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    Brazil 4 South Korea 1 LIVE RESULT: Neymar and Co put on electric display to seal World Cup quarter-final with Croatia

    BRAZIL are will play Croatia in the World Cup quarter-final thanks to a brilliant 4-1 win against South Korea. Vinicius Jr gave Tite’s side the lead with a cool finish inside the box after some early dominance in the game before Neymar coolly slotted home a penalty just a couple of minutes later.
    Richarlison then rounded off a beautiful team goal soon after to put the Brazilians firmly in command, and Lucas Paqueta made it 4-0 moments after.
    Paik Seung-ho pulled one back with a late stunner.

    RESULT: Brazil 4-1 South Korea
    Brazil XI: Alisson, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Eder Militao, Danilo, Paqueta, Casemiro, Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Neymar, Richarlison
    South Korea XI: Seung-Gyu; Jin-Su, Kim Min-Jae, Woo-Young, Moon-Hwan; Young-Gwon, Hwang Inbeom, Jae-Sung; Hwang Hee-Chan, Cho Gue-Sung, Son

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    Follow ALL of the latest updates from Qatar below…
    That’s all from Doha
    A dancing and free-scoring Brazil sail into the quarter-finals after a statement win against South Korea.
    They face Croatia next, who may well push training forward after watching that first half.
    Thank you for reading. Goodnight!
    Dad-dancing
    Following Richarlison’s goal, the players gathered around manager Tite for their samba celebration.
    It’s fair to say he didn’t have the rhythm of others, but a valiant effort from the 61-year-old.
    Roy Keane was less than impressed with the moves, labelling it ‘disrespectful’ at half-time.
    He went on to say: “I’ve never seen so much dancing… it was like watching Strictly!”
    Credit: Reuters
    Weverton makes history
    Tite made a touching substitution when taking off keeper Alisson for third-choice Weverton during the second half.
    But it wasn’t just a nice gesture. The substitution meant that Brazil have become the first ever nation to field 26 players at a World Cup.
    All history counts!
    Credit: Getty
    Brazil hunting Silva-ware
    Based on that performance, there is little surprise Brazil are the favourites to lift the trophy.
    They were expressive, silky, but firm when they needed to be.
    And skipper Thiago Silva was a part of it all this evening, rolling back the years in the green and yellow.
    He led from the back, but was the calmest man in the house when setting up Richarlison for Brazil’s third.
    A captain’s performance.

    Warriors bow out
    Paik’s 75th minute strike wasn’t enough to inspire a late Taiguk comeback this evening.
    They matched Brazil in the second half but the damage was already done in the first.
    In hind sight, Paulo Bento may regret the way he set up his players, but you’d worry for any team up against ‘that Brazil’.
    Credit: Getty
    From Phil Thomas at 974 Stadium
    SunSport’s Phil Thomas was lucky enough to be in attendance this evening, and has this post-match report – enjoy!
    When Richarlison said Brazil had ten celebration dance routines planned he clearly wasn’t joking.
    And at one stage in this last 16 tie it seemed like we might get treated to them all in one evening.
    As it is they settled for four. But had they really wanted to, you got the impression they could have reached double figures.
    This was the World Cup Brazil we all dream of seeing. The one which took you back to flashes of Pele and Jairzinho, of Zico and Socrates, of Ronaldo and Rivaldo.
    It was Harlem Globetrotters in boots. It was Now That’s What I Call Football It was the Beautiful Game like we hadn’t seen before in Qatar.
    And it wasn’t just the goals – although some of them were mind-blowingly magnificent.
    It was the side dishes like Neymar’s drag back which didn’t just confuse In Beam Hwang and Guesong Cho, it even had referee Clement Turpin going the wrong way.
    At one stage the camera flashed to the VVIP section, and Brazilian legends Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos and Cafu were looking down. Even they were in awe and applauding.
    To think some people had doubted whether the current crop in the most famous football shirt of all were the real deal. Well doubt no more.
    Six minutes was all it took to get the party started, courtesy of the man who can’t get a start in the day job at Spurs.
    Raphinha put Hwang and namesake Heechan on their backsides with a delightful shimmy down the flank, before drilling a low cross into the box.
    Proof, you could say, that two Hwangs don’t make it right.
    Neymar – yes, the Greatest Showman made his return from damaged ankle ligaments – arrived and the 974 Stadium held its breath. Only to exhale at a side footed air shot.
    No matter, for there, beyond the far post was the newest show-stealing member of the Selecao. The one they all reckon will be wearing Neymar’s crown before too long.
    Maybe even before this tournament is over, given the cool, dead-eyed way VInicius jnr took a touch, had a look…and clipped it past four defenders and the keeper into the corner.
    Cue dance routine number one, a little Samba line dance near the deadball line. They were only just getting their eye in and the toe-tapping warmed up.
    Seven minutes later they were at it again, this time with a goal everyone – bar the little South Korean version of the Barmy Army behind one goal – wanted to see.
    Richarlison’s speed of thought and fleet of foot got him in front of Woo Young Jung, and the Korean’s attempted boot clear was, instead, a boot to the back of a Brazilian.
    Raphinha picked up the ball yet was almost waiting for Neymar to stroll up and take it off him. He duly did, to a delighted round of applause from his fans.
    A stutter, a stagger, and keeper Seung Gyu Kim was on his knees as the ball almost apologetically rolled into the net.
    Celebration no 2, a slight variation on the first, but definitely a different version. The best was still to come…in every respect.
    For after half an hour we got the sort of moment which, if you had to come up with a caricature of all Brazil stand for, would be this.
    Richarlison played head tennis to start it, before slipping it to Marquinhos, still lurking in the Korean box from a corner.
    He pinged it to centre back pal Thiago Silva, whose instant touch teed up Richarlison to finish low beyond Kim.
    This time the celebrations saw him race to the sidelines, where 61-year-old coach Tite joined in with a bizarre chicken dance. It was clucking marvellous.
    Yet still they weren’t finished, and still we weren’t even at half time. This time Vini jr, scorer of the first, was creator of the fourth, with the most deliberate of stood-up deliveries.
    Lucas Paqueta was in acres of space, buried his volley low into the corner, and set off on a solo Samba before his team-mates arrived to turn it into more of a convoluted conga.
    It was mind-blowing…and for a Korean team looking ever heavy-legged from the hard-fought battle against Portugal three days earlier, it was merciless.
    It was also a tad rub-their-noses-in-it when third-choice keeper Weverton – the only one in the squad without any action before last night – replaced Alisson for the last ten minutes.
    Mind you, for all it was a done deal inside half an hour, Alisson did actually have to earn his money, with no less than FOUR stunning stops.
    As it is, he was eventually beaten by a piledriver from substitute Seung Ho Paik, but by then it mattered not a jot.
    It was game, set and match long before. The boys are definitely back in town…and Heavens, they’re going to take some stopping.Phil ThomasSunSport
    FULL TIME – Brazil 4-1 South Korea
    The referee blows his whistle and the Selecao dance on to the quarter finals where Croatia lay in waiting.
    It was a first half of pure samba magic which saw the South American side put four on the board.
    Neymar trudges on to the field carrying a banner of Brazilian legend Pele, who was watching from hospital today. I’m sure he will have enjoyed that one!
    Credit: Getty
    Brazil 4-1 South Korea
    90+1, Hwang continues to to be a nuisance, in the best possible way, racing in between defenders and lashing a shot into the side netting. It’s been a brilliant effort from the South Korean players in the second half, a polar opposite from the first.
    There will be four added minutes here.
    Brazil 4-1 South Korea
    88, Brazil knock it around, sizing up the opportunity.
    They eventually work it to Martinelli who stands up a cross to the back-post where Alves was waiting.
    he went for the spectacular, leaping off the turf and striking a bicycle kick into the back of Hong. Not bad athleticism for the ‘veteran’.
    Brazil 4-1 South Korea
    85, South Korea almost gift away a goal but the angle is tight against Rodrygo, who’s cross is cut out by Seung-Gyu.
    Brazil 4-1 South Korea
    83, South Korea continue to threaten late on.
    Moon-Hwan slides in Lee Kang-In who drags his effort wide of the mark.
    The Taiguk Warriors have done themselves proud this second half.
    Brazil 4-1 South Korea
    79, Cho is played in behind, and once again Alisson is there, saving from point-blank range.
    The flag is then frustratingly raised and that will be both players’ last contribution.
    Cho, who has grown immensely in popularity this tournament, departs for Hwang Ui-Jo.
    Alisson makes way for third-choice Weverton, the only Brazilian yet to feature. A nice touch from Tite.
    Rodrygo is also on for Neymar.
    GOAL! – Brazil 4-1 South Korea
    75, Paik with a screamer!
    The ball bounced kindly to the substitute who hit it beautifully on the half-volley. On the replays, it looked to take a tiny deflection, but fantastic technique nonetheless.
    South Korea have their consolation, and they are winning the second half!

    Brazil 4-0 South Korea
    73, Richarlison is penalised for a body-check on his man and South Korea make a change.
    Lee Kang-In is on for Lee Jae-Sung.
    Brazil 4-0 South Korea
    72, Danilo and Vinicius are of for Selecao.
    Bremer and Martinelli are on for the last 20 minutes or so.
    Brazil 4-0 South Korea
    67, Alisson to the rescue again!
    The Liverpool man gets a strong right hand to Hwang’s shot before Son is denied twice by a heroic Dani Alves block.
    For a game that has been all about Brazil’s forwards, Alisson has produced an excellent performance in the sticks.
    On another day, South Korea could have got a couple of goals.
    Credit: Reuters
    Brazil 4-0 South Korea
    65, Raphinha is in again and cuts it back for Richarlison who can’t connect with the shot.
    The flag is then raised for an offside in the build up.
    The game has slowed, no doubt about it. Brazil will just want to keep everyone fit now.
    Brazilian fans hold a banner showing the Brazilian soccer legend Pele with the message Get well soonCredit: AP
    Brazil 4-0 South Korea
    64, In-Beom looks tired as he departs, applauding the fans as he gos.
    Paik is on.
    Brazil 4-0 South Korea
    62, Raphinha’s shot is saved!
    Casemiro escapes trouble with a back-heel on the edge of his own area and Brazil surge forward.
    Neymar slides in Raphinha who does his man for pace before cannoning an effort at the legs of Seung-Gyu from a tight angle.
    Meanwhile, veteran Dani Alves is on for Militao.
    Brazil 4-0 South Korea
    59, Brazil can’t make the corner count and South Korea counter through Son, who is hunted down and fouled on the half-way line.
    Hwang combines with In-Beom but Militao is there to evert the danger.
    Credit: EPA
    Brazil 4-0 South Korea
    56, Jae-Sung has a nibble at Neymar’s heels and concedes the free-kick.
    Raphinha’s effort takes a nick off the wall and it’s a corner ball.
    Brazil 4-0 South Korea
    54, Raphinha denied by Seung-Gyu!
    The Barcelona man wriggles one way then the next before bending a low shot on target.
    Seung-Gyu gets down really well to parry it wide.
    Brazil 4-0 South Korea
    51, South Korea are playing some nice intricate football but Militao shepherds the ball out for a goal-kick.
    Some Brazilian legends including Roberto Carlos, Cafu and Ronaldo are then shown on the big screen. Each one brimming with pride.
    Brazil 4-0 South Korea
    49, Casemiro cuts through South Korea with a defence-splitting pass.
    He finds Raphinha who wins a corner, from which comes nothing.
    Brazil 4-0 South Korea
    46, One long ball up field and Son is in.
    He gets the right side of Marquinhos and curls one towards the corner.
    Alisson hadn’t switched off and made himself big to deny the Tottenham man.
    Credit: Getty
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    ‘There’s only one me’ – England star Bukayo Saka plays down Kylian Mbappe comparisons ahead of World Cup clash vs France

    BUKAYO SAKA is thrilled to be compared to Kylian Mbappe but stressed: “There is only one me.”The England winger faces France’s record-busting striker in a battle of the pace aces during Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final.
    Bukayo Saka justified his recall after being left out against Wales with a brilliant display and deft finish in England’s 3-0 victory over SenegalCredit: Rex
    Fellow speedster Kylian Mbappe, 23, already has as many World Cup goals – nine – as Lionel Messi, 35, has managed throughout his careerCredit: Rex
    Saka lifted the last and best goal to reach three for the tournament as the Three Lions sunk Senegal 3-0 in the last 16.
    And earlier on Sunday Mbappe fired home twice to clinch France’s 3-1 defeat of Poland.
    That gave the PSG superstar, 23, five goals in Qatar and an astonishing nine World Cup strikes in all from just 11 matches.
    Asked about comparisons with himself, 21-year-old Saka said: “First of all, thank you for the compliment … but no.
    READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS
    “There is only one Kylian Mbappe – and at the same time, there is only one me.
    “I just want to be myself and help any team in the best way I can.

    “There are a lot of young players in this tournament – I can name so many.
    “Even in our team, there is another young player alongside me who is doing unbelievably well in Jude Bellingham.
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    “I’m just happy we are all doing well and the priority is to try and win the tournament rather than be the player or the young player of the tournament.”
    If the Three Lions do shut Mbappe out, then they might expect to upset the odds and reach the semi-finals.
    But the Parisian is on course for all sorts of landmark figures.
    Already in Qatar he’s beaten Pele’s record of seven for the most goals by a player aged under 24.
    And in time he could pass Miroslav Klose’s all-time record for the tournament of 16 goals – achieved from 24 matches.
    The Three Lions’ Arsenal hero Saka was in fine spirits at a press conferenceCredit: AP
    How Saka and Mbappe compare More

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    Portugal boss blasts Cristiano Ronaldo’s strop at being subbed and refuses to guarantee he’ll start v Switzerland

    CRISTIANO RONALDO cut a tired-looking figure in Portugal’s training ahead of their World Cup round of 16 clash with Switzerland.The 37-year-old free agent hasn’t had the best of World Cups, scoring just one goal.
    Ronaldo was looking tired in trainingCredit: EPA
    The free agent covered his faceCredit: EPA
    Portugal boss Santos has refused to rule out dropping RonaldoCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo’s only strike came from the penalty spot and he has been slammed for his performances, in particular his 65-minute cameo against South Korea.
    The game saw Ronaldo assist South Korea’s equaliser by turning his back while defending a corner.
    Ex-Manchester United ace Ronaldo then threw a strop as he was hooked for Andre Silva, which didn’t please Portugal manager Fernando Santos, who has refused to rule out dropping his captain.
    And Ronaldo was looking tired and fed-up ahead of what could be his last World Cup appearance if the Swiss pull off a shock result.
    READ MORE ON CRISTIANO RONALDO
    Ahead of Tuesday’s round of 16 clash with Switzerland, Santos said: “I only decide who is going to be captain when I reach the stadium.
    “I still don’t know what the lineup will be.
    “That’s what I’ve always done and that’s what I’m always going to do and it’s going to be the same tomorrow.
    “The other topic is solved. We have fixed that in-house and that’s it.”
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    Ronaldo managed just two shots against South Korea
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    On Ronaldo’s strop, Santos said: “Have I seen the images?
    “Yes, I didn’t like it, not at all. I didn’t like it. I really didn’t like it.
    “But from that moment onwards everything is finished regarding that issue.
    “These matters are resolved behind closed doors. It’s resolved.
    “Full stop on this matter and now everyone is focused on tomorrow’s match.”
    Ronaldo’s next club is yet to be decided after Man Utd ripped up his contract following his bombshell 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.
    Santos says there has been no talk on Ronaldo’s future while he is in the Portugal camp.
    Read More on The Sun
    The Euro 2016-winning manager said: “That is his decision – that’s what he has to deal with.
    “We are totally focused on the World Cup. That’s all that we spoke about.”
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    Raheem Sterling’s last message to England squad before he flew home to be with family revealed after horror home raid

    BUKAYO SAKA has revealed Raheem Sterling’s final message to the England squad before jetting home. Sterling, 27, had his family home broken into while in Qatar with the England team.
    Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling in England trainingCredit: Getty
    Sterling was forced to fly home after his family home was broken intoCredit: AP
    The raid on the Chelsea ace’s Surrey home left fiancee Paige Milian and their two kids terrified as the gang stole watches worth £300,000.
    And ahead of the Last 16 clash against Senegal, it was confirmed Sterling would not be available for selection as he flew back home to be with his family.
    But before leaving his team-mates Sterling left a message, as revealed by Arsenal winger Saka.
    Asked about Sterling, Saka said: “He wished us the best yesterday as he was going back and I’ve messaged him and hopefully he will get back to me later – I am just hoping he and his family are ok.”
    READ MORE ON RAHEEM STERLING
    Saka and Co did Sterling proud by beating Senegal 3-0 to set up a World Cup quarter-final against France.
    Jordan Henderson showed his support for Sterling by donning the attackers shorts after seeing England go through.
    It remains to be seen whether Sterling will return to the squad before next Saturday’s clash against the reigning World Champions.
    On Sterling’s absence, England boss Gareth Southgate said: “We’ve got to wait and see.
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    “At the moment the priority is for him to be with his family, we’re going to support that and give him as much time as he needs.
    “He’s going home… he needs time with his family.
    “Sometimes football isn’t the most important thing and family should come first.” More

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    ‘He will follow him into the shower’ – Lionel Messi warned about ex-Middlesbrough ace as Argentina face Netherlands

    FORMER Holland international Ruud Vormer has declared Marten de Roon has to start Friday’s quarter-final against Argentina.Vormer, 34, claimed the ex-Middlesbrough ace can man mark Lionel Messi to the extent of following him “into the shower”.
    Lionel Messi has dazzled for Argentina in QatarCredit: Getty
    Marten de Roon could be tasked with man-marking Messi in the quarter-finalsCredit: Getty
    De Roon, now at Italian side Atalanta, has started Holland’s last two games against Qatar and USA.
    After beating the Americans in the last 16, Louis van Gaal’s side have the daunting prospect of coming up against Messi for a place in the semis.
    The Argentina skipper has looked unstoppable in Qatar so far.
    Messi has scored three goals and provided one assist in four World Cup matches.
    Read More On Lionel Messi
    But Vormer reckons De Roon, 31, has what it takes to mark Messi out of the game.
    So much so the defensive midfielder would even follow Messi into the showers if needed.
    Vormer told Het Nieuwsblad: “De Roon is a very task-oriented player. 
    “Ask him to follow Messi, and he will follow him, even into the shower if necessary.”
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    De Roon spent the 2016-17 season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Premier League.
    He has been capped 34 times by Holland, but Messi and Co are likely to provide the toughest test of De Roon’s international career.
    Messi is desperate to lead Argentina to glory in his last World Cup.
    The 35-year-old, who has never won football’s biggest prize, revealed in October that the current tournament will be his last dance on the biggest stage. More

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    Why has Raheem Sterling left the World Cup and will he play against France?

    ENGLAND defeated Senegal to reach a World Cup quarter-final against France.But the win was overshadowed by the news that Raheem Sterling had left the Three Lions camp to return to the UK after an armed burglary at his home.
    Raheem Sterling did not feature for EnglandCredit: Getty
    Why was Raheem Sterling NOT playing for England?
    Raheem Sterling pulled out of England’s last-16 tie with Senegal after learning that his Surrey home was broken into on Saturday night.
    Sterling was forced to fly back from the World Cup after burglars smashed into his home.
    It has since emerged that his wife and children were at home during the time of the break in.
    The FA had said before kick-off that Sterling was missing out to deal with a “family matter”.
    The statement read: “Raheem Sterling is not available for selection for the #ThreeLions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter.”
    The shock announcement came just hours before the Three Lions were due to kick off against the African Cup of Nations champs.
    Sterling had started both of England’s games against Iran and USA but was then benched for the 3-0 win over Wales.
    The 27-year-old has scored 21 times in 80 caps in total.
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    England boss Gareth Southgate says Sterling intends to return for the France quarter-final on Saturday night, but football has rightly taken a backseat currently.
    Southgate said: “I really don’t know, it’s a situation he needs time to deal with, I don’t want to put any pressure on him.”
    “Sometimes football isn’t the most important thing and family should come first.”
    Raheem Sterling has 80 caps for EnglandCredit: AP

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    Japan 1-0 Croatia LIVE SCORE: Stream FREE, TV channel – Celtic ace Maeda gives World Cup surprise packages deserved lead

    JAPAN are facing Croatia in a huge World Cup last-16 clash RIGHT NOW – and they lead 1-0!Celtic star Daizen Maeda has fired Japan ahead on the stroke of half-time.
    While Arsenal ace Takehiro Tomiyasu came in to start for Japan in the crunch clash with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs.

    Kick-off: 3pm
    TV channel: BBC One
    Live stream: BBC iPlayer
    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…
    50 Japan 1-0 Croatia
    Japan’s pressure continues thanks to their high lines on the pitch.
    Croatia have yet to find an answer to the Samurai Blue’s amazing speed and pace
    49 Japan 1-0 Croatia
    Chance
    Croatia register their first opportunity in the first half with a long-range shot by Kovacic that just misses Gonda’s right post
    48 Japan 1-0 Croatia
    Lovren creates a dangerous situation for his own team as his weak headed pass to Livakovic almost sees Maeda getting there.
    But the Croatian goalkeeper just beats the Japanese striker to it
    46 Japan 1-0 Croatia
    Chance!
    Japan knock on Croatia’s door early in the second half with Kamada’s long-range shot that just misses the crossbar
    46 Japan 1-0 Croatia
    No changes from either side as we get things under way in the second half.
    Reminding you that Japan lead with Maeda’s opener
    Japan 1-0 Croatia
    Peep!
    Off we go again in Qatar!!!
    Word from the ground
    Here’s what SunSport’s man on the field Andy Dillon makes of the first half between Japan and Croatia:
    Celtic striker Daizen Maeda has fired Japan in front and the World Cup’s self-appointed Samurais bid to make history.
    They have never been beyond the last 16 in seven appearances.
    In a gritty game with a potential quarter-final pop at Brazil at stake, there were few chances.
    Croatia look particularly jaded but it still took an error at a set-piece for Japan to take the lead.
    Three minutes before half time, Japan had two corners in succession. The second resulted in an outswinging cross which appeared to rebound off the back of Croatia’s Bruno Petkovic.
    The loose ball fell to Maeda who swept the ball in from close range on the turn for his first World Cup goal.Andy DillonSunSport
    Japan vs Croatia stats
    Croatia dominated 59 per cent of possession in the first half but struggled with Japan’s counter-attack.
    The Croats registered three shots, but only one of them was on target.
    The Samurai Blue also produced the same stats in terms of shooting in the first half.
    More below:

    HT: Japan 1-0 Croatia
    Japan lead 1-0 against Croatia after an impressive first half at the Al Janoub Stadium.
    The Samurai Blue broke the deadlock on 43 minutes with Daizen Maeda.
    Wataru Endo delivered a cross from the right and captain Maya Yoshida got his foot in to set Maeda up in front of Dominik Livakovic.
    The striker then beat the Croatian goalkeeper with a clinical shot to set up another potential upset for the Japanese
    Credit: AP
    HT: Japan 1-0 Croatia
    Peep!
    Half-time in Qatar!!!
    45 Japan 1-0 Croatia
    Two more minutes of stoppage time to go.
    VAR had a look for a potential offside after Maeda’s goal but nothing’s there.
    There was a suspicion that Yoshida was offside in the build-up but nothing there
    43 Japan 1-0 Croatia
    Japan have broken the deadlock just before half-time.
    Endo delivers a cross from the right and Yoshida gets his foot in the way to set Maeda up in front of Livakovic whom he beats with a powerful shot!

    43 Japan 1-0 Croatia
    Goal!
    Japan open the scoring with Maeda!!!
    41 Japan 0-0 Croatia
    Chance!
    Japan break into a speedy counter-attack and Kamada tries a shot from a tight corner down the left but sends it over the crossbar
    38 Japan 0-0 Croatia
    Tempo has really slowed down in the last few minutes…
    It looks like both teams just want to go back to the dressing room with a clean sheet
    35 Japan 0-0 Croatia
    Neither team has created any danger for a while now…
    The crowd is becoming louder but it is not as intense on the pitch
    33 Japan 0-0 Croatia
    The ongoing rhythm seems to be working in Japan’s favour as they are not dealing with any significant threat.
    The Samurai Blue are much more dangerous thanks – you guessed it – to their counter-attacks
    30 Japan 0-0 Croatia
    We’ve reached the half-hour mark and it’s still goalless.
    Croatia still hold the possession but Japan are extremely dangerous on the counter-attack thanks to their speed
    28 Japan 0-0 Croatia
    Croatia are especially dangerous with long balls from midfield.
    The front three are always where they are supposed to be as they know how to find space in Japan’s defence.
    Perisic, Petkovic and Kramaric always know where Modric wants to send the ball
    25 Japan 0-0 Croatia
    Croatia’s possession-based game kills Japan’s rhythm in a very effective manner.
    Sometimes it also allows them to find space, just now Gvardiol found Petkovic with a stunning long ball but the striker failed to finish
    24 Japan 0-0 Croatia
    Chance
    Croatia ace Gvardiol gets to a good position for a shot but sends the ball all the way up to the cheap seats
    23 Japan 0-0 Croatia
    Gvardiol goes down after a challenge with Doan with what appears to be a groin issue.
    But thankfully the Croatia ace gets back up to his feet
    20 Japan 0-0 Croatia
    Japan ace Ito has been dominant down the right wing thanks to his speed and low crosses.
    Barisic has been struggling against the wing-back, Croatia are not finding an answer to the Japanese players’ speed
    18 Japan 0-0 Croatia
    Doan appears to be a bit out of his element, because he didn’t come on as a substitute.
    Struggling against Croatia’s midfield trio of Modric, Brozovic and Kovacic
    15 Japan 0-0 Croatia
    Croatia are dominating 62 per cent of possession but Japan are creating the threats.
    Some strong counter-attacks by Moriyasu’s men, who are especially dangerous down the wings
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    Watch Jude Bellingham’s confident reaction as fan tells him to complete Real Madrid transfer so he can win Ballon d’Or

    JUDE BELLINGHAM issued a confident reaction to a fan telling him to complete a transfer to Real Madrid so he can win the Ballon d’Or.The 19-year-old has stolen the show at the World Cup, running the midfield for England.
    A fan told Bellingham to join Real in order to win the Ballon d’OrCredit: TikTok
    Bellingham replied ‘we will see’Credit: TikTok
    Liverpool captain Henderson was brutally reminded of last season’s 1-0 Champions League final loss to RealCredit: TikTok
    Bellingham has a goal and an assist in four games for England, and is the first teenager to assist in a World Cup knockout stage game since 1966.
    England reached the quarter-finals of the winter tournament after recording a 3-0 win over African champions Senegal on Sunday.
    They will now face World Cup holders France on Saturday for a spot in the semis.
    A fan approached Bellingham and Liverpool duo Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the hope of convincing the Borussia Dortmund ace to join Spanish and European champions Real.
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    Bellingham was told he would win the Ballon d’Or in the Spanish capital.
    Liverpool captain Henderson told the fan “no Real Madrid”, but he was brutally reminded of last season’s Champions League final loss.
    Bellingham then confidently told the starstruck man “we will see”.
    Dortmund will be bracing themselves for astronomical transfer offers from Europe’s elite for the midfielder next summer.
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    Liverpool look favourites at the moment, but will face stiff competition from the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real in the race to secure the Bundesliga sensation’s signature.
    Henderson could play a key role in the move with their pair having an unlikely bromance.
    But Dortmund managing director, Carsten Cramer, has issued a warning that it won’t be easy for Liverpool to sign star-man Bellingham.
    He said: “We are still in a good relationship with Jurgen and many others at Liverpool, so for me, it’s my preferred club in the EPL as well.
    “But don’t expect that we will make gifts to Liverpool.”
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    Bellingham completed 33 passes More