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    Troy Deeney: When Ismaila Sarr is on it, he’s SCARY… I watched Senegal star give Luke Shaw a miserable time for Watford

    ISMAILA SARR is not stupid. He will know just how big an opportunity this is.He is mature enough — even at the age of 24 — to realise this game for Senegal against England will be the biggest he has ever played in.
    Ismaila Sarr can be too hot to handle when he is in formCredit: AP
    Sarr gave Luke Shaw the runaround in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    He will be pumped up. He will think: ‘This is my time’.
    If he delivers and scores, it will be a really, really difficult watch for Gareth Southgate.
    From the moment he joined us at Watford back in the summer of 2019, we knew he was something special at 21 years old.
    His blistering pace is frightening. He runs so effortlessly.
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    When you are a big guy like me and you can’t run, it is quite disheartening.
    He is genuinely a nice bloke, and funny. His English was not great at the start but rather than being embarrassed by it, he made fun of himself which was quite endearing.
    At the same time, when Ismaila is on it, he is scary.
    I remember watching him in the Europa League for Rennes against Arsenal in the 2018-19 season and he tore them a new one.
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    He has the ability to do that, especially in his natural position on the flanks. If you play him down the middle, you lose something from his game but he can be deadly on the right or left.
    He will cause a lot of problems for England out wide, especially their full-backs.
    I remember a match at Vicarage Road against Manchester United in December 2019.
    We won 2-0, Ismaila scored and he gave Luke Shaw a miserable time.
    He also played up against Shaw and scored in another win at Vicarage Road last season — that 4-1 game that got Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the sack.
    Harry Maguire played in both of those as well and he was on the back foot the whole time, worried about what was going to be sprinting in behind him.
    Ismaila’s motivation will be through the roof… this could be this England defence’s first real testTroy Deeney
    It will be the same tomorrow. I would bring in Kyle Walker again from the start, to try and negate that.
    Walker can stop any of the best players in the world with his pace.
    If we play France in the quarter-finals, Walker is man-marking Kylian Mbappe, mark my words, so this could be good practice for him.
    We have got away with dominating the ball in the group stages and the teams up against us have not been able to threaten us in behind.
    That will change with Ismaila in the mood.
    This could be this defence’s first real test.
    I still think we will dominate the ball and it will be us trying to break them down but they will really get at us on the counter.

    The transition is going to be key. This will be a tighter game than people think.
    Not many have given Senegal the credit they deserve.
    They are not a shoddy team. They have lots of Premier League stars.
    They won’t fear England and we won’t fear them, so it will be a good game.
    Ismaila’s motivation will be through the roof.
    With the January window coming up and with Watford in the Championship, we all know he wants to be playing in the Premier League and at World Cups and on these sorts of stages more often.
    I still chat to him on Instagram. I drop him a message when he does well and wish him all the best.
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    He will go on to have an unbelievable career.
    I don’t want to put too much pressure on him but heads will turn at the biggest clubs in Europe if he is the star of the show this weekend.
    Sarr and Troy Deeney linked up at Watford togetherCredit: Getty
    Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker know they will need to be switched on to deal with his threatCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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    Fans call Granit Xhaka a ‘master of dark arts’ as they spot moment Arsenal star wound up WHOLE Serbia bench at World Cup

    GRANIT XHAKA has been labelled a “mentality monster” after getting under the skin of the ENTIRE Serbia bench. Xhaka was in action as Switzerland beat Serbia 3-2 to secure a place in the World Cup last 16, and caused a bust-up after making a gesture towards the Serbia bench.
    Granit Xhaka enraged the Serbian bench by grabbing his privatesCredit: https://twitter.com/karthikadhaigal/status/1598776740272537600?s=20&t=fdaRTF9zdQmdcoQtlOM-kw
    It sparked a pitch invasion from the Serbia bench
    Fans picked up on Xhaka’s ability to ‘rattle’ the opposition benchCredit: AFP
    Nikola Milenkovic and Xhaka come to blows near the end of the gameCredit: EPA
    Xhaka won the Man of the Match awardCredit: Getty
    With Switzerland leading 3-2 during the second half, the Arsenal star then gestured towards the bench by grabbing his NUTS.
    It came after Dusan Vlahovic scored in the first half and celebrated by grabbing his nuts to hit back at claims he had an affair with a team-mate’s wife.
    Serbia’s camp did not take it well, and stormed on to the pitch.
    The game ended with an astonishing 11 yellow cards from both sides, with Serbia picking up five in total after Xhaka’s gesture.
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    He was then involved AGAIN as he picked up a yellow for a bust-up with Nikola Milenkovic towards the end of the game.
    But fans online praised Xhaka’s ability to wind up his opponents.
    One user said: “Mentality monster who’s mastered the dark arts without losing his head… he’s unlocked yet another level.”
    A second user added: “🤣🤣 Xhaka had them rattled.”
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    A third declared: “If Xhaka wasn’t a footballer…..he would have been a leader of a Mafia gang.”
    A fourth said: “Xhaka you’re a menace. And I love it lol.”
    After the game Xhaka told reporters: “You can hear from my voice that I am a bit hoarse but there were a lot of emotions involved tonight.
    “But in general it was fair enough because we wanted to win this game and we are very proud to be in the round of 16.”
    Serbia and Switzerland have some bad blood between them regarding the ethnic heritage of some of Swiss players.
    Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri have previously celebrated using the Albanian Eagle – the nationalist symbol of their ethnic heritage.
    Shaqiri was born in Kosovo (a former Serbian province which declared independence in 2008).
    Serbia does not recognise Kosovo’s independence and relations remain tense with many families choosing to move to other European counties including Switzerland.
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    Xhaka celebrated at the end of the match wearing the shirt of young Swiss sub Ardon Jashiri, who just happens to share a surname with the famous Kosovan freedom fighter Adem Jashiri, who was killed by the Serbs.
    But Xhaka insisted: “There was nothing political at all. I was just showing my happiness for my young team-mate.” More

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    Jack Grealish’s dad vows to keep wearing his ‘lucky’ Union Jack waistcoat to take England to World Cup glory

    JACK Grealish’s dad has vowed to continue wearing his ‘lucky’ Union Flag waistcoat to take England to World Cup glory.Madcap Kevin left his famous son squirming by cheering on the Three Lions in Qatar wearing a garish outfit in the stands.
    Jack Grealish’s dad Kevin has vowed to continue wearing his ‘lucky’ Union Flag waistcoatCredit: BackGrid
    Jack joked: ‘What’s he doing with that? I said ‘what are you wearing there?’’Credit: Facebook
    But the proud father is unmoved by Jack’s pleas to leave behind the inspirational attire – and will “100%” be donning the patriotic kit tomorrow.
    The mortified Manchester City £100m star laughed: “What’s he doing with that? I said ‘what are you wearing there?’.
    “He had a little bow-tie as well but my mum told him to take it off – I don’t know where he’s got it from, it looks like something from the market, doesn’t it?”
    But Kevin’s £100 waistcoat – specially made by an independent retailer near his Solihull home – will be back on display in the knock-out clash between England and Senegal.
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    The Union Flag themed bow tie was an extra £20 and Kevin will keep it on after attending all of England’s three Group B games in which Jack and his team-mates remained unbeaten.
    Along with his parents, the midfielder’s sister Hollie, who has cerebral palsy, has travelled out to lend her support.
    Jack, 27, performed a special celebration for an 11-year-old fan called Finlay after scoring his first-ever World Cup goal against Iran in England’s first game of the tournament.
    Dan McHale, the assistant manager at Kevin’s tailor Bentley’s, told of their special commission last night.
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    He said: “Kevin came in a few days before he flew out to Qatar and picked it up. He was absolutely delighted with it. I think it’s definitely something the cameras can pick up on.”
    Kevin’s natty look is in stark contrast to Jack’s fashion sense, which landed him a seven-figure tie-up with Gucci earlier this year.
    England fan John Gadd said last night: “I’ll be wearing my lucky underpants watching England and everyone needs to do their bit – including Kevin Grealish. Good on him and let’s hope it takes us to World Cup glory.”
    Jack said: ‘He had a little bow-tie as well but my mum told him to take it off’Credit: Getty More

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    England star John Stones says Three Lions are ‘in it to win it’ after 56 years of World Cup hurt

    ENGLAND star John Stones laid bare the Three Lions’ hunger to end 56 years of World Cup hurt last night and roared: “We are in it to win it!”Centre back John, 28, poured out his pain at losing the 2018 World Cup semi-final against Croatia followed by last year’s Euro 2020 penalties heartbreak against Italy.
    England defender John Stones is determined to put the pain of past defeats behind himCredit: Reuters
    But he promised England fans the team is focused and ready to play their hearts out to lift our first trophy since 1966.
    The Manchester City star tapped into growing belief that Gareth Southgate’s side are now among the favourites to go all the way to the final in Qatar – and win it.
    And he revealed England’s agonising last ditch failures at the last two tournaments are driving the squad toward glory.
    He said: “It is a big motivation for the team, 100 percent.
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    “I always aim for the highest thing to win the competition – I have always said we are in it to win it is my belief is that we can do it.
    “We need to think about everything we have done, our ambitions and where this can take us.
    “Coming so close twice now, especially the last tournament, you never want to go through that feeling again.
    “It is probably more than likely I will through my career, so I cannot get my head around that but I always want to do better than the last time.
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    “Getting fourth in a World Cup was incredible where we came from but we need to better that and some more.
    “In 2018 it was a success in terms of uniting the nation and everyone loving English football again – but you look back and we were so close.
    “I never want to go through that again.
    “As a team, as a fan, this is something you dream of as a kid, and we never want to feel that way again.
    “We have to better what we did last time, that is the long and short of it.”
    John also revealed the team had been practising penalty shoot-outs in a bid to banish the spot kick hoodoo which has haunted England teams for decades.
    Southgate is understood to have ordered psychological training to steel his men for the intense pressure to come if games go to dreaded shoot-outs in the knockout stages.
    The star – a key rock in a solid defence which has conceded just two goals in Qatar – said: “Four years ago we won our first shoot out and then in Euros it did not work out.
    “So we have done a lot of work on penalties and the fine details of it and working on individual needs, sometimes people have to step up and it is trying to find comfort in that environment.
    “You have to get used to being uncomfortable and for lads like me going through the process of what you need to be clinical at that time.”
    John stressed England were not underestimating Sunday’s West African Last 16 opponents Senegal – and were desperate to make fans in Qatar and back home proud.
    He said: “We have come through these three games in a difficult group and in a World Cup, anything can happen.
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    “We have already seen big upsets, and we do not want to take anything for granted, and always respect the opposition and we will do that.
    “It has been a great journey for all of us as a nation – we want to make everyone proud.”
    Gareth Southgate is preparing his side for the intensity of the World Cup knockout roundsCredit: Getty More

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    Brazil vs South Korea: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for last-16 knockout tie at World Cup 2022

    BRAZIL take on South Korea in the last-16 after Hwang Hee-chan’s goal saw his side pulled off late qualification.South Korea netted a 91st minute winner against Portugal to finish second in Group H and send Uruguay home.
    Brazil qualified for the last-16 after winning their opening two matches in Group GCredit: PA
    South Korea celebrating a historic victory over PortugalCredit: Getty
    Brazil, on the other hand, had a more comfortable route to the last-16 after winning their opening two games, but suffered defeat to Cameroon on the last match of Group G.
    The pair face off in the first stage of the knockout rounds as they look to progress into the quarter finals.
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    When is Brazil vs South Korea?

    Brazil face South Korea in the last-16 on Monday, December 5.
    The match will get underway from 7pm UK time.
    The clash will take place at Stadium 974 in Qatar.

    What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

    Brazil vs South Korea will be televised live in the UK.
    The clash will be shown on either BBC or ITV, with both available to stream.
    You can stream the action LIVE on either the BBC iPlayer or ITV X app.

    Can I watch for FREE?

    Yes, Brazil vs South Korea is available to watch for FREE, so long as you have a TV licence. More

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    Which teams have qualified for the last-16 at the 2022 World Cup and who plays who next?

    THE World Cup group stages have come to a close, and we now know who will be facing off in the last-16.The biggest shock of the groups saw Germany go crashing out, with Japan and Spain taking their place in the last-16.
    Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with Bruno Fernandes after Portugal won their second World Cup group game to qualify for the last-16Credit: Reuters
    Brazil suffered a late defeat against Cameroon, but also take their place in the knockout stages after victory in their first two games.
    And we have all the information regarding who is through to the last-16 and who plays who in the next round.

    Which teams have 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.
    Lionel Messi handed Argentina a chance of qualification after scoring against MexicoCredit: EPA
    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: Winners of Match 53 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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    Cameroon doctor ‘instantly becomes a meme’ after embarrassing wardrobe malfunction in World Cup win over Brazil

    A CAMEROON medic suffered an unwanted wardrobe malfunction during the historic win over Brazil.They unfortunately showed off more than they would have wanted to while treating right-back Collins Fai.
    A Cameroon medic suffered an unfortunate wardrobe malfunctionCredit: FIFA
    The medic accidentally showed off more than they bargained for when tending to Collins FaiCredit: Getty
    Fai, 30, needed treatment in the 39th minute as he battled to keep Arsenal ace Gabriel Martinelli quiet on Brazil’s left.
    Cameroon’s medics rushed onto the pitch to tend to the stricken defender.
    They managed to patch up Fai, who played all 90 minutes as Cameroon pulled off one of the greatest results in their history to beat tournament favourites Brazil 1-0.
    But one of the doctors accidentally showed off more than they bargained for as they knelt down to treat Fai.
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    They unknowingly exposed the top of their backside – sending social media wild in the process.
    One Twitter user predicted: “That Cameroon medic about to become a meme.”
    Another said: “Omg, that Cameroon Medic staff member forgot there are cameras around.”
    A third joked: “Cameroon’s football medic mooning billions of people is going to be the next meme.”
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    And a fourth added: “I see a meme in the future for that #Cameroon medic on the field!”
    Vincent Aboubakar’s stoppage time header out of nowhere gave Cameroon a 1-0 win in the latest upset of what has been a World Cup of shocks.
    Aboubakar was then immediately sent off after picking up a second yellow card for whipping off his shirt in celebration.
    But his dramatic winner wasn’t enough to send the Indomitable Lions through to the knockouts.
    Brazil qualified as group winners on goal difference ahead of Switzerland, with Cameroon third and Serbia last.
    Neymar and Co will now face South Korea in the last 16, while Switzerland, who beat Serbia 3-2 in their final group game, take on Portugal for a place in the quarter-finals. More

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    World Cup 2022 LIVE: Last-16 fixtures CONFIRMED as Brazil and Switzerland seal place and France suffer injury crisis

    BRAZIL and Switzerland have found out their opponents in the last-16 of the World Cup after the group stage came to a close.Tite’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon, but Switzerland snatched second place after a win over Serbia.
    Brazil will now face South Korea in the next round, with Switzerland taking on Portugal.
    You can find all the details on the last-16 fixtures and who plays who HERE.
    Meanwhile, France are suffering an injury crisis and could be without a recognised left-back for their last-16 clash.
    Theo Hernandez is reportedly a doubt after picking up an ankle injury.
    World Cup 2022 sign up offer: Get £40 in FREE BETS when you stake £10 at Sky Bet
    Stay tuned with all the latest ahead from tournament…
    Brazil and Cameroon in last 16
    Cameroon’s first World Cup victory since 2002 – and a famous last-gasp one over tournament favourites Brazil – was not enough to put them through.
    Switzerland joined Brazil in the last 16 after clinging on to a thrilling 3-2 victory against Serbia.
    Cameroon 1 Brazil 0 – match reaction on our blog
    Serbia 2 Switzerland 3 – match reaction on our blog
    Neymar boost for World Cup favourites
    Brazil are hoping to get their talisman Neymar back in action as soon as possible, and have a posted a morale-boosting clip of him in training for the Samba faithful.
    Neymar suffered ankle ligament damage in the opening game against Serbia.

    And with fears mounting that he may in fact be out for the remainder of the World Cup, Brazil posted a video of him in training in order to try and ease these fears.
    Neymar Jr está trabalhando intensamente ao lado dos preparadores físicos da Seleção para voltar o quanto antes a treinar com o grupo e ficar à disposição do técnico Tite. Hoje ele treinou na academia! Bora, Ney! 👊🏽 Danilo e Alex Sandro também fizeram trabalhos individuais.💛💚 pic.twitter.com/yEukGQONM0— Neymar Jr Site (@NeymarJrSite) December 2, 2022

    The video shows Neymar, 30, in the gym doing on-the-ball drills while putting weight on his ankle and doing muscle work.
    Later in the video, he can also be seen doing some jumping drills as he steps up his recovery.
    The post itself is captioned: “Neymar Jr is working hard alongside the national team’s physical trainers to return to training with the group as soon as possible and be available to coach Tite.
    “Today he trained at the gym! Let’s go, Ney!
    “Danilo and Alex Sandro also made individual works.”
    Granit ‘a master of dark arts’
    Arsenal’s Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka has been labelled a “mentality monster” after getting under the skin of the ENTIRE Serbia bench.
    Xhaka helped the Swiss reach the World Cup last 16 with a 3-2 win and caused a raucous after making a gesture towards the Serbia bench.

    With Switzerland holding on during the second half, he gestured towards the bench by grabbing his NUTS.
    This act echoed Dusan Vlahovic who scored in the first half and celebrated by grabbing his nuts to hit back at claims he had an affair with a team-mate’s wife.
    Serbia’s camp did not take it well, and stormed onto the pitch to create a melee in the middle of the heated exchange.
    The game ended with an astonishing 11 yellow cards from both sides, with Serbia picking up five in total after Xhaka’s gesture.
    Came-moon shock
    A Cameroon medic suffered an unwanted wardrobe malfunction during the historic win over Brazil.
    They unfortunately showed off more than they would have wanted to while treating right-back Collins Fai.

    Fai, 30, needed treatment in the 39th minute as he battled to keep Arsenal ace Gabriel Martinelli quiet on Brazil’s left.
    Cameroon’s medics rushed onto the pitch to tend to the stricken defender.
    They managed to patch up Fai, who played all 90 minutes as Cameroon pulled off one of the greatest results in their history to beat tournament favourites Brazil 1-0.
    But one of the doctors accidentally showed off more than they bargained for as they knelt down to treat Fai.
    They unknowingly exposed the top of their backside – sending social media wild in the process.
    One Twitter user predicted: “That Cameroon medic about to become a meme.” Another said: “Omg, that Cameroon Medic staff member forgot there are cameras around.” A third joked: “Cameroon’s football medic mooning billions of people is going to be the next meme.”
    Gunners ‘set for more Torres talks’
    Arsenal are expected to hold more talks with Facundo Torres’ representatives after Uruguay exited the World Cup.
    The Gunners are said to have made approaches for the Orlando City winger, 22, last month.
    Arsenal chief Mikel Arteta reportedly visited Florida this autumn but it’s not clear if this had anything to do with Torres.
    I’m Evra Su sorry… not really!
    Patrice Evra revelled in Luis Suarez’s World Cup heartbreak as he LIKED an Instagram photo of the Uruguay striker sobbing.
    Suarez couldn’t hold back the tears after his side were dramatically knocked out of the tournament on goals scored.
    Hwang Hee-chan’s last gasp 91st minute winner for South Korea against Portugal sent Suarez and Co home early.

    The South Americans beat Ghana 2-0 but went out at the group stages on the same amount of points as South Korea, having scored two less goals.
    While Suarez’s team-mates reacted angrily to the defeat, including Edinson Cavani punching the VAR monitor, the 36-year-old started sobbing after hearing news of Hwang’s late winner for South Korea.
    And Manchester United legend Evra, 41, didn’t seem to mind the result too much.
    Evra liked a post from Instagram account 433 of Suarez in tears at full-time.
    Suarez was banned for eight matches and fined £40,000 by the FA in 2011 after being found guilty of racially abusing Evra while playing for Liverpool.
    He denied the allegations.
    Suarez then famously refused to shake Evra’s hand when he returned from his ban.
    You’ve got the date Ron
    Manchester United fans will still see Cristiano Ronaldo in 2023 — in the official club calendar.
    The Portugal hitman’s exit last month was too late for him to be replaced as Mr January in the merchandise.
    It has left the £10.99 product — “perfect for any Manchester United fan with images of players from the current squad” — badly out of date.

    Ronaldo, 37, and United settled on a “mutually agreed” split after he slammed the club in an interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.
    During it he had said he had “no respect” for manager Erik ten Hag.
    The club is now trying to cash in on what is left of their Ronaldo stock at knockdown prices.
    T-shirts costing £20 and £10 mugs are now a fiver.
    A keyring that cost £5 is now £2 in the club shop and also online.
    Ronaldo, currently starring for Portugal at the World Cup in Qatar, is tipped to sign with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia in a £173million deal including wages and other endorsements.
    Theo woe as France face left-back crisis
    France face a left-back injury crisis as Theo Hernandez is reportedly in doubt for this weekend’s action.
    The winners face England or Serbia in the quarter-finals.
    And Football-Italia report that Hernandez, 25, has picked up an ankle injury in training.

    The AC Milan left-back missed training with his national team in Qatar on Friday.
    He was promoted into the first team after his brother Lucas suffered a serious knee injury.
    His sibling tore his ACL in France’s opening game against Australia.
    This means that Didier Deschamps could be without a natural left-sided full-back for Sunday’s clash.
    Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga played there against Tunisia on Wednesday in their final Group D game.
    Les Bleus had already qualified so it is unknown if Deschamps was trying Camavinga at left-back with one eye on the knockout stages.
    Brazil and Cameroon in last 16
    Cameroon’s first World Cup victory since 2002 – and a famous last-gasp one over tournament favourites Brazil – was not enough to put them through.
    Switzerland joined Brazil in the last 16 after clinging on to a thrilling 3-2 victory against Serbia.
    Cameroon 1 Brazil 0 – match reaction on our blog
    Serbia 2 Switzerland 3 – match reaction on our blog
    Aboubakar sees red for celebrating goal
    Vincent Aboubakar brilliantly headed Cameroon in front – but picked up a second yellow for taking his shirt off to celebrate.
    Going down to ten men surely undermines the stoppage-time pressure Cameroon needed to apply in search of a couple more goals.
    But it’s still left Switzerland sweating – to hold onto their lead.
    The Swiss currently are level with Brazil on six points – two ahead of Cameroon.
    Cameroon 1 Brazil 0 – match reaction on our blog
    Serbia 2 Switzerland 3 – match reaction on our blog
    Swiss go close… Cameroon take lead
    Switzerland seem on course to join Brazil in the last 16 – as they hold on to their lead against Serbia with seven minutes of stoppage time to come.
    And Cameroon went in front early in seven minutes of stoppage time – but need another goal.
    Cameroon 1 Brazil 0 – match reaction on our blog
    Serbia 2 Switzerland 3 – match reaction on our blog
    Grim arrival for German flops
    Germany’s World Cup flops landed back in Munich after a dismal campaign in Qatar.
    Hansi Flick’s side were knocked out at the group stages for a second consecutive tournament.

    Their 4-2 win over Costa Rica on Thursday wasn’t enough to make it to the last 16 after Japan’s highly controversial win over Spain.
    And the Germans were quick to head home after their nightmare campaign.
    They landed back in Munich on Friday looking glum following their group stage exit.

    Captain Manuel Neuer donned a red beanie after arriving back in the cold from the Qatar desert.
    Thomas Muller was also seen wheeling his suitcase after landing back at arrivals earlier than anticipated.
    The 33-year-old may have played in his World Cup, having hinted at retirement after the early exit.
    Muller said: “If that was my last game for Germany, a few words to the German fans: It was a tremendous pleasure. 
    “Thank you very much. I always tried to show heart on the pitch. Sometimes there were tears of joy, sometimes pain.

    “I did it with love. I need to think about everything else now.”
    The same can possibly be said for Neuer, who will be 40 by the time of the next tournament.
    Irrespective of this, the club should also attempt to land Felix this winter. They can not afford to wait until the summer with Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain also keen.
    Brazil turn up the pressure
    Brazil almost went in front three times amid frenetic spells in the Cameroon area.
    Cameroon 0 Brazil 0 – match blog
    Serbia 2 Switzerland 3 – match blog
    GOAL: Serbia 2 Switzerland 3
    Remo Freuler drilled the Swiss in front for the second time in a real thriller, firing a left-footer into the bottom right corner.
    And Cameroon came so close to taking the lead against Brazil.
    Vincent Aboubakar sent keeper Ederson scrambling to divert the ball away.
    Cameroon 0 Brazil 0 – match blog
    Serbia 2 Switzerland 3 – match blog
    S/h under way…
    Cameroon and Serbia NEED GOALS.
    And Cameroon won an instant corner amid their bright start to the second period.
    Cameroon 0 Brazil 0 – match blog
    Serbia 2 Switzerland 2 – match blog
    Neymar boost for World Cup favourites
    Brazil are hoping to get their talisman Neymar back in action as soon as possible, and have a posted a morale-boosting clip of him in training for the Samba faithful.
    Neymar suffered ankle ligament damage in the opening game against Serbia.

    And with fears mounting that he may in fact be out for the remainder of the World Cup, Brazil posted a video of him in training in order to try and ease these fears.
    Neymar Jr está trabalhando intensamente ao lado dos preparadores físicos da Seleção para voltar o quanto antes a treinar com o grupo e ficar à disposição do técnico Tite. Hoje ele treinou na academia! Bora, Ney! 👊🏽 Danilo e Alex Sandro também fizeram trabalhos individuais.💛💚 pic.twitter.com/yEukGQONM0— Neymar Jr Site (@NeymarJrSite) December 2, 2022

    The video shows Neymar, 30, in the gym doing on-the-ball drills while putting weight on his ankle and doing muscle work.
    Later in the video, he can also be seen doing some jumping drills as he steps up his recovery.
    The post itself is captioned: “Neymar Jr is working hard alongside the national team’s physical trainers to return to training with the group as soon as possible and be available to coach Tite.
    “Today he trained at the gym! Let’s go, Ney!
    “Danilo and Alex Sandro also made individual works.”
    All square at the break in both matches
    Brazil will be joined by Switzerland in the last 16 – if the scores stay the same.
    Cameroon 0 Brazil 0 – match blog
    Serbia 2 Switzerland 2 – match blog
    GOAL: Serbia 2 Switzerland 2
    Breel Embolo levelled for Switzerland on 44 minutes in a real topsy-turvy contest.
    That puts the Swiss back over Serbia into second place in the group.
    Cameroon are looking lively in the other match – and nearly went in front on the stroke of half-time, Ederson flying sideways to brilliantly tip over a Mbeumo header.
    H/t: Cameroon 0 Brazil 0 – match blog
    H/t: Serbia 2 Switzerland 2 – match blog
    GOAL: Serbia 2 Switzerland 1
    Dusan Vlahovic’s smart left-foot drive put Serbia in front on 35 minutes after they had trailed.
    And it means they leapfrog the Swiss into second place in the group.
    Aleksandar Mitrovic’s brilliant header had cancelled out Xherdan Shaqiri’s opener for Switzerland.
    Caneroon are having a real go in the other game – after the much-changed Brazilians bossed it earlier on and have still had most of the better chances.
    Cameroon 0 Brazil 0 – match blog
    Serbia 2 Switzerland 1 – match blog
    GOALS! Serbia 1 Switzerland 1
    Swiss playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri pounced for the 20th minute breakthrough – to leave Serbia and Cameroon needing a mountain to qualify.
    But Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic levelled seven minutes later.
    The other game, Cameroon vs Brazil, is more open but goalless – with the Brazilians on top.
    Cameroon 0 Brazil 0 – match blog
    Serbia 1 Switzerland 1 – match blog
    All is almost nothing
    Germany’s World Cup campaign in Qatar will be made into an Amazon All or Nothing documentary.
    But football fans have joked cameras won’t have filmed enough for a full six-part series after their embarrassing group stage exit.
    Hansi Flick’s side have failed to make the World Cup knockout rounds for a second consecutive tournament.

    After a shock loss to Japan, a draw against Spain and a win over Costa Rica weren’t enough to send Germany through.
    It was revealed in September that Amazon cameras would be given access all areas to their campaign in Qatar.
    The four-time winners were aiming to bounce back from a disappointing campaign in Russia four years ago.
    But instead of a record equalling fifth triumph, Die Mannschaft are heading home early again.
    And fans have been quick to joke about the documentary, which is set to be released in Spring 2023.
    One wrote on Twitter: “Wait I swear Germany were doing an all or nothing documentary about their World Cup journey… awks.”
    Another joked: “That Germany All or Nothing Documentary on @PrimeVideo will be the shortest ever.”
    Wait Kor it….
    It took nearly TEN minutes of excruciating wait after full-time for South Korea to celebrate qualification to the World Cup knockouts.
    Hwang Hee-chan’s dramatic injury-time winner saw the Koreans through ahead of Uruguay on goals SCORED.
    But they had to wait for the South Americans to complete added time in their game with Ghana before they could let themselves party.

    They waited with bated breath in the centre circle as coaches streamed the other Group H game.
    Rivals Uruguay won 2-0 in the simultaneous match but Son and his pals squeaked into the knockout stage on goals scored on another Qatar evening of last-gasp football.
    And they threw drinks in the air and bounced up and down, ecstatic with the result.
    The Koreans finished second behind group winners Portugal who were already assured of qualification before the match.

    Fans loved it on social media as the drama unfolded and Korea headed to the Last 16.
    One joked: “That one guy with the good cell service”. Another added: “Absolutely incredible. South Korea with a 91st minute winner to go through and send Uruguay home. What a World Cup.”
    Teams – Cameroon vs Brazil, 7pm kick-off
    Arsenal duo Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus come in as 100% group leaders Brazil rest stars.
    Cameroon could go through if they win.
    Cameroon: 16. Epassy, 19. Fai Collins, 4. Wooh, 24. Ebosse, 25. Tolo, 8. Anguissa, 15. Kunde, 20. Mbeumo, 13. Choupo-Moting, 6. Ngamaleu, 10. Aboubakar
    Brazil: 3. Ederson, 14. Militao, 24. Bremer, 16. Alex Telles, 15. Fabinho, 8. Fred, 19. Antony, 21. Rodrygo, 26. Martinelli, 18. Gabriel Jesus
    Teams – Serbia vs Switzerland, 7pm kick-off
    It’s been called a grudge match by some.
    But most of the pressure is on Serbia – as they have just one point from their two earlier games so need to win to have any chance.
    Switzerland will go through with a draw – unless Cameroon topple Brazil in the other match
    Serbia (3-4-1-2): 23 V Milinkovic-Savic; 4 Milenkovic, 5 Veljkovic, 2 Pavlovic; 14 Zivkovic, 20 S Milinkovic-Savic, 16 Lukic, 17 Kostic; 10 Tadic; 9 A Mitrovic, 18 Vlahovic
    Switzerland (4-2-3-1): 21 Kobel; 3 Widmer, 5 Akanji, 22 Schar, 13 Rodriguez; 8 Freuler, 10 Xhaka; 23 Shaqiri, 15 Sow, 17 Vargas; 7 Embolo
    I’d be a disaster next to Bruno
    Paul Scholes claims him playing alongside Bruno Fernandes would have been an “absolute disaster” for Manchester United.
    Fernandes has been a Red Devils’ fixture for the past two seasons – amid problems elsewhere in midfield.
    But Old Trafford legend Scholes believes, even if both were at their peak, they’d be “all over the place” as a combination.
    The former England hero believes he’d be far better next to United’s Brazil anchorman Casemiro.
    Asked whether he’d prefer to play with Portugal’s Fernandes or Casemiro, Scholes had no problems in opting for the £60million, ex-Real Madrid man.
    He told Man Utd’s club media: “It’s quite an easy question because of the style of play.
    “He probably reminds me of [Michael] Carrick, [Nicky] Butt, Roy Keane and those type of players.
    “With Bruno, I think we would be all over the place and us two together in midfield would be an absolute disaster!”
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