World Cup 2022

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      Cristiano Ronaldo stays silent on social media after arch-rival Lionel Messi wins World Cup with Argentina

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has stayed silent on social media following Lionel Messi’s World Cup victory.The Argentine star has been a long-standing rival of Ronaldo as both have challenged to be considered the best player in the world.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has not posted on social media since Lionel Messi won the World CupCredit: Rex
      Messi was the first of the pair to win a World CupCredit: Getty
      Messi seemingly settled the debate as he netted a brace in the final against France to help Argentina on the way to their first title in the tournament since 1986.
      The World Cup was also Messi’s first of the kind and means he has completed his trophy cabinet.
      Before the tournament, the two rivals had both won league titles, Champions Leagues, as well as one international tournament each.
      Messi won the Copa America in 2021, five years after Ronaldo won the Euros in 2016.
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      While footballers from across the world hailed Messi for his achievements such as Brazil star Neymar and England and West Ham midfielder Deland Rice.
      The midfielder tweeted: “Lionel Messi. The Best Ever.
      “We will never see a player like Messi ever again”.
      However, Ronaldo has not posted anything on social media, with his last post on Instagram coming on December 11 and his last tweet coming on December 9.
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      Last month, Ronaldo opened up on his relationship with Messi.
      During his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, he said: “Amazing player is magic, top… 
      “As a person, we share the stage 16 years, imagine, 16 years. we share. So, I have great relationship with him. 
      “I’m not friend of him in terms of, what I mean friend is the guy who was with you in your house, speaking on the phone, no, but it’s like a teammate. 
      “He’s a guy that I really respect the way he always speak about me. 
      “Even his wife or my wife, my girlfriend, they always respect, and they’re from Argentina. My girlfriend is from Argentina. So good. 
      “What I am going to say about Messi? A great guy who does great things for football.” More

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      Best XI of World Cup stars in line for January transfers including Enzo Fernandez and Josko Gvardiol

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      THE World Cup can be used as a platform for players to force a move elsewhere when they return to their clubs.And the 2022 edition in Qatar is no different, with world renowned talents and unknown quantities making their mark on the tournament.
      Josko Gvardiol was one of the standout defenders at the tournamentCredit: Getty
      A best XI made up of World Cup stars that could move in January
      Enzo Fernandez was an integral part of Argentina’s World Cup triumphCredit: Alamy
      It will undoubtedly go down as Lionel Messi’s competition after he led Argentina to World Cup glory in remarkable fashion on Sunday.
      And it will also be remembered for all the off-pitch controversies, most prominently Qatar’s human rights abuses.
      But there are plenty of other stories to come out of this World Cup – not least the plethora of players who may well have put themselves in the shop window amid links away from their current sides.
      SunSport has taken a look at the best possible XI from those who impressed for their national teams and could secure a transfer in January.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      GK: Dominik Livarkovic
      Dominik Livarkovic helped Croatia to TWO penalty shootout victories in QatarCredit: Getty
      Dinamo Zagreb keeper Dominik Livarkovic, 27, showed himself to be a penalty specialist as he led Croatia to shootout victories over Japan and Brazil.
      He also conceded just one goal in five matches before their 3-0 defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals.
      Manchester United were reportedly linked with him before choosing Martin Dubravka in the summer.
      Now his performances in Qatar could see the Red Devils return for him in January.
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      RB: Josep Juranovic
      Celtic defender Josep Juranovic, 27, was perhaps the standout right-back in Qatar.
      The Croatia, who produced a remarkable display in their quarter-final win over Brazil, is being eyed up by the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
      But Premier League sides Everton and West Ham are also keeping tabs on him and will have been blown away by his displays over the past few weeks.
      CB: Harry Souttar
      Harry Souttar was superb for Australia in their run to the last-16Credit: Reuters
      This is one not many would have seen coming.
      Stoke City’s Harry Souttar, 24, produced some majestic performances for Australia on their way out of the group.
      Premier League clubs are thought to be circling for him, but the Championship outfit have now slapped a £25million price tag on his head.
      CB: Josko Gvardiol
      Irrespective of what Messi did to him in the semi-final, Croatia’s 20-year-old centre-back is a superb talent.
      Josko Gvardiol was perhaps Croatia’s standout performer at a World Cup in which they finished third – showcasing his physicality and skill on the ball time and time again.
      He has been linked with a £45m move to Chelsea, but Manchester City and Real Madrid are also in the hunt.
      LB: Antonee Robinson
      Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, 25, was sensational for USA during their high-energy World Cup campaign.
      They were eventually outdone by Holland in the last-16, but Robinson’s performances have been enough to create interest from AC Milan.
      CM: Sofyan Amrabat
      Morocco’s best ever World Cup campaign was typified by the performance of midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
      The 26-year-old has been with Fiorentina since 2020, but could now be poised for a big-money move to Liverpool in the coming weeks.
      Sofyan Amrabat was imperious in the Morocco midfield throughout the tournamentCredit: Getty
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      CM: Azzedine Ounahi
      Alongside Amrabat in the heart of Morocco’s midfield was Azzedine Ounahi.
      The 22-year-old currently plies his trade for Ligue 1’s bottom club Angers.
      You do not imagine he will be there for much longer following his imperious displays in Qatar, with Leicester eyeing up a £39m move.
      CM: Enzo Fernandez
      The Young Player of the Tournament award went to Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
      The 21-year-old came into the side during the group stage and scored a beauty against Mexico.
      He then went on to play a key role in them lifting the trophy and could now be set for a move away from Benfica as Liverpool, Man Utd and Man City are all thought to be interested.
      RW: Hakim Ziyech
      Hakim Ziyech has made very little impact on the Chelsea team in recent times.
      But in the space of a month he showed more for Morocco than he has over two years for the Blues.
      Now AC Milan are stepping up their interest for the 29-year-old forward – even if it is only on a loan deal.
      ST: Goncalo Ramos
      Very few outside of Portugal had heard of Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos before this World Cup.
      Now, after replacing Cristiano Ronaldo and scoring a hat-trick against Switzerland, everyone knows his name.
      The 21-year-old is being linked with a January move to Man Utd.
      Read More on The Sun
      Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick against Switzerland in the last-16Credit: Reuters
      LW: Cody Gakpo
      Cody Gakpo was a major transfer target of Manchester United’s in the summer but Erik ten Hag failed to get a deal over the line.
      The Ajax man, 23, has since gone on to score three goals at the World Cup and boosted his price tag to £43m. More

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      Emiliano Martinez slammed for ‘despicable behaviour’ by Chris Sutton in Argentina’s World Cup final win over France

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      EMILIANO MARTINEZ has been slammed by Chris Sutton for his “despicable” behaviour in Argentina’s World Cup final win over France.The Aston Villa goalkeeper had a game to remember as he saved Kingsley Coman’s penalty in the shootout.
      Chris Sutton has blasted Emi Martinez for his behaviour during the World Cup finalCredit: Getty
      Martinez had one or two unsporting moments on the pitch before making a crude gesture afterwardsCredit: Alamy
      That was just moments after an incredible stop to deny Randal Kolo Muani a last-gasp winner in extra time.
      Martinez had a second reason for celebrating at the final whistle as he was also awarded the Golden Glove for Qatar 2022.
      But he managed to overshadow the moment by performing a crude gesture in front of millions glued to their TV screen.
      Later on, Martinez mocked hat-trick hero Kylian Mbappe by demanding a minute’s silence for the “dead’ France star in Argentina’s dressing room.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Yet his most controversial moment came while still on the pitch.
      After saving Coman’s penalty, Martinez then proceeded to play some elaborate mind games on Aurelian Tchouameni.
      As the Real Madrid star prepared for his kick, Martinez unsportingly threw the ball away, forcing Tchouameni to wait longer at the spot.
      And when the time came for the penalty, the midfielder inevitably blasted his effort wide of the post, prompting Martinez to perform a dance in front of Argentina supporters.
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      This did not sit well with former player Sutton, who described Martinez’s actions during the shootout as “despicable.”
      Expressing his sympathy for Tchouameni, Sutton told the Mail: “I wasn’t overly enamoured with Martinez’s antics in the shootout.
      “I thought it was a pretty despicable thing to do (throwing the ball away). I can understand the mind games and heat of the moment you do whatever it takes.
      “But I thought that was totally unnecessary. If you’re Tchouameni walking past Martinez (in the guard of honour) you probably feel like biffing him one.
      “I didn’t like that at all but I can understand Martinez in that moment trying to win a World Cup.
      “But he didn’t just chuck it a couple of yards away, he launched it 15, 20 yards away. I really felt for Tchouameni in that moment. 
      “That wasn’t on. It would have been interesting if Martinez had been booked for that because he got one on the next penalty.” More

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      Salt Bae slammed for pestering Lionel Messi & touching trophy in ‘pathetic’ scenes after Argentina World Cup final win

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      SALT Bae has been slammed for his “pathetic” pestering of Lionel Messi to get a selfie and touching the World Cup after Argentina’s win.The celebrity chef, whose real name is Nusret Gökçe, somehow got himself in among the winning team and managed to get selfie with Lionel Messi as he celebrated his team’s triumph.
      Salt Bae badgered the superstar until he relentedCredit: Twitter
      Salt Bae broke Fifa etiquette by handling the World Cup trophyCredit: instagram
      Lionel Messi posed for a selfie with the celebrity chefCredit: instagram
      But in the run up, he was seen badgering the superstar and repeatedly grabbing his arm until the player relented and posed for a picture.
      The chef was slammed on Twitter as “pathetic” for his attention seeking antics, which were also described as the “cringiest thing ever”.
      “The man’s just won the World Cup literally minutes prior and this ‘celebrity’ is feeling he’s entitled to get his attention,” said one Twitter user.
      The fury continued after he posted pics on Instagram of him holding the 18-carat gold trophy, worth £17 million, a privilege reserved for the winning team and heads of state.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      “You shouldn’t touch the Cup. You’re not a champion,” was one comment.
      Another furious Instagram user said he was “unfollowing” the Turkish chef.
      “You shouldn’t have touched that trophy only the players and staff who worked their asses off to become champions have that right.
      “You only want attention.
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      Continuing the theme one post read “this is the time for players who have worked hard and not for celebrities to hang around and take selfies for their own promo”.
      Salt Bae isn’t the only celebrity to have fallen foul of Fifa etiquette.
      Rihanna was pictured holding the prize back in 2014 and later revealed she had kissed and posed for a selfie with the famous trophy.
      Salt Bae sparked fury before the World Cup after bragging about a £140,584 bill at his high-end restaurant.
      A single steak from the evening was over £1000, and the group spent almost £115,000 on wine alone.
      The backlash came amidst the worst cost-of-living crisis seen in decades, as inflation soars and millions struggle to pay for food and rent.
      Salt Bae shot to fame in 2017 when a video of him lovingly preparing a steak by theatrically sprinkling a handful of salt crystals, quickly went viral.
      Nusret quickly became a celebrity in his own right, cooking for celebrities like David Beckham, Leonardo DiCaprio, and DJ Khaled.
      He opened his first Nusr-Et steakhouse in Istanbul in 2010.
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      The brand grew, and he opened restaurants across the Middle East, including in Ankara, Doha and Dubai.
      In 2021, he opened the first London Branch of the chain in the posh area of Knightsbridge. More

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      Kylian Mbappe breaks silence on France’s World Cup final heartache with defiant Instagram post

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE posted a defiant two-word message after France’s World Cup final heartbreak at the hands of Argentina.French superstar Mbappe scored a hat-trick in the match, and netted in the shootout, but his incredible effort was ultimately in vain.
      Kylian Mbappe won the World Cup Golden Boot but was on the losing side in the finalCredit: Getty
      Mbappe took to social media on Monday following the defeatCredit: Getty
      After Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria put Argentina 2-0 up, Mbappe netted two quickfire goals, his first being from the spot, to send the game to extra-time.
      Messi then put Argentina back in front, only for Mbappe to score his second penalty, and third of the match, with two minutes left of extra-time.
      While Mbappe scored his penalty in the shootout, his third spot-kick of the game, Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni missed for Les Bleus.
      It meant France missed out on the chance to become only the second team in history to win back-to-back World Cups.
      Read More World Cup News
      But Mbappe, who scored eight goals to win the Golden Boot, cannot be faulted for his efforts.
      He was inconsolable on the France bench as he watched Argentina lift the trophy.
      Mbappe took to social media on Monday, posting a picture of himself walking past the trophy while holding the Golden Boot alongside a defiant two-word message in French.
      He simply said: “Nous reviendrons.”
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      The phrase translates in English to: “We’ll be back.”
      His post was liked over four million times on Instagram within an hour of being uploaded.
      And Mbappe is right.

      The Paris Saint-Germain forward will still only be 27-years-old by the time of the next World Cup.
      Having already won the tournament with France fours years ago and reaching the final this time around, Mbappe could well deliver on his promise. More

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      Mario Gotze wildly celebrates Argentina’s World Cup win eight years after winning goal against Messi and Co for Germany

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      MARIO GOTZE wildly celebrated Argentina’s World Cup win with his son, eight years on from his winning goal against Lionel Messi and Co for Germany in the 2014 final. The Eintracht Frankfurt ace, 30, scored the winner inside the Maracana late in extra-time, earning Germany a fourth star and breaking Argentine hearts.
      Gotze and son Rome celebrated Messi and Argentina’s World Cup winCredit: Instagram
      Gotze broke Messi and Co’s hearts in the World Cup 2014 finalCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Messi got his first glimpse of the trophy eight years agoCredit: AP
      Now 35, Messi won his first World CupCredit: Getty
      Gotze missed out on Germany’s World Cup 2018 squad but returned this year and featured twice in the group stages.
      But Germany missed out on a knockout spot to Spain and Japan.
      And while enjoying some family time with stunning wife, Ann-Kathrin Brommel, and son Rome, Gotze was supporting Argentina on their quest for World Cup glory.
      Argentina took the lead twice in the 3-3 thriller, and won the penalty shootout 4-2.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Messi scored a brace in 120 minutes and set the tone, as a captain should, in the shootout.
      And Gotze was more than pleased to see Messi finally win a world crown.
      Gotze and Rome wildly celebrated Argentina’s win, and the footballer even posted an edited photo of a smiling 35-year-old Messi consoling his 2014 younger self.
      Messi said in an Instagram post nearing 41million likes: “CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!!!!!!
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      “So many times I dreamed it, so much I wanted it that I still don’t fall, I can’t believe it……
      “Thank you so much to my family, to all who support me and also to all who believed in us.
      “We prove once again that Argentinians when we fight together and united we are able to achieve what we aim.
      “The merit is of this group, which is above individuals, is the strength of all fighting for the same dream that was also the one of all Argentinians…
      “We did it!!! LET’S GO ARGENTINA DAMN!!!!! We’re seeing each other very soon…” More

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      How Neal Maupay helped Lionel Messi win the World Cup with Argentina in ‘biggest butterfly effect in football’

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      THE path for Lionel Messi’s World Cup triumph can be traced back to one moment involving former Brighton striker Neal Maupay.The Argentine finally won the tournament after helping his side beat France in the final on penalties.
      Lionel Messi’s World Cup win was set in motion when Emi Martinez was given a chance at ArsenalCredit: PA
      He had been a back up goalkeeper at Arsenal for much of his career until 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      He replaced Bernd Leno after the German suffered a knee injury following a clash with former Brighton striker Neal MaupayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The goalkeeper kept his spot and helped Arsenal win the FA Cup that seasonCredit: Getty
      Martinez then moved to Aston Villa for more game time and was called up to the Argentina sideCredit: Getty
      He played a vital role in their Copa America win in 2021, which cemented him as the country’s first choice goalkeeperCredit: Getty
      Martinez was then the hero again as Argentina won the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
      The match has been hailed as one of the best football games of all time, but while Messi netted a brace, goalkeeper Emi Martinez also starred.
      The Aston Villa goalkeeper played all of the mind games during the shootout as well as saving Kinsley Comen’s effort from the spot.
      But not so long ago, the shot-stopper was nowhere near the Argentina squad.
      Martinez was the backup at Arsenal in June 2020 to German stopper Bernd Leno.
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      However, in a Premier League fixture against Brighton, Leno was injured after a clash with Maupay.
      Leno was stretchered off the pitch with a knee injury, and Martinez was sent on to replace him and did so for the remainder of the season.
      Martinez was able to help Arsenal win the FA Cup that season and put in some brilliant performances.
      He then made a move to Villa in the summer in order to guarantee his game time in England’s top flight.
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      Due to his form, he was called up by the Argentina side and replaced Sergio Romero as the first-choice stopper.
      Martinez then performed heroically in the 2021 Copa America semi-final shootout against Columbia as they reached the final.
      Argentina then beat Brazil, which was Messi’s first-ever international trophy, as well as cementing the goalkeeper as the nation’s undisputed man in goal.
      Fast forward to the World Cup in Qatar, the 30-year-old kept his side in the tournament with a last-ditch save against Australia in the group stages.
      He then made two penalty saves in the shootout against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals shootout after the European side scored two late goals to force extra time.
      Martinez then made a crucial save in the last minute of the World Cup final against France as he stuck out a leg to deny Randal Kolo Muani a certain winning goal in the 123rd minute of the match.
      This then led to his performance in the shootout, which led to Argentina’s World Cup win as well as the personal accolade of picking up the tournament’s Golden Glove.
      Following the win, Messi has been hailed as the greatest of all time after completing his trophy cabinet.
      Read More on The Sun
      And the amazing journey all started with Maupay taking out Leno two years ago.
      To make matters worse for Maupay, he tried to switch his national allegiance to Argentina in earlier this year, despite playing for the France youth sides. More

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      ‘The beauty of the game’ – Watch Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni break down in tears after World Cup final win

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      LIONEL SCALONI broke down in tears of joy after ending Argentina’s long wait to win the World Cup.La Albiceleste got their hands on the famous trophy on Sunday night following a pulsating final – which went to penalties – in Qatar.

      Argentina and Lionel Messi won a pulsating World Cup final in Qatar on SundayCredit: GETTY
      Manager Lionel Scaloni was initially stoic after Argentina triumphed in the shootoutCredit: BBC
      But he was eventually overcome by tears of joyCredit: BBC
      Argentina ended their 36-year wait to return to the summit of world football with a 4-2 win in the shootout, which came after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
      A wave of emotion overcame the players following their third World Cup triumph, although Scaloni was initially stoic after Gonzalo Montiel converted the winning spot kick.
      But the moment eventually got to him and he sobbed uncontrollably as the magnitude of the achievement sunk in.
      Footy fans were quick to comment on the heartwarming scene, with one saying: “Football, the game where we let it all out.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Another said: “Imagine taking a broken, disorganized team and winning three trophies in 18 months with them.
      “Complete transformation deserves all the respect in the world.”
      And another said: “Pure passion! What it’s all about! Very proud of them for never quitting throughout.”
      One chimed in: “That little look down to try and take in what has just happened is everything for me.
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      “That right there is what people mean by the beauty of the game.”
      Scaloni’s tears of joy, however, weren’t received well by some West Ham fans – who still blame him for them losing their FA Cup Final against Liverpool in 2006.
      One tweeted: “That’s how West Ham fans felt when you literally passed the ball to Steven Gerrard in 2006 FA Cup Final.
      Another said: “Cost us in 2006, but fair play.”
      Scaloni’s guiding of Argentina to their third World Cup triumph was made even more remarkable by the fact he was only supposed to coach the team for TWO GAMES after being appointed interim manager in July 2018.
      He was also slammed by Argentina legend Diego Maradona, who claimed he “couldn’t direct traffic.”
      But he was quick to hail the late icon after guiding his country to glory, saying: “I wish he was still here to enjoy this moment.
      An elated Scaloni didn’t hold back during the wild celebrationsCredit: REX
      The former Argentina ace gripped the Jules Rimet Trophy tightly as he celebratedCredit: GETTY
      Scaloni was initially only meant to manager Argentina on a temporary basisCredit: GETTY
      “We managed to lift the trophy, something that we’ve been dreaming about for so long – we’re a country that’s so passionate about football, and I’m sure that if Diego had been here he’d have enjoyed it so much.
      “He would have been the first one the pitch to enjoy it.
      “The match was completely insane.
      “We produced a great performance – we should have won it in the 90 minutes or in extra time, we didn’t deserve the draw but we were fighters.
      “It was similar to the game with the Netherlands, we kept on fighting because we wanted to win.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Now I have best feeling ever. This squad play for their people, for the Argentina fans, everyone is pulling in the same direction, for the whole country.
      “It’s a great pride when you’re playing for your country – the players broke their backs, they have achieved this title because they understood what they had to do on the pitch.” More