World Cup 2022

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      World Cup’s hottest fan posts bikini-busting snap as she hails Croatia after exit & fires choice words towards ref

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      THE “World Cup’s hottest fan” has tried to cheer up crushed Croatian fans with a bikini-busting snap after they were beaten by Argentina. Stunning Ivana Knoll hailed her nation’s football heroes for their incredible efforts after they crashed out of the tournament
      Ivana Knoll tried to raise the spirits of crushed Croatians with a sizzling snapCredit: INSTAGRAM
      She praised her team for their stellar achievements in the World Cup – while taking a swipe at referee Daniele OrsatoCredit: INSTAGRAM
      But the brunette beauty also took the opportunity to share some choice words towards referee Daniele Orsato following his controversial penalty decision.
      In a sizzling yet scathing social media post, the model made it clear she held the Italian official responsible for their 3-0 defeat.
      Ivana shared two jaw-dropping snaps of her celebrating in the stadium in one of her signature red-and-white ensembles.
      Sporting a plunging halterneck bikini top paired with figure-hugging leggings, the Croatian beauty gave devastated supporters a reason to smile.
      READ MORE ON IVANA KNOLL
      She then praised Zlatko Dalić’s men for their achievements in the 2022 World Cup, before taking a shot at the referee for his ruling.
      The 30-year-old wrote in her Instagram caption: “Sometimes we play amazing, sometimes not so well.
      “Sometimes in the semi-finals we have bad referee like yesterday to give penalty for nothing and losing the chance to get the trophy.
      “Sometimes we are underrated and then we show the way home to the most favored team, that is football…
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      “But the most important thing, we are A SMALL COUNTRY WITH A BIG HEART and I am proud to be a Croatian forever and ever!”
      Croatia were swept aside by a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina, with the magician scoring once and setting up another.
      Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez scored twice, including a fine second following quite the incredible assist from Messi.
      But this all came after Luka Modric and Co were left furious with the award of the penalty for Argentina’s opener.
      Dominic Livakovic came charging out of the net and took out Alvarez, sending the striker tumbling to the ground.
      Argentina was awarded a penalty for the clash – which Messi scored – while Livakovic was booked for the challenge.
      Croatian midfielder Modric later slammed Orsato as “one of the worst” referees to step foot on the pitch, branding him a “disaster.”
      The team’s army of fans – including heartthrob Ivana – inevitably agreed with his condemnation after Croatia’s hopes for world glory were dashed.
      But the German-born beauty reminded her 2.8million followers that they weren’t going home empty-handed.
      She encouraged Croatians to take solace in the fact that they managed to sensationally knock five-time champs Brazil out.
      Taking to her Instagram story, she added: “How I feel after yesterday? To be honest, very disappointed and sad…
      “But then I say to myself: can you imagine how is Brazil doing right now, we kicked them out and Argentina is in the finals.
      “Remember: there is always someone who is in more pain than you.”
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      Although Croatia will no longer compete in the finals, they will return to the stadium for a third-place playoff on Saturday.
      They will take on either France or Morocco, depending on who loses in Wednesday’s game.
      The model has been hailed as football’s hottest fanCredit: Splash
      She said she was ‘disappointed’ with the result of the semi-final clash against ArgentinaCredit: Rex More

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      Real Madrid WILL let Karim Benzema travel to World Cup final if France qualify with Ballon d’Or winner available to play

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      REAL MADRID will let Karim Benzema travel back to Qatar for the World Cup final should France get past Morocco, with the Ballon d’Or winner available to play.Benzema, 34, was sidelined days before France’s World Cup group opener against Australia.
      Benzema is back in full Real training and could return to play for France in the finalCredit: Getty
      The Real ace returned to the Spanish capital, where he did some recovery sessions before jetting off on vacation.
      He returned to Real training last Saturday and is participating normally.
      And according to Mundo Deportivo, Benzema could return to Qatar for Sunday’s World Cup final to help France defend their world crown should they get past Morocco on Wednesday night.

      Real have given the player authorisation to travel should France make the final and he will be entitled to a winners or runners-up medal depending on the outcome of a potential meeting with Argentina.
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      Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps decided against replacing Benzema at the time of the current Ballon d’Or holder’s injury.
      Olivier Giroud has expertly led the line for France in Benzema’s absence and became the country’s all-time record goal scorer, replacing Thierry Henry.
      The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker also scored the winner in the tense quarter-final meeting with England.
      Giroud has four World Cup goals in this year’s edition of the tournament and is in the hunt to win the Golden Boot.
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      He is, however, trailing team-mate Kylian Mbappe, who has five goals.
      Argentina captain Lionel Messi also has five strikes, while also topping the assists chart.
      Messi is the top scorer alongside Mbappe More

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      Brazil ‘want Zinedine Zidane to replace Tite as manager after failing to lure Pep Guardiola from Man City’

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      BRAZIL want France legend Zinedine Zidane to replace Tite as manager after failing to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City, a report says. Tite stepped back as Brazil manager after the pre-tournament World Cup favourites crashed out in the quarter-finals.
      Brazil would like Zidane to be their next managerCredit: Getty
      The South American giants had hoped of luring GuardiolaCredit: Getty
      Tite stepped back after Brazil’s shock World Cup exit to CroatiaCredit: Reuters
      Croatia dragged Brazil to penalties after drawing 1-1 after extra-time, and the 2018 finalists held their nerve to run out 4-2 shootout winners.
      And according to Ok Diario, Brazil will try and tempt three-time Champions League-winning manager Zidane into taking over.
      Brazil tried and failed in negotiations with Man City boss Guardiola, who signed a new contract a short time ago, keeping him at the Etihad until the summer of 2025.
      Zidane had hoped of managing France but World Cup 2018 winner Didier Deschamps has committed himself until after Euro 2024.
      READ MORE BRAZIL NEWS
      Deschamps could also guide the French to back-to-back World Cups.
      The current world champions will contest a semi-final against Morocco on Wednesday.
      Should they get past Morocco, a date with Argentina in Sundays final awaits.
      Zidane is being endorsed by former Real Madrid team-mate and Brazil icon, Ronaldo.
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      R9 has a good relationship with the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation.
      The report goes on to state that Zidane “is still waiting for France” and has already rejected six offers from teams, including a multimillion-pound deal from Paris Saint-Germain to return to management. More

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      Sergio Aguero’s son poses with godfather Lionel Messi’s shorts as Argentina star aims to emulate granddad Diego Maradona

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      SERGIO AGUERO’S son posed with Lionel Messi’s shorts after he inspired Argentina to the World Cup final.Messi was the star of the show scoring and getting an assist as La Albiceleste beat Croatia 3-0 in the semi-final.
      Benjamin Aguero got his hands on Lionel Messi’s shortsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/maurijdelca96/
      Sergio Aguero and Diego Maradona’s daughter are Benjamin’s parentsCredit: AFP
      Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero are best friendsCredit: Getty
      And after the game Benjamin, 13, was gifted the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s shorts.
      Aguero is close friends with Messi and made him godfather of his son.
      And young Benjamin has more sporting connections in his family as his mum is Diego Maradona’s daughter.
      The ex-Manchester City goalscorer married Maradona’s youngest daughter Giannina and they had just the one child.
      READ MORE ARGENTINA NEWS
      Aguero and Giannina are now divorced – they split in 2012 after four years of marriage.
      Messi and Aguero have always had a close relationship from their days in the national team together – he once described the Paris Saint-Germain star as “like a brother”.
      He even joined Barcelona in the hope to play with him at club level but Messi ended up moving to the Parisians.
      Since Aguero’s retirement Messi has decided to room alone on international duty as he doesn’t want to share his space with anyone else.
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      Many expected Aguero to be named amongst the Argentinian coaching staff for this World Cup but he wasn’t – however he seems heavily involved with the squad.
      He was spotted on the pitch as they beat the Netherlands celebrating with the Argentina team and he was involved in a tunnel bust-up after the match.
      Aguero stepped in amid a feud between his best friend and Wout Weghorst.
      It’s not the first time he has leaped to Messi’s defence in Qatar after boxer Canelo Alvarez threatened and accused him of disrespect after he appeared to kick a Mexico shirt after their group stage clash.
      Aguero responded: “Mr. Canelo, don’t look for excuses or problems, surely you don’t know about soccer and what happens in a locker room. 
      “The shirts are always on the floor after the games are over due to sweat and then if you see, he makes the movement to remove the boot and accidentally hits it.” More

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      France vs Morocco LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time, team news for massive World Cup semi-final – updates

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      FRANCE look to reach their second consecutive World Cup final as they face underdogs Morocco in the semis TONIGHT.Les Bleus overcame England 2-1 in the quarter-finals, while the African side beat Portugal in a tense affair.
      And now Kylian Mbappe and Co come up against a Moroccan side which features his PSG team-mate Achraf Hakimi and Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech.

      Kick-off: 7pm UK time
      TV channel: BBC One
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer
      France XI: To follow…
      Morocco XI: To follow…

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      Three is a crowd
      Only two countries have retained the World Cup since the tournament first began in 1930.
      Italy retained the trophy way back in 1938 and Brazil did the same in 1962.
      So no country has reclaimed their prize in over 60 years which is incredible.
      France will be itching to break that long spell but they have to get past a stubborn Moroccan side first.
      SunSport’s big match prediciton
      Will it be the surprise package Morocco?
      Will it be the reigning champs France?
      SunSport have made their predicition…
      And it is 2-0 to France.
      Credit: Getty
      France vs Morocco – head-to-head
      France boss the head-to-head record 7-3 with one draw.
      That solo Morocco victory came in their first meeting way back in April 1963.
      The 2-2 draw in November 2007 ended a run of five straight French victories – Samir Nasri was on the scoresheet in Paris as Marouane Chamakh led the line for the away side.
      World Cup final referee – latest
      Anthony Taylor will discover on Friday if he is to become the fourth Englishman to referee a World Cup Final.
      Altrincham’s Taylor is one of the remaining contenders for the most prestigious appointment in world football.
      That was after he was one of the 12 officials to stay in Qatar for the final stages of the tournament.
      And with refs’ chief Pierluigi Collina a big fan of Taylor’s man and game-management skills, the 44-year-old is thought to be a genuine contender for the job.
      Taylor has not been involved in a knock-out match at the tournament.
      Credit: Getty
      Why is N’Golo Kante not playing for France?
      The Chelsea star been sidelined for four months due to a hamstring injury suffered during a 2-2 draw with Tottenham in August.
      The injury has meant Kante will miss the opportunity to help France to become only the third side to retain the World Cup.
      Providing all goes will with the 31-year-olds recovery, it looks likely we will see him return to action soon after the season proceeds.
      Credit: AFP
      France’s stars of the show
      So far, Mbappe and Giroud are the men who have contributed to most of Les Bleus’ goals.
      But Antoine Griezmann’s underlying stats suggests he’s on the most important players in the side too.

      Who will be the star men?
      Kylian Mbappe is the major threat for France – but as England found out, it is dangerous to give too much space to Antoine Griezmann, Aurelien Tchouameni or Giroud as they can all cause problems.
      Adrien Rabiot and Ousmane Dembele are also performing well – Morocco’s defence will need to be water tight again.
      Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech are the standout names for the Atlas Lions but Sofyan Amrabat is enjoying a superb tournament while Youssef En-Nesyri continues to hurt opponents up front.
      Credit: AP
      Credit: Splash
      What is the team news?
      Didier Deschamps could be forced into two changes after an illness bug swept round the France camp.
      Both central defender Dayot Upamecano and midfielder Adrien Rabiot were unable to train yesterday and are thought to be serious doubts.
      And that results in Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Youssef Fofana being on standby.
      As for Morocco, Regragui has some important calls to make at the back.
      Romain Saiss went off on a stretcher against Portugal then Walid Cheddira got himself red carded so they will both be out.
      Defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd missed the quarter-final but may be fit again now – although replacements Yahia Attiyat Allah and Jawad El Yamiq both shone.
      Credit: Reuters
      How did they get here?
      France beat Australia 4-1 and then Denmark 2-1 to book their place in the knockout rounds before their 1-0 defeat to Tunisia.
      A 3-1 win in the last 16 was enough to see off Poland before the holders came up against England but Olivier Giroud’s header followed by Kane’s penalty miss saw France edge through.
      Morocco started off with a 0-0 draw against fellow semi-finalists Croatia then beat Belgium 2-0 and Canada 2-1 to top Group F.
      They then drew 0-0 with Spain in the last 16 and won the shootout 3-0 before a 1-0 victory to end Portugal’s campaign and become the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final.
      Welcome to France vs Morocco!
      Hello and welcome to SunSport’s live coverage of France vs Morocco in the World Cup!
      That’s right, we’re days away from the final now and Morocco are STILL in the tournament.
      They face a historic semi-final clash with reigning world champions Les Bleus, who beat England in the quarters.
      France have been clinical so far in Qatar, winning their games with poise and ruthlessness, but Morocco are planning to upset the applecart.
      The African nation topped a group which contained Belgium, Croatia and Canada.
      And then they knocked out Spain on penalties in the last-16 before dispatching of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the quarter-finals.
      One big battle that fans are looking forward to witnessing is Kylian Mbappe’s clash with PSG team-mate Achraf Hakimi.
      Hakimi scored the winning penalty in the shootout against Spain and will be tasked with trying to spot his pal tonight.
      Mbappe, however, is joint-top scorer, alongside Lionel Messi, at the World Cup, and he’ll be out to pull clear tonight.
      So kick back and enjoy all of the action, we’ve got you covered here at SunSport HQ.
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      Would Karim Benzema be allowed to play at the World Cup final for France?

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      KARIM BENZEMA topped a fine season by winning the Ballon d’Or.But the Real Madrid striker was then struck by injury after being named in France’s squad for the World Cup.
      Karim Benzema back in training with Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Though Benzema is now back training with Real, with pictures emerging from their Valdebebas base.
      So would he be allowed to play in the World Cup final should France beat Morocco and make it?
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      Would Karim Benzema be allowed to play at the World Cup final?
      Karim Benzema COULD play for France if they reach the World Cup final – as he was never officially replaced in the squad.
      The Real star had been ruled out by French boss Didier Deschamps, but is back training with his club team.
      Marca report he has returned on time and has in fact been training without issue since last Saturday.
      Karim Benzema is training with Real MadridCredit: Getty
      And this means he could make a return to the fold if needed because he was never replaced in the French team.

      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup

      The strong form of Olivier Giroud means such a return is unlikely, however, with the AC Milan star’s goals so far proving vital for his nation in Qatar.
      Benzema missed out on 2018 World Cup glory due to his ongoing issue with compatriot Mathieu Valbuena, which kept him out of the national set-up until 2021.
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      Grant Wahl’s wife reveals cause of death after brother admits he was wrong to claim World Cup journalist was murdered

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      GRANT WAHL’S wife revealed what caused the reporter’s shocking death while covering the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Famous journalist Wahl suddenly died at the age of 48 on Friday last week during the quarter-final match between Argentina and the Netherlands.
      Grant Wahl suddenly died while covering the 2022 World Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Getty
      Dr Celine Gounder, an infectious disease epidemiologist, explained that her husband passed away “from the rupture of a slowly growing, undetected ascending aortic aneurysm with hemopericardium”.
      Dr Gounder wrote on Wahl’s official blog: “First and foremost, on behalf of myself and our family, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of support, love, and sympathy from around the world.
      “This continues to be a very difficult and painful time as we grieve a beloved husband, brother, and friend.
      “It is some comfort to know that so many people Grant reached—countless colleagues, readers, athletes, coaches, friends, and fans—are grieving alongside us.
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      “Grant arrived home Monday, December 12, and this transition was handled with the utmost care and sensitivity.
      “This was an international matter that required coordination from multiple agencies domestically and internationally, and there was full cooperation from everyone involved.
      “Our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in repatriating Grant, in particular the White House, the U.S. Department of State, FIFA, U.S. Soccer and American Airlines.
      “An autopsy was performed by the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office.
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      “Grant died from the rupture of a slowly growing, undetected ascending aortic aneurysm with hemopericardium.
      “The chest pressure he experienced shortly before his death may have represented the initial symptoms.
      “No amount of CPR or shocks would have saved him.
      “His death was unrelated to COVID. His death was unrelated to vaccination status. There was nothing nefarious about his death.
      “While the world knew Grant as a great journalist, we knew him as a man who approached the world with openness and love.
      Grant Wahl and his wife Celine GonuderCredit: Instagram/@grant_wahl
      Grant Wahl wore a rainbow T-shirt to a game in QatarCredit: Reuters
      “Grant was an incredibly empathetic, dedicated, and loving husband, brother, uncle, and son who was our greatest teammate and fan.
      “We will forever cherish the gift of his life; to share his company was our greatest love and source of joy.
      “Grant curated friends from all cultures and walks of life, for whom he was a generous listener, an enthusiast, a champion of others.”
      This comes after Wahl’s brother Eric admitted he no longer suspects foul play behind his death.
      Eric believed the football reporter was killed after he was denied entry by Qatar security forces to the World Cup match between Wales and USA in the group stage.
      Wahl wasn’t allowed in because he wore a pro-LGBTQ+ shirt and the authorities ordered him to remove it as homosexuality is illegal and even punishable by death in the Middle Eastern state.
      Grant Wahl’s wife Dr Celine Gounder revealed her husband’s cause of deathCredit: Getty
      The American journalist was ultimately let in and received an apology by FIFA but later received death threats.
      Read More on The Sun
      But Eric now appears to agree with the doctors’ autopsy and doesn’t believe he was murdered.
      Wahl was one of the world’s most prominent sports journalists having worked with Sports Illustrated and Fox News as well as a New York Times bestselling author that always focused on human rights. More

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      England’s ‘Anthony Taylor battling Polish referee for World Cup final as Dutch favourite out due to Argentina win’

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      ANTHONY TAYLOR will discover on Friday if he is to become the fourth Englishman to referee a World Cup Final.Altrincham’s Taylor is one of the remaining contenders for the most prestigious appointment in world football.
      Poland’s Szymon Marciniak is among the contenders to referee the World Cup FinalCredit: Rex
      Anthony Taylor is vying to be the fourth Englishman to take charge of the showpieceCredit: Getty
      That was after he was one of the 12 officials to stay in Qatar for the final stages of the tournament.
      And with refs’ chief Pierluigi Collina a big fan of Taylor’s man and game-management skills, the 44-year-old is thought to be a genuine contender for the job.
      Taylor has not been involved in a knock-out match at the tournament.
      He did take control of Belgium’s goalless draw with Croatia and Ghana’s 3-2 win over South Korea, whose enraged Portuguese coach Paulo Bento he dismissed after blowing for full-time before a last-gasp corner could be taken.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      Holland’s Danny Makkelie and Poland’s Szymon Marciniak are the other European contenders.
      And Brazil’s Wilton Sampaio – blamed by many England fans for their last eight exit – is another front-runner.
      William Ling was the first Englishman to referee a World Cup Final when he took charge of the 1954 showdown between Hungary and West Germany, who came from two down to win 3-2.
      Twenty years later, Wolverhampton butcher Jack Taylor awarded Holland a penalty inside the first 30 seconds as the Germans again won the trophy.
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      And in 2010, new Prem refs’ chief Howard Webb was widely criticised for his leniency in Spain’s extra-time win over the Dutch.
      Argentina have already booked their place in the final after Lionel Messi inspired them to a 3-0 win over Croatia last night.
      Now France and Morocco will clash today in the other semi-final. More