World Cup 2022

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      Harry Kane declares himself fit for England and targets goals against Senegal after dry spell in group stage

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      THREE Lions skipper Harry Kane last night declared himself fit — and raring to go for his first goals of the World Cup.Harry was top scorer at the 2018 tournament in Russia but is yet to hit the target in Qatar.
      Harry Kane is determined to get on the scoresheet to help England beat SenegalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The hitman, who turned provider as England battled through their opening three matches, now hopes to open the floodgates against Senegal tonight.
      He said: “I would love to be sitting here with two or three goals, for sure, but the group games have gone well.
      “The games have not been too physical and going into the knock-out stages I feel really good — fit and sharp and as match-fit as I will ever feel.”
      Manager Gareth Southgate also will not be surprised if Harry, 29, opens his account in the 7pm knockout game against the African Nations champs.
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      Harry’s last goal was against Germany in the Nations League at Wembley in September.
      Harry Kane’s last goal for England came against Germany in SeptemberCredit: Reuters
      Gareth Southgate is backing England’s players to step up if the game goes to penaltiesCredit: Reuters
      But Gareth insisted: “With Harry, you know the goals are coming. So the longer the period without them, then you know they’re coming pretty soon.’’
      He added: “We’ve always wanted to bring the country on a journey with us and to create nights that people remember forever.
      “I think we’ve had a few of those over the last few years and we hope that Sunday’s another one.’’
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      And he assured anxious fans that the squad have been preparing intensively in case of a dreaded penalty shootout.
      England — who suffered spot-kick heartbreak at the Euro 2020 final at Wembley last year — have won just three out of ten in tournaments.
      But Gareth said: “We are prepared and we’ve had a process we’ve ­followed.
      “We’ve done that over the last few months but there’s so many other aspects to the game you’ve got to get right.
      With Harry, you know the goals are comingGareth Southgate
      “We’re aiming to win the game and avoid extra-time and avoid penalties.
      “But if we need to go 120 minutes or to go beyond that, we need to be ready mentally and physically — and I believe we are.”
      England have been further boosted by the form of Manchester United star Marcus Rashford who, with three goals, is in contention for the Golden Boot top scorer award.
      Marcus, 25, was devastated when he was among those who missed a penalty at the Euro final and was targeted by racist trolls.
      But Gareth said the striker was once again playing “with a smile on his face” — and remains one of England’s best spot-kick hopes.
      He said: “Marcus is one of the best penalty takers in the world.
      “Statistically he is an 85 per cent person, but even the best miss 15 per cent.
      “So in the end you have got to trust your players that they are going to deliver in those big moments.’’
      England star Marcus Rashford is the player Senegal fans fear the mostCredit: AP
      Senegal, nicknamed the Lions of Teranga, go into the game as underdogs but Gareth warned his players not to underestimate them.
      It will be the first time England have played Senegal, and Gareth said they will be facing a “well organised and athletic” side who play with “tremendous spirit”.
      As he spoke, The Sun’s lion mascot Harry Mane was firing up fans among the 8,000 travelling lionhearts who will pack a corner of the 69,000-seat Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor tonight.

      There will be a TV audience of more than 20 million back home.
      Pub bosses predict 15 million pints could be downed today as beer sales rocket 50 per cent.
      Another 20 million pints will be sunk at home.
      Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “At home and at the bar, the beer is flowing.
      “When England do well, so do our pubs and breweries.”
      Molly Davis of the British Institute of Innkeeping, added: “Sunday’s match will bring cheer to our pubs.”
      Cam on England
      The Sun on Sunday’s psychic camel Camilla tips England to beat SenegalCredit: Paul Tonge
      THE Sun on Sunday’s psychic camel Camilla predicts victory for the Three Lions tonight against Senegal.
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      Owners Jenny and Vernon Moore, both 52, of Melton Mowbray, Leics, insist she’s “never wrong”.
      Vernon told manager Gareth Southgate and the team: “Camilla’s got your back . . . football’s coming home!” More

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      Argentina 2 Australia 1 LIVE RESULT: Messi inspires country to win in 1,000th game despite Aussie fightback – updates

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      LIONEL MESSI has fired his team into the quarter-finals of the World Cup as Argentina survived a late Australian fight-back.Messi, playing in his 1,000th career game, made it 1-0 in the first half before Julian Alvarez doubled Argentina’s lead.
      Craig Goodwin then got one back for the Socceroos but they held on for a 2-1 win and a place in the World Cup last eight.
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      Follow all the action from Qatar with our live blog below…
      Goodnight from Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
      That’s all from us – and it’s all from Australia at Qatar 2022.
      The Socceroos have fought brilliantly at the World Cup, their team spirit greater than the sum of their parts.
      And after escaping a group that included France, Denmark and Tunisia, they almost – almost – took Argentina to an extra half hour in the Last 16.
      However, on a memorable night for Lionel Messi, the captain ended up dragging La Albiceleste through to the quarter-finals, where they will meet the Netherlands.
      Two more quarter-finalists will be decided tomorrow, and we hope that they will include England, who face Senegal at 7pm.
      You won’t miss a kick with us here at SunSport so join us for Three Lions action as well as the day’s earlier clash between France and Poland.
      Until then, thanks for joining us and goodbye.
      A majestical performance from Messi
      His 1000th senior game proved to be a memorable one.
      Lionel Messi scored his first ever goal in the knockout stages of the World Cup, picked up FIFA’s player of the match award, and carried his team into the quarter-finals.

      Minutes: 90
      Touches: 75
      Goals: 1
      Big chances created: 2
      Key passes: 4
      Pass accuracy: 90%

      How Argentina’s two legends compare
      Lionel Messi can never be compared to Maradona until he wins the World Cup is an argument that is readily trotted out by the bloke in the pub, but just how do the two Argentina greats match up?
      Well, thanks to those loveable stats nerds at Opta, we have some indication; the graphic below demonstrates just how close some of their numbers actually are.
      Should Messi go on and propel La Albiceleste to glory just as Diego did in ’86, then surely that would see him elevated to God-like greatness.
      Credit: Opta
      Extra! Read all about it!
      ‘The best individual display by any player at this World Cup’ was how Rio Ferdinand described it on the BBC, but how did Oscar Paul see Lionel Messi’s performance? Check out his match report of Argentina’s 2-1 victory against Australia to find out.
      He left it until his 1,000th game – but boy was it worth the wait. Lionel Messi had gone seven games, 12 hours and 23 shots without scoring for Argentina in the World Cup knockouts. Christ, even Matthew Upson managed one! Oscar PaulThe Sun

      A date with the Dutch
      The first quarter-final of Qatar 2022 is now known, and it’s a fixture steeped in World Cup history.
      Think of Argentina against the Netherlands, and you think of the Dutch thumping La Albiceleste 4-0 in Gelsenkirchen in ’74, Mario Kempes and co. gaining revenge in the final on home soil four years later, and Dennis Bergkamp, Dennis Bergkamp, Dennis Bergkamp, Dennis Bergkamp at France ’98.
      The next instalment will take place in the last eight of this year’s tournament.

      Netherlands v Argentina (Friday, 7pm)

      Match stats from Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
      The numbers suggest a dominant Argentina display, but Australia were never out of this game until the final whistle.

      Full time – Argentina 2-1 Australia
      The full time whistle goes, and it’s Argentina that go through to face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.
      The Argentine defenders leap on Emi Martinez at the full time whistle in gratitude for saving Garang Kuol’s final kick, and denying Australia a shot at extra-time.
      Who would have thought that La Albiceleste would have been so thankful for their goalkeeper when 2-0 up and cruising?
      They’ll need other players to step up to help Lionel Messi if they are to go on and win the tournament, but for now they only care about celebrating their place in the last eight.

      Argentina 2-1 Australia
      90+7. Kuol makes space in the box! It’s a chance for Australia!
      Saved by Emi Martinez at point-blank range!
      The teenager goes so close to taking the game to extra-time, but the Argentina goalkeeper comes up with a big save at a big moment!
      An incredible ending!

      Argentina 2-1 Australia
      90+5. The Argentine players are tired, but the Aussies are exhausted.
      There’s so much space now that a final Argentina goal should be inevitable.
      Messi, De Paul and Lautaro Martinez exchange passes before Ryan denies the latter, and the former steers the rebound wide.
      Argentina 2-1 Australia
      90+4. Messi almost caps his 1000th game in sublime style.
      On this occasion he aims his left-footed curler from the edge of the box towards the top corner, and is only inches away.

      Argentina 2-1 Australia
      90+3. Leathering the ball into the middle of next week isn’t the only thing Ryan can do, he’s also a fine shot stopper.
      He demonstrates as much by denying Lautaro Martinez at point-blank range after the hapless substitute was set up again by you-know-who.
      Argentina 2-1 Australia
      90+2. Ryan receives the ball and gives it the full welly treatment that would have Dave Bassett’s Wimbledon proud.
      I think we know how Australia are going to play these final minutes.
      Argentina 2-1 Australia
      90. Souttar makes a nuisance of himself in the Argentina box, and it’s enough to see a foul called against him.
      The defender looks as though time has run out on him, but the announcement of seven minutes stoppage time has offered renewed hope.
      Argentina 2-1 Australia
      88. Mooy loses possession on halfway, and Argentina have the chance to seal the tie on the break.
      Messi does brilliantly, running at three defenders and then releasing at exactly the right time.
      Lautaro Martinez should score, but instead spoons his effort well wide of the far post.
      Argentina 2-1 Australia
      86. Argentina settle down and play keep ball.
      They realise all they have to do now is keep cool heads.
      Argentines, of course, are well known for the keeping of cool heads…
      Argentina 2-1 Australia
      85. Five minutes remain.
      Five minutes of normal time, that is.
      Argentina 2-1 Australia
      84. Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez try to usher Argentina up the field, but when each are denied by rugged defending, they throw themselves to the floor to no avail.
      Argentina 2-1 Australia
      82. The corner is repelled by Argentina but only as far as Hrustic outside the area.
      The substitute takes a touch to steady himself, and the curls a yard over the crossbar.
      Australia aren’t done here by any means.
      Argentina 2-1 Australia
      80. What a run! What a tackle!
      An incredible solo run from Aziz Behich past four Argentina players looked to have taken him in on goal, only for a superb block from Lisandro Martinez to block his effort behind for a corner.
      That would have been one of the all-time great World Cup goals had the Dundee United man managed to finish.

      Argentina 2-1 Australia
      79. How do Argentina play this now?
      They were in complete control until that freak goal.
      Argentina 2-1 Australia
      77. Well, who saw this coming?
      Certainly not Emiliano Martinez, who is beaten by a huge – and I mean HUGE – deflection.
      Craig Goodwin’s strike from the edge of the area is going wide and over until it clatters into Enzo Fernandes to deceive the Argentina goalkeeper.
      It will inevitably go down as an own-goal, but Australia don’t care. For the final 13 minutes, they have hope!

      Hello!

      Argentina 2-0 Australia – Australia treble substitution
      73. And now a triple switch for the Aussies.
      The incomers include Garang Kuol, the exciting 18-year-old forward who has already agreed a move to Newcastle in January.
      Also on are Jamie Maclaren, formerly of Hibs, and Fran Karacic; off have gone Matthew Leckie, Milos Degenek and Mitchell Duke.
      Argentina 2-0 Australia – Argentina double substitution
      72. Lionel Scaloni makes two further changes with Marcos Acuna and, scorer of the second goal, Julian Alvarez going off.
      On in their places are Nicolas Tagliafico and Lautaro Martinez.
      Argentina 2-0 Australia
      70. The cameras pan to Tim Cahill in the stands.
      The former Australia midfielder is sitting with the two seats either side of him vacant, presumably so he can’t catch anyone with a cheeky elbow while the referee’s back is turned.
      Load more entries… More

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      Lionel Messi’s stunning wife Antonela steals show as she watches Argentina’s World Cup clash vs Australia from stands

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      THERE was Messi magic on and off the pitch on Saturday night as the Argentinian family flourished at the World Cup.The Paris Saint-Germain star, 35, scored a trademark goal to separate the teams as Argentina eased past Australia 2-1 in the last-16 clash.
      Antonela Roccuzzo watched on from the stands at the Al-Rayyan StadiumCredit: AFP
      She sported a purple Argentina away shirt with her husband’s name and number on itCredit: Reuters
      The 34-year-old enjoyed the show as Argentina defeated the AustraliansCredit: AFP
      Husband Messi scored the opener in the 2-1 winCredit: AFP
      It was his 789th senior goal on his 1000th appearance in football.
      But his wife Antonela Roccuzzo also stole the show as she stunned fans.
      The 34-year-old watched on as she sported a purple Argentina away shirt with her husband’s name and number on it.
      Showing off her midriff in a pair of ripped jeans and a purple handbag, Antonela smiled on the stands at the Al-Rayyan Stadium.
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      The only surprise was that it took her fella 35 minutes to take centre stage.
      The goal scoring hero collected a touch from former Manchester City man Nicolas Otamendi and rolled it through the legs of a defender and past the outstretched arm of Mat Ryan.
      Everyone expected it, but even so, what a moment it was in a stadium which feels almost like the Bombonera with so many Argentine fans in.
      Australia became the 129th team that Messi has scored against in his glittering career.
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      Yet until that moment he had been largely anonymous with the Socceroos doing well to keep their South American opposition quiet.
      For the rest of the game, the skipper controlled proceedings and was unlucky not to take home another couple of assists and nearly scored a brace on the 92nd minute.
      As always, Messi and Roccuzzo left fans talking about them when all was said and done. More

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      Argentina 2 Australia 1: Messi scores in 1,000th game and Alvarez capitalises on Ryan howler to make World Cup quarters

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      He left it until his 1,000th game – but boy was it worth the wait. Lionel Messi had gone seven games, 12 hours and 23 shots without scoring for Argentina in the World Cup knockouts. 
      Lionel Messi scored his third goal of the 2022 World Cup to give Argentina the leadCredit: PA
      It was the first real moment of quality in the game and Messi made it countCredit: PA
      The Argentina players immediately sprinted over to mob MessiCredit: AP
      It was the ninth World Cup goal of Messi’s careerCredit: Getty
      Julian Alvarez pinched the ball from Australia keeper Mat RyanCredit: AP
      The Man City man then provided the simple finish two extend Argentina’s leadCredit: PA
      Match winners Messi and Alvarez celebrating Argentina’s second goal of the gameCredit: Getty
      Christ, even Matthew Upson managed one! 
      The maestro has always had it thrown at him back home that he has never stepped up on the biggest stage. 
      In 2018, the late great Diego Maradona blasted: “We shouldn’t deify Messi any longer. Messi is Messi when he plays for Barcelona, and he’s another Messi with Argentina.” 
      Maybe there has been truth in that but five years after those damning comments, when this otherwise average side needed a moment, the little magician responded just like Maradona used to. 
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      His 35th-minute opener to bring up the four figures – the 789th of his ridiculous career – was another beauty, a textbook curling daisycutter made to look so damn easy. 
      At his fifth and almost certainly last World Cup, it’s now or never if Messi is to match Maradona and win the big one. 
      This was his third of the tournament, and while the 35-year-old icon is not the same player we all fell in love with, he’s still plenty good enough to continue carrying this lot. 
      Julian Alvarez capitalised on Matt Ryan’s howler to bag the second, and the Dutch are next – but it was nervier than it should have been after Enzo Fernandez’s own goal gave Australia a sniff 13 minutes from time. 
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      And for that they have Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez and Aston Villa Emi Martinez to thank with huge blocks at the death.
      The men from Down Under had never beaten South American opponents at the final, with their only previous last-16 game a 1-0 defeat to Italy in 2006.
      And talk about out of the frying pan into the fire for midfielder Keanu Baccus, winning his first full cap and being tasked with keeping Messi quiet. 
      The last time he started a game was for St Mirren against Ross County one month ago in front of 3,589 fans. 
      But if you thought there were fireworks there, the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium was bouncing over an hour before kick-off to that familiar Argentinian beat. 
      Not that Baccus was daunted by the incredible sea of blue and white, crunching the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner seven minutes in. 
      You’d expect a backline made up of Dundee United, Hearts, Stoke and Columbus Crew defenders to be little more than playthings for Messi and Co. 
      Yet throw on the green and gold and this poor side on paper becomes a different beast. 
      If anyone looked desperately ordinary early on, it was Argentina – slow, sluggish, shocking. 
      And then something incredible happened…35-year-old Messi pressed an opponent. No, really, it actually happened. 
      Messi frustrated Australia all evening with his brillianceCredit: Reuters
      That burst of energy won possession back, Aziz Behich conceded a foul, the noise ramped up to fever pitch, and the Aussies were behind 10 minutes before the break. 
      The maestro’s set-piece came back out to him on the right. He then squared to Alexis Mac Allister at the edge of the box before darting inside. 
      The Brighton midfielder played it into Nicolas Otamendi, whose clunky control put it straight into the little magician’s path.
      One touch to get it out of his feet, the second was trademark stuff, stroking it with a little curl through a crowd of defenders in the far corner. We’ve seen time and time again yet it still leaves everyone in astonishment. 
      Cries of ‘Messi! Messi! Messi’ rained down as tens of thousands bowed up and down with their arms outstretched in honour of the great wonder. 
      And the writing was on the wall for Australia 57 minutes when keeper Mat Ryan had a moment of madness to gift Alvarez. 
      With the Argentina ultras bursting his ear drums behind the goal, he went for a Messi-esque dribble as Rodrigo De Paul bared down. 
      A ridiculous risk to take when still bang in the game, Ryan got beyond the onrushing midfielder but played it straight to Alvarez who was backing up. 
      The Manchester City man rolled it into the empty net and it was game over for Graham Arnold’s underdogs. Or was it? 
      With 13 minutes to go they were given a sniff when Craig Goodwin’s shot – heading miles wide – cannoned off Enzo Fernandez and in. 
      Moments later and left-back Behich produced surely the dribble of the tournament, dancing past defenders like Messi used to his prime – only for Martinez to produce an equally outstanding block. 
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      Argentina then wasted three big chances to kill off the stubborn Aussies right at the death, and they nearly paid for it when Newcastle-bound Garang Kuol fired at Emi Martinez with virtually the last kick. 
      By the skin of their teeth, Argentina’s dream of lifting a first World Cup since 1986 is alive and kicking. 
      Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo watched on in an Argentina top with his name onCredit: AFP
      Messi has kept alive his hopes of winning the World CupCredit: AP More

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      Which teams have qualified for the quarter-finals at the 2022 World Cup and who plays who next?

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      THE last-16 ties are now well underway at the World Cup and teams are already making plans to play in the quarter-finals.The last eight is when the competition really starts to get serious.
      Denzel Dumfries celebrates after scoring a third goal for the DutchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And as we get through the last-16, we can start to understand who could play who in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
      The last-16 spans four days, with two games a day and then we have a two-day break and head into the next round.
      Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands have become the first country to qualify for the last eight after beating the United States 3-1.

      Which teams have qualified for the quarter-finals?
      Netherlands were the first team to qualify after beating USA 3-1.
      Argentina have made it into the last eight after beating Australia 2-1.
      Which teams qualified for the last-16?
      Group A
      Netherlands secured their place in the last-16 with a 2-0 victory over hosts Qatar, seeing Louis Van Gaal’s side finish top of the group.
      Senegal also confirmed their place in the knock-out rounds after beating Ecuador.
      Group B
      England qualified for the last-16, coming out 3-0 victors over Wales to send their fellow Brits home.
      USA are joining the Three Lions in the knockout rounds, beating Iran 1-0 to set up a clash with the Netherlands.
      Group C
      Argentina finished top of Group C despite losing their first match of the group stage.
      Victory over Mexico and Poland saw them progress into the last-16, while they are joined by the Europeans.
      Poland finished above Mexico by the skin of their teeth, having a superior goal difference to the Central Americans.
      Group D
      France had already qualified before facing Tunisia – and then the reigning world champions LOST.
      Needless to say Les Bleus still finished top of the group on goal difference.
      They are joined in the last 16 by Australia, who pulled another 1-0 victory out of their pockets with a win over disappointing Denmark.
      Group E
      Japan shocked the world by finishing top of Group E, registering wins against both Germany and Spain.
      The shock twist in what was deemed the group of death saw Germany fall out of the competition despite ending level on points with Spain, who went through in second place.
      Group F
      Morocco surprised everyone as they topped the group, with a 2-1 victory over Canada sealing their place in the last-16.
      This meant that Croatia and Belgium had it all to play for, but following a 0-0 draw, the Red Devils have gone crashing out at the group stages.

      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup

      Group G
      Brazil are through after winning both their matches, picking up six points.
      Switzerland joined the South Americans in the next round after beating Serbia on the final day of Group G.
      Group H
      Bruno Fernandes’ brace saw Portugal seal their place in the next round, sitting top of Group H with six points.
      Ghana, South Korea, and Uruguay still had a chance of making the last-16 but it was the Asian side that went through after beating Portugal 2-1 on the final day of the group.
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      What are the last-16 fixture dates and where can you watch?
      Last 16
      Saturday, December 3

      Sunday, December 4

      Monday, December 5

      Tuesday, December 6

      South Korea will be playing at the World Cup last-16 after victory over PortugalCredit: Reuters
      Quarter-finals
      Friday, December 9

      Match 58: Netherlands vs Winners of Match 54 (3pm)
      Match 57: Winners of Match 49 vs Winners of Match 50 (7pm)

      Saturday, December 10

      Match 60: Winners of Match 55 vs Winners of Match 56 (3pm)
      Match 59: Winners of Match 51 vs Winners of Match 52 (7pm)

      Semi-finals
      Tuesday, December 13

      Match 61: Winners of Match 57 vs Winners of Match 58 (7pm)

      Wednesday, December 14

      Match 62: Winners of Match 59 vs Winners of Match 60 (7pm)
      Third/Fourth place play-off

      Saturday, December 17

      Losers of Match 61 vs Losers of Match 62 (3pm)

      Final
      Sunday, December 18

      Winners of Match 61 vs Winners of Match 62 (3pm)

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      Based on UK time zone
      What are the most important dates for the World Cup?

      The group stages got underway on Sunday, November 20.
      Round of 16 will be on December 3 – December 6.
      Quarter-final stages begin on December 9 – December 10.
      Semi-finals are taking place on December 13 – December 14.
      The World Cup final will be participated on Sunday, December 18. More

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      Van Dijk takes sly dig at Man Utd when asked about Cody Gakpo making transfer to Liverpool’s rivals

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK took a sly dig at Manchester United when discussing Cody Gakpo’s future.The Liverpool defender and Holland skipper has led his country to the World Cup quarter finals after a 3-1 Last 16 win over USA.
      Virgil van Dijk made a dig at Manchester United when asked about Cody Gakpo’s futureCredit: Getty
      Gakpo has been heavily linked with a move to Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      Memphis Depay, Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries all found the net to see off the Americans at the Khalifa International Stadium.
      Dutch starlet Gakpo – who already has a trio of goals in Qatar after scoring in all three group games – impressed once more despite not adding a fourth.
      The 23-year-old PSV striker has been linked with a move away after also having a stunning start to the Eredivisie this season with nine goals and 12 assists in 14 appearances.
      Man United and Real Madrid have both been heavily linked with Gakpo, whose contract runs out in June 2026.
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      And when asked whether Gakpo is ready to play at the level of either of those giant clubs, either in January or next summer, Van Dijk replied: “Is Manchester United and Real Madrid the same level at the moment?
      “No disrespect, not at all. I definitely think he has that next step in him. I definitely feel like it could happen, whether that is in the winter or the summer or next year, time will tell.
      “He is a great boy who works hard, very talented and definitely there is more in him. we are so pleased he is doing so well for us. Long may it continue.”
      Holland will play either Argentina or Australia in the last eight before a potential semi-final clash with favourites Brazil.
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      But Van Dijk added: “I don’t think we will think about success at this point. We will think about game by game. We know we can be knocked out or sent home every game now.
      “The focus will be on recovery and making sure we are ready for either Argentina or Australia. We will see.
      “We play so many games so there is no point to look too far ahead.”
      Van Dijk has also revealed he has full trust in Liverpool to find the right new owners with FSG open to selling in the near future.
      Asked if it is on his mind during the World Cup, he explained: “Definitely I am aware of everything that is happening.
      “Whether I am taking it in and doing something with it right now, I don’t think so because the full focus is on the World Cup.
      “But hopefully everything will be sorted and clarified when I am back. At this point, I am definitely not thinking about it.
      “I have full trust in Liverpool that they will be fine. We are a very established club, one of the biggest in the world and that will stay that way.
      “Whoever comes in to fill in those roles, they will do very well.” More

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      Louis van Gaal kisses Denzel Dumfries after Man of the Match performance in Holland’s World Cup win over USA

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      LOUIS VAN GAAL gave Denzel Dumfries a big kiss on the cheek in his post-match press conference as he celebrated Holland reaching the last eight of the World Cup.Man of the match Dumfries was sat next to Van Gaal while facing the media after Holland’s 3-1 win over USA in which he scored one and assisted two.
      Louis Van Gaal kissed Denzel Dumfries following his performance in the last-16Credit: Twitter
      Dumfries was the star of the show for Holland against USACredit: Getty
      And Van Gaal said: “Denzel knows that the day before yesterday I gave him a big fat kiss, I am going to give him another…there you can see.”
      But the Dutch head coach also admitted he was not in such a good mood at half-time in this game despite leading 2-0.
      He said: “I was very critical at half time in my analysis as usual despite that we were leading 2-0.
      “I think they were fantastic goals and there was a beauty and team spirit to one of these goals because it was a real team goal.
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      “However in the first half we suffered so much, we were dispossessed so often and it is not necessary,
      “That is not acceptable in a World Cup if you play top countries.
      “In the second half we made a much better job of it even though we scored fewer goals.
      “So we are very very pleased and it gives us a lot of confidence. The players were really pleased.”
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      Holland were ahead when Memphis Depay ended a 20 pass move with the opener after 10 minutes.
      Daley Blind added the second in first half injury time before Haji Wright got one back for the US on 76 minutes, but Dumfries made it safe in the 81st.
      A player named after American actor Denzel Washington taking that country’s team down.
      Denzel said: “I don’t have a connection with the USA but yes I was named after Denzel Washington and my parents gave me that name and I am incredibly proud of that as Denzel Washington is a strong personality who gives his views on issues.”
      As does Van Gaal who is now even more confident his team can go on and lift the World Cup, despite criticism of his style from the Dutch media
      He said: “I know the media don’t always report in a positive way, that is a given but top countries didn’t progress and we still have three matches to go.’
      “I have been talking for a year that we can become world champions, not that we will but we can. I am talking about team building and I derive pleasure from the group of players and performance and results.”
      Van Gaal said that the USA helped his Dutch side by not adapting their tactics to combat them.
      He said: “I would assume the stronger the country is, the less they will be adjusting.
      “Team USA didn’t adjust or adapt and we based a tactical plan on that and that probably allowed us to win. But I don’t expect France, Argentina or Spain is going to adapt to the Netherlands. I think we have big chances here.”
      US manager Gregg Berhalter looked a devastated figure as he assessed the game.
      He said: “This is a tough one to swallow for us.
      “The guys put in everything they had. They are such a good group of guys, so close knit. You want more for them and we came up short.
      “The game is about moments and the first half is a good indication. We were on top for a lot and two moments come and we are down 2-0.
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      “Soccer can be cruel sometimes, we came back and then gave up a goal soon after.
      “It’s tough but overall extremely proud of how they handled themselves. We set out with a goal to show the rest of the world we can play soccer and we partially achieved that though we fell short of our goals.” More

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      Eden Hazard, 31, ‘is considering RETIRING from international duty’ after Belgium’s disastrous World Cup exit

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      BELGIUM star Eden Hazard is reportedly considering retirement from international football.Roberto Martinez’s side crashed out of the World Cup in the group stage after they failed to follow up their win over Canada, losing to Morocco and exiting the competition with a goalless draw against Croatia.
      Belgium crashed out of the World Cup in the group stage on ThursdayCredit: Rex
      Following Belgium’s disappointing campaign, HLN are claiming that Hazard will make a decision on his future with the national team in the coming days.
      He has made a breathtaking 126 appearances for his country, scoring 33 goals across a 14-year period.
      But with injury problems plaguing his club career at Real Madrid, Hazard may feel he does not have another major tournament in him.
      The same report also claims he is considering a departure from the Bernabeu having played just 72 times in three-and-a-half seasons.
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      But former Belgium striker Gilles De Bilde is cautious about believing rumours of Hazard’s international retirement.
      He said: “I take it with a grain of salt. It has already happened at this World Cup that a rumor was blown up.
      “So I would wait and see what Eden himself says in the coming days.”
      He continued: “I also understand that his younger brother Kylian was surprised by the news [of his retirement].
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      “Eden was always told that he would not stop with the Red Devils until they had to carry him away. But maybe this is due to circumstances.
      “Don’t forget the emotional aspect as well. After disappointment, a person sometimes says things that he later comes back to.
      “So I would wait for Eden himself.”
      Belgium’s exit from the World Cup came amid alleged tensions within the camp.
      Ahead of the draw with Croatia, there were reports of a bust-up between Hazard, Jan Vertonghen and Kevin de Bruyne.
      It came after Man City man De Bruyne was asked about Belgium’s chances of winning the World Cup in Qatar.
      To which he told The Guardian: “No chance, we’re too old. I think our chance was 2018.
      “We have a good team, but it is ageing. We lost some key players. We have some good new players coming, but they are not at the level other players were in 2018. I see us more as outsiders.”
      Meanwhile, manager Martinez is expected to depart his role after his contract expired when they crashed out of the World Cup. More