World Cup

NEYMAR has revealed that he was “physically distraught” and “paralysed for 10 minutes” after Brazil’s World Cup exit.The PSG star was left in tears as his World Cup dream ended following a penalty shoot-out defeat to Croatia.
Neymar was left in tears as his World Cup dream was endedCredit: Rex
Neymar’s extra-time goal looked to have put the Samba Boys into the semi-finals and on course to end 20-years of hurt.
But Bruno Petkovic’s 116th minute strike sent the game to penalties and the 2018 finalists held their nerve after Rodrigo and Marquinhos missed.
As a result, Neymar didn’t even end up taking a penalty, with the ex-Barcelona man in line to take Brazil’s fifth.
The 30-year-old has already revealed that he might never play in the World Cup again and has now explained how he felt after the game.
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On Instagram he said: “Psychologically, this was certainly the defeat that hurt the most, which made me paralyzed for 10 minutes and then I burst into tears nonstop.

“It’s going to hurt for a loooong time, unfortunately.
“We fought until the end, and I’m proud of my teammates because there was no lack of commitment or dedication.
“This group deserved it, we deserved it, BRAZIL deserved it… But that was not God’s will! It was worth every sacrifice to feel the affection of each one on the field.
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“Thank you all for your support with our selection. Unfortunately it didn’t work… it’s going to hurt for a long, long time.
“Thank you for everything my GOD, you gave me everything and I can’t complain about anything.
“Just thank you for taking care of me. All honour and all glory is always for you, regardless of the circumstances.”
Neymar couldn’t prevent Brazil losing to Croatia on penalties More

NEYMAR slammed his former agent in an X-rated blast as he leaped to the defence of outgoing Brazil boss Tite.The Samba Boys suffered a shock World Cup exit on penalties to Croatia yesterday, with Neymar not even taking a spot-kick.
Neymar has leaped to the defence of ex-Brazil boss TiteCredit: EPA
And despite being tipped as favourites to win in Qatar, Brazil are heading home after a fourth quarter-final defeat in their last five tournaments.
Gaffer Tite announced his resignation immediately after the loss, ending his six-year spell in charge.
And many in Brazil have been laying into the outgoing manager, including Neymar’s former agent Wagner Ribeiro.
He posted a brutal message online, saying: “This gentleman was never a football coach. He spent years deceiving the people losing two cups.
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“He only has to be the PRAYER of the alumni class.”
But this prompted a furious response from Neymar, 30, who had shined as a No10 in Tite’s system.
The Paris Saint-Germain ace boomed: “Don’t talk s**t Wagner!”
It now remains to be seen if Neymar continues playing for Brazil.
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He managed to equal Pele’s official international goal record of 77 strikes last night.
But afterwards, Neymar hinted the pain of defeat was so strong that he may not play for Brazil again.
Neymar said: “Honestly, I do not know. I think talking now is bad because of the heat of the moment. Maybe I’m not thinking straight.
“To say that this is the end would be rushing myself, but I don’t guarantee anything either. Let’s see what happens going forward.
“I want to take this time to think about it, think about what I want for myself. I will not close the door to playing with Brazil, nor do I say 100 per cent that I’ll come back.
“I need to think a bit more about this, about what is the right thing for me and for the national team.” More

GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ was in attendance to watch Cristiano Ronaldo against Morocco – but the superstar was named on the bench.Ronaldo was dropped from the Portugal side to face Switzerland in the last-16 following a bust-up with manager Fernando Santos.
Georgina Rodriguez did not look impressed after Cristiano Ronaldo was named on the bench again
Georgina criticised Fernando Santos for dropping RonaldoCredit: AFP
Ronaldo has started consecutive Portugal games on the benchCredit: Getty
The striker reacted badly to being substituted against South Korea and Santos was not happy with his behaviour.
Ronaldo’s replacement Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick as Portugal beat Switzerland 6-1, though CR7 did play a cameo role.
But he started on the bench against Morocco – and Georgina was not amused.
She had a stern look as she watched on from the stands waving a Portugal flag.
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Georgina also went to Portugal vs Switzerland and looked glamorous wearing black dress and jacket while holding a luxury handbag.
The Spaniard managed a smile on that occasion but was a little irritated after the match as she showed support for Ronaldo.
Georgina said: “Congratulations Portugal.
“While the 11 players sang the anthem all the goals placed on you.
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“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.”
She then sarcastically referred to Santos’ relationship with Ronaldo, adding: “I hope that God and your dear friend Fernando continue hand in hand and make us vibrate one more night.” More

FRANCE’S stars have been practising their poker faces ahead of tonight’s quarter-final clash against England.Didier Deschamps’ side are reported to have been enjoying playing poker at their World Cup base in Qatar.
France have been working hard in training ahead of their quarter-final meeting with EnglandCredit: PA
Senior players are alleged to have enjoyed playing poker in the eveningsCredit: PA
French staff are reported to have shown footage of England games to Didier Deschamps’ players during their time offCredit: AP
A group of France’s more experienced heads have gathered every night to play cards, according to L’Equipe.
Olivier Giroud, Raphael Varane, Hugo Lloris and Antoine Griezmann are alleged to have grown close with while still enjoying “fierce competition” with each other.
But the reigning champions aren’t just sitting around playing poker as they prepare to take on England.
Les Bleus have been hard at work on the training pitch, and have also spent time extensively studying tapes of the Three Lions.
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L’Equipe say France staff have even been showing England games to the players during their time off.
Although the tactic isn’t a new one just for the Three Lions.
It’s claimed staff have played tapes of each of France’s opponents throughout the tournament during the players’ downtime.
They have done so to try and drum up more tactical discussions -despite the team not being on the training pitch.
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England and France face off on Saturday evening for a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
The two nations have met just twice before on football’s biggest stage – in 1966 and 1982 – with the Three Lions winning both times.
Raheem Sterling is set to be involved in some capacity having returned to Qatar after flying home to be with his family following a burglary at his mansion.
The 28-year-old took part in training on Friday just hours after rejoining the camp.
Boss Gareth Southgate confirmed yesterday: “He will be involved tomorrow but it is hard to tell what his level is so we will have to assess that.
“We are pleased he is back because he is an important player for us.”
Whoever comes out on top will face the winners of Morocco vs Portugal for a place in the final.
Raheem Sterling is set to be involved for England against FranceCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Sterling is back with the Three Lions after flying back to the UK to be with his family following a break-in at his mansionCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

ARGENTINA were back in training just hours after their heated World Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands, without talisman Lionel Messi.The South American nation played out one of the games of the tournament as they beat Louis van Gaal’s side on penalties after a 2-2 thriller in regulation time.
Argentina’s squad train after their shootout win over the NetherlandsCredit: AP
The squad appeared to be in a jubilant moodCredit: Reuters
Boss Lionel Scaloni oversaw the sessionCredit: AP
Paulo Dybala and Co in trainingCredit: Reuters
The Roma ace was then thrown in the middle of a rondoCredit: Reuters
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi was absent from trainingCredit: Reuters
A brilliantly disguised pass and a spot kick from Messi were cancelled out by Wout Weghorst’s stunning brace before Emiliano Martinez became the nations penalty hero once again.
But the teams were embroiled in heated exchanges throughout the match and at full-time.
Despite the absence of Messi the squad were back in training following the dramatic shootout victory and appeared to be in a jubilant mood.
They were pictured doing a spin session on bikes as boss Lionel Scaloni oversaw them.
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They were also pictured doing on the ball work with Roma ace Paulo Dybala pictured in the middle of a rondo.
The win yesterday has set up a semi-final against beaten 2018 finalists Croatia.
Croatia upset the odds ahead of Argentina’s match by sending favourites Brazil out on penalties.
The match between the two victorious penalty taking teams will take place on Tuesday at 7pm UK time, with the winner of that game taking on Wednesday’s semi-final victor.
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England need to beat France on Saturday in order to be in contention for the semi-final.
The clash will be England’s biggest test of the World Cup so far, with reigning champions France looking dangerous with top goalscorer Kylian Mbappe. More

CHAOS erupted outside Morocco’s World Cup quarter-final against Portugal as thousands of fans were blocked from entering the stadium. There were several empty seats at the Al Thumama Stadium Qatar as Morocco attempted history to become the first African semi-finalists.
Fans arrive outside the Al Thumama Stadium in DohaCredit: Reuters
Several empty seats were left in the Morocco endCredit: EPA
But several reports claimed that supporters were being blocked from entering with riot police being deployed.
Fans complained of ticketing problems at the start of the winter tournament.
Fifa’s online app, in which tickets are activated by bluetooth and result in a QR code, was not working.
It caused Fifa to release a statement after England supporters missed the start of the eventual 6-2 opening game win over Iran.

It read: “Some spectators are currently experiencing an issue with accessing their tickets via the FIFA ticketing app.
“FIFA is working on solving the issue.
“In the meantime, fans who are not able to access their mobile tickets should check the email accounts they used to register with the ticketing app for further instructions.
“In case fans cannot access their email accounts, the stadium’s Ticket Resolution Point will be able to support.
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“We thank fans for their understanding as we work to fix the issue as soon as possible.”
By the first quarter of the match, seats slowly began to fill up.
Morocco reached the last eight following a shock win over Spain on penalties, while Portugal hammered Switzerland 6-1.
Seats began to fill as the first-half progressedCredit: AFP More