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      Argentina World Cup winner Gonzalo Montiel accused of ‘sexually assaulting model at his birthday party’

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      WORLD Cup winner Gonzalo Montiel has been accused of sexually assaulting a model at his birthday party in his native Argentina.Sevilla right-back Montiel is facing a complaint which has reportedly been filed with the courts in Buenos Aires.
      Gonzalo Montiel scored the World Cup winning penalty in QatarCredit: Getty
      Montiel was the player who scored the final penalty in the shootout against France – winning Argentina their first World Cup since 1986.
      The 26-year-old has not yet commented on the accusations – but The Sun Online has contacted his club for a statement.
      Argentine press reports Montiel has filed a document with the court appointing two lawyers as he plans to fight the allegations – publishing a scan of the file dated March 31, 2023.
      Argentine, Spanish and French media report Montiel is alleged to have assaulted the woman on January 1, 2019, during a birthday party at his house.
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      The victim’s lawyer, Raquel Hermida, told Radio 10 that the allegations are “sexual abuse with penetration aggravated by a group of people”.
      She explained the victim – who is understood to be a model – had been in a “small, short relationship” with Montiel, reports Mundo Deportivo.
      Montiel was playing for River Plate at the time.
      Montiel started his career at the club in 2016 – making 139 appearances and scooping the Copa Libertadores in 2018 and the Primera Division title in 2021.
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      He then signed for Sevilla on a fee of around £10million for the 21/22 season.
      The right back has made 35 appearances for the club and scored one goal in La Liga.
      His international career has seen him win both the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.
      During the final in Qatar, he conceded a penalty late in extra time after a handball – which Kylian Mbappe converted, pulling France back to 3-3.
      The game then went to a penalty shootout- with Montiel driving a low ball to the left to give Argentina their third World Cup.
      Montiel had given away a penalty earlier during the finalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      He then converted the low drive in shootout – sending Hugo Lloris the wrong wayCredit: Reuters More

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      Man Utd legend Patrice Evra broke down in tears and ‘was in pain for three days’ after World Cup final

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      PATRICE EVRA has revealed his surprising reaction to France losing the World Cup final to Argentina.The former Manchester United defender has given an insight into how he felt after the gripping finale in Qatar as Argentina beat France on penalties.
      Patrice Evra has spoken about how he felt after watching France lose the World Cup in 2022Credit: Getty
      France lost to Lionel Messi-led Argentina back in DecemberCredit: AP
      The team managed by Didier Deschamps overcame a lacklustre first half to draw level with Argentina and force the match to extra time.
      Both Argentina captain Lionel Messi and his French counterpart, Kylian Mbappe, scored during the additional time, before Argentina ended up winning on penalties.
      Four months on, Evra revealed the effect the result had on him.
      Speaking to RMC, the former French international said: “I watched the match live, and I cried. I did not expect it.
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      “I tell you the truth, I went to my car and I cried.”
      He added: “For three days, I was in pain, and I said to myself ‘Patrice, I know you love the France team’… but it hurt me so much.
      “And then, frankly, hats off to the France team.”
      The defender went on to praise the French team’s star player, Mbappe, who ended up pipping Messi to the Golden Boot award for the most goals scored at the World Cup.
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      Evra said: “You score a hat-trick, three goals in the final, and you don’t win the final.
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      “You see, it was incredible!”
      He also shared his thoughts on France’s poor first half, saying he thought it was “c***”.
      “What was going on… It was catastrophic.
      “And then you come back, two by two- and then after you lose. There was too much emotion, too much emotion.”
      The former Man Utd star, who served seven years under Premier League manager legend Sir Alex Ferguson, has a reputation for having strong feelings for the clubs he supports.
      When his former club beat Manchester City in the derby in January, the pundit posted a video of himself singing a revised version of ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’, wearing a wig and a United jersey.
      France captain Kylian Mbappe managed to secure the Golden Boot award during the Final of the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty More

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      Emotional Lionel Messi reacts to Argentina pal Nicolas Otamendi’s ‘more than special’ tattoo after World Cup win

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      LIONEL MESSI hailed a “more than special” tattoo Argentina team-mate Nicolas Otamendi has had inked to celebrate their World Cup triumph.Lionel Scaloni’s side are still flying high after their glorious triumph in Qatar back in December.
      Lionel Messi (L) and Nicolas Otamendi (R) both played key roles in Argentina’s World Cup successCredit: EPA
      The defender now has a tattoo of his legendary team-mateCredit: Instagram
      Following a thrilling 3-3 draw with France, Argentina held their nerve in the shootout to win the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
      A huge party back in the South American nation ensued for several days after they returned home with the trophy.
      They returned to action last week in front of INCREDIBLE scenes at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires that left Messi fighting back the tears.
      The 36-year-old Paris Saint-Germain then helped fire them to a 2-0 win over Panama by scoring a free-kick.
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      He then followed that up with a hat-trick in Wednesday’s 7-0 thrashing of Curacao.
      Meanwhile, defender Otamendi also played a key role as part of Scaloni’s backline at the World Cup and played every minute at the tournament.
      The 35-year-old recently shared a clip of himself receiving his latest tattoos on Instagram.
      And one of his inkworks was of Messi with his hand over the World Cup trophy and another of him doing his iconic celebration.
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      It did not take long for the legend to see his international colleagues’ grand gesture.
      And on Instagram Stories he replied to the ex-Manchester City ace’s tribute.
      Messi wrote: “I saw a lot of spectacular things that were done to because of the World Cup, but that a colleague, a friend like Otamendi getting this tattoo is something more than special!!! Thank you very much Ota!”
      Messi provided his response to the inkwork on InstagramCredit: Getty More

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      Crucial England tournament CANCELLED in huge blow to Gareth Southgate’s plans to see stars of the future

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      ENGLAND’S Young Lions have been left up in the air after Fifa stripped the upcoming Under-20 World Cup from Indonesia less than two months before it was due to start.Ian Foster’s team, including Spurs duo Alfie Devine and Dane Scarlett, Juventus midfielder Samuel Iling-Junior and Borussia Dortmund striker Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, were supposed to discover their group opponents on Friday.
      Fifa have taken the decision to strip Indonesia of the Under-20 World CupCredit: EPA
      It has left the young Three Lions in a lurchCredit: PA
      But the draw in Bali was cancelled after the island’s Governor said he would not accept the presence of the Israel side, one of five Uefa qualifiers.
      That sparked a series of urgent conversations between Fifa and organisers, with the decision taken to “remove” Indonesia after a meeting in Zurich.
      Officially, the decision was because Indonesia has not recovered from the massive earthquake that hit the world’s most populous Islamic-majority nation.
      But the row over Israel was the final straw as Fifa would not allow itself to be told who could play in its own competitions.
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      It means a scramble to find a stand-in host at short notice, although Fifa remain adamant the tournament will take place.
      On the decision, a Fifa statement said: “Fifa has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the Fifa U20 World Cup 2023.

      “A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged.
      “Potential sanctions against the PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia) may also be decided at a later stage.”
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      The U20 tournament is due to start on May 20 and run until June 11.
      Indonesia, who have no formal diplomatic ties with Israel, were awarded the tournament in 2019.
      The country has seen increased criticism towards Israel as protesters recently held marches against their participation in support of Palestine.
      Just half an hour before the announcement, Arya Sinulingga, an executive committee member of PSSI, said he was “very pessimistic” about the country keeping the rights to host.
      He added: “If we make political requirements in sports, it’ll always be like this. We will be exiled from the football ecosystem.
      “It’s very tough for all of us. We’re headed into a calamity in sports. We have to separate football or sports and politics.” More

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      World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister’s favourite South American restaurant closes

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      WORLD CUP winner Alexis Mac Allister’s favourite South American restaurant is closing down.Cafe Malbec is shutting its doors for the final time after opening in 2017.
      Cafe Malbec in Brighton is closing downCredit: Xavier D. Buendia / XDBPhotograp
      Alexis Mac Allister and Brighton’s stars often eat in the restaurantCredit: Getty
      The restaurant in Hove, known for it’s tapas and wine, is a hit with a number of Brighton’s players, claim The Argus.
      South American stars to have played for the club over the years, like Leonardo Ulloa, Moises Caicedo, Jeremy Sarmiento and Mac Allister have all dined in the restaurant.
      Cafe Malbec revealed the news on Instagram, saying: “After six years, it’s time for us to say goodbye.
      “We thank you so much for all your support as we hold so many wonderful memories over the years, wine and good times, especially Argentina winning the 2022 World Cup, so we felt like this was the right time to say goodbye on a high.”
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      However, Mac Allister and his team-mates do have an alternative situated next door.
      LatinoAmerica is an Argentinian steakhouse ran by the same owner Damian Kelly.
      Mac Allister has even taken his World Cup winners’ medal into the restaurant for photos.
      The 24-year-old midfielder is enjoying a fine season at Brighton, helping them mount a challenge for a European finish.
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      He has played 26 times for the club this season, scoring nine goals.
      And his good form has caught the attention of top sides like Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City.
      Mac Allister supposedly wants to remain playing in the Premier League if he did leave Brighton.
      Alexis Mac Allister has taken his World Cup accolades into the restaurantCredit: LatinoAmerica Argentine Grill More

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      Marcelo Bielsa in talks to become international team manager 13 months after Leeds sacking

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      MARCELO BIELSA is in talks to become an international manager, according to reports. The former Leeds boss has been out of work since being sacked by the club in February 2022.
      Marcelo Bielsa is set to take over as Uruguay head coachCredit: Reuters
      But the 67-year-old now looks set to return to management on the international stage.
      According to TyC Sports, Bielsa is “very close” to becoming the new head coach for the Uruguay national team.
      The report indicates Bielsa has been one of their main managerial targets since sacking previous boss Diego Carlos, who saw Uruguay crash out of the World Cup at the group stage.
      The Argentine’s contract will run until the end of the 2026 South American World Cup qualifiers, with an option to extend further should they qualify.
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      Bielsa has previous experience in the hot seat for a national team, having previously coached Argentina and Chile.
      Uruguay drew with Japan 1-1 and beat South Korea 2-1 in recent friendlies under interim coach Marcelo Broli.
      In January Bielsa was touted as Frank Lampard’s successor at Everton.
      However, the Toffees turned to Sean Dyche instead as it was revealed Bielsa had some peculiar demands to take over, including coaching the Under-21s for the first six months.
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      When Bielsa left Leeds the club were facing relegation, but under successor Jesse Marsch they managed to clinch safety.
      However, things did not fare much better for the American, with the Whites being dragged into another relegation scrap and Marsch’s dismissal 12 months on from Bielsa.
      Former Watford boss Javi Gracia is currently in charge at Elland Road.
      The Spaniard has won two matches out of four in the Premier League. More

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      Lionel Messi begged by ALL 23 Curacao players for his shirt after Argentina clash… but keeper got there first

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      LIONEL MESSI’S shirt was in high demand after Argentina’s friendly against Curacao on Tuesday night.One lucky player managed to get his hands on the shirt as the World Champions romped to a 7-0 win in their international friendly.
      Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room was the lucky man to get Messi’s shirt despite conceding seven goals on the nightCredit: AFP
      Lionel Messi scored his 57th career hat-trick against CuracaoCredit: AFP
      Messi scored a hat-trick and in the process notched his 100th, 101st and 102nd goals for Argentina.
      Prior to the game Curacao players pleaded with Messi to give ALL 23 squad members a shirt.
      One even joked that they could end up fighting amongst each other if only one was up for grabs.
      In the end it was Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room who was the lucky recipient.
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      The stopper, who plays in the MLS for Columbus Crew, left the pitch with a massive smile on his face despite being beaten three times by the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
      After the match Room was interviewed by Argentine channel TyC Sports and couldn’t hide his excitement.
      He said: “The jersey of Messi, it’s really special, it’s unbelievable, a dream come true.
      “Everybody is a fan of Messi. Now I’ve played against him.”
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      Room – who joked he would be sleeping with the jersey – revealed that the World Cup-winner had complimented him during the match on some good saves he had made.
      He added: ” It was a tough game, he scored some goals against me but I also saved some good shots from him. After that he told me that I made some good saves so that means a lot to me.”
      Enzo Fernandez, Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Gonzalez and Gonzalo Montiel were the other names on the scoresheet. More

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      England U21s 1 Croatia U21s 2: Lee Carsley’s troops head into Euros on a downer despite Gibbs-White’s late penalty

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      LEE CARSLEY’S Young Lions signed off for this summer’s Under-21 Euros on a downer.This was the last friendly before the squad is announced for June’s finals in Georgia and Romania.
      Curtis Jones shows England’s frustration after Croatia went 2-0 upCredit: Rex
      Young Lions boss Lee Carsley was left with plenty to think aboutCredit: Reuters
      But none of the England team starting at Craven Cottage last night did their case for inclusion any favours with a disappointing defeat.
      A promising opening was undone by Martin Baturina’s sublime free-kick ahead of the break, before Dion Drena Beljo’s penalty shortly after it.
      Sub Morgan Gibbs-White won and converted a late penalty to reduce the arrears in front of the watching Gareth Southgate.
      This fixture brought memories screaming back of the final group game at the last Under-21 Euros.
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      England needed to win by two clear goals and hope the other group’s result went their way to sneak into the quarter-finals two years ago.
      It was all going their way until Aidy Boothroyd’s men had their hearts broken by a long-ranger stunner from Croatia’s left-back in injury-time.
      Boothroyd’s side were too often reliant on a piece of individual brilliance but Carsley’s team are much better at creating chances, as they did in Saturday’s 4-0 thumping of France.
      Carsley made ten changes for this clash, with Noni Madueke, Curtis Jones and Jacob Ramsey – all scorers off the bench against Les Bleus – in from the beginning.
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      Morgan Gibbs-White netted what turned out to be just a consolationCredit: Reuters
      Defenders Rico Lewis and Nathan Wood were also handed debuts.
      England dominated the early proceedings, with Cole Palmer providing their best chance of the first half as he cut back for Jones who saw his shot repelled at the near post.
      But then the visitors took the lead against the run of play – and what a goal it was.
      Lewis was booked for stopping a rampaging run from Lukas Kacavenda 25 yards out.
      Dinamo Zagreb’s Baturina then curled the free-kick home with David Beckham-esque accuracy into the top corner.
      England responded by moving Jones, who had been deployed at false nine, out wide and Madueke put through the middle, but it had limited success.
      Carsley was getting creative given the man he really would have liked to have deployed through the middle, Flo Balogun, was absent and may not be coming back.
      The Arsenal whizkid, having a sensational season on loan in France with Reims, pulled out of the squad with a tight hamstring.
      But he has since been spotted in the US, for whom he is also eligible and who are doing their level best to convince him to switch allegiances.
      Things got worse shortly after half-time when Luke Thomas was caught out of position by a good pass and then hauled down Matija Frigan in the box.
      It was about as nailed-on a penalty as you are likely to see, and goalkeeper Josh Griffiths, on at half-time for his debut, could do nothing to keep out Beljo’s spot-kick.
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      Gibbs-White did ensure England did score when rolling home the penalty he had won in the 86th minute after being taken out by the goalkeeper.
      It was not a bad display overall – but one that will serve as a warning for when the real stuff begins in Georgia in just over two months. More