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      France star Olivier Giroud reveals what he’s eating for lunch to fire him to World Cup Golden Boot

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      OLIVIER GIROUD revealed the fuel behind his bid to win the World Cup and Golden Boot.The France striker, 36, was given a boost when team-mate Karim Benzema was ruled out of Qatar 2022 on the eve of the tournament.
      Olivier Giroud gave fans an insight into what he has for lunchCredit: https://twitter.com/equipedefrance
      He stacked his plate full of salad and proteinCredit: https://twitter.com/equipedefrance
      The Frenchman looked very happy with himselfCredit: https://twitter.com/equipedefrance

      That has seen the AC Milan man reinstated as Didier Deschamps’ starting No9, leading the line for the defending champions.
      And with the Frenchman hungry to gobble up goals galore, he gave fans an insight into how he satisfies his appetite in the canteen.
      Les Bleus’ Twitter account posted a video of Giroud going through his lunch options.
      Giroud said: “Salad is very important for a healthy lunch – a bit of freshness.
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      “There are a lot of vitamins in salad.
      “A bit of protein with eggs and tuna, a bit of salmon there we go.
      “And bulgar – bulgar is very good, have you tried it?
      “It’s a colourful plate full of vitamins – just what I need. Superb – look at that!”
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      By the time Giroud has finished at the buffet in the French camp, his plate is stacked with plenty of delicious food.
      Some fans liked the look of the grub – while others thought it was a bit dry, presumably some Olivier oil would do the trick.
      But he will be desperate to top his trip to Qatar off with a glass of champagne come December 18.
      France were the first team to book their place in the last 16 thanks to wins over Australia and Denmark.
      Giroud grabbed two goals in the 4-1 win against the Socceroos – equalling Thierry Henry’s national record and placing him behind Enner Valencia and Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.
      Giroud scored twice against Australia as France look strongCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd blow with Chelsea ‘to reject Christian Pulisic loan offers in January and only accept permanent transfers’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Christian Pulisic with Chelsea set to reject loan offers, according to reports. The Red Devils are believed to be interested in the services of the American who has energised his season with impressive World Cup displays.
      Christian Pulisic is enjoying a good World Cup with the US so farCredit: Rex
      Pulisic had been struggling at club level with Chelsea but appears back to his best with the United States in Qatar.
      He provided a stunning assist for Timothy Weah’s goal against Wales before being awarded the Man of the Match against England, when he rattled Jordan Pickford’s bar with a brilliant effort
      Despite the Blues being reportedly happy to let him go, it appears clubs will now have to plump for a permanent deal.
      The Mail reports that Graham Potter’s side are not interested in any loan deal, which is what United favoured.
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      The 24-year-old would have represented a cheap and short-term attacking boost to United who will be eyeing a Champions League place once the domestic season resumes.
      He could have also served as a replacement to Cristiano Ronaldo after his dramatic and public falling-out with the club.
      Arsenal and Newcastle are both believed to also be interested in the attacker.
      When he first joined Chelsea, Pulisic was a breath of fresh air to Blues fans and produced a few stunning individual moments of quality.
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      But he has struggled in recent months and fell out of favour with both former boss Thomas Tuchel and the German’s successor.
      The winger, nicknamed ‘Captain America’ has started just three Premier League games this season and has only one goal in 18 appearances in all competitions.
      Pulisic, who signed for the club in 2019, is entering the final 18 months of his deal and there have been no noises around the club about a potential renewal. More

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      Why is Neymar NOT playing for Brazil?

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      BRAZIL are the favourites for the World Cup 2022 over in Qatar.But you may have noticed star man Neymar is NOT currently playing for the Samba side.
      Neymar is currently not playing for BrazilCredit: PA
      The Brazilians got their World Cup campaign under way in winning fashion, beating Serbia 2-0 thanks to Richarlison’s double.
      But the victory came at a cost to their talisman.
      With Neymar suffering a big injury in the clash.
      Neymar was distraught on the benchCredit: Getty
      Why is Neymar NOT playing for Brazil?
      Neymar is currently sidelined for Brazil with an ankle injury he picked up after his foot rolled following a tough tackle.
      The PSG star then limped off and it has been confirmed he will MISS the group stage over in Qatar after damaging ankle ligaments.
      Team doctors believe Neymar, 30, will be out for at least a week after he had to be replaced by Manchester United winger Antony late in the game.
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      But he roared from his heart in an Instagram post to reassure home fans he WILL be back in action in Qatar.
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      The 122-cap superstar, who has hit 75 international goals, posted: “The pride and love I feel wearing the shirt is inexplicable. 
      Neymar has said he will be back stronger in QatarCredit: EPA
      “If God gave me the opportunity to choose a country to be born in, it would be BRAZIL.
      “Nothing in my life was given or easy, I always had to chase after my dreams and my goals. Never wishing someone harm but helping those in need.
      “Today has become one of the hardest moments of my career… and again in a World Cup.
      “I have an injury yes, it’s annoying, it’s going to hurt but I’m sure I’ll have the chance to come back because I’ll do my best to help my country , my team-mates and myself.
      “Long wait for the enemy to take me down like this? NEVER!
      “I am the SON OF THE GOD OF THE IMPOSSIBLE and my FAITH is endless.” More

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      My son’s teachers made him shave his HEAD after he cut his hair like football icon – I’m fuming

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       A WORLD Cup fan booted out of school over his Ronaldo Nazário-inspired haircut burst into tears after being forced to shave off his rule-busting barnet.Alfie Ransom, 12,  was sent home from Sirius West Academy in Hull over his attempt at the Brazilian legend’s iconic 2002 trim.
      Alfie Ransom, 12, had to shave his head because of his Ronaldo Nazário-inspired haircutCredit: NB PRESS LTD
      Alfie Ransom tried to emulate the Brazilian legend’s iconic 2002 trimCredit: MEN Media
      Ronaldo, one of the all-time greatest strikers, unveiled his unique haircut in 2002 and went on to win the World Cup with BrazilCredit: AFP
      The young footie fan was told he was breaking school appearance policy – and ordered not to return until the offending patch of hair had been clipped off.
      His mum Emma Shaw, 32, who created the DIY do, revealed her boy was in tears as she told him the hairstyle would have to go.
      She said: “Alfie really didn’t want to get it cut off. It broke my heart when I had to get the clippers out.
      “He was so happy with his Ronaldo – he’s his football hero.
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      “The haircut just gave him a huge lift – you could see how excited he was to have it.
      “When I sent him to school with his skinhead he was crying, he was gutted.”
      Mum-of-four Emma added: “The whole thing has just made me so angry. It was just supposed to be a bit of fun – he wasn’t supposed to get in trouble.
      “I didn’t for a minute think he would be sent home. It was just a haircut – it wasn’t like he had punched someone.
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      “One of the teachers called him daft – but he just wanted to get in the World Cup mood. What’s wrong with that?”
      Ronaldo, one of the all-time greatest strikers, unveiled his unique haircut in 2002 and went on to win the World Cup with Brazil.
      He later revealed that the hair-do was a deliberate tactic to distract viewers from discussing his injury record.
      Alfie, who persuaded his mum to wield the clippers after England’s thumping 6-2 win over Iran on Tuesday, revealed school pals protested over the decision to send him home.
      He told the Sun: “I’ve never been in trouble at school before.
      “I’ve got 100% attendance and I’ve never even had a detention. I didn’t think that getting a Ronaldo would get me in so much bother.
      “I felt a bit emotional when my mum shaved it off – I didn’t want to go skinhead. There are kids in school with perms who look worse than my Ronaldo.
      “After my mates learned what had happened they protested in school. They were chanting ‘Free R9′ which is Ronaldo’s nickname. They all loved it – everyone did, except a couple of teachers.”
      The school’s uniform policy insists that hairstyles must be “appropriate for Academy life’.
      “Extreme” looks, including ‘a Mohican, shaved “tram” lines or unnatural hair colour” are outlawed.

      But Hull City fan Alfie now has sights set on a haircut in tribute to an England footballing hero.
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      He revealed: “Next time I think I’ll get a Jack Grealish. But now I’ve got a skinhead that will take ages.
      “It’s my hair – I should be allowed to do what I like. What’s the problem? Why do they have to choose what I do with my hair?”
      The young footie fan was told was ordered not to return to school until the offending patch of hair had been clipped offCredit: NB PRESS LTD
      Alfie’s mum shaved his headCredit: NB PRESS LTD More

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      Fans all say same thing after Vincent Aboubakar’s masterclass in Cameroon’s World Cup thriller against Serbia

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      WORLD CUP fans are raving about Vincent Aboubakar after his stunning goal for Cameroon against Serbia.The striker produced an unbelievable chip to pull his side back into the game, making it 3-2.

      Vincent Aboubakar chipped the keeper with a stunning finishCredit: Reuters
      Moments later Aboubakar broke through the defence again and found Eric Choupo-Moting who equalised for the Indomitable Lions.
      The match ended 3-3 and Aboubakar was the focus of praise for fans, who were left stunned by his exquisite finish.
      Many focused attention on Mo Salah after Aboubakar claimed he was as good as the Liverpool star prior to the World Cup kicking off.
      One fan wrote on Twitter: “Aboubakar goal and an assist within seconds, over to you Salah.”
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      Another added: “Aboubakar warned us he’s better than Salah. We laughed at him.”
      And a third said: “Aboubakar lighting up the World Cup, meanwhile Salah flopped in 2018 and didn’t even get to 2022. Aboubakar was spot on, he is better than Salah.”
      Another commented: “Aboubakar that’s outrageous.”
      Aboubakar’s strike also reminded some viewers of Karel Poborsky’s outrageous scooped finish for the Czech Republic against Portugal at Euro 96.
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      One supporter said: “Karel Poborsky is smiling at this Vincent Aboubakar finish right now. International heritage.”
      Another remarked: “What a brilliant finish that is. Poborsky-esque.”
      Remarkably, Aboubakar had only been on the pitch a matter of minutes when he scored.
      He also became the first African in World Cup history to score and assist as a substitute, and BBC pundit Didier Drogba feels he should be starting.
      Drogba said: “I think they should have started the tournament wth those two players.
      “They’re in really good form and Choupo-Moting and Aboubakar are key for Cameroon.”
      Cameroon need to beat Brazil in their final group game to qualify for the knock-out round and will have to do so without Andre Onana after he was removed from the squad for falling out with manager Rigobert Song. More

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      Brazil won’t have any problems dealing with Neymar injury at World Cup thanks to prolific underrated star, says Rivaldo

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      BRAZIL will have no problems covering for superstar Neymar’s injury.And a large reason is due to their prolific underrated forward who is scoring goals for fun.
      Neymar injured his ankle against SerbiaCredit: Getty
      Rivaldo is confident Brazil will cope without their No10Credit: AFP
      That is according to legendary forward and 2002 World Cup winner Rivaldo.
      Iconic No10 Neymar was ruled out for the remainder of the group stages after damaging ankle ligaments in the opener against Serbia.
      Brazil’s medical staff are confident he will be fit to return during the knockout stages.
      But Rivaldo does not think it is as big a loss as first feared.
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      He said: “Losing Neymar for the next two games will be a test for Brazil.
      “The team has several other strikers who will undoubtedly come in an perform well, but Neymar is obviously the first choice.
      “The group is a strong group and these things happen in football, especially in a high-level competition like the World Cup.
      “But the team is prepared with great strikers and Tite won’t have any problems.
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      “We want Neymar 100 per cent, but if it doesn’t happen soon, we have others to replace him, a very strong team of 11 and a very good bench.
      “Now is the time to wish Neymar a quick recovery, as he will be very important, especially in the latter stages.
      “I have no doubt that Brazil will win the next two matches and move on to the round of 16 with ease.”
      Neymar’s fitness concerns barely detracted from the excitement of the 2-0 win over Serbia.
      And it was Tottenham forward Richarlison who proved the hero once more with both goals – including his stunning acrobatic effort.

      The brace took his tally to nine in his last seven for the Selecao.
      Rivaldo hailed their new talisman and backed him to keep up his incredible hot streak throughout the tournament.
      He added to Betfair: “Richarlison was the one dismantling Serbia’s resistance with an opportune touch for the first goal and a superb execution on the second which I think is the most beautiful goal of the tournament so far.
      “He seems to have a particular taste for scoring with the national team and after such a prolific performance I’m sure he is now seen as an absolute certain starter and an obvious candidate for the 2022 World Cup Golden Boot.
      “Many wonder why Richarlison doesn’t score as many goals at Tottenham as he does for Brazil but we must recognise two completely different scenarios.
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      “With Brazil, he plays with some of the best players in the world and becomes easier to get to finishing zones while at Spurs, even being a top team in England, we aren’t exactly speaking about an attacking force such as Manchester City or Liverpool.
      “It’s normal that he doesn’t get to scoring positions so often there while with Brazil he is assisted by Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Raphinha or Paqueta.”
      Richarlison scored a wondergoal in the 2-0 win over SerbiaCredit: AP
      Richarlison has already been stepping up even with Neymar in the teamCredit: PA More

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      Smutty fans all say the same thing about Jack Grealish’s calf after England star posts pic

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      JACK GREALISH’S latest picture is causing a bit of a stir online, but not in the way he might have hoped. Manchester City star Grealish posted a picture of himself in England training ahead of the crunch clash against Wales.
      Fans spotted something out of the ordinary on Grealish’s right calfCredit: Getty
      Jack Grealish in action for England against the USACredit: EPA
      However, crude fans spotted something out of the ordinary on the 27-year-old’s calf.
      One user commented: “Calf’s have planets growing off them😃.”
      A second user said: “Look at Grealish’s right calf. Looks like it’s about to explode.”
      Another user was far more blunt and said: “Man’s got a giant testicle in his calf.”
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      Other fans paired the Grealish image alongside pictures referencing the ball shape on his calf.
      One fan posted an image of the calf and a comic image of Buster Gonad with the caption: “Really hope the other England lads are calling you Buster and if not, why not.”
      Another fan paired the image with a shot of an iconic moment in The Inbetweeners TV show which sees one of the characters have a major wardrobe malfunction while doing a fashion show.
      Grealish enjoyed a goalscoring appearance after coming off the bench against Iran during England’s opening World Cup game.
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      However, he was unable to help England muster a goal against the USA as the two sides played out a boring 0-0 draw to reaffirm England’s status as the most boring team in World Cup history.
      The attacking midfielder is set to remain benched for the game against Wales, while Jordan Henderson is in line to make his first start of the tournament. More

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      England stars train in 31C heat ahead of World Cup grudge match with Wales – but Ben White misses out through illness

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      ENGLAND stars trained in 31C head ahead of their World Cup grudge match with Wales – but Arsenal star Ben White was missing through illness.The Three Lions need to win on Tuesday to guarantee top spot in Group B with Iran and USA breathing down their neck.
      England are in training ahead of Tuesday’s group clash with WalesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The Three Lions need to win to guarantee top spotCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Liverpool captain Henderson is set to startCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Phillips is still building fitnessCredit: PA
      Finishing top would see Gareth Southgate’s men play the runners-up from Group A, which could be any of Holland, Ecuador or Senegal.
      And to step up their preparations, the squad were back in training ahead of the Battle of Britain in scorching 31C heat.
      Leicester midfielder James Maddison took part, netting in the session.
      While Arsenal’s White missed out through illness.
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      Jordan Henderson is expected to start against the Dragons – which could see wonderkid Jude Bellingham drop to the bench.
      The Liverpool captain was a calming figure when he came on as a second half substitute against USA on Friday.
      Southgate is unlikely to make a raft of changes and he could still stick with Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling either side of Harry Kane.
      There are strong calls for Phil Foden to start as he is enjoying a good season with Manchester City.
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      Yet Foden has only delivered a couple of good performances in his 19 games for England and he might have to settle for a place on the bench.
      On potential changes, Southgate said: “We will see. We want to win football matches and we want to try to top the group if we can.
      “So we’ve got to make sure there is some consistency in what we do and our performances are healthy.
      “There is always a balance of finding game time for players. But the priority is to win games, we have to win football matches.
      “We are going to play a team who are wounded. Who are going to have very high motivation to beat us.
      “We’ve got to be tactically correct and find our best level.
      “We’ve got to make sure we are composed but also that we play with a real attacking vigour.”
      Grealish came off the bench against USACredit: Getty
      City team-mate Foden is yet to start at the World CupCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Southgate could turn to the 22-year-old to take on WalesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Saka is England’s top scorer More