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      Fans all say same thing as footage emerges showing Dutch players trying to put off Argentina in dramatic shootout loss

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      ARGENTINA’S World Cup win over Holland descended into chaos during the penalty shootout – after threatening to boil over throughout.Footage has emerged of the Dutch players trying to put off the Argentina stars before they took their penalties.
      Wout Weghorst appeared to wait for Enzo Fernandez on the edge of the box after the Dutchman took his penalty
      Weghorst then walked directly up to Fernandez, who missed his spot-kick
      Denzel Dumfries also tried to put off Fernandez before Angel Di Maria intervenedCredit: Getty
      Argentina’s stars celebrated in the faces of the Dutch team after the winning penaltyCredit: Reuters
      After Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis missed Holland’s first two spot-kicks, Teun Koopmeiners and Wout Weghorst scored for the Dutch.
      And Weghorst, who dramatically netted twice late on to send the game to extra-time, was captured trying to put off Enzo Fernandez as the Dutchman walked back after scoring his penalty.
      Footage posted to Twitter shows the striker waiting for Fernandez on the edge of the box, before walking right up to the midfielder as he strolled to the spot.
      Denzel Dumfries was also seen coming away from the halfway line and walking up to Fernandez to exchange words with the Argentina ace as he walked up to take his kick.
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      Whatever was said appeared to have worked, as the Manchester United linked Fernandez sent his effort wide of the post.
      Holland went on to lose the shootout despite Fernandez’s miss – and fans reckoned they got what was coming to them for their mind games.
      One wrote on Twitter: “They were trying by all means to get into their heads. Such disgusting behaviour.”
      Another added: “Good thing they lost!”
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      A third said: “Argentina’s reaction after L[autaro] Martinez scoring the winning penalty is justified.”
      While other fans suggested Holland were simply playing Argentina at their own game.
      But Dumfries tried the exact same tactic next time around for Lautaro Martinez’s decisive kick.
      Despite being club team-mates at Inter Milan, Dumfries broke away from the Holland huddle to try and put Martinez off.

      This time it didn’t work, as the striker netted the penalty to send Argentina through to the semi-finals.
      Argentina’s players celebrated right in the faces of the heartbroken Dutch stars following Martinez’s crucial kick.
      Dumfries meanwhile was sent off after the shootout.
      Dumfries tried to put off Lautaro Martinez before the Argentina ace struck the winning kickCredit: Getty
      Dumfries broke away from the huddle on the halfway line to try and get in Martinez’s headCredit: Getty More

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      Sergio Aguero brutally trolls Holland before revealing doctor was checking his heart was OK during crazy Argentina win

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      RETIRED SERGIO Aguero revealed his doctor was checking his heart was OK during Argentina’s crazy World Cup quarter-final win over Holland. The Manchester City and Argentina legend, 34, was forced to retire last year shortly after signing for Barcelona with a heart condition.
      Retired Aguero was in Qatar to celebrate with his former team-matesCredit: Rex
      Aguero’s doctor was checking in to monitor his heart before the ace took to Twitter to trollCredit: Rex
      Messi and Aguero roomed together on international duty for yearsCredit: Getty
      Aguero, on left, celebrates with palsCredit: PA
      Aguero was taken ill during a game for the Spanish giants last October.
      The ex-striker was taken to hospital after clutching his chest and complaining of breathing problems and dizziness during a clash with Alaves.
      He was ruled out of action for at least three months to undergo a period of observation before being diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia.
      And the delicate condition had Aguero’s doctor checking in on his heart during Argentina’s World Cup quarter-final win over Holland.
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      All was looking well for the South American champions heading into the final ten minutes of Friday’s game.
      However, a two-goal lead quickly evaporated at the hands of 6ft6 Wout Weghorst.
      A boring extra-time flew by before Argentina took the game 4-3 on penalties.
      When asked by a fan on how his heart was holding up in the nail-biting affair, Aguero responded: “The doctor wrote to me several times, so imagine.”
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      And once Aguero had calmed down from his meeting with Weghorst in the tunnel, which he says resulted in him being “kicked out”, he took to Twitter to troll Argentina’s Dutch rivals.
      Aguero told Holland aces to “Go play Fifa.”
      Argentina will now face World Cup 2018 finalists Croatia for a spot in the December 18 finale.
      On the opposite side of the tournament knockout tree, current World Cup holders France are taking on England for a spot in the semis.
      And dark horses Morocco are hoping to become the first African team to reach the last four by beating Euro 2016 winners Portugal. More

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      ‘Season’s over’ – Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer breaks leg skiing as he tries to get over Germany World Cup heartache

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      MANUEL NEUER’S end to the year went from bad to worse after he broke his leg just DAYS after suffering World Cup heartbreak.The Germany captain had an accident during a skiing trip that saw him need surgery.
      Manuel Neuer broke his leg in a skiing accident just days after returning from the World CupCredit: https://www.instagram.com/manuelneuer
      Neuer captained Germany in QatarCredit: Getty
      He will now miss the rest of the season.
      Goalkeeper Neuer, 36, and Germany were sent packing from the World Cup early following an embarrassing group stage exit.
      The Bayern Munich skipper then went away skiing to clear his head, only to break his leg in an accident.
      Neuer wrote on Instagram from his hospital bed: “Hey guys, what can I say, the end of the year could have definitely gone better…
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      “While I was trying to get my head clear while ski touring, I suffered a lower leg fracture. Yesterday’s surgery went well.
      “Many thanks to the doctors! However, it hurts to know that the current season is over for me.”
      Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn said: “The news of Manuel’s injury shocked us all. 
      “We will stand by his side and accompany him on his way to his comeback. He will recover from this serious injury and return to the pitch as strong as ever.”
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      Neuer, who won the 2014 World Cup with Germany, played all three group games in Qatar.
      He was also part of the side that were knocked out in the group stages four years ago in Russia.
      Neuer wrote on Instagram after Germany crashed out behind Japan and Spain: “The pain and disappointment runs deep.
      “It is brutally frustrating that we have not been able to constantly call on our service. It’s going to take some time to process all this.
      “Nevertheless: Thank you to everyone who has always supported us and encouraged us!”
      Bayern do not return to action after the winter break until January 20th, when they take on RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
      But the current league leaders will be without their No1 goalie for the remainder of the season.
      Since joining Bayern from Schalke in 2011, Neuer only failed to lift the Bundesliga in first season with the club.
      He has won the German title in all 10 of the campaigns since then, as well as the Champions League twice. More

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      Who is Grant Wahl’s wife Celine Gounder and how many children do they have?

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      AMERICAN sports journalist Grant Wahl died in Qatar after falling ill after covering the Netherlands v Argentina match at the 2022 Fifa world cup.His wife said she was in “complete shock” after the news broke. But who is Grant Wahl’s wife and when did they get married? Here’s what we know.
      Gounder met Wahl at university, and the couple got married in 2001
      Who is Grant Wahl’s wife Celine?
      Celine Gounder is an American infectious disease physician and medical journalist.
      She was a member of the Covid-19 advisory board commissioned by US President Joe Biden in November 2020.
      She is currently editor-at-large for Kaiser health news and is host of the podcast, American diagnosis.
      Gounder has appeared on CBS news as a medical contributor on a number of occasions.
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      She has previously appeared on CNN as a medical analyst.
      In 2017, Gounder was named as one of People magazine’s ’25 women changing the world’ for her contributions to health care.
      How many children do Grant Wahl and Celine Gounder have?
      Wahl and Gounder did not have any children during their marriage.
      The couple lived in New York with their two dogs, Coco and Zizou, who was named after former France World cup winner, Zinedine Zidane.
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      Gounder said that the reason that her and Wahl chose not to have children was because of the nature of their professions, meaning they wouldn’t have the time necessary to focus on raising a child.
      When did Grant Wahl and Celine Gounder get married?
      Wahl and Gounder were married in Seattle in 2001. they met whilst studying at Princeton university.
      The couple were together for over 25 years at the time of his passing.
      Wahl graduated from Princeton in 1996 with degree in politics, whilst Gounder graduated in 1997 with a degree in molecular biology.
      What has Celine Gounder said about Grant Wahl’s death?
      Gounder posted on Twitter in the hours following her husband’s death to thank people who had sent their condolences.
      Her post read: “I am so thankful for the support of my husband soccer family & of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight. I’m in complete shock.”
      Her tweet was in response to a US soccer statement regarding Wahl’s death. More

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      Watch amazing scenes from inside tunnel as Weghorst tries to shake fuming Lionel Messi’s hand before Aguero steps in

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      RETIRED Sergio Aguero was forced to step in as Holland star Wout Weghorst tried to shake fuming Argentina captain Lionel Messi’s hand after the feisty World Cup quarter-final clash. The Dutch made a lot of noise in the build-up to the match with boss Louis van Gaal cockily suggesting his team would beat Argentina and face Brazil in the semis.
      Weghorst tried to shake a fuming Messi’s hand in the tunnelCredit: TyC Sports
      The Argentine was unimpressed and labelled the tall Dutchman ‘stupid’Credit: TyC Sports
      Argentina players and retired Aguero stepped inCredit: Rosario3
      Aguero calmed tensions and then removed himself from the situationCredit: Rosario3
      Brazil, of course, didn’t live up to their side of the bargain, crashing out to Croatia penalties, and Holland did the exact same.
      Such comments riled up the Argentines, in particular Messi, who was in an unusually feisty mood.
      After a few on-pitch altercations, which saw 17 yellow cards dished out, tensions spilled over at full-time.
      Dutch right-back Denzel Dumfries received a second yellow card while Messi had words with Van Gaal.
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      A shirtless Argentina goalkeeping hero Emiliano Martinez was also ready to rumble with a Dutch opponent.
      Weghorst, whose two late goals forced the game to extra-time, was also seen trying to intimidate Lautaro Martinez before the Inter Milan ace fired home the winning penalty.
      And Messi was far from impressed with the 6ft6 beanstalk.
      Weghorst tried to approach Messi in the tunnel to shake his hand, in which the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner responded: “Who are you looking at, stupid? Go ahead, you stupid.”
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      A number of Argentine players, including retired legend Aguero, stood in Weghorst’s way.
      Weghorst told Aguero: “I’m waiting for him to give him a hand [shake].”
      Smartly dressed Aguero ended with a handshake and then took himself away from the situation.
      Messi later said on Weghorst AND Van Gaal: “I don’t like people talking before games.

      “The number 19 (Weghorst) came and started to provoke us, bump into us, tell us things. Their coach was not respectful to us either.
      “It seemed disrespectful to me, that a coach of his calibre declared [they would win] like that.
      “Van Gaal does not respect the Argentina national team.”
      Argentina will now face World Cup 2018 finalists Croatia for a spot in the December 18 finale.
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      On the opposite side of the tournament knockout tree, current World Cup holders France are taking on England for a spot in the semis.
      And dark horses Morocco are hoping to become the first African team to reach the last four by beating Euro 2016 winners Portugal.
      Messi exchanged words with Holland boss Van GaalCredit: EPA
      Weghorst could be seen trying to intimidate Martinez, as was the Argentine’s club team-mate DumfriesCredit: Getty More

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      Heartbroken Brazil star Neymar reveals he may never play in World Cup again as Pele begs him to carry on in tribute

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      NEYMAR has cast doubt on his international future after Brazil suffered World Cup heartbreak against Croatia.But Pele has urged him to “keep inspiring” Brazilians after the 30-year-old equalled his scoring record for the men’s national team.
      Neymar couldn’t hold back the tears after Brazil crashed out of the World CupCredit: Reuters
      The Brazil captain was consoled by his team-matesCredit: Getty
      Pele paid tribute to Neymar on social mediaCredit: AFP
      Neymar bagged his 77th Brazil goal to put his side ahead in extra-time, before Bruno Petkovic’s equalised on penalties and Croatia won on penalties.
      In doing so the captain equalled Pele’s ‘official’ record recognised by Fifa.
      Although Neymar is unsure whether he will get the chance to add to his tally following the devastating World Cup quarter-final exit.
      The forward, who will be 34 by the time the next tournament kicks off, burst into tears at full-time.
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      Speaking on his future after the game, Neymar admitted: “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.”
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      Pele, who has been watching the tournament in hospital as he battles bowel cancer, paid tribute to Neymar after the game.
      In an emotional Instagram post, the 82-year-old congratulated Neymar for equalling his Brazil record.
      He wrote: “I saw you grow up, I cheered for you every day and finally I can congratulate you on equalling my number of goals with the Brazilian National Team. We both know that it’s much more than a number.
      “Our greatest duty as athletes is to inspire. Inspire our colleagues in the profession today, the next generations and most of all inspire all who love our sport.
      “Unfortunately, the day is not the happiest for us, but you will always be the source of inspiration that many aspire to become. I’ve learned as time goes by the more our legacy grows.”
      He added: “Keep inspiring us all I will continue to punch the air of happiness with every goal you score, as I did in every match I saw you on the field.”
      Pele scored 77 times in 92 games for Brazil, while Neymar has the same tally from 124 caps.
      Women’s captain Marta is Brazil’s all-time record scorer with 115 goals. More

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      Grant Wahl dead: Reporter’s devastated brother claims he was killed in Qatar over rainbow T-shirt row in emotional video

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      GRANT Wahl’s devastated brother believes he was murdered in Qatar after being detained over wearing a rainbow T-shirt.The sports journalist, 48, died after suffering a suspected heart attack during the Netherlands versus Argentina quarter final match in Doha on Friday.
      Grant Wahl was detained in Doha for wearing a rainbow T-shirtCredit: Reuters
      Grant’s brother, Eric Wahl, believes he was killed in QatarCredit: Instagram
      Sports journalist Grant Wahl (left) and his brother EricCredit: Twitter
      US media sat near him said Grant fell back in his seat during extra time before journalists next to him called for help.
      Emergency services rushed to the scene but he tragically died.
      The journalist was covering his eighth World Cup, and made headlines earlier in the tournament when he claimed he was refused entry to a game for wearing a rainbow T-shirt.
      In an emotional video, his heartbroken brother Eric Wahl questioned the circumstances surrounding his death.

      “My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl’s brother. I’m gay,” he said.
      “I’m the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup. My brother was healthy.
      “He told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died. I believe he was killed. And I just beg for any help.”
      In a post on Twitter, he said: “I spoke with Grant just the other day for his birthday. He thought he’d caught bronchitis. I no longer believe that’s what it was.”
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      Eric added: “We all want answers.”
      A Qatar organising committee spokesperson said Grant “received immediate emergency medical treatment on site, which continued as he was transferred by ambulance to Hamad General Hospital”.
      “We offer our deepest condolences to Grant’s family, friends and his many close colleagues in the media,” they added.
      Grant’s wife Celine Gounder said she was in “complete shock” after her husband’s death.
      She said: “I am so thankful for the support of my husband Grant Wahl’s soccer family & of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight. I’m in complete shock.”
      US State Department spokesman Ned Price said authorities were in “close communication” with Grant’s family.
      He said: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Grant Wahl and send our condolences to his family, with whom we have been in close communication.
      “We are engaged with senior Qatari officials to see to it that his family’s wishes are fulfilled as expeditiously as possible.”
      Grant had celebrated his 48th birthday in Qatar on Thursday – a day before he collapsed.
      He hit the headlines earlier in the tournament when he was briefly detained and refused entry to the Wales-USA Group B game for wearing a rainbow shirt.
      Security guards eventually let him wear it to the match.
      On Monday, Grant said he had been diagnosed with bronchitis.
      He wrote on his website: “My body finally broke down on me.
      “What had been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe on the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.
      “I didn’t have Covid (I test regularly here), but I went into the medical clinic and the main media center today, and they said I probably have bronchitis.”
      FIFA President Gianni Infantino led tributes to the American sports journalist.
      He said: “His love for football was immense and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game.
      “We express our sincerest condolences to his wife Céline, his family, and his friends at this most difficult time.”
      Piers Morgan said: “He was a brilliant journalist. RIP.”
      The US Soccer Federation said: “The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken.
      “Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game.”
      Grant, who worked for Sports Illustrated from 1996 to 2021, was known for his coverage of football and college basketball.
      He wrote a profile of Lebron James when the NBA superstar was in high school that is credited with making him a breakout star.
      Superstar James would be drafted with the first pick of the NBA Draft about a year after appearing in the piece. 
      James paid tribute to the late sportswriter, describing his death as a “tragic loss”.
      He said: “Even when I moved up in the ranks and became a professional and he kind of went to a different sport and things of that nature of the years, any time his name would come up I would always think back to me as a teenager and having Grant in our building down at St. V. So it’s a tragic loss.
      “It’s unfortunate to lose someone as great as he was.”
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      Nate Scott, senior director of USA Today sports media group, tweeted: “Grant was an established pro who went out of his way to help me multiple times in my career when he had no reason to.
      “He took delight in seeing this sport grow in this country and wanted to lift those of us around him up. A horrible, horrible day for American soccer.”
      Grant’s wife Celine Gounder said she was in ‘complete shock’ after her husband’s deathCredit: FIFA
      Grant celebrated his 48th birthday in Qatar on Thursday – a day before he collapsedCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Just tall people and long balls’ – Messi tears into Van Gaal for saying Dutch play good football after World Cup loss

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      ARGENTINA captain Lionel Messi tore into Holland boss Louis van Gaal for his long ball approach to their World Cup quarter-final.The South American champions avoided a late scare, beating the Dutch on penalties after seeing their two-goal lead evaporate late on in normal time.
      Messi was left unimpressed by Holland’s hit and hope tactics with tall starsCredit: Getty
      Van Gaal declared before kick-off that his Dutch team play good footballCredit: PA
      Messi confronted Van Gaal at full-timeCredit: Reuters
      Beanstalk Wout Weghorst bagged the brace that saved the Dutch and sent the game to a nervy penalty shootout.
      But Van Gaal’s tactical switch to chucking on tall players and hitting long balls left Messi unimpressed.
      Van Gaal had previously bit back at journalists in pre-match press conferences when his approach to games was criticised and claimed Holland play good football.
      Messi said: “Van Gaal says that they play good football but what he did was put tall people and hit long balls.”
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      Whether this is what Messi told Van Gaal himself at full-time is yet to be seen.
      The legendary seven-time Ballon d’Or winner had to be separated from the ex-Manchester United boss at full-time.
      Messi also branded 6ft6 Weghorst “stupid” in a post-match press conference.
      Weghorst could be seen trying to intimidate penalty shootout match winner Lautaro Martinez before he fired home, which could be what prompted Messi to size up the giant.
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      Messi added: “I don’t like people talking before games.
      “The number 19 (Weghorst) came and started to provoke us, bump into us, tell us things. Their coach was not respectful to us either.
      “It seemed disrespectful to me, that a coach of his calibre declared like that.
      “Van Gaal does not respect the Argentina national team.”
      Argentina hero Emiliano Martinez was also ready to rumble with a Dutch rival while shirtless.
      Martinez, who saved two spot-kicks, was caught on camera yelling abuse at a Dutch opponent after the win.
      The Aston Villa ace yelled: “Keep your mouth shut you f***ing t***! I f***ed you twice!”
      Argentina will now face World Cup 2018 finalists Croatia for a spot in next Sunday’s finale.
      South American rivals Brazil crashed out to Croatia in a dramatic penalty shootout, with star man Neymar being too late to take a penalty.
      On the opposite side of the tournament knockout tree, current World Cup holders France are taking on England for a spot in the semis.
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      And dark horses Morocco are hoping to become the first African team to reach the last four by beating Euro 2016 winners Portugal. More