ball incident, Suarez grabbed Chelsea full-back Branislav Ivanovic’s arm and once again opted for a bite. This time earning him a 10-game suspension.
      Giorgio Chiellini showed the referee bite marks as Luis Suarez went down holding his teeth in the 2014 World CupCredit: AFP
      Surely Suarez was done here and had learned his lesson? No. There was one final bite to follow, and this one on the biggest stage of them all.
      During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Uruguay faced Italy and Suarez was at it for a third time.
      It appeared to be third time lucky for the forward, who was not punished during the match despite biting Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder and the Italian showing bite marks to the referee.
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      This time, the bite earned Suarez a nine-match suspension from FIFA, ending his World Cup campaign and this was the last occasion we saw Suarez bite an opponent, making it three times in his career.
      The Uruguayan will be hoping for a less controversial tournament in 2022 as he looks to go out in style, leaving fans talking about his goal scoring prowess rather than controversial on-the-pitch antics. More

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      Belgium stars allowed to spend one night with stunning Wags at Qatar World Cup before crunch Croatia clash

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      BELGIUM’S World Cup stars have been handed a boost… with their Wag’s granted permission to give them a mid-tournament visit.The Red Devils will be locked away at a hotel during next month’s finals in Qatar.
      Thibaut Courtois is engaged to model Mishel GerzigCredit: Getty
      Kevin De Bruyne will be joined by wife Michele LacroixCredit: Instagram @lacroixmichele
      Brighton ace Leandro Trossard is married to Laura HilvenCredit: Facebook – Leandro Trossard
      Axel Witsel has been married to wife Rafaella Szabo since 2015Credit: Instagram / @r_babyberry
      But the Belgian FA has allowed the players’ partners and families to visit them for a night after their second Group F game against Morocco on November 27.
      They will then have a few days to recover and prepare for their final group match against Croatia on December 1.
      Head coach Roberto Martinez has approved the plan, in contrast to former boss Marc Wilmots – who favoured keeping his players away from their partners.
      Martinez is due to announce his 26-man squad on November 11.
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      The families’ invite will likely benefit Manchester City talisman Kevin de Bruyne, Brighton ace Leandro Trossard and Leicester quartet Youri Tielemans, Wout Faes, Timothy Castagne and Dennis Praet.
      Belgium captain Eden Hazard and fellow ex-Premier League stars Thibaut Courtois, Michy Batshuayi, Simon Mignolet and Toby Alderweireld are also set to welcome the morale-boosting decision.
      The squad will be based at the luxury Hilton Salwa Beach Resort on the Persian Gulf.
      Courtois and Mishel got engaged earlier this yearCredit: Instagram / @mishelgerzig
      Courtois popped the question to stunning Mishel while the couple holidayed on a luxury yachtCredit: Getty
      Mishel has 630,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @mishelgerzig
      De Bruyne and Michele got married in 2017Credit: Getty
      Witsel’s wife Rafaella has cheered on Belgium in the pastCredit: Splash News
      The wives and girlfriends will have to make their own travel arrangements, with the Belgian FA refusing to charter a plane for them.
      In contrast the Danish FA made headlines earlier this month by banning their players’ partners from the finals.
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      But England’s Wags are poised to be out in force at the Qatar showpiece.
      As exclusively revealed by SunSport, partners of the Three Lions are set to stay on a luxury £1billion cruise liner docked in Doha.
      It includes six pools, 14 ocean-view jacuzzis, dodgem cars, salons, boutiques, restaurants, bars and the longest dry-slide at sea.
      The Belgium squad are staying at the luxury Hilton Salwa Beach ResortCredit: Instagram @salwabeachresort
      They will be joined by the Wags for one night onlyCredit: Instagram @salwabeachresort
      De Bruyne and Co will stay in fancy roomsCredit: Instagram @salwabeachresort
      The hotel is right on the beachCredit: Instagram @salwabeachresort More

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      Ten surprise players who could be named in Gareth Southgate’s secret 55-man England squad for Qatar World Cup

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE could include several surprise names in his preliminary squad for the World Cup.Fifa rules stipulate that each country must submit a list of at least 35 players by Friday.
      Gareth Southgate must submit a list of up to 55 names to Fifa by FridayCredit: Getty
      The list will be kept secret and can include a maximum of 55 names, from which the final squad will be selected.
      Southgate and other World Cup managers have to submit their final list of 26 players by November 14, but several more players will likely be selected until that point.
      There are a few players on the fringes who could be included, such as James Ward-Prowse, Ivan Toney and Jarrod Bowen, all of whom have been called up before.
      But there are many others whose chances of making the plane are much less likely, and here SunSport takes a look at ten of those players.
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      Ben White
      The Arsenal defender, 25, has had a brilliant campaign for the Gunners despite featuring in a less familiar right-back role.
      He has also proven himself at centre-back and Southgate recognised his ability with a call-up to the Euro 2020 squad, and with the Three Lions suffering an injury crisis at right-back White will surely be included.
      Ben White could make the World Cup after also making the Euro 2020 squadCredit: James Heaton/News Images
      James Maddison
      There has been a recent groundswell of calls for Maddison to go the World Cup, partly because of his form but also because some saw him as the solution to England’s recent goal drought.
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      The Leicester star, 25, has five goals and two assists this season and although Gary Lineker described him as “England’s most creative midfielder”, Southgate does not seem to like him.
      Many fans and pundits have called for James Maddison to be includedCredit: Getty
      Harvey Elliott
      Elliott is quietly impressing at Liverpool and would likely have a good chance of making the squad if competition was not so fierce.
      The fact he has never been called up means Southgate will likely overlook the 19-year-old and allow him to continue progressing for the Under-21s, having won three caps so far.
      Harvey Elliott has impressed for LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek
      Southgate included the Chelsea star in his squad for the last World Cup in 2018 but his last cap came almost four years ago.
      However, the 26-year-old’s versatility and ability to play at right wing-back means there is a chance he could be selected with Reece James and Kyle Walker possibly missing out though injury.
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s versatility means he could be recalled to the squad for the first time since 2018Credit: Phil Bryan/News Images
      Callum Hudson-Odoi
      Once touted as a future England star, Callum Hudson-Odoi has failed to live up to his potential and is now on loan at Bayer Leverkusen from Chelsea.
      The 21-year-old has failed to score for the German side in nine appearances but his direct approach gives him an outside shot of making the squad.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi last played for England in 2019Credit: Getty
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka
      England’s injury crisis at right-back means there could be an unlikely call-up for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is still yet to make his senior debut.
      But he will need to get back into the Manchester United team and return to form if he is to persuade Southgate to take him to Qatar.
      England’s injury crisis at right-back means Aaron Wan-Bissaka could make the squadCredit: Getty
      Eberechi Eze
      The Crystal Palace star – who has been capped by England at Under21 level – is playing his way into contention with two goals and two assists in the Premier League.
      Eze, 24, has recovered well from an Achilles injury which sidelined him for six months and would offer England something different in midfield thanks to his ability to glide past players.
      Eberechi Eze has found form at the right timeCredit: Getty
      Chris Smalling
      Smalling, 32, was dropped from the squad in 2017 because Southgate felt he was not suited to playing out from the back.
      The England boss preferred John Stones and Harry Maguire but with the latter out of form he could look to Smalling, who deserves a place in the squad according to his manager Jose Mourinho.
      Jose Mourinho believes Chris Smalling deserves a place in the squadCredit: Alamy
      Dan Burn
      Burn, 30, is another player who could appeal to Southgate because of his flexibility.
      He can play in different systems as a centre-back or a left-back and his 6ft6 frame could be a threat for England from set-pieces, which proved so effective at the last World Cup.
      Dan Burn’s flexibility could appeal to SouthgateCredit: Getty
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      Ryan Sessegnon
      Sessegnon, 22, is a more attacking left wing-back option and could earn a place in the squad if Kieran Trippier is needed on the other flank.
      He may be reliant on Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell picking up an injury however as that duo were preferred for the Euros.
      Ryan Sessegnon is behind Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw in the pecking orderCredit: Getty More

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      Qatar World Cup rooms range from £23k-a-night luxury and cruise ships to £75 shared bunk and ‘shipping container’ cabins

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      FOOTBALL fans heading to the World Cup can snag £23,000-a-night luxury hotel suites to watch the action in style.Or, at the other end of the spectrum, supporters can pay a bargain £75 to bunk in shared rooms.
      Prices for the most expensive official World Cup hotel start at nearly £2000-a-nightCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      Fans can opt to sleep in style in luxury hotelsCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      Fan villages have been put up out in the desertCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      One fan village is made up of rows and rows of white tentsCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      With around 1.2million people reportedly set to descend on Qatar for the World Cup, local authorities have worked to make a range of different accommodation available to fans.
      But some of it will come at a cost.
      Three Lions fans who make the trip to Qatar have the choice of living in style or bunking on a budget as they roar on Gareth Southgate and Co.
      So here SunSport take a look at the accommodation on offer in Qatar with England’s World Cup opener just over a month away.
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      Luxury hotels
      Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world, and that is reflected in the price of some of the luxury hotel rooms on offer for the World Cup.
      Southgate picked the five-star Souq Al-Wakra hotel as their base for the tournament, with similar glitzy hotels available for fans.
      One third-party site is listing hotel rooms for a whopping £4,000-a-night, according to moneycontrol.
      Or, if money is just an object, a third-party is flogging a “head of state” suite for a mind-boggling £23k-a-night – with a 30-night minimum stay.
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      But official hotel prices for rooms that are still available on the World Cup official website start much cheaper than that.
      They begin at just £137-a-night for the most basic rooms, with free access to an onsite gym.
      Hotel prices range all the way up to the £1734-a-night starting prices for the glitzy Crowne Plaza Hotel in Doha.
      The cheapest official hotel is just £137-a-nightCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      Fans get a decent living space for £137-a-nightCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      The Crowne Plaza in Doha is the priciest of the official hotelsCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      The Crowne Plaza has an impressive lobbyCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      There is a swimming pool at the luxury hotelCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      Apartments and Villas
      Apartments and villas are also able to rent after 30,000 more rooms were listed this week, according to The Peninsula, just over a month before the tournament starts.
      The cheapest official price for apartments start at £75-a-night for basic rooms with single beds and lockers.
      Alternatively, the most expensive luxury villas start at £858-a-night and are right next to the Khalifa Stadium, where England play their opener against Iran.
      The cheapest apartments start at £75-a-nightCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      The cheapest apartments have a basic interiorCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      There are luxury villas on offer if fans want more spacious quartersCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      The most expensive villas start at £858-a-nightCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      There is a living area and TV included in the more expensive villasCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      Cruise ships
      England WAG’s will live on board one of the two luxury cruise liners that will be docked in Qatar for the tournament.
      They will live on board the five-star MSC World Europa, with the four-star MSC Poesia also available for booking.
      Prices on board the MSC Poesia start at £159-a-night, with the glitzier MSC World Europa starting at £309-a-night.
      The more expensive MSC World Europa boasts SIX swimming pools and a spa, and even the smaller MSC Poesia has three pools, a spa, plus tennis and basketball courts on board.
      Around 40,000 supporters are expected to be staying on ships after Qatar chartered the two boats from MSC Cruises.
      England WAG’s will stay on board the MSC World Europa
      Two cruise liners will be docked in Doha and available to stay onCredit: MSC Poesia
      Both ships have onboard swimming poolsCredit: MSC Poesia
      Cabins start at £159-a-nightCredit: MSC Poesia
      Fan Villages
      Official fan villages that have been set up for the tournament, with some more appealing than others.
      One option costs almost £200-a-night, but the “cabins” are more like glorified shipping containers.
      Billed as an official fan village, the tiny cabins can fit up to two guests inside at a time, and are close to Lusail Stadium, where the final will be held.
      One fan village has cabins reminiscent of shipping containersCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      Supporters will be packed in like sardinesCredit: Getty
      The cabins start at £183-a-nightCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      The price for tents starts at £183-a-nightCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      Supporters staying in tents will have to use communal showers and toiletsCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      Fans will have to fork out £183-a-night per unit to be packed in like sardines.
      Or, for the same price, a different fan village offers supporters the chance to stay in tents.
      The Qetaifan Island Fan Camp has 1,800 tents, with each of them containing two single beds.
      Fans staying there will have to make do with communal bathrooms and showers.
      A cheaper option is the Caravan City fan village, where prices start at just £101-a-night.
      That village is made up of beds that have been loaded onto caravans, but does include WiFi and TV screens, with six of the eight World Cup stadiums within a 20-minute drive.
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      Prices for the most expensive fan village, located on a farm, start at a whopping £1819-a-night.
      But for that price fans can enjoy the use of an onsite swimming pool, a massage tent, yoga deck, gym and 24/7 guest services.
      The cheapest fan village is Caravan CityCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      Prices for Caravan City start at £101-a-nightCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      Heenat Salma Farm is the most expensive fan villageCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      Prices at the farm start at a whopping £1819-a-nightCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      There is a swimming pool onsiteCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      The farm includes spacious areas for fans to relaxCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 More

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      Arsenal starlet Marcelo Flores could make World Cup debut for Mexico before playing a minute for Gunners

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      ARSENAL prodigy Marcelo Flores could play at the World Cup before even making his senior debut for the Gunners.The 19-year-old attacker left Ipswich Town for Arsenal in 2019 and has shone in their development side.
      Marcelo Flores could play at a World Cup before even featuring for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      However, he has headed out on loan to Spanish second division team Real Oviedo this term without yet making an appearance for his parent club.
      Flores, who is the son of former Mexican player Ruben, was born in Georgetown, Ontario which made him eligible for Canada.
      And due to his mother’s English descent, who was also called up to an England U16 get-together three years ago.
      During that period he has also represented Mexico at youth level and made his senior bow for the nation off the bench in a friendly match draw with Chile last December.
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      He then fully-pledged his international allegiance to Mexico with a lengthy statement in May.
      Flores wrote on Instagram: “Existing as I do – being from a multicultural environment who identifies with several different countries – I feel it’s normal to question your identity and even sometimes doubt your own origin.
      “Canada and England are a part of me, they have made me who I am. I can’t lie, this hasn’t been an easy process.
      “I love Mexico. My father instilled this passion from a very young age and I was fortunate to visit Mexico every year during my childhood.
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      “I have always been part of the Mexican national team system. It is where I feel most comfortable. It is where my sisters and I feel most at home even when ‘home’ is thousands of miles away.”
      The ace then made his competitive bow for them in a 3-0 CONCACAF Nations League win against Suriname in June and has added another cap since.
      Now the 5ft 5in dynamo will be hopeful that he can make the plane for Qatar next month to represent his country at the World Cup.
      Mexico kick-off their Group C campaign against Poland on November 22.
      They then take on Argentina before a final group clash with Saudi Arabia on November 30. More