World Cup 2022

NEYMAR’s stunning sister Rafaella Santos has shown her colours as she cheers on Brazil and her brother at the World Cup.The Samba Boys had to wait a while to get their tournament up and running in Qatar.
Rafaella was getting herself in the mood for Brazil’s game against SerbiaCredit: Instagram @rafaella
Rafaella was supporting her brother Neymar and Brazil in their bid for World Cup gloryCredit: Instagram @rafaella
But they finally got to face Serbia in their opening group game tonight, four days after hosts Qatar kicked off proceedings.
Rafaella took to Instagram to show off her support for her country, who are targeting their first World Cup win since 2002.
The Brazilian beauty snapped herself pouting at the camera as she prepared for the game against Serbia.
Around her two men can be seen donning the Brazilian shirts and flag and colours.
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In another picture, the model sits on the edge of the sofa with her face barely visible to the camera in a black and white snap.
What can be seen is the back of the shirt, which bears her name and the number 10, the same as what Neymar wears for his country.
She adds the caption: “Meu número preferido!” which translates as “My favorite number!”
Rafaella has always supported Neymar throughout his career and the pair appear to share a special sibling bond.
Rafaella is a social media sensation and posts gorgeous pics which wow her fansCredit: Instagram @rafaella
The glamorous model follows Brazil and her brother Neymar closelyCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Rafaella has 5.6million followers on Instagram
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The relationship appeared so strong that the PSG star appeared to always be unavailable to play for his club around the same time as Rafaella’s birthday.
But footie fans noticed that the ‘curse’ was finally broken this year.
There was almost no chance of Neymar missing the game against Serbia as he looks to lead his country to World Cup glory.
Brazil were beaten by Belgium at their last attempt to land the Jules Rimet trophy in 2018.
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And in their home tournament four years earlier, Brazil were famously humbled and humiliated by Germany in the semi-finals.
If they are to make it that far this time round, they will have to navigate their way out of a group containing Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon.
The Brazilian beauty enjoys a close bond with brother NeymarCredit: Splash
Rafaella will be hoping to cheer Brazil all the way to the final
Neymar has infamously been injured or suspended around the time of his sister’s birthday More

RICHARLISON scored a SENSATIONAL overhead kick for Brazil against Serbia in the World Cup favourites’ opening game in Qatar.The Tottenham forward, 25, got off the mark shortly after an hour on Thursday evening, reacting first from a Vinicius Jr shot to lash home the rebound.
Richarlison acrobatically scored a wonder goal for BrazilCredit: EPA

The Tottenham man wowed the crowd with a startling finishCredit: AP
Richarlison celebrated scoring his second goal of the gameCredit: AP
But 11 minutes later he doubled his tally for the evening in breathtaking fashion.
Vinicius crossed into the penalty area and Richarlison did the rest, teeing himself up before acrobatically swivelling to lash an outrageous effort into the corner beyond Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
And football fans feel it may have already won the Puskas award for goal of the year.
Reacting on social media, one person said: “NOW THAT IS ABSOLUTELY EXCEPTIONAL FROM RICHARLISON…”
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Another added: “Give him the Puskas award directly at the end of the match. What a goal from Richarlison.”
A third said: “Ladies and gentlemen, for now Puskas’ World Cup goal belongs to Richarlison 🇧🇷.”

And a fourth added: “Oh yeah, Richarlison is winning the Puskas Award for sure. That was an amazing goal.”
Richarlison has now scored 19 goals in 39 appearances for Brazil.
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And, despite no goals for Spurs in the Premier League so far this season, he has nine in his last seven appearances at international level.
He will already have his eyes firmly set on the Golden Boot after registering a brace in the opening game.
Next up for Brazil is a clash with Switzerland on Monday, before their final group stage match against Cameroon four days later.
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They remain the favourites to lift the World Cup on December 18 in what would be a record-extending sixth title.
Brazil previously won the competition in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. More

A FAMOUS Holland supporter, nicknamed “T*ts Man”, was forced to remove his inflatable boobs by Qatar authorities at the World Cup.The fan, real name Harry Goudsblom, has revealed he did not have any trouble getting into the stadium to watch the Dutch beat Senegal 2-0 on Monday.
Harry Goudsblom is known for wearing inflatable boobs to Holland matchesCredit: Alamy
He was forced to remove his breasts and OneLove armband when outside the ground
But after the game, while celebrating the win outside the Al Thumama Stadium, he was then accosted by security.
They were quick to demand he remove the fake breasts from under his top.
And the Holland supporter was also told to take off the OneLove armbands he was wearing – which are a symbolic show of support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Goudsblom then phoned into AD.nl to explain what had happened to him.
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He said: “Initially there were no problems at all, not with the police, not with the security, everyone even wanted to take selfies with me, everything went well.
“Until during the match I saw a guard talking to an agent and pointing at me. But an officer made a gesture of ‘let it go’. 
“Still, I later saw two cops go with an iPad to another fan wearing a OneLove band. I was then able to quickly hide my strap under my sleeves. 
“After that the party just continued, we won the game, danced outside on the grounds of the stadium and everything. Also took selfies.
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“Then suddenly an overzealous cop showed up and started acting difficult. I had to take off and hand in my OneLove captain’s armbands.
“Then I had to leave the stadium grounds, accompanied by twenty police officers. And along the way I also had to take off my breasts.”
The OneLove armband has been one of the most contentious issues since the World Cup began last weekend.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar.
And in opposition to the law in the Middle Eastern nation, seven European countries planned for their captains to wear the OneLove armband.
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England were among the national associations that wished to wear it, but a furious row with Fifa led to all the nations backing down.
It is believed they had been threatened with yellow cards or a game ban if they defied Fifa and wore it. More

CRISTIANO RONALDO became the first player to score at FIVE World Cups and then declared his Manchester United debacle to be over.The Portuguese icon netted a second-half penalty to help his nation win 3-2 against Ghana.
Cristiano Ronaldo netted from the spot in Portugal’s thrilling win over GhanaCredit: Getty
Ronaldo was awarded the Player of the Match trophy for his performanceCredit: Getty
It put him onto eight World Cup goals – one more than legendary rival Lionel Messi.
This win was also Ronaldo’s first game since his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan rocked the football world and saw his United contract terminated.
Speaking in a press conference that lasted two minutes and 12 seconds and answering just one question, the 37-year-old said: “This was a beautiful moment – my fifth World Cup.
“We won, we started with a good foot. A very important win.
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“We know the first match is crucial. But also a world record. The first player to score in five World Cups. That makes me proud.
“The most important step is we won. It was a week that finished this chapter (with United).

“This chapter is closed. We wanted to start with a good foot. We won. I could help my team.
“All the rest does not matter.”
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Ronaldo’s first World Cup came 18 years ago in Germany – which included the famous winker incident with Wayne Rooney – and he was welling up during the national anthem.
He won a soft penalty in the 65th minute, going down under a challenge from Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu.
Ronaldo converted it for his 118th goal for his country.
Ghana hit back through ex-Swansea man Andre Ayew, before Bruno Fernandes teed up Joao Felix and Rafael Leao to make it 3-1.
Still the Ghanaians came back through sub Osman Bukari – who performed Ronaldo’s iconic Siu celebration – but Portugal held on.
Asked if free agent Ronaldo can still play at the top level, team-mate Bernardo Silva, of Manchester City, replied: “Yes I think so.
“It depends on what he wants. I don’t know what he wants for his life. He has to speak with his family and decide for himself, right?
“We are happy to know that we can still count on him – not just the goal but he worked a lot for the team. We are happy with the three points.”
Portugal boss Fernando Santos added: “He is one of the best players ever. I think Cristiano is a phenomenon and a legend like many others who have come before him.
“In 50 years time we’ll still be talking about him.”
Ghana boss Otto Addo was left fuming with the referee for giving the spotkick.
He said: “If somebody scores a goal, congratulations, but this was really a gift.
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“I think it was the wrong decision. I think we played the ball. I don’t know why VAR didn’t come up. There’s no explanation for me. Then it’s difficult for us.
“If I look at that scene, it’s incredible. We were playing the ball. It was actually a foul against us.” More

GARETH SOUTHGATE is set to stick to the exact same team that pummelled Iran for England’s Friday night game against the USA.The Three Lions put themselves in a commanding positioning in their World Cup group after a brilliant 6-2 opening game.
This is the expected England line-up for their Friday night clash with the US
Excellent England got their World Cup off to the best possible start on MondayCredit: EPA
Despite his first World Cup goal, Jack Grealish looks set for the bench againCredit: Getty
Bukayo Saka scored twice and Jude Bellingham ran the show as England sent a defiant message to their rivals in Qatar.
Meanwhile, the USA had control of their opening game against Wales before conceding a Gareth Bale penalty to make it 1-1.
England manager Southgate is set to name the same team and formation that pulled off the stunning victory against Iran.
This is despite Harry Kane picking up a knock and Harry Maguire being forced off the pitch during the win with illness.
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Raheem Sterling is set to retain his place in England’s first XICredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Kane was pictured back in training yesterday after having a scan on his ankle and fears over his fitness have since receded.
He is now expected to lead the line for England again, flanked by Saka and Raheem Sterling.
Gareth Southgate also played down any injury concerns in his pre-match press conference.
He said: “Harry is good. It would be a brave decision to leave him out of the starting line-up.”

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Maguire is also fit to start and will once again be the centre-back partner of John Stones, with Kieran Tripper and Luke Shaw in the full-back positions.
And England fans can expect to once again see a midfield of Bellingham, Declan Rice and Mason Mount.
The US are set to pose a more difficult prospect than Iran.
Gregg Berhalter’s team is filled with Premier League talent, including Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic, Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner and Leeds’ pair Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams.
Jude Bellingham will be looking to replicate his outstanding performance against the US on FridayCredit: Reuters More