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      Why did Ben White leave the World Cup?

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      BEN WHITE has left the England World Cup camp early – and he didn’t get to play for a single second at the tournament.The FA revealed that White missed training during the tournament due to illness.
      Ben White has left England’s World Cup squad earlyCredit: Getty
      But now, the Arsenal star has been permitted to fly home and he is not expected to return to Qatar to rejoin his Three Lions teammates.
      Find out more on Ben White’s early England exit below…
      Why has Ben White left England’s World Cup squad?
      White, 25 left the England camp ahead of their last-16 clash with Senegal for “personal reasons”.
      An FA statement confirmed: “Ben White has left England’s training base in Al Wakrah and returned home for personal reasons.
      Read more on England
      “The Arsenal defender is not expected to return to the squad for the remainder of the tournament.
      “We ask that the player’s privacy is respected at this moment in time.”
      Ben White’s club side Arsenal also tweeted: “We’re all with you, Ben.”

      What happened in England’s last-16 clash against Senegal?

      England’s World Cup last-16 clash with Senegal took place on Sunday, December 4.
      The Three Lions came out on top, beating the African side 3-0.
      Goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka saw Gareth Southgate’s side advance to the quarter-finals, where they face France.

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

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      Premier League’s biggest winners and losers of World Cup as Arsenal suffer nightmare and Man Utd’s success may backfire

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      PREM clubs are beginning to emerge from their enforced winter hibernation.Qatar 2022 brought an unprecedented pre-conceived six week shutdown half-way through the campaign.
      Top flight bosses are preparing for the return of the Premier League this monthCredit: AFP
      Gabriel Jesus is set to be sidelined for three months after surgeryCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      But with bosses now starting to gear up through a series of friendlies for the Boxing Day return to Prem arms, the big question is how the World Cup will impact the domestic agenda.
      SunSport looks at the 20 Prem teams to work out the likely winners and losers from a situation none of them will want to see repeated…
      ARSENAL
      Still in: Ramsdale, Saka, Martinelli, Saliba.
      Out: White (returned for family reasons), Xhaka, Jesus (injured), Tomiyasu, Turner, Partey.
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      MIKEL ARTETA crossed his fingers when he waved goodbye to 10 players but it could hardly have gone worse.
      Jesus is facing a three-month absence after knee surgery, White went home without kicking a ball and Saliba hasn’t left the bench.
      At least Saka has shone and Partey went back safe.
      Verdict: Biggest losers of the lot. Potentially crippling blow.
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      Emi Martinez is hoping to go all the way with ArgentinaCredit: Getty

      ASTON VILLA
      Still in: Martinez.
      Out: Dendoncker, Bednarek, Cash.
      UNAI EMERY will be pleased to have got all his outfield players back with three weeks to go before the Prem returns – and a chance to work with them properly.
      Martinez will be buzzing after his displays for Argentina.
      Verdict: Fairly neutral.
      Chris Mepham and Kieffer Moore were both dumped out with WalesCredit: Getty
      BOURNEMOUTH
      Still in: None.
      Out: Mepham, Moore.
      KIEFFER MOORE was one of the few Welsh players to return with their reputation enhanced and newly-confirmed Gary O’Neill will be hopeful he can continue to beat up centre-halves.
      Verdict: Slight winners.
      Bryan Mbeumo’s first Cameroon call-up saw him play World Cup footballCredit: Getty
      BRENTFORD
      Still in: None.
      Out: Damsgaard, Jensen, Norgaard, Mbeumo, Raya, Ghoddos.
      THOMAS FRANK’S biggest problem came before a ball was kicked with that major betting ban hanging over the head of Ivan Toney.
      But the Bees boss will also have to cope with six disappointed players from under-achieving sides.
      Verdict: A serious downer but nothing wrong physically.
      Alexis Mac Alliser has become a key figure in Argentina’s sideCredit: Alamy
      BRIGHTON
      Still in: Mac Allister.
      Out: Mitoma, Trossard, Sanchez, Lamptey, Estupinan, Caicedo, Sarmiento.
      MAC ALLISTER’S rise to a fulcrum of the Argentina team will have surprised many, including himself.
      Mitoma will have returned full of beans but the rest may need some morale boosting by the Amex squad.
      Verdict: Slightly the wrong side of neutral.
      Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly were both knocked out with SenegalCredit: Getty
      CHELSEA
      Still in: Mount, Gallagher, Sterling (although he may not return to Qatar), Kovacic, Thiago Silva, Ziyech.
      Out: Zakaria, Pulisic, Havertz, Mendy, Koulibaly, Azpilicueta.
      WORLD CUP came at a good time for Graham Potter to re-set the season but it has been a decidedly mixed bunch for him.
      Sterling lost his England place, Gallagher is a water-carrier and Mount is no longer starting, while Havertz will carry the burden of Germany’s failure.
      Verdict: No injuries but battered pride for some. So many going deep will be a concern.
      Jordan Ayew saw Ghana’s hopes of progressing end against UruguayCredit: Reuters
      CRYSTAL PALACE
      Still in: None.
      Out: Andersen, Ayew.
      PATRICK VIEIRA will be pleased it was Ayew’s brother Andre who missed THAT penalty against Uruguay and Denmark’s flop was not placed on Andersen’s shoulders.
      Verdict: No real impact either way.
      Jordan Pickford is delivering the goods between the sticks for EnglandCredit: AP
      EVERTON
      Still in: Pickford, Coady.
      Out: Onana, Gueye.
      FORM of goalie Pickford will have been a big boost for Frank Lampard and justified his continued faith.
      Coady appears to accept his unofficial “cheerleader” role and he is among the most popular members of Southgate’s squad.
      Senegal missed suspended Gueye badly against England.
      Verdict: England bubble unlikely to burst adversely for Toffees.
      Joao Palhinha has been a fringe player with PortugalCredit: Getty
      FULHAM
      Still in: Palhinha.
      Out: Wilson, James, Ream, Robinson, Mitrovic.
      ONLY real concern for Marco Silva will be whether Mitrovic pushed his weary body too hard in order to play for Serbia, although his goals will have masked much of the pain.
      Welsh duo might be happy to get back into a team with some legs in it.
      Verdict: Not obviously bad although toll of games may be an issue next month.
      Tyler Adams helped the USA reach the last 16Credit: Getty
      LEEDS
      Still in: None.
      Out: Kristensen, Aaronson, Adams.
      IF Greg Berhalter shared Jesse Marsch’s faith in Aaronson, the US might have gone a little bit further but Adams enhanced his reputation with a series of measured performances.
      Verdict: Should not be a problem.
      James Maddison is yet to play for England in QatarCredit: Getty
      LEICESTER
      Still in: Maddison.
      Out: Ward, Faes, Castagne, Tielemans, Mendy, Amartey.
      BELGIUM’S debacle could be a real problem for Brendan Rodgers to deal with even if his trio were not loaded with the biggest burdens of responsibility.
      Ward may have been beaten five times but he has played at a World Cup.
      Verdict: Will be a test of Brendan’s man-management.
      Virgil van Dijk will lead Holland’s charge against ArgentinaCredit: Getty
      LIVERPOOL
      Still in: Henderson, Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Fabinho, Konate, Van Dijk.
      Out: Nunez.
      KLOPP may privately be hoping to see a few of his players left disappointed this weekend but it looks like many of them will go deep – and that could force some tough selection calls over Christmas.
      Alexander-Arnold may need the old arm round the shoulder.
      Verdict: Big players at big teams could mean big problems but Klopp will be confident in getting things right.
      Phil Foden will be hoping to keep his spot against FranceCredit: Getty
      MANCHESTER CITY
      Still in: Ederson, Stones, Walker, Phillips, Foden, Grealish, Cancelo, Dias, Silva, Ake, Alvarez.
      Out: Akanji, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Laporte, Rodri.
      THE Prem’s biggest contingent at the start remains the joint biggest now, with plenty of Pep’s men having key roles.
      But it is the early return of De Bruyne, coupled with the fact that Haaland has had his size 10s well rested for a month, that could prove pivotal.
      Verdict: Pep will have to manage the workload of his late returners but a fresh and firing Haaland may be the season’s decisive factor.
      Bruno Fernandes has been superb for PortugalCredit: Getty
      MANCHESTER UNITED
      Still in:  Antony, Casemiro, Fred, Varane, Maguire, Shaw, Rashford, Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Malacia, Martinez.
      Out: Eriksen, Pellestri.
      TEN HAG lost one squad member before the tournament began with Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, but having 11 players still involved could be bad news given he is still trying to mould his team.
      Verdict: Impact may become significant over coming few weeks.
      Bruno Guimaraes is enjoying his time with Brazil’s squadCredit: Getty
      NEWCASTLE
      Still in: Bruno Guimaraes, Pope, Trippier, Wilson.
      Out: Schar.
      OTHER managers had more to fear than Eddie Howe and the Toon boss’s biggest concern will be getting his surviving quartet back safe and well for the second part of the campaign.
      Verdict: England players will be full of beans, Bruno may have the biggest prize. Shouldn’t be a worry.
      Remo Freuler saw his Swiss side spanked by PortugalCredit: AP
      NOTTINGHAM FOREST
      Still in: None.
      Out: Freuler, Hennessey, Williams, Johnson, Kouyate.
      WELSH trio have already been home for a week and will be able to join in when Steve Cooper gears up the training countdown.
      Verdict: Relegation or survival will be determined by quality and performances, not the World Cup.
      Mohammed Salisu was part of Ghana’s side in QatarCredit: Getty
      SOUTHAMPTON
      Still in: None.
      Out: Bella-Kotchap, Salisu.
      ONLY the two involved and both back after the group stage, so should not be a major worry for new Saints chief Nathan Jones.
      Bella-Kotchap may return frustrated at lack of involvement with Germany.
      Verdict: Bigger concerns for new manager than World Cup exertions.
      Harry Kane hopes to captain England to gloryCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      TOTTENHAM
      Still in: Perisic, Richarlison, Lloris, Dier, Kane, Romero.
      Out: Hojbjerg, Davies, Bentancur, Sarr, Son.
      BENTANCUR injury will be a concern for Conte but form of Kane, Richarlison and Son will have made the Italian smile.
      Suspicion that Perisic might need some time off and fans will still harbour doubts about Romero’s commitment to Tottenham cause.
      Verdict: Conte will use the World Cup to demand three more players in January, but he’d have done that anyway.
      Spurs boss tapered training and approach to come on strong after resumption.
      Declan Rice is England’s key man between defence and midfieldCredit: Getty
      WEST HAM 
      Still in: Paqueta, Areola, Aguerd, Rice.
      Out: Kehrer.
      ANOTHER Aguerd injury against Spain will have brought a grimace to David Moyes’ face – although that’s hardly unusual.
      Bigger long-term blow was Rice’s public admissions of his ambitions.
      Verdict: Rice comments might cause fan backlash but otherwise no real obvious effect.
      Ruben Neves is hoping to regain his place in Portugal’s XI against MoroccoCredit: Getty
      WOLVES
      Still in: Nunes, Neves, Sa.
      Out: Hwang, Jimenez.
      NEW chief Julen Lopetegui would probably have anticipated his Portuguese trio would be involved at the deep end although none of them started against Switzerland.
      Read More on The Sun
      A fit Jimenez could be crucial for him.
      Verdict: Will hope that the Mexican striker is now ready to show his pre-fractured skull form but otherwise few concerns. More

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      I’m an England super fan and I can predict who will win the World Cup with my tattoos – here’s who will take the trophy

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      AN ENGLAND super fan who jinxes sporting competitions by getting tattoos of his favourite players says the Three Lions WILL win the World Cup – because he can control the outcome.Jamie Richardson claims he had a “premonition” in a dream when a mystical being begged him not to go under the needle for a FIFTH time.
      Jamie Richardson is known for jinxing sporting results with his tattoosCredit: NB PRESS LTD
      Jamie has a “jinxed” England tattoo from the 2018 World CupCredit: NB PRESS LTD
      The England fan has also wrongly predicted boxing and rugby resultsCredit: NB PRESS LTD
      For years, the carpet fitter has inked premature results but they’ve all been duds – and he reckons his inkling to avoid an inking this time means England are set for glory in Qatar.
      The misfortune teller, born Friday 13, told The Sun Online: “I’m itching to get that tattoo but I don’t want to jinx it. 
      “If I can sacrifice getting a tatt they will definitely win it this time.
      “The last four that I’ve got have lost, so if I focus that energy, I honestly really, really think we will win the World Cup.”
      Read More in World Cup 2022`

      Among the erroneous prophecies scrawled on Jamie are “England World Cup Winners 2018”.
      Tatts of Castleford rugby and Leeds United’s playoff with Derby didn’t quite do what they say on the tin, either.
      And he’s even got boxer Billy Joe Saunders clasping the severed head of Canelo Alvarez
      But the Mexican champ went on to knock out the Brit in their 2021 bout.
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      I’m itching to get that tattoo but I don’t want to jinx it. Jamie Richardson
      “I’m not even a tattoo kind of guy, I just started collecting them”, the “impulsive” dad admitted.
      Jamie’s knack for cursing sporting outcomes has become so renowned that he’s been branded the “walking jinx” online.
      And his powers are so strong his inbox was once overrun with Spurs fans offering £500 to get Liverpool winner tatts for their 2018 Champions League final match.
      Despite all this, the failed mystic, from Morley, West Yorkshire, doesn’t regret a single one of his tatts – which have set him back a somewhat predictable £1,200.
      GOT AN INKLING
      The 37-year-old has not ruled out using his tattoo powers to jinx England’s opponents if they get to the final.
      And in the event of an England victory, he’ll get a “beautiful tribute” to the Three Lions: “It will be the proudest moment of my life”, he adds.
      Jamie’s superstition does not stop at tattoos – ahead of England’s quarter-final tie with France on Saturday he’s said a big ‘non’ to ANYTHING French in his house.
      It’s the biggest British-French battle since Waterloo!Jamie Richardson
      The history nut said: “It’s all about England. It’s the biggest British-French battle since Waterloo. I’m sat here watching re-runs of Henry V!”
      The Shakespeare epic depicts the heavily outnumbered English victory over the French at the battle of Agincourt in 1415.
      Read More on The Sun
      Quoting a rousing speech from the play, Jamie shouted: “The game’s afoot: Follow your spirit; and upon this charge, Cry ‘God for Harry! England! and Saint George!
      “Gareth is Henry V and he’s got his knights behind him.” More

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      Qatar want to host Olympics in winter tournament despite controversy over World Cup 2022

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      QATAR will use the success of the World Cup to launch a serious bid to land the 2036 Olympic Games.Despite the pre-tournament controversies including the last minute stadium booze ban, Doha believes it has proved it can put on a show for a global audience.
      The Middle Eastern state will ‘launch a serious bid’ to host the Olympic games in 2036Credit: Ian Whittaker – The Sun
      The infrastructure from the World Cup would provide the base for a bidCredit: Getty
      The Qatar tournament has seen many opposition over it’s human rights and anti-LGBT issuesCredit: Rex
      And the tiny Gulf state is now determined to push for the biggest sporting circus of all – although its bid may have serious obstacles to overcome.
      The Metro and bus fleet servicing the eight World Cup stadiums has been a huge success ferrying huge numbers of fans to the venues.
      In addition, the superb main media centre, combined with the international broadcast centre, which has also served as a venue for pre-match press conferences, has demonstrated clockwork precision.
      Qatari leaders believe the proven mechanics of the city will outweigh any global concerns about human rights issues.
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      Unlike other potential hosts, Doha has now built the majority of the venues and the transport infrastructure required, meaning a “low cost” Games.
      And while Doha faces competition from Mumbai in India, the Indonesian capital Jakarta and possibly Istanbul, Qatar feels it can persuade the International Olympic Committee it should bring the Games to the Middle East for the first time.
      The new IOC process, brought in ahead of the award of the 2032 Games to Brisbane, will see one “preferred bidder” nominated rather than a vote of the 108 members.
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      That means fierce lobbying while Qatar will have to persuade US broadcasters NBC to accept a Games in November – which would be in competition with the NFL back home.
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      SunSport understands that Qatar intends to go it alone and push for a Doha Games.
      However, there might be a situation in which it is under pressure from the IOC to consider a joint bid involving Gulf neighbours Saudi Arabia. More

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      Portugal hero Goncalo Ramos is the heir to Ronaldo’s throne, is nicknamed ‘The Wizard’ and was linked to Man Utd

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      AS entrances go, this is up there with some of the best.When Portugal coach Fernando Santos dropped Cristiano Ronaldo for the last-16 clash against Switzerland for 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos, it was a decision that could have backfired spectacularly.
      Goncalo Ramos announced himself on the big stage with his World Cup hat-trickCredit: Getty
      Ramos expertly chips in his third as Portugal run riot against SwitzerlandCredit: Rex
      But, with all the pressure on the young forward’s shoulders, he came to the fore – scoring a stunning hat-trick to banish the Swiss from Qatar in a commanding 6-1 win.
      Ramos was already seen as the heir to Ronaldo’s throne, and it was a performance that cemented that belief, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner looking on as his understudy drew the plaudits.
      The boy from the Algarve was destined to be a footballer, following in the footsteps of his dad Manuel who was capped twice by Portugal’s U21s.
      His rise at Benfica alongside Darwin Nunez was steady, but since the Uruguayan left for Liverpool that ascent has been more rapid.
      read more world cup news
      Now the main man with the Lisbon giants, Manchester United are said to be keeping close tabs on Ramos – who ironically could step into Ronaldo’s shoes for club and country.
      Year of the Ram
      Ramos grew up in 0lhao, where he began his football dream at Olhanense in 2009.
      A spell at Loule led to Benfica snapping him up when he was just 12.
      It was in the 2020-21 season in their B team he began to shine – scoring 11 times in 12 games, which got the attention of then-coach Jorge Jesus.
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      Jesus gave him a start in the qualifying round of the Champions League against Spartak Moscow.
      But chances were few and far between, following the arrival of Roman Yaremchuk and the return of Nunez from injury.
      However, when interim manager Nelson Verissimo replaced Jesus in January 2022 – his luck was in.
      Verissimo was his coach for the B team and got the best out of the talent.
      And in the first team, it paid dividends. Ramos played regularly and contributed seven goals. His most memorable was in the 3-3 draw at Anfield against Liverpool in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
      Already he had garnered a nickname. He was christened ‘The Wizard’ by fans.
      Former Benfica strike partners Darwin Nunez and Ramos catch up in QatarCredit: Reuters
      Ramos has exploded onto the scene at BenficaCredit: Getty
      He’s continued to fly
      Compared to Karim Benzema for his ability to bring others into play, Ramos is comfortable playing as a striker or second striker.
      He likes to drop deep and help his team build their attacks, and at 6ft1in tall has plenty of strength to hold off defenders.
      It’s this season under German manager Roger Schmidt, who has utilised Ramos as his front man, the goals have rained in.
      He scored his first career hat-trick against Midtjylland in a 4-1 win in the Champions League,
      In 21 games this campaign he has 14 goals. Benfica fans are right to ask the question, “Darwin who?’
      Last summer, Manchester United were one of the clubs targeting Ramos – who was then valued at £25million. You can imagine now that fee has doubled.
      His feet are being firmly kept on the ground by dad Manuel, who helped shape his football identity.
      Ramos Sr was a promising talent himself, and played twice for Portugal’s U21 side.
      However, he didn’t hit the heights his son already has – with Farense being the most famous club he played for.
      Read More on The Sun
      At just 21, Ramos has been called the heir to Ronaldo’s throneCredit: Getty
      Supportive dad Manuel Ramos used to be a former player and has kept his son’s feet on the ground
      Man Utd were linked with hotshot Ramos last summerCredit: Getty
      But Manuel is a regular at the Estadio da Luz, watching from the stands as his son’s stock continues to rise.
      Maybe he will be watching him next at Old Trafford, not playing for Benfica, but turning out for the Red Devils in the near future. More

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      Lionel Messi enjoys career best World Cup while jobless Cristiano Ronaldo’s Qatar nightmare goes from bad to worse

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      LIONEL MESSI is enjoying a career-best World Cup showing… while Cristiano Ronaldo’s tournament has gone from bad to worse.The goat-race duo are both on their final attempts to complete their respective career resumes by lifting the one trophy that has so far eluded them.
      Lionel Messi is having an excellent tournamentCredit: Getty
      But Cristiano Ronaldo has been demoted to the benchCredit: Rex
      Messi, 35, has been dazzling – scoring against Saudi Arabia and Mexico in the group stage before helping his side to a critical victory over Poland.
      He then bagged the first World Cup knockout goal of his career against Australia as the Albiceleste grabbed a 2-1 win.
      These performances are reflected in his WhoScored ratings – with Messi receiving a 7.39 for his first match against Saudi Arabia – before earning 8.04, 8.18 and 8.15 ratings in his subsequent games.
      This takes his averages to an extremely impressive 7.94.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Ronaldo, on the other hand, has not had it his own way since scoring a penalty against Ghana in the first match.
      He has gone scoreless since, despite trying to claim that he touched Bruno Fernandes’ goal-bound cross against Uruguay.
      The free agent star was then substituted against South Korea and sulked as he did so – drawing the ire of experienced boss Fernando Santos.
      Ronaldo, 37, was subsequently dropped – watching on from the bench for most of the match as Portugal routed Switzerland 6-1 – with his replacement Goncalo Ramos scoring a memorable hat-trick.
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      Lionel Messi has had an impressive tournament so far
      The former Manchester United forward’s tournament began with a decent enough WhoScored rating, receiving a 7.36 for his efforts against Ghana.
      But he has since been slapped with ratings of 6.63, 5.11 and 6.07 – making his average 6.29.
      Ronaldo did come on for the final 17 minutes of last night’s match, but Ramos appears a certainty to start Portugal’s remaining fixtures.
      Partner Georgina Rodriguez was unhappy with the situation, writing on Instagram: “Congratulations Portugal. While the 11 players sang the anthem all the goals placed on you.
      “What a shame not to have been able to enjoy the best player in the world during the 90 minutes.
      “The fans have not stopped claiming you and shouting your name.”
      She then sarcastically referred to Santos’ relationship with Ronaldo, adding: “I hope that God and your dear friend Fernando continue hand in hand and make us vibrate one more night.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo will be disappointed with his tournament to date
      Georgina Rodriguez was not happy about her man being droppedCredit: PA More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo spotted walking down the tunnel as Portugal team-mates stay on pitch to celebrate famous World Cup win

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO left his team-mates celebrating on the pitch as he walked down the tunnel at the end of Portugal’s win over Switzerland.Portugal won 6-1 in the last-16 clash to set up a tie with Morocco.
      Ronaldo can be seen walking off the pitch as team-mates stay to applaud the Portugal fans

      Cristiano Ronaldo quickly applauded Portugal fans before walking down the tunnelCredit: Reuters
      The superstar was the first Portugal star to leave the pitchCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo was dropped by manager Fernando Santos after throwing a strop following his substitution against South Korea.
      Santos was not happy with his captain’s behaviour and left him on the bench, instead handing a first ever international start to Goncalo Ramos.
      The switch paid off as Ramos scored a hat-trick as Ronaldo watched on from the dugout.
      The superstar was brought on with 17 minutes left with his side already 5-1 up.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      He managed to put the ball in the back of the net, but he was yards offside and the goal was disallowed.
      But he did not stay on the pitch for long after full-time and was the first Portugal player down the tunnel.
      Ronaldo did applaud Portugal fans quickly before heading to the dressing room, while his team-mates stayed on the pitch to soak up the adoration.
      After the game Santos denied he dropped Ronaldo because he had an issue with the former Manchester United star.
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      Santos said: “Cristiano and Ramos are different players.
      “There is no problem with the captain of the  team. 
      “I have known Cristiano since he was 19. We have a strong relationship.
      “Ronaldo and I never confuse the human and personal aspect with being manager and player.
      “Cristiano set the example of a captain.”  
      Ramos was asked about the atmosphere in the dressing room after Santos’ big call and whether Ronaldo had said anything to him.
      The young striker replied: “Honestly, in our team, no-one talked about it.
      Georgina Rodriguez was watching from the stands in DohaCredit: PA
      Cristiano Ronaldo, in his substitute’s bib, celebrates after Goncalo Ramos opens the scoringCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      “Cristiano, as our captain, did what he always does.
      ”He helped us, he encouraged us, not only me but also my team-mates.
      “Never in my wildest dreams did I think of being part of the starting 11 in the knockout stages.
      “Cristiano Ronaldo was one of my role models, along with Lewandowski and Ibrahimovic.
      “He’s a captain, the leader, and we always look forward to playing side by side with him.”
      Portugal midfielder Otavio added: “We are 26 players. Everyone’s important and it was no surprise  Goncalo  did the job.
      “But we know what Cristiano’s value is — he’s a star, the best in the world. He also helped us from the bench.”
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      Ronaldo was benched for the last 16 match and watched his replacement Goncalo Ramos score a hat-trickCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo appeared to cut a frustrated figure on the benchCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Veteran defender Pepe, who headed  the second goal after Ramos’ brilliant finish opened the scoring, said  “Ronaldo knows perfectly well  the  important thing is the ‘We’.
      “The coach’s choice  must be respected.”
      Before the match, Santos insisted Ronaldo’s omission was not linked to his dissent after being subbed in the group-stage defeat by South Korea.
      Santos said: “It has nothing to do with it.
      “It is a strategic issue that was already being prepared for this game.”
      But despite Portugal’s amazing display without Ronaldo, the crowd started chanting his name on the hour.
      The biggest roars of the night were heard when he came on with 17 minutes to go and when he put the ball in the net — only to be ruled well offside.
      Ronaldo disappeared down the tunnel while his team celebrated with the Portugal fans.
      Read More on The Sun
      Shellshocked Swiss boss Murat Yakin, who was without defenders Silvan Widmer and Nico Elvedi through illness, said: “We are sad about how we played and the result.
      “We have to accept that our opponents were better, faster and more offensive.” More

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      ‘I’m the dog of war’ – England star Jude Bellingham fires France warning ahead of World Cup quarter-final showdown

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM warned England’s World Cup rivals: I’m the dog of war!The teenage sensation is ready to show France his bite is worse than his bark when the Three Lions unleash him in Saturday’s quarter-final.
      Jude Bellingham is ready for the challenge of FranceCredit: Getty
      Bellingham, 19, is now the most wanted midfielder on the planet after his superb displays in Qatar — with French giants Paris Saint-Germain last night declaring their interest.
      And Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham said: “I go into games knowing every one is a war and you’ve got to be up for it.
      “When you’ve got the dog, you’re just born with it. The way I was raised in football, you had to have that dog in you.
      “That’s something I have. Off the pitch I’m a nice guy but, on it, something takes over me.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      “I feel like you’ve got no friends out there except those wearing the same kit.
      “Anyone not wearing that — it’s no beef — but there is something that’s personal.”
      Prem top dogs Liverpool and Manchester City, plus Real Madrid, are already tracking Bellingham.
      But PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi says they will join the race for the ex-Birmingham whizkid.
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      Al-Khelaifi said: “Everyone wants him, I’m not going to hide it. I respect him and his club. If we want to talk to him, we’ll talk to the club.
      “He’s amazing, what a player. England are lucky to have him. He is one of the best players of the tournament.
      “It is his first World Cup and he is calm, relaxed and confident.”
      Bellingham scored the first in the 6-2 win over Iran then set up Jordan Henderson in the last-16 triumph over Senegal.
      After Henderson’s opener on Sunday, Bellingham collared the Liverpool captain in an “iconic” head-to-head celebration.
      Jude Bellingham was a key figure against Senegal
      Bellingham said: “That was completely off the cuff. We’re spending a lot of time with each other but it’s turned into something iconic.
      “Hopefully people will remember it for a long time.
      “He’s always the loudest on the pitch, which I love. You know you’re in a game. He doesn’t let you switch off for one second.
      “The best thing is he will give you detail to help you, maybe after you’ve done something negative, but he’s also first to let you know if you’ve done something positive.
      “Against Senegal he was incredible. Ran the game, scored a key goal. He was a pleasure to play with.”
      England keeper Jordan Pickford, 28, says he and Henderson, 32, bark out orders because they came through Sunderland’s academy with Kevin Ball.
      Pickford told the Lions’ Den: “You’ve got Bally, our youth-team manager, to blame for that.
      “He got us here today. It’s where we’re bred — up north, different breed.”
      Pickford is set to earn his 50th cap against the defending champions.
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      He said: “You’ve got to relish these moments. You might not get another chance to beat France.
      “And to beat them in the quarters would be massive for the team.” More