More stories

  • in

    Georgina Rodriguez looks sensational in thigh high boots as she heads out while Cristiano Ronaldo is at World Cup

    GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ wowed in a figure-hugging black dress and boots as she headed to an exhibition in Qatar.The 28-year-old model has jetted out to the World Cup to cheer on partner Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Georgina Rodriguez headed out to a fashion exhibition in QatarCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
    Georgina has jetted out to Doha to cheer on Cristiano RonaldoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
    Georgina posted pictures to Instagram after she attended the “Forever Valentino” exhibitionCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
    The 28-year-old model wowed in a black dressCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
    She was in the stands for Portugal’s group stage defeat to South Korea, before cuddling up to Ronaldo as he enjoyed a break from his preparations for the knockout rounds.
    But with Ronaldo firmly focused on tomorrow’s last 16 meeting against Switzerland, Georgina headed out for some downtime.
    Georgina checked out the “Forever Valentino” exhibition in Doha.

    She posted pictures to her 40million Instagram followers as she took in the exhibition, which opened last month.
    Read More World Cup News
    “Forever Valentino” shows off products from the Italian designer brand and pays homage to its founder Valentino Garavani.
    And Georgina stunned with slicked back hair as she attended the exhibition at M7.
    Georgina posed in front of the exhibitsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
    The exhibition is at M7 Museum in DohaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
    The “Forever Valentino” exhibition opened in OctoberCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
    She has also headed to the beach since arriving in Doha, soaking up the sun in a green bikini.
    Georgina missed the start of the tournament before arriving in Qatar for Portugal’s game against South Korea.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Although Ronaldo will be hoping his long-term partner isn’t a bad luck charm.
    Georgina’s first game turned out to be the first time Portugal lost at this year’s World Cup.
    But, despite the defeat, Ronaldo and Co qualified for the knockouts.
    Ronaldo goes into tomorrow’s knockout clash having not scored since a penalty in the opening 3-2 win over Ghana.
    Georgina was in the stands for Portugal’s group stage defeat to South KoreaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
    Georgina has jetted out to Qatar after missing Portugal’s first two gamesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
    Ronaldo took time out of his preparations for the knockouts to cuddle up with GeorginaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/ More

  • in

    Ex-Brazil World Cup star and serial trophy winner looks unrecognisable with new hairstyle and goatee beard

    A former Brazil and Chelsea star looks unrecognisable with a new hairstyle and trendy goatee beard.But can you guess who it is?
    This Chelsea legend looks unrecognisable with a new hairstyle and goatee beardCredit: Instagram @chelseafc
    This former Stamford Bridge favourite used to run the show from midfield each week.
    Making an instant impact in London, he spent five-and-a-half years with Chelsea.
    And he also won an impressive 52 caps for Brazil, featuring at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
    He played in all seven games at their home tournament eight years ago – which they were knocked out of in the semi-finals after an astonishing 7-1 defeat to Germany.
    READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP

    Guessed who it is yet?
    Yes, it is Blues icon and former Brazilian midfield ace Ramires.
    He spent his time at Chelsea with a smooth, shaved head and no facial hair.
    But Ramires revealed a new look ahead of the club’s FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool earlier this year.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Ramires won multiple trophies at Chelsea during a five-and-a-half year spellCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Ramires joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2010 for £18million, having just won a Portuguese league and cup double.
    And he went on to score 34 goals in 251 games as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder.
    He won a Premier League title, FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League during his Stamford Bridge spell.
    But he was shown the door in January 2016 when he joined the Chinese Super League revolution with Jiangsu Suning for £25m.
    Ramires played 71 times for the Far East side before returning to Brazil with Palmeiras.
    Making 43 appearances, he won the 2020 Treble before departing soon after.
    Ramires was then without a club and eventually retired. More

  • in

    Kyle Walker vs Kylian Mbappe: The key battle that’ll decide England’s World Cup clash with France… and who is fastest?

    ENGLAND and France will meet in a blockbuster World Cup quarter-final on Saturday evening.The Three Lions breezed past Senegal 3-0 on Sunday, hours after Didier Deschamps’ world champions cruised to a 3-1 victory over Poland.
    Kyle Walker will be looking to keep Kylian Mbappe quiet on SaturdayCredit: Getty
    Mbappe has already scored five goals at the 2022 World CupCredit: Getty
    Walker and Mbappe have come up against one another four times in the pastCredit: Getty
    Now football fans across the globe are looking ahead to the potential tactical battles that will decide the match this weekend.
    Perhaps the most talked about duel is the one between French talisman Kylian Mbappe and English right-back Kyle Walker.
    Mbappe, 23, has already scored five goals in Qatar – two more than any other player – and his blistering pace is frightening oppositions up and down the land.
    His brace against Poland sent shudders down the spines of every England supporter – despite Gareth Southgate’s men keeping three clean sheets since the 6-2 win over Iran.
    READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
    But Manchester City man Walker, 32, may well be the best-placed defender in world football to deal with the Paris Saint-Germain superstar.

    The former Tottenham man hit a top speed of 23.48mph during the 2019/20 Premier League season – the fastest in the competition’s history.
    According to SpeedSDB, that is less than 0.1mph slower than Mbappe’s top speed – which is a touch more than 23.5mph.
    What’s more, Walker has been dribbled past just THREE times in his last 24 England appearances – which works out as once every 686 minutes.
    Most read in Football
    However, it is safe to say Mbappe will be his toughest England test to date.
    The 2018 World Cup winner has completed 13 dribbles in Qatar – with only Germany’s Jamal Musiala managing more (19).
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    And Mbappe has produced a successful dribble in 21 of the last 22 games for his country.
    Walker and Mbappe have faced each other four times in the past – with two wins each.
    They first got to know one another in a friendly between France and England in 2017 – which ended with Deschamps’ men claiming a 3-2 victory.
    Walker then had to wait four years to face Mbappe once more, before he got the better of him in April 2021 as Man City beat PSG 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
    Mbappe played no part in the second leg, with their third meeting then coming in September last year as PSG earned a 2-0 win.
    Two months later they battled in the Champions League yet again.
    And City secured a 2-1 win – although Mbappe did manage to bag his first goal against Walker.
    The England international is a seasoned operator at the highest level.
    He has 72 caps to his name and has helped England keep clean sheets in both games he has started in Qatar against Wales and Senegal.
    But Mbappe’s terrifying record of 33 goals in 63 games for France – and nine in 11 World Cup matches – makes him an an intimidating proposition.
    Former England striker Gary Lineker even suggested resting Walker ahead of the win over Senegal in order to preserve him for a battle with Mbappe.
    He said: “Kyle Walker should not be in England’s team to play Senegal.”
    The World Cup Golden Boot winner then added: “England cannot afford for Walker to get injured because he’s probably just about the only full-back on the planet that can compete with Kylian Mbappe, and that is the French team.
    Read More on The Sun
    “How would you take the risk, why would you take the risk of him getting injured?”
    Fortunately for England, Walker did not get injured and is now set for an almighty tussle with Mbappe on Saturday. More

  • in

    England fans all say the same thing as shock Birmingham City decision to retire Jude Bellingham’s 22 shirt is remembered

    ENGLAND fans have all been left saying the same thing after Jude Bellingham’s stunning performance against Senegal. Bellingham, 19, produced a midfield masterclass as England thumped Senegal 3-0 in the World Cup to set up a quarter-final against World Champions France.
    Jude Bellingham has been a shining light for England at the World CupCredit: AP
    Fans have been saying the same thing after remembering Birmingham retired Bellingham’s number 22Credit: Getty
    The Borussia Dortmund star registered an assist before driving the team forward and laying on the pass before the assist for the Three Lions second.
    His performances at club level have also been nothing short of breathtaking, and fans are now recognising a decision made by Birmingham City when they sold the Englishman.
    Back in 2020, when Bellingham was sold to Dortmund, Birmingham took the shock decision to RETIRE his number 22 shirt number.
    At the time the decision was ridiculed, but in a humbling climb down fans are now holding their hands up to acknowledge the Blues.
    READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS

    Taking to Twitter, one fan said: “Birmingham City retiring Bellingham’s shirt is going to be the best ever preemptive decision in the history of mankind.”
    A second user said: “We all owe Birmingham an apology for laughing when they retired Bellingham’s number. They knew.”
    Another user tweeted: “Remember when we all took the piss out of Birmingham for retiring Jude Bellingham’s shirt number? Sorry @BCFC, you were right.”
    “I didn’t get it at first, but now I completely understand why Birmingham retired Jude Bellingham’s number,” conceded another.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    One fan posted a video of former Ukip leader Nigel Farage when he says: “You all laughed at me. Well I have to say, you’re not laughing now are you.”
    This was paired with the caption: “Birmingham fans after the club was mocked for retiring Jude Bellingham’s shirt.”
    Bellingham has been one of the shining lights of England during this World Cup, starting in every game and forming a strong partnership alongside Declan Rice and more recently Jordan Henderson in midfield.
    Liverpool star Henderson and Bellingham have struck up an unlikely friendship while on international duty in Qatar.
    Indeed, this came to the fore when Bellingham laid on the opener for Henderson to score England’s opener against Senegal. More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo slammed by OWN manager over substitution strop as Portugal boss refuses to guarantee he will start

    PORTUGAL manager Fernando Santos has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo for his sulky reaction to being substituted against South Korea.The Portuguese booked their place in the last-16 of the World Cup with a game to spare.
    Ronaldo threw a strop as he was substituted against South KoreaCredit: Reuters
    Manager Santos has admitted he was left unimpressed by Ronaldo’s reactionCredit: PA
    But they fell to a 2-1 loss in their final group game, which saw Ronaldo assist South Korea’s equaliser by turning his back while defending a corner.
    Ronaldo didn’t cover himself in glory in his 65-minute cameo and was hooked for Andre Silva.
    The 37-year-old reacted angrily to the substitution, putting an index finger to his lips as he left the field.
    And his sulking has left Portugal boss Santos unimpressed.
    READ MORE ON CRISTIANO RONALDO
    Ahead of Portugal’s round of 16 clash with Switzerland on Tuesday, 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.
    Most read in Football
    Ronaldo managed just two shots against South Korea
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    “Full stop on this matter and now everyone is focused on tomorrow’s match.”
    Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo hasn’t had the best of World Cup campaigns.
    He has just one goal at the tournament, with the goal coming from the penalty spot in the 3-2 win over Ghana.
    Ronaldo is also yet to score a knockout goal, and has been surpassed by rival Lionel Messi and 23-year-old Kylian Mbappe with World Cup finals goals.
    And boss Santos has refused to guarantee that Ronaldo will start against the Swiss.

    He added: “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.”
    Ronaldo’s next club is yet to be decided after Manchester United 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.”
    Ronaldo vs Messi World Cup 2022 stats More

  • in

    ‘World Cup’s hottest fan’ distracts Japan supporters by posing for busty selfies before Croatia game after sushi taunt

    The World Cup’s “hottest fan” has posed with Japan fans in a stadium before the Croatia game – hours after making a cheeky sushi taunt.Ivana Knoll’s beloved Croatia is taking on the Asian giants at Al Janoub Stadium for a place in the quarter finals.
    Glam supermodel Ivana Knoll taunted Japan fans with a cheeky Instagram postCredit: Instagram
    The naughty post comes as Croatia take on Japan at Al Janoub Stadium for a place in the quarter finalsCredit: Instagram
    The die-hard Croatia supporter was spotted taking photos with Japan fans ahead of today’s clash World Cup clashCredit: AFP
    Knoll’s outfits have stoked controversy in Qatar, which is known for its modest dress codeCredit: PA
    In the lead-up to do-or-die match, Knoll was spotted taking photos of Japan fans ahead of the 3pm kick off.
    She also posted a picture of her eating sushi with the caption: “Japan, we are ready for you!”
    The cheeky jibe comes as Knoll drew “disapproving” attention for her racy outfits at this year’s World Cup and hit back at critics in a new racy Instagram post.
    The Croatian supermodel wowed in a bikini on Doha’s beachfront ahead of her side’s round of 16 clash with Japan this afternoon.
    MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
    Taking to Insta ahead of the huge tie, she showed off her curves in a tight one piece as she proudly waved the flag for the Vatreni.
    “Let’s party like it’s 1998,” she wrote, referencing the Croatians first successful run to the semi-final.
    She then added a love heart emoji – much to the affection of her 1.2 million adoring fans.
    Ivana has been ever present to cheer on her side in Doha and has already stunned in several plunging outfits bearing Croatia’s synonymous chequered coat of the arms.
    Most read in The Sun
    So far, the 30-year-old German born model wore a racy form fitting outfit to her side’s game against Morocco and shared snaps of herself in a revealing swimsuit while posing up by the curved skyscraper in Lusail.
    She then later caught the eye of glancing Qatari locals as she appeared in a red checked bikini top and tight red legging in the final group game clash against Belgium.
    All of which has earnt her the name as the “World Cup’s hottest fan.”
    According to the Mail Online, prominent Qatari entrepreneur Mohammed Hassan Al-Jefairi, claimed local men had been snapping away and staring because they disapproved of her outfit.
    Taking to Twitter following the 0-0 draw between Croatia and Belgium last Thursday he wrote: “Just for your info they take a photo not because they like her but because they don’t like the way she is mis-dressed on regards to our culture.
    “You can confirm this with any local Qatari Probably to report it.”
    Visitors to Qatar have been advised to cover their shoulders and avoid short skirts.
    And many glam footie fans have faced risk being slapped with huge fines or even put behind bars if they flash their figures while in the gulf nation.
    But Ivana has continued to poke fun at the coverage and previously she would wear a skimpy thong swimsuit on a Qatari beach before the competition began.
    Knoll posing with a Japan fan outside Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, QatarCredit: Alamy
    Ivana Knoll showed her support ahead of Croatia’s clash this afternoonCredit: The Mega Agency
    Her racy outfit during the clash against Belgium earnt her ‘disapproving’ looksCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    Neymar flies in personal barber from Paris to dye hair blond as he prepares for Brazil clash in World Cup after injury

    NEYMAR flew his personal barber 4,000 MILES from Paris to Qatar in order to get a pre-match trim.The Brazilian is set to return to action tonight as Brazil take on South Korea in the World Cup round of 16.
    Neymar is sporting a new trim from his barber NarikoCredit: Instagram / @Nariko_Hairstyle
    Neymar is set to be back in action tonight after returning to trainingCredit: Getty
    Neymar, 30, has been missing since picking up an ankle injury in his side’s opening match against Serbia.
    And evidently he wanted a fresh barnet for his big return.
    The Paris Saint-Germain star beamed alongside his barber Nariko after getting his hair cut and dyed blond.
    Neymar is well known to be a superstitious player, and he may hope that his haircut brings him good luck.
    READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP

    Last time he faced South Korea was in a friendly in Seoul back in June – during which he sported a similar blond barnet.
    In that match he scored twice as his side ran out 5-1 winners.
    Ahead of the game, Nariko wished his client good luck – writing on Instagram: “The brabo with a new look for the return, go with everything brother @neymarjr #ousadia May God bless you and our national team novo.”
    Quizzed yesterday if Neymar would definitely be fit enough to play, boss Tite simply replied: “Yes.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Neymar scored twice against South Korea in JuneCredit: AP
    He then added: “Neymar will train today in the afternoon and if he trains well he will play.”
    At the last World Cup, Brazil’s No10 sported an eye-catching blond perm.
    While he showed off a pink barnet while playing for PSG a couple of seasons ago.
    Neymar sported pink hair in 2020Credit: AFP More

  • in

    Olivier Giroud has no plans to retire from France duty as 36-year-old prepares to face England in quarter-finals

    FRANCE star Olivier Giroud insists he has NO intention of retiring from international duty.Striker Giroud, 36, is now France’s all-time highest goalscorer with 52 goals and is desperate to taste more success at the highest level.
    Olivier Giroud became France’s all-time record goalscorer against PolandCredit: Getty
    The former Arsenal and Chelsea star is also relieved to have got the milestone out of the way so he can focus on defeating England in Saturday’s quarter final.
    Giroud, now with Milan, said: “We can move on, forget about this, because so many people were talking about this. 
    “Now it is done, it is a good thing. The most important thing is to score more goals to help the team, reach our target which is to take games step by step and go as far as we can.
    “Am I getting better, like a fine wine? A lot of friends said the same about that.
    read more on the world cup

    “It is funny, I feel good, physically, and I still have the motivation to play at the best level. 
    “As long as my body allows me I will carry on because I am a competitor and I am enjoying the game so much and this team. 
    “It is such an honour to represent France, I will carry on. I don’t know until when, I don’t want to put any limits.”
    Giroud played with England midfielder Mason Mount at Chelsea and after nine years playing in the Premier League he will be up against some familiar faces.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    He said: “We have a few players in the team who play in the Premier League and I have been told, I don’t know who said it, ‘let’s catch up in the quarter final’.”
    France’s players have had to build bridges to repair damaged relationships in order to create the formidable team spirit that is seeing them through in Qatar.
    Public fallouts between Giroud and Kylian Mbappe in particular took their toll and they went out in the round of 16 on penalties to Switzerland.
    Giroud made a thinly veiled accusation that Mbappe was not passing enough and the row brewed from there.
    Giroud reckons the Covid hangover and restrictions still in place – no family visits in particular – was a factor behind the simmering tensions.
    Giroud said: “It was a weird game against Switzerland, you never know what can happen. At the end of the day we lost on a penalty shootout.
    “If we had gone through this stage, we would not talk about Covid, we couldn’t see our families.
    “It was true it was the same for all the teams but it was a weird time for playing competitions.
    “I can say playing at this World Cup is freedom, fresh air. It is a bit hot but it is ok.” More