World Cup 2022

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It’s very strange’ – Bruno Fernandes makes astonishing referee rant after Portugal exit – but told to stop whinging

      by

      ROMAIN SAISS has told Bruno Fernandes to stop his whinging and accept defeat.And the Moroccan defender is dreaming of knocking out France in the semi-finals to set up one of the most unlikely World Cup final appearances in history.
      Bruno Fernandes was seething with the ref during the gameCredit: Getty
      And he lashed out afterwards tooCredit: Reuters
      Having gone unbeaten in a group that included that likes of Belgium and Croatia, the Atlas Lions have since dumped out Spain on penalties before Saturday night’s triumph over Portugal.
      Incredibly, they are also yet to concede at this tournament – apart from a Nayef Aguerd own goal against Canada – keeping out second half sub Cristiano Ronaldo on perhaps his final World Cup appearance.
      The Portuguese were left livid in the aftermath of their quarter final exit thanks to Youssef En-Nesyri’s 42nd minute header – with several players blaming Argentine ref Facundo Tello.
      Manchester United midfielder Fernandes moaned: “I’m going to say what I think. It’s very strange that a referee from a team that is still in the World Cup is in charge.”
      READ MORE ON PORTUGAL’S EXIT
      Team-mate Pepe added: “It is unacceptable that an Argentine referee administered the game.
      “With Lionel Messi complaining and Argentina talking, I’m not saying it’s conditional, but what did we play in the second half? Anything. They can now give the title to Argentina.”
      But Saiss – formerly of Wolves – hit back: “Just let them complain. What can I say? We do not choose the ref. We had five refs, only Hispanic refs since the beginning.
      “We never complained against Spain, so I don’t know. It’s easier to find an excuse after that but if they had won maybe he would have another opinion.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “I can understand because they are thinking about the duels between Messi and Ronaldo but what can I say to him?”
      Morocco are the first African team – as well as first Arab nation – in World Cup history to make the semi-finals, but another victory against reigning world champions France would surely top everything.
      Saiss added: “We dream of course, dreaming is free, but to do it is different. We put a lot of energy into each game, physically and mentally it’s hard but it feels so good.
      “I know we made history but we want to keep making history. We’ll see. What’s important now is to recover well and prepare the semi-final.
      When asked if they could do the impossible and win the World Cup, fellow Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat said: “Yes why not? We will prepare ourselves for whoever we have to play.
      “My family are so proud. I see it in their eyes, they were crying. You start to play football to make them proud. They are your family. They always help you.
      “When I was a child my father always bring me to football, always he was with me, it was very nice that we can give them this back.”
      Morocco will be without Walid Cheddira for the semi after his stoppage time sending off against Portugal, while several other players are fitness doubts, including Saiss.
      The Besiktas defender was carried off with a knock to his left leg in the second half, meaning three of Morocco’s first choice back four are now carrying injuries.
      There are fears Morocco may have already run out of steam in this tournament.
      Read More on The Sun
      Asked if he would be fit, Saiss said: “I will try. I don’t know. I will see tomorrow and do some exams to see what kind of injury I have but I will try my best to be on the pitch. I will do everything.”
      Amrabat explained: “It is very hard. I have played almost 30 games this season already in three or four months. But you have no choice. You are in the semi-finals. Everybody must go until the end.”
      Romain Saiss celebrate’s his side’s historic achievementCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s shocking stats revealed from Portugal’s loss to Morocco as he suffers World Cup heartbreak

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO had only ten touches as Portugal were dumped out of the World Cup by Morocco.Youssef El-Nesyri scored the winner to send Morocco through as the first ever African semi-finalists.

      It was a shock result, with most backing Portugal to advance, especially after they thumped Switzerland 6-1 in the previous round.
      But they struggled to muster chances throughout, and in their desperation for an equaliser brought on Ronaldo in the 51st minute.
      But the currently unemployed striker struggled to make any sort of impact.
      Hanging off the last defender, CR7 managed just 10 touches during his time on the pitch.

      He also attempted only five passes – with just three of them finding their intended target.
      Ronaldo’s highlight came when he had a shot on target in the 91st minute.
      Striking the ball first time, he forced a save from Yassine Bounou.
      Ultimately Ronaldo could have no impact on the result and was left in tears at the full-time whistle.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST WORLD CUP BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
      He stormed down the tunnel with the look of a man who knew that was possibly his last ever chance at World Cup glory.
      During the tournament, there was much discussion over him being dropped to the bench, with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez again slamming the decision.
      But Portugal boss Fernando Santos declared he had NO REGRETS over not starting Ronaldo in the quarter-final defeat to Morocco.
      Ronaldo left the pitch in tearsCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Kane breaks silence over missed penalty that saw England crash out of World Cup after losing to France

      by

      HARRY KANE has taken responsibility for England’s World Cup quarter-final defeat to France.The Three Lions captain drew his team level from the penalty spot but fluffed the chance of a repeat in the 84th minute.
      Kane has taken responsibility for England’s World Cup exitCredit: Getty
      The captain blazed his second penalty over the crossbarCredit: Getty
      Kane blazed his penalty over the crossbar and France booked their place in the semi-finals against Morocco with a 2-1 win.
      The Tottenham striker has taken responsibility for the World Cup exit and admitted the result “will hurt for a while”.

      He said: “It is a really tough night to take.
      “I am gutted, the team are gutted. We had full belief that we could achieve something special at this World Cup but it came down to small details.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      “I thought on the night we had the better chances and better spells in the game.
      “It comes down to execution. As captain, I take it on the chin and responsibility missing the penalty.
      “It is hard to take for sure but I can be proud of the group, proud of each other for what we’ve done.
      “This will hurt for a while but we will dust ourselves down to get ready in the future.”
      Most read in Football
      Kane’s game by numbers
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Kane says he’s prepared to step up again in the future and put his miss “purely down to execution”.
      He continued: “I am someone who if I prepare, I prepare for whether I get one or two penalties.
      “I can’t fault my preparation or detail in the lead-up. I felt as confident on the first as I did the second.
      “It comes purely down to execution so I will take it on the chin and of course it hurts now, and it will hurt for a long time, but that’s part of being captain and a leader in the team.
      “You have to take responsibility and I will take that for today.”
      ‘That’s his decision’
      Manager Gareth Southgate’s future as England boss is up in the air despite having a contract until after Euro 2024.
      Kane has given the 52-year-old his backing to stay on but says the decision solely lies with Southgate.
      He said: “I think it has been a really positive tournament.
      “Of course, it has ended now in the quarter-final and it felt like we could have done more.
      “If you look at the performances and the way the team has been, it has been exciting to watch. I think we have a really bright future.
      “We love having Gareth as a manager. We want him to stay for sure but that’s his decision. I am sure he will go away and think about that.
      “We’ve got a great team, great young players, players coming into their prime and we’ve got a Euros not too far away. As much as this hurts, we have to move on and look forward to that.
      Read More on The Sun
      “He hasn’t spoken about it; I haven’t spoken to him about it. Like I said, now we are hurting and rightly so.
      “He will go away and think about that. That’s his decision. He will talk to his family and friends and make that decision. From the players’ point of view, we are really happy with the manager.”
      England’s for and against World Cup stats More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England heroes including Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire and Phil Foden leave Qatar after painful France loss

      by

      DEVASTATED England stars have been pictured leaving their Qatar World Cup base after the painful loss to France. The Three Lions fell to a 2-1 defeat against a depleted French team with Aurelien Tchouameni and Olivier Giroud scoring.
      Southgate with an arm around TrippierCredit: PA
      Grealish leaving England’s World Cup base in DohaCredit: Reuters
      The England ace was visibly devastatedCredit: Reuters
      Maguire boarding an England busCredit: Reuters
      Maguire is set to return to Man UtdCredit: Reuters
      Captain Harry Kane got the goal for England but missed a spot-kick to draw level in the 84th minute and potentially send the game to extra-time.
      France will now go on to face World Cup dark horses Morocco next Wednesday for a spot in the final.

      And England’s stars looked understandably glum as they left their base in Qatar.
      They are now set to return to their respective clubs and prepare for the return of top-flight domestic football.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      However, it is not clear how long they will get off before returning to club duty.
      England manager Gareth Southgate’s future is up in the air despite having a contract until after Euro 2024.
      Captain Kane has come out in support of Southgate staying on.
      However, the 52-year-old will now go away and make a decision.
      Most read in Football
      England’s for and against World Cup stats
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST BETTING APPS FOR THE WORLD CUP
      Kane said: “I think it has been a really positive tournament.
      “Of course, it has ended now in the quarter-final and it felt like we could have done more.
      “If you look at the performances and the way the team has been, it has been exciting to watch. I think we have a really bright future.
      “We love having Gareth as a manager. We want him to stay for sure but that’s his decision. I am sure he will go away and think about that.
      “We’ve got a great team, great young players, players coming into their prime and we’ve got a Euros not too far away. As much as this hurts, we have to move on and look forward to that.
      “He hasn’t spoken about it; I haven’t spoken to him about it. Like I said, now we are hurting and rightly so.
      “He will go away and think about that. That’s his decision. He will talk to his family and friends and make that decision. From the players’ point of view, we are really happy with the manager.”
      City ace Foden also departedCredit: Reuters
      Maddison hugging WalkerCredit: PA
      Bellingham getting onto the team busCredit: PA
      Phillips had limited minutes in QatarCredit: PA
      Shaw (middle) is one of Southgate’s mainstaysCredit: PA More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch heartwarming moment Bellingham sprinted to console Kane after penalty miss that saw England crash out of World Cup

      by

      JUDE BELLINGHAM showed maturity beyond his years as he sprinted to console England captain Harry Kane after his dramatic penalty miss against France.The Three Lions’ World Cup dream came to an end in the quarters at the hands of the reigning world champions.
      Bellingham ran up to his captain to console himCredit: Getty
      Aurelien Tchouameni opened the scoring early on in the first half.
      Kane grabbed the equaliser from the penalty spot but Olivier Giroud later restored France’s lead with an expert header.
      But with six minutes left on the clock, England were handed the chance to draw level, again from the penalty spot.
      This time, Kane made a mess of his effort and sent his shot flying over the crossbar.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP

      While other England team-mates had their heads in their hands, and reset back into shape, Bellingham sprinted to console his captain.
      One fan said: “Bellingham the one to console Kane after the penalty miss. Bellingham to one barking orders in the dying seconds.
      “This kid is going to captain England one day. He’s already a leader.”
      Another said: “Loved Bellingham running straight over to Kane after he missed. What an absolute baller.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST WORLD CUP BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
      England have missed out on a semi-final date with dark horses Morocco.
      They became the FIRST African country to reach the last four of the World Cup after they beat Portugal 1-0.
      Morocco are yet to concede from an opposition player.
      The only goal counted against them was scored by one of their own, Nayef Aguerd.
      Morocco play France next Wednesday, and the winner of that clash will face either Croatia or Argentina. More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans spend £350million on booze in pubs as they drown their misery as Three Lions crash out of World Cup

      by

      ENGLAND fans launched into a massive World Cup party last night — but ended up drowning their misery as France emerged triumphant.There were despairing scenes as Gareth Southgate’s side crashed out of the competition against the defending champions.
      A Three Lions fan holds his head in his hands after more World Cup tormentCredit: Jamie Lashmar / Story Picture Agency
      One England fan sporting a No.22 shirt finds it all too tough to watchCredit: i-Images
      Fans think it’s all over as another decision goes against the Three LionsCredit: Jake Lindley / Story Picture Agency
      Punters had packed 30,000 pubs across the country and spent £350million during the quarter-final match, according to research firm GlobalData.
      Pubs and clubs threw open their doors for the knockout game as beer sales rocketed by 50 per cent on boozers’ busiest day since December 2019 — before the Covid pandemic.
      Some 23 million tuned in to watch England’s showdown with Didier Deschamps’ France side — the biggest TV sports audience since last year’s Euro 2020 final, which saw 31 million see the Three Lions lose to Italy on penalties.
      The British Beer and Pub Association said the 7pm kick-off encouraged punters to fill up their locals earlier and stay for longer.
      Read More on England
      The surge in pub sales came despite a “big freeze” triggering the RAC to tell fans to avoid roads and walk to their local instead.
      Meanwhile, thousands of supporters flooded special screenings of the game across the country.
      But one bar in Birmingham was mocked online after blowing up red, white and blue balloons for the event — the shades of the French tricolour flag.
      England fan Harry Barnes said: “Walkabout in Birmingham bringing out balloons in the French colours saying ‘it’s the Union Jack’.
      Most read in Football
      “It’s like the staff didn’t realise it was England playing, not the UK.”
      Former Three Lions stars Teddy Sheringham, 56, and David Seaman, 59, were among guests at fanzones, with supporters belting out karaoke hits such as Gala’s Freed From Desire before kick-off.
      Some 7,000 packed Manchester’s sold-out Road to Victory fanzone, while 2,000 fans flocked to Boxpark in Wembley, West London.
      Over 1,300 supporters in Newcastle queued for hours in freezing conditions after gathering as early as 1pm, six hours before the game.
      Fanzone manager Tom Brodie, 28, said: “We ordered in extra beer especially for the game. Most of it has been spilled on the floor. We’d already sold more than 3,000 pints before the game had even started.
      “There’s been a party atmosphere all day in here. The only downside is that all of our England flags have been nicked!”
      Pints finally flew as captain Harry Kane smashed home a thunderous penalty in the 54th minute.
      The goal made Kane all-time top England goal scorer with Wayne Rooney — tied on 53 goals.
      But he could not repeat the effort, missing a second penalty and leaving even former England captain David Beckham looking dejected in the stands.
      Wags including Kyle Walker’s girlfriend Annie Kilner — all wearing England shirts to cheer on their lads — could not hide their disappointment.
      But Paris erupted with joy last night as crowds celebrated the victory against England.
      Renditions of the national anthem, La Marseillaise, and Allez Les Bleus, could be heard across the freezing cold streets of the capital.
      Caroline Milou, 30, had tears of joy streaming down her cheeks, marked with the red, white and blue of the tricolour.
      She said: “If we beat England, we win the cup. We love Britain, but this is our night!”
      Caroline was celebrating in the Frog & Rosbif pub, which was packed with around 300 fans of both countries during the game.
      Luc Roncayloco, 21, said: “It was our night! I am so happy. Mbappe was superb, but so was Giroud. It was a great performance.”
      England fan Autumn Lumb, 26, was in the pub with an England flag draped around her.
      She could not hide her disappointment and said: “I knew as soon as Kane stepped up for the penalty he was going to miss.”
      George Pittard, 26, from London, said: “It’s really disappointing but expected. Kane scored one, but then missed — it’s Spurs isn’t it.”
      Meanwhile, hundreds of French fans swarmed central London to cheer on Les Bleus using an app called Frogs in London.
      The lifestyle app hosted a special screening at Zoo Bar in Leicester Square, which was “taken over” by more than 700 French expats.
      Tricolours were draped over the walls while boozy punters dined on French food and drink.
      Yohann Proveur, 29, who lives in South Kensington, said: “I live in England and have English friends, but I must be fully French today.”
      Read More on The Sun
      One England fan seen walking past a venue full of French supporters warned: “We’re going to batter you.”
      But it was not to be.
      Kyle Walker’s girlfriend Annie Kilner can’t stand the pressureCredit: World Cup News Pool (WCNP) – England vs France
      David Beckham looks down and out as the game draws to an end
      Fans in Croydon hold their breath as England miss another chance against FranceCredit: PA
      A fan in Blackpool gasps as yet another decision goes against EnglandCredit: Rex More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans left seething at Kylian Mbappe’s reaction to Harry Kane’s skied penalty in World Cup heartbreaker vs France

      by

      ENGLAND fans fumed at Kylian Mbappe after he laughed in reaction to Harry Kane’s penalty miss.Kane blazed over from 12 yards and it proved costly as France beat England 2-1 to secure a place in the World Cup semi-final where they will meet Morocco.
      Kylian Mbappe burst out laughing after Harry Kane missed a penalty
      Harry Kane skied from 12 yards after netting his first penaltyCredit: Getty

      Earlier in the half the England captain beat Hugo Lloris with a spot-kick to equalise.
      But he could not repeat the trick after Mason Mount was bundled over in the penalty area.
      A delighted Mbappe burst out laughing as he watched the ball sail over the bar.
      England fans were angered by his behaviour and took to social media to slam the France superstar.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      One supporter wrote: “Mbappe laughing shows what kind of idiot he is.”
      Another added: “I actually dislike Mbappe, he’s so annoying.”
      And a third said: “I used to love Mbappe, but his childish reaction to Kane’s miss was nasty.”
      Another remarked: “Probs laughing because everyone’s been hyping him up and he’s ghosted all game but still gonna go through.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST BETTING APPS FOR THE WORLD CUP
      Olivier Giroud also celebrated passionately and almost went right up to Kane’s face before a team-mate intervened.
      The England captain was quickly consoled by Jude Bellingham but the Three Lions could not find a way back into the game. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Maguire slams ‘really poor’ ref for England’s World Cup KO and bemoans ‘incredible amount of wrong decisions’

      by

      HARRY MAGUIRE has slated the referee’s performance, after England crashed out to France in the World Cup.The Three Lions lost 2-1 to the world champions in Qatar in a tightly contested game, and can feel hard done by with some of the referee’s decisions.
      Harry Maguire has slammed referee Wilton Sampaio’s performanceCredit: Alamy
      In the build up to France’s opener from Aurelien Tchouameni, Gareth Southgate’s side felt they should have had a free kick on Bukayo Saka.
      Later on in the first half, there was a penalty shout reviewed by VAR after Harry Kane appeared to be tripped – but nothing was given.
      After the game, Man Utd star Maguire questioned Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio’s performance.
      He said: “I can’t really explain his performance – the number of decisions he got wrong was actually incredible. Really poor.”
      read more world cup news
      Despite their exit, Kane and Co were the better team in the contest.
      And Maguire believes that England have shown that they are a more consistent big tournament team.
      Maguire continued: “I’m really proud of the lads, we have given everything.
      “This is tournament football with big moments win big matches and I felt we were the better team throughout the night, we controlled the game from minute one. They scored from 30 yards and were clinical with the second one.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST BETTING APPS FOR THE WORLD CUP
      Downbeat Maguire believes England should take a lot of positives from defeatCredit: Getty
      “We had a lot of chances and dominated the possession. We have showed over a four or five-year period no that we belong in these big games.
      “The lads are going to be hurt and disappointed but I really believe that this country has turned the corner now and we belong on this stage, in the late stages of these knockout tournaments.
      “If we can take anything from the game our performance shows that.”
      France may have gone into the game as slight favourites, but Maguire revealed England’s camp were confident they could have gone all the way in the tournament.
      He said: “We fully believed that we would win the game. We had great belief in our dressing room that we would win the tournament and that’s not arrogance.
      “We had started to control games, which we hadn’t done in the past so we had a great opportunity to win the tournament. It really does hurt but these players will get another opportunity.”
      After the defeat, boss Southgate’s future has become a topic of conversation and whether he will continue in his role.
      He has come under a lot of stick for his selections in the past, but Maguire said Maguire has the backing of his players.
      “From one to 11, the players absolutely love Gareth. He has been amazing with each and every one of us,” he said.
      “I know a lot of people have different opinions and when he picks his team he gets a lot of stick but you can see how far this team has come over his period of management.
      “He knows what it takes to win these big matches. The performance was there but we lacked a little bit of clinicalness.”
      England will feel hard done by following their exit from competition.
      Read More on The Sun
      After equalising in the second half from a Kane penalty, they fell behind to a Olivier Giroud header.
      Kane had the opportunity to score from the spot late on to potentially take the game into extra-time, however he blazed over from 12-yards and England’s hopes had faded.
      Harry Kane is consoled after England’s defeatCredit: Getty More