World Cup 2022

SUCCESS at the World Cup with Portugal is all that matters to Cristiano Ronaldo WITH or WITHOUT his goals.The 819 career-goal forward, 37, was benched for Portugal’s World Cup round of 16 clash with Switzerland.
Cristiano Ronaldo would be happy with Portugal winning the World Cup if it meant he didn’t scoreCredit: The Mega Agency
One goal in the group stages and a sulky reaction to being subbed against South Korea left boss Fernando Santos unimpressed.
Pepe took up the captains armband in Ronaldo’s absence, and replacement striker Goncalo Ramos netted a hat-trick in the 6-1 win.
Ronaldo came on for 16 minutes with the game with the Swiss already put to bed.
But contrary to popular belief, Ronaldo would be happy with Portugal winning the World Cup if it meant he didn’t score.
READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
He said in November: “If you tell me that Portugal wins the World Cup without my goals, I’ll sign that in a moment.”
Such comments contradict Portuguese outlet Record’s reporting that Ronaldo made a threat to leave the World Cup altogether after being benched.
The Portuguese FA have rubbished the news, as has Ronaldo himself.
Sharing a snap of the squad, including himself as a sub, celebrating a goal from Tuesday, he wrote: “A group too close to be broken by outside forces. A nation too brave to let itself be frightened by any adversary.
Most read in Football
Ronaldo vs prodigy Ramos at the World Cup
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST BETTING APPS FOR THE WORLD CUP
“A team in the truest sense of the word, which will fight for the dream until the end! Believe with us! Strength, Portugal!”
The Portuguese released a statement which read: “News released this Thursday reports that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with Fernando Santos, national coach.
“The FPF clarifies that at no time did the captain of the National Team, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team during the internship in Qatar.
“Cristiano Ronaldo builds up a unique track record every day at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected and which attests to the unquestionable degree of commitment to the national team.
“Incidentally, the degree of dedication of the player most capped by Portugal was again demonstrated – if necessary – in the victory against Switzerland, in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup.
“The National Team – players, coaches and FPF structure – is, as it has been since the first day, fully committed and enthusiastic in building what the Country wants to be Portugal’s best ever participation in a World Cup.”
Portugal play World Cup dark horses Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Should they get past the North African country, a date with World Cup holders France or England in the semis awaits.
A semi-final win could set up a last dance with rival Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Brazil, Croatia or Holland in the final on December 18.
Ramos is Portugal’s top scorer More

LOUIS VAN GAAL’S Holland team are in good form on the pitch at the World Cup – with the man himself on fire off it.After kissing Denzel Dumfries following the 3-1 last-16 win over USA, Van Gaal had Memphis Depay in hysterics after bizarrely trying to lock lips with the forward.
Louis van Gaal put his arm around Memphis Depay and joked about kissing the forward on the lipsCredit: AFP
Depay couldn’t help but laugh as he jokingly wagged his finger in responseCredit: PA
Depay reacts after Van Gaal’s joked about kissing him on the lipsCredit: Getty
The 71-year-old responded hilariously to comments from Angel Di Maria, who labelled Van Gaal the “worst” coach he has ever played under.
Di Maria played under Van Gaal at Manchester United, and told TyC Sports: “My problem at Manchester was the coach.
“Van Gaal was the worst of my career. I would score, assist, and the next day he would show me my misplaced passes.
“He displaced me from one day to the other, he didn’t like players being more than him.”
Read More World Cup News

Van Gaal was then asked about Di Maria’s criticism ahead of Friday’s quarter-final between Holland and Argentina.
He spoke while sitting next to Depay, who he also coached at Old Trafford.
And Van Gaal said: “Di Maria calling me the worst manager he has ever had?
“He’s one of the few players with this opinion. I’m really sorry about this and I find it sad he said this.”
Most read in Football
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST BETTING APPS FOR THE WORLD CUP
With his arm around Depay, Van Gaal continued: “Memphis had to deal with it too at Manchester, and now we kiss each other on the mouth.”
Van Gaal’s pretend advance had the forward, and the watching reporters at the press conference, in fits of laughter.
Depay giggled as he wagged his finger and banged down on the table after his boss’ comment.
Holland take on Argentina on Friday evening for a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
The winner of that tie will face the winners of Brazil vs Croatia for a spot in the final on December 18.
Angel Di Maria slammed Van Gaal ahead of Holland vs ArgentinaCredit: Getty More

A SELF professed psychic – who claims to have predicted major events such as 9/11 and Princess Diana’s death – believes he knows who will WIN the World Cup final.Anthony Carr, 79, who has made a living forecasting world events, has issued a bold prediction ahead of the tournament’s conclusion next week – and it’s good news for the Three Lions.
Psychic Anthony Carr believes England will go all the way in the World CupCredit: SWNS
The 79-year-old claims he had a vision that the Three Lions will reach the final and win itCredit: SWNS
He claims to have had a vision of the Falklands War and therefore believes England will face Argentina in the final.
He adds that England be victorious by a scoreline of 2-0.
Anthony, from Toronto, Canada, said: “I’m not a big fan of soccer, but when my young friend and manager Justin was telling me a bit about what was going on in the World Cup.
“That’s when I had a flash of the Falklands War in 1982.
Read more on World Cup

“Something in that flash felt very familiar to me that England and Argentina would be fighting again, but this time on the playing field.
“Once again, with England being victorious as I had predicted they would be in the Falklands War to my newspaper, The Toronto Sun.
“Never have I felt so strongly about something since my 9/11 prediction.”
He added: “I’m quite prepared to face the wrath of the British crown.”
Most read in Football
“In short, if I’m wrong, sue me!”
Anthony said he has been having visions since he was a child and even claims to have read palms for celebrities such as Sylvester Stallone, Frank Sinatra and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
But he is far from the only person to have put their neck on the line regarding the Three Lions fate in this tournament in recent times.
Only this week, a brave England fan claimed that the Three Lions will win the World Cup thanks to a “premonition” in a dream.
While a fortune teller – who makes predictions using asparagus – revealed how far she believes England will get in this year’s competition.  
And another bloke claimed he is absolutely certain he knows how well England will do in the tournament – despite having no proof to back it up.
It all comes ahead of England’s huge quarter final clash against France on Saturday evening as Gareth Southgate’s side bid to progress to the last four.
One supposed time traveller claimed this week that the tie will be close affair, with England ultimately coming out on top.
TikToker user Keane, who regularly posts on his channel, told social media users that the Three Lions will roar to victory by bagging two goals in the game against the current World champions.
Read More on The Sun
In the barmy video, he claims Didier Deschamps’ side will only net one goal, squandering the French’s bid for glory.
Keane said in the clip: “I time travelled and England beat France 2-1 in the quarter-final. Put your money on it!” More

LUKA MODRIC has no intention of retiring from the Croatian national team despite heading into twilight of his career. The Real Madrid star became a hero for his country after leading them to the World Cup final in 2018.
Luka Modric made his debut for Croatia in 2006 aged just 20 and made his 156th appearance in Qatar, aged 37.
The 37-year-old wears the armband for his nation and has racked up a whopping 159 appearances for the side, more than any other player.
Despite many assuming the Qatar World Cup would be his final swan song due to his age, Modric has been quick to dispel any rumours.
He said: “No, I won’t leave the national team. I feel very fit, very good and I’ll stay here until I can.
“There’s no reason to retire. It’s my choice. People say I should leave and focus on club football. I don’t agree”
READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
The midfield maestro has had an illustrious club career outside of international football, winning five Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles.
Modric has also had his fair share of individual accolades, winning the Ballon d’Or in 2018 as well as UEFA Player of the Year.
The former Tottenham man will be hoping to cement his name in footballing folklore by taking his nation one step further to win the World Cup in Qatar.
Croatia finished second in Group F before beating Japan on penalties in the round of 16 of the tournament.
Most read in Football

HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
They face favourites Brazil next as they fight to push onto the semi-finals of the competition.
Modric is yet to register a goal or assist in the four games he’s played in Qatar so far.
The star is currently in the midst of his tenth season in Madrid after his move from North London in 2012.
He has amassed 454 appearances for the La Liga champions and has scored 36 goals and registered 74 assists. More

MAURICIO POCHETTINO has named Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham in a wacky all-time World Cup XI.And the former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham manager has left out his Argentine compatriot Lionel Messi.
Mauricio Pochettino has been watching plenty of the action in QatarCredit: Getty
Poch selected Zinedine Zidane at left wing-backCredit: AP
In addition to working as a pundit for the BBC during the World Cup, Pochettino has been contributing for The Athletic.
In an article featuring a number of columnists’ all-time World Cup XIs, Pochettino went for an unorthodox approach.
Clearly just having a bit of fun, Poch used a bizarre 3-3-1-3 formation – stretching the positions that his players could be deployed in.
The team didn’t feature Messi, or any modern day stars.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP

Explaining these omissions, Pochettino, 50, said: “So, the rule of my team was that only players who had finished playing were eligible — so you understand why there’s no Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe, Neymar etc.”
On his unusual positioning of iconic No10 Zidane, Pochettino – who once deployed Son Heung-min at left wing-back in an FA Cup semi-final – explained that his strategy would be all-out attack.
He added: “But still you’re asking me if I’m crazy, right? Zinedine Zidane as a left wing-back?
“I would say: ‘Don’t worry’. The positions will be interchangeable.
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
Pochettino made some bold choices
“We have three of the greatest central defenders of all time and a brilliant goalkeeper.
“Also, we are going to score so many goals that nobody will catch us.”
Pochettino named legendary Cameroonian Thomas N’Kono in goal, with the 56-year-old having represented his country at World Cups in 1982, 1990 and 1994.
His back line comprises of Carles Puyol, Franz Beckenbauer and Paolo Maldini – all three having won the competition with their respective nations.
Becks and Zidane are Pochettino’s “interchangeable” wing-backs.
While Michael Laudrup is Poch’s silky lone midfielder.
Pochettino’s fellow Argentine and good friend, the late Diego Maradona, is in the No10 position that Zidane would often find himself in.
While Johan Cruyff, Pele and Hristo Stoichkov make up a formidable front line.
Pochettino was a great friend of the late, great Diego MaradonaCredit: Getty
The Argentine reckons Becks would make a good wing-backCredit: Getty – Contributor More

DECLAN RICE has returned to England training just 48 hours before their huge World Cup quarter-final against France.The West Ham skipper, 23, did not train with the rest of Gareth Southgate’s squad on Wednesday due to illness.
Declan Rice is a key part of Gareth Southgate’s starting line-upCredit: Getty
That raised alarm bells for Three Lions supporters as they look ahead to their mammoth game with France this weekend.
But Kalvin Phillips, who would be one of the first players in line to replace Rice should he be unavailable, was quick to reassure England fans.
Speaking in a press conference on Thursday, he said: “I believe Dec is fit, he’s back in training and he’s fine.
“If something goes wrong, then I’ll be there and I’ll do my best to be fit for 90 minutes.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP

“I want to play as many minutes as possible.”
Rice has started all four of England’s games in Qatar, making the position at the base of Southgate’s midfield his own.
Since making his international debut in 2019, he has racked up 38 caps for his country.
For the opening two matches of the World Cup against Iran and USA, Rice played as the holder in a three that also consisted of Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount.
Most read in Football
But for the Wales match, Southgate switched Mount out for Jordan Henderson.
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST WORLD CUP BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
And England have subsequently looked superbly balanced in the middle of the park, fielding that trio again in the convincing win over Senegal.
Rice’s return to training was not the only boost the England manager received on Thursday.
It was also confirmed Raheem Sterling will re-join the squad on Friday after having to fly home following a burglary at his home.
The biggest concern for the Three Lions remains France talisman Kylian Mbappe who has five goals in three games at this World Cup – two more than any other player.
Yet Phillips has total faith in England right-back Kyle Walker – who will be tasked with trying to stop the Paris Saint-Germain superstar.
Asked about the battle, Walker’s Manchester City team-mate Phillips said: “Kyle is the quickest player I’ve ever seen play football.
“A lot of people ask how fast he is, but you cant really put it into words.
“You just have to see him out on the training pitch or in one-on-ones with a really good player and we’ll see that in a few days.
“Obviously we know Kylian Mbappe is a good player and one of the top players over the past few years.
“But we’re just focused on what we’ve got to do, and focused on how we can stop not just stop Mbappe, but Giroud, Griezmann etc.
Read More on The Sun
“If there’s anyone I’d like to put up against Mbappe to stop him, it’s Kyle Walker.
“He’s an unbelievable defender and probably the only one that’s quicker than him.” More

FRENCH newspaper L’Equipe have named Harry Maguire as England’s dangerman ahead of their crunch World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.Gareth Southgate’s side face off against the reigning world champions for a place in the last four in Qatar.
Harry Maguire has been superb at the World Cup so farCredit: Getty
Kylian Mbappe has been widely discussed as France’s key man heading into the tie after his five goals in four games in Qatar.
He has already netted nine times in just 11 appearances across his two World Cups and is one of the most frightening stars at the tournament.
For England, many would label the likes of Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka or Jude Bellingham as the team’s main threat.
But L’Equipe have identified centre-back Maguire as the one member of the Three Lions squad to watch out for this weekend.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
How Maguire and France talisman Kylian Mbappe stack up
The Manchester United defender’s prowess at set-pieces is a fear for many teams.
He should have been awarded a penalty after being brought down in the box during a corner in the Iran win.
And minutes later he was inches away from scoring from another corner, crashing a header off the crossbar.
Only Kane, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford have scored more goals for England since Southgate took over – with the United man hitting the back of the net seven times in 52 caps for his country.
Most read in Football

BETTING SPECIAL – BEST BETTING APPS FOR THE WORLD CUP
France conceded from a corner against Denmark in the group stage.
And the French press are wary of Maguire as they bid to keep their hopes of defending the World Cup trophy alive.
In particular, they are concerned about England’s screening of Maguire at corners (putting a man in front of him to stop defenders from getting close).
L’Equipe said: “One of the great English strengths is the screen: as in basketball, a team-mate positions himself in the trajectory of Maguire’s marker and blocks him or forces him to go around him, which will free the defender of Manchester United.”
They then went on to add: “The Englishman exudes plenty of upper body power and uses his arms to gain the upper hand.”
Meanwhile, much of the focus heading into the game is on the blockbuster battle between Mbappe and England right-back Kyle Walker.
But the Manchester City man is not intimidated by the Paris Saint-Germain forward.
Speaking about the match-up with Mbappe, Walker said: “The game isn’t England v Mbappe, it’s England vs France.
“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 do understand what I need to do and that’s to stop him. It’s probably easier said than done but I don’t underestimate myself.
Read More on The Sun
“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.”
Mbappe is in line to win the Golden Boot at this year’s World CupCredit: Getty More

MARCUS RASHFORD is the latest England star to take on the gauntlet that is Bukayo Saka’s “spelling school.”A host of other Three Lions stars including Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Declan Rice have all tried and failed to pass Saka’s tricky spelling tests.

Marcus Rashford was the latest England star to be tested by Bukayo SakaCredit: TikTok @bukayosaka87
Upon realising he was being filmed Rashford burst out laughingCredit: TikTok @bukayosaka87
He then attempted to spell the word “embarrassed”Credit: TikTok @bukayosaka87
Jack Grealish has also been tested on his spellingCredit: TikTok / @bukayosaka87
Declan Rice fell victim to the test tooCredit: TikTok / @bukayosaka87
Saka is England’s top goalscorer at the World CupCredit: PA
And Manchester United ace Rashford became the latest cornered England star.
Saka has previously tested his pals on words including aesthetic, rhythm and pronunciation.
After realising he was being filmed Rashford burst into laughter, as Saka revealed his word was “embarrassed.”
Following a moment’s thought Rashford gave it his best shot, and was so close to becoming the first person to pass Saka’s spelling school.
READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS

However, Rashford went with just one r, when in fact he needed two.
To signal Rashford’s wrong answer, Saka made an attempt at a Britain’s Got Talent style buzzer before bursting out into laughter and shouting: “You’re wrong.”
The camaraderie in the England camp appears to be very high, and Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has been doing all he can to ensure his squad remains relaxed before they face France on Saturday.
This tactic included a secret gig from former Take That singer Robbie Williams after he paid the England camp a visit last night.
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
The inflatables are back too, while the squad have been bonding over a card game called Werewolf.
England just edge out France when it comes to meeting them in tournaments.
The record goes two games in England’s favour, one win in France’s and two draws, with Saturday’s quarter-final being the sixth time the nations have met in competitive international football.
While the overall record is good news, the catch to this is that England last beat France in 1982.
But an apparent time traveller has already predicted England to come out on top against Kylian Mbappe and Co. More