World Cup 2022: betting, tips, prediction Cristiano Ronaldo, porn and pork, Qatar rules
Meet the most controversial footballer at the Qatar World Cup.
And it’s as far removed from the Socceroos’ bold pre-tournament statement speaking out about the human rights concerns in Qatar as you could possibly be.
Mehdri Torabi is the Iranian star who is pro-regime and has taken a stand in opposition to his teammates on a topic that has divided his nation.
Even at a World Cup where the host nation’s treatment of migrant workers and shameful treatment of same-sex relationships have dominated coverage, the Iranian winger could yet stand out.
Iran is taking its place in the World Cup under an even more politically charged backdrop than even host nation Qatar – it is a country, and a team, split over the shocking death of 22-year-old Masha Amini while in police custody after being arrested by the morality police for “unsuitable attire”.
Amini’s death has sparked protests around the world, with hundreds having already died in the unrest, and tragically provides the backdrop to a seemingly doomed World Cup campaign for Iran.
Shockingly, more than three-quarters of Iran’s parliament has called for the death penalty for the thousands of Iranians who have been arrested in protests following Amini’s murder.
Iran delayed their squad naming as debate raged over the selection of striker Sardar Azmoun, with coach Carlos Quieroz defying government pressure in order to pick the Bayer Leverkusen star.
Azmoun had ignored instructions from the Iranian FA, who had banned its stars from speaking out about the shocking death – posting messages of support for the protests to his 5.1 million Instagram followers.
But the real cause for division within the team – and perhaps the tournament’s most controversial figure – could easily be Azmoun’s teammate, Torabi.
In October, Torabi courted controversy when he was the only player for Persepolis who refused to wear a black wristband in support of the protesters.
The 28-year-old has a history of making political statements – and in 2019, amid a previous crackdown on protesters, lifted his shirt as part of a goal celebration to reveal the message: “The only way to save the country is to obey the leader.”
Iran’s players will be closely watched for any hints that they support the protesters – or otherwise – this tournament, but Quieroz said players have “the right to express themselves.”
“You guys are used to bending your knees in the games. Some people agree, some people don’t agree with that. And Iran is exactly the same,” Quieroz said.
“It is out of question to think that the Iran national team is suffering any sort of issues like that. The players, the only have one thing in mind, which is to fight for their dream to be in the second round.”
Iran opens their World Cup against England on Monday.
CAHILL TROLLED FOR ‘WORST WORLD CUP TIPS IN HISTORY’
Former Socceroo hero Tim Cahill has raised eyebrows with some very bold World Cup predictions.
Cahill, 42, believes Brazil will beat Belgium in the final – not beyond the realms of possibility.
Another questionable Cahill prediction is Australia to reach the quarter-finals, beating Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the round of 16 in the process.
But the Aussie football legend reckons the Three Lions won’t even make it to the quarter-finals.
He’s got host nation Qatar, ranked 50th in the world, to knock the No5 ranked England out in the round of 16.
Although Cahill admitted that was an “emotional” pick, because he currently lives in Qatar.
He said: “I played in England, but I live in Qatar and I work at Aspire Academy, so this is an emotional pick to go with the underdog.”
Although Cahill is not alone in his thinking, with ex-Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o and legendary Brazilian defender Cafu also backing Qatar to beat England in the round of 16.
That would be a best ever World Cup finish for the Socceroos.
Fans though were left baffled by Cahill’s bold World Cup predictions.
One wrote on Twitter: “This is the worst prediction ever made.”
Another said: “Is this a joke?”
And a third joked: “You all right Tim?”
Cahill reckons the African nations in Qatar have the capability of going far in the tournament.
He has got Africa Cup of Nations champs Senegal to get all the way to the semis, Cameroon to reach the quarters, and Ghana the round of 16.
He also has Cameroon to reach the quarters, and said: “When you look at Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana, they’ve got a lot of world-class players playing in some of the biggest leagues in the world and they’re constantly producing talent.
“For African teams to break the mould and battle it out to win a World Cup would be pretty special.”
PORK, PORN, SEX TOYS AND WORLD CUP PRISON THREAT
Qatar’s World Cup promises fun — but without pleasure.
Fans traveling to watch the global soccer championship have been warned not to bring a number of items that are reportedly banned in Qatar, the site of 2022’s World Cup.
“Importing drugs, alcohol, pornography, pork products and religious books and material into Qatar is illegal,” reads the UK Foreign Travel Advice government website.
Beer, it is noted, will be served at designated locations, including inside stadiums during games, but prohibited elsewhere.
“Swearing and making rude gestures are considered obscene acts and offenders can be jailed and/or deported,” the site continues. “Take particular care when dealing with the police and other officials.”
The site goes on to list several cautions for visitors, such as refraining from public displays of intimacy, and it offers advice on how to dress according to Islamic code.
“You should dress modestly when in public, including while driving. Women must cover their shoulders and avoid wearing short skirts,” instructs the website. “Both men and women are advised not to wear shorts or sleeveless tops, when going to government buildings, health-care facilities or malls.”
The list of banned items makes headlines as controversy continues to swirl around the decision to make Qatar the host country of the World Cup. The tournament, which historically takes place every four years between May, June and July, had to be shifted to November 2022 due to Qatar’s punishingly hot climate. Besides the harsh playing conditions, fans have also criticised the Persian Gulf state’s stance on homosexuality and human rights, accusing organisers of putting profit over people. Just days ago, a Qatar World Cup ambassador told German television network ZDF that homosexuality is “damage in the mind.”
WORLD CUP FLOP’S 232 ALLEGED BETTING BREACHES
Brentford striker Ivan Toney faces a lengthy ban after being charged by the English Football Association for 232 alleged breaches of betting rules over a four-year period.
The news comes just days after the Brentford striker missed out on Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England World Cup squad.
Toney, 26, last week admitted he was assisting the FA with its investigation into historic breaking of gambling rules.
The alleged breaches stretch from 2017, when Toney was on Newcastle’s books, to 2021, after he had joined Brentford from Peterborough.
In a statement the FA said: “Ivan Toney has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of the FA’s betting rules.
“It is alleged that the Brentford FC forward breached FA rule E8 232 times between February 25, 2017 and January 23, 2021.”
The rules ban players from betting on any football match, even games in which they are not involved.
England right-back Kieran Trippier was banned for 10 weeks by the FA in December 2020 for giving out information for others to bet on his transfer from Tottenham to Atletico Madrid.
Toney had been called up to England’s recent Nations League in September but was omitted when Gareth Southgate named his travelling party to Qatar.
He responded by scoring twice in a shock 2-1 win for the Bees over Manchester City on Saturday.
“The club has been in discussion with Ivan and his legal representatives about this matter and those conversations will continue privately,” Brentford said in a statement.
“We will make no further comment until the matter has been completed.”
When news of the FA probe broke on November 6, Toney wrote on Twitter: “I’m aware of a story about me in a national newspaper today.
“I have been assisting the Football Association with their enquiries and will not be making any comment until such investigation has reached its conclusion.”
WORLD CUP’S MOST CONTROVERSIAL FOOTBALLER
By Joe Barton
Meet the most controversial footballer at the Qatar World Cup.
And it’s as far removed from the Socceroos’ bold pre-tournament statement speaking out about the human rights concerns in Qatar as you could possibly be.
Mehdri Torabi is the Iranian star who is pro-regime and has taken a stand in opposition to his teammates on a topic that has divided his nation.
Even at a World Cup where the host nation’s treatment of migrant workers and shameful treatment of same-sex relationships have dominated coverage, the Iranian winger could yet stand out.
Iran is taking its place in the World Cup under an even more politically charged backdrop than even host nation Qatar – it is a country, and a team, split over the shocking death of 22-year-old Masha Amini while in police custody after being arrested by the morality police for “unsuitable attire”.
Amini’s death has sparked protests around the world, with hundreds having already died in the unrest, and tragically provides the backdrop to a seemingly doomed World Cup campaign for Iran.
Shockingly, more than three-quarters of Iran’s parliament has called for the death penalty for the thousands of Iranians who have been arrested in protests following Amini’s murder.
Iran delayed their squad naming as debate raged over the selection of striker Sardar Azmoun, with coach Carlos Quieroz defying government pressure in order to pick the Bayer Leverkusen star.
Azmoun had ignored instructions from the Iranian FA, who had banned its stars from speaking out about the shocking death – posting messages of support for the protests to his 5.1 million Instagram followers.
But the real cause for division within the team – and perhaps the tournament’s most controversial figure – could easily be Azmoun’s teammate, Torabi.
In October, Torabi courted controversy when he was the only player for Persepolis who refused to wear a black wristband in support of the protesters.
The 28-year-old has a history of making political statements – and in 2019, amid a previous crackdown on protesters, lifted his shirt as part of a goal celebration to reveal the message: “The only way to save the country is to obey the leader.”
Iran’s players will be closely watched for any hints that they support the protesters – or otherwise – this tournament, but Quieroz said players have “the right to express themselves.”
“You guys are used to bending your knees in the games. Some people agree, some people don’t agree with that. And Iran is exactly the same,” Quieroz said.
“It is out of question to think that the Iran national team is suffering any sort of issues like that. The players, the only have one thing in mind, which is to fight for their dream to be in the second round.”
Iran opens their World Cup against England on Monday.
RONALDO BENCHED
Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo is suffering a stomach bug and will be left out of the team’s World Cup warm-up friendly against Nigeria on Thursday, according to his coach Fernando Santos.
Ronaldo gave an explosive interview to Piers Morgan’s show on TalkTV this week in which he criticised Manchester United and said he had no respect for the coach Erik ten Hag, who has not relied on him much this season.
The striker, 37, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, will not train on Wednesday because of the illness, which has started amid the controversy caused by his interview.
“He is suffering from gastroenteritis and will not train today for this reason,” Santos told a press conference in Lisbon.
“He won’t be ready (to face Nigeria), he’s resting, as you know, gastritis takes a lot out of players.”
