World Cup 2022

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      England ace Kyle Walker hopes to have Kylian Mbappe in his back pocket in World Cup quarter-final clash

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      SPEEDY England defender Kyle Walker can have Kylian Mbappe in his back pocket tomorrow night — thanks to a bit of jean-ius fashioned by The Sun.Kyle, 32, will be given the tough job of tackling the flying French forward in the World Cup quarter-final.
      England fans are hoping Kyle has what it takes in the locker to match the speedy French front line
      France’s pacey winger, Kylian Mbappe, could be a handful for the English defenceCredit: Getty
      While Kyle and his team-mates ironed out their plans, supporters both in Qatar and back home are gearing up for the big gameCredit: Getty
      So to encourage him to give Mbappe the bum’s rush, we produced jeans emblazoned with three lions and the name Kyle Walker Jeans Co.
      Under the label, Mbappe peeks out of the pocket — a sure sign the French will be legging it from the tournament after an England stitch-up.
      Last night fan Paul Elliott, a 50-year-old building contractor from Kent, said: “I’d love a pair of these.
      “Everyone will be praying Kyle has a belter of a game.”
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      Daniel Embleton, a 42-year-old risk manager from London, added:
      “The jeans are great fun. Let’s just hope the message comes true.”
      While Kyle and his team-mates ironed out their plans, supporters both in Qatar and back home geared up for the big game — and hopefully a march to the final.
      And preparations in the England camp were give a double boost by forward Raheem Sterling and singer Robbie Williams.
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      Raheem, 27, returned to the training base following a dash to his Surrey family home, plundered by raiders who snatched jewellery and watches worth £300,000.
      And pop star Robbie, 48, put on a VIP show and singalong of hits including Angels at their Souq Al Wakra Hotel.
      He posted a snap of himself with stars Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford, and wrote: “I’m at the England camp with the lads. How lucky I am?”
      Midfielder Kalvin Phillips said of the poolside gig: “There were a couple of duets but I’m not going to name names. They were very good duets, to be fair.
      “And we had the chance to chat to him. He’s an unbelievably talented person but also a really nice person. He got along with everyone.
      “It was a pleasure to have him. Knowing how big he is in the world and how well he’s doing, it’s an honour to have met him and spoken to him.”
      Kieran Trippier added: “In these little moments, everyone’s buzzing around the place and to hear him sing. It was a great moment for everyone going into a big game.
      “He was brilliant. It’s the first time I’ve ever met him. I’ve got say he’s a great guy. Really down to earth, really humble guy.”
      There was also an emotional goodbye as the Three Lions squad stars said thanks to their guardian angel — head of security Tony Conniford.
      He is leaving the FA after nine years with the team. Kalvin said: “It was a good night in general. We said farewell to Tony. For me, he has been one of the guys I have always gone to when needing help. He is a massive part of the England set-up as well.”
      An FA spokesman said of Robbie’s visit: “It was just a private performance within an outdoor area of the team hotel — arranged via the players and enjoyed by all.”
      Last night the atmosphere was ramping up in Qatari capital Doha as a 10,000-strong army of lionhearts began arriving.
      Pop star Robbie, 48, put on a VIP show and singalong of hits including Angels at their Souq Al Wakra Hotel
      Here’s Robbie’s World Cup eleven
      At home, the game is set to give another vital shot in the arm to the UK’s struggling hospitality sector, beset by cost of living woes.
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      Analysis from small business insurance provider Simply Business suggests UK pubs could get a £155million boost from the tournament as a whole.

      KYLE Walker paid tribute to a tragic pal yesterday, posting a snap of himself with “caring and loving” footie agent Dominic Yarwood on what would have been his birthday. Dominic went missing aged 32 last December and was later found dead in woodland. An inquest in May gave a verdict of suicide. More

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      ‘Psychic’ lion with ‘90% success rate’ predicts result of England vs France World Cup quarter-final

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      A LION with a skill for picking winners of football games has predicted who will triumph in England’s World Cup quarter-final clash with France on Saturday.According to zookeepers in Khon Khaen, Thailand, Chao Boy has a 90 per cent success rate for picking victors on the pitch.
      The lion ponders before he chooses who the winner will beCredit: Viralpress
      Chao Boy leaps for the bait under the French flag, predicting the Les Bleus as winners of Saturday night’s clashCredit: Viralpress
      The nine-year-old lion chooses winners by grabbing chicken drumsticks that are hung under two competing national flags.
      Earlier today, footage showed the big cat striking the French flag, gobbling down the meal and calling the Les Bleus winners of the upcoming knockout final.
      At first, when the St George’s Cross and the French tricolour were ziplined into the enclosure, Chao Boy seemed undecided.
      He pondered about, possibly a telling sign it will be a tight game, but eventually he parked under the hard-fought winner.
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      Sceptical or not, the paws of the feline have an apparent track record of success.
      The Thai lion recently chose Argentina over Holland, Brazil to beat Croatia and Morocco to knock out Portugal.
      Zoo boss Narongwit Chodchoy said the lion’s success rate was extraordinary.
      “Chao Boy has always been considered a favourite in predicting football results,” Mr Chodchoy said.
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      “Whether it’s the World Cup, Euros, or other major football matches, he can predict accurately with 80 or 90 per cent of his guesses being correct.”
      Bookies are on the side of the lion, with France currently seen as favourites, however, Harry Kane is tipped to score the opener.
      England will play France at the Al Bayt Stadium in the city of Al Khor on Saturday night, December 10, with kick-off at 10pm.
      As far as predictions go, another outlandish punter purporting to be a time traveller reckons he knows who will come out on top in the crunch match.
      He told social media users that the Three Lions will roar to victory by bagging two goals in the game against the current World champions.
      In the barmy video, he claims Didier Deschamps’ side will only net one goal, squandering the French’s bid for glory.
      The ridiculous TikTok racked up a sturdy 36,500 views in just 24 hours as football fans scoured the net for predictions.
      Chao Boy recently chose Argentina over HollandCredit: viralpress
      France’s Olivier Giroud has been in form this World Cup, netting one against PolandCredit: Getty
      The Three Lions go into the quarter-final confident after thrashing Senegal 3-0Credit: Reuters
      England’s Jordan Henderson scored the opener against SenegalCredit: AFP More

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      England World Cup ace Jude Bellingham ‘to tell Dortmund he wants to QUIT in January as family beg him to join Liverpool’

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      LIVERPOOL are set for a boost as Jude Bellingham is reportedly set to tell Borussia Dortmund he wants to quit the club and switch to Merseyside.The England midfielder is starring at the World Cup in Qatar and his performances have increased his already high profile.
      Jude Bellingham is currently in Qatar starring for England at the World CupCredit: AFP
      Teams had already been showing interest in the Englishman since the summer.
      However so far, he had stayed put in the Bundesliga and he has become one of the hottest prospects in Europe.
      The midfielder is one of Dortmund’s crucial players and has even captained the team on occasion.
      But according to a recent report by SPORT BLID, he is set to tell the club that he wants to quit the club in order to facilitate a move after the World Cup.
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      Bellingham’s father Mark, mother Denise and adviser Mark Bennett are the main negotiators representing him.
      It is believed that they have a “strong desire” for him to move to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
      The German manager sees Bellingham as key to the future of the team’s midfield with Jordan Henderson, 32, James Milner, 36, and Thiago, 31, entering into their final years.
      They have been boosted after Bellingham and Henderson forged a friendship during the World Cup tournament.
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      The report has suggested that Dortmund will demand £130 million for their prized asset.
      Director of the club’s US owner Fenway Sports Group, Mike Gordon, has already agreed to give the club £86m towards the transfer.
      Even though Klopp has a good relationship with BVB Managing Director Hans-Joachim Watzke it seems unlikely that they will give him a near £50m discount.
      However, as FSG are looking to sell the club then a new investor could provide the rest of the money required.
      The Reds will need to work hard if they are to win the race for Bellingham as Manchester City, PSG, Chelsea and Real Madrid are also in the hunt for him. More

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      Lionel Messi and co return to training as Argentina claim family time will give them World Cup edge against Netherlands

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      BRIGHTON midfielder Alexis Mac Allister believes a spot of family down-time will prove Argentina’s secret World Cup weapon.Coach Lionel Scaloni gave his players two free days to spend with their loved ones after the last 16 squeak past Australia.
      Lionel Messi is back refreshed as Argentina prepare to meet HollandCredit: Reuters
      Alexis Mac Allister believes Argentina desperately needed their two days’ offCredit: Getty
      Rodrigo De Paul gives Messi a friendly scare during training in DohaCredit: Reuters
      That ended a hectic programme of four games in 11 days, starting with the upset defeat by Saudi Arabia.
      And after Lionel Messi’s inspirational efforts led the Albiceleste to the last eight once again, Amex schemer Mac Allister suggested Scaloni’s instincts had been exactly what the squad needed.
      He said: “Those moments with our families are important to unwind and enjoy the World Cup.
      “We really needed that time off, to rest and recover.
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      “The match against Australia came pretty close after the final group game but we’ve now had the chance to rest, see our families and unwind. 
      “Those couple of days were excellent for us. We’re feeling great. We enjoy it and we are very much united.
      “But the squad knows we are facing an important game and that this is the crucial part for everyone.”
      Messi is the only survivor from the Argentine team that started the 2014 semi-final shoot-out win over Holland in Brazil.
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      Mac Allister was just 15 at the time and recalled: “ remember I watched the match with my family at home. All of them. I enjoyed it. 
      “Now I’m here and to be able to play gives me great pride. I’m super excited. I always think of my pathway, and everyone around me. It gives me enormous pride.”
      Some 40,000-plus Argentine fans are expected to flood the Lusail Iconic Stadium this evening and Scaloni promised: “Our people should enjoy the game. 
      “We will break our backs for our country and to represent them as best we can. 
      “This is football. It’s sport and I really hope we can be happy. 
      “But even if it isn’t a positive result, I hope the people can identify with these players, with how much they are giving for their country.”
      Paulo Dybala and Enzo Fernandez are hoping to knock out the DutchCredit: Reuters
      Messi will take centre stage in the World Cup quarter-finals on FridayCredit: Reuters More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez wears £1.6m of jewellery as she shows off amazing rings and bracelets

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      GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ sported close to £1.6MILLION worth of jewellery as she showed off her incredible collection to fans.The 28-year-old model is currently in Qatar cheering on partner Cristiano Ronaldo, who is in World Cup action for Portugal.
      Georgina Rodriguez showed off her amazing jewellery collectionCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      Georgina wore a selection of rings, bracelets and earringsCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      Georgina uploaded the pictures to her 40million Instagram followersCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      She posted pictures of herself showing off her amazing collection of rings and bracelets to her 40.3m Instagram followers.
      And Georgina wore a whopping £1,595,000 worth of accessories, according to Zack Stone, Managing Director of jewellers Steven Stone.
      Her outfit included a stunning £250,000 ruby necklace, a matching £150k bracelet, and a selection of rings with a combined value of £50k.
      Another ruby cluster ring is thought to be worth £80k, plus two diamond line bracelets at a cool £25k-a-pop.
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      Her eye-catching 18 carat white gold diamond earrings are also worth approximately 15k.
      On top of that her 18 carat white gold Rolex GMT master II, set with diamonds, retails for a whopping £400k.
      She also sported a £600k Cartier diamond engagement ring which includes a large sapphire and is encrusted with diamonds.
      Although Ronaldo and Georgina are yet to officially announce their engagement
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      Georgina took in a Valentino exhibition earlier this week in Doha, before heading to Portugal’s 6-1 last-16 win over Switzerland on Wednesday.
      Not before she went for a walk in the desert in the Qatar sun.
      But long-term partner Ronaldo was dropped for the game after sulking when he was substituted against South Korea in the group stages.
      Despite raging at the decision to snub Ron, Georgina still appears to be enjoying herself in Qatar.
      And she will be hoping boyfriend Ronaldo is restored to Portugal’s line up for Saturday’s quarter-final against Morocco.
      Although the chances of that are unknown after his replacement, Goncalo Ramos, scored a hat-trick against Switzerland.
      The winners of Morocco vs Portugal will take on the winners of England vs France in the World Cup semi-finals.
      Georgina was in the stands to watch Portugal beat Switzerland 6-1Credit: PA
      Georgina headed to the game despite Cristiano Ronaldo being dropped to the benchCredit: Instagram / @georginagio More

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      Kylian Mbappe returns to training for first time since injury scare in huge France boost for England World Cup clash

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has trained for the first time, giving a major boost to France ahead of their match with England.The two sides are set to go head-to-head in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday evening.
      Kylian Mbappe has returned to trainingCredit: Reuters
      It appears that he will be fit to face EnglandCredit: Reuters
      Mbappe has already scored five goals at the World CupCredit: PA
      The French star missed training earlier this week, leading to English hopes that he might not be fit for the match.
      Mbappe has starred at the tournament so far, having scored five goals and assisted two in his four appearances.
      The PSG forward’s performances helped France top their group and beat Poland 3-1 in the round of 16.
      England manager Gareth Southgate has been working with his number two Steve Holland on a plan to stop the dangerous forward.
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      The Three Lions are hoping that Manchester City defender Kyle Walker will be on his best form in order to nullify the 23-year-old.
      Ten years ago Holland managed to come up with a set-up that stopped Lionel Messi in the Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona.
      Messi failed to score in either tie as the Blues progressed to the final in which they went on to win against Bayern Munich.
      Holland said: “In 2012, with the Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Chelsea, there are a handful of players on the planet that you need to consider special attention to.
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      “Messi has been one and probably still is. You’d have to put Mbappe in that category.
      “We do need to look at trying to avoid leaving ourselves in situations where he is as devastating, as we’ve all seen.
      “I remember a conversation with Jose Mourinho about it when he was with Real Madrid, they were playing Barcelona and had Cristiano Ronaldo.
      “Dani Alves would be the right-back for Barcelona and flying forward in attack, Jose would play a ‘soldier’ against him to try to stop him but then you don’t get any threat from your team from the soldier as you’re just stopping somebody, not actually hurting them.
      “Then he would try to play Ronaldo against him, one against one, because Alves was fantastic going forwards but maybe not as good defensively.” More

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      ‘There are 19 Ligue 1 teams waiting for the solution’ – France star Fofana warns Walker he cannot stop Mbappe

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      YOUSSOUF FOFANA has “full confidence” Kylian Mbappe can destroy Kyle Walker and England – because no one else has found an answer.Walker has spoken defiantly of combating Mbappe’s pace in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final but Fofana warned: “There are 19 Ligue 1 teams waiting for the solution.”
      France frontman Kylian Mbappe has the swagger of a man with pace, form, goals and records all in his favour ahead of taking on Kyle Walker and EnglandCredit: AP
      Walker has been called a ‘tank’ by Mbappe for his power and pace once he gets going – with the two key men on collision course this SaturdayCredit: Getty
      PSG striker Mbappe is busting records, with five goals in Qatar taking him to nine WC strikes in all.
      And many believe his form and finishing make the French favourites to earn a semi-final spot against Portugal or Morocco.
      Right-back Walker – England’s only quick defender – is tipped to take the lead role in trying to curtail the 23-year-old’s explosive runs.
      Mbappe has labelled the Manchester City star a “tank” and Fofana said: “If he knows how to stop Kylian, good for him.
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      “But 19 other teams in Ligue 1, and others in the Champions League, have been waiting for the solution. 
      “The truth will come from the pitch. We have full confidence in Kylian.
      “He is focused on what the team has to do and what he has to do. I feel he is very calm and determined.”
      Walker, though, believes his own concentration, self-belief and past experience against Mbappe make him well-equipped for arguably the toughest one-on-one role in Qatar.
      Youssouf Fofana says England right-back Walker will have to do what all PSG’s Ligue 1 rivals have failed to do – stop Kylian MbappeCredit: PA
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      The 32-year-old said: “I do understand what I need to do and that’s obviously to stop him. 
      “It’s probably easier said than done, but I don’t underestimate myself. I’ve played him before.
      “I have to take extra care and give him the respect he deserves – but not too much respect because he’s also playing England and we can cause them problems.” More

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      Brazil boss Tite issues blunt response to Man Utd legend Roy Keane over ‘Strictly’ World Cup celebrations

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      TITE has hit back at Roy Keane after the pundit labelled Brazil’s dancing celebrations as ‘disrespectful’.Keane took issue with the celebrations from the Brazilian squad during their 4-1 trashing of South Korea.
      The Brazilians have at times been nicknamed ‘The Samba Boys’ for their flamboyant dancing.Credit: Rex
      The former Manchester United man compared the celebrations to ‘watching Strictly’ as the players and staff displayed their samba-style dancing, including manager Tite.
      Keane said: “It’s like watching Strictly. I can’t believe what I’m watching.
      “I don’t like this. I think it’s disrespecting the opposition. It’s four [goals] and they’re doing it every time.
      “I don’t mind the first kind of little jig – whatever they’re doing – but they’re still doing it after that and then the manager getting involved with it.
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      “I’m not happy with it, I don’t think it’s very good at all.”
      Tite has quickly jumped to defend himself and his team following the criticism.

      The 61-year-old coach said: “If I’m asked to dance, I’ll dance. It’s not my team. It is the Brazilian national team, for which I have the responsibility of being a coach. 
      “I’m sorry and I won’t talk about those who don’t know the history and culture of Brazil.”
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      He is not the first to hit back after they came under criticism either, with Brazil and West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta also making his opinion on the matter heard.
      He said: “The dance is a representation of our joy after scoring a goal. 
      “We don’t do it to disrespect anyone, we don’t do it in front of our opponents.
      “We all get together to celebrate. If they don’t like it, there’s not much to say.”
      The 25-year-old also ensured it wasn’t the end of their celebrations too.
      He added: “We’ll keep scoring goals and keep dancing. This is a group that is happy to score, to get the victory and the goals.”
      Brazil take on Croatia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup as they look to push one step further in the competition. More