In less than three days the razzmatazz and excitement of another World Cup will begin. Except, of course, this won't be like any such tournament that has gone before.
Qatar is by some distance the smallest country to host the event having been awarded the finals 12 years ago. And the controversy surrounding that choice has barely abated since, with persistent concerns over human rights and the treatment of migrant workers who helped construct a swathe of new stadiums.
A total of 11 Merseyside-based players - four from Everton, seven from Liverpool - will represent their respective national teams at the finals. And for some of the Reds men, it will be a return to where they won Liverpool's first FIFA Club World Cup in December 2019.
