Rugby World Cup 2023

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    World Cup winner’s £20,000 ‘gorilla’ guard dog saves Wag from burglars while she was ‘screaming for her life’

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    A ‘GORILLA’ guard dog came to the rescue after robbers targeted the home of a World Cup winner and left his fiancee “screaming for her life”.Lucas Hernandez’s luxury pad was targeted by thieves while he was away on duty with Paris Saint-Germain.Lucas Hernandez’ home was targeted by robbers while he was away on Champions League duty with Paris Saint-GermainCredit: AFPHernandez’s fiancee – Victoria Triay – was in the house during the horrid ordealCredit: INSTAGRAM@VICTORIATRIAYThe couple’s eight-stone guard dog foiled the would-be robbers’ plansCredit: INSTAGRAM@VICTORIATRIAYBut thankfully for the France international, who lifted the 2018 World Cup, his £20,000 dog thwarted their grand plans for a lucrative heist.Crooks targeted the World Cup winner’s plush Yvelines home during PSG’s midweek Champions League trip to Salzburg.The robbers, somehow, managed to evade local security and break into the house.Hernandez’s fiancee, Victoria Triay, was in the house at the time and panicked after realising their home had been breached.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the couple’s terrifying guard dog managed to scare off the reported five intruders before they could ransack the place.A terrified Triay hid in a secluded area of the house while the harrowing ordeal took place and was said to have been “screaming for her life.”And she revealed on Instagram how the couple’s eight-stone black Presa Canario dog, which is worth £20,000, scared off the would-be robbers.Triay shouted out her pooch for its bravery on her Instagram story a few hours after the ordeal, posting a photo of it with a series of gorilla emojis.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVictoria Triay took to Instagram to thank French police for their help with the incidentCredit: INSTAGRAM@VICTORIATRIAYSecurity eventually arrived at the scene after being alerted of the robbery but the crooks managed to escape.French police are conducting a thorough investigation into the attempted robbery.Arsenal player ratings vs PSGAnd Brazilian model Triary has been amazed by their response to the incident.She wrote on Instagram: “Extremely impressed with the French police system.”How fast and professional this issue has been handled. Thank you so much. You guys are heroes.”Hernandez has yet to comment on the attempted break-in at his plush home.The defender and his PSG team-mates will be back in action on Sunday night, welcoming Lyon to the Parc des Prince in a massive Ligue 1 clash. More

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      France World Cup winner reveals shock plans to retire at 34 for career in real estate

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      FRANCE star Ousmane Dembele has already planned out his retirement despite being only 27 years old.Dembele has already experienced immense success at both club and especially international level, having won the 2018 World Cup with Les Bleus.Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele revealed he will retire at the age of 34Credit: GettyWorld Cup winner Dembele is planning to get in the real estate businessCredit: GettyThe forward also counts three LaLiga titles as well as two Copa del Rey trophies with Barcelona, a German Cup with Borussia Dortmund and last season’s double with current club Paris Saint-Germain.And Dembele appears to only have about seven years left in his career to win even more honours.That is because the France international revealed he has decided to hang up his football boots at the age of 34.And then the ex-Rennes star is planning to get in the real estate business in France as well as several African nations.Read More on FootballDembele told The Bridge – a YouTube show, which is co-presented by Real Madrid ace and France team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni: “I want to retire at 34. “And then I want to get into the property business. Invest in Africa, in France…”Dembele has had a strong start at PSG this season as he already counts five goals and seven assists in 13 appearances across all competitions.Ever since his arrival in Paris from Barcelona last year, the versatile attacker counts a total of 11 goals and 21 assists in 55 matches.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Frenchman has also registered a total of six goals and four assists in 53 caps with his national team.That includes four appearances in the World Cup six years ago, when France lifted the trophy.PSG return to action on Friday in Ligue 1 against Toulouse at Parc des Princes.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup games More

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      Inside futuristic Minecraft stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup games

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      THE 2034 World Cup might be a decade away but work has already begun on a stunning futuristic Minecraft arena in Saudi Arabia.The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium is perched on a cliff no less than 650ft high in Riyadh and decked out in LED panels.Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will be built into a cliff edge near RiyadhThe 45,000-seater stadium will cost more than £1billionThe futuristic panelled cubes will act as an extension of the Tuwaiq cliffsThe 45,000-seater is expected to cost more than £1BILLION, with construction set to get underway in 2026.The logo-like arena will become the world’s first fully integrated venue with a combined retractable pitch and man-made LAKE fuelled air-con.The LED wall will be a portal to live event broadcasts, high-definition films and will open to reveal breathtaking views of the city when not activated.There will be three stands, with one side open, offering a dramatic vista of the Qiddiya city itself.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe exterior will be formed by a collection of modular cubes that will act as the extension of the Tuwaiq cliffs in a huge digital canvas.Its aim, other than to host football matches at the 2034 World Cup, is to “connect the upper plateau and Gaming and Esports District to the theme parks below”, according to The Mail. One Saudi-based industry insider told The Mail: “This will be the first time we have seen that brought to life.”SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles has a massive screen. This stadium is a massive screen.”Most read in FootballAn inside look at The Prince Mohammed bin Salman StadiumAl-Nassr’s new stadium will have a 45,000 capacityFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe climate will be controlled via a lake underneath which collects rain water to pre-cool the air conditioning system.There will be a retractable roof and a digital wall which will drop down in front of the spectator’s view, with work set to finish up in 2029.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex And at the touch of a button the surface will flip from grass to artificial turf.The Minecraft-esque stadium is set to play host to Cristiano Ronaldo’s current side Al-Nassr once it’s complete.Beneath the glitzy facades of the Saudis developments, lies the stories of threats, forced evictions and bloodshed.Many projects have faced fierce criticism over human rights abuses – including the £400billion Neom Stadium project where tribes were reportedly shoved out of their homeland, imprisoned or executed.Only last month, in an ITV documentary, workers complained of 16-hour days, their passports being confiscated and of not being paid in some cases.The documentary also featured claims that 21,000 Indian, Bangladeshi and Nepalese workers had died in the country since 2017, each working on Saudi’s Vision 2030.Those allegations have been strongly refuted by country’s National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.The pioneering Sci-Fi stadium is one of 15 to be built as Saudi Arabia close in on the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup.The futuristic arena is set to feature a giant LED screen wall inside the arenaIt is to be situated on top of a 200-metre cliffThe official announcement will come from Fifa on December 11, but there is no opposing bid following Australia’s withdrawal.As such Saudi Arabia will become the second Middle Eastern nation (behind Qatar) to host the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet in 10 years time.The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, named after the country’s prime minister, crown prince and de facto ruler, will be one of 11 new venues to go alongside four current grounds. Another futuristic arena is being built in Neom.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe amazing structure will not be reachable by car as it will sit 350m above ground in the as-yet unbuilt city of Neom, known as “The Line.”It is a vertical garden city without cars, streets or carbon emissions for its residents all in a single, long building.The Neom Stadium will not be reachable by carThe new arena will sit atop the city of NeomFull list of the stadiums with their capacitiesRiyadhKing Salman International Stadium – 92,760King Fahad Sports City Stadium – 70,200Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium – 46,979New Murabba Stadium – 46,010Roshn Stadium – 46,000Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium – 46,865South Riyadh Stadium – 47,060King Saud University Stadium – 46,319JeddahKing Abdullah Sports City Stadium – 58,432Qiddiya Coast Stadium – 46,096Jeddah Central Development Stadium – 45,794King Abdullah Economic City Stadium – 45,700Al KhobarAramco Stadium – 46,096AbhaKing Khalid University Stadium – 45,428NeomNeom Stadium – 46,010 More

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      Serial burglar who forced Raheem Sterling to quit World Cup after robbing his mansion is jailed for 13 years

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      A BURGLAR who broke into Raheem Sterling’s mansion forcing him to fly home from the World Cup has been jailed.Emiliano Krosi, 24, carried out 33 burglaries, including the raid on the England star’s home on December 3, 2022.Emiliano Krosi who carried out 33 burglaries has been jailedCredit: Hyde News & PicturesKrosi broke into Raheem Sterling’s mansion forcing him to fly home from the World CupCredit: GettyHe was part of a gang that used a ladder in the rear garden to climb through Arsenal ace Sterling’s bedroom window and steal ten of his Rolex watches.An estimated £300,000 of designer gear was taken from the footballer’s £7million home in Oxshott, Surrey.Albanian Krosi, who travelled illegally to the UK in the back of a lorry, previously admitted to being involved in 15 of the burglaries. But yesterday at Guilford crown court Judge Catherine Hartley ruled he was involved in the remaining 18 break-ins.read more on footballShe sentenced him to a total of 12 years and ten months in prison.She said: “You are a dishonest and greedy man who willingly and enthusiastically took part in what was a familial, criminal gang.“Your greed and your criminality has resulted in a huge toll of human misery.”His offending took place while on bail after being caught with cocaine and cannabis on a train from London Euston to Coventry.Most read in FootballKrosi, from Southend, Essex, was sentenced to 19 months for possession with intent to supply which will run consecutively to the ­sentence for burglary.Surrey Police continue to hunt for his dad Alfred Isufi, 48, uncle Henri Osman, 44, and 22-year-old cousin ­Gerard Kalaja, who are all believed to have fled the UK.Newcastle’s £100m striker Alexander Isak’s mansion hit by gang of robbers in latest raid on Prem aces’ homesThey are suspected of being part of the gang which raided houses across the Home Counties from November 2022 to March 2023.Other victims included ex-Crystal Palace player Scott Dann and Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, whose home was targeted days before his then team-mate Sterling’s.PC Katherine Stevens, from Surrey Police, said: “Krosi was extremely methodical and organised in his targeting of homes, with the sole aim to make as much money as possible off the back of other people.”Ex-Crystal Palace player Scott Dann was also targetedCredit: Getty More

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      Peter Crouch gets hit in the face and Joe Cole screams in terror as football legends try hand at new sport

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      PETER CROUCH was left red-faced after his face was struck by a ball when the ex-Liverpool striker and Joe Cole tried their hands at rugby.The former footballers were put through their paces by England World Cup winner Ben Kay.Joe Cole and Peter Crouch travelled to Saracens’ StoneX ground to give rugby a goCrouch took one right to the face during the TNT specialChaos ensued when the former footballers contested a rugby line-outSince retiring from football, Crouch and Cole have come together to form a new partnership within TNT’s broadcasting team.And now, they’re turning their hands to a new sport entirely – a spot of rugby – with hilarious results.Crouch and Cole joined English rugby legend Kay, at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium as a part of their Autumn Nations Series promotion for TNT.Kay had them try everything from a penalty conversion, contesting a line-out, tackling drills and even a bit of argy-bargy with each other.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the hysterical blunder came when Crouch attempted to catch a kicked high-ball – and failed.The former Stoke striker looked like he wanted to kick the ball instead, before the ball smacked off his face after it bounced off the pitch.In another scene, Cole shrieked in terror while he was being hoisted into the air to catch a ball from a line-out.Crouch then came out second best to the Chelsea full-back while contesting a line-out.Most read in FootballThe pundits were put through their paces by England World Cup winner Ben KayCole came out on top in the end after winning the line-out contestFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat’s despite the fact that Cole, who is 5ft 9, is almost a foot smaller than Crouch, who stands at 6ft 7 inches.The action ends with former England team-mates trying to wrestle one another to ground, as if they were back on the school playground.Chelsea icon Joe Cole scores outrageous goal as ex-England star rolls back the years in a Sunday league team aged 42Cole told Crouch: “I would’ve loved to have done this at school.”All 21 matches of the Autumn Nations Series will be broadcast live on TNT Sports. The full episode of Crouch vs Cole: Rugby is available to watch on discovery+ from midday today.The episode ends in argy-bargy as the pair wrestle each other to the groundSaracen academy stars hilariously watched on as Crouch failed miserablyWho are these famous footballers? More

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      France boss stunned as World Cup winner and 137-cap legend shockingly RETIRES from international duty

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      FRANCE star Antoine Griezmann has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 33.The Atletico Madrid player made 137 appearances for his country, scoring 44 goals in that time.Antoine Griezmann has revealed his retirement from international footballManager Didier Deschamps revealed that the pair had a long discussion about itGriezmann and Deschamps have a close relationshipGriezmann has been a key member of the France squad under manager Didier Deschamps since making his debut under him in 2014.The LaLiga winger’s social media statement read: “It is with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life. “Thank you for this magnificent tricolour adventure and see you soon.”After 10 incredible years marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time for me to turn a page and make way for the new generation.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Wearing this jersey was an honour and a privilege.”Deschamps said: “We’ve had a long discussion about his retirement recently.”Since his debut in the France team 10 years ago we’ve had a relationship based on trust and frankness.”Even if his club career is not over, Antoine will remain a monument of French football, one of the greatest players in its history.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”It was often said that he was my favourite. We indeed had built a very strong relationship, that will remain intact.”From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything, Grizou.”Retired rugby legend and Six Nations icon takes up gruelling new sport at 47 Griezmann helped his nation win the 2018 World Cup.His Man-of-the-match performance put France 2-1 ahead with a penalty before a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Russia six years ago.The end of his World Cup adventure was marked by another final at Qatar 2022, playing 71 minutes of France’s eventual shootout defeat to Argentina.He was announced as the nation’s new vice-captain following the retirement of Hugo Lloris, with Kylian Mbappe named skipper in March 2023.He featured in all six games of Euro 2024, before crashing out in the semi-finals to winners Spain.He started for France in a 3-1 Nations League defeat by Italy in September, before his last appearance came as a sub in a 2-0 win against Belgium three days later.Griezmann has revealed his decision prior to the next international break in October when France play Israel and Belgium in the Nations League.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also won the 2021 Nations League with his country.The forward was top scorer at Euro 2016 with six goals as hosts France finished runners-up, losing to Portugal in the final.Griezmann was instrumental in France winning the 2018 World CupGriezmann also won the Nations League in 2021 More

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      I played with David Beckham for my club and against him at the World Cup, now I’m making my way in brand new career

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      CHRIS BIRCHALL was David Beckham’s team-mate at LA Galaxy and faced England at the 2006 World Cup.But now he has traded the high life of LA and glitz and glamour of international football for pounding the Staffordshire mud as a REFEREE.Chris Birchall is on red alert for a career as a whistlerCredit: Paul TongeBirchall says England legend David Beckham was humble both as an international opponent and club team-mateCredit: GettyBirchall and Becks won the MLS Cup with LA Galaxy in 2011Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdChris Birchall with a framed David Beckham personalised signed shirtThe  ex-midfielder, 39, lined up against the likes of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Becks while playing for Trinidad & Tobago in Germany.Stafford-born Birchall, who qualified for the Caribbean islands through his mum, spent three seasons in LA.Hanging on a wall at home in Newcastle-under-Lyme is a personalised signed Beckham shirt and a photo of the pair when they won the MLS Cup in 2011.He said: “David was great with me. Although I played with him towards the end of his career, wow what a player. He could pick you out with a pass from 40 yards.READ MORE TOP STORIES“There was banter between us as English guys. He’d come into training every morning and say to me, ‘Hi, Mr Perfect’ and I was like, ‘If anyone should be called that it’s you!’“He sends video messages when it’s my lad’s birthday and I’ll text him when any big news happens. He’s humble and the type of person you want to be associated with.”Trinidad & Tobago — the Soca Warriors —  elevated Birchall’s career. While still a 22-year-old League One footballer at Port Vale, he found himself up against the Three Lions.England needed two late goals to win 2-0 in the group game before their World Cup quarter-final exit to Portugal. Most read in FootballThe ex-Trinidad & Tobago ace reckons VAR has big weaknessesCredit: Paul TongeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBirchall said: “My biggest memory was Beckham shaking my hand at the end and telling me, ‘You had one hell of a game’. He was my hero so that was special.“It’s amazing looking back — lining up against Beckham, Scholes, Owen, Rooney, Ferdinand.  That squad should have won a World Cup.” Watch former Bohemians star score from own half with shot to rival David Beckham’s iconic goalBirchall — who also played for  Coventry, Port Vale and Brighton before retiring in 2016 — started the process of becoming an official six months ago.He said: “I’d love to ref in the EFL. The hardest things are positioning  yourself and making split-second decisions.”Birchall would like other former players to lend their experience to help the PGMOL stop the controversies ruining football.He said: “The way certain laws are written tie the hands of refs. There’s no room for common sense.“If an incident ticks all the boxes, you must give a certain decision. Yet if you’ve played you know every incident is different and whether a player meant to do something.He sends video messages when it’s my lad’s birthday and I’ll text him when any big news happens. He’s humble and the type of person you want to be associated with.Chris Birchall on David Beckham“Take handball — a ball’s blasted at you from ten yards. You might be jumping with your arms slightly away from your body and as you’re landing the ball touches your hand. That isn’t a penalty but they’re given.“The diving and simulation is ridiculous. That’s where I’d like to use my experience. Ex-footballers can see the tricks of the trade.“I’ve sympathy for a ref who has a split second to make a decision and then has VAR putting him under pressure to change it after viewing a replay at one thousandth of a second. The game isn’t played in slo-mo.”Birchall saw his ex-club Coventry denied what would have been an incredible win against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final.Victor Torp thought he had scored a 120th-minute winner to complete a fightback from 3-0 down. Ref Rob Jones gave the goal but VAR told him Haji Wright was a CENTIMETRE offside!Birchall took on Frank Lampard & Co in the 2006 World CupCredit: GettyHe rose to a momentous occasion against the Three Lions 18 years agoCredit: GettyBirchall said: “This is where VAR kills football. That decision affected a club’s history as Coventry would’ve reached the final having staged one of the greatest ever comebacks.“VAR wasn’t brought in to decide offside by a toenail or to take three minutes to work out.“If it’s level to the naked eye, award the goal — give the advantage to the striker as it used to be. We want to see goals, not find reasons to disallow them.”PGMOL chief Howard Webb wants to welcome ex-players into refereeing and Birchall hopes to see his peers and officials work together.He said: “I don’t want a battle between ex-footballers and refs. It’s about educating refs from a player’s perspective and the other way round.“Paul Merson slates refs on Soccer Saturday — some stuff he’s saying as an ex-player is correct. But it’s often not the ref’s fault, it’s the law that’s written that needs changing.”The high life of LA has gone, now it’s back to earthy EnglandCredit: Paul TongeBirchall gives our man Justin Allen more than just the lowdownCredit: Paul TongeBirchall concedes you cannot make a living refereeing at grassroots level and that perhaps puts ex-players off, especially those who played professionally in the lower divisions and are not wealthy.However, he believes the PGMOL should team up with the PFA, FA and clubs to encourage footballers still playing to take courses.He said: “Unless you’ve made good money from your career, you need a job while you’re developing to reach a level where you might get an income.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They need to be telling footballers towards the end of their careers, ‘You can do this while you’re still playing.’“There needs to be that transition from when they retire to going straight into refereeing or at least have a platform.” More

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      John Terry reveals bizarre reason he thinks England got knocked out of 2010 World Cup

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      FORMER England star John Terry has blamed Marks & Spencer suits for the 2010 World Cup exit.He said the players were sweating in them on a stifling team bus before the defeat to Germany in South Africa.John Terry has blamed Marks & Spencer suits for England’s 2010 World Cup exitCredit: Action Images – ReutersTerry said the team were sweating in their suits on a stifling team bus before their defeat to GermanyCredit: HandoutTerry, now 43, claimed the lads asked boss Fabio Capello — via skipper Steven Gerrard — if they could take them off but were refused. The ex-Chelsea defender recalled: “We had an hour and 20 minutes on the bus and all the players were asking, ‘Stevie, speak to the gaffer about suits, we don’t want to wear suits, it’s hot, it’s horrible’.” But he claimed they were told the FA had a deal with M&S.He said when they got off the bus, sweating as the air con was not working, they saw their opponents arriving in Bloemfontein in shorts and flip flops. read more on footballHe added: “Someone’s responsible for that.”England lost 4-1, with Frank Lampard’s over-the-line strike ruled out in the round of 16 tie. But Terry admitted the squad underachieved, saying: “There’s no getting away from the fact it’s us as players. “We were miles off it.”Most read in Football‘I don’t understand’ says Man Utd icon Rio Ferdinand as he slams Gareth Southgate’s use of ‘heartbeat’ of England team More

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      Fans claim Kylian Mbappe has ‘no clue what’s going on’ after PSG star reacts during France’s win over New Zealand

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      FANS are convinced that Kylian Mbappe doesn’t understand rugby as he watched on perplexed as France beat New Zealand.The Rugby World Cup got underway last night with the host nation beating the All Blacks 27-13.
      Mbappe’s reaction to France’s try seemed delayedCredit:
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      He eventually lifted his arms in joyCredit:
      @RugbyWorldCupFR
      Supporters think Kylian Mbappe doesn’t understand rugbyCredit: Rex
      Mbappe seemed far less interested than international team-mate Antoine GriezmannCredit: Rex
      Among the special guests at the Stade de France were football quartet Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Dayot Upamecano.
      Cameras kept an eye on them as they watched on from the stands and fans believe the PSG star didn’t have a clue what was going on.
      France attacked as a stony-faced Mbappe looked on and eventually scored a try.
      The crowd celebrated and the 24-year-old joined in by raising his arms but some supporters think his reaction was late and he was just trying to fit in.
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      One said on social media: “He raised his hands because others did. Mbappe is so hilarious.”
      Another reacted: “This man has no idea what is going on.”
      A third added: “He looks like he doesn’t understand the game but is just celebrating like everyone else.”
      More commented: “He seems so confused and lost.”
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      France beat New Zealand as the hosts kicked-off the World Cup in styleCredit: Getty
      More believed only Griezmann seemed to enjoy his night out at the rugby, as a fan wrote: “The only person who looks interested amongst them is Griezmann. Dembele and Mbappe are not amused.”
      The France team will return to their more familiar game on Tuesday as they meet Germany in a friendly.
      They already beat the Republic of Ireland 2-0 earlier in the international break.
      As for the rugby, Mbappe will have another attempt to get into the sport on Thursday as France face Namibia.
      The 2018 World Cup winner remains at PSG for the time being after the club failed to offload him over the summer.
      Mbappe has informed the Parisians that he plans to run down his contract at the Ligue 1 champions and then leave on a free in 2024. More