After a brief cameo at this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Benfica forward, Goncalo Ramos has been tipped to become the first addition to Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United in a cagey January transfer window – replacing Portuguese compatriot, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ramos, who netted his second, third, and fourth international goals for Portugal earlier this month in a knockout fixture against Switzerland, is available at just 10/3 to become Dutch tactician, ten Hag’s first arrival at Old Trafford next month by the best winning tips. 

Enjoying an impressive domestic season too following the departure of Uruguay forward, Darwin Nunez to rivals, Liverpool in this summer’s transfer window, Ramos has netted nine times in the league from 11 appearances.

With the above-mentioned, Cristiano Ronaldo departing the Manchester club ahead of his side’s World Cup campaign in the Middle East, an attacking duo of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are expected to receive some competition before the slamming of next month’s window.

Another name linked continually with a move to Old Trafford comes in both Ramos and Ronaldo’s compatriot, and another former Benfica standout; Joao Felix.

The Atletico Madrid frontman arrived in the Spanish capital four seasons, and despite having a focal point in Diego Simeone’s side, the Portuguese talisman has struggled to make a significant goal-scoring impact in the Argentine’s largely defensive-oriented side. 

Felix has been notably linked with a potential loan move to United in January, with the former Spanish champions yet to call his €126 million move from Benfica a proverbial dud. 

Considered an outside chance to join Manchester United’s midfield – albeit in the January transfer window, at least, Birmingham-born midfielder, Jude Bellingham.

Passing up the opportunity to sign the midfield engine prior to his move to Borussia Dortmund, United and a host of other Premier League clubs will likely have to whip to a premier fee to entice the Dortmund board to part with their side’s catalyst. 

Linked with a move to Liverpool to boot, Bellingham appears to have a positive relationship with the Merseyside side’s captain, Jordan Henderson, with the duo appearing frequently in Gareth Southgate’s English side during this year’s World Cup. Bellingham currently sits as a high 14/1 chance to join United in January. 

Whilst Chelsea agreed personal terms with Croatian defensive unit, Josko Gvardiol last summer, a fee with current club, RB Leipzig was never struck, as the 20-year-old remained in Germany for this half-season at least.

However, despite Graham Potter’s side’s continued interest, bookies have priced Gvardiol at 16/1 to join United in the January window – leaving the potential switch far from the realms of impossibility. Gvardiol has impressed massively since his switch to Leipzig, however, it seems a fee well in excess of €100 million would need to be forked out to force the Red Bull club to consider parting with the defensive standout.

As one of the traditional World Cup powerhouses, Germany will be hoping to restamp their authority over the tournament in 2022.

Whilst their team’s starting XI may be entering the twilight of their careers, there is a surplus of young talent just waiting for an opening to make their own mark on an international stage.

Germany find themselves in a competitive starting group, with Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica all vying for the top two places. However, the Germans have shown time and time again that they cannot be overlooked, and it may well be that 2022 is no different.

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Germany World Cup 2022 XI

Manuel Neuer will of course take the No.1 goalkeeping position. The Bayern Munich keeper is an all-time great, and still competing at an extremely high level. However, Kevin Trapp of Eintracht Frankfurt is also a solid backup for the Germans.

The German defense is one of their most solid areas. They can take their pick from Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen), Niklas Sule (Borussia Dortmund), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), Thilo Kehrer (PSG) and Lukas Klostermann (RB Leipzig).

In midfield, Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich will be the lynchpin of their control over the field. He will likely be paired with fellow Bayern player Leon Goretzka, as well as Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan. Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund) and Kai Havertz (Chelsea) offer further versatility in the center of the pitch.

Chelsea’s Timo Werner will be competing with Bayern standout Thomas Muller for the place as Germany’s lead striker. Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich) and Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich) appear the logical picks for starting wingers.

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Brazil, France, Argentina, and England are the teams that take the headlines, but we have seen time and time again small teams who defy all expectations, leaving their mark on the iconic competition.

One such team may well be Wales at the 2022 World Cup. The Dragons will field a plucky team, made up of both veterans and rising prospects. With both England and USA in their starting group, the Welsh will be looking to make an instant statement of intent.

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Wales World Cup 2022 XI

The starting goalkeeping role for Wales’ 2022 World Cup campaign will be contested by three solid players. Wayne Hennessey (Burnley), Danny Ward (Leicester City) and Adam Davies (Sheffield United) will all no doubt be hopeful of claiming the No.1 spot.

In defense, Wales are able to field several solid players with premier league experience. Ben Davies (Tottenham), Joe Rodon (Tottenham), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Sheffield United), Connor Roberts (Burnley), and Neco Williams (Liverpool) have all played against some of the best to ever do it. Chris Mepham (Bournemouth) and Chris Gunter (Unattached) are also solid options to fall back on.

Wales’ midfield for the 2022 World Cup will consist of a mixture of both veterans and prospects. Joe Allen (Stoke City) and Aaron Ramsey (Juventus) both bring bags of high-level experience, whilst Ethan Ampadu (Chelsea) and Rabbi Matondo (Schalke 04) will have the chance to seize the limelight.

When on top form, Wales’ attack can be potent enough to break even the best defensive lines out there. However, often they have been offensively impotent, appearing to lack the synergy needed to compete with the very best. Gareth Bale (LAFC) will of course be the lynchpin of the attack, paired with dangerous winger Daniel James (Leeds United) and hard-headed striker Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth). Mark Harris (Cardiff City), Nathan Broadhead (Everton), and Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest) all also offer support in the attacking line.

How well do you think Wales will fare this World Cup?

At the 2022 World Cup, Lionel Messi will lead Argentina out to what will surely be his last time competing in the penultimate international footballing competition.

Argentina possesses a solid team with great attacking potential. However, they do somewhat lack depth in their defensive line, which will no doubt make them one of the most exciting teams to follow in the 2022 World Cup.

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Argentina’s World Cup XI

Argentina’s goalkeeping options consist of Franco Armani (River Plate), Geronimo Rulli (Villarreal), and Juan Musso (Atalanta). Whilst these may not be the biggest names, Ruili has shown his ability to compete with the best La Liga has to offer.

In defence, Lionel Scaloni can call upon Nahuel Molina (Udinese), Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), German Pezzella (Real Betis), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Lisandro Martinez (Ajax), and Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax). This is another area where Argentina are somewhat lacking, especially in name value. But the likes of Otamendi and Tagliafico are veteran players who can bring some much-needed stability to the back line.

Argentina’s midfield is where the squad really begins to shine. Leandro Paredes (PSG), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Lucas Ocampos (Sevilla), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Manuel Lanzini (West Ham), Nicolas Paz (Real Madrid), Matias Soule (Juventus)
and Angel Di Maria (PSG) are all excellent options, equipped with stacks of creativity that will give many opposing teams trouble.

Lionel Messi (PSG) is of course the name that stands out from the attacking lineup. However, Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid), Lautaro Martinez (Inter), and Paulo Dybala (Juventus) are all also dangerous attacking threats that will pair excellently with the veteran maestro.

However, the Spanish are looking to mount a resurgence in 2022. They now have a team full of young prospects and grizzled veterans, capable of competing at the very highest level of the sport.

Spain’s 2022 World Cup XI

For the sake of this article, we will presume that Spain will play a 4-3-3 formation, although it is entirely possible that manager Luis Enrique will mix it up.

Goalkeeper

Even with Manchester United’s David de Gea struggling for form as of late, he will still surely take the #1 position. Unai Simon will give him good competition, but de Gea on his day is world class.

Defenders

We expect Spanish veterans Jordi Alba and Cesar Azpilicueta to take on the starting full-back roles, with Jose Gaya and Dani Carvajal in reserve.

Pau Torres, Aymeric Laporte, and Inigo Martinez will all be competing for the center-back roles.

Midfielders

Starting in the CDM role will surely be Sergio Busquets, who has been plying his trade at the very top of the sport for the past decade. Man City’s Rodri will be looking to shift the wily veteran off his starting perch though.

One of the two CM roles will go to Atletico’s Koke, with the remaining position to be contested by Pablo Fornals, Dani Olmo, and Gavi.

Attackers

With both Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati likely to miss the World Cup due to injury, Pablo Sarabia of Sporting CP and Rodrigo Moreno of Leeds could be the starting wingers. Brahim Diaz and Raul de Tomas could also feature. Juventus’ Alvaro Morata is the clear starter for the man at the top.

Whilst Brazil are the current betting favorites to win the competition, France and England are jointly tied in second place. Admittedly, France did have a somewhat lackluster Euro campaign in 2020, but they undeniably have a team capable of bouncing back this World Cup.

France’s 2022 World Cup XI

It seems likely that France will play a 4-2-3-1 formation at the 2022 World Cup. A closer inspection of their squad reveals why there is so much expectation for the team to achieve greatness.

Goalkeeper

PSG’s Alphonse Areola (currently on loan at West Ham) will hope to take the starting place in goal, although Hugo Lloris will no doubt have something to say about that. Both men are extremely talented, with Lloris bringing bags of experience, whilst Areola has been on great form this past season.

Defenders

France may well have the strongest backline in the tournament, both in terms of talent and depth. Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard will surely start on the right, with Lucas Hernandez the seemingly logical pick for the left. In the two center back position, expect to see Raphael Varane starting, alongside either Dayot Upamecano, Presnel Kimpembe, or Samuel Umtiti playing alongside him.

Kurt Zouma, Theo Hernandez, Jules Kounde, Lucas Digne, and Clement Lenglet offer further depth for the team.

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Midfielders

Playing in the CDM/CM position will likely be Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kante. Say what you will about Pogba’s tenure with United, but the 29-year-old always shows up for his country. Kante is a stellar midfielder, whose work rate is second to none.

Ahead of them, in the attacking midfielder roles, could be any three of Kingsley Coman, Nabil Fekir, Moussa Dembele, Antonie Griezman, or Wissam Ben Yedder.

Strikers

France have the choice between two of the best strikers in the world right now. Kylian Mbappe or Karim Benzema. Both men are exceptional talents, Benzema filling the role of experienced veteran, whilst Mbappe is the rising star.

Both men will certainly feature over the course of the campaign, and Didier Deschamps may even change formation to fit the two elite strikers side by side.

Do you think France have what it takes to win the World Cup again?

Brazil have opened as betting favorites, although they are closely followed by England and France, all of who are capable of fielding squads filled with a plethora of talent and depth.

England have only won the World Cup once, capturing the trophy in 1966. However, if their performance in the recent 2020 Euro’s is anything to go by, this could well be the year it’s finally ‘coming home.’

Whilst the team ultimately slipped up in the Euro final, losing out to Italy on penalties, the consistent quality the team showed throughout the tournament indicates that they could well go on to achieve great things this year.

England 2022 World Cup XI – A Wealth Of UEFA Champions League Experience

England’s manager Gareth Southgate has a solid variety of options to pick from for the upcoming World Cup. The majority of his team have been playing at the highest level of the Premier League, with many also featuring in the UEFA Champions League.

Both Liverpool and Manchester City are currently competing in the semi-finals, with English players such as Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, and Phil Foden all featuring. If you are looking for the best odds for this year’s UEFA Champions League winner, then Rushbet is the site to use.

Goalkeeper

England’s goalkeeper options for the 2022 World Cup are slightly limited, with Everton’s Jordan Pickford likely the first choice for Southgate. Pickford is a talented keeper, but prone to bouts of inconsistency and rashness.

Burnley’s Nick Pope and Southampton’s Fraser Forster represent Southgate’s alternate options. Both are solid goalkeepers, though not quite as consistently impressive as Brazil’s backup keeper option of Ederson.

Defenders

England have played five at the back in the past, but it is currently unclear as to what strategy Southgate will employ come November. For the sake of this article we will presume that he plays the traditional four at the back, although that is of course subject to change.

Trent Alexander Arnold is the most obvious pick. The Liverpool right-back is one of the best in the world in his position, with pinpoint crosses that consistently see him rack up numerous assists. On the left, Manchester United’s Luke Shaw has been consistently solid when playing for his country. The 26 year old is currently injured and thought to be out for the rest of the season, although will likely be back in time for the World Cup.

John Stones should slot straight into one of the center-back roles, as his stellar form for Manchester City has been very impressive. It is up for debate who plays alongside him, with Harry Maguire’s recent form bringing his starting place into question. Tyrone Mings or Conor Coady could both have a look in, depending on how things play out in the coming months.

Midfield

England have a solid variety of players that can fit into the midfield three. Jordan Henderson has been in good form for Liverpool and has been consistently playing at an extremely high level, not too much the maturity and leadership he brings to the center of the field. Declan Rice is also very solid, and could fulfill a similar role to Henderson, should Southgate wish to mix things up.

Paired with Henderson, could be Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount. Both young aggressive midfielders with an eye for goal, paired together they could give the opposition nonstop trouble.

It is also worth noting that Conor Gallagher of Crystal Palace has been on an incredible run of form lately, and will allow Southgate even further room for experimentation.

Attack

Harry Kane will of course retain his position as the man at the front of England’s attacking line, despite not having quite a prolific goal-scoring season as he has had in the past.

As for the wings, Southgate can really take his pick. Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho, and Jack Grealish are all excellent options that can cause all sorts of problems for opposing teams on the flanks.

How do you see England faring at the 2022 World Cup?

Brazil are strong favorites this year, closely followed by England and France, who all have extremely deep and talent-rich teams.

However, in every World Cup there is always a dark horse to watch out for, and this year, it may well be Portugal. If you are looking for betting odds for the World Cup, then look no further than MrBet, where you can back Brazil, England, France, or even Portgual to come out on top this year.

Portugal’s 2022 World Cup XI

Portugal do have a very solid team that is being overlooked by may. A number of talented players litter their ranks, with the potential to upset the odds and bring home a trophy.

Portugal has the options of three high level goalkeepers, with Diogo Costa of Porto, Rui Patrício of Roma, and Anthony Lopes of Lyon all ready to take the number 1 spot for their country.

A slightly weaker backline will likely see Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo and Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro take on the full-back positions, whilst veteran defenders Pepe and Jose Fonte could hold the center. Alternatively, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Mendes, and Cédric Soares are all also available.

It is in midfield that the depth and talent of the team really begins to shine through. William Carvalho, Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Moutinho, and Bernardo Silva will all be vying for a place in the starting XI, which is the perfect problem to have for manager Fernando Santos.

Up front, once again, there is a surplus of talent. Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo will almost certainly start ahead of Andre Silva, whilst it stands to reason that Liverpool’s Diogo Jota and Atlético Madrid’s Joao Felix will take up position on the flanks. Rafael Leao of AC Milan and Gonçalo Guedes of Valencia are also solid options.

This team is full of attacking talent, and what they lack at the back, is more than made up for with goal-scoring firepower.

How do you see Portugal faring at the 2022 World Cup?

Women’s World Cup 2015 Match Ball

For FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada, 2015

Adidas unveils Match Ball for 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup

FIFA and Adidas celebrate women’s football  05-Dec-2014Adidas today unveiled the official match ball of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015, the Adidas conext15. The ball features a new green, red and blue ribbon design inspired by the elements of nature: earth, wind and fire.

The Adidas conext15 features the same ground-breaking technology that was used so successfully in Brazuca, the official match ball of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The ball has a new structural innovation with a unique symmetry of six identical panels alongside a different surface structure that provides improved grip, touch, stability and aerodynamics on the pitch

Thank you Jacques Barralon for the above picture.

Engineered to the same specifications as the Equipment Tricolore (the Official Match ball of World Cup France 98′), the Adidas Equipment Icon was FIFA’s Official Matchball for the Women’s World Cup in 1999. This ball was the first one designed specifically for the Women’s World Cup.  Unlike traditional soccer balls, the Equipment Icon uses the same syntactic foam technology which debuted in the Equipment Tricolor at France 98′. According to Adidas, “syntactic foam’s tight, uniform matrix of gas-filled micro-balloons distributes energy more equally, enabling more rebound characteristics that make the ball faster and more accurate off the foot”.  The Equipment Icon’s design features colorful “icons” from the eight venue cities of Women’s World Cup 99′ including: San Jose, San Francisco, Portland (OR.), Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Boston, and Washington D.C.  These icons are integrated into the Adidas “Tango” pattern, with an overlay of stars in honor of the US flag.  FIFA approved. The Equipment Icon is only the second ball to feature the Adidas Equipment logo.

Sizes: 5

Information and pictures supplied by Alexander Djolev from Sofia, Bulgaria