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    Imaan Hammam stuns in red Victoria’s Secret lingerie as she backs Morocco in World Cup

    MODEL Imaan Hammam shows her unwavering support for the surprise package of the Qatar World Cup.She is half Moroccan and showed her allegiance by modelling Victoria’s Secret lingerie in the team’s red.
    Model Imaan Hammam stuns in red Victoria’s Secret lingerieCredit: Victoria’s Secret
    Imaan has also got behind Morocco by posting pictures of herself wearing the team shirt during the World Cup
    Imaan, 26, has also got behind the team by posting pictures of herself wearing the team shirt.
    Morocco — the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals — play France tonight.
    Let’s see if they can pull a Rabat out of the hat . . 
    Imaan has previously credited her mum for inspiring her in her modelling career.
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    She said: “I don’t come from a wealthy family.
    “We’ve had our struggles but she was inspirational.
    “My mum has been a big inspiration for me as well.”
    Imaan, who has Moroccan-Egyptian heritage, first made it big aged 17 when she walked the runway for Givenchy in 2014.
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    She has since become an international star and has posed for fashion houses including McQueen and Versace. More

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    Argentina vs Croatia LIVE RESULT: Alvarez and Messi combine as sublime Argentina reach World Cup final – reaction

    ARGENTINA have reached the World Cup final after a stunning 3-0 win over Croatia.Star man Lionel Messi rifled home a penalty to put Argentina in front at the Lusail Stadium, before Julian Alvarez doubled the lead.
    Alvarez then scored again for Argentina’s third after some incredible work from Messi to set the Man City ace up.
    Argentina will now face France or Morocco – who play in their World Cup semi-final tomorrow night.

    Result: Argentina 3-0 Croatia
    World Cup final: Kick-off time and TV info
    Argentina XI: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Julian Alvarez
    Croatia XI: Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic

    Get £40 in FREE BETS when you stake £10 on any World Cup semi-final
    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    That’s all from the Lusail Stadium
    Argentina have booked their spot in Sunday’s World Cup final with a spectacular 3-0 win over Croatia.
    Meanwhile, it’s the end of the road for Luka Modric and the Blazers.
    Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
    Race for the Golden Boot
    Lionel Messi is now level with France’s Kylian Mbappe on World Cup goals.

    Messi wins Player of the Match award
    Another to add to the trophy cabinet…
    Credit: Getty
    Lionel Messi reacts
    “I would say the first match [the defeat against Saudi Arabia] was a hard blow because we had been unbeaten in six matches. To start in such a way in a World Cup, we did not think we would lose to Saudi Arabia.
    “It was an acid test of the whole squad but we proved how strong we are. We won the other matches and it was very difficult what we did. Every match was a final and we were aware if we did not win things would be complicated for us.
    “We have won five finals and I hope this is the case for the final on Sunday. We lost in the first match due to fine details but it helped us to be stronger.”
    Credit: Getty
    Full Time – Argentina 3-0 Croatia
    Here’s THAT Lionel Messi assist.
    You’re welcome.

    Jul the World
    Julian Alvarez is the youngest player to score twice in a World Cup semi-final or final since Pele in 1958.
    Credit: Getty
    Cup for it
    Argentina have reached the World Cup final for the sixth time, doing so in two of the last three editions of the competition – only Germany have reached more finals in the competition.
    Credit: AP
    Full Time – Argentina 3-0 Croatia
    A clinical performance from Argentina.

    From the grounds
    SunSport’s Martin Lipton reports live from the Lusail Stadium:
    “You may remember all that kerfuffle at the start of last season.
    “Spurs and Aston Villa caved when Romero, Martinez and Buendia told them they were not going to listen to a demand to stay behind and headed off for international duty – despite Covid rules which meant quarantine on their return.
    “Indeed, their Covid status caused absolute chaos when the qualifying match against Brazil was cancelled because some of the Argentines faked their exemption certificates.
    “But this is why they would do anything to play for their country. Anything.
    “That sheer sense of national pride, echoing from all sides of the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
    “Even the subs on the sidelines are joining in the songs now.”
    Credit: Reuters
    Full Time – Argentina 3-0 Croatia
    They’ve done it!
    Argentina have booked their spot in the World Cup final!
    Credit: AFP
    90+4. Argentina 3-0 Croatia
    Chance for Croatia as Vlasic attempts a shot from the edge of the box, but he blazes the strike wide.
    90+1. Argentina 3-0 Croatia
    Five minutes have been added on.
    Argentina are just five minutes away from a World Cup final…
    From the grounds
    SunSport’s Martin Lipton reports live from the Lusail Stadium:
    “The Argentine fans are pogo-ing all round the stadium.
    “This is delirium, joy, devotion, delight.
    “Modric departs. Is that a glimmer of a tear in his gimlet eyes?
    “Maybe.
    “But what a career. What a player. Heart and soul of his team.”
    86. Argentina 3-0 Croatia
    Another change for Argentina as Foyth replaces Molina.
    85. Argentina 3-0 Croatia
    Huge chance for Croatia!
    Majer sends a corner towards Perisic in the box.
    The wing-back flicks it on at the front post as Lovren makes a direct run at goal, but the defender can’t get a touch on the ball to direct it on target.
    83. Argentina 3-0 Croatia
    Chance for Argentina as Mac Allister fires a shot at goal, but his effort flies wide.
    81. Argentina 3-0 Croatia
    Another change for Croatia.
    Modric leaves the pitch in what could be his final World Cup game.
    He has been replaced by Majer.
    Credit: Getty
    78. Argentina 3-0 Croatia
    Argentina have made two more changes.
    Dybala has replaced Alvarez.
    Palacios has replaced De Paul.
    From the grounds
    SunSport’s Martin Lipton reacts to Alvarez’s goal from the Lusail Stadium:
    “Okay, that’s just sensational.
    “Utterly sensational.
    “And it means Argentina and Messi get the chance for their last Tango against the Parisians.
    “Gvardiol has been outstanding all month.
    “But the masked defender looked like an out of control bull being tormented by a matador as Messi left him with twisted blood before pulling back for Alvarez to sweep home.
    “The victory chants are exactly that. This one is done and dusted.
    “Argentina are back here in Lusail on Sunday.
    “Revenge for Nizhny Novgorod four years ago.
    “More importantly, another World Cup Final.”
    70. Argentina 3-0 Croatia
    Wow.
    Messi picks up the ball on halfway line before driving down the right, cutting into the box and leaving Gvardiol in the dust.
    He then squares it to Alvarez with an inch-perfect pass and the striker slots it past Livakovic and into the back of the net.
    Credit: Getty
    69. GOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL ARGENTINA!
    Alvarez strikes again after a moment of sheer magic from Messi!

    68. Argentina 2-0 Croatia
    Romero is booked for a clumsy challenge on Petkovic.
    From the grounds
    SunSport’s Martin Lipton reports live from the Lusail Stadium:
    “Sending on Martinez for Paredes and going five at the back signals Argentina are less than confident about their defensive line.
    “But it will hand Croatia the initiative.
    “Holland caused mayhem by launching it towards the box.
    “That is not the Croatian way, normally.
    “Yet needs must, when the Devil drives.”
    63. Argentina 2-0 Croatia
    Huge chance for Croatia as Lovren climbs above his marker to get onto the end of a cross and head the ball towards goal, but Martinez comes off his line to make the save.
    62. Argentina 2-0 Croatia
    Argentina make a change.
    Paredes makes way for Lisandro Martinez.
    Load more entries… More

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    Watch Messi ‘BULLY’ Gvardiol with mind-boggling run to set up Argentina goal against Croatia in World Cup semi-final

    LIONEL MESSI was accused of “BULLYING” Josko Gvardiol and the rest of the Croatia defence with his wizardry. Messi put Argentina in the lead before Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez made it 2-0 in the World Cup quarter-final.
    Lionel Messi skips past Croatia’s Josko GvardiolCredit: Getty

    The duo then linked up again to put the game beyond doubt with 20 minutes to go.
    Alvarez finished off after a mesmerising run, in which the PSG superstar gave RB Leipzig’s Gvardiol the run around.
    Messi’s twisting and turning left the defender in a heap of trouble – and fans online in awe.
    One said: “Messi is a joke. He’s just scrambled Gvardiol on multiple occasions in a 10-second spell. Bullying.”
    READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
    Another said: “Listen to me. Gvardiol is a good defender. Very good. Lionel Messi just destroyed him. DESTROYED HIM.”
    One added: “Not Messi alone bullying Croatia’s defence.”
    Another added: “Messi is just bullying Croatia out there.”
    Messi admitted before the winter World Cup in Qatar that is is “likely” his last.
    Most read in Football
    He is bidding to guide Argentina to glory for the first time since 1986, when they were inspired by the iconic Diego Maradona.
    Messi has already made history in the tournament by becoming Argentina’s all-time top scorer in World Cup competition with 11 goals.
    He surpassed Gabriel Batistuta after scoring against Croatia from the spot, before the game ended 3-0 to book their place in the final.
    Lionel Messi celebrates his assistCredit: Rex More

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    Argentina 3 Croatia 0: Messi inspires his nation to World Cup final with goal and assist while Alvarez nets stunner

    THE stage is set for one last tango, and the little man will be taking the lead.For the third and final goal of a memorable evening, Lionel Messi led Josko Gvardiol a merry dance.
    Lionel Messi scored his fifth goal of this World Cup as Argentina beat CroatiaCredit: Reuters
    Croatia’s keeper Dominik Livakovic brought down Julian Alvarez for the spot kickCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
    Messi stepped up to convert his third penalty in QatarCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
    He blasted the spot kick high into the top corner beyond LivakovicCredit: Getty
    Messi will now have a second shot at winning a World Cup finalCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
    Once, twice, three times, maybe four, the Argentina captain beat one of the outstanding defenders at this tournament.
    Then he laid it on a plate for Julian Alvarez to seal a convincing victory over a Croatian team that had previously refused to lose.
    Messi also set Argentina on their way with the opening goal from the penalty spot that means he now holds his country’s record for World Cup goals.
    But the only thing he really wants in his grasp is that golden trophy on Sunday.
    READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
    And as the blue and white hordes sang their hearts out, you could not help believing that he will.
    Earlier in the tournament, beIN SPORTS presenter Richard Keys had dismissively described Argentina as “Messi and 10 of his mates”.
    But against the ultimate collective, Croatia, Lionel Scaloni’s men proved they are a proper team, not a one-man band.
    The captain scored the crucial opening goal but the spotkick was won by 22-year-old Alvarez after a lofted pass by 21-year-old Enzo Fernandez.
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    When the Manchester City striker grabbed the second, after a Messi pass, it was thanks to lung-busting decoy runs by Rodrigo De Paul and right back Nahuel Molina.
    That goal felt like the ultimate tribute to what Scaloni is on the verge of achieving.
    Until recently, the Argentina boss was best known in England for a short spell with West Ham that included giving the ball away in the build-up to Steven Gerrard’s wondergoal for Liverpool in the 2006 FA Cup Final.
    Now he’s going to give Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion their first representatives in a World Cup final.
    Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was deemed not good enough for Arsenal, yet he’s set to line up for football’s ultimate showpiece.
    Carlos Mac Allister, dad of Seagulls star Alexis, played with Diego Maradona.
    The band of brothers that Scaloni has created with, not around, Messi, will now try to emulate the 1986 side led by El Diego.
    Speaking after the game, Messi said: “I feel many things, it’s very exciting to see all this. Seeing the people, the family throughout the World Cup was something incredible. We’re going for the last game, which was what we wanted.
    “I don’t know if it’s my best World Cup or not. I’ve been enjoying this a lot for a long time.
    “We were confident that this group was going to pull it off. We know what we are and we ask the people to believe in us.
    “Argentina is, once again, in the world final. Enjoy!
    “We’ve been through tough situations, other very good ones. Today we’re experiencing something spectacular. I’m enjoying all these people and all the Argentines who are in our country. I imagine it must all be crazy.
    “We knew we weren’t the top candidates, but we weren’t going to give anyone anything. We showed it game by game.”
    As for that other great No 10, it was just not Luka Modric’s night.
    He and his team were the better side until their defence fell apart twice in seven first-half minutes.
    They dominated the ball in the early stages and their possession was neater and crisper than their opponents’.
    Moreover, their shape and diligence was cutting off the supply route to Messi, who barely had a kick for the first 20 minutes.
    Neither side was giving its forwards much to work with, though, and when an effort on goal finally arrived in the 25th minute, it was from range. Even then Fernandez’s effort was probably going wide and did not need Dominik Livakovic’s save.
    But a few minutes later the Croatian goalkeeper was found wanting.
    Alvarez doubled Argentina’s lead with a superb solo goalCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
    Argentina will play Morocco or France in Sunday’s finalCredit: Richard Pelham -The Sun
    Alvarez buried Messi’s pullback to give Argentina a thirdCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
    Messi and Alvarez scored and assisted all of Argentina’s three goalsCredit: Getty
    Fernandez’s ball over the top caught out the defence, Alvarez raced on and tipped the ball over Livakovic, who took him down.
    There could be no arguments about the penalty, although Mateo Kovacic’s best efforts earned him a yellow card and coach Mario Mandzukic was sent off from the bench.
    And there were none about Messi’s conversion as he hit it high, hard and handsome to Livakovic’s left.
    The Argentina fans, whose early passion and volume had diminished a little, found their voices again.
    Five minutes later, they turned it up to 11.
    A Croatia attack broke down and Messi found Alvarez breaking from his own half. The brilliant diagonal run by Molina in particular caused panic, full backs Josip Juranovic and Borna Sosa failed to clear and Alvarez took advantage of a ricochet to prod the ball home.
    Only a fine save by Livakovic after a corner stopped Mac Allister heading in a corner.
    Suddenly, Messi was everywhere, twisting, turning and tormenting.
    Martinez pushed away a Juranovic cross but that was it for Croatian threats on goal.
    Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic made a double change at half time and his team regained some of their composure.
    But Argentina were menacing on the break.
    Alvarez almost teed up Fernandez, who is adding to the price Benfica can demand from with every game, then Messi forced a save from Livakovic at his near post.
    Dejan Lovren had a chance to head Croatia back into the game, but any lingering hope soon died.
    Poor Gvardiol didn’t know which way to turn until Messi pulled the ball back to Alvarez and then he could only watch as it was despatched into the net.
    Mac Allister had a late chance to make it four, Ivan Perisic’s flick on from a corner at the other end went begging, and then it was over.
    Read More on The Sun
    But the dream is not. The fairytale ending that many neutrals wanted is there for the writing.
    And Argentina will hope that Messi – and his team – have something godlike saved for Sunday.
    Messi’s standout moment came in his assist for Argentina’s third goalCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
    The World Cup is the one trophy that has eluded Messi throughout his careerCredit: Getty
    Argentina have not won the World Cup since 1986Credit: Getty More

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    Watch Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright row on live TV with former ref over penalty given to Argentina vs Croatia

    ROY KEANE, Gary Neville and Ian Wright believe Argentina were WRONGFULLY awarded a penalty in their World Cup semi-final clash with Croatia.Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez, 22, honed in on Croatia’s goal and lifted the ball over goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

    Livakovic took out Alvarez and a penalty was awardedCredit: Getty
    Keane, Neville and Wright believe the referee made the wrong decisionCredit: ITV
    Ex-ref Walton backed the referee’s decision to award Argentina a penalty.Credit: ITV
    The Keeper cleaned Alvarez out and the ball was swept clear before it could cross the line.
    Referee Daniele Orsato then awarded a penalty and booked Livakovic for the challenge.
    Lionel Messi stepped up and converted from the penalty spot to hand Argentina a semi-final lead.
    It took Messi’s World Cup goals tally to 11, making him the South American’s all-time top scorer at the tournament.
    READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
    Alvarez then got a goal of his own to hand Argentina a two-goal lead heading into half-time.
    However, ITV’s punditry team consisting of Premier League legends Keane, Neville and Wright, believe Argentina’s penalty shouldn’t have been awarded.

    The trio believe Livakovic had nowhere to go and Alvarez in fact ran into the keeper.
    Neville fumed: “No (it should not have been a penalty), not at all. We’re right above it here, this angle is a little further away but the ‘keeper comes out, he basically just makes a movement to his right, stops himself before the actual shot is about to be taken and Alvarez just runs into him and takes his leg away.
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    “This is not a penalty. What else can he do? He has to make that motion to try and save the ball, he plants his feet.
    “If he’d carried on running out and taken out Alvarez then fair enough, but he stops before it and I don’t know if that’s a penalty.”
    Wright added: “When you look at it, the centre forward, he’s actually mis-kicked it to be honest. If he hits it and it goes into the goal, the goalkeeper can’t do anything like you say, he’s stopped.
    “Alvarez miskicks it, it’s not going into the goal, the goalkeeper can’t do anything else but stand his ground and he runs into him. The referee didn’t have a look, I can’t understand it.”
    While Keane said: “Poor defending overall to let him get a run in on goal, but I agree with the lads I don’t think it’s a penalty, where else are you supposed to go?”
    Former referee Peter Walton, however, agreed with the decision to award the spot-kick.
    Walton says if the situation was flipped and the incident involved an outfield player, a foul would be given, so it shouldn’t be any different when involving a goalie.
    Keane could be heard saying “wow”, as Walton gave his reasoning.
    Alvarez got his second of the night in the second 45, finishing off a well-worked move orchestrated by Messi, booking Argentina’s place in their sixth-ever World Cup final. More

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    Lionel Messi caught in ‘uncomfortable’ gaffe on live TV during Argentina vs Croatia as viewers baffled by coverage

    WORLD CUP viewers were left baffled after TV cameras lingered on Lionel Messi scratching his private parts during Argentina’s win over Croatia.The 35-year-old lit up the first-half, scoring from the penalty spot to help his side into a 2-0 lead.
    Lionel Messi was caught itching his nether regions during Argentina’s clash with Croatia
    As he came out for the second period, telly cameras inevitably focused on the Argentine superstar.
    Just as they did, Messi decided to itch his nether regions… for millions watching at home to see.
    And as TV cameras took in the awkward moment, fans quickly commented on social media.
    One wrote: “Why did they zoom in on Messi playing with his balls im kind of uncomfortable.”
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    And a second added: “just had to watch Messi scratch his balls for 10 seconds on live tv.”
    A third Twitter user joked: “obligatory shot of Messi scratching his balls in different angles.”
    While a fourth asked: “why’d they zoom into Messi scratching his balls?”
    Another seemed to enjoy it, however, tweeting: “The close up shot of Lionel Messi scratching his balls has got to be the highlight of this World Cup in my opinion.”
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    A further fan quipped: “the cameramen giving like three different angles of messi scratching his balls. This is what football is all about.”
    And another added: “Thanks World Cup control room for giving us multiple angles of a close up on Messi scratching his nuts. Vital television.”
    Messi’s 34th minute penalty was followed by a stunning, albeit fortuitous, solo goal by Julian Alvarez.
    And in the 70th minute he produced another moment of magic, bamboozling Josko Gvardiol before teeing up Alvarez for his side’s third as they coasted to a 3-0 victory.
    Messi is aiming to win the World Cup for the first time during his glittering career.

    He has reached one previous final, losing 1-0 to Germany in Brazil eight years ago.
    But will face his date with destiny on Sunday against either Morocco or France.
    Messi, 35, is aiming to win the World Cup for the first timeCredit: Getty More

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    Croatia coach and ex-player Mario Mandzukic sent off on bench after being left fuming with penalty given to Argentina

    CROATIA coach Mario Mandzukic was sent off while on the bench after being left fuming with Argentina’s penalty. Lionel Messi put his side 1-0 up in the World Cup quarter-final after Julian Alvarez was brought down by keeper Dominik Livakovic.
    Julian Alvarez is taken down by Dominik LivakovicCredit: Getty
    Messi converted from the spot, to become Argentina’s all-time World Cup scorer on 11, but ex-Croatia star Mandzukic was left raging.
    The ex-striker angrily contested the decision, so much so that it saw him dismissed from the bench and match itself.
    Manchester City’s Alvarez then doubled Argentina’s lead before the half-time break.
    But the foul that subsequently led to Messi’s opener from 12 yards was hotly disputed in the ITV studio.
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    Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane all agreed that it should not have been given.
    But retired referee and expert Peter Walton said the right decision was made, as Livakovic missed the ball and impeded the player.
    Co-commentators Ally Mccoist and Lee Dixon also believe a penalty should have been awarded.
    The team of Messi and Alvarez again linked up with the City forward doubling his lead to make it 3-0 after 70 minutes.
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    Reigning champions France and Morocco contest for the second place in the final tomorrow night.
    France beat England 2-1 to progress to the last four, with Harry Kane missing a late penalty.
    Meanwhile Morocco stunned Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to become the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final.
    Julian Alvarez celebrates with Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters More

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    Man Utd legend Roy Keane defends Argentina’s ‘s***housery’ tactics in fiery World Cup win over Holland

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane defended Argentina’s “s***housery” tactics against the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals.The Albiceleste made it to the semi-finals after eliminating Holland in a fiery encounter that saw them draw 2-2 before Lionel Messi and co won 4-3 on penalties.
    Argentina beat the Netherlands in a fiery World Cup quarter-finalCredit: Rex
    Manchester United legend Roy Keane defended Argentina’s “s***housery” tacticsCredit: Twitter @itvfootball
    That was the most heated game of the entire World Cup in Qatar as referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz issued 18 yellows cards, two of which became a red for Dutch star Denzel Dumfries.
    The tension wasn’t contained on the pitch as Argentine stars took shots at the Oranje after the game backstage as well.
    Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez slammed Netherlands’ then manager Louis van Gaal saying he “needs to keep his mouth shut”.
    Argentina captain Messi, on the other hand, yelled at Wout Weghorst during his a post-match interview and called him “stupid”.
    Read More on Man Utd
    Keane was part of the ITV panel previewing the Argentines’ semi-final clash with Croatia.
    The ex-United captain was joined by Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who described the quarter-final scenes as “pure housery”.
    But the former Republic of Ireland hardman praised Lionel Scaloni’s men because they showed fight.
    Keane told ITV: “I didn’t like to see that, but what we have to say, we criticised them after the first game [2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia] when they got beaten, saying they didn’t show enough fight.
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    “So we can’t now criticise them for that because that is fight. We don’t like to see it but they showed that.
    “They’re desperate to win and when you play top level football, you do stuff on the pitch, you look back and think ‘Maybe I shouldn’t’ have done it’.
    “But when you’re that desperate to win, I don’t think you can be too critical.
    “You get the feeling they’d do ANYTHING to win this football match tonight.” More