World Cup

NOTORIOUSLY tough scoring French newspaper L’Equipe gave Bukayo Saka a higher match rating than Kylian Mbappe in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final.England winger Saka was superb throughout the 2-1 defeat – and scored a seven out of ten from L’Equipe.
The brilliant Bukayo Saka was given a higher match rating than Kylian Mbappe by L’EquipeCredit: PA
The Three Lions were beaten 2-1 by France in the World Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Getty
L’Equipe thought Saka was England’s best player on the nightCredit: L’EQUIPE
Mbappe on the other hand was given a five, with right-back Kyle Walker doing well to keep the shackles on the France dangerman.
But, despite Saka’s score, he wasn’t Player of the Match in the eyes of the French newspaper.
Instead that honour went to France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
The captain was given an eight out of ten, higher than anyone else on the pitch.
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Tottenham stopper Lloris made six saves in the game to keep his side in it as England knocked on the door.
Although he was still powerless to stop Harry Kane’s rocket of a first penalty, before seeing his club team-mate blaze a second spot-kick over the bar.
It was mostly fives and sixes across the board for both teams, although Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann were both given a seven after impressing on the night.
Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio was given a four out of ten for his performance.
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Kane was denied a first-half penalty after appearing to be tripped by France defender Dayot Upamecano.
Pranksters even changed Sampaio’s Wikipedia page after a number of questionable decisions.
While former England defender Gary Neville brandished the ref a “joke” following the game.
He blasted on ITV: “The referee I thought he had an absolute nightmare, he was a joke of a referee.
“I’m not saying he was at fault for England’s defeat. People will say it’s excuses, but he was just a bad referee.” More

ENGLAND legends have rallied around the Three Lions after their heartbreaking World Cup quarter-final exit against France.Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Gary Lineker and Sir Geoff Hurst all praised Harry Kane and Co for their heroic efforts on the night.
England legends have rallied around England and captain Harry KaneCredit: Getty
The Three Lions suffered World Cup heartbreak and the hands of FranceCredit: Getty
Kane missed a late penalty to make the game 2-2Credit: AP
Gareth Southgate’s side went down 2-1 to the reigning champions, with Kane missing a late penalty to level the game after already scoring once from the spot.
Kane equalled Rooney’s record as England all-time top scorer on 53 goals, before missing the chance to take the outright record with his second spot-kick.

But a “proud” Rooney urged Kane to keep his “head up” following his anguish.
He wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely gutted for the lads but proud of the way they’ve played this tournament and they should be proud.
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“Congratulations to @HKane on equalling the record, he’ll be on his own soon and couldn’t think of anyone better to take over. Keep your head up Harry.”
Beckham also praised “true leader” Kane for having the courage to step up for England from the spot under the highest pressure.
He wrote on Instagram: “Our boys will continue to grow.. It’s always the worst feeling waking up after being knocked out of a tournament but our players, Gareth the staff and all our fans can be proud of this team…
“It takes a true leader to step up in these moments and that’s what our captain did, the next time it will be a different ending we walk away with our heads held high.”
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Lineker meanwhile is convinced this current generation of young stars will lead the nation to glory.
He wrote: “Heartbreaking once again, but no shame in losing to an excellent French team and congratulations to them.
“There was so little to choose between the two sides. This fine young @England team gave their all and will only get better.
“Their time will come.”
And Hurst, who won the World Cup with England in 1966, couldn’t be prouder of the effort put in by the Three Lions.
He wrote: “Proud of every single player and the way they have played. Sometimes the heart just doesn’t get what it wants on the night.”
A heartbroken Kane after the full-time whistleCredit: AP
After a perfect first penalty found the back of the net, Kane sent his second over the barCredit: Getty More

ROMAIN SAISS has told Bruno Fernandes to stop his whinging and accept defeat.And the Moroccan defender is dreaming of knocking out France in the semi-finals to set up one of the most unlikely World Cup final appearances in history.
Bruno Fernandes was seething with the ref during the gameCredit: Getty
And he lashed out afterwards tooCredit: Reuters
Having gone unbeaten in a group that included that likes of Belgium and Croatia, the Atlas Lions have since dumped out Spain on penalties before Saturday night’s triumph over Portugal.
Incredibly, they are also yet to concede at this tournament – apart from a Nayef Aguerd own goal against Canada – keeping out second half sub Cristiano Ronaldo on perhaps his final World Cup appearance.
The Portuguese were left livid in the aftermath of their quarter final exit thanks to Youssef En-Nesyri’s 42nd minute header – with several players blaming Argentine ref Facundo Tello.
Manchester United midfielder Fernandes moaned: “I’m going to say what I think. It’s very strange that a referee from a team that is still in the World Cup is in charge.”
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Team-mate Pepe added: “It is unacceptable that an Argentine referee administered the game.
“With Lionel Messi complaining and Argentina talking, I’m not saying it’s conditional, but what did we play in the second half? Anything. They can now give the title to Argentina.”
But Saiss – formerly of Wolves – hit back: “Just let them complain. What can I say? We do not choose the ref. We had five refs, only Hispanic refs since the beginning.
“We never complained against Spain, so I don’t know. It’s easier to find an excuse after that but if they had won maybe he would have another opinion.
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“I can understand because they are thinking about the duels between Messi and Ronaldo but what can I say to him?”
Morocco are the first African team – as well as first Arab nation – in World Cup history to make the semi-finals, but another victory against reigning world champions France would surely top everything.
Saiss added: “We dream of course, dreaming is free, but to do it is different. We put a lot of energy into each game, physically and mentally it’s hard but it feels so good.
“I know we made history but we want to keep making history. We’ll see. What’s important now is to recover well and prepare the semi-final.
When asked if they could do the impossible and win the World Cup, fellow Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat said: “Yes why not? We will prepare ourselves for whoever we have to play.
“My family are so proud. I see it in their eyes, they were crying. You start to play football to make them proud. They are your family. They always help you.
“When I was a child my father always bring me to football, always he was with me, it was very nice that we can give them this back.”
Morocco will be without Walid Cheddira for the semi after his stoppage time sending off against Portugal, while several other players are fitness doubts, including Saiss.
The Besiktas defender was carried off with a knock to his left leg in the second half, meaning three of Morocco’s first choice back four are now carrying injuries.
There are fears Morocco may have already run out of steam in this tournament.
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Asked if he would be fit, Saiss said: “I will try. I don’t know. I will see tomorrow and do some exams to see what kind of injury I have but I will try my best to be on the pitch. I will do everything.”
Amrabat explained: “It is very hard. I have played almost 30 games this season already in three or four months. But you have no choice. You are in the semi-finals. Everybody must go until the end.”
Romain Saiss celebrate’s his side’s historic achievementCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

CRISTIANO RONALDO had only ten touches as Portugal were dumped out of the World Cup by Morocco.Youssef El-Nesyri scored the winner to send Morocco through as the first ever African semi-finalists.

It was a shock result, with most backing Portugal to advance, especially after they thumped Switzerland 6-1 in the previous round.
But they struggled to muster chances throughout, and in their desperation for an equaliser brought on Ronaldo in the 51st minute.
But the currently unemployed striker struggled to make any sort of impact.
Hanging off the last defender, CR7 managed just 10 touches during his time on the pitch.

He also attempted only five passes – with just three of them finding their intended target.
Ronaldo’s highlight came when he had a shot on target in the 91st minute.
Striking the ball first time, he forced a save from Yassine Bounou.
Ultimately Ronaldo could have no impact on the result and was left in tears at the full-time whistle.
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He stormed down the tunnel with the look of a man who knew that was possibly his last ever chance at World Cup glory.
During the tournament, there was much discussion over him being dropped to the bench, with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez again slamming the decision.
But Portugal boss Fernando Santos declared he had NO REGRETS over not starting Ronaldo in the quarter-final defeat to Morocco.
Ronaldo left the pitch in tearsCredit: Getty More

HARRY KANE has taken responsibility for England’s World Cup quarter-final defeat to France.The Three Lions captain drew his team level from the penalty spot but fluffed the chance of a repeat in the 84th minute.
Kane has taken responsibility for England’s World Cup exitCredit: Getty
The captain blazed his second penalty over the crossbarCredit: Getty
Kane blazed his penalty over the crossbar and France booked their place in the semi-finals against Morocco with a 2-1 win.
The Tottenham striker has taken responsibility for the World Cup exit and admitted the result “will hurt for a while”.

He said: “It is a really tough night to take.
“I am gutted, the team are gutted. We had full belief that we could achieve something special at this World Cup but it came down to small details.
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“I thought on the night we had the better chances and better spells in the game.
“It comes down to execution. As captain, I take it on the chin and responsibility missing the penalty.
“It is hard to take for sure but I can be proud of the group, proud of each other for what we’ve done.
“This will hurt for a while but we will dust ourselves down to get ready in the future.”
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Kane says he’s prepared to step up again in the future and put his miss “purely down to execution”.
He continued: “I am someone who if I prepare, I prepare for whether I get one or two penalties.
“I can’t fault my preparation or detail in the lead-up. I felt as confident on the first as I did the second.
“It comes purely down to execution so I will take it on the chin and of course it hurts now, and it will hurt for a long time, but that’s part of being captain and a leader in the team.
“You have to take responsibility and I will take that for today.”
‘That’s his decision’
Manager Gareth Southgate’s future as England boss is up in the air despite having a contract until after Euro 2024.
Kane has given the 52-year-old his backing to stay on but says the decision solely lies with Southgate.
He said: “I think it has been a really positive tournament.
“Of course, it has ended now in the quarter-final and it felt like we could have done more.
“If you look at the performances and the way the team has been, it has been exciting to watch. I think we have a really bright future.
“We love having Gareth as a manager. We want him to stay for sure but that’s his decision. I am sure he will go away and think about that.
“We’ve got a great team, great young players, players coming into their prime and we’ve got a Euros not too far away. As much as this hurts, we have to move on and look forward to that.
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“He hasn’t spoken about it; I haven’t spoken to him about it. Like I said, now we are hurting and rightly so.
“He will go away and think about that. That’s his decision. He will talk to his family and friends and make that decision. From the players’ point of view, we are really happy with the manager.”
England’s for and against World Cup stats More

DEVASTATED England stars have been pictured leaving their Qatar World Cup base after the painful loss to France. The Three Lions fell to a 2-1 defeat against a depleted French team with Aurelien Tchouameni and Olivier Giroud scoring.
Southgate with an arm around TrippierCredit: PA
Grealish leaving England’s World Cup base in DohaCredit: Reuters
The England ace was visibly devastatedCredit: Reuters
Maguire boarding an England busCredit: Reuters
Maguire is set to return to Man UtdCredit: Reuters
Captain Harry Kane got the goal for England but missed a spot-kick to draw level in the 84th minute and potentially send the game to extra-time.
France will now go on to face World Cup dark horses Morocco next Wednesday for a spot in the final.

And England’s stars looked understandably glum as they left their base in Qatar.
They are now set to return to their respective clubs and prepare for the return of top-flight domestic football.
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However, it is not clear how long they will get off before returning to club duty.
England manager Gareth Southgate’s future is up in the air despite having a contract until after Euro 2024.
Captain Kane has come out in support of Southgate staying on.
However, the 52-year-old will now go away and make a decision.
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Kane said: “I think it has been a really positive tournament.
“Of course, it has ended now in the quarter-final and it felt like we could have done more.
“If you look at the performances and the way the team has been, it has been exciting to watch. I think we have a really bright future.
“We love having Gareth as a manager. We want him to stay for sure but that’s his decision. I am sure he will go away and think about that.
“We’ve got a great team, great young players, players coming into their prime and we’ve got a Euros not too far away. As much as this hurts, we have to move on and look forward to that.
“He hasn’t spoken about it; I haven’t spoken to him about it. Like I said, now we are hurting and rightly so.
“He will go away and think about that. That’s his decision. He will talk to his family and friends and make that decision. From the players’ point of view, we are really happy with the manager.”
City ace Foden also departedCredit: Reuters
Maddison hugging WalkerCredit: PA
Bellingham getting onto the team busCredit: PA
Phillips had limited minutes in QatarCredit: PA
Shaw (middle) is one of Southgate’s mainstaysCredit: PA More

JUDE BELLINGHAM showed maturity beyond his years as he sprinted to console England captain Harry Kane after his dramatic penalty miss against France.The Three Lions’ World Cup dream came to an end in the quarters at the hands of the reigning world champions.
Bellingham ran up to his captain to console himCredit: Getty
Aurelien Tchouameni opened the scoring early on in the first half.
Kane grabbed the equaliser from the penalty spot but Olivier Giroud later restored France’s lead with an expert header.
But with six minutes left on the clock, England were handed the chance to draw level, again from the penalty spot.
This time, Kane made a mess of his effort and sent his shot flying over the crossbar.
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While other England team-mates had their heads in their hands, and reset back into shape, Bellingham sprinted to console his captain.
One fan said: “Bellingham the one to console Kane after the penalty miss. Bellingham to one barking orders in the dying seconds.
“This kid is going to captain England one day. He’s already a leader.”
Another said: “Loved Bellingham running straight over to Kane after he missed. What an absolute baller.”
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England have missed out on a semi-final date with dark horses Morocco.
They became the FIRST African country to reach the last four of the World Cup after they beat Portugal 1-0.
Morocco are yet to concede from an opposition player.
The only goal counted against them was scored by one of their own, Nayef Aguerd.
Morocco play France next Wednesday, and the winner of that clash will face either Croatia or Argentina. More