Goalkeeper – David de Gea (Spain)
With Manuel Neuer still feeling his way back to form following serious injury, De Gea came into this tournament more or less universally acclaimed as the best goalkeeper in the game. Then he waved through a shot from Ronaldo early in the classic first game against Portugal, and it set the tone for a nervy campaign. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

The worst XI players at the 2018 World Cup - in pictures



Much was made of the early exits of football’s Big Two – Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – from the 2018 World Cup.

They are hardly the first great players to miss out on winning football’s most famous trophy, though. Even during this competition itself, a number of other players of celebrated standing have suffered.

A list of XI players who are unlikely to be leaving Russia with their reputations enhanced.

Scroll left/right on the picture gallery above.

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Read more:

World Cup Day 2018: Day 20 updates - Sweden v Switzerland and Colombia v England

Mohamed Salah's World Cup: A story of hope, goals and tears

Richard Jolly: Neymar the inspiration as Brazil march on to World Cup quarter-finals

In pictures: Best images so far from the World Cup 2018 in Russia Part 2

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The bio

Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite travel destination: Maldives and south of France

Favourite pastime: Family and friends, meditation, discovering new cuisines

Favourite Movie: Joker (2019). I didn’t like it while I was watching it but then afterwards I loved it. I loved the psychology behind it.

Favourite Author: My father for sure

Favourite Artist: Damien Hurst

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The Perfect Couple

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor

Creator: Jenna Lamia

Rating: 3/5

Scores in brief:

Boost Defenders 205-5 in 20 overs
(Colin Ingram 84 not out, Cameron Delport 36, William Somerville 2-28)
bt Auckland Aces 170 for 5 in 20 overs
(Rob O’Donnell 67 not out, Kyle Abbott 3-21).

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COMPANY PROFILE

Company name: Blah

Started: 2018

Founder: Aliyah Al Abbar and Hend Al Marri

Based: Dubai

Industry: Technology and talent management

Initial investment: Dh20,000

Investors: Self-funded

Total customers: 40

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Need to know

The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours. 

The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.

When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend  are  January-February and September-October.  Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.

Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.

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