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      ‘It’s madness’ – Rio Ferdinand slams racist abuse towards Richarlison after Tottenham striker has banana thrown at him

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand slammed the vile racist abuse directed at Tottenham star Richarlison while on international duty with Brazil.The winger had a banana thrown at him by a yob from the stands during the Selecao’s 5-1 victory against Tunisia at Parc des Princes on Tuesday during their final game before the 2022 World Cup.
      Tottenham star Richarlison had a banana thrown at him while on Brazil dutyCredit: Twitter
      Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand slammed racist abuse directed at Richarlison
      The 25-year-old had put his nation 2-1 up during the friendly game in Paris and was celebrating when the fruit was thrown at him.
      Manchester United ace Fred then kicked the banana away with Richarlison appearing not to notice it until later.
      Ferdinand took to Instagram where he released a clip condemning the “mad” incident.
      The BT Sport pundit also criticised the media for the way they cover such incidents of racist abuse.
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      Ferdinand said: “It’s disheartening, you got your own kids waking up and going, ‘Dad, seen that banana thrown on he pitch to Richarlison?’
      “It’s madness, there was probably as much vitriol and hysteria on social media and in media in general as there were with this racist incident as there was when Richarlison was doing kick-ups and he got smashed [at Nottingham Forest].
      “Let that sink in, it’s mad. It’s just crazy. That’s where the media feel in the way it’s reported that racism is not [up] there [as] something we absolutely need to discuss and sort out. It’s not there, it don’t sit there man.”
      Richarlison addressed the sickening scenes after full-time and stated that the person responsible needs to be “identified and punished”.
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      Prior to kick-off, the ex-Everton ace and his team-mates posed next to an anti-racism banner after racist abuse Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior received from Atletico Madrid fans and an agent.
      Richarlison said after the match: “I was talking about this with [Roberto] Firmino, saying that I think God did not allow me to see that because I don’t know what I could have done in the heat of the moment.
      “May this fan be identified and punished. It’s hard. You see what happened with Vinicius Junior recently and now this, inside a stadium… May this incident teach other people not to do it.” More

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      Tunisia accused of trying to kick Neymar out of the World Cup as Brazil boss Tite fumes in post-match interview

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      TUNISIA have been accused of trying to kick Neymar out of the World Cup by Brazil boss Tite.The two sides met in a feisty friendly match at the Parc des Princes in Paris last night.
      Neymar was persistently fouled during the friendly matchCredit: Rex
      The Brazilian was unhappy with his yellow cardCredit: The Mega Agency
      If Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar thought he’d be receiving any home comforts, he was sadly mistaken.
      The forward was persistently fouled as Brazil thumped their North African opponents 5-1, with Neymar grabbing their third from the penalty spot.
      After the match, Tite fumed: “There was a Tunisian majority.
      “At various times I tried to find some of our fans and they were diluted. That created an atmosphere of a competitive match.
      READ MORE ON NEYMAR
      “On the pitch we knew it would be competitive, loyal, but I didn’t imagine an action like the one that happened with Neymar, which was to take a player out of the World Cup.
      “The way it was done… I didn’t imagine living in that situation.”
      Neymar, 30, added: “It worries me, to be honest.
      “I’ve even talked to Tite. I made a foul, my first, and they gave me a yellow card.
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      “In the second half they fouled me to cut against and no yellow. It’s difficult. These are things I don’t understand.”
      He then laughed as he added: “The World Cup has started with this match. The Tunisian players came up a bit with the fans, which was crazy.
      “They had a great party, but they exaggerated a little on the force.”
      Further goals by Raphinha, Richarlison and Pedro saw Brazil run out comfortable victors, with Tunisia having been reduced to ten men on the stroke of half-time.
      But the match was marred by a sickening racist action made towards Tottenham ace Richarlison.
      As the forward celebrated his goal, an idiot supporter threw a banana at him, which was kicked away by Manchester United midfielder Fred.
      Richarlison, 25, has since responded to the vile incident, tweeting: “As long as they stay “blah blah blah” and don’t punish, it will continue like this, happening every day and everywhere. No time bro!”
      After the match, Neymar said: “I don’t have to talk about it, it’s sad for football, for the whole world, for those who are from Tunisia and respect football and the whole world.”
      Richarlison was on the receiving end of a vile racist gestureCredit: AFP
      Tite was unhappy with Tunisia’s anticsCredit: The Mega Agency More

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      Tottenham ace Richarlison breaks silence after banana thrown at him in sickening scenes playing for Brazil vs Tunisia

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      RICHARLISON has broken his silence following sickening scenes of racism which played out during Brazil’s game against Tunisia last night. The Tottenham ace was the victim of vile racist abuse after a banana was thrown at him during Brazil’s 5-1 victory in their final game before the World Cup.
      Richarlison has a banana thrown at him v TunisiaCredit: Twitter
      Fred kicked the banana away while the team celebrated
      Richarlison spoke out after the matchCredit: Twitter
      Richarlison, 25, had put his nation 2-1 up during the friendly game at the Parc des Princes in Paris and was celebrating when the banana was thrown.
      Manchester United midfielder Fred then kicked the fruit away with Richarlison appearing not to notice it.
      Richarlison has since spoken out and hit back at the sickening abuse.
      He tweeted: “As long as they stay “blah blah blah” and don’t punish, it will continue like this, happening every day and everywhere. No time bro!”

      In an interview following the game Richarlison added: “I was talking about this with (Roberto) Firmino, saying that I think God did not allow me to see that because I don’t know what I could have done in the heat of the moment.
      “May this fan be identified and punished.
      “It’s hard. You see what happened with Vinicius Jr. recently and now this, inside a stadium… May this incident teach other people not to do it.”
      Prior to kick-off, Richarlison and his team-mates posed next to an anti-racism banner following racist abuse Vinicius Jr. received while playing for Real Madrid in a game against rivals Atletico Madrid.
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      The banner read: “Without our black players, we wouldn’t have stars on our shirts.”
      Chelsea star Thiago Silva revealed he was “saddened” by the latest incident, saying: “Football is about supporting your team.
      “We try to give our all for our national team. But gestures like that are not good for football.”
      Brazil’s president of football, Ednaldo Rodrigues, also condemned the abuse against the nation’s players.
      He said: “Once again, I come publicly to express my rejection.
      “We must always remember that we are all the same, regardless of colour, race or religion.
      “The fight against racism is not a cause, but a fundamental change to wipe this type of crime from the planet.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I insist on saying that the punishment’s need to be more severe.”
      Real Madrid also promised legal action following the abuse Vinicius received.
      Brazil’s team pose with an anti-racism banner before the gameCredit: Rex More

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      Why Sun reporter wore hijab to cover Iran football team instead of refusing in protest after Mahsa Amini death

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      I WAS ordered by Iran’s security to wear a hijab in Austria to interview boss Carlos Quieroz and the players after a friendly with Uruguay. Many have asked why I didn’t refuse to wear one as a show of support to the women’s rights protests in the country after the death of Mahsa Amini.
      A Sunsport reporter (with Iran midfielder Omid Ebrahimi) was compelled to wear a hijab headscarf to interview Iran’s football team after a match — in Austria
      I had to make a hijab out of a t-shirt as all the shops in Vienna were shut
      WHAT IS HAPPENING IN IRAN RIGHT NOW?
      Amini, 22, was beaten to death by Iran’s morality police for failing to comply with the country’s strict hijab rules, it has been alleged.
      The incident sparked mass violent protests in the country with the death toll rising each day.
      Officially at least 76 people have died during 11 days of unrest so far.
      Women have also been burning their hijabs and the government has shut off the internet in parts of the country.
      ON QATAR WORLD CUP
      The country’s President Ebrahim Raisi warned protestors would be “dealt with decisively” in a chilling message amid the violent crackdown.
      IRAN VS URUGUAY CONTROVERSY
      During the protests, Iran, England’s Group B rivals at the Qatar World Cup, faced Uruguay in a friendly in Austria last Friday.
      The day before the match journalists were banned by Iran over fears of giving their domestic issues a platform in Europe.
      After a mediation from European-based Iranian journalists they decided on the morning of the game to let reporters in.
      The hijab demand came on Friday from the squad’s security team just hours before Iran played Uruguay in a friendly, winning 1-0
      The hijab order had not come from Carlos Queiroz or any of the players
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      During the match two protesters with signs for Amini were ejected by a group of around ten Austrian police officers.
      Reporters were also told there would be no access to interviews with Iran boss and former Manchester United No2 Carlos Quieroz.
      HIJAB ORDER
      I wasn’t going to take no for an answer with the interviews and planned to visit the team’s hotel the day after the match (Saturday).
      A member of the team’s security said it was a requirement to cover my hair if I was to speak with Quieroz and any of the players.
      I had asked as only a day before President Raisi had cancelled his first-ever interview on US soil because reporter Christiane Amanpour refused to wear a headscarf.
      SPIED ON BY SECURITY
      It is difficult to cover the team because their head of security Mohammed Hossein Hamisi is always watching them.
      Hamisi is said to have close links with the Islamic Republic of Iran government and sends reports back to them on any suspicious activity surrounding the team.
      When I arrived the Eventhotel Pyramide in Vienna and was waiting for the players to come out for training Hamisi was spying on me from a window above.
      That made it clear to me that I wouldn’t be able to access the team without wearing the hijab.
      The hijab request had not come from Quieroz, the players or his press officer Aryan Ghasemi – who were all friendly and cooperative with reporters. 
      When I arrived at the team hotel on Saturday, Ghasemi said: “It is funny but very nice that you wore one (a hijab). We are flattered. You look beautiful.” 
      Later I asked twice if female journalists covering Iran at the Qatar World Cup would have to wear a head scarf – but did not get a response. 
      WHY I WORE ONE
      It became clear I would not get access to the team of Quieroz if I didn’t wear one.
      I felt it was important to at least try and not go home empty handed while violent protests continue in Iran.
      I wanted to atleast get into the hotel and ask questions about the issue and Amini’s tragic death to give it a platform in Europe.
      Unfortunately even when I got access to the team’s hotel and was promised a short sit down interview with Quieroz, this never materialised.
      When I bumped into Iran midfielder Omid Ebrahimi he was very friendly but said he wasn’t permitted to do an interview.
      At the very least on returning to the UK we got Amini’s name and the protests in articles and also explained how Iran’s government had tried to scare us off from covering the team.
      Bayer Leverkusen forward Sardar Azmoun has since risked being sacked from the Iran football team after slamming the country’s government for “killing easily”. 
      He bravely came out in support of the women’s rights protests and said they had “restrictive laws” placed on them in the team. More

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      SunSport writers pick their England World Cup squads… with Maguire and Alexander-Arnold missing the plane to Qatar

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      THE countdown to the World Cup is well and truly on, with just 53 days until the tournament kicks off in Qatar.One week earlier, on November 13, Gareth Southgate will submit his 26-man England squad and — after the recent 1-0 defeat in Italy and spirited 3-3 home draw with Germany —  he still has a number of selection worries to resolve before making his final picks.
      England head to Qatar dreaming of World Cup gloryCredit: Rex
      Gareth Southgate has some huge decisions to ponder before naming his squadCredit: PA
      Here, our SunSport reporters pick their England squad and first XI for our opener against Iran on November 21.
      DAVE KIDD
      I’D go with a back four, to allow another attacking player in support of Harry Kane.
      With Harry Maguire’s confidence shot, I’m selecting Eric Dier alongside John Stones.
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      Southgate will stick with his 5-2-3, though — which means Mason Mount may miss out in the November 21 opener against Iran.
      There’s no Maguire or Trent Alexander-Arnold in my squad but I’d pick James Maddison.
      SQUAD: Pickford, Ramsdale, D Henderson, James, Walker, Trippier, Shaw, Chilwell, Stones, Dier, Tomori, White, Guehi, Rice, Bellingham, Phillips, J Henderson, Maddison, Saka, Mount, Grealish, Foden, Sterling, Kane, Rashford, Abraham.
      LINE-UP: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Dier, Shaw; Rice, Mount, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Sterling (4-3-3)

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      CHARLIE WYETT
      SOUTHGATE should stick with a back three even though it is unpopular.
      The only way to progress at a World Cup is by being cautious rather than gung-ho. Despite his talent, Phil Foden is not doing enough to get into the starting XI.
      The squad pretty much picks itself. But there is no room for Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho or Conor Coady.
      SQUAD: Pickford, Pope, Ramsdale, Walker, James, Trippier, White, Maguire, Tomori, Dier, Chilwell, Shaw, Bellingham, Rice, J Henderson, Ward-Prowse, Phillips, Mount, Abraham, Bowen, Foden, Grealish, Kane, Saka, Sterling, Toney.
      LINE-UP: Pickford; Stones, Dier, Maguire; Trippier, Bellingham, Rice, Shaw; Saka, Kane, Sterling (3-4-3)

      MARK IRWIN
      ENGLAND need to take risks and play with the handbrake off in Qatar, so four at the back and an extra attacking player.
      Fikayo Tomori replaces Harry Maguire at centre-half and Mason Mount gets the nod over Phil Foden who has not really done it for England yet. Trent Alexander-Arnold is unlucky not to get in, while James Ward-Prowse makes the cut for his free-kick ability.
      SQUAD: Pickford, Ramsdale, D Henderson, James, Trippier, Walker, Stones, White, Maguire, Dier, Tomori, Shaw, Chilwell, Rice, Bellingham, Phillips, Ward-Prowse,  J Henderson, Sterling, Saka, Mount, Foden, Kane, Rashford, Grealish, Calvert-Lewin.
      LINE-UP: Pickford; James, Stones, Tomori, Shaw; Mount, Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Sterling (4-3-3)

      PHIL THOMAS
      JACK GREALISH would be the main man for most countries, and an attacking midfield trio alongside Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden would be as good as any.
      Striker Tammy Abraham has proved himself at Roma and gets in the squad ahead of Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins.
      SQUAD: Pickford, D Henderson, Ramsdale, James, Stones, Dier, Shaw, Maguire, Chilwell, Walker, Trippier, Tarkowski, Guehi, Bellingham, Rice, Foden, Grealish, Mount, Maddison, Saka, J Henderson, Kane, Rashford, Sancho, Sterling, Abraham.
      LINE-UP: Pickford; James; Stones, Dier, Shaw; Bellingham, Rice; Sterling, Grealish, Foden; Kane (4-2-3-1)

      MARTIN LIPTON
      BUKAYO SAKA proved in 25 minutes against Germany why he has to start against Iran.
      But there has to be a casualty and for me that is Raheem Sterling.
      Tyrick Mitchell is my wildcard at left wing-back so no squad place for Luke Shaw. Marcus Rashford, if fit, travels but not Jadon Sancho.
      SQUAD: Pickford, Ramsdale, Pope, Walker, Stones, Dier, Tomori, Maguire, Guehi, James, Alexander-Arnold, Trippier, Mitchell, Chilwell, Rice, Bellingham, J Henderson, Ward-Prowse, Saka, Foden, Grealish, Mount, Sterling, Kane, Rashford, Abraham.
      LINE-UP: Pickford; Stones, Dier, Tomori; James, Rice, Bellingham, Mitchell; Saka, Kane, Foden (3-4-2-1)

      TOM BARCLAY
      AARON RAMSDALE is our most complete goalkeeper.
      Clubmate Ben White adds mobility to the defence in front of him.
      Getting the best out of Foden and Jude Bellingham will be crucial.
      Why Southgate has overlooked Lewis Dunk is anyone’s guess, he has been Brighton’s best player.
      SQUAD: Pickford, Ramsdale, Pope, James, Walker, Alexander-Arnold, Chilwell, Shaw, Stones, Dier, Dunk, White, Tomori, Rice, Bellingham, J Henderson, Ward-Prowse, Mount, Saka, Sterling, Grealish, Foden, Sancho, Rashford, Kane, Abraham.
      LINE-UP: Ramsdale; James, White, Stones, Chilwell; Rice, Bellingham, Foden; Saka, Kane, Sterling (4-3-3)

      JORDAN DAVIES
      NO way Maguire makes the starting XI — he is a walking disaster.
      Having four at the back will allow the midfield three, Mount especially, to venture forward more.
      Saka must be a shoo-in for his attacking threat. Alexander-Arnold, who has the X-factor the squad could need, goes ahead of Trippier.
      SQUAD: Pickford, Pope, Ramsdale, Stones, Dier, Maguire, Coady, White, Tomori, Shaw, James, Alexander-Arnold, Walker, Chilwell, Rice, Bellingham, J Henderson, Mount, Phillips, Kane, Saka, Foden, Sterling, Abraham, Rashford, Grealish.
      LINE-UP: Pickford; James, Stones, Dier, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham, Mount; Saka, Kane, Sterling (4-3-3) More

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      Football fans face £3,000-a-night bill for rooms at the World Cup in Qatar

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      FOOTIE fans face a £3,000-a-night bill for rooms at the World Cup.Seven nights at the Holiday Villa Hotel in Doha, Qatar, cost £20,839 — that’s £2,977 daily.
      Football fans face £3,000-a-night bill for rooms at the World Cup in QatarCredit: Reuters
      A room at the Bentley is £103 in October but £2,654 once the action starts on November 20.
      Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy says the state has pledged 130,000 rooms.
      Adding: “This is a comfortable inventory for fans, teams and sponsors travelling to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
      Two moored cruise ships will reportedly provide 70,000 rooms. And 3,600 fans will camp in a £184-a-night tented village.
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      Southgate warns crocked Maguire he MUST prove himself in games for Man Utd or risk losing England spot at World Cup

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE delivered a World Cup warning to defender Harry Maguire after his Germany nightmare.The England manager, set to name his 26-man squad for Qatar on November 10, made it clear he needs under-fire Maguire to get his confidence back and play more games for Manchester United.
      Gareth Southgate warned Harry Maguire he needs to deliver for Manchester United to start in QatarCredit: Getty
      Southgate continues to back centre-half Maguire — who picked up a thigh injury in a nightmare game against Germany on Monday — but is concerned about his lack of game time for United.
      Crocked Maguire could now be unavailable for a couple more United games and the national boss said: “I know everybody says Harry is important to me but he’s important to us. It’s us — it’s not me.
      “Why do we pick him? Because he’s one of the players who gives us the best chance of winning.
      “So really, we should all be wanting a Harry Maguire that’s playing regularly and playing with confidence.
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      “That applies to, of course, quite a few players but he’s the one that everything lands on, which must be a tough space for him really. But he’s showing tremendous character.
      “I think he has got the character to get over this because he’s a boy that has been from Sheffield United to Hull City. He’s not one where everything has been smooth.
      “Sometimes you get lads who, in the early part of their career, haven’t had to handle adversity and when it hits them, it’s harder to cope with.
      “He’s like most of us really, in that he’s had lots of hurdles — and that shapes your character.”
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      England’s former right-back and assistant coach Gary Neville has told Maguire, 29, that he should see a psychologist to revive his career — just like he did.
      The Manchester United legend told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I’ve been there myself.
      “I gave away two really bad goals against Vasco da Gama in a World Club Championships in 2000, then six months later went on to have a horrible Euros tournament for England in Belgium and Holland.
      “My pain lasted for about eight months in football terms. I was poor, lost my confidence, didn’t want the ball and didn’t show for things.
      “I know everybody says Harry is important to me but he’s important to us. It’s us — it’s not me.Southgate on Maguire
      “When I lost my confidence, I went and saw a psychologist to help me through those moments.
      “I did go and see my doctor at Manchester United. I did go and get a psychologist and get help. You do need external help at times.
      “Harry is going through a difficult moment. I felt for him. But he’s a good, solid character, he’s got a good family and people around him at Manchester United who will try and help him.
      “It’s a tough period for Harry, there’s no getting away from that. But there’s nothing you can do other than show up, try your best and not give in.
      “At some point, his form will return because he has been an excellent player for United at times and England. He has to go to the World Cup.
      “England haven’t got a massive pool of centre-backs for a start. Harry’s done very well for England and Gareth Southgate.”
      Luke Shaw, Maguire’s team-mate for club and country, says he has never witnessed one player suffer so much abuse.
      Come on, everyone knows that Harry is an unbelievable player.Luke Shaw
      He said: “It is a tough period at the moment. Harry is an amazing player, an amazing character.
      “He has taken a lot of stick, probably more than I have ever seen before in football. But he never hides away, he is always there.
      “You can have people that hide away and not want to be in the spotlight. But he keeps putting himself in the spotlight and it shows the strength and character he has got because, come on, everyone knows that he is an unbelievable player.
      “At the moment, the confidence might not be there because it might feel like the whole world is against him.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It is tough for him but us as players, staff, we are all behind him because he is a very important player and it shows Gareth’s trust that he has played in both games.
      “Look at the Euros and what he has done… people need to understand he is a big part of the England team and they have to accept it.”
      Maguire tripped Jamal Musiala to gift Germany a penaltyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Luke Shaw backed fellow United bench-warmer MaguireCredit: EPA More

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      Portugal 0-1 Spain LIVE: Nations League reaction as Morata hits dramatic late tap-in – latest updates

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      ALVARO MORATA scored a late winner as Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 to reach the Nations League finals.Cristiano Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes, and was sporting a nasty looking black eye after a collision in the 4-0 win over Czech Republic from the weekend.
      The teams now go forward to the World Cup, which kicks off in just SEVEN weeks.

      Result: Portugal 0-1 Spain
      Portugal XI: Diogo Costa, Cancelo, Danilo, Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes, Carvalho Fernandes, Ruben Neves, Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Jota
      Spain XI: Unai Simon, Carvajal, Guillamon, Pau Torres, Gaya, Soler, Rodri, Koke, Ferran Torres, Morata, Sarabia

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      That’s all from us
      Thank you all for tuning into SunSport’s live coverage.
      We hope you enjoyed it as Spain pulled off a historic win over Portugal in tonight’s Iberian derby.
      We’ll be back with plenty of live sporting action as the Premier League returns this weekend.
      Stayed tuned for that, but for now, good night and take care.
      Stat attack
      Some stats for your reading pleasure.
      Spain will play the UEFA Nations League final four for the second successive edition after finishing runners-up in 2020/21, the second team to do so after Italy (2020/21 and 2022/23).
      At 20 years and 77 days, Nico Williams has become the youngest player to provide an assist for Spain in the UEFA Nations League history.
      No player has scored more goals for Spain in all competitions than Álvaro Morata under Luis Enrique Martínez (13, level with Ferran Torres).
      Ferran Torres has failed to score in his last seven matches for Spain in all competitions (7 shots, 2 on target), having scored 12 goals in his previous 17 games (43 shots, 21 on target).
      Spain failed to register a shot on target in the first half of consecutive games for just the second time in all competitions since May 2006, the first being March 2016 under Vicente del Bosque.
      Ronaldo watch
      A massive personality like Ronaldo deserves his very own breakdown.
      And frankly, it did look like a car which needed some urgent repairs.
      While his off-ball movement was superb, particularly with two big chances in the second half that were only prevented from ending in goals thanks to Simon in Spain’s net, it must be said Ronaldo had an elusive performance.
      It is a common theme of his play these days to not be too involved in proceedings, and once again that occurred today.
      However, when he was involved too often his passing or ball control was too loose or poor and resulted in him giving the ball away needlessly.
      One chance in the second half also showcased a Ronaldo who is appearing to lack confidence.
      The 37-year-old would normally hit a chance such as the one he had in the 47th minute first time and it would normally end in a goal.
      However, he took an unnecessary extra touch and it cost him the glorious opportunity that had been worked for him as a defender got back just in time to take it off his feet.
      Manchester United will be somewhat concerned with this look.
      He hasn’t looked like himself all season, but you can still tell the hunger and determination is there to succeed.
      Qatar will likely be his final World Cup appearance, and he will be desperate to go out with a bang.
      Prem player watch
      In terms of Premier League stars in action tonight, most looked very good.
      Rodri had a good game at the base of Spain’s midfield and when he was asked to move into the back four following the introduction of Busquets at half-time.
      Cancelo also looked strong at right-back for Portugal, but this system doesn’t allow him to shine as much as he does at Man City.
      Ruben Dias was also generally solid, with not a whole lot to mention on him apart from questioning where he was for the goal.
      Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota both played well and also combined very well together.
      Silva was very quiet tonight, he was tidy but never got into his groove.
      So what’s next after tonight?
      Well with the Nations League group stage now concluded, club football can now return.
      But that will only be until November when the biggest football tournament in the world gets underway.
      The fruits of their labour tonight will be felt next year when the Nations League semi-finals and finals are played.
      Spain has joined Croatia, Italy and Holland in the final four, and they will be hoping to go one better than last year when they lost in the final to France.
      The key man for Spain? A kid from Pamplona
      Nico Williams has just showed the world a glimpse into a bright future.
      Prior to his introduction, Spain looked toothless, will lots of possession but no cutting edge or runners beyond.
      With his performance tonight the 20-year-old might have just muscled his way into the World Cup squad.
      His directness caused Portugal no end of problems as he popped up everywhere across the attack.
      It was his smart header back across goal which allowed Morata to send Spain into the final four of the Nations League.
      The winning duo
      Credit: https://twitter.com/TheEuropeanLad/status/1574859416674963472?s=20&t=Iinr11A6gIuWB5Dh8oNtOQ
      FULL-TIME: SPAIN ARE THROUGH TO THE FINALS
      The inaugural Nations League champions are out after Alvaro Morata’s late finish gifted Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal.
      Portugal 0-1 Spain
      90+4. Portugal relentlessly pressing but are also being sloppy on the ball.
      They need more quality immediately if they are to salvage their Nations League campaign.
      A minute to go of five added on now.
      Portugal 0-1 Spain
      90. ANOTHER HUGE CHANCE FOR RONALDO
      The ball is played in behind the Spanish defence where Ronaldo runs onto the ball at a tight angle.
      He fires a shot at goal but Simon is able to save with his feet just about.
      If this result holds it will be the first time Spain have won a competitive game in the country in 88 years.
      Morata with a poachers finish
      88. Spain finally pick open the lock after a beautiful pass is played towards the far post where Williams is.
      The 20-year-old then heads the ball back across with a perfectly weighted header for Morata who was left unmarked in the middle.
      Portugal 0-1 Spain
      GOALLLLL
      SPAIN GET THE GOAL THEY NEED
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      87. Spain attacks just keep coming and coming at the moment but they are all being repelled by the stoic Portuguese defence.
      It seems as if Williams -if anyone could be the key to unlocking the chest here.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      84. Spain have looked largely toothless tonight, but Williams just gave a glimpse of his potential future.
      He got the ball and was immediately positive, cutting inside from the right wing and taking a shot at goal.
      Williams then gets the ball in a dangerous area again but has no support as he cuts the ball into the corridor of uncertainty.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      78. Jota now makes way for Leao.
      12 minutes to go with Spain currently having the lion’s share of the ball in the last few minutes.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      73. Portugal make their first change.
      Joao Mario comes on for Silva, who has been good when on the ball but largely anonymous tonight.
      Spain also bring on Nico Williams – Inaki’s younger brother – for Torres.
      It’s just his second-ever cap for La Furia Roja.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      72. Morata and Ronaldo with decent chances.
      Spain work the ball well and the ball goes through to Morata on the left side, but his shot is straight at the goalkeeper.
      Portugal then opens Spain up well and the ball is played to Ronaldo inside the area for a one-on-one.
      But his touch lets him down again and a defender gets back just before he takes on the shot.
      He’s missing his usual sharpness tonight.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      69. HOW DID THAT NOT GO IN.
      A free-kick is whipped into the far post by Portugal.
      All the Spanish defenders miss it and Pereira finds Fernandes with room in the area.
      He hits a shot towards the far post but Carvajal is there to block it, though it goes skimming off his leg over the bar as opposed to away.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      65. Mendes take a bow. That was beautiful.
      Mendes gets the ball from Pino and then dribbles past the winger, he then jinks between a trio of defenders on the left flank to get into the Spain half
      Unfortunately, he decides to pass back instead of continuing his run and the attack dies out.
      This game needs an injection of magic just like that, and in fairness, Mendes could be the man to provide it.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      60. Luis Enrique rolling the dice with a trio of changes.
      Sarabia, Torres and Koke all off in favour of three teenagers.
      Pedri, Gavi and Pino all come on to try and force a goal.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      60. Luis Enrique rolling the dice with a trio of changes.
      Sarabia, Torres and Koke all off in favour of three teenagers.
      Pedri, Gavi and Pino all come on to try and force a goal.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      57. Game’s tempo has slowed thus far.
      Both teams likely just testing each other before really going for it.
      Soler did just fire a shot miles over for Spain though.
      To be fair the shot might well have landed in Spain.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      47. RONALDO HUGE CHANCE.
      Portugal are off to a flyer this half as Ronaldo almost gives the lead.
      Santos’ side work the ball well down the left and Ronaldo gets a shot away from close range after Jota slips him in, but Simon is equal to it to keep the score level.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      46. Silva is given a card inside a minute.
      It perhaps a bit harsh considering he only extended it to push off the pressing Gaya, but after hitting him in the face there wasn’t a lot he could do.
      Half-time changes.
      Veteran Sergio Busquets has come on for the carded Guillamon.
      No changes for Portugal just yet.
      Back underway now.
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