Match of the Day Magazine Issue 665

WORLD CUP WINNERS! Eight countries have won the World Cup – with Brazil claiming victory more than any other nation! It brings together national teams from all over the world, who compete to be crowned world champions. The first tournament was held in 1930, and apart from 1942 and 1946 – which were cancelled due to the World War II – it's been held every four years. This World Cup in Qatar is the 22nd. The host nation automatically qualifies for the tournament, but the remaining countries have all qualified from their respective continental zones. WORLD CUP TOP SCORERS! THE LEGEND OF PELE! THE BRAZIL icon is the only player to win three World Cup winners’ medals – in 1958, 1962 and 1970! MONSIEUR GOALS! FRANCE STRIKER Just Fontaine scored 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup, a record…

WORLD CUP WINNERS! Eight countries have won the World Cup – with Brazil claiming victory more than any other nation! It brings together national teams from all over the world, who compete to be crowned world champions. The first tournament was held in 1930, and apart from 1942 and 1946 – which were cancelled due to the World War II – it's been held every four years. This World Cup in Qatar is the 22nd. The host nation automatically qualifies for the tournament, but the remaining countries have all qualified from their respective continental zones. WORLD CUP TOP SCORERS! THE LEGEND OF PELE! THE BRAZIL icon is the only player to win three World Cup winners’ medals – in 1958, 1962 and 1970! MONSIEUR GOALS! FRANCE STRIKER…

A IS FOR AHMAD BIN ALI STADIUM ALL EYES will be on the 44,000-seater stadium on the outskirts of Doha on 29 November – well, the eyes of Britain anyway. England clash with Wales in the final Group B game with both pride and a place in the round of 16 up for grabs! B IS FOR BONDY DURING THE Middle Ages, this area of Paris was famous for being home to some of France’s most dangerous bandits and robbers. Since 1998, it’s been more famous for something even more dangerous – Kylian Mbappe. France’s biggest star grew up here and started his career at local club Bondy! C IS FOR COBHAM THIS CHARMING Surrey village on the banks of the River Mole is known for its big houses, its gas-guzzling cars and being home…

HARRY KANE AGE 29 CLUB TOTTENHAM ENGLAND GOALS 51 MY WINNER! H BAGGED MORE goals than anyone else at the 2018 World Cup to win the Golden Boot so he knows exactly what it takes. The England baller takes pens, can ping with both feet and is in electric form for Tottenham, scoring 11 goals in all comps this season! KYLIAN MBAPPE AGE 23 CLUB PSG FRANCE GOALS 28 MY WINNER! IF FRANCE are to go far in Qatar, you better believe King Kylian will have something to do with it. He is arguably the quickest contender in this line-up so he'll latch on to more chances than most. He scored nine in his first six games for PSG this season! LIONEL MESSI AGE 35 CLUB PSG ARGENTINA GOALS 90 MY WINNER! LEO PLAYS in a more creative role for Argentina…

FACT FILE NAME Gary Lineker AGE 61 POSITION Striker CLUBS Leicester, Everton, Barcelona, Tottenham, Nagoya Grampus ENGLAND CAPS/GOALS 80/48 MATCH OF THE DAY Yes, Gary! What are you most excited about for the 2022 World Cup? LINEKER SAYS: “Ah, World Cups are great! It’s quite open, with no obvious favourite, which makes this tournament really interesting. Also, the fact it’s in winter is really unique and that’s something that will be different!” MATCH OF THE DAY Can England win it? LINEKER SAYS: “They’ve stuttered in form recently, but there’s time to sort that out, so they have a chance. They need to try to find a way of playing, rather than shuffling between three and four at the back. The teams that win trophies know how they play. I prefer 4-3-3, as that’s how most…

A IS FOR AHMAD BIN ALI STADIUM ALL EYES will be on the 44,000-seater stadium on the outskirts of Doha on 29 November – well, the eyes of Britain anyway. England clash with Wales in the final Group B game with both pride and a place in the round of 16 up for grabs! B IS FOR BONDY DURING THE Middle Ages, this area of Paris was famous for being home to some of France’s most dangerous bandits and robbers. Since 1998, it’s been more famous for something even more dangerous – Kylian Mbappe. France’s biggest star grew up here and started his career at local club Bondy! C IS FOR COBHAM THIS CHARMING Surrey village on the banks of the River Mole is known for its…