The 21st edition of football World Cup is about to start and the madness among fans has already begun. For all football fanatics, this absolutely crazy month arrives once in four years but apart from bitter-sweet memories, World Cup also leaves some totally bizarre moments.

Keeping all the seriousness apart, here are some insane incidents that have been embarrassing for the involved players even after many years.

Whether you love football or not, this list will surely make you giggle, so here are the videos, watch them:

Singer&nbsp;Diana Ross' epic fail in 1994 World Cup, a must watch:

The spectacular opening ceremony of football Wolrd Cup 1994 will be remembered for the blooper that American singer Diana Ross made while performing.

Seriously can't explain it in words, watch the video:

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I guess Brazil were desperate for the free-kick, watch the clever snatch:

What was that?

Angry? Or you did not understand the free-kick rules.

Jokes apart!&nbsp;Joseph Mwepu Ilunga came running out of his team's defensive wall and kicking the ball away. Although, he was subsequently cautioned for the same but the real reason is still unknown.

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'The Garry Lineker'&nbsp;wipes his arse on the field:

The former English footballer and the present stunning sports pundit, Garry Linker once pooped while playing during 1990 Wolrd Cup and got his arse wiped on the field and caught on camera so that the fans can relive the insane moment again and forever.

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An Oscar-winning performance by legendary Rivaldo, watch and rate his acting skills:

Please, Rivaldo, you must have tried Hollywood&nbsp;when you pulled the amazing stunt during&nbsp;World Cup 2002. You would have got Oscar for your performance.

Let us know, how many bones were broken?

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Keeping all the seriousness apart, here are some insane incidents that have been embarrassing for the involved players even after many years

The 21st edition of football World Cup is about to start and the madness among fans has already begun. For all football fanatics, this absolutely crazy month arrives once in four years but apart from bitter-sweet memories, World Cup also leaves some totally bizarre moments. Keeping all the seriousness apart, here are some insane incidents that have been embarrassing for the involved players even after many years. Whether you love football or not, this list will surely make you giggle, so here are the videos, watch them: Singer Diana Ross' epic fail in 1994 World Cup, a must watch: The spectacular opening ceremony of football Wolrd Cup 1994 will be remembered for the blooper that American singer Diana Ross made while performing. Seriously can't explain it in words, watch the video: × I guess Brazil were desperate for the free-kick, watch the clever snatch: What was that? Angry? Or you did not understand the free-kick rules. Jokes apart! Joseph Mwepu Ilunga came running out of his team's defensive wall and kicking the ball away. Although, he was subsequently cautioned for the same but the real reason is still unknown. × 'The Garry Lineker' wipes his arse on the field: The former English footballer and the present stunning sports pundit, Garry Linker once pooped while playing during 1990 Wolrd Cup and got his arse wiped on the field and caught on camera so that the fans can relive the insane moment again and forever. × An Oscar-winning performance by legendary Rivaldo, watch and rate his acting skills: Please, Rivaldo, you must have tried Hollywood when you pulled the amazing stunt during World Cup 2002. You would have got Oscar for your performance. Let us know, how many bones were broken? ×

Why so serious? 4 hilarious incidents from the football World Cup

At around the time that World Cup minnows Panama were playing Norway this week, thieves were busy rifling their Oslo hotel rooms, police told AFP on Thursday.

The Panamanian football federation tweeted: "Three #Panamayor hotel rooms were robbed in Oslo, Norway. Norwegian police are at the scene looking for clues."

Police say objects worth around 53,000 euros ($62,000) were taken from three rooms in a downtown Oslo hotel, explaining thieves are thought to have used an old magnetic room key or a stolen one and that video footage would be examined.

Police spokeswoman Aslaug Rohne told AFP the robbery probably took place at the same time as Panama were being beaten by Norway on Wednesday in a match that ended 1-0.

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Jugadores de <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panam%C3%A1Mayor?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanamáMayor</a> (tres habitaciones) fueron víctima de hurto en el hotel de concentración en Oslo, Noruega. La policía noruega se apersonó al lugar para recabar información. <a href="https://t.co/0Dfv38q6iq">pic.twitter.com/0Dfv38q6iq</a>
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Panama will make their World Cup debut in Russia, where the central Americans will face England, Belgium and Tunisia in Group G.

Panama kick off their campaign against Belgium in Sochi on June 18, the same day group G opponents Tunisia host England

&nbsp

At around the time that World Cup minnows Panama were playing Norway this week, thieves were busy rifling their Oslo hotel rooms

At around the time that World Cup minnows Panama were playing Norway this week, thieves were busy rifling their Oslo hotel rooms, police told AFP on Thursday. The Panamanian football federation tweeted: "Three #Panamayor hotel rooms were robbed in Oslo, Norway. Norwegian police are at the scene looking for clues." Police say objects worth around 53,000 euros ($62,000) were taken from three rooms in a downtown Oslo hotel, explaining thieves are thought to have used an old magnetic room key or a stolen one and that video footage would be examined. Police spokeswoman Aslaug Rohne told AFP the robbery probably took place at the same time as Panama were being beaten by Norway on Wednesday in a match that ended 1-0. Jugadores de #PanamáMayor (tres habitaciones) fueron víctima de hurto en el hotel de concentración en Oslo, Noruega. La policía noruega se apersonó al lugar para recabar información. pic.twitter.com/0Dfv38q6iq — FEPAFUT (@fepafut) June 6, 2018 × Panama will make their World Cup debut in Russia, where the central Americans will face England, Belgium and Tunisia in Group G. Panama kick off their campaign against Belgium in Sochi on June 18, the same day group G opponents Tunisia host England

Panama World Cup team hotel raided during Oslo match

FIFA World Cup 2018 is just a week away and the frenzy for the game is already touching its peak. Hosts Russia will kick off the 21st FIFA World Cup against Saudi Arabia in Moscow, while defending champions Germany will start against Mexico. But are you aware that there are certain regulations for a football to be used in the World Cup.

In March 1995, the International Football Association Board decided to adopt compulsory testing and marking for footballs to be used in FIFA and Confederation Matches.

The Law II of the game requires that footballs eligible for FIFA and&nbsp 
Confederation Matches will have to meet minimum standards. All balls used in international matches have to bear either a FIFA quality mark (FIFA QUALITY PRO or FIFA QUALITY) or the "IMS – International Match Standard" mark.

These logos indicate that a ball has been officially tested and found to be in compliance with specific technical requirements, different for each logo and additional to the minimum specifications stipulated in Law 2.

The list of additional requirements specific to each of the logos must be approved by the International Football Association Board.

To gain the top FIFA Quality Pro-mark, a ball has to pass seven tests to be fit for a game like World Cup, which are as follows:

1. Circumference: The rules state that ball circumference should be between 68.0 and 70.0 cm for the 'FIFA-inspected' designation, and between 68.5 and 69.5cm for the 'FIFA-approved' designation.

2. Shape and size: The size of a football is roughly 22 cm (8.65 inches) in diameter for a regulation size '5 ball.' &nbspIt is shot 2000 times against a steel plate and during the process, the maximum increase in circumference should be 1.5 cm.

3. Water absorption: The ball is compressed 250 times into a water bath. A ball that absorbs too much water will become heavier and therefore will react differently. The average water uptake of the initial weight of the tested balls is 15 per cent, while the maximum water uptake per ball should not exceed 20 per cent.

4. Sphericity: It is the measure of how closely the shape of an object approaches that of a mathematically perfect sphere. The apparatus used is the same as that used for determining the circumference. The conditioned balls are inflated to a test pressure of 0.8 bar. The maximum change should take place at 1.5 per cent for the approved ones and 2 per cent for the inspected balls.

5. Weight: &nbspThe ball's weight must be in the range of 410 to 450 grams (14 to 16 oz). Three sample balls are weighed three times each and the average value is then taken for finalise the actual size of the ball to be played in the tournament. The ball's weight is measured at the beginning of the match. A ball may weigh more than 16 oz. During the match if it absorbs moisture from wet grass or if dirt collects between the panels and seams.

6. Loss of pressure: The football should not lose pressure over time, thereby remaining playable. The ball is inflated to a determined pressure and should not deflate over 20 hours. The maximum loss of pressure for the approved should be 201 per cent and the maximum for the inspected balls should be 25 per cent.

7. Rebound: Then it is the rebound process where the testing assesses the uniform bounce of the ball. The ball is dropped ten times onto a steel plate from a height of two meters. If the Test is conducted at a room temperature of 20 degree Celsius, the bounce back should be 120-165 cm while at 5 degree Celsius the rebound should be minimum 120 cm. The maximum difference between lowest and highest rebound per ball tested should be 10cm. &nbsp

Once these seven tests are successfully completed within the predefined strict ranges, the tested FIFA world cup football obtains the FIFA quality pro mark.

To gain the top FIFA Quality Pro-mark, a ball has to pass seven tests to be fit for a game like World Cup

FIFA World Cup 2018 is just a week away and the frenzy for the game is already touching its peak. Hosts Russia will kick off the 21st FIFA World Cup against Saudi Arabia in Moscow, while defending champions Germany will start against Mexico. But are you aware that there are certain regulations for a football to be used in the World Cup. In March 1995, the International Football Association Board decided to adopt compulsory testing and marking for footballs to be used in FIFA and Confederation Matches. The Law II of the game requires that footballs eligible for FIFA and Confederation Matches will have to meet minimum standards. All balls used in international matches have to bear either a FIFA quality mark (FIFA QUALITY PRO or FIFA QUALITY) or the "IMS – International Match Standard" mark. These logos indicate that a ball has been officially tested and found to be in compliance with specific technical requirements, different for each logo and additional to the minimum specifications stipulated in Law 2. The list of additional requirements specific to each of the logos must be approved by the International Football Association Board. To gain the top FIFA Quality Pro-mark, a ball has to pass seven tests to be fit for a game like World Cup, which are as follows: 1. Circumference: The rules state that ball circumference should be between 68.0 and 70.0 cm for the 'FIFA-inspected' designation, and between 68.5 and 69.5cm for the 'FIFA-approved' designation. 2. Shape and size: The size of a football is roughly 22 cm (8.65 inches) in diameter for a regulation size '5 ball.' &nbspIt is shot 2000 times against a steel plate and during the process, the maximum increase in circumference should be 1.5 cm. 3. Water absorption: The ball is compressed 250 times into a water bath. A ball that absorbs too much water will become heavier and therefore will react differently. The average water uptake of the initial weight of the tested balls is 15 per cent, while the maximum water uptake per ball should not exceed 20 per cent. 4. Sphericity: It is the measure of how closely the shape of an object approaches that of a mathematically perfect sphere. The apparatus used is the same as that used for determining the circumference. The conditioned balls are inflated to a test pressure of 0.8 bar. The maximum change should take place at 1.5 per cent for the approved ones and 2 per cent for the inspected balls. 5. Weight: &nbspThe ball's weight must be in the range of 410 to 450 grams (14 to 16 oz). Three sample balls are weighed three times each and the average value is then taken for finalise the actual size of the ball to be played in the tournament. The ball's weight is measured at the beginning of the match. A ball may weigh more than 16 oz. During the match if it absorbs moisture from wet grass or if dirt collects between the panels and seams. 6. Loss of pressure: The football should not lose pressure over time, thereby remaining playable. The ball is inflated to a determined pressure and should not deflate over 20 hours. The maximum loss of pressure for the approved should be 201 per cent and the maximum for the inspected balls should be 25 per cent. 7. Rebound: Then it is the rebound process where the testing assesses the uniform bounce of the ball. The ball is dropped ten times onto a steel plate from a height of two meters. If the Test is conducted at a room temperature of 20 degree Celsius, the bounce back should be 120-165 cm while at 5 degree Celsius the rebound should be minimum 120 cm. The maximum difference between lowest and highest rebound per ball tested should be 10cm. Once these seven tests are successfully completed within the predefined strict ranges, the tested FIFA world cup football obtains the FIFA quality pro mark.

FIFA World Cup: 7 mandatory tests world cup 'ball' undergoes

FC Barcelona's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez said Tuesday that everyone, including the Uruguayan national team, dreams of the World Cup and has high hopes to go as far as possible.

"Why don't dream? Everyone dreams of the World Cup, with all the expectations to go far. We have the capacity to go as far as possible," he said at a press conference.

He said many of his Barcelona teammates told him they did not want to face the Uruguayan team, which gave him satisfaction and, in his opinion, this showed their respect for his national team.

He explained that the players of "La Celeste" (The Sky Blue) are prepared to "be neat."

"As the days go by, we see some shortcomings that we may have and that we must try to correct," he admitted.

Suarez was emotional to talk with the three compatriots who had to leave the final 23-man squad that will play in the World Cup: Federico Valverde, Nicolas Lodeiro and Gaston Ramirez.

Suarez said Valverde, 19, who plays for Deportivo La Coruna, will get a "rematch and many more possibilities."

For Lodeiro, he said that his absence from the World Cup is difficult because he is a friend.

He also regretted the loss of Ramirez because of the experience he has accumulated in the previous World Cups.

Uruguay is in Group A with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Russia.&nbsp;

Suarez said that Egypt will be a tough rival, as it is Uruguay's first match in the World Cup and his opponent is armed with Liverpool's forward Mohamed Salah.

"Saudi Arabia might be a little more accessible than Egypt, but it is a World Cup and the national team will want to play a good role," he added.

Uruguay's first match in the World Cup is against Egypt and his opponent is armed with Liverpool's forward Mohamed Salah

FC Barcelona's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez said Tuesday that everyone, including the Uruguayan national team, dreams of the World Cup and has high hopes to go as far as possible. "Why don't dream? Everyone dreams of the World Cup, with all the expectations to go far. We have the capacity to go as far as possible," he said at a press conference. He said many of his Barcelona teammates told him they did not want to face the Uruguayan team, which gave him satisfaction and, in his opinion, this showed their respect for his national team. He explained that the players of "La Celeste" (The Sky Blue) are prepared to "be neat." "As the days go by, we see some shortcomings that we may have and that we must try to correct," he admitted. Suarez was emotional to talk with the three compatriots who had to leave the final 23-man squad that will play in the World Cup: Federico Valverde, Nicolas Lodeiro and Gaston Ramirez. Suarez said Valverde, 19, who plays for Deportivo La Coruna, will get a "rematch and many more possibilities." For Lodeiro, he said that his absence from the World Cup is difficult because he is a friend. He also regretted the loss of Ramirez because of the experience he has accumulated in the previous World Cups. Uruguay is in Group A with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Russia. Suarez said that Egypt will be a tough rival, as it is Uruguay's first match in the World Cup and his opponent is armed with Liverpool's forward Mohamed Salah. "Saudi Arabia might be a little more accessible than Egypt, but it is a World Cup and the national team will want to play a good role," he added.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Luis Suarez admits Egypt will be a tough rival

The FIFA World Cup trophy has reached to Moscow, Russia after visiting 50 countries and completing a nine-month journey of more than 140,000 km. The journey of the much-coveted trophy was started on September 9 in the Russian capital of Moscow. The trophy traveled across Russian cities and then continued its journey abroad visiting over 50 countries across six continents.

This year's tour is the was the longest ever and it allowed more than 300,000 people to view the coveted 18-carat gold, 36cm-high trophy.

The trophy is usually kept at the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich.

When it reached to Moscow, the residents got a chance to take a close look at the World Cup trophy on Monday (June 4) in the capital's famous Gorky Park.

The trophy was displayed in a riverside pavilion shaped like a soccer ball. Those who came to the show could also see a spectacular promotional video inside the pavilion and buy World Cup souvenirs. The trophy will be on display until June 7.

Russia will host the 2018 World Cup finals in 12 venues spread across 11 cities, which begins on June 14 when the hosts play Saudi Arabia in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.

After visiting 50 countries and completing a nine-month journey of more than 140,000 km, the FIFA World Cup trophy has returned to Moscow

The FIFA World Cup trophy has reached to Moscow, Russia after visiting 50 countries and completing a nine-month journey of more than 140,000 km. The journey of the much-coveted trophy was started on September 9 in the Russian capital of Moscow. The trophy traveled across Russian cities and then continued its journey abroad visiting over 50 countries across six continents. This year's tour is the was the longest ever and it allowed more than 300,000 people to view the coveted 18-carat gold, 36cm-high trophy. The trophy is usually kept at the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich. When it reached to Moscow, the residents got a chance to take a close look at the World Cup trophy on Monday (June 4) in the capital's famous Gorky Park. The trophy was displayed in a riverside pavilion shaped like a soccer ball. Those who came to the show could also see a spectacular promotional video inside the pavilion and buy World Cup souvenirs. The trophy will be on display until June 7. Russia will host the 2018 World Cup finals in 12 venues spread across 11 cities, which begins on June 14 when the hosts play Saudi Arabia in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.

FIFA World Cup trophy returns to Moscow after trip around globe

Peru, making their first appearance at the World Cup since 1982, will face Denmark, France and Australia in their group.

Recently, Paolo Guerrero was freed to take part as, earlier, he was tested positive for a cocaine byproduct contained in a tea and which he said he ingested unknowingly.

After returning to the squad, Guerrero scored twice in the 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

His arrival led to Midfielder Sergio Pena's ouster from the final squad as Pena was forced to make way for captain Paolo Guerrero.

Twenty-three man squad:

Goalkeepers: Pedro Gallese (Veracruz), Carlos Caceda (Deportivo Municipal), Jose Carvallo (UTC).

Defenders: Aldo Corzo (Universitario), Luis Advincula (Lobos Buap), Christian Ramos (Veracruz), Miguel Araujo (Alianza Lima), Alberto Rodriguez (Atletico Junior), Anderson Santamaria (Puebla), Miguel Trauco (Flamengo), Nilson Loyola (Melgar).

Midfielders: Renato Tapia (Feyenoord), Pedro Aquino (Lobos Buap), Yoshimar Yotun (Orlando City), Paolo Hurtado (Vitoria Guimaraes), Christian Cueva (Sao Paulo), Edison Flores (Aalborg), Andy Polo (Portland Timbers), Wilder Cartagena (Veracruz).

Forwards: Andre Carrillo (Watford), Raul Ruidiaz (Morelia), Jefferson Farfan (Lokomotiv Moscow), Paolo Guerrero (Flamengo).

Peru, making their first appearance at the World Cup since 1982, will face Denmark, France and Australia in their group

Peru, making their first appearance at the World Cup since 1982, will face Denmark, France and Australia in their group. Recently, Paolo Guerrero was freed to take part as, earlier, he was tested positive for a cocaine byproduct contained in a tea and which he said he ingested unknowingly. After returning to the squad, Guerrero scored twice in the 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Sunday. His arrival led to Midfielder Sergio Pena's ouster from the final squad as Pena was forced to make way for captain Paolo Guerrero. Twenty-three man squad: Goalkeepers: Pedro Gallese (Veracruz), Carlos Caceda (Deportivo Municipal), Jose Carvallo (UTC). Defenders: Aldo Corzo (Universitario), Luis Advincula (Lobos Buap), Christian Ramos (Veracruz), Miguel Araujo (Alianza Lima), Alberto Rodriguez (Atletico Junior), Anderson Santamaria (Puebla), Miguel Trauco (Flamengo), Nilson Loyola (Melgar). Midfielders: Renato Tapia (Feyenoord), Pedro Aquino (Lobos Buap), Yoshimar Yotun (Orlando City), Paolo Hurtado (Vitoria Guimaraes), Christian Cueva (Sao Paulo), Edison Flores (Aalborg), Andy Polo (Portland Timbers), Wilder Cartagena (Veracruz). Forwards: Andre Carrillo (Watford), Raul Ruidiaz (Morelia), Jefferson Farfan (Lokomotiv Moscow), Paolo Guerrero (Flamengo).

FIFA World Cup 2018: 34-year-old Paolo Guerrero set to captain Peru

Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer and referred to as the greatest of all times (G.O.A.T.). He plays as a forward for Spanish club Barcelona and the Argentine national team. Thirty-year-old Lionel Messi said that he was "just another player" despite being considered among the all-time greats. The 21st edition of football World Cup is very important for the Argentine star as he has&nbsp;suggested that he will retire from international football&nbsp;if Argentina fail to win. Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2018, here are some interesting facts that you probably&nbsp;did not know:

1. On 14 December 2000, Barcelona's sporting director Carles Rexach held a meeting with 13-year-old Lionel Messi's father Jorge so as to determine the future of the young prodigy. Interestingly, the contract was signed on a napkin which was the only piece of paper available at the time.

2. He became the first player to win the FIFA World Player of the Year 4 year in a row. He won his first Golden ball at the age of 22.

3. His international debut for Argentina lasted for just 47 seconds when he received a red card after coming&nbsp;as a substitute.

4. He was once offered a chance to play for the Spanish national team but he denied it.

5. Whenever he scores a goal, his simple celebration of raising his arms in the air is a gesture of gratitude to his grandmother who passed away when he was 10.

6. He has won the European Golden Shoe award a record five times and is the all-time record winner with 50 goals in 2011–12.

7. Messi scored 91 goals in 2012, a feat no one else has accomplished.

8. When Lionel Messi was diagnosed with Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) at the age of 11, the treatment that cost $900 a month all those years ago was something Messi's family were not financially up for. It was Barcelona who intervened and, knowing Messi's potential, it wasn't long until he was called for a trial at the club. The club then offered to pay Messi's medical bills on the condition that he moved to Spain.

9. Messi holds two passports - Argentina's and Spain's. He became a Spanish citizen in September 2005.

10. Messi inherited the No. 10 Barca jersey from another great footballer Ronaldinho in the summer of 2008.

Messi's international debut for Argentina lasted for just 47 seconds when he received a red card after coming as a substitute

Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer and referred to as the greatest of all times (G.O.A.T.). He plays as a forward for Spanish club Barcelona and the Argentine national team. Thirty-year-old Lionel Messi said that he was "just another player" despite being considered among the all-time greats. The 21st edition of football World Cup is very important for the Argentine star as he has suggested that he will retire from international football if Argentina fail to win. Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2018, here are some interesting facts that you probably did not know: 1. On 14 December 2000, Barcelona's sporting director Carles Rexach held a meeting with 13-year-old Lionel Messi's father Jorge so as to determine the future of the young prodigy. Interestingly, the contract was signed on a napkin which was the only piece of paper available at the time. 2. He became the first player to win the FIFA World Player of the Year 4 year in a row. He won his first Golden ball at the age of 22. 3. His international debut for Argentina lasted for just 47 seconds when he received a red card after coming as a substitute. 4. He was once offered a chance to play for the Spanish national team but he denied it. 5. Whenever he scores a goal, his simple celebration of raising his arms in the air is a gesture of gratitude to his grandmother who passed away when he was 10. 6. He has won the European Golden Shoe award a record five times and is the all-time record winner with 50 goals in 2011–12. 7. Messi scored 91 goals in 2012, a feat no one else has accomplished. 8. When Lionel Messi was diagnosed with Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) at the age of 11, the treatment that cost $900 a month all those years ago was something Messi's family were not financially up for. It was Barcelona who intervened and, knowing Messi's potential, it wasn't long until he was called for a trial at the club. The club then offered to pay Messi's medical bills on the condition that he moved to Spain. 9. Messi holds two passports - Argentina's and Spain's. He became a Spanish citizen in September 2005. 10. Messi inherited the No. 10 Barca jersey from another great footballer Ronaldinho in the summer of 2008.

Lionel Messi got a red card in his 1st match: 10 interesting facts about the striker

Soccer's ruling body FIFA has filed a criminal complaint against online ticket reseller Viagogo, saying it wanted to protect fans and prevent unauthorised ticket resales at the World Cup in Russia starting next week.

Zurich-based FIFA said on Tuesday it had filed a complaint, based on the law on unfair competition, with the public prosecutor's office in Geneva after receiving complaints about the Swiss company's practices.

Viagogo did not reply immediately to a request for comment.

"FIFA's ultimate objective in the fight against the secondary ticket market is to prioritise the safety and security of fans and enforce a fair 2018 FIFA World Cup ticketing pricing scheme," it said in a statement.

FIFA said that its own website was the only legitimate place to buy World Cup tickets, which are on sale until July 15 - the final day of the tournament.

"FIFA regards the illicit sale and distribution of tickets as a serious issue," it said.

"Tickets purchased via unauthorised distribution channels, including all tickets purchased through viagogo AG, will be canceled once identified. FIFA reserves the right to refuse entry to the stadium to any holder of such tickets."

FIFA has filed a criminal complaint against online ticket reseller Viagogo, saying it wanted to protect fans and prevent unauthorised ticket resales at the World Cup in Russia

Soccer's ruling body FIFA has filed a criminal complaint against online ticket reseller Viagogo, saying it wanted to protect fans and prevent unauthorised ticket resales at the World Cup in Russia starting next week. Zurich-based FIFA said on Tuesday it had filed a complaint, based on the law on unfair competition, with the public prosecutor's office in Geneva after receiving complaints about the Swiss company's practices. Viagogo did not reply immediately to a request for comment. "FIFA's ultimate objective in the fight against the secondary ticket market is to prioritise the safety and security of fans and enforce a fair 2018 FIFA World Cup ticketing pricing scheme," it said in a statement. FIFA said that its own website was the only legitimate place to buy World Cup tickets, which are on sale until July 15 - the final day of the tournament. "FIFA regards the illicit sale and distribution of tickets as a serious issue," it said. "Tickets purchased via unauthorised distribution channels, including all tickets purchased through viagogo AG, will be canceled once identified. FIFA reserves the right to refuse entry to the stadium to any holder of such tickets."

FIFA files criminal complaint against online ticket seller Viagogo

Mastercard on Monday said it was changing a campaign in which thousands of free meals were to be given to the needy every time football superstars Neymar and Messi scored goals.

Under the scheme, every time the Brazil and Argentina strikers scored, 10,000 meals would be donated to the United Nations World Food Program.

The idea, due to run until March 2020, drew fire from many on social media who said it was in poor taste. Brazilian national team coach Tite also criticized it as counterproductive because it put too much pressure on individual stars.

The credit card giant, which sponsors both players and the Brazilian Football Confederation, says that instead a million meals will be donated in 2018, regardless of the goals scored. That is in addition to 400,000 meals already donated.

"We don't want the fans, players or anyone else to lose focus of the crucial question of hunger and our efforts to help this cause," Mastercard said in a statement in Brazil.

On-pitch rivals Neymar and Messi will continue to cooperate for the campaign, the company said.

On Saturday, Tite had addressed Mastercard directly, saying that one or two players should not shoulder the burden of generating the meals.

"This is a very good gesture..., but it would be even bigger if the donation was made every time a goal was scored by all the athletes from Brazil and Argentina, because we play as a team," he said, following Brazil's pre-World Cup warm-up game against Croatia in Liverpool.

Mastercard to distribute thousands of free meals to the needy on every goal Neymar and Messi score during the World Cup

Mastercard on Monday said it was changing a campaign in which thousands of free meals were to be given to the needy every time football superstars Neymar and Messi scored goals. Under the scheme, every time the Brazil and Argentina strikers scored, 10,000 meals would be donated to the United Nations World Food Program. The idea, due to run until March 2020, drew fire from many on social media who said it was in poor taste. Brazilian national team coach Tite also criticized it as counterproductive because it put too much pressure on individual stars. The credit card giant, which sponsors both players and the Brazilian Football Confederation, says that instead a million meals will be donated in 2018, regardless of the goals scored. That is in addition to 400,000 meals already donated. "We don't want the fans, players or anyone else to lose focus of the crucial question of hunger and our efforts to help this cause," Mastercard said in a statement in Brazil. On-pitch rivals Neymar and Messi will continue to cooperate for the campaign, the company said. On Saturday, Tite had addressed Mastercard directly, saying that one or two players should not shoulder the burden of generating the meals. "This is a very good gesture..., but it would be even bigger if the donation was made every time a goal was scored by all the athletes from Brazil and Argentina, because we play as a team," he said, following Brazil's pre-World Cup warm-up game against Croatia in Liverpool.

World Cup 2018: Mastercard ends meals-for-goals campaign with Neymar, Messi

Russia&nbsp;have played in three World Cups since 1994, failing to get out of the group stage every time, most recently in 2014.

The Soviet Union played in seven World Cups, their best performance coming in 1966 when they reached the semi-finals and losing 2-1 to West Germany. They made the quarter-finals in 1958, 1962 and 1970, losing to Sweden, Chile and Uruguay.

<hr />
Coach: Stanislav Cherchesov

The former goalkeeper won four&nbsp;Russian league titles with Spartak Moscow and three league championships in Austria with FC Tirol Innsbruck in a long career which also included 39 caps forRussia&nbsp;and eight appearances for the Soviet Union.

He began coaching in Austria, later returning to manage a host of&nbsp;Russian sides including Spartak and Dynamo Moscow.

He led Polish side Legia Warsaw to a league and cup double in 2015-16 and was named Leonid Slutsky’s successor in charge of the&nbsp;Russian national team in 2016.

He clung on to his job despite suffering an early exit in the Confederations Cup by coming third in their group behind Portugal and Mexico.

Cherchesov has prioritised the team’s defence, assembling a new-look back three protected by five midfielders. He also has a reputation for making bold decisions, removing reliable defensive midfielder Igor Denisov from the team after falling out with him at Dynamo Moscow.

<hr />
Key players:

Fyodor Smolov: The charismatic striker was written off early in his career after a disappointing spell at Feyenoord and a long goal drought with Anzhi Makhachkala but has roared back with Krasnodar to finish as second top scorer in the&nbsp;Russian Premier League.

With 12 goals in 30 international games, he is his country’s best hope of getting out of the group.

Igor Akinfeev: A one-club man with CSKA Moscow, the goalkeeper has kept more clean sheets than anyone else in the history of&nbsp;Russia’s top flight.

The keeper has more than 100 caps since making his debut in 2004 although he has made costly errors, such as conceding soft goals against South Korea and Algeria in the last World Cup which led to&nbsp;Russia's early elimination.

Aleksei Miranchuk: The playmaker was one of the key men behind Lokomotiv Moscow winning their first league title in 14 years this season.

Twin brother of fellow&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;international Anton, he is&nbsp;Russia's most creative player, with a deft touch and a penchant for producing tricks.

<hr />
Form guide:

Russia's recent results do not make for positive reading: they have lost eight games out of 18 under Cherchesov, winning only five. Most of these matches were friendlies while they lost to Portugal and Mexico in the Confederations Cup and beat New Zealand.

A 4-2 victory over South Korea in October offered hope but they have failed to win in five games since. They battled back to draw 3-3 with Spain in November and were beaten 3-0 by Brazil and 3-1 by France in their most recent games.

<hr />
How they qualified: As tournament hosts

Prospects:

There is a serious danger&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;could join South Africa from 2010 in being the only World Cup tournament hosts to fail to get out of their group.

Cherchesov’s squad are young, inexperienced and mostly play in&nbsp;Russia's top flight, meaning the majority of their players have barely tested themselves against international opponents.

The one thing in their favour is a kind draw which placed them alongside Uruguay, Egypt and Saudi Arabia in Group A. The South Americans will be expected to top the group, meaning&nbsp;Russiaare likely to be battling Egypt and Saudi Arabia for second spot and a place in the last 16.

<hr />
Russia's fixtures

June 14

08:30 PM | Russia vs Saudi Arabia 8:30 PM Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

June 19

11:30 PM | Russia vs Egypt | Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg

June 25

07:30 PM | Uruguay vs Russia | Cosmos Arena, Samara

<hr />
Squad:

Goalkeepers:&nbsp;Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Gabulov (Brugge), Andrey Lunev (Zenit St Petersburg)

Defenders:&nbsp;Vladimir Granat, Fyodor Kudryashov (Rubin Kazan), Ilya Kutepov (Spartak Moscow), Andrey Semyonov (Akhmat Grozny), Igor Smolnikov (Zenit St Petersburg), Mario Fernandes, Sergei Ignashevich (CSKA Moscow)

Midfielders:&nbsp;Yury Gazinsky (Krasnodar), Alan Dzagoev, Alexander Golovin (CSKA Moscow), Alexander Erokhin, Yury Zhirkov, Daler Kuzyaev (Zenit St Petersburg), Roman Zobnin, Alexander Samedov (Spartak Moscow), Anton Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow), Denis Cheryshev (Villarreal)

Strikers:&nbsp;Artem Dzyuba (Arsenal Tula), Alexei Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow), Fyodor Smolov (Krasnodar)

&nbsp;

<img alt="fifa 2018 Russia_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/fifa%202018%20Russia_0.jpg" width="770" />

In 1992, Russia appeared for the first time in football World Cup

Russia have played in three World Cups since 1994, failing to get out of the group stage every time, most recently in 2014. The Soviet Union played in seven World Cups, their best performance coming in 1966 when they reached the semi-finals and losing 2-1 to West Germany. They made the quarter-finals in 1958, 1962 and 1970, losing to Sweden, Chile and Uruguay. Coach: Stanislav Cherchesov The former goalkeeper won four Russian league titles with Spartak Moscow and three league championships in Austria with FC Tirol Innsbruck in a long career which also included 39 caps forRussia and eight appearances for the Soviet Union. He began coaching in Austria, later returning to manage a host of Russian sides including Spartak and Dynamo Moscow. He led Polish side Legia Warsaw to a league and cup double in 2015-16 and was named Leonid Slutsky’s successor in charge of the Russian national team in 2016. He clung on to his job despite suffering an early exit in the Confederations Cup by coming third in their group behind Portugal and Mexico. Cherchesov has prioritised the team’s defence, assembling a new-look back three protected by five midfielders. He also has a reputation for making bold decisions, removing reliable defensive midfielder Igor Denisov from the team after falling out with him at Dynamo Moscow. Key players: Fyodor Smolov: The charismatic striker was written off early in his career after a disappointing spell at Feyenoord and a long goal drought with Anzhi Makhachkala but has roared back with Krasnodar to finish as second top scorer in the Russian Premier League. With 12 goals in 30 international games, he is his country’s best hope of getting out of the group. Igor Akinfeev: A one-club man with CSKA Moscow, the goalkeeper has kept more clean sheets than anyone else in the history of Russia’s top flight. The keeper has more than 100 caps since making his debut in 2004 although he has made costly errors, such as conceding soft goals against South Korea and Algeria in the last World Cup which led to Russia's early elimination. Aleksei Miranchuk: The playmaker was one of the key men behind Lokomotiv Moscow winning their first league title in 14 years this season. Twin brother of fellow Russia international Anton, he is Russia's most creative player, with a deft touch and a penchant for producing tricks. Form guide: Russia's recent results do not make for positive reading: they have lost eight games out of 18 under Cherchesov, winning only five. Most of these matches were friendlies while they lost to Portugal and Mexico in the Confederations Cup and beat New Zealand. A 4-2 victory over South Korea in October offered hope but they have failed to win in five games since. They battled back to draw 3-3 with Spain in November and were beaten 3-0 by Brazil and 3-1 by France in their most recent games. How they qualified: As tournament hosts Prospects: There is a serious danger Russia could join South Africa from 2010 in being the only World Cup tournament hosts to fail to get out of their group. Cherchesov’s squad are young, inexperienced and mostly play in Russia's top flight, meaning the majority of their players have barely tested themselves against international opponents. The one thing in their favour is a kind draw which placed them alongside Uruguay, Egypt and Saudi Arabia in Group A. The South Americans will be expected to top the group, meaning Russiaare likely to be battling Egypt and Saudi Arabia for second spot and a place in the last 16. Russia's fixtures June 14 08:30 PM | Russia vs Saudi Arabia 8:30 PM Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow June 19 11:30 PM | Russia vs Egypt | Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg June 25 07:30 PM | Uruguay vs Russia | Cosmos Arena, Samara Squad: Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Gabulov (Brugge), Andrey Lunev (Zenit St Petersburg) Defenders: Vladimir Granat, Fyodor Kudryashov (Rubin Kazan), Ilya Kutepov (Spartak Moscow), Andrey Semyonov (Akhmat Grozny), Igor Smolnikov (Zenit St Petersburg), Mario Fernandes, Sergei Ignashevich (CSKA Moscow) Midfielders: Yury Gazinsky (Krasnodar), Alan Dzagoev, Alexander Golovin (CSKA Moscow), Alexander Erokhin, Yury Zhirkov, Daler Kuzyaev (Zenit St Petersburg), Roman Zobnin, Alexander Samedov (Spartak Moscow), Anton Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow), Denis Cheryshev (Villarreal) Strikers: Artem Dzyuba (Arsenal Tula), Alexei Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow), Fyodor Smolov (Krasnodar)

FIFA World Cup 2018: A complete profile of Russia

FIFA ranking: 5 (till June 7)

Argentina have played in 16 World Cup tournaments and have won the title twice -- at home in 1978 and in Mexico eight years later when a Diego Maradona-inspired side got past England on their way to a thrilling 3-2 win over West Germany in the final. Argentina have also reached the final on three other occasions -- at the first World Cup in 1930, in Italy in 1990 and four years ago in Brazil where they lost in extra time to Germany.

<hr />
Coach: Jorge Sampaoli: Sampaoli, 58, got the job as coach only a year before the finals in Russia, taking over at a troubled time and becoming the third man to lead the team since Alejandro Sabella left after the 2014 World Cup. The diminutive coach guided Chile to their first international title, winning the Copa America in 2015 with a fast pressing style which reflects his own hyperactive pacing along the touchline. But Sampaoli has struggled to organise Argentina in the same way and one win in four competitive games, plus recent hammerings by Nigeria and Spain, show he has his work cut out.

<hr />
Key players:

Lionel Messi: Messi will celebrate his 31st birthday during the tournament and this could be his last chance to win the one big title he lacks. Few people doubt the five-times World Player of the Year will score goals. The big question is whether his teammates will be inspired enough to approach his level.

Gonzalo Higuain: Higuain is Argentina's enigma, a player who seems to score at will for his club Juventus but labours to hit the target when wearing the national shirt. Higuain's recent record for Argentina –- one goal in nine World Cup qualifiers -– is so poor that he is not even a certainty to go to Russia under Sampaoli. However, another fine season for Juve suggests Sampaoli cannot afford to leave him out. If Higuain can reproduce his club form Argentina will be dangerous. &nbsp &nbsp

Nicolas Otamendi: Unsung hero Otamendi is the only ever-present in Sampaoli's line up since Argentina qualified for the World Cup back in October. The Manchester City defender provides much-needed reliability in a national side that has changed both names and formations with alarming regularity since Sampaoli took over. How he is utilised, and who will play alongside him, will be of vital importance to the double world champions.

<hr />
Form guide:

Argentina struggled in the qualifiers and they have barely improved since, with inconsistent results and a porous defence. They lost a November friendly 4-2 against Group D opponents Nigeria and although a 2-0 win over Italy in March briefly raised their spirits, they lost 6-1 to Spain a few days later in one of their worst performances in years.

<hr />
How they qualified:

Argentina booked their ticket to Russia largely due to the brilliance of Messi, who scored a hat-trick in their final game against Ecuador. The Argentines needed to win the match to guarantee qualification, and the 3-1 victory lifted them into third place in the 10-team group. Most surprisingly for a team with Messi, Paulo Dybala, Angel Di Maria and Higuain in their ranks, they scored just 19 goals in the 18 qualifying matches. Only Bolivia scored fewer.

<hr />
Prospects:

Argentina reached the World Cup final in 2014 and the Copa America final in 2015 and 2016, but it has been downhill ever since for the twice champions. They are in the hardest group of all, Group D, alongside Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria. If they qualify they will at least be in the side of the draw that would keep them apart from Brazil, Germany and England before the final. Another advantage for Argentina is that they begin their campaign early, just three days into the tournament on June 16 against Iceland, giving the players more time to rest.

<hr />
Argentina's fixture:

June 16

06:30 PM | Argentina vs Iceland | Otkrytiye Arena, Moscow

June 21

11:30 PM | Argentina vs Croatia | Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod

June 26

11:30 PM | Nigeria vs Argentina | Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg

<hr />
Twenty three-man World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Nahuel Guzman (Tigres Monterrey/MEX), Wilfredo Caballero (Chelsea/ENG), Franco Armani (River Plate)

Defenders: Gabriel Mercado (Sevilla/ESP), Federico Fazio (Roma/ITA), Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City/ENG), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax/NED), Marcos Acuna (Sporting/POR), Eduardo Salvio (Benfica/POR), Cristian Ansaldi (Torino/ITA), Javier Mascherano (Hebei Fortune/CHN).

Midfielders: Ever Banega (Sevilla/ESP), Lucas Biglia (AC Milan/ITA), Angel Di Maria (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Manuel Lanzini (West Ham/ENG), Giovani Lo Celso (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Maximiliano Meza (Independiente).

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ESP), Paulo Dybala (Juventus/ITA), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City/ENG), Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus/ITA), Cristian Pavon (Boca Juniors).

<img alt="fifa 2018 Russia_4.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/fifa%202018%20Russia_4.jpg" width="770" />

Argentina have played in 16 World Cup tournaments and have won the title twice

FIFA ranking: 5 (till June 7) Argentina have played in 16 World Cup tournaments and have won the title twice -- at home in 1978 and in Mexico eight years later when a Diego Maradona-inspired side got past England on their way to a thrilling 3-2 win over West Germany in the final. Argentina have also reached the final on three other occasions -- at the first World Cup in 1930, in Italy in 1990 and four years ago in Brazil where they lost in extra time to Germany. Coach: Jorge Sampaoli: Sampaoli, 58, got the job as coach only a year before the finals in Russia, taking over at a troubled time and becoming the third man to lead the team since Alejandro Sabella left after the 2014 World Cup. The diminutive coach guided Chile to their first international title, winning the Copa America in 2015 with a fast pressing style which reflects his own hyperactive pacing along the touchline. But Sampaoli has struggled to organise Argentina in the same way and one win in four competitive games, plus recent hammerings by Nigeria and Spain, show he has his work cut out. Key players: Lionel Messi: Messi will celebrate his 31st birthday during the tournament and this could be his last chance to win the one big title he lacks. Few people doubt the five-times World Player of the Year will score goals. The big question is whether his teammates will be inspired enough to approach his level. Gonzalo Higuain: Higuain is Argentina's enigma, a player who seems to score at will for his club Juventus but labours to hit the target when wearing the national shirt. Higuain's recent record for Argentina –- one goal in nine World Cup qualifiers -– is so poor that he is not even a certainty to go to Russia under Sampaoli. However, another fine season for Juve suggests Sampaoli cannot afford to leave him out. If Higuain can reproduce his club form Argentina will be dangerous. Nicolas Otamendi: Unsung hero Otamendi is the only ever-present in Sampaoli's line up since Argentina qualified for the World Cup back in October. The Manchester City defender provides much-needed reliability in a national side that has changed both names and formations with alarming regularity since Sampaoli took over. How he is utilised, and who will play alongside him, will be of vital importance to the double world champions. Form guide: Argentina struggled in the qualifiers and they have barely improved since, with inconsistent results and a porous defence. They lost a November friendly 4-2 against Group D opponents Nigeria and although a 2-0 win over Italy in March briefly raised their spirits, they lost 6-1 to Spain a few days later in one of their worst performances in years. How they qualified: Argentina booked their ticket to Russia largely due to the brilliance of Messi, who scored a hat-trick in their final game against Ecuador. The Argentines needed to win the match to guarantee qualification, and the 3-1 victory lifted them into third place in the 10-team group. Most surprisingly for a team with Messi, Paulo Dybala, Angel Di Maria and Higuain in their ranks, they scored just 19 goals in the 18 qualifying matches. Only Bolivia scored fewer. Prospects: Argentina reached the World Cup final in 2014 and the Copa America final in 2015 and 2016, but it has been downhill ever since for the twice champions. They are in the hardest group of all, Group D, alongside Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria. If they qualify they will at least be in the side of the draw that would keep them apart from Brazil, Germany and England before the final. Another advantage for Argentina is that they begin their campaign early, just three days into the tournament on June 16 against Iceland, giving the players more time to rest. Argentina's fixture: June 16 06:30 PM | Argentina vs Iceland | Otkrytiye Arena, Moscow June 21 11:30 PM | Argentina vs Croatia | Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod June 26 11:30 PM | Nigeria vs Argentina | Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg Twenty three-man World Cup squad: Goalkeepers: Nahuel Guzman (Tigres Monterrey/MEX), Wilfredo Caballero (Chelsea/ENG), Franco Armani (River Plate) Defenders: Gabriel Mercado (Sevilla/ESP), Federico Fazio (Roma/ITA), Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City/ENG), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax/NED), Marcos Acuna (Sporting/POR), Eduardo Salvio (Benfica/POR), Cristian Ansaldi (Torino/ITA), Javier Mascherano (Hebei Fortune/CHN). Midfielders: Ever Banega (Sevilla/ESP), Lucas Biglia (AC Milan/ITA), Angel Di Maria (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Manuel Lanzini (West Ham/ENG), Giovani Lo Celso (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Maximiliano Meza (Independiente). Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ESP), Paulo Dybala (Juventus/ITA), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City/ENG), Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus/ITA), Cristian Pavon (Boca Juniors).

FIFA World Cup 2018: A complete profile of Argentina

FIFA ranking: 2 (till June 7)

Brazil is the only country to appear in every World Cup and the only nation to win the trophy five times. After losing at home in the final match in 1950 they won back-to-back titles in 1958 and 1962 and then made it three in Mexico in 1970 with what many consider to be the greatest team of all time.&nbsp;

After a 24-year drought that included heart-breaking eliminations in 1982 and 1986 they won again in 1994 with Romario and Bebeto starring. A rejuvenated Ronaldo, back from a series of knee injuries, helped them win the title in Japan in 2002 but they have disappointed since, not least in losing 7-1 to Germany in the semi-final at home four years ago.

<hr />
Coach: Tite: Like his three predecessors as manager, Tite is from the rugged southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. Coaches there are known for their disdain of frippery and the 56-year-old (real name Adenor Leonardo Bachi) is no exception. He first rose to fame at Caixas and Gremio but it was his second spell at Corinthians that really cemented his reputation as a top-class coach when he took the underperforming Sao Paulo side to the league title in 2011 and the Copa Libertadores and Club World Cup the following year. Always dignified but firm and precise, he is popular with the media, a valuable asset in Brazil.

<hr />
Key players:

Neymar: So much of Brazil's hopes rest on Neymar's slim shoulders. The greatest player of his generation is capable of winning any game with a moment of brilliance but he will be returning from three months out with a foot injury and it remains to be seen whether the rest is positive or negative. He coasted through his debut season at Paris St-Germain where he was rarely tested. How influential he will be for Brazil could depend on how he copes with the huge pressure he will face.

Philippe Coutinho: This has been a rollercoaster season for Coutinho, who started at Liverpool and ended up at Barcelona. The 25-year-old has nevertheless become a regular in Tite's side, in either a wide role or as a deeper lying central midfielder, and his long-range shooting is a powerful weapon.

However, he can sometimes drift out of the action and his challenge is to take more games by the scruff of the neck and lessen the creative burden on Neymar.

Paulinho: With a superb defence and a scintillating attack, Brazil's midfield is often overlooked. Paulinho is a key cog in Brazil's engine room and a trusted lieutenant of coach Tite, who oversaw his rise at Corinthians. When he is on form Paulinho is an old-style box-to-box midfielder, but the Barcelona player is notorious for blowing hot and cold. One of the key questions for Brazil is which Paulinho will turn up -- the rampaging bull who helped them to a stunning Confederations Cup win in 2013 or the timid player who disappeared a year later.

<hr />
Form guide:

Brazil's form going to Russia could hardly be bettered. Since Tite took over as coach in mid-2016 they have lost once in 19 games, in a friendly against Argentina in Australia. The key to their form is at the back. They have conceded just five goals in those 19 games.

<hr />
How they qualified:

Brazil were the first team to qualify for the tournament as they walked away with South America's famously competitive 10-team group. The campaign, though, was not without its hiccups. Brazil were languishing in sixth place, outside the qualification spots, after six matches but coach Dunga's sacking and Tite's arrival turned things around. Brazil won 10 of their next 12 games to top the section 10 points ahead of Uruguay.

<hr />
Prospects:

This tournament is an unusual one for Brazil, who will arrive as joint favourites and as a side that need to prove themselves all over again after their disastrous 7-1 loss to Germany in the 2014 semi-finals. They should sail through Group E against Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia but, with little experience playing competitively against top European sides, a question mark still exists. One mouth-watering prospect could come as early as the last 16. If Brazil or Germany qualify in second place from their groups, the two heavyweights will slug it out much earlier than they would like.

<hr />
Twenty three-man World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Roma/ITA), Ederson (Manchester City/ENG), Cassio (Corinthians)

Defenders: Danilo (Manchester City/ENG), Fagner (Corinthians), Marcelo (Real Madrid/ESP), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Miranda (Inter Milan/ITA), Marquinhos (Paris SG/FRA), Thiago Silva (Paris SG/FRA), Geromel (Gremio)&nbsp;

Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid/ESP), Fernandinho (Manchester City/ENG), Paulinho (Barcelona/ESP), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan/CHN), Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona/ESP), Willian (Chelsea/ENG)&nbsp;

Forwards: Neymar (Paris SG/FRA), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City/ENG), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool/ENG), Douglas Costa (Juventus/ITA), Taison (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR)

<hr />
Brazil's fixture:

June 17

11:30 PM | Brazil vs Switzerland | Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don

June 22

05:30 PM | Brazil vs Costa Rica | Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg

June 27

11:30 PM | Serbia vs Brazil | Otkrytiye Arena, Moscow

<img alt="fifa 2018 Russia_1.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/fifa%202018%20Russia_1.jpg" width="770" />

Brazil is the only country to appear in every World Cup and the only nation to win the trophy five times

FIFA ranking: 2 (till June 7) Brazil is the only country to appear in every World Cup and the only nation to win the trophy five times. After losing at home in the final match in 1950 they won back-to-back titles in 1958 and 1962 and then made it three in Mexico in 1970 with what many consider to be the greatest team of all time. After a 24-year drought that included heart-breaking eliminations in 1982 and 1986 they won again in 1994 with Romario and Bebeto starring. A rejuvenated Ronaldo, back from a series of knee injuries, helped them win the title in Japan in 2002 but they have disappointed since, not least in losing 7-1 to Germany in the semi-final at home four years ago. Coach: Tite: Like his three predecessors as manager, Tite is from the rugged southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. Coaches there are known for their disdain of frippery and the 56-year-old (real name Adenor Leonardo Bachi) is no exception. He first rose to fame at Caixas and Gremio but it was his second spell at Corinthians that really cemented his reputation as a top-class coach when he took the underperforming Sao Paulo side to the league title in 2011 and the Copa Libertadores and Club World Cup the following year. Always dignified but firm and precise, he is popular with the media, a valuable asset in Brazil. Key players: Neymar: So much of Brazil's hopes rest on Neymar's slim shoulders. The greatest player of his generation is capable of winning any game with a moment of brilliance but he will be returning from three months out with a foot injury and it remains to be seen whether the rest is positive or negative. He coasted through his debut season at Paris St-Germain where he was rarely tested. How influential he will be for Brazil could depend on how he copes with the huge pressure he will face. Philippe Coutinho: This has been a rollercoaster season for Coutinho, who started at Liverpool and ended up at Barcelona. The 25-year-old has nevertheless become a regular in Tite's side, in either a wide role or as a deeper lying central midfielder, and his long-range shooting is a powerful weapon. However, he can sometimes drift out of the action and his challenge is to take more games by the scruff of the neck and lessen the creative burden on Neymar. Paulinho: With a superb defence and a scintillating attack, Brazil's midfield is often overlooked. Paulinho is a key cog in Brazil's engine room and a trusted lieutenant of coach Tite, who oversaw his rise at Corinthians. When he is on form Paulinho is an old-style box-to-box midfielder, but the Barcelona player is notorious for blowing hot and cold. One of the key questions for Brazil is which Paulinho will turn up -- the rampaging bull who helped them to a stunning Confederations Cup win in 2013 or the timid player who disappeared a year later. Form guide: Brazil's form going to Russia could hardly be bettered. Since Tite took over as coach in mid-2016 they have lost once in 19 games, in a friendly against Argentina in Australia. The key to their form is at the back. They have conceded just five goals in those 19 games. How they qualified: Brazil were the first team to qualify for the tournament as they walked away with South America's famously competitive 10-team group. The campaign, though, was not without its hiccups. Brazil were languishing in sixth place, outside the qualification spots, after six matches but coach Dunga's sacking and Tite's arrival turned things around. Brazil won 10 of their next 12 games to top the section 10 points ahead of Uruguay. Prospects: This tournament is an unusual one for Brazil, who will arrive as joint favourites and as a side that need to prove themselves all over again after their disastrous 7-1 loss to Germany in the 2014 semi-finals. They should sail through Group E against Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia but, with little experience playing competitively against top European sides, a question mark still exists. One mouth-watering prospect could come as early as the last 16. If Brazil or Germany qualify in second place from their groups, the two heavyweights will slug it out much earlier than they would like. Twenty three-man World Cup squad: Goalkeepers: Alisson (Roma/ITA), Ederson (Manchester City/ENG), Cassio (Corinthians) Defenders: Danilo (Manchester City/ENG), Fagner (Corinthians), Marcelo (Real Madrid/ESP), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Miranda (Inter Milan/ITA), Marquinhos (Paris SG/FRA), Thiago Silva (Paris SG/FRA), Geromel (Gremio) Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid/ESP), Fernandinho (Manchester City/ENG), Paulinho (Barcelona/ESP), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan/CHN), Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona/ESP), Willian (Chelsea/ENG) Forwards: Neymar (Paris SG/FRA), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City/ENG), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool/ENG), Douglas Costa (Juventus/ITA), Taison (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR) Brazil's fixture: June 17 11:30 PM | Brazil vs Switzerland | Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don June 22 05:30 PM | Brazil vs Costa Rica | Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg June 27 11:30 PM | Serbia vs Brazil | Otkrytiye Arena, Moscow

FIFA World Cup 2018: A complete profile of Brazil

Brazil star Neymar said he suffered a lot during a three-month injury lay-off after making a goalscoring comeback in his side's 2-0 win over Croatia at Anfield on Sunday (June 3).

The PSG forward came on at Anfield as a second-half substitute and made a swift impression with a superbly taken opener in the 69th minute as the five-time World Cup winners warmed-up for this month's tournament in Russia in style.

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino wrapped up the win in stoppage time.

Neymar, the world's most expensive player, has been sidelined since February 25, when he fractured a metatarsal and sprained his ankle playing for the French champions in a Ligue 1 match against Marseille.

"I have a lot of respect for Romario, Zico, Ronaldo, Pele because they are my idols. The statistics are just numbers. I'm happy to help the team, scoring goals for the national team. I don't want to be better than them, everyone has their own story, everybody knows how important they were for the national team, for now I'm just really happy for the goals," said Neymar Jr.

Wearing the number 10 shirt, made famous by Pele, Neymar's popularity soared after he led Brazil to their first Olympic gold medal win in Rio in 2014.

He became the world's most expensive footballer when he signed for PSG from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($264 million) last August.

The Selecao play their final warm-up match against Austria in Vienna on June 10, before heading to Russia.

Brazil are in World Cup Group E with Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica and kick off their campaign against the Swiss on June 17.

Brazil star Neymar said he suffered a lot during a three-month injury lay-off after making a goalscoring comeback in his side's 2-0 win over Croatia

Brazil star Neymar said he suffered a lot during a three-month injury lay-off after making a goalscoring comeback in his side's 2-0 win over Croatia at Anfield on Sunday (June 3). The PSG forward came on at Anfield as a second-half substitute and made a swift impression with a superbly taken opener in the 69th minute as the five-time World Cup winners warmed-up for this month's tournament in Russia in style. Liverpool's Roberto Firmino wrapped up the win in stoppage time. Neymar, the world's most expensive player, has been sidelined since February 25, when he fractured a metatarsal and sprained his ankle playing for the French champions in a Ligue 1 match against Marseille. "I have a lot of respect for Romario, Zico, Ronaldo, Pele because they are my idols. The statistics are just numbers. I'm happy to help the team, scoring goals for the national team. I don't want to be better than them, everyone has their own story, everybody knows how important they were for the national team, for now I'm just really happy for the goals," said Neymar Jr. Wearing the number 10 shirt, made famous by Pele, Neymar's popularity soared after he led Brazil to their first Olympic gold medal win in Rio in 2014. He became the world's most expensive footballer when he signed for PSG from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($264 million) last August. The Selecao play their final warm-up match against Austria in Vienna on June 10, before heading to Russia. Brazil are in World Cup Group E with Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica and kick off their campaign against the Swiss on June 17.

Watch: Don't want to be better than Zico, Pele, says Brazil's Neymar

The 21st edition of football World Cup is set to start from June 14&nbsp;and the madness is already begun. With just 11 days remaining, we've collated the best XI from the tournament squads in a 4-3-3&nbsp;formation.&nbsp;

Coach: Joachim Low

Goalkeeper -

David De Gea: The Manchester United goalkeeper has been exceptionally well since the last September with some mind-blowing saves. This is the reason he is listed ahead of German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Defender -&nbsp;

Joshua Kimmich: Joshua Walter Kimmich is a German professional footballer who plays as a right back for Bayern Munich and the Germany national team. The 23-year-old ended the 2017/18 campaign with his third successive Bundesliga winner's medal. Being a defender, he also scored in the&nbsp;semi-finals (first Leg) of Champions League at a very crucial stage which is commendable.&nbsp;

Mats Hummels: Mats Julian Hummels is a German professional footballer who plays as a central defender for Bayern Munich and the Germany national team.

Sergio Ramos: Sergio Ramos is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for and captains both Real Madrid and the Spain national team. Although, he is a central defender but can play as a right back.

Marcelo Vieira da Silva Junior: Marcelo is a Brazilian professional footballer for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Brazil national team. He plays mainly at left-back but can also operate as a left winger. He has always played a vital role in Real's success and definitely a player to watch out for in Brazilian squad.

<img alt="De Gea.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="770" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/De%20Gea.jpg" width="430" />

Midfielders -&nbsp;

Toni Kroos: Toni Kroos is a German professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Spanish club Real Madrid and the German national team. His&nbsp;campaign in&nbsp;the previous season at Bayern Munich has been a roaring success.

N'Golo Kante: N'Golo Kante is a French professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for English club Chelsea and the France national team. His performance for Chelsea was outstanding&nbsp;in the previous season and he also won the club's Player of the Year prize for the 2017/18 campaign.

James Rodriguez: J. Rodriguez is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for German club Bayern Munich on loan from Real Madrid, and captains the Colombia national team.

Forwards -&nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo: Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Portugal national team. His recent performance in the recently concluded Champions League was&nbsp;remarkable. He took his country towards victory in last Euro Cup.

Harry Edward Kane: Harry Kane is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and captains the English national team.

Lionel Andres Messi: Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish club Barcelona and the Argentine national team.

A collation of dream XI for the football World Cup which will kick off from June 14

The 21st edition of football World Cup is set to start from June 14 and the madness is already begun. With just 11 days remaining, we've collated the best XI from the tournament squads in a 4-3-3 formation. Coach: Joachim Low Goalkeeper - David De Gea: The Manchester United goalkeeper has been exceptionally well since the last September with some mind-blowing saves. This is the reason he is listed ahead of German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Defender - Joshua Kimmich: Joshua Walter Kimmich is a German professional footballer who plays as a right back for Bayern Munich and the Germany national team. The 23-year-old ended the 2017/18 campaign with his third successive Bundesliga winner's medal. Being a defender, he also scored in the semi-finals (first Leg) of Champions League at a very crucial stage which is commendable. Mats Hummels: Mats Julian Hummels is a German professional footballer who plays as a central defender for Bayern Munich and the Germany national team. Sergio Ramos: Sergio Ramos is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for and captains both Real Madrid and the Spain national team. Although, he is a central defender but can play as a right back. Marcelo Vieira da Silva Junior: Marcelo is a Brazilian professional footballer for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Brazil national team. He plays mainly at left-back but can also operate as a left winger. He has always played a vital role in Real's success and definitely a player to watch out for in Brazilian squad. Midfielders - Toni Kroos: Toni Kroos is a German professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Spanish club Real Madrid and the German national team. His campaign in the previous season at Bayern Munich has been a roaring success. N'Golo Kante: N'Golo Kante is a French professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for English club Chelsea and the France national team. His performance for Chelsea was outstanding in the previous season and he also won the club's Player of the Year prize for the 2017/18 campaign. James Rodriguez: J. Rodriguez is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for German club Bayern Munich on loan from Real Madrid, and captains the Colombia national team. Forwards - Cristiano Ronaldo: Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Portugal national team. His recent performance in the recently concluded Champions League was remarkable. He took his country towards victory in last Euro Cup. Harry Edward Kane: Harry Kane is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and captains the English national team. Lionel Andres Messi: Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish club Barcelona and the Argentine national team.

With 11 days to go, here is WION's Dream XI for the World Cup

Argentina's national team was bid farewell by President Mauricio Macri and a throng of fans as they set off for Barcelona on Wednesday (May 30), where they will train ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

With Barcelona striker Lionel Messi at the helm, the team hopes to consolidate a group of strong individual players, particularly strikers, who have struggled to reproduce their club form at international level.

Coach Jorge Luis Sampaoli's team has struggled on the field, only qualifying for this year's tournament thanks to a win in their final qualifying match.

Messi, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, has said winning the World Cup with his country would be a unique experience, and he does not wish he chose to play for Spain, who lifted the trophy in 2010.

The twice world champions and runners-up four years ago in Brazil also play Israel on June 9 before heading to Russia.

Argentina&nbsp;will play in Group D against Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria. Their first match will be against Iceland on Saturday, June 16, with later matches scheduled on June 21 and June 26.

Fans, president bid Argentine team farewell as they depart for World Cup in Russia

Argentina's national team was bid farewell by President Mauricio Macri and a throng of fans as they set off for Barcelona on Wednesday (May 30), where they will train ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Russia. With Barcelona striker Lionel Messi at the helm, the team hopes to consolidate a group of strong individual players, particularly strikers, who have struggled to reproduce their club form at international level. Coach Jorge Luis Sampaoli's team has struggled on the field, only qualifying for this year's tournament thanks to a win in their final qualifying match. Messi, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, has said winning the World Cup with his country would be a unique experience, and he does not wish he chose to play for Spain, who lifted the trophy in 2010. The twice world champions and runners-up four years ago in Brazil also play Israel on June 9 before heading to Russia. Argentina will play in Group D against Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria. Their first match will be against Iceland on Saturday, June 16, with later matches scheduled on June 21 and June 26.

Watch: Messi-led Argentina leaves for World Cup 2018

Injured Mohamed Salah will&nbspmiss the opening match of Group A against Uruguay on June 15 as the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has announced after meeting Salah in Spain, where he is undergoing treatment, that the Liverpool striker won't be able to play for minimum&nbspthree weeks.

"The football federation reiterates that Salah will be at the World Cup, God willing, and will be out for no longer than three weeks," said Egyptian FA.

Egyptian Federation officials including the president Hani Abu Reda and the team doctor paid a morale-boosting visit to Salah in Spain where he is getting his treatment done.

The doctors said that Salah will at least need three weeks to recover completely from the shoulder injury that he received during the finals of UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid. In the absence of Mo Salah, Liverpool lost to Real 3-1.

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تحديث | أفاد الدكتور محمد أبو العلا طبيب المنتخب أن الجهاز الطبي بنادي ليفربول قد ابلغوه بعد إجراء الآشعة على كتف صلاح وأفادت نتيجتها بأن اللاعب أصيب بجزع في أربطة مفصل الكتف وأضاف انه وفقا لهذا التشخيص عن تفاؤله بأن يلحق صلاح بالمنتخب الوطني في كأس العالم ????<a href="https://twitter.com/MoSalah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoSalah</a>
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Salah arrived for rehabilitation in Valencia on Sunday, the day after he injured his shoulder after being wrestled to the ground by Sergio Ramos in the Champions League final Real Madrid won 3-1.

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The Egyptian FA have confirmed Mo Salah will be fit for the Egypt's final two group games at the World Cup. Great news for Mo! <a href="https://t.co/BzGE7JO7JY">pic.twitter.com/BzGE7JO7JY</a>
— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFCFansCorner/status/1001858111710351363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

Egyptian Federation officials including the president Hani Abu Reda and the team doctor paid a morale-boosting visit to Salah in Spain

Injured Mohamed Salah will&nbspmiss the opening match of Group A against Uruguay on June 15 as the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has announced after meeting Salah in Spain, where he is undergoing treatment, that the Liverpool striker won't be able to play for minimum&nbspthree weeks. "The football federation reiterates that Salah will be at the World Cup, God willing, and will be out for no longer than three weeks," said Egyptian FA. Egyptian Federation officials including the president Hani Abu Reda and the team doctor paid a morale-boosting visit to Salah in Spain where he is getting his treatment done. The doctors said that Salah will at least need three weeks to recover completely from the shoulder injury that he received during the finals of UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid. In the absence of Mo Salah, Liverpool lost to Real 3-1. تحديث | أفاد الدكتور محمد أبو العلا طبيب المنتخب أن الجهاز الطبي بنادي ليفربول قد ابلغوه بعد إجراء الآشعة على كتف صلاح وأفادت نتيجتها بأن اللاعب أصيب بجزع في أربطة مفصل الكتف وأضاف انه وفقا لهذا التشخيص عن تفاؤله بأن يلحق صلاح بالمنتخب الوطني في كأس العالم ????@MoSalah — Egypt National Football Team (@Pharaohs) May 26, 2018 × Salah arrived for rehabilitation in Valencia on Sunday, the day after he injured his shoulder after being wrestled to the ground by Sergio Ramos in the Champions League final Real Madrid won 3-1. The Egyptian FA have confirmed Mo Salah will be fit for the Egypt's final two group games at the World Cup. Great news for Mo! pic.twitter.com/BzGE7JO7JY — LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) May 30, 2018 ×

Mohamed Salah to miss opening Group A match against Uruguay due to injury

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has been implemented in the Football World Cup 2018 and it has become the major talking point for the event which will kick-off from June 14. The introduction of technology is considered as the game-changing by FIFA.

In October 2017, FIFA head Gianni Infantino said: "We can't imagine a World Cup in 2018 being decided by a referee's error."

The process of VAR will work on two ways, the referee will request a review after making a decision or the VAR team can recommend reviewing a particular decision.

VAR operates on a three-step process of the incident, review/advice, decision.&nbsp;

The referee can immediately overturn the call based on the VAR's advice, review the incident themselves on a monitor on the touchline or stick with their initial decision.

VAR will look to ensure that the correct decision was made regarding the award or non-award of a penalty, a goal, penalty decisions, after a straight red card or in cases of mistaken identity.

"If there is something away from the action that has been missed and it later comes to the attention of the VAR or the assistant VAR, then they can inform the referee and he can send the player off, even if it is later in the match," IFAB technical director David Elleray told The Times.

"We do not anticipate this happening very often... this would only be for serious red-card offences."

The VAR system will be rolled out for the first time at a World Cup at the June 14 to July 15 tournament in Russia.

VAR can only be used when there is doubt surrounding any of four key game-changing situations: After a goal, penalty decisions, after a straight red card or in cases of mistaken identity

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has been implemented in the Football World Cup 2018 and it has become the major talking point for the event which will kick-off from June 14. The introduction of technology is considered as the game-changing by FIFA. In October 2017, FIFA head Gianni Infantino said: "We can't imagine a World Cup in 2018 being decided by a referee's error." The process of VAR will work on two ways, the referee will request a review after making a decision or the VAR team can recommend reviewing a particular decision. VAR operates on a three-step process of the incident, review/advice, decision. The referee can immediately overturn the call based on the VAR's advice, review the incident themselves on a monitor on the touchline or stick with their initial decision. VAR will look to ensure that the correct decision was made regarding the award or non-award of a penalty, a goal, penalty decisions, after a straight red card or in cases of mistaken identity. "If there is something away from the action that has been missed and it later comes to the attention of the VAR or the assistant VAR, then they can inform the referee and he can send the player off, even if it is later in the match," IFAB technical director David Elleray told The Times. "We do not anticipate this happening very often... this would only be for serious red-card offences." The VAR system will be rolled out for the first time at a World Cup at the June 14 to July 15 tournament in Russia.

Video Assistant Referee is a blessing for FIFA World Cup 2018

The 21st edition of football World&nbsp;Cup is hosted by Russia and the event will start from June 14. The madness for FIFA World Cup is very evident in the entire world as it is one of the biggest sporting events on earth.

As we all know that each FIFA World Cup since 1966 has its own mascot, similarly, Russia also unveiled their mascot for the upcoming World Cup. The mascot designs represent a characteristic feature of the host country.

This year's official mascot is a wolf named Zabivaka which means "the one who scores" in Russian. Zabivaka is charming, confident and social and has always dreamt of becoming a football star.

More than one million Russians voted on FIFA.com during the month-long voting period to select Zabivaka as the official mascot of World Cup 2018. 53 per cent Russians voted Zabivaka in the online polling campaign.

Zabivaka, that represents an anthropomorphic wolf with brown and white wool T-shirt with the words "RUSSIA 2018" written on the front. The wolf also has put on orange sporty glasses and the combination of white, blue and red T-shirt and shorts are the national colors of the Russian team.

Zabivaka will play a very important role in the upcoming World Cup. The wolf will not only promote the event and entertain crowds at the stadiums, but also become an ambassador for Russia and a worldwide 'celebrity'.

Facts about Zabivaka:

<ul>
	<li>Zabivaka is charming, confident and social.</li>
	<li>He likes to play football and always dreamt of becoming a football star.</li>
	<li>He is a fair player, values his team members and respects his opponents, and he plays with skill and purpose.</li>
	<li>Zabivaka is a fun loving wolf and fun to be around. He knows how to make others laugh.</li>
	<li>He is very particular about his clothing.</li>
	<li>He is a photo freak and loves to pose for photos.</li>
</ul>

This year's official mascot is a wolf named Zabivaka which means "the one who scores"

The 21st edition of football World Cup is hosted by Russia and the event will start from June 14. The madness for FIFA World Cup is very evident in the entire world as it is one of the biggest sporting events on earth. As we all know that each FIFA World Cup since 1966 has its own mascot, similarly, Russia also unveiled their mascot for the upcoming World Cup. The mascot designs represent a characteristic feature of the host country. This year's official mascot is a wolf named Zabivaka which means "the one who scores" in Russian. Zabivaka is charming, confident and social and has always dreamt of becoming a football star. More than one million Russians voted on FIFA.com during the month-long voting period to select Zabivaka as the official mascot of World Cup 2018. 53 per cent Russians voted Zabivaka in the online polling campaign. Zabivaka, that represents an anthropomorphic wolf with brown and white wool T-shirt with the words "RUSSIA 2018" written on the front. The wolf also has put on orange sporty glasses and the combination of white, blue and red T-shirt and shorts are the national colors of the Russian team. Zabivaka will play a very important role in the upcoming World Cup. The wolf will not only promote the event and entertain crowds at the stadiums, but also become an ambassador for Russia and a worldwide 'celebrity'. Facts about Zabivaka: Zabivaka is charming, confident and social. He likes to play football and always dreamt of becoming a football star. He is a fair player, values his team members and respects his opponents, and he plays with skill and purpose. Zabivaka is a fun loving wolf and fun to be around. He knows how to make others laugh. He is very particular about his clothing. He is a photo freak and loves to pose for photos.

FIFA World Cup: Meet Zabivaka, official mascot for Russia 2018

Brazilian forward Neymar Jr admitted that he is not "100 per cent fit"&nbspfor the World Cup which is scheduled to start from June 14.

Paris-Saint Germain star player also mentioned that he feels discomfort while recovering&nbspbut believes that he will be better for the tournament.

The 26-year-old, who joined PSG for a world-record 222 million euros ($264 million) from Barcelona last year, suffered a fractured bone in his right foot in February in a match against Marseille.

"Physically I am well, my foot is fine. I am adapting in a few things. I still feel some discomfort, but it is not something that will trouble me," Neymar told journalists at Brazil's football confederation headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.

Recently, he said, "Everything's going well, thank God, but there's always this fear when you come back and I need to get rid of that fear as soon as possible to arrive at the World Cup."&nbsp

Neymar, who missed Brazil's 7-1 semi-final thrashing on home soil by Germany through injury four years ago, is key to his country's hopes at this year's World Cup, which starts on June 14.

Brazilian forward Neymar Jr admitted that he is not "100 per cent fit" for the World Cup which is scheduled to start from June 14

Brazilian forward Neymar Jr admitted that he is not "100 per cent fit"&nbspfor the World Cup which is scheduled to start from June 14. Paris-Saint Germain star player also mentioned that he feels discomfort while recovering&nbspbut believes that he will be better for the tournament. The 26-year-old, who joined PSG for a world-record 222 million euros ($264 million) from Barcelona last year, suffered a fractured bone in his right foot in February in a match against Marseille. "Physically I am well, my foot is fine. I am adapting in a few things. I still feel some discomfort, but it is not something that will trouble me," Neymar told journalists at Brazil's football confederation headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. Recently, he said, "Everything's going well, thank God, but there's always this fear when you come back and I need to get rid of that fear as soon as possible to arrive at the World Cup." Neymar, who missed Brazil's 7-1 semi-final thrashing on home soil by Germany through injury four years ago, is key to his country's hopes at this year's World Cup, which starts on June 14.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Neymar admits he is not '100% fit'

German&nbsp;goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is regaining full fitness and getting ready for the Football World cup which is scheduled to start from next month.&nbsp;

On 16 September 2017, Neuer suffered the second metatarsal fracture within six months while playing against Mainz&nbsp;in a Bundesliga game.

German coach Joachim Loew is confident that the 32-year-old Germany captain, part of his 2014 World Cup-winning team, would play in Russia.

Although, time is running fast but Manuel Neuer has one last chance to prove his mettle for the world champions' title defence ahead of FIFA 2018.

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Work, work, work, work, work, <a href="https://twitter.com/Manuel_Neuer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Manuel_Neuer</a>! ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DieMannschaft?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DieMannschaft</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZSMMN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZSMMN</a> <a href="https://t.co/TFntdxqhuC">pic.twitter.com/TFntdxqhuC</a>
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The defending champions will play their second friendly match on June 2 against Austria.

However, Neuer had taken part in Germany's training session but the final 23-man squad will be announced on June 3.

Germany will begin their World Cup campaign against Mexico in Moscow on 17 June. Sweden and South Korea complete Group F.

Bayern Munich keeper Neuer has not played since breaking a bone in his foot back in September that required surgery, putting his chances of making the finals in doubt.

Bayern Munich keeper Neuer has not played since breaking a bone in his foot back in September that required surgery, putting his chances of making the finals in doubt

German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is regaining full fitness and getting ready for the Football World cup which is scheduled to start from next month. On 16 September 2017, Neuer suffered the second metatarsal fracture within six months while playing against Mainz in a Bundesliga game. German coach Joachim Loew is confident that the 32-year-old Germany captain, part of his 2014 World Cup-winning team, would play in Russia. Although, time is running fast but Manuel Neuer has one last chance to prove his mettle for the world champions' title defence ahead of FIFA 2018. Work, work, work, work, work, @Manuel_Neuer! ?#DieMannschaft #ZSMMN pic.twitter.com/TFntdxqhuC — Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) May 24, 2018 × The defending champions will play their second friendly match on June 2 against Austria. However, Neuer had taken part in Germany's training session but the final 23-man squad will be announced on June 3. Germany will begin their World Cup campaign against Mexico in Moscow on 17 June. Sweden and South Korea complete Group F. Bayern Munich keeper Neuer has not played since breaking a bone in his foot back in September that required surgery, putting his chances of making the finals in doubt.

FIFA 2018: Manuel Neuer's recovery big boost for Germany

Will Smith alongside artists Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi have released&nbsp;anthem song for the 21st edition of football World Cup which is scheduled to take place in Russia and the carnival will kick-off on June 14.&nbsp;

Produced by Diplo, the lyrics of the song,&nbsp;'Live It Up' aims to bring the fans together. Also, fans are looking forward to being treated to a live rendition of the song during the closing ceremony of FIFA 2018 which is on July 15.

The first match of FIFA 2018 will be played between Russia and Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow. The first ball is yet to be kicked but the frenzy has already begun.

The theme songs play an important role in building up the hysteria also the songs or the anthems are very popular even after the event by the fans and followers.

For example, fans still groove to the beats of some popular theme songs in the history of FIFA like "Dar um Jeito" (We Will Find a Way) featuring Carlos Santana, Wyclef Jean and Avicii and "We are one" by Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull and Claudia Leitte.&nbsp;"Waka Waka" by Shakira, ever wondered why this song as almost 2 billion views on Youtube, obviously you know why!

Recently, the song "Colours" which is written by an American singer-songwriter Jason Derulo was released to serve the same purpose&nbsp;but now Will Smith alongside artists Nicky Jam & Era Istrefi has released on more song which is produced by Diplo for FIFA 2018.

As 19 days are&nbsp;to go for the big event, here is the video, listen to the track and get the football fever now:

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&nbsp;

Will Smith alongside artists Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi have released anthem song for the 21st edition of football World Cup

Will Smith alongside artists Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi have released anthem song for the 21st edition of football World Cup which is scheduled to take place in Russia and the carnival will kick-off on June 14. Produced by Diplo, the lyrics of the song, 'Live It Up' aims to bring the fans together. Also, fans are looking forward to being treated to a live rendition of the song during the closing ceremony of FIFA 2018 which is on July 15. The first match of FIFA 2018 will be played between Russia and Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow. The first ball is yet to be kicked but the frenzy has already begun. The theme songs play an important role in building up the hysteria also the songs or the anthems are very popular even after the event by the fans and followers. For example, fans still groove to the beats of some popular theme songs in the history of FIFA like "Dar um Jeito" (We Will Find a Way) featuring Carlos Santana, Wyclef Jean and Avicii and "We are one" by Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull and Claudia Leitte. "Waka Waka" by Shakira, ever wondered why this song as almost 2 billion views on Youtube, obviously you know why! Recently, the song "Colours" which is written by an American singer-songwriter Jason Derulo was released to serve the same purpose but now Will Smith alongside artists Nicky Jam & Era Istrefi has released on more song which is produced by Diplo for FIFA 2018. As 19 days are to go for the big event, here is the video, listen to the track and get the football fever now: ×

American actor Will Smith aims to unite fans with groovy anthem song

Switzerland usually arrive at major tournaments with modest ambitions but with one of the finest generations of players the country has produced reaching its peak, expectations are much higher at this World Cup.

The squad is brimming with players based in Europe's top leagues and those such as Ricardo Rodriguez, Fabian Schaer, Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka are all in their mid-20s with a World Cup and European championship behind them.

Swiss football is reaping the rewards of the hard work done in youth development a decade ago which tapped into the potential offered by second-generation immigrants, many from the former Yugoslavia.

Coach Vladimir Petkovic, who himself boasts a Yugoslav league winners' medal from his playing days with FK Sarajevo, has tried to establish a new attitude in the team, telling them they are no longer "little Switzerland" and must look to dominate matches.

The old defensive tactics which bored fans rigid at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups have been thrown out of the window.

The Swiss have jumped to sixth in the FIFA rankings, lost only one of 12 matches in the qualifying campaign and recently enjoyed a 6-0 thumping of fellow World Cup qualifiers against Panama.

For all the optimism though, doubts linger.

Apart from Portugal, the Swiss have not faced any of the world's leading teams since Euro 2016, a tournament where they never quite lived up to their billing and went out in the last 16 to Poland.

Some players have suffered a loss of form.

Schaer has fallen out of favour at Deportivo Coruna, Shaqiri has suffered relegation with Stoke City in the English Premier League and Xhaka, who runs the Swiss midfield, has been made the scapegoat for Arsenal's failings.

The biggest problem lies in attack where none of the potential forwards have had a good season at club level, with first-choice Haris Seferovic relegated to a substitute's role at Benfica.

Seferovic was even booed off the field when he was substituted in the playoff against Northern Ireland -- a very rare reaction from a Swiss crowd.

The Swiss have reached the last 16 at their last two major tournaments but have not made the quarter-finals since the 1954 World Cup, which the country hosted.

An awkward draw has somewhat dampened hopes that they could take that extra step this time around.

With Brazil expected to top their group, the Swiss will battle Costa Rica and Serbia for second place, which would likely bring a last-16 encounter with defending champions Germany.

Swiss football is reaping the rewards of the hard work done in youth development a decade ago

Switzerland usually arrive at major tournaments with modest ambitions but with one of the finest generations of players the country has produced reaching its peak, expectations are much higher at this World Cup. The squad is brimming with players based in Europe's top leagues and those such as Ricardo Rodriguez, Fabian Schaer, Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka are all in their mid-20s with a World Cup and European championship behind them. Swiss football is reaping the rewards of the hard work done in youth development a decade ago which tapped into the potential offered by second-generation immigrants, many from the former Yugoslavia. Coach Vladimir Petkovic, who himself boasts a Yugoslav league winners' medal from his playing days with FK Sarajevo, has tried to establish a new attitude in the team, telling them they are no longer "little Switzerland" and must look to dominate matches. The old defensive tactics which bored fans rigid at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups have been thrown out of the window. The Swiss have jumped to sixth in the FIFA rankings, lost only one of 12 matches in the qualifying campaign and recently enjoyed a 6-0 thumping of fellow World Cup qualifiers against Panama. For all the optimism though, doubts linger. Apart from Portugal, the Swiss have not faced any of the world's leading teams since Euro 2016, a tournament where they never quite lived up to their billing and went out in the last 16 to Poland. Some players have suffered a loss of form. Schaer has fallen out of favour at Deportivo Coruna, Shaqiri has suffered relegation with Stoke City in the English Premier League and Xhaka, who runs the Swiss midfield, has been made the scapegoat for Arsenal's failings. The biggest problem lies in attack where none of the potential forwards have had a good season at club level, with first-choice Haris Seferovic relegated to a substitute's role at Benfica. Seferovic was even booed off the field when he was substituted in the playoff against Northern Ireland -- a very rare reaction from a Swiss crowd. The Swiss have reached the last 16 at their last two major tournaments but have not made the quarter-finals since the 1954 World Cup, which the country hosted. An awkward draw has somewhat dampened hopes that they could take that extra step this time around. With Brazil expected to top their group, the Swiss will battle Costa Rica and Serbia for second place, which would likely bring a last-16 encounter with defending champions Germany.

FIFA 2018: Switzerland rely on young talents with a mix of experience for football World Cup

Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas is the most successful football export the Central American country has produced and his quiet but determined leadership will be central to his nation's hopes in Russia.

While several of the generations who reached the last eight of the World Cup four years ago have enjoyed lengthy careers in Europe and, before them, Paulo Wanchope made a mark in England, none has achieved as much as the Real Madrid goalkeeper.

Navas has two Champions League titles and a Spanish league title to his name with Real and despite constant suggestions that Zinedine Zidane might be looking elsewhere for another keeper the Costa Rican has kept his spot.

His ability to put aside these doubts and the frequent unfavourable comparisons to Spain's Manchester United keeper David De Gea, who was once lined up to replace him, is no surprise to those who know Navas's background and the adversity he handled so well on his way to the top.

Navas was born in the town of San Isidro in the agricultural Perez Zeledon region in the south of Costa Rica, to working-class parents.

When his mother and father emigrated to the United States, he was brought up by his grandfather and his early football experience was tough, with his local team Municipal Club Perez Zeledon rejecting him as being too small.

He was forced to leave behind his small rural hometown and move to the capital San Jose at the age of 14 as he sought to get his opportunity with the country's most successful club, Deportivo Saprissa.

At Saprissa, now 1.85 metres tall, the deeply Catholic Navas won six domestic league titles and the CONCACAF Champions League before moving to Albacete in Spain's second division, then Levante.

His superb performances for Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup won him worldwide recognition and persuaded Real to pay his buy-out fee to Levante and bring him to the Bernabeu.

Despite the doubters, he has been a big part of a golden era for Real in European competition, cementing his status as one of the most successful players to emerge from Central America.

Keylor Navas superb performances for Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup won him worldwide recognition

Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas is the most successful football export the Central American country has produced and his quiet but determined leadership will be central to his nation's hopes in Russia. While several of the generations who reached the last eight of the World Cup four years ago have enjoyed lengthy careers in Europe and, before them, Paulo Wanchope made a mark in England, none has achieved as much as the Real Madrid goalkeeper. Navas has two Champions League titles and a Spanish league title to his name with Real and despite constant suggestions that Zinedine Zidane might be looking elsewhere for another keeper the Costa Rican has kept his spot. His ability to put aside these doubts and the frequent unfavourable comparisons to Spain's Manchester United keeper David De Gea, who was once lined up to replace him, is no surprise to those who know Navas's background and the adversity he handled so well on his way to the top. Navas was born in the town of San Isidro in the agricultural Perez Zeledon region in the south of Costa Rica, to working-class parents. When his mother and father emigrated to the United States, he was brought up by his grandfather and his early football experience was tough, with his local team Municipal Club Perez Zeledon rejecting him as being too small. He was forced to leave behind his small rural hometown and move to the capital San Jose at the age of 14 as he sought to get his opportunity with the country's most successful club, Deportivo Saprissa. At Saprissa, now 1.85 metres tall, the deeply Catholic Navas won six domestic league titles and the CONCACAF Champions League before moving to Albacete in Spain's second division, then Levante. His superb performances for Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup won him worldwide recognition and persuaded Real to pay his buy-out fee to Levante and bring him to the Bernabeu. Despite the doubters, he has been a big part of a golden era for Real in European competition, cementing his status as one of the most successful players to emerge from Central America.

FIFA 2018: Keylor Navas' determined leadership will be central to Costa Rica's hopes in Russia

FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event on earth will start from June 14 but the craze has already begun all around the world. The 21st edition of football World Cup is hosted by Russia, will be keenly followed by thousands of fans around the world.

The football frenzy has reached to even non participating countries, for example, Bangladesh. A country which is currently working to strengthen its football association "Bangladesh national football team" has involved in a unique way to involve in the FIFA 2018.

Flagmakers in Bangladesh are doing a roaring trade week ahead of the World Cup, but no-one is interested in the home nation's colours -- the money is all on pennants for Lionel Messi's Argentina and Neymar's Brazil.

Textile printer Kamal Hossain owns one of the scores of small, hot, sweaty workshops in the Merajnagar district of capital Dhaka, working flat-out to produce flags and pennants for the local market ahead of the tournament in Russia.

"For the last two months I have been working non-stop," said Hossain.

"There are days when I do not even get two hours of sleep," added the 40-year-old, barely lifting his head from his screen-printing machine.

Bangladesh is traditionally cricket territory, but every four years the country of 160 million people -- whose national team is ranked 197th out of 202 in the world by FIFA -- goes World Cup crazy.

Flags in the colours of Argentina and Brazil take over the streets, and printers in Merajnagar are expecting to produce hundreds of thousands before the tournament starts in Moscow on June 14.

Homes have been converted into makeshift printing and sewing plants as orders pour in from across the country.

"Every day we're printing and making thousands of flags. Today we've already printed 11,000 Argentina pennants," said Hossain.

- Maradona to Messi -

Fans across Bangladesh hold flag-waving processions to honour their favourite team. Last week, a video of supporters marching with a 200 metre-long Argentina flag in the northwestern town of Madarganj went viral on social media.

The impoverished country first saw live World Cup matches in 1982.&nbsp;

But it was the 1986 tournament, when Diego Maradona single-handedly helped Argentina win the trophy, that cemented football into the Bangladesh psyche -- along with a new favourite team.

"The craze for Argentina is still going strong, Maradona is gone but Messi is the new superstar," said Faruq Mia, a flag hawker who came from neighbouring Narayanganj district to stock up.

Mia bought 500 flags last week, made a big profit and so needs 500 more. He will be cheering for Argentina.

Factory owner Selim Howlader expects to sell several hundred thousand flags as "World Cup fever came early in the country, months before kickoff".

"In 2014, I sold more than 80,000 flags. Most of them were sold during the World Cup or just days before kickoff. Now I am selling 2,000-2,500 big flags and 10,000 pennants a day and the World Cup is still weeks away," said the happy 33-year-old businessman.

Howlader employs 25 workers and said about 2,000 people in all are working in Merajnagar's flag factories.

- Long hours -

Messi and Neymar's teams dominate by far Howlader's order list. "Argentina and Brazil are the two most popular teams in Bangladesh," he said.

"I have even got orders to make 50-foot long Argentine flags. These two teams have the most supporters in our country. Germany, Spain and Portugal are the other popular teams."

Some four million people work in Bangladesh's 4,500 apparel factories, who provide billions of dollars worth of clothes to top retailers around the world.

But experts and rights groups say that while there has been progress in improving conditions for garment workers in the country, they still often face long hours, dangerous working environments and dismally low pay.

The flag boom means extra income for poor workers like Nargis Akhter, 28, and her husband Mohammad Iqbal who work in Howlader's factory.

"On an average every day we make 3,000 taka ($35)," said Iqbal. An average garment factory pays about $70 for an entire month's work -- among the world's lowest wages for such a job.

"I wish the craze for flags would go on for many more months," said Akhter, with a smile.

Flagmakers in Bangladesh are doing a roaring trade week ahead of the World Cup

FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event on earth will start from June 14 but the craze has already begun all around the world. The 21st edition of football World Cup is hosted by Russia, will be keenly followed by thousands of fans around the world. The football frenzy has reached to even non participating countries, for example, Bangladesh. A country which is currently working to strengthen its football association "Bangladesh national football team" has involved in a unique way to involve in the FIFA 2018. Flagmakers in Bangladesh are doing a roaring trade week ahead of the World Cup, but no-one is interested in the home nation's colours -- the money is all on pennants for Lionel Messi's Argentina and Neymar's Brazil. Textile printer Kamal Hossain owns one of the scores of small, hot, sweaty workshops in the Merajnagar district of capital Dhaka, working flat-out to produce flags and pennants for the local market ahead of the tournament in Russia. "For the last two months I have been working non-stop," said Hossain. "There are days when I do not even get two hours of sleep," added the 40-year-old, barely lifting his head from his screen-printing machine. Bangladesh is traditionally cricket territory, but every four years the country of 160 million people -- whose national team is ranked 197th out of 202 in the world by FIFA -- goes World Cup crazy. Flags in the colours of Argentina and Brazil take over the streets, and printers in Merajnagar are expecting to produce hundreds of thousands before the tournament starts in Moscow on June 14. Homes have been converted into makeshift printing and sewing plants as orders pour in from across the country. "Every day we're printing and making thousands of flags. Today we've already printed 11,000 Argentina pennants," said Hossain. - Maradona to Messi - Fans across Bangladesh hold flag-waving processions to honour their favourite team. Last week, a video of supporters marching with a 200 metre-long Argentina flag in the northwestern town of Madarganj went viral on social media. The impoverished country first saw live World Cup matches in 1982. But it was the 1986 tournament, when Diego Maradona single-handedly helped Argentina win the trophy, that cemented football into the Bangladesh psyche -- along with a new favourite team. "The craze for Argentina is still going strong, Maradona is gone but Messi is the new superstar," said Faruq Mia, a flag hawker who came from neighbouring Narayanganj district to stock up. Mia bought 500 flags last week, made a big profit and so needs 500 more. He will be cheering for Argentina. Factory owner Selim Howlader expects to sell several hundred thousand flags as "World Cup fever came early in the country, months before kickoff". "In 2014, I sold more than 80,000 flags. Most of them were sold during the World Cup or just days before kickoff. Now I am selling 2,000-2,500 big flags and 10,000 pennants a day and the World Cup is still weeks away," said the happy 33-year-old businessman. Howlader employs 25 workers and said about 2,000 people in all are working in Merajnagar's flag factories. - Long hours - Messi and Neymar's teams dominate by far Howlader's order list. "Argentina and Brazil are the two most popular teams in Bangladesh," he said. "I have even got orders to make 50-foot long Argentine flags. These two teams have the most supporters in our country. Germany, Spain and Portugal are the other popular teams." Some four million people work in Bangladesh's 4,500 apparel factories, who provide billions of dollars worth of clothes to top retailers around the world. But experts and rights groups say that while there has been progress in improving conditions for garment workers in the country, they still often face long hours, dangerous working environments and dismally low pay. The flag boom means extra income for poor workers like Nargis Akhter, 28, and her husband Mohammad Iqbal who work in Howlader's factory. "On an average every day we make 3,000 taka ($35)," said Iqbal. An average garment factory pays about $70 for an entire month's work -- among the world's lowest wages for such a job. "I wish the craze for flags would go on for many more months," said Akhter, with a smile.

FIFA 2018: Here is how Bangladesh is preparing for the World Cup

In 2014, Mario Gotze scored the dream goal in the extra time of football World Cup final against Argentina and helped the team to clinch one the most decorated trophies in sports and sealed Germany's fourth World Cup. The World Cup winner has not been included in the provisional squad of Germany for FIFA 2018.

Mario Gotze had the potential of a lot more but injuries and health issues&nbsp;reduced the shine and lustre of 'once in a century talent.'&nbsp;

In the year 2017, Gotze suffered a rare metabolic issue known as myopathy. It is a muscle disorder which causes weight gain and fatigue. The muscle disorder caused a continuous decline in Gotze's performance. In last four season, Mario Gotze has scored just 15 and assisted ten goals in a total of 67 Bundesliga games.

When he scored the winning goal for Germany it was assumed that his career has been amplified and he entered to play club games with Ballon d'Or aspirations.&nbsp;

The football fraternity has seen rise and fall of many footballers but the most heartbreaking is the Mario Gotze's decline.

The poor performance&nbsp;of Gotze has led his exit from the upcoming football World Cup, which is scheduled from June 14.

Even today, if someone will type&nbsp;his name on the internet, the mesmerising clips of his World Cup goal will appear. Let's relive those moments again.

Watch the video:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/DFB_Team_EN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DFB_Team_EN</a> won the <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIFAWorldCup</a> with this extra time beauty by Mario Gotze! What's everyones predictions for the winning team this year? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/worldcup2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#worldcup2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCupAtTheRegency?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCupAtTheRegency</a> tickets here >> <a href="https://t.co/WP8KRD9MhV">https://t.co/WP8KRD9MhV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCupAtTheAmbler?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCupAtTheAmbler</a> tickets here >> <a href="https://t.co/8REtlUfSbc">https://t.co/8REtlUfSbc</a> <a href="https://t.co/0qdcyGUNae">pic.twitter.com/0qdcyGUNae</a>
— Sedulo Manchester (@SeduloMCR) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeduloMCR/status/994540143683031040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Here is the provisional squad list:

Goalkeepers: Bernd Leno, Manuel Neuer, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Kevin Trapp

Defenders: Jerome Boateng, Matthias Ginter, Jonas Hector, Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich, Marvin Plattenhardt, Antonio Rudiger, Niklas Sule, Jonathan Tah

Midfielders: Julian Brandt, Julian Draxler, Leon Goretska, Ilkay Gundogan, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil, Sebastian Rudy, Leroy Sane

Strikers: Mario Gomez, Thomas Muller, Nils Petersen, Marco Reus, Timo Werner

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Here it is! ? The provisional <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DieMannschaft?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DieMannschaft</a> squad for the 2018 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a>! ??? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZSMMN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZSMMN</a> <a href="https://t.co/7HxNQaeU8s">pic.twitter.com/7HxNQaeU8s</a>
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/DFB_Team_EN/status/996346205482430464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In 2014, Mario Gotze scored the dream goal in the extra time of football World Cup final against Argentina and sealed Germany's fourth World Cup

In 2014, Mario Gotze scored the dream goal in the extra time of football World Cup final against Argentina and helped the team to clinch one the most decorated trophies in sports and sealed Germany's fourth World Cup. The World Cup winner has not been included in the provisional squad of Germany for FIFA 2018. Mario Gotze had the potential of a lot more but injuries and health issues reduced the shine and lustre of 'once in a century talent.' In the year 2017, Gotze suffered a rare metabolic issue known as myopathy. It is a muscle disorder which causes weight gain and fatigue. The muscle disorder caused a continuous decline in Gotze's performance. In last four season, Mario Gotze has scored just 15 and assisted ten goals in a total of 67 Bundesliga games. When he scored the winning goal for Germany it was assumed that his career has been amplified and he entered to play club games with Ballon d'Or aspirations. The football fraternity has seen rise and fall of many footballers but the most heartbreaking is the Mario Gotze's decline. The poor performance of Gotze has led his exit from the upcoming football World Cup, which is scheduled from June 14. Even today, if someone will type his name on the internet, the mesmerising clips of his World Cup goal will appear. Let's relive those moments again. Watch the video: @DFB_Team_EN won the @FIFAWorldCup with this extra time beauty by Mario Gotze! What's everyones predictions for the winning team this year? #worldcup2018 #WorldCupAtTheRegency tickets here >> https://t.co/WP8KRD9MhV #WorldCupAtTheAmbler tickets here >> https://t.co/8REtlUfSbc pic.twitter.com/0qdcyGUNae — Sedulo Manchester (@SeduloMCR) May 10, 2018 × Here is the provisional squad list: Goalkeepers: Bernd Leno, Manuel Neuer, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Kevin Trapp Defenders: Jerome Boateng, Matthias Ginter, Jonas Hector, Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich, Marvin Plattenhardt, Antonio Rudiger, Niklas Sule, Jonathan Tah Midfielders: Julian Brandt, Julian Draxler, Leon Goretska, Ilkay Gundogan, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil, Sebastian Rudy, Leroy Sane Strikers: Mario Gomez, Thomas Muller, Nils Petersen, Marco Reus, Timo Werner Here it is! ? The provisional #DieMannschaft squad for the 2018 #WorldCup! ??? #ZSMMN pic.twitter.com/7HxNQaeU8s — Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) May 15, 2018 ×

He won't be there at FIFA 2018 but let's relive Mario Gotze's winning goal from 2014

Iceland made a history by qualifying for the 21st edition of FIFA World Cup and the football fraternity might witness the rise of small nations with Panama, Peru, Egypt heading out against the big guns with Iceland leading the charge.

A country with less than 4 million population which has little land space and fewer facilities and to top it all is almost always covered in snow, just made it to the World Cup final in Russia.

If you are surprised how the country made it to the world's biggest football stage in Russia, look no further than Euro 2016 when eleven brave Icelanders ejected Wayne Rooney's England from the European stage.

Iceland have been placed in group D and will play their first match against Argentina and rest other games with Croatia and Nigeria and the Iceland team has the potential to stun Messi's Argentina in their opening match, just like Italia 90 when Maradona's men were blasted out by Roger Milla's Cameroon.

Midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson has played an integral role in Iceland reaching Russia 2018. He was named Icelandic Player of the Year for continuous five seasons. In an interview, he said: "We're looking forward to seeing the thunderclap in Russia”.

What is the thunderclap?

It is the magnificence of the Viking Clap which has captivated audiences from all over the world, Iceland supporters performing the 'thunderclap' is an extraordinary sight to watch.

A noisy and visually spectacular display of synchronicity and passion, it has the ability to give those watching – and those taking part real-time goosebumps.

For a small nation like Iceland, it was extremely difficult to qualify in the biggest sporting events on earth and only the arrival is worth celebrating and the celebration is incomplete without the Viking Chant.

Here is the video of the famous Viking Chant a.k.a. 'thunderclap' :

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uJ_fh_Ks9QY" width="560"></iframe></div>
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&nbsp;

A noisy and visually spectacular display of synchronicity and passion, it has the ability to give those watching – and those taking part real-time goosebumps

Iceland made a history by qualifying for the 21st edition of FIFA World Cup and the football fraternity might witness the rise of small nations with Panama, Peru, Egypt heading out against the big guns with Iceland leading the charge. A country with less than 4 million population which has little land space and fewer facilities and to top it all is almost always covered in snow, just made it to the World Cup final in Russia. If you are surprised how the country made it to the world's biggest football stage in Russia, look no further than Euro 2016 when eleven brave Icelanders ejected Wayne Rooney's England from the European stage. Iceland have been placed in group D and will play their first match against Argentina and rest other games with Croatia and Nigeria and the Iceland team has the potential to stun Messi's Argentina in their opening match, just like Italia 90 when Maradona's men were blasted out by Roger Milla's Cameroon. Midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson has played an integral role in Iceland reaching Russia 2018. He was named Icelandic Player of the Year for continuous five seasons. In an interview, he said: "We're looking forward to seeing the thunderclap in Russia”. What is the thunderclap? It is the magnificence of the Viking Clap which has captivated audiences from all over the world, Iceland supporters performing the 'thunderclap' is an extraordinary sight to watch. A noisy and visually spectacular display of synchronicity and passion, it has the ability to give those watching – and those taking part real-time goosebumps. For a small nation like Iceland, it was extremely difficult to qualify in the biggest sporting events on earth and only the arrival is worth celebrating and the celebration is incomplete without the Viking Chant. Here is the video of the famous Viking Chant a.k.a. 'thunderclap' : ×

World Cup: Messi's Argentina to face Iceland's 'Vikings' in Russia

<h2>WION's pick of the week</h2>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-marcelos-son-enzo-vieira-stuns-real-madrid-players-with-impressive-head-tennis-show-137516">Watch: Marcelo's son Enzo Vieira stuns Real Madrid players with impressive head tennis show</a>

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BizrITqABnM/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Orgulho do papai!! ? @enzoalvesv Isso aqui é uma familia!!! @realmadrid ❤️⚽️</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marcelotwelve/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Marcelo Vieira Jr.</a> (@marcelotwelve) on <time datetime="2018-05-15T18:04:53+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 15, 2018 at 11:04am PDT</time>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2018-do-you-know-that-first-fifa-trophy-was-stolen-and-never-recovered-137912">FIFA 2018: Do you know that first FIFA trophy was stolen and never recovered</a>

In 1983, the original Jules Rimet trophy was stolen from the display window and never recovered

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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/opinion-kl-rahul--a-rejuvenated-and-repackaged-batting-power-house-137938">Opinion: KL Rahul – A rejuvenated and repackaged batting power house</a>

KL Rahul has been a treat to watch and I am sure that going forward he would play an all-important role for India in all formats of the game

<h5 title="Watch: AB de Villiers' Spiderman-like stunt to dismiss Alex Hales"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/opinion-after-nadal--federer-who-will-be-the-next-atp-superstar-137606">Opinion: After Nadal & Federer, who will be the next ATP superstar?</a></h5>

It has been a decade now that men's Tennis is waiting for its next superstar

<h5 title="Shivangi Pathak becomes youngest woman to scale Mt Everest"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/shivangi-pathak-becomes-youngest-woman-to-scale-mt-everest-137997">Shivangi Pathak becomes youngest woman to scale Mt Everest</a></h5>

Shivangi said that she inspired by Arunima Sinha, who was the first Indian amputee to scale the nearly 29,000 ft peak

<img alt="Shivangi Pathak.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Shivangi%20Pathak.jpg" width="720" />

<h5 title="Meet the top four teams of IPL 2018 "><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/meet-the-top-four-teams-of-ipl-2018--138479">Meet the top four teams of IPL 2018</a></h5>

<img alt="Kane Williamson, MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, Ajinkya Rahane.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Kane%20Williamson%2C%20MS%20Dhoni%2C%20Dinesh%20Karthik%2C%20Ajinkya%20Rahane.jpg" width="720" />

<h5 title="'It is a difficult day,' says teary-eyed Andres Iniesta during farewell ceremony"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/'it-is-a-difficult-day,'-says-teary-eyed-andres-iniesta-during-farewell-ceremony-138614">'It is a difficult day,' says teary-eyed Andres Iniesta during farewell ceremony</a></h5>

Andres Iniesta bid farewell to his boyhood club FC Barcelona. He has spent all of his senior career at Camp Nou & has lifted 32 trophies

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<h2>FIFA 2018</h2>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2018-world-cup-fever-inspires-panini-stickers-craze-138377">FIFA 2018: World Cup fever inspires Panini stickers craze</a>

Created in 1960 by the four Panini brothers, the business has an exclusive contract with world football's governing body FIFA and its first World Cup album dates back to 1970

<h5 title="Throwback to Luis Suarez's biting Chiellini in FIFA 2014: 'Anyone got a toothpick, Chiellini stuck in my teeth'"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/throwback-to-luis-suarezs-biting-chiellini-in-fifa-2014-anyone-got-a-toothpick-chiellini-stuck-in-my-teeth-138134">Throwback to Luis Suarez's biting Chiellini in FIFA 2014: 'Anyone got a toothpick, Chiellini stuck in my teeth'</a></h5>

Luis Suarez took a nibble from Italy's Giorgio Chiellini shoulder and was suspended for four months from all football-related activities

<h5 title="FIFA 2018: Italy not going to World Cup but World Cup comes to Italy"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/italy-not-going-to-world-cup-but-world-cup-comes-to-italy-136933">FIFA 2018: Italy not going to World Cup but World Cup comes to Italy</a></h5>

The eliminated Azzurri will not brighten the tournament, but Italians will still make the cup shine

<h5 title="England defender Mawson ruled out of FIFA World Cup
"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/england-defender-mawson-ruled-out-of-fifa-world-cup-137085">England defender Mawson ruled out of FIFA World Cup</a></h5>

The 24-year-old was yet to make his England debut but was called up by manager Gareth Southgate for friendlies in March

<h5 title="Mario Gotze ruled out of Germany's squad for FIFA 2018"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/mario-gotze-ruled-out-of-germanys-squad-for-fifa-2018-137132">Mario Gotze ruled out of Germany's squad for FIFA 2018</a></h5>

Mario Gotze has been ruled out of Germany's squad for the upcoming edition of football World Cup

<h5 title="He won't be there at FIFA 2018 but let's relive Mario Gotze's winning goal from 2014"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2018-from-world-cup-winning-goal-scorer-to-world-cup-squad-absentee-lets-relive-mario-gotze-dream-goal-of-fifa-2014-137366">He won't be there at FIFA 2018 but let's relive Mario Gotze's winning goal from 2014</a></h5>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/DFB_Team_EN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DFB_Team_EN</a> won the <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIFAWorldCup</a> with this extra time beauty by Mario Gotze! What's everyones predictions for the winning team this year? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/worldcup2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#worldcup2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCupAtTheRegency?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCupAtTheRegency</a> tickets here >> <a href="https://t.co/WP8KRD9MhV">https://t.co/WP8KRD9MhV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCupAtTheAmbler?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCupAtTheAmbler</a> tickets here >> <a href="https://t.co/8REtlUfSbc">https://t.co/8REtlUfSbc</a> <a href="https://t.co/0qdcyGUNae">pic.twitter.com/0qdcyGUNae</a>
— Sedulo Manchester (@SeduloMCR) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeduloMCR/status/994540143683031040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2018-england-fans-warned-over-flag-waving-at-world-cup-in-russia-137434">FIFA 2018: England fans warned over flag-waving at World Cup in Russia</a>

Tensions are high between Britain and Russia over the poisoning of former double agent Yuri Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury earlier this year

<h5 title="Neymar's foot injury worries him, as he prepares to return"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/neymars-foot-injury-worries-him-as-he-prepares-to-return-137618">Neymar's foot injury worries him, as he prepares to return</a></h5>

He has been out of action since spraining his ankle and fracturing his fifth metatarsal on Feb. 25, which led him to undergo surgery in Brazil

<h5 title="FIFA 2018: Argentina apologises for manual on seducing Russian women"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2018-argentina-apologises-for-manual-on-seducing-russian-women-137639">FIFA 2018: Argentina apologises for manual on seducing Russian women</a></h5>

More than 40,000 Argentines have bought tickets for matches in the tournament that kicks off in Moscow on June 14

<h2>Football</h2>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/chelsea-players-celebrate-fa-cup-victory-against-manchester-united-138430">Chelsea players celebrate FA Cup victory against Manchester United</a>

Antonio Conte's team held on for a 1-0 win over United at Wembley as Eden Hazard's first-half penalty was followed by a determined defensive display from the Blues after the interval

<h5 title="Michael Carrick makes immediate switch to coaching role at Manchester United"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-carrick-makes-immediate-switch-to-coaching-role-at-manchester-united-137029">Michael Carrick makes immediate switch to coaching role at Manchester United</a></h5>

Michael Carrick is making an immediate switch from Manchester United's playing squad to the coaching team in time for Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea

<h2>Cricket</h2>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cameron-bancroft-been-cleared-to-play-club-cricket--137063">Cameron Bancroft been cleared to play club cricket</a>

Cameron Bancroft has been cleared to play club cricket in Western Australia

<h5 title="'Proper big dog' coming to County, Moeen Ali on Virat Kohli"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/proper-big-dog-coming-to-county-moeen-ali-on-virat-kohli-137462">'Proper big dog' coming to County, Moeen Ali on Virat Kohli</a></h5>

Moeen and his compatriot Chris Woakes are playing under Kohli for the Bangalore in IPL

<h5 title="ICC may consider scrapping toss in Test cricket"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-may-consider-scrapping-toss-in-test-cricket-137768">ICC may consider scrapping toss in Test cricket</a></h5>

Latest reports suggest that the ICC committee is ready to re-enter the topic

<h2>Tennis</h2>

<h5 title="Italian Open: Elina Svitolina outplays Simona Halep to defend title"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-elina-svitolina-outplays-simona-halep-to-defend-title-138443">Italian Open: Elina Svitolina outplays Simona Halep to defend title</a></h5>

Elina Svitolina successfully defended her&nbsp;Italian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;title on Sunday with a dominant 6-0 6-4 victory over an out-of-sorts Simona Halep

<h5 title="Italian Open: Rafael Nadal wins eighth Rome Masters title after stunning comeback"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-rafael-nadal-wins-eighth-rome-masters-title-after-stunning-comeback-138468">Italian Open: Rafael Nadal wins eighth Rome Masters title after stunning comeback</a></h5>

Rafael Nadal won the Rome Masters for the eighth time as he defeated defending champion Alexander Zverev

<h5 title="Watch: Czech tennis player Pliskova 'smashes' umpire's chair"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-karolina-pliskova-smashes-umpires-chair-after-losing-to-maria-sakkari-at-italian-open-137500">Watch: Czech tennis player Pliskova 'smashes' umpire's chair</a></h5>

Pliskova was furious when 42nd-ranked Sakkari was given the advantage and also a breakpoint at a crucial stage of the match

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Holy moly Pliskova is the real MVP! Well done, she was right about that call! it was 10km in! <a href="https://t.co/YgJ5MHgmYo">pic.twitter.com/YgJ5MHgmYo</a>
— LorenaPopa? ??‍♀️ (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/996735228394835969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/italys-elia-viviani-wins-giro-ditalia-13th-stage-138029">Italy's Elia Viviani wins Giro d'Italia 13th stage</a>

Italy's Elia Viviani of the Quick Step team dominated a sprint finish for the Giro d'Italia 13th stage

Weekly compilation of sports and other related news (May 14 to May 20)

WION's pick of the week Watch: Marcelo's son Enzo Vieira stuns Real Madrid players with impressive head tennis show Orgulho do papai!! ? @enzoalvesv Isso aqui é uma familia!!! @realmadrid ❤️⚽️ A post shared by Marcelo Vieira Jr. (@marcelotwelve) on May 15, 2018 at 11:04am PDT × FIFA 2018: Do you know that first FIFA trophy was stolen and never recovered In 1983, the original Jules Rimet trophy was stolen from the display window and never recovered × × Opinion: KL Rahul – A rejuvenated and repackaged batting power house KL Rahul has been a treat to watch and I am sure that going forward he would play an all-important role for India in all formats of the game Opinion: After Nadal & Federer, who will be the next ATP superstar? It has been a decade now that men's Tennis is waiting for its next superstar Shivangi Pathak becomes youngest woman to scale Mt Everest Shivangi said that she inspired by Arunima Sinha, who was the first Indian amputee to scale the nearly 29,000 ft peak Meet the top four teams of IPL 2018 'It is a difficult day,' says teary-eyed Andres Iniesta during farewell ceremony Andres Iniesta bid farewell to his boyhood club FC Barcelona. He has spent all of his senior career at Camp Nou & has lifted 32 trophies × FIFA 2018 FIFA 2018: World Cup fever inspires Panini stickers craze Created in 1960 by the four Panini brothers, the business has an exclusive contract with world football's governing body FIFA and its first World Cup album dates back to 1970 Throwback to Luis Suarez's biting Chiellini in FIFA 2014: 'Anyone got a toothpick, Chiellini stuck in my teeth' Luis Suarez took a nibble from Italy's Giorgio Chiellini shoulder and was suspended for four months from all football-related activities FIFA 2018: Italy not going to World Cup but World Cup comes to Italy The eliminated Azzurri will not brighten the tournament, but Italians will still make the cup shine England defender Mawson ruled out of FIFA World Cup The 24-year-old was yet to make his England debut but was called up by manager Gareth Southgate for friendlies in March Mario Gotze ruled out of Germany's squad for FIFA 2018 Mario Gotze has been ruled out of Germany's squad for the upcoming edition of football World Cup He won't be there at FIFA 2018 but let's relive Mario Gotze's winning goal from 2014 @DFB_Team_EN won the @FIFAWorldCup with this extra time beauty by Mario Gotze! What's everyones predictions for the winning team this year? #worldcup2018 #WorldCupAtTheRegency tickets here >> https://t.co/WP8KRD9MhV #WorldCupAtTheAmbler tickets here >> https://t.co/8REtlUfSbc pic.twitter.com/0qdcyGUNae — Sedulo Manchester (@SeduloMCR) May 10, 2018 × FIFA 2018: England fans warned over flag-waving at World Cup in Russia Tensions are high between Britain and Russia over the poisoning of former double agent Yuri Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury earlier this year Neymar's foot injury worries him, as he prepares to return He has been out of action since spraining his ankle and fracturing his fifth metatarsal on Feb. 25, which led him to undergo surgery in Brazil FIFA 2018: Argentina apologises for manual on seducing Russian women More than 40,000 Argentines have bought tickets for matches in the tournament that kicks off in Moscow on June 14 Football Chelsea players celebrate FA Cup victory against Manchester United Antonio Conte's team held on for a 1-0 win over United at Wembley as Eden Hazard's first-half penalty was followed by a determined defensive display from the Blues after the interval Michael Carrick makes immediate switch to coaching role at Manchester United Michael Carrick is making an immediate switch from Manchester United's playing squad to the coaching team in time for Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea Cricket Cameron Bancroft been cleared to play club cricket Cameron Bancroft has been cleared to play club cricket in Western Australia 'Proper big dog' coming to County, Moeen Ali on Virat Kohli Moeen and his compatriot Chris Woakes are playing under Kohli for the Bangalore in IPL ICC may consider scrapping toss in Test cricket Latest reports suggest that the ICC committee is ready to re-enter the topic Tennis Italian Open: Elina Svitolina outplays Simona Halep to defend title Elina Svitolina successfully defended her Italian Open title on Sunday with a dominant 6-0 6-4 victory over an out-of-sorts Simona Halep Italian Open: Rafael Nadal wins eighth Rome Masters title after stunning comeback Rafael Nadal won the Rome Masters for the eighth time as he defeated defending champion Alexander Zverev Watch: Czech tennis player Pliskova 'smashes' umpire's chair Pliskova was furious when 42nd-ranked Sakkari was given the advantage and also a breakpoint at a crucial stage of the match Holy moly Pliskova is the real MVP! Well done, she was right about that call! it was 10km in! pic.twitter.com/YgJ5MHgmYo — LorenaPopa? ??‍♀️ (@popalorena) May 16, 2018 × Italy's Elia Viviani wins Giro d'Italia 13th stage Italy's Elia Viviani of the Quick Step team dominated a sprint finish for the Giro d'Italia 13th stage

WION Sports News: Top sports results this week

Between eight and ten million packets a day, each with five cards, perhaps including the coveted ones of Lionel Messi, Neymar or Cristiano Ronaldo -- as World Cup fever builds the Panini sticker factory in Italy is working flat out.

With Panini, Italy are guaranteed not to miss out on the World Cup in Russia even if their team will not be competing.&nbsp;

Created in 1960 by the four Panini brothers, the business has an exclusive contract with world football's governing body FIFA and its first World Cup album dates back to 1970.

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Panini World Cup stickers are back baybay! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panini?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Panini</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/cFv3IqdviZ">pic.twitter.com/cFv3IqdviZ</a>
— The Adamantium (@AdamRHarrison) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamRHarrison/status/997954081808269312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Over the past 50 years the principle has never changed -- you open, stick and exchange cards.

"It's the simplicity that pays. Panini has never been in crisis because it's a simple game enjoyed by parents and children," Simona Spiaggia, head of production at the factory in Modena in central Italy told AFP.

Even four-time champions' Italy's absence from the World Cup for the first time in 60 years has not dented booming sales.

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Get Your 2018 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panini?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Panini</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFA</a> 365 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Stickers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Stickers</a> Special Collectors Package w/72 Page Album! World's Biggest Soccer Football Stars!! <a href="https://t.co/q3Ljf4nwCz">https://t.co/q3Ljf4nwCz</a>
— ?MilanLegends.com⚫️ (@TheMilanLegends) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMilanLegends/status/998096276574101504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"No, it's marginal," continues Spiaggia.&nbsp;

"We produce for the entire world, apart from a part of Latin American because we have another factory in Brazil.&nbsp;

"But for the rest of the world, everything is done here. So Italy represents just a small part."

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Iker <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Casillas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Casillas</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spain?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Spain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panini?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Panini</a> stickers 2002-2016 <a href="https://t.co/0gVT4OUuKk">pic.twitter.com/0gVT4OUuKk</a>
— Stickerpedia (@Stickerpedia1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Stickerpedia1/status/998083268338704384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Since last January the machines which have remained unchanged since the 1960s, cut, mix and package at a faster rate than normal with the number of factory employees having jumped from 130 to 240 to keep pace with demand.

"We have production peaks every two years with the European championships and the World Cup. But that of the World Cup is a little higher," said Spiaggia.

And despite other partnership deals, notably with Disney, and inroads into cycling and basketball, football "still represents the largest part of our business," she said.

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I've a swap request for my PANINI STICKER ALBUM: You have: Stickers 'Egypt','João Mário','Mitchell Langerak','Bailey Wright','Aaron Mooy' 
You want: Stickers 'Korea Republic','Kim Younggwon','Ki Sungyueng','Lee Chungyong','Hwang Heechan' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PaniniStickerAlbum?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PaniniStickerAlbum</a><a href="https://t.co/klO0AtYYh3">https://t.co/klO0AtYYh3</a>
— Mazen Mohamed Aly ™ (@MazenMohamedAly) <a href="https://twitter.com/MazenMohamedAly/status/998007928224444417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Even competition from internet collections has not yet threatened or diminished the appeal of the traditional paper album.

"We're going forward with on-line. But it's a bit like books, some move to e-books, others will always prefer paper and that's the same for our collectors."

Fans will be searching avidly for stars including Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo, stickers which may seem rarer but which are in fact not.

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And so it begins. Worst parenting I've ever done. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panini?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Panini</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Stickers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Stickers</a> <a href="https://t.co/jkwvzqKZIF">pic.twitter.com/jkwvzqKZIF</a>
— Jarlath Regan (@Jarlath) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jarlath/status/997967382973906944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"If they're rare it's because they are more sought after," explained Spiaggia. "There are fewer in circulation because they're not being exchanged, but not at the start."

In the end it's all down to chance and the shuffle of the machines. That is one thing that has changed from the early days when the mix was done with a shovel by throwing the stickers against the wall.

Created in 1960 by the four Panini brothers, the business has an exclusive contract with world football's governing body FIFA and its first World Cup album dates back to 1970

Between eight and ten million packets a day, each with five cards, perhaps including the coveted ones of Lionel Messi, Neymar or Cristiano Ronaldo -- as World Cup fever builds the Panini sticker factory in Italy is working flat out. With Panini, Italy are guaranteed not to miss out on the World Cup in Russia even if their team will not be competing. Created in 1960 by the four Panini brothers, the business has an exclusive contract with world football's governing body FIFA and its first World Cup album dates back to 1970. Panini World Cup stickers are back baybay! #Panini #WorldCup2018 pic.twitter.com/cFv3IqdviZ — The Adamantium (@AdamRHarrison) May 19, 2018 × Over the past 50 years the principle has never changed -- you open, stick and exchange cards. "It's the simplicity that pays. Panini has never been in crisis because it's a simple game enjoyed by parents and children," Simona Spiaggia, head of production at the factory in Modena in central Italy told AFP. Even four-time champions' Italy's absence from the World Cup for the first time in 60 years has not dented booming sales. Get Your 2018 #Panini #FIFA 365 #Stickers Special Collectors Package w/72 Page Album! World's Biggest Soccer Football Stars!! https://t.co/q3Ljf4nwCz — ?MilanLegends.com⚫️ (@TheMilanLegends) May 20, 2018 × "No, it's marginal," continues Spiaggia. "We produce for the entire world, apart from a part of Latin American because we have another factory in Brazil. "But for the rest of the world, everything is done here. So Italy represents just a small part." Iker #Casillas#Spain #WorldCup #EURO #Panini stickers 2002-2016 pic.twitter.com/0gVT4OUuKk — Stickerpedia (@Stickerpedia1) May 20, 2018 × Since last January the machines which have remained unchanged since the 1960s, cut, mix and package at a faster rate than normal with the number of factory employees having jumped from 130 to 240 to keep pace with demand. "We have production peaks every two years with the European championships and the World Cup. But that of the World Cup is a little higher," said Spiaggia. And despite other partnership deals, notably with Disney, and inroads into cycling and basketball, football "still represents the largest part of our business," she said. I've a swap request for my PANINI STICKER ALBUM: You have: Stickers 'Egypt','João Mário','Mitchell Langerak','Bailey Wright','Aaron Mooy' You want: Stickers 'Korea Republic','Kim Younggwon','Ki Sungyueng','Lee Chungyong','Hwang Heechan' #PaniniStickerAlbumhttps://t.co/klO0AtYYh3 — Mazen Mohamed Aly ™ (@MazenMohamedAly) May 20, 2018 × Even competition from internet collections has not yet threatened or diminished the appeal of the traditional paper album. "We're going forward with on-line. But it's a bit like books, some move to e-books, others will always prefer paper and that's the same for our collectors." Fans will be searching avidly for stars including Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo, stickers which may seem rarer but which are in fact not. And so it begins. Worst parenting I've ever done. #Panini #WorldCup #Stickers pic.twitter.com/jkwvzqKZIF — Jarlath Regan (@Jarlath) May 19, 2018 × "If they're rare it's because they are more sought after," explained Spiaggia. "There are fewer in circulation because they're not being exchanged, but not at the start." In the end it's all down to chance and the shuffle of the machines. That is one thing that has changed from the early days when the mix was done with a shovel by throwing the stickers against the wall.

FIFA 2018: World Cup fever inspires Panini stickers craze

Uruguay forward Luis Suarez took a nibble from Italy's Giorgio Chiellini shoulder and was suspended for four months from all football-related activities and also was handed a nine-match international suspension.

During Uruguay's final group game against Italy, the biting incident happened and became one of the most remembered incidents in the history of FIFA.

The match was eventually won by the South American side 1-0 and Uruguay progressed to the last 16, where they were beaten by Colombia.

This unusual incident was not happened the first time, biting Chiellini was third such instance in which Suarez sunk his teeth into an opponent while playing for Ajax and Liverpool.

Just after the World Cup on 11 July 2014, Suarez was transferred to FC Barcelona on a five-year contract for an undisclosed transfer fee.

Although Suarez thought his hopes of a switch to Catalonia had crumbled as a result of his actions at the World Cup in Brazil.

As the result of the suspension, he was banned from all "football-related activities" including training for Barcelona, for four months. He was also banned from entering any stadium, even as a spectator, during the same period and also missed 2015 Copa America.

Watch the video here:

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Luis Suarez took a nibble from Italy's Giorgio Chiellini shoulder and was suspended for four months from all football-related activities

Uruguay forward Luis Suarez took a nibble from Italy's Giorgio Chiellini shoulder and was suspended for four months from all football-related activities and also was handed a nine-match international suspension. During Uruguay's final group game against Italy, the biting incident happened and became one of the most remembered incidents in the history of FIFA. The match was eventually won by the South American side 1-0 and Uruguay progressed to the last 16, where they were beaten by Colombia. This unusual incident was not happened the first time, biting Chiellini was third such instance in which Suarez sunk his teeth into an opponent while playing for Ajax and Liverpool. Just after the World Cup on 11 July 2014, Suarez was transferred to FC Barcelona on a five-year contract for an undisclosed transfer fee. Although Suarez thought his hopes of a switch to Catalonia had crumbled as a result of his actions at the World Cup in Brazil. As the result of the suspension, he was banned from all "football-related activities" including training for Barcelona, for four months. He was also banned from entering any stadium, even as a spectator, during the same period and also missed 2015 Copa America. Watch the video here: ×

Throwback to Luis Suarez's biting Chiellini in FIFA 2014: 'Anyone got a toothpick, Chiellini stuck in my teeth'

The madness has begun for one of the biggest sporting events on earth -&nbspfootball World Cup. FIFA 2018 is the 21st edition of football World Cup which is being hosted by Russia and will start from June 14.

The winner will be awarded the famous gold trophy. Since, the inception of&nbspFIFA World Cup association football tournament in 1930, two trophies have been used, the first is the Jules Rimet Trophy from 1930 to 1970 and the other is the FIFA World Cup Trophy which has been passed down since 1974.

The question most football fanatics cannot fathom is why was trophy changed in 1974?

Jules Rimet Trophy was originally named 'Victory' because the Cup was supported by a winged figure representing Nike, the ancient Greek goddess of victory but later was renamed in the honour of former FIFA president Jules Rimet.

It was made of gold plated sterling silver and lapis lazuli and depicted Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.

Designed by Abel Lafleur, a French sculptor, the trophy stood 35 centimetres high and weighed 3.8 kilograms.

On 20 March 1966, four months before the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England, the Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen during a public exhibition at Westminster Central Hall. Although, seven days later the trophy was somehow recovered from south London.

But the fate of the famous trophy did not last long&nbspafter Brazil won the World Cup in 1970 and the trophy was kept on the display at the Brazilian Football Confederation headquarters in Rio de Janerio.&nbsp

In 1983, the original Jules Rimet trophy was stolen from the display window and never recovered. It is believed that the trophy was melted and sold. Only the original base was recovered which is kept at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich.

Later, the trophy was replaced in the year 1974 by the famous hand-and-ball sculpture which was designed by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga. The trophy stands 36.5 centimetres tall and is made of 5 kg of gold.

West Germany became the first nation to win the new trophy in 1974 beating Holland in a thrilling final at home.&nbsp

This time, defending champions Germany will join hosts Russia, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Iceland, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia and Uruguay.

In 1983, the original Jules Rimet trophy was stolen from the display window and never recovered

The madness has begun for one of the biggest sporting events on earth -&nbspfootball World Cup. FIFA 2018 is the 21st edition of football World Cup which is being hosted by Russia and will start from June 14. The winner will be awarded the famous gold trophy. Since, the inception of&nbspFIFA World Cup association football tournament in 1930, two trophies have been used, the first is the Jules Rimet Trophy from 1930 to 1970 and the other is the FIFA World Cup Trophy which has been passed down since 1974. The question most football fanatics cannot fathom is why was trophy changed in 1974? Jules Rimet Trophy was originally named 'Victory' because the Cup was supported by a winged figure representing Nike, the ancient Greek goddess of victory but later was renamed in the honour of former FIFA president Jules Rimet. It was made of gold plated sterling silver and lapis lazuli and depicted Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. Designed by Abel Lafleur, a French sculptor, the trophy stood 35 centimetres high and weighed 3.8 kilograms. On 20 March 1966, four months before the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England, the Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen during a public exhibition at Westminster Central Hall. Although, seven days later the trophy was somehow recovered from south London. But the fate of the famous trophy did not last long&nbspafter Brazil won the World Cup in 1970 and the trophy was kept on the display at the Brazilian Football Confederation headquarters in Rio de Janerio. In 1983, the original Jules Rimet trophy was stolen from the display window and never recovered. It is believed that the trophy was melted and sold. Only the original base was recovered which is kept at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich. Later, the trophy was replaced in the year 1974 by the famous hand-and-ball sculpture which was designed by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga. The trophy stands 36.5 centimetres tall and is made of 5 kg of gold. West Germany became the first nation to win the new trophy in 1974 beating Holland in a thrilling final at home. This time, defending champions Germany will join hosts Russia, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Iceland, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia and Uruguay.

FIFA 2018: Do you know that first FIFA trophy was stolen and never recovered

Police chiefs have urged England fans attending the World Cup not to display the flag of St George over fears it will be seen as antagonistic to their Russian hosts.

Mark Roberts of the National Police Chiefs' Council is heading to Russia with a team of fellow officers to work with their Russian counterparts to protect up to 10,000 England fans.&nbsp;

"I think people need to be really careful with flags. It can come across as almost imperialistic... and can cause antagonism," Roberts, the national lead for football policing, told Britain's Times newspaper.

"We really urge some caution about people putting flags out and waving them about in public.

"We would not expect people to come across to this country, get drunk and drape flags on the Cenotaph (the memorial to Britain's national war dead) so we need to extend the same courtesy when we go abroad."

After Russian hooligans attacked England fans in Marseilles in 2016, they posted photos of dozens of "captured" St George's flags, the report said.

Roberts warned fans to be particularly careful in Volgograd, formerly Stalingrad, which hosts England's opening game against Tunisia on June 18.

Tensions are high between Britain and Russia over the poisoning of former double agent Yuri Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury earlier this year. Britain has blamed Russia for the attempted murder, a charge that Moscow has strongly denied.

Tensions are high between Britain and Russia over the poisoning of former double agent Yuri Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury earlier this year

Police chiefs have urged England fans attending the World Cup not to display the flag of St George over fears it will be seen as antagonistic to their Russian hosts. Mark Roberts of the National Police Chiefs' Council is heading to Russia with a team of fellow officers to work with their Russian counterparts to protect up to 10,000 England fans. "I think people need to be really careful with flags. It can come across as almost imperialistic... and can cause antagonism," Roberts, the national lead for football policing, told Britain's Times newspaper. "We really urge some caution about people putting flags out and waving them about in public. "We would not expect people to come across to this country, get drunk and drape flags on the Cenotaph (the memorial to Britain's national war dead) so we need to extend the same courtesy when we go abroad." After Russian hooligans attacked England fans in Marseilles in 2016, they posted photos of dozens of "captured" St George's flags, the report said. Roberts warned fans to be particularly careful in Volgograd, formerly Stalingrad, which hosts England's opening game against Tunisia on June 18. Tensions are high between Britain and Russia over the poisoning of former double agent Yuri Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury earlier this year. Britain has blamed Russia for the attempted murder, a charge that Moscow has strongly denied.

FIFA 2018: England fans warned over flag-waving at World Cup in Russia

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