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October 6, 2024
The Saudi Arabian proposal to host the 2034 World Cup has the backing of Al Hilal forward Neymar, who expressed that the event would be “very exciting for everyone.”
Before the year is out, the 211 member federations of FIFA are expected to vote without opposition to confirm Saudi Arabia as the host country. The Gulf state is the only contender to make it into the competition.
Neymar, who joined the Saudi Pro League teams in August 2023 after leaving Paris
Saint-Germain stated in a video that Al Hilal posted: “Happy to see the World Cup here in Saudi Arabia. I think it will be a very exciting World Cup for everyone.
“People from all over the world will have a chance to learn more about Saudi culture, about the country, so it will be a great experience to be here with everyone … They deserve this opportunity.”
It is anticipated that the 48-team competition will take place in November and December of 2034.
Neymar, 32, has participated in three World Cups and is Brazil’s all-time top scorer.
Harry Maguire says that rather than placing the blame on manager Erik ten Hag, who is under fire, Manchester United’s players need to own up to their recent bad play.
After a dismal start to the season, with just three wins from nine games, Ten Hag’s job is in jeopardy ahead of Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa.
Ten Hag was under increasing pressure on Thursday after United let a two-goal lead slip to draw 3-3 in the Europa League against FC Porto. However, Maguire maintains that the players—not the manager—should be the center of attention.
“As a footballer, it’s easy to look around and blame other people and blame your teammate or blame the staff or the tactics,” Maguire said.
“You’ve got to look at yourself. We’re the ones that go on the pitch. We’re the ones that have to defend. You’ve got to take responsibility.”
ESPN has been informed by sources that Ten Hag may lose his job if his team loses on Sunday at Villa Park.
Last season, United defeated Villa 2-1 at Villa Park in February. Maguire thinks a repeat performance on Sunday might finally get things going for the team.
“We’ve got to find belief within ourselves,” he said. “Take the belief from what we did last season at Villa Park. It was on fire last season there.
“Then we went there and got the victory that we needed last season. And we feel like we’re playing better than we were last season.”
“The results haven’t been there. I feel like we should have more points on the board. But they’re not, so we need to do something about it starting with Sunday.”
Maguire was informed earlier in the day that he had been left off of the most recent England squad and has had a mixed week. He came off the bench to score a stoppage-time equalizer against Porto.
The 31-year-old acknowledged being “surprised” by acting head coach Lee Carsley’s choice, but he also disclosed that he has been told he still has a future with the national team.
“He [Carsely] told me I’m a big part of the future,” Maguire said. “He just wants to see the other lads playing in this camp. And he doesn’t want to take me if I’m not going to start either game [against Greece and Finland], which is fair enough.”
“Of course I’m disappointed. I want to play every game for England. But I know where he’s coming from and I’ve got to make sure that I perform when I’m on the pitch and give him no option to leave me out.
“I was a little bit surprised, I must say. But obviously I back his decision and he’s told me I’m part of the future.”
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