FIFA members vote Wednesday on whether to award the 2026 World Cup to a slick North American bid or to Morocco, which has African support to bring football's showpiece event back to the continent.

On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, delegates from 207 nations gathered in Moscow are faced with a clear choice.

The United States, Mexico and Canada are the frontrunners, boasting modern, established stadiums and well-developed transport links.

Morocco's bid exists largely on paper -- many stadiums will need to be built and critics question how it will cope with a tournament that will be expanded to 48 teams in 2026.

FIFA inspectors have classified the north African nation's stadiums, accommodation and transport as "high risk", awarding it just 2.7 out of five, with red flags raised over several critical aspects of the bid.

A FIFA taskforce warned last month "the amount of new infrastructure required for the Morocco 2026 bid to become reality cannot be overstated".

The report left the US-Canada-Mexico bid as the clear front-runner after giving it a rating of four out of five.

But the North American bid fears it could lose out if the vote essentially becomes a referendum on the popularity of US President Donald Trump.

Bid leader Carlos Cordeiro has urged FIFA members to vote on the "merits" of the bid, not Trump's divisive policies.

"We believe strongly that this decision will be made on its merits,"&nbsp;Cordeiro said in a conference call. "This is not geopolitics, we're talking about football and what is fundamentally, at the end of the day, the best interest of football and our footballing community."

The US lost out to Qatar in 2022 in a vote now tarnished by corruption allegations that spelled the beginning of the end of the once all-powerful FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

It prompted a change in the rules.&nbsp;Whereas previously the 24 members of the FIFA executive committee used to determine World Cup races,&nbsp;the host will now be decided by a vote of individual FIFA member nations.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is believed to strongly support the North American bid because the three countries involved backed him for the presidency in 2016 when he took over after the reign of Blatter.

Critics of the Morocco bid also point to the fact that the 2026 World Cup will be the first to be expanded to 48 teams, posing a severe test for the hosts.

Bid leader Hicham El Amrani argues its 12 host cities are "very close to each other, with for example Casablanca a maximum 500 kilometres from another venue" compared to the vast distances involved in North America.

France, in particular, has lobbied behind the scenes for French-speaking Morocco and the bid has the support of most of Africa in line with a call from the head of the Confederation of African Football, Ahmad Ahmad.

It will likely need heavy support from European nations to pull off a shock win -- and its proximity to Europe is a plus for many supporters.&nbsp;

Aleksander Ceferin, the president of Europe's governing body UEFA, says he has not directed his members which way to vote.

"UEFA delegates are smart enough to choose what is best for football," he told the BBC.

Morocco has tried, and failed, four times before, in votes for the 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010 tournaments -- it lost out in the latter to South Africa, the only African nation ever to have hosted football's global showpiece.

North American bid leaders countered by promising to deliver a record $11 billion profit.

Morocco's bid exists largely on paper -- many stadiums will need to be built and critics question how it will cope with a tournament that will be expanded to 48 teams in 2026

FIFA members vote Wednesday on whether to award the 2026 World Cup to a slick North American bid or to Morocco, which has African support to bring football's showpiece event back to the continent. On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, delegates from 207 nations gathered in Moscow are faced with a clear choice. The United States, Mexico and Canada are the frontrunners, boasting modern, established stadiums and well-developed transport links. Morocco's bid exists largely on paper -- many stadiums will need to be built and critics question how it will cope with a tournament that will be expanded to 48 teams in 2026. FIFA inspectors have classified the north African nation's stadiums, accommodation and transport as "high risk", awarding it just 2.7 out of five, with red flags raised over several critical aspects of the bid. A FIFA taskforce warned last month "the amount of new infrastructure required for the Morocco 2026 bid to become reality cannot be overstated". The report left the US-Canada-Mexico bid as the clear front-runner after giving it a rating of four out of five. But the North American bid fears it could lose out if the vote essentially becomes a referendum on the popularity of US President Donald Trump. Bid leader Carlos Cordeiro has urged FIFA members to vote on the "merits" of the bid, not Trump's divisive policies. "We believe strongly that this decision will be made on its merits," Cordeiro said in a conference call. "This is not geopolitics, we're talking about football and what is fundamentally, at the end of the day, the best interest of football and our footballing community." The US lost out to Qatar in 2022 in a vote now tarnished by corruption allegations that spelled the beginning of the end of the once all-powerful FIFA president Sepp Blatter. It prompted a change in the rules. Whereas previously the 24 members of the FIFA executive committee used to determine World Cup races, the host will now be decided by a vote of individual FIFA member nations. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is believed to strongly support the North American bid because the three countries involved backed him for the presidency in 2016 when he took over after the reign of Blatter. Critics of the Morocco bid also point to the fact that the 2026 World Cup will be the first to be expanded to 48 teams, posing a severe test for the hosts. Bid leader Hicham El Amrani argues its 12 host cities are "very close to each other, with for example Casablanca a maximum 500 kilometres from another venue" compared to the vast distances involved in North America. France, in particular, has lobbied behind the scenes for French-speaking Morocco and the bid has the support of most of Africa in line with a call from the head of the Confederation of African Football, Ahmad Ahmad. It will likely need heavy support from European nations to pull off a shock win -- and its proximity to Europe is a plus for many supporters. Aleksander Ceferin, the president of Europe's governing body UEFA, says he has not directed his members which way to vote. "UEFA delegates are smart enough to choose what is best for football," he told the BBC. Morocco has tried, and failed, four times before, in votes for the 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010 tournaments -- it lost out in the latter to South Africa, the only African nation ever to have hosted football's global showpiece. North American bid leaders countered by promising to deliver a record $11 billion profit.

Who will host football World Cup 2026: Canada, US & Mexico or Morocco

England forward Marcus Rashford has suffered a "slight knock" in the final training session before heading to the World Cup in Russia, manager Gareth Southgate said.

The 20-year old, who scored 13 goals for Manchester United in all competitions last season, will be hopeful of a starting spot in Southgate's team after impressing in the warm-up games, including a long-range goal against Costa Rica.

"Marcus took a slight knock but nothing too serious so we will have a look at that ahead of tomorrow's session which is open for everyone to see," Southgate told British media.

"We have another week of preparation and a lot of competition for places, as you know."

Southgate has not yet decided on the starting lineup ahead of Monday's World Cup opener against Tunisia, saying there are "one or two very close calls" which will be decided once training resumes in Repino.

England will also face Panama and Belgium in Group G.

England will also face Panama and Belgium in Group G

England forward Marcus Rashford has suffered a "slight knock" in the final training session before heading to the World Cup in Russia, manager Gareth Southgate said. The 20-year old, who scored 13 goals for Manchester United in all competitions last season, will be hopeful of a starting spot in Southgate's team after impressing in the warm-up games, including a long-range goal against Costa Rica. "Marcus took a slight knock but nothing too serious so we will have a look at that ahead of tomorrow's session which is open for everyone to see," Southgate told British media. "We have another week of preparation and a lot of competition for places, as you know." Southgate has not yet decided on the starting lineup ahead of Monday's World Cup opener against Tunisia, saying there are "one or two very close calls" which will be decided once training resumes in Repino. England will also face Panama and Belgium in Group G.

England's Marcus Rashford suffers injury scare ahead of World Cup opener

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has called on Nike to apologise to his team after the US&nbsp;sportswear firm said it could not supply the players with football boots for the World Cup due to sanctions.

"US sanctions mean that, as a US company, Nike cannot supply shoes to players in the Iranian National team at this time," Nike had said in a statement.

Queiroz, whose side face Morocco in their Group B opener on Friday, said it was an unnecessary statement and asked FIFA to help.

"It has been a source of inspiration for us," Queiroz told&nbsp;Sky Sports. "This last comment of Nike was, in my personal view, an unnecessary statement. Everybody is aware about the sanctions.

"They should come out and apologise because this arrogant conduct against 23 boys is absolutely ridiculous and unnecessary."

Queiroz, whose side face Morocco in their Group B opener on Friday, said it was an unnecessary statement and asked FIFA to help

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has called on Nike to apologise to his team after the US sportswear firm said it could not supply the players with football boots for the World Cup due to sanctions. "US sanctions mean that, as a US company, Nike cannot supply shoes to players in the Iranian National team at this time," Nike had said in a statement. Queiroz, whose side face Morocco in their Group B opener on Friday, said it was an unnecessary statement and asked FIFA to help. "It has been a source of inspiration for us," Queiroz told Sky Sports. "This last comment of Nike was, in my personal view, an unnecessary statement. Everybody is aware about the sanctions. "They should come out and apologise because this arrogant conduct against 23 boys is absolutely ridiculous and unnecessary."

Iran's coach Carlos Queiroz slams Nike over World Cup boots

British pop star Robbie Williams, who will be performing at the World Cup opening ceremony in Moscow on Thursday, said he will not be performing his hit song "Party Like A Russian."

Speaking to Reuters on Tuesday after a rehearsal for the show, Williams said he will be performing "a medley, a smorgasbord of my greatest hits" alongside Russian soprano Aida Garifullina.

"I would love to do 'Party Like A Russian.' Unfortunately, I've been asked not to do 'Party Like A Russian," he said.

Williams immediately added: "Actually, it has nothing to do with not being asked. It's about me doing my biggest hits that are the best known."

In the 2016 track, the Briton sings "it takes a certain kind of man with a certain reputation, to alleviate the cash from a whole entire nation." In the accompanying music video, ballerinas twirl around Williams in a lavish setting.

Pro-Kremlin media outlets were critical, suggesting Williams could be snubbed by Russian event organisers because of the song.

In response, Williams wrote on Twitter at the time that "this song is definitely not about Mr Putin."

"'Party Like A Russian'" was a big hit for me, it was like my biggest hit here in Russia, so I'm really pleased," Williams said.

"I didn't mean any disrespect by it at all. It's more of a Monty Python-esque kind of humour. I'm not mocking anybody. It's just a pop record."

Williams, who has previously performed at private parties organised by wealthy Russian business people, said he loved coming to Russia.

"Because when we grew up, Russia might as well have been on a different planet," he said. "And then peering behind the Iron Curtain as it was, as it is, you get to meet the people, you get to experience the culture and you realise that you know, they are just humans, just like me and you."

Williams said performing at the opening ceremony of the World Cup was an honour.

"Something like this happens, and you pinch yourself," he said. "I'm pinching myself again... And I just don't want to get too overwhelmed because I know how big the stage is."

The performance will take place half an hour before Russia face Saudi Arabia in the tournament's opening match at Moscow's Luzhniki stadium.

"'Party Like A Russian'" was a big hit for me, it was like my biggest hit here in Russia, so I'm really pleased," Williams said

British pop star Robbie Williams, who will be performing at the World Cup opening ceremony in Moscow on Thursday, said he will not be performing his hit song "Party Like A Russian." Speaking to Reuters on Tuesday after a rehearsal for the show, Williams said he will be performing "a medley, a smorgasbord of my greatest hits" alongside Russian soprano Aida Garifullina. "I would love to do 'Party Like A Russian.' Unfortunately, I've been asked not to do 'Party Like A Russian," he said. Williams immediately added: "Actually, it has nothing to do with not being asked. It's about me doing my biggest hits that are the best known." In the 2016 track, the Briton sings "it takes a certain kind of man with a certain reputation, to alleviate the cash from a whole entire nation." In the accompanying music video, ballerinas twirl around Williams in a lavish setting. Pro-Kremlin media outlets were critical, suggesting Williams could be snubbed by Russian event organisers because of the song. In response, Williams wrote on Twitter at the time that "this song is definitely not about Mr Putin." "'Party Like A Russian'" was a big hit for me, it was like my biggest hit here in Russia, so I'm really pleased," Williams said. "I didn't mean any disrespect by it at all. It's more of a Monty Python-esque kind of humour. I'm not mocking anybody. It's just a pop record." Williams, who has previously performed at private parties organised by wealthy Russian business people, said he loved coming to Russia. "Because when we grew up, Russia might as well have been on a different planet," he said. "And then peering behind the Iron Curtain as it was, as it is, you get to meet the people, you get to experience the culture and you realise that you know, they are just humans, just like me and you." Williams said performing at the opening ceremony of the World Cup was an honour. "Something like this happens, and you pinch yourself," he said. "I'm pinching myself again... And I just don't want to get too overwhelmed because I know how big the stage is." The performance will take place half an hour before Russia face Saudi Arabia in the tournament's opening match at Moscow's Luzhniki stadium.

No 'Party Like A Russian' for Robbie Williams at World Cup opening

Two strikes from captain Robert Lewandowski followed by goals from Dawid Kownacki and Jakub Blaszczykowski gave Poland a 4-0 victory over Lithuania in their final pre-World Cup friendly in Warsaw on Tuesday.

Poland took the lead after 19 minutes when Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski, preparing for his first appearance at a World Cup, finished a team move with a precise strike.

The 29-year-old doubled his tally after the half-hour mark from a free kick, following a foul on teammate Arkadiusz Milik. Lewandowski's strike cannoned off the bar and bounced out of the goal but the referee was informed by goal-line technology that the ball had indeed crossed the line.

Poland coach Adam Nawalka gave his talisman a rest at halftime, but the team continued to score in his absence. Sampdoria's Kownacki found the net after being set up by his club teammate Bartosz Bereszynski in the 71st minute.

Blaszczykowski completed the rout ten minutes later when he converted a penalty after the Video Assistant Referee signalled that Lithuania's Algis Jankauskas had handled the ball in the area.

Poland begins their World Cup Group H campaign in Moscow against Senegal on June 19, before facing Colombia and Japan.

Poland coach Adam Nawalka gave his talisman a rest at halftime, but the team continued to score in his absence

Two strikes from captain Robert Lewandowski followed by goals from Dawid Kownacki and Jakub Blaszczykowski gave Poland a 4-0 victory over Lithuania in their final pre-World Cup friendly in Warsaw on Tuesday. Poland took the lead after 19 minutes when Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski, preparing for his first appearance at a World Cup, finished a team move with a precise strike. The 29-year-old doubled his tally after the half-hour mark from a free kick, following a foul on teammate Arkadiusz Milik. Lewandowski's strike cannoned off the bar and bounced out of the goal but the referee was informed by goal-line technology that the ball had indeed crossed the line. Poland coach Adam Nawalka gave his talisman a rest at halftime, but the team continued to score in his absence. Sampdoria's Kownacki found the net after being set up by his club teammate Bartosz Bereszynski in the 71st minute. Blaszczykowski completed the rout ten minutes later when he converted a penalty after the Video Assistant Referee signalled that Lithuania's Algis Jankauskas had handled the ball in the area. Poland begins their World Cup Group H campaign in Moscow against Senegal on June 19, before facing Colombia and Japan.

Lithuania fall 4-1 to Poland in World Cup warm-up

Soccer fans worried about racism or homophobia should travel to Russia for the World Cup, but take precautions because the host country is a "difficult environment", the head of the European anti-racism watchdog FARE said on Tuesday.

The Russian Football Union's anti-discrimination inspector has said the World Cup is a chance for Russia to show how open it is.

Yet continuing cases of racist abuse in stadiums in the run-up to the tournament have put observers on alert.

"I think it is a difficult environment but the World Cup we are sure will pass peacefully, we hope," Piara Powar, the executive director of the FARE anti-discrimination network, told Reuters in an interview in Moscow.

Russia pledged to crack down on racism ahead of the World Cup, which kicks off in Moscow on Thursday with an opening ceremony followed by a match between the hosts and Saudi Arabia.

Incidents at matches, however, have continued.

Russia was fined last month after racist abuse was directed at French players during a friendly in March in St Petersburg, which is one of the World Cup's 11 host cities.

In April, fans with Russian premier league club CSKA Moscow chanted racist abuse at Arsenal's black players several times during a Europa League match, according to a Reuters witness.

UEFA, the governing body for European soccer, said no racist behaviour had been reported to it by match officials at that game.

Powar said Russian football clubs and the Russian Football Union have taken their anti-discrimination work more seriously ahead of the World Cup. He praised work carried out in the last year by Alexei Smertin, the Russian Football Union's anti-discrimination inspector.

"We've seen if not a reality change, then a better understanding and them beginning to meet the challenges that have been laid before them," Powar said.

"The spirit of openness, we hope, will prevail but at the same time: take precautions. Understand that the LGBT community are not accepted in the same way as they are in many Western European countries or in many parts of the global North," he said.

In April, Smertin said the World Cup is an opportunity for Russia to show how open it is.

"This is first of all a possibility to prove how friendly and organised we actually are... We can show how we treat everyone equally because football is - as I said - a unifying instrument."

Powar said he had been disappointed after Egypt and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was this week photographed with Ramzan Kadyrov, leader of the southern Russian region of Chechnya where the Egyptian national team is based for the World Cup.

Kadyrov and his allies have been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including torturing and abducting homosexual men, allegations Chechen authorities have denied.

By being pictured with Kadyrov, Salah -- whether knowingly or not -- endorsed the Chechen leadership, said Powar.

"I think it will not overshadow the World Cup, but it's something that stands already a couple of days before kickoff as an unsavoury incident," said Powar.

The Russian Football Union's anti-discrimination inspector has said the World Cup is a chance for Russia to show how open it is.

Soccer fans worried about racism or homophobia should travel to Russia for the World Cup, but take precautions because the host country is a "difficult environment", the head of the European anti-racism watchdog FARE said on Tuesday. The Russian Football Union's anti-discrimination inspector has said the World Cup is a chance for Russia to show how open it is. Yet continuing cases of racist abuse in stadiums in the run-up to the tournament have put observers on alert. "I think it is a difficult environment but the World Cup we are sure will pass peacefully, we hope," Piara Powar, the executive director of the FARE anti-discrimination network, told Reuters in an interview in Moscow. Russia pledged to crack down on racism ahead of the World Cup, which kicks off in Moscow on Thursday with an opening ceremony followed by a match between the hosts and Saudi Arabia. Incidents at matches, however, have continued. Russia was fined last month after racist abuse was directed at French players during a friendly in March in St Petersburg, which is one of the World Cup's 11 host cities. In April, fans with Russian premier league club CSKA Moscow chanted racist abuse at Arsenal's black players several times during a Europa League match, according to a Reuters witness. UEFA, the governing body for European soccer, said no racist behaviour had been reported to it by match officials at that game. Powar said Russian football clubs and the Russian Football Union have taken their anti-discrimination work more seriously ahead of the World Cup. He praised work carried out in the last year by Alexei Smertin, the Russian Football Union's anti-discrimination inspector. "We've seen if not a reality change, then a better understanding and them beginning to meet the challenges that have been laid before them," Powar said. "The spirit of openness, we hope, will prevail but at the same time: take precautions. Understand that the LGBT community are not accepted in the same way as they are in many Western European countries or in many parts of the global North," he said. In April, Smertin said the World Cup is an opportunity for Russia to show how open it is. "This is first of all a possibility to prove how friendly and organised we actually are... We can show how we treat everyone equally because football is - as I said - a unifying instrument." Powar said he had been disappointed after Egypt and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was this week photographed with Ramzan Kadyrov, leader of the southern Russian region of Chechnya where the Egyptian national team is based for the World Cup. Kadyrov and his allies have been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including torturing and abducting homosexual men, allegations Chechen authorities have denied. By being pictured with Kadyrov, Salah -- whether knowingly or not -- endorsed the Chechen leadership, said Powar. "I think it will not overshadow the World Cup, but it's something that stands already a couple of days before kickoff as an unsavoury incident," said Powar.

Visit Russia for World Cup, but be careful, says anti-racism watchdog

US President Donald Trump congratulated North American (US, Mexico and Canada) countries over winning the joint bid to host the football World Cup 2026.

The US will be hosting the FIFA World Cup after 1994, and Mexico after 1986. For Canda, this is the first opportunity to host the football carnival.

On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, delegates from 207 nations gathered and delivered a clear result.

The North American bid received 134 of the 203 votes, while Morocco polled 65 in the ballot at a FIFA Congress held in Moscow.

US President Trump expressed joy via Twitter from his official handle, he said, "The U.S., together with Mexico and Canada, just got the World Cup. Congratulations - a great deal of hard work!"

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The U.S., together with Mexico and Canada, just got the World Cup. Congratulations - a great deal of hard work!
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The North American bid received 134 of the 203 votes, while Morocco polled 65 in the ballot

US President Donald Trump congratulated North American (US, Mexico and Canada) countries over winning the joint bid to host the football World Cup 2026. The US will be hosting the FIFA World Cup after 1994, and Mexico after 1986. For Canda, this is the first opportunity to host the football carnival. On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, delegates from 207 nations gathered and delivered a clear result. The North American bid received 134 of the 203 votes, while Morocco polled 65 in the ballot at a FIFA Congress held in Moscow. US President Trump expressed joy via Twitter from his official handle, he said, "The U.S., together with Mexico and Canada, just got the World Cup. Congratulations - a great deal of hard work!" The U.S., together with Mexico and Canada, just got the World Cup. Congratulations - a great deal of hard work! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2018 ×

President Trump congratulates US, Mexico, Canada on World Cup 2026 bid victory

FIFA members have voted and given their verdict that US, Mexico and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup.

The North American bid received 134 of the 203 votes, while Morocco polled 65 in the ballot at a FIFA Congress held in Moscow on the eve of the 2018 World Cup.

The bid was between North American countries - the US, Mexico and Canada -&nbsp;and Morocco.

Although, Morocco had African support to bring football's showpiece event back to the continent but they lost the bid.

On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, delegates from 207 nations gathered in Moscow and delivered a clear result.

The US will be hosting the FIFA World Cup after 1994, and Mexico hosted the event in 1970 and 1986. For Canda, this is the first opportunity to host the football&nbsp;carnival.

North American bid had an upper hand as Morocco's bid exists largely on paper -&nbsp;many stadiums will need to be built and critics question how it will cope with a tournament that will be expanded to 48 teams in 2026.

FIFA inspectors had classified the north African nation's stadiums, accommodation and transport as "high risk", awarding it just 2.7 out of five, with red flags raised over several critical aspects of the bid but still they won.

A FIFA taskforce warned last month "the amount of new infrastructure required for the Morocco 2026 bid to become reality cannot be overstated".

The report left the US-Canada-Mexico bid as the clear front-runner after giving it a rating of four out of five.

FIFA members have voted and given their verdict that US, Mexico and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup

FIFA members have voted and given their verdict that US, Mexico and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup. The North American bid received 134 of the 203 votes, while Morocco polled 65 in the ballot at a FIFA Congress held in Moscow on the eve of the 2018 World Cup. The bid was between North American countries - the US, Mexico and Canada - and Morocco. Although, Morocco had African support to bring football's showpiece event back to the continent but they lost the bid. On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, delegates from 207 nations gathered in Moscow and delivered a clear result. The US will be hosting the FIFA World Cup after 1994, and Mexico hosted the event in 1970 and 1986. For Canda, this is the first opportunity to host the football carnival. North American bid had an upper hand as Morocco's bid exists largely on paper - many stadiums will need to be built and critics question how it will cope with a tournament that will be expanded to 48 teams in 2026. FIFA inspectors had classified the north African nation's stadiums, accommodation and transport as "high risk", awarding it just 2.7 out of five, with red flags raised over several critical aspects of the bid but still they won. A FIFA taskforce warned last month "the amount of new infrastructure required for the Morocco 2026 bid to become reality cannot be overstated". The report left the US-Canada-Mexico bid as the clear front-runner after giving it a rating of four out of five.

US, Mexico and Canada to host 2026 FIFA World Cup

Defending champions&nbsp;Germany qualified for the finals in style, they registered 10 wins from 10 in UEFA qualifying Group C and became the second team in history to manage that feat after Spain in 2010.

With Joachim Low (Jogi) factor and team's strength in depth, Germany is likely to win the World Cup 2018. Their star defender Manuel Neuer has recovered in time for World Cup campaign. Although, he played just 360 minutes for Bayern Munich last season because of a second metatarsal fracture but Neuer is one player worth gambling.

The German national soccer team travelled to Russia on Tuesday to defend the FIFA World Cup title with a squad of newcomers and veterans, a mixed team somewhat different than the squad that won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Germany coach Joachim Low brought 14 new players to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, moving on from older players such as Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose and Mario Gotze, who scored the winner against Argentina in 2014 final.

The new blood is personified in defender Joshua Kimmich, who is to play in the same position as retired Lahm, a captain in 2014, while forward Timo Werner is to fill the gap of left by Klose.

However, despite the cuts, Low's squad - nicknamed Die Mannschaft - mainly depends on the 2014 champions, including defenders Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng, midfielders Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil and forward Thomas Muller.

Germany qualified for this summer's tournament after winning its 10 qualifying matches, in addition to claiming the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.

More recently, German confidence took a hit after suffering two friendly-match defeats against Brazil and Austria and three draws against England, France and Spain, as well as a single unconvincing 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia.

The following players are likely to start for Germany in Russia: Manuel Neuer, Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Jonas Hector, Kroos, Khedira, Muller, Ozil, Reus and Werner.

Germany, which is set to compete in Group F along with Mexico, Sweden and South Korea, is to debut in the World Cup against the Mexican squad "El Tri" on June 17.

With Joachim Low (Jogi) factor and team's strength in depth, Germany are likely to win the World Cup 2018

Defending champions Germany qualified for the finals in style, they registered 10 wins from 10 in UEFA qualifying Group C and became the second team in history to manage that feat after Spain in 2010. With Joachim Low (Jogi) factor and team's strength in depth, Germany is likely to win the World Cup 2018. Their star defender Manuel Neuer has recovered in time for World Cup campaign. Although, he played just 360 minutes for Bayern Munich last season because of a second metatarsal fracture but Neuer is one player worth gambling. The German national soccer team travelled to Russia on Tuesday to defend the FIFA World Cup title with a squad of newcomers and veterans, a mixed team somewhat different than the squad that won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Germany coach Joachim Low brought 14 new players to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, moving on from older players such as Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose and Mario Gotze, who scored the winner against Argentina in 2014 final. The new blood is personified in defender Joshua Kimmich, who is to play in the same position as retired Lahm, a captain in 2014, while forward Timo Werner is to fill the gap of left by Klose. However, despite the cuts, Low's squad - nicknamed Die Mannschaft - mainly depends on the 2014 champions, including defenders Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng, midfielders Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil and forward Thomas Muller. Germany qualified for this summer's tournament after winning its 10 qualifying matches, in addition to claiming the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. More recently, German confidence took a hit after suffering two friendly-match defeats against Brazil and Austria and three draws against England, France and Spain, as well as a single unconvincing 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia. The following players are likely to start for Germany in Russia: Manuel Neuer, Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Jonas Hector, Kroos, Khedira, Muller, Ozil, Reus and Werner. Germany, which is set to compete in Group F along with Mexico, Sweden and South Korea, is to debut in the World Cup against the Mexican squad "El Tri" on June 17.

Defending champions Germany stronger than four years ago

Time lost due to the use of the Video Assistant Referee will be added to stoppage time in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, the head of FIFA's refereeing department announced Tuesday. 
 
Massimo Busacca made his remarks at a media briefing at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, just two days ahead of the first World Cup to employ VAR, a decision that has polarized opinion in the soccer world. 
 
"Every second lost by using the VAR is going to be added at the end of the match," Busacca stressed. 
 
Busacca was joined by the president of the UEFA Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina, as well as referees Sandro Ricci of Brazil and Ravshan Irmatov of Uzbekistan. 
 
FIFA's referee chief gave assurances that above all, VAR has a preventive task, as any and all unsportsmanlike behavior that is detected will not go unpunished. 
 
Busacca added that VAR is another tool for refereeing, in which the human element also has an influence. 
 
For his part, Collina said the aim of using VAR was about achieving fair results, and confirmed that the public, in stadiums, will be able to see the VAR decisions. 
 
The 2018 World Cup kicks off Thursday with the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia, and will be refereed by Argentina's Nestor Pitana.

Time lost due to the use of the Video Assistant Referee will be added to stoppage time in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

Time lost due to the use of the Video Assistant Referee will be added to stoppage time in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, the head of FIFA's refereeing department announced Tuesday. Massimo Busacca made his remarks at a media briefing at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, just two days ahead of the first World Cup to employ VAR, a decision that has polarized opinion in the soccer world. "Every second lost by using the VAR is going to be added at the end of the match," Busacca stressed. Busacca was joined by the president of the UEFA Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina, as well as referees Sandro Ricci of Brazil and Ravshan Irmatov of Uzbekistan. FIFA's referee chief gave assurances that above all, VAR has a preventive task, as any and all unsportsmanlike behavior that is detected will not go unpunished. Busacca added that VAR is another tool for refereeing, in which the human element also has an influence. For his part, Collina said the aim of using VAR was about achieving fair results, and confirmed that the public, in stadiums, will be able to see the VAR decisions. The 2018 World Cup kicks off Thursday with the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia, and will be refereed by Argentina's Nestor Pitana.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Time lost due to VAR will be added to stoppage time, FIFA says

Brazil's reputation as a&nbsp;soccer-mad country has been dented by a report which found that only 60 per cent of those interviewed said they were interested in the sport.

The United Arab Emirates came top of a table compiled by global information, data and measurement company Nielsen Sports which ranked 30 countries according to the percentage of the population who described themselves as interested in football.

The UAE, where the figure was 80 per cent, was followed by Thailand (78 per cent) and Chile, Portugal and Turkey (all 75) while five-times world champions Brazil ranked a modest 13th.

The Brazilian figure had dropped from 72 per cent in 2013, the year before the country hosted the World Cup where the national team were humiliated 7-1 in the semi-finals by Germany.

Brazilians can be very fickle about football and attendances at games in the country fluctuate wildly, depending on the form of the teams involved, whether they are at a decisive stage of a competition, the kickoff time of the match and even the weather.

Last season's Brazilian championship had a modest average attendance of 16,418.

The report said that the figure for China increased from 27 per cent in 2013 to 32 per cent in 2017, in India from 30 per cent to 45 per cent and in the U.S. from 28 per cent to 32 per cent.

The United Kingdom, despite boasting the English Premier League, was a modest 17th in the rankings with 51 per cent.

The report also said that Portugal and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the use of social media by players, well ahead of his rival Lionel Messi.

His 570 million engagements across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in the first five months of this year were well ahead of Neymar, with 294 million, and Messi with 201 million.

The report pointed out that engagements, rather than number of followers, were the key to understanding the value of a social media account, as they showed how many people interacted with the account and gave a better idea of impact and influence.

Social media success was not always linked to success on the pitch, the report added.

"A broader range of factors comes into play, such as the ability to project a likeable personality or enviable lifestyle," it said.

Controversial Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos was fourth with 158 million engagements and Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah fifth with 105.3 million.

In terms of social media followers, Ronaldo also led with 322.8 million across Twitter, Instagram and Facebook combined while Neymar had 194.2 million and Messi 181.9 million

The Brazilian figure had dropped from 72 per cent in 2013, the year before the country hosted the World Cup where the national team were humiliated 7-1 in the semi-finals by Germany

Brazil's reputation as a soccer-mad country has been dented by a report which found that only 60 per cent of those interviewed said they were interested in the sport. The United Arab Emirates came top of a table compiled by global information, data and measurement company Nielsen Sports which ranked 30 countries according to the percentage of the population who described themselves as interested in football. The UAE, where the figure was 80 per cent, was followed by Thailand (78 per cent) and Chile, Portugal and Turkey (all 75) while five-times world champions Brazil ranked a modest 13th. The Brazilian figure had dropped from 72 per cent in 2013, the year before the country hosted the World Cup where the national team were humiliated 7-1 in the semi-finals by Germany. Brazilians can be very fickle about football and attendances at games in the country fluctuate wildly, depending on the form of the teams involved, whether they are at a decisive stage of a competition, the kickoff time of the match and even the weather. Last season's Brazilian championship had a modest average attendance of 16,418. The report said that the figure for China increased from 27 per cent in 2013 to 32 per cent in 2017, in India from 30 per cent to 45 per cent and in the U.S. from 28 per cent to 32 per cent. The United Kingdom, despite boasting the English Premier League, was a modest 17th in the rankings with 51 per cent. The report also said that Portugal and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the use of social media by players, well ahead of his rival Lionel Messi. His 570 million engagements across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in the first five months of this year were well ahead of Neymar, with 294 million, and Messi with 201 million. The report pointed out that engagements, rather than number of followers, were the key to understanding the value of a social media account, as they showed how many people interacted with the account and gave a better idea of impact and influence. Social media success was not always linked to success on the pitch, the report added. "A broader range of factors comes into play, such as the ability to project a likeable personality or enviable lifestyle," it said. Controversial Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos was fourth with 158 million engagements and Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah fifth with 105.3 million. In terms of social media followers, Ronaldo also led with 322.8 million across Twitter, Instagram and Facebook combined while Neymar had 194.2 million and Messi 181.9 million

FIFA World Cup: Football craze in Brazil drops to 60 per cent

Egypt forward Mohamed Salah remains a doubt to face Uruguay in their World Cup opener at Yekaterinburg on Friday, the country's football association has said.

The Liverpool player, who sustained a shoulder injury in the Champions League final against Real Madrid last month, took part in light training on Monday but the Egyptian FA's managing director Ehab Lehita said it was too early to say whether he would play against the South Americans.

"He is gradually getting better. However, I cannot confirm today that he will play in the first match," Lehita said of the 25-year-old, who scored 44 goals for Liverpool last season.

"All I can say is that we hope he will play in this match."

Egypt also face Saudi Arabia and hosts Russia in Group A.

"He is gradually getting better. However, I cannot confirm today that he will play in the first match," Lehita said of the 25-year-old, who scored 44 goals for Liverpool last season.

Egypt forward Mohamed Salah remains a doubt to face Uruguay in their World Cup opener at Yekaterinburg on Friday, the country's football association has said. The Liverpool player, who sustained a shoulder injury in the Champions League final against Real Madrid last month, took part in light training on Monday but the Egyptian FA's managing director Ehab Lehita said it was too early to say whether he would play against the South Americans. "He is gradually getting better. However, I cannot confirm today that he will play in the first match," Lehita said of the 25-year-old, who scored 44 goals for Liverpool last season. "All I can say is that we hope he will play in this match." Egypt also face Saudi Arabia and hosts Russia in Group A.

Mohamed Salah still a doubt for World Cup opener against Uruguay

Costa Rica got the first goal here Monday against Belgium only to end up losing 4-1 in the final friendly for both teams ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The potent Belgian attack was in evidence from the start and the first of what would turn out to be numerous tests for Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas came in the 5th minute on a strike by Eden Hazard.

At the other end of the pitch, Belgian keeper Thibault Courtois had nothing to do until the 13th minute, when he easily turned aside an effort by Marco Ureña.

Yet the visitors drew first blood, on a play that began with yet another great stop by Navas and ended with Bryan Ruiz's pouncing on a loose ball and knocking it past Courtois to make it 1-0 for Costa Rica in the 24th minute.

The advantage lasted just seven minutes, as Hazard exploited a defensive error to set up a one-touch strike by Dries Mertens just after the half-hour mark.

Energized by the goal, the hosts turned up the intensity and Navas was called upon for further heroics, including the use of his face to make a stop.

With three minutes left in the half, Romelu Lukaku took a pass from Mertens and let loose a volley that beat Navas to put Belgium up 2-1.

After the break, the hosts picked up where they left off and Lukaku needed just five minutes to get his second of the night, a thunderous header that increased the advantage to 3-1.

Michy Batshuayi added a fourth goal in the 64th minute, with help from both Hazard and Lukaku.

The Costa Ricans, who reached the quarterfinals in 2014, will begin their 2018 World Cup campaign on June 17 against Serbia in a group whose other members are Switzerland and five-time champions Brazil.

Belgium, meanwhile, are looking forward to their June 18 opener against Panama, to be followed by contests with England and Tunisia.

Costa Rica got the first goal against Belgium only to end up losing 4-1 in the final friendly for both teams ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia

Costa Rica got the first goal here Monday against Belgium only to end up losing 4-1 in the final friendly for both teams ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The potent Belgian attack was in evidence from the start and the first of what would turn out to be numerous tests for Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas came in the 5th minute on a strike by Eden Hazard. At the other end of the pitch, Belgian keeper Thibault Courtois had nothing to do until the 13th minute, when he easily turned aside an effort by Marco Ureña. Yet the visitors drew first blood, on a play that began with yet another great stop by Navas and ended with Bryan Ruiz's pouncing on a loose ball and knocking it past Courtois to make it 1-0 for Costa Rica in the 24th minute. The advantage lasted just seven minutes, as Hazard exploited a defensive error to set up a one-touch strike by Dries Mertens just after the half-hour mark. Energized by the goal, the hosts turned up the intensity and Navas was called upon for further heroics, including the use of his face to make a stop. With three minutes left in the half, Romelu Lukaku took a pass from Mertens and let loose a volley that beat Navas to put Belgium up 2-1. After the break, the hosts picked up where they left off and Lukaku needed just five minutes to get his second of the night, a thunderous header that increased the advantage to 3-1. Michy Batshuayi added a fourth goal in the 64th minute, with help from both Hazard and Lukaku. The Costa Ricans, who reached the quarterfinals in 2014, will begin their 2018 World Cup campaign on June 17 against Serbia in a group whose other members are Switzerland and five-time champions Brazil. Belgium, meanwhile, are looking forward to their June 18 opener against Panama, to be followed by contests with England and Tunisia.

Costa Rica fall 4-1 to Belgium in World Cup warm-up

Host nation Russia are under enormous pressure to perform as they head into Thursday's World Cup curtain raiser against Saudi Arabia in a contest between the two lowest-ranked nations in the tournament.

Stanislav Cherchesov's side will walk out onto the pitch at the 80,000-capacity Luzhniki stadium, the historic crucible of Russian sport, ranked a lowly 70th in the world, three spots below Group A rivals Saudi Arabia, and without a victory in eight months.

A 1-1 draw in Moscow with Turkey last week made former national team goalkeeper Cherchesov the first Russian or Soviet manager to go winless in seven consecutive games, four of those ending in defeat.

Russia has spent more than $13 billion on preparations for the big event, and President Vladimir Putin called on the team to pull themselves together as they look to progress from a section also featuring Uruguay and Egypt.

"As far as the team are concerned, I must acknowledge the fact that, unfortunately, our team have not achieved big results in recent times," Putin said.

"But we very much expect -- all fans and lovers of football in Russia -- expect the team to play with dignity, for them to show modern, interesting football, and to fight until the end."&nbsp

Igor Akinfeev, Russia's most recognisable player and first-choice goalkeeper for more than a decade, admits his team-mates must take the game to the opposition.

"The team have to come out and play," Akinfeev said after a 1-0 friendly loss to Austria last month in which Russia managed no shots on target.&nbsp

"If they do not, the score is not going to change." Akinfeev, the Russian captain, has played more games for club and country than Soviet goalkeeping legends Lev Yashin and Rinat Dasayev.

But the team's reliance on the 32-year-old, who infamously went a staggering 43 Champions League matches without keeping a clean sheet over an 11-year span, speaks volumes about the home team's chances.

Russia have never made the knockout stage of a World Cup as an independent nation and are desperate to make amends this summer.

Only South Africa, in 2010, have fallen at the group stage as hosts but poor form combined with a series of injuries have left Russia in disarray.

- Injury list - 
===============

Zenit St Petersburg striker Alexander Kokorin was lost to a serious knee injury in March, adding to the absence of defenders Georgi Dzhikiya and Viktor Vasin.

Krasnodar forward Fyodor Smolov and Artem Dzyuba, loaned out to Arsenal Tula in January after falling out with ex-Zenit coach Roberto Mancini, will spearhead the attack, while former Real Madrid winger Denis Cheryshev is back in the squad after more than two years out.

Saudi Arabia are returning to the global showpiece for the first time since 2006, prompting the country's sports authority to strike a pact to send players on loan to Spain to gain experience at the top level.

Fahad Al-Muwallad, whose goal against Japan last September clinched qualification, was one of nine players involved in the agreement but it was derided as a "fiasco".

Muwallad, who was on loan at Levante, and winger Salem Al-Dawsari, at Villarreal, only played for a few minutes at the end of the season.

Attacking midfielder Yahia Al-Sheri, who went to Leganes, never played in a match.

"From a sporting point of view, this is perhaps the biggest fiasco of the agreement, because the participation of these nine players has been practically negligible," former Gijon president and University of Oviedo football economist Placido Rodriguez told AFP.

"Knowing training techniques or playing with Spaniards, that is not why they come, clearly. They come for more than that, to contribute, to experience another rhythm of play, and that is done by playing, not training." Mohammed Al-Sahlawi, who had a three-week spell training with Manchester United, bagged a staggering 16 goals in qualifying, but the 31-year-old arrives at the finals stuck in a nine-game scoring drought.&nbsp

Russia will face Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

Host nation Russia are under enormous pressure to perform as they head into Thursday's World Cup curtain raiser against Saudi Arabia in a contest between the two lowest-ranked nations in the tournament. Stanislav Cherchesov's side will walk out onto the pitch at the 80,000-capacity Luzhniki stadium, the historic crucible of Russian sport, ranked a lowly 70th in the world, three spots below Group A rivals Saudi Arabia, and without a victory in eight months. A 1-1 draw in Moscow with Turkey last week made former national team goalkeeper Cherchesov the first Russian or Soviet manager to go winless in seven consecutive games, four of those ending in defeat. Russia has spent more than $13 billion on preparations for the big event, and President Vladimir Putin called on the team to pull themselves together as they look to progress from a section also featuring Uruguay and Egypt. "As far as the team are concerned, I must acknowledge the fact that, unfortunately, our team have not achieved big results in recent times," Putin said. "But we very much expect -- all fans and lovers of football in Russia -- expect the team to play with dignity, for them to show modern, interesting football, and to fight until the end." Igor Akinfeev, Russia's most recognisable player and first-choice goalkeeper for more than a decade, admits his team-mates must take the game to the opposition. "The team have to come out and play," Akinfeev said after a 1-0 friendly loss to Austria last month in which Russia managed no shots on target. "If they do not, the score is not going to change." Akinfeev, the Russian captain, has played more games for club and country than Soviet goalkeeping legends Lev Yashin and Rinat Dasayev. But the team's reliance on the 32-year-old, who infamously went a staggering 43 Champions League matches without keeping a clean sheet over an 11-year span, speaks volumes about the home team's chances. Russia have never made the knockout stage of a World Cup as an independent nation and are desperate to make amends this summer. Only South Africa, in 2010, have fallen at the group stage as hosts but poor form combined with a series of injuries have left Russia in disarray. - Injury list - =============== Zenit St Petersburg striker Alexander Kokorin was lost to a serious knee injury in March, adding to the absence of defenders Georgi Dzhikiya and Viktor Vasin. Krasnodar forward Fyodor Smolov and Artem Dzyuba, loaned out to Arsenal Tula in January after falling out with ex-Zenit coach Roberto Mancini, will spearhead the attack, while former Real Madrid winger Denis Cheryshev is back in the squad after more than two years out. Saudi Arabia are returning to the global showpiece for the first time since 2006, prompting the country's sports authority to strike a pact to send players on loan to Spain to gain experience at the top level. Fahad Al-Muwallad, whose goal against Japan last September clinched qualification, was one of nine players involved in the agreement but it was derided as a "fiasco". Muwallad, who was on loan at Levante, and winger Salem Al-Dawsari, at Villarreal, only played for a few minutes at the end of the season. Attacking midfielder Yahia Al-Sheri, who went to Leganes, never played in a match. "From a sporting point of view, this is perhaps the biggest fiasco of the agreement, because the participation of these nine players has been practically negligible," former Gijon president and University of Oviedo football economist Placido Rodriguez told AFP. "Knowing training techniques or playing with Spaniards, that is not why they come, clearly. They come for more than that, to contribute, to experience another rhythm of play, and that is done by playing, not training." Mohammed Al-Sahlawi, who had a three-week spell training with Manchester United, bagged a staggering 16 goals in qualifying, but the 31-year-old arrives at the finals stuck in a nine-game scoring drought.

Hosts Russia have point to prove in World Cup opener

By:&nbspDavid Rowe*

With the FIFA World Cup just days away, I have been chatting with people on my travels through central and northern Europe to gauge their opinions about Russia being the host.

Several people have simply sighed, resigned to the fact that nefarious FIFA politics won the day. One Prague taxi driver, remembering the Soviet-led invasion of his country in 1968, hated the idea, but another Czech shrugged and said that most people, especially those too young to remember the Communist rule, would just focus on the football.

Indeed, many football fans will be thinking only of stoppage-time goals, dubious penalties and defence-splitting passes when the tournament kicks off on Thursday. But it’s also worth reflecting on Russia and the ethics of selecting hosts for major events in today’s commercially driven and politicised sports world.

The case against Russia

Every time there is a contest to host a World Cup or Olympics, debate ensues about the criteria for selection. These include technical matters like the economic and infrastructural capacity to stage a massive spectacle, and an overarching belief in spreading sports like football to new corners of the world.

But non-sporting matters also come into consideration. Organisers always consider the potential that awarding hosting rights to the wrong country could bring a major sporting event into disrepute.

Cases have been made against a string of host cities and countries over the years. These include the 1978 Argentina World Cup (military coup), the 1968 Mexico City and 1988 Seoul Olympics (popular demonstrations and violence), the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics (bribery), the 2008 Beijing Olympics (human rights and crackdowns in Tibet) and the 2010 South Africa and 2014 Brazil World Cups (financial mismanagement and lack of preparedness).

So, Russia is by no means the first country to be faced with threats of boycotts or being stripped of its hosting rights. But it is something of a standout case, because of the spectrum of its egregious behaviour since being awarded the World Cup (and 2014 Winter Olympics). What’s remarkable is that Russia has stains on its record both in and outside the sporting world.

Inside sport, Russia is most notorious for its wide-ranging state-sponsored doping programme, which included swapping positive-testing urine samples for negative ones through a "mouse hole" in the wall of the anti-doping laboratory at the 2014 Sochi Games. Russian athletes were subsequently banned from flying their national flag and competing under the Team Russia name at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

For foreign football fans visiting Russia, there are additional concerns over hooliganism and the "racism, nationalism, homophobia and sexism" that has been well-documented in Russian football.

FIFA's culture of money and influence

Russia, of course, has furiously denied everything, making much-outraged noise while pointing out the hypocrisy of its most vocal detractors. The latter reaction has some legitimacy – Russia does not have a monopoly on external aggression, calculated corruption and internal repression.

And although the process by which Russia and Qatar won their World Cup bids was undeniably flawed, there is more than a whiff of hypocrisy among the losers who played their part in the whole charade. Few of the bidding countries for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments came out of American prosecutor Michael Garcia's lengthy but imperfect investigation of the decisions unscathed. This includes Australia, which burned a cool $AU45 million of public money on a futile attempt to work its levers of access and persuasion.

But Russia's sheer effrontery in recent years makes it an especially conspicuous target for those wondering what it would take for a country to be barred from hosting the world's largest sports party on ethical grounds.

That it hasn't been stripped of the World Cup says much about global sport's intensely commercial and political imperatives. Nothing exemplifies this state of affairs more than the emergence of FIFA as a machine of money, influence and subterfuge under the presidencies of João Havelange and Sepp Blatter from 1974 to 2015.

FIFA’s moment of truth came with the arrests of a coterie of top officials at its 2015 Zurich congress – a very different image of the organisation than the one propagated in FIFA's absurdly self-aggrandising 2014 docudrama film United Passions.

Blatter and many of his associates have since been swept away. But there's been little appetite for voiding the controversial Russia and Qatar victories and re-opening the bidding process, despite the efforts of politicians like former British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Nor have there been realistic calls for team boycotts of the 2018 World Cup. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop briefly flagged the idea of a World Cup-related action against Russia but said a boycott was not under consideration. So far only a few countries have confirmed boycotts by dignitaries, such as the UK, Poland and Iceland.

New standards for selecting hosts

Has FIFA reformed itself sufficiently under new President Gianni Infantino to ensure that a country like Russia will never again be rewarded after fuelling so much international condemnation with its actions?

We may soon get an idea. On June 13, the day before the opening match, the 68th FIFA Congress meets in Moscow to decide the 2026 World Cup host. There are new rules in place, including a more stringent bid appraisal process and an open ballot of all FIFA member associations.

There are only two bids for 2026 – Morocco and a North American joint bid submitted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. The former has its own human rights issues, while the latter has US President Donald Trump's proposed travel bans and implied threats to countries who do not support the bid.

Will the new process result in a fair, transparent outcome? Not according to Bonita Mersiades, the whistle-blowing former head of corporate and public affairs at Football Federation Australia and author of Whatever It Takes: The Inside Story of the FIFA Way, and her fellow campaigners at the reform advocacy group New FIFA Now.

New FIFA Now and the recently formed Foundation for Sports Integrity argue that a new FIFA governance model under the control of fans and players is required. Among New FIFA Now's guiding principles for FIFA reform is this recommendation on selecting future hosts:

Establish a one-off committee of relevant experts from around the world to investigate and recommend the staging of future men's World Cup tournaments. The objective would be to ameliorate the World Cup as a vehicle for geopolitical soft power and brand building of nation states, as well as the construction of 'white elephants' and the demands of government guarantees made by FIFA to host nations that compromise and jeopardise international and domestic law.

Reformist proposals like these are gaining traction as part of widespread push-back against the excessive demands and massive costs of hosting mega sports events. The questions posed by Russia's winning bid should only add to the calls for change.

It's expected that over 3 billion people will catch at least some of this year's World Cup over the next month. Let's hope they look beyond the spectacle to ponder how the beautiful game made its way to Russia at this point in its history and whether it was worth the ethical price.

David Rowe is an Emeritus Professor of Cultural Research, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University.

(This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com/id">The Conversation</a>. Read the original <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-russia-worthy-of-hosting-the-world-cup-96917">article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

For foreign football fans visiting Russia, there are additional concerns over hooliganism and the 'racism, nationalism, homophobia and sexism' that has been well-documented in Russian football

By: David Rowe* With the FIFA World Cup just days away, I have been chatting with people on my travels through central and northern Europe to gauge their opinions about Russia being the host. Several people have simply sighed, resigned to the fact that nefarious FIFA politics won the day. One Prague taxi driver, remembering the Soviet-led invasion of his country in 1968, hated the idea, but another Czech shrugged and said that most people, especially those too young to remember the Communist rule, would just focus on the football. Indeed, many football fans will be thinking only of stoppage-time goals, dubious penalties and defence-splitting passes when the tournament kicks off on Thursday. But it’s also worth reflecting on Russia and the ethics of selecting hosts for major events in today’s commercially driven and politicised sports world. The case against Russia Every time there is a contest to host a World Cup or Olympics, debate ensues about the criteria for selection. These include technical matters like the economic and infrastructural capacity to stage a massive spectacle, and an overarching belief in spreading sports like football to new corners of the world. But non-sporting matters also come into consideration. Organisers always consider the potential that awarding hosting rights to the wrong country could bring a major sporting event into disrepute. Cases have been made against a string of host cities and countries over the years. These include the 1978 Argentina World Cup (military coup), the 1968 Mexico City and 1988 Seoul Olympics (popular demonstrations and violence), the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics (bribery), the 2008 Beijing Olympics (human rights and crackdowns in Tibet) and the 2010 South Africa and 2014 Brazil World Cups (financial mismanagement and lack of preparedness). So, Russia is by no means the first country to be faced with threats of boycotts or being stripped of its hosting rights. But it is something of a standout case, because of the spectrum of its egregious behaviour since being awarded the World Cup (and 2014 Winter Olympics). What’s remarkable is that Russia has stains on its record both in and outside the sporting world. Inside sport, Russia is most notorious for its wide-ranging state-sponsored doping programme, which included swapping positive-testing urine samples for negative ones through a "mouse hole" in the wall of the anti-doping laboratory at the 2014 Sochi Games. Russian athletes were subsequently banned from flying their national flag and competing under the Team Russia name at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and Paralympics. For foreign football fans visiting Russia, there are additional concerns over hooliganism and the "racism, nationalism, homophobia and sexism" that has been well-documented in Russian football. FIFA's culture of money and influence Russia, of course, has furiously denied everything, making much-outraged noise while pointing out the hypocrisy of its most vocal detractors. The latter reaction has some legitimacy – Russia does not have a monopoly on external aggression, calculated corruption and internal repression. And although the process by which Russia and Qatar won their World Cup bids was undeniably flawed, there is more than a whiff of hypocrisy among the losers who played their part in the whole charade. Few of the bidding countries for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments came out of American prosecutor Michael Garcia's lengthy but imperfect investigation of the decisions unscathed. This includes Australia, which burned a cool $AU45 million of public money on a futile attempt to work its levers of access and persuasion. But Russia's sheer effrontery in recent years makes it an especially conspicuous target for those wondering what it would take for a country to be barred from hosting the world's largest sports party on ethical grounds. That it hasn't been stripped of the World Cup says much about global sport's intensely commercial and political imperatives. Nothing exemplifies this state of affairs more than the emergence of FIFA as a machine of money, influence and subterfuge under the presidencies of João Havelange and Sepp Blatter from 1974 to 2015. FIFA’s moment of truth came with the arrests of a coterie of top officials at its 2015 Zurich congress – a very different image of the organisation than the one propagated in FIFA's absurdly self-aggrandising 2014 docudrama film United Passions. Blatter and many of his associates have since been swept away. But there's been little appetite for voiding the controversial Russia and Qatar victories and re-opening the bidding process, despite the efforts of politicians like former British Prime Minister David Cameron. Nor have there been realistic calls for team boycotts of the 2018 World Cup. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop briefly flagged the idea of a World Cup-related action against Russia but said a boycott was not under consideration. So far only a few countries have confirmed boycotts by dignitaries, such as the UK, Poland and Iceland. New standards for selecting hosts Has FIFA reformed itself sufficiently under new President Gianni Infantino to ensure that a country like Russia will never again be rewarded after fuelling so much international condemnation with its actions? We may soon get an idea. On June 13, the day before the opening match, the 68th FIFA Congress meets in Moscow to decide the 2026 World Cup host. There are new rules in place, including a more stringent bid appraisal process and an open ballot of all FIFA member associations. There are only two bids for 2026 – Morocco and a North American joint bid submitted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. The former has its own human rights issues, while the latter has US President Donald Trump's proposed travel bans and implied threats to countries who do not support the bid. Will the new process result in a fair, transparent outcome? Not according to Bonita Mersiades, the whistle-blowing former head of corporate and public affairs at Football Federation Australia and author of Whatever It Takes: The Inside Story of the FIFA Way, and her fellow campaigners at the reform advocacy group New FIFA Now. New FIFA Now and the recently formed Foundation for Sports Integrity argue that a new FIFA governance model under the control of fans and players is required. Among New FIFA Now's guiding principles for FIFA reform is this recommendation on selecting future hosts: Establish a one-off committee of relevant experts from around the world to investigate and recommend the staging of future men's World Cup tournaments. The objective would be to ameliorate the World Cup as a vehicle for geopolitical soft power and brand building of nation states, as well as the construction of 'white elephants' and the demands of government guarantees made by FIFA to host nations that compromise and jeopardise international and domestic law. Reformist proposals like these are gaining traction as part of widespread push-back against the excessive demands and massive costs of hosting mega sports events. The questions posed by Russia's winning bid should only add to the calls for change. It's expected that over 3 billion people will catch at least some of this year's World Cup over the next month. Let's hope they look beyond the spectacle to ponder how the beautiful game made its way to Russia at this point in its history and whether it was worth the ethical price. David Rowe is an Emeritus Professor of Cultural Research, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University. (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Is Russia worthy of hosting the football World Cup?

Neymar Jr admitted that five-time champions Brazil are dreaming of winning the World Cup 2018 again as they arrived in Russia.&nbsp;

All in all, Brazil have a great team - Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Marquinhos, David Luiz, Paulinho, Fernaninho, Fernando, Firmino, Coutinho, Neymar - looks like a World Cup winning squad to me if they have the right mentality.

Brazil have been outstanding during the World Cup friendly matches. Although the defence has been fragile that reminds me of Brazil's previous World Cup campaign when the team faced a tragic 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semi-finals.

However, Brazil have improved its game plan and also the mid-fielders like Firmino, Coutinho, Fernandinho have been good in the recently concluded domestic games.

With lots of positives, why Brazilians are not excited not excited about the World Cup?

The trade group surveyed 18,000 people across Brazil, which suggests that there has been a drop in the craze which Brazilians used to have earlier.&nbsp;

Some 24 per cent of consumers plan to buy products over the next few weeks to celebrate the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, well below the 50.1 per cent who spent money on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, according to the results of a survey released Monday by the Brazilian Business Confederation.

"In addition to there naturally being less enthusiasm among the people for a World Cup played abroad, the situation among consumers is less favorable in 2018 than it was four years ago," Brazilian Business Confederation economic unit chief Fabio Bentes said in a statement.

Brazil's economy contracted 3.5 per cent in 2015, the worst performance in 25 years, and another 3.5 per cent in 2016, marking the first time since 1931 that the gross domestic product (GDP) fell for two consecutive years.

Even though Brazil has started recovering from the severe recession, households are still struggling with low purchasing power and high unemployment, Bentes said.

The trade group, however, said it was still a good sign for businesses that one in four Brazilian consumers planned to spend money on products linked to the World Cup.

"Despite the fact that the country already put the recession behind it, the recovery in the economy and consumer spending continues to be slow and subject to fluctuations," Bentes said.

Some 51.6 percent of respondents said they planned to spend a maximum of 200 reais (about $52.60) on World Cup merchandise, while 39.2 per cent of respondents said they would spend up to 300 reais (some $78.90).

The situation among consumers is less favorable in 2018 than it was four years ago, says Brazilian Business Confederation economic unit chief Fabio Bentes

Neymar Jr admitted that five-time champions Brazil are dreaming of winning the World Cup 2018 again as they arrived in Russia. All in all, Brazil have a great team - Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Marquinhos, David Luiz, Paulinho, Fernaninho, Fernando, Firmino, Coutinho, Neymar - looks like a World Cup winning squad to me if they have the right mentality. Brazil have been outstanding during the World Cup friendly matches. Although the defence has been fragile that reminds me of Brazil's previous World Cup campaign when the team faced a tragic 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semi-finals. However, Brazil have improved its game plan and also the mid-fielders like Firmino, Coutinho, Fernandinho have been good in the recently concluded domestic games. With lots of positives, why Brazilians are not excited not excited about the World Cup? The trade group surveyed 18,000 people across Brazil, which suggests that there has been a drop in the craze which Brazilians used to have earlier. Some 24 per cent of consumers plan to buy products over the next few weeks to celebrate the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, well below the 50.1 per cent who spent money on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, according to the results of a survey released Monday by the Brazilian Business Confederation. "In addition to there naturally being less enthusiasm among the people for a World Cup played abroad, the situation among consumers is less favorable in 2018 than it was four years ago," Brazilian Business Confederation economic unit chief Fabio Bentes said in a statement. Brazil's economy contracted 3.5 per cent in 2015, the worst performance in 25 years, and another 3.5 per cent in 2016, marking the first time since 1931 that the gross domestic product (GDP) fell for two consecutive years. Even though Brazil has started recovering from the severe recession, households are still struggling with low purchasing power and high unemployment, Bentes said. The trade group, however, said it was still a good sign for businesses that one in four Brazilian consumers planned to spend money on products linked to the World Cup. "Despite the fact that the country already put the recession behind it, the recovery in the economy and consumer spending continues to be slow and subject to fluctuations," Bentes said. Some 51.6 percent of respondents said they planned to spend a maximum of 200 reais (about $52.60) on World Cup merchandise, while 39.2 per cent of respondents said they would spend up to 300 reais (some $78.90).

Neymar hopes for positive World Cup but Brazilians not excited: Survey

Coach Roberto Martinez says there is "nothing to worry about" regarding playmaker Eden Hazard's fitness after the Belgium skipper limped out of their final World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica.

Hazard was substituted with a dead leg in the 70th minute of Belgium's 4-1 win in Brussels on Monday but Martinez expects the player to be fit for the start of their campaign in Russia.

"Eden is okay, he had a little trouble, but it's nothing to worry about," the manager told reporters. "I really enjoyed his performance. He was sharp and strong, he was majestic.

"At the end, he just came off because he had a little bit of a dead leg, a little bit of a knock on his leg."

Belgium are heading into the tournament on a 19-match unbeaten run and will face Panama in their Group G opener on Monday. Tunisia and England are the other teams in the pool.

The Belgium skipper limped out of their final World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica

Coach Roberto Martinez says there is "nothing to worry about" regarding playmaker Eden Hazard's fitness after the Belgium skipper limped out of their final World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica. Hazard was substituted with a dead leg in the 70th minute of Belgium's 4-1 win in Brussels on Monday but Martinez expects the player to be fit for the start of their campaign in Russia. "Eden is okay, he had a little trouble, but it's nothing to worry about," the manager told reporters. "I really enjoyed his performance. He was sharp and strong, he was majestic. "At the end, he just came off because he had a little bit of a dead leg, a little bit of a knock on his leg." Belgium are heading into the tournament on a 19-match unbeaten run and will face Panama in their Group G opener on Monday. Tunisia and England are the other teams in the pool.

Belgium coach Martinez plays down Hazard injury scare ahead of World Cup

A die-hard Argentina fan in Kolkata has painted his house in the team's blue and white colours ahead of the football World Cup, saying his love for Lionel Messi's men knows no bounds. 
 
Shib Shankar Patra's passion for Argentina began during the 1986 World Cup when Diego Maradona helped the team win the coveted trophy. 
 
"For me Messi is an extension of Maradona. Everyone in my family loves Messi. We love his behaviour, we love everything about him," Patra told AFP. 
 
Patra who sells tea from a shop on the ground floor of his house wanted to travel to Russia to see his football heroes in person but ran short of money. 
 
"I had saved 60,000 rupees ($890) but it was not enough for the trip. I will now watch Argentina's games on TV and cheer for my favourite footballers."

The family has also made elaborate plans for Messi's birthday which will fall during the World Cup on June 24. 
 
"We will cut a cake and distribute T-shirts among kids with Messi's face embossed on them," said Patra, a father of two. 
 
Patra has even decorated the walls of each room in his house with life-size posters of Messi. 
 
India is currently ranked 97 in FIFA's rankings but that has not deterred football crazy fans from cheering for their favourite teams over the world. Especially, Kolkata which has an avid following of the sport.

Argentina launches their World Cup campaign against Iceland on Saturday in Moscow, with games to follow against Croatia and Nigeria in Group D. 
 
"I will be praying every day for Argentina's success. Nothing gives me more happiness than seeing them win on the field," said Patra.

Shib Shankar Patra's passion for Argentina began during the 1986 World Cup when Diego Maradona helped the team win the coveted trophy

A die-hard Argentina fan in Kolkata has painted his house in the team's blue and white colours ahead of the football World Cup, saying his love for Lionel Messi's men knows no bounds. Shib Shankar Patra's passion for Argentina began during the 1986 World Cup when Diego Maradona helped the team win the coveted trophy. "For me Messi is an extension of Maradona. Everyone in my family loves Messi. We love his behaviour, we love everything about him," Patra told AFP. Patra who sells tea from a shop on the ground floor of his house wanted to travel to Russia to see his football heroes in person but ran short of money. "I had saved 60,000 rupees ($890) but it was not enough for the trip. I will now watch Argentina's games on TV and cheer for my favourite footballers." The family has also made elaborate plans for Messi's birthday which will fall during the World Cup on June 24. "We will cut a cake and distribute T-shirts among kids with Messi's face embossed on them," said Patra, a father of two. Patra has even decorated the walls of each room in his house with life-size posters of Messi. India is currently ranked 97 in FIFA's rankings but that has not deterred football crazy fans from cheering for their favourite teams over the world. Especially, Kolkata which has an avid following of the sport. Argentina launches their World Cup campaign against Iceland on Saturday in Moscow, with games to follow against Croatia and Nigeria in Group D. "I will be praying every day for Argentina's success. Nothing gives me more happiness than seeing them win on the field," said Patra.

Messi's magic in India: Kolkata tea-seller paints home in Argentina colours

The undercover Ghanaian journalist who filmed soccer officials appearing to take bribes said on Monday (June 11) that African soccer will continue to be held back on the world stage unless corruption is tackled more vigorously.

Anas Aremeyaw Anas released a documentary last week showing African officials, including 77 referees and Ghana's soccer chief Kwesi Nyantakyi, allegedly taking bribes.

The documentary generated widespread uproar, prompting Ghana to launch a process to dissolve its national soccer union.

Anas argued that officials and teams have frequently fielded unqualified players after payments were exchanged between parties.

On Friday (June 8), Nyantakyi said he was resigning after he was suspended by the sport's global governing body, FIFA.

Anas told Reuters he expected a much bigger fallout from the documentary across the continent as ordinary citizens and civil groups have been yearning for a clean-up of African soccer.

Soccer is by far the most popular sport in Ghana, though the national team failed to reach this year's World Cup finals.

Anas said that in addition to hampering Africa's standing in world football, corruption was also weakening the bonds that the game forges among the people.

He also said he has received death threats over his investigation, but added he was proud of the impact his work was having.

The undercover Ghanaian journalist who filmed soccer officials appearing to take bribes said that African soccer will continue to be held back on the world stage unless corruption is tackled more vigorously.

The undercover Ghanaian journalist who filmed soccer officials appearing to take bribes said on Monday (June 11) that African soccer will continue to be held back on the world stage unless corruption is tackled more vigorously. Anas Aremeyaw Anas released a documentary last week showing African officials, including 77 referees and Ghana's soccer chief Kwesi Nyantakyi, allegedly taking bribes. The documentary generated widespread uproar, prompting Ghana to launch a process to dissolve its national soccer union. Anas argued that officials and teams have frequently fielded unqualified players after payments were exchanged between parties. On Friday (June 8), Nyantakyi said he was resigning after he was suspended by the sport's global governing body, FIFA. Anas told Reuters he expected a much bigger fallout from the documentary across the continent as ordinary citizens and civil groups have been yearning for a clean-up of African soccer. Soccer is by far the most popular sport in Ghana, though the national team failed to reach this year's World Cup finals. Anas said that in addition to hampering Africa's standing in world football, corruption was also weakening the bonds that the game forges among the people. He also said he has received death threats over his investigation, but added he was proud of the impact his work was having.

Watch: Ghanaian journalist hits out at soccer corruption

Croatia international Luka Modric says that after winning multiple titles with Real Madrid the last challenge he faces is to help his country make a good showing in the 2018 World Cup, Croatian news agency Hina reported Monday. 
 
"A great result with the national team is the only thing I still want to achieve," the midfielder said Sunday night as he accepted the award as best Croatian footballer for the sixth consecutive year, according to Hina. 
 
He said that the squad's first objective is to make it out of the group stage into the round of 16, "since we haven't achieved that since 1998," the Croatia captain said. 
 
"But I believe we will achieve it in Russia," Modric added. 
 
The team left Zagreb early Monday for the town that will be their home during the World Cup tournament in Russia: Zelenogorsk, some 60 km (36 mi) from St. Petersburg. 
 
Croatia are drawn in Group D, along with Argentina, Iceland, and Nigeria.

'A great result with the national team is the only thing I still want to achieve,' says Croatia midfielder Luka Modric

Croatia international Luka Modric says that after winning multiple titles with Real Madrid the last challenge he faces is to help his country make a good showing in the 2018 World Cup, Croatian news agency Hina reported Monday. "A great result with the national team is the only thing I still want to achieve," the midfielder said Sunday night as he accepted the award as best Croatian footballer for the sixth consecutive year, according to Hina. He said that the squad's first objective is to make it out of the group stage into the round of 16, "since we haven't achieved that since 1998," the Croatia captain said. "But I believe we will achieve it in Russia," Modric added. The team left Zagreb early Monday for the town that will be their home during the World Cup tournament in Russia: Zelenogorsk, some 60 km (36 mi) from St. Petersburg. Croatia are drawn in Group D, along with Argentina, Iceland, and Nigeria.

World Cup success would crown my career: Croatia's Luka Modric

Brazil left-back Filipe Luis, who has joined up with the national squad in Russia for the upcoming World Cup, has said he remembers praying with his entire family during the dramatic penalty shootout which Brazil won against Italy to decide the 1994 World Cup final. 
 
In an interview with the Brazilian Football Association (CFB) published on Monday, the leftback spoke of his childhood memories, when playing on the World Cup stage was still a distant dream. 
 
"From '94, I mostly remember the penalties during the shootout, my whole family were together at my grandmother's house, holding hands as we prayed for the win", 32-year-old Luis told CFB, who was nine years old when Brazil won the 1994 World Cup, which was held in the United States. 
 
All he remembers from Italia '90, when he was five, was crying after Brazil were knocked out by bitter rivals Argentina in the Round of 16. 
 
He said his clearest, and happiest, World Cup memories came in 2002, when a star-studded Brazil, led by the forward line of Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho, won the nation's fifth title in South Korea and Japan. 
 
"They played an excellent campaign. Everyone remembers Ronaldo in the final, who gave us the trophy and scored two goals in the final after going through so much" at the previous tournament in France. 
 
Luis, who goes to Russia as the back up to Marcelo at left back, is making his first ever appearance at the World Cup, after he missed out on a spot in 2014, when Brazil were hosts. 
 
Brazil, one of the pre-tournament favorites, are in Group E alongside Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia. 
 
Their opening game is on Sunday against Switzerland.

Brazil left-back Filipe Luis said that he remembers praying with his entire family during the dramatic penalty shootout which Brazil won against Italy to decide the 1994 World Cup final

Brazil left-back Filipe Luis, who has joined up with the national squad in Russia for the upcoming World Cup, has said he remembers praying with his entire family during the dramatic penalty shootout which Brazil won against Italy to decide the 1994 World Cup final. In an interview with the Brazilian Football Association (CFB) published on Monday, the leftback spoke of his childhood memories, when playing on the World Cup stage was still a distant dream. "From '94, I mostly remember the penalties during the shootout, my whole family were together at my grandmother's house, holding hands as we prayed for the win", 32-year-old Luis told CFB, who was nine years old when Brazil won the 1994 World Cup, which was held in the United States. All he remembers from Italia '90, when he was five, was crying after Brazil were knocked out by bitter rivals Argentina in the Round of 16. He said his clearest, and happiest, World Cup memories came in 2002, when a star-studded Brazil, led by the forward line of Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho, won the nation's fifth title in South Korea and Japan. "They played an excellent campaign. Everyone remembers Ronaldo in the final, who gave us the trophy and scored two goals in the final after going through so much" at the previous tournament in France. Luis, who goes to Russia as the back up to Marcelo at left back, is making his first ever appearance at the World Cup, after he missed out on a spot in 2014, when Brazil were hosts. Brazil, one of the pre-tournament favorites, are in Group E alongside Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia. Their opening game is on Sunday against Switzerland.

Filipe Luis recalls praying during '94 World Cup final shootout vs Italy

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;is appearing at their first World Cup finals since 2006 when they exited at the end of the group phase of the competition for the third tournament in a row.

The country's high point remains their debut qualification for the World Cup, when they reached the round of 16 in the United States in 1994 after a memorable 1-0 win over Belgium, courtesy of Saeed Al Owairan's slaloming wonder goal.

<hr />
Coach:&nbsp;Juan Antonio Pizzi

Argentina-born former Spain international midfielder Pizzi took over as&nbsp;Saudi Arabia&nbsp;head coach in late November 2017 after Dutchman Bert van Marwijk, who qualified the country for the finals, did not have his contract renewed.

Van Marwijk was initially replaced by Edgardo Bauza but he was fired after just three friendlies to be replaced by Pizzi, who led Chile to the Copa America Centario and the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup.

<hr />
Key players:

Yahya Al Shehri: Diminutive in stature but an important player for&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;over the last five years, Al Shehri's trickery and eye for a pass make him one of&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia's more potent weapons. Al Shehri has spent several months on loan with La Liga side Leganes in the lead-up to the World Cup from his parent club Al Nassr.

Taisir Al Jassim: Veteran playmaker Al Jassim has been one of&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia's most gifted passers over the last decade and qualification for the World Cup is just reward for a fine player who has represented his country more than 120 times while also leading club side Al Ahli to the Saudi&nbsp;title in 2016.

Fahad Al Muwallad: A pacy winger who scored the goal against Japan that ensured&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time since 2006, Al Muwallad's direct running and eye for goal will be important for his country if they are to harbour ambitions of moving beyond the group stage.

<hr />
Form guide:

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia's results since securing qualification for the finals have been disappointing, with the country knocked out of the keenly contested Gulf Cup at the end of the group phase in December.

They have won only one of their four warm-up games ahead of Russia. While games against Moldova and Iraq were low key, second-string affairs, a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Belgium in late March suggests much work still needs to be done.

<hr />
How they qualified:

Victory over already-qualified Japan in their final qualifying match in Jeddah sealed progress to the World Cup finals for&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, who finished ahead of Australia on goal difference after a demanding campaign.

<hr />
Prospects:

The coaching changes since qualification was confirmed mean&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia's preparations have been disjointed while a decision to send a number of key players to Spanish clubs in a bid to give them more experience has backfired.

The opening game against Russia will be vital for Pizzi and his team as they seek to set a positive tone for the rest of their campaign, while the meeting with Arab rivals Egypt will be among the most keenly followed matches in the Middle East.

But, with the team falling short of the standards achieved under Van Marwijk, a first-round exit is most likely.

<hr />
Saudi Arabia'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;Yasser Al Mosailem, Fawaz Al-Qarni, Abdullah Al-Mayouf, Waleed Abdullah

Defenders:&nbsp;Osama Hawsawi, Omar Hawsawi, Yasser Al-Shahrani, Hussein Abdulghani, Motaz Hawsawi, Ahmed Dokhi

Mid-fielders:&nbsp;Fahad Al-Muwallad, Yahya Al-Shehri, Taisir Al-Jassim, Salem Al-Dawsari, Nawaf Al Abed, Ibrahim Ghaleb, Mohammad Al-Shalhoub, Salman Al-Faraj, Housain Al-Moqahwi, Abdullah Otayf

Forwards:&nbsp;&nbsp;Fahad Al-Muwallad, Mohammad Al-Sahlawi, Naif Hazazi, Nasser Al-Shamrani, Mukhtar Fallatah, Salman Al-Moasher, Yousef Al-Salem

<img alt="fifa 2018 Russia.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/fifa%202018%20Russia.jpg" width="770" />

Saudi Arabia is appearing at their first World Cup finals since 2006 when they exited at the end of the group phase of the competition for the third tournament in a row

Saudi Arabia is appearing at their first World Cup finals since 2006 when they exited at the end of the group phase of the competition for the third tournament in a row. The country's high point remains their debut qualification for the World Cup, when they reached the round of 16 in the United States in 1994 after a memorable 1-0 win over Belgium, courtesy of Saeed Al Owairan's slaloming wonder goal. Coach: Juan Antonio Pizzi Argentina-born former Spain international midfielder Pizzi took over as Saudi Arabia head coach in late November 2017 after Dutchman Bert van Marwijk, who qualified the country for the finals, did not have his contract renewed. Van Marwijk was initially replaced by Edgardo Bauza but he was fired after just three friendlies to be replaced by Pizzi, who led Chile to the Copa America Centario and the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup. Key players: Yahya Al Shehri: Diminutive in stature but an important player for Saudi Arabia over the last five years, Al Shehri's trickery and eye for a pass make him one of Saudi Arabia's more potent weapons. Al Shehri has spent several months on loan with La Liga side Leganes in the lead-up to the World Cup from his parent club Al Nassr. Taisir Al Jassim: Veteran playmaker Al Jassim has been one of Saudi Arabia's most gifted passers over the last decade and qualification for the World Cup is just reward for a fine player who has represented his country more than 120 times while also leading club side Al Ahli to the Saudi title in 2016. Fahad Al Muwallad: A pacy winger who scored the goal against Japan that ensured Saudi Arabia qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time since 2006, Al Muwallad's direct running and eye for goal will be important for his country if they are to harbour ambitions of moving beyond the group stage. Form guide: Saudi Arabia's results since securing qualification for the finals have been disappointing, with the country knocked out of the keenly contested Gulf Cup at the end of the group phase in December. They have won only one of their four warm-up games ahead of Russia. While games against Moldova and Iraq were low key, second-string affairs, a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Belgium in late March suggests much work still needs to be done. How they qualified: Victory over already-qualified Japan in their final qualifying match in Jeddah sealed progress to the World Cup finals for Saudi Arabia, who finished ahead of Australia on goal difference after a demanding campaign. Prospects: The coaching changes since qualification was confirmed mean Saudi Arabia's preparations have been disjointed while a decision to send a number of key players to Spanish clubs in a bid to give them more experience has backfired. The opening game against Russia will be vital for Pizzi and his team as they seek to set a positive tone for the rest of their campaign, while the meeting with Arab rivals Egypt will be among the most keenly followed matches in the Middle East. But, with the team falling short of the standards achieved under Van Marwijk, a first-round exit is most likely. Saudi Arabia'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: Yasser Al Mosailem, Fawaz Al-Qarni, Abdullah Al-Mayouf, Waleed Abdullah Defenders: Osama Hawsawi, Omar Hawsawi, Yasser Al-Shahrani, Hussein Abdulghani, Motaz Hawsawi, Ahmed Dokhi Mid-fielders: Fahad Al-Muwallad, Yahya Al-Shehri, Taisir Al-Jassim, Salem Al-Dawsari, Nawaf Al Abed, Ibrahim Ghaleb, Mohammad Al-Shalhoub, Salman Al-Faraj, Housain Al-Moqahwi, Abdullah Otayf Forwards: Fahad Al-Muwallad, Mohammad Al-Sahlawi, Naif Hazazi, Nasser Al-Shamrani, Mukhtar Fallatah, Salman Al-Moasher, Yousef Al-Salem

FIFA World Cup 2018: A complete profile of Saudi Arabia

The chance to see Lionel Messi up close unleashed a certain madness Monday as the Argentine national team held their first open practice for the 2018 World Cup in this town roughly 60 km (30 mi) southeast of Moscow. 
 
Some 500 people packed the stands at the Bronnitsy training center on the banks of a river with sandy shores and just a short distance from a traditional Russian Orthodox Church with gilded domes. 
 
The fans never stopped chanting the name of FC Barcelona's star player, while waving both Argentine flags and Barca banners. 
 
"Argentina will win the World Cup. It doesn't matter that it's not the best team, it has Messi. With him, all is possible," Dima, a 10-year-old boy wearing a replica Barcelona shirt with the striker's name, told EFE. 
 
Added to the Argentina fans were more than 200 reporters covering the training session. 
 
Messi decided to thank the fans for their support and their patience by signing autographs and having photos taken with his countless admirers after the practice. 
 
While it wasn't sure that Paulo Dybala would make the starting lineup for the World Cup, the Juventus striker also attracted a lot of attention among the fans and, though Javier Mascherano has opted for a golden retirement in China, he was also very much sought after. 
 
Despite having a tough time qualifying for the World Cup and thanks to a sterling performance by Messi, the Argentines are once again one of the big favorites to win the championship. 
 
Argentina, which lost 1-0 in the 2014 World Cup against Germany, will debut on June 17 against Iceland before going up against Croatia on June 21 and will close the group stage against Nigeria on June 26.

The Argentine national team held their first open practice for the 2018 World Cup and the fans never stopped chanting Messi's name, while waving both Argentine flags and Barca banners

The chance to see Lionel Messi up close unleashed a certain madness Monday as the Argentine national team held their first open practice for the 2018 World Cup in this town roughly 60 km (30 mi) southeast of Moscow. Some 500 people packed the stands at the Bronnitsy training center on the banks of a river with sandy shores and just a short distance from a traditional Russian Orthodox Church with gilded domes. The fans never stopped chanting the name of FC Barcelona's star player, while waving both Argentine flags and Barca banners. "Argentina will win the World Cup. It doesn't matter that it's not the best team, it has Messi. With him, all is possible," Dima, a 10-year-old boy wearing a replica Barcelona shirt with the striker's name, told EFE. Added to the Argentina fans were more than 200 reporters covering the training session. Messi decided to thank the fans for their support and their patience by signing autographs and having photos taken with his countless admirers after the practice. While it wasn't sure that Paulo Dybala would make the starting lineup for the World Cup, the Juventus striker also attracted a lot of attention among the fans and, though Javier Mascherano has opted for a golden retirement in China, he was also very much sought after. Despite having a tough time qualifying for the World Cup and thanks to a sterling performance by Messi, the Argentines are once again one of the big favorites to win the championship. Argentina, which lost 1-0 in the 2014 World Cup against Germany, will debut on June 17 against Iceland before going up against Croatia on June 21 and will close the group stage against Nigeria on June 26.

Messi fans flock to Argentine open practice in Russia

Panama football team perfectly completed the dustbin challenge ahead of the main event. In a bin challenge, the teams attempt to head a football between a series of people before landing it into the dustbin without dropping it.

The 21st edition of the football is set to start from June 14 and Panama will be making their debut at the World Cup finals. They first entered the World Cup qualifiers for the 1978 tournament in Argentina.

Ahead of the big event, Panama have sent a warning to other teams. Watch the video here:

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
This is the proof we needed that Panama are going to win <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup2018</a>. <a href="https://t.co/lYKaDT8XEe">pic.twitter.com/lYKaDT8XEe</a>
— Daniel Andrade (@d_andradesport) <a href="https://twitter.com/d_andradesport/status/1005829116707442690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Panama have struggled in friendlies since qualifying for the World Cup, losing to Iran and Denmark by single goals and drawing with Wales. They also faced a tragic defeat 6-0 by Switzerland.

Panama reached the quarter-finals of the Gold Cup last year before losing 1-0 to Costa Rica. Their last 10 competitive internationals have produced four wins, three draws and three defeats.

They face Norway in a warm-up game on Wednesday evening, before opening their World Cup campaign against Belgium on Monday, June 18.

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The scenes when the Panama squad nailed the bin challenge! ??? 
 
(? <a href="https://twitter.com/fepafut?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fepafut</a>) <a href="https://t.co/CaPHjLLwqx">pic.twitter.com/CaPHjLLwqx</a>
— Dugout (@Dugout) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dugout/status/1005898599367106561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

In a bin challenge, the teams attempt to head a football between a series of people before landing it into the dustbin

Panama football team perfectly completed the dustbin challenge ahead of the main event. In a bin challenge, the teams attempt to head a football between a series of people before landing it into the dustbin without dropping it. The 21st edition of the football is set to start from June 14 and Panama will be making their debut at the World Cup finals. They first entered the World Cup qualifiers for the 1978 tournament in Argentina. Ahead of the big event, Panama have sent a warning to other teams. Watch the video here: This is the proof we needed that Panama are going to win #WorldCup2018. pic.twitter.com/lYKaDT8XEe — Daniel Andrade (@d_andradesport) June 10, 2018 × Panama have struggled in friendlies since qualifying for the World Cup, losing to Iran and Denmark by single goals and drawing with Wales. They also faced a tragic defeat 6-0 by Switzerland. Panama reached the quarter-finals of the Gold Cup last year before losing 1-0 to Costa Rica. Their last 10 competitive internationals have produced four wins, three draws and three defeats. They face Norway in a warm-up game on Wednesday evening, before opening their World Cup campaign against Belgium on Monday, June 18. The scenes when the Panama squad nailed the bin challenge! ??? (? @fepafut) pic.twitter.com/CaPHjLLwqx — Dugout (@Dugout) June 10, 2018 ×

Watch: Panama football team completes header bin challenge

Brazilian football icon Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known worldwide as Pele, on Sunday cancelled his scheduled trip to Russia to speak at a conference at the country's main university, thus leaving up in the air his presence at the inaugural World Cup match later this month. 
 
"Pele will not come (to the university), since he is feeling ill. He has problems in his legs. Before Tuesday, it will be decided if he will ultimately attend the inauguration of the World Cup," his spokesperson commented to the local press. 
 
The Brazilian (and world) soccer legend - who won the Jules Rimet Cup, used as the World Cup trophy from 1930-1970, three times - is one of the main invited guests at the opening ceremony of this year's tourney on June 14 in Moscow's national Luzhniki Stadium, where the Russian squad will go up against the Saudi Arabians. 
 
Pele, who is an admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, had cancelled a March visit to Russia, where he was due to be honored during the friendly match between the host nation and the Brazilian squad on the 60th anniversary of his World Cup debut. 
 
The Brazilian star first took part in a World Cup match in 1958, going up against the Russian squad in the 1958 Sweden tourney. 
 
At age 77, Pele in recent years has undergone several spinal, femur and cartilage operations which have forced him to curtail his public appearances. 
 
Recently, he expressed his concern about the Brazilian team and, although he praised its coach - Tite - he said that the squad had not come together yet as a unit and recalled that it was the teams that won the past World Cups, not individuals.

Pele in recent years has undergone several spinal, femur and cartilage operations which have forced him to curtail his public appearances

Brazilian football icon Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known worldwide as Pele, on Sunday cancelled his scheduled trip to Russia to speak at a conference at the country's main university, thus leaving up in the air his presence at the inaugural World Cup match later this month. "Pele will not come (to the university), since he is feeling ill. He has problems in his legs. Before Tuesday, it will be decided if he will ultimately attend the inauguration of the World Cup," his spokesperson commented to the local press. The Brazilian (and world) soccer legend - who won the Jules Rimet Cup, used as the World Cup trophy from 1930-1970, three times - is one of the main invited guests at the opening ceremony of this year's tourney on June 14 in Moscow's national Luzhniki Stadium, where the Russian squad will go up against the Saudi Arabians. Pele, who is an admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, had cancelled a March visit to Russia, where he was due to be honored during the friendly match between the host nation and the Brazilian squad on the 60th anniversary of his World Cup debut. The Brazilian star first took part in a World Cup match in 1958, going up against the Russian squad in the 1958 Sweden tourney. At age 77, Pele in recent years has undergone several spinal, femur and cartilage operations which have forced him to curtail his public appearances. Recently, he expressed his concern about the Brazilian team and, although he praised its coach - Tite - he said that the squad had not come together yet as a unit and recalled that it was the teams that won the past World Cups, not individuals.

Pele cancels visit to Russia and is doubtful for attending inaugural ceremony

Manuel Neuer, popularly known as the 'Sweeper-Keeper', is a German professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for and captains both, Bayern Munich and the Germany national team. He is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of all times. Under his guidance, Germany team lifted FIFA World Cup trophy in 2014. Here are some lesser known and very interesting&nbspfacts that you did not know about Manuel Neuer:

1. He has grown up following his childhood hero, former Schalke goalkeeper Jens Lehmann. He is also compared with the likes of former German goalkeeper, Oliver Kahn, and even said to be the 'right hands' to fill the Van Der Sar’s gloves. But Neuer says that Lehmann is the greatest of all time.

2. He won €500,000 in November 2011 on "Wer wird Millionar?" The German version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire."

3. He was born as a football freak, something that comes from his 'genes', and got his first football when he was only 2. He and his brother Marcel used to spend hours playing in the streets of their hometown. Now, Neuer is the goalkeeper of Germany's national side and also, of Bayern Munich. And Marcel is currently a referee in the Verbandsliga. Neuer played his first game when he was 4 years and 341 days old, on March 3, 1991.

4. An amazing fact about him is that he is known as “sweeper-keeper”. His teammates have given him this name because of his great goalkeeping skills.

5. Another impressive fact about him is that, falling behind only to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo he grabbed the third slot in FIFA Ballon d'Or Award in 2014.

6. He has won Footballer of the Year in Germany Award twice. The first time he grabbed the title in 2011 and second time in the year of 2014.&nbsp

7. He has been the winner of UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year Award due to his impressive performance in UEFA Champions League. Even noticeable fact is that he has grabbed the title thrice in a row for the years 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively.

8. He holds the record of being the second most expensive goalkeeper of all time only behind Gianluigi Buffon. In 2011, he was picked up by Bayern offering him a five-year contract and an amount worth €22 million. This made him second most expensive goalkeeper of all time.

9. A very inspiring fact about Manuel is that he runs a charity foundation for children titled Manuel Neuer Kids Foundation which actively works for the betterment of children.&nbsp

"I want to give back to disadvantaged children in my home region something of what I was lucky enough to have in my own youth: opportunities and prospects in life," said Neuer.

10. His career at international level is quite sound. He has won 1 FIFA World Cup for the year 2014 and 1 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship for the year 2009.

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Under Neuer's guidance, Germany team lifted FIFA World Cup trophy in 2014

Manuel Neuer, popularly known as the 'Sweeper-Keeper', is a German professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for and captains both, Bayern Munich and the Germany national team. He is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of all times. Under his guidance, Germany team lifted FIFA World Cup trophy in 2014. Here are some lesser known and very interesting&nbspfacts that you did not know about Manuel Neuer: 1. He has grown up following his childhood hero, former Schalke goalkeeper Jens Lehmann. He is also compared with the likes of former German goalkeeper, Oliver Kahn, and even said to be the 'right hands' to fill the Van Der Sar’s gloves. But Neuer says that Lehmann is the greatest of all time. 2. He won €500,000 in November 2011 on "Wer wird Millionar?" The German version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire." 3. He was born as a football freak, something that comes from his 'genes', and got his first football when he was only 2. He and his brother Marcel used to spend hours playing in the streets of their hometown. Now, Neuer is the goalkeeper of Germany's national side and also, of Bayern Munich. And Marcel is currently a referee in the Verbandsliga. Neuer played his first game when he was 4 years and 341 days old, on March 3, 1991. 4. An amazing fact about him is that he is known as “sweeper-keeper”. His teammates have given him this name because of his great goalkeeping skills. 5. Another impressive fact about him is that, falling behind only to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo he grabbed the third slot in FIFA Ballon d'Or Award in 2014. 6. He has won Footballer of the Year in Germany Award twice. The first time he grabbed the title in 2011 and second time in the year of 2014. 7. He has been the winner of UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year Award due to his impressive performance in UEFA Champions League. Even noticeable fact is that he has grabbed the title thrice in a row for the years 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively. 8. He holds the record of being the second most expensive goalkeeper of all time only behind Gianluigi Buffon. In 2011, he was picked up by Bayern offering him a five-year contract and an amount worth €22 million. This made him second most expensive goalkeeper of all time. 9. A very inspiring fact about Manuel is that he runs a charity foundation for children titled Manuel Neuer Kids Foundation which actively works for the betterment of children. "I want to give back to disadvantaged children in my home region something of what I was lucky enough to have in my own youth: opportunities and prospects in life," said Neuer. 10. His career at international level is quite sound. He has won 1 FIFA World Cup for the year 2014 and 1 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship for the year 2009. ×

Here are 10 lesser-known facts about German 'sweeper-keeper' Manuel Neuer

We are just three days away from the football World Cup, a game which is all about a team effort but a hat-trick is more of a&nbsp;glorious individual achievement. When one player scores three goals in a single game than it is referred as "hat-trick" and when it comes to the world cup, the magnitude of hat-trick increases. There have been several occasions when a player has earned glory for scoring a hat-trick in the World Cup.

Ahead of the mega event, let us discuss the historic hat-tricks that have been scored in the history of FIFA World Cup

-The first hat-trick in World Cup was scored by Bert Patenaude of the United States while playing against Paraguay in 1930. However, the goal was a bit controversial. Until 10 November 2006, the first hat-trick that FIFA acknowledged had been scored by Argentine Guillermo Stabile but two days after, FIFA announced that Patenaude's claim to being the first hat-trick scorer was valid.

-Four players, &nbsp;Sandor Kocsis (both 1954) Just Fontaine (both 1958) Gerd Muller (both 1970) and Gabriel Batistuta (1994 and 1998) have scored the hat-trick twice.

-Oleg Salenko - a retired Russian-Ukrainian footballer - has scored five goals in a single match in 1994 World Cup playing against Cameroon.

-Geoff Hurst is the only player who has scored a hat-trick in a World Cup Final.

-Brazilian star player Pele is the youngest player to score a hat-trick. He scored the hat-trick in 1958 at 17 years and 244 days of age.

-There is one jinxed World Cup also where no hat-trick was scored. It was the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

-The record number of hat-tricks in a single World Cup tournament is eight, during the 1954 FIFA World Cup in Switzerland

-Inthe the previous tournament, On 16 June 2014, in Germany's opening match of the World Cup, Thomas Muller scored the first hat-trick of the tournament. He bagged the first World Cup hat-trick for Germany since Miroslav Klose in 2002.

Miroslav Klose, Germany vs. Saudi Arabia, 2002

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Gonzalo Higuaín, Argentina vs. South Korea, 2010

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Pele, Brazil vs. France, 1958

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Geoff Hurst, England vs. West Germany, 1966

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&nbsp;

Ahead of the mega event, let us discuss the historic hat-tricks that have been scored in the history of FIFA World Cup

We are just three days away from the football World Cup, a game which is all about a team effort but a hat-trick is more of a glorious individual achievement. When one player scores three goals in a single game than it is referred as "hat-trick" and when it comes to the world cup, the magnitude of hat-trick increases. There have been several occasions when a player has earned glory for scoring a hat-trick in the World Cup. Ahead of the mega event, let us discuss the historic hat-tricks that have been scored in the history of FIFA World Cup -The first hat-trick in World Cup was scored by Bert Patenaude of the United States while playing against Paraguay in 1930. However, the goal was a bit controversial. Until 10 November 2006, the first hat-trick that FIFA acknowledged had been scored by Argentine Guillermo Stabile but two days after, FIFA announced that Patenaude's claim to being the first hat-trick scorer was valid. -Four players, Sandor Kocsis (both 1954) Just Fontaine (both 1958) Gerd Muller (both 1970) and Gabriel Batistuta (1994 and 1998) have scored the hat-trick twice. -Oleg Salenko - a retired Russian-Ukrainian footballer - has scored five goals in a single match in 1994 World Cup playing against Cameroon. -Geoff Hurst is the only player who has scored a hat-trick in a World Cup Final. -Brazilian star player Pele is the youngest player to score a hat-trick. He scored the hat-trick in 1958 at 17 years and 244 days of age. -There is one jinxed World Cup also where no hat-trick was scored. It was the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. -The record number of hat-tricks in a single World Cup tournament is eight, during the 1954 FIFA World Cup in Switzerland -Inthe the previous tournament, On 16 June 2014, in Germany's opening match of the World Cup, Thomas Muller scored the first hat-trick of the tournament. He bagged the first World Cup hat-trick for Germany since Miroslav Klose in 2002. Miroslav Klose, Germany vs. Saudi Arabia, 2002 × Gonzalo Higuaín, Argentina vs. South Korea, 2010 × Pele, Brazil vs. France, 1958 × Geoff Hurst, England vs. West Germany, 1966 ×

Heroic hat-tricks in the history of football World Cup

Law enforcement and regulatory forces in Asia say they are gearing up to fight illegal gambling operators who have ramped up activities in the region ahead of the World Cup, making use of savvy technology and cryptocurrencies to evade prosecution.

Illegal gambling on the cup is prevalent in countries like Thailand and Malaysia, where football is hugely popular, but which don't have legal betting alternatives, gambling industry experts say.

Even in South Korea and the Chinese territory of Hong Kong - where betting is legal under registered bodies - illegal gambling on average dwarfs the legal market, they say.

Illegal bookmakers have shifted to online and mobile platforms, which offer a wider range of betting options than legal vendors, making it harder for enforcement agencies to police, the experts say.

Hong Kong and Macau police have said crime syndicates have often used platforms like WeChat to place bets.

Online payment providers and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have also made it easier for illegal operators to facilitate illegal bets, according to Interpol, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which runs Hong Kong's horse racing and football betting franchise.

"There is a need to develop and execute a sustainable enforcement strategy for a lasting impact against illegal betting and related transnational organised crime," said Martin Purbrick, the club's director of security and integrity.

The Jockey Club estimates Hong Kong's illegal betting turnover this year, including the World Cup, will be at least $68 billion, compared to $6.5 billion in Singapore and $79 billion in South Korea annually.

Hong Kong earns around 5 per cent of its budget from taxing legal gambling and views illegal betting as lost potential revenue. The Jockey Club put the potential loss at about HK$13 billion ($1.7 billion) this year.

Illegal bookmakers in Hong Kong are expected to reap HK$750 million during the World Cup alone, the club said.

Illegal betting this year is expected to be far larger than during the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil, helped by the closer time zones between Russia and countries in the Asia region, according to gambling industry executives.

Asia accounts for 80 per cent of the estimated $500 billion in illegal betting volumes globally, according to Transparency International and the Asian Racing Federation.

Much of the illegal betting is facilitated by companies registered offshore, particularly in the Philippines, which sells online betting licenses to operators.

While operators can claim to be licensed in the Philippines, their sites are illegal in most jurisdictions in Asia, including Hong Kong and South Korea.

Since 2016, Philippine authorities have clamped down on illegal betting operators but there has still been a proliferation in the number of sites in operation, according to officials and executives in the country.

Alfredo Lim, president of PAGCOR, the Philippine gaming regulator, said the bureau was collaborating with government agencies to fight illegal gambling.

"We lose millions from unlawful gambling," Lim said.

In South Korea, police said they would closely monitor illegal sports betting during the World Cup. Hong Kong police said they were conducting a large anti-gambling operation called "Crowbreak" to crack down on illegal gambling activities.

Macau, the world's biggest gambling centre, is expected to see revenues squeezed in June due to more Chinese gamblers wagering on the World Cup than in the enclave's glitzy casinos, according to gaming analysts.

Police in China broke up a large illegal online gambling ring in April, arresting more than 100 people, the Xinhua news agency reported, while Macau police have broken up illegal betting operations conducted via the popular WeChat app.

At the last World Cup in 2014, Interpol said during a six-week operation across China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, law enforcement officers cracked crime gangs estimated to have handled around $2.2 billion worth of bets, mainly through illicit websites.

Illegal gambling on the cup is prevalent in countries like Thailand and Malaysia, where football is hugely popular, but which don't have legal betting alternatives, gambling industry experts say

Law enforcement and regulatory forces in Asia say they are gearing up to fight illegal gambling operators who have ramped up activities in the region ahead of the World Cup, making use of savvy technology and cryptocurrencies to evade prosecution. Illegal gambling on the cup is prevalent in countries like Thailand and Malaysia, where football is hugely popular, but which don't have legal betting alternatives, gambling industry experts say. Even in South Korea and the Chinese territory of Hong Kong - where betting is legal under registered bodies - illegal gambling on average dwarfs the legal market, they say. Illegal bookmakers have shifted to online and mobile platforms, which offer a wider range of betting options than legal vendors, making it harder for enforcement agencies to police, the experts say. Hong Kong and Macau police have said crime syndicates have often used platforms like WeChat to place bets. Online payment providers and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have also made it easier for illegal operators to facilitate illegal bets, according to Interpol, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which runs Hong Kong's horse racing and football betting franchise. "There is a need to develop and execute a sustainable enforcement strategy for a lasting impact against illegal betting and related transnational organised crime," said Martin Purbrick, the club's director of security and integrity. The Jockey Club estimates Hong Kong's illegal betting turnover this year, including the World Cup, will be at least $68 billion, compared to $6.5 billion in Singapore and $79 billion in South Korea annually. Hong Kong earns around 5 per cent of its budget from taxing legal gambling and views illegal betting as lost potential revenue. The Jockey Club put the potential loss at about HK$13 billion ($1.7 billion) this year. Illegal bookmakers in Hong Kong are expected to reap HK$750 million during the World Cup alone, the club said. Illegal betting this year is expected to be far larger than during the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil, helped by the closer time zones between Russia and countries in the Asia region, according to gambling industry executives. Asia accounts for 80 per cent of the estimated $500 billion in illegal betting volumes globally, according to Transparency International and the Asian Racing Federation. Much of the illegal betting is facilitated by companies registered offshore, particularly in the Philippines, which sells online betting licenses to operators. While operators can claim to be licensed in the Philippines, their sites are illegal in most jurisdictions in Asia, including Hong Kong and South Korea. Since 2016, Philippine authorities have clamped down on illegal betting operators but there has still been a proliferation in the number of sites in operation, according to officials and executives in the country. Alfredo Lim, president of PAGCOR, the Philippine gaming regulator, said the bureau was collaborating with government agencies to fight illegal gambling. "We lose millions from unlawful gambling," Lim said. In South Korea, police said they would closely monitor illegal sports betting during the World Cup. Hong Kong police said they were conducting a large anti-gambling operation called "Crowbreak" to crack down on illegal gambling activities. Macau, the world's biggest gambling centre, is expected to see revenues squeezed in June due to more Chinese gamblers wagering on the World Cup than in the enclave's glitzy casinos, according to gaming analysts. Police in China broke up a large illegal online gambling ring in April, arresting more than 100 people, the Xinhua news agency reported, while Macau police have broken up illegal betting operations conducted via the popular WeChat app. At the last World Cup in 2014, Interpol said during a six-week operation across China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, law enforcement officers cracked crime gangs estimated to have handled around $2.2 billion worth of bets, mainly through illicit websites.

Authorities across Asia battle illegal gambling surge ahead of World Cup

The poster of the upcoming film Project K, which stars Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Disha Patani, recently graced the iconic billboards of Times Square in New York City.

The display serves as a precursor to the preview of the film at San Diego Comic-Con on July 20. The film is one of the highly-anticipated projects in India owing to its illustrious star cast.

Produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, Project K&nbsp;has been directed by Nag Ashwin. It is an epic science fiction film set in the future.

The film is reportedly being made on a budget of Rs 600 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever made.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-study-finds-how-dietary-restraint-reduces-effects-of-genetic-risk-of-obesity-616547">Study finds how dietary restraint reduces effects of genetic risk of obesity</a>

The film's music score is composed by Santhosh Narayanan with cinematography by Djordje Stojiljkovic and production design by Nitin Zihani Choudhary.

The film was announced in February 2020 coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Vyjayanthi Movies. However, the production was delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The film also marks Deepika's debut in the Telugu film industry.

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England have appeared in 14 World Cups, including the last five. Their best performance was 1966

The poster of the upcoming film Project K, which stars Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Disha Patani, recently graced the iconic billboards of Times Square in New York City. The display serves as a precursor to the preview of the film at San Diego Comic-Con on July 20. The film is one of the highly-anticipated projects in India owing to its illustrious star cast. Produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, Project K has been directed by Nag Ashwin. It is an epic science fiction film set in the future. The film is reportedly being made on a budget of Rs 600 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. Also read: Study finds how dietary restraint reduces effects of genetic risk of obesity The film's music score is composed by Santhosh Narayanan with cinematography by Djordje Stojiljkovic and production design by Nitin Zihani Choudhary. The film was announced in February 2020 coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Vyjayanthi Movies. However, the production was delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film also marks Deepika's debut in the Telugu film industry. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

FIFA World Cup 2018: A complete profile of England

Colombia are playing in their fifth World Cup, with their quarter-final appearance at Brazil 2014 -- where they lost to the hosts -- their best performance. The Andean country is best remembered for its 1990s team featuring characters such as eccentric goalkeeper Rene Higuita and blond-locked Carlos Valderrama.

<hr />
Coach: Jose Pekerman

The silver-haired Argentine has led Colombia since 2012, pulling the "cafeteros" (coffee-makers) out of a lean period and propelling them to their first consecutive World Cups. He put faith in the talented squad's attacking instincts and most notably in striker Radamel Falcao. Pekerman, 68, also had a two-year stint as coach of the Argentina team that went to the 2006 World Cup but lost to hosts Germany in the quarter-finals. He has a close link to Colombia, however, having played half his career as a midfielder for Independiente Medellin.

<hr />
Key players:

James Rodriguez: Fresh from clinching a sixth successive Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, the 26-year-old Rodriguez will be hoping to keep up his winning streak in Russia. "Hamez," as his adoring Colombian fans pronounce his first name, was top scorer at the 2014 World Cup and won over many in the public with his dazzling goals and dancing celebrations. There is much more pressure on the left-footed midfielder this time around, however, but 'James-mania' may well strike again.

Radamel Falcao: Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, 32, missed out on the 2014 World Cup due to a ligament injury. But "El Tigre" (The Tiger) is planning to roar back in Russia and has confessed to daydreaming about the goals he wants to score for the canary-yellow team.

Juan Cuadrado: The Juventus winger is feared for his fierce counter-attacks and goals from near-impossible angles. Cuadrado, 29, was unable to play for Juve for three months due to a groin injury but when he returned against AC Milan in March, he scored barely 15 minutes in to set his side on the way to a 3-1 win.

<hr />
Form guide:

Colombia had a disappointing qualifying campaign but their attacking prowess and ability to turn games has been on display since. Trailing 2-0 in a friendly against France in March, they clawed back to beat "Les Bleus" 3-2 at the Stade de France. But Colombia were unable to beat Australia a few days later in a goalless draw that highlighted the South American team's sometimes erratic form.

How they qualified:

Colombia did just enough to secure the fourth spot in the South American group but they scored only 21 goals and limped over the line with three draws and a defeat in their final four games. Pekerman fielded 45 players in their 18-match qualifying campaign as he struggled to find the right formula to overcome an unexpected shortage of goals in a team brimming with top forwards.

<hr />
Prospects:

With a formidable attack and a relatively manageable group, Colombia are highly competitive. Group H, where Colombia will face Japan, Senegal, and Poland, is the only one to lack a World Cup winner and should provide opportunities for the South Americans to rack up a few goals.

<hr />
Colombia's fixture:

June 19

05:30 PM | Colombia vs Japan | Mordovia Arena, Saransk

June 24

11:30 PM | Poland vs Colombia | Kazan Arena, Kazan

June 28

07:30 PM | Senegal vs Colombia | Cosmos Arena, Samar&nbsp

<hr />
Squad:

Goalkeepers: David Ospina (Arsenal/ENG), Camilo Vargas (Deportivo Cali), Ivan Arboleda (Banfield/ARG), Jose Fernando Cuadrado (Once Caldas)

Defenders: Yerri Mina (Barcelona/ESP), Santiago Arias (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Davinson Sanchez (Tottenham/ENG), Santiago Arias (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Farid Diaz (Olimpia/PAR), Bernardo Espinoza (Girona/ESP), Frank Fabra (Boca Juniors/ARG), Stefan Medina (Monterrey/MEX), Johan Mojica (Girona/ESP), Oscar Murillo (Pachuca/MEX), William Tesillo (Leon/MEX), Cristián Zapata (Milan/ITA)

Midfielders: James Rodríguez (Bayern Múnich/GER), Juan Fernando Quintero (River Plate/ARG), Abel Aguilar (Deportivo Cali), Wilmar Barrios (Boca Juniors/ARG), Edwin Cardona (Boca Juniors/ARG), Yimmi Charrá (Junior), Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Juventus/ITA), Gustavo Cuellar (Flamengo/BRA), Jefferson Lima (Levante/ESP), Giovanni Moreno (Shangai Shenhua/CHN), Sebastián Pérez (Boca Juniors/ARG), Carlos Sanchez (Espanyol/ESP), Mateús Uribe (América/MEX)

Forwards: Radamel Falcao García (Mónaco/FRA), Carlos Bacca (Villareal/ESP), Luis Fernando Muriel (Sevilla/ESP), Miguel Borja (Palmeiras/BRA), Teófilo Gutierrez (Junior), Jose Heriberto Izquierdo (Brighton/ENG), Duván Zapata (Sampdoria/ITA)

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Colombia are playing in their fifth World Cup, with their quarter-final appearance at Brazil 2014 -- where they lost to the hosts -- their best performance

Colombia are playing in their fifth World Cup, with their quarter-final appearance at Brazil 2014 -- where they lost to the hosts -- their best performance. The Andean country is best remembered for its 1990s team featuring characters such as eccentric goalkeeper Rene Higuita and blond-locked Carlos Valderrama. Coach: Jose Pekerman The silver-haired Argentine has led Colombia since 2012, pulling the "cafeteros" (coffee-makers) out of a lean period and propelling them to their first consecutive World Cups. He put faith in the talented squad's attacking instincts and most notably in striker Radamel Falcao. Pekerman, 68, also had a two-year stint as coach of the Argentina team that went to the 2006 World Cup but lost to hosts Germany in the quarter-finals. He has a close link to Colombia, however, having played half his career as a midfielder for Independiente Medellin. Key players: James Rodriguez: Fresh from clinching a sixth successive Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, the 26-year-old Rodriguez will be hoping to keep up his winning streak in Russia. "Hamez," as his adoring Colombian fans pronounce his first name, was top scorer at the 2014 World Cup and won over many in the public with his dazzling goals and dancing celebrations. There is much more pressure on the left-footed midfielder this time around, however, but 'James-mania' may well strike again. Radamel Falcao: Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, 32, missed out on the 2014 World Cup due to a ligament injury. But "El Tigre" (The Tiger) is planning to roar back in Russia and has confessed to daydreaming about the goals he wants to score for the canary-yellow team. Juan Cuadrado: The Juventus winger is feared for his fierce counter-attacks and goals from near-impossible angles. Cuadrado, 29, was unable to play for Juve for three months due to a groin injury but when he returned against AC Milan in March, he scored barely 15 minutes in to set his side on the way to a 3-1 win. Form guide: Colombia had a disappointing qualifying campaign but their attacking prowess and ability to turn games has been on display since. Trailing 2-0 in a friendly against France in March, they clawed back to beat "Les Bleus" 3-2 at the Stade de France. But Colombia were unable to beat Australia a few days later in a goalless draw that highlighted the South American team's sometimes erratic form. How they qualified: Colombia did just enough to secure the fourth spot in the South American group but they scored only 21 goals and limped over the line with three draws and a defeat in their final four games. Pekerman fielded 45 players in their 18-match qualifying campaign as he struggled to find the right formula to overcome an unexpected shortage of goals in a team brimming with top forwards. Prospects: With a formidable attack and a relatively manageable group, Colombia are highly competitive. Group H, where Colombia will face Japan, Senegal, and Poland, is the only one to lack a World Cup winner and should provide opportunities for the South Americans to rack up a few goals. Colombia's fixture: June 19 05:30 PM | Colombia vs Japan | Mordovia Arena, Saransk June 24 11:30 PM | Poland vs Colombia | Kazan Arena, Kazan June 28 07:30 PM | Senegal vs Colombia | Cosmos Arena, Samar Squad: Goalkeepers: David Ospina (Arsenal/ENG), Camilo Vargas (Deportivo Cali), Ivan Arboleda (Banfield/ARG), Jose Fernando Cuadrado (Once Caldas) Defenders: Yerri Mina (Barcelona/ESP), Santiago Arias (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Davinson Sanchez (Tottenham/ENG), Santiago Arias (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Farid Diaz (Olimpia/PAR), Bernardo Espinoza (Girona/ESP), Frank Fabra (Boca Juniors/ARG), Stefan Medina (Monterrey/MEX), Johan Mojica (Girona/ESP), Oscar Murillo (Pachuca/MEX), William Tesillo (Leon/MEX), Cristián Zapata (Milan/ITA) Midfielders: James Rodríguez (Bayern Múnich/GER), Juan Fernando Quintero (River Plate/ARG), Abel Aguilar (Deportivo Cali), Wilmar Barrios (Boca Juniors/ARG), Edwin Cardona (Boca Juniors/ARG), Yimmi Charrá (Junior), Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Juventus/ITA), Gustavo Cuellar (Flamengo/BRA), Jefferson Lima (Levante/ESP), Giovanni Moreno (Shangai Shenhua/CHN), Sebastián Pérez (Boca Juniors/ARG), Carlos Sanchez (Espanyol/ESP), Mateús Uribe (América/MEX) Forwards: Radamel Falcao García (Mónaco/FRA), Carlos Bacca (Villareal/ESP), Luis Fernando Muriel (Sevilla/ESP), Miguel Borja (Palmeiras/BRA), Teófilo Gutierrez (Junior), Jose Heriberto Izquierdo (Brighton/ENG), Duván Zapata (Sampdoria/ITA)

FIFA World Cup 2018: A complete profile of Colombia

Portugal will be appearing at their eighth World Cup and sixth in a row. Their best performance was on their debut in 1966 when they finished third after losing to England in the semi-finals and they reached the semi-finals in 2006 before losing to France. They went out in the group stage in 2002 and 2014 and lost to Spain in the round of 16 in 2010.

<hr />
Coach:

Fernando Santos: The 63-year-old is a former defender who played for Estoril and Maritimo. After retiring, he intended to pursue a career in electrical engineering, in which he is qualified, but a twist of fate took him into coaching. He has managed all of Portugal's big three, Benfica, Porto and Sporting, and led Greece to Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup. He replaced Paulo Bento after Portugal lost their opening Euro 2016 qualifier at home to Albania, led them to the Euro 2016 title and has lost only once in 29 competitive internationals.

<hr />
Key players:

Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal's captain, most capped player, and all-time leading scorer remain, at the age of 33, a fundamental presence for Portugal -- even when not playing, as he showed by encouraging the team from the touchline during the Euro 2016 final.

Some feel his habit of hogging free kicks and penalties is not healthy and that his presence is a burden for his teammates, but his record of 81 goals in 149 games speaks for itself.

Pepe: The linchpin of the defence for the best part of a decade although his rash tackles, explosive fits of temper and liberal use of gamesmanship make him many people's pantomime villain.

He let down the team when he was sent off in the first half of the 4-0 defeat by Germany in the 2014 World Cup but held the back line together magnificently in the Euro 2016 final against France. Born in Brazil and moved to Portugal as an 18-year-old.

William Carvalho: Known as "Sir William" by fans of his club Sporting, Carvalho was born in Angola and moved to Portugal as a child.

Physically imposing, he forms a defensive wall in front of the Portugal defence and is remarkably calm in possession, providing excellent distribution, though he sometimes looks cumbersome and slow.

<hr />
Form guide:

Portugal have won their last nine competitive internationals although their form in friendlies since qualifying has been more erratic, with two wins, a draw and an embarrassing 3-0 defeat by the Netherlands.

How they qualified:

Portugal topped their group on goal difference ahead of Switzerland. After losing to the Swiss in their opening match, they won their remaining nine fixtures.

<hr />
Prospects:

Along with neighbours Spain, Portugal appear to be favourites to progress from Group B which also contains Morocco and Iran. But facing Spain in their opener could complicate things as defeat would leave them playing catch-up. Their second match against Morocco will stir unhappy memories of a 3-1 defeat by the North Africans at the 1986 finals while the Iran match brings them face to face with their former coach Carlos Queiroz. Russia, Egypt, Uruguay or Saudi Arabia await in the second round while France and Argentina are among possible quarter-final opponents.

<hr />
Portugal's fixture

June 15

11:30 PM | Portugal vs Spain | Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi

June 20

05:30 PM | Portugal vs Morocco | Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

June 25

11:30 PM | Iran vs Portugal | Mordovia Arena, Saransk

<hr />
Squad:

Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon/FRA), Beto (Goztepe/TUR), Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon)

Defenders: Bruno Alves (Rangers/SCO), Cedric Soares (Southampton/ENG), Jose Fonte (Dalian Yifang/CHI), Mario Rui (Napoli/ITA), Pepe (Besiktas/TUR), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Ricardo Pereira (Porto), Ruben Dias (Benfica)

Midfielders: Adrien Silva (Leicester/ENG), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting Lisbon), Joao Mario (West Ham/ENG), Joao Moutinho (Monaco/FRA), Manuel Fernandes (Lokomotiv Moscow/RUS), William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon)

Forwards: Andre Silva (AC Milan/ITA), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid/ESP), Gelson Martins (Sporting Lisbon), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia/ESP), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas/TUR)

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Portugal will be appearing at their eighth World Cup and sixth in a row

Portugal will be appearing at their eighth World Cup and sixth in a row. Their best performance was on their debut in 1966 when they finished third after losing to England in the semi-finals and they reached the semi-finals in 2006 before losing to France. They went out in the group stage in 2002 and 2014 and lost to Spain in the round of 16 in 2010. Coach: Fernando Santos: The 63-year-old is a former defender who played for Estoril and Maritimo. After retiring, he intended to pursue a career in electrical engineering, in which he is qualified, but a twist of fate took him into coaching. He has managed all of Portugal's big three, Benfica, Porto and Sporting, and led Greece to Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup. He replaced Paulo Bento after Portugal lost their opening Euro 2016 qualifier at home to Albania, led them to the Euro 2016 title and has lost only once in 29 competitive internationals. Key players: Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal's captain, most capped player, and all-time leading scorer remain, at the age of 33, a fundamental presence for Portugal -- even when not playing, as he showed by encouraging the team from the touchline during the Euro 2016 final. Some feel his habit of hogging free kicks and penalties is not healthy and that his presence is a burden for his teammates, but his record of 81 goals in 149 games speaks for itself. Pepe: The linchpin of the defence for the best part of a decade although his rash tackles, explosive fits of temper and liberal use of gamesmanship make him many people's pantomime villain. He let down the team when he was sent off in the first half of the 4-0 defeat by Germany in the 2014 World Cup but held the back line together magnificently in the Euro 2016 final against France. Born in Brazil and moved to Portugal as an 18-year-old. William Carvalho: Known as "Sir William" by fans of his club Sporting, Carvalho was born in Angola and moved to Portugal as a child. Physically imposing, he forms a defensive wall in front of the Portugal defence and is remarkably calm in possession, providing excellent distribution, though he sometimes looks cumbersome and slow. Form guide: Portugal have won their last nine competitive internationals although their form in friendlies since qualifying has been more erratic, with two wins, a draw and an embarrassing 3-0 defeat by the Netherlands. How they qualified: Portugal topped their group on goal difference ahead of Switzerland. After losing to the Swiss in their opening match, they won their remaining nine fixtures. Prospects: Along with neighbours Spain, Portugal appear to be favourites to progress from Group B which also contains Morocco and Iran. But facing Spain in their opener could complicate things as defeat would leave them playing catch-up. Their second match against Morocco will stir unhappy memories of a 3-1 defeat by the North Africans at the 1986 finals while the Iran match brings them face to face with their former coach Carlos Queiroz. Russia, Egypt, Uruguay or Saudi Arabia await in the second round while France and Argentina are among possible quarter-final opponents. Portugal's fixture June 15 11:30 PM | Portugal vs Spain | Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi June 20 05:30 PM | Portugal vs Morocco | Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow June 25 11:30 PM | Iran vs Portugal | Mordovia Arena, Saransk Squad: Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon/FRA), Beto (Goztepe/TUR), Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon) Defenders: Bruno Alves (Rangers/SCO), Cedric Soares (Southampton/ENG), Jose Fonte (Dalian Yifang/CHI), Mario Rui (Napoli/ITA), Pepe (Besiktas/TUR), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Ricardo Pereira (Porto), Ruben Dias (Benfica) Midfielders: Adrien Silva (Leicester/ENG), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting Lisbon), Joao Mario (West Ham/ENG), Joao Moutinho (Monaco/FRA), Manuel Fernandes (Lokomotiv Moscow/RUS), William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon) Forwards: Andre Silva (AC Milan/ITA), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid/ESP), Gelson Martins (Sporting Lisbon), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia/ESP), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas/TUR)

FIFA World Cup 2018: A complete profile of Portugal

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