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      Lionel Messi dethrones Kylian Mbappe to become Dream Team World Cup’s top star with third Star Man award

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      IF you come for the king, you best not miss.After the round of 16, Kylian Mbappe was Dream Team World Cup’s outright best player by a comfortable margin.
      Having raced out in front in the Golden Boot race, the 23-year-old had 48 points to his name heading into his quarter-final against England, a full 12 points ahead of his closest rival, Lionel Messi.
      Given the 12-year age difference between the two forwards, the dynamic felt like a continuation of a theme that has dictated the last few years: a passing of the torch from one generational talent to another.
      And while it seems inevitable that Mbappe will indisputably hold the crown of world’s best player some time soon (if he doesn’t already) Messi is raging against the dying of the light in Qatar.
      Messi isn’t giving up the crown easilyCredit: getty
      And in fact, the balance of power between the two global superstars was readdressed during the quarter-finals, as evidenced by the Dream Team World Cup rankings.
      Les Bleus edged out Gareth Southgate’s men but their No10 had a relatively quiet game, registering a blank.
      Whereas Argentina once again leaned on their captain to squeeze out Netherlands.
      In a game rammed full of needle of ill-will, some genuine football occasionally broke out and one of the highlights was Messi’s inch-perfect disguised pass to assist Nahuel Molina.
      The Albiceleste’s legendary No10 scored a second-half penalty and converted a spot-kick during the shootout to book his place in the semi-finals.
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      When all was said and done, Messi banked 14 points to take his overall tally to 50, meaning he reclaimed his throne from Mbappe to become the game’s top asset.
      Mbappe blanked against England
      The 35-year-old is the only man to have earned three Star Man awards at this late stage of the tournament – class really is permanent.
      It should go without saying that all Dream Team World Cup gaffers would probably be wise to back both to thrive once more in the semis.
      The pair come at an eye-watering cost of £15million but with a combined points total of 98 they’ve justified their price tags twice over.
      On paper, Argentina and France are favourites to meet in the final but only a fool would underestimate Croatia or Morocco at this stage.
      Still, Messi and Mbappe have nine goals and four assists between them in Qatar so the underdogs will be thoroughly up against it in midweek.
      Friendly rivalsCredit: getty
      The battle for supremacy in Dream Team World Cup is set to go down to the wire as even if one of the front-runners gets through to the final and the other doesn’t, the latter will have the third-place play-off to fulfil.
      Another PSG star, Achraf Hakimi, is the next-best performer still active at the tournament but he’s 14 points short of Mbappe’s total currently – realistically it’s a two-horse race for top spot.
      Mbappe will also be looking over his shoulder in the Golden Boot hunt – Messi and Olivier Giroud have four goals each to the young whippersnapper’s five. More

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      How Argentina and Croatia could line up in huge World Cup semi-final as Lionel Messi and Co look to reach historic final

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      ARGENTINA face Croatia knowing the winner will play in Sunday’s World Cup final.The two international heavyweights face off in the semi-final at 7pm on Tuesday.

      Lionel Messi is just two wins away from ending his long wait to land the World Cup – the final trophy missing from his incredible collection.
      But standing in his way are an experienced Croatia side hoping to go one better than in Russia in 2018 – when they lost to France in Moscow.
      So how will Lionel Scaloni and Zlatko Dalic line their sides up for the mouthwatering semi-final at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
      Firstly, Argentina will start with Emi Martinez in goal following his heroics in the shootout against the Netherlands.
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      La Albiceleste may stick with a back five – but Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel are unavailable after picking up yellow cards in the fiesty quarter-final.
      That means it could be a back five of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez and Nicolas Tagliafico.
      In front of them, Scaloni may well stick with his midfield three of Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister, especially if Angel Di Maria is still not fully fit.
      Up front, it will likely be Julian Alvarez partnering Messi up front rather than Lautaro Martinez.
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      Di Maria came off the bench against Louis van Gaal’s side on Friday night – if he is ready to start, it could mean a switch to a four-man defence.
      For Croatia, they have their own penalty specialist in goal with Dominik Livakovic hoping to continue his sublime form that helped his side knock out Brazil.
      The Vatreni have no injury concerns or suspensions so could name an unchanged side from the shootout win on Friday.

      However, one switch could see Bruno Petkovic rewarded for his late equaliser with a place in the starting XI – replacing Andrej Kramaric up front.
      That would therefore see a back four of Josip Juranovic, Dejan Lovren, Josko Gvardiol and Borna Sosa, who came back in for the Brazil clash.
      In front of them will be the experienced trio of captain Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic in midfield with Mario Pasalic and Ivan Perisic either side of Petkovic in attack.
      The winners on Tuesday night will face either France or Morocco back in Lusail on Sunday as they battle it out for biggest prize in football.
      Lionel Messi and Emiliano Martinez will start for Argentina in the World Cup semi-finalCredit: Getty
      Bruno Petkovic could join Josko Gvardiol and Luka Modric in the starting XICredit: Getty More

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      Ferdinand says England boss Gareth Southgate ‘let us DOWN’ with ‘reactive, not proactive’ subs in France World Cup loss

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      RIO FERDINAND has criticised Gareth Southgate for not being proactive with his substitutions against France.The former England defender claimed Southgate let down the fans by being too reactive in the 2-1 quarter-final defeat.
      Rio Ferdinand slammed Gareth Southgate for being too reactiveCredit: Getty
      Southgate made all four substitutions after France’s second goalCredit: Getty
      Ferdinand pointed to players like Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish as subs who could have impacted the match.
      But the pair were brought on with England trailing – Grealish given just two minutes in injury time to try to make a difference.
      In fact, all four of Southgate’s subs were made after Olivier Giroud’s winner, and Ferdinand feels the Three Lions boss left it too late.
      He said on his Vibe with Five podcast: “Our [England’s] substitutions is where I think Gareth Southgate let us down.
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      “I think he’s been pitch-perfect, touch-perfect in almost every decision he’s made up to this point, but you get into a game like yesterday where this is really where it matters now, and I think Gareth Southgate came up short in the tactical element in terms of substitutions.
      “That’s part of tactics, making substitutions, and in-game management and deciding games with substitutions at the business end of a tournament, I think he would hold his hands up maybe in retrospect
      “Gareth, in the moment, wasn’t proactive with his substitutions, he was reactive.
      “It hit 1-1 and we’re sitting there going ‘take the bull by the horns, make a substitution, get us on the front foot’. You’ve got Rashford, you’ve got Grealish who can go on, get us on the front foot and change this game.
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      “You’re sitting there going, ‘It’s too late, man’. You’ve got to do this when we’ve got the chance of still winning this game and taking the game from them.”
      France’s win sets up a semi-final clash against Morocco on Wednesday, with the winner taking on Argentina or Croatia in the final on Sunday. More

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      Michael Oliver sent home by Fifa from World Cup but Anthony Taylor still in Qatar after England’s tournament KO

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Michael Oliver has been sent home from Qatar by Fifa.But Anthony Taylor could be in charge for the World Cup final on Sunday.
      Michael Oliver is reported to have been sent home from QatarCredit: Reuters
      Anthony Taylor is still at the World Cup after England were knocked outCredit: Getty
      Northumberland born Oliver, 37, was in the middle for Brazil’s penalty shootout defeat to Croatia.
      But he hasn’t been retained for the final week of the tournament despite England being knocked out, according to The Telegraph.
      As well as Brazil’s quarter-final exit, Oliver took charge of Costa Rica’s 1-0 win over Japan and Mexico’s 2-1 victory against Saudi Arabia in the group stages.
      Meanwhile fellow Prem whistler Taylor, 44, is reported to still be in Qatar.
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      The Manchester born ref is in with a chance of overseeing one of the four games remaining.
      There are just two semi-finals, Argentina vs Croatia and France vs Morocco, plus the third-place play-off and the final left to play.
      Taylor has been retained alongside his assistants Adam Nunn and Gary Beswick.
      He could become the first English official to referee a World Cup final since Howard Webb in 2010.
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      Taylor is yet to take charge of a knockout game in the current tournament.
      He reffed Ghana’s dramatic 3-2 win over South Korea in the group stages, as well as Belgium’s 0-0 draw with Croatia.
      Taylor has dished out just five yellow cards in his two games, and a red to South Korea boss Paulo Bento.
      Oliver on the other hand brandished 18 yellows in his three games at the tournament.
      Elsewhere, the Brazilian referee in charge of England’s quarter-final defeat to France could be in the middle for the final.
      Wilton Sampaio, who was slammed for his performance, has reportedly been kept on in Qatar with Brazil out of the tournament.
      Brazilian ref Wilton Sampaio could referee the World Cup finalCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I rarely slam refs but he’s had a shocker’ – Gary Neville doubles down on England vs France official after World Cup KO

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      GARY NEVILLE has slammed referee Wilton Sampaio for a second time as he called his performance in England’s defeat to France “awful”.The Brazilian has come under fire after the Three Lions crashed out of the World Cup following a 2-1 defeat to the holders in the quarter-finals.
      Wilton Sampaio made a number of questionable decisions in England vs FranceCredit: Getty
      Gary Neville was left unhappy with his performanceCredit: Rex
      Harry Kane equalised for Gareth Southgate’s side but Olivier Giroud scored the winner after Aurelien Tchouameni had earlier put France in the lead.
      But England were left aggrieved with Sampaio’s role in the opener after he failed to award a free-kick to Bukayo Saka when he looked to have been fouled by Dayot Upamecano.
      He then decided against awarding England a penalty on Kane soon after, one of many questionable decisions he made in the first-half.
      England did get two penalties after the break – one of which had to go to VAR – but Neville was still aggrieved.
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      When speaking to ITV after the game, branded him a “absolute joke of a referee”.
      And Neville has launched another attack on Sampaio.
      He told Sky Sports: “The referee I think could have been better, I thought he was awful.
      “That’s not me blaming the referee for England going out, I just thought he was awful. 
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      “I don’t say that much anymore. I used to when I was playing, I used to think it quite a bit, but I’ve been on sky for 10/11 years and very rarely do I say the referee was a disgrace – I thought he had a shocker.
      “We were sat in the corner where the penalty was with Kane in the first half, there were three or four fouls in that area of the pitch first half and I thought, ‘how’s that not been given a foul?’ It was weird.” More

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      Brazil ‘want Pep Guardiola to become new boss from Man City in shock move’ to replace Tite after World Cup exit

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      BRAZIL want Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola to replace Tite as their new manager, reports suggest.The Brazilian tactician resigned from his post after the Selecao’s shock elimination from the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals against Croatia on penalties.
      Brazil want to sign Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as Tite’s replacementCredit: AFP
      According to SPORT, the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) are keen on luring Guardiola despite him just signing a contract extension with City.
      The Spanish head coach has put pen to paper on a new deal tying him to the Etihad until 2025.
      In fact, Brazil are planning to contact the ex-Barcelona boss in the coming days.
      CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues is in charge of appointing a new manager and is keen to land the 51-year-old at the end of the current season.
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      It is also understood that Guardiola’s new contract with the reigning Premier League champions is not a sticking point.
      The ex-Bayern Munich boss is Brazil’s top choice to replace Tite as they view him as the best manager in the world.
      However, there are other options being considered, such as Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira, who won two consecutive Copa Libertadores titles in 2020 and 2021.
      Fluminese’s Fernando Diniz, Gremio’s Renato Portaluppi and Sao Paulo’s Rogerio Ceni are also in the running.
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      Guardiola, though, seems focused on the next three years with City as he predicted an “amazing decade”.
      Guardiola said: “I am so pleased to be staying at Manchester City for another two years.
      “I can’t say thank you enough to everyone at the club for trusting me. I am happy and comfortable, and I have everything I need to do my job as best as possible.
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      Tite resigned from his post after Brazil’s shock 2022 World Cup eliminationCredit: Splash
      “I know the next chapter of this club will be amazing for the next decade. It happened over the last ten years, and it will happen in the next ten years because this club is so stable.
      “From day one I felt something special being here. I cannot be in a better place.
      “I still have the feeling there is more we can achieve together and that is why I want to stay and continue fighting for trophies.” More

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      England World Cup ratings: Bellingham steals show as Maguire silences doubters – but world class Foden can do much more

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      ENGLAND, in the end, fell short of World Cup glory. There was lots of debate in the build-up as to what formation manager  Gareth Southgate should pick.
      SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT has been reporting from the Three Lions camp all tournament and has seen every minute of action.
      Midfield sensation Jude Bellingham fulfilled every expectation in QatarCredit: Rex
      Bukayo Saka was another outstanding young performer for EnglandCredit: Getty
      Here, he runs the rule over the performances of the squad members.
      JORDAN PICKFORD
      Not the busiest but made key saves. Might feel he could have done better for Aurelien Tchouameni’s opener for France but it was an excellent shot. 7
      KYLE WALKER
      City star came in against Wales having not played since October 2 and did a fine job against Kylian Mbappe. 7
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      KIERAN  TRIPPIER
      Played first two games  and did OK but could not complain over losing spot.            6
      LUKE SHAW
      Has made the left-back spot his own. Decent enough tournament but he struggled against France.                                             6
      TRENT ALEXANDER- ARNOLD
      Liverpool man enjoyed just one appearance as a 57th-minute substitute against Wales, so little chance to make an impact.                                       5
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      JOHN STONES
      Excellent World Cup. Delivered some outstanding defending and can return home with his head held high.                    8
      HARRY MAGUIRE
      Lots of questions over his selection but Gareth Southgate was vindicated by fine showings from Maguire. However, he got beaten by Olivier Giroud for France’s winner.                                        7
      ERIC DIER
      Two late arrivals as a sub against Wales and Iran but little chance to shine as England did not play with a back three.                                                 5
      JUDE BELLINGHAM
      Arguably the young player of the tournament.  Scored versus Iran, proved maturity beyond his years and sprinted to console Kane (right) after penalty miss.  Will be a massive player and a future captain. Grew into France quarter-final but could not make extra difference.                                                                                   9
      MASON MOUNT
      Started the first two games and lost his place to Henderson. Will be a bit frustrated but still has a good international future.                                                                  6
      KALVIN PHILLIPS
      Scraped into the squad after his fitness issues and restricted to two sub appearances v Senegal and Wales.         5
      DECLAN RICE
      Stepped up here in Qatar. Little wonder that he will get his wish to move to a top club next summer. Had a great second half against France.           7
      Hard-grafting Jordan Henderson (left) and classy Declan Rice (right) had fine World Cups, but there’s more to come from Phil Foden (centre)
      JORDAN HENDERSON
      Hendo made a big impact in the Wales game. His introduction helped Bellingham flourish as the youngster had less defensive duties.                                   7
      PHIL FODEN
      Terrific flashes of what he is capable of but he still has so much more in his locker. Failed to hurt France.                                                                   6
      BUKAYO SAKA
      A fine World Cup. Scored three goals and caused France all sorts of problems in the second half before going off. A terrific player.                               8
      JACK GREALISH
      Scored against Iran and made some reasonable cameo appearances. Many fans would have liked to have seen him feature earlier against France but came on as a late sub.                                           6
      HARRY KANE
      Delivered strong, all-round performances and equalled Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 goals. Sadly, though, Kane’s World Cup will be remembered for that penalty miss.                                       7
      MARCUS RASHFORD
      Two goals against Wales and three in total. But star was only a late sub against France and it is clear Southgate does not entirely trust him.               6
      CALLUM WILSON
      Made a decent impact against Iran but only played once more and frustratingly suffered more fitness issues.          5
      RAHEEM STERLING
      Dropped after the first two games, returned to England following a burglary. Was a poor sub against France. 5
      DID NOT PLAY: Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope, Conor Coady, Ben White, Conor Gallagher, James Maddison.
      MANAGER – GARETH SOUTHGATE
      England played some excellent football under Southgate. Ultimately they came to win and failed to do so although it is all about fine margins.                                 7
      STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
      THE future is bright for England with the 19-year-old emerging as one of the stars of the tournament.
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      He has ranked No 1 for the Three Lions in seven key categories in their five games.
      From Southgate’s 26-man squad, only five players clocked up more minutes on the pitch than the Borussia Dortmund teenager too. More

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      England’s Kyle Walker & John Stones to fly stray Qatari cat to UK for new life

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      A STRAY Qatari moggy being flown home for adoption by kind-hearted England stars was facing a four month wait to be reunited with them last night – and the snip.Secret softies Kyle Walker and John Stones took the tabby to their hearts during their four-week stay and pledged to bring him home if England won the World Cup.
      Kyle Walker and John Stones have brought home a stray Qatari cat for adoption
      Dave was being cared for by the Qatar Animal Welfare SocietyCredit: PA
      But his footballs won’t be coming home – as he is due to be neutered today before being vaccinated and prepared for his new life in the UK.
      Manchester City defenders Kyle and John stuck to their vow despite being knocked out by France in the quarter finals and he will now be flown to the UK in the new year.
      And they must now decide which of them takes permanent custody of the lovable tabby.
      Dave was last night being cared for by the Qatar Animal Welfare Society who have been paid around £2,000 by players to be microchipped and vaccinated against viruses including rabies.
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      He will be tested in three month’s time to be given the all-clear then accompanied on a plane to the UK.
      Welfare society chief Janet Berry has been caring for animals in Qatar for 18 years after moving from Woking, Surrey and will care for Dave until he makes the 4,000-mile trip.
      Janet, 58, said last night: “Dave’s a really lovely talkative tabby and it’s easy to see why the players fell in love with him.
      “But I’m afraid he’s going to have to have the snip tomorrow as it’s the most responsible thing to do to reduce the population of strays and keep them healthy.
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      “He’s a beautiful cat and will be staying with me before he’s flown to the players because we don’t want him doing a disappearing act from the hotel.
      “The FA approached me to help them after the players said they wanted him properly looked after and brought home.”
      The player’s pledge to bring Dave home was at odds with hotel claims that Dave was staying put yesterday – and sparked a tabby tug-of-love riddle.
      Souq Al Wakra Hotel manager Emad Nabulsi produced pictures and video of Dave playing inside the hotel grounds yesterday.
      And he insisted the cat was happy and being cared for by his staff.Mr Nabulsi – who sent a snap of Dave being petted by hotel worker.
      Lorna Rejuso said last night: “The England players said their goodbyes to Dave and he’s staying in the hotel.
      “Kyle Walker said he wanted to adopt him but I know nothing of any plans for him to go to England – he’s being well looked after here by our staff.”
      Mr Nabulsi sent pictures and videos showing plump Dave relaxing by the hotel’s new pool – built especially for the players for the ill-fated four-week stay at the swish hostelry.
      And he showed off a special care package sent by the Qatar Animal Welfare group with the card: “We would appreciate an opportunity to discuss how we can assist Dave with his future.”
      Mr Nabulsi added: “Dave has been sent a supply of dry food by the welfare society to keep him fit and well nourished.
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      “There are lots of stray cats around the souk but Dave is now one of the fattest and healthiest after being fed at England dining tables for so long.
      “I’m sure he misses the team because they were so kind to him but he’s very contented here.”
      The players paid around £2,000 to have Dave microchipped and vaccinated against viruses including rabies
      Animal welfare chief Janet Berry will care for Dave until he makes the 4,000-mile tripCredit: PA
      Janet said: ‘Dave’s a lovely, talkative tabby. It’s easy to see why the players fell for him’
      Dave the cat before leaving Al Wakrah on his way to England to be rehousedCredit: PA More