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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”.
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    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

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    Chelsea star Conor Gallagher and stunning Wag Aime May enjoy romantic ski holiday after taking helicopter ride over Alps

    CHELSEA star Conor Gallagher is getting over England’s World Cup woes with a ski trip to the Alps with stunning Wag Aime May. Gallagher, 22, was a part of Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the Qatar winter tournament.
    Gallagher and Aime are in the Alps skiingCredit: Instagram
    Gallagher is getting over England’s World Cup heartacheCredit: Instagram
    Aime is a 23-year-old influencerCredit: Instagram
    Aime shared the couple’s adventures to her InstagramCredit: Instagram
    They enjoyed a helicopter rideCredit: Instagram
    However, he didn’t manage to get on the pitch in England’s five fixtures.
    England made it out of Group B with two wins and a draw.
    They beat African champions Senegal 3-0 in the round of 16.
    But lost their quarter-final clash with world champions, France, 2-1 at the weekend.
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    Southgate’s men landed back in the UK on Sunday and Blues ace Gallagher immediately jetted elsewhere.
    The midfielder went with stunning 23-year-old Wag Aime May to the Alps, where he enjoyed a helicopter ride.
    The happy couple also enjoyed a cabin candle-lit dinner before hitting the ski slopes.
    Gallagher is enjoying some time away before he re-joins Chelsea ahead of the restart of competitive domestic club football.
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    Chelsea play their first Premier League game post-World Cup on December 27 at home to Bournemouth.
    However, they’re heading into that game off the back of a 1-0 friendly defeat to Aston Villa.
    Aime is an influencerCredit: Instagram @ainemaykennedy
    She and Gallagher have been an item for some time
    She regularly shares glam updates on InstagramCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Gallagher was all smiles in the helicopterCredit: Instagram
    Aime and Gallagher arrived in St. MoritzCredit: Instagram
    The couple enjoyed a candle-lit cabin dinnerCredit: Instagram More

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    Watch Lionel Messi score unstoppable penalty against Croatia to set incredible World Cup record for Argentina

    LIONEL MESSI became Argentina’s all-time World Cup top goalscorer with an unsavable penalty. The PSG star put his side 1-0 up in the quarter-finals in Qatar against Croatia from the spot.
    Lionel Messi scores from the spot against CroatiaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

    He riffled it into the roof of the net, leaving keeper Dominik Livakovic with no chance.
    It proved record-breaking as Messi moved to 11 goals in World Cup competition, surpassing Gabriel Batistuta.
    Batistuta played for Argentina from 1991–2002, scoring 56 times with ten of those in the World Cup.
    Messi, who debuted in 2005, is now on 96 international goals as he bids to win the World Cup in what could be his last attempt.
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    Argentina have not lifted football’s most prestigious prize since 1986, led by the iconic Diego Maradona.
    Messi, 35, admitted before the winter World Cup that it would “likely” be his final.
    He helped his side reach Sunday’s final after a goal and assist in Argentina’s eventual 3-0 win over Croatia.
    And his former Barcelona team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic reckons it is written in the stars for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
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    He said: “I think it’s already written who will win – and you know who I mean. I think Messi will lift the trophy; it’s already written.”
    Ibrahimovic added: “I don’t think it’s a surprise because I knew they were good before the World Cup. Then obviously in the World Cup everything can happen.
    “That they reached the semi-final, maybe a little surprised, but remember it’s a good team, a good nation.
    “And these surprises I think the people like; they enjoy because they want these things to happen so they get some kind of extra adrenaline.”
    Lionel Messi celebrates scoring for ArgentinaCredit: Getty More

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    Watch Man City star Julian Alvarez score ‘Maradona’ goal against Croatia in amazing run from his own box for Argentina

    JULIAN ALVAREZ put Argentina 2-0 up against Croatia after a brilliant run from his own half.The sensational solo goal immediately drew comparisons with Diego Maradona’s strike against England in 1986, despite requiring a little bit of luck.

    Julian Alvarez began his run from deepCredit: ITV
    The Argentina made his way into the boxCredit: ITV
    After a fortunate ricochet Alvarez beat Dominik Livakovic one on oneCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Alvarez, 22, was back defending a Croatia set-piece during tonight’s semi-final, when Argentina managed to launch a counter-attack.
    Its initial protagonist Lionel Messi was brought down, although the ball subsequently fell to Alvarez just shy of the halfway line.
    From there he embarked on an amazing solo run, driving at the heart of the Croatian defence.
    It appeared that Josip Juranovic had managed to tackle him, only for the ball to ricochet back into Alvarez’s path.
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    Left-back Borna Sosa then seemed favourite to cut out the attack, only for his scuffed clearance to also rebound back to Alvarez.
    The forward then found himself through on goal, poking the ball past Dominik Livakovic to give his side a 2-0 lead five minutes before half-time.
    Despite elements of good fortune, the goal was compared to Maradona’s by fans online.
    One wrote: “The goal scored by Julian Alvarez is better than that of Maradona in 86.”
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    Diego Maradona bamboozled England in 1986Credit: AFP
    While a second excitedly tweeted: “ALVAREZ GOT HIS MARADONA GOAL.”
    A third frantically tweeted: “MARADONA LIVES IN JULIAN ALVAREZ.”
    Alvarez had already played his part in Argentina’s first effort.
    The forward was played through one on one with Livakovic, poking the ball beyond the goalkeeper before finding himself being clattered.
    After his goal-bound effort was cleared, the referee pointed to the penalty spot, with Messi making no mistake from 12 yards.
    Alvarez went on to make it 3-0 on 69 minutes, tucking the ball home following Messi’s sensational assist.
    He was subsequently replaced by Paulo Dybala a few minutes later.
    Alvarez celebrates with Lionel MessiCredit: AP More

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    Argentina fan gets hilarious tattoo of moment Lionel Messi mocked Holland boss Louis van Gaal during fiery World Cup tie

    ONE Lionel Messi superfan has gone above and beyond to show his love for the Argentine icon.The supporter has had a tattoo of Messi mocking the Holland bench and manager Louis van Gaal after their quarter-final win inked onto their skin.
    Lionel Messi cupped his ears at the Dutch bench following the dramatic winCredit: AP
    Messi mocked Louis Van Gaal and the Dutch backroom staff at full-timeCredit: Reuters
    He claims he was “disrespected” by Van Gaal before the gameCredit: Reuters
    An Argentina fan has had the moment tattooed onto himCredit: Twitter @beINSPORTS_EN
    And they also had the words “Anda Palla, Bobo” written next to the image – which translates to “Keep moving, idiot”.
    This is the phrase Messi reportedly shouted at Dutch striker Wout Weghorst following Argentina’s dramatic victory on Friday.
    The Barcelona legend brilliantly set-up his side’s first goal against Holland, before he converted a penalty to double their lead in the 73rd minute.
    But a last-gasp Weghorst brace somehow sent the match to extra time and then penalties.
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    Yet Van Gaal’s men could not get over the line, with Emi Martinez saving two of their spot kicks as Argentina claimed a 4-3 win in the shootout.
    Following the victory, Messi went over to Van Gaal and assistant coach Edgar Davids and jumped up before cupping his ears.
    It is a celebration which was used by former Argentine playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme – one he took from an Italian TV show from the 1960s.
    Messi’s reaction sparked fury on the Dutch bench as a fiery match ended with a post-game brawl and some ugly scenes down the tunnel.
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    Speaking after the game, Argentina’s captain then explained his decision to rile up the Holland players and staff.
    Messi said: “I feel disrespected by Van Gaal after his pregame comments and some Dutch players spoke too much during the game.”
    Now the moment will never be forgotten by one football fan after their decision to tattoo it permanently onto their skin. More

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    Roy Keane slams England for ‘finding a way to lose’ and likens performance to ‘having a foot on somebody’s throat’

    ROY KEANE slammed England for “finding a way to lose” against France, using the analogy of having “your foot on somebody’s throat” and easing off. Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions crashed out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stages in Qatar.
    Roy Keane slammed England for ‘finding a way to lose’ against FranceCredit: Twitter @itvfootball
    England lost 2-1 to France with Harry Kane missing a late penalty, squandering the chance to equalise from the spot for a second time in the game.
    Manchester United legend and ex-Ireland international Keane criticised Southgate’s squad for failing to prevail in a tournament again.
    He said on ITV: “What England are doing in a lot of these big games, is they’re finding a way to lose.”
    England were beaten by Croatia in the World Cup 2018 semi-finals.
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    And they lost on penalties to Italy in last summer’s European Championship final.
    Keane blamed mindset and pressure on England’s past failures.
    Asked how to win tournaments, he said: “That’s where the players have to take control.
    “I suppose it might be a lack of experience in big tournaments and big games, I know a lot of the England players have won trophies at club level.
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    “When we were at the game against France the other night, I describe when you’re in that position and you have your foot on somebody’s throat, you’ve got to press down. Don’t ease off.
    “If you take the pressure off a good team like France, and when you’re in the quarter-finals they’re going to have quality, as soon as they eased off the got punished for it.”
    Southgate is set to decide on his England future with the FA keen to keep him in charge.
    Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino are among the foreigners linked with the role.
    But the FA would like to keep an English coach, with Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard also in the frame.
    Although Neville, who represented England at two World Cups, wants to see Southgate stay.
    He said: “I’m absolutely convinced he should carry on.”
    England were dumped out in the quarter-final stagesCredit: Getty More

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    World Cup’s hottest fan sizzles at Croatia vs Argentina with stunned supporters clamouring for selfies

    THE World Cup’s hottest fan wowed match goers as she arrived at Croatia vs Argentina this evening.Stunning Ivana Knoll has attended all of her beloved Croatia’s matches during the 2022 World Cup, delighting fellow fans in the process.
    Even rival Argentina fans wanted to grab a snap with Ivana KnollCredit: Getty
    The Croatian has been dubbed the ‘World Cup’s hottest fan’Credit: Getty
    Ivana is flying the flag for her nationCredit: Getty
    After Croatia’s shock victory over Brazil last Friday, Ivana was never going to miss out on tonight’s semi-final against Argentina.
    Lionel Messi and Co are being backed by at least 40,000 travelling Argentinians, desperate for their side to win the World Cup.
    But even these passionate opposition supporters were thrilled to get a glimpse of Ivana before the match.
    Fans in Argentina shirts were spotted grabbing selfies with the Croatia mega-fan in the stands.
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    While she also posed for pictures with her own side’s supporters too.
    Ivana, 30, was already a renowned model in Croatia going into the tournament.
    But her popularity has soared even further, and she now boasts 2.5million Instagram followers, who have been following her journey throughout the tournament.
    As the founder and owner of clothing brand “wearknolldoll”, the model has been showing off her outfits at the World Cup.
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    Ivana loves to show off her creative outfits
    The Croatia superfan posted this on Instagram before the match
    The stunner has caused quite a stir at the World Cup
    These have included several impressive pieces of clothing which showcase the Croatia flag.
    The model was in fact born in Germany, but now resides in Zagreb and is a Croatia superfan.
    She previously made a splash at the 2018 World Cup in Russia where her outfits were also noticed.
    Ivana arrived at the stadium in confident mood, writing on Instagram before the match: “Ready for the finals.”
    Last time out against Brazil she was spotted being confronted by security ahead of the game.
    Wearing red high-waisted leggings and a bikini top, the model was snapped forming a heart with her hands to support her beloved team.
    But she appeared to be swiftly moved on by security who asked her to return to her seat.
    Match goers couldn’t believe their luck at meeting IvanaCredit: Getty
    The 30-year-old poses with a fellow Croatia fanCredit: Getty
    The model has 2.5million Instagram followersCredit: EPA More

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    Roy Keane’s World Cup highlights from jumping into a bin, Souness row, teasing Jordan Henderson and slamming Brazil

    ROY KEANE has quite the Qatar World Cup highlight reel, from the Irishman jumping into a bin, rowing live on air with fellow pundit Graeme Souness to slamming Brazil’s dancing.The Manchester United legend was a part of a star-studded ITV punditry team.
    Keane racked up quite the highlight reel in QatarCredit: Twitter @itvfootball
    He joined ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright, Gary Neville, Souness, Hal Robson-Kanu, Laura Woods, Seema Jaswal, Joe Cole, Karen Carney, Eniola Aluko, Nigel de Jong, Nadia Nadim and Mark Pougatch in breaking down World Cup matches.
    With his country Ireland failing to qualify, Keane was one of few who could give a 100 per cent neutral take on events.
    SunSport takes a look at Keane’s best moments in Qatar.
    IN THE BIN
    Keane hurt his knees in the Middle East by jumping into a bin.
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    The legendary midfielder scored in a crunch match between broadcasters ITV and the BBC.
    Keane whipped off his shirt after netting past pal Micah Richards and celebrated wildly.
    But down the other end of the pitch was a bin, and Keane decided it was a good idea to bizarrely jump inside with one leg before hopping out using his other.
    Keane hilariously jumped into a BIN
    PAYING FOR BREKKIE
    Keane jokingly told Jordan Henderson he needs to “be a bit more generous” after he lumped the Irishman with a breakfast bill.
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    Ahead of England’s crunch World Cup quarter-final with France, Keane revealed that he had recently met-up with the Anfield skipper.
    However, Hendo left Keane to pay the bill.
    Speaking on ITV, Keane said: “I’ve always liked Jordan, always liked him as a kid and he’s a pretty humble guy.
    “Saying that, I did meet him a few months ago for breakfast and I had to pay.
    “He should be a bit more generous.”
    Henderson met the Irishman for breakfast but left him to foot the billCredit: Getty
    ‘GAME OVER’
    Neutral pundit Keane decided to take notes during England’s 3-0 round of 16 win over Senegal.
    And he gave a short but accurate assessment of the game: “Game over.”
    The Irishman calmly jotted down the notes as fellow pundits Neville and Wright lost their cool in the studio.
    Neville grabbed Keane’s notes, which didn’t go down too well.
    Roy Keane turned around and wrote down notes while they celebratedCredit: Ian Wright / Twitter
    FLYING HOME
    Do work colleagues get on your nerves? Well, they get on Keane’s nerves too.
    So much so that Keane FLEW home from Qatar as a result.
    Speaking to Micah Richards and Gary Neville over lunch for Sky Bet, Keane described his experience overall as “okay” and “fine”.
    Neville then chipped in: “To be fair Roy went home for four or five days as well actually. He went back.”
    Keane replied: “I had a break. I needed a break, just my tolerance levels.
    “Yeah, people get on my nerves.”
    Keane took a break from his ITV colleagues by flying home during the World CupCredit: Getty
    BANK CARD REJECTED
    Keane is undoubtedly a very wealthy man.
    But he suffered embarrassment in Qatar when his bank card was rejected TWICE.
    He set himself a daily spending limit to the tune of £50-a-day.
    Keane explained to Neville and Richards: “I went over my limit, I have a budget of £50 a day here.
    “You know when your card is rejected, it is embarrassing, isn’t it?”
    Keane’s bank card was rejected twice while in QatarCredit: SkyBet
    SLAMMING BRAZIL’s DANCE MOVES
    Flicks, tricks and loose hips… Not on Keane’s watch.
    The pre-tournament favourites, Brazil, showed off their dance moves before their quarter-final exit to Croatia.
    Their round of 16 clash against South Korea, in particular, saw Brazil run out 4-1 winners and execute a number of stylish celebrations.
    From a team Pigeon dance with manager Tite, to West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta going solo.
    Fans were excited, but Keane was far from impressed.
    He said on the Samba Boys: “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.
    “I’m not happy with it, I don’t think it’s very good at all.”
    Keane fumed at Brazil’s dancingCredit: ITV
    Manager Tite joined in the routine during the victory over South KoreaCredit: Reuters
    SOUNESS BUST UP
    Keane and Souness didn’t pull any punches in their on-air verbal bust-up during ITV’s half-time coverage of Argentina vs Saudi Arabia.
    The decision to award Argentina a penalty caused controversy with Keane saying soft calls will encourage diving at the World Cup – an assessment Souness disagreed with.
    Liverpool great Souness says the Saudi player had no interest in where the ball was – only the whereabouts of the player he was tracking.
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    Souness said the call is not down to “opinion” but “fact”, which prompted Keane to respond saying: “Well I’m here to give my opinion – that’s not a penalty.”
    The bust-up was much to the delight of viewers, who took to social media to rave.
    Keane argued he’s at the World Cup to give his ‘opinion’, which is that it was not a penalty to ArgentinaCredit: ITV More