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      Meet Portugal’s glam Wags, including Georgina Rodriguez, an Ibiza cabaret dancer and a soap actress

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      PORTUGAL got their World Cup campaign off to a flyer – with a 3-2 win over Ghana.But it will be a tougher test on Monday night when they face off against Uruguay.
      Georgina Rodriguez will be cheering Portugal on at the World Cup
      Rodriguez is the most popular Wag on InstagramCredit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina met at a Gucci store in MadridCredit: Alamy
      Cheering the team on will be their incredible Wags, who boast a variety of talents.
      From a cabaret dancer in Ibiza to the world’s most popular Wag on Instagram, these might just be the best of the tournament.
      Georgina Rodriguez
      The Queen of the Wags, Georgina is – of course – the missus of free agent Cristiano Ronaldo, who was recently sacked by Man Utd.
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      A bonafide celebrity in her own right, the 28-year-old was born in Argentina and raised in Spain, where she met Ronaldo while working in a Gucci store as a shop assistant in 2016.
      Since then, she has become the most popular Wag on Instagram – boasting a whopping 40million followers.
      Georgina has also branched out with her own clothing line, starred in a Netflix series and become a mum to girls Alana and Bella.
      Ines Tomaz
      Tomaz, 23, is a bikini model.
      She met Bernardo Silva during lockdown, after they were introduced by mutual pals, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.
      Back in May, the blonde beauty revealed that she was engaged to the Man City ace in a gushing Instagram post.
      Showing of the her engagement ring with the playmaker, she wrote: “Forever YES. My endless love.”
      Ines Tomaz is a bikini model
      Tomaz shows off her stunning body on Instagram
      Bernardo Silva and Tomaz got engaged in May
      Margarida Corceiro
      Corceiro, 20, is the girlfriend of Portugal sensation Joao Felix.
      She is a soap actress, who first starred in Prisoneira in 2019, and currently appears in Bem me Quer.
      While in 2020, she starred in the Portuguese version of Dancing with the Stars.
      Earlier this year, Margarida had to deny claims she had been unfaithful after it was alleged she was seen kissing Sporting Lisbon ace Pedro Porro in a nightclub.
      Margarida Corceiro is a soap actress
      Corceiro met Joao Felix in 2019
      Corceiro was alleged to have cheated on Felix, which she denied
      Ginevra Festa
      Life is a cabaret, old chum for the reported girlfriend of Ruben Dias.
      Back in the summer, the defender was spotted with Ginevra – a dancer in Ibiza – during a loved-up getaway to Formentera.
      Festa also works in Dubai, where she performs at the ‘world’s most glamorous cabaret’, in which dancers, singers and acrobats entertain dinner guests.
      So far, she hasn’t been spotted in Manchester yet.
      Ginevra Festa is a cabaret dancer in Ibiza and Dubai
      Festa is the reported girlfriend of Ruben Dias
      Debora Lourenco
      31-year-old Debora began dating Ruben Neves in 2014, before they married in 2019 in a small, private ceremony.
      They have three children – a girl called Margarida, and two boys named Martim and Mateo.
      She happily shares her family life to 27,000 followers on Instagram.
      Debora is in Qatar cheering Ruben on.
      Debora Lourenco has 27,000 followers on Instagram
      Ruben Neves and Debora got together in 2014 and married in 2019
      Ana Pinho
      Doting housewife Ana, 28, meet husband Bruno Fernandes when they were both 16.
      They got married in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Matilde two years later.
      In 2020 they added boy Goncalo to their brood.
      Fernandes has repeated that he shared his success with his family – who religiously go to Old Trafford to see him play.
      Ana Pinho is the childhood sweetheart of Bruno Fernandes
      Fernandes and Pinho met when they were just 16
      Daniela Machado
      Joao Cancelo’s girlfriend Daniela, 26, is an influencer and blogger.
      Also childhood sweethearts, they reportedly began dating in 2011 in Lisbon.
      Read More on The Sun
      She has since followed Cancelo on his football journey to Spain, Italy and England.
      They are the proud parents of daughter, Alicia.
      Daniela Machado is the blogger and influencer
      Machado is well-travelled and has lived in Spain, Italy and England
      Joao Cancelo poses with partner Machado More

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      Roy Keane v Graeme Souness could be the World Cup’s best rivalry after hardmen clashed on ITV, but who is the toughest?

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      IN their day, they were two of football’s toughest hardmen.Manchester United legend Roy Keane and Liverpool icon Graeme Souness were renowned for bossing the middle of the park with bone-crunching tackles and a physicality that sometimes went beyond the legal limits.
      Graeme Souness was a renowned hardman and TV pundit who isn’t afraid to speak his mindCredit: Getty
      Equally, Roy Keane doesn’t hold back and has built as a reputation as one of football’s toughest customersCredit: Getty
      Souness and Keane squabble at half-time over Argentina’s penaltyCredit: https://twitter.com/itvfootball/status/1595010705593634818
      And now, as football pundits, they are fighting it out in the TV studio.
      The pair went head-to-head over a penalty decision, when Argentina took on Saudi Arabia, with a Saudi Arabian star guilty of man-handling an Argentinian in the box.
      Souness claimed the Saudi player had no interest in where the ball was – only the whereabouts of the player he was tracking – so the decision was rightly called.
      He added the call was not down to “opinion” but “fact”, which prompted Keane to respond: “Well I’m here to give my opinion – that’s not a penalty.”
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      The disagreemnet between the pair, who normally wage their battles on Sky Sports, prompted us to look back at their careers – and who really is the hardest? SunSport’s conclusion is below.
      Biggest bust-ups
      Starting with Keane, the 51-year-old Irishman was never the easiest to get along with.
      As a player, he was sent off seven times – with controversy following him wherever he went.
      Most read in Football

      Perhaps his most famous red card was THAT revenge tackle on Alf Inge Haaland in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford in 2001.
      Keane had previously accused the Norwegian of causing him a nasty knee injury when United played Leeds four years earlier.
      Keane’s retribution was to hit his rival with a high-tackle – causing the ex-City midfielder a knee injury of his own.
      Famously, he also slammed Ireland’s preparations for the 2002 World Cup and was sent home by manager Mick McCarthy from Japan.
      Keano even took on Sir Alex Ferguson – admitting he wanted to leave the club in 2005/06, before slamming team-mates including Rio Ferdinand following a miserable defeat to Middlesbrough.
      During a meeting, Fergie and the player were believed to have had a huge row that almost came to blows. That was the final straw, and his United career was over.
      Souness, 69, was no saint either.
      He started as he meant to go on. As a 17-year-old trainee at Tottenham, the Scot demanded he be given a chance in the first team in a fiery meeting that ended with Souness storming out and returning to Scotland.
      His most astonishing sending off came just 34 minutes into his Rangers debut, after receiving two yellow cards against Hibernian.
      Roy Keane’s ‘revenge’ tackle on Alf Inge Haaland caused his rival serious injuryCredit: Sky
      Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy had a bust-up with Roy Keane during the 2002 World Cup that saw the midfielder sent homeCredit: Sportsfile
      Graeme Souness famously planted a flag with Galatasaray’s colours in the centre circle of Fenerbahce’s pitch
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      Then there was one of the most shocking tackles in football history against Steaua Bucharest in the European Cup – a vicious lunge on Iosif Rotariu that left his opponent with deep wounds and could have cost him his leg.
      Management didn’t exactly mellow Souness either, especially during a spell in charge of Galatasaray.
      In fact, he etched his name in Turkish football folklore with one astonishing act.
      The setting was the Turkish Cup final in 1996, and Galatasaray had just won the two-legged game against rivals Fenerbahce on their turf.
      Cue Souness running on to the pitch and planting a flag with Gala’s colours on in the centre circle – inciting a riot in an angry Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
      Success on the pitch
      Both Keane and Souness were top class players who enjoyed incredible success and were far more than just hatchet men.
      The former won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and a Champions League with Man Utd, as well as a Scottish Premier League with Celtic.
      While the latter can boast four First Division titles with Liverpool, and an incredible three European Cups.
      In Italy, Souness landed a Coppa Italia with Sampdoria, and when he returned to Scotland with Rangers – two more Premier Divisions.
      Keane played 67 times for Republic of Ireland, while his compatriot managed 50 appearances for his Scotland. Neither won anything for their countries.
      Keane won seven Premier League titles during a trophy-laden stay at Man UtdCredit: Getty
      Keane’s opponents always knew he was aroundCredit: Getty
      Souness took no prisonersCredit: Getty
      Souness won three European Cup medals during his glittering careerCredit: Getty
      During his playing days, Keane shared rivalries on the pitch with players including Patrick VieiraCredit: Getty
      Competitive Souness struck fear into his opponents on the pitchCredit: Getty
      Punditry gold
      As pundits for Sky and ITV, Keane and Souness aren’t afraid to put in a two-footed tackle of an opinion – and they don’t stand for reputations.
      France World Cup winner Paul Pogba continuously felt Souness’s wrath.
      “He goes out with one thoughts in his mind,” Souness – who now also stars on TalkSport – once divulged.
      “I’m going to show everyone how clever I am today and be the star of the show.
      “He’d be an absolute doddle to play against.”
      Souness has also been critical of Jack Grealish and his £100million price tag, labelling a “good player, not a great player”, which the England midfielder took offence to and called him out over.
      To his credit, Souness then offered Jack Grealish a night out – which the former Aston Villa man hilariously accepted, as long as he can bring Pogba as a plus one.
      Keane doesn’t suffer fools himself.
      During his analysis, Marcus Rashford cracking a smile during a warm-up to players touching the Anfield sign have irked the Irishman.
      Kean has caused controversy as a TV punditCredit: pixel8000
      Paul Pogba and Jack Grealish have been stung by criticism from SounessCredit: Rex
      Where he has the edge of Souey might be his dry sense of humour.
      He had TV viewers creasing up when he reacted to Chelsea team mates Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell and Billy Gilmour catching up ahead of England and Scotland’s Euros clash last year for 20 minutes.
      “The only thing I would be critical of is why would you want to speak to an opposition player for 20 minutes?
      “I don’t care if he’s your teammate or not. For over 20 minutes?
      “I very rarely speak to anybody for over five minutes. After a game when you’ve been to war with somebody, why would you want to chat to somebody for that long?
      “I think they could have used a bit more common sense. I rarely want to speak to anyone for five minutes.”
      Host Mark Pougatch then queried: “I hope your wife gets more than five minutes?”
      To which Keane replied: “No, never.”
      Expect fireworks when Keane and Souness analyse games togetherCredit: Pixel8000
      Although Keane is as fierce as the come, he’s on a par with Souness in the toughness stakes for usCredit: Rex
      Verdict
      How can you divide them?
      Keane took on Fergie, one of the most feared managers of his generation.
      Souness took on half of Istanbul with a moment of pure defiance at Galatasaray’s bitter rivals.

      As players they won the lot, even on the highest stage in Europe.
      While as pundits, Souness isn’t afraid to speak to his mind – and neither is Keane.
      For this one, we’re going to have to sit on the fence. Best place, really, to avoid falling out with either. More

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      Meet Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who wants to buy Man Utd, owns Nice and is nicknamed Bond villain Dr No

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      BRITAIN’S richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe – worth a staggering £15billion- is plotting to buy Manchester United.The billionaire businessman wants in after the Glazer family put the club up for sale – as long as it’s for the right price.
      Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, wants to buy Man UtdCredit: Getty – Contributor
      United announced on Monday that the Glazers were “looking to explore strategic alternatives” for the club.
      Ratcliffe, 70, is a lifelong Red Devils fan and it was revealed in the summer he was interested in taking over the club.
      A spokesperson said: “If the club is for sale, Jim is definitely a potential buyer.
      “If something like this was possible, we would be interested in talking with a view to long-term ownership.
      “This is not about the money that has been spent or not spent. Jim is looking at what can be done now and, knowing how important the club is to the city, it feels like the time is right for a reset.”
      Back in April, Ratcliffe put in an offer for Chelsea after speaking with former Blues chairman Bruce Buck, when sanctions placed on Roman Abramovich triggered a fire sale.
      Ratcliffe is a petrochemicals tycoon who at his peak was worth around £21BILLION.
      He runs multi-billion-pound chemicals giant Ineos, which owns French club Nice, Swiss side Lausanne, plus a third of Formula One team Mercedes.
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      Speaking in October about taking over United, he said: “If it had been for sale in the summer, yes, we would probably have had a go, following on from the Chelsea thing.
      “But we can’t sit around hoping that one day United will become available.”
      Now United IS available, and billionaire businessman Ratcliffe is ready to negotiate a potential takeover.GROWING UP
      Ratcliffe was born in Failsworth,  LancashireCredit: AFP or licensors
      Ratcliffe was born in Failsworth, Lancashire, a commuter town just outside of Manchester.
      His father was a joiner and his mother worked in accounts, with the family living in a council house until the age of ten, before eventually moving to Hull, Yorkshire.
      His father later ran a factory making lab furniture.
      Ratcliffe previously admitted that despite having a Chelsea season ticket for many years, he is actually a Manchester United fan.
      He said: “I am a season ticket holder at Chelsea, have been for years, although I’m a Manchester United fan really.
      “Or was!”
      After attending Beverley Grammar School, Ratcliffe graduated from the University of Birmingham with a degree in chemical engineering.
      He also attended the London Business School, studying management accounting and graduating in 1980.
      CAREER
      Back in 2019, Ratcliffe forked out £91m to buy NiceCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      Ratcliffe’s first job was with oil firm Esso, before moving to American private equity group Advent international in 1989.
      He only became an entrepreneur at 40, as co-founder of INSPEC and then in 1998 forming Ineos in Hampshire, buying out his partners.
      The company used high-yield debt to finance deals, buying unwanted operations from bigger firms such as ISI and BP.
      In 2006, Ineos bought BP’s refining and petrochemical arm Innovene, giving the company refineries in five European countries and Canada.
      Ineos quit the United Kingdom in 2010, moving their head office from Hampshire to Rolle, Switzerland.
      The move is said to have saved Ratcliffe and his firm around £100million annually because of lesser tax.
      We’d look at businesses that were unfashionable or unsexy… We’d run them a bit better, reduce the costs, make them busy, and over the cycle they are very profitableSir Jim Ratcliffe on how his company made their billions
      He did return in 2015, however, putting the chemicals and energy branch of Ineos in Knightsbridge, London, saying he was “very cheerful” about being back in the UK and untroubled by Brexit.
      In fact, Ratcliffe had voted for Brexit.
      However, he quit the UK in 2018, moving to tax haven Monaco.
      The same year, the Sunday Times named Ratcliffe as Britain’s Richest Man, with a personal wealth of £21.05bn.
      Ineos, which employs around 19,000 people across the globe, makes fuels and lubricants, food packaging and construction materials that are a huge part of everyday life.
      It also supplies natural gas to homes and produces plastics, acids and polystyrene.
      In 2018, Ineos had a turnover of £45bn and is valued at £35bn.
      He previously revealed to The Times how he made his money, saying: “We’d look at businesses that were unfashionable or unsexy, facilities owned by large corporations where you’d know they would be sloppy with the fixed costs.
      “We’d run them a bit better, reduce the costs, make them busy, and over the cycle they are very profitable.”
      Ratcliffe has been called secretive and reclusive and according to the Financial Times has been given some nefarious nicknames by rivals and staff.
      They reported he has been called JR after the scheming oil tycoon from 1980s hit show Dallas, as well as Dr No – after the Bond villain/mad scientist.
      Ratcliffe’s company, Ineos, produces a range of plastics, lubricants and products used in everyday life – such as bottle tops and toothpasteCredit: Reuters
      Ratcliffe is a supporter of controversial drilling process frackingCredit: PA:Press Association
      PERSONAL LIFE
      Ratcliffe, who is a vocal supporter of fracking, was married to Amanda Townson in 1985, before divorcing in 1995 – the couple had two sons.
      He also has a daughter from his second wife, Alicia, whom he married in the late 1990s.
      Ratcliffe had properties in Chelsea and Hampshire before quitting the country for the French Riviera.
      His move to the tax haven, where he already had a property, saved him around £4BILLION in tax.
      Ratcliffe was also made a Knight Bachelor in the 2018 Birthday Honours list for services to business and investment.
      He has owned two large super-yachts, the Hampshire, which he sold in 2011 to take order of the Hampshire II, which he still owns.
      The Hampshire II cost £130million is 257ft 6in and can house 14 guests and 23 crew.
      It features six large cabins, has a swimming pool on one of the decks, a helipad, Jacuzzi, sauna, cinema and beach club.
      The helipad can even be transformed into a special sports area fit for tennis, badminton, basketball, baseball or football.
      His other toys include FOUR private jets and a fleet of cars – although it’s not known which cars he has.
      However, he is a known lover of Land Rover Defenders and has financed his own line of cars to rival his favourite 4×4.
      The Ineos Projekt Grenadier starts at £55,000.
      Ratcliffe is a lover of sports and the outdoors – and financed a new 4×4 to replace the Land Rover DefenderCredit: Jon Bond – The Sun
      The billionaire’s super-yacht, the Hampshire II, cost £130m and includes a swimming pool, helipad and room for 14 guestsCredit: YouTube / Feadship
      SPORTS
      Sir Jim has always been a huge fan of sport and physical activity.
      As well as growing up a Manchester United fan, he has made expeditions to the North and South Poles and also spent three months on a motorbike trek across South Africa.
      Ratcliffe is also said to have completed the London Marathon in 2007.
      Before his interest in buying Man Utd, Ratcliffe and Ineos had already bought another football team: Swiss side FC Lausanne-Sport.
      He completed the purchase of the team in November 2017, with the club sitting fifth in the Swiss Super League.
      However, The Blue and Whites were RELEGATED in his first season at the helm, dropping down to the Challenge League.
      The club are currently fourth in the table.
      Ineos then paid £91million to take over French Ligue 1 side Nice in 2019.
      Elsewhere, Ratcliffe completed a move for cycling outfit Team Sky – and turned them into Team Ineos.
      He said: “Cycling is a great endurance and tactical sport that is gaining ever more popularity around the world.
      “Equally, cycling continues to mushroom for the general public as it is seen to be good for fitness and health, together with easing congestion and pollution in city environments.
      “Ineos is delighted to take on the responsibility of running such a professional team.”
      In 2018, Ratcliffe teamed with Olympic hero Sir Ben Ainslie to form Ineos Team UK, and they competed for the America’s Cup from 2021.
      It is believed he spent more than £110million on the project.
      Clearly, with money to burn, Man Utd fans will be getting excited at the prospect of Ratcliffe backing their club.
      Ratcliffe is a keen sailor and teamed with Olympic hero Sir Ben Ainslie to form Ineos Team UK – the billionaire has already spent £110m on the projectCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Meet Spain’s stunning World Cup Wags including Italian fashion designer, qualified architect and the manager’s DAUGHTER

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      SPAIN have every chance of winning the World Cup in Qatar.And if they do, the stars of Luis Enrique’s team will be celebrated by their amazing Wags.
      Stunning Spain Wag Sandra Garal leads her country’s Wags
      Qualified architect Garal with Marco Asensio
      From a qualified architect to an Italian model and fashion designer, they are as glam as you would expect.
      While the manager’s daughter also dates a former Man City star.
      Here’s Spain’s glorious Wags in all their glory.
      Sandra Garal
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      Sandra, 28, met Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio in a nightclub, where she worked as a waitress.
      A former architecture student, she is now a model – who regularly shows off her curves in a bikini on Instagram.
      She has over 300,000 followers on the social media platform, who will be entranced by the glam lifestyle she leads.
      From epic holidays to fancy fashion photoshoots, she lives a life to envy.
      Most read in Football
      Alice Campello
      Italian stunner Alice, 27, is the wife of centre forward Alvaro Morata.
      But she’s more than that – and is an entrepreneur in her own right.
      A former model, Campello has branched out into the fashion world – launching her own clothing label, Akala Studio.
      And she also has her own make-up line MASQMAI that’s available at Sephora.
      Stunning Italian beauty Alice Campello is one of Spain’s most famous WagsCredit: Instagram / @alicecampello
      Campello has her own fashion and make-up linesCredit: Instagram / @alicecampello
      Alvaro Morata with gorgeous CampelloCredit: Instagram / @alicecampello
      Sira Martinez
      Sira, 22, is an equestrian, polo player and girlfriend of Ferran Torres, who used to grace the Etihad.
      They began dating last year, although it’s unknown if he had to seek her dad’s approval.
      Because Sira’s old man is Spain’s coach, Luis Enrique.
      Ahead of the coach, Enrique joked that his daughter would kill him if he didn’t pick Torres in his team.

      Sira Martinez is the daughter of Luis EnriqueCredit: Instagram / @siramartinezc
      Enrique joked that daughter Martinez would kill him if she didn’t pick her footballer boyfriend for the national teamCredit: Instagram / @siramartinezc
      Martinez dates former Man City ace Ferran TorresCredit: Instagram / @siramartinezc
      Sara Botello
      Beautiful brunette Botello divides her time between her hometown Bilbao and where she currently lives in Manchester with City ace Aymeric Laporte.
      The brunette beauty is a trained dancer, having performed ballet and contemporary dance in shows around Spain.
      And back in August they welcomed their first child together – a boy named Lucay.
      Brunette beauty Sara Botello shows off her stunning curvesCredit: Instagram / @sara_botello
      Botello is a dancer originally from BilbaoCredit: Instagram / @sara_botello
      Botello lives a glam life with Man City’s Aymeric LaporteCredit: Instagram / @sara_botello
      Tatiana Trouboul
      David Raya is not the only keeper in his life – his stunning Wag Tatiana is someone you would never want to let go of.
      She’s 27 and is originally from Barcelona, although she now lives in London with the Brentford shotstopper.
      They reportedly met in 2021, but kept their romance private until this year.
      She is a model, who formerly worked in a nightclub.
      Tatiana Trouboul is from Barcelona – but now lives in LondonCredit: Instagram / @t.trouboul
      Trouboul used to work in a nightclub in her homelandCredit: Instagram / @t.trouboul
      David Raya and Trouboul kept their romance under wraps until this yearCredit: Instagram / @t.trouboul
      Marta Marchena
      Glam Marta Marchena, 28, is originally from Sevilla.
      She was thrust into the public eye, after she dated Spanish singer Antonio Jose for five years.
      She has since got together with PSG midfielder Carlos Soler this year.
      Marta is a blogger who runs her own consultancy business.
      Seville beauty Marta Marchena is a blogger and runs a consultancy companyCredit: Instagram / @martamarchena3
      Marchena was thrust into the spotlight when she dated Spanish pop star Antonio JoseCredit: Instagram / @martamarchena3
      Now, Marchena dates Carlos SolerCredit: Instagram / @martamarchena3
      Beatriz Espejel
      Bilingual Beatriz, 33, is the founder and director of International Academy of Languages school.
      In 2018, she married Atletico Madrid ace Koke – and they have one son together called Leo.
      In her spare time, she likes to write a travel blog – documenting her travels as a Wag.
      She is well followed on social media – boasting over 150,000 followers on Instagram.
      Beatriz Espejel is bilingual and runs a language schoolCredit: Instagram / @beatrizespejel
      Koke and Espejel have been married since 2018Credit: Instagram / @beatrizespejel More

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      I am Argentina’s sexiest fan at the World Cup and once offered to auction off my lucky knickers after a win

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      IT would have been a hard watch for Melisia Artista – Argentina’s ‘sexiest fan’.The Shakira lookalike has made the trip to Qatar to cheer on her country at the 2022 World Cup.
      Argentina’s ‘sexiest fan’ is at the World Cup in Qatar
      Gorgeous Melisia has made quite a stir in her homeland
      Melisia shared her view from her seat at the Lusail Stadium
      And she shared shots on her Instagram outside the Lusail Stadium, hours before the game kicked off, as well as watching from her seat.
      However, she would have been left devastated by her nations’ shock defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia.

      The River Plate fan has amassed almost 250,000 followers on Instagram.
      And, judging by a stunt she pulled off in 2017, should Argentina be in dire need of inspiration – Melisia will be sure to come up with a plan.
      read more world cup news
      Morale booster
      After River crashed to a 3-0 first leg defeat in the Copa Libertadores quarter-final in 2017 to Bolivian team Club Deportivo Jorge Wilstermann, she came up with a novel way to gee up her team.
      Desperate to see her team progress, and knowing they needed a pick-me-up, she reportedly sent the players a saucy video that left little to the imagination.
      Needless to say, the trick worked a treat. River, astonishingly, won 8-0 in the return leg to reach the semi-finals, where they were eventually eliminated by Lanus.
      Melisia has amassed a staggering 250,000 followers on Instagram
      River Plate stars were treated to a sexy video on social media from Melisia for inspiration
      Devout football fan Melisia follows River Plate
      Melisia once offered to auction off a pair of her lucky knickers to bring River Plate some luck
      Most read in Football
      Lionel Messi and Co should check their social media inboxes now.
      Knickerbocker glory
      If that wasn’t enough, before THAT Copa Libertadores quarter-final Melisia was feeling strangely superstitious.
      She revealed she would be entrusting the help of her lucky knickers in the hope that River would over-turn the three goal deficit.
      Melisia even told fans online that if River were victorious, she would auction off the underwear to one of her followers.
      However, despite that threat Melisia might’ve got caught up in the hysteria of the moment.
      It was never confirmed whether a fan received her knickers. Probably best better not knowing.
      Pop star by day
      When she’s not following River or Argentina, influencer Melisia is crafting a career in music.
      When she’s not following the football, Melisia has a pop career
      Melisia has made the trip to Qatar to cheer her country on
      Melisia, like many Argentinians, will be smarting from their defeat to Saudi Arabia
      The blonde bombshell has released a number of singles in her homeland, independently.
      Her Reggaeton beats feature in songs called Hasta Abajo (Drop it the floor) and El Perdon (Forgiveness).
      If you’re an Argentina fan right now, at least this influencer can provide the perfect distraction until the next game. More

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      Inside factory where the World Cup is made EVERY four years… as replica of famous trophy is given to winning nation

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      ITALY may not be at the World Cup this year, but you can guarantee an Italian has already had their hand on the trophy.That’s because the 18 carat gold prize is remade in Paderno Dugnano, a small town near Milan, at trophy and medal manufacturers GDE Bertoni.
      France star Kylian Mbappe kisses the World Cup after their 2018 winCredit: AFP
      Silvio Gazzaniga created the current World Cup trophy in 1971
      A GDE Bertoni worker works on the replica trophyCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      Every four years, workers at the factory are tasked with creating a brass copy of the trophy that’s given to the football federation of the winning team.
      Standing some 36.8 centimetres high and weighing 6.1 kilograms, the original was designed by artist Silvio Gazzaniga in 1971, and presented at the 1974 World Cup to winners West Germany.
      Owned by FIFA, THAT trophy is handed out to the team who wins the World Cup final, after it’s engraved with the country’s name on the trophy’s base.
      But then, following the trophy presentation, it’s handed back to GDE Bertoni who have to restore it before returning it to FIFA, where it sits in their official museum before the NEXT World Cup.
      Read more in football
      Apparently, when players get their hands on it, all sorts of damage can be done when the trophy’s passed around during celebrations. So that’s why Bertoni have to preserve it.
      But how do GDE Bertoni make the replica World Cup trophy?
      First, the brass body is formed in the foundry. The metal is poured into a special container (which is the shape and design of the real World Cup) to produce a plaster cast.
      Once that’s done, it has to be chiselled by die grinders, which remove any excess metal.
      Most read in Sport
      Die grinders are used to remove any excess metalCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      The top of the World Cup trophy is polished so it’s more refinedCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      Now, comes the human element. Manual chiselling with a small hammer is required to refine and complete the necessary details on the trophy – specifically on the two human figures holding up the world.
      More refining is needed, so it’s polished with heavy machinery to get it looking just perfect after that.
      The trophy then reaches the galvanic department, who are responsible for ultrasonic cleaning and giving it a degreasing bath.
      That’s a process that uses ultrasound and an appropriate solvent to ensure the trophy is cleaned properly and it also enhances the effect of the metal.
      Next, the trophy is dipped into a gilding bath – gilding being a decorative technique for applying fine gold leaf or powder to solid surfaces.
      Following that, it’s washed in distilled water, which again gives it a gleaming shine.
      Then, it’s off to the galvanic department who perform the next step in giving the trophy an ultrasonic cleaning and degreasing bathCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      The trophy is then given a gilding bathCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      Malachite green marble is applied to the base and the trophy is sprayed with a Zapon varnish, which ensures its preservation.
      The trophy is dried, cleaned once again and inspected one final time before it’s ready to be displayed come World Cup final day.
      The whole scientific process from start-to-finish takes around three months.
      As well as making the World Cup trophy, GDE Bertoni are also responsible for crafting the gold medals for the winners.
      And they’re a busy operation all-season long, having to produce other major trophies throughout the year.
      They create replicas of the Champions League, Europa League and even the Supercup trophies
      Gilding is a decorative technique for applying fine gold leaf or powder to solid surfacesCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      Zapon varnish is applied to make sure the trophy is correctly preservedCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      Finally, the World Cup trophy is ready for final inspectionCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      GDE Bertoni staff display the trophies they’ve created through the yearsCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      GDE Bertoni are also in charge of restoring the World Cup after the World Cup final trophy presentationCredit: Paolo Vezzoli
      But it’s when the World Cup comes around that GDE Bertoni are at their busiest.
      The real World Cup trophy we see today was created for the 1974 World Cup in West Germany.
      Gazzaniga beat off 53 submissions from other sculptors determined to win the commission.
      Read More on The Sun
      The original is believed to be made of 75% gold and has been estimated to be worth around £10m.
      Is it any wonder why FIFA keep it under lock and key in their World Football Museum in Zurich. More

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      England’s best and worst football kits, from Moore’s iconic 1966 shirt to Seaman’s garish Euro 96 goalie jersey

      by

      THROUGH the years the likes of Umbro, Admiral and Nike have encouraged us to reach deep into our pockets to buy an England jersey.Some of those kits have been memorable, often linked to the team’s performance, and have become collector’s items.
      England, wearing the jersey they’ll wear for the 2022 World Cup, have sported a variety of shirts over the yearsCredit: Getty
      Others, however, have been simply forgettable – mainly because they were rarely worn or their design was simply too garish.
      SunSport has delved into its wardrobe to pull out the best and worst kits we’ve ever seen England perform in. There are some crackers… but there are some true stinkers too.THE BEST
      5. 2010-11 HOME KIT
      This special kit was one for the hipsters.
      Designed by Peter Saville, the graphic designer responsible for creating album artwork for Joy Division, Pulp, Suede and more, it was produced by Umbro.
      The cross of St George was carefully stitched onto the shirt and socks to give it that extra patriotic feel.
      While the shorts were a royal blue colour – that certainly suited Chelsea legend John Terry.
      In 2010 iconic graphic designer Peter Saville created this England top
      One for the hipsters, the flag of St George was stitched into the jersey and socks
      4. 1990-92 THIRD KIT
      One for the purists.
      Designed for Italia 90, it only ever got one outing – and that wasn’t just from Bernard Sumner in New Order’s World In Motion video.
      Dennis Wise and Co wore it for a game against Turkey in 1991, and it never appeared again.
      It did look very similar to Manchester City’s shirt of the same era though, that also featured a diamond pattern running through it.

      1990-92 Replica Third Shirt, £35 from Pro Direct Soccer – buy here

      England’s third kit looked like Man CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Umbro kit was only worn once in a friendly against Turkey before it was shelvedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      3. 1990-93 HOME SHIRT
      A jersey linked with special memories.
      From David Platt hammering home a last-minute volley against Belgium to Gazza’s tears and Gary Lineker’s goals, it was worn infamously during the 1990 World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals.
      Its design is steeped in the 90s, with subtle zig-zags adorning a slightly flammable material.

      1990-93 Replica HOME Shirt, £30 form Pro Direct soccer – buy here

      Paul Gascoigne made England’s 1990-93 home jersey iconicCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Gary Lineker and England reached the semi-finals in Italia 90Credit: Getty – Contributor
      2. 1980-83 HOME KIT
      While England didn’t lose a game at the 1982 World Cup, where they wore this number created by Admiral, they failed to make it past the second group round.
      Two frustrating draws against West Germany and Spain, the latter in which an unfit Kevin Keegan missed a sitter of a header saw the Three Lions crash out.
      But in the style stakes, we definitely had the best kit – with a stonking v-neck flanked by a blue and red pattern either side of it.

      1980-83 Replica HOME shirt, £30 from Pro Direct Select – buy here

      Admiral’s England kit is recognised as one of their coolestCredit: Mark Leech Sports
      From 1980-83 England wore a v-neck collar
      1. 1966 AWAY SHIRT
      It had to be.
      Worn expertly by Bobby Moore and Sir Geoff Hurst as we marched to World Cup glory at Wembley defeating West Germany 4-2, it was only worn because (strangely) our opponents were the designated home team that day.
      But its simple design and round collar screams the 1960s, and it’s still a jersey you see fans wearing in the stands today.
      The question is; would it be number one if we hadn’t won the World Cup? Who cares, we did and that’s history.

      1966 Replica AWAY shirt, £25 from Pro Direct Soccer – buy here

      Bobby Moore wears the iconic red 1966 World Cup jerseyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      England only wore red that day because West Germany were the designated home teamCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty

      THE WORST
      5. 1999-2000 HOME KIT
      Desperate to recreate the feel of England’s 1966 shirt, Umbro introduced a round collar for this effort in time for Euro 2000.
      But even David Beckham couldn’t pull it off – as we fell to a last minute goal against Romania in a 3-2 loss in our last group game and were eliminated.
      The fact the shirt only retailed for a year showed you what the FA thought of it.
      Umbro brought back the round neck collar for this design in 1999Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2000 after a dismal Euros the shirt was in the binCredit: Getty – Contributor
      4. 1997-1998 HOME KIT
      Ironically, its predecessor wasn’t much better.
      Another Umbro effort, it did have an iconic moment attached to it when an 18-year-old Michael Owen waltzed past several Argentina defenders to slam home one of the best World Cup goals.
      But in terms of design, it was all over the place – with a bulky trophy neck collar and strange stripes on the side not adding to its glory.
      The centralised badge was a bit too radical too.

      1997-98 Replica HOME shirt, £30 from Pro Direct Soccer – buy here

      Michael Owen’s iconic goal against Argentina made the 1998 jersey memorableCredit: AFP – Getty
      But placing the badge in the centre of the kit went against traditionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      3. 2016 AWAY SHIRT
      When an England legend speaks out about a kit, it must be bad.
      In 2016, Gary Lineker tweeted: “Can’t think of a worse England strip” when the red away jersey was unveiled for the first time.
      And he wasn’t the only one, as fans online lambasted its design.
      For some reason it came with bright blue socks too. Just, no.

      2016 AWAY shirt, from £45, at Vintage Football Shirts – buy here

      England legend Gary Lineker was one of the first to criticise England’s 2016 away jerseyCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      For some reason Umbro paired bright blue socks with the red away kitCredit: PA:Press Association
      2. 1995-1996 AWAY SHIRT
      Sorry, Umbro.
      But when a company designs a shirt they hope looks good with jeans, is grey, and is said to be ‘indigo blue’ you know you’re in trouble.
      The strip was only worn three times, against Bulgaria, then against Georgia and finally against Germany in the Euro 96 semi-final.
      That defeat certainly put the nail in the coffin for it, and the kit was shelved soon after.

      1996-97 AWAY shirt, from £60, at Vintage Football Shirts – buy here

      England’s indigo blue shirt was created by Umbro with the idea it would look good with jeansCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      After England’s Euro 96 heartbreak against Germany the kid was never seen againCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      1. POOR DAVID SEAMAN
      The Arsenal goalie had a momentous tournament at Euro 96.
      A penalty save against Scotland that inspired the Three Lions to victory, the hero in a penalty shootout win over Spain, he became renowned as one of the world’s best keepers soon after.
      latest football features
      But this kit he wore did him absolutely no favours, even if he did stand out from the crowd.
      A bright red colour, mixed with a splash of green, yellow, purple made it look like something someone who had indulged in too many Skittles might’ve thrown up.
      And why was the E backwards on it? We’ll never know.
      David Seamans goalie jersey from Euro 96 was a monstrosityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      For some reason the E was backwards on the jersey

      Ranking every England manager More

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      in Soccer

      Meet England’s gorgeous Wags, who are staying on a £1bn cruise liner in Qatar, from a South African model to mum of two

      by

      ENGLAND’S Wags are doing the World Cup in style.Although are not allowed to see their famous partners, they are living it up on board a stunning £1billion cruise liner in Qatar.
      Anna Modler is one of England’s Wags cheering on our boys this summer
      Anna Modler is a model and partner to Eric Dier
      England ace Eric Dier is Modler’s reported boyfriendCredit: Rex
      The MSC World Europa boasts six swimming pools, a 643ft promenade, 14 ocean-view whirlpools, 13 dining venues and more than 30 bars and cafes.
      And although they have been warned by the FA with a strict ‘do’s and don’ts’ list, the extra security detail they have been provided should keep them out of bother.
      But who are the Wags supporting our lads?
      SunSport gives you a brief introduction to some of them.
      Read more in football
      Anna Modler
      Back in September, it was revealed Modler was dating Spurs ace Eric Dier.
      The South African beauty, 24, previously dated former Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez in 2020.
      According to reports, the model is said to be smitten with Dier.
      She also believes he could be “the one”.
      Most read in Football
      Sasha Attwood
      As the girlfriend of Jack Grealish, Sasha’s profile rocketed when he signed for Man City for £100million and became an England hero.
      The 26-year-old is a model and influencer, who has starred in huge ad campaigns,
      Most recently, she scored a massive deal with online fashion retailer boohoo.
      And she was dropping a massive hint to Jack about her future – modelling a range of maternity wear.
      Sasha Attwood, 26, is a model and influencerCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebecca
      Attwood is the longterm girlfriend of Jack GrealishCredit: https://www.instagram.com/sasha__rebecca/?hl=en
      Georgina Irwin
      Stunning Georgina is more used to travelling by air than sea.
      The fiancee of Arsenal’s No1 Aaron Ramsdale works for British Airways as a flight attendant.
      Aaron and Georgina, 26, started dating just three years ago – when he was on loan at AFC Wimbledon.
      As her job suggests, she loves to travel – enjoying breaks away in go-to destinations like Miami Beach and Tulum in Mexico.
      Stunning Georgina Irwin is the partner of Aaron RamsdaleCredit: Instagram
      Irwin’s day job is to work as cabin crew for British AirwaysCredit: Instagram @georginamay_
      Fern Hawkins
      Seasoned pro of a Wag Fern knows what it’s like to go to a big tournament.
      She was there, by husband Harry Maguire’s side, as the Three Lions reached the semi-finals in Russia in 2018.
      And mother-of-two Fern, 28, also suffered heartbreak with her beloved as England fell at the final hurdle at the last Euros.
      Maybe, it’ll be third time lucky.
      Fern Hawkins is a seasoned pro of a Wag when it comes to big tournamentsCredit: Instagram / @_fernmaguire
      Hawkins is the wife of Harry MaguireCredit: _fernhawkins/Instagram
      Megan Pickford
      Summer just gone and Megan, 26, got her dream wedding.
      She was whisked off to the Maldives by England’s No1 to the Maldives, where they said their I do’s for a second time.
      They had to postpone their big day because of the pandemic, and opted for a registry office first time round.
      Away from the pitch, they live a glam lifestyle – shopping in high-end fashion boutiques, hiring private jets, and staying in £2,500-per-night hotel suites.
      Megan Pickford has become a staple among England’s WagsCredit: The Sun
      The Pickfords enjoy a lavish lifestyle
      Paige Milian
      The fiancee of Chelsea star Raheem Sterling, Paige met the winger when they were teenagers.
      She followed his football journey from QPR to Liverpool, when she quit her job at JD Sports to live with him in the north.
      Now back in London with the Blues, after living it up Cheshire when he starred for Man City, Paige, 27, helps run his Milian Property Group company.
      Glam Paige Milian used to work at JD Sports before she hooked up with a footballerCredit: Instagram
      Milian’s other half is England winger Raheem Sterling
      Annie Kilner
      Kilner, 30, met England defender Kyle Walker when they were in their teens, but they briefly split up in 2019 after nine years together when he was accused of cheating on her with reality TV star Laura Brown.
      Since then, the England ace has been embroiled in a number of steamy encounters – culminating in a coronavirus lockdown sex party with two hookers in April 2020.
      Walker bedded Lauryn Goodman and became a dad for the fourth time in 2020 – but Annie branded him “gutless” after he broke the news over the phone.
      However, after Kyle agreed to put a ring on it – Kilner forgave him.
      Annie Kilner’s romance with Kyle WalkerCredit: Instagram
      After alleged affairs, Walker agreed to marry Kilner, who is mother to three of his children
      Anouska Santos
      Sitting next to Fern for club and country is Anouska Santos, 30, the missus of United left-back Luke Shaw.
      Rumours swirled that they were an item back in 2017, when the pair were spotted at Wireless Festival together.
      They too caught the baby bug this summer- with the birth of their daughter Storie, who they shared images of in an Instagram story. She was their second child after son, Reign.
      Anouska Santos has been a football’s Wag since 2017Credit: Instagram @anouskasantos
      Santos is Luke Shaw’s longterm girlfriend and mother of his two childrenCredit: Instagram / @anouskasantos More