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      How much are referees paid at the FIFA World Cup?

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      REFEREES can sometimes become the centre of attention at World Cups, but some of the most reputable officials are in attendance in Qatar. While fans love to hate the men in the middle, there is no doubt surrounding the importance of the referee.
      Qatar began the tournament with defeat to EcuadorCredit: Getty
      The game can be decided in any moment, with pressure at an all time high for the men in black.
      With much interest surrounding referees at Qatar, we have all the information on how much they are likely to earn from the tournament.
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      How much are referees paid at the FIFA World Cup?
      According to AS, referees from the football confederations will receive ‘substantial compensation’ for their work at the World Cup.
      Starting at the 2018 World Cup, Fifa have paid each referee a basic pay of $70,000, the equivalent of around £59,000, and revealed this would be done for each tournament going forward.
      The assistant referees were also picking up $25,000 for their involvement.
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      These figures for the referees are said to be ‘at least three times higher’ than the amount they get for working in the Champions League.
      Additionally, they are said to be paid $3,000 for group stage games and if they referee in the knock-out stages, this will increase to $10,000 and this is added to their contracted pay.
      The report finalises by stating that an official that referee’s all the games, including the final, could earn up to $300,000 over the course of the tournament. More

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      Piers Morgan leaps to Cristiano Ronaldo’s defence after Portugal star is mocked over teary World Cup exit

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      PIERS MORGAN has leapt to the defence of Cristiano Ronaldo after he was reduced to tears following Portugal’s World Cup exit.The 37-year-old’s dreams of winning football’s greatest show was ended after his side suffered a shock defeat to Morocco.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was frustrated as Portugal were unable to find a way throughCredit: AP
      Ronaldo was reduced to tears after Portugal crashed outCredit: AP
      Ronaldo headed straight down the tunnel after the final whistleCredit: ITV
      Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez was in attendance at the game
      Ronaldo had an exclusive sit down interview with Morgan which was aired recently
      Ronaldo was on the bench for a second game on the bounce, with Goncalo Ramos once again preferred up front.
      He was introduced in the second half but was unable to cancel out Youssef En-Nesyri’s opener.
      Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez slammed the decision to leave him out of the team.
      On Instagram she said: “Today your friend and coach made a bad decision. That friend for whom you have so many words of admiration and respect.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      “The same as when you got into the game, he saw how everything changed, but it was too late.
      “The best player in the world, his most powerful weapon, cannot be underestimated.
      “You can’t stand up for someone who doesn’t deserve it either. Life gives us lessons.
      “Today we have not lost, we have learned.”
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      Ronaldo was distraught with the result and was crying as he headed down the tunnel.
      It’s likely to be his last World Cup because the ex-Manchester United star will be 41 in 2026.
      But while many laughed at his reaction, Morgan, who sat down with the ace recently for an explosive interview, jumped to his defence.

      He said on Twitter: “Very sad to see ⁦⁦@Cristiano⁩ in tears as his dream of winning the World Cup ended.
      “Those mocking him should remember what he’s done for football. For me, he’s the 🐐 – and a great guy who’s had the toughest year of his life on & off the pitch.
      “He’s earned our respect.” More

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      England fans fuming after Harry Kane denied penalty vs France despite VAR review with World Cup hopes in the balance

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      ENGLAND fans were left fuming after Harry Kane was denied a first-half penalty in Saturday’s World Cup defeat against France.The controversial incident occurred around 10 minutes after the defending World Cup champs took an equally-controversial 17th minute lead through Aurelien Tchouameni.
      England fans were left fuming as Harry Kane was denied a penalty against FranceCredit: Getty
      Kane appeared to be brought down by Dayot UpamecanoCredit: Reuters
      A VAR check decided it was not a penaltyCredit: Twitter
      Fans including Piers Morgan and Gary Lineker reacted angrily on TwitterCredit: Getty
      Bukayo Saka was fouled in the build-up to that goal, and Gary Lineker tweeted: Lineker added: “One hundred percent foul on Saka. One hundred percent penalty on Kane.”
      Nearly 10 minutes later, Kane burst towards the French box from the right flank as England desperately searched for an equaliser.
      He was quickly closed down by Dayot Upamecano from behind.
      But the centre-back appeared to knock Kane’s leg as the Three Lions skipper darted into the box.
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      To Kane’s amazement, the referee signalled to continue the game before play came to a stop.
      VAR then decided to take a look at the incident in a lengthy check.
      However, they ultimately decided that it was NOT a penalty, leaving Kane stunned.
      And England backers were far from happy with the decision.
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      Piers Morgan raged: “That was a blatant penalty.”
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      Gary Lineker stormed: “One of these days, just once, we might get a decision in our favour.”
      Chris Kamara added: “Penalty all day long.”
      Fans were particularly irate with most feeling France’s opener was undeserved due to an unpunished foul by Upamecano on Saka in the build-up.
      One Tweeted: “What a bull***t France goal.. coming from a foul against Saka that was not given. Absolute joke.”
      Another said: “Clear foul on Saka, what a joke.”
      But England did eventually get a penalty in the 54th minute when Saka was brought down right in front of the ref.
      Kane stepped up to the plate against Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris.
      And he sent his pal the wrong way with a well-taken strike to level the score and equal Wayne Rooney’s record as top scorer for the Three Lions.
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      Olivier Giroud headed France back into the lead but England were awarded ANOTHER penalty late on after a shove from Theo Hernandez.
      However, this time the England skipper blazed his spot-kick high over the bar as his team crashed out of the tournament. More

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      Lautaro Martinez’s model wife stuns in Argentina crop-top as she watches Inter star score winning penalty vs Holland

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      LAUTARO MARTINEZ has all the reasons in the world to celebrate after scoring the winning penalty in Argentina’s shootout against Holland. And after scoring the winner on the pitch, it appears Martinez is also winning off the pitch with stunning Wag Agustina Gandolfo.
      Agustina Gandolfo stunned in a crop top
      Agustina has one million followers on her Instagram pageCredit: https://www.instagram.com/agus.gandolfo/?hl=en
      She regularly stuns her fans with sexy snaps to her pageCredit: Instagram / @agus.gandolfo
      Agustina shows off her curves that attracted MartinezCredit: Instagram / @agus.gandolfo
      She jetted out to Qatar to support hubby Martinez and ArgentinaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/agus.gandolfo/?hl=en
      Lautaro Martinez celebrates after his winning penalty against HollandCredit: Getty
      Agustina, a model from Argentina, rolled up an Argentina shirt into a crop-top as she watched the fiery quarter-final.
      Martinez came off the bench and stepped up to take his nations fifth penalty to seal a semi-final spot against Croatia.
      The 26-year-old jetted over to Qatar a few days ago to support husband Martinez.
      She captioned her latest snap: “vamos Argentina.”
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      And her fans echoed this rallying cry.
      One user said: “With you we are well REPRESENTED 🇦🇷🔥.”
      A second said: “Hurrah! 👏.”
      A third user replied following the game, saying: “What a penalty kick Lautaro!!!”
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      Agustina has one million followers on her Instagram page.
      She met Martinez when his former team-mate Mauro Icardi saw his Wag Wanda Nara introduce them.
      Agustina in attendance for Argentina vs AustraliaCredit: Getty
      The pair met when Wanda Nara introduced themCredit: Instagram / @agus.gandolfo
      She is often seen cheering on her man at his gamesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/agus.gandolfo/?hl=en
      Gandolfo, born in 1996, often poses in a range of skimpy bikinisCredit: Instagram / @agus.gandolfo More

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      Georgina Rodriguez slams Portugal boss for benching Cristiano Ronaldo in damning statement after World Cup KO

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      GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ slammed Fernando Santos for benching Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal crashed out of the World Cup.Ronaldo started on the bench for the second game running as Portugal lost 1-0 to Morocco.
      Georgina Rodriguez slammed Portugal boss Fernando Santos after the matchCredit: AFP
      The model was sterned faced as she watched on from the standsCredit: EPA
      Georgina criticised Santos for dropping Ronaldo against SwitzerlandCredit: Reuters
      Ronaldo came on in the second half but could not prevent Portugal’s defeatCredit: Reuters
      The superstar came on early in the second half but could not make a difference and broke down in tears at the end of the match.
      Georgina sent a message to Ronaldo on social media and aimed a dig at Santos for failing to play his “most powerful weapon”.
      She wrote on Instagram: “Today your friend and coach made a bad decision. That friend for whom you have so many words of admiration and respect.
      “The same as when you got into the game, he saw how everything changed, but it was too late.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      “The best player in the world, his most powerful weapon, cannot be underestimated.
      “You can’t stand up for someone who doesn’t deserve it either. Life gives us lessons.
      “Today we have not lost, we have learned.”
      Georgina also showed support for Ronaldo by watching on from the stands at The Al Thumama Stadium.
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      The Spaniard also criticised Santos for dropping Ronaldo in the previous round against Switzerland despite Portugal’s 6-1 win.
      The 28-year-old model wrote: “Congratulations Portugal.
      “While the 11 players sang the anthem all the goals placed on you.
      “What a shame not to have been able to enjoy the best player in the world during the 90 minutes.
      “The fans have not stopped claiming you and shouting your name.” More

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      England vs France World Cup quarter-final stopped in FIRST MINUTE as Harry Maguire boots flat ball out of play

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      ENGLAND’S World Cup quarter-final against France had to be halted after a matter of moments… due to a flat ball. Players almost immediately complained of a flat ball, causing officials to provide a new one with not even a minute played.
      Antoine Griezmann of France kicks offCredit: Getty
      England centre-half Harry Maguire was the one to knock the ball out of play to request a new one.
      The game resumed and the focus was back on the last eight match, with a place in the semis against Morocco awaiting the winner.
      It turned out to be a thrilling game, with Aurelien Tchouameni opening the score with a stunner.
      England skipper Harry Kane later levelled from the penalty spot after Bukayo Saka was brought down in the box.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Ex-Arsenal and England striker Olivier Giroud would go on to put France back ahead, but the drama did not stop there.
      Mason Mount won England a second penalty after being shoved in the box by Theo Hernandez, who escaped a red card.
      But England captain Kane would blaze over the bar, leaving the Three Lions dumped out of the tournament.
      Jordan Henderson told ITV: “We know how many penalties Harry has scored for us, how many goals he has contributed to even get us here.
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      “He will be stronger for this in the future. He is a world-class striker and our captain, he will bounce back.”
      He added: “We felt good, the performances were really good, the focus and hunger has been really good.

      “But you have to give credit to France who are a good team. I still feel it was there for us to win tonight.”
      Gareth Southgate consoles Harry KaneCredit: Reuters More

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      Morocco star Jawad El Yamiq KISSES Pepe on the head after he misses shot in their stunning World Cup win over Portugal

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      MOROCCAN star Jawad El Yamiq cheekily KISSED rival Pepe’s head after he missed a late effort in their shock win over Portugal.The Atlas Lions made history on Saturday by becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.
      A cheeky Moroccan kissed Pepe on the head after the Portugal ace missed a late chance

      Youssef En-Nesyri leaped high to beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa with a stunning first half header to seal the incredible victory.
      Walid Cheddira received a second yellow in the third of eight minutes of additional time to leave Morocco up against it as Portugal desperately pressed for an equaliser.
      Veteran defender Pepe, 39, came close with a chance at the death but his header missed – leading to the 30-year-old Moroccan centre-half….. consoling him by planting a kiss on his head.
      After witnessing the smooch, one fan tweeted: “This missed opportunity by Pepe and the kiss to the head is straight up disrespectful.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Another wrote: “No way Morocco’s player kissed Pepe’s head after his 97th minute miss LMAOOO.”
      While a fellow viewer commented: “Top s***housery! Kisses Pepe on the head.”
      The final whistle was met by wild scenes of celebration from the Moroccans.
      But Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears as he trudged off the field in what is most-likely his last-ever World Cup game.
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      Morocco now know that they will face the winner of England’s clash with France in Wednesday’s semi-final.
      But Pepe was furious afterwards that Fifa had appointed Argentinian referee Facundo Tello to officiate the game less than 24 hours after the whistleblower’s home nation had secured their place in the semis.
      He said: “We conceded a goal that we didn’t see coming. But what I’ve got to say might come as a bit of a shock but I’m going to have to say it anyway.
      “It’s unacceptable that an Argentinian referee was taking charge of our game. They should just give Argentina the title.
      “I’m not saying that he was biased towards them but what was that all about in the second half?
      “Their goalkeeper spent most of it on the ground. They only added on eight minutes. Is that referee for real? Eight minutes?” More

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      Morocco vs Portugal LIVE SCORE: Stream FREE, TV channel – En Nesyri heads Morocco into stunning lead, Ronaldo BENCHED

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      MOROCCO are leading Portugal 1-0 in their World Cup quarter-final.Cristiano Ronaldo has been benched again, and is watching on from the subs’ bench.
      The ex-Manchester United star had to watch from the bench as his team-mates thrashed Switzerland 6-1 in the last-16, with his replacement Goncalo Ramos scoring a hat-trick.
      But it is Portugal who are behind at half-time, with Youssef En-Nesyri giving his side the lead, heading past Diogo Costa.

      Kick-off: 3pm UK time
      TV channel: ITV1
      Live stream: ITV X
      Morocco XI: Bounou, Hakimi, El Yamiq, Saiss, Attiat- Allah, Amrabat, Ounahi, Amallah, Ziyech, En Nesyri, Boufal.
      Portugal XI: Diogo Costa, Dalot, Pepe, Rúben Dias, Guerreiro, Neves, Otávio, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, João Félix, Gonçalo Ramo

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      Morocco 1 – 0 Portugal
      47, If anything the whistles from the Morocco fans are even louder in this second half.
      This is a big test for Portugal.
      Second half: Morocco 1 – 0 Portugal
      46, We’re back underway here at Al-Thumuma Stadium.
      Can Morocco hold on or will Portugal find a way back into it?
      Let’s find out!
      Inside the stadium
      SunSport’s Oscar Paul in Qatar:
      Yousseff En-Nesyri’s second goal of the World Cup is the difference here at a tense, loud and bouncing Al Thumama Stadium.It was a decent cross from left-back Yahia Attiyat Allah and a good header by the Sevilla striker – but what on earth was Portugal keeper Diogo Costa doing?He came off his line, indicating he was going to punch it clear, but was too weak and got nowhere near it as En-Nesyri nodded home.The game needed a goal, and it’s been absolute chaos ever since the 42nd-minute opener.Bruno Fernandes almost levelled up straight away but saw an audacious strike from a ridiculous angle cannon off the bar.And then right on the stroke of half time, Morocco broke at breakneck speed only for Attiyat Allah to lose all composure and spoon wide from a golden position.
      Oscar Paul SunSport
      Match stats
      Here’s the match stats from that first half.

      Disappointing Portugal
      Morocco have nullified Portugal’s front three.
      Goncalo Ramos has barely had a touch out there.
      If only Portugal had someone to come off the bench…
      He couldn’t could he?
      Half-Time: Morocco 1 – 0 Portugal
      Morocco lead at the break!
      Morocco 1 – 0 Portugal
      45+2, Attiyat Allah misses the chance to double Morocco’s lead just before half time.
      Morocco break forward with a three-on-three counterattack and ball eventually falls to the left back who slices an effort wide when he had time to set himself.
      Morocco 1 – 0 Portugal
      45, We’re going to play two additional minutes at the end of this half.
      The camera cuts to a shell-shocked looking Cristiano Ronaldo on the Portugal bench.
      GOAL! Morocco 1 – 0 Portugal

      42, Morocco take the lead!
      It’s a goal that the Portugal goalkeeper will not want to see again.
      He comes out to claim Attiyatt Allah’s looping cross from the left but is beaten to the ball by a magnificent leap from En Nesyri who heads into the unguarded goal.

      Morocco 0 – 0 Portugal
      39, Joao Felix sees a shot fly over the crossbar.
      Neither side have their shooting boots on today it seems.
      Morocco 0 – 0 Portugal
      37, Morocco are growing into this game.
      All of a sudden they look comfortable in possession.
      Morocco 0 – 0 Portugal
      35, The Portuguese defenders have been very wary to commit themselves when Boufal has the ball on the left wing.
      The former Southampton man drops his shoulder and sends an effort towards goal but it’s straight at Diogo Costa.
      Morocco 0 – 0 Portugal
      35, Amallah sweeps the ball miles over the crossbar having been found by Attiat Allah’s cutback from the left.
      Good play there by Morocco.
      Morocco 0 – 0 Portugal
      33, Portugal seem to have taken a leaf out of the Netherlands’ book yesterday and are just pumping the ball up to the big man up front.
      Seems a bit early to resort to those tactics – not that the Moroccan defenders have minded too much.
      Morocco 0 – 0 Portugal
      30, So close from Joao Felix!
      His shot from the edge of the box gets a big deflection and lands on the roof of the net.
      Bounou had no chance of stopping it after he had thrown himself in the initial direction of Felix’s shot.
      Morocco 0 – 0 Portugal
      27, Every Portugal touch is being met with whistles from Morocco’s sizeable travelling support at the stadium.
      It feels like this game is being played Casablanca.
      Morocco 0 – 0 Portugal
      26, A decent chance for En-Nesyri as he heads Ziyech’s cross well wide of the Portugal goal.
      En-Nesyri got across his marker but couldn’t direct his header on target.
      If there’s going to be a goal in this game it seems as though it’ll come from a set piece.
      Morocco 0 – 0 Portugal
      23, Oof! Bit of a collision between Bounou and Bruno Fernandes.
      The goalkeeper did well to claim the ball but was clattered into by the Portuguese midfielder.
      Bit of afters between Fernandes and some of the Moroccan defenders but all’s well that ends well.

      Morocco 0 – 0 Portugal
      21, Morocco look quite insightful when they do venture forwards.
      They’ve got plenty of players who are good at progressing the ball up to the edge of the penalty area but nobody who you’d bet your house on finishing a chance.
      I write this as another dangerous looking Ziyech cross falls safely into the arms of Diogo Costa without a single Moroccan attacker challenging to get on the end of it.
      Morocco 0 – 0 Portugal
      18, Ziyech cuts inside and shoots but it rolls harmlessly wide of Diogo Costa’s goal.
      Morocco 0 – 0 Portugal
      16, This already feels like a game that could be decided late on by one of the substitutes…

      Morocco 0 – 0 Portugal
      13, Another free kick from wide on the right sees Raphael Guerreiro have a goal-bound volley well-blocked by a Moroccan defender.
      Portugal are finding some joy with set pieces in the early stages here.
      Morocco 0 – 0 Portugal
      12, Portugal are just popping the ball about, making sure that everyone gets a nice early touch in.
      Morocco are just watching them do it and only deciding to press once the ball progresses beyond the halfway line.
      Morocco 0 – 0 Portugal
      9, There are a number of empty seats inside the stadium and reports that some ticketless fans have been trying to gain entry.
      Morocco 0 – 0 Portugal
      6, Morocco get forward for the first time.
      Attiat Allah gallops forward down the left wing and earns a corner for his side.
      The resulting corner is headed over by En-Nesyri when he should perhaps have done better.
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