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Five Croatia Players To Watch At The 2022 World Cup

Croatia were a longshot in World Cup winner odds four years ago. They still reached the final, only to lose 4-2 to France.

A repeat of that run might very unlikely in Qatar, but this is still a nation with sufficient talent to cause problems for the inner circle of contenders.

Croatia are grouped with Belgium, Canada and Morocco and are favoured by most World Cup result predictions to reach the knockout rounds at the very least.

Luka Modrić

Despite being into his thirties, Luka Modrić is one of the best midfielders in the world. Alongside Mateo Kovačić and Marcelo Brozović, he can orchestrate matches even against players with much fewer miles in the legs.

Few players can match Modrić’s big-game experience too, from a collection of stellar Champions League performances to his Golden Ball showing in Russia.

Modrić doesn’t have to get on the scoresheet or notch an assist to influence a match. He can pull teams apart from deep positions. The duel with Kevin De Bruyne and Belgium’s midfield in the group is especially intriguing.

Mislav Oršić

Not the biggest football betting name in the Croatia squad, Mislav Oršić has resisted transfer interest from elsewhere to stick with Dinamo Zagreb.

Oršić has scored 20 or more goals in each of the last three full seasons for Dinamo, and has already netted 11 in 25 outings this season.

With pace to burn, Oršić is invaluable late in games. He has his work cut out to start at the World Cup, having not started Croatia’s last three, but he is a serious threat on the break.

Ivan Perišić

Scorer of the equaliser against England in the semi-final four years ago, Ivan Perišić has won the Champions League, Bundesliga and Serie A since then.

Perišić might be 33 years old, but he still has the energy to bomb up and down the left flank when required.

Where he has predominantly been a wing-back for Inter and Tottenham, look Zlatko Dalić to utilise Perišić in a more advanced role.

Mario Pašalić

The veteran trio still patrol the midfield, but Mario Pašalić has an important role to play either from the flank or as an option off the bench to replace one of Modrić, Kovačić or Brozović.

Pašalić has been featured on the right of the front three at times, though the Atlanta midfielder usually operates in a central role at club level.

A hard-worker with an eye for goal, the Mainz-born midfielder could be overshadowed by his bigger-name teammates, but he has a meaningful role to play in this squad.

Joško Gvardiol

Linked with Leeds in 2021 and Chelsea earlier this year, Joško Gvardiol is a man in demand across Europe.

While still in the early stages of his career at just 20 years old, Gvardiol has proven he can perform at a high level in the Bundesliga and Champions League with RB Leipzig.

The youngster has the highest market value of any Croatian player – he’s the future of the national team, but he’s also an asset in 2022.

November 18, 2022

World Cup 2026

By Sam Cox

https://twitter.com/SamRCox_">

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Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

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Five Uruguay Players To Watch At The 2022 World Cup

Twice winners of the World Cup, Uruguay enter the tournament in Qatar with just one semi-final appearance since 1970.

No more than a dark horse in World Cup winner odds, La Celeste need some good fortune and exceptional individual performances if they are to go on a deep run in this winter’s tournament.

This squad might not be as stacked as some of their CONMEBOL foes, but Uruguay have plenty of high-profile talent with experience at the top of the international game and the highest stakes of club football.

These five players are vital for the Uruguayans if they are to upset football betting odds this winter.

Darwin Núñez

It has been an up and down start to his time on Merseyside, but Darwin Núñez has shown flashes of why Liverpool splashed so much cash on him. His shot numbers are outrageous. Some finishes have been great, others less so.

Regardless of his efficiency in front of goal, Núñez is a nightmare for opposing defenders, a physical specimen who can play bully ball when required and exhibit exceptional technical ability.

The finishing is what could be the difference between a decent World Cup and a great one for Uruguay, though.

Federico Valverde

Owner of the highest market value among Uruguayan players, Federico Valverde has blossomed over the last year or so and will be an integral player for La Celeste this winter.

Whether in a midfield three or playing in a pivot with Rodrigo Bentancur, Valverde brings a skillset which is vital for this Uruguay team.

At points, the middle of the park has been a weak point for the two-time world champions. There’s no such concern in Qatar with Valverde joined by Matias Vecino and Bentancur.

Luis Suárez

Returning to his homeland with Nacional, Luis Suárez flourished, scoring eight and assisting three in 14 league matches. The former Liverpool forward isn’t the player he once was, but how much does he have left to offer in Qatar this winter?

World Cups are small samples, a relative lottery compared to the grind of club football.

Suárez will have more than ample opportunity to make his mark on the tournament, and it could just take a moment of trademark brilliance for the Salto native to swing Uruguay’s fortunes.

Sebastián Coates

If Uruguay are to exceed our World Cup result predictions, they need their defence to be rock-solid throughout.

Sebastián Coates is a big part of their defensive effort, having evolved into one of Europe’s more reliable defenders after a calamitous spell at Liverpool earlier in his career.

The matchups with Cristiano Ronaldo and Heung-min Son are a challenge for the entire Uruguay back line, and Coates will be at the centre of those encounters.

José Giménez

Expected to start with Coates in a back four, José Giménez is playing in his third World Cup, and has delivered in tournament football before, having been named to the Copa America Team of the Tournament in 2019.

Giménez is hard as nails, a no-nonsense defender who thrives in physical battles.

Uruguay’s attack can carry them in the group, but their defence will need to be faultless to overcome more talented opposition in the knockouts.

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

November 18, 2022

World Cup 2026

By Sam Cox

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Sam Cox

Lauren EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal Are Serious Title Contenders

Former Arsenal defender and famed Invincible Lauren believes the Gunners are firmly in the reckoning to win a first Premier League title for 19 years under Mikel Arteta.

“I haven’t been surprised by Arsenal, but I didn’t expect the team to get all of Arteta’s concepts so early. Everybody in the team knows when to press. They keep momentum. Their passing is very good.

“What did surprise me is they are capable of playing at the same level for 90 minutes in all of the games. This is very important, to maintain their consistency for the whole game. They are doing this and it’s fantastic.

“If they are up there around late January, then they can be a serious contender for the title.”

The North London giants flew out of the blocks this season and have been winning ever since, confounding expectations and disproving the doubters who claim their squad lacks genuine depth.

Yet on the subject of their limited resources Lauren insists the club should avoid any temptations to strengthen in the next transfer window, instead going with what they’ve got until the season’s end.

“Arsenal have to keep believing in what they’re doing, because so far they’ve been brilliant. And they have to keep believing in their squad because rather than bringing in other players I would prefer the club kept their confidence in the team, not thinking about who to sign in January.”

If this may count as a somewhat unpopular option among the Emirates faithful we only need to acknowledge the players Arteta presently has at his disposal, a young team full of verve and adventure who are lighting up the upper echelons of the top-flight.

Arteta said Arsenal watched the City game together on the team bus this afternoon.

I asked what the reaction was like when Toney scored:

"As you can imagine," he said with a smile. pic.twitter.com/b1r2KffSoz
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) November 12, 2022

Of these, Bukayo Saka especially stands out, the 21-year-old putting in some outstanding performances of late after a notably slow start to his campaign. Knowing a thing or two about wingers after facing a multitude of them across a decade of playing at the highest level, Lauren is evidently a fan.

“Saka has many attributes. He understands the game and what I like about him is he doesn’t rush his actions. He gets in those positions higher up the pitch to damage the opponent and only there he is entitled to do his tricks. He knows where and when he can dribble and that is important from a young lad.

“He can take players on and I believe he can keep progressing. He’s a top player.”

At the back meanwhile, Arsenal have been solid, conceding the joint-fewest number of goals after 13 games, and central to their defensive fortitude has been a pairing who appear to be getting better, and stingier with every passing fixture.

Having played to the right of some iconic partnerships down the years, does Lauren suspect William Saliba and Gabriel may go on to be favourably compared to the likes of Adams and Bould one day?

“Saliba and Gabriel are already a great centre-back partnership. There is a real understanding between them.

“There was a moment yesterday against Chelsea when Gabriel lost his position a little and Sterling attacked the space. But Saliba came in from behind and was quicker. He reads the game so well and he is quick and confident.

“Gabriel can score goals at set-pieces and he understands the game. He’s been great. He is aggressive in his approach and this is important when you play a high press.

“Those two centre-backs are right up there at the moment.”

Another player who has received a lot of plaudits this term is Granit Xhaka, who has transformed his reputation at the Emirates and in doing so became a pivotal figure in Arteta’s revolution.

🗣️| Granit Xhaka on Mikel Arteta:

“You know what? I had to turn 27 to understand football correctly, that's his merit. Mikel showed me football anew. He explains the game, the tactics, the opponent to you so that you can only go out and win. He's a crazy guy.” [@Blickch] #afc pic.twitter.com/2Gf38298d8
— Arsenal Buzz (@ArsenalBuzzCom) November 13, 2022

Yet here, instead of simply praising the Swiss star, Lauren focuses on the midfield as a unit, pointing out how one part inspires the other.

“The reason Granit Xhaka is doing well is because Partey is dominating the middle of the park. That allows Xhaka more freedom to get forward and combine with the strikers. The better Partey is, the better that makes Xhaka because there is a balance. Everybody contributes.”

The same thinking is applied when assessing the Gunners’ attack, with the two Gabriels, Martinelli and Jesus, observed as a duo, rather than as individual talents.

“Martinelli is not yet a player who has got to his peak. He’s on the way and he’s doing well, playing better than last season and being more consistent in his performance.

“He is a different player to Jesus, who is mobile and attracts players while Martinelli is used more for quick transitions, going forward. Arsenal need Martinelli because even if they dominate possession sometimes opponents defend with a low block and they need his speed for that quick transition. This we’ve seen many times this season and he is a real player.

“These players will become superstars. Look at Gabby Jesus who is playing so well and can make the difference. Even when he doesn’t score he holds onto the ball, which allows the midfield players to come out. He can stretch the team as well."

Arsenal’s Premier League record ahead of the World Cup:

🏟️ 14 games
✅ 12 wins
🤝 1 draw
❌ 1 defeat

Arteta’s side will be top of the tree at Christmas. 🎄 pic.twitter.com/gz3IpiMBUY
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 12, 2022

The last time Arsenal won a Premier League crown, Lauren was their first-choice right-back, the Cameroon international playing a considerable part in the Gunners going through the whole season undefeated.

Nearly two decades on, he is watching the same club win on a weekly basis once again, this time as a fan.

It will not surprise you in the least to learn that every word spoken above was accompanied by a broad smile.

Lauren quickfire questions –

Score prediction for Wolves v Arsenal

If Arsenal are away then 1-2.

Who will win the Premier League?

I wish for Arsenal but we’ll have to wait. If they are still up there at the end of January then anything can happen.

Who will win the Champions League?

Real Madrid. Once they get to the latter stages, they know how to compete. It is not a question of luck that they’ve won the competition five times in recent years.

November 14, 2022

Premier League

By 888sport

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The 888sport blog is here to offer betting and tipping advice on the biggest sports fixtures, events and competitions around the world.

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Barry Geraghty Blog: Cheltenham & Navan Weekend Tips

Cheltenham, Saturday

It could be that man Nicholls again in the three-mile handicap hurdle (2:55) with SHEARER. He was very good the last day beating Twig with the third 27 lengths behind. Twig came out and won by 14 lengths in Kempton last time – you don’t get much better form than that!

I’ll side with Tony Martin’s UNANSWERED in the intermediate handicap hurdle (3:30). He won a handicap hurdle in Punchestown in May and has been running well on the Flat during the summer. He had the perfect prep for this in the Curragh a few weeks ago and we all know how dangerous his trainer is in these types of races.

Finally, LUCCIA is hard to look past in the Listed mares’ bumper (4:05) for Nicky [Henderson]. She has been excellent on both starts, particularly on Imperial Cup day at Sandown. Nicky is so good with these bumper horses and you’d expect her to have improved over the summer.

Navan, Saturday

I rode Fil Dor Thursday at Gordon’s [Elliott] and he felt really well – they were very happy with him, but it’s going to be tough giving 9lbs to BRAZIL in the Fishery Lane Hurdle (12:55). Brazil also has the benefit of a run so Fil Dor will need a big performance giving that weight away on his first run back.

The Poplar Square Chase (2:05) looks a match between GENTLEMAN DE MEE and Coeur Sublime. The latter put in a really good effort behind Blue Lord in Punchestown back in April, and he gets 9lbs here, but Gentleman De Mee was so impressive in Aintree that he has to be the one.

Cheltenham, Sunday

The Greatwood Hurdle (2:55) is one of the most valuable handicap hurdles of the season and it’s always very competitive. Emmet Mullins and Paul Byrne won this race two years ago with The Shunter and their Thousand Tears looks like going off favourite. This is only his second start for Emmet, and he could be well-handicapped, but I will be looking elsewhere for a bit of value.

Dads Lad won that race in Galway and he got the job done well here over fences last month. He must have a chance, but the one I like is I LIKE TO MOVE IT. He had good early season form last year and has good form at Cheltenham, while his second in the Betfair Hurdle was a great effort. This will have been the plan for a while and Nigel Twiston-Davies loves to target these races.

The other big race is the Shloer Chase (1:45) which looks a match between Edwardstone and NUBE NEGRA. There shouldn’t be much between them, but Nube Negra loves it at Cheltenham and will love the ground. He goes well fresh, as he showed when bolting up in this race last year, and I think conditions will favour him more than Edwardstone.

The opening novices’ chase (1:10) is another competitive race, but I like the look of MISTER COFFEY for Nicky [Henderson] and Nico [De Boinville]. He was a bit unlucky last season but he ran well in a lot of races, including a close second in the Kim Muir at the Festival. He has lots of experience and good course experience, so he should go close.

DOES HE KNOW can defy top weight in the staying handicap chase (2:20). He had some good early season form last year, winning in Chepstow and Cheltenham before then taking the Reynoldstown in February. He didn’t get any further than the first fence in Kelso last month, but he’s normally a good jumper and I think he’s still open to progression.

There is quite a lot of guesswork needed in the Supreme Novices’ Trial (3:30). The form of Springwell Bay’s Carlisle win got let down a little bit, so I’ll go with IBERICO LORD for Nicky and JP [McManus]. He won on debut in France and could be a nice type to look forward to this season.

John McConnell does very well with his runners in England and I can see NOTNOWNED, who was very impressive in Bellewstown in August, going close in the bumper (4:00).

Navan, Sunday

The Lismullen Hurdle (1:55) looks like a brilliant race. Flooring Porter fell in it last year and looked like a horse who had taken a blow. He may just need this first run back. BOB OLINGER reverts to hurdles and I still think he’s a serious horse. Going up in trip is a big help and he still has the potential to be something special. I’m very sweet on him.

The Fortria Chase (2:30) looks between FERNY HOLLOW and Riviere D’Etel for me. Ferny Hollow has obviously had his problems, but he’s been very impressive and is unbeaten in three starts over hurdles and fences. He beat Riviere D’Etel in Leopardstown over Christmas and I think he can do it again.

November 12, 2022

Horse Racing

By Barry Geraghty

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With 43 winners at the Cheltenham Festival, Barry Geraghty is the second most successful jockey in the meeting’s illustrious history.

Career highlights include five Queen Mother Champion Chase victories, two Cheltenham Gold Cup triumphs and victory aboard Monty’s Pass in the 2003 Grand National.

Barry has partnered with 888sport for the 2021/22 jumps season, providing his expert insight and horse racing analysis on the biggest races of the week.

Come back every Friday to find out the latest instalment of Barry Geraghty tips for upcoming fixtures across the United Kingdom & Ireland.

Barry Geraghty

Five Mexico Players To Watch At The 2022 World Cup

Mexico are a tough team to judge ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and supporters will be hoping that they can spring a sports betting shock this winter.

Going up against Poland, Argentina and Saudi Arabia in Group C, many believe that Mexico can reach the last-16 stage and they could be quite exciting to watch.

With that in mind, we’ve looked at five Mexico players to follow throughout the World Cup this winter. We could see plenty of these guys at Qatar 2022…

Hirving Lozano

A household name in European football, Hirving Lozano has built up a lofty reputation since bursting onto the scene at Napoli.

He joined the Serie A giants in 2019 and has been a pivotal figure for the club, making over 100 appearances in all competitions.

He’s topped the 50 caps mark for his country too, notching 16 goals and helping his side to qualify for their eighth World Cup tournament in a row.

Mexico have reached the last-16 in each of the previous seven competitions – can Lozano help his nation to compete in the knockout stages once again?

¡Napoli, más líder que nunca! ⚽️🔥🇮🇹

El cuadro 'partenopei' vence 1-2 a Atalanta en el juego 100 de Hirving Lozano en Serie A 💪😎💙 pic.twitter.com/a4LznbQSF2
— AS México (@ASMexico) November 5, 2022

Edson Alvarez

Linked with the likes of Chelsea and Juventus this year, Edson Alvarez is widely regarded as one of European football’s most consistent defenders.

Now aged 25, he is the prime of his career and will play a key role for Mexico as they look to secure safe passage from Group C at the 2022 World Cup.

A leading figure for Ajax in their recent Eredivisie triumphs, Alvarez has 58 Mexico caps to his name as we approach this winter’s competition.

He popped up with the decisive goal in Mexico’s 1-0 victory over Honduras in a World Cup qualifying fixture earlier this year and fans will be looking for him at set-pieces.

Raul Jimenez

There are major fitness concerns over Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez and his place in the Mexico World Cup squad is under threat.

Having made just three Premier League appearances for the club this season, Jimenez hasn’t featured since Wolves’ 0-0 draw with Bournemouth in August.

Once a football betting favourite in anytime goal scorer markets, Jimenez has lost his way at Molineux and it wouldn’t be a huge shock to see him leave the club next summer.

For now, he’ll be concentrating on trying to get back to full fitness and a place on the plane to Qatar could follow if he can prove that he is ready to go.

Diego Lainez

One of the most naturally talented players in the squad, Diego Lainez is currently plying his trade for Braga – on loan from La Liga giants Real Betis.

He has endured a quiet start to life in Portugal, notching one goal in nine appearances at the time of writing. However, he is still only 22 years old and time is on his side.

Lainez could use the World Cup as the platform to showcase his talent though. The quality is there, however consistency continues to elude him.

Plenty of fans will be keeping a close eye on him with a view to the transfer window. Given Betis were happy to loan him out this season, a purchase in the summer may be likely.

Diego Lainez sobre su paso en Selección Mexicana:

"Yo creo que no se me puede recriminar nada. Las veces que he lo he hecho, lo he hecho muy bien, con goles y asistencias. Cada vez que me den la oportunidad trataré de seguir por ese camino".#seleccionmexicana #miseleccionmx pic.twitter.com/X7iUrnsYNY
— Linea Deportiva (@NacionDMX) November 5, 2022

Guillermo Ochoa

For three weeks in the summer of 2014, Guillermo Ochoa was the best goalkeeper in the world. International football fans will remember his incredible efforts that summer.

Now 37 years old, Ochoa remains the Mexico number one but this will most likely be his final appearance at a World Cup.

He was a huge hit with fans around the world eight years ago and Ochoa brings invaluable experience to a Mexico squad that is still relatively young.

The latest World Cup betting odds have Mexico out at 100/1 to lift the Jules Rimet trophy this winter. It would be some party if Ochoa can sign off in style…

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

November 5, 2022

World Cup 2026

By Alex McMahon

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Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible.

Alex McMahon

Diary Of A Groundhopper: Tony Incenzo On Ingles FC vs Dunkirk FC

Match Information

Ingles FC 1-2 Dunkirk FC
When: Saturday 24th September 2022
Kick-off: 3pm
Where: Homestead Road, Thringstone, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 8LL
Competition: The Isuzu FA Vase Second Round Qualifying
Attendance: 85

I was looking around for a match to attend in the Isuzu FA Vase. Quite simply, this is definitely my favourite competition on the football calendar.

I just feel every team entering the Vase stands a chance of going all the way to the Final which is played at Wembley Stadium on Non-League Finals Day.

Ok, you might need a modicum of luck concerning the cup draws, pitches and weather conditions along the way, but that elusive dream of running out at the iconic national stadium is very much possible for all participants.

Therefore every side in the Vase approaches each tie as their biggest game of the season and plays their strongest starting X1 – unlike, for example, Premier League clubs that invariably rest a number of their key players in the FA Cup.

Result of my Isuzu FA Vase match in Leicestershire today :@Inglesfc 1@Dunkirk_FC 2

Attendance 86, programmes £1. Football grounds visited - 2,469@IsuzuUKPR @Isuzuuk @NonLeagueCrowd @nonleagueshow @MidlandLeague @utdcos pic.twitter.com/cTTNAInhQc
— Tony Incenzo - my 50th football season (@TonyIncenzo) September 24, 2022

Having avidly perused the fixtures, my chosen Vase tie was at Ingles FC because they have moved to a new home ground this season.

I also spotted the visitors were Dunkirk FC who I have fond memories of. They were one of the host clubs when I joined 250 other groundhoppers to create a fabled world record on Saturday 20th March 2004.

That was the occasion where we watched an unprecedented five matches at five different football grounds in one day in the Central Midlands League around the Nottingham and Derby area.

Needless to say I still have my Guinness Book of Records certificate. Anyway, with all this in mind I set off on a 200 mile round trip to Thringstone - a village of 4,300 inhabitants near Coalville in north-west Leicestershire.

Ground Description

Ingles spent the preceding eight seasons groundsharing at Shepshed Dynamo FC’s Dovecote Stadium.

But last year they identified an exciting opportunity to relocate four and a half miles down the road to take over the Homestead Road ground that had previously been used by now defunct team Thringstone Miners Welfare FC.

Ingles subsequently signed a long-term lease agreement with the Thringstone Miners Social Centre and started extensive work to upgrade the facilities to meet Non-League Step 6 grading requirements for 2022/23 in the Midland League Division One.

Before I arrived for my Vase match, I was expecting the place to be rather run-down since it is a few years since the miners’ team folded. But how wrong I was! It is a really impressive venue that is extremely neat and tidy.

Diary of a Groundhopper Tony Incenzo Ingles

For spectators, there is a refurbished 50 seater stand on the halfway line plus decent covered standing for more than 100 people behind one goal. A great deal of thought has gone into everything.

In particular, I liked the little attention to detail touches including Ingles’ club colours of red and white being displayed on the perimeter fencing and even on the goal nets.

There is ample parking whilst the clubhouse has been nicely renovated to provide inviting matchday hospitality.

I also noticed some of the floodlight pylons are so close to the pitch that their bases have been heavily padded up to protect players who might slide into them.

Programme Details

This was on sale at the main admission gate. It consisted of 12 pages incorporating decent use of colour and stats alongside an interesting welcome column from Ingles’ enthusiastic chairman Adam Smith.

The Match

There was a real buzz before the kick-off as the home club tweeted out a message of good luck from refereeing legend Mike Dean.

Cheers Mike 🤝 #UTI 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/jIFY7OpUUb
— Inglesfc (@Inglesfc) September 24, 2022

Apparently, one of the Ingles players was away on a foreign holiday and recognised Dean lying on the next sun lounger by the hotel swimming pool. So they recorded a short pre-match video together.

Unfortunately, the retired ref seemed to refer to “Dingles FC” rather than Ingles thereby causing great amusement amongst the home team when they were warming up!

With regard to the match, it turned out to be a highly competitive contest. Ingles opening the scoring through Kyle Fowkes on 19 minutes and led at half-time. However I felt that scoreline didn’t reflect the run of play.

Indeed, Nottingham-based Dunkirk of the United Counties League Division One eventually battled back with two quick-fire goals from Lamin Manneh (58 mins) and Sam Harbottle (60 mins) to progress forth on the road to Wembley.

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to @TonyIncenzo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 5th November 2022

November 5, 2022

Football

By Tony Incenzo

https://twitter.com/TonyIncenzo">

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Tony is an experienced football broadcaster who has worked for Clubcall, Capital Gold, IRN Sport, talkSPORT Radio and Sky TV.

His devotion to Queens Park Rangers saw him reach 50 years without missing a home game in April 2023.

Tony is also a Non-League football expert having visited more than 2,500 different football grounds in his matchday groundhopping.

You can follow Tony on Twitter at @TonyIncenzo.

Tony Incenzo

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Five Brazil Players To Watch At The 2022 World Cup

The pre-tournament favourites according to World Cup winner odds, Brazil are in a World Cup dry spell by their unparalleled standards, having not reached a final since they lifted the trophy in 2002.

There has been just one semi-final appearance since then, which brought about the humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany.

The Canarinha have been drawn alongside Switzerland, Cameroon and Serbia in one of the most intriguing groups. Of course, the five-time world champions are still massive football betting favourites to win the section.

Anything less than another title would be a disappoint for Brazil. Here are five players to keep an eye on in Qatar.

Bruno Guimarães

Displaying stellar form for Newcastle in the Premier, Bruno Guimarães has emerged as another option for Tite in midfield.

Depending on the shape, Guimarães could be a perfect fit for Brazil, either slotting alongside Casemiro at the base of the midfield or playing as a number eight in a three-man group.

Alternatively, he can be a game changer off the bench, potentially bringing more creativity than Fred or replacing one of the forwards to reinforce the midfield.

Bruno Guimaraes wants to see Almiron win Premier League Player of the Month 🥺🖤 pic.twitter.com/7A8aPzry0E
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) November 3, 2022

Neymar

Neymar, with 75 goals in 121 caps, will hope to pass Pelé to become Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer this winter.

His form at club level has again been scintillating, and for all the up and coming Brazil’s forwards, Neymar remains the undisputed star of this team.

Major international tournaments haven’t really worked out for the Mogi das Cruzes native. An injury ruled him out of the 2019 Copa America triumph, and his two World Cup ventures have ended in disappointment.

At 30 years old, Qatar might not be his last chance at World Cup glory, but this is a final sighting of peak Neymar on football’s greatest stage.

Casemiro

After an initial wait to break into the first team at Manchester United, Casemiro has been one of the first names on the team sheet for Erik ten Hag.

His form is better than Fabinho and at the time of writing, it’s a no-brainer to start the former Real Madrid man.

With such riches of creative and attacking talent, the role of the holder is vital. Casemiro could be left exposed at times, and Tite will have to balance the midfield around him to ensure there is sufficient support.

Richarlison

Along with Neymar, Brazil have Vinicius Jr, Antony, Rodrygo, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha and Gabriel Martinelli to consider.

Richarlison is not the sexiest name of that group nor the most likely to produce a viral piece of skill. Tite clearly likes the former Everton man, though, and he brings a physicality which could be useful.

Brazil are, as ever, blessed with an array of dribblers, but Richarlison can be different kind of outlet without lumbering the team with a towering number nine.

O CARA TAVA DOIDO! 😂 Nosso @fredcaldeira registrou momentos do Richarlison no banco do Tottenham, em um jogo que podia ter dado a classificação para a fase mata-mata! A estagiária fica assim também no sofá dela! 😬 #CasaDaChampions pic.twitter.com/AtJmTwxhP3
— TNT Sports Brasil (@TNTSportsBR) October 27, 2022

Lucas Paquetá

Something of a swiss-army knife for Brazil, Lucas Paquetá has been a regular in the first XI in 2022, whether he’s utilised in a midfield three, in the forward line or out wide.

West Ham’s summer signing injured his shoulder in late-October, but is expected to be fit for the World Cup.

Paquetá isn’t the biggest name in the Brazil squad, but Tite clearly trusts him in a variety of roles on the pitch.

A player like Paquetá gives the tournament favourites that bit of extra tactical flexibility, which could be invaluable in the knockout rounds.

FIRST PUBLISHED: 4th November 2022

November 4, 2022

World Cup 2026

By Sam Cox

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Five Senegal Players To Watch At The 2022 World Cup

Drawn alongside the Netherlands, Ecuador and Qatar in Group A, Senegal were fortunate with their section.

While it isn’t enough to make them a feasible option in World Cup winner odds, the Lions Of Teranga have a very real shot at progressing from Group A.

This is just Senegal’s third World Cup appearance, following a quarter-final showing in 2002 and a group stage exit four years ago.

They were Africa Cup of Nations champions earlier this year, however, after losing in the final three years previous. If Senegal are to repeat their 2002 heroics and upset the football betting markets, these five players will need to star.

Sadio Mane (INJURED)

Unfortunately, Sadio Mane will now miss the 2022 World Cup after picking up a late injury. However, Senegal still have plenty of quality in the squad to do the Bayern Munich man proud in Qatar.

Even into the latter stages of his peak, Sadio Mane is Senegal’s MVP. Mane has picked up with Bayern where he left off with Liverpool, scoring six times in his first 10 league starts.

He is Senegal’s talisman, and their chances in Qatar are dependent on a big tournament from the two-time African Footballer of the Year.

In Senegal’s last international squad, Mane was the only player with more than 10 goals for the AFCON champions. Whoever the opponents, Mane is the calibre of player that defences will be very wary of.

🇸🇳 Sadio Mane has signed and donated around 100 Bayern Munich jerseys to the children of his native village in Bambaly, Senegal.

❤️ Respect. pic.twitter.com/UBT0muGiBH
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) November 3, 2022

Edouard Mendy

Usurped by Kepa Arrizabalaga at Chelsea since Graham Potter took over, Edouard Mendy remains Senegal’s undisputed number one.

Named Best Goalkeeper at AFCON and The Best Men’s Goalkeeper in 2021, Mendy is more than comfortable on the biggest stage.

Senegal will hope the former Rennes stopper isn’t required too much against Ecuador and Qatar, but he will need to put in a top performance if the Lions Of Teranga are to avoid defeat against the Netherlands.

Kalidou Koulibaly

Just as Mane is the clear leader of the attack, Kalidou Koulibaly is by far the most experienced defender set to be named in the Senegal World Cup squad.

The Chelsea centre-back has had an up-and-down time since his move from Naples to west London, and he needs to at his very best if Senegal are to make it out the group this winter.

There is no top-class striker for Koulibaly to go up against in the group stage, but he could be facing Harry Kane or Gareth Bale in the last 16.

Ismaïla Sarr

There are options to support Sadio Mane in attack, even if none come close to his reputation. One potential wildcard is Ismaïla Sarr, a direct, tricky winger with combustible pace and the ability to create something out of nothing.

Whether trying to break down a stubborn defence in the group stage or attempting to pose a threat on the break in the knockout rounds, Sarr is a player who can swing a game in a matter of moments.

There is the added bonus, too, of how well he has played for Watford in the Championship this term.

“I want to say a massive thank you to the fans. They played a big part in us getting the win.” 🙏

🗣 Ismaïla Sarr pic.twitter.com/zpqR1bkHPE
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) November 3, 2022

Idrissa Gueye

Having recently turned 33, Idrissa Gueye isn’t the tackle and interception machine he was in his pomp.

The Everton midfielder is still the heartbeat of this Senegal side, however, making the team tick from the base of midfield and breaking up play.

Gueye isn’t a match-winner like Sarr or Mane, but Senegal need him to play well this winter.

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 4th November 2022

November 20, 2022

World Cup 2026

By Sam Cox

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Neil Callan Blog: Season Review, Doncaster Rides & Back To Bahrain

Looking back on the season

So we’re coming to the end of my first full season back in the UK after over 10 years in Hong Kong. Obviously there have been some ups and downs, but on the whole I’m absolutely delighted with how things have gone.

Royal Ascot was the catalyst for me really, winning the Kensington Palace on Rising Star for Marco [Botti] who has been such a great supporter this year.

There’s nothing I can say that people don’t know about Royal Ascot, it’s the pinnacle and the one place in Britain where the rest of the world comes to compete.

To come back and win there with just one ride was amazing. She was a 40/1 shot and I didn’t expect him to win which meant even more. Surprises like that are what makes racing so brilliant.

Royal Ascot joy for @neilcallan78 aboard 40/1 chance Rising Star for @MarcoBotti in the closing Kensington Palace Stakes.

He didn't get time for a celebration like this, having to settle for a punch of the air after the line. 😀 pic.twitter.com/eoSzGK9ijm
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 15, 2022

I then had a nice winner at York’s Ebor meeting which is pretty much the Royal Ascot of the North. Farhan was very good that day and it was another pleasant surprise for me and John Butler.

I’d say the Ebor meeting is probably the next best after Royal Ascot. There’s great prize money up there and they do such a wonderful job with the track. I love riding there.

Prior to that, I absolutely loved riding in the Shergar Cup and winning the Silver Saddle was something I also didn’t expect. It was a great day and to win it for Britain and Ireland was a lovely feeling.

And then to top it all off was winning the Sun Chariot on Fonteyn for Kevin [Ryan]. It was the perfect way to round off a great first season back.

Group Ones are the cream, they’re the ones everyone wants to win and it meant so much more to me that it was for Kevin – on a personal level rather than a professional level.

What a moment for Neil Callan! ⭐️

Fonteyn wins the Royal Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes 🥇#ITVRacing | @NewmarketRace | @neilcallan78 | @kevinryanracing pic.twitter.com/Q344aIGpTl
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) October 1, 2022

As we all know, there are plenty of highs and lows in racing and regarding last week’s incident at Kempton, all I can say is that it was a really stupid mistake which I never thought I would make.

Look, it’s happened but I’m tough enough and thick-skinned enough to move on.

I’ve paid all the costs back to the owner, including my riding fee, and I apologised to all the connections straight after the race. I’ve been punished for it and as far as I’m concerned, it’s forgotten about now.

I really didn’t know what to expect coming back from Hong Kong after all those years. It’s hard to come and waltz back in. I knew I’d have to work hard and I’m just glad it’s come off. Nothing’s for free in this game and I’ll be working even harder next season.

I have to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me this season. My agent Steven Croft has done a great job and has got me into stables that I haven’t ridden for before.

I’ve had some good success for them and some of my old connections like Kevin have supported me also.

Doncaster, Saturday

It’s the final day of the turf season at Doncaster. I actually think it makes sense to crown the champion jockey at Ascot on Champions Day, but surely the trainer should be crowned that day as well?

I also think the season should start with the Lincoln at Doncaster rather than at the Guineas meeting.

The whole start of the season is all a bit weird. You get going at Doncaster and then you’re back on the all-weather again for a month, it doesn’t make sense.

I’ve got two rides and PRECISELY goes in the Listed fillies’ race (1:30) over a mile and a quarter. This will be my first time riding her but she’s had a good season winning three times and finishing second twice.

She also handles softer ground which is a bonus, but this looks wide open with 18 runners declared.

The November Handicap (3:13) is the last big betting race of the season and Israr is the obvious favourite after winning easily over course and distance last time.

The Gosden yard have a very good record in the race and he’s the one we all have to beat, but I do think my ride CEMHAAN has a good each-way chance.

He won well on soft ground at Newmarket in August which showed he can handle some dig, but we’ll have to see how soft it is up there. You want a horse coming into a race like this in good form and he is, so fingers crossed.

Back to Bahrain

I’ll be heading out to Bahrain in a couple of weeks to ride out there again. I really enjoyed it last winter and I managed to ride quite a few winners which was lovely.

I’ll come back home to have Christmas with the family in our new place and I’ll then be back out there after that. I’ll be back in the UK at the end of February preparing for the new season. I’m looking forward to it all.

Less racing and better prize money

I know I’ve banged on a lot about the issues in racing this season and there are too many to mention sadly, but the main ones are very simple; there’s too much racing and prize money needs to be improved. It isn’t rocket science.

If you solve those two issues, it brings the quality up, it brings people into racing and stops people around the world buying all our horses.

FIRST PUBLISHED: 3rd November 2022

November 3, 2022

Horse Racing

By 888sport

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Tony Incenzo: The Highest Scoring Football Match I've Ever Seen!

WITH the World Cup Finals commencing later this month, I am compiling nostalgia blogs to share memories of the most incredible international matches that I have attended in my 50 years of watching football.

In this offering, I reflect on the highest scoring football match I have ever seen:

Isle of Wight 20, Sark 0

Yes, 20-0 !!!

First off all, it needs some context. Sark is a tiny Channel Island which measures five kilometres long by two and a half kilometres wide. The population is 550 so there wasn’t a massive pool to choose their football squad from.

Anyway, this game took place on 30th June 2003 at the St Martins AC ground on Blanche Pierre Lane in Guernsey. It was part of the Island Games, which is like a mini-Olympic Games for small islands around the world.

I still have the match statistics that I scribbled down during a frantic 90 minutes. Can you imagine trying to negotiate in play betting based on this data…

Isle of Wight – 47 shots on target, 37 shots off target, 24 corners, 20 goals scored!
Sark - 0 shots on target, 0 shots off target, 0 corners, 0 goals scored!

Apart from those 20 goals, Isle of Wight rattled the woodwork on six occasions, had a goal disallowed and saw two penalties saved by Sark’s goalkeeper Leon Burletson who pulled off 20 other sprawling saves in a heroic man of the match performance!

Burletson – who was a gardener by trade – received a tremendous ovation from everyone present on the final whistle. He said: “The match was a little soul-destroying and depressing by the end. But we refused to drop our heads or let it get us down. For me, it was just amazing to appear in the Island Games as a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

By contrast, Isle of Wight keeper Richie Newbury was a virtual spectator. He only touched the ball once in the entire match and that was when he casually gathered a long punted clearance from the besieged Sark team! I wonder what the betting would have been on that happening!

Sark coach Shane Moon summed up the happy-go-lucky spirit of his players by telling me: “It was a special occasion for my lads to enter the Island Games. They will probably never do this again but they enjoyed it and achieved a great deal.”

The most popular results recorded in football matches are 1-1, 1-0 and 2-1

In my 5,174 football matches attended, I've seen 1-1 results a total of 531 times, 1-0 a total of 430 times & 2-1 a total of 409 times

The highest scoreline I've ever seen was:

Isle of Wight 20 Sark 0
— Tony Incenzo - my 50th football season (@TonyIncenzo) October 3, 2019

Meanwhile, Sark’s most experienced player at the tournament was 52 year old former Huddersfield Town professional Barrie Dewsbury.

Midfield man Dewsbury said: “I never thought an old bloke like me could play in such a great competition. But when it was decided on Sark that we would enter the Island Games, I came out of retirement. I felt it was a chance not to be missed - even at my age. Although I did wonder at times what I had got myself into!”

There were words of praise for Sark from the Isle of Wight coach John Carragher. He said: “The match was played in a tremendous spirit. Sark really had a go - they ran their hearts out and kept putting their tackles in.

“The keeper Burletson was fantastic and I wish he could play for us. The Sark players were some of the nicest people we have ever met in football and we had a whip-round at full-time to buy them all a drink in the bar.”

Sark conceded a grand total of 70 goals during their four matches in the Island Games without getting on the scoresheet themselves:

Gibraltar 19, Sark 0
Isle of Wight 20, Sark 0
Greenland 16, Sark 0
Froya 15, Sark 0

Richard Drewe, manager of the overall Sark Island Games sports team back in 2003, put things into perspective.

He explained: “We faced all sorts of selection difficulties. Most people on Sark are self-employed, so it was hard for the players to take a week off from work to go to the competition in Guernsey - especially in the tourist season.

"It was bad enough trying to find enough men for one team, let alone two so that they could have a training match in the build-up period.

“The football tournament was pretty stiff but we competed in the spirit of the Island Games. We are not the biggest of places - in fact, we were the smallest island taking part in the Games. But I am a firm believer that after the end of every match, everyone should be able to shake hands.”

Alas, Sark have not featured in an international tournament since then due to those logistical problems. There was some talk of entering a team in lower divisions of the Guernsey League but that failed to materialise.

In the meantime, Sark host occasional friendly matches against touring sides who are royally entertained in the island’s Mermaid Tavern pub afterwards.

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 2nd November 2022

November 2, 2022

Football

By Tony Incenzo

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Tony is an experienced football broadcaster who has worked for Clubcall, Capital Gold, IRN Sport, talkSPORT Radio and Sky TV.

His devotion to Queens Park Rangers saw him reach 50 years without missing a home game in April 2023.

Tony is also a Non-League football expert having visited more than 2,500 different football grounds in his matchday groundhopping.

You can follow Tony on Twitter at @TonyIncenzo.

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