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      Argentina HUMILIATE Brazil 4-1 with Emi Martinez even doing keepy ups in his own box in fiery World Cup qualifier

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      EMI MARTINEZ did keepy ups in his own box as Argentina thrashed Brazil 4-1 last night.The fierce rivals met in a World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires with bragging rights very much up for grabs.Emi Martinez performs keepy ups in his own box during the matchCredit: GettyArgentina stars celebrate their dominant victoryCredit: GettyTempers flared during and after the feisty matchCredit: GettyBrazil star Raphinha stoked tensions before the game by saying “f*** them” of his side’s rivals before adding: “We will beat them, no doubt.”The home side took the lead within five minutes, however, with Julian Alvarez squirming through two defenders before prodding the ball home.Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez made it 2-0 on 12 minutes, sneaking in at the back post to score following a neat move.Brazil got back into the contest in the 26th minute when Matheus Cunha caught Tottenham defender Cristian Romero dawdling on the ball, the Wolves forward pickpocketing his opponent before slotting beyond Martinez.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlexis Mac Allister restored Argentina’s two-goal advantage before the break, the Liverpool star beating Brazil goalkeeper Bento to the ball to score.Tempers flared just moments later, with Nicolas Otamendi telling Raphinha to “talk less” as players shoved each other – and Vinicius Jr seemingly gesturing that he’s won two Champions Leagues.Fans also made X-rated chants directed at Barcelona winger Raphinha.Twenty minutes from time, Diego Simeone’s son Giuliano got in on the act by rifling the ball in from a tight angle.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKEnzo Fernandez celebrates his goalCredit: APMartinez, 32, had Argentine colours dyed in his hairCredit: GettyWith Brazil consigned to defeat late on Martinez, who had the Argentine colours dyed into his hair, playfully performed keepy ups in his own box.As Raphinha left the pitch at the end of the game he was bumped by Martinez, with Romero playing peacekeeper as his opponent looked to confront the goalkeeper.Argentina players celebrate humiliating rivals Brazil in World Cup qualifier The reigning world champions trounced Brazil without talisman Lionel Messi.And after the match, Alvarez cheekily claimed: “Maybe with Leo Messi on the pitch we might have scored two or three more goals.”Brazil defender Marquinhos admitted that the match had been “embarrassing”.The PSG stalwart told Brazilian TV: “What we did here today can’t happen again.”It’s hard to talk about it in the heat of the moment… It’s embarrassing.”We started the game very badly, far below what we could do and they’re on a great run of confidence. They knew how to play smart … I’m sorry for our fans.”Brazil have won just seven out of 16 matches under boss Dorival Jr.But Marquinhos refused to blame his under-fire coach.’WE HAVE TO SHARE THE BLAME’The 30-year-old added: “It’s not just the coach’s fault… It’s the players’ fault too.”There’s no secret formula in football where you make a choice and it works out. We can all do better. We have to share the blame.”It’s about understanding the moment and being humble.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArgentina have already qualified for next year’s World Cup with four matches to spare.Brazil, meanwhile, still have work to do – sitting six points above seventh-placed Venezuela with 12 left to play for.Raphinha found himself in the thick of the actionCredit: APThe Barcelona winger’s pre-match comments did not go unnoticedCredit: AP More

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      Diego Maradona’s bodyguard who was with legend on day he died ARRESTED in ‘house of horrors’ case over star’s death

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      DIEGO Maradona’s former bodyguard has been arrested in the investigation into the player’s death.His final days have been described in court as a “House of Horrors”, and now Julio Cesar Coria — who worked closely with Diego — has been detained after a dramatic twist in the trial of seven medics accused over the star’s care.Diego Maradona’ s former bodyguard, Julio Cesar Coria (R), has been arrested on suspicion of perjuryThe Argentinian star died in November 2020Credit: GettyCoria is escorted at the San Isidro court in San Isidro, Buenos Aires provinceCredit: AFPA trial over Maradona’s death involved the chief prosecutor showing the court a very graphic image of the footballerCredit: Canal CBAProsecutor Patricio Ferrari accused Coria of lying under oath, prompting trial judges to order his immediate arrest.He had given evidence as a witness at the ongoing trial, which started on March 11 and is set to continue until the summer.Coria, 48, had worked with Maradona for five years and was with him at the house in Tigre, near Buenos Aires, where he died of heart failure on November 25, 2020.He attempted mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as the Napoli star lay unresponsive in bed.Read more on Maradona’s trialCoria had been called as a witness due to his close relationship with the star – but Ferrari told the court he falsely claimed he hadn’t spoken to Diego’s doctor, Leopoldo Duque, before the death and wasn’t a friend of his.WhatsApp messages revealed the pair had discussed Maradona’s health and even arranged a barbecue.Coria also reportedly failed to mention in his initial statement that psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov had attempted CPR — only to later claim she had on the witness stand.Judges ordered his arrest following a brief recess.Most read in FootballHe was later seen being driven away in a patrol car, handcuffed in the back seat.Luque, Cosachov, and five other health workers are on trial for homicide with possible intent, a charge carrying up to 25 years behind bars.Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death They include nurses Ricardo Almiron, Nancy Forlini, and Mariano Perroni; psychologist Carlos Diaz; and doctor Pedro Di Spagno.An eighth person, nurse Gisella Dahiana Madrid, will be tried separately later this year.The case was initially treated as manslaughter, but was reclassified to homicide after a damning medical board report found Maradona’s team had acted “inadequately, deficiently and recklessly.”To convict, the court must find the medics acted in a way they knew could kill — and did nothing to stop it.Ferrari told the court at the start of their trial Diego spent the last days of his life in a ‘House of Horrors’ after he left hospital and agreed to home care.During opening arguments, Ferrari held up a photo of Maradona lying in bed with a bloated stomach under a lifted black T-shirt and told the courtroom: “This is the way he died.”Luque, who denies wrongdoing, broke down in tears days after Maradona’s shock death following a search of his home near Buenos Aires.He claimed: “If I’m responsible for anything when it comes to Diego, it was loving him, caring for him, improving his life to the end and extending it.”Doctor Leopoldo Luque (C) during the trial for the death of Diego MaradonaCredit: APPsychologist Carlos Angel Diaz (C-R) during the trial at the San Isidro courtCredit: AFPAfter his death, it emerged Maradona had been buried without his diseased heart – which, at 503 grams, weighed almost double that of a normal heart for a man his age.Doctor and journalist Nelson Castro said at the time part of the reason had been to prevent obsessed fans from stealing it.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe first court session was streamed live online but it was subsequently decided not to continue with that policy.Maradona’s daughter Jana today told the court during her evidence her sisters Dalma and Gianinna had wanted to get their dad admitted to a clinic before his death but said Leopoldo Luque had rejected the idea.Fans crowding next to the hearse carrying the late football legend Diego Armando MaradonaCredit: AFPMaradona’s daughters Dalma and Gianinna, arriving at the courthouse on March 11, 2025Credit: Getty More

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      Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi deal ‘faces being hijacked by Real Madrid with £50m transfer plotted’

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      ARSENAL’S bid for Martin Zubimendi is at risk of being hijacked by Real Madrid.The Gunners have been keeping tabs on Real Sociedad star Zubimendi, 26, ever since last year when they tried to lure him away from Spain.Arsenal’s bid for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi could be hijacked by Real MadridCredit: GettySociedad star Zubimendi has also been linked with LiverpoolCredit: RexThe North Londoners are going toe to toe with Premier League rivals Liverpool for the midfielder’s signature – with the midfielder having dramatically snubbed the champions-elect last summer.Now, according to El Partidazo de COPE, Arsenal – and the Reds for that matter – are now facing serious competition from Real who are pushing hard for the Spain international’s signature.As per the same source, Zubimendi’s agent is listening to offers ahead of the summer transfer window.And Real president Florentino Perez is making his move as he understands his team’s advantage.Read More on ArsenalThe reigning European champions can guarantee the talented Spaniard Champions League football next season as well as silverware in the near future.Sociedad, on the other hand, are 12th in Laliga with 17 points separating them from the top four.This comes after Imanol Alguacil’s side were eliminated from the Europa League in the Last 16 by Manchester United.Real are more than willing to meet Zubimendi’s €60million (£50m) release clause and the potential arrival of Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso in the dugout will have no affect regarding their plans.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe same report claims the final decision now lies on the defensive midfielder.Zubimendi is highly rated and has been compared to Chelsea and Real legend Claude Makelele, Barcelona hero Sergio Busquets and Manchester City star Rodri.Myles Lewis-Skelly lost for words after finding out he has broken England recordArsenal and Liverpool were very keen to sign him last summer but he was persuaded to remain at his beloved Sociedad by manager Alguacil and sporting director Roberto Olabe.The pair prepared a presentation and pulled on the player’s San Sebastian heartstrings with pictures of his favourite local tapas restaurants and mountain hikes he enjoys in the Basque Country.The talented No6 has amassed a total of two goals and two assists in 38 appearances this season. More

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      Emma Louise Jones launches ‘helpline for DM deviants’ as BBC presenter reads out inappropriate messages from fans

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      EMMA LOUISE JONES had fun making a serious point – by launching an Instagram helpline group for “DM deviants”.The popular sports presenter mocked fans who sent inappropriate messages – but offered advice on how they can improve their behaviour.Emma Louise Jones delivered a powerful messageCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/?hl=en-gbThe broadcaster blended mockery with a more earnest noteCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/?hl=en-gbThe social media star revealed some of the shocking stuff she has to deal with online, particularly in direct messages (DMs).And she won praise from her followers for the innovative way she has chosen to deal with it.With an office for her support group in the background, Jones posted a jokey video which she rounded off with words of wisdom.And some DMs she shared showed why she treats the matter gravely.READ MORE SPORT NEWSThe Leeds supporter, best known for her BBC and Raceday TV work, did end up admitting her new helpline was fake and just for fun.But she equally confirmed that her point was important, especially by sharing some DM examples.Jones opened the video by saying: “Very first DM helpline help group.”She then added the caption: “Introducing you all to the DM Helpline Help group.Most read in FootballShe’s previously also shared some of her rare wardrobe problemsCredit: Instagram / @eljonesukBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”A weekly session for all our DM deviants. Dave, Ian, Simon…See you next week. *This is not a real help group.”Next came a selection of the unwanted messages she gets.BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones stuns in low cut dress as she shows off ‘new talent’ to adoring fansOne read: “Can I lick ur m****”.Jones commented light-heartedly on the punctuation by saying: “It isn’t the lack of a question mark that is the issue.”She also joked that using m**** rather than vagina didn’t stop the message “still being inappropriate”.But after teasing the authors of those messages, Jones was then deadly earnest.She said: “Because we don’t send vulgar messages like this to women on the internet, you wouldn’t say it in real life.”And she finished the video with some advice.She added: “Next week we’re going to discuss why women don’t want to see your penis in their DMs.”In the meantime, get yourselves outside, touch some grass and stay off your phones.”Jones’ online fans believe she hit the right note with her presentation.One wrote: “Love this, you are a superstar Jones.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother added: “You’ve got a great way of doing this.”And a third wrote: “Well done Emma for putting your point across using wit and intelligence.”She wore this impressive outfit to horse racing at YorkCredit: INSTAGRAM @eljonesuk More

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      Inside Ruben Amorim’s long ball revolution as big money Man Utd star is ordered to completely change his game

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      IN THE modern game, it seems all the best teams play out from the back.But Ruben Amorim is going the other way – by getting his goalkeeper to hoof it long.Andre Onana is being asked to kick the ball long moreCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim has clearly identified it as a new tacticCredit: EPAAndre Onana was signed from Inter in 2023 due to his ability to play out from the back.Yes, there have been some high-profile blunders along the way.But by and large, Onana is confident with the ball at his feet.However, the stats show he is being asked to kick it long far more – that passing short when under pressure is simply not worth the risk.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAfter all, United have lost the ball 142 times in their own defensive third this season – the sixth-most of the 20 top-flight teams. As reported by The Athletic, Opta stats show only five goalkeepers have done more “launches” in the Premier League this season.A “launch” is defined as a high ball – 40 yards of longer – into space or an area for players to chase or challenge. Of those, only Dean Henderson has completed fewer than Onana’s 25.8 per cent of 380 punts upfield. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOnana – a transfer target for Saudi Arabia – played most of his passes short in Amorim’s first game in charge, against Ipswich in November.And even against Everton on February 22, he only made three launches.Roy Keane fears Man Utd will get WORSE and reveals biggest red flag that could spell the end for Ruben AmorimBut when United faced Arsenal on March 9, a team who press more than Everton, the Cameroonian stopper produced a whopping 29, the most under Amorim. He has now averaged 20.4 launched passes in United’s last five matches – as opposed to six per game in the early days of Amorim’s reign. In February, Amorim insisted he is not too regimented and set in his ways – and may have had his arm somewhat twisted by Lisandro Martinez’s injury. The Portuguese said: “It’s not that I won’t adapt. “We adapt. “Sometimes we have short goal kicks and then sometimes long balls, because the opponent is pressing a lot. “I try to adapt to the players we have.”But are the long balls working? Well, not massively.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnderfiring strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have won just 22 and 29 per cent of their aerial duels this season – a drop on previous campaigns.And Alejandro Garnacho, often a target for Onana’s hopeful kicks out wide, wins just nine per cent of his aerial challenges, one of the worst figures in the division for wingers. Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have struggled to retain possession from the long ballsCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho wins just nine per cent of his aerial duelsCredit: ReutersOnana was brought in because of his ability to play out from the backCredit: GettyThis is a far more common sight in recent matchesCredit: Getty More

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      Kylian Mbappe rages as remote control car interrupts crucial France clash before taking matters into his own hands

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE was left baffled after a remote control car BROKE DOWN on the pitch before France took on Croatia in the Nations League.Just before the match was about to kick off, the ball was delivered to Mbappe with a small remote control car.Kylian Mbappe was baffled when a remote control car broke down on the pitchThe Frenchman took matters into his own hands by carrying it awayThe forward picked it out of the vehicle and prepared to place it on the centre spot.But as the car attempted to drive off, it stopped after travelling less than a metre.Mbappe then decided to take matters into his own hands – by picking up the remote control car.However, before he could carry it over to the sidelines, the person that was meant to be controlling the car frantically ran over to collect it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnce the brief moment of chaos was over, the match started as normal.France went on to win the match 2-0, making the score 2-2 on aggregate in the Nations League quarter-final.Les Bleus eventually progressed to the next round by winning 5-4 on penalties.They will now face Spain, who progressed by defeating Netherlands on penalties in the last-eight following a 5-5 draw, in the semi-final on June 5.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn the other semi-final, Germany face Portugal on June 4.The semi-finals are scheduled to take place just over a week before the Club World Cup is due to start in the United States.They will also take place just four days after the Champions League final.Real Madrid fan BURNS Kylian Mbappe shirt and fumes ‘my hopes and support for him is over’ More

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      Harry Kane claims players are being ignored over burnout fears as Thomas Tuchel shares break concerns

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      HARRY KANE claims the world’s top stars are being ignored over burnout fears.England captain Kane faces another summer without a proper break as Fifa’s month-long Club World Cup starts five days after the Three Lions’ friendly with Senegal on June 10.Harry Kane has expressed concerns about player burnoutCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel is also concernedCredit: PAThe Bayern Munich striker, 31, is one of at least a dozen England stars who are due to play in the revamped £600million 32-team tournament in the US — with boss Thomas Tuchel also  concerned.Players’ unions, including the PFA, have filed a legal complaint against Fifa over the tournament amid  welfare worries.But Kane said: “There’s nothing we can really do about it. I don’t think the players are listened to that much, if I’m honest.“We’re getting used to it but it’s another summer where you do not have a break.  There are arguments from the clubs — to generate more money.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“But there’s also a player welfare point where there’s only so much you can do without more injuries. It is a really hard balance.”Kane, who had less than four weeks off after Euro 2024, previously urged Prem chiefs to bring back a winter break to combat the crazy calendar.While Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, 28, warned stars were close to going on STRIKE before his heartbreak ACL injury in September.He insisted: “Someone has to take care of us. We are the main characters of this sport.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRodri’s City team-mates Manuel Akanji and Bernardo Silva, Liverpool keeper Alisson and Aston Villa boss Unai Emery have also pleaded for a reduction in the number of games.City and Chelsea are England’s representatives in the Club World Cup, while Kane’s Bayern and Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid will also take part.Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training And Kane added: “If we get to the Champions League final on May 31, you’ll go straight into England then straight into the Club World Cup. So there won’t be any time.”England boss Tuchel also expressed his fears about the tournament, which runs from June 15 to July 13.Tuchel’s side face Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on June 7, then Senegal three days later.And the German boss admitted: “I am worried about the players being able to have a break.“I am not so concerned about the amount of games they play, I am more concerned they never have a real break of four weeks. That’s the problem.”PFA chief Maheta Molango wants players limited to a MAXIMUM of 60 games per season.And Tuchel added: “The Fifa June window is not ideal for anyone, especially the players. Maybe Fifa can put this window somewhere else for the benefit of players.”Rodri previously claimed that players could go on strikeCredit: Getty More

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      Leah Williamson to use memorable Arsenal defeat of Bayern Munich as fuel for Real Madrid duel

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON hopes Arsenal’s Champions League knockout of Bayern Munich can fuel their battle for a semi-final spot. Her side are 2-0 down after losing their first-leg quarters game away at Real Madrid last Tuesday.Leah Williamson and her Arsenal team-mates aim to overcome Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: PAThe Gunners need to overcome a two-goal deficit in order to reach the contest’s semi-finals this yearCredit: PAThe last time Williamson’s side reached the contest’s last four was back in March 2023. Back then they overturned a 1-0 deficit to beat Bayern 2-1 on aggregate. And the Arsenal centre-back, 27,  hopes they can repeat this feat against Real Madrid in one of their biggest games this season. Williamson said: “The experience of overturning the quarter-final against Bayern Munich – that comes in handy for anybody that played in that game. That was a great memory. Read More Football Stories “Anybody that was involved in that game will take confidence from that knowing that we know how to do it.”Good things happen in football, bad things happen in football. “And when the good things happen you keep them in your pocket and just as much as the bad but you call them when you need them.”Arsenal’s game this evening will take place on pristine turf at the Emirates – a stark contrast to the muddy pitch they played on in Spain last week. Most read in FootballHeavy rain in Madrid left the turf at Alfredo Di Stefano stadium in a shabby state with players on sides getting covered in mud. However Williamson refused to blame the conditions for the Gunners’ first-leg defeat. She adds: “We were frustrated but more so at ourselves than anything else.Rainy weather ruined the condition of the pitch Arsenal and Real played on in Spain in the first leg of their quarters clashCredit: Getty”Whether pitch, weather, whatever it is, the standards of Arsenal are higher than they were last week.”The last time Arsenal won the Champions League was back in 2007 when they became the first English club to do so. Lifelong Gunners supporter Williamson, who dreams of helping them win again, said: “I’m an Arsenal fan and grew up at this club so that’s the dream.” More