Sexiest athlete Ronaldo struts his stuff

 

Who is the better player - Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? The debate ahead of the announcement of the 2012 Ballon d'Or winner rages on.

But there can no longer be any doubt around the ultimate question involving the two: just who is the sexier man?

American celebrity weekly People Magazine has named the Portugal star the sexiest athlete of 2012, and his Barcelona counterpart didn't even make the top 10. Oh, the shame!

Ronaldo beat competition from the likes of Miami Heat superstar LeBron James, tennis ace Andy Murray and NFL revelation Tim Tebow for the prize.

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انفجار جرة الغاز في الاردن

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Chrissie Hynde

 

The Pretenders leader Chrissie Hynde is one of the sweetest voices that I've ever heard, here is my tribute to her.

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Magic Ibrahimovic bamboozles England hopefuls

 

There are few doubts about who was the star of the show in England's 4-2 defeat to Sweden on Wednesday night - the inimitable Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

England had six debutants on show in Leon Osman, Raheem Sterling, Wilfried Zaha, Ryan Shawcross, Steven Caulker and Carl Jenkinson.

But there was little any of them - or indeed Roy Hodgson's more senior players - could do about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who had already scored twice before completing a hat-trick with a powerful long-range free-kick.

And for his next trick, the Swedish magician rounded off the scoring with a mystifying, looping overhead kick from over 20 yards out which almost defied logic, leaving Hodgson and his charges thoroughly dumbfounded.
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'Husband and wife' Mancini & Balotelli still happily married at Manchester City

 

Dropped from the Manchester City squad after reportedly partying into the early hours on the morning of a crucial clash with Tottenham, the writing appeared to be on the wall for Mario Balotelli with regards to his future at the club.

Roberto Mancini is understood to be ready to finally wash his hands of the enigmatic Italy international for good.

But Balotelli's agent, Mino Raiola, insists that is not the case, and gave a rather surprising indication as to why the 22-year-old will remain at the Etihad Stadium for at least a little while longer.

"His [Balotelli's] relationship with Mancini is like that between a husband and his wife," Raiola told Radio CRC. "They argue but they love and respect each other so much.

"Everyone has their own ideas, but Mario will remain at Manchester City. He won't go to AC Milan."
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A convenient truth? Ronaldo, Rooney & RVP out of friendlies

 

Another raft of international friendlies are upon us and, with them, a whole host of convenient injuries to some of Europe's biggest stars.

Cristiano Ronaldo has pulled out of Portugal's clash with Gabon on Wednesday due to a badly gashed eye sustained against Levante this weekend.

Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, meanwhile, have also withdrawn from duty with England and the Netherlands, despite both featuring heavily in the Red Devils' comeback victory over Aston Villa on Saturday.

Of course, no one would be cynical enough to suggest that 'knocks' like these were crudely manufactured by club managers to buy their key men some crucial rest time, but no one can deny that the absence of their best players is a constant source of frustration to national team bosses.

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You're next! Messi targets Muller goal record after leaving Pele in his wake

 

Barcelona star Lionel Messi never seems to tire of breaking records.

The Argentine re-wrote footballing history again on Sunday when his double against Mallorca took his tally for the calendar year to 76 goals in just 59 appearances, beating Pele’s record of 75.

However, Messi is still behind Gerd Muller - who netted 85 times for Bayern Munich and West Germany in just 60 games in 1972 - although having left Pele behind, the Barcelona man now has his next target clearly in sight.
 

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Luckless Wenger rues Arteta penalty miss

 

They so nearly got out of jail but Mikel Arteta's saved penalty compounded Arsenal's problems and left the home fans exiting Emirates Stadium more than a tad disgruntled.

What of Arsene Wenger though? The once-great, untouchable boss has been through troubles in the past but surely they don't come close to the current predicament.

The Gunners have 16 points from their first 11 games - the worst league start since 1982-83 and just when you thought their luck had turned as Phil Dowd pointed to the spot for a dubious handball, Arteta stuffed up the chance.

Wenger's face was a picture of disbelief, shock and strife. Just when will his luck turn?
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S Africa issues new Mandela bank notes

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Leave Twit out: Inter ban Sneijder from social media

 

Footballers today live a life constantly in the public eye and social media plays a part in that, with many players building up internet profiles of themselves, but Inter man Wesley Sneijder has had that privilege taken away.

The Netherlands star's wife Yolanthe Cabau announced the news on her own account that Inter had banned Sneijder from using Twitter, despite the midfielder seemingly never saying anything particularly naughty.

Do you think it is fair for a 'sensible-Simon' such as Sneijder to have his social media fun taken from him? Well, Massimo Moratti has had his say.

There will be no more hashtags, '@ mentions' or direct messages coming from the Dutchman so he'll have to find something else to keep him busy while he recovers from injury.
 

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Hameed the Palestinian Hero

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Fabregas models himself on Zidane

 

Cesc Fabregas has never hidden his love for Barcelona but he has now revealed that his hero as a child was none other than Zinedine Zidane, particularly when he was in his pomp at Barca's fierce rivals Real Madrid.

The former Arsenal captain has told how his bedroom wall was covered in posters of the French ace and has enjoyed reminiscing about the 1998 Ballon d'Or winner.

While the Barcelona man has some way to go to match Zidane's achievements in the game, the big question is: just how far will Fabregas go to emulate his hero?

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Barcelona & Messi fail to tame Celtic Lions

 

Celtic may have come unstuck against Barcelona two weeks ago at Camp Nou, but Neil Lennon's men got the better of the Catalan giants on Wednesday evening with an emphatic 2-1 win.

Lionel Messi grabbed a late goal for Spaniards, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation, with efforts from Victor Wanyama and Tony Watt ensuring Celtic's Lions roared to victory at Parkhead...
 

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Mancini & Balotelli get shirty as Manchester City head for Euro exit

 

Despite having led Manchester City to success domestically during his three years at the club, Roberto Mancini is yet to find the winning formula on the European stage.

And, after crashing out of last year's Champions League at the group stages, the Premier League champions already look resigned to the same fate following Tuesday's 2-2 home draw with Ajax.

But, after a Sergio Aguero strike was disallowed and a late penalty call denied by the officials, Mancini was more aggrieved by poor refereeing decision than his side's lacklustre display..
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My Animation Show Reel

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Goal.com cartoonist takes a break

He provides Goal.com with his own unique take on the latest breaking football news seven days a week.

But Omar Momani is taking a well-earned two-week break from illustrating the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

It is only fitting, then, that Omar should be waved off at the airport by some of football's biggest stars ahead of his holiday.
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England make a splash with new kit

The World Cup qualifier between England and Poland didn't exactly go according to plan on Tuesday night.

What was supposed to be a crucial Group H clash became the washout in Warsaw, as a waterlogged pitch saw the game postponed after officials failed to close the stadium roof amidst the onset of a downpour.

The game has been rescheduled for Wednesday afternoon, where England players will no doubt be well prepared for the conditions.

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Ronaldo eclipses Messi on Facebook

The debate over who will win this year's Ballon d'Or rages on, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as ever, neck and neck.

But the Real Madrid star has scored a minor victory over the Barcelona forward on social networking site Facebook.

Ronaldo has accumulated a staggering 50 million 'Likes' - 10m more than Messi - and is the most popular athlete on the site, eclipsing the likes of David Beckham, Kaka, Andres Iniesta and basketball stars LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.

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Vidic set for Russia exile as Fergie eyes the money

 

With Rio Ferdinand's shelf-life waning at 33 years of age, the last player Manchester United fans expected to see leave the club may well have been Nemanja Vidic.

The Serbia international is 30-years-old himself, however, and Goal.com exclusively revealed that the Red Devils could consider cashing in on a considerable offer from interested Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.

The money spent by Zenit St. Petersburg on Hulk and Axel Witsel perhaps caught the eye of Ferguson, who could yet send Vidic the same way.

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Rampant Germany hit Ireland for six

 

Even the most optimistic of Republic of Ireland fans may not have been expecting to defeat Germany, but the 6-1 hammering in Friday's World Cup qualifier certainly wasn't part of the plan for Giovanni Trapattoni's men.

Doubles from Marco Reus and Toni Kroos, alongside goals for Mesut Ozil and Miroslav Klose, ensured Joachim Low's men secured a rampant win at the Aviva Stadium.

And while Andy Keough may have grabbed a late consolation goal, there is no denying that the Irish were smashed out of the park by their German counterparts...
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Braveheart Wenger has freedom to spend

 

Arsenal's chief executive Ivan Gazidis has labelled Arsene Wenger as "extraordinarily brave" in his devotion to promoting youth players and unearthing hidden gems from across the globe.

The 62-year-old French manager made some surprisingly big signings in the summer in the form of Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla after the departure of captain Robin van Persie.

And with rumours of a substantial transfer budget awaiting him in January, will Wenger bite the golden bullet and dip his toes into the market once more?

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Rooney channels his inner King Cantona

 

With John Terry retired, Frank Lampard injured and Steven Gerrard suspended ahead of England's clash with San Marino on Friday, it could be time for Wayne Rooney to lead the way for the Three Lions.

And the Manchester United star is taking influence for his new senior role from former Red Devils legend Eric Cantona, with the 27-year-old keen to help nurture the national team's next generation of players.

But Rooney, who has a chequered behavioural record himself, must ensure there are certain habits he does not pick up from King Cantona...

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Suarez heads to Uruguay to escape diving debate

 

Luis Suarez has proven no stranger to controversy during his spell in England, and the Liverpool striker once again finds himself centre stage of the latest scandal sweeping the Premier League - diving.

The Uruguayan was vilified by Stoke City boss Tony Pulis after throwing himself to the floor in an attempt to win a penalty in the 0-0 draw at Anfield on Sunday.

And with Fifa vice-president Jim Boyce also calling for the 25-year-old to be punished, Suarez looks to have departed for international duty with Uruguay just in time to avoid the backlash...
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Out of options - Hodgson calls up every man and his dog

 

International squad selections are always blighted by withdrawals through injury, and England's latest crop are no different.

Following Kieran Gibbs' thigh strain while playing for Arsenal and Frank Lampard's own inclusion being thrown into doubt, the inexperienced duo of Ryan Bertrand and Jonjo Shelvey have been called upon to reinforce the ranks.

Surely this means anyone is in with a chance of a call-up, right? Emile Heskey will be licking his lips in Australia, while sightings of Tom, Dick and Harry circling Wembley are plentiful.
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Out-of-this-world Messi and Ronaldo touch down at El Clasico

 

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho claimed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were "from another planet" after their Clasico exploits on Sunday evening - and few who watched the action at Camp Nou would disagree.

The showpiece Liga clash was billed as the Ballon d'Or decider, the match which could determine once and for all which of the world's two leading lights should be considered the greatest of the modern game. However, after two sublime goals apiece and a share of the spoils for either side, the debate has only been further fuelled.

The Argentina and Portugal stars shone the brightest on a field of stellar talent as each side fought back from a goal down to draw a thrilling contest 2-2 and leave the title race (just about) still open.

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Messi vs C Ronaldo

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OLE! Arsenal's matadors make a mockery of West Ham

 

Arsenal built their solid start to the season with a 3-1 victory over West Ham on Saturday at Upton Park as Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla overturned Mohamed Diame's first-half opener.

The defeat was the Hammers' first of the season in the Premier League at home, while Arsene Wenger's side remain seven points behind Chelsea, who sit at the top of the table.

Instrumental in Arsenal's win were the Spanish midfield duo of Mikel Arteta and Cazorla, who were able to topple the industrious trio of Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Diame.
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#BUNCHOFTWITS! Chelsea & England put stop to Cole fury

 

Friday was eventful: firstly the chiefs at the FA released the written reasons behind John Terry's ban and fine, before later, Chelsea team-mate Ashley Cole took to Twitter to berate the "bunchoft****" that had dared to suggest his account of events were altered.

Cole subsequently deleted his tweet after perhaps FINALLY receiving some intelligent advice from those at Chelsea and issued an unreserved apology to the FA. Incidentally, Cole will remain in the England squad for the two upcoming World Cup 2014 qualifiers and should hit the 100-cap mark.

What a pity this ill-thought out tirade will go onto tarnish such a monumental achievement. 

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Doors close on England for Rio

 

When John Terry announced his international retirement, the spotlight turned to Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.

The centre-back missed out on Euro 2012, but many called for the veteran to be included in Roy Hodgson's latest squad for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland.

Of course those calls were quickly silenced when Hodgson was caught, prior to the squad announcement,  telling commuters on a London tube that Ferdinand was no longer part of his plans - a hasty apology swiftly followed.

 

Hart saves the day for Manchester City

 

Manchester City had Joe Hart to thank on Wednesday as the England goalkeeper produced a superb performance in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund.

The City shot-stopper was in top form at the Etihad making several sensational saves as the German champions took the lead through Marco Reus and threatened to add many more in a dominant second-half showing.

Ultimately it was Mario Balotelli who showed nerves of steel to net a late, late penalty and salvage a draw for the Premier League champions, but there was no denying that the real hero was City's No.1.
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Bayern Munich slain by BATE the giant-killers

 

Bayern Munich's impressive run of results came to an abrupt end, after a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Belarus champions, BATE Borisov.

After maintaining their 100 per cent record in the league, Bayern's loss was their first of the season, having won every single match since their maiden competitive fixture in August.

Having scored 19 goals, conceding only two, Bayern were the clear favourites for Tuesday's Champions League tie against BATE; however, the fixture, which was played at a neutral venue, did not quite go to plan.

Despite sitting joint top of Group F after defeating Valencia 2-1, the German side found the minnows from Belarus too much to handle. Jupp Heynckes' decision to rest Bastian Schweinsteiger backfired, with other big name stars such as Javi Martinez, Franck Ribery and Thomas Muller failing to stand up and be counted.
 

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Jack Wilshere's return sparks celebration at Arsenal

 

Jack Wilshere's return from injury, after spending around 15 months out with an ankle issue, has given Arsenal a reason to celebrate.

The 20-year-old played for the Gunners Under-21s on Monday as he continues to work towards reaching full fitness after the long lay-off.

Arsenal were beaten at home by Chelsea 2-1 in the Premier League this weekend, but the talented young England midfielder's addition to the squad in October could be like a new signing for Arsene Wenger.

Although he is unlikely to feature immediately in the Arsenal first-team, expect Wilshere to filter into matches through the month, challenging the likes of Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby for a starting spot.

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Gerrard's genie can't deliver his title wish with Liverpool

 

Steven Gerrard's analysis of his own chances of winning the Premier League with Liverpool was summed up in five words. It will be a miracle.

The Premier League title is the only domestic honour which has eluded the 32-year-old, who is now entering the final years of his career at Anfield which also boasts triumphs in the Uefa Cup and Champions League during his time on Merseyside.

But, with the level of competition in the top flight increasing by the season, Gerrard admits his ambition of being crowned a Premier League champion may remain unfulfilled.

"It will be a miracle if I now realise my dream of winning the title with Liverpool," Gerrard wrote in his recently published autobiography, My Liverpool Story.

"I say that because of my age and where we finished in the league the past couple of years. And also the situation we're in with the rivalries.

"There's not just United and Arsenal now but City, Chelsea and Tottenham. Newcastle coming as well. The Premier League has become a lot more difficult to win for everyone."
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كاريكاتير فيصل القاسم و الاتجاه المعاكس

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Manchester United legends Giggs & Ferdinand crumble against Tottenham

 

Tottenham sent shockwaves around the Premier League on Saturday by beating Manchester United and securing their first victory at Old Trafford in 23 years.

Jan Vertonghen, Gareth Bale and Clint Dempsey got the goals as Spurs overwhelmed their hosts with blistering pace and direct running as the likes of Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand showed their age.

Giggs lasted just 46 minutes before being withdrawn in favour of Wayne Rooney, while Ferdinand endured a torrid afternoon, and was arguably at fault for all three of Tottenham's goals.

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Kaka: I belong to Brazil

 

After spending two years wandering in the international wilderness, Kaka has been welcomed back to the Brazil national fold - and he could not be happier about it.

Though he has not played a minute of competitive football for Los Blancos this season, the playmaker has been identified as the man to safeguard Mano Menezes's job in charge of the Selecao as he was handed a recall to the squad for their
The former AC Milan icon himself admitted that he was surprised to have been included in the squad given his lack of playing time this season with the Liga champions, but revealed that the news was like receiving his first call-up all over again as he looks to reignite his seemingly-dwindling career.

A deeply religious man, Kaka has become renowned for displaying a t-shirt bearing the phrase 'I Belong To Jesus' in the Champions League final win against Liverpool. Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani imagines how the 30-year-old might demonstrate his loyalty to the national side following what could prove to be a hugely significant moment for player and country alike...

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Pardew takes Newcastle back to the future

 

With Alan Pardew signing a new eight-year contract with Newcastle United on Thursday, the 51-year old is set to stay at the Sports Direct Arena until 2020.

Pardew guided Newcastle to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League last season, while the club's managing director Derek Llambias wants the Magpies to replicate the managerial longevity of Arsenal and Manchester United.

"If you look at clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have shown that stability gives you the best platform to achieve success, and that is the model we wish to emulate here," said Llambias.

"Alan has done a fantastic job over the last couple of years and has proved what a great Premier League manager he is. I have total respect for him in all football matters and have an excellent relationship with him which I think benefits the club enormously."

Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us an idea of the problems Pardew could be facing if he sees out his new deal...
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Lifesaver El Shaarawy at the double to keep Allegri afloat

 

With just one win from four Serie A games, Massimiliano Allegri's position as AC Milan boss looked under severe threat ahead of his side's clash with Cagliari on Wednesday evening.

Fortunately for Allegri, who guided AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2011, a goal in each half from Stephan El Shaarawy secured his side a valuable three points at San Siro to ensure last season's runners-up are in with a chance of making up for their poor start to the campaign.

"The victory is for Allegri and the fans," El Shaarawy said. "We are with him, he has our trust.

"I'm happy because of today's victory. It will give us a lot of morale for the next games."

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Copy-cat Mourinho looks to emulate Sir Alex

 

At 49, Jose Mourinho is already part of the managerial furniture in world football but the Real Madrid boss insists he wants to emulate the coaching lifespan of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 70-year-old is just over a month shy of his 26th year in charge at Old Trafford but Mourinho admits he is likely to continue his own career along the same path as the Scot.

"I understand perfectly why Alex is still in the job [at the age of 70] and I think I will be the same," Mourinho said.

"I love football so much, I love coaching so much. I will still be very young when I become 50 and I believe I have a lot in front of me.

"Fifty is a number with a certain impact - it's a number I believe sometimes has a psychologically negative impact on many people because they realise the world spins very, very fast and our lives are very, very short.

"It's a number that makes me think and look back but also look forward too. I'm such a happy person because what I have done so far I think is amazing."

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Walcott looks to carve out reputation as the new Henry

 

It may be a bold ambition but Theo Walcott has revealed his aspiration to replicate the success Thierry Henry brought to Arsenal.

The England international maintains that his time as a winger is now up and that Arsene Wenger should try him in the advanced position which enabled Henry to go down in history as one of the Premier League's greatest players.

“I love Arsenal and I love playing with my teammates and hopefully something can be sorted and I can get back in that team and get a chance to play up front," said Walcott.

"I definitely want to play up front. I think I've learned my trade as a winger now.

"I remember when Thierry Henry joined at 22 and the legend he was. Hopefully I can be the legend he was as well in that up front position."

Henry netted 228 goals in 377 appearances for Arsenal. No pressure, Theo.
 

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Shelvey red with rage at 'grass' Sir Alex

 

Clashes between Liverpool and Manchester United are always memorable games, but for Jonjo Shelvey, Sunday's meeting at Anfield was one to forget.

The 20-year-old was sent off for a challenge on centre-back Jonny Evans in the first half, and was furious with the role he believes Sir Alex Ferguson played in the dismissal.

"I apologise to the fans for getting sent off but no way was I pulling out of that tackle in a game of that importance. Im sorry," Shelvey posted on Twitter.

"I have also apologised to sir Alex, just where I come from people don't grass people up to get someone sent off."
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2001 Canvas Odyssey

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