World-famous podcast host and UFC commentator Joe Rogan was shocked to hear on his podcast that India vs. Pakistan cricket matches garner more viewers than the Superbowl.

Joe Rogan is as American as they come, and although he is clearly clued in across a number of different niche topics, he like others, can often find himself caught in the figurative ‘USA bubble’, where it is as if very little exists out with the confines of America’s borders.

This was evident in a recent podcast – JRE MMA Show #130, filmed in September – with filmmaker Will Harris, where the two discussed Mr Harris’ recent trip to Dubai, where he watched an Asia Cup cricket tie between India and Pakistan.

Joe Rogan was astounded to hear that the tournament was watched by more people than the National Football League’s ‘Super bowl’, the biggest sporting event in America.

“Really?” Joe Rogan said in response to Mr Harris, before asking him whether he meant soccer.

Will Harris corrected him and replied, “Bigger than the Super Bowl, more viewers than the Super Bowl.”

Record attendance figures support this claim. The most watched Super Bowl of all time was 2015’s Super Bowl XLIX, where 114.44 million viewers tuned in to watch the New England Patriots defeat the Seattle Seahawks.

But this is nothing compared with the 273 million unique viewers of India’s clash with Pakistan at the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

Joe Rogan’s American bias – and most likely many of his viewers’ too – was challenged even further, when Will Harris decided to pull up the statistics of the most followed cricket player of all-time.

The two compared Indian cricketer Virat Kohli with America’s most followed athlete LeBron James, showing that Kohli – to Joe Rogan’s surprise – had, at the time, 82 million more followers than the American basketball player. Kohli now has 223 million followers in total.

Let the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which attracts even more viewers than cricket, serve as a reminder to Joe Rogan than although American sports certainly put on a show, they are not necessarily the pinnacle of sporting achievement.

• Joe Rogan Is No Longer The Podcast King
• Why Joe Rogan Wants To Be ‘Apolitical’ From Here On Out

The post Joe Rogan Shocked To Learn Cricket Gets More Views Than The Superbowl appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has fired a comical jab at ex-Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney on stage at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, after Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticism about Rooney in his latest interview.

The Swedish star forward was being interviewed with PSG defender Sergio Ramos, when he was asked how he was. The ever-funny front man replied saying he is “as sharp as a knife,” before looking and laughing at his former teammate Wayne Rooney and asked:

“Wazza, [do] I look sharp or not?””

Zlatan Ibrahimović

The jest appeared to be in reference to a recent interview with Cristiano Ronaldo, who threw some serious (if light hearted) shade at the ex-England star. In the interview with Piers Morgan, which aired early Thursday and Friday morning in Australia, Ronaldo said:

“To listen as ex-colleagues or teammates criticise you, when they only see one point of view.”

He continued, “You should ask the questions to him [Rooney]. I don’t know. I don’t know why he criticised me so badly. Probably because he finished his career in his 30’s. I’m still playing at a high level; I’m not going to say that I’m better looking than him, which is true.”

Despite the God-tier level pettiness from CR7, Rooney – who admittedly is probably looking slightly worse for wear than Ronaldo despite being the same age, but that’s neither here nor there – provided a surprisingly classy response in the face of the criticism.

Speaking to Times of India, Rooney said, “I’m sure he’s used to dealing with expectations. The idea of leaving a legacy is surely going through his mind. I would love to see either Messi or Ronaldo win the World Cup. It would be a fitting end to their incredible careers.”

Both Rooney and Ronaldo have shared a storied history, from being teammates under Sir Alex Ferguson, to facing off against one another when Portugal played England in the 2006 World Cup; in that game, a winking Ronaldo helped send off his then-teammate, giving Portugal the victory.

Cristiano Ronaldo Interview

But Rooney is by no means the only person Ronaldo targeted, in what is surely to become a career-defining interview.

The ex-Real Madrid forward, came after Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, of whom he said:

“I don’t have respect for him, because he doesn’t show respect for me.”

He also came after Manchester United’s owners and the young players in the squad who he criticised for “not caring” and claimed they “have it too easy.” There is speculation that these comments – in which Ronaldo makes it fairly obvious he does not want to return to United – has led to a fractured relationship with his teammates.

But at least Ibrahimovic and Rooney are able to see the funny side of it.

• Erling Haaland Could Be The Next Zlatan Ibrahimović
• Cristiano Ronaldo Photo With ‘Ripped’ Son Has Internet Asking: Are Six Packs Genetic?

The post Zlatan Ibrahimovic Subtly Trolls Wayne Rooney After Ronaldo Comments appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Fans are starting to flock to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but there are barely any women in sight.

Qatar is expecting 1.2 million visitors over the month-long tournament – many of whom may or may not be rented – which starts on 20 November and runs until 18 December.

Early videos have emerged of fans gathering in the airports and by the stadiums, including one of Tunisian fans arriving for the start of the tournament, but the glaring omission from all the footage so far is the lack of a female presence.

One user on The Athletic’s Instagram post of the Tunisian fans said, “ This WC bouta be the world’s biggest sausage fest.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Athletic | Football (@theathleticfc)

RELATED: Socceroos Call Out The Hypocrisy Of Hosting The World Cup In Qatar

After seeing other videos of fans at the tournament, we tend to agree.

Women’s Rights

State-enforced women’s rights are strict in Qatar compared with other countries such as Australia, with males still assuming guardianship over women.

FIFA have also advised female fans coming from other countries to not wear anything too revealing during the upcoming tournament.

The Qatari World Cup website says, “People can generally wear their clothing of choice. Visitors are expected to cover their shoulders and knees when visiting public places like museums and other government buildings.”

RELATED: World Cup Kits 2022: Our Favourite (And Not So Favourite) Jerseys On Show In Qatar

This is obviously asking a lot, given the torrid conditions in Qatar, with temperatures pushing 30+ degrees most days. But for ladies thinking of not complying with the rules and blending in with the crowd, Qatar is threatening to go full-on 1984 with their surveillance.

Chief Technology officer of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Niyas Abdulrahiman said:

“We have high resolution special camera to zoom in on a particular seat and clearly see the spectator. It’s being recorded, so that will help is in any post-event investigation.”

After hearing this, it’s no wonder there are fewer women appearing in the initial videos of World Cup parades than normal.

• Qatar Runs Out Of Hotels, Puts World Cup Fans In Desert Tents Instead
• Socceroos World Cup Squad: Every Australian Heading To Qatar in 2022

The post Qatar World Cup 2022 Predicted To Be ‘Biggest Sausage Fest Ever’ appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Ever since the very first iPhone was held aloft by Steve Jobs at Apple’s old Cupertino headquarters way back in 2007, it has since become a pop culture phenomenon and catapulted Apple towards becoming one of the most valuable companies on the planet.

Apple no longer publishes data for the number of iPhones sold, but when it last did, in 2018, the company claimed it had sold 2.2 billion since the first one went on sale in 2007.

Since the introduction of the iPhone in 2007, Apple has made a number of changes. These include materials used, starting with metal for the first generation, making a move to plastic for the 3G and 3GS, before using glass for the iPhone 4. Metal was used once again for the iPhone 5 through to the iPhone 8, when glass made a reappearance. Apple then moved back to metal when it launched the iPhone 11.

2020 saw the launch of the first iPhones to support 5G connectivity and, while it must be said Apple has always focused on the camera capabilities, they were truly turned up a notch with the introduction of the ‘Pro’ models, pushing the boundaries of what can be possible with a smartphone camera.

There are, of course, some haters out there, who claim Apple no longer innovates with its latest iPhone releases, and others claim iOS – the operating system of the iPhone – just copies features already found on Android smartphones. Whatever your stance on Apple, there’s no denying the company is a successful one.

But just how much the iPhone changed over its lifetime? Allow us to take you down memory lane, charting every single iPhone release since 2007 (all launch prices in USD).

iPhone

Release Date: June 29, 2007
Price: From $499

The heads of Apple fanboys quite literally exploded when the late Steve Jobs held the very first iPhone aloft. A 3.5-inch display, 16GB of storage and 128MB of memory made for impressive reading back then, and when Steve demonstrated the pinch to zoom feature on photos, well, it was like we were experiencing the future before our very eyes.

You can still find the very first iPhone on resale websites, and you’d hope you’d have to pay a lot less than the collector who paid just over US$39,000 for a mint condition one in October 2022.

iPhone 3G

Release Date: July 11, 2008
Price: From $599

Barely a year after the first iPhone was launched, Apple began its now-customary upgrade cycle and introducing its “best iPhone ever,” – a phrase the company repeats with virtually every new launch.

The iPhone 3G was its name and it, as its name suggested, introduced 3G connectivity. At the time, 3G offered super fast internet, but it pales in comparison to the 5G speed of today. It also introduced the App Store. Apple sold a million iPhone 3G phones in the first weekend of its release.

iPhone 3GS

Release Date: June 19, 2009
Price: From $599

Once again bringing out the “most powerful iPhone ever,” line, Apple unveiled the iPhone 3GS in 2009. Upgrades over the 3G were minimal, except for a more powerful processor, giving it extra speed when being used, hence the ‘S’ moniker.

The camera also received an upgrade to 3-megapixels and it could record video for the first time and offered autofocus. Apple offered the iPhone 3GS with 32GB of storage for the first time, meaning owners could take full advantage of the App Store. The iPhone 3GS, like it’s predecessor, also achieved one million sales in its first weekend, and in the US, customers initially had to sign up to a two-year AT&T contract to get one.

iPhone 4

Release Date: June 24, 2010
Price: From $599

The iPhone 4 represented a major shift for the iPhone when it was launched in 2010. Not only did it debut a brand new design, which was lauded by critics, but it also introduced the Retina Display. Other notable features over its predecessors included a front-facing camera, which in turn added FaceTime to everyday vernacular.

There were a few issues with the iPhone 4, most notably the positioning of the cellular antenna, which could cause signal to drop out if it was held in a certain way.

iPhone 4S

Release Date: October 14, 2011
Price: From $649

The iPhone 4S was the last iPhone to be held aloft by Apple founder Steve Jobs, who died just one day after officially unveiling the 4S at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino. The ‘S’ in the naming this time around referred to Siri, Apple’s voice assistant that was introduced alongside the phone, and that was later made available for older iPhone models.

The design of the 4S was largely the same as the 4 it replaced, but it did receive some upgraded internals. iOS 5 was launched alongside it, which introduced iMessage, iCloud, Notification Center and Reminders.

Around four million iPhone 4S smartphones were sold within the first three days of launch, and it went on to sell in excess of 60 million units.

iPhone 5

Release Date: September 21, 2012
Price: From $649

The iPhone 5 was the first iPhone to be unveiled in September, a trend that Apple has since continued with every subsequent iPhone release. Steve Jobs did have a hand in overseeing the development of the iPhone 5, but ultimately it was the first to be developed completely under the guidance of incumbent Apple CEO, Tim Cook.

The iPhone 5 introduced a new design once again, predominantly in the form of an aluminium-based body, which was both thinner and lighter than that of the iPhone 4/4S. The screen was made larger too, increasing to 4-inches. The iPhone 5 was also the first to introduce the Lightning connector and LTE Connectivity.

Apple discontinued the iPhone 5 just under a year later, making its lifespan the second-shortest in the iPhone’s history.

iPhone 5C & 5S

Release Date: September 20, 2013
Price: iPhone 5C – From $549; iPhone 5S – From $649

Apple replaced the iPhone 5 with the iPhone 5S and the slightly more affordable, iPhone 5C, with the ‘C’ standing for ‘Colour’. The iPhone 5S brought with it much more powerful internals, and was the first to use a 64-bit processor, for all your tech geeks out there.

The 5S was also the first iPhone to implement the Touch ID home button with fingerprint scanner for authorising App Store purchases and to unlock the phone, and the AirDrop file sending feature.

iPhone 6 / 6 Plus

Release Date: September 19, 2014
Price: iPhone 6 – From $649; iPhone 6 Plus – From $749

Apple went big, literally, in 2014 with the introduction of not only two flagship iPhone models at the same time, but both with the largest displays see on an iPhone up until that point. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus ushered in 4.7 and 5.5-inch displays, respectively, along with faster processors, upgraded cameras and NFC for making mobile payments.

The iPhone 6 series is still Apple’s best-selling of all time, selling in excess of 224 million units combined.

iPhone 6S / 6S Plus

Release Date: September 25, 2015
Price: iPhone 6S – From $649; iPhone 6S Plus – From $749

As had since become expected with the release of ‘S’ branded iPhones, the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus offered more of an evolution than a revolution. Other than the customary hardware upgrades, the iPhone 6S series introduced Live Photos and the ability to say “Hey Siri” to activate the voice assistant software.

iPhone SE (First Generation)

Release Date: March 31, 2016
Price: From $399

Apple did what many considered to be the unthinkable in early 2016, and that was launch a more affordable iPhone. Rather cleverly, the company took the older design of the iPhone 5S but fitted it out with similar internal hardware as the current iPhone 6S flagship series. It was well-received by the public and by critics.

iPhone 7 / 7 Plus

Release Date: September 16, 2016
Price: iPhone 7 – From $749; iPhone 7 Plus – From $769

Apple was back to regular business by September, however, launching the iPhone 7 series. Not much changed in terms of design compared with the iPhones 6S, but the iPhone 7 was the first iPhone to get rid of the 3.5mm headphone jack, a decision that was seen as controversial at the time.

iPhone 8 / 8 Plus

Release Date: September 22, 2017
Price: iPhone 8 – From $699; iPhone 8 Plus – From $799

There was never to be a 7S, but instead an iPhone 8, in 2017. Although, Apple would go on to introduce the higher-end iPhone X just two months later. Not much changed in the iPhone 8 compared to the model it replaced, other than getting a new glass back panel, wireless charging and the standard suite of upgraded cameras and a processor.

The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus were the last to feature the Touch ID home button.

iPhone X

Release Date: November 3, 2017
Price: From $999

Despite Apple’s insistence it should be referred to as iPhone “ten”, everyone calls it the iPhone “ex”. It was named as such to mark the 10th anniversary of the iPhone and introduced a completely new design that has been maintained through to the present day.

The main design changes introduced with the iPhone X included increasing the size of the display, yet retaining a similar-sized body to its predecessors, thanks to the removal of the Touch ID home button, replaced by a new swipe-up feature to return to the Home Screen. To unlock the iPhone X, Apple introduced Face ID, which uses face recondition software to identify the user.

This also meant employing a ‘notch’ design, which was mocked by many social media users online, although has since been adopted as a part of everyday life.

iPhone XS / XS Max

Release Date: September 21, 2018
Price: iPhone XS – From $999; iPhone XS Max – From $1099

The iPhone X’s replacements were introduced less than a year later, in the form of the XS and XS Max. Naturally, there were the usual upgrades to performance and cameras, but the iPhone twosome also received dual-SIM support, filming with stereo audio and improved water resistance. For owners of the iPhone X, the XS series was one they probably could have avoided upgrading to.

iPhone XR

Release Date: October 26, 2018
Price: From $749

For those who wanted to enjoy Apple’s new iPhone design language, but couldn’t afford the X or XS series, the XR proved pivotal. Introduced just a month after the XS series, the XR – again, it was supposed to be produced “ten r”, but nobody does – offered a more affordable route to getting Face ID.

Another part of the XR’s allure was its availability in a wide range of bright colours. It went on to be Apple’s best selling 2018 model and has sold around 77.4 million units worldwide.

iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max

Release Date: September 20, 2019
Price: iPhone 11 – From $699; iPhone 11 Pro – From $999; iPhone 11 Pro Max – From $1099

While the iPhone 11 didn’t introduce much in the way of changes over the XR, other than performance upgrades and a new dual-camera system. The iPhone 11 series eventually began shipping without a wall charger or EarPods included in the box, following the launch of the iPhone 12 series.

However, it still sold well, and as of March 2022, is the 10th best-selling smartphone of all time.

2019 also marked the introduction of the Pro series of iPhones, which were targeted at more professional users who demanded more power from their smartphone. The iPhone 11 Pro series also introduced a triple-lens rear camera for the first time and they came with a USB-C to Lightning cable in the box, for much faster charging.

iPhone SE (Second Generation)

Release Date: April 24, 2020
Price: From $399

Apple once again launched a much more affordable iPhone in early 2020 in the form of the iPhone SE 2. Like the SE model it replaced, the SE 2 used the older iPhone 8 form factor, but shared internal hardware with the iPhone 11.

iPhone 12 / 12 Mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max

Release Date: October 23, 2020 (12, 12 Pro) / November 13, 2020 (12 Mini, 12 Pro Max)
Price: iPhone 12 Mini – From $729; iPhone 12 – From $829; iPhone 12 Pro – From $999; iPhone 12 Pro Max – From $1099

Apple bucked its trend yet again and introduced four new iPhone models in late 2020. There was the expected iPhone 12 and duo of Pro models, but the iPhone 12 Mini was a new one, coming in with a much smaller 5.4-inch display.

The iPhone 12 Pro models introduced 5G support for the first time on an iPhone and the MagSafe accessory system. All iPhone 12 models were the first to omit the wall charger and EarPods from being included in the box, with Apple citing environmental reasons for its decision. This change was retroactively applied to the iPhone 11 series.

iPhone 13 / 13 Mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max

Release Date: September 24, 2021
Price: iPhone 13 Mini – From $729; iPhone 13 – From $829; iPhone 13 Pro – From $999; iPhone 13 Pro Max – From $1099

As was the case with the iPhone 12 series, the iPhone 13 was unveiled via a virtual press conference, due to the global pandemic. Apple didn’t make many changes to the iPhone 13 compared to the iPhone 12, other than the usual performance upgrades. The cameras did get larger, and were arranged diagonally instead, and were able to take in more light, resulting in much-improved lowlight photography.

iPhone SE (Third Generation)

Release Date: March 18, 2022
Price: From $429

Yet another more affordable iPhone was launched in March 2022 in the iPhone SE (known as iPhone SE 3). Once again, Apple used the body of the iPhone 8 but fitted it with similar internals as the iPhone 13, including the (at the time) latest A15 Bionic chip and 5G connectivity.

iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max

Release Date: September 16, 2022 / October 8, 2022 (14 Plus)
Price: iPhone 14 – From $799; iPhone 14 Plus – From $899; iPhone 14 Pro – From $999; iPhone 14 Pro Max – From $1099

The iPhone 14 is the current series of iPhones available to buy. The overall design is similar to the generations dating back to the iPhone 11, but Apple redesigned the ‘notch’, and calling it ‘Dynamic Island.’ Not only does it house the Face ID sensors, but it can also act as a notification bar, changing depending on which application you’re using.

The post Every Apple iPhone Model Released Since 2007 – In Chronological Order appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The following article was produced in partnership with Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Jaeger-LeCoultre, one of the world’s most impressive watchmakers, has some exciting news for anyone in Melbourne between Monday 21st November and Sunday 4th December. The Swiss watchmaker will be hosting an exclusive holiday season pop-up event at Chadstone, giving watch aficionados the chance to get hands-on with the iconic Reverso.

Why the Reverso specifically? That’s because Jaeger-LeCoultre has recently collaborated with Spanish-born, New York-based lettering artist, Alex Trochut, to create a bold new font that is available for engraving on the Reverso’s caseback.

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s collaboration with Alex comes as part of its ‘Made of Makers’ programme, which sees La Grande Maison partnering with a number of artists outside of watchmaking, to expertly demonstrate how the worlds of horology and art can co-exist with one another.

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s collaboration introduces a new alphabet – called the 1931 Alphabet – that is destined to become an additional signature of the brand, and one that provides “a strongly modern addition to the Maison’s visual identity.”

The Reverso, for the uninitiated, is one of the most enduring watches of our time. Iconic and innovative, it could just be the ultimate daily wearer for the 21st-century man.

Chief among the Reverso’s appeal isn’t just its rotating case design, but its unmistakable Art Deco design. It’s this Art Deco inspiration that proved to be a natural fit for a man of Alex’s talents. He said of his collaboration with Jaeger-LeCoultre, “As I started creating the designs, a concept emerged that would unify Art Deco and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s craft of watchmaking.”

“The letters evoked some sort of mechanism, full of different modular parts that work together to create a whole. I wanted these letters to feel physical and expose their intricate parts equally as functional and decorative, giving the sense of a moving machine.”

The lettering Alex created for his collaboration with JLC is decidedly modern yet can easily be compared with the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 30s. When used for engraving on the Reverso caseback, Alex’s lettering will be two-dimensional, but when displayed across digital media, it occupies a three-dimensional space.

No matter which way you view it, the same expressive characteristics shine through, and you can get to work personalising your own Reverso now via Jaeger-LeCoultre’s dedicated online engraving tool.

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Chadstone pop-up can be found just a short walk from the KENNEDY Boutique in the forecourt, located at Ground Level of the Chadstone Shopping Centre.

Anyone who visits will not only be able to view the iconic Reverso collection but will walk away with an exclusive Maison gift.

The post Jaeger-LeCoultre Partners With Artist Alex Trochut For A Bold New Look appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

An amazing Avalon abode, with a private beach and a jetty that can take a 60 foot yacht, is set to smash Sydney’s Northern Beaches’ house price record (the current northern beaches record is $27.5 million).

The waterfront estate, Celeste, is located on Stokes Point. Though it’s not the ocean side (you can’t have everything, I suppose) it’s a sailor’s wet dream, with the property featuring a jetty that can easily take quite a 60′ yacht.

David Edwards, of LJ Hooker Palm Beach, reckons to buy the land and rebuild the space as good as it is, it would cost you a cool $50 million and take four years (hence the projected price).

BJ Edwards, also of LJ Hooker Palm Beach, said as soon as the place hit the internet his phone was blaring with calls from all over the world.

That’s hardly a surprise when you consider the location. According to its listing, the epic retreat on Pittwater’s shoreline soaks up majestic north vistas towards Lion Island, “as far as the eye can see.”

According to Realestate.com.au, “builder Robert Yazbek bought the deep waterfront estate in 2017 for $12,995,000 when it was called Cooinda.”

Realestate.com.au also reports “the 1631 sqm block tiers down to a 30m water frontage with a private sandy beach, renovated boathouse, jetty and sheltered berthing for the largest of vessels.”

“Yazbek renamed the property Celeste and brought in architect Robert Burton to redesign the three-level property with its six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, northerly aspect and wide water views,” (realestate.com.au).

As you’d expect from such swish kicks, it’s all pretty seamless. Living areas open out to sweeping entertaining areas and terraces. There’s also outdoor dining and an integrated outdoor kitchen.

RELATED: Exclusive ‘Musician’s Mansion’ Listed In Sydney Is A Creative’s Dream Home

If you want to swim somewhere a little less brackish, the place has a 20m pool with porthole viewing. It also boasts a games room and wet bar, sauna, media room and three studios. The top floor features the main bedroom suite, a home office, a marble ensuite and a private terrace.

Four of the bedrooms have their own bathrooms. There is an elevator to all levels. Oh and outside there is a “sunken private oasis,” a feature moat, a fire pit and a mooring spot. There is also a high tech gate and double garage.

Read Next

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The post $50 Million ‘Gatsby House’ To Smash Sydney’s Northern Beaches’ House Price Record Into Oblivion appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is upon us, with things seriously starting to hot up in Qatar – literally as well as figuratively. Predictions as to who will win football’s biggest prize are flying in faster than a Haaland thunderbolt.

The first Middle Eastern World Cup has made headlines for all the wrong reasons since it was first announced, but that hasn’t stopped us predicting who we think can take it all the way this year.

Will Argentina finally lift the crown? Who is this year’s dark horse?

DMARGE has collated answers from footballers and pundits – and thrown in our own opinions as well – as to who will be immortalised in footballing folklore as they lift the iconic golden trophy.

Read on as we look at the odds and give our opinion on which eight teams have the best chance of success at this year’s World Cup.

World Cup Odds

As of 17 November, the South American teams dominate the odds to win the 2022 World Cup, with Brazil and Argentina the top two teams touted to win the tournament. France, Spain and England follow closely behind.

The full odds for the 2022 World Cup, according to tab.com can be viewed below:

Our Top-8 World Cup Predictions

8. Belgium

Belgium have snuck in here at our number eight spot over Denmark and Portugal. After Cristiano Ronaldo’s bombshell interview was released this week, it is hard to know how good Portugal’s star man will be in this tournament and man-for-man we think the Belgium squad is generally better than Denmark.

Although Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ may have peaked in 2018, they are always in with a chance to defeat the world’s top teams. They will be looking to their star-man, and possibly the best midfielder in the world at the moment, Kevin De Bruyne to run their attack.

Young guns Charles De Ketelaere and Jeremy Doku will also be relied upon moving forward, as will powerful main striker Romelu Lukaku, although he has barely played since August.

Defenders Jan Vertonghen and Tony Alderweireld, although reliable for a number of years, are getting on a little bit, so head coach Roberto Martinez may try to look to some of Belgium’s more fruitful centre backs to see them through the tournament.

Not many pundits are picking Belgium to go all the way, but Australian legend Tim Cahill has chosen them to make the final against Brazil. Does he know something we don’t? The answer is probably no, given he also picked Senegal to also make the semi-finals. He’s also got Australia going through which makes us think he could be a little biased, even though we’d love it to happen!

This is likely the last chance for many of Belgium’s golden generation to win it all and it would make it all the more sweet if they also did it looking like Guy Fieri.

7. England

We’ve been told ‘It’s coming home‘ since Baddiel and Skinner sang it to us in 1996, but yet England always seem to find a way to bottle it when it comes to tournament time. But if Gareth Southgate’s men bring the same form as they did for Euro 2020, this could well be the year they finally do it.

They have been on putrid form though in the lead up to the tournament, having not won a match in six games.

If this World Cup is anything like the last Euro’s England will be relying on a rock-solid defence to get them clean sheets, with star-striker Harry Kane looking to finish their chances at the other end. Although selecting an out-of-form Harry Maguire is not the best start for the Three Lions in this department.

They do have an abundance of world-class fullbacks though, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker amongst others, and a very balanced midfield of defensive-minded player talents and attacking threats going forward. They are seriously dangerous up top too with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden.

Players and pundits are confident in England’s chances despite their recent form. David Beckham is backing his home nation to take it all the way, while Sky Sports’ Gary Neville sees England reaching the semi finals, the same result as the 2018 World Cup. Erling Haaland also listed England as one of his favourites, but we reckon he’s said that to appease his new club.

England will always have a chance to win given the depth of their squad, but will need to be on their A-game from the get go this tournament if they are to be in with a chance to be crowned victors for this first time since 1966.

6. Germany

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Germany will always be knocking around the favourites lists at any international tournament, but after a disappointing Euro 2020 – where they were knocked out by the hosting England in the round of 16 – they seem to have fallen a little off the radar.

That said, their squad is filled with big names and under new manager Hansi Flick, they will always be a dangerous side to be drawn against. One of the biggest surprise inclusions is fan-favourite Mario Götze. The winning-scorer in the 2014 World Cup final has been absent from the national team for five years, but a resurgence in form has seen him back in the squad.

The defence will look to rally round star centre back Antonio Rudiger, and the midfield around the in-form Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan.

One of the knocks on Germany this year is they are a lacking an out-and-out striker, but Chelsea’s Kai Havertz and Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry and Thomas Muller are attacking options that could act as a false 9.

They do have a tough draw in Group E though, drawing Spain, Japan and Costa Rica.

Germany could well do it though.

5. France

France are the third favourites to win the tournament – according to the bookmakers odds – but we are a little bit sceptical of Les Bleus heading into this year’s World Cup.

They have been beaten twice by Denmark and once by Croatia in 2022 and are plagued with injuries, having to play without current current Ballon D’or winner Karim Benzema, star midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante and young talent Chistopher Nkunku. Having said that, they won last time out in Russia in 2018 and their team is still packing with talent, which is why they warrant selection on the list.

Spearheaded by their young superstar Kylian Mbappe France are absolutely lethal in attack, with a slew of attacking options at their disposal. Even without Pogba and Kante, France’s midfield is still extremely solid, highlighted by Real Madrid duo Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.

They have an abundance of defenders to rely on too, who play for clubs all over Europe including Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamenco and Manchester United’s Rafael Varane, although the latter may be yet another injury concern.

A lot of players fancy France to go back-to-back in 2022, including Erling Haaland and even Argentina’s Lionel Messi calling them the favourites! Although, if Argentina played France, Messi would fancy his side to come out on top.

However, one thing France do not have on their side is recent history. Since 2010, the previous winners of the World Cup have all bowed out in the first round of the following tournament (Italy in 2010, Spain in 2014 and Germany in 2018).

Given the Socceroos have drawn France in their opening game of the tournament, here’s hoping lighting strikes a fourth time!

4. The Netherlands

This pick might be a bit higher than most would expect, but the Netherlands certainly have the firepower to take it all the way in 2022.

Coached by ex-Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal, the Oranje have an iron wall for a defence, highlighted by English Premier League players Virgil Van Dijk and Nathan Ake and Bayern Munich’s Matthijs De Ligt.

Going forward they have a solid group of midfielders led by the in-form Frenkie de Jong, who will look to work closely with Barcelona teammate and striker Memphis Depay to put away Netherlands’ chances.

Unfortunately, the team will be without talisman Georginio Wijnaldum who is recovering from a broken leg, which may hurt their chances a little bit.

Maybe the Netherlands need to take a page of Formula One team Williams’ book and call upon Nyck De Vries to replace him.

All jokes aside, it would be awesome to see the Netherlands win their first World Cup in Qatar, after falling short three times, the last in South Africa in 2010.

3. Spain

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Do not sleep on Spain, they are one of our dark horses for the tournament. They’ve got an incredible mix of young and old talent which might be exactly what they need to capture their second World Cup.

Mark our words, the 2022 World Cup will be a coming out party for Spain’s hottest prospects, namely Pedri, Gavi and Ansu Fati.

Seasoned veterans such as captain Sergio Busquets, Cesar Azpilicueta and Jordi Alba will be able to keep a cool head in the Qatari heat as Spain look to get out of tough Group E, which features Costa Rica, Germany and Japan. Although we are still very surprised Liverpool’s Thiago and PSG’s Sergio Ramos did not make it on the plane this year.

Not many pundits and players are picking Spain to win – hence why we have put them as one of our dark horses – but Spain do have the love from hometown tennis hero Rafael Nadal who picks them as one of his favourites to win. But then again, he also listed five other countries, so it looks as if he’s covering all bases.

2. Argentina

What a swansong this would be for Lionel Messi. A legendary career capped off with the biggest prize in world football, and they could just do it; Argentina are riding a 36 -game unbeaten streak, just two off games shy of beating the record set by Italy between 2012 and 2018.

The 35-year-old’s back must be aching from carrying the national team on his back for all these years, but in 2022 he has a few extra pairs of hands to help him carry the load.

Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez will be the main man up top for Argentina and with Angel di Maria returning from injury, the boys in blue and white will be dangerous moving forward. Their central midfield is also rock solid with highly skilful playmaking abilities.

Paulo Dybala is still a maybe for the tournament, looking to return to training after being out injured –  but what a boost to the squad he would be.

The Argentine players will fancy themselves in Qatar’s hot conditions – which will leave England and co. sweating buckets – as do other players and ex-footballers.

David Beckham lists Argentina as one of his favourites to go all the way and popular Australian pundit Craig ‘Fozz’ Foster is confident Argentina will breeze through their group and go far in the tournament.

Spanish prodigal talent Pedri also sees Argentina as one of the favourites this year, believing Messi “will do everything he can to win it.”

Another nod in Argentina’s favour – believe it or not – comes from the FIFA video game. The makers of the game EA Sports always run a simulation to see who they think will win, having correctly predicted the winners in 2010, 2014 and 2018. This year, Argentina came out victorious in their prediction, will we see it happen in real life? Maybe.

However, if Argentina and fierce rivals Brazil top their groups, the two South American powerhouses may well-clash in the semi-final, which has the possibility to break Argentine fans’ hearts.

Any guess as to who are predicted winners are?

1. Brazil

It feels like this one is almost meant to be. It has been twenty years since Seleção Canarinho lifted the trophy and 2022 could well be the year that Neymar stamps his legacy on the world footballing stage.

Brazil has a team oozing with talent who are surging heading into this World Cup (they haven’t lost a game in 2022). Unlike the Socceroos – who have chosen an abundance of defenders for this tournament – Brazil have gone full out attack for Qatar. Vinicius Jr, Gabriel Jesus and Antony will join Neymar in a forward pack that will leave defences trembling.

While their defence is a little older – 38-year-old Thiago Silva and 39-year-old Dani Alves are still in the squad – they probably have the two best goalkeepers in the world right now in Manchester City’s Ederson and Liverpool’s Allison, who will no doubt be able to keep the sheets clean.

Pundits and footballers alike agree with our selection, including ESPN’s Don Hutchison, who sees it as a Brazil-France final and Sky Sports Roy Keane who sees the men in gold going all the way.

If you’re that good that your biggest rival and arguable footballing GOAT Lionel Messi thinks you are the favourite to win the tournament, you must be doing something right.

Brazil has our pick as the winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Knowing our luck with predictions though they’ll probably get knocked out in the group stages.

Pundits’ hot takes

Don’t worry Tim Cahill, there are some other ex-footballers and pundits whose takes were so comical that we felt they also had to be included.

Former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o probably had the worst yet, picking his home nation Cameroon to face Morocco in the final of the tournament. This one feels slightly biased, or is that just us?

Brazilian legend Kaka also selected Serbia as one of his favourites to win the whole thing, in what would definitely be the shock of the tournament!

Using this logic, the Socceroos might actually have a chance after all.

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The post Who Will Win World Cup 2022: World Cup Odds & Predictions Australia appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The Poland national football team were escorted by F16 fighter planes to the Southern border of the country en route to the World Cup in Qatar, just days after two Polish citizens were killed in a missile strike.

The jets flew beside a plane carrying members of the team to the southern border of Poland, where it meets Ukraine.

The Polish national team shared a video of the pilots to its official Twitter account with the caption (in Polish), “We were escorted to the southern border of Poland by F16 planes!”

The post continued, “Thank you and greetings to the pilots.”

One of the planes can also be seen bearing a Polish flag with the word ‘Republic of Poland’ written on the side.

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The team made it safely to Qatar, ready for their first game against Mexico, which takes place on Wednesday 23 November at 3.00am AEDT.

Robert Lewandowski and co. will fancy themselves to go through in Group C, having also drawn Saudi Arabia and one of the tournament favourites Argentina.

Poland’s best finish at a World Cup is third, which they achieved twice in 1974 and 1982. However, they have not made it out of the group stage in their last three World Cup campaigns.

With star-striker Lewandowski at the helm though, Poland are not one to sleep on.

Why were there fighter pilots?

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine spilled into Poland this week after a missile hit a Polish farm located on the Ukrainian border, killing two civilians.

Poland believes that the incident was likely a Ukrainian air defence missile launched in response to a barrage of Russian attacks. Both Russia and Ukraine have denied it was them.

There were concerns that the missile strike would lead to an escalation of war. But Polish president Andrzej Duda said that the strike looked to be unintentional, so the country would not look to mobilise.

But clearly, the Polish national team was not taking any risks and have gone full ‘Top Gun’ on their way to Qatar.

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Andrew Forrest, mining magnate and one of Australia’s richest people, has pledged US$500 million/AU$744 million, to a fund that will help to rebuild Ukraine, following its invasion by Russia.

Andrew Forrest, former CEO and current non-executive chairman of mining group Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), has kickstarted an investment fund with his wife, Nicola, that they hope will be worth at least $25 billion and that will be used to help rebuild Ukraine.

The couple have pledged US$500 million to the fund, which is known as the Ukraine Green Growth Initiative. While they hope the investment fund will be worth at least US$25 billion, they say it could eventually grow to around $100 billion.

The fund says it plans to use the money to invest in infrastructure including energy and telecoms, according to the BBC. Andrew Forrest plans to recruit other wealthy investors, including sovereign wealth funds, to commit to the Ukraine Green Growth Initiative too. Forrest has also spoken with some of the world’s leaders, including Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, US President Joe Biden and former British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson to discuss the plan.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly welcomed the move. He’s been quoted as saying, “We will not replace communist-era rubbish Russian infrastructure, instead we will leapfrog to the latest technology,”

“We will take advantage of the fact that what the Russians have destroyed can readily be replaced with the latest, most modern green and digital infrastructure.”

Mr Forrest, speaking to the BBC, added, “The president [Zelensky] sees that as an opportunity to completely replace old coal-fired [and] nuclear power stations with brand new green energy. That capital would be available the instant that the Russian forces have been removed from the homelands of Ukraine.”

He added to ABC that he wanted Ukrainians to know there would be “a bright future when they do expel the Russian forces.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion on the neighbouring country of Ukraine in February 2022, claiming his reasons to be to “demilitarise and de-Nazify Ukraine,” according to the BBC. Putin’s actions have been condemned by virtually everyone around the world, including some Russians, which goes some way to explaining why Andrew Forrest has chosen to set up this investment fund to help rebuild the country once Russia retreats.

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The post Australian Mining Magnate Andrew Forrest Commits $750 Million To Rebuild Ukraine appeared first on DMARGE Australia.