World Cup 2022

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m Kylian Mbappe’s stunt double – I look so much like him even HE says I’m his ‘twin’

      by

      KYLIAN Mbappe’s stunt double says he looks so much like him that even the French superstar calls him his twin.Reece Ford, 24, is a professional Mbappe lookalike and has starred as the Frenchman’s double on a number of occasions.
      Reece Ford is a Kylian Mbappe lookalikeCredit: PP.
      Reece with France’s star player Mbappe
      Reece is a stunt double for Kylian Mbappe
      Former Love Island contestant Reece said: “Lots of people say that I look like Mbappe and just over a year ago I got the dream job of being his double at the launch of his new Nike football boots Mbappe Flames in Paris.
      “Then in May this year I was at the French equivalent of St George’s Park our national training set up for the launch of the new French kit for the World Cup in Qatar.
      “After the job in Paris, Mbappe fans in France were saying that I look like him and Ronaldo put together – it was massive over there.
      “This summer when I was on TV on Love Island, Dele Ali was trending on Twitter and people said I looked like a mix of him Mbappe and Ronaldo.”
      Read More in World Cup
      England face their biggest test yet under Gareth Southgate as the Three Lions face France and Mbappe in the World Cup tonight.
      And Reece, who was on the books at Coventry City alongside England’s James Maddison, predicted an England win in the crunch clash.
      He said: “I think it will be a tight game and that Mbappe will score, but goals from Harry Kane and Phil Foden should give us a 2-1 win.
      “I played at Coventry City from the age of six to 21 and at one stage played two years above my age group with England’s James Maddison.”
      Most read in Football
      France superstar Kylian Mbappe, is the top scorer in Qatar so far, and will be looking to do some serious damage to England’s hopes of glory.
      Reece said that Mbappe himself speaks good English and described him as “nice” and “humble”.
      “When I was in France I really enjoyed working with Mbappe – he’s a nice humble guy and even calls me his twin.
      “He speaks good English and remembered me when I worked with him the second time around about six months after the Paris shoot.”
      As Reece bounced a ball on his knee in Philip’s Park in the shadows of Manchester’s Etihad Stadium one passer-by shouted: “Kyle Walker will skin you!’”
      Another saw Reece, a concierge at Selfridges, waving the Cross of St George and yelled “we will all be flying the flag on Saturday.”
      At 63 Degrees on High Street chef Eric Moreau, 56, welcomed our Mbappe double with a big smile and a warm handshake on one of the coldest days of the winter so far.

      Eric, who has operated in his classy eatery for 12 years, said: “He looks like Mbappe the best in the world. I think the game could be close in the end.
      “Mbappe is very young and we have a lot of good players. Giroud is very good and gets goals.”
      One of the defensive stars of the French team is Manchester United’s Raphael Varane, 29, and Eric acted as his personal chef at his home last Christmas.
      Eric added: “I have a few players come in my restaurant from both City and United.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I am going for 2-1 to France, but I will be watching on my I-Pad in the kitchen as I am working here Saturday evening.”
      England vs France will be broadcast live on ITV 1 with the match kicking off at 7pm.
      Kylian Mbappe look alike Reece Ford in ManchesterCredit: PP.
      Although he might look like the Frenchman, Reece is backing England all the way tonightCredit: PP.
      Reece believes England will triumph in the crunch clashCredit: PP.
      Reece is a keen footballer and used to be on the books at CoventryCredit: PP. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Season’s over’ – Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer breaks leg skiing as he tries to get over Germany World Cup heartache

      by

      MANUEL NEUER’S end to the year went from bad to worse after he broke his leg just DAYS after suffering World Cup heartbreak.The Germany captain had an accident during a skiing trip that saw him need surgery.
      Manuel Neuer broke his leg in a skiing accident just days after returning from the World CupCredit: https://www.instagram.com/manuelneuer
      Neuer captained Germany in QatarCredit: Getty
      He will now miss the rest of the season.
      Goalkeeper Neuer, 36, and Germany were sent packing from the World Cup early following an embarrassing group stage exit.
      The Bayern Munich skipper then went away skiing to clear his head, only to break his leg in an accident.
      Neuer wrote on Instagram from his hospital bed: “Hey guys, what can I say, the end of the year could have definitely gone better…
      Read More In Football
      “While I was trying to get my head clear while ski touring, I suffered a lower leg fracture. Yesterday’s surgery went well.
      “Many thanks to the doctors! However, it hurts to know that the current season is over for me.”
      Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn said: “The news of Manuel’s injury shocked us all. 
      “We will stand by his side and accompany him on his way to his comeback. He will recover from this serious injury and return to the pitch as strong as ever.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST WORLD CUP BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
      Neuer, who won the 2014 World Cup with Germany, played all three group games in Qatar.
      He was also part of the side that were knocked out in the group stages four years ago in Russia.
      Neuer wrote on Instagram after Germany crashed out behind Japan and Spain: “The pain and disappointment runs deep.
      “It is brutally frustrating that we have not been able to constantly call on our service. It’s going to take some time to process all this.
      “Nevertheless: Thank you to everyone who has always supported us and encouraged us!”
      Bayern do not return to action after the winter break until January 20th, when they take on RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
      But the current league leaders will be without their No1 goalie for the remainder of the season.
      Since joining Bayern from Schalke in 2011, Neuer only failed to lift the Bundesliga in first season with the club.
      He has won the German title in all 10 of the campaigns since then, as well as the Champions League twice. More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch amazing scenes from inside tunnel as Weghorst tries to shake fuming Lionel Messi’s hand before Aguero steps in

      by

      RETIRED Sergio Aguero was forced to step in as Holland star Wout Weghorst tried to shake fuming Argentina captain Lionel Messi’s hand after the feisty World Cup quarter-final clash. The Dutch made a lot of noise in the build-up to the match with boss Louis van Gaal cockily suggesting his team would beat Argentina and face Brazil in the semis.
      Weghorst tried to shake a fuming Messi’s hand in the tunnelCredit: TyC Sports
      The Argentine was unimpressed and labelled the tall Dutchman ‘stupid’Credit: TyC Sports
      Argentina players and retired Aguero stepped inCredit: Rosario3
      Aguero calmed tensions and then removed himself from the situationCredit: Rosario3
      Brazil, of course, didn’t live up to their side of the bargain, crashing out to Croatia penalties, and Holland did the exact same.
      Such comments riled up the Argentines, in particular Messi, who was in an unusually feisty mood.
      After a few on-pitch altercations, which saw 17 yellow cards dished out, tensions spilled over at full-time.
      Dutch right-back Denzel Dumfries received a second yellow card while Messi had words with Van Gaal.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      A shirtless Argentina goalkeeping hero Emiliano Martinez was also ready to rumble with a Dutch opponent.
      Weghorst, whose two late goals forced the game to extra-time, was also seen trying to intimidate Lautaro Martinez before the Inter Milan ace fired home the winning penalty.
      And Messi was far from impressed with the 6ft6 beanstalk.
      Weghorst tried to approach Messi in the tunnel to shake his hand, in which the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner responded: “Who are you looking at, stupid? Go ahead, you stupid.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST WORLD CUP BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
      A number of Argentine players, including retired legend Aguero, stood in Weghorst’s way.
      Weghorst told Aguero: “I’m waiting for him to give him a hand [shake].”
      Smartly dressed Aguero ended with a handshake and then took himself away from the situation.
      Messi later said on Weghorst AND Van Gaal: “I don’t like people talking before games.

      “The number 19 (Weghorst) came and started to provoke us, bump into us, tell us things. Their coach was not respectful to us either.
      “It seemed disrespectful to me, that a coach of his calibre declared [they would win] like that.
      “Van Gaal does not respect the Argentina national team.”
      Argentina will now face World Cup 2018 finalists Croatia for a spot in the December 18 finale.
      Read More on The Sun
      On the opposite side of the tournament knockout tree, current World Cup holders France are taking on England for a spot in the semis.
      And dark horses Morocco are hoping to become the first African team to reach the last four by beating Euro 2016 winners Portugal.
      Messi exchanged words with Holland boss Van GaalCredit: EPA
      Weghorst could be seen trying to intimidate Martinez, as was the Argentine’s club team-mate DumfriesCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Heartbroken Brazil star Neymar reveals he may never play in World Cup again as Pele begs him to carry on in tribute

      by

      NEYMAR has cast doubt on his international future after Brazil suffered World Cup heartbreak against Croatia.But Pele has urged him to “keep inspiring” Brazilians after the 30-year-old equalled his scoring record for the men’s national team.
      Neymar couldn’t hold back the tears after Brazil crashed out of the World CupCredit: Reuters
      The Brazil captain was consoled by his team-matesCredit: Getty
      Pele paid tribute to Neymar on social mediaCredit: AFP
      Neymar bagged his 77th Brazil goal to put his side ahead in extra-time, before Bruno Petkovic’s equalised on penalties and Croatia won on penalties.
      In doing so the captain equalled Pele’s ‘official’ record recognised by Fifa.
      Although Neymar is unsure whether he will get the chance to add to his tally following the devastating World Cup quarter-final exit.
      The forward, who will be 34 by the time the next tournament kicks off, burst into tears at full-time.
      Read More World Cup News
      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.
      “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.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST WORLD CUP BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
      Pele, who has been watching the tournament in hospital as he battles bowel cancer, paid tribute to Neymar after the game.
      In an emotional Instagram post, the 82-year-old congratulated Neymar for equalling his Brazil record.
      He wrote: “I saw you grow up, I cheered for you every day and finally I can congratulate you on equalling my number of goals with the Brazilian National Team. We both know that it’s much more than a number.
      “Our greatest duty as athletes is to inspire. Inspire our colleagues in the profession today, the next generations and most of all inspire all who love our sport.
      “Unfortunately, the day is not the happiest for us, but you will always be the source of inspiration that many aspire to become. I’ve learned as time goes by the more our legacy grows.”
      He added: “Keep inspiring us all I will continue to punch the air of happiness with every goal you score, as I did in every match I saw you on the field.”
      Pele scored 77 times in 92 games for Brazil, while Neymar has the same tally from 124 caps.
      Women’s captain Marta is Brazil’s all-time record scorer with 115 goals. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Grant Wahl dead: Reporter’s devastated brother claims he was killed in Qatar over rainbow T-shirt row in emotional video

      by

      GRANT Wahl’s devastated brother believes he was murdered in Qatar after being detained over wearing a rainbow T-shirt.The sports journalist, 48, died after suffering a suspected heart attack during the Netherlands versus Argentina quarter final match in Doha on Friday.
      Grant Wahl was detained in Doha for wearing a rainbow T-shirtCredit: Reuters
      Grant’s brother, Eric Wahl, believes he was killed in QatarCredit: Instagram
      Sports journalist Grant Wahl (left) and his brother EricCredit: Twitter
      US media sat near him said Grant fell back in his seat during extra time before journalists next to him called for help.
      Emergency services rushed to the scene but he tragically died.
      The journalist was covering his eighth World Cup, and made headlines earlier in the tournament when he claimed he was refused entry to a game for wearing a rainbow T-shirt.
      In an emotional video, his heartbroken brother Eric Wahl questioned the circumstances surrounding his death.

      “My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl’s brother. I’m gay,” he said.
      “I’m the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup. My brother was healthy.
      “He told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died. I believe he was killed. And I just beg for any help.”
      In a post on Twitter, he said: “I spoke with Grant just the other day for his birthday. He thought he’d caught bronchitis. I no longer believe that’s what it was.”
      Most read in Football
      Eric added: “We all want answers.”
      A Qatar organising committee spokesperson said Grant “received immediate emergency medical treatment on site, which continued as he was transferred by ambulance to Hamad General Hospital”.
      “We offer our deepest condolences to Grant’s family, friends and his many close colleagues in the media,” they added.
      Grant’s wife Celine Gounder said she was in “complete shock” after her husband’s death.
      She said: “I am so thankful for the support of my husband Grant Wahl’s soccer family & of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight. I’m in complete shock.”
      US State Department spokesman Ned Price said authorities were in “close communication” with Grant’s family.
      He said: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Grant Wahl and send our condolences to his family, with whom we have been in close communication.
      “We are engaged with senior Qatari officials to see to it that his family’s wishes are fulfilled as expeditiously as possible.”
      Grant had celebrated his 48th birthday in Qatar on Thursday – a day before he collapsed.
      He hit the headlines earlier in the tournament when he was briefly detained and refused entry to the Wales-USA Group B game for wearing a rainbow shirt.
      Security guards eventually let him wear it to the match.
      On Monday, Grant said he had been diagnosed with bronchitis.
      He wrote on his website: “My body finally broke down on me.
      “What had been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe on the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.
      “I didn’t have Covid (I test regularly here), but I went into the medical clinic and the main media center today, and they said I probably have bronchitis.”
      FIFA President Gianni Infantino led tributes to the American sports journalist.
      He said: “His love for football was immense and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game.
      “We express our sincerest condolences to his wife Céline, his family, and his friends at this most difficult time.”
      Piers Morgan said: “He was a brilliant journalist. RIP.”
      The US Soccer Federation said: “The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken.
      “Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game.”
      Grant, who worked for Sports Illustrated from 1996 to 2021, was known for his coverage of football and college basketball.
      He wrote a profile of Lebron James when the NBA superstar was in high school that is credited with making him a breakout star.
      Superstar James would be drafted with the first pick of the NBA Draft about a year after appearing in the piece. 
      James paid tribute to the late sportswriter, describing his death as a “tragic loss”.
      He said: “Even when I moved up in the ranks and became a professional and he kind of went to a different sport and things of that nature of the years, any time his name would come up I would always think back to me as a teenager and having Grant in our building down at St. V. So it’s a tragic loss.
      “It’s unfortunate to lose someone as great as he was.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Nate Scott, senior director of USA Today sports media group, tweeted: “Grant was an established pro who went out of his way to help me multiple times in my career when he had no reason to.
      “He took delight in seeing this sport grow in this country and wanted to lift those of us around him up. A horrible, horrible day for American soccer.”
      Grant’s wife Celine Gounder said she was in ‘complete shock’ after her husband’s deathCredit: FIFA
      Grant celebrated his 48th birthday in Qatar on Thursday – a day before he collapsedCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Just tall people and long balls’ – Messi tears into Van Gaal for saying Dutch play good football after World Cup loss

      by

      ARGENTINA captain Lionel Messi tore into Holland boss Louis van Gaal for his long ball approach to their World Cup quarter-final.The South American champions avoided a late scare, beating the Dutch on penalties after seeing their two-goal lead evaporate late on in normal time.
      Messi was left unimpressed by Holland’s hit and hope tactics with tall starsCredit: Getty
      Van Gaal declared before kick-off that his Dutch team play good footballCredit: PA
      Messi confronted Van Gaal at full-timeCredit: Reuters
      Beanstalk Wout Weghorst bagged the brace that saved the Dutch and sent the game to a nervy penalty shootout.
      But Van Gaal’s tactical switch to chucking on tall players and hitting long balls left Messi unimpressed.
      Van Gaal had previously bit back at journalists in pre-match press conferences when his approach to games was criticised and claimed Holland play good football.
      Messi said: “Van Gaal says that they play good football but what he did was put tall people and hit long balls.”
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Whether this is what Messi told Van Gaal himself at full-time is yet to be seen.
      The legendary seven-time Ballon d’Or winner had to be separated from the ex-Manchester United boss at full-time.
      Messi also branded 6ft6 Weghorst “stupid” in a post-match press conference.
      Weghorst could be seen trying to intimidate penalty shootout match winner Lautaro Martinez before he fired home, which could be what prompted Messi to size up the giant.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST WORLD CUP BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
      Messi added: “I don’t like people talking before games.
      “The number 19 (Weghorst) came and started to provoke us, bump into us, tell us things. Their coach was not respectful to us either.
      “It seemed disrespectful to me, that a coach of his calibre declared like that.
      “Van Gaal does not respect the Argentina national team.”
      Argentina hero Emiliano Martinez was also ready to rumble with a Dutch rival while shirtless.
      Martinez, who saved two spot-kicks, was caught on camera yelling abuse at a Dutch opponent after the win.
      The Aston Villa ace yelled: “Keep your mouth shut you f***ing t***! I f***ed you twice!”
      Argentina will now face World Cup 2018 finalists Croatia for a spot in next Sunday’s finale.
      South American rivals Brazil crashed out to Croatia in a dramatic penalty shootout, with star man Neymar being too late to take a penalty.
      On the opposite side of the tournament knockout tree, current World Cup holders France are taking on England for a spot in the semis.
      Read More on The Sun
      And dark horses Morocco are hoping to become the first African team to reach the last four by beating Euro 2016 winners Portugal. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Neville reveals what Roy Keane wrote down after England goal versus Senegal leaving Micah Richards in stitches

      by

      ROY KEANE has lifted the lid on what he wrote while Gary Neville and Ian Wright celebrated wildly during England’s win over Senegal.A clip went viral of the Irishman calmly jotting down notes as fellow pundits Neville and Wright lost their cool in the studio.
      Gary Neville and Ian Wright celebrated wildly after England scored against SenegalCredit: https://twitter.com/IanWright0
      Roy Keane turned around and wrote down notes while they celebratedCredit: https://twitter.com/IanWright0
      Micah Richards was left in stitchesCredit: SkyBet
      Keane, who played 67 times for Ireland, wasn’t bothered one bit when Harry Kane put the Three Lions 2-0 up in the last-16.
      Instead he turned his back to the pitch to jot down a quick note.
      And now fellow ITV pundit Neville has revealed exactly what he wrote, leaving Micah Richards in stitches.
      Speaking to SkyBet’s YouTube channel, Neville told Richards: “I grabbed his notes… it didn’t go down well.”
      Read More World Cup News
      Neville then added: “When the second goal went in, he wrote ‘game over’.”
      Richards, who is working for the BBC at the World Cup, could not contain his laughter.
      Neville continued: “I put it up to the camera and he snatched it out of my hands!”
      But Keane hit back and defended his far from detailed note taking.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      He pointed out: “It was game over! Just in case I forgot.”
      It’s been an eventful World Cup for Keane, who hit out at Brazil for their dancing, and ripped off his shirt after scoring the winner in an ITV vs BBC match.

      The Manchester United legend even admitted he had to fly home during the tournament for a break as his “tolerance levels” were being pushed by his fellow pundits.
      He revealed: “I had a break. I needed a break, just my tolerance levels.
      “Yeah, people get on my nerves.” More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      When is Argentina vs Croatia – World Cup 2022 semi-final? TV channel, live stream FREE, kick-off time for HUGE clash

      by

      CROATIA and Argentina will face off in nothing short of a mammoth World Cup semi-final.Croatia shocked the world to dump out favourites Brazil on penalties, while Lionel Messi inspired Argentina’s shoot-out victory over the Netherlands.
      Croatia dumped out Brazil to advanceCredit: Avalon.red
      Croatia have now won their last two World Cup games by stunning spot-kicks, and truly sent shockwaves through the globe with their win over Brazil.
      Brazil were the favourites for the whole tournament and even got a extra-time goal from star man Neymar, before Bruno Petkovic flipped the script and Croatia then went on to win on penalties.
      Who will come out on top?
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      When is Argentina vs Croatia?
      Argentina vs Croatia will take place on Tuesday, December 13.
      The big match will kick off at 7pm UK time.
      The Lusail Iconic Stadium plays host to the match.
      What TV channel and live stream is Argentina vs Croatia on?
      Argentina vs Croatia will be broadcast live on either ITV 1 or BBC One.
      The channels have yet to reveal what game they are showing of the two semi-finals.
      Most read in Football
      The match will be live streamed on either ITV X or BBC iPlayer.
      Both ITV and BBC are free-to-air for those in the UK with a valid TV licence.

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

      Quarter-finals
      Friday, December 9

      Saturday, December 10

      Semi-finals
      Tuesday, December 13

      Wednesday, December 14
      Match 62: Winners of Match 59 vs Winners of Match 60 (7pm)
      Third/Fourth place play-off
      Saturday, December 17

      Losers of Match 61 vs Losers of Match 62 (3pm)

      Read More on The Sun
      Final
      Sunday, December 18

      Winners of Match 61 vs Winners of Match 62 (3pm) More