World Cup 2022

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      ‘He has no right’ – Deschamps fumes at ‘superstitious’ Kounde for wearing banned necklace in World Cup win over Poland

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      FRANCE boss Didier Deschamps was RAGING with defender Jules Kounde after he was forced to remove a GOLD NECKLACE during their 3-1 win over Poland.The 24-year-old began the match with the jewellery on and it was visible to those watching on TV, with many flagging it on social media.
      Jules Kounde’s chain was removed towards the end of the first halfCredit: Reuters
      The French defender had gotten away with wearing it for 42 minutesCredit: Reuters
      But the officials did not pick up on it until just a few minutes before the end of the first half.
      When it was eventually flagged to them in the 42nd minute, referee Valenzuela Saez ordered him to take it off.
      The Barcelona man proceeded to do so with the help of one of the French coaching staff.
      But France boss Deschamps was not happy with his player during the post-match press conference.
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      When asked about the matter, he said: “He has no right. I don’t know what he has on his chain, I know that Jules has a bit of a superstition, he has it in training.
      “I don’t know the meaning. I even told him – ‘You’re lucky you’re not in front of me, or else…’.
      “The referee had told us that as soon as there was a stoppage in play… players are not allowed to wear a bracelet or a necklace. They’re not going to start wearing watches or sunglasses either.
      “It’s not allowed. I thought he was taking it off but apparently that wasn’t the case.”
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      Kounde’s necklace removal came after a drab 40 minutes from France as Poland stifled them and had chances of their own.
      But shortly before the break the reigning world champions did find a way through.
      And it was a record-breaking goal to boot as Olivier Giroud became his country’s all-time top scorer.
      The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea man now has an international tally of 52, one more than fellow former Gunners star Thierry Henry.
      Kylian Mbappe then bagged a second half brace before Poland managed a consolation as Robert Lewandowski converted a late penalty.
      France’s victory sealed their place in the last-eight of the World Cup for a third successive time.
      If they do retain the trophy, they will become just the third team to do so after Italy and Brazil.
      And they would be the first to do so since Pele and Co achieved the feat in 1962.
      Deschamps men are scheduled to meet England in the quarter-finals if Gareth Southgate’s side can beat Senegal on Sunday evening. More

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      Messi relaxes with wife Antonela as he takes break from training after leading Argentina to World Cup quarter finals

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      LIONEL MESSI celebrated Argentina’s qualification to the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals by spending some quality time with the family.Paris Saint-Germain superstar Messi led the Albiceleste to a 2-1 win over Australia on Saturday as he opened the scoring before Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez sealed the win.
      Lionel Messi enjoyed some down time with his wife Antonella RoccuzzoCredit: INSTAGRAM
      The Argentina captain’s wife Antonella Roccuzzo shared a snap on her Instagram account showing her enjoying some down time with her husband in Qatar after his recent triumph.
      Antonella also posted a pic of her and the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner along with their sons Thiago, 10, Mateo, 7, and Ciro, 4.
      The Argentine issued the following caption: “Momentos [moments].”
      The presence of Messi’s family in Qatar has played a critical role in the star forward’s performances on the pitch.
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      The 35-year-old is determined to finally win his first World Cup with Argentina as this could be his final appearance in the esteemed tournament.
      And the Barcelona legend revealed his children are inspiring him along the way, especially now that his eldest son Thiago is old enough to experience his dad’s magic.
      Messi said: “From the beginning to the final whistle I was thinking about my family.
      “My children especially, as they are growing older and understand more.
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      Lionel Messi led Argentina to the World Cup quarter-finalsCredit: INSTAGRAM
      “We have had families before at World Cups – Thiago has been there but wasn’t aware what it meant.
      “I now see how they suffer and enjoy it. It’s something spectacular.
      “They are excited as all Argentinians – it’s amazing to share this with them.” More

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      Grumpy Roy Keane reveals he is ‘annoyed’ just minutes into ITV’s World Cup coverage of England vs Senegal

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      A GRUMPY Roy Keane joked Senegal’s noisy support was “annoying” – just minutes into ITV’s coverage of their defeat to England.The Senegalese supporters were in fine voice at the World Cup and continued that trend before the game against England.
      Roy Keane called the Senegal support ‘annoying’Credit: Getty
      The Senegalese fans have been in fine voice throughout the tournamentCredit: Getty
      The African side were thrashed 3-0 by the Three Lions in the round of 16 after both teams progressed out of their groups.
      Senegal managed to qualify ahead of Ecuador and host nation Qatar.
      They secured their spot in the knockout stages after beating Ecuador 2-1 in their final group game, thanks to a winning goal from Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
      During the build-up to the match on ITV the fans could be heard singing their support for their team.
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      While Gary Neville and Ian Wright were enjoying it, and the former Arsenal striker called it “amazing”.

      However, the notoriously hard to please Keane was less impressed as he chimed in saying it was “annoying”.
      Host Mark Pougatch tried to cheer him up by saying that the colours and noise is really lovely, but Keane hilariously doubled down.
      He said: “It is [the World Cup] and it is lovely, but it is annoying.”
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      Keane has already caught the attention of fans during his time as a pundit at the tournament.
      Fans were quick to compare him to a “haunted lighthouse keeper” as the Irishman was sporting a thick greying beard and wore a patterned grey, beige and white shirt.
      Senegal fans watch on as their side are beaten 3-0 by England at the World CupCredit: Getty More

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      ‘He’s still a child’ – Mauricio Pochettino reveals problems managing Kylian Mbappe but insists he does NOT run PSG

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO branded Kylian Mbappe a “child” as he claimed the France superstar does not control Paris Saint-Germain.Mbappe starred in Les Bleus’ 3-0 win over Poland in the World Cup Round of 16, scoring twice to help France progress.
      Mauricio Pochettino branded Kylian Mbappe a “child” after he scored twice against PolandCredit: Getty
      Mbappe dominated on the left flank in France’s last-16 clash
      The superstar has scored five goals at the Qatar World Cup
      The 23-year-old is now the leading goalscorer at the tournament with five goals, and has taken his total World Cup tally to nine.
      Pochettino, who managed Mbappe at PSG, praised the forward but also warned his immaturity makes it difficult for the 62-cap star to manage himself.
      Asked if Mbappe has control of PSG, Pochettino replied: “For me, it’s not true.
      “He’s 23 and already won the World Cup. He’s an amazing talent, but the problem is sometimes you need to manage yourself.
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      “We are talking about one of the top three, top five best players in the world and it’s not easy for him to manage himself because he’s not mature enough, he’s still a child.
      “But I think he’s doing well and sometimes people talk too much but it’s not like this.”
      Pochettino also believes Mbappe can be stopped in Qatar and tipped England to do exactly that if they meet France in the quarter-final.
      Asked if he believes England can stop the likes of Mbappe and Messi, Pochettino said: “Yes, of course.
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      “Yesterday I saw a very good performance from the defensive line and the whole team, I think they played really well.
      “I think they beat Wales in a very difficult game, so of course they can cope.
      “All the players involved in the national team are playing for big clubs, fighting for the Champions League and Premier League.
      “So I’m confident England can beat any team.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo cuddles Georgina Rodriguez as Portugal star enjoys break with family during World Cup

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has been pictured cuddling partner Georgina Rodriguez after seeing Portugal progress to the Last 16 at the World Cup.Ronaldo, 37, was taking a break ahead of his nations knockout clash against Switzerland.
      Cristiano Ronaldo cuddles Georgina Rodriguez and his sister Katia AveiroCredit: Instagram / @katiaaveirooficial
      Ronaldo then took a family selfieCredit: Instagram / @katiaaveirooficial
      Ronaldo pictured alongside Georgina RodriguezCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      Ronaldo in training as he gears up for the Last 16 against SwitzerlandCredit: EPA
      And after an intense trio of group games, Ronaldo had the opportunity to unwind alongside Georgina and his family.
      On his sister Katia’s Instagram story the ex-Manchester United ace was snapped in the middle of a group photo with his sister and Georgina.
      Ronaldo then took a selfie featuring the pair and two of Katia’s children.
      Meanwhile, Georgina shared a snap to her own Instagram story of her cuddling with Ronaldo as she wore a hoody.
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      Georgina, 28, stunned in a bikini while on the beach in Doha, Qatar, before watching from the stands as Portugal slumped to a defeat against South Korea.
      In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Georgina revealed that when she first met Ronaldo she was working as a sales assistant in Gucci.
      And since making their relationship public in 2016 they have had two children together, Alana Martina and Bella Esmeralda, to take Ronaldo’s total up to five.
      However, the pair were rocked by tragedy earlier this year when Ronaldo announced that Bella’s twin had passed away.
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      Paying tribute online, Ronaldo said: “It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away.
      “It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel.
      “Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.

      “We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support.
      “We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time.
      “Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.” More

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      Ferran Torres takes Spain manager Luis Enrique’s daughter out for date to the fair as he enjoys World Cup break

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      FERRAN TORRES took some time out at the World Cup to take manager Luis Enrique’s daughter on a date to the fair.The Spain star, 22, is dating Sira Martinez, whose dad is Spain’s national team boss.
      Torres and Martinez visited Al Maha Island fair in Qatar
      The pair managed to win a prize of a giant banana
      Sira added photos on social media of the pair exploring Doha
      And Torres and Martinez had an enjoyable night in Qatar as they visited the rides.
      Sira, 22, added photos to her Instagram of the pair smiling together while they explored.
      The fair is located on Al Maha Island in Lusail, where the final will be hosted.
      In one shot, Torres held a giant, golden soft toy banana aloft.
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      He is hoping in two weekends’ time, it could be the World Cup trophy.
      All is fair in love and war, except when you have to select a team for the biggest tournament in football and your potential future son-in-law is an option.
      Enrique joked his daughter would chop his head off if he did not pick Torres for the Spain squad.
      The couple first began their relationship in 2021.
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      Torres played for Manchester City at the time, with the pair making things work long distance.
      The forward then joined Barcelona in January, the city where Sira was born.
      Sira is a professional show-jumper and a member of the swanky Barcelona Royal Polo Club.
      She is also an influencer, and has 210,000 followers on Instagram.
      Her dad’s Spain side play Morocco in the last-16 on Tuesday night.
      The couple have been together since 2021Credit: https://www.instagram.com/siramartinezc
      Sira has over 200,000 followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/siramartinezc More

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      Brazil legend Adriano ‘splits from wife after just 24 days of marriage as he cancels plans to watch World Cup’

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      BRAZIL legend Adriano has reportedly split from his wife after just 24 days of marriage. The 40-year-old tied the knot with stunning hairdresser Micaela Mesquita, 25, earlier this month.
      Adriano and Micaela Mesquita have reportedly split up only weeks after marriageCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Adriano was dubbed as the next Ronaldo at the beginning of his careerCredit: AFP
      The pair had enjoyed a whirlwind romance before a low-key marriage as they shared pictures of themselves signing official papers on Instagram.
      But Brazilian news site Extra Globo reports the couple have separated only weeks after getting married.
      They claim that the pair had planned to have an intimate party with friends and family this weekend but it did not go ahead.
      Adriano and Mesquita are believed to have had an argument after he went to visit friends in Penha, south Brazil, to watch the national team take on Switzerland in the World Cup.
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      Glamorous hairdresser Mesquita has had an on-again off-again relationship with RonaldoCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      It was only last month that the two confirmed they had signed marriage papersCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Extra report he returned home two days later and had a row with Mesquita over his whereabouts.
      They have now reportedly stopped following each other on social media while Mesquita has no pictures of the ex-footballer on her account.
      The pair have had an on-off relationship and it is just the latest in many public romantic flings Adriano has been involved with.
      The former striker had a short-lived relationship with medical student Ceu Oliveira at the start of last year.
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      In-between dating fitness fanatic Oliveira and rekindling his relationship with Micaela, he enjoyed a brief fling with an 18-year-old called Bia Miranda.
      During his career the dad-of-three was considered among the world’s best players.
      He spent several years at Inter Milan during the noughties and notched up a number of fantastic goals.
      He was also part of Brazil’s exciting magic quarter that also included stars such as Kaka, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo that emerged before the 2006 World Cup.
      Adriano retired in 2016 at the age of 34. More

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      Fuming Morocco fans accuse Fifa of pricing them out of supporting team in World Cup last 16 against Spain

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      ANGRY Moroccan fans are up in arms against Fifa over the lack of tickets for their last-16 showdown with Spain.Like fellow North African side Tunisia, the Atlas Lions have been roared on by huge crowds in Qatar.
      Morocco fans are desperate to watch their team take on Spain in the World Cup last 16Credit: PA
      Thousands of supporters have travelled to cheer on the Atlas LionsCredit: EPA
      But ex-pats in the Gulf state and those back home are now accusing tournament chiefs of pricing them out of backing “Avocado head” Walid Rekragui and his team as they bid to go make Moroccan football history.
      Cities across the country have witnessed scenes of wild delight as Rekragui’s side topped Group F with wins over Belgium and Canada and a draw with Croatia.
      That has only led to the demand for tickets, with the state airline Royal Air Maroc scheduling a series of flights to Doha for supporters to travel.
      But fans have complained the tickets are simply not available with claims black market prices have gone up by £200 or more.
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      Social media users accused tournament bosses of “manipulating” the situation because “Fifa does not want the Moroccan supporters to attend”.

      That complaint has been vehemently denied by world chiefs, but it is a signal of how much of an impact Rekragui and his team have made.
      The coach, who now jokes about what was originally a derogatory nickname aimed at his bald head, made the key decision to restore Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech to his squad after the wide-man was booted out by Bosnian predecessor Vahid Halilhodzic.
      Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri said: “The coach has brought happiness to us as a squad – and we are now bringing that happiness to the people.
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      “It means so much that we have managed to achieve this dream of getting through the group.
      “But now we are determined to continue the dream in Qatar with the same will, the same determination and perseverance.
      “We are not going to get intimidated by Spain and what they represent.
      “Our focus will be on ourselves, our abilities, and the possibility of presenting a level worthy of the Moroccan national team in order to continue the adventure successfully.” More