World Cup 2022

ROY KEANE split fans’ opinions as he criticised Jordan Pickford for France’s opening goal. Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni put the reigning champions ahead on 17 minutes with a stunning effort from outside the box.
Roy Keane criticised Jordan PickfordCredit: Twitter @itvfootball
Jordan Pickford during England’s game with FranceCredit: Getty
But Manchester United legend-turned ITV pundit Keane questioned if Everton’s Pickford could have done better.
He said: “Brilliant strike, keeper could he do better? Yeah, I think so.”
It had fans online divided as they argued Keane’s half-time analysis.
One said: “Agree with Keane, Pickford could do better. Could move his feet quicker and get across.”
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Another said: “I just know Roy Keane is fuming at Jordan Pickford not saving that.
“And he’d be right, because Pickford should be saving that.”
One countered: “Let’s see Roy do better.”
Another added: “How’s keane blaming pickford for that? This guy is miserable.”
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Pickford breathed a sigh of relief as he watched skipper Harry Kane equalise from the spot.
A good phase of play saw Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka brought down, giving Kane the chance to level.
And the striker was ice cool from 12 yards despite being faced against Tottenham team-mate Hugo Lloris.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud put France back in the lead only for Kane to step up from the spot again.
But this time, he blazed over the bar and England saw themselves dumped out in the last eight stages.
Harry Kane celebrates his equaliserCredit: Reuters More

PIERS MORGAN has leapt to the defence of Cristiano Ronaldo after he was reduced to tears following Portugal’s World Cup exit.The 37-year-old’s dreams of winning football’s greatest show was ended after his side suffered a shock defeat to Morocco.
Cristiano Ronaldo was frustrated as Portugal were unable to find a way throughCredit: AP
Ronaldo was reduced to tears after Portugal crashed outCredit: AP
Ronaldo headed straight down the tunnel after the final whistleCredit: ITV
Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez was in attendance at the game
Ronaldo had an exclusive sit down interview with Morgan which was aired recently
Ronaldo was on the bench for a second game on the bounce, with Goncalo Ramos once again preferred up front.
He was introduced in the second half but was unable to cancel out Youssef En-Nesyri’s opener.
Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez slammed the decision to leave him out of the team.
On Instagram she said: “Today your friend and coach made a bad decision. That friend for whom you have so many words of admiration and respect.
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“The same as when you got into the game, he saw how everything changed, but it was too late.
“The best player in the world, his most powerful weapon, cannot be underestimated.
“You can’t stand up for someone who doesn’t deserve it either. Life gives us lessons.
“Today we have not lost, we have learned.”
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Ronaldo was distraught with the result and was crying as he headed down the tunnel.
It’s likely to be his last World Cup because the ex-Manchester United star will be 41 in 2026.
But while many laughed at his reaction, Morgan, who sat down with the ace recently for an explosive interview, jumped to his defence.

He said on Twitter: “Very sad to see ⁦⁦@Cristiano⁩ in tears as his dream of winning the World Cup ended.
“Those mocking him should remember what he’s done for football. For me, he’s the 🐐 – and a great guy who’s had the toughest year of his life on & off the pitch.
“He’s earned our respect.” More

ENGLAND fans were left fuming after Harry Kane was denied a first-half penalty in Saturday’s World Cup defeat against France.The controversial incident occurred around 10 minutes after the defending World Cup champs took an equally-controversial 17th minute lead through Aurelien Tchouameni.
England fans were left fuming as Harry Kane was denied a penalty against FranceCredit: Getty
Kane appeared to be brought down by Dayot UpamecanoCredit: Reuters
A VAR check decided it was not a penaltyCredit: Twitter
Fans including Piers Morgan and Gary Lineker reacted angrily on TwitterCredit: Getty
Bukayo Saka was fouled in the build-up to that goal, and Gary Lineker tweeted: Lineker added: “One hundred percent foul on Saka. One hundred percent penalty on Kane.”
Nearly 10 minutes later, Kane burst towards the French box from the right flank as England desperately searched for an equaliser.
He was quickly closed down by Dayot Upamecano from behind.
But the centre-back appeared to knock Kane’s leg as the Three Lions skipper darted into the box.
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To Kane’s amazement, the referee signalled to continue the game before play came to a stop.
VAR then decided to take a look at the incident in a lengthy check.
However, they ultimately decided that it was NOT a penalty, leaving Kane stunned.
And England backers were far from happy with the decision.
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Piers Morgan raged: “That was a blatant penalty.”
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Gary Lineker stormed: “One of these days, just once, we might get a decision in our favour.”
Chris Kamara added: “Penalty all day long.”
Fans were particularly irate with most feeling France’s opener was undeserved due to an unpunished foul by Upamecano on Saka in the build-up.
One Tweeted: “What a bull***t France goal.. coming from a foul against Saka that was not given. Absolute joke.”
Another said: “Clear foul on Saka, what a joke.”
But England did eventually get a penalty in the 54th minute when Saka was brought down right in front of the ref.
Kane stepped up to the plate against Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris.
And he sent his pal the wrong way with a well-taken strike to level the score and equal Wayne Rooney’s record as top scorer for the Three Lions.
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Olivier Giroud headed France back into the lead but England were awarded ANOTHER penalty late on after a shove from Theo Hernandez.
However, this time the England skipper blazed his spot-kick high over the bar as his team crashed out of the tournament. More

ENGLAND’S World Cup quarter-final against France had to be halted after a matter of moments… due to a flat ball. Players almost immediately complained of a flat ball, causing officials to provide a new one with not even a minute played.
Antoine Griezmann of France kicks offCredit: Getty
England centre-half Harry Maguire was the one to knock the ball out of play to request a new one.
The game resumed and the focus was back on the last eight match, with a place in the semis against Morocco awaiting the winner.
It turned out to be a thrilling game, with Aurelien Tchouameni opening the score with a stunner.
England skipper Harry Kane later levelled from the penalty spot after Bukayo Saka was brought down in the box.
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Ex-Arsenal and England striker Olivier Giroud would go on to put France back ahead, but the drama did not stop there.
Mason Mount won England a second penalty after being shoved in the box by Theo Hernandez, who escaped a red card.
But England captain Kane would blaze over the bar, leaving the Three Lions dumped out of the tournament.
Jordan Henderson told ITV: “We know how many penalties Harry has scored for us, how many goals he has contributed to even get us here.
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“He will be stronger for this in the future. He is a world-class striker and our captain, he will bounce back.”
He added: “We felt good, the performances were really good, the focus and hunger has been really good.

“But you have to give credit to France who are a good team. I still feel it was there for us to win tonight.”
Gareth Southgate consoles Harry KaneCredit: Reuters More

MOROCCAN star Jawad El Yamiq cheekily KISSED rival Pepe’s head after he missed a late effort in their shock win over Portugal.The Atlas Lions made history on Saturday by becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.
A cheeky Moroccan kissed Pepe on the head after the Portugal ace missed a late chance

Youssef En-Nesyri leaped high to beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa with a stunning first half header to seal the incredible victory.
Walid Cheddira received a second yellow in the third of eight minutes of additional time to leave Morocco up against it as Portugal desperately pressed for an equaliser.
Veteran defender Pepe, 39, came close with a chance at the death but his header missed – leading to the 30-year-old Moroccan centre-half….. consoling him by planting a kiss on his head.
After witnessing the smooch, one fan tweeted: “This missed opportunity by Pepe and the kiss to the head is straight up disrespectful.”
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Another wrote: “No way Morocco’s player kissed Pepe’s head after his 97th minute miss LMAOOO.”
While a fellow viewer commented: “Top s***housery! Kisses Pepe on the head.”
The final whistle was met by wild scenes of celebration from the Moroccans.
But Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears as he trudged off the field in what is most-likely his last-ever World Cup game.
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Morocco now know that they will face the winner of England’s clash with France in Wednesday’s semi-final.
But Pepe was furious afterwards that Fifa had appointed Argentinian referee Facundo Tello to officiate the game less than 24 hours after the whistleblower’s home nation had secured their place in the semis.
He said: “We conceded a goal that we didn’t see coming. But what I’ve got to say might come as a bit of a shock but I’m going to have to say it anyway.
“It’s unacceptable that an Argentinian referee was taking charge of our game. They should just give Argentina the title.
“I’m not saying that he was biased towards them but what was that all about in the second half?
“Their goalkeeper spent most of it on the ground. They only added on eight minutes. Is that referee for real? Eight minutes?” More