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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.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      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.
      Read More on The Sun
      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.
      Read More World Cup News
      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.”
      Read More on The Sun
      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.”
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      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.
      Read More on The Sun
      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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      Gary Neville reveals what Roy Keane wrote down after England goal versus Senegal leaving Micah Richards in stitches

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      ROY KEANE has lifted the lid on what he wrote while Gary Neville and Ian Wright celebrated wildly during England’s win over Senegal.A clip went viral of the Irishman calmly jotting down notes as fellow pundits Neville and Wright lost their cool in the studio.
      Gary Neville and Ian Wright celebrated wildly after England scored against SenegalCredit: https://twitter.com/IanWright0
      Roy Keane turned around and wrote down notes while they celebratedCredit: https://twitter.com/IanWright0
      Micah Richards was left in stitchesCredit: SkyBet
      Keane, who played 67 times for Ireland, wasn’t bothered one bit when Harry Kane put the Three Lions 2-0 up in the last-16.
      Instead he turned his back to the pitch to jot down a quick note.
      And now fellow ITV pundit Neville has revealed exactly what he wrote, leaving Micah Richards in stitches.
      Speaking to SkyBet’s YouTube channel, Neville told Richards: “I grabbed his notes… it didn’t go down well.”
      Read More World Cup News
      Neville then added: “When the second goal went in, he wrote ‘game over’.”
      Richards, who is working for the BBC at the World Cup, could not contain his laughter.
      Neville continued: “I put it up to the camera and he snatched it out of my hands!”
      But Keane hit back and defended his far from detailed note taking.
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      He pointed out: “It was game over! Just in case I forgot.”
      It’s been an eventful World Cup for Keane, who hit out at Brazil for their dancing, and ripped off his shirt after scoring the winner in an ITV vs BBC match.

      The Manchester United legend even admitted he had to fly home during the tournament for a break as his “tolerance levels” were being pushed by his fellow pundits.
      He revealed: “I had a break. I needed a break, just my tolerance levels.
      “Yeah, people get on my nerves.” More

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      When is Argentina vs Croatia – World Cup 2022 semi-final? TV channel, live stream FREE, kick-off time for HUGE clash

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      CROATIA and Argentina will face off in nothing short of a mammoth World Cup semi-final.Croatia shocked the world to dump out favourites Brazil on penalties, while Lionel Messi inspired Argentina’s shoot-out victory over the Netherlands.
      Croatia dumped out Brazil to advanceCredit: Avalon.red
      Croatia have now won their last two World Cup games by stunning spot-kicks, and truly sent shockwaves through the globe with their win over Brazil.
      Brazil were the favourites for the whole tournament and even got a extra-time goal from star man Neymar, before Bruno Petkovic flipped the script and Croatia then went on to win on penalties.
      Who will come out on top?
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      When is Argentina vs Croatia?
      Argentina vs Croatia will take place on Tuesday, December 13.
      The big match will kick off at 7pm UK time.
      The Lusail Iconic Stadium plays host to the match.
      What TV channel and live stream is Argentina vs Croatia on?
      Argentina vs Croatia will be broadcast live on either ITV 1 or BBC One.
      The channels have yet to reveal what game they are showing of the two semi-finals.
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      The match will be live streamed on either ITV X or BBC iPlayer.
      Both ITV and BBC are free-to-air for those in the UK with a valid TV licence.

      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup

      Quarter-finals
      Friday, December 9

      Saturday, December 10

      Semi-finals
      Tuesday, December 13

      Wednesday, December 14
      Match 62: Winners of Match 59 vs Winners of Match 60 (7pm)
      Third/Fourth place play-off
      Saturday, December 17

      Losers of Match 61 vs Losers of Match 62 (3pm)

      Read More on The Sun
      Final
      Sunday, December 18

      Winners of Match 61 vs Winners of Match 62 (3pm) More

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      World Cup 2022 LIVE: Raheem Sterling could feature for England, Lionel Messi’s Argentina through – latest

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      RAHEEM STERLING could feature for England against France tonight after returning to the UK to attend to personal matters.The winger saw his Surrey home broken into during the World Cup but is now back in Qatar training with his teammates.
      While the favourites Brazil are OUT of the World Cup after defeat to Croatia in the quarter-finals.
      But the same can’t be said for Lionel Messi’s Argentina – they overcame Netherlands in a dramatic shoot-out.
      Keep up to date with all of the action from our live match blogs:

      World Cup 2022 sign up offer: Get £40 in FREE BETS when you stake £10 at Sky Bet
      Stay tuned with all the latest from the tournament…
      Argentina are through
      Argentina have qualified to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals after beating the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties.
      Lautaro Martinez netted the crucial spot-kick by beating Andries Noppert.
      Lionel Messi, Leandro Paredes and Gonzalo Montiel all scored for the Albiceleste with Enzo Fernandez missing the target.
      Teun Koopmeiners, Wout Weghorst and Luuk de Jong hit the target but Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis were denied by Emiliano Martinez
      Credit: Getty
      FT: Netherlands 2-2 Argentina
      That’s the end of extra-time at the Lusail Stadium as the Netherlands and Argentina are set for penalties.
      Nahuel Molina opened the scoring thanks to a stunning assist by Lionel Messi, who doubled the Albiceleste’s lead from the penalty spot soon after.
      But Holland completed a stunning comeback with an amazing brace by Wout Weghorst.
      Follow all the action in SunSport’s live blog
      Going on extra-time
      Netherlands and Argentina’s thrilling World Cup quarter-finals is now on extra-time.
      Here’s what SunSport’s man on the field Martin Lipton makes of Wout Weghorst’s incredible equaliser:
      Now that IS incredible.
      That’s a version of the free-kick Argentina scored against England in St Etienne in 1998.
      But in the 100th minute. To take it to extra-time.
      Brilliant deception by one sub, completed by another.
      Koopmeiners caught the entire Argentine defence off guard by rolling inside the wall but Weghorst still had so much to do.
      Back in 1978, a Dutch substitute named Dick Naninga came off the bench to take it to extra-time – and was the thickness of the woodwork away from putting his side in front.
      No idea what happens next…Martin LiptonSunSport
      Netherlands 2-2 Argentina
      Unbelievable! The Netherlands have equalised in the final minute of stoppage time!
      Argentina are absolutely stunned, Holland have levelled with an absolutely brilliant set piece.
      Wout Weghorst has equalised with his second goal of the night.
      And it all started with Teun Koopmeiners faking a shot from a free-kick and instead passing through to Weghorst who beat Emiliano Martinez from close distance
      Netherlands 1-2 Argentina
      Netherlands get one in with Wout Weghorst after 82 minutes!
      Weghorst picked up a wonderful cross by Steven Berghuis and beat Emiliano Martinez with a stunning header.
      Looks like we have a match at the Lusail Stadium with seven minutes to go.
      Holland are really pushing for late equaliser!
      Credit: AP
      Netherlands 0-2 Argentina
      Argentina look to have sealed their place in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.
      Lionel Messi has beaten Andries Noppert from the penalty spot after Denzel Dumfries fouled Marcos Acuna.
      Here’s what SunSport’s man on the field Martin Lipton has to say about it:
      At least I got that one right.
      Dumfries gets more than enough of Acuna to make up the Spanish referee’s mind for him and Messi clips home with utter assurance.
      Another ear-splitting scream from the massed Argentine ranks.
      Watch out Croatia.
      They’re coming. He’s coming.Martin LiptonSunSport
      More from the ground
      SunSport’s man on the field Martin Lipton also had this to say about the ongoing match between Argentina and the Netherlands:
      That would have been the way to seal it.
      Messi induces the foul by van Dijk on the edge of the box – no question about the decision – and strokes the free-kick over the wall, beyond Noppert’s groping fingers, but a whisker of paint too high.
      Now, at last, van Gaal changes it up.
      Big bad Luke de Jong up top, Blind off, Ake at left back in a four.
      But Messi has his dander up. A second Argentine goal still appears more likely than an equaliser.Martin LiptonSunSport
      Word from the ground
      Here’s what SunSport’s Martin Lipton makes of the ongoing World Cup quarter-final clash between Argentina and the Netherlands, which currently sees the Albiceleste lead 1-0:
      The rhythm of the Argentine drums is not stopping. I don’t think it’ll stop all night.
      You can see why. Holland may have plenty of the ball but they do not look as if they have a clue what to do with it.
      Those small bunches of Dutch fans already appear resigned to their team’s fate.
      Of course, it is only 1-0. One moment, one mistake….ask Brazil.
      But it doesn’t feel like that is going to happen.Martin LiptonSunSport
      England vs France preview
      England are set for their toughest test in the 2022 World Cup as they take on France in the quarter-finals at the Al Bayt Stadium.
      Chelsea star Raheem Sterling returned to Qatar after flying home to London but doesn’t seem likely to take part in the match.
      Arsenal ace Ben White left the squad for “personal reasons” with reports suggesting he fell out with manager Gareth Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland.
      Newcastle’s Callum Wilson is nursing a minor strain, while West Ham’s Declan Rice missed training on Wednesday due to an illness that is unlikely to prevent him from playing.
      France manager Didier Deschamps, on the other hand, is set to have star man Kylian Mbappe available following an injury scare that led him to miss training
      Credit: Getty
      Netherlands 0-1 Argentina
      Argentina have opened the scoring against the Netherlands with Nahuel Molina’s opener.
      Molina broke the deadlock after a stunning assist by Lionel Messi on 35 minutes.
      Here’s word from SunSport’s man on the field Martin Lipton:
      Sorry. I thought it was loud before.
      Completely wrong.
      But as that ball rolled into the Dutch net, the whole flipping roof came off.
      A genuine explosion of raw joy, passion, desire.
      Sheer genius by Messi, ghosting away from a blanket of orange shirts to prod through, with Molina getting the wrong side of opposite number Blind to poke past Noppert.
      Now Holland have to change it up. Can they?Martin LiptonSunSport
      Word from the ground
      Argentine fans had been getting a little more edgy with Holland starting to impose their game-plan on affairs, writes SunSport’s man on the field Martin Lipton.
      But that little shuffle and spin by Messi got them going again, even if the shot didn’t really trouble Noppert at any point.
      Clear that the Dutch think they can get in behind the Argentine full-backs.
      The South Americans inside, though, are making one hell of a racket. Relentless
      Southgate on Walker vs Mbappe
      England manager Gareth Southgate insists Kyle Walker and the whole team will have to be at their best when they face France and Kylian Mbappe, writes SunSport’s Charlie Wyett.
      “We are talking about the opposition but they are a fantastic team.
      “We are aware of the whole squad and they have been able to cope with the loss of some big players.
      “Didier [Deschamps] has created a team which is stronger than the individuals which was not always the case with France in the same way it was not always the case with us. We have to be at our best”
      Kane on Lloris
      England captain Harry Kane is ready to face “one of the best keepers out there” when he takes on France skipper and Tottenham team-mate Hugo Lloris, writes SunSport’s Charlie Wyett.
      Kane said: “Huge is a fantastic leader. Leads by example, is quite calm in pressure situations and knows when his voice needs to be heard. I have learnt a lot from him and his leadership skills.
      “We train a lot, together, play a lot together, but I am someone who always backs myself against any keeper.
      “But I have seen Hugo pull off fantastic saves and hopefully tomorrow, I will have some chances I will be able to put away.
      “I will have to be at the top of my game as I am facing one of the best keepers out there”
      Credit: Getty
      Atmosphere at the stadium
      The wall of sound from the Argentine supporters was absolutely incredible, writes SunSport’s Martin Lipton.
      All it needs is the ticker-tape and we could be back in 1978.
      But Holland knew this was going to be an “away” match.
      Van Gaal wants the South Americans to get giddy with that fervent backing and over-commit
      Word from the ground
      Louis van Gaal has first criticised, then mocked, the tiny numbers who have come from Holland to support their team, writes SunSport’s man on the field Martin Lipton
      Less the famed Oranje Army. In fact, barely a platoon.
      And, unsurprisingly, those few orange shirts dotted around the Lusail Iconic Stadium have been almost swept away by the tide of sky blue and white.
      Buenos Aires is two and a half times further away from Doha than the “mere” 3,000 miles from Amsterdam.
      But the fans from the capital, from Rosario, from Mendoza and Mal Del Plata have made the journey in their thousands.
      They believe this WILL be the year when Lionel Messi proves, for once and for all, that he truly is the inheritor of Diego Maradona’s mantle of World Cup greatness.
      Kane praises Walker
      Harry Kane hailed Kyle Walker as the best right-back of the last decade ahead of his duel with Kylian Mbappe, writes SunSport’s Dan King.
      The England captain said: “Me and Kyle have known each other a long time.
      “Kyle is a fantastic defender. He’s probably the most consistent right-back there has been for the last 10 or so years.
      “He’s improved as he’s gone along in his career and I think he’s playing at the highest level he ever has.
      “I know there’s a lot of talk about Kyle and Kylian, but Kyle will be focused on doing his job for the team as he always does. Whether that’s with or without the ball he will be ready.
      “I’m always happy to play with him. I think he’s one of the best players there is”
      Argentina celebrate Brazil elimination
      Argentina fans were spotted celebrating Brazil’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup.
      The Selecao were shockingly knocked out by Croatia on penalties and the Argentinean fans watched from the Lusail Stadium ahead of their quarter-final clash with the Netherlands.
      And the Albiceleste faithful loved the sight of their rivals going out.
      More below:

      Croatia 1-1 Brazil
      Brazil are out of the World Cup! Croatia have made it through to the semi-finals!
      The Croats have done it again and won their FOURTH penalty shootout!
      Zlatko Dalic’s men won 4-2 thanks to a save by Dominik Livakovic and Marquinhos ultimately hitting the post.
      Croatia didn’t miss a SINGLE penalty! How scary are they…?
      Croatia 1-1 Brazil
      That’s the end of extra-time, Brazil and Croatia are set for a penalty shootout.
      The Selecao opened the scoring during extra-time with Neymar but the Croats wouldn’t give up.
      And so they equalise with Bruno Petkovic to set up a spot-kick bonanza.
      Follow all the action in SunSport’s live blog
      Croatia 1-1 Brazil
      Croatia have equalised with Bruno Petkovic during extra-time on 117 minutes!
      The Croats caught the Selecao with a stunning counter-attack that allowed Mislav Orcic to set Petkovic up with a beautiful low cross from the left.
      Just three more minutes before penalties, in which Croatia thrive!
      Follow all the action in SunSport’s live blog
      Antony’s Samba dive
      Brazil and Manchester United ace Anthony has been caught attempting an outrageous dive against Croatia in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals.
      The winger was attempting to win his side a free-kick in a dangerous position when he took the embarrassing tumble.
      The 22-year-old had moved the ball past Ivan Perisic but then collapsed to the ground on 74 minutes.
      Fortunately, the Brazil international was not rewarded for his antics and play was waved on by referee Michael Oliver, despite the player’s protests.
      Although, Antony did have some luck as he did escape punishment for what was a clear dive
      Watch Antony’s outrageous dive against Croatia as Man Utd ace somehow avoids yellow card in Brazil World Cup clash
      Croatia 0-1 Brazil
      Brazil have finally broken the deadlock against Croatia during extra-time.
      The Selecao opened the scoring during stoppage time in the first half.
      Neymar tied Pele’s goal tally in style as he dribbled past a Croatian defender and goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic after an assist by Lucas Paqueta.
      Just one more half of extra-time keeps Brazil from the semi-finals
      Southgate on White
      England manager Gareth Southgate insists Arsenal ace Ben White left Qatar due to “personal reasons”.
      This comes after reports suggesting White had a bust-up with Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland.
      “As far as I am aware the article used words like alleged so whoever wrote it did not feel strongly enough it was correct.
      “Ben left for personal reasons, we made that very clear. And in this day and age it is important a situation like this is respected”
      Credit: PA
      John Stones’ picks
      John Stones was asked on the Lions Den to name his dream five-a-side team, writes SunSport’s Charlie Wyett.
      Surprisingly, he named Bobby Moore, Pele, Lionel Messi, Phil Foden and. . . Joe Hart.
      Stones also claimed he would have been a decent Premier League striker.
      He said: “I would have been a big target man. I only say that because of who I have played with, who I have played against day-in day-out.
      “I am nowhere as good as them but I have learnt from them. Maybe not at the top of the Premier League but I would like to think I would be in the Prem”
      Stones on Beckham
      John Stones revealed he was star-struck when David Beckham paid a surprise visit to the England camp, writes SunSport’s Charlie Wyett.
      Beckham watched training at the team’s Al Wakrah Sports Club training base during the group stages
      Stones said: “I have never felt like that before when they said ‘Beckham is coming to training and wants to meet you all’.
      “This was at the start of the session and I kept looking over to the tunnel where he was going to come out thinking ‘is he here yet?’ We got to meet him. I was a big fan as a kid”
      Load more entries… More

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      in Soccer

      When is England vs France – World Cup quarter-final? Kick-off time, TV, stream FREE, team news for World Cup clash

      by

      ENGLAND face a date with destiny as Gareth Southgate’s men come up against the world champions France in their quarter-final clash TOMORROW.The nation will be on tenterhooks as they see whether Southgate’s troops have what it takes to upset the odds.

      Southgate has some huge calls to make on his team selection – notably whether to go toe-to-toe with Les Bleus.
      The Three Lions have a stunning array of attacking talent, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford battling for two supporting roles for Harry Kane.
      But the squad will be buoyed by the return of winger Sterling after the sickening burglary at his home in Surrey.
      And undoubtedly the eyes of the world will be on wonderkid Jude Bellingham, with his club Borussia Dortmund facing a huge battle to keep hold of him in summer.
      Read More World Cup News
      How did they get here?
      England overcame Senegal to sail into the quarters courtesy of a 3-0 victory.
      Southgate’s lads topped their Group B thanks to wins over Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, and a dour 0-0 draw against USA
      France made it through to the quarters after a 3-1 win over Poland, in which Olivier Giroud became their record scorer of all time.
      The World Cup’s top scorer Kylian Mbappe added the second and third. They beat Australia 4-1 and Denmark 2-1 in Group D before a shock 1-0 defeat to Tunisia.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST WORLD CUP BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS

      What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
      England fans had cause for concern earlier in the week when Declan Rice was reportedly suffering with illness – but he thankfully rejoined in the training sessions.
      John Stones and Callum Wilson are also being bothered with niggles but should both make the team at least. Raheem Sterling is back from his leave of absence after his house was burgled.
      France were hit with some BIG injury news before a ball was even kicked with star striker Karim Benzema ruled out with injury.
      Lucas Hernandez has also fallen to the treatment table after doing his ACL.

      Who will be the star men?
      Jude Bellingham has the world in awe with some stunning performances for England this winter.
      Harry Kane finally got the goal his all-round play has deserved – he may even be planning a late run for the Golden Boot.
      For France, look no further than the tournament top scorer Kylian Mbappe. He has looked virtually unplayable.
      Olivier Giroud became his country’s record goalscorer this World Cup – and he offers a very different threat up top to his partner in crime Mbappe.
      What’s the head to head?
      England have a brilliant record against France.
      The Three Lions have won 17 of the 31 games they have faced each other, with France triumphant in nine and five draws.
      But the most recent clash wasn’t so great for England – Deschamps guided Les Blues to a 3-2 win in a 2017 friendly.

      SunSport prediction
      Ok, we are simply letting our heart rule here.
      England face a monumental task to try and dump out Mbappe et al but their is a wave of euphoria sweeping over the nation…
      Go on Gareth and the lads, YOU CAN DO IT!
      England 1 France 1 (Eng win on pens)
      When is England vs France?

      England vs France takes place TOMORROW – Saturday, December 10.
      The match kicks off at 7pm UK time.
      The Al-Bayt Stadium plays host.

      What TV channel and live stream is England vs France on?

      England vs France will be broadcast live on ITV 1.
      It will be live-streamed on ITV X , the mobile app which is available for download.

      QUARTER-FINALS
      Friday, December 9

      Saturday, December 10

      SEMI-FINALS
      Tuesday, December 13

      Match 61: Croatia vs Argentina (7pm)

      Wednesday, December 14

      Match 62: Winners of Match 59 vs England or France (7pm)

      THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF
      Saturday, December 17

      Losers of Match 61 vs Losers of Match 62 (3pm)

      Read More on The Sun
      FINAL
      Sunday, December 18

      Winners of Match 61 vs Winners of Match 62 (3pm) More