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      France 4 Australia 1 – World Cup 2022 LIVE RESULT: Giroud equals Henry’s record as Les Bleus survive scare to rout Oz

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      FRANCE beat Australia 4-1 in their opening World Cup match as Olivier Giroud bagged a brace. The ex-Chelsea and Arsenal striker drew level with Thierry Henry at the top of the France scoring charts with his double.
      Craig Goodwin made it 1-0 to the underdogs early but goals from Giroud and one each from Adrien Rabiot and Kylian Mbappe sealed an important win for Les Bleus.

      Start time: 7pm BST
      TV/Live stream: BBC One
      France XI: Lloris; Pavard, Upamecano, Konate, Lucas Hernandez; Rabiot, Tchouameni; Mbappe, Griezmann, Dembele; Giroud
      Australia XI: Ryan; Behich, Rowels, Souttar, Atkinson; Irvine, Mooy, McGree; Goodwin, Duke, Leckie

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      A round-up of today’s action…
      Today in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, we had FOUR games lined up for you on SunSport, and what a day of football it was.
      We kicked off with the shock result of the tournament so far, as Lionel Messi’s Argentina were beaten 2-1 by Saudi Arabia, thanks to an Al-Dawsari screamer.
      We then saw Denmark take on Tunisia, as Christian Eriksen and co were held to a 0-0 draw in Group D.
      Up next was Poland against Mexico which resulted in another 0-0, despite Polish star striker Robert Lewandowski missing a penalty, as he continues his unwanted streak of never scoring at a World Cup.
      Fortunately, we had goals a plenty to round up the day as defending champions France beat Australia 4-1…
      The game was lit up by special performances from the Parisian Prince, Kylian Mbappe, and the handsome devil that has the footballing streets in a choke-hold, Olivier Giroud.
      That is all from us here on SunSport for tonight, but be sure to join us again tomorrow at 10am, for another full day of World Cup action.
      Thank you for reading, and catch you tomorrow, good night.
      Who’s up next?
      Up next for France they face what may well be a tougher test as they are up against Denmark in just four days time.
      As for Australia, they will be grateful that they don’t have to play the world champions again, and they face a slightly easier opponent in Tunisia on Saturday.
      Both teams will back themselves to win the next one, as they both gave a pretty good account of themselves tonight, despite the scoreline maybe not reflecting that…
      Giroud makes history.
      This game was lit up by two truly magical football players, Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud.
      But it is the latter of those who wrote his name into the history books tonight.
      Le Buteur de Charme was in the mood tonight, and scored a tap in and a header to equal Thierry Henry’s 51 goals for the French National team.
      He is perhaps one of the most underrated players of his generation, so it is so good to see him get the plaudits that he deserves.
      What a player, and what a performance.
      Olivier Giroud matched Thierry Henry’s record of 51 goals for France.Credit: AP
      Allez Les Bleus!
      It is a great start to the 2022 World Cup for injury-plagued France.
      It looked as though the ‘Champions Curse” was looking to sweep up another victim tonight when Craig Goodwin opened the scoring for Australia.
      But Deschamps’ ‘Champagne Blues’ found a way through, with much thanks in order to Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe.
      Lucas Hernandez was another injury to add to the list, but he was replaced by his brother, who is also a world-class full back.
      In the second half, they hardly looked like conceding as Giroud and Mbappe wrapped up the win, with the former equalling Thierry Henry’s record of 51 goals for the French national team.
      FT. France 4-1 Australia.
      The final whistle goes, and the defending champions are off to a flying start!
      90+5. France 4-1 Australia.
      Mbappe just looks to get the beating of his man there, but it is pulled back for a foul by the Frenchman.
      This game has gone very flat now, and both teams seem content with the result as it stands.
      90+3. France 4-1 Australia.
      Plenty of fans can be seen leaving the stadium, but one man staying inside the Al Janoub Stadium is Martin Lipton, who had the following to say on the matter:
      “Lot of punters don’t appear to like staying to the end here.
      “Not sure why the rush. It’s not as if they’ve got any local boozers that are getting ready for last orders.
      “Is a somewhat surreal atmosphere, though.
      “This is a World Cup game, including some of the finest players on the planet, with every chance of a few more goals.
      “And half of the fans have sneaked out already. Odd.”
      90. France 4-1 Australia.
      There are seven minutes of added time here in Qatar.
      90. France 4-1 Australia.
      Very nearly a fifth for France!
      But for a sensational stop by Matty Ryan!
      It was Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate who was denied a headed goal following a corner.
      89. France 4-1 Australia.
      Two more French substitutions…
      Marcus Thuram and Jules Kounde are on in place of Olivier Giroud and Benjamin Pavard.
      A huge smile on the face of Giroud, you just have to be happy for him, what a player.
      88. France 4-1 Australia.
      Fofana has almost as much space in midfield there as there is in the vast Australian outback.
      He picks out Kingsley Coman on the right-hand side, but the Bayern Munich man’s delivery is poor, and collected by Matty Ryan.
      86. France 4-1 Australia.
      Another double change for Australia.
      Milos Degenek and Keanu Baccus are on in place of Jackson Irvine and Nathaniel Atkinson.
      84. France 4-1 Australia.
      Martin Lipton has an update for us on the glowing French fans in Qatar…
      “Finally getting a bit of “Allez les bleus” from the French fans.
      “They’re a tough bunch to please. Do they win the World Cup every time or something?
      “Jackson Irvine has finally been booked. Suggestion floating around media tribune was that it might have been for his 15th foul.
      “Might not have been that many but feels like he’s totted up double figures.”
      That is Martin Lipton from the Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar.
      82. France 4-1 Australia.
      Mbappe drives towards the Aussie defence but instead of shooting tries to pick out Olivier Giroud on a hat-trick.
      Well cleared by Australia.
      80. France 4-1 Australia.
      Perhaps somewhat surprising that France are leaving Mbappe on with the game against Denmark approaching in four days time.
      The game is won here, so it makes sense to rest your star man.
      However, there is good reason that I am not the French manager, so I reckon Deschamps knows his star striker better than I do…
      77. France 4-1 Australia.
      There are two changes for each side.
      Kingsley Coman and Fofana are on for Tchouameni and Dembele in dark blue.
      For Australia, 18-Year-Old Garang Kuol is on, alongside Awer Mabil in replacement of Goodwin and McGree.
      75. France 4-1 Australia.
      Martin Lipton can hardly contain his excitement in Qatar, watching Mbappe and Giroud light up the Al Janoub Stadium, this is his reaction to Giroud’s record-levelling finish:
      “Classic centre-forward downward header. The ones he scored for Arsenal and Chelsea a few times.
      “Aussies now as silent as they were when England were thrashing India to win the T20 World Cup the other week. And that doesn’t happen too often.”
      He couldn’t help but leave out the cricket, but we have to enjoy these moments when they come around, so good on him.
      That is Martin Lipton, live in Qatar.
      72. France 4-1 Australia.
      It is four for France, and Olivier Giroud equals Thierry Henry’s record goal tally!
      51 goals for France for Olivier, and deadly “le buteur de charme” has arrived in Qatar.
      That translates to ‘The Charm Striker’ if you are not fluent.
      70. France 3-1 Australia.
      He starts the move on the left-hand side with a shot that evades the goal, but finds Ousmane Dembele.
      The Barcelona wide man then gets the ball on his left foot, and whips the ball in towards the head of Mbappe.
      It is the Parisian Prince then who turns a header onto the inside of the post, which bounces over the goal line.
      Great finish from the Fine Flying Frenchman.
      68. France 3-1 Australia.
      It’s three for France!
      And it is that man, Kylian Mbappe!
      66. France 2-1 Australia.
      Tchouameni is caught in midfield by Irvine and goes down clutching his ankle.
      He was just stood on by the Australian, who has a better moustache than my Movember attempt, that is for sure…
      64. France 2-1 Australia.
      Problems are coming for The Aussies now, as France continue to build attacks on the Australian goal.
      Mbappe is still yet to light up the 2022 World Cup, and we have Martin Lipton’s thoughts on his performance from Qatar:
      “Banner behind Ryan’s goal hails “les irresistibles francais”. 
      “You don’t need a degree in modern languages to translate (I haven’t got one, by the way).
      “They certainly were irresistible in Russia, mainly because Mbappe was electric and deadly.
      “He normally is. But not tonight. 
      “Maybe he’s just getting his bad one out of the way early.”
      That is from Martin Lipton, not impressed with Killer Kylian in Qatar so far…
      60. France 2-1 Australia.
      Just as we say that, France and Mbappe almost turn on the style.
      A lovely give and go between Mbappe and Giroud sees the latter backheel the ball into the path of Mbappe…
      He is baring down on the Aussie centre-half, who seems a few yards in front of him, and just about manages to put it out for a corner.
      58. France 2-1 Australia.
      A bit conservative as we approach the hour mark in Qatar, Australia are staying compact and not taking too many risks at the moment.
      As for the French, they have dropped the tempo a bit themselves and the urgency has gone, which could suit Australia later in the game.
      56. France 2-1 Australia.
      A sensible sub for Australia, as Mitchell Duke leaves the field to be replaced by Jason Cummings.
      Duke did a lot of tireless running in the game so far, which is often a thankless task.
      Not to mention that he almost had goal of the tournament on his CV earlier on in the game…
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      Fans convinced Argentina PURPOSELY lost to Saudi Arabia in World Cup shock… to avoid bitter rivals Brazil

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      WORLD CUP fans are convinced Argentina deliberately lost to Saudi Arabia… for a very clever reason.Lionel Scaloni’s side went into their Group C opener brimming with confidence on a 36-match unbeaten streak stretching back three years.
      Argentina were stunned 2-1 by Saudi Arabia in their World Cup openerCredit: Getty
      But one of the pre-tournament favourites were stunned as goals from Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari after half-time completed the comeback following Lionel Messi’s early penalty.
      The shock Saudi victory is one of the standout results in World Cup history and puts Argentina’s hopes of a third title in doubt.
      However, some supporters on Twitter jokingly believe the defeat could be part of a masterplan from La Albiceleste.
      That is because if Argentina top Group C and Brazil win Group G – as they are expected to – then the South American arch-rivals would be in the same half of the knockout draw.
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      So should they keep progressing through the rounds, the two heavyweights would meet in the semi-finals at the Lusail Stadium on December 13.
      But should Argentina finish second in their group behind one of Saudi Arabia, Mexico or Poland, they would go into the bottom half – likely with France and England – and potentially Brazil in the final.
      And the conspiracy theorists were out in force on social media following the Copa America champions’ Saudi struggles.
      One wrote: “Argentina will be okay – they going to win their next two games but if they finish second in that group they avoid Brazil honestly that’s what I want to see.”
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      Another said: “Argentina purposely finishing second so they’re on the easier side of the knockouts and don’t face Brazil in the semis…”
      A third quipped: “4D chess here from Argentina trying to avoid Brazil in the semis.”
      And a final user commented: “This is just setting us up for a Brazil-Argentina final now.”
      Brazil and Argentina may avoid each other until the final nowCredit: AFP
      Saudi Arabia scored twice after half-time to secure the victoryCredit: Getty More

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      Mexico vs Poland – World Cup 2022 LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel – Robert Lewandowski STARTING in huge clash

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      MEXICO are taking on Poland in a tasty World Cup clash in Doha RIGHT NOW!And the headline team news is Polish talisman Robert Lewandowski is starting as he looks to guide his side to the World Cup knockout stages for the first time since 1986.
      The two-time Fifa Best Award winner has won everything there is to win at club level, but has yet to guide his country through a World Cup group stage.
      While Mexico have reached the last 16 in all of their last seven World Cup appearances and will also face Saudi Arabia and Argentina in the group stage.

      Kick-off: 4pm UK
      TV channel: BBC One
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer
      Mexico XI: Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Hector Moreno, Gallardo; Hector Herrera, Edson Alvarez, Chavez; Lozano, Henry Martin, Vega
      Poland XI: Szczesny; Bereszynski, Glik, Kiwior, Cash; Kaminski, Krychowiak, S.Szymanski, Zielinski, Zalewski; Lewandowski.

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      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      7. Now it’s Poland’s turn to get forward on their right.
      Kaminski tries to turn a low cross towards Lewandowski in the middle, but sees his pass turned behind for a corner.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      6. Living up to cultural stereotypes, a Mexican Wave has started up inside Stadium 974.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      5. A half-chance for Mexico as Lozano strips away from his marker down the right, and whips a cross towards the far post.
      Vega arrives late on to the delivery, and fails to get a telling connection.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      4. Poland get the ball forward for the first time, where Lewandowski challenges for the ball both in the air, and then on the deck.
      As soon as the crowd clock who is in the thick of it, the booing starts.
      This certainly has the feel of an away game for the Polish tonight.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      2. ‘Mexico can pass the ball very well,’ says Martin Keown, just as Montes sends a 50-yard crossfield ball on to the toes of a teammate.
      It’s possibly the first time the former Arsenal man has ever been proved correct on co-commentary.
      Kick-off – Mexico vs Poland
      1. Australian referee Chris Beath blows his whistle, and it’s Mexico that gets the third game of day three of Qatar 2022 underway.
      Incidentally, the fourth official this evening is France’s Stephanie Frappart, the first woman to officiate at a World Cup.
      Here come the two teams!
      What a noise! A huge roar from the – mainly Mexican – fans inside Stadium 974 greets the players as they make their way out on to the pitch.
      And it’s a reaction that’s emphasised by the manner in which the national anthem of Mexico is belted out by players and supporters alike.
      The Polish anthem is a much more subdued affair, but sung with just as much passion by Czeslaw Michniewicz’s side – including Aston Villa’s Matty Cash, who was born in Slough.
      The formalities are over, and now it’s time for the football.
      Poland’s Glik brings up century
      Kamil Glik will win a 100th cap this evening when he takes his place at the heart of Poland’s back three.
      The 34-year-old centre-back made his international debut in January 2010 against Thailand, scoring 43 minutes into his first appearance.
      The Benevento defender has notched five further times for his country in the time since, but can he mark tonight’s major milestone with the most important yet?
      Painting a picture by numbers
      This evening’s encounter comes live from the Stadium 974 in Doha, but why is the arena so named? Dan King explains:
      “The 974 Stadium is undeniably impressive to look at and appreciate – a 40,000-seater arena built with 974 shipping containers (also corresponding to the dialling code for Qatar) that will be fully dismantled after the tournament.
      “But one of the most extraodinary sights of this World Cup so far was the queue of Mexican fans to enter more than three hours before kick off.
      “It looked like a green tide slowly making its way slowly but unstoppably towards the opening game. A Mexican journalist on my bus reckoned up to 20,000 of his countrymen and women are in Qatar.
      “Whatever the actual figure, the Poles are going to be spectacularly outnumbered.
      “Yet their team has Robert Lewandowski, the only genuine superstar in either team and his country’s record scorer and appearance maker.
      “But Lewa needs to break his World Cup if he is to assume legendary status alongside the likes of 1974 Golden Boot winner Grzegorz Lato, who was part of another third-placed finish for Poland in 1982 with team-mates like Zbigniew Boniek.
      “Argentina’s shock defeat makes this game even bigger – a win for either team would be a big step towards making the last 16.”
      Poland captain given the bird
      Live from Stadium 974, Dan King reports on a frosty reception from the large contingent of Mexican fans for Poland and their superstar striker:
      Poland booed heartily on to the pitch. Lewandowski’s name is given the full treatment when mentioned by the stadium announcers.Dan KingThe Sun

      On the Polish bench tonight
      12 Skorupski, 22 Grabara, 3 Jedrzejczyk, 4 Wieteska, 5 Bednarek, 6 Bielik, 7 Milik, 8 Szymanski, 11 Grosicki, 16 Swiderski, 17 Zurkowski, 23 Piatek, 24 Frankowski, 25 Gumny, 26 Skoras
      Lewandowski leads the Poland line
      Poland (3-5-2): 1 Szczesny; 18 Beresynski, 15 Glik, 14 Kiwior; 2 Cash, 13 Kaminski, 10 Krychowiak, 19 Szymanski, 21 Zalewski; 20 Zielinski, 9 Lewandowski

      Veteran Guardado among Mexican subs
      1 Talavera, 12 Cota, 2 Araujo, 5 Vasquez, 6 Arteagam 7 Romo, 8 Rodriguez, 9 Jimenez, 11 Funes Mori, 14 Gutierrez, 17 Pineda, 18 Guardado, 21 Antuna, 25 Alvarado, 26 Alvarez
      Jimenez misses out for Mexico
      Mexico (4-3-3): 13 Ochoa; 19 Sanchez, 3 Montes, 15 Moreno, 23 Gallardo; 16 Herrera, 4 Alvarez, 24 Chavez; 22 Lozano, 20 Martin, 10 Vega

      Live from Stadium 974
      Our man on (in) the ground this evening is Dan King, who has been soaking up the pre-match atmosphere:
      Big roar as the Mexican goalkeepers come out to warm up, and the place isn’t even half full yet. Tell you what, when Mexico play Argentina (and effectively Qatar) on Saturday, the atmosphere will be insane.Dan KingThe Sun

      Mexico favourites for three points
      There’s not much in the betting, but the bookies just about make Mexico favourites for this Group C encounter. The Central Americans can still be back at odds against, and are expected to comfortably adjust to the conditions compared to their Eastern European counterparts.

      Mexico win 6/4
      Draw 2/1
      Poland win 11/5

      Odds from Betfair correct at the time of post publication.
      Good day from Doha
      Welcome back to World Cup 2022 and live SunSport coverage of the Group C clash between Mexico and Poland.
      These two countries would have been expecting this evening’s meeting at Stadium 974 to prove pivotal in deciding which finishes in the runners-up spot behind Argentina.
      But La Albiceleste’s stunning 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia earlier today has blown the group wide open.
      Now there’s the very real opportunity that both sides could qualify ahead of the South American giants.
      Indeed, if Poland were to win here in Doha, and then again on Saturday against the Saudis, then they could seal their place in the knockout stages before even facing Lionel Messi and co.
      However, Mexico are no mugs under Gerardo Martino.
      The Tricolor have made (and exited) the Last 16 at the previous seven World Cups, and will be confident of doing so again in Qatar.
      Of course, the Mexicans will have to find a way to stop Robert Lewandowski, who has yet to find the net for Poland at a World Cup.
      The action kicks off at 7pm local time – 4pm in the UK – and team news is on the way.

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      Fans all saying the same thing after late VAR drama during World Cup clash between Denmark and Tunisia

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      FANS watching the World Cup clash between Denmark and Tunisia praised the referee for not awarding a late penalty after checking the VAR monitor.The game seemed set for a dramatic finale in the fourth minute of stoppage time when the ball hit the arm of Tunisia defender Yassine Meriah inside his own area.

      Fans praised the referee after the goalless draw between Denmark and TunisiaCredit: Reuters
      Ref Cesar Ramos insisted on his decision to deny Denmark a late penalty after checking the VAR monitorCredit: Getty
      Ref Cesar Ramos initially waved play on but was then instructed by VAR to go check the monitor for a potential penalty.
      The replay showed that the ball first touched Meriah’s body before ending up on his arm.
      There also seemed to have been a shove from Brentford ace Mathias Jensen on a Tunisian player in the build-up.
      Ramos stood by his initial decision and denied Denmark a penalty as he instead awarded Tunisia a free-kick.
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      Fans flooded on social media after the dramatic goalless draw and praised the World Cup official for not caving in to VAR.
      It is quite common for referees to change their mind after watching replays on the pitchside monitor.
      One fan tweeted: “A referee who doesn’t automatically go with the VAR, good man.”
      Another posted: “Legendary footballing moment. Man said: F**k VAR.”
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      A third wrote; “VAR is so controversial that when ref checks the monitor and decides it is not a penalty (correctly in the Denmark vs Tunisia game), the pundits go mad!”
      This fan said: “Tunisia v Denmark, at least a referee had the commonsense and courage to overrule VAR and award a ridiculous penalty.”
      And that one tweeted: “Brilliant strong reffing in the Denmark Tunisia game on the var penalty decision.
      “Great to see! That’s your ref for the final right there.” More

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      Stars who missed World Cup jet off on lavish holidays – from Pogba in Miami to Jarrod Bowen in Disneyland Paris

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      WITH the World Cup well underway, the unfortunate stars to have missed out have not wasted anytime in filling the break they have by jetting off around the globe. A number of prominent stars have been busy sharing their travels while their compatriots battle to bring home World Cup glory.
      Juventus star Paul Pogba missed out on the chance to go to QatarCredit: Instagram @paulpogba
      Man City boss Pep Guardiola took in some Formula One action in Abu DhabiCredit: Instagram @pepteam
      Some like Roberto Firmino jetted off for some winter sunCredit: Instagram @roberto_firmino
      An unprecedented season full of fixture congestion has seen some stars miss out through injury, while for others a run of poor form saw them unable to earn a spot in their national side.
      And SunSport has had a look at what some stars are up to.
      Paul Pogba
      Pogba jetted off to Miami with his wife ZulayCredit: Instagram @zulaypogba
      Paul Pogba’s World Cup selection was thrown into doubt all the way back in July after he suffered a knee injury which he underwent surgery for.
      After an additional setback it was confirmed he would not be available for France at the World Cup, but in the meantime he has gone to Miami to celebrate the birthday of his wife Zulay.
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      Jarrod Bowen
      Jarrod Bowen opted for a more low-key adventureCredit: Instagram
      West Ham star Jarrod Bowen would have been a shoo-in for the England team if the Euros were last summer, but alas a poor run of form this season saw him miss out on his World Cup dream.
      Instead, Bowen fulfilled the dream of many children by visiting Disneyland with his partner Danni dyer and their son Santiago.
      Roberto Firmino
      Firmino is enjoying some winter sun before he links back up with LiverpoolCredit: Instagram @roberto_firmino
      Roberto Firmino was a shock omission from Brazil’s squad considering his strong form for Liverpool throughout the first half of the season.
      However, after failing to earn a spot in the Samba camp he has instead flown out to the Maldives with model and wife Larissa Pereira.
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      Erling Haaland
      Erling Haaland was joined by a friend his travelsCredit: Instagram
      Man City ace Erling Haaland has been tearing up the Premier League since joining the champions in the summer, and if anyone deserved a break it might well be the Norwegian.
      With his national team failing to qualify for Qatar, Haaland was joined by a friend and jetted out to Marbella where he was also spotted alongside a mystery brunette.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang visited the F1 paddock last weekendCredit: Instagram
      At one point Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was one of the fastest players in the Premier League – and he opted to go and see the fastest sport on the planet by visiting the Formula One paddock.
      Like Norway, Gabon failed to qualify for the World Cup, and instead Chelsea ace Aubameyang joined a host of celebrities for the final F1 race of the season.
      Pep Guardiola
      Guardiola got a special taxi service from Mercedes team principal Toto WolffCredit: Instagram @pepteam
      Man City boss Pep Guardiola joined Aubameyang in Abu Dhabi and was given a premium activity list with a special run around the track by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
      The pair might have something in common in their feelings towards Manchester United considering Wolff revealed he looked at Utd as a way of how NOT to run his team and lose a winning mentality.
      Thiago Alacantara
      Thiago pictured in Las Vegas with Julia VigasCredit: Instagram @thiago6
      Liverpool maestro Thiago Alcantara went to the location of a future F1 venue in the form of Las Vegas.
      The Spaniard was snubbed by Luis Enrique for Spain selection and he has since been touring around the US with partner Julia Vigas, taking in Las Vegas and later a Los Angeles Lakers Basketball game.
      Victor Lindelof
      Victor Lindelof has chosen to do some charitable work while on his breakCredit: Instagram @victorlindelof
      Man Utd defender Victor Lindelof has opted to do some charitable work during his break as he visited Gambia for Unicef alongside his wife Maja.
      The Swede, whose nation failed to qualify, wrote on Instagram: “It was amazing to see how the contributions and support of UNICEF are helping so many mothers and young children.”
      Jesse Lingard
      Jesse Lingard pictured alongside Patrice Evra in Abu DhabiCredit: Instagram
      Jesse Lingard added his name to the illustrious list of stars who visited the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last weekend.
      Lingard’s form at Nottingham Forest has been far from strong enough to justify a recall to the England team despite his strong performances at the last World Cup for the Three Lions.
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      Eddie Nketiah
      Eddie Nketiah landed in Ghana and has been doing charity work with UnicefCredit: Instagram @eddienketiah
      Arsenal academy graduate Eddie Nketiah opted to visit Ghana after refusing to call time on his England career amid reports of him switching his allegiance to the African side.
      The striker is England Under-21’s all-time leading goalscorer but is yet to earn get a senior cap for the Three Lions. More

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      England players fumed at Fabio Capello when manager cheered on ITALY at World Cup 2010, reveals Joe Cole

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      JOE COLE has revealed that he was left fuming when former England manager Fabio Capello cheered on Italy at the 2010 World Cup.The former midfielder was “bothered as an Englishman” as his coach got behind another team while the Three Lions struggled to impress.
      Joe Cole revealed that Fabio Capello cheered on the Italy team at the 2010 World CupCredit: PA:Press Association
      England were knocked out of the tournament at the round of 16 after a heavy 4-1 defeat by Germany.
      But Cole, who was part of the 23-man squad, was annoyed that Capello and his backroom staff did not put their national allegiance aside during the tournament.
      He said: “What done me at the World Cup was when they were all watching Italy, like hollering and hooting when they scored.
      “I just think that the foresight of that wasn’t great. It bothered me as an Englishman.”
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      Capello, however, would not have had much to cheer about as the Italian side finished bottom of their group behind Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand.
      The Azzuri did not manage to win a game throughout the entire tournament.
      It was a shock for the side, who had gone into the tournament in South Africa as favourites and holders of the trophy.
      It is not the first time the former Chelsea and West Ham star has criticised his former manager.
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      Recently in a Telegraph column, Cole argued that Capello “didn’t have a tactical plan”, as he believed that England could have achieved a lot more with the players at the disposal.
      He wrote: “Even when we got knocked out, there was no inquest. Capello wanted to keep his job.
      “There needed to be a revolution but none arrived. I spoke out after the tournament in frustration at getting just two appearances – both as a second half substitute – and mostly because we should have been doing better. 
      “We had good players. I have played with some of the best.
      “Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack, Deco – and I can tell you that Lampard, Gerrard and Rooney were just as good.
      “With a plan to keep the ball, we would have done so much better.” More

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      I am Argentina’s sexiest fan at the World Cup and once offered to auction off my lucky knickers after a win

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      IT would have been a hard watch for Melisia Artista – Argentina’s ‘sexiest fan’.The Shakira lookalike has made the trip to Qatar to cheer on her country at the 2022 World Cup.
      Argentina’s ‘sexiest fan’ is at the World Cup in Qatar
      Gorgeous Melisia has made quite a stir in her homeland
      Melisia shared her view from her seat at the Lusail Stadium
      And she shared shots on her Instagram outside the Lusail Stadium, hours before the game kicked off, as well as watching from her seat.
      However, she would have been left devastated by her nations’ shock defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia.

      The River Plate fan has amassed almost 250,000 followers on Instagram.
      And, judging by a stunt she pulled off in 2017, should Argentina be in dire need of inspiration – Melisia will be sure to come up with a plan.
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      Morale booster
      After River crashed to a 3-0 first leg defeat in the Copa Libertadores quarter-final in 2017 to Bolivian team Club Deportivo Jorge Wilstermann, she came up with a novel way to gee up her team.
      Desperate to see her team progress, and knowing they needed a pick-me-up, she reportedly sent the players a saucy video that left little to the imagination.
      Needless to say, the trick worked a treat. River, astonishingly, won 8-0 in the return leg to reach the semi-finals, where they were eventually eliminated by Lanus.
      Melisia has amassed a staggering 250,000 followers on Instagram
      River Plate stars were treated to a sexy video on social media from Melisia for inspiration
      Devout football fan Melisia follows River Plate
      Melisia once offered to auction off a pair of her lucky knickers to bring River Plate some luck
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      Lionel Messi and Co should check their social media inboxes now.
      Knickerbocker glory
      If that wasn’t enough, before THAT Copa Libertadores quarter-final Melisia was feeling strangely superstitious.
      She revealed she would be entrusting the help of her lucky knickers in the hope that River would over-turn the three goal deficit.
      Melisia even told fans online that if River were victorious, she would auction off the underwear to one of her followers.
      However, despite that threat Melisia might’ve got caught up in the hysteria of the moment.
      It was never confirmed whether a fan received her knickers. Probably best better not knowing.
      Pop star by day
      When she’s not following River or Argentina, influencer Melisia is crafting a career in music.
      When she’s not following the football, Melisia has a pop career
      Melisia has made the trip to Qatar to cheer her country on
      Melisia, like many Argentinians, will be smarting from their defeat to Saudi Arabia
      The blonde bombshell has released a number of singles in her homeland, independently.
      Her Reggaeton beats feature in songs called Hasta Abajo (Drop it the floor) and El Perdon (Forgiveness).
      If you’re an Argentina fan right now, at least this influencer can provide the perfect distraction until the next game. More

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      Denmark 0 Tunisia 0 – World Cup 2022 LIVE RESULT: Danes see injury-time VAR penalty NOT given – latest

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      DENMARK were held by an impressive Tunisia side as the Danes opened up their World Cup campaign. with a 0-0 draw.And the Danes have Kasper Schmeichel to thank after the ex-Leicester man pulled off a stunning save in the first half.
      Denmark thought they had an injury time penalty, but after a VAR check there was wild celebrations from Tunisia when it was not given

      Result: Denmark 0 Tunisia 0
      Denmark XI: Schmeichel, Kristensen, Kjaer, Christensen, Maehle, Delaney, Eriksen, Hojbjerg, Damsgaard, Dolberg, Skov
      Tunisia XI: Ben Said, Drager, Bronn, Talbi, Maaloul, Laidouni, Skhiri, Ben Romdhane, Khazri, Jaziri, Msakni

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      All to do for Danes
      Denmark next face France on Saturday with the game taking even more significance after today’s draw.
      Tunisia meanwhile, face Australia on Saturday with a real chance of gunning for their first win of the tournament.
      Until France and Australia play this evening, the Carthage Eagles sit at the top of Group D.
      Jebali puts in shift for Tunisia
      Leading the line as the sole-striker Issam Jebali was all over the pitch, trying to offer the Carthage Eagles options.
      More than happy to get back and lend a hand to keep Denmark out, despite Kasper Schmeichel denying him a first-half goal, the striker can be pleased with his performance today.
      His touch-map shows just how much of the pitch he covered for his team.

      Eriksen puts trauma behind him
      Today’s focus prior to the game was the return of Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen to the world stage after he collapsed on the pitch less than 18 months ago.
      In this side, Eriksen makes The Danes tick and is integral to everything they do.
      Despite his involvement throughout the game, Tunisia made sure they got players around him and pressed Denmark whenever in possession of the ball.

      In the ground – Full time analysis
      Sun reporter Martin Blackburn reports from the Education City Stadium:
      KASPER SCHMEICHEL saved Denmark from a nightmare start to their World Cup with a stunning first half save.
      The former Leicester keeper spread himself to deny Issam Jubali a certain goal – with an intervention his dad Peter would have been proud of.
      The Danes could have had no complaints if they had ended up empty handed against a spirited and energetic Tunisia.
      It meant a low key return to the big international stage for Christian Eriksen, 18 months after his cardiac arrest in the Euros.
      The Manchester United star did produce his team’s best moments and how Andreas Cornelius did not nick an undeserved win for the Danes is something only he knows.
      Thousands of Tunisia fans have descended on Doha for the tournament to join the many who already live here.
      They made such a racket in the Education City Stadium that it must have felt like a home game for Jalel Kadri’s team.
      The Carthage Eagles responded too with their dynamo midfielder Aissa Laidouni flying into a challenge on Eriksen in the first minute.
      He got the ball perfectly but the Manchester United star’s big comeback would have been short-lived had he connected.
      It set the tone for the first half though with Jebali racing clear to score only to be denied by a marginal offside.
      The best chance came shortly before the break when Jebali went through again and lifted the ball over Schmeichel – only for the former Leicester keeper to stick out an arm and push the ball wide.
      After the break Lassouni played a clever one-two to go clean through on goal but surprisingly seemed to lack the belief to finish it off.
      Tunisia failed to keep clean sheet in 14 of their 15 world cup matches – last time they did it was 1978 – but they were doing so quite comfortably here.
      Eriksen had their best opening when he thumped a 20 yard shot which Aymen Dahmen did superbly to push round the post.
      He took the resulting corner and former Chelsea man Andreas Christiansen headed back across goal.
      Andreas Cornlius could not get the connection he wanted and could only bundle his untidy effort against the post.
      Tunisia were appealing for a penalty when Abdi’s flick seemed to be handled by Joachim Andersen but nothing was given.
      And they were almost robbed right at the end when a Cornelius flick from Eriksen’s corner hit the arm of Yassine Meriah.
      The VAR recommended a review and everyone expected a spot-kick but the Mexican ref Cesar Arturo Ramos stood by his initial decision and over-ruled it.

      Carthage Eagles upset the odds
      Tunisia have surprised many in the footballing world with their performance this afternoon.
      Most expected them to be like a rabbit in the car headlights but the North Africans did not get the memo.
      Kasper Schmeichel denied them the goal that their first-half performance warranted.
      They had to dig deep towards the end to keep The Danes at bay but Tunisia managed it and claimed themselves a hard earned point.
      Credit: Reuters
      FT: Denmark 0-0 Tunisia
      The referee blows his whistle to huge cheers all around this stadium.
      Late drama with that VAR intervention and the lack of penalty.
      After their performance today the North Africans did not deserve that.
      What a great point for the former AFCON champions.
      Denmark 0-0 Tunisia
      90+4. Tunisia have had a big let off there.
      The Danish fans cannot believe they weren’t given a penalty.
      It is usually the next thing to follow when the referee goes to the monitor.
      Tunisia breath a sigh of relief.
      No penalty
      Denmark 0-0 Tunisia
      90+3. Denmark loft a corner into the box.
      The ball is not cleared and as the second ball drops the Denmark players appeal for a handball.
      VAR is checking it and has sent the referee to the screen.
      Anyone order late drama?
      Denmark 0-0 Tunisia
      90+2. Jensen with the long throw into the box.
      They are looking for Cornelius who flicks the ball towards goal.
      Dahmen catches comfortably as he has all afternoon.
      Denmark 0-0 Tunisia
      90. We are going to have an additional five minutes.
      To concede a goal now for either side would be heartbreaking.
      Denmark lose possession, giving Tunisia the chance to break.
      It all breaks down as they look for a free kick but the referee is not playing ball at all.
      Credit: EPA
      Denmark 0-0 Tunisia
      88. Double change for Tunisia.
      Sassi and Kechrida join the party.
      Some tired legs coming off the pitch, they have given their all for Tunisia.
      Denmark 0-0 Tunisia – Khenissi yellow card
      86. Jensen is caught and a free kick is awarded.
      Khenissi is awarded the first card for Tunisia today.
      This is still high octane stuff from the Tunisians as they attack.
      Denmark 0-0 Tunisia
      84. Maehle looks despairingly at the referee.
      He takes the ball to the byline and chips it over the sliding Hannibal.
      As he looks to go passed him, the momentum of the slide takes him down.
      The referee is not interested at all.
      Denmark 0-0 Tunisia
      82. Whistles and boos accompany Denmark possession again.
      Whether it is affecting the players we will never know but it does seem to spur loose passes from The Danes.
      Into the final ten minutes of the game, both sides still looking for the winner.
      Credit: AP
      Denmark 0-0 Tunisia
      80. Hannibal and Khenissi come on for Msakni and Jebali.
      Some fresh legs up top for the North Africans.
      Can either of these subs get the winning goal for Tunisia to send this stadium into raptures remains to be seen.
      Denmark 0-0 Tunisia – Jensen yellow card
      78. Both bookings today have gone Denmark’s way.
      Tunisia knock the ball forward and they manage to hold it up well.
      There is no support for him as he looks to lay the ball off.
      Denmark 0-0 Tunisia
      76. Tunisia are defending for their lives every time Denmark attack now.
      The longer this game goes on the more desperate The Danes are to find that goal.
      It should offer the chance for Tunisia to hit them on the break.
      Hannibal seems to be warming up for the North Africans.
      He’s been known to conquer Europeans before.
      Denmark 0-0 Tunisia
      74. The Tunisia defenders have been dominant in the air today.
      When Denmark look to get direct balls forward there is always a Tunisian defender coming crashing through the Danish player to win the ball.
      Most of us are still wondering how Cornelius missed that chance.
      Apart from Cardiff City fans.
      Denmark 0-0 Tunisia
      72. Nothing doing with the handball.
      Replays show it does touch his hand but whether it was intentional is another thing.
      You always wonder if these are going to be given with the inconsistencies of VAR but they didn’t even look at it.
      Somebody must be on a lunch break.
      Credit: PA
      VAR checking possible handball
      Denmark 0-0 Tunisia – Cornelius chance
      70. The corner comes in and Christensen heads it back across goal.
      Cornelius is on the back post but somehow heads it onto the post.
      Surely it was easier to score there.
      Denmark 0-0 Tunisia
      68. Denmark are dominating possession a little now.
      Tunisia counter attack and slip the ball through for Jebali but the pass was a little too heavy.
      Dahmen makes a great fingertip save from an Eriksen effort from outside the box.
      Denmark 0-0 Tunisia
      66. Denmark are looking for more of a focal point up top with the introduction of Cornelius.
      The manager must have felt with those early dangerous crosses into the Tunisia box, they need someone who will look to get on the end of them.
      Tunisia are staying firm defensively.
      Sliti comes on for Slimane.
      Credit: Getty
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