The wait is almost over as we are just hours away from the World Cup in Qatar getting underway.
This year’s tournament will kick-off at 4pm this Sunday afternoon with hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador in Al Khor. England start off Group B on Monday against Iran, with fixtures against USA and Wales to follow.
Of the 20 Premier League clubs, Crystal Palace are one of the least affected by World Cup call-ups. Like Southampton and Bournemouth, the Eagles have just two players in the Middle East representing their country, with Joachim Andersen and Jordan Ayew being named in the 26-man squads for Denmark and Ghana respectively.
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Andersen’s tournament will kick-off on Tuesday against Tunisia before their toughest test in Group D against World Cup holders France. The Danes will end the Group phase against Australia and if they finish in the top two they will set up a Round of 16 tie against either Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico or Poland from Group C.
Ayew and Ghana face a difficult opener in Group H against Portugal before clashes against South Korea and Uruguay. Should they qualify, a Round of 16 tie against strong favourites Brazil could await them, with the five-time World champions in Group G along with Switzerland, Cameroon and Serbia.
Here are the fixtures and key dates to look out for at this year’s World Cup:
Tuesday, November 22 – Denmark vs Tunisia (Andersen)
Thursday, November 24 – Portugal vs Ghana (Ayew)
Saturday, November 26 – France vs Denmark (Andersen)
Monday, November 28 – South Korea vs Ghana (Ayew)
Wednesday, November 30 – Australia vs Denmark (Andersen)
Friday, December 2 – Ghana vs Uruguay (Ayew)
Saturday, December 3, to Tuesday, December 6 – World Cup Round of 16
Friday, December 9, and Saturday, December 10 – World Cup Quarter-Finals
Tuesday, December 13, and Wednesday, December 14 – World Cup Semi-Finals
Saturday, December 17 – World Cup Third Place Play-off
Sunday, December 18 – World Cup Final
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