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☆ Scaloni heads into final as the coach who made Messi and Argentina smile again
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"He can't even direct traffic, how come he will direct the national team. They have since created a bond that has allowed a rejuvenated Messi to enjoy his best years with the national team. It was that which arguably gave them the foundation to regroup after their shock loss to Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener. Representing my country is an emotional thing," Scaloni told reporters after Argentina swept past Croatia 3-0 in their World Cup semi-final. Thanks to Scaloni's acumen, Argentina are on the brink of glory - and while Messi will claim the attention, his coach deserves his share of the plaudits.

☆ Magical Messi saves his best for last in Qatar
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Andrew Cawthorne | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Dec 16 (Reuters) - As if he had not made enough fairy-tales, Argentina's little genius Lionel Messi has saved the potentially most magical script for his last World Cup - with one line left to write. After scoring a penalty to send Argentine fans into delirium, the usually impeccably-behaved Messi ran towards the Dutch bench cupping his ears in a provocative gesture. Though some pundits criticized him for disrespect, Argentine fans were largely delighted at the Maradona-like flashes of defiance from the introverted Messi. All that is missing in the Messi story is a World Cup. Carry it in your heart because that is more important than a World Cup and you've already won that, thanks Captain."

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☆ France and Argentina bring multiple plot lines to mouthwatering World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Amy Woodyatt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Standing in Messi’s way is his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappé, as France seeks to win back-to-back World Cup trophies. After a shock defeat by Saudi Arabia in its opening group game, Argentina’s World Cup campaign got off to the worst possible start. When asked whether Sunday’s game will be his last at a World Cup, Messi replied: “Yes. Like Griezmann, the 36-year-old Giroud has had a renaissance in this World Cup, after failing to score a single goal in 2018. We’ll enjoy it now and get ready for the last match of this World Cup.”

Theo Hernández and Randal Kolo Muani scored as France defeated underdog Morocco, 2-0, in Qatar on Wednesday, sending Les Bleus into the World Cup final against perennial powerhouse Argentina. The Frenchmen, winners of soccer's most coveted trophy in 1998 and 2018, are seeking to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles since Brazil did in 1958 and 1962. "In four days, we're going to play for a world title and we're really going to enjoy it." Morroco, which captured the world's imagination as the first African side to ever make the World Cup semifinals, will play for third place Saturday against 2018 runner-up Croatia. The next World Cup will be in North America in 2026 with the United States, Canada and Mexico serving as hosts.

☆ World Cup 2022: How Qataris have reacted to tournament on home soil
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-13 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Reem Al-Haddad still remembers how excited she felt when Qatar won the right to host the 2022 World Cup. “The World Cup has almost always been in Western nations. The report did not connect all 6,500 deaths with World Cup infrastructure projects and has not been independently verified by CNN. She still remembers watching the 2002 World Cup from home, cheering on Italy before it was knocked out by host South Korea in the round of 16. “That person who watched the World Cup behind the screen never believed that she would actually get to experience it in real life,” she added.

☆ Argentina have worked out where to hurt Croatia - Scaloni
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Argentina will trust their system when they face Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals and believe they have worked out how to hurt the 2018 runners-up, coach Lionel Scaloni said on Monday. I won't mention the key players or their strengths and weaknesses but we've analysed where we can hurt them. "He's a role model for so many of us - not just because of his talent but also his behaviour," Scaloni said. ARGENTINA CRITICISMScaloni was also asked about the criticism directed at Argentina after their players' "unsporting behaviour" following their shootout win over the Netherlands. "The previous game was played the way we had to play... that's football.

☆ Messi's World Cup chase takes centre stage in quarter-final clash
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Dec 7 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi's hopes of winning an elusive World Cup will come up against the tactical scheming of veteran coach Louis van Gaal as Argentina face the Netherlands in Friday’s quarter-final at Lusail. Messi can expect little in the way of sympathy from the 71-year-old Van Gaal, who is determined to give the Dutch their first World Cup title after runners-up finishes in 1974, 1978 and 2010. Messi can expect vocal support from Argentine fans in Qatar, who are set to vastly outnumber their orange-clad Dutch counterparts. On the losing side against Germany in the 2014 final, where Argentina failed to add to World Cup triumphs in 1978 and 1986, Messi was grateful for the support. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is still sweating on the fitness of Angel di Maria, who missed the Australia game due to a left thigh injury but returned to training on Tuesday.

☆ Ambivalent Argentines want to be Messi but are more Maradona - author
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Lucila Sigal | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

BUENOS AIRES, Dec 3 (Reuters) - Argentines aspire to be like clean-living Lionel Messi but in reality are more like flawed rebel Diego Maradona, an author says, as comparisons between the two great No. 10s become a dominant talking point of the Qatar World Cup. But only a World Cup would give him Maradona's stature. "People demand more from Messi because he's come on the scene to compete with and rival Maradona. "But unfortunately he needs to win here because in Argentina winning is what counts.

For years, Argentine fans said that no matter how many Ballons d'Or and trophies Messi won with Barcelona, he could never match Maradona until he too lifted a World Cup. EMOTIONAL MESSIMany of the banners show Messi and Maradona together, some depicting the late No. And Messi himself has opened up emotionally to rally the team and nation after their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia. "For me, Messi has always felt and done his all for the national team, from his first game until now. "Messi has suffered from being a venerated star in Barcelona but often under attack here in Argentina."

☆ Saudi Arabia in the mix for last 16 ahead of Mexico clash
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Shady Amir | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

In their five previous participations, Saudi Arabia have qualified for the round of 16 only once, on their debut at the tournament in 1994. In Qatar, Poland lead Group C on four points, one ahead of Argentina and Saudi Arabia, while Mexico are on one point. If Saudi Arabia want to progress they will have to beat Mexico, regardless of the outcome of the match between Poland and Argentina. "Qatar is Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia is Qatar. Mexico need to beat Saudi Arabia by at least a three-goal margin, with Poland not losing to Argentina.

☆ Messi dances night away after keeping World Cup storyline alive
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Andrew Cawthorne | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Though in truth they laboured in the first half against a mediocre Mexico team, they celebrated as if they had won the World Cup itself. After scoring the first goal against Mexico, his second of Argentina's three at the tournament, Messi charged towards fans screaming in joy. Many in fact show the two together, arm-in-arm or Maradona looking beatifically down on Messi from heaven. Should Messi go all the way, he will of course directly match Maradona, who led Argentina to a famous 1986 World Cup win including his famous "Hand of God" and best-ever tournament goals against England en route. Even Messi looked slow and made basic errors prior to scoring against Mexico and relaxing into the player everyone knows.

☆ Analysis: Tite's courage pays off as Brazil forwards deliver
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The answer came in an impressive 2-0 victory over a strong and organised Serbia team who did not make it easy for Brazil and frustrated them in a goalless first half. Tite's decision to start Vinicius Jr. alongside Neymar, Richarlison and Raphinha should not have been a surprise as the Brazil coach has been much more inclined recently to unleash his talented young forwards together. Thinking that he would leave Vinicius on the bench was an assumption of those looking at the 61-year-old manager’s past rather than his present. Though Richarlison scored a brace, Vinicius was arguably the best player on the pitch, creating most of Brazil´s chances. Brazil sent a clear message to their World Cup rivals.

☆ Odds-on favorite Brazil face strong Serbia in World Cup opener
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Brazil are keeping their cards close to their chest under the spotlight of being the odds-on favorites as they prepare to face Serbia in their World Cup Group G opener on Thursday. The pressure is on as Brazil aim for a record extending sixth title with a squad loaded with talent but full of young players, with 16 of them making their World Cup debut. Paring the young guns with an in-form Neymar have made Brazil a juggernaut, winning 37 of the 50 games played since their 2018 World Cup quarter-finals loss to Belgium in Russia. They conceded 19 goals in this World Cup cycle, finishing 33 of those 50 matches with a clean sheet. Serbia have never moved past the group stages at the World Cup since the breakup of Yugoslavia but will be looking to seize momentum in a strong Group G that also includes Switzerland and Cameroon.

☆ Messi feeling fit ahead of 'special' last World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Anita Kobylinska | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The 35-year-old, who in Qatar will be playing his fifth World Cup, added that he did not prepare differently for the tournament which for the first time is being played in November and December. "It's a beautiful thing that many people outside Argentina want us to be champions and that it's largely because of me," Messi said. "I'm grateful for the love I've received around the world during my career, and here in Qatar it's another example of that. "It makes us work in a different way, without anxiety about the national team and its results, and enjoying ourselves." Argentina kick off their World Cup campaign with a Group C opener against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and will then face Mexico and Poland.

☆ World Cup guide: Teams and players to watch
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Doha, Qatar CNN —In just over 24 hours, Qatar 2022 will burst into life as the host nation takes on Ecuador in the opening game of the World Cup. Tournament favoritesOnly eight nations have ever won the men’s World Cup, many of which are among the favorites this time around. After being knocked out by England in the Euro 2020 semifinals, the team waltzed through World Cup qualification, winning nine of its 10 matches and conceding only three goals. In addition to making its World Cup debut, Qatar is a relatively unknown quantity with most of its players spending their careers in the nation’s top league. He will be an important player in Japan’s World Cup campaign and has already been dubbed the ‘Japanese Lionel Messi’ back home.

☆ Brazil at the 2022 World Cup: who is in Tite's 26-man squad?
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Nov 14 (Reuters) - Brazil are looking to win a record-extending sixth World Cup title at the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 in Qatar tournament in Qatar. Who is in Brazil's World Cup 2022 squad? * Brazil will meet Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon in Group G.What was Brazil's squad at the 2018 World Cup? Defenders: Thiago Silva (Paris St Germain), Miranda (Inter Milan), Marquinhos (Paris St Germain), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Fagner (Corinthians), Pedro Geromel (Gremio), Danilo (Manchester City). Forwards: Neymar (Paris St Germain), Douglas Costa (Juventus), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Taison (Shakhtar Donetsk).

☆ Injured Dybala named in Argentina's 26-man World Cup squad
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Nov 11 (Reuters) - Injured forward Paulo Dybala made the cut as Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni named on Friday his 26-man squad for the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 World Cup in Qatar, where Lionel Messi will lead the side. Dybala has not played for his club AS Roma since early October but has been named in the squad as Argentina hope he regains his fitness before their World Cup campaign begins on Nov. 22 against Group C opponents Saudi Arabia. Messi, 35, will be playing in his fifth World Cup and will be accompanied by fellow veterans Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi along with fresh faces who helped Argentina win the Copa America title last year. Dreams do come true, let's go Argentina," Paredes, who did not make the final cut for the 2018 World Cup, said on Instagram. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, one of Argentina's heroes at the Copa America last year, will also be making his World Cup debut this year.

☆ Stock market rally will be put to test in week ahead, after yields fall and tech surges
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( Patti Domm | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

This week, bond yields also came off their highs and were sharply lower, paving the way for gains in tech and growth shares. They include Fed Vice Chair Lael Brainard, New York Fed President John Williams and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari to name a few. Hogan said that group includes Bullard, Brainard and San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly. Many strategists are calling the move higher a bear market rally, and some expect it will fizzle in December while others say it could continue into the new year. Friday Earnings: JD.com, Foot Locker, Buckle 8:40 a.m. Boston Fed President Susan Collins 10:00 a.m.

☆ FIFA pleads with World Cup nations to 'focus on football' in Qatar
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Sky News quoted Infantino and Samoura as saying in the letter to the 32 nations contesting the World Cup. The World Cup, the first held in the Middle East, starts on Nov. 20. read moreFootball Australia was unable to provide immediate comment to Reuters on the FIFA letter on Friday. World Cup organisers have said that everyone, no matter their sexual orientation or background, is welcome, while also warning against public displays of affection. Qatar has acknowledged there are "gaps" in its labour system but the World Cup has allowed the country to make progress on worker rights.

☆ IBM salaries revealed: Engineers can earn nearly $200K. See how much analysts, managers, and others at the tech giant make.
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( Caroline Haskins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +15 min

IBM is among the oldest and largest computer companies in the world and has more than 350,000 employees. These offers must be equal to what US employees earn making them a great guide to employee salaries at the company. When Insider analyzed IBM salary data in 2021, the highest offer was to an engineering program director, earning $335,000. A technical team lead, for instance, earned $57,500 in Monroe, LA, and as much as $114,500 in Parsippany, NJ. Insider has also compiled a database of salaries across other big tech companies like Google, Apple, Tesla, Amazon, and more.

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☆ Luxury hotel booking programs from Amex, Capital One, Visa, and more can get you free elite benefits like room upgrades and on-property credits — here's how
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( Eric Rosen | Tessa Campbell | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +39 min

David Slotnick/Business InsiderMany travel rewards cards offer elite-like hotel benefits when you book with their online portals. The prices through credit card travel portals are often on par with booking directly through hotels. However, it's only available to Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Spark Travel Elite cardholders. Bottom lineYou might not have a premium hotel credit card or elite status with one of the major loyalty programs. However, that doesn't mean you can't take advantage of credit card booking portals to enjoy perks like room upgrades, free breakfast, and on-property credits.

A farmer spreads nitrogen fertilizer in his wheat field in Blecourt, France, May 27, 2021. Russia, under financial sanctions, is a major producer of fertilizer and natural gas, key in making nitrogen products to boost yields of corn and other crops. Since Russia's February invasion of Ukraine, Europe started weaning itself off Russian natural gas and a pipeline transporting ammonia from Russia to a Ukraine port shut down. European countries typically buy most of their imported urea, a form of nitrogen fertilizer, from North Africa, but are now purchasing it further afield, Wallace said. EU nitrogen prices eased in mid-October as some European plants resumed production due to softening natural gas prices, he said.

☆ Brazil's top footballers lean toward Bolsonaro in polarized race
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-23 | by ( Gabriel Araujo | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

In a country where evangelical churches have made major inroads in poorer communities, eroding the Catholic majority, many footballers wear their evangelical faith on their sleeve. "There is this slogan that I love," Alves said, using a stock Bolsonaro phrase: "Brazil above everything, God above all." Bolsonaro lost the first round to his leftist challenger Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva by a tighter-than-expected margin, setting up an Oct. 30 runoff. The outpouring on social media bolstered the growing anecdotal evidence that many of Brazil's most prominent soccer players now lean to the right. Top footballers' embrace of Bolsonaro has jibed with a growing tradition among conservative Brazilians who don the national team's famous yellow jersey in street demonstrations, as Bolsonaro himself has done occasionally.

☆ A renowned musician says he was kicked off a flight because he brought his cello on board — even though he'd bought an extra ticket for it
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( Beatrice Nolan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A renowned cellist says he was kicked off a flight because he brought his instrument on board. Santiago Cañón-Valencia said he bought a business-class seat and an extra seat for the cello. Cañón-Valencia told The Strad that he had bought a business-class seat along with an extra seat for the cello. "I sat there for about five minutes until someone from Copa Airlines came up to talk to me. Like Cañón-Valencia, the musician, Jingjing Hu, had also purchased an extra seat for the instrument.

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