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      Graeme Souness jokes he ‘can’t go back to Scotland for Christmas’ after praising England’s World Cup chances

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      GRAEME SOUNESS joked he cannot go back home to Scotland for Christmas after heaping praise on England’s World Cup chances. Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions face the reigning 2018 champions this evening in the quarter-finals in Qatar.
      England play France in the World Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Getty
      And Souness backs England as the favourites to go all the way if they win – no matter how much it pains the Scot to say.
      He said on ITV: “If I was managing any of the teams today, this is the last team I’d want to play.
      “And I think if they can get past France, I would make them favourites from what I’ve seen and who’s left in the tournament.
      “And that’s hard for a Scotsman to say, trust me. That means I can’t go back to Scotland for Christmas now.”
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      England crashed out in the semis four years ago in Russia, suffering heartbreak at the hands of Croatia, who are through to this year’s final four.
      And they went one better in the Euros last summer only for more pain, this time on penalties against Italy.
      But Southgate’s side prepare to take on the current holders with more experience than ever.
      And Souness agrees that victory over France would be the nation’s greatest ever win on away soil.
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      He said: “I would say so.
      “You’re playing the current world champions in a World Cup, everyone’s talking about Mbappe, Dembele, Griezmann.
      “This is regarded as a very, very good French team but England are very good.”
      Graeme Souness joked he can’t go home to Scotland for Christmas after heaping praise on England More

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      Holland boss Louis van Gaal reveals what Argentina players told him after game as ex-Man Utd manager confirms retirement

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      LOUIS VAN GAAL revealed that he was teased by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after the Netherland’s defeat to Argentina on penalties.The Dutch crashed out of the World Cup after Martinez denied Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis in the shoot-out.
      Louis van Gaal confirmed his retirement after the Argentina defeatCredit: Getty
      Wout Weghorst’s dramatic late brace, including a 101st minute leveller, sent the game into extra-time.
      But Holland weren’t able to find a winner and were then beaten 4-3 on penalties, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the decisive kick.
      And after feisty a game which saw 16 bookings and one red card dished out, the ex-Manchester United manager explained what he heard after the crushing loss.
      The 71-year-old said: “I speak a little Spanish, after the game the goalkeeper of Argentina told me that I spoke too much.”
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      Meanwhile, the Aston Villa keeper said: “I heard Van Gaal saying, we’ve got an advantage in penalties. If we go to penalties we win.”
      “I think he needs to keep his mouth shut.”
      Following the defeat, Van Gaal confirmed his 16-month reign as Dutch boss is over, while he’s also retiring from management.
      He said: “First and foremost I won’t be continuing.
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      “I only did it for this period of time.
      “This was my very last match of my third term as head coach.” More

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      Chaos outside Morocco vs Portugal as thousands of fans blocked from entering stadium for World Cup clash

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      CHAOS erupted outside Morocco’s World Cup quarter-final against Portugal as thousands of fans were blocked from entering the stadium. There were several empty seats at the Al Thumama Stadium Qatar as Morocco attempted history to become the first African semi-finalists.
      Fans arrive outside the Al Thumama Stadium in DohaCredit: Reuters
      Several empty seats were left in the Morocco endCredit: EPA
      But several reports claimed that supporters were being blocked from entering with riot police being deployed.
      Fans complained of ticketing problems at the start of the winter tournament.
      Fifa’s online app, in which tickets are activated by bluetooth and result in a QR code, was not working.
      It caused Fifa to release a statement after England supporters missed the start of the eventual 6-2 opening game win over Iran.

      It read: “Some spectators are currently experiencing an issue with accessing their tickets via the FIFA ticketing app.
      “FIFA is working on solving the issue.
      “In the meantime, fans who are not able to access their mobile tickets should check the email accounts they used to register with the ticketing app for further instructions.
      “In case fans cannot access their email accounts, the stadium’s Ticket Resolution Point will be able to support.
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      “We thank fans for their understanding as we work to fix the issue as soon as possible.”
      By the first quarter of the match, seats slowly began to fill up.
      Morocco reached the last eight following a shock win over Spain on penalties, while Portugal hammered Switzerland 6-1.
      Seats began to fill as the first-half progressedCredit: AFP More

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      ‘World Cup’s hottest fan’ Ivana Knoll issues warning if Croatia win the World Cup after mocking Brazil star Richarlison

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      THE World Cup’s “hottest fan” has denied reports that she had promised to strip naked if her team win the tournament.Croatian model Ivana Knoll, 30, was quoted as telling the German press that she would get naked as a reward for her team if they win the World Cup.
      Ivana Knoll has denied she will strip naked if Croatia win the World CupCredit: Splash
      She was quoted in German media as saying she would strip off in celebrationCredit: Instagram
      But Ivana denied the claims on her InstagramCredit: instagram/knolldoll
      The German-born brunette, who was wearing a Croatian flag at the time, was reported as saying: “If that happens, the flag falls…”
      But the model and businesswoman, who has taken the Qatar competition by storm with her racy red-and-white outfits, has since denied that she would bare all for her country.
      Taking to her Instagram story, Ivana wrote in a mixture of English, Croatian, and German: “Fake news! The lies of the media. I don’t take off my shirt if Croatia wins the championship.”
      She went on: “I will not get naked if Croatia wins the World Cup. Thank you!”
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      It comes as Ivana celebrated reaching two million followers on Instagram, just eight days after she hit the one million milestone.
      “Thank you so so much! Love you all,” she posted on her Instagram story.
      Ivana also trolled Brazil’s Richarlison, after Croatia knocked the five-times World Cup champions out in the Quarter-Finals on penalties.
      Imitating the Spurs striker’s signature pigeon dance, she accompanied the video with the savage message: “Do your pigeon dance on your way back home.”
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      Ivana was in the stadium to watch her team knock out Brazil, setting up a mouth-watering semi-final clash with Lionel Messi’s Argentina on Tuesday at 7pm.
      But her outfits haven’t gone over well with everyone in the World Cup host nation, where both men and women are expected to cover up.
      Ivana designs and sells her own bikinis, swimsuits, and other revealing clothing, all in the distinctive red-and-white chequerboard pattern of the Croatian flag.
      She previously made a splash at the 2018 World Cup in Russia where her outfits were noticed.
      Ivana claimed she wasn’t aware of the rules on clothing in Qatar, saying: “First I was thinking if the World Cup is happening there, they for sure will allow everything to make it comfortable for all fans without any of their restrictions.
      “Then I heard about the rules and I was shocked. In the dress code, you’re forbidden from showing your shoulders, knees, belly and neck.
      “I was like, ‘OMG, I don’t even have clothes covering that all’.”
      She went viral recently when two men in traditional white Arab thobes were caught sneakily snapping Ivana as she walked past them in the stadium.
      But she told host Piers Morgan on TalkTV that she had encountered no problems with her outfit choices in Qatar, and even had families with children asking to take pictures with her.
      She appeared to be stopped by Qatari security ahead of the Brazil-Croatia game when a man and women in official World Cup tabards could be seen in deep discussion with her in the stands.
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      But she was able to watch the full game following the conversation with the stewards.
      With Croatia now at least guaranteed a Third Place playoff match, Ivana’s World Cup dream is set to continue.
      Ivana has risked the wrath of Qatari authorities with her revealing outfitsCredit: Splash
      She was confronted by Qatari security ahead of the Brazil gameCredit: Rex
      But she was able to watch the full game after a conversation with stewardsCredit: PA More

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      England vs France LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time, Saka to START, Southgate to name UNCHANGED XI – updates

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      ENGLAND are set to remain UNCHANGED tonight against France from the team that beat Senegal 3-0 in the last-16. The Three Lions face their biggest test yet under Gareth Southgate as they take on rivals France in the World Cup quarter-finals this evening.
      It’s been a cushty ride so far for Southgate and Co, havung topping topped group before the victory against Senegal.
      But France have superstar Kylian Mbappe, top scorer in Qatar so far, in their ranks and will be looking to do some serious damage to England’s hopes of glory.

      Kick-off: 7pm UK time
      TV channel: ITV1
      Live stream: ITV X
      England XI: To follow
      France XI: To follow

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      Les Bleus hoping for a night to remember
      Fans are congregating in fan parks and pubs all over the world to watch this crunch match between two old enemies.
      The reigning champions have form for these knockout stages and French fans will be hoping that continues this evening.
      Hoping that come the end of the game, ‘Allez Les Bleus’ rings out from the stands.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: PA
      Credit: Reuters
      The man, the myth, the legend
      At the ripe age of only 23-years-old Kylian Mbappe is tearing up the record books as each game passes.
      Only 13 players have got more goals in the World Cup Finals history than Mbappe, already notching 9 goals.
      He averages a goal every 59 minutes with a shot accuracy of 67% and a goal conversion rate of 33%.
      Kyle Walker has it all to do this evening.
      Credit: Getty
      I’ll put your windows through
      To truly be the best you have to commit all your time to something and Phil Foden is a true testament to that.
      Something which his nan probably didn’t appreciate as much but I am sure every England fan up and down the country are thankful for.
      Foden said: “I did break my Nana’s windows a couple of times back in the day. – sorry about that.”
      “It’s hard for the coaches to get me off the training pitch.”
      “I’m always doing something with a ball, whether it’s at home or wherever I am, whether it is two-touch or a game.”
      Qatar, birthplace of a true bromance
      When Gareth Southgate named Jordan Henderson in the starting line-up against Wales, deep down he knew he was unleashing a pairing that had really clicked in the camp, on and off the pitch.
      Bellingham and Henderson seem to have built a real bond within the camp and there is nowhere this was further evident than on the pitch itself.
      The Dortmund midfielder even setting up Henderson for the first against a Senegal team who were frustrating the Three Lions up until that point.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Alamy
      Much maligned, Southgate’s midfield warhorse
      As soon as he came into the first team reckoning in Qatar, fans had a lot to say about the inclusion of Jordan Henderson.
      The trio he has formed with Declan Rice and new bestie Jude Bellingham has transformed the English midfield.
      Against Senegal, Henderson was as busy as ever offering options all over the pitch and breaking up the opponent’s play.

      Al Khor ready for titanic battle
      The Al Bayt Stadium is looking in prestine condition as we edge closer to kick-off.
      England will feel at home having played here multiple times already.
      Not that it matters to a certain Mr Mbappe where he plays, he’ll score goals in the car park if he has to.
      Credit: Getty
      All smiles in Three Lions camp
      In training yesterday, England’s squad seemed relaxed as there was plenty of joking amongst the players during training.
      The arrival of Raheem Sterling seemed to galvanise the group as they got their last preparations in for this evening.
      With just under four hours until kick, these players have their chance to etch their names in history still.
      Kylian causes media frenzy
      In the Les Bleus camp this week, things were high octane with the media panic over talisman Kylian Mbappe missing training on Tuesday due to discomfort in his ankle.
      Fortunately for France is was merely a false alarm.
      The 23-year-old was back on the practice pitches on Wednesday and should form part of an unchanged XI.
      Four-hour countdown
      We’re now just FOUR hours away from England vs France tonight in the World Cup.
      Will Walker stop Mbappe? How will England’s midfield match up to France’s? And can Southgate make the appropriate substitutions if the game is tight?
      You’re going to find out later this evening. We’ve got plenty more coverage for you throughout the rest of the day.
      Credit: Reuters
      England’s potential next opponents
      Morocco take on Portugal in 20 minutes in today’s other World Cup quarter-final.
      The winner will face England or France next Wednesday for the chance to play in the final on December 18.
      Walker on Mbappe
      But Kyle Walker was bullish in his comments on the PSG forward, saying that England won’t ‘roll out the red carpet’ for him.
      “The game isn’t England v Mbappe, it’s England vs France,” Walker said.
      “We will give respect but I’m not going to roll out a red carpet for him to score. It’s do or die as if we lose we go home.
      “I’ve come across great players before so I just treat it like another game.
      “I’ll give him the respect he deserves but not too much because this is England. No one player makes a team. This isn’t tennis, it isn’t a solo sport.”
      Credit: Getty
      Project STOP Mbappe
      That’s the aim of the evening for England, according to Rio Ferdinand, who says Kyle Walker is fast enough to do so.
      “Stop Kylian Mbappe and you stop France – he is the only reason I fear them,” he told the BBC.
      “The good news for England is that Kyle Walker is definitely fast enough to deal with Mbappe – he is probably the only defender on the planet who would be happy to take him on in a race, one versus one.
      “But this battle is not just going to be about raw pace alone. Mbappe’s intelligence makes Walker’s task on Saturday much harder than that.
      “To get through it, Walker is going to need some help out there, so the team’s approach and the focus of the players around him will be crucial too.
      “It is going to be fascinating to watch, and success or failure for England could come down to the finest of margins – Mbappe knows one tiny lapse is all it takes, and he will be away.”
      Game settings
      And this is the stadium where England will play France tonight in their World Cup quarter-final.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      Good omen
      England have played twice at the Al-Bayt Stadium now.
      The first game was a 3-0 win over Wales and the second was a 3-0 win over Senegal.
      Same again tonight, chaps?
      Credit: Getty
      Captain Kane is confident
      “Looking back in 2018 we didn’t really know what to expect — whether we had the full belief to win the tournament I’m not quite sure,” he said.
      “We backed that up in the Euros getting to another final and lost by a couple of kicks of the ball and I believe the belief has been building over the past four or five years.
      “We entered this tournament hoping and believing we can win it and we have got to the stage now where we expected to be — but now it’s time to push on.
      “We face a very tough game and I know everyone is ready. We are prepared and we go into that game with more belief than we had in 2018.”
      Credit: PA
      Southgate to name UNCHANGED XI
      Gareth Southgate is set to name an unchanged England side for Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final clash with France tonight.
      Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Bukayo Saka were key components of that side, both scoring, and Southgate is set to keep faith in the duo by handing them starts against the reigning world champions.
      Henderson will patrol the midfield alongside 19-year-old superstar Jude Bellingham as well as anchorman Declan Rice.
      While Saka will start out wide on the right, and will be key in England’s efforts in stopping world beater Kylian Mbappe.
      He will also provide support to captain Harry Kane as well as Phil Foden.
      Southgate mainstay Jordan Pickford keeps his place in the team, as does Harry Maguire, John Stones and Luke Shaw.
      SunSport prediction
      Ok, we are simply letting our heart rule here.
      England face a monumental task to try and dump out Mbappe et al but their is a wave of euphoria sweeping over the nation…
      Go on Gareth and the lads, YOU CAN DO IT!
      England 1 France 1 (Eng win on pens)
      Credit: Getty
      Atmosphere building already
      England and France fans are already making their voices heard out in Qatar.
      Six hours to go until kick-off.
      Credit: EPA
      Credit: PA
      Credit: PA
      Dave the Cat – latest
      Three Lions mascot Dave the Cat is coming home – after being adopted by England heroes John Stones and Kyle Walker.
      England heroes Stones and Walker initially pledged to rehome him if the Three Lions won the World Cup in Qatar.
      But the duo, who will line up against France in tonight’s quarter-final, have now vowed to take him home regardless.
      An FA source said: “We’ve been working with the Qatar Animal Welfare Society.
      “They’ve treated him for a leg injury sustained during a fight with another cat.”
      They added the mog, who strolled into the team’s base in Qatar, would live with either Stones, 28, or Walker, 32.

      How to watch England vs France

      England’s huge World Cup quarter-final clash with France will be shown live on ITV 1 tonight in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      England vs France is FREE to watch, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
      Coverage of the game will get going from 6pm GMT.Kick-off is at 7pm GMT.

      France stats
      And here’s how Les Bleus are getting on.
      More shots, less goals, less possession.

      England stats
      Here’s how the Three Lions have fared so far across the pitch at the World Cup in Qatar…

      Southgate in defiant mood
      The England boss has been talking over his side’s chances against world champions France.
      “I think there’s always been a level of respect for England but I think we’ve got credibility now,” he said.
      “To get to a semi-final then a final, I think the rest of the world believe that England are competitive and they know that we have performed under pressure a lot more in the last few years.
      “When I travel around Europe and the world and meet football people, there’s definitely a greater appreciation of what we’ve done.”
      “Four years ago we could have talked well but we didn’t have actual evidence of winning big matches and going through big nights together as a group,” he added.
      “I think over this period of time we’ve had so many of those occasions that now there’s less satisfaction with getting to the quarter-finals, there’s more desire to go further and there’s more evidence that we’ve come through these nights well.
      “I think for any team that’s an important part of growing.”
      Let’s make French toast
      Harry Kane Kane says England are brimming with belief – as the nation hopes they can beat France in tonight’s crunch quarter-final.
      Skipper Kane told fans confidence is surging that the Three Lions can go all the way to glory.
      Spurs ace Kane used the word “believe” repeatedly in his rallying cry, saying: “We’re not here just to reach a quarter-final.
      “Looking back in 2018 we didn’t really know what to expect – whether we had the full belief to win the tournament I’m not quite sure.
      “We backed that up in the Euros getting to another final and lost by a couple of kicks of the ball and I believe the belief has been building over the past four or five years.
      “We entered this tournament hoping and believing we can win it and we have got to the stage now where we expected to be – but now it’s time to push on.”

      What’s the head-to-head?
      England have a brilliant record against France.
      The Three Lions have won 17 of the 31 games they have faced each other, with France triumphant in nine and five draws.
      But the most recent clash wasn’t so great for England – Deschamps guided Les Blues to a 3-2 win in a 2017 friendly.

      Load more entries… More

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      Hero Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez faces World Cup ban for slamming ‘worst ref in world’ after Holland win

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      EMILIANO MARTINEZ could face a World Cup semi-final ban for his verbal blast at Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz.And both Holland and Argentina are set for heavy Fifa fines as the aftermath of the “Battle of Lusail” rumbles on.
      Martinez’s verbal assault on the referee could land him in a spot of botherCredit: Getty
      Tensions spilled over on multiple occasions in the World Cup quarter-finalCredit: Reuters
      Aston Villa keeper Martinez lost his cool with Lahoz despite his shoot-out heroics.
      Martinez said: “The ref gave everything to them
      “It all turned upside down.
      “He gave 10 minutes extra time for no reason. He just wanted them to score. 
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      “That referee is crazy. Arrogant. 
      “You say something to him and he talks back to you. It’s crazy.
      “Because Spain were eliminated, he wanted to eliminate us. 
      “He is the worst referee at the World Cup. Hopefully we won’t have him again – he’s useless.”
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      Those comments seem certain to bring a reprimand and potentially a charge and ban for the Villa man, potentially ruling him out of the semi-final against Croatia.
      Fifa’s disciplinary committee confirmed it had launched an investigation after studying the referee’s match report.
      World chiefs said: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association due to potential breaches of articles 12 (Misconduct of players and officials) and 16 (Order and security at matches) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
      “Additionally, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Dutch Football Association due to potential breaches of article 12 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code in relation to the same match.”
      There is believed to be a feeling that the match degenerated to become uncontrollable for any official even if there might be some concerns over the Spaniard’s game and man-management.
      Lahoz issued 18 yellow cards to players – with Holland’s Denzel Dumfries handed a second yellow and resultant red after the conclusion of the shoot-out – and at least two to members of the teams’ benches.
      The card count exceeded the previous World Cup record of 16, jointly held by Germany against Cameroon in 1998 and Portugal’s tempestuous clash with Holland in 2006.

      That will lead to sanctions against the two nations although it is likely to only result in a heavy fine.
      Martinez is in more danger but it is not expected that action will follow against Lionel Messi despite his own strong public criticism of the official. More

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      Why Holland star Denzel Dumfries was given red card AFTER World Cup penalty defeat to Argentina

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      NETHERLANDS defender Denzel Dumfries was sent off AFTER his side were knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina on penalties.In a feisty game of many cards, the Inter Milan star saw red off once the shoot-out had finished.
      Denzel Dumfries was seen trying to distract some of the Argentina players
      Dumfries was sent off after the penalty shoot-outCredit: Getty
      Dumfries and Inter Milan team-mate Lautaro Martinez were all hugs after the gameCredit: Getty
      The 2010 finalist had battled back from 2-0 down to force extra-time thanks to Wout Weghorst’s late brace.
      But the Dutch were unable to complete the comeback in the extra 30 minutes and were beaten after Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis missed from 12-yards.
      It left Lautaro Martinez to score the winning penalty and send Argentina through to the last four.
      After the game there were scuffles between the two sets of players, with Dumfries at the centre of things.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz had already dished out an incredible numbers of bookings.
      And after Dumfries, already on a yellow card, clashed with club team-mate Martinez at full-time, he was sent off.

      Dumfries was seen during the penalties trying to distract some of the Argentina players, although to no avail as only Ezno Fernandes managed to missed.
      But it matter not as Martinez converted Argentina’s next spot kick to set up a semi-final meeting with Croatia.
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      Even after the Dumfries had seen red, he was still involved in further altercations, before he was eventually pulled away by his team-mates.
      TalkSPORT commentator Ian Danter said: “There are still some angry Dutch players out there, Dumfries out there is still wanting words with some of those players.
      “Dumfries is trying to go for one of the Argentinian coaching staff, what on earth is going on down there?” More

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      Devastated Richarlison joins Brazil flops on bus to airport as Neymar and Co head home after Croatia World Cup shock

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      RICHARLISON cut a glum figure as Brazil’s World Cup flops boarded their big yellow bus home.The pre-tournament favourites were dumped out on penalties by Croatia in the quarter-finals.
      Richarlison cut a glum figure the day after Brazil’s World Cup exitCredit: AP
      The Tottenham striker looked downcast as he boarded the team busCredit: AP
      The pre-tournament favourites headed home after being knocked out by CroatiaCredit: AP
      Richarlison was reduced to tears after being knocked outCredit: Reuters
      Brazil captain Neymar burst into tears after crashing out, before hinting at international retirementCredit: Getty
      And they wasted no time in heading for the airport to catch their flight back to South America.
      A downcast Richarlison was pictured boarding Brazil’s team bus before it took them to the airport.
      The Tottenham ace still looked upset after being reduced to tears following the penalty shootout heartbreak.
      Brazil boss Tite confirmed he was standing down from his role following the quarter-final exit.
      Read More World Cup News
      While “World Cup’s hottest fan” Ivana Knoll trolled Richarlison and Co by performing a rendition of his pigeon celebration.
      Skipper Neymar was also overcome by emotion, before hinting that his international career could be over.
      Speaking on his future after the game, Neymar admitted: “Honestly, I do not know. I think talking now is bad because of the heat of the moment. Maybe I’m not thinking straight.
      “To say that this is the end would be rushing myself, but I don’t guarantee anything either. Let’s see what happens going forward.
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      “I want to take this time to think about it, think about what I want for myself. I will not close the door to playing with Brazil, nor do I say 100 per cent that I’ll come back.
      “I need to think a bit more about this, about what is the right thing for me and for the national team.”
      Neymar put Brazil ahead in the first half of extra-time after the game had originally finished 0-0.
      But Bruno Petkovic responded with three minutes left to play to send it to penalties.
      And misses from Rodrygo and Marquinhos, while Croatia scored all four of their spot-kicks, meant Brazil were sent packing.
      Neymar had to be consoled by his team-mates at full-timeCredit: Getty Images – Getty More