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      Who is World Cup final referee Szymon Marciniak and how many tournament has the Pole officiated at?

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      REFEREE Szymon Marciniak has represented his country in an exemplary fashion at the World Cup.The Pole is one of the most experienced and respected in world football and takes charge of the biggest match of them all – the final between Argentina and France.
      Marciniak has refereed both teams in this World Cup, including Argentina’s last-16 win over AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Marciniak was in the middle for France’s 2-1 win over Denmark in the group stages and Argentina’s last-16 win over Australia.
      Who is Szymon Marciniak?
      Born in Plock, Marciniak had an odd path into refereeing.
      Starting out as a player, he was so incensed at being sent off in one match that he told the referee in a foul-mouthed tirade that he was the worst he’d ever seen.
      And the official replied: “If you think you can do better – you try it!”
      So he did.
      Marciniak rose through the amateur ranks to make his Ekstraklasa debut in 2009.
      He become a Fifa-listed referee in 2011, which made him eligible for selection at Europa League, Champions League and internationals.
      After taking charge of the Under-21 Euro 2015 final, he made his major championship bow the following summer in France.
      There Marciniak reffed Spain vs Czech Republic, Iceland vs Austria in the group stage, as well as Germany vs Slovakia in the knockout phase.
      Russia will be the Pole’s first experience of a World CupCredit: Reuters
      A ref less than a decade, the Polish whistler has established a reputation as card happyCredit: EPA
      Most read in football
      Has he officiated at the World Cup before?
      This will be the Pole’s second experience of a World Cup, after getting his cards out at Russia 2018.
      He has Euro 2016 experience under his belt – but took charge of Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs games in this season’s Champions League.
      At World Cup 2018 he reffed Argentina vs Iceland and Germany vs Sweden.
      He also took charge of the Uefa Super Cup match between Real and Atletico Madrid in 2018.
      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World CupWorld Cup 2022 LIVE: Latest news and updates from Qatar
      World Cup schedule: What are the kick-off times for all the matches?
      World Cup prize money: How much does each winner earn?
      Who are the ITV pundits and commentators?
      Who are the BBC pundits and commentators?
      Meet England’s World Cup wags who are staying on a £1bn cruise ship More

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      World Cup 2022 top scorers: Who will win golden boot if Messi and Mbappe tied?

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      THE World Cup is sadly coming to a close but the race for the Golden Boot is still well and truly on.Lionel Messi is not only chasing the one trophy which has eluded him in his illustrious career.
      Harry Kane won the World Cup 2018 Golden BootCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Lionel Messi is the front-runner for top scorer at the 2022 World CupCredit: Reuters
      But the Argentine legend now has one eye on the golden boot having worked his way to the top.
      His PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe is also battling with him.
      And the pair are set to go up against one another in Sunday’s mouth-watering World Cup final.
      England’s Harry Kane won it in 2018 but find out how the chart is looking for the Qatar edition.
      Read more on World Cup
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      World Cup Golden Boot standings

      Lionel Messi – Argentina – 6
      Kylian Mbappe – France – 5
      Olivier Giroud – France – 4
      Julian Alvarez – Argentina – 4
      Marcus Rashford – England – 3
      Bukayo Saka – England – 3
      Goncalo Ramos – Portugal – 3
      Alvaro Morata – Spain – 3
      Richarlison – Brazil – 3
      Cody Gakpo – Netherlands – 3
      Enner Valencia – Ecuador – 3
      Robert Lewandowski – Poland – 2
      Mehdi Taremi – Iran – 2
      Andrej Kramaric – Croatia – 2
      Breel Embolo – Switzerland – 2
      Kai Havertz – Germany – 2
      Aleksandar Mitrovic – Serbia – 2
      Ferran Torres – Spain – 2
      Mohammed Kudus – Ghana – 2
      Bruno Fernandes – Portugal – 2 More

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      When does the Premier League return after the World Cup 2022?

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      FOOTBALL fans have enjoyed almost a month of thrilling World Cup action on their screens – but now it’s time to prepare for the return of the Premier League.Argentina are set to take on reigning champions France in the penultimate match of the Qatar competition.
      Arsenal are currently top of the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      And Lionel Messi can seal an incredible international career should the Argentinian magician bow out with a winning medal.
      However, with a whole host of Premier League players already exiled from the competition.
      Fans are itching to see them get back with their clubs in England’s top division.
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      When does the Premier League start after the World Cup?
      The Premier League will return on BOXING DAY – Monday, December 26.
      This gives clubs eight days from the World Cup final to prepare for their festive fixture before normal scheduling returns in England.
      England were knocked out in the quarter-final by FranceCredit: AP
      What are the Boxing Day fixtures?

      Brentford vs Tottenham – 12:30pm
      Crystal Palace vs Fulham – 3pm
      Everton vs Wolves – 3pm
      Leicester vs Newcastle – 3pm
      Southampton vs Brighton – 3pm
      Aston Villa vs Liverpool – 5:30pm
      Arsenal vs West Ham – 8pm More

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      Who will be giving out the World Cup trophy?

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      ARGENTINA or France will be leave Qatar with the World Cup trophy after tonight’s epic final.And Messi can have a fairy-tale ending to his international career as the Argentine legend is set to call it quits once the tournament is over.
      Lionel Messi is hoping to bow out of international football with a World Cup winners medalCredit: PA
      But no matter who wins the title, FIFA is set to enforce some strict rules that only allow a select few to hand over the trophy.
      Find out who that is below…
      Who is giving out the World Cup trophy?
      The entire FIFA committee is involved when it comes to awards ceremonies after the match.
      This year, the emir of Qatar, Tanim bin Hamad Al Thani will give out the medals along with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and CONEMBOL boss Alejandro Dominguez.
      Read more on World Cup 2022
      However, only FIFA’s president Gianni Infantino can deliver the World Cup trophy to the winners.
      England legend David Beckham is the official World Cup ambassador and will also give out the medals.
      Why can nobody else touch the trophy?
      The trophy is under 24-hour water-tight security and only people present on a specific list are allowed to handle it.
      This is due to the Jules Rimet being stolen at the 1966 World Cup before being found by Pickles the dog.
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      And it was stolen again by thieves in 1983. More

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      When is Euro 2024, and where is it being held?

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      THE World Cup in Qatar is drawing to its close.Argentina and France will contest the huge final, which means that soon all eyes will turn to Euro 2024 in just EIGHTEEN months.
      Italy are the current European champsCredit: AP
      And this time round the big tournament will be back to getting underway in the summer months.
      Get £40 in free bets & bonuses when staking £10 with 888Sport
      When is Euro 2024, and where is it being held?
      Euro 2024 will be taking place in Germany.
      The tournament will start on June 14, 2024 and run until the final on July 14.
      The final will be held in Berlin.
      The Euro 2024 qualifying draw
      What is happening in qualifying?
      England will battle Euro 2020 nemeses Italy to qualify for Euro 2024.
      The Three Lions, who were in Pot 2 following their Nations League relegation, were pitted in Group C.
      That sees them go up against Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri as their toughest opponent in a repeat of last year’s final which England lost on penalties.
      Most read in Football
      England will also face Ukraine, arguably the strongest team from Pot 3.
      And their group was completed by Malta and North Macedonia, who famously ended Italy’s bid to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.
      Gareth Southgate’s side know if they finish in the top two of their group, they will guarantee their spot at the 24-team Euro 2024.
      Elsewhere, Scotland were put into Group A with Spain, Georgia and Cyprus but will surely be tussling with Erling Haaland’s Norway to qualify.

      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup More

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      Arsenal 0-2 Juventus LIVE RESULT: Gunners lose in final mid-season after two unfortunate own goals

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      ARSENAL have lost to Juventus in their final mid-season friendly.The returning Granit Xhaka and Rob Holding both scored own goals at the end of each of half.
      Table-topping Gunners now return to Premier League action, when they take on West Ham on Boxing Day.

      Result: Arsenal 0-2 Juventus
      Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Gabriel, Holding, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard, Vieira, Nelson; Nketiah
      Juventus XI: Perin; Rugani, Gatti, Riccio; Barbieri, Fagioli, Locatelli, Barrenechea, Soule; Miretti, Kean

      Argentina vs France: Get £40 in free bets & bonuses when staking £10 with 888Sport
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      No time to dwell
      Mikel Arteta’s troops will have little time to dwell on that defeat as they’ll be back in Premier League action a week tomorrow.
      The league leaders will welcome West Ham to the Emirates and will hope to maintain the stellar form that has seen them mount a serious challenge for the title for the first time in nearly two decades.
      Soccer Football – Friendly – Arsenal v Juventus – Emirates Stadium, London, Britain – December 17, 2022 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta applauds fans after the match Action Images via Reuters/John SibleyCredit: Reuters
      Arsenal 0-2 Juventus
      Full time: Arsenal have suffered defeat at the hands of a depleted Juventus side thanks to two own goals.
      Mikel Arteta will be bitterly disappointed with his troops’ failure to capitalise on their dominance.
      Arsenal 0-2 Juventus
      90. Juventus double their lead thanks to a deflected shot from Samuel Iling-Junior.
      A sucker punch to the Gunners – who have been dominant from start to finish.
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      89. The ball is cleared but picked up on the edge of the box by the Gunners.
      Cedric puts the ball back in but Juve clear their lines.
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      88. Another corner for the Gunners – who are piling on the pressure.
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      87. Odegaard’s second successive corner is cleared only as far as Nwaneri – whose effort goes wide.
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      87. Odegaard’s effort is initially cleared away by the ball falls to Nwaneri – whose effort is deflected wide.
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      87. Corner to Arsenal in the dying embers.
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      85. Nothing comes of the free kick but the Gunners retain possession.
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      84. Free kick to the Gunners on the edge of the box.
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      77. Arsenal are playing pretty football on the edge of the box but are struggling to break down the resilient and dogged Juve defence.
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      72. Arsenal substitute Amario Coizer-Duberry appeals for a penalty but his calls are waved off by the referee.
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      68. The crowd urges Kieran Tierney to shot from 30 yards and the Scot obliges.
      His effort, however, harmlessly bobbles out of play.
      Credit: Getty
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      64. Fagioli is giving far too much space outside of the box but fails to make Arsenal pay, blazing his effort high and wide.
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      62. Gabriel receives medical treatment following the clash of heads but looks like he’ll be able to continue.

      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      60. Arsenal find the back of the net but the goal is ruled out due to a collision in the box.
      Nketiah found the back of the net in the second phase of play, but the ref had already blown the whistle for a foul from Gabriel.
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      57. The threat is dealt with but another corner is looming for the Italians to defend.
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      56. Corner to the Gunners
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      51. The ebb and flow of the second half is mirroring the first – with Arsenal dominating possession and Juventus restricted to sporadic forays into the opposition half.
      Credit: Reuters
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      48. Arsenal are turning the screw early and putting the visitors on the back foot.
      But Juve are holding firm, for now.
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      45. We are back underway at the Emirates
      Xhaka’s hard luck
      Here’s the moment Granit Xhaka accidentally put through his own net.

      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      HT. That accidental own goal from Granit Xhaka proved to be the final action of a first-half dominated by Arsenal.
      Plenty of food for thought for Mikel Arteta at half time.
      Credit: Getty
      Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
      46. Granit Xhaka has just put through his own net to give the visitors the lead.
      The Switzerland international tried to head a dangerous cross away but accidentally guided it into the far corner of the net right before the stroke of half time.
      Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
      40. Arsenal are continuing to run Juve ragged – with Odegaard at the heart of things.
      The Old Lady are looking anything but their usual defensively-sound self.
      Load more entries… More

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      When is Argentina vs France – World Cup final 2022? Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time for HUGE showpiece event

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      ARGENTINA take on France in a HUGE World Cup final on Sunday afternoon.Croatia fell victim to a Lionel Messi masterclass in Tuesday’s dominant semi-final encounter as Argentina went through.

      The Argentine legend opened the scoring with an expertly-taken penalty, and went on a mesmerising run before setting up Julian Alvarez for their third on the night.
      But things will certainly be tougher for the little magician as he will be taking on a French side that managed to stop high-flying Morocco in their semi-final.
      Messi has created a thrilling final chapter to his World Cup career and the magician will arguably go down as the greatest footballer EVER should he replicate what Diego Maradona did in 1986.
      However, a win for Les Bleus would see them become the first nation in 60 years to achieve successive World Cup triumphs.
      Read more on World Cup 2022
      How did they get here?
      Argentina suffered a nightmare start to their tournament with a shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia.
      But they battled back to top Group C with 2-0 wins over Mexico and Poland, setting up a last-16 meeting with Australia.
      After seeing off the Socceroos 201, they scraped past Holland on penalties in the quarters before breezing past Croatia.
      France also won two and lost one of their group games – although their defeat to Tunisia came after beating Australia and Denmark.
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      Les Bleus saw off Poland and then beat England in that dramatic quarter-final before eventually ending Morocco’s run on Wednesday night to secure their place in back-to-back finals.
      What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
      Neither side have any suspensions to deal with after yellow cards were wiped after the quarters and may well be unchanged after semi-final wins.
      Argentina can welcome back full-backs Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel from their one-match bans while Lisandro Martinez may return to the starting XI if Lionel Scaloni goes for a back five.
      Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot sat out of the Morocco win with illness as France kept their first clean sheet – but will be hopeful of coming back in.
      The rest of the team should stay the same – although Karim Benzema could be a shock inclusion on the bench as he is back in Real Madrid training.

      Who will be the star men?
      Well, obviously Messi and Kylian Mbappe are the two main men for their respective nations – and all eyes will be on who comes out on top.
      Elsewhere, Julian Alvarez will want to continue on from his two goals in the semi-final while Enzo Fernandez may be tasked with stopping Antoine Griezmann.
      On the other side, Griezmann and Olivier Giroud will fancy their chances of scoring in the final.
      Aurelien Tchouameni is in strong form in midfield while Raphael Varane will lead his back line.

      What’s the head to head?
      The two heavyweights of international football have met 12 times in total – the first time coming in the first World Cup in 1930.
      Argentina have six wins, France have three wins while there have been three draws.
      But the French side came out on top in their most-recent clash – a thrilling 4-3 win in the last 16 of Russia 2018.
      SunSport prediction
      Argentina 3-2 France
      When is Argentina vs France?

      Argentina’s eye-catching World Cup final contest against France will take place on Sunday, December 18.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 3pm UK time.
      Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar is the allocated arena for this mammoth final fixture and it can host a whopping 88,966 spectators.
      Kylian Mbappe’s second-half double sent Argentina crashing out of the World Cup when the sides last met in 2018.

      What TV channel is Argentina vs France on and can it be live streamed?

      The World Cup final between Argentina and France will be shown LIVE on both BBC One and ITV 1.
      Coverage on BBC One is set to commence from 1.50pm UK time while ITV 1 get their show on the road from 1.30pm UK time.
      Viewers can also head to BBC iPlayer or ITV X if they prefer to stream the action online via tablet and mobile devices.
      You can listen to radio coverage of the match on talkSPORT – stream online, via smartphone apps or DAB radio.

      Can I watch the World Cup final for free?
      YES! The mouth-watering World Cup final in Qatar can be watched for FREE on both channels as long as you hold a valid TV licence in the UK.
      What are the odds?
      Argentina win 9/5
      Draw 2/1
      Read More on The Sun
      France victory 9/5
      Odds courtesy of Betfair correct as of December 16.
      Lionel Messi can seal his international career with a World Cup triumphCredit: Getty
      France have booked their spot in the World Cup finalCredit: AFP More

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      Why are Croatia fans wearing water polo hats at World Cup?

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      FANS at the World Cup do everything in their power to stand out from the crowd.While some decide to wear fancy dress, Croatia supporters have stepped it up a level with their water polo hats.
      And they will bring their hats out once again when they Morocco in their third-place play-off tonight.
      Croatia fans have swarmed to Russia with their water polo hatsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Why do Croatia fans wear water polo hats?
      The hat is a tribute to defender Vedran Corluka.
      He made history when he became the first player to wear a water polo hat during a match.
      Corluka suffered a serious head injury during a match against Turkey at Euro 2016.
      It kept opening up during a match against Czech Republic and he played the second half with the hat on.
      Vedran Corluka played until the final whistle against Czech RepublicCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The defender even managed to score and the game finished 2-2.
      UEFA checked it over and made him remove the ear protectors before he was allowed to carry on.
      In fact, the hat that he wore is now held in UEFA’s museum.
      Croatia’s physio Nderim Redzaj is credited with coming up with the idea.

      Fans have been wearing the head gear since 2016Credit: Reuters
      Croatia fans go crazy and light flares as they beat Russia in hotly contested World Cup quarter-final More