World Cup 2022

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      Lionel Messi’s brutal World Cup celebration towards Van Gaal ‘was revenge for former team-mate with 20-YEAR grudge’

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      ARGENTINA legend Lionel Messi directed his goal celebration against the Netherlands at Louis van Gaal due to a 20-year grudge. La Albiceleste beat Holland on penalties after a fiery 120 minutes of action and one flash-point was when Messi scored a penalty and ran over to the Dutch bench cupping his ears at them.
      Lionel Messi directed his celebration at the Netherlands manager Louis van GaalCredit: Getty
      Louis van Gaal’s treatment of Juan Roman Riquelme led to the celebrationCredit: AFP – Getty
      Many were baffled as to why the Paris Saint-Germain star did this but it appears it could be for the way Van Gaal treated Joan Roman Riquelme two decades ago.
      He played for Barcelona while Van Gaal was managing the club and he went on to play with Messi for the national team.
      Riquelme’s move to Barca did not go as planned with the ex-Manchester United boss benched him regularly and often refused to play him in his preferred position.
      Van Gaal even went as far as calling him a “political signing” and there have been reports that Riquelme was once subbed on then taken off within 30 seconds.
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      The current Boca Juniors vice-president was known for cupping his ears after scoring and Messi seemingly wanted to replicate it in the direction of Van Gaal.
      Riquelme went on to have a fantastic career at Villarreal but Messi didn’t forget about his tough times at the hands of the Netherlands manager who also made comments before the quarter-final that angered him.
      Van Gaal cited “luck” as the reason his side lost to Argentina on penalties in the World Cup semi-final back in 2014.
      The feud between him and Argentina continued in Qatar as the 71-year-old claimed Emiliano Martinez approached him and said he “spoke too much” in the aftermath of the game.
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      It was not the only incident of the game, as a brawl occurred after Leandro Paredes smacked a ball at the Dutch dugout.
      Netherlands players tried to put off their opponents on the walk down to take their penalties that resulted in Argentina celebrating in front of them at the end.
      Messi even clashed with Wout Weghorst calling him “stupid” and there was angry scenes in the tunnel.
      Tempers flared continuously and 17 yellow cards were dished out by the end of the night. More

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      Watch shocking moment roof collapses during wild celebrations in Argentina after World Cup win over Croatia

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      ARGENTINA celebrations almost ended in tragedy as a roof collapsed and nearly crashed down on cheering fans.The Albiceleste punched their ticket to the 2022 World Cup Final after a decisive 3-0 victory over Croatia on Tuesday’s semi at the Lusail Stadium.
      Wild Argentina celebrations almost ended in tragedy
      A roof almost collapsed and crashed on top of Argentina fans
      The reigning Copa America champions beat Luka Modric and Co after Lionel Messi scored a penalty then set up both of Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez’s goals.
      That prompted some wild celebrations from passionate Argentina fans in Qatar.
      But that was nothing compared to the scenes back home as Argentines flooded the streets across the country.
      But one celebration almost ended in catastrophe when fans climbed the small roof of a fast food store.
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      A viral TikTok clip showed at least 16 supporters cheering, stomping and hopping on top of the fragile roof.
      But then the structure broke, sending some of them crashing down twoards the crowd below.
      Thankfully the roof didn’t completely collapse and the fans that tumbled managed to land on their feet.
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      Argentina will find out their opponents for the World Cup Final tonight.
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      France and Morocco will face off in the other semi-final at the Al Bayt Stadium. More

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      Why isn’t N’Golo Kante playing for France against Morocco in the 2022 World Cup?

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      FRANCE are in the World Cup semi-finals tonight against Morocco – but they must do so without N’Golo Kante. Didier Deschamps released his 26-man squad list before the tournament with the Chelsea midfielder not featuring.
      N’Golo Kante in action for FranceCredit: Getty
      Kante was an integral piece of the Les Blues 2018 World Cup winning side with the then 27-year-old playing every minute for the national side.
      Now four years on, the rise of young talents such as Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni has provided Kante with heightened competition for a place in the midfield.
      And he is not in action for France as they face Morocco in the semi-finals.

      Why isn’t N’Golo Kante playing for France at the World Cup?
      The absence of the midfielder will be a huge blow for France, who face Denmark this week, as well as for Chelsea as shown by their poor defensive record as of late.
      The Blues number six has been sidelined for four months due to a hamstring injury suffered during a 2-2 draw with Tottenham in August.
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      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. More

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      Why isn’t Paul Pogba playing for France against Morocco at the World Cup?

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      FRANCE midfielder Paul Pogba is not at the World Cup this year.Didier Deschamps’ men will have to do it without their World Cup winning midfielder as they look to retain their title in Qatar.
      Paul Pogba was key for France in their 2018 World Cup winCredit: Reuters
      This comes as a blow as N’Golo Kante is also absent from the squad and Chrisotpher Nkunku was sent home after withdrawing through injury.
      We have all the details on why Pogba is not part of the French squad in Qatar for the World Cup as they face Morocco in the semi-finals.
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      Why isn’t Paul Pogba playing for France at the World Cup?
      Pogba is yet to make an appearance for Juventus since his return to Turin in the summer.
      Therefore, a World Cup call-up was always unlikely for the French star despite his best wishes.
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      He returned to Juventus training in November after having surgery on his knee following injury and may have been optimistic ahead of the tournament.
      However, Pogba carried out tests in Italy and the USA before it was confirmed that he would not be fit for the World Cup.

      A Juventus spokesman confirmed: “We won’t see him until 2023, and his entourage have confirmed that also he will be out of the World Cup.”
      Therefore, France will have to do it without him if they are to once again lift the World Cup. More

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      Lionel Messi almost in tears as reporter tells him how much he means to Argentina fans after reaching World Cup final

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      LIONEL MESSI fought back tears as a reporter told him how much he means to Argentina fans back home after leading his country to the 2022 World Cup Final.Messi stood out in the Albiceleste’s decisive 3-0 triumph over Croatia in the semi-finals at the Lusail Stadium as he scored a penalty and set up both of Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez’s goals.
      Lionel Messi almost came to tears during an emotional post-match interview
      Reporter Sofia Martinez spoke to Lionel Messi after Argentina’s triumphCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClpUPtbPseO/?hl=en
      Lionel Messi heard how much he means to Argentina fans by reporter Sofia Martinez
      Lionel Messi led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup Final after beating Croatia
      The Paris Saint-Germain star spoke to Argentine reporter Sofia Martinez of Television Publica after the match and was welling up as she told him exactly how he inspired the nation.
      Martinez said: “The last thing I want to tell you, and is not a question, but I just wanted to say; the World Cup final is coming and sure, we all [Argentinians] want to win the cup.
      “I just want to tell you that no matter the results, there’s something that no one can take from you and is the fact you resonated with Argentinians, every single one – I’m being serious.
      “There’s no kid who doesn’t have your team shirt. No matter if it is a fake, real or made up one.
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      “Truly, you made your mark in everyone’s life and that to me is beyond winning any World Cup.
      “No one can take that from you and this is my gratitude for such amount of happiness you bring to a lot of people.
      “I seriously hope you take these words into your heart because I really believe that’s more important than winning a World Cup and you already have it, so thank you captain.”
      A teary-eyed Messi listened with a smile on his face as Martinez sang his praises.
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      Fans were also moved by that moment as they took to social media to share their thoughts.
      One supporter tweeted: “This is beautiful.”
      Another posted: “His smiling face.”
      A third commented: “I want Messi to look at me like that.”
      This fan said: “The way he was looking at her.”
      And that one tweeted: “Wow, just wow.” More

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      Leicester ‘break bank with £39m bid for Morocco World Cup hero Ounahi as they look to beat Barcelona to transfer’

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      LEICESTER are ready to launch a huge bid for Morocco star Azzedine Ounahi, according to reports. The 22-year-old has put in a number of impressive performances at the World Cup, helping fire his nation to the semi-finals.
      Azzedine Ounahi has played a huge role in Morocco’s surprise World Cup runCredit: Getty
      And his displays have caught the attention of Leicester, who are supposedly willing to break the bank and bid £39million for him.
      Ounahi plays for Ligue 1 side Angers and is capable of playing as a box-to-box or attacking midfielder.
      He has played 14 games for the French club this season and started all five of Morocco’s matches at the World Cup.
      Ounahi is yet to score or assist this season but his energetic and technically brilliant displays in Qatar have led to clubs taking a closer look at him.
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      Barcelona are reportedly interested but would only make the move for a low price, claim Mundo Deportivo.
      The outlet goes on to say Leicester would happily pay more for him with £39m the fee L’Equipe claim Angers want.

      The Foxes are in danger of losing Youri Tielemans in January as his deal expires at the end of the season.
      With Arsenal one of a number of clubs interested, Brendan Rodgers’ team could swoop for Ounahi to replace him.
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      Just two seasons ago he was playing in the third tier of French football with Avranches and a big move would complete a remarkable rise up the ranks.
      He may not be the only hero from the Morocco team set for a big transfer as Sofyan Amrabat has been linked with Tottenham and Liverpool.
      As some look set to come to the Premier League, Chelsea ace Hakim Ziyech could secure a switch away for more regular minutes after impressing at the World Cup. More

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      Who is France vs Morocco referee Cesar Arturo Ramos at World Cup 2022?

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      MEXICO’S referee for the 2022 World Cup is Cesar Arturo Ramos, who has made his second trip to the world’s biggest tournament.And he will have a big game on his hands as he takes charge of France vs Morocco in the semi-finals.
      Ramos is taking charge at his second World Cup, after officiating at the 2018 tournamentCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Who is Cesar Arturo Ramos?
      Born in Culiacan in 1983 Ramos began his career Ascenso MX – Mexico’s second tier – where he spent five years from 2006 and eventually progressed up to the Liga MX.
      His performances in Mexico’s top division saw him promoted to Fifa-listed status in 2014 and since Ramos has taken charge of a number of high-profile games.
      The Mexican was in the middle for the 2017 Club World Cup Final between Real Madrid and Gremio, whilst he was also named CONCACAF Referee of the Year.
      Has he officiated at the World Cup before?
      Ramos refereed at the World Cup in Russia in 2018, which was his debut.
      He refereed four qualifiers and has big-game experience, having taken charge of key matches in the under-20 World Cup in 2017.
      Ramos was in charge of Denmark’s clash with Tunisia in the 2022 World Cup.
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      Luka Modric labels Lionel Messi ‘best in history’ in snub to ex-team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo as Argentina beat Croatia

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      LIONEL MESSI has been labelled as the “best player in history” by Luka Modric. It comes after Messi produced a stunning performance in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Croatia to book a spot in the World Cup final.
      Luka Modric praised Lionel Messi after the semi-finalCredit: Getty
      He labelled the Argentine as ” the best player in history”Credit: Getty
      Modric snubbed former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo in his GOAT decisionCredit: Getty
      Speaking to Argentine journalists after the game, Modric praised his adversary and backed him to win the World Cup.
      He said: “I hope he will win this World Cup, he is the best player in history and he deserves it. 
      “He is playing a great World Cup, he shows quality and greatness in every game.”
      Modric’s words will come as a blow to Cristiano Ronaldo’s claims to the “GOAT” title.
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      The 37-year-old is currently without a club after his contract was terminated by Manchester United following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
      And many, including the SunSport columnist, believe Ronaldo to be number one.
      Morgan listed out his top four players ever on Twitter, saying: “I think Cristiano Ronaldo’s the best ever, Maradona 2nd, Messi 3rd (possibly 4th actually, behind R9 [Brazilian Ronaldo]).”
      Regardless, Messi has put in a stunning performance in Qatar and has now reached a second World Cup final.
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      The Paris Saint-Germain attacker lost the 2014 final in Brazil to Germany, as eagled-eyed fans spotted a striking coincidence regarding Chelsea shirts and the last two tournament winners.
      After his strike against Croatia, the 35-year-old is now level with Kylian Mbappe for the most goals in Qatar – though the Frenchman could add to his tally when facing Morocco later today.
      Messi also leads the charts for assists with three, a figure which puts him level with Bruno Fernandes, Harry Kane and Antoine Griezmann.
      On top of his praise for Messi, Modric thanked the Argentina fans for their warm applause for him and launched a stinging attack against referee Daniele Orsat.
      He added: “I don’t like to talk about referees, but this one is one of the worst. 
      “I don’t remember him well. It wasn’t a penalty for me, and that killed us. We have to recover and win the game for third place.” More