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      Who is Morocco vs Spain referee Fernando Rapallini at World Cup 2022?

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      ONE referee who has broken the mould at this year’s World Cup is South America’s finest.Fernando Rapallini is the first South American ever to preside over European Championship games after whistling at Euro 2020 last summer – and now he takes charge of Morocco vs Spain at the World Cup.
      Fernando Rapallini also took charge of Morocco’s game against Croatia at this World CupCredit: EPA
      Here’s all you need to know about him.
      Who is Fernando Rapallini?
      Fernando Rapallini was born in 1978 in La Plata, Argentina.
      He has been on the Fifa Referees List since 2014 and refereed his first international match, between Chile and El Salvador in June 2015.
      Recognised as one of South America’s best officials, Rapallini has refereed some of the biggest finals in his country and on the continent.
      These include the 2013 and 2018 Argentina Super Cups, the 2017 Argentina Cup final, the 2019 Argentina Super League Champions Trophy and the 2020 South American Recopa.
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      Why did Fernando Rapallini referee at Euro 2020?
      Fernando Rapallini was appointed as a Euro 2020 official as part of an exchange programme between Uefa and Conmebol.
      This programme saw Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano head in the other direction to take charge of Copa America games last summer.
      Uefa president Alexander Ceferin said: “The exchange of referees with CONMEBOL for our two flagship tournaments will enrich both competitions, and will enhance the experience of top referees.
      “Europe and South America have so much football quality and tradition, including in refereeing.
      “This exchange is a defining part of our cooperation programme, which will help us improve our competitions.”
      Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez added: “Among our permanent objectives at CONMEBOL is making our referees more professional and perfectly trained for the use of technological tools.
      “We are convinced that a cooperation with UEFA in this field will greatly benefit both confederations. This is just the beginning.
      “We will continue working to broaden and strengthen collaboration agreements with our friends at UEFA.”

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      Neymar STARTS for Brazil vs South Korea in shock World Cup return after he was huge doubt to make last 16 clash

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      NEYMAR has been named in Brazil’s starting line-up to face South Korea.There were big concerns the superstar would miss the rest of the World Cup after suffering an injury in his first game against Serbia.
      Neymar was all smiles in trainingCredit: AP
      Brazil made ten changes to the side that lost to Cameroon
      Neymar was forced off in the second half of that clash and he was in tears on the bench as he received treatment.
      His ankle was badly swollen and he sat out Brazil’s next two matches, staying at his hotel during the win over Switzerland as he combated a fever.
      But medics suggested Neymar’s injury was not serious and backed him to return for the knock-out stages.
      He is one of ten changes for the five-time champions with only Eder Militao keeping his place in the side.
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      The Real Madrid defender switches to right-back with Danilo starting at left-back following his two-game injury absence.
      There are also recalls for attacking trio Richarlison, Vinicius Jr and Raphinha as Brazil look to set-up a quarter-final clash with Croatia following their penalty shoot-out win over Japan.
      Manchester United star Casemiro returns after scoring the winner in his last appearance against Switzerland.
      He is joined in midfield by Lucas Paqueta with Neymar operating in front of the pair.
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      At the back Chelsea centre-back Thiago Silva starts alongside Brazil captain Marquinhos, with Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson replacing Ederson.
      Neymar has made 11 World Cup appearances for Brazil and has scored six goals in the competition. More

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      Watch Jack Grealish and Declan Rice do keepie-uppies over England hotel POOL as they relax after Senegal World Cup win

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      ENGLAND stars Declan Rice and Jack Grealish enjoyed some downtime by the pool after Sunday’s 3-0 win over Senegal.But the pair couldn’t go too long without a ball at their feet.
      Jack Grealish passes the ball to Declan Rice over the swimming poolCredit: Getty
      Declan Rice controls the ball by the poolCredit: Getty
      The Three Lions duo showed off their skills with an impressive game of keepie-uppies over the water.
      They chilled out by the pool of the luxury Souq Al Wakra Hotel, where England are staying.
      Rice posted a video to Instagram of him and Grealish effortlessly pinging the ball to each other across the pool.
      Playmaker Grealish then set up Rice to head the ball as he jumped into the swimming pool.
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      The West Ham man obliged, heading the ball back to Grealish in midair as he dived into the water.
      Rice captioned his post: “Bit of fun this morning.”
      The midfielder has started all four of England’s games in Qatar so far, and is likely to retain his place for the quarter-final meeting with France.
      Grealish on the other hand has come off the bench in all four games.
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      Jack Grealish showed off his keepie-uppie skills by the swimming poolCredit: https://www.instagram.com/declanrice/
      Grealish and Declan Rice kicked the ball to each other over the waterCredit: https://www.instagram.com/declanrice/
      The pair effortlessly pinged the ball into the feet of the otherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/declanrice/
      Rice then headed the ball to Grealish as he jumped into the poolCredit: https://www.instagram.com/declanrice/

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      The pair were involved in wild England celebrations after arriving back at the hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning.
      Rice posted footage to social media of the players dancing in the hotel lobby after they arrived back at base following the last 16 win over Senegal.
      They were given a raucous reception by hotel staff in England shirts who waved flags and cheered as Gareth Southgate’s stars returned to HQ.
      Rice has starred for England at the World Cup, while Grealish has been a regular off the benchCredit: PA More

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      Fifa make decision on Griezmann’s late disallowed World Cup goal vs Tunisia after France appeal over VAR decision

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      FIFA have dismissed France’s protest regarding their disallowed equaliser against Tunisia at the World Cup.Antoine Griezmann fired home in stoppage-time in what appeared to save France from suffering a shock defeat.
      Antoine Griezmann thought he had equalised late on for France against TunisiaCredit: PA
      Referee Matthew Conger ended up going to the monitor and ruling out the goalCredit: PA
      Griezmann went over to speak to the referee after his strike was disallowedCredit: Getty
      However, the goal was subsequently ruled out for offside after the final whistle when referee Matthew Conger went to the monitor as Tunisia clinched a famous 1-0 win.
      This was because when Aurelien Tchouameni’s cross came into the box, there was a subjective offside call based on whether defender Montassa Talibi made a “deliberate play” for the ball.
      If it was ruled he had then Griezmann would have been onside, but if he was deemed to be stretching for the ball and unable to have a true influence on where it ended up – so the goal was ruled out.
      But the decision itself was not at the centre of France’s appeal.
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      According to ESPN, what happened afterwards was what the world champions had a major issue with.
      Tunisia kicked off, only for the referee to blow for full-time moments later.
      And the fact that play resumed before the end of the game means a VAR review could then not take place by the letter of the law.
      Yet it still did – with Griezmann’s goal ruled out and play resuming for a Tunisian free-kick.
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      The game then ended for a second time 40 seconds later.
      But the Laws of the Game state that an incorrect use of VAR does not invalidate a game.
      As a result, Fifa have dismissed France’s protest.
      The outcome of the match ended up having no impact on either team’s tournament anyway.
      France still qualified as winners of Group D, while Tunisia were eliminated following Australia’s 1-0 win over Denmark. More

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      Japan 1 Croatia 1 (1-3 on penalties): Livakovic the hero with three shootout saves to set up potential Brazil clash

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      THE BOYS from Zzzzzzzzagreb did it again.World football’s ultimate grinders secured a quarter-final spot after wearing down Japan to the point of submission on penalties.
      Mario Pasalic scored the winning penaltyCredit: Getty
      Dominik Livakovic was the hero with three penalty savesCredit: Getty
      Daizen Maeda put Japan in front just before half-timeCredit: AP
      Ivan Perisic scored a superb header to make it 1-1Credit: AP
      Takumi Minamino missed Japan’s first penalty of the shoot-outCredit: Reuters
      Croatia edged out Japan in a tight match
      It is becoming something of a habit for the Croatians to go all the way in a battle of wills to see who cracks first.
      Three successive matches at the last World Cup went to extra time and two went to spot kicks with them emerging victorious both times.
      Six out of seven of Croatia’s last knockout games have gone the full 120-minute distance.
      Two of their three Group F games this year were also goalless draws as they shuffled through into the last 16.
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      While the football may not be the highest quality or the most entertaining, coach Zltako Dalic must be applauded for instilling the mental toughness in his team to never say die.
      Keeper Dominik Livakovic in particular showed nerves of steel to save three penalties during the final shootout as the Japanese wilted under the pressure of chasing history.
      They have never been beyond the last 16 of a World Cup before and have never come as close as this before. The pressure and the draining effects of Croatia’s sapping tactics took the ultimate toll at the end.
      They had even gone ahead when Celtic striker Daizen Maeda stabbed them ahead from a corner three minutes before half-time.
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      Marcelo Brozovic was key for Croatia
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      A rebound off forward Bruno Petkovic from a cross following a corner fell perfectly for the 5ft 7in wee man to sweep the ball home.
      But Qatar killjoys Croatia tightened up and hit back 11 minutes into the second half.
      And it was a stunning header from Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic that brought them back into the game and ultimately onto victory.
      An outswinging cross found the Spurs star in mid-air and he was able to swivel his body and lash a bullet of a header into the far corner of the net.
      It was a rare moment of light in a drag game played at a stadium where you feared the punters knew what to expect.
      There were thousands of empty seats at the 44,000 capacity Al Janoub Stadium. Many more long before the final whistle.
      Croatia are a stark contrast to the smooth passers who broke English hearts in the semi-finals of the last World Cup.
      They are durable and efficient with little flamboyance despite the evident silk of legendary captain Luka Modric.
      At 37 it is debatable whether he can last 120 minutes anymore and he came off in the first half of extra time, meaning he was not able to take a spot kick when they arrived.
      But from the off it was clear that Japan were struggling with the occasion far more than their more experienced opponents.
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      Former Liverpool striker Takumi Minamo was first up and rolled a tame effer which Livakovic barely had to move to save.
      Kaoru Mitoma nissed their next one too and from then on it was an uphill psychological battle which Croatia won and they now meet either Brazil or South Korea in the last eight. More

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      Pele, 82, reveals he’s ‘rooting’ for Brazil stars ahead of South Korea clash as he watches World Cup from hospital

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      WORLD CUP icon Pele has revealed he is “rooting” for Brazil ahead of their clash against South Korea.Pele, 82, is in hospital battling a Covid-aggravated infection.
      Pele has thrown his support behind Brazil when they face South KoreaCredit: Getty
      Pele celebrates after winning the 1970 World CupCredit: Getty
      But he has not let his illness stop him from supporting his boys as they bid to win the World Cup for the first time since 2002.
      Taking to Twitter, the Samba Boys legend shared a photo of himself when he was younger and said: “In 1958, I walked the streets thinking about fulfilling the promise I made to my father.
      “I know that today many have made similar promises and are also going in search of their first World Cup.
      “I will watch the game from the hospital and I will be rooting for each one of you. Good luck!”
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      Pele is the only player to have won the World Cup three times, doing so in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
      He was hospitalised earlier this week after he stopped responding to chemotherapy as he battles bowel cancer.
      Reports had emerged stating Pele had been moved to palliative end-of-life care.
      However, his family came out to deny these rumours and provided a positive health update.
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      Daughter Kely Nascimento said: “He is sick, he is old. But at the moment, he is there because of the lung infection. And once he feels better, he will go home again.
      “He is not saying goodbye in a hospital at the moment.”
      Pele’s other daughter, Flavia, added: “It is very unfair for people to say he is in the end of his life, in palliative care. Guys, that’s not true. Believe us.
      “He is not in intensive care, he is in a regular bedroom. He is not in risk, he is in treatment.”
      Brazil face off against South Korea later today hoping to secure a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals.

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      Japan 1-1 Croatia (1-3) PENALTIES LIVE RESULT: Croatia break Japanese hearts after winning shootout – latest reaction

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      CROATIA are through to the World Cup quarter-finals after Japan missed THREE penalties in the shootout.Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved three penalties in the first shootout at this World Cup as his side won 3-1 on pens after the match ended 1-1.
      Celtic star Daizen Maeda had fired Japan ahead on the stroke of half-time.
      But Spurs ace Ivan Perisic equalised with a fine header early in the second half of the crunch clash.

      Result: Croatia 1-1 Japan (3-1 on pens)
      Japan XI: Gonda, Taniguchi, Endo, Doan, Morita, Nagatomo, J. Ito, Kamada, Tomiyasu, Yoshida, Maeda
      Croatia XI: Livakovic, Barisic, Perisic, Lovren, Kovacic, Kramaric, Modric, Brozovic, Petkovic, Gvardiol, Juranovic

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      That’s all from Qatar
      Croatia have punched their ticket to the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals after winning the first penalty shootout of the year in Qatar.
      The Croats drew 1-1 with Japan before beating them 3-1 on penalties.
      The Japanese broke the deadlock at the Al Janoub Stadium on 43 minutes when Wataru Endo’s cross was met by a touch from captain Maya Yoshida that set Daizen Maeda up for the opening goal.
      Croatia equalised after 55 minutes when Dejan Lovren’s pinpoint cross from the right was met by Ivan Perisic at the far post and the Tottenham star beat Shuichi Gonda with an amazing header.
      Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic then removed star players Perisic, Mateo Kovacic and captain Luka Modric as the game went to penalties.
      But Dominik Livakovic put together a stunning performance as he denied three spot-kicks by Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and Yoshida to send his country through to the quarter-finals.
      Mario Pasalic took on the crucial penalty to send his country through to a quarter-final clash between Brazil or South Korea.
      That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a great night!
      Credit: Rex
      Croatia’s penalty heroes
      Croatia’s penalty success continued in the World Cup when they beat Japan 3-1 in tonight’s shootout.
      The Croats have now won all three of their penalty shootouts in the competition.
      The first two were against Denmark and Russia in 2018, on their way to the final.
      Now they await to see who they will face in the final with the possible opponents being Brazil and South Korea
      Credit: Getty
      Livakovic makes history
      Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic caught three penalties during the shootout against Japan to send his country through to the quarter-finals.
      Livakovic is the third keeper to make three saves in a single World Cup penalty shootout.
      That is after Portugal’s Ricardo in 2006 against England, which saw the Three Lions going out in the quarter-finals.
      Livakovic also emulated fellow Croatian Danijel Subasic, who did the same against Denmark in 2018
      Credit: Getty
      Word from the ground
      Here’s what SunSport’s man on the field Andy Dillon makes of Croatia’s dramatic victory over Japan:
      The boys from Zzzzzzzzagreb did it again.
      World football’s ultimate grinders secured a quarter-final spot after wearing down Japan to the point of submission on penalties.
      It is becoming something of a habit for the Croatians to go all the way in a battle of wills to see who cracks first.
      Three successive matches at the last World Cup went to extra time and two went to spot kicks with them emerging victorious both times.
      Six out of seven of Croatia’s last knockout games have gone the full 120 minute distance.
      Two of their three Group F games this year were also goalless draws as they shuffled through into the last 16.
      While the football may not be the highest quality or the most entertaining, coach Zlatko Dalic must be applauded for instilling the mental toughness in his team to never say die.
      Keeper Dominik Likakovic in particular showed nerves of steel to save three penalties during the final shootout as the Japanese wilted under the pressure of chasing historyAndy Dillon SunSport
      What’s next for Croatia?
      Croatia are through to the quarter-finals after beating Japan 3-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
      The Croats will now have to wait to find out their opponents in the next round.
      Zlatko Dalic’s men will take on either Brazil or South Korea on December 9 at the Education City Stadium.
      The Selecao and the South Koreans meet tonight at 7pm GMT
      Credit: PA
      Japan vs Croatia stats
      Croatia dominated 58 per cent of possession in 120 minutes of football.
      The Croats registered a total of 17 shots, but only four of them were on target.
      Japan, on the other hand, produced 13 shots, but only four of them were on target as well.
      More below:

      FT: Japan 1-1 Croatia (1-3 on pens)
      Croatia have punched their ticket to the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals after winning the first penalty shootout of the year in Qatar.
      Japan broke the deadlock at the Al Janoub Stadium on 43 minutes when Wataru Endo’s cross was met by a touch from captain Maya Yoshida that set Daizen Maeda up for the opening goal.
      The Croats equalised after 55 minutes when Dejan Lovren’s pinpoint cross from the right was met by Ivan Perisic at the far post and the Tottenham star beat Shuichi Gonda with an amazing header.
      Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic then removed star players Perisic, Mateo Kovacic and captain Luka Modric as the game went to penalties.
      But Dominik Livakovic put together a stunning performance as he denied spot-kicks by Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and Yoshida to send his country through to the quarter-finals.
      Mario Pasalic took on the crucial penalty that led to a 3-1 victory in the shoot-out
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: AP
      Japan 1-1 Croatia
      1-3
      Pasalic scores!!! Croatia are through!!!!!
      Japan 1-1 Croatia
      1-2
      Pasalic to send Croatia through…
      Japan 1-1 Croatia
      1-2
      Livakovic denies Yoshida!!! What a game!!!
      Japan 1-1 Croatia
      1-2
      Yoshida next for Japan
      Japan 1-1 Croatia
      1-2
      Livaja hits the post!!!
      Japan 1-1 Croatia
      1-2
      Croatia are next with Livaja
      Japan 1-1 Croatia
      1-2
      Japan finally score with Asano!!!
      Japan 1-1 Croatia
      0-2
      Brozovic scores for Croatia!!!
      Japan 1-1 Croatia
      0-1
      LIVAKOVIC DENIES MITOMA!!!!
      Japan 1-1 Croatia
      0-1
      Vlasic scores for Croatia!!!
      Japan 1-1 Croatia
      0-0
      Livakovic denies Minamino!!!
      The Croatian goalie lunges to his left to deny the striker
      Japan 1-1 Croatia
      0-0
      Japan start with Minamino
      FT: Japan 1-1 Croatia
      Here’s a reminder of how it all went down to penalties:
      Japan opened the scoring at the Al Janoub Stadium on 43 minutes when Wataru Endo’s cross was met by a touch from captain Maya Yoshida that set Daizen Maeda up for the goal.
      Croatia equalised after 55 minutes when Dejan Lovren’s pinpoint cross from the right was met by Ivan Perisic at the far post and the Tottenham star beat Shuichi Gonda with an amazing header.
      Time for penalties now!
      Credit: Getty
      FT: Japan 1-1 Croatia
      Peep!
      Off to penalties in Qatar!!!
      120+1 Japan 1-1 Croatia
      Chance!
      Croatia almost score a winner as Majer’s shot just misses Gonda’s bottom right corner
      120 Japan 1-1 Croatia
      One more minute before penalties…
      Unless someone actually manages to score the winner somehow
      118 Japan 1-1 Croatia
      Croatia continue to dominate possession as we approach full time.
      What an amazing game by Gvardiol who has been rock solid at the back, no wonder everyone wants to sign him
      116 Japan 1-1 Croatia
      Yellow card
      Another booking for Croatia as Barisic is cautioned with a late challenge on Ito
      Load more entries… More

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      Vincent Kompany on shortlist to replace Roberto Martinez as Belgium manager following disastrous World Cup

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      VINCENT KOMPANY is on the shortlist to replace Roberto Martinez as Belgium boss.The former Manchester City centre-back is currently working wonders in management after replacing Sean Dyche at Burnley.
      Roberto Martinez has stepped down as Belgium boss after a poor World Cup performanceCredit: Getty
      Vincent Kompany has got Burnley flyingCredit: Getty
      The Clarets are currently top of the Championship, with Kompany taking over in the summer after leaving Anderlecht.
      A poll in Belgium saw the legend voted the overwhelming choice of supporters.
      Getting the national job would cap a meteoric rise up the management ranks but the likelihood is that it is too early for a man still cutting his teeth in the dugout.
      The hot favourite to replace the departing Martinez is Herve Renard, the man who masterminded one of the biggest World Cup shocks in history.
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      Renard, 54, became global headline news when he inspired Saudi Arabia to a come-from-behind group stage win over Argentina a fortnight ago.
      The Frenchman is a vastly experienced manager and his CV includes leading Morocco into the last World Cup and two African Cup of Nations triumphs with Ivory Coast and Zambia.
      Yet his most recent domestic job – as Lille boss – lasted just six months, when he was axed after getting only 13 points from 13 games.
      Former Belgian keeper Michel Preud’homme, now vice president and sporting director of Standard Liege, is another name in the frame.
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      Martinez stepped down as Belgian chief after their disappointing group stage exit in Qatar.
      The Spaniard was out of contract and insisted he always planned to leave after the World Cup – just not as early as he eventually did.
      Whoever replaces him will have plenty of work to do with rifts reported between Belgium’s players. More