World Cup 2022

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      Fans all say the same thing as Chelsea transfer target Josko Gvardiol scores sensational header for Croatia vs Morocco

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      FANS have all been praising Chelsea transfer target Josko Gvardiol after he scored for Croatia in the World Cup third-place playoff.The defender netted with a leaping header after Luka Modric’s cross to put his side in front against the African nation.
      Josko Gvardiol scored a brilliant header against MoroccoCredit: AP
      The defender has been impressive at the World CupCredit: Reuters
      Croatia faced Morocco in the clash after both sides lost their World Cup semi-final matches against Argentina and France.
      Despite taking the lead thanks to Gvardiol’s goal, it was quickly cancelled out as Moroccan defender Achraf Dari scored just less than two minutes later.
      Gvardiol has been one of the stars of the tournament with his impressive performances in the back line.
      The 20-year-old RB Leipzig star was already a wanted man, and his goal is a reminder of how good he can be.
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      Chelsea are one of the clubs tipped to be interested in signing the defender.
      After his goals, fans were quick to say how good he is on social media.
      One wrote: “Running out of words to describe how good of a footballer that Josko Gvardiol is.”
      A second commented: “Josko Gvardiol is the best centre-back in the 2022 World Cup”.
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      A third said: “Fine goal by a quality player”.
      A fourth added: “Josko Gvardiol’s goal is a prize that football gives him after an outstanding World Cup”.
      As well as Chelsea, Gvardiol has attracted interest from other Premier League sides such as Manchester City.
      The Citizens are said to be lining up a £110million move for the defender to strengthen their backline. More

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      France risk embarrassment after Nike website puts ‘3-star kit’ on sale BEFORE Argentina World Cup final

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      KIT manufacturer Nike may have jinxed France’s chances against Argentina.That’s by putting a “three-star” kit on sale BEFORE Sunday’s World Cup final.
      Nike put a ‘three-star’ France kit up for sale BEFORE Sunday’s World Cup finalCredit: Nike
      France have only won two World Cups but hope to make it three against ArgentinaCredit: Getty
      And France now risk embarrassment should they fail to defend their trophy against Lionel Messi.
      Didier Deschamps’ men are looking to become the first side to win two successive World Cups since Brazil in 1962.
      France’s victory in Russia over four years ago was their second triumph in the competition, having broken their duck on home soil in 1998.
      But kit sponsors Nike appear confident that Kylian Mbappe and Co are on course for a third triumph.
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      That’s because they released a new commemorative France shirt on their website, with the description reading: “FFF (French Football Federation) three stars 2022/23 stadium residence.”
      The hilarious blunder suggests that France have already beaten Argentina, despite the sides not meeting until tomorrow.
      Interestingly, the shirt shown as the product only revealed two stars above the French crest.
      And Nike swiftly took down the “three-star” description after it was spotted by eagle-eyed fans.
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      The blunder could now backfire badly for France, with Argentina’s passionate players sure to be fired up by it.
      There’s already not much to choose between the two sides, with Messi and Mbappe rated as two of the world’s top footballers.
      And like France, Argentina are also looking for their third World Cup win, having triumphed in 1978 and 1986.
      Some French fans believe the final is now already decided in Argentina’s favour due to Nike’s error.
      One said: “It’s bad luck to the bottom. For sure we will lose this final.”
      Another declared: “It will bring bad luck. Already I don’t see them winning.”
      One noted: “They will manage to jinx us.”
      Another added: “They don’t learn the lesson, huh…” More

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      Chelsea star Thiago Silva enjoys Maldives break with stunning wife and kids after Brazil’s World Cup heartbreak

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      THIAGO SILVA is enjoying a family holiday in the Maldives before returning to Chelsea.The Brazilian, 38, suffered World Cup heartbreak last Friday when his country were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Croatia on penalties.
      Thiago Silva headed to the Maldives on holidayCredit: Instagram/ @bellesilva
      Thiago and Belle were feeling the love on the luxury islandCredit: Instagram/ @bellesilva
      The group made the most of the sun and seaCredit: Instagram/ @bellesilva
      The couple were joined by their sons Isago and IagoCredit: Instagram/ @bellesilva
      And with the defender due back at Cobham for Blues training in the coming days, he jetted off to the luxury Indian Ocean island for some downtime with his stunning wife and their kids.
      Silva’s partner Isabelle posted a series of snaps from their beach holiday for her 631,000 Instagram followers.
      She wrote: “Returning home, returning to our home.
      “With renewed energy but still feeling like something is missing. And missing!
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      “Time and God will take care of adjusting everything.
      “The important thing is that whatever happens, we will always be together, united.”
      Thiago and Belle were joined by their two sons Isago and Iago as well as other close friends or family.
      The centre-back wore a black Gucci t-shirt and denim shorts while his wife opted for a white top and blue shorts.
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      The four photos posted online include a couple of candid family snaps as well as a lovely one of Belle giving her man a kiss on the cheek and a big group shot on the shoreline in front of a golden sunset.
      The Silvas got married way back in 2005 after growing up as childhood sweethearts in their hometown of Rio de Janeiro.
      She has followed Thiago to Portugal, Russia, Italy, France and England for his illustrious club career.
      And she was in Qatar cheering on Brazil – but now attention will return to Premier League action in the British winter.
      Graham Potter’s side return to action on December 27 when they host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
      The Blues are looking for their first Premier League win since October 16, losing their last three before the World Cup break.
      Silva and Neymar suffered heartache when Croatia won the shootoutCredit: Getty
      Belle married her footballer partner in 2005Credit: Instagram @bellesilva More

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      Why are Croatia fans wearing water polo hats at World Cup?

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      FANS at the World Cup do everything in their power to stand out from the crowd.While some decide to wear fancy dress, Croatia supporters have stepped it up a level with their water polo hats.
      And they will bring their hats out once again when they Morocco in their third-place play-off tonight.
      Croatia fans have swarmed to Russia with their water polo hatsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Why do Croatia fans wear water polo hats?
      The hat is a tribute to defender Vedran Corluka.
      He made history when he became the first player to wear a water polo hat during a match.
      Corluka suffered a serious head injury during a match against Turkey at Euro 2016.
      It kept opening up during a match against Czech Republic and he played the second half with the hat on.
      Vedran Corluka played until the final whistle against Czech RepublicCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The defender even managed to score and the game finished 2-2.
      UEFA checked it over and made him remove the ear protectors before he was allowed to carry on.
      In fact, the hat that he wore is now held in UEFA’s museum.
      Croatia’s physio Nderim Redzaj is credited with coming up with the idea.

      Fans have been wearing the head gear since 2016Credit: Reuters
      Croatia fans go crazy and light flares as they beat Russia in hotly contested World Cup quarter-final More

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      World Cup’s ‘hottest fan’ Ivana Knoll shows her support for Croatia in racy crop-top ahead of play-off with Morocco

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      IVANA KNOLL posed in a racy crop-top in the colours of her beloved Croatia as she prepared to watch the World Cup third-place play off.The superfan – dubbed the “World Cup’s hottest fan” – was in already in the stadium ahead of her beloved side’s game with Morocco.
      Ivana wearing a racy crop top in the stadium ahead of the matchCredit: Rex
      The Croatia superfan was in a playful moodCredit: Rex
      Ivana poses in a bikini on the beachCredit: INSTAGRAM / @KnollDoll
      She has became synonymous for her Croatia-themed outfitsCredit: Alamy
      Ivana, 30, has seen her fandom rise and rise during the World Cup, and couldn’t believe she’d reached three million followers on Instagram.
      In her latest snap she was seen in racy Croatia-themed crop-top in the style for which she’s become famous.
      With the name of the team’s talismanic midfielder and captain Luka Modric on the back, it’s clear who her favourite Croatia player is.
      It comes as she donned a bikini and showed off her bum as she relaxed away from the football.
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      Celebrating the milestone, she captioned her latest snap: “3 MILLION 🙈❤️🫶🏼
      “WOW GUYS! 3 MILLION almost population of my country 🇭🇷
      “THANK YOU SO MUCH, LOVE YOU ALL ❤️🫶🏼”
      Ivana received over 400,000 likes in seven hours, and plenty of comments from her adoring followers.
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      One joked: “In this World Cup you did more than Cristiano Ronaldo.”
      Fans have been desperate for selfies with Ivana during the tournamentCredit: Getty
      The model has been mobbed around the stadiumsCredit: The Mega Agency
      Even fans of other teams wanted to meet herCredit: The Mega Agency
      Another asked: “Why Croatia didn’t win with such an asset?”
      With Croatia still having to play in Saturday’s Third Place Play-Off against Morocco, fans were thrilled to learn that Ivana would be sticking around a little longer.
      They were stunned to see her ditch her Croatia-themed outfits, however, as she attended France vs Morocco in a figure-hugging black number.
      Such is Ivana’s star power at the tournament, that she has been mobbed by fans demanding selfies.
      But one fan that has NOT been showering her with love is Miss BumBum – who mocked her for Croatia’s semi-final exit.
      Ivana ditched her Croatia colours for France vs MoroccoCredit: INSTAGRAM / @KnollDoll
      Ivana watched her side lose to Argentina on TuesdayCredit: Rex
      The Croatia superfan was hoping to cheer her side to gloryCredit: PA More

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      Fuming France boss Didier Deschamps confirms Benzema WON’T play in World Cup final as he lashes out at reporter

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      FRANCE manager Didier Deschamps has hit out at a reporter while confirming that Karim Benzema will NOT play in the World Cup final.Les Bleus are set to take on Argentina tomorrow in the showpiece and the Real Madrid striker won’t make a surprise appearance.
      Didier Deschamps lashed out at a reporter for asking about Karim BenzemaCredit: Getty
      Karim Benzema will not play in the World Cup finalCredit: AFP
      The 34-year-old was named in the France squad but injured his thigh prior to the start of the tournament and was sent home.
      It has now emerged that he is back training with his club fuelling speculation he could return to Qatar for the final.
      Deschamps dismissed these rumours angrily after being repeatedly asked about Benzema and where he’d be watching the final, saying: “Are you spreading the word among foreign journalists?
      “If I don’t answer, you’ll say I’m p***ed off. 
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      “Some players have been injured and Karim Benzema is one of them and Lucas Hernandez got injured in the first game. 
      “From that point on, I have 24 players in my squad and they are the ones at my disposal, so I don’t think it is fair to those players to ask about players who aren’t here.
      “It is not up to me to decide who comes to watch the game, former players or injured players, I focus on my squad and the players at my disposal. 
      “We have lost three – Christopher Nkunku, Benzema and Hernandez. I lost them even though they were in the squad to begin with. 
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      “So now I am focusing on my 24-man squad and they are the ones I will have at my disposal tomorrow.”
      It is not the first time the manager, who is looking to win the World Cup twice in a row, has been frustrated by questions relating to Benzema.
      Earlier this week, with a sigh and a smirk, Deschamps responded to another journalist asking about the Ballon d’Or winner, saying: “I don’t really want to answer that question. Next question. I do apologise.”
      There has been speculation that Benzema is angry due to him not being allowed to return to France’s camp despite seemingly being fit.
      The French could do with extra numbers amid reports that there is a sickness bug spreading around the team – it kept Adrien Rabiot out of the semi-final. More

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      Secret to stopping Lionel Messi revealed by the only man to beat Argentina at World Cup 2022

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      SAUDI ARABIA boss Herve Renard reckons he knows how to stop Lionel Messi.Renard’s men are the only team beat the South American champions at the World Cup after their stunning 2-1 victory last month.
      Lionel Messi has been exceptional form at the World CupCredit: Getty
      But Saudi Arabia are the only team to beat Messi and CoCredit: Alamy
      Messi scored the opener in that game, but two quickfire goals from the Saudis saw them produce one of the biggest tournament shocks ever.
      Perhaps more impressively, they managed to keep the PSG star quiet with his early penalty his only real contribution of note.
      But since that defeat, Messi has been playing football from another planet and heads into Sunday’s final against France in scintillating form.
      In total, the 35-year-old has scored five goals and laid on three assists in his five outings in Qatar.
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      And he’s already scored in EVERY knockout game.
      But Saudi boss Renard thinks he knows the secret to stopping Messi.
      He told L’Equipe: “To stop Messi, you have to put pressure on his most important link, De Paul.
      “You must keep Messi 35-40 meters away from the goal and prevent him from holding the ball comfortably.
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      “France did it with Matuidi in 2018.
      “Now he can do it with Rabiot and Tchouameni too.” More

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      France fitness boost as ALL players struggling with virus return to training ahead of World Cup final vs Argentina

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      ALL France’s players are back in training after a huge illness and injury scare ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina.Virus victims Raphael Varane, Ibrahima Konate and Kingsley Coman have returned plus crocked duo Theo Hernandez and Aurelien Tchouameni
      France trained with a full squad on Saturday as five players returnedCredit: EPA
      Star performers Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe were joined in training by all France’s injury and illness victimsCredit: Rex
      Jules Kounde’s fellow centre-backs trained alongside him for FranceCredit: Getty
      A wave of illness swept over the camp before Wednesday’s 2-0 semi-final against Morocco.
      And Hernandez (knee) as well as Tchouameni (hip) made the situation worse with injuries.
      But French outlet L’Equipe say centre-backs Varane and Konate re-joined the squad for lunch.
      Bayern Munich winger Coman had to stay isolated in his room for longer but has reportedly also made a comeback.
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      Central defender Dayot Upamecano is also back after missing the semi-final.
      Adrien Rabiot will be available again too after sitting out that Morocco clash.
      But his replacement Youssouf Fofana put in an impressive display and boss Didier Deschamps could retain him in the starting line-up.
      While France have seen the last stretch of their title defence come under siege, Argentina have had no reports of such afflictions.
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      But the pressure is nonetheless on for Lionel Messi and Co to bring home a first Jules Rimet trophy since 1986 after failing in 2014.
      Speaking about the outbreak of the virus, Deschamps explained the virus spreading through the camp.
      He said: “In Doha, temperatures have fallen a little bit, you have air conditioning which is on all the time.
      “We’ve had a few cases of flu-like symptoms.
      “We are trying to be careful so it doesn’t spread and players have made great efforts out on the pitch and obviously their immune systems suffer.
      “Dayot Upamecano felt sick immediately after the match (against England).
      “It happens when you make such an effort, your body is weakened and you are more prone to be infected by these viruses.
      “We are taking all necessary precautions, we are trying to make sure it doesn’t spread but viruses are of course infectious and we have to take precautions against it.
      “We separated him from others and Adrien as well.”
      In one fortunate twist of fate, Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is technically available for France selection in the final due to never being replaced in the squad.
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      However, both Deschamps and Benzema appeared to squash such rumours, with Deschamps saying he was taking care of the 24 players in the squad rather than players not present.
      Benzema posted a cryptic message on his social media channels, stating: “It does not interest me.” More