هات بت

رافائل واران پس از اینکه از نزدیک دید که این مرد هلندی چه کاری می تواند انجام دهد، گفت که از همکاری با سرمربی جدید اریک تن هاگ در منچستریونایتد “هیجان زده” است.

واران بخشی از تیم رئال مادرید بود که در سال 2019 توسط آژاکس تن هاگ از لیگ قهرمانان اروپا حذف شد و این مرد فرانسوی گفت که او مرد مناسبی برای هدایت یونایتد در فصل آینده است.

– داوسون: برد خانگی منچستریونایتد در فینال، فصل ناامیدکننده ای را به همراه ندارد
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واران گفت: “من مقابل آنها در لیگ قهرمانان اروپا بازی کردم و آنها خیلی خوب بازی کردند.”

“من بسیار هیجان زده هستم که با او کار کنم. مشتاقانه منتظر کار با او هستم. فکر می کنم او تجربه خوبی دارد و فرد خوبی برای کار در این باشگاه است.”

رالف رانگنیک، سرمربی موقت، پیشنهاد کرده است که تن هاگ در تابستان زمانی که او هدایت را به دست می گیرد، باید بر بازسازی گسترده در اولدترافورد نظارت کند.

اما واران گفت که در حال حاضر با وجود فصلی تضعیف کننده که احتمالاً با ناکامی یونایتد در راهیابی به لیگ قهرمانان فصل آینده به پایان می رسد، در حال حاضر می توان با بازیکنان زیادی کار کرد.

واران افزود: فکر می کنم بازیکنان خوبی داریم، بازیکنان با تجربه. ما می توانیم در طول بازی ها کنترل بیشتری داشته باشیم. گاهی اوقات می توانیم 20 یا 30 دقیقه خیلی خوب بازی کنیم و سپس 10 یا 15 دقیقه بد بازی کنیم.

ما امتیازهای زیادی را از دست دادیم. فکر می‌کنم اگر ثابت قدم باشیم، می‌توانیم خیلی پیشرفت کنیم، بنابراین فکر می‌کنم این یک کار جمعی است که باید انجام دهیم.»

واران در اولین فصل حضورش در فوتبال انگلیس با یک سری آسیب دیدگی‌ها، او را به تنها 28 بازی در تمامی رقابت‌ها محدود کرده است.

اما این بازیکن 29 ساله امیدوار است که تعطیلات تابستانی داشته باشد و یک پیش فصل کامل به او کمک کند تا بهترین فرم خود را زیر نظر تن هاگ دوباره کشف کند.

او گفت: “فکر می کنم برای آمادگی کامل به یک پیش فصل کامل نیاز دارم، اما فکر می کنم فصل آینده بهتر خواهد بود.” فکر می‌کنم این فصل بد نبود، اما می‌توانیم پیشرفت کنیم و بهتر عمل کنیم.»

“احساس بازیکن یونایتد بودن چیز خاصی است. من بسیار خوشحالم که در لیگ برتر بازی می کنم و این یک تجربه عالی است.

بدیهی است که نتیجه آن چیزی نیست که ما انتظار داشتیم، اما من همچنان مثبت هستم و فکر می کنم فصل آینده بهتر خواهد بود.

دپارتمان دیجیتال، فرهنگ، رسانه و ورزش (DCMS) روز دوشنبه اعلام کرد که دولت بریتانیا یک رگولاتور مستقل در فوتبال انگلیس برای رسیدگی به امور مالی بازی، مالکیت باشگاه و حاکمیت شرکتی ایجاد خواهد کرد.

در بیانیه آمده است که تنظیم کننده توسط قانون اولیه حمایت می شود تا اختیارات قانونی برای صدور مجوز و تحریم باشگاه ها را به آن ارائه دهد.

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دولت 10 توصیه کلیدی ارائه شده در بازبینی حاکمیت در بازی توسط طرفداران را که توسط وزیر سابق ورزش تریسی کراچ در نوامبر منتشر شد، تایید خواهد کرد.

رگولاتور همچنین موظف به اعمال یک آزمون افزایش یافته مالکان و مدیران خواهد بود، هم قبل از خرید یک باشگاه و هم به صورت مداوم.

در بیانیه DCMS آمده است: “این شامل یک “آزمون یکپارچگی” جدید برای همه مالکان و مدیران اجرایی و بررسی دقیق – از جمله منابع تامین مالی – در هنگام خرید است.”

این آزمون جایگزین آزمون های فعلی خواهد شد که توسط لیگ برتر، لیگ فوتبال انگلیس و اتحادیه فوتبال برگزار می شود.

فوتبال دوستان، خانواده‌ها و جوامع را دور هم جمع می‌کند، به همین دلیل است که ما برنامه‌های هواداران را برای تضمین آینده بازی ملی خود پیش می‌بریم – از سرمایه‌گذاری 230 میلیون پوندی (294 میلیون دلاری) برای ارتقاء سطح زمین‌های پایه تا تقویت. بوریس جانسون نخست وزیر گفت: صدای هواداران در اداره باشگاه هایشان.

همچنین به رگولاتور این اختیار داده می شود که نظارت مالی بر باشگاه ها از جمله اختیارات جمع آوری اطلاعات، تحقیق و اجرا را اعمال کند.

در بیانیه DCMS آمده است: «نظر دولت این است که این موضوع باید در وهله اول توسط مقامات فوتبال حل شود.

“جزئیات بیشتر در مورد گزینه ترجیحی دولت، از جمله در مورد اختیارات نظارتی “backstop” در کاغذ سفید ارائه خواهد شد.”

لیگ برتر گفت که پرونده اصلاحات دولت را پذیرفته است، اما اضافه کرد که یک تنظیم کننده با حمایت قانونی لازم نیست و برنامه های خود را برای اطمینان از شنیدن صدای هواداران دارد.

لیگ از شفافیت دولت در مورد موضع آنها استقبال می کنیم و متعهد به همکاری با آنها در این مرحله بعدی از مشورت هستیم، اگرچه ما همچنان معتقدیم که لازم نیست یک تنظیم کننده با حمایت قانونی وجود داشته باشد. در بیانیه ای گفت.

ما موافقیم که هواداران برای بازی اهمیت حیاتی دارند و صدای آنها باید در سراسر لیگ بهتر شنیده شود.

ما تعدادی از اقدامات را برای بهبود این منطقه معرفی خواهیم کرد و برنامه ریزی می کنیم تا قبل از شروع فصل 2022-2023 یک اعلامیه دقیق ارائه دهیم.”

ریک پری، رئیس این لیگ در بیانیه‌ای گفت: لیگ فوتبال انگلیس (EFL) اگر راهی برای “بازنشانی مالی بازی” از طریق مقررات بهتر و توزیع مجدد عادلانه‌تر در سراسر هرم ارائه کند، از یک رگولاتور مستقل حمایت می‌کند.

پری افزود: “باید درک کرد که EFL در دو سال گذشته به دنبال پیشرفت این موضوع بوده است و خواستار تقسیم 75-25 درآمد با لیگ برتر بوده است، بدون اینکه به پیشرفت ملموسی دست یابد.”

“بنابراین، ما همچنین از این واقعیت استقبال می کنیم که اگر فوتبال نتواند خود با راه حلی موافقت کند، دولت برای اعطای قدرت “پشتیبان” برای اجرای مجدد توزیع در سراسر هرم به رگولاتور باز است.”

محمد صلاح، مهاجم لیورپول گفته است که موضوع امضای قرارداد جدید در آنفیلد فقط «درباره پول» نیست زیرا او اذعان می‌کند که نمی‌داند آیا توافقی حاصل خواهد شد یا خیر.

در مصاحبه ای با مجله Four Four Two، صلاح، که قرارداد فعلی او در ژوئن 2023 به پایان می رسد، گفت مطمئن است که فصل آینده بدون توجه به اینکه مذاکرات چگونه پیش می رود، در باشگاه باقی خواهد ماند.

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“نمی دانم، یک سال دیگر فرصت دارم. فکر می کنم هواداران می دانند من چه می خواهم، اما در قرارداد اصلاً همه چیز در مورد پول نیست. بنابراین نمی دانم، نمی توانم دقیقاً به شما بگویم.” من یک سال دیگر فرصت دارم و هواداران می دانند که من چه می خواهم.”

این بازیکن 29 ساله نقش مهمی در این فصل برای لیورپول ایفا کرده است و این تیم را در گلزنی رهبری می کند و آنها به تلاش خود برای رسیدن به یک 4 گل تاریخی ادامه می دهند.

او افزود: “نگران نیستم، به خودم اجازه نمی‌دهم نگران چیزی باشم. فصل هنوز تمام نشده است، پس بیایید آن را به بهترین شکل ممکن تمام کنیم – این مهمترین چیز است. سپس در سال گذشته ، می خواهیم ببینیم چه اتفاقی می افتد.”

سن صلاح بر گمانه زنی ها در مورد اینکه آیا لیورپول باید او را به یکی از پردرآمدترین بازیکنان لیگ برتر تبدیل کند یا خیر، تسلط داشت، اما مهاجم گفت که نگران نیست.

او گفت: «به این واقعیت که قرار است 30 ساله شوم فکر نمی کردم. از برخی بازیکنان می پرسم و می گویند وقتی 30 ساله می شوی احساس متفاوتی است، اما نمی دانم، حالم خوب است. از زندگی لذت می برم، از فوتبال لذت می برم – مهم نیست چند سال دارم. شما الان هستید

“اکنون می توانید ببینید که با بازیکنان — همه آنها دوران حرفه ای خود را افزایش می دهند. شما می توانید بازیکنان برتر و برتر را همیشه بعد از 32، 33 سالگی ببینید، می توانید تعداد زیادی از آنها را ببینید — [Robert] لواندوفسکی، [Karim][ Benzema, [Lionel] مسی، [Cristiano] رونالدو، زلاتان [Ibrahimovic]، تعداد زیادی از بازیکنان؛ همچنین [Edin] ژکو در ایتالیا، [Olivier] ژیرو. همه آنها بعد از 30 سالگی واقعاً خوب عمل می کنند، بنابراین من نگران این نیستم.”

گل های روبن لوفتوس چیک و میسون مانت به چلسی کمک کرد تا پس از شکست 2-0 کریستال پالاس در ومبلی، به سومین فینال متوالی جام حذفی برسد.

شاگردان توماس توخل در روز سه‌شنبه با دو گل نیمه دوم پس از یک دوره ابتدایی عصبی که در تلاش برای یافتن راهی برای عبور از خط دفاعی پالاس بودند، از لیگ قهرمانان اروپا حذف شدند.

– اولی: با رسیدن به فینال جام حذفی، چلسی می تواند فصل را جبران کند
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لوفتوس چیک اولین گل خود را در سه سال اخیر به ثمر رساند تا در دقیقه 65 از بن بست خارج شود، در حالی که مانت 10 دقیقه بعد با پایانی مرتب در گوشه پایین سمت راست، پیروزی را تضمین کرد.

چلسی با لیورپول که روز شنبه در نیمه نهایی اول منچسترسیتی را 3-2 شکست داد، در فینال در 14 می در تکرار فینال Carabao Cup در فوریه، جایی که تیم یورگن کلوپ در ضربات پنالتی قهرمان شد، به مصاف هم خواهد رفت.

لوفتوس چیک در مورد هدفش گفت: “فکر می کنم کمی انحراف داشت، اما آن را قبول می کنم… خیلی دیر شده است.” “این مسیر سختی برای من بود، با مصدومیت و رفتن به صورت قرضی.

“ما می خواهیم بدست آوریم [Liverpool] عقب، به همین سادگی. بازی فوق‌العاده‌ای در فینال جام اتحادیه بود و می‌توانست به هر ترتیبی پیش برود.”

شروعی عصبی بود زیرا چلسی در طول دوره ابتدایی مالکیت توپ را در اختیار داشت اما نتوانست از دفاع کاخ عبور کند و تیم جنوب لندن در ضدحمله خطرناک به نظر می رسید.

بهترین فرصت این نیمه درست قبل از استراحت توسط چیخو کویاته، هافبک پالاس به دست آمد، که مارکوس آلونسو را به سمت ادوارد مندی ارسال کرد و دروازه بان چلسی را مجبور به ضربه زدن به شیرجه کرد.

چلسی بعد از نیمه تمام بهبود یافته بود، و زمانی که لوفتوس چیک تعویضی، که جای متئو کواچیچ لنگان را در دقیقه 24 گرفت، یک توپ را برای تیمو ورنر ارسال کرد تا تیمو ورنر وارد دروازه شود.

با این حال، موفقیت چلسی در دقیقه 65 زمانی رخ داد که توپ کای هاورتز از روی دروازه به سمت لوفتوس چیک منحرف شد، ضربه ای که برای اولین بار با ضربه رگبار او وارد دروازه شد، جک باتلند را منحرف کرد و وارد دروازه شد.

Mount مدت کوتاهی بعد برتری خود را دو برابر کرد و از دفاع کاخ عبور کرد و سپس توپ را به کرنر از Butland عبور داد.

روملو لوکاکو در فاصله یک دقیقه مانده به پایان بازی نزدیک بود گل را برای چلسی به 3 برساند، اما تلاش او از تیرک سمت راست برگشت.

توخل گفت: «این آسان نبود زیرا ما سه بازی در سه رقابت مختلف انجام دادیم. همیشه آسان نیست، از نظر بدنی بسیار چالش برانگیز است، ما تیمی هستیم که بیشترین دقایق را در اروپا داریم، از نظر ذهنی نیز چالش برانگیز است.

“من فکر می کردم عملکرد بسیار کنترل شده و بسیار جدی بود، ما مراقب ضدحملات آنها بودیم. سخت بود، حریف دو بار سیستم را تغییر داد، نمی توان برای یک دقیقه تمرکز خود را از دست داد.”

او درباره رویارویی با لیورپول در فینال افزود: خوشحالم که دوباره بخشی از آن هستم. من نمی توانم بیشتر هیجان زده و افتخار کنم زیرا رقابت بزرگی است. ما آماده خواهیم بود.”

این پنجمین فینال جام حذفی چلسی در شش فصل گذشته خواهد بود و این تیم یک بار در سال 2018 قهرمان جام حذفی شد.

Get ready for some heavyweight clashes, a renewal of old rivalries and the chance for some teams to avenge bitter defeats after the draw for Qatar 2022 offered some box office match-ups in the group stage of this year’s World Cup.

The leading nations can now plot their path to the final, with Brazil aiming for a record sixth title and France aiming to become the first country to win back-to-back World Cups since Pele’s Brazil achieved that feat in 1958 and 1962. But to have a hope of winning the World Cup, you have to get out of the group, and there are some tantalising games awaiting in the early stages.

Spain face Germany in Group E, while Argentina and Mexico go head-to-head in Group C. In Group H, Ghana get the chance to avenge their 2010 quarterfinal loss to Uruguay in South Africa, when Asamoah Gyan missed a stoppage-time penalty after Luis Suarez had denied a certain goal by handling the ball on the line.

In Group B, the United States face England and Iran, with England also facing the prospect of a clash against British Isles neighbours Wales or Scotland if one of them emerges from a three-way battle, alongside Ukraine, for the final European qualification spot.

How will it all play out? Gabriele Marcotti (Groups A-D) and Mark Ogden (Groups E-H) have assessed each group to predict the big games and the teams who will qualify.

– England drawn against U.S. | Bracket and fixtures
– How the World Cup draw played out
– World Cup draw by the numbers: The most intriguing stats

Jump to: Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H

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GROUP A

Other than South Africa in 2010, every host nation has made it out of the qualifying group and into the knockout phase, but this might be like a tall order for Qatar. As hosts, they avoided going through qualifying, though they did play a string of high-profile friendlies and even entered the 2021 Gold Cup as an invitational team, losing in the semifinal to the United States.

On paper, the Dutch, Senegal and Ecuador look a notch above them. The Netherlands appear somewhat revitalized after Louis van Gaal’s return, Senegal are the reigning African champions (and boast Liverpool’s Sadio Mane in attack) and Ecuador were third for most of the grueling CONMEBOL qualifying tournament before dropping off at the end.

Must-see match: Netherlands vs. Senegal

Senegal are deep and gifted in every department, from Edouard Mendy in goal to Kalidou Koulibaly at the back and Mane up front. They have plenty of big-game experience too, coming through shootout wins against Egypt in both the African Cup of Nations final and the CAF World Cup playoff. They won’t be rattled by the pedigree of the Dutch and this should be an open affair.

X factor: Will home-field advantage matter?

OK, you don’t expect wild and noisy support from the Qataris at their game simply because, well, we’ve never seen it before, whether it’s Asian qualifying or glamour friendlies. But they know the territory, they know the grounds and hosts often get a bit of the rub of the green. They obviously need to start with a win over Ecuador if they’re to have a chance, but stranger things have happened.

Predicted finish: Netherlands, Senegal, Qatar, Ecuador

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GROUP B

England, Iran, USA, (Wales, Scotland OR Ukraine)

England are deep and talented. They reached the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of the last European championship; if anything, they went out with a sense that they could have done more because in terms of talent, they certainly weren’t inferior to the sides that beat them. Has Gareth Southgate learned from past mistakes? The sense is that he has.

Behind England, things should be extremely tight. The United States have plenty of stars based in top European teams, from Chelsea to Borussia Dortmund, but for different reasons, the likes of Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna aren’t always difference-makers at club level. They’ll need to be in Qatar.

Iran sailed through Asian qualifying, losing just one game, but on paper don’t look as strong as previous editions. Each of the potential European qualifiers has to be an underdog at this stage, but if it’s Ukraine, you know who most neutrals will be rooting for.

Must-see match: England vs. USA

Expect plenty of Joe Gaetjens references and stories harking back to 1950 here, though there’s another layer. This will be both teams’ second group game; if Southgate & Co. need a result, and if they haven’t played well until that stage, prompting the tabloids to call for blood … anything can happen…

X factor: Welsh or Ukrainian fairytales

OK, Wales might not even be there — they, plus Scotland and Ukraine, will play off for one spot — but we’ve seen Gareth Bale carry Wales on his shoulders to seemingly unreachable heights. And right now, Ukraine are much of the world’s second-favorite team, given what’s going on there. A bit of fairy dust, and there’s no telling what can happen.

Predicted finish: England, USA, Wales/Ukraine/Scotland, Iran

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GROUP C

This could be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup, but in some ways, the fact that the narrative isn’t about that (or his struggles at Paris Saint-Germain) as much as it is about Argentina’s long unbeaten run should help relieve some of the pressure. They’ll be very happy with this group, in any case.

Mexico are likely to battle it out with Poland for second place. El Tri blew hot and cold in qualifying while Poland, having changed coaches before the playoffs, are in some ways still finding themselves. Robert Lewandowski will get you out of jams, but only if you can get him the ball in dangerous areas and that’s not always a given. The Saudis won their Asian qualifying group, beating out Australia and Japan, but they were disappointing at the Asian Cup and look a notch below the rest of the group.

Must-see match: Mexico vs. Poland

It’s the opening game of this group, and it could be an early decider in terms of who finishes behind Argentina. There’s a ton of pressure on coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, but on the other hand, Mexican supporters tend to travel in large quantities, which could give this the feel of a “home” game. Poland overcame Sweden in a tense playoff final to qualify, but there’s a sense they have yet to get their best out of their stars, Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski.

X factor: Lionel Messi

There are so many layers to his World Cup experience. Argentina have bounced back from the Jorge Sampaoli-led chaos we saw in Russia and, perhaps most intriguingly, they’ve done it without piling excessive pressure on Messi. He’s still key, of course, and the side is still built around it, but we don’t see the Messi-dependency we’ve seen in the past. Might that be the difference in him finally conquering the game’s biggest prize?

Predicted finish: Argentina, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia

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GROUP D

Les Bleus have reloaded and Didier Deschamps has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal. It will be interesting to see if he sticks to the defend-and-counter approach that delivered the World Cup last time — you can afford to do it when you have this many individual match-winners — or, as we’ve seen in recent outings, he opts to be a bit more expansive. Either way, he’s in the driver’s seat.

The rest of the group is actually quite tight. Tunisia won’t win points for style and are nowhere near as talented as they’ve been in the past, but they’ve proven to be difficult to play against and cagey — a script that served them well throughout qualifying. All eyes on Denmark, who are solid at the back and showed at the Euros that they can compete with the big boys all the way to the semifinal.

Ricardo Gareca’s Peru (if they make it) should not be underestimated, and they certainly look stronger than Australia (who had a poor qualifying campaign) or the United Arab Emirates (whose run was even worse).

Must-see match: Denmark vs. Tunisia

This is easy. It will be Christian Eriksen’s first game back at the World Cup after his cardiac arrest at the Euros. He said this was his dream, and this is where he will live it. You won’t get a more emotional moment at the World Cup (well, certainly not in the first week).

X factor: Can Paul Pogba return to being Pogba?

Pogba for France and Pogba for Manchester United are often two different things. Les Bleus fit him like a glove, and his role in offering creativity, quality and leadership in the middle of the park can’t be overstated. We don’t know yet where he’ll be playing his club football at next season, but we do know he’s a man on a mission.

Predicted finish: France, Denmark, UAE/Australia/Peru, Tunisia

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GROUP E

Spain, (Costa Rica OR New Zealand), Germany, Japan

On the face of it, this looks to be one of the more straightforward groups in Qatar. Japan have shown the ability to cause an upset at previous World Cups, while Costa Rica or New Zealand — the winners of the CONCACAF / OFC intercontinental playoff will complete the group — have both recorded surprise results in recent tournaments. But Spain and Germany are two European heavyweights, and it’s tough to see either of them slipping up in this group.

Germany will be determined to make up for the embarrassment of a group-stage exit as holders four years ago and Spain are a resurgent force under Luis Enrique after a second-round exit against hosts Russia in 2018. The key issue in this group is likely to come down to which team finishes top. The runners-up are likely to face Belgium in the second round, while the winners will expect to see Croatia, Morocco or Canada.

Must-see match: Spain vs. Germany

It’s all about the second group game on Nov. 27. Spain’s lack of a reliable goalscorer could cost them in Qatar and, in this game, Germany will have too much in all areas of the pitch for the 2010 world champions.

X factor: Which Germany will we see in Qatar?

The big appeal of this group is assessing whether Germany are over their unusually long blip of two poor tournaments, at Russia 2018 and Euro 2020. But with Hansi Flick unbeaten as coach since replacing Joachim Low last summer, the signs are that the Germans are back and once again a team to be reckoned with.

Predicted finish: Germany, Spain, Japan, Costa Rica/New Zealand

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GROUP F

Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia

There is plenty of intrigue in Group F. Belgium and Croatia have been two of Europe’s leading teams over the past decade — Belgium have never fulfilled their potential, while Croatia made it all the way to the World Cup final in 2018 before losing to France. But although both teams are still stocked with world-class talent — Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku for Belgium, Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic for Croatia — they are also two of the oldest squads in Qatar and they could be vulnerable to an upset against Morocco and Canada.

Belgium and Croatia are favourites to qualify, but Canada are a young and ambitious team under coach John Herdman and will be desperate to impress in Qatar before co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with the USA and Mexico. Morocco are a squad full of top-level experience in Europe, most notably Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi; captain Romain Saiss, the Wolves defender; and Sevilla forward Youssef En-Nesyri.

Must-see match: Croatia vs. Canada

The meeting between Croatia and Canada on Nov. 27 could be the decisive fixture in the group. If Canada can get a positive result in this game, they would then face Morocco in the final match knowing that a win could take them through.

Much pressure will weigh on the shoulders of Alphonso Davies, but Cyle Larin and Jonathan David are proven scorers at international level, so they could give Canada a chance of qualification.

X factor: Oh, Canada?

Canada are the X factor in this group. They have been the sleeping giant of CONCACAF since last reaching a World Cup in 1986, so this is their opportunity to show they deserve to share the spotlight with the USA and Mexico.

Predicted finish: Belgium, Croatia, Canada, Morocco

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GROUP G

Whenever Brazil are drawn into a World Cup group, you can guarantee that one qualification spot is already taken. The five-time winners have made it to the knockout rounds in each of the last 13 World Cups and their early exit in 1966 remains the only time they have failed to emerge from their group.

Group G will come down to which team qualifies alongside Tite’s squad, who have this week reclaimed top spot in the FIFA world rankings. Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon make up the group and recent form suggests that Switzerland will make it through. Less than a year ago, they dumped world champions France out of Euro 2020 at the second-round stage.

Cameroon haven’t made it through the group stage since 1990, while Serbia have also under-performed at recent World Cups.

Must-see match: Serbia vs. Switzerland

The game to watch in this group will be the game that could decide who qualifies alongside Brazil. When the two nations met at Russia 2018, Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri were both charged by FIFA after celebrating their goals in a 2-1 win by goading the Serbia supporters with an Albanian nationalist symbol. Both Xhaka and Shaqiri are players of Albanian-Kosovan heritage — Kosovo is not recognised by Serbia, and relations between the two countries remain tense.

Xhaka and Shaqiri are now captain and vice-captain of Switzerland, so both are likely to be involved — and integral — against Serbia.

X factor: Which Brazil will show up?

No South American nation has won the World Cup since Ronaldo and Rivaldo inspired the Brazilians to glory in 2002, but Brazil always start as everyone’s favourites and the group stage is often where they’re at their best.

Predicted finish: Brazil, Switzerland, Serbia, Cameroon

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GROUP H

Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, Korea Republic

Group H feels like a bunch of ageing rock stars getting it together for one last tour. Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Godin are all well into their 30s, while Son Heung-min will also be 30 by the time Qatar 2022 kicks off. Son might have another World Cup in him with South Korea in 2026, but this really feels like the farewell tournament for Portugal’s Ronaldo and Uruguay’s long-serving stars. And they have all ended up in a really tough group, with a young and emerging Ghana team likely to make it a four-way battle for qualification.

Portugal, who qualified via the UEFA playoffs, are no longer solely reliant on Ronaldo’s goals. From back to front, coach Fernando Santos has real quality in Ruben Dias, Renato Sanches, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jotat, and Portugal will be favourites to win the group. But each team is capable of beating each other and Group H really is too close to call, with South Korea proving on several occasions that they are capable of beating anyone at a World Cup, as Germany will attest from 2018.

Must-see match: Portugal vs. Uruguay

Two stunning goals by Cavani sealed a 2-1 win for Uruguay when the two sides met in the second round in Sochi in 2018, and this one might be a case of Manchester United teammates Cavani and Ronaldo facing off to keep their World Cup dreams alive — with the ever-present menace of Suarez offering a sub-plot.

X factor: Can Uruguay’s emerging stars stand out?

Are Darwin Nunez, Facundo Pellistri and Federico Valverde ready to step up and help their older, more celebrated teammates to get Uruguay through the group and into the knockout stages?

Predicted finish: Portugal, Korea Republic, Uruguay, Ghana

سرمربی هلند، لوئیس فن خال، به اریک تن هاگ گفته است که از شغل سرمربی در منچستریونایتد دوری کند.

منابع به ESPN گفته اند که تن هاگ به عنوان بخشی از جستجوی یونایتد برای یک سرمربی دائمی جدید مصاحبه شده است.

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– دفترچه یادداشت داخلی: پوچتینو، یونایتد در برزخ
– رونی: کار در منچستریونایتد حرکت رویایی من است

اما وقتی از فان خال که بین سال‌های 2014 تا 2016 سرمربی آژاکس بود، در مورد اینکه آیا سرمربی آژاکس باید به اولدترافورد فکر کند، گفت که این مربی 52 ساله باید دو بار فکر کند.

فان خال روز دوشنبه در یک کنفرانس خبری گفت: “من فکر می کنم تن هاگ مربی بزرگی است؛ این را بارها گفتم.”

“یک مربی بزرگ برای منچستریونایتد خوب است. اما منچستریونایتد یک باشگاه تجاری است. این انتخاب ها برای یک مربی دشوار است. به عنوان یک مربی، شما باید یک باشگاه فوتبال را ترجیح دهید.”

فن خال که سال گذشته به عنوان سرمربی هلند بازگشت، در اولین تابستان خود در سال 2014 از برنامه های تور پیش فصل یونایتد انتقاد کرد و از تمرکز بیش از حد روی پول درآوردن و عدم آمادگی بازیکنان برای فصل جدید شکایت داشت.

او در آن زمان گفت: “ما باید فصل را آماده کنیم و زمانی که شما فعالیت های تجاری و مسافت های وحشتناک دارید – مجبور به پرواز زیاد و جت لگ هستید – برای یک آمادگی خوب مثبت نیست.”

فن خال در سال 2016 قهرمان جام حذفی شد اما بلافاصله پس از فینال از کار اخراج شد و ژوزه مورینیو جایگزین او شد.

تن هاگ به همراه مائوریسیو پوچتینو، لوئیس انریکه و جولن لوپتگی یکی از چهار نامی است که در فهرست نهایی یونایتد قرار دارند تا سرمربی دائمی بعدی آنها شوند.

منابع به ESPN گفته اند که یونایتد معتقد است که بازیکن هلندی در اولدترافورد مناسب خواهد بود، اما همچنین اصرار دارند که هنوز در مورد یک پیشتاز واضح برای این نقش تصمیم نگرفته اند.

فن خال اضافه کرد: من در دوران حرفه ای او همراهی نمی کنم. اگر او این را بخواهد با من تماس می گیرد. ما با هم صحبت می کنیم. او باید یک باشگاه فوتبال را انتخاب کند نه یک باشگاه تجاری.”

The 2022 January transfer window is closed, but there’s still plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: Ronaldo ponders post-Man Utd move

Cristiano Ronaldo‘s future at Manchester United remains uncertain amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and AS Roma, according to The Sun.

Initially re-joining United with the intention of finishing his career at Old Trafford, Ronaldo’s recent form for Ralf Rangnick’s side has seen agent Jorge Mendes begin to discuss his client’s options with other clubs.

The report says that the 37-year-old wants to stay and win trophies but he will leave if they fail to secure Champions League football at the end of the season.

Ronaldo scored to end one of his longest goal droughts of his career in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Brighton on Tuesday, creating a gap of four points between the Red Devils and Arsenal, who have three games in hand in the race for the top four.

Ronaldo has scored 15 goals in 26 appearances so far this season.

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LIVE BLOG

22.00 GMT: One final post from our live blog today, with AC Milan preparing to make a double swoop for Lille pair Renato Sanches and Sven Botman as they prepare for Franck Kessie to leave the San Siro, reports Calciomercato.

Sporting strategy and development director Paolo Maldini is expected to offer around €60million to persuade the Ligue 1 side to part ways with their two stars.

Botman, 22, has made 20 appearances this season, with performances that have seen him added to the shortlist of Newcastle and Juventus.

The Rossoneri tracked 24-year-old Sanches in January, but they now have more time to strike a deal after previously failing to reach an agreement over personal terms.

21.27 GMT: Manchester City want to secure a contract extension for Bernardo Silva, reveals Fabrizio Romano.

Despite concerns over whether he would earn first-team football at the start of the season, the 27-year-old midfielder has remained one of Pep Guardiola’s best players, picking up two goals and an assist in City’s convincing 5-0 win over Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Talks are reported to be ongoing between the club and the player’s representatives, with Guardiola hopeful that an agreement can be reached soon.

20.54 GMT: Real Betis president Angel Haro expects Nabil Fekir to remain at the club despite interest from Barcelona.

Speaking at the press conference ahead of their Europa League clash with Zenit St. Petersburg, Marca quoted Haro as saying: “Our intention is for him to continue with us. He has just renewed and he’s very happy in the city. I’m sure he’ll continue with us.”

The 28-year-old has been a standout performer in LaLiga for Betis this season, contributing to 12 goals in 21 starts.

20.21 GMT: Lazio want between €35mi-€40m if they are to agree to part ways with Luis Alberto, writes Calciomercato.

The 29-year-old attacking midfielder has been linked with a move to LaLiga in recent weeks, though Sevilla and Real Betis were unable to meet the Biancocelesti’s demands. And while Alberto would prefer a move back to Spain, it is reported that there is also domestic interest from Juventus, Internazionale and AC Milan.

19.48 GMT: AC Milan are moving quickly to secure a contract extension for Rafael Leao, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The 22-year-old winger’s current deal keeps him at the San Siro until the summer of 2024, but after recently making his 100th appearance for the Rossoneri, there is confidence that they can reach an agreement to extend beyond that date despite interest from the Premier League.

Leao has contributed to 14 goals this season, scoring on 10 of those occasions.

19.15 GMT: VfB Stuttgart star Borna Sosa is attracting Interest from the Premier League, according to Bild.

The report says that Chelsea discussed a deal for the 24-year-old defender during the winter transfer window, but now Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have both joined the race for his signature ahead of a potential move in the summer.

The versatile Bundesliga talent has featured 19 times for Stuttgart this season from the left side of the pitch, playing in both midfield and defence.

18.42 GMT: Juventus are pressing forward with a move to sign Nicolo Zaniolo from AS Roma, reports Tuttosport.

The 22-year-old midfielder has moved to the top of Massimiliano Allegri’s shortlist for the summer, and despite Roma being yet to set a price, the Bianconeri are confident that they will be able to reach an agreement ahead of the summer transfer window.

Zaniolo has been a key player for Jose Mourinho’s side this season, making 20 appearances in Serie A.

18.09 GMT: Flamengo are keen to get a deal over the line for LAFC forward Diego Rossi, reports Globo Esporte. The 23-year-old LAFC forward won the MLS Golden Boot in 2020, but is now on loan at Fenerbahce, who have an option to make the move permanent for a transfer fee of up to $10m.

17.35 GMT: Teams in Qatar and Saudi Arabia are looking to tempt Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata away from the Premier League, according to Ekrem Konur. The Manchester United pair are out of contract in the summer, and with opportunities limited at Old Trafford, it appears both are on their way out of the club.

17.00 GMT: Huddersfield Town could face a fight to keep hold of Lewis O’Brien as Premier League teams continue to circle, reports TeamTalk. West Ham United are the latest side to join the race for the 23-year-old midfielder, who is also wanted by Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

16.24 GMT: San Lorenzo left-back Nicolas Fernandez Marcau is being scouted by Manchester City, according to TNT.

Marcau, 22, will reportedly be watched in Thursday’s match against Gimnasia, with the club having landed $20m forward Julian Alvarez from River Plate recently.

As ever with City, it’s possible that Marcau could spend his whole career on loan at various feeder clubs around Europe, but it’s also possible they may be looking for a first-team replacement for Benjamin Mendy.

15.50 GMT: River Plate have launched an improved offer to sign Valentin Castellanos from New York City FC, according to ESPN Argentina.

River have identified the striker as a priority and are willing to pay around $4m, plus $2m in add-ons, for his services. However, ESPN reports that this will not be enough to convince New York to let their big star leave.

15.27 GMT: Boca are set to complete the signing of midfielder Oscar Romero as a free agent, according to ESPN Argentina.

Romero, 29, has been without a team since leaving San Lorenzo and was recently close to moving to Brazilian side Botafogo. However, the midfielder will instead join Boca Juniors as he has all but agreed a two-year deal to continue his career with the Argentinian giants.

15.06 GMT: The New York Red Bulls have completed the transfer of Legia Warsaw attacking midfielder Luquinhas, sources tell ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle.

The Brazilian has signed three-year contract, plus a club option year that will make him a Designated Player. The player will be eligible to play once he has received his P1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

Luquinhas, 25, has spent the last two-and-a-half seasons with Legia, scoring 12 goals in 110 league and cup appearances while leading the club to two league titles in 2019-20 and 2020-21.

15.00 GMT: Bayern Munich struggled this weekend and may need to improve their defence soon.

14.19 GMT: Reims striker Hugo Ekitike is now on the radar of Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund, says Footmercato.

Ekitike, 19, has nine goals and three assists in 20 league appearances so far this season and was the subject of a €35m bid from Newcastle in January, before opting to stay in France.

West Ham United and Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with interested ahead of a possible summer move.

13.55 GMT: Aston Villa had a pretty decent January window and are prepared to spend big in the summer to improve their midfield, says The Daily Star.

Villa want to bring in a defensive midfielder, with Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi and Brighton’s Yves Bissouma their top two targets.

However, Villa will need to spend around £50m if they want either player, with Brighton having reportedly rejected their £30m offer for Bissouma in January.

13.02 GMT: Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips is being watched by Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle, says 90min.

Phillips, 26, has been linked with a £40m move, while West Ham United reportedly failed with a bid in January. However, the England international’s contract is due to end in 2024 so Leeds may decide that the summer is their best opportunity to get a large transfer fee for him.

12.44 GMT: FC Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson is on the radar of Leeds United and the club will return to sign him in the summer, though Bild claims they will face competition from the Bundesliga.

Aaronson, 21, was the subject of a £20m bid from Leeds in January which the Austrian club rejected.

Now the United States national team international has Borussia Monchengladbach, Frankfurt, Hoffenheim and Freiburg on his trail as well.

11.57 GMT: Fabrizio Romano reports that PSG intend to sign left-back Nuno Mendes after his loan from Sporting CP ends.

Mendes, 19, moved to Paris on loan last summer for €7m but there is a €40m option to sign him permanently, which the club will take up.

The Portugal international has already agreed a five-year deal.

11.32 GMT: Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is enjoying his new €45m signing.

10.45 GMT: Barcelona would be a “very good option” for Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, according to his boyhood idol Michu.

Haaland, 21, is available for a €75m release clause this summer and has every top club in Europe after his signature, with Barcelona, Man City, Real Madrid and Bayern all keen.

“I had a conversation with [Haaland], I met him the other day,” the former Swansea forward told radio station Cadena Ser on Tuesday. “I think he’ll leave [Borussia] Dortmund but I don’t know which will be his next team.”

Michu was reportedly present last week at a meeting — alongside Haaland, his father Alf-Inge and Zinedine Zidane — held at Adidas’ German HQ as the sportswear brand looked to persuade the player to agree a sponsorship agreement with them after his deal with Nike ended.

“If [Kylian] Mbappe goes to Madrid, I think Barcelona would be a very good option,” Michu said. “They have a magnificent coach, and young players with a lot of talent. What I know 100% is that he’s looking for a strong team that can compete for the Champions League every year.”

10.09 GMT: Barcelona defender Gerard Pique told president Joan Laporta that letting Lionel Messi leave would solve the club’s financial problems, according to a report in El Pais.

Messi left Barca in dramatic circumstances for Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last summer because the Catalan club said they could not afford to renew his contract due to LaLiga’s strict salary cap rules.

El Pais are now reporting the defender Pique helped advise Laporta on the issue, telling him: “Without Leo [at the club], the financial fair play issue is fixed.”

The report adds that Messi learned of the conversation between Pique and Laporta and felt “betrayed” by his former teammate, with their friendship left in tatters.

Messi and Pique first played alongside each other 20 years ago when the Argentine joined Barca’s youth teams and, save Pique’s short spell in Manchester, they have been teammates ever since.

As well as Messi, Antoine Griezmann also left Barca last summer (for Atletico Madrid on loan with an obligation to sign permanently) as they desperately sought ways to reduce their wage bill. Despite their cash crisis, though, Barca still found a way to sign Ferran Torres from Manchester City for €55m in January.

09.35 GMT: Chelsea striker Armando Broja has impressed on loan with Southampton and now has Bayern Munich and Dortmund following him, says The Sun.

Broja, 20, has eight goals in 24 games this season and the Albania international is attracting plenty of attention with his performances.

Chelsea signed him to a contract until 2026 before he moved on loan, so they hold all the cards over his future.

08.51 GMT: PSG striker Kylian Mbappe didn’t give much away about this future after a match-winning performance in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Mbappe, 23, scored the only goal of the game in the 94th minute at the Parc des Princes as PSG beat Real Madrid 1-0. But questions after the game revolved around his future.

Asked if the return leg against Madrid could influence his decision, the France forward told Movistar: “No, no, no. I know I play in one of the best teams in the world. I’m going to give everything in what is left of the season. I haven’t decided my future. I’m happy to be a PSG player. I’m going to give everything for the team to qualify. It’s a dream that everyone chants my name like that. It has been a very important goal.”

Mbappe’s contract expires this summer and he is expected to join Madrid above a host of other interested teams.

“How to ignore the [transfer] context? It’s easy, you have to play football,” Mbappe added to Canal+. “We ask too many questions, we say too many things. We talk about PSG and Real, two big clubs. I’m a PSG player, I’m always very happy.”

08.30 GMT: Manchester United have added Christopher Nkunku to their list of summer targets after interim manager Ralf Rangnick urged the club to step up their interest in the RB Leipzig midfielder, sources told ESPN’s Mark Ogden.

United, who are aiming to hire a permanent successor to former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the end of the season, have prioritised the midfield department for strengthening due to the expectation that Paul Pogba will leave Old Trafford as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of June.

Nkunku, 24, has scored 19 goals and registered 13 assists in 31 appearances at Leipzig this season and is regarded by many as one of the best emerging players in the Bundesliga.

His performances in Germany since leaving Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 — when he signed for Leipzig while Rangnick was the club’s director of football — have attracted the attention of Europe’s leading clubs including Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal.

But sources have said that United’s interest has only emerged since Rangnick arrived at Old Trafford in December and reviewed the club’s list of potential signings.

PAPER GOSSIP

– Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane would be open to working with manager Mauricio Pochettino again if the latter leaves PSG for Manchester United, reports the Telegraph. The Old Trafford hierarchy have been assessing a number of strikers ahead of the summer transfer window, and with the 28-year-old Kane enjoying some of his best form while working under Pochettino at Spurs, the report suggests that he is open to the idea of reuniting with his former coach.

– Juventus have identified Sven Botman as a potential replacement should a club decide to activate Matthijs de Ligt‘s €120m release clause in the summer, according to Tuttosport. Botman’s form for Lille has seen him placed on the radars of AC Milan and Newcastle United, though the 22-year-old centre-back could now have another option to consider if De Ligt is tempted away from Turin.

– Arsenal are at the front of a queue of a number of Premier League teams that are keen to sign Rafael Leao from AC Milan, writes La Repubblica. The Gunners have shown strong interest in the striker’s services as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad ahead of next season, though it is reported that the Serie A side value the 23-year-old highly. Leao has made 18 starts in the league this season, contributing to 10 goals.

– Napoli are preparing a deal to sign Jason Denayer on a three-year contract, reveals Ekrem Konur. The 26-year-old centre-back is yet to agree new terms with Lyon, and that means he is free to agree to a pre-contract offer that will see him make the switch in the summer. He has made 17 appearances for the Ligue 1 side this season, scoring three goals.

– Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are battling to sign Noussair Mazraoui on a free transfer, according to Fabrizio Romano. As he explains on his “Here We Go” podcast, Romano states that the 24-year-old has failed to agree to a new contract with Ajax Amsterdam and looks set to leave the Eredivisie, with a number of offers from the Serie A also on the table for the right-back. He has made 25 starts for Ajax this season.

رالف رانگنیک، سرمربی موقت، از کریستیانو رونالدو حمایت کرد تا به ابراز ناراحتی‌های خود از منچستریونایتد ادامه دهد، پس از اینکه ستاره پرتغالی در مصاحبه‌ای انفجاری این هفته نگرانی‌های زیادی را مطرح کرد.

رونالدو روز پنجشنبه به اسکای اسپورت گفت که در تابستان به یونایتد بازنگشته است “برای اینکه در رده ششم، هفتم یا پنجم باشد.”

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این بازیکن 36 ساله همچنین ذهنیت تیم را زیر سوال برد و گفت که برخی از بازیکنان جوان باشگاه تمایلی به دریافت مشاوره از بازیکنان ارشد ندارند.

اما رنگنیک به جای تلاش برای کم اهمیت جلوه دادن اهمیت ارزیابی لعنتی رونالدو، از کنفرانس خبری خود در روز جمعه استفاده کرد تا به مهاجم چراغ سبز نشان دهد تا بیشتر صحبت کند.

رنگنیک گفت: “اگر لازم باشد با پسرها خیلی مستقیم صحبت کنیم، حتی در رختکن کمک زیادی می کند.”

برای مثال، اگر کریستیانو یا هر یک از بازیکنان دیگر این موضوع را مستقیماً در زمین یا در رختکن به بازیکنان خطاب کنند، از انجام این کار استقبال می‌کنند.»

رونالدو همچنین به ESPN برزیل گفت که یونایتد آنقدر که باید خوب نیستیم.

نظرات قوی ملی پوش پرتغالی در مورد وضعیت اولدترافورد باعث شده است که برخی از هواداران پیشنهاد کنند که او باید نقش کاپیتان باشگاه را از هری مگوایر بگیرد، اما رنگنیک اصرار دارد که او قصد ندارد بازوبند را از مدافع بگیرد.

رانگنیک گفت: “در حال حاضر دلیلی برای انجام این کار نمی بینم زیرا هری تاکنون کاپیتان بوده است و تا زمانی که هری بازی می کند کاپیتان خواهد بود و اگر او بازی نمی کند، شخص دیگری باید کاپیتان باشد.” گفت.

این می تواند از بازی به بازی دیگر فقط بسته به اینکه چه کسی بازی می کند تغییر کند.”

مگوایر قرار است از مصدومیت بازگردد تا روز شنبه در ویلا پارک با استون ویلا دیدار کند.

رونالدو و جیدون سانچو نیز باید در دسترس باشند، اما رانگنیک باید تصمیم بگیرد که آیا به مارکوس راشفورد مهاجم زیر آتش، پس از نمایش ناامیدکننده‌ای که در پیروزی 1-0 مقابل ویلا در دور سوم جام حذفی در روز دوشنبه انجام داد، اعتماد کند یا خیر.

فکر می‌کنم در 20 دقیقه اول مقابل ویا او خوب بود، او آتش گرفته بود، از نظر احساسی درگیر بود، اما بعد از 30 دقیقه اول بدتر شد و در همان سطح انرژی که در بازی داشت بازی نکرد. رانگنیک گفت: نیم ساعت اول.

به عنوان یک مهاجم، همه چیز به بازی خوب، زدن گل و پاس گل بستگی دارد و اگر این اتفاق در یک دوره زمانی رخ ندهد، چندان آسان نیست.

تا زمانی که او تلاش می کند بهترین عملکرد خود را ارائه دهد و این کار را در تمرینات انجام داد، در چند هفته اخیر جلسات تمرینی زیادی برگزار شد که او در سطح بسیار بالایی تمرین کرد و به همین دلیل است که من همیشه به او فرصت بازی می دادم. از نو.”