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      Jack Grealish left in hysterics as England team-mate Luke Shaw POOED ON by bird while out for meal at World Cup

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      JACK GREALISH was left in hysterics after England team-mate Luke Shaw was POOED ON by a bird.Mason Mount captured the moment the defender was left with an unwanted present on his shoulder.
      Jack Grealish was left in hysterics after Luke Shaw was pooed on by a birdCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount
      Shaw was left with a brown mark on his shoulderCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount
      Shaw looked up at the culprits and rubbed his shoulderCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount
      Grealish took joy in pointing to the birds in the treeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount
      But for Grealish it was like Christmas had come early as he giggled at Shaw’s expense.
      Mount took to Instagram to post pictures and videos of his time in Qatar so far.
      And one of his highlights was Manchester United defender Shaw being pooed on by a bird mid-meal.
      Mount shared footage of England ace Shaw wiping his shoulder in disgust and moving away from his seat underneath a tree.
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      The Chelsea man then panned the camera to Grealish, who took great delight in laughing and pointing up at the suspects.
      Mount showed the rear of two birds perched on a branch directly above Shaw’s seat.
      Mount zoomed in on the two birds perched on a branch above ShawCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount
      Bukayo Saka couldn’t help but giggleCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount
      A fuming Shaw joked: “I’ll launch this water bottle at them now, bro.”
      While Grealish could only laugh as he pointed up at the birds and said: “They’re right above you.”
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      Bukayo Saka also couldn’t help but chuckle as he watched on from across the table.
      The England quartet are set to return to World Cup action on Sunday.
      Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Wales saw Gareth Southgate’s side qualify for the knockout stages as group winners.
      Grealish and Co will now face Senegal for a place in the quarter-finals. More

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      World Cup 2022 Group F LIVE TABLE: Standings as Croatia, Belgium and Morocco seek last-16 place with Canada OUT

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      IT is all to play for in Group F as Croatia, Belgium and Morocco can all still qualify for the last-16 of the 2022 World Cup.Croatia currently sit top on four points while Morocco are level on points but behind on goal difference in second, with Belgium sitting in third.
      Morocco have been the surprise package in Group F after beating BelgiumCredit: AFP
      Click on the LIVE Group F table below for full World Cup groups…

      Group F results and fixtures
      Wednesday, November 23

      Sunday, November 27

      Thursday, December 1

      Last 16 fixture dates
      Saturday, December 3
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      Match 49: Netherlands vs USA (3pm)
      Match 50: Argentina vs Australia (7pm)

      Sunday, December 4

      Match 52: France vs Poland (3pm)
      Match 51: England vs Senegal (7pm)

      Monday, December 5

      Match 53: Winners Group E vs Runners-up Group F (3pm)
      Match 54: Winners Group G vs Runners-up Group H (7pm)

      Tuesday, December 6

      Match 55: Winners Group F vs Runners-up Group E (3pm)
      Match 56: Winners Group H vs Runners-up Group G (7pm)

      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)

      Read More on The Sun
      Final
      Sunday, December 18

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

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      England using special goal net to practise penalties every day in training ahead of World Cup knockout stages

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      ENGLAND are using a special net for penalty practice every day ahead of the World Cup knockout stages.Gareth Southgate’s penalty takers are being tasked with trying to get greater accuracy on their spot-kicks.
      Harry Kane and his fellow England stars have a new tool to practice their penaltiesCredit: Getty
      This is the special net that is being used by the Three Lions squadCredit: EDDIE KEOGH / GETTY
      And that involves the special net being used for extra practice during each session.
      And no doubt that will now be increased as the Three Lions prepare to face Senegal in the last-16 on Sunday.
      The net has been designed so that players will aim for the corners of the goal.
      And even though it is not new to Southgate’s camp, it is being used more than in previous tournaments.
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      Southgate brought in shooting coach Allan Russell and psychologist Pippa Grange for the last World Cup in Russia.
      England had success there too, beating Colombia in the last-16 via a shootout.
      However, both of them no longer work with England, who were beaten by Italy in last year’s European Championship final on penalties.
      The Times states that Southgate’s penalty takers “have been perfecting their spot-kicks not by trying to beat a goalkeeper but the skills net” over the past fortnight.
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      We reported previously how England are practising penalties WITHOUT goalkeepers in a bid to avoid more shootout heartache.
      Keeper Aaron Ramsdale, 24, revealed: “It can become detrimental if they are taking them against goalkeepers because we then start to know where they are going.
      “If I know where you are going seven times out of ten and I start cheating and going early and start saving them, you might start worrying about it.

      “We have something which is called a skills net where the corners are open.
      “At the moment the lads are just working on technique.
      “Everybody can take penalties, it is just those fine pressure-margins which we can’t recreate out there unfortunately.” More

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      Chesney Hawkes claims he was reason England won World Cup game against Wales and reveals what players said to him after

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      POP star Chesney Hawkes revealed England adopted him as their World Cup mascot after they walloped Wales following his half-time show.They banged in three goals, including one from Phil Foden, after he sang his hit The One and Only.
      Chesney Hawkes revealed England adopted him as their World Cup mascot – pictured with Phil FodenCredit: Dan Charity
      Chesney performs at half-time during the match between Wales and England at the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
      Chesney, pictured with Declan Rice, said: ‘The team want me back’
      Chesney, 51, wants to play again when they meet Senegal in the last 16 on Sunday — then hopefully serenade them to the final.
      He said: “The team want me back.”
      Chesney Hawkes revealed last night how he was mobbed by England stars after the 3-0 win over Wales — who told him his show turned the game.
      The Three Lions were sluggish during a goalless first-half in Qatar before Chesney performed his 1991 hit The One and Only on the pitch during the interval.
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      When they came back out, the Three Lions were a team transformed, with Marcus Rashford opening the scoring from a brilliant free-kick on 50 minutes.
      Just over a minute later, Phil Foden swept in a second, with Rashford later banging in a third, sending the English fans — and football-mad Chesney — into dreamland.
      Berkshire-born Chesney, 51 — who became a household name with his debut single — celebrated with his heroes after the game, and revealed they want to make him their One and Only mascot.
      He told The Sun: “I spent five weeks at number one and topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic – but this was undoubtedly my career highlight.
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      “I got to perform for the England team and the fans I love — then got to celebrate with the players after the game.
      “I came here as a football fan above all else and this was the best night any fan could ever imagine.”
      The dad of three now lives in Los Angeles with model wife Kristina, 47, and children Casey, 21, Jesse, 19 and 17-year-old Indiana.
      But he remains a massive West Ham fan — and told how he got a hug from Hammers midfielder Declan Rice, plus a host of other stars including the two goalscorers.
      He said: “I’m a Hammers nut through-and-through so made a beeline for my hero Declan who gave me a wonderful cuddle.
      “Then I was mobbed by Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw and double goalscorer Marcus Rashford gave me a high five.
      “And it was a weird but wonderful feeling when Jude Bellingham gave me a hand slap near the team tunnel — he’s two years younger than my eldest kid!

      “Every one of them said they wanted to adopt me as their mascot after England’s fortunes changed so quickly after I performed.
      “They joked that I had turned the game — and even asked me to perform at the team hotel.
      “It was honestly one of the best moments of my entire life.”
      Chesney, who never repeated his initial chart success, is desperate to return for England’s last-16 clash with Senegal on Sunday night.
      But he must first convince Fifa bosses that he will not give the Three Lions an unfair advantage.
      The one-song slot on Tuesday night was his first stadium gig since he supported Canadian ballad master Bryan Adams in 1993.
      And Chesney was delighted with the reception he got from the Three Lions contingent at the Al Rayyan Stadium.
      He said last night: “Nothing can match the feeling of performing in front of thousands of England supporters.
      “I was nervous about how they’d react but England fans clapped along during the bit where I stopped playing guitar and gave me a fantastic reception at the end. It was a dream night.”
      He said England stars capped it off by handing him signed shirts.
      New pal Rice gave him the one off his back on which he wrote for Chesney’s football-mad youngest son: “Indi Top Boy! – Declan Rice.”
      Chesney also recorded a video of himself posing as a substitute and leaping off the bench in the dugout — and he told how he would love to help the team get to the final.
      The star is negotiating to book a slot during the last-16 game — and will even perform a sing-off with a Senegalese counterpart if necessary.
      He said: “The team want me back, I think England want me back — and I just hope Fifa allow me to make it happen again. I’m England’s One and Only mascot.
      Read More on The Sun
      “There’s been talk about favouritism if one team gets a fan to perform at half time and I’m happy to go head-to-head with a Senegalese singer during the break.
      “I just want to come back and give the team the best boost I possibly can.”    
      Chesney, pictured with Jack Grealish, was told by the team his show turned the gameCredit: Dan Charity
      Chesney rocks out at the Ahmad Bin Ali StadiumCredit: Getty
      Chesney, pictured with Mason Mount, said: ‘Nothing can match the feeling of performing in front of thousands of England supporters’Credit: Dan Charity
      Chesney pictured exclusively for The Sun with his England shirt signed by the whole teamCredit: Dan Charity
      Chesney relaxes in the England Dug outCredit: Dan Charity
      Chesney with The Sun’s Harry ManeCredit: Dan Charity
      The Sun reported on England’s win against Wales More

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      Incredible moment Jude Bellingham celebrates Phil Foden’s England goal BEFORE it goes in during World Cup win over Wales

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM celebrated Phil Foden’s goal against Wales BEFORE the ball had hit the back of the net.Manchester City ace Foden, 22, scored the second in the 3-0 win over the Dragons.
      Jude Bellingham celebrated Phil Foden’s goal before it crossed the lineCredit: PA
      Bellingham was already celebrating as Foden slotted homeCredit: Reuters
      Bellingham and Foden celebrate after the Manchester City ace put England 2-0 up against WalesCredit: EPA

      It might have been his first start of the tournament, but Bellingham clearly wasn’t worried about Foden’s match sharpness.
      The 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund starlet was so confident Foden would score he raised his arms in celebration before the ball nestled into the back of the net.
      Bellingham was then the first to reach Foden as the playmaker wheeled away in jubilation after scoring.
      And England fans absolutely loved the fact that Bellingham knew it was in before Foden had even connected with the ball.
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      One wrote on Twitter: “I’ve given it some thought and Bellingham celebrating the goal before the ball had even got through to Foden was my highlight of last night.”

      Another said: “I love the fact that Bellingham starts to celebrate before Foden put the ball in the back of the net.”
      A third added: “Love that, Bellingham running away to celebrate before Foden even touched the ball. He knew that boy doesn’t miss.”
      And a fourth said: “Bellingham is celebrating that goal before Foden even strikes it. Brilliant.”
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      Foden’s goal was sandwiched between two strikes from Marcus Rashford.
      The Manchester United ace dedicated his stunning opening goal to close friend Garfield Hayward, who lost his battle with cancer just days before the match.
      The win over rivals Wales sent the Three Lions through to the World Cup knockouts as group winners.
      Gareth Southgate and Co now face Senegal on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals. More

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      World Cup 2022 LIVE: Argentina TOP Group C after opening day loss, Poland into last-16 on goal difference as Mexico OUT

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      ARGENTINA have recovered from their opening day defeat to Saudi Arabia to top Group C.The South Americans lost 2-1 on the opening day of the group but finished top after consecutive victories against Mexico and Poland.
      Robert Lewandowski’s side have joined them in the last-16 despite defeat, finishing above Mexico on goal difference.
      And there is a host of games to enjoy next, with both Spain and Germany in action and seeking qualification to the next round while Croatia take on Belgium.

      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…
      Pochettino praises Rashford
      Ex-Tottenham boss has praised Manchester United and England superstar Marcus Rashford.
      The Red Devils ace is the World Cup’s top scorer with three goals.
      He scored a brace in the 3-0 group win over Wales.
      On Rashford, Poch said: “I’ve always liked [Rashford].
      “I knew of his process because I was in England, but I think he’s a great player.
      “He just needs the confidence and for himself to believe, to put him at the top level. The quality is there for him.”
      England using special goal net to practice penalties
      England are using a special net for penalty practice every day ahead of the World Cup knockout stages.
      Gareth Southgate’s penalty takers are being tasked with trying to get greater accuracy on their spot-kicks.
      And that involves the special net being used for extra practice during each session.
      And no doubt that will now be increased as the Three Lions prepare to face Senegal in the last-16 on Sunday.
      The net has been designed so that players will aim for the corners of the goal.
      Credit: EDDIE KEOGH / GETTY
      Bellingham celebrates Foden’s goal BEFORE it goes in
      Jude Bellingham celebrated Phil Foden’s goal against Wales BEFORE the ball had hit the back of the net.
      Manchester City ace Foden, 22, scored the second in the 3-0 win over the Dragons.
      t might have been his first start of the tournament, but Bellingham clearly wasn’t worried about Foden’s match sharpness.
      The 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund starlet was so confident Foden would score he raised his arms in celebration before the ball nestled into the back of the net.
      Bellingham was then the first to reach Foden as the playmaker wheeled away in jubilation after scoring.
      Jude Bellingham celebrated Phil Foden’s goal before it crossed the lineCredit: PA
      Saliba slams manager selection
      Arsenal defender William Saliba has pointed towards Didier Deschamps’ team selection and set-up as to why France lost 1-0 to Tunisia.
      The reigning defending champions are through to the World Cup knockouts but the defeat was embarrassing nonetheless.
      Saliba told beIN SPORTS: “It definitely wasn’t an easy game today.
      “The team was changed, there were a lot of players who had never played together, so it was a bit difficult.
      “It was a bit better in the second half at the start, but then we conceded that goal. We were pushing at the end to try and score but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.
      “I wouldn’t say there was a sense of fear, but we were shaken up a bit at the start of the match. But there were players who weren’t in their usual position, so they weren’t used to it.”
      Credit: Getty
       Bale has LAFC contract break clause 
      Gareth Bale must decide by the end of February whether he will return to LAFC for the new season in the US.
      And that could give a big clue over whether he intends to make himself available to Wales for the Euro 2024 qualifiers which start the following month.
      The 33-year-old signed an 18-month deal with the MLS Cup winners in the summer and is due back to start preparing for the 2023 campaign in the New Year.
      Senior figures at LA are expecting him to return but it is understood there is a break in his contract at this point – if all parties agree.
      Full-time: Saudi Arabia 1 Mexico 2
      Heartbreak for Mexico, who had the momentum to pip Poland to second.
      Argentina could have stuck more past the Poles, but failed to do so.
      Saudi also scored late on to pull Mexico’s goal difference back down.

      Full-time: Poland 0 Argentina 2
      Wow! Argentina top Group C after getting off to a horrible start with a loss to Saudi Arabia.
      They will now play Australia in the round of 16, avoiding reigning champions France.
      Poland hang on JUST to come home in second.
      Mexico conceded late on to Saudi Arabia, putting their goal difference one below Poland.
      Premier League duo Julián Álvarez and Alexis Mac Allister got the goals for the Copa America champs.

      Canelo in grovelling apology to Messi
      Canelo Alvarez has issued a grovelling apology after his threat to Lionel Messi over the World Cup shirt row.
      The Argentine’s foot brushed a Mexico shirt on the dressing room floor which Canelo took as a sign of disrespect, leading to a threat being made.
      Canelo has since walked that back.
      He wrote: “These last few days I got carried away by the passion and love I feel for my country and made comments that were out of place for which I want to apologise to Messi and the people of Argentina.
      “Every day we learn something new and this time it was my turn.
      “I wish both teams much success in their matches today and here we will continue supporting Mexico until the end.”
      Mendes ruled out for rest of tournament 
      Nuno Mendes has dealt a huge blow to Portugal’s World Cup hopes after being ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.
      The Paris Saint-Germain defender limped off the pitch in tears during the Portuguese’s win over Uruguay on Monday night.
      Mendes appeared to suffer a thigh strain, although the severity of the injury wasn’t fully known.
      But the full-back’s tournament has come to a premature end after further assessment from team doctors.
      Poland 0 Argentina 2
      Uh oh….. Mexico and Poland are level on goal difference.
      Julian Alvarez has got the goal for Argentina and there are tears in the stands.
      The final 20 minutes are going to be a MADNESS and you don’t want to miss it.
      Poland are still second.
      Stay posted on Mexico HERE.
      Argentina can be found HERE.

      Saudi Arabia 0 Mexico 2
      Poland fans, are you starting to get nervous? If not, you should be, because Mexico have scored AGAIN.
      Luis Chávez has just scored an absolute belter of a free-kick.
      The wind is in Mexico’s sails…. stay posted HERE.

      Saudi Arabia 0 Mexico 1
      Group C has sparked into life!
      Striker Henry Martín has the goal and Mexico are level on points with second-placed Poland as it stands but remain third.

      Poland 0 Argentina 1
      Argentina have a breakthrough and it’s the Brighton man who has the goal.
      Alexis Mac Allister met a cross and guided his effort into the far corner.

      Martin Blackburn half-time assessment: Saudi 0 Mexico 0
      Something is going to have to give here – or both these teams are going out of the World Cup tonight.
      Nobody can doubt the efforts of the two teams in a frantic first half played out in front of a raucous crowd at the Lusail.
      But the busiest man on the park was English ref Michael Oliver who seemed to be blowing for fouls every couple of minutes.
      And the North East based ref must have known what to expect from the two teams with the most yellow cards in the competition so far.
      Saudi keeper Mohammed Al Owais has made a couple of useful saves – particularly one to deny Alexis Vega early on.
      But Mexico are still looking for their first goal of the tournament – two and a half games in.
      Herve Renard’s Saudis were well drilled as usual but may need to show more adventure in the second half if they are to reach the knock-out rounds.
      Ali Al Hassan’s diving header which zipped across the face of goal was as close as they came to breaking the deadlock. 
      Martin Lipton half-time assessment: Poland 0 Argentina 0
      To be fair to the Argentinian fans, even the Messi spot-kick miss hasn’t stopped them giving it large.
      Then again, it feels like virtually the entire half has been played just in front of Szczesny.
      Poland haven’t conceded a goal in this tournament so far.
      You can see why. Terrific, determined and brave defending.
      But can they really keep it up for another 45 minutes – plus, well five, six, seven, eight on top?
      That would really be something remarkable.
      Poland 0 Argentina 0
      PENALTY MISSED!
      Lionel Messi misses from the penalty spot with Wojciech Szczęsny denying Argentina the lead.
      Just click HERE to follow the minute-by-minute action.
      Credit: Getty
      Poland 0 Argentina 0
      Messi has been on the ball a lot in the first half.

      Fans flock behind White
      Football fans have flocked to support England and Arsenal defender Ben White.
      White left England’s World Cup training base and returned home for personal reasons.
      The defender missed training on the eve of England’s World Cup clash with Wales through illness and wasn’t in Tuesday’s matchday squad.
      One fan said on Twitter: “Thoughts go out to Ben White, wishing him strength with whatever he’s dealing with.”
      Another tweeted: “Gutted Ben White has had to be withdraw from the England squad hope all is well with him.”
      Arsenal issue statement
      Ben White’s club Arsenal have posted a short message of support to their defender.
      White left England’s World Cup training base and returned home for personal reasons.
      The defender missed training on the eve of England’s World Cup clash with Wales through illness and wasn’t in Tuesday’s matchday squad.

      Ronaldo misses Portugal training
      Cristiano Ronaldo missed Portugal training today ahead of their final group game amid speculation over his Saudi Arabian transfer.
      The 37-year-old has reportedly been offered the chance to become the highest-paid sportsperson of all time by Al-Nassr.
      The superstar is a free agent after leaving Manchester United last week.
      But SunSport understands Ronaldo is still keen to play Champions League football and has not agreed the offer of a two-and-a-half year contract worth £173 million-a-year with Al-Nassr, despite reports in Marca.
      However, his current focus is on trying to fire Portugal to World Cup glory.
      Credit: Getty
      BREAKING: White leaves World Cup camp
      Arsenal defender Ben White has left England’s World Cup training base and returned home for personal reasons.
      A statement read: “Ben White has left England’s training base in Al Wakrah and returned home for personal reasons.
      “The Arsenal defender is not expected to return to the squad for the remainder of the tournament.
      “We ask that the player’s privacy is respected at this moment in time.”
      Saliba on France loss
      Arsenal’s William Saliba has given his assessment on France’s shock World Cup loss to Tunisia.
      The reigning world champs lost 1-0 and were denied an equaliser in added-time by VAR.
      Saliba, who started the game, said: “It definitely wasn’t an easy game today. The team was changed, there were a lot of players who had never played together, so it was a bit difficult.
      “It was a bit better in the second half at the start, but then we conceded that goal. We were pushing at the end to try and score but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.”
      He continued: “I wouldn’t say there was a sense of fear, but we were shaken up a bit at the start of the match. But there were players who weren’t in their usual position, so they weren’t used to it.”
      Saudi Arabia vs Mexico
      The line-ups for Saudi vs Mexico are IN and both teams have a chance of making the knockouts.
      Danger man Salem Aldawsari starts for the Middle Eastern team.
      Mohamed Kanno has also impressed in the middle of the park.

      As for Mexico, they’ll need Guillermo Ochoa in fine form.
      Ajax’s Edson Álvarez starts in the middle of the park and will need to extinguish any fires.

      You know the drill.
      Click HERE to follow SunSport’s minute-by-minute coverage of the Saudi-Mexico dust-up.
      Last dance?
      THIS just might be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup match, with Argentina needing victory over Poland to be certain of qualification for the knock-out stage. 
      The little maestro, who will turn 39 during the next World Cup in 2026, has scored in both of his side’s matches so far – in the defeat by Saudi Arabia and the victory over Mexico. 
      Lose and Argentina are out. Win and they will top the group and face Australia.
      Draw and it’s either a titanic last-16 clash with France or they’re out, depending on the result of the Saudi-Mexico game. 
      Poland were buoyed by their talisman and goal machine Robert Lewandowski scoring his first World Cup finals goal in their victory over the Saudis last time out and are bidding to reach the last 16 for the first time since 1986.  
      Poland vs Argentina
      The teamsheets are IN!
      Poland are going with two strikers up top in a 4-4-2.
      Robert Lewandowski starts and will be hoping to reach the knockouts.

      Argentina are shaping up with a 4-2-3-1 with Lionel Messi in behind Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez.
      Enzo Fernandez has been rewarded for his goal against Mexico.
      The Benfica ace starts alongside Rodrigo de Paul.
      Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister also starts.

      As ALWAYS, SunSport has you covered with our dedicated live match blog.
      Just click HERE to follow the minute-by-minute action.
      Load more entries… More

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      Mexico 2 Saudi Arabia 1: Heartbreak for Mexicans after going out of World Cup on GOAL DIFFERENCE despite heroic fight

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      MEXICO finally came to the World Cup party – but it proved too little too late as they crashed out in heartbreaking fashion.Tata Martino’s men produced a stirring second-half display to come within a whisker of sealing a place in the last 16 yet again.
      Henry Martin broke the deadlock in the 47th minuteCredit: Getty
      Luis Chavez doubled Mexico’s lead in the 52nd minuteCredit: Rex
      A late strike from Salem Al Dawsri knocked the Mexicans out by virtue of goal differenceCredit: AP
      Their first goals of the tournament – through Henry Martin and Luis Chavez – put them on the brink of overtaking Poland.
      But Salem Al Dawsri’s goal deep into stoppage time was only a consolation for Saudi Arabia but a hammer blow for the Central Americans.
      It means Mexico go out on goal difference and fail to reach the knock-out rounds for the first time in seven tournaments.
      Their lacklustre displays in their opening two matches had fans calling for the head of their Argentine coach Martino.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      They were one of only two teams in the tournament without a goal going into this one.
      But the players called on supporters to put their feelings aside and give them their backing in their final match – and what a noise they made.
      Their team responded too with Alexis Vega denied by Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais.
      The Tricolour had 11 shots in the opening 45 minutes – the most they have had in a World Cup half since 1994 – but had nothing to show for it.
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      Herve Renard’s Saudis had struggled to build on their sensational opening game win over Argentina
      Their only clear chance of the half came when Ali Al Hassan’s diving header flashed across the face of goal.
      English ref Michael Oliver had been as busy as anyone – as he seemed to be blowing up for fouls every couple of minutes in what started off as a niggly game.
      The goal Mexico deserved finally arrived within two minutes of the re-start as a corner was swung over from the left and flicked on by Cesar Montes.
      Henry Martin reacted quickly to turn the ball home from close range and suddenly there was hope.
      Five minutes later the great escape was on as Luis Chavez lined up a free-kick 30 yards out and curled a beauty into the top corner with his left peg.
      With Argentina winning the other game by the same scoreline, there was nothing to choose between Mexico and Poland in the race for second place.
      The teams were level on goals scored and goal difference while the head-to-head between them finished goalless.
      At that point second place would have been decided on fair play with Mexico having picked up more yellow cards and still going out.
      Had those been level they would have drawn lots to decide who will play France in the last 16 on Sunday.
      Mexico threw everything forward in search of another as Martin pounced on a loose ball and laid off for Hirving Lozano who stroked the ball effortlessly home – only to be denied by the offside flag.
      Martin then volleyed a great chance over while Chavez tried to repeat his long-range effort only to be denied by Al Owais.
      Read More on The Sun
      Poland were jumping for joy after Saudi Arabia’s late goalCredit: EPA
      The Mexicans, on the other hand, were left crestfallenCredit: AFP
      Sub Uriel Antuna burst clear to roll the ball home again only for the linesman’s flag to once again cut the celebrations short.
      However, with Mexico committed to attacking, they left gaps at the back and Al Dawsri took advantage by swapping passes with Hattan Bahbri before stroking past Guillermo Ochoa. More

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      Argentina 2 Poland 0: World Cup mayhem as Poles lose but go through with Messi and Co ahead of Mexico on GOAL DIFFERENCE

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      FOR a while, it threatened to be the cruellest of goodbyes.When Lionel Messi trudged off at half-time, having had a penalty brilliantly saved by Wojciech Szczesny, there was a real chance that the great Argentinian’s last tango at the World Cup could end with an almighty pratfall.  
      Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring for ArgentinaCredit: Getty
      Julian Alvarez made it two with a fine finishCredit: Getty
      Poland players celebrated at full-time, despite the defeatCredit: Getty
      Lionel Messi celebrates with Argentina fans at full-timeCredit: EPA
      Thankfully, if you’re a purist, Messi was reprieved by goals from Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez of Manchester City, which sent Argentina through to the last 16 and a meeting with Australia’s great under-dingos. 
      Poland – by the skin of their teeth – still reached the World Cup knock-out stage for the first time since 1986, where they will play defending champions France.
      They were dead level in second with Mexico, pipping them on a fair-play countback, until a Saudi Arabian consolation goal sent them through on goal difference instead. 
      This was after Mexico had three goals disallowed as Polish nerves were put through the shredder.   
      Read More World Cup News
      Despite the penalty miss – and it should never really have been a penalty anyway – Messi was brilliant. 
      Casually brilliant, as he always is, even on a relatively quiet night. 
      This is his fifth World Cup, and he will turn 39 during the next one, so he is not expected to make it. 
      But the draw is opening up nicely for Argentina, who outclassed Poland and would have hammered them but for a first-half masterclass from Juventus keeper Szczesny.
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      That stunning opening defeat by Saudi Arabia just feels like a minor embarrassment now. 
      Messi has yet to win the big one, and has only once reached the semis, when Argentina were eventually beaten by Germany in the 2014 final.  
      Here at Stadium 974, this bizarre construction partially built from shipping containers, Argentina fans dominated – most of them Argentinian but also plenty of locals who have adopted them since Messi joined Qatari-owned Paris St Germain. 
      They were all here – even the Poles – to witness the little maestro at a World Cup. 
      And whenever you watch Messi in the flesh – especially from up in the Gods, like here in Doha or at the Nou Camp in his pomp – it’s always funny and it never gets old. 
      The majority of the time he ambles around like a bandy-legged man on a leisurely Sunday morning stroll.
      Messi and Robert Lewandowski exchanged a word at full-timeCredit: Reuters
      Lewandowski reacts after full-timeCredit: Getty
      It’s as if he is giving the middle finger to all those sports scientists preaching the high press, tracking back, yardage stats.
      Asking Messi to be your first line of defence would be like sending Picasso for a shift down a coal mine.
      This game isn’t a science to Messi, it’s art, it’s entertainment.
      For opposition defenders, it’s a beautiful kind of cruelty. 
      But when he senses the arrival of the ball – always quicker than anybody else does – the ambling man morphs into a greyhound. 
      He darts, he glides, he swivels, he dribbles, he wriggles, he teases, he taunts. 
      Early on, Messi mugged Krystian Bielik and tested Szczesny.
      Then Angel Di Maria squared it and Messi hared his way around two defenders before his angled shot was pushed away by Szczesny at his near post. 
      Alvarez was next to try out the Polish keeper, then full-back Marcos Acuna drilled just wide. 
      Messi does not have a monopoly on sorcery in this Argentina side. 
      Di Maria, quite deliberately, almost scored direct from a swerving corner, Szczesny back-pedalling to push it over.
      It was the Szczesny show.
      Next, the former Arsenal keeper clawed away an Alvarez shot, then he flapped at a cross, missed it and caught Messi in the face with his glove. 
      The VAR told ref Danny Makkelie to have a look and the Dutchman duly pointed to the spot. 
      It was soft, if not plain wrong, and Szczesny’s smile dripped with sarcasm as he wondered whether the penalty would have been awarded to any other “victim”.
      But then he plunged low to his left, stuck up his right hand and kept out a decent spot-kick from the little big man. 
      Wojciech Szczesny gave away a penalty for this challenge on MessiCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Szczesny expertly saved Messi’s spot-kickCredit: EPA
      This seemed to get the GOAT going and Messi began to drop deeper and dribble with increased regularity, never quite forcing a way through. 
      Two minutes into the second half, though, Szczesny was finally beaten – by a shot he might have saved if it had been hit better. 
      Molina’s cut back was scuffed by Mac Allister and went in off the far post. 
      The place erupted.
      The Argentinians bounced and swayed and hollered.   
      Poland almost equalised immediately when Kamil Glick headed wide. 
      Messi went on a lengthy dribble but shanked his shot. 
      By this time, Mexico had opened up a 2-0 lead against the Saudis and were putting Poland’s progress in peril. 
      Argentina were beginning to strut and swagger and their second goal was a peach.
      Enzo Fernandez advanced and released Enzo Fernandez who bent his shot inside the far corner.
      Now Mexico and the Poles were dead level.
      Messi pinged the pass of the night to release Alvarez, who could only find the side-netting.  
      Lautaro Martinez dragged a shot wide after being released by a dodgy back-pass and Jakub Kiwor headed off the line to deny Nicolas Tagliafico.
      Read More on The Sun
      After the final whistle blew here, news filtered through of the Saudi goal which secured Poland’s qualification.
      On the basis of this toothless showing, they will not advance any further.
      Poland are into the knockout stages on goal differenceCredit: AP More