World Cup 2022

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      Marcus Rashford HOPES England face dramatic penalty shoot-out at World Cup to get redemption for Euro 2020 miss

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      MARCUS RASHFORD is hoping for a dramatic penalty-shoot at the World Cup – so he can earn redemption for his Euro 2020 penalty miss.The Manchester United forward was one of three players who suffered heartbreak from the spot in the loss to Italy in the final 16 months ago.
      Marcus Rashford is ready to step up for a penalty shootout at the World CupCredit: Alamy
      The England ace is ready to put his Euro 2020 final heartbreak behind himCredit: Getty
      But Rashford has made it clear he will step up if needed by Gareth Southgate here in Qatar.
      Rashford, whose team face Wales on Tuesday, said: “I’m hoping that we get to take another penalty in the tournament. So, I’m looking forward to it.
      “You never want to miss a penalty. I feel like it’s a great opportunity for forwards, especially, to score goals and obviously they are big moments and as an individual I’ve always been comfortable and I enjoy being in big moments.”
      Harry Kane, who suffered a foot injury in the first game, has yet to score at the World Cup and Rashford is ready to take over if Kane is rested against Wales in the final group stage tomorrow.
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      He said: “Harry’s alright. He’s happy. He’s enjoying his football. But for any forward you want to be scoring goals. I’m sure if he keeps doing what he’s doing he’ll score.”
      Incredibly, Rashford scored against Iran with his first touches of the ball since missing the penalty against Italy.
      While that game was played at 4pm local time, the goalless draw with the United States started at 10pm local – the same time as Tuesday’s match – and Rashford said he is struggling to get to sleep.
      He said: “You have to adapt a little bit in terms of preparation with the late kick-offs. We have a lot of time before the game.
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      “For me it’s not much of a difference to what we are used to doing. It’s more that it affects recovery a little bit. You are not having the best of sleeps.”
      Meanwhile, Rashford was part of the Euro 2016 team which lost to Iceland,sparking mass celebrations among the Welsh players.
      Luke Shaw claimed the reaction of the Wales squad, with the video being leaked online, “wasn’t nice”
      But Rashford insisted: “To be honest we’ve not mentioned it. For me, any game in a World Cup’s a big game. We want to go there and give everything to win the game. We tried to do that against the USA. 
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      “They defended really well, their midfield worked tremendously hard to stop our players. They made it difficult for us and we couldn’t quite get the goal.
      “It makes it more important to go and win this game against Wales.” More

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      Who is Ecuador vs Senegal referee Clement Turpin at Word Cup 2022?

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      THERE will be a familiar face in the middle during the World Cup.Clement Turpin is in charge for Ecuador’s World Cup group game against Senegal.
      Turpin is one of Europe’s most-respected refereesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The French whistler is a hugely experienced referee and was in charge for the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid last season.Who is Clement Turpin?
      Turpin is one of the most experienced whistlers heading to this summer’s tournament.
      The Frenchman began in the National league in 2006, taking just two years to reach Ligue 1 and the highest rung in the domestic ladder.
      In 2010 he was given Fifa listed status, meaning he could branch out into Europe.
      Since then he has reffed in 2014 and 2018 World Cup qualifiers and was in the middle during Euro 2016 in his home country.
      Turpin was in the middle for last month’s Europa League finalCredit: PA
      You may recognise Turpin from the Europa League final in Gdansk last year, where he was ably assisted by Jérôme Brisard and Benjamin Pages.
      Those two assistants have worked with the Frenchman for years.
      Ahead of the 2021 match between Manchester United and Villarreal he said: “I feel very proud.
      “Not only for myself, but also for my assistants, who have accompanied me for a number of years, and for all referees in France.
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      “I never said to myself that I would referee a European final one day.
      “From the start, I preferred to set myself small targets and challenges along the way.
      “I’ve never had a particular role model as a referee, but I’ve watched other referees and taken little bits of what they do and incorporated them into my own refereeing.”
      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World CupWorld Cup 2022 LIVE: Latest news and updates from Qatar
      World Cup schedule: What are the kick-off times for all the matches?
      World Cup prize money: How much does each winner earn?
      Who are the ITV pundits and commentators?
      Who are the BBC pundits and commentators?
      Meet England’s World Cup wags who are staying on a £1bn cruise ship More

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      Croatia 4-1 Canada – World Cup 2022 LIVE RESULT: Superb Croatians turn it around to hand Canada early World Cup EXIT

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      CANADA are OUT of the World Cup after losing 4-1 to Croatia.Alphonso Davies put the Canadians ahead after just 68 second before Croatia started to turn the screw.
      Andrej Kramaric netted twice to condemn Canada to their World Cup exit, joining hosts Qatar as the two eliminated teams so far.

      Result: Canada 4-1 Croatia
      Croatia XI: Livakovic, Juranvoic; Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Livaja, Kramaric, Perisic
      Canada XI: Borjan; Johnston, Vitoria, Miller; Laryea, Hutchinson, Estaquio, Davies; Buchanan, David, Larin

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      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      Who else is in action today?
      These group stage days are an absolute dream aren’t they?
      Football on TV from 9am- 9pm, it is 12 hours of dreamland.
      Later on today we have the 7pm kick-off, which sees Spain face off against Germany in what is a World Cup clash of the titans.
      That is all from us on SunSport for this game, but join us for coverage of Spain vs Germany up next and check out the lineups for that one here.
      Thank you very much for reading as always, and enjoy the rest of what is set to be a brilliant night of football!
      Who’s up next?
      Up next for Croatia they face what may well be a tougher test as they are up against Belgium on the first of December.
      As for Canada, things don’t get any easier as they face a Morocco side that are tipped to be dark horses by many, after beating Belgium and drawing with Croatia.
      Both teams gave a pretty good account of themselves this afternoon, despite the scoreline maybe not reflecting that, but will have to be at their very best to get a result in their next game.
      Classy Croatia.
      Croatia looked like a side that were back to their best tonight.
      Kramaric will get most of the plaudits for his two superb finishes, which could have been three if his first one wasn’t ruled out for offside.
      But it was that magical midfield of Kovacic, Modric and Brozovic that proved their worth on the world stage tonight.
      The three of them were brilliant in taking the pace out of the game, and then injecting it back in at just the right time.
      Croatia looked deadly on the counter attack, and brilliant in terms of their build up play, they ultimately just had too much quality for Canada to deal with.
      They will be feeling positive ahead of facing Belgium, who are looking like the tournaments great under-performers so far…
      Modric and Kovacic dictated the tempo as Croatia beat Canada 4-1.Credit: Getty
      Positives for Canada…
      Canada are out in the groups at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and were mercilessly beaten by a classy Croatia side by four goals to one.
      But, there are a number of positives that they can take from this tournament…

      A first World Cup goal.

      Alphonso Davies gave Canada the lead against Croatia after he scored the fastest goal of the tournament so far, inside just two minutes, it was also Canada’s first goal in a World Cup finals, and will be remembered eternally, not just by Davies, but the nation.

      Co-Hosts next time…

      In 2026 the World Cup is being held in Canada, The USA and Mexico, which will be a huge boost for a country that is not typically a footballing nation, this could really boost their chances of doing well in that tournament, and they could well be dark horses.

      Young players getting experience.

      Canada have a number of brilliant young players, and the future looks bright for them. Buchanan, Davies, David and Laryea amongst others all showed their talent, and could well be players of serious, developed quality by the time 2026 comes around…
      Overall they will be disappointed tonight, but there are plenty of positives for them to take from this tournament, and they could still go out and get a win against Morocco next week.
      Alphonso Davies will be 26-years-old when Canada co-host the next World Cup.Credit: Reuters
      FT. Croatia 4-1 Canada.
      The referee calls the second-half to a close, and that sees Canada eliminated by a merciless Croatia side.
      It is full time, Croatia 4-1 Canada.
      90+4. Croatia 4-1 Canada.
      It’s four for Croatia, and a horrible mistake by Kamal Miller as the ball slips through his legs.
      Orsic was all over it like a rash, and burst down the left-hand side with too much pace for Miller to keep up.
      It was two on one with Majer bursting forward, and the pass across left the latter with a simple finish high into the net.
      90+2. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
      Canada may be out, but that hasn’t stopped Junior Hoilett going for goal of the tournament just now.
      The ball fell to him on the half-volley on the edge of the box, and he smashed a dipping shot with his laces towards goal, that ended up just wide of the left post.
      90. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
      A poor shot from Orsic is comfortably saved by Borjan.
      There will be six added minutes at the end of the second half.
      88. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
      You have to applaud that Canada have not dropped their standards here, they are still playing their game, and that is credit to them.
      Worth noting also that they are co-hosts of the next World Cup tournament, alongside Mexico and the USA.
      They could be a team to really look out for in four years time.
      86. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
      There is a yellow card each for Kamal Miller and Luka Modric, and there is a triple change for Croatia too.
      Perisic, Modric and Mateo Kovacic are off to be replaced by Pasalic, Orsic and Majer.
      83. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
      Canada have been great to watch in this tournament, and can consider themselves somewhat unlucky after missing their penalty against Belgium.
      They do have a pretty young squad, with a lot of young stars in their ranks, the likes of Davies and David.
      The next World Cup could see them get their first win, if they don’t spring a surprise on Morocco next week…
      80. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
      A bit more end-to-end stuff here before the end of this game, including a great double save from the Serbian born Canadian goalkeeper.
      Perisic hit a low shot at him after being played in by Mateo Kovacic, before the rebound fell to Brozovic.
      His shot was then saved, and Canada escaped on the break with Davies, who had a shot saved…
      76. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
      This has been a bit of a footballing lesson for Canada…
      That midfield of Kovacic, Brozovic and Modric has really shown its worth against this Canadian side.
      When they went 1-0 down after just two minutes they kept their composure and eventually broke down the Canadian side repeatedly breaking the lines and creating chances for Kramaric up front.
      74. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
      A few changes here for both sides…
      A grand ovation for Andrej Kramaric, who is replaced by Nikola Vlasic.
      For Canada, Atiba Hutchinson is off for Sam Adekugbe, who will slot in at left back, and Lucas Cavallini replaces Jonathan David.
      72. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
      That is a great touch and finish from Andrej Kramaric.
      Ivan Perisic got down the left hand side, and whipped the ball in towards Kramaric stood in the back post area.
      He takes a touch, and switches the ball onto his left foot, before dispatching it into the bottom left corner.
      Great finish from the ex-Leicester city man.
      70. Croatia 3-1 Canada.
      It’s three for Croatia! It could be all over for Canada!
      It is Andrej Kramaric at the double!
      68. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
      Great work from Mateo Kovacic in midfield for Croatia, as he changes the pace and drives forward for his side.
      He beats two players, but his final pass is just a little to heavy for Petkovic to latch onto.
      66. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
      Canada are just seeking ways to get forward against Croatia here, and Buchanan has now swapped to the left wing, instead of the right.
      He has really impressed in this tournament so far, and don’t be surprised if there are a queue of clubs waiting to sign him in January.
      64. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
      Laryea for Canada is being replaced by Junior Hoilett, and Alphonso Davies wins a free-kick right on the edge of the box…
      Davies takes the free-kick, but it only reaches as far as Brozovic in the Croatian wall.
      62. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
      A change for Croatia, as Bruno Petkovic, who scored against Chelsea in the Champions League this season, is replacing the scorer of Croatia’s second goal, Marko Livaja.
      60. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
      There is an urgency about Canada now with just half an hour to go.
      Buchanan gets a lovely nutmeg on Josko Gvardiol, but Perisic is behind his team mate to ensure that there is no further threat from the tricky Canadian.
      58. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
      What a save by Livakovic!
      It is almost an equaliser for Canada, as Jonathon David hits a curling effort from the edge of the box, which is tipped over by the Croatian keeper.
      Dejan Lovren is booked for a foul in the build up.
      Lille’s Jonathan David almost levelled the scoring for Canada…Credit: Getty
      56. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
      Kramaric has to score, it should be all over!
      Really lovely play from Croatia, who make it look so simple…
      A reverse ball from Modric inside the box finds Kramaric, who just has to slot it into the back of the net, but it is saved by the keeper!
      Huge save, and a potentially huge miss from Kramaric…
      54. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
      The next goal in this game is oh so crucial.
      If it goes Croatia’s way it could be all over in Qatar for Canada.
      If Canada get the next goal, you get the feeling that the momentum could just carry them all the way through to win it.
      52. Croatia 2-1 Canada.
      It’s a half-chance for Croatia, as a teasing ball from Sosa on the left-hand side goes in towards Perisic before being saved by the goalkeeper.
      Buchanan picks up a yellow card for a late challenge on Gvardiol.
      Load more entries… More

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      Croatia 4 Canada 1: Kramaric double earns huge win after World Cup’s fastest goal can’t stop plucky underdogs going out

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      AFTER all the talk of John Herdman and his nuts before the game, three nutmegs during it left his side’s World Cup campaign well and truly knackered.An incensed Croatian newspaper had mocked up the Canada boss wearing nothing but two maple leaves, covering his mouth and manhood, on Friday.
      Croatia celebrate completing their turnaroundCredit: Getty
      John Herdman’s side were caught out on the break late onCredit: Getty
      Andrej Kramaric nets the first of his doubleCredit: Reuters
      It was in response to Herdman’s comments that his side were going to “eff Croatia” following his side’s unlucky defeat to Belgium.
      The eye-catching front page came with the caption “You have the mouth but do you have the balls as well?”
      The Englishman’s team certainly looked like they did when star man Alphonso Davies headed them in front on 67 seconds – the fastest goal of the tournament so far.
      But Croatia, who finished as runners-up in Russia four years ago, turned things around before the break with two goals assisted by passes through a Canadian’s legs.
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      Tottenham’s Ivan Perisic made Celtic-bound right-back Alistair Johnston look silly for the first one, teeing up Andrej Kramaric who slotted into the corner.
      Then it was the turn of Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic to poke the ball in between the legs of centre-back Steven Vitoria, allowing Marko Livaja to belt it into the corner.
      Kramaric put the game beyond doubt after the break by firing a shot that nutmegged centurion midfielder Atiba Hutchinson on its way in.
      The defeat dumped Herdman’s side out of the competition with only two games played.
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      It is a shame given their exciting approach and red army of raucous fans have been one of the highlights of this tournament – not that the Croats will show any sympathy.
      The game had started so well too for Herdman’s side as Bayern Munich ace Davies leapt like a salmon to meet Tajon Buchanan’s delivery and powered home a header.
      But Croatia are not ones to panic when going behind, as England know only too well from that semi-final heartbreak against them at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium in 2018.
      Kramaric thought he had levelled with an excellent solo goal only to see it chalked off as Livaja was offside in the build-up.
      Ex-Leicester flop Kramaric did not have to wait too much longer though to restore parity.
      On 36 minutes, Perisic’s clever, reverse pass went through Johnston to Kramaric who had the time and space to pick his spot.
      Eight minutes later the turnaround was complete. Kovacic rolled the ball to Livaja, via the gap between Vitoria’s legs, and the centre-forward did the rest from the edge of the area.
      Herdman, born in County Durham, responded by making two changes at half-time.
      One of them, Toronto midfielder Jonathan Osario, came within a whisker of an equaliser when his 25-yard shot drifted agonisingly wide.
      Ligue Un champion Jonathan David then went even closer from distance, but Croatian keeper Dominik Livakovic was alert to the danger and palmed his effort over.
      Kramaric missed the chance to kill the game for good when failing to beat the keeper from ten yards after meeting Luka Modric’s cutback.
      But Croatia’s No9 did have his second with 20 minutes to go when expertly controlling Perisic’s cross and finding the corner. 
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      The strike nutmegged 100-cap Hutchinson as it went in to send Herdman’s side home with their tails – and the ball – between their legs.
      Croatia rubbed salt in Canada’s wounds when sub Lovro Majer finished off a blistering counter-attack in stoppage time – though this time there was no nutmeg. More

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      Who is Luka Modric’s wife Vanja Bosnic, when did Croatia star get married and how many children does he have?

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      LUKA MODRIC is a key figure for Croatia in the World Cup and Real Madrid – having lifted his FIFTH Champions League title in 2022.And he has been inspired every step of the way by his wife and agent Vanja Bosnic.
      Modric and his wife sharing a loving kissCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Who is Vanja Bosnic?
      Vanja Bosnic is three years older than her husband, Luka Modric, at 36-years-old.
      The pair met in 2007 while Vanja was working at the sports agency of former Dinamo Zagreb executive director Zdravko Mamic.
      Modric’s wife would later take over as his agent and secure a monumental deal to take him to Real Madrid in 2012.
      But unlike many WAGs today, she prefers to keep a low profile, and doesn’t even have a public Instagram account.

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      When did Modric marry Vanja and how many children do they have?
      The two got married in May 2010 in the Croatian capital of Zagreb.
      Modric’s former Tottenham and Croatian team-mate Vedran Corluka was the best man at their wedding.
      The couple’s first child, son Ivano, was born just three weeks after their wedding.
      Since they have had two daughters,Ema and Sofia. More

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      Portugal vs Uruguay: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for World Cup 2022 Group G clash

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      PORTUGAL face off against South American giants Uruguay in their huge match in Group H.Cristiano Ronaldo has already lit up the tournament after scoring a penalty to become the first player to score in FIVE World cups.
      Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring in his FIFTH World Cup after netting a penalty against GhanaCredit: Getty
      Portugal’s path to Qatar has been rocky to say the least.
      After failing to top their group, Fernando Santos’ side were forced to do it the hard way, beating Turkey and then North Macedonia to book their place at this year’s tournament.
      Despite winning the Euros in 2016, the World Cup has continued to evade the European side, failing to progress past the round of 16 since 2006.
      They won’t have fond memories of Uruguay either, losing 2-1 at the round of 16 stage of the 2018 World Cup.
      Portugese fans will hope that their supposed ‘golden generation’ can step up a gear this year, and go all the way in Qatar.
      When is Portugal vs Uruguay?

      Portugal’s clash with Uruguay will take place on Monday, November 28.
      The match will kick-off at 7pm UK time.
      Portugal vs Uruguay will be held at the Lusail Stadium, which will also host the tournament final.
      The two sides’ last and only meeting was in the 2018 World Cup, and the game finished 2-1 to Uruguay.

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

      Portugal vs Uruguay will be shown live on ITV in the UK.
      You can also live stream the action via the ITV Hub, which can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes, you can! The game is available to watch for FREE in the UK, so long as you have a TV licence.
      What is the team news?
      Nuno Mendes and Danilo are both injured for Portugal and will not play.
      After the win over Ghana it emerged that Danilo had broken a RIB – but still completed the 90 minutes.
      Uruguay will be without Ronald Araujo, who has been injured since September.
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      What are the odds?
      Portugal win 10/11
      Draw 23/10
      Uruguay victory 16/5
      Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct as of November 25. More

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      Fans all say the same thing as Canada star Atiba Hutchinson returns to pitch ‘with tampon up his nose’ in World Cup

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      ATIBA HUTCHINSON sent social media wild by playing at the World Cup “with a tampon up his nose”.The Canadian midfielder is playing at his first finals at the age of 39.
      Atiba Hutchinson receives some unusual medical treatmentCredit: Getty
      Hutchinson was able to play onCredit: Getty
      Hutchinson took a hefty whack against Croatia in his side’s second group match, but he was never going to let it end his match.
      To the astonishment of fans far and wide, the Besiktas ace appeared to return to the field “with a tampon up his nose”.
      Commenting on the bizarre sight, one Twitter user wrote: “Great use for a tampon! Defo works.”
      While a second tweeted: “Good time to explain to my 10 year old son what a tampon is.”
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      And a third joked: “£10 to whoever had ‘player sticks tampon up their nose’ in the 2022 World Cup bingo card.”
      Another added: “Atiba Hutchinson: the best player to ever play at a World Cup with a tampon up his nose.”
      While a fifth quipped: “Atiba Hutchinson with a tampon in his nose might be the best moment of this World Cup so far.”
      Hutchinson and Co got off to a dream start on the night, Alphonso Davies firing them into the lead after just two minutes.
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      John Herdman’s men led for more than half an hour, before being dragged back down to earth.
      Former Leicester striker Andrej Kramaric equalised for the 2018 finalists on 36 minutes with his first of the encounter.
      Marko Livaja then gave his side the lead on the stroke of half-time, with Kramaric going on to bag his second 20 minutes from time.
      Croatia rounded out the match with a goal from Lovro Majer to run out 4-1 winners.
      Hutchinson, 39, has the “tampon” appliedCredit: Getty More

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      Who is Ferran Torres’ girlfriend Sira Martinez and is she related to Spain manager Luis Enrique?

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      SIRA MARTINEZ is the stunning girlfriend of Spain and Barcelona star Ferran Torres.The couple first began their relationship in 2021.
      Sira Martinez is dating Barcelona and Spain star Ferran TorresCredit: https://www.instagram.com/siramartinezc
      The couple have been together since 2021Credit: https://www.instagram.com/siramartinezc
      Sira has over 200,000 followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/siramartinezc
      Sira often shares loved up pictures of herself with TorresCredit: https://www.instagram.com/siramartinezc
      Torres, 22, played for Manchester City at the time, with the pair making things work long distance.
      The Spain forward then joined Barcelona in January, the city where Sira was born.
      But Torres isn’t Sira’s only link to football.
      Her dad is Spain manager Luis Enrique, who won the Champions League as Barca boss in 2015.
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      Who is Ferran Torres’ girlfriend Sira Martinez?
      Sira is a professional show-jumper and a member of the swanky Barcelona Royal Polo Club.
      She is also an influencer, and has 210,000 followers on Instagram.
      Sira often posts pictures of herself in equestrian action, as well as sweet couple shots alongside Torres.
      She has an older brother, Pacho, and younger sister Xana, who sadly passed away in 2019 aged nine after a battle with cancer.
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      Sira is a professional show-jumperCredit: https://www.instagram.com/siramartinezc
      She frequently posts pictures with her beloved horseCredit: https://www.instagram.com/siramartinezc
      What has Luis Enrique said?
      Spain gaffer Enrique said he has no problem with his players having sex on the night before matches during the World Cup.
      He was then asked what he would do if Torres celebrated a goal with a baby gesture, given the forward is an a relationship with his daughter.
      But Enrique revealed that would be where he draws the line.
      Enrique hilariously declared: “I would replace him in that moment, put him on the stands, and he wouldn’t set foot on a football pitch again.”
      Sira’s dad is Spain manager Luis EnriqueCredit: Getty More