World Cup 2022

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      World Cup’s ‘hottest fan’ risks breaking modesty laws with VERY racy outfit after slamming ‘disaster’ Qatar tournament

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      A WOMAN dubbed the “World Cup’s hottest fan” dared to risk breaking Qatar’s modesty laws with a very racy outfit to support her team. Croatian beauty Ivana Knoll donned a plunging red and white checkerboard dress in honour of her country’s coat of arms.
      Ivana Knoll showed off her assets – and support – for Croatia ahead of their match against MoroccoCredit: Instagram/knolldoll
      The 30-year-old beauty dared to risk breaking Qatar’s strict rules when wearing her figure-hugging ensembleCredit: Instagram/knolldoll
      She proved her patriotism in the figure-hugging hooded ensemble as she headed to the Al-Bayat stadium for the game against Morocco.
      The 30-year-old supporter snubbed strict warnings to keep outfits conservative despite the soaring temperatures.
      Ivana uploaded two snaps to Instagram flaunting her curves and her country’s colours to rally Croatia footie fans ahead of the game.
      She even boldly tagged FIFA – who have reiterated Qatar’s strict rules on clothing at the World Cup – in her posts on Wednesday.
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      Ivana beamed at the camera while posing both inside and outside the stadium while sporting a bold red lip.
      She had taken inspiration from Croatia’s kit to create the dramatic look dedicated to her beloved team.
      The model and influencer joked in the caption: “We didn’t play the best today, but it’s only a warm-up. Let’s go on Sunday!”
      Although her clothing may have raised some eyebrows, Ivana didn’t spare a thought for the consequences she could face for daring to bare.
      Most read in The Sun
      Glam footie fans risk being slapped with huge fines or even put behind bars if they flash their figures in Qatar.
      Although non-Qatari women don’t need to wear the abaya – the long, black robe – their tops must cover their midriff and shoulders, and skirts, dresses and trousers must cover the knees.
      Women travelling in to the Arab nation are also banned from wearing any tight clothing, or flashing any cleavage.
      WAGS were advised to wear a scarf around their necks in a bid to cover up their busts.
      But Ivana seems to have found a loophole in the draconian rules – as her revealing outfit still covered her hair, shoulders and legs in compliance.
      The former Miss Croatia has so far avoided creating an international incident over her fashion choices with her sneaky strategy.
      But she wasn’t scared to criticise Qatar’s World Cup, branding it a “disaster” after her itinerary was left in chaos.
      The stunning brunette told her 570k Instagram followers the winter tournament has “the worst organization in history.”
      She complained that some of her pals still hadn’t received their ‘Hayya’ cards – the personalised document required by all visitors attending World Cup matches in Qatar.
      Although Ivana was still able to cheer on her team during Croatia’s opening Group F match, she dubbed the sporting event a “circus”.
      Before touching down for the tournament, the superfan shared a sexy picture of herself in a revealing swimsuit alongside the caption: “How I will dress in Qatar.”
      The clothing brand owner has wowed the world with her appearance at the World Cup in both 2014 and 2018.

      Ivana – dubbed ‘Croatia’s sexiest cheerleader’ has recently become renowned on TikTok after posting a string of flirty clips.
      Her legion of followers went wild after she posted a vid twerking back in 2020 in a fitted pink top and tight leopard-print bottoms. 
      The Croatian superfan teased followers that she would dress like this in QatarCredit: instagram/knolldoll
      Ivana Knoll, a diehard Croatian supporter, has hit out at this year’s World CupCredit: Instagram/@knolldoll
      She admitted her team didn’t ‘play the best’ in the chaotic match as they drew 0-0 with MoroccoCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo given hero’s welcome by Portugal fans as ex-Man Utd ace begins Qatar World Cup as free agent

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO ran out to a huge roar from the Portuguese fans ahead of his first game as a free agent.The mega star, 37, left Manchester United earlier this week by mutual consent after his bombshell Talk TV interview with Piers Morgan where he criticised the running of the club.
      Cristiano Ronaldo warms up ahead of his side’s clash with GhanaCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo, 37, claps the travelling Portuguese faithfulCredit: Reuters
      Shockwaves were felt around the football world as a result – and Ronaldo’s situation has dominated Portugal’s build-up to the World Cup.
      Now it is back to the football as captain Ronaldo leads his side against Ghana in their opening game in Qatar.
      Ronnie looked pumped up as he came out to warm up with his team-mates to a massive roar.
      There was another big cheer from his adoring fans when he applauded them, as well as when both his name and famous “Siuuu” celebration were announced on the loud speaker.
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      It is amazing to think that, after 117 goals in 191 caps for his country, and a shedload more in his outrageously prolific club career, he may still have something to prove.
      But this is one of the ultimate winners in the game who will be desperate to show he still has what it takes on the biggest stage.
      After his Man United exit was confirmed, Ronaldo skipped the usual pre-match media duties normally required of a team captain yesterday.
      His former Red Devils team-mate Bruno Fernandes stepped in for him – addressing the potentially awkward situation.
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      Fernandes, 28, said: “It was good for me while it lasted. Now Cristiano has taken a different decision for his career and his family and we have to respect that.
      “I haven’t discussed the topic with Cris. We’re all focused on the national team and the World Cup.
      “I don’t feel uncomfortable. I don’t have to pick a side. It was a dream come true to play with Cristiano [at United] but nothing lasts forever.
      “We know what the World Cup means to Cristiano and his focus has always been there. He didn’t tell me about his decision.
      “It’s a personal decision and it concerns him and his family. We haven’t talked about it.

      “Everyone here is focused on the goal, the national team and the World Cup.”
      Both were named in Fernando Santos’ starting line-up for their Group H opener against Ghana.
      Ronaldo warms up with Bernardo SilvaCredit: Getty More

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      Top Iranian footballer Voria Ghafouri arrested by regime security forces at training session for ‘spreading propaganda’

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      A TOP Iranian football player has been arrested by the regime’s security forces over claims he spread ‘propaganda’.Footballer Voria Ghafouri, 35, was detained on Thursday after a training session with his club Foolad Khuzestan on charges of having “tarnished the reputation of the national team and spread propaganda against the state.”
      Voria Ghafouri,35, was arrested on Thursday over claims of spreading propagandaCredit: AFP
      Iranians protesting during the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
      Ghafouri was previously the captain of EsteghlalCredit: AFP
      State media reported the 35-year-old was arrested for engaging in “propaganda against the regime” and supporting “rioters.” 
      Ghafouri was listed as a member of Iran’s 2018 World Cup squad but was not named in the final lineup playing at this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
      The football player, originally from the Kurdish-populated city of Sanandaj, had posted a photo of himself on Instagram dressed in traditional Kurdish dress.
      He was previously the captain of Iran’s club Esteghlal before his contract was terminated and he moved to Foolad Khuzestan in the southwestern city of Ahvaz.
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      Many of the team’s fans suggested the reason behind his termination was for openly supporting the protests that broke out in the country in the past months.
      Iran has already arrested a number of football figures for their stance on the protests, Al Arabiya reports.
      It comes as a group of brave Iranian players who refused to sing their country’s national anthem before their first game against England could face severe consequences.
      Their act was seen as a sign of disrespect and officials are already discussing punishment for the players when they return home.
      Most read in The Sun
      Those who chose not to sing the national anthem face time in prison or even the death penalty as political dissent is a crime in Iran subject to capital punishment.
      And the national team’s defiance on such an international scale will spark fury amongst the regime – and could spark retribution.
      Massoud Setayeshi, the spokesman for Iran’s Judiciary, said just days ago that punishments could be meted out for those who reject the anthem.
      The regime has been brutally punishing those linked to the protests with over 15,000 people arrested and hundreds killed by the security forces.
      The protests were sparked in September following the killing of Iranian Kurdish Mahsa Amini.
      The 22-year-old woman was left with a fractured skull after being arrested by the morality police.
      She was arrested after she was accused of not wearing a hijab in the correct way.
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      Following her death demonstrations erupted across the country calling for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic.
      The western Kurdish region of the country has seen particularly intense protests and a deadly crackdown by security forces. More

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      World Cup 2022 – England vs USA: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for second group B game

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      ENGLAND face the United States in the World Cup – and it is set to be a massive match for both sides.The Three Lions head into the game in stunning form after thrashing Iran 6-2 in their opener in Doha.
      Jude Bellingham was in sublime form for England in their opener against IranCredit: Getty
      Timothy Weah was superb for the US against WalesCredit: Getty
      But now they’ll have to switch their focus on USA, who drew 1-1 with Wales on Monday night.
      England were emphatic in their win over Iran, with Bukayo Saka grabbing two goals after 19-year-old Jude Bellingham opened the scoring.
      USA started their clash with Wales much the better side, with Timothy Weah opening the scoring in the first half.
      But Gareth Bale’s penalty pegged them back.
      And now their game against England proves to be an absolutely vital one.
      The two teams played each other in South Africa 12 years ago – and following Emile Heskey’s opener, the US equalised through Clint Dempsey, no little thanks to Robert Green’s howler in goal.

      When is England vs USA?

      England’s big clash with USA will get underway from 7pm UK time on Friday, November 25 – TOMORROW.
      The game will be played at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.
      The stadium can hold up to 60,000 fans and was opened last year, specifically for the World Cup.
      Wales face Iran in Group B’s other game on Friday at 10am.

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

      England vs USA will be shown live on ITV1 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the ITV Hub, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The game is FREE to watch, so long as you have a TV licence.
      Radio listeners can hear the commentary of England vs USA FREE Live on talkSPORT.

      Most read in Football
      Team news
      Harry Kane has had a scan on his ankle after a knock he picked up in the win over Iran.
      The scan is said to have gone well, and Kane emerged for training with the rest of his team-mates on Wednesday.
      Kyle Walker could return to the side after missing the first game because of his thigh problem.
      But James Maddison is set to miss out again, with Callum Wilson also a slight doubt after missing training following the Iran game.
      The US have no known injury issues at present.
      What are the odds?
      England win 11/20
      Draw 16/5
      USA victory 5/1
      Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct as of November 24. More

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      Roy Keane v Graeme Souness could be the World Cup’s best rivalry after hardmen clashed on ITV, but who is the toughest?

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      IN their day, they were two of football’s toughest hardmen.Manchester United legend Roy Keane and Liverpool icon Graeme Souness were renowned for bossing the middle of the park with bone-crunching tackles and a physicality that sometimes went beyond the legal limits.
      Graeme Souness was a renowned hardman and TV pundit who isn’t afraid to speak his mindCredit: Getty
      Equally, Roy Keane doesn’t hold back and has built as a reputation as one of football’s toughest customersCredit: Getty
      Souness and Keane squabble at half-time over Argentina’s penaltyCredit: https://twitter.com/itvfootball/status/1595010705593634818
      And now, as football pundits, they are fighting it out in the TV studio.
      The pair went head-to-head over a penalty decision, when Argentina took on Saudi Arabia, with a Saudi Arabian star guilty of man-handling an Argentinian in the box.
      Souness claimed the Saudi player had no interest in where the ball was – only the whereabouts of the player he was tracking – so the decision was rightly called.
      He added the call was not down to “opinion” but “fact”, which prompted Keane to respond: “Well I’m here to give my opinion – that’s not a penalty.”
      read more world cup news
      The disagreemnet between the pair, who normally wage their battles on Sky Sports, prompted us to look back at their careers – and who really is the hardest? SunSport’s conclusion is below.
      Biggest bust-ups
      Starting with Keane, the 51-year-old Irishman was never the easiest to get along with.
      As a player, he was sent off seven times – with controversy following him wherever he went.
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      Perhaps his most famous red card was THAT revenge tackle on Alf Inge Haaland in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford in 2001.
      Keane had previously accused the Norwegian of causing him a nasty knee injury when United played Leeds four years earlier.
      Keane’s retribution was to hit his rival with a high-tackle – causing the ex-City midfielder a knee injury of his own.
      Famously, he also slammed Ireland’s preparations for the 2002 World Cup and was sent home by manager Mick McCarthy from Japan.
      Keano even took on Sir Alex Ferguson – admitting he wanted to leave the club in 2005/06, before slamming team-mates including Rio Ferdinand following a miserable defeat to Middlesbrough.
      During a meeting, Fergie and the player were believed to have had a huge row that almost came to blows. That was the final straw, and his United career was over.
      Souness, 69, was no saint either.
      He started as he meant to go on. As a 17-year-old trainee at Tottenham, the Scot demanded he be given a chance in the first team in a fiery meeting that ended with Souness storming out and returning to Scotland.
      His most astonishing sending off came just 34 minutes into his Rangers debut, after receiving two yellow cards against Hibernian.
      Roy Keane’s ‘revenge’ tackle on Alf Inge Haaland caused his rival serious injuryCredit: Sky
      Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy had a bust-up with Roy Keane during the 2002 World Cup that saw the midfielder sent homeCredit: Sportsfile
      Graeme Souness famously planted a flag with Galatasaray’s colours in the centre circle of Fenerbahce’s pitch
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      Then there was one of the most shocking tackles in football history against Steaua Bucharest in the European Cup – a vicious lunge on Iosif Rotariu that left his opponent with deep wounds and could have cost him his leg.
      Management didn’t exactly mellow Souness either, especially during a spell in charge of Galatasaray.
      In fact, he etched his name in Turkish football folklore with one astonishing act.
      The setting was the Turkish Cup final in 1996, and Galatasaray had just won the two-legged game against rivals Fenerbahce on their turf.
      Cue Souness running on to the pitch and planting a flag with Gala’s colours on in the centre circle – inciting a riot in an angry Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
      Success on the pitch
      Both Keane and Souness were top class players who enjoyed incredible success and were far more than just hatchet men.
      The former won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and a Champions League with Man Utd, as well as a Scottish Premier League with Celtic.
      While the latter can boast four First Division titles with Liverpool, and an incredible three European Cups.
      In Italy, Souness landed a Coppa Italia with Sampdoria, and when he returned to Scotland with Rangers – two more Premier Divisions.
      Keane played 67 times for Republic of Ireland, while his compatriot managed 50 appearances for his Scotland. Neither won anything for their countries.
      Keane won seven Premier League titles during a trophy-laden stay at Man UtdCredit: Getty
      Keane’s opponents always knew he was aroundCredit: Getty
      Souness took no prisonersCredit: Getty
      Souness won three European Cup medals during his glittering careerCredit: Getty
      During his playing days, Keane shared rivalries on the pitch with players including Patrick VieiraCredit: Getty
      Competitive Souness struck fear into his opponents on the pitchCredit: Getty
      Punditry gold
      As pundits for Sky and ITV, Keane and Souness aren’t afraid to put in a two-footed tackle of an opinion – and they don’t stand for reputations.
      France World Cup winner Paul Pogba continuously felt Souness’s wrath.
      “He goes out with one thoughts in his mind,” Souness – who now also stars on TalkSport – once divulged.
      “I’m going to show everyone how clever I am today and be the star of the show.
      “He’d be an absolute doddle to play against.”
      Souness has also been critical of Jack Grealish and his £100million price tag, labelling a “good player, not a great player”, which the England midfielder took offence to and called him out over.
      To his credit, Souness then offered Jack Grealish a night out – which the former Aston Villa man hilariously accepted, as long as he can bring Pogba as a plus one.
      Keane doesn’t suffer fools himself.
      During his analysis, Marcus Rashford cracking a smile during a warm-up to players touching the Anfield sign have irked the Irishman.
      Kean has caused controversy as a TV punditCredit: pixel8000
      Paul Pogba and Jack Grealish have been stung by criticism from SounessCredit: Rex
      Where he has the edge of Souey might be his dry sense of humour.
      He had TV viewers creasing up when he reacted to Chelsea team mates Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell and Billy Gilmour catching up ahead of England and Scotland’s Euros clash last year for 20 minutes.
      “The only thing I would be critical of is why would you want to speak to an opposition player for 20 minutes?
      “I don’t care if he’s your teammate or not. For over 20 minutes?
      “I very rarely speak to anybody for over five minutes. After a game when you’ve been to war with somebody, why would you want to chat to somebody for that long?
      “I think they could have used a bit more common sense. I rarely want to speak to anyone for five minutes.”
      Host Mark Pougatch then queried: “I hope your wife gets more than five minutes?”
      To which Keane replied: “No, never.”
      Expect fireworks when Keane and Souness analyse games togetherCredit: Pixel8000
      Although Keane is as fierce as the come, he’s on a par with Souness in the toughness stakes for usCredit: Rex
      Verdict
      How can you divide them?
      Keane took on Fergie, one of the most feared managers of his generation.
      Souness took on half of Istanbul with a moment of pure defiance at Galatasaray’s bitter rivals.

      As players they won the lot, even on the highest stage in Europe.
      While as pundits, Souness isn’t afraid to speak to his mind – and neither is Keane.
      For this one, we’re going to have to sit on the fence. Best place, really, to avoid falling out with either. More

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      Watch Uruguay boss Diego Alonso get smashed in face by ball leaving TV viewers wincing in South Korea clash at World Cup

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      URUGUAY boss Diego Alonso was smashed in the face with the ball in their game against South Korea – and fans clearly felt his pain.The South American manager was taking charge of his first ever World Cup match as his side got their campaign underway in Qatar.

      Woo-Young Jung headed the ball out for a thrown inCredit: @golscopa2022
      But it went straight into the face of Uruguay boss Diego AlonsoCredit: @golscopa2022
      It proved a difficult afternoon for Uruguay, who were frustrated by the Asian side and ended up drawing 0-0.
      But it was an incident midway through the second period that has got everyone talking.

      Urging his team on from the touchline, Alonso got more than he bargained for when Woo-Young Jung headed the ball straight into his face from close-range.
      Despite the potentially painful moment, the 47-year-old responded with minimum fuss.
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      But fans on Twitter felt his pain.
      One fan joked: “Diego Alonso took one smack in the face and pretend it didn’t happen”
      Another said: “Ouch!”
      A third said: “He’ll have a shiner by the time he gets up in the morning.”
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      A fourth wasn’t as sympathetic and said: “Good. Some bizarre decisions with the line up and subs.”
      Uruguay are back in action against Portugal in their next Group H match on Monday. More

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      Uruguay 0 South Korea 0: World Cup history made as both teams record ZERO shots on target in bore draw

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      LUIS SUAREZ failed to get a nibble against South Korea as Education City was left hungry for goals.The famous chomper could not get his teeth into this game and was subbed in the 64th minute after having no effect.
      Diego Godin’s header crashed against the post as Uruguay were held by South KoreaCredit: Reuters
      Federico Valverde thundered a long-ranger against the woodwork late onCredit: Rex
      South Korea’s Son Heung-min is sent sprawling by Uruguay’s Facundo PellistriCredit: AP
      Luis Suarez was unable to make an impression during the draw before he was subbedCredit: Getty
      Three times he has been banned for biting opponents including Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini which saw him thrown out the 2014 World Cup.
      But he was part of a toothless Uruguay attack against South Korea.

      It was Liverpool past and present as the 35-year-old veteran of now four World Cups paired up with Darwin Nunez up front.
      But when Nunez failed to find Suarez with a square ball when there was a threat of a chance Uruguay coach Diego Alonso decided it was time to swap one 35-year-old for another as Suarez made way for Edinson Cavani.
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      Suarez’s contribution was no shots, no chances created, two touches in the opposition box, and just seven passes one of which was from the kick-off.
      Could Cavani do any better? We know how much he loves his country, after all, he asked to stay there for a couple of days after international duty rather than return to Manchester United and help them out in a Carabao Cup game against Middlesbrough during his time at Old Trafford.
      He would have no joy either, although he was inches from directing Nunez’s curling shot home with a flick of his forelock, instead he missed it and the ball curled wide of the post.
      No joy at the other end either for Tottenham’s Son Heung-min who was largely starved of the ball.
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      The odd time it got near him there were roars from the South Korean fans for the Tottenham ace who only just made it to this World Cup having had surgery on a fractured eye socket this month.
      He played in a mask but ended up being a Lone Ranger.
      There was a chance each to break the deadlock in the first period.
      After a very cagey half hour South Korea looked to have finally found the key to unlock the Uruguay defence. Jung Woojoung found Kim Moonhwan in space in the area to square the ball into the danger zone in front of goal. Nobody was on Hwang Uijo, but he leant back and scooped a side footed shot over the bar.
      He laughed at his own error, sadly non of his teammates joined in as they held their heads in their hands. Rattled Uruguay then shook the woodwork just two minutes before half time.
      Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde swung over a corner and captain Diego Godin rose highest to turn a thumping header goalwards. The goalkeeper was well beaten but the ball hit the inside of the post and shot back across the goal before being turned behind for a corner.
      The woodwork would rattle again for Uruguay a minute before the end when Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde got forward and released a long-range drive that crashed off the left-hand upright.
      Plenty to chew on for both coaches. More

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      Fans all saying same thing as Luis Suarez is hauled off after just 63 mins of Uruguay’s World Cup clash with South Korea

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      WORLD CUP fans slammed Luis Suarez after he was hauled off just after the hour mark in Uruguay’s draw with South Korea.The veteran striker started alongside Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez up-front but failed to impact the match.
      Suarez was replaced by Edinson Cavani in the 63rd minuteCredit: EPA
      He is Uruguay’s all-time top scorer with 67 goals but he looked every bit his 35 years as he struggled to keep up with play at times.
      Uruguay boss Diego Alonso put Suarez out of his misery in the 63rd minute and brought on another veteran in former Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani to replace him.
      But that did not prevent fans mocking Suarez and slamming his abysmal performance.
      One wrote: “This performance from Luis Suarez has been one of the worst individual displays at a #FIFAWorldCup.
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      “Looks like a competition winner right now.”
      Another added: “Seeing Luis Suarez play like he’s living at a retirement home has brought immense joy to a regular thursday afternoon.”

      A third said: “Nah Luis Suarez is finished. Runs like R9 when he was playing at 25 stone.”
      Another remarked: “Luis Suarez has been incredible over the years but he’s in the Ronaldo bracket now. Uruguay basically down to 10 men at times.”
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      Suarez is appearing in his fourth and likely final World Cup but many fans feel he is past his best after leaving Atletico Madrid in the summer.
      The striker signed for Club Nacional on a short-term deal and scored eight goals in 20 games for the Uruguayan side, but was unable to replicate his form against South Korea. More