World Cup 2022

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      Gareth Bale has LAFC contract break clause as Wales icon mulls over future after bitter World Cup 2022 disappointment

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      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.
      Gareth Bale is currently plying his trade in the MLS with Los Angeles FCCredit: REUTERS
      But the Welshman will mull over his playing future following a disappointing World CupCredit: GETTY
      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.
      Bale’s time in the US was mixed as he struggled to get much game time but then did score the dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in the final which paved the way for them to lift the trophy.
      However, the major reason for his move to California was to get himself in prime shape for the World Cup.
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      And his performances over the three games for the Dragons proved his plan did not work as he looked desperately short of match fitness.
      Bale’s immediate priority will be to get fit after a hamstring injury ended his tournament at half-time of the 3-0 defeat to England.
      He indicated after the game he wants to continue playing for his country and that the 111th cap will not be his last.
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      However, some of his team-mates are in the dark over whether Bale and some of the other thirty-somethings will be back in March.
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      Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen, Wayne Hennessey and Chris Gunter all have decisions to make over whether they will carry on or call it a day.
      The Burnley full-back was asked if he expects them to see them at an international camp again and said: “I am not sure. You would have to ask them.
      “I know there are also a lot of players the right side of 30 and there’s a lot of talent in this squad.
      “Things move quickly and we move into March. We’ve got a lot of young players who can learn from this experience and hopefully take it forward.
      “The next achievement will be to not only get to a World Cup, but to get out of the group stages.”
      Bale was lacklustre during Wales’ poor World Cup campaignCredit: Getty
      Cardiff’s Ruben Colwill hopes this is not the end for them and added; “The older players are an important part of the squad.
      “This whole trip they have been great with everyone – that experience they have is vital for us all.” More

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      France fans fuming after thinking Griezmann had scored equaliser vs Tunisia as TV cuts to ads… before VAR ruled it out

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      FRANCE football fans were left raging after being led to believe that Antoine Griezmann had equalised against Tunisia.The holders, who had already qualified from World Cup Group D, suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to the eliminated African nation this afternoon.
      French TV viewers were left believing that Antoine Griezmann’s goal had stoodCredit: PA
      The station cut to an ad break before VAR intervened to rule the goal outCredit: Getty
      Boss Didier Deschamps had named a much-changed side that struggled, leading to him bringing on big guns Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe from the bench.
      And it looked to have been an inspired change as Griezmann volleyed home in the dying seconds of the eight minutes of injury time.
      French television viewers were left believing that Les Bleus had earned a draw as TV station TF1 cut to an ad break due to believing the final whistle had gone.
      New Zealand ref Matthew Conger appeared to blow for full-time as Griezmann celebrated, which was the cue to go to break.
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      However, Conger was then asked by VAR to view a pitch-side monitor for a suspected offside.
      It was then deemed that Griezmann was offside and interfering with play, which led to the goal being ruled out.
      However, viewers of TF1 were completely unaware of the drama taking place in Qatar at the Education City Stadium. 
      And they were left stunned as the presenters in the studio had to explain their side had been beaten once the show resumed.
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      Deschamps was just as furious afterwards as he insisted the referee had blown for full time and was baffled why the equaliser had not been allowed to stand.
      Deschamps said: “Maybe I need to look at the rules again. I don’t know all the laws of the game off by heart.
      “But why did the referee blow his whistle for the end of the game and then decide to go to VAR?
      “Is this even allowed? I am still waiting for someone to tell me whether this is okay or not.” More

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      Portugal in huge World Cup blow as Nuno Mendes is ruled out for rest of tournament after picking up thigh injury

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      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.
      Nuno Mendes suffered a thigh injury in Portugal’s win over UruguayCredit: EPA
      And the defender has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournamentCredit: Getty
      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.
      Footy fans were quick to express their sympathy for the injured defender.

      One tweeted: “Such a terrible shame for him and Portugal. An exceptional footballer.”
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      Another said: “Big blow the Portuguese team.”
      And another said: “Nuno Mendes is out of the World Cup.
      “That’s a huge damage for Portugal
      One remarked: “Get well soon Mendes.”
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      Another chimed in: “Get well, Nuno.”
      Portugual have yet to officially confirm Mendes’ tournament-ending injury – which will pave the way for Joao Cancelo to start in their final Group H match.
      Mendes, 20, has also remained silent on the heartbreaking injury.
      Portugal booked their place in the last 16 win with a 2-0 win over UruguayCredit: REX
      Portugal booked their place in the last 16 of the tournament with a 2-0 win over Uruguay – which came courtesy of a Bruno Fernandes brace.
      Fernando Santos’ troops will bid to seal top spot on Friday with a victory over South Korea – who only have one point to from their opening two matches. More

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      Fans all saying same thing after Argentina handed bizarre penalty… before Messi has it saved in Poland World Cup clash

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      FOOTBALL fans are in agreement after Wojciech Szczesny saved a penalty to deny Lionel Messi in Poland’s World Cup clash against Argentina.The ex-Arsenal stopper was penalised for a questionable foul on the Argentina captain.
      Argentina were awarded a penalty for this challenge on Lionel MessiCredit: Getty
      Wojciech Szczesny saved the resulting penaltyCredit: Reuters
      Szczesny was mobbed by his Poland team-mates after making the saveCredit: Getty
      Szczesny made contact with Messi as he came off his line to try and punch a cross away from danger.
      Referee Danny Makkelie initially waved play on, before pointing to the spot after consulting VAR.
      But the Poland goalie then SAVED Messi’s penalty.
      Szczesny guessed the right way, diving to his left and sticking out a hand to brilliantly deny the Argentina skipper.
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      And fans have joked that “justice” had been served after the debateable call.

      One wrote on Twitter: “Justice for Szczesny. That was a diabolical VAR decision.”
      Another said: “Thats the most embarrassing penalty award I’ve ever seen. Justice for Szczesny that.”
      A third added: “Justice. Superb save from Szczesny but that has to be one of the worst penalty calls I’ve seen for a long time.”
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      And a fourth wrote: “How is that a pen? I’m absolutely stunned. Incredible from Szczesny! Justice.”
      With the save Szczesny became the first keeper to save two penalties at the same World Cup since Brad Friedel for USA in 2002.
      He denied Saudi Arabia star Salem Al-Dawsari from 12 yards to help his side to a 2-0 win on Saturday.
      But Szczesny’s resistance against Argentina was finally broken after the break.
      A mishit from Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina a 1-0 lead.
      Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez then made it two, but Poland still managed to qualify for the knockouts above Mexico on goal difference.
      Messi reacts after having his penalty savedCredit: Reuters More

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      Mexican boxing icon Canelo Alvarez in grovelling apology after threatening Lionel Messi in Argentina World Cup shirt row

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      CANELO ALVAREZ has issued a grovelling apology after his threat to Lionel Messi over the World Cup shirt row.Argentina beat Mexico 2-0 in their World Cup Group C match with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi getting a goal and an assist.
      Canelo Alvarez has issued an apology to Lionel MessiCredit: Getty
      The legendary footballer was accused of disrespecting MexicoCredit: Getty
      Wild scenes in the Argentine dressing room followed as they kept their qualification hopes alive after losing their first group match 2-1 to Saudi Arabia.
      A clip was shared of the joyous scenes, but it showed a Mexico shirt on the floor near Messi, and as the Paris Saint-Germain man took his boot off, his foot brushed the jersey – which boxer Canelo found disrespectful.
      And that led to the Mexican boxing legend saying Messi “better pray to God that I don’t find him”.
      Canelo tweeted: “Did you guys see Messi cleaning the floor with our jersey and flag. He better pray to God that I don’t find him.
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      “Just like I respect Argentina, he has to respect Mexico! I’m not talking about the country as a whole, just about the bulls**t that Messi did.”
      Former Argentina striker Sergio Aguero then became embroiled in a war of words with the Mexican boxing icon.
      And Argentinian UFC star Santiago Ponzinibbio even offered to fight the four-weight world champion.
      Now the 32-year-old, who beat Gennady Golovkin in September in their trilogy bout, has moved to end the feud.
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      Ahead of Argentina’s crunch final group game with Poland and Mexico’s clash with Saudi Arabia, he took to Twitter to say sorry.
      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.” More

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      Costa Rica vs Germany: TV channel, kick-off time and live stream for 2022 World Cup Group E contest

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      COSTA RICA take on four-time World Cup winners Germany in their final match of Group E – and they can shatter Hansi Flick’s sides title winning dreams.Germany currently sit rock-bottom of the group having lost their opening match against Japan before drawing with Spain.
      Niclas Fullkrug’s late strike earned Germany a point against SpainCredit: Getty
      But the European giants can still qualify should they beat Costa Rica in their final group encounter.
      However, Germany will need a huge favour from Spain when they take on second-place Japan in the other fixture.
      And Costa Rica will be no push overs as a win for them could also see them secure a last-16 spot.
      It’s all still to play for in Group E.
      When is Costa Rica vs Germany

      Costa Rica’s clash with Germany will take place TOMORROW – Thursday, December 1.
      The game will kick off from 7pm UK time.
      Costa Rica vs Germany will be held at the Al-Bayt stadium in Al Khor.
      The two sides have played each other once before – at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and the game finished 4-2 to the Germans.

      What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Costa Rica vs Germany will be shown live on ITV 1 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the ITV Hub, which can be download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes, you can! The match is available to watch for FREE, so long as you have a TV licence.
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      Poland 0 Argentina 2 LIVE RESULT: Mac Allister and Alvarez FIRE Argentina into last-16 after Messi missed penalty

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      ARGENTINA have topped Group C with victory over Poland, who also make it into the last-16 by the skin of their teeth.Lionel Messi missed a penalty in the first-half after a VAR intervened to send the referee over to the monitor.
      After review, the man in the middle decided that Wojciech Szczesny impeded the forward, but the goalkeeper made up for his error and pulled off a fantastic save to deny Messi.
      However, just moments after the restart, Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister fired his side into the lead.
      Man City star Julian Alvarez netted a second to give the South Americans a comfortable lead.
      At one point, Mexico and Poland were level on points, goals scored, goals against, and head-to-head record… So it was set to go to fair play (with Poland having the better record) to decide who proceed before a late Saudi Arabia goal secured qualification for Poland.

      Start time: 7pm UK
      TV: BBC One
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer
      Group C: LIVE TABLE
      Poland XI: Szczesny, Glik, Kiwior, Cash, Bereszynski, Krychowiak, Zielinski, Bielik, Frankowski, Swiderski, Lewandowski

      Argentina XI: Martinez, Romero, Otamendi, Molina, De Paul, Acuna, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Di Maria, Alvarez, Messi

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      Thanks for joining us.
      We’re starting to see why Argentina were so highly rated heading into this tournament.
      They’ve now completed their redemption from that horror opening defeat to Saudi Arabia.
      Argentina showed signs of improvement last weekend against Mexico but they blew Poland away tonight.
      Lionel Messi was fantastic despite his first half penalty miss – he carries the weight of a nation on his shoulders and he continues to inspire his team to victory after victory.
      However, it must be said that Poland were awful tonight.
      They seemingly came into the game not with the idea of winning, but with a plan to avoid a heavy defeat and in the end they just about managed it.
      It’s no wonder that Robert Lewandowski scores so rarely in World Cups if his team always plays as negatively as they did tonight.
      Argentina progress into the last 16 as group winners and will face off against one of the World Cup’s surprise packages, Australia.
      Poland, meanwhile, face the daunting task of a trip to the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium to play a France team that rested most of their key players earlier on today.
      Until then, all that’s left for me to say is thank you for joining us and I’ll speak to you next time!
      I’m off to buy a couple of Argentina bobble heads.

      Alexis Mac Allister
      The Brighton and Argentina forward on today’s performance and how the team handled the defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening game.
      I’m happy because it was a convincing performance. We were looking for the goal at all times. I think we went back to being the team we used to be. We handled the ball more, we were calm and we didn’t despair. We played a great game.
      The first match was a blow that caught us in time. We started to trust the group a little more. We went back to being the same team we used to be. We didn’t despair.Alexis Mac AllisterSunSport
      Messi quotes
      Lionel Messi has been giving his thoughts on today’s victory and the challenges ahead.
      With anger for having missed the penalty, but the team came out stronger after that mistake of mine. We knew that, once the first goal went in, it was going to change the game.
      The match with Australia is going to be very difficult. Anyone beats anyone, everything is very even. We have to prepare the game in the best way we always do.
      We must be calm and go game by game. Now another World Cup begins and hopefully we can continue to maintain what we did today.Lionel MessiSunSport
      Julian Alvarez
      Lionel Scaloni chose to trust his young forward today and it more than worked out for him.
      Alvarez was outstanding from start to finish and perhaps should have scored more than his solitary goal.
      Lautaro Martinez replaced Alvarez for the last 10 minutes and his wastefulness in front of proved why his manager had overlooked him for a starting spot.
      Alvarez has surely cemented his place up top for the Australia game on Saturday night.

      Lewandowski
      Poland’s front man was very isolated tonight.
      The game plan seemed to be to knock the ball long for him and hope he does something special.
      France will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing them in the next round.
      Match stats
      27 percent possession and zero shots on target for Poland tonight.
      Not good.

      Magical Messi
      Argentina’s talisman was outstanding tonight.
      He may have missed a penalty in the first half but he tormented Poland during the second 45.
      He’s got the bit between his teeth at the moment.
      Can he carry Argentina through to the final again as he did in 2014?

      Inside the stadium
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Qatar:
      Half the Polish squad were staring at a mobile phone, watching the delayed last few seconds of the other game.
      That whistle at Lusail brought a jig of pure joy at Stadium 974.
      Hugs, clasped hands, thrill.
      And then the realisation, perhaps, that it’s France on Sunday.
      Good luck lads.Martin LiptonSunSport
      Poland through
      It’s full time in the other game and Mexico are out.
      Poland are through and will face France in the last 16.
      Some reward, that!
      Inside the stadium
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Qatar:
      Now they know.
      That Saudi goal has, surely, put them through.
      Celebrations, punching the air, in the stands and on the pitch.
      No defeat has ever been celebrated more like a victory.
      Unless Mexico get a third, of course.Still standing around..Martin LiptonSunSport
      Goal for Saudi Arabia
      Salem Al Dawsari has scored for Saudi Arabia against Mexico.
      That all but confirms Poland’s progress into the last 16.
      Inside the stadium
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Qatar:
      This is like nothing I’ve ever witnessed – although maybe because I was at Anfield in 1995 and The Etihad 17 years later, rather than watching United on the final day.
      Final whistle brings more glory choruses from the Argentine fans.
      But the Poles do not know where to look or what to think.
      They’re utterly, utterly exhausted. Spent.And waiting, waiting, waiting…Martin LiptonSunSport
      Full Time: Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      It’s full time here and Argentina have won the group.
      It just remains to be seen whether Poland will join them in the knockout rounds.
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      90+6, Just seconds remaining now.
      The game between Saudi Arabia is a few minutes behind this one so we’ll have to stick around to find out if Poland have snuck into the last 16.
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      90+5, Messi has just mugged off Lewandowski on the halfway line.
      Lewandowski has a few goes at trying to steal the ball from the great man but just ends up fouling him.
      Barcelona’s past and present coming up against each other there.
      Inside the stadium
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Qatar:
      Six minutes will feel like torture for the Poles.
      So near – despite deserving nothing – yet potentially so far.
      This Argentine party doesn’t sound like it’s ever going to stop, though. Fair enough.
      Their side has bossed this from the first kick and should have won by far more.Martin LiptonSunSport
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      93, Kiwior clears off the line!
      The Poland defender heads Tagliafico’s chip off the line to keep his country in the World Cup….for now!
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      90+1, We’re into the first of 6 minutes of time added on at the end of the game.
      Argentina are just popping the ball to each other while Poland stand around and watch them do it.
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      90, As there’ s nothing much happening in this game, enjoy this great photo of Lewandowski trying to keep up with Messi tonight.

      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      88, The intensity has understandably fallen out of this match in the closing stages.
      The result in this game is beyond doubt but Poland’s World Cup hopes are on a knife-edge.
      Will we see some late drama here?
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      85, And that’s way Lautaro Martinez was dropped for this game.
      He’s one-on-one with the goalkeeper but rolls his shot a few yards wide of the post.
      Poland let out a sigh of relief.
      They’d have been out of the World Cup had that gone in.
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      82, Krychowiak is coming off for Poland – they can’t afford for him to get a red or they’ll be out!
      Piatek comes on in his place.
      Argentina are also making another change as Mac Allister makes way for Thiago Almada.
      Inside the stadium
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Qatar:
      Party Central for the Argentine fans.This could be Buenos Aires, Rosario, Mar del Plata or anywhere else.
      Certainly it’s not the sort of racket they get in Doha very often.
      It’s an incredible situation, too.
      Four years ago in Russia, Japan played out the last few minutes of their final group game knowing they were ahead of Senegal in the other game on yellow cards.
      Beyond dangerous mind. Especially when Krychowiak’s careless foul on half-way means the gap is just two cautions now.
      One silly mistake and a red….and they’d be out.Martin LiptonSunSport
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      78, Lionel Scaloni makes two more changes to La Abiceleste.
      Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez make way for Lautaro Martinez and German Pezzella.
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      78, A yellow card for Poland…
      Krychowiak goes into the book for a pull back on Mac Allister.
      Load more entries… More

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      Japan vs Spain: TV channel, kick-off time and live stream for 2022 World Cup Group E clash

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      SPAIN and Japan face off on the final day of Group E – and winner tops the group.The Spaniards were seven minutes away from pulling off a huge win over the Germans before Niclas Fullkrug’s equaliser.
      Alvaro Morata thought his goal was enough for Spain to beat GermanyCredit: Getty
      But Luis Enrique’s side can still top the group with a win over a hard-fighting Japanese team.
      However, a Japan win would not only see them finish as group winners, but could see Spain go OUT if Croatia beat Germany.
      It’s all to play for in Group E.
      When is Japan vs Spain?

      Japan’s clash with Spain will take place TOMORROW – Thursday, December 1.
      The game will kick off at 7pm UK time.
      Japan vs Spain will be held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar’s capital Doha.
      The two sides have played each other once before – in a friendly in 2001 and the game finished 1-0 to Spain.

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      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Japan vs Spain will be shown live on ITV 1 in the UK.
      You can also live stream the action from the ITV Hub, which can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE in the UK, so long as you have a TV licence.
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