World Cup 2022

ENGLAND star Bukayo Saka has been left in stitches after testing his team-mates’ spelling skills.The Arsenal ace uploaded a number of TikToks called “Saka’s Spelling School” where he quizzed Declan Rice, James Maddison and Jack Grealish.
Bukayo Saka is a popular member of the England teamCredit: PA
James Maddison failed to pass Bukayo Saka’s examCredit: Tiktok
Declan Rice also had his English skills tested by Bukayo SakaCredit: Tiktok
Maddison was first up with Saka asking him to spell the word ‘aesthetic’.
The Leicester midfielder, who is yet to play at the World Cup, confidently answered and smiled but got the ‘H’ in the wrong place to Saka’s delight as he shouted “wrong”.
The man with three World Cup goals at the tournament so far then chased down Jack Grealish for a question.
He was tasked with spelling ‘rhythm’ but he also got it incorrect putting the ‘M’ in the middle rather than at the end.
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Saka reacted by bursting into laughter again.
The spelling test was then taken to the dinner table as Saka sat down with Declan Rice and Mason Mount.
Rice was given ‘pronunciation’ to spell but he got just six letters in before losing track of where he was but he had already got it wrong -to Mount and Saka’s amusement.

The West Ham captain saw the funny side commenting on the video saying: “Didn’t even get a chance to redeem myself.”
Saka is perhaps the smartest player in the Three Lions squad having achieved outstanding grades at school six months before playing for the Arsenal first team.
The top of the class student completed his GCSE’s in 2018 getting four A*s and three As at Greenford High School in Ealing.
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His former teacher Mark Harvey told talkSPORT: “He was a model student and academically sound across the board. He was very, very good at PE, a naturally talented sportsman.”
Saka will need all his brain power on the pitch to beat France in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday night.
After his wrong answer in spelling school, Maddison joked that he would let his sister date Saka because “he’s just such a nice kid” as he praised his character and personality.
It wasn’t the same answer for Grealish, Maddison laughed: “If I had a family member and they told me ‘I’m going on a date with Jack Grealish’, I’d be like ‘nah you’re not’.” More

FOOTBALL fans are loving Bukayo Saka’s polite request for a selfie with England legend David Beckham.Ex-Three Lions skipper Becks, 47, stopped by England’s Al-Wakrah World Cup training base shortly before the tournament kicked off.
Bukayo Saka took a picture with David Beckham when the former England captain visited England’s World Cup training campCredit: Getty
Saka warmed hearts with the polite way in which he asked for the snapCredit: Getty

And Arsenal ace Saka has warmed hearts with his well mannered request for a picture.
Footage of Beckham’s visit shows the World Cup ambassador chatting to manager Gareth Southgate and Jack Grealish.
Saka is seen walking over to the trio as they stood talking.
The 21-year-old then politely says to Beckham: “Sorry to interrupt, can I have a picture with you?”
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Former England captain Beckham smiled and nodded as the pair posed for a snap.
Fans on social media absolutely loved Saka’s courteous request for the picture.
One gushed on Twitter: “This kid was really raised proper.”
Another wrote: “Just the best kid in the world.”
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A third added: “This is so adorable.”
And a fourth declared: “Such a humble guy man, he’s gonna be so goated in the future.”
Boss Southgate presented Beckham with his iconic No7 England shirt complete with his name on the back and legacy number, 1087, imprinted on the inside of the collar.
Beckham also spoke to Three Lions skipper Harry Kane – a player he helped inspire on his way to the top.
The pair grew up in the same area of east London, played for the same grassroots team, and went to the same secondary school.
Beckham spent time chatting to England skipper Harry KaneCredit: Getty
Beckham met Three Lions star Jack GrealishCredit: Getty
Boss Gareth Southgate presented Beckham with an England shirtCredit: Getty More

SPAIN crashed out of yet another major tournament on penalties thanks to Madrid-born Achraf Hakimi’s perfect Panenka.Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets all missed their spot-kicks for the 2010 champions as Morocco made history by reaching the World Cup quarters for the first time.
Morocco beat Spain on penalties in a dramatic last-16 clashCredit: Getty
Achraf Hakimi scored the winning spot-kick with a cheeky chipCredit: Reuters
Bounou produced the goods with two savesCredit: Reuters
Sergio Busquets was the third Spain player to missCredit: Reuters
It was heartache for 2010 champions SpainCredit: Reuters
Luis Enrique’s Spain meanwhile have now been knocked out of the last three international competitions from 12 yards – including the 2018 World Cup and last summer’s Euros.
Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou was the hero – saving two while the other smacked his left-hand post, and was held aloft by his jubilant team-mates at the end.
And PSG full-back Hakimi then stepped up to score the winner with an outrageous dink down the middle of the goal to leave Unai Simon red-faced.
Unsurprisingly, Enrique made five changes from the 2-1 defeat to Japan, most notably midfielder Marcos Llorente coming in for the injured Cesar Azpilicueta at right-back, despite having Dani Carvajal at his disposal.
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A mad Pep Guardiola-style switch if there ever was one.
Yet the madness was quite evidently in the stands, owing solely to the Moroccan fans, who somehow managed to pack out both ends behind the goal.
Boss Hoalid Regragui bragged before kick-off that, because they were the last African nation left – as well as being an Arab-speaking country – they could fill out two stadiums with the support they currently have in Qatar.
Based purely on the volume, he had a point.
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From the get-go, every touch of the ball by a Spanish player in their sky-blue away strip was booed and whistled until a Moroccan briefly disrupted their keep-ball exercise.
That was not often, mind. Enrique hit back at Spanish journalists in the days leading up to this one, claiming he would not alter his Tika-Taka style regardless of the opponent, regardless of the situation. Not even in the face of defeat.
Spain had completed 2,489 group stage passes – their most at a World Cup since records began.
It was the same here with more than 1,000 tonight – 206 for Rodri alone – not that Enrique would be best pleased with his side’s final ball, much like their failure to break down the Japanese last week.
Instead, it was Morocco who went close as Hakimi whipped a free-kick just over.
Just like he promised, Regragui’s underdogs were coming out swinging, their aggression making life uncomfortable for Spain, desperately trying to find their rhythm.

They were almost gifted the lead when Morocco began to feel a bit too comfortable themselves, Yassine Bounou’s pass out intercepted before an offside Marco Asensio smacked the bar.
Morocco regained composure just before the break as Sofiane Boufal ducked and pivoted to pick out a cross for an unmarked Nayef Aguerd. The West Ham defender’s header looped over.
Spain persisted in the second half with their death-by-a-literal-thousand passes approach, something the Moroccans were countering by kicking any shin they could see.
Teenage midfield sensation Gavi – the youngest player to start a World Cup knock-out stage since Pele in the 1958 final – spent more time on the ground than he did on his feet.
He was soon taken off along with Asensio for Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata.
Chelsea flop Morata was looking to become the first Spaniard to score in four consecutive games at a World Cup since David Villa during their charge to the title in 2010.
Other than a harried effort across goal and a ballooned header, his introduction had little impact.
Hakim Ziyech blasted his penalty straight down the middleCredit: AP
Walid Regragui got the bumps from his playersCredit: Getty
Hakimi of Morocco was born in Madrid and dumped Spain outCredit: Getty
Plan A was not working. Plan B or C was nowhere to be seen.
It almost backfired with five minutes left as Hakimi’s cross fell to substitute Walid Cheddira only to be crowded out in the box.
The first time Spain lumped it in the box, late in injury time, they almost got the opener but for a decent stop by Bounou to deny Dani Olmo’s free-kick.
Morocco showed more intent in extra-time – Cheddira being put through twice only to be denied by Aymeric Laporte and then Unai Simon.
Had they been more clinical, Spain wouldn’t have even made it to penalties.
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Sarabia came closest in the third minute of extra-time injury time but his side-footed volley from an angle shaved the outside of the far post.
His next touch was his failed spot-kick as things unravelled for the winners of 12 years ago.
It was a tightly-contested clash as both sides looked for the breakthroughCredit: AFP
Achraf Hakimi went just over with a free-kickCredit: AP
Gavi was somehow denied by a fine save before the offside flag went upCredit: Rex
Sergio Busquets and Marcos Llorente had to double up on Sofiane BoufalCredit: Getty
The Atlas Lions had massive support in QatarCredit: Getty
Spain turned to Alvaro Morata to try and break the deadlockCredit: Getty
Nico Williams had a glorious chance to win it in normal timeCredit: AP
Unai Simon made a crucial save to deny Walid CheddiraCredit: Getty
Pablo Sarabia brushed the post in injury time of extra-timeCredit: Getty
It was difficult viewing for Luis Enrique in the dugoutCredit: Getty More

CRISTIANO RONALDO is starting what could be his FINAL World Cup game from Portugal’s substitutes bench against Switzerland.The 37-year-old has endured a dismal World Cup campaign so far, scoring just once, with the goal coming from the penalty spot in the 3-2 win over Ghana.
Ronaldo’s reaction to being subbed against South Korea left the Portugal boss unimpressedCredit: Reuters
Santos refused to rule out dropping RonaldoCredit: EPA
The 37-year-old is a free agent after having his Man Utd contract ripped upCredit: EPA
He then tried to claim Bruno Fernandes’ opener in the 2-0 win over Uruguay.
And in Portugal’s final group game, Ronaldo played a part in South Korea’s equaliser, turning his back while defending a corner, which then fell to Kim Young-gwon.
Ronaldo was pulled off early in the second half and replaced by Andre Silva, which saw the five-time Ballon d’Or winner start to sulk.
Ronaldo’s substitution antics did not impress Euro 2016-winning boss Fernando Santos, who publicly slammed the all-time top scorer.
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Santos also refused to rule out benching the Portugal captain in his pre-match Switzerland press conference.
The 68-year-old has now made the decision to drop Ronaldo to the substitutes bench for the World Cup clash and has instead opted for Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos.
Ronaldo will start the game from the sidelines in what could be his final World Cup game should Switzerland pull off a shock knockout win.
The 819 career-goal icon is yet to announce where he will be playing his club football after the World Cup.
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Ronaldo managed just two shots against South Korea
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Manchester United decided to rip up Ronaldo’s contract after his explosive sit-down interview with SunSport columnist and TalkTV main man Piers Morgan.
It is said he will move to the Middle East to play for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Marca reported last week that Ronaldo had agreed a stunning £173million-a-year deal with Al-Nassr.
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SAMUEL ETO’O has apologised for his “violent altercation” with a fan at the World Cup.But the former striker has blamed losing his temper on the “daily harassment” he receives from “some Algerian supporters.”
Samuel Eto’o has apologised for attacking a fan at the World CupCredit: AFP
Eto’o has received ‘daily harassment’ from Algeria fans over Cameroon’s World Cup spot
Shocking footage emerged of Eto’o appearing to KNEE someone in the head before Brazil’s win over South Korea.
The ex-Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea star was left incensed after exchanging words with a man holding a camera – who has since been identified as Algerian video journalist “Sadouni SM”.
And the video ended with Eto’o attacking the YouTuber before being led away from the scene.
Sadouni said afterwards: “I did all this for Algeria. Eto’o broke my camera and microphone and hit me on the chin.
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“I am at the police station for the investigation. This video must be shared.
“As Eto’o is famous, I am afraid that they will hide the case, but I trust the Qatari police.”
But Eto’o, 41, has now posted his own message on social media apologising for his actions, adding he blew his top after being “harassed daily” by Algeria fans.
Cameroon booked their World Cup spot with a controversial victory over their African rivals earlier this year.
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Algeria were left furious with the refereeing during the second leg of the play-off – even demanding for it to be replayed.
And Eto’o, who now heads Cameroon’s FA, claims he has been harassed ever since by unhappy Algeria fans.
Eto’o wrote on social media: “On last 5 December, after the Brazil-South Korea match, I had a violent altercation with a person who was probably an Algerian supporter.
“I would like to apologise for losing my temper and reacting in a way that does not match my personality. I apologise to the public for this unfortunate incident.
“I pledge to continue to resist the relentless provocation and daily harassment of some Algerian supporters.
“Indeed, since the Cameroon-Algeria match on 29 March in Blida, I have been the target of insults and allegations of cheating without any evidence.
“During this World Cup, Cameroonian fans have been harassed and pestered by Algerians on the same subject.
“I would like to mention that the scenario of Algeria’s defeat was cruel but perfectly in line with the rules and ethics of our sport.
“All the appeals made by the Algerian Football Federation to the competent jurisdictions have been rejected.
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“I therefore call on the Algerian authorities and Federation to take their responsibilities to put an end to this unhealthy climate before a more serious tragedy occurs.
“To Fennecs’ fans, I wish that they find peace and manage to overcome the disappointment of a painful defeat, now behind us.” More

SOFIANE BOUFAL sent Marcos Llorente back to Atletico Madrid with an outrageous bit of skill during Morocco’s World Cup clash with Spain.The two countries – separated by the Strait of Gibraltar – collided in the World Cup round of 16.

Boufal had Llorente on toast in the first halfCredit: EPA

Morocco, in particular, have been one of the surprise packages at the Qatar tournament, topping a group consisting of World Cup 2018 finalists Croatia, Belgium’s golden generation and Canada.
Meanwhile, Spain ultimately turned in an underwhelming group stage after thrashing Costa Rica in their opener, finishing second to Japan.
Morocco called on their technical ballers to break Luis Enrique’s well-drilled Spanish side down.
Ex-Southampton ace Boufal was put up against Atletico’s Llorente and got the better of the versatile Spaniard.
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Trickster Boufal sent Llorente back to Atletico with a bit of outrageous skill that left the midfielder scrambling.
Boufal faked one way, prompting Llorente to lunge in before darting down the line.
One fan tweeted: “Llorente got sent back to Atletico lmao.”
Another said: “Stop that Boufal.”
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A third quipped: “Boufal is the final boss of tricky North African wingers with 5 star skill moves and no end product.”
It was one of three times Llorente was dribbled past in the first half.
Morocco pulled off the first shock of the World Cup knockouts, beating Spain 3-0 on penalties.
Boufal was subbed in the second half More