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      Nicolas Otamendi celebrates penalty triumph in Netherlands players’ faces as Argentina win bad-tempered World Cup clash

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      NICOLAS OTAMENDI celebrated right in the Netherlands players’ faces after knocking them out of the World Cup.The Argentina defender was with his team-mates on the halfway line when Lautaro Martinez dispatched the winning penalty in the shootout.
      Nicolas Otamendi and the Argentina players goaded their Dutch rivals after the shootoutCredit: AP
      Edgar Davids was involved as Denzel Dumfries was sent offCredit: Rex
      But that was not the end of the fiery drama.
      Otamendi, 34, made a deliberate beeline in front of the heartbroken Dutch stars.
      The ex-Manchester City man goaded his rivals by cupping both ears with his hands.
      Fellow Argentina stars Leandro Paredes, Gonzalo Montiel, Angel Di Maria, German Pezzella and Alexis Mac Allister all sought out the Netherlands as they raced past to join Martinez.
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      And that caused yet another flashpoint as tempers boiled over one final time after an epic quarter-final.
      Bungling referee Mateu Lahoz brandished more yellow cards after the end of the shootout – including two for Denzel Dumfries as he was sent off – as the two teams and backroom staff clashed.
      That took the record tally of bookings up to a whopping 18.
      Paredes saw yellow when he scythed down Nathan Ake then booted the ball towards the Dutch bench on 88 minutes trying to close out the win in normal time.
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      He was immediately hounded by the Oranje subs as a mass melee broke out while Virgil van Dijk brutally barged him to the ground.
      Both sets of players grew increasingly frustrated with Lahoz’s performance.
      And even with his World Cup dream alive – thanks in large part to goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s heroics in the shootout – Lionel Messi was not happy.
      The Argentina captain, whose side face Croatia in the final four, fumed: “I think that Fifa cannot use this referee for this type of match because he is not up to the task.”
      Virgil van Dijk sent Leandro Paredes flyingCredit: Reuters
      Lionel Messi’s World Cup dream is still aliveCredit: Reuters
      Both teams were frustrated with the refereeCredit: Getty More

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      Rishi Sunak could fly to Qatar for World Cup final to watch England make history

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      RISHI Sunak could fly to Qatar for the World Cup final if England make it through to the final.The PM is cheering on our boys from the UK for now as they face France today.
      Rishi Sunak could fly to Qatar for the World Cup final if England make it through to the finalCredit: Alamy
      He will host a number of Tory MPs with him to watch the match at his countryside retreat, Chequers.
      And he wished the boys the “best of luck” ahead of the clash.
      No10 said: “He obviously wishes Gareth and the team the best of luck.
      He knows that the team will give everything they can to try and win the match.
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      And he may choose to jet off at the last minute to watch them play in person – if the team makes it all the way through to the end of the tournament.
      But Qatar has been hit with claims of human rights abuses of workers who put together the stadium – and ministers have warned LGBT fans to take care when they visit.
      Mr Sunak has confessed he’s a “massive football fan” and has been keenly cheering England along.
      Prince William previously said he won’t be attending any World Cup matches, despite his role as President of the FA.
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      Argentina vs Netherlands World Cup clash stopped by semi-naked pitch invader promoting porn site Vitaly Uncensored

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      ARGENTINA’S quarter-final clash with the Netherlands was halted by a half-naked pitch invader.Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, also known as VitalyzdTv on Youtube, stormed onto the pitch during the second half.
      Vitaly Zdorovetskiy streaked during the second half
      He was quickly apprehended and escorted off the pitchCredit: Getty
      Vitaly has history for streaking at big eventsCredit: Getty
      Security quickly intervened to stop the American influencer, with several stewards carrying him off the pitch.
      Vitaly stripped down to his boxers which bore the message: “Vitaly the goat.”
      The 30-year-old had the same words written across his chest and torso.
      It was likely Vitaly was once again trying to publicise his porn site ‘Vitaly Uncensored’, though those attempts ended in vain because TV cameras did not broadcast his streaking efforts.
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      The YouTuber has form for pitch invading at major events, including the 2014 World Cup final.
      Five years later his then-partner Kinsey Wolanski streaked at the Champions League final between Liverpool and Tottenham.
      Kinsey wore a one-piece that left little to the imagination to promote the Vitaly Uncensored site.
      Vitaly then pulled off the same trick at the cricket World Cup final between England and New Zealand a month after that.
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      On that occasion he enlisted the help of his mum Elena, though she failed to make it past the boundary and onto the field of play.
      Vitaly’s streaking may have distracted Argentina who threw away a 2-0 lead late on.
      Wout Weghorst sent the game into extra-time with a dramatic last-gasp strike and penalties were needed to separate the sides.
      Lionel Messi scored but Emi Martinez was the hero with two saves to deny Virgil van Dijk and Steven Beghuis to send Argentina through to the semi-final, where they will face Croatia.
      Kinsey Wolanski streaked during the 2019 Champions League final between Liverpool and Tottenham
      Wolanski’s actions saw her gain 2million followers on InstagramCredit: Alamy Live News More

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      Three Lions mascot Dave the Cat is coming home – after being adopted by Stones and Walker

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      THREE LIONS mascot Dave the Cat is coming home – after being adopted by England heroes John Stones and Kyle Walker.England heroes Stones and Walker initially pledged to rehome him if the Three Lions won the World Cup in Qatar.
      John Stones posted a pic of himself giving a thumbs up with Dave the Cat and wrote: ‘Dave’s joined us for dinner #mascot’
      The Three Lions mascot is coming home after being adopted by Stones and Kyle WalkerCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      But the duo, who will line up against France in tomorrow’s quarter-final, have now vowed to take him home regardless.
      An FA source said: “We’ve been working with the Qatar Animal Welfare Society.
      “They’ve treated him for a leg injury sustained during a fight with another cat.”
      They added the mog, who strolled into the team’s base in Qatar, would live with either John, 28, or Kyle, 32.
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      Stones, 28, fell for the cat when he strolled into the team’s five-star training base on their first day.
      He later posted a pic of himself giving a thumbs up as the cat relaxed under his chair with the message: “Dave’s joined us for dinner #mascot.” More

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      France’s Giroud isn’t world class but he’s elite – if Maguire thinks he can rock up and dominate him he’s in for a shock

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      IF HARRY MAGUIRE reckons he can simply rock up and dominate Olivier Giroud, then he will get a shock.Giroud is the perfect team player. I don’t consider him world class — but still consider him elite.
      Olivier Giroud is an elite player, says Troy Deeney – Harry Maguire will have to stay switched on to stop himCredit: Reuters
      Giroud’s technical ability is not in question – just see the scorpion kick he scored for ArsenalCredit: PA:Press Association
      It was his technical ability that always impressed me.
      Just look at the goals he has scored, like that scorpion kick.
      The problem for big men normally is that unless you are a freak and you are fast, like Erling Haaland, you are considered slow — yet Giroud is far from it
      I don’t see what the problem is with him for some people.
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      I guess when you play at the level he does, people expect you to score 25 to 30 goals every season, but that is not his role.
      Apart from being a good-looking human being — one of the prettiest around — his role is to get 15 to 20 goals and be a link-up player.
      To get battered around but still secure the ball.
      I know I said in the past that Arsenal lacked ‘cojones’.
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      However if there was a serious opportunity to score, he would put his head in where it hurt.
      He was one of the hard men, big hitters, big fish of that Arsenal team but was tainted by the rest of the squad’s identity.
      Normally he plays with two wide men either side, allowing them to go and deliver.
      Kylian Mbappe couldn’t do what Giroud does.
      Sometimes you have to slow things down, make selfless runs.
      He is massively underrated because of the work people don’t see — and that is exactly what Maguire will need to be aware of when England face France tonight.
      What Giroud does really well in particular is, if you are marking him, he walks you under the ball when it is in the air, to take you out of the game, allowing space in behind.
      It is the cute things he does that can be so deadly.
      Maguire will find that out if he gets too tight to him. Also, this isn’t the Premier League. He won’t be able to be as physical and run through the back of him and head it.
      Maguire has done really well at this tournament, however this is the first time he will need to be switched on properly for 90 minutes.
      I have seen some people suggest the only reason he looks to have improved now is because international football is so different to the Premier League. Not as intense, fast-paced.
      But that is a ridiculously harsh thing to say.
      It is typical of English culture to always find something wrong when someone is playing well, and Maguire is playing a lot better. It is similar to Virgil van Dijk’s situation.
      He looks to have finally come out the other end of his knee-injury troubles and is back to his best in a Holland shirt.
      What frustrates me is that when a player has an injury, is still struggling mentally, people expect you to come back exactly the same as you were before.
      I watch loads of NFL. If someone there has surgery, another year will pass before they are even remotely close to getting back to the same level they were at.
      Both Maguire and Van Dijk’s struggles have also coincided with their club’s form not being great. And the best players come under more scrutiny, because we expect more from them.
      I have had the pleasure of talking to someone recently who plays international football.
      I never had that experience or opportunity — and I asked him just how big the jump is from club to international level.
      He confirmed it is massive. What people don’t understand are the tactical nuances, the way people switch shape and slow you down.
      These things are designed to stop the major threats.
      Just like Giroud will want to take away Maguire’s aerial ability, France will also want to stop Harry Kane from dominating at the other end.
      They are on a different planet if they don’t see Kane as the biggest threat on the pitch for England.
      He has been nullified pretty well in this tournament so far and they will want to keep that going.
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      But, like France are not just Mbappe, with the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann, England are not just Kane.
      We can win without our captain scoring goals, as we have proven so far with Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.
      Harry Maguire will face a tough test versus France in England’s World Cup quarter-finalCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘Not up to the task’ – Messi rages at Argentina vs Netherlands referee as World Cup record SEVENTEEN yellow cards given

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      LIONEL MESSI fumed at referee Mateu Lahoz after a record SEVENTEEN bookings were handed out during Argentina’s win over the Netherlands.Both sets of players were unimpressed with the performance of Lahoz, with the game being stopped time and time again for fouls.
      Lionel Messi was furious with Spanish referee Mateu Lahoz’s performance during Argentina’s World Cup winCredit: Getty
      And things threatened to boil over at one point when Leandro Paredes booted the ball at the Dutch bench after being unhappy with a free kick Lahoz gave against him.
      PSG midfielder Paredes then appeared to meet his match as he was barged over by Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk.
      In his post-match interview, Messi said of Lahoz: “I think that FIFA cannot use this referee for this type of match because he is not up to the task.”
      The 17 cards the referee handed out to players during the match set an all-time record, beating another infamous clash involving the Netherlands.
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      Messi claimed that Lahoz was ‘not up to the task’ in his post-match interviewCredit: Getty
      The two teams almost came to blows when Leandro Paredes kicked the ball at the Dutch benchCredit: AP
      Sixteen bookings were given during the Battle of Nuremberg in 2006, when Portugal beat the Dutch 1-0 and four players were sent off.
      Following his interview, one fan claimed that Messi was channelling his inner Maradona with his complaints about the ref.
      Messi and Lahoz have previous from his time playing at Barcelona, and bizarrely enough one of their biggest run-ins was related to Diego Maradona himself.
      After Argentina legend Maradona passed away, Messi celebrated a goal by unveiling the number ten shirt of Newell’s Old Boys – the club he supports, and Maradona briefly played for.
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      However, Lahoz was not willing to bend the rules even after Maradona’s death and promptly showed the then-Barca star a yellow card.
      There was no sign of the high drama to come in the game when Argentina raced into a 2-0 lead in Qatar
      Those goals came through Messi brilliantly assisting Nahuel Molina for Argentina’s opener then scoring a goal of his own from the penalty spot.
      Nicolas Otamendi celebrated in the faces of the Dutch players following Argentina’s winCredit: Getty
      Goalkeeper Emi Martinez labelled Lahoz ‘useless’Credit: Getty
      But the Argentina defence was caught napping when Burnley flop Wout Weghorst came off the bench to head the Dutch back into the game.
      And with the last kick of normal time, Weghorst took the game to extra time after tapping in from a fantastically disguised free kick routine.
      But it was Argentina who emerged triumphant thanks to two penalty saves from Emi Martinez in the shootout.
      The drama didn’t end there however, as defender Nicolas Otamendi celebrated in the faces of the Netherlands team following the victory.
      In his post-match interview with beIN Sports, goalkeeper Emi Martinez was even more scathing towards the ref than Messi.
      He said of Lahoz: “The referee was giving everything to them. He gave 10 minutes for no reason…
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      “He just wanted them to score.
      “Hopefully we don’t have that ref any more, he’s useless.” More

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      I’m an England superfan and I’m so sure we’ll win the World Cup I’ve had a tattoo done

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      SUPERFAN Dennis Pope is so sure England will win the World Cup he has updated his ill-fated 2018 tattoo.Dennis, 25, paid £40 four years ago to have “England World Cup Winners 2018” inked on to his right calf.
      Dennis has updated the tattoo he got four years ago when he was sure England would win the 2018 World Cup
      He’s now sure that England will beat 3-1 in tomorrow night’s quarter-final, and go on to become this year’s champions
      But his hopes were dashed when they were beaten by Croatia in the semi-finals in Russia.
      Plasterer Dennis is now backing England to beat France 3-1 in tomorrow night’s quarter-final in Qatar — and has updated his inking to prove it.
      His original tattoo remains, but with a red cross through 2018 and 2022 inked below it.
      New dad Dennis said: “We’ve waited for a moment like this.
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      “This is it. If there was a time, it’s right now. Kane to score twice and Rashford to add a third. I would even settle for a Harry Maguire header. We can beat anyone.”
      Dennis, of Blackpool, said of his original tattoo: “It wasn’t meant to be and we lost to Croatia in the semis but I didn’t regret getting the tattoo in the slightest.
      “It’s a reminder of wonderful memories and how close we came. This time though, it feels different.” More

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      England fans are heralded by a Sun mascot parade through the capital’s souk market

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      THOUSANDS of England fans poured into Qatar for the World Cup clash with France last night – heralded by a sensational Sun mascot parade through the capital’s historic souk market.Gamechanger Chesney Hawkes, Sun lion Harry Mane and the England Supporters Band were mobbed as they danced through the bustling Arab throng.
      Chesney Hawkes led on guitar as England Band trumpeter John Hemmingham, 59, drummer Steve Holmes, 51, and Sun lion Harry Mane were mobbedCredit: Dan Charity
      And fans sang along to the lucky charm star’s One and Only to boost our chances of defeating superstar Kylian Mbappe and the world champions.
      Locals in traditional robes and fans of all nations – including English, French, Argentines, Brazillians and Moroccans joined the wacky procession snaking through the marketplace.
      Chesney, 51, led on guitar strumming his hit backed by band trumpeter John Hemmingham, 59, and the booming big bass drum of pal Steve Holmes, 51.
      The clamour for pictures and selfies from the cheering crowds at one point completely blocked the narrow souk thoroughfare.
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      Locals posed for pictures and cuddled up to furry lion Harry with their kids until the fun was halted to respect the Muslim call to prayer at sunset.
      Trumpeter John from Sheffield – who has been to every England game – said: “That’s the most fun I’ve had since I’ve been here – what a reception!
      “I’ve learned the notes of Chesney’s One and Only song and will be playing it in the crowd tomorrow to get the fans going.
      “Our fans are arriving and the atmosphere is building – it’s going to be a fantastic game and I’m sure we can win.”
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      Steve, also from Sheffield, said: “Fans of all nations love Harry Mane and Chesney’s song is catching on among the England supporters. The parade was a great laugh and we really shook the place up – we were mobbed!
      “I’ve been to seven World Cups and can honestly say we can win it this time. Gareth Southgate’s team has matured since Russia and they’re now the real deal.”
      Chesney laughed after being rescued from the crowds: “That was unreal – absolutely brilliant. It’s great to be having fun among England fans ahead of one of the biggest games in our history – now all we have to do is go out and win it!”
      Estate agent Paul Dubberley, 63, from Walsall, West Mids said after a singalong with The Sun team: “I’m convinced we can beat the French and win the World Cup.
      “And I’ve put my money where my mouth is by getting tickets all the way to the final to watch us lift the trophy. It’s been great meeting Chesney – he’s a great guy and we all love his lucky song.”
      Retired teacher Norman Bartlam, 64, also from Walsall said: “The atmosphere here has been terrific – and made even better by the fun we’ve had with Chesney and The Sun team.
      “We’re heading for the game full of hope and praying that we can play well enough to beat French and go on to finally bring it home.”
      Back home an estimated 45 million pints will be downed on pubs’ busiest day for three years today – as 23 million roar on England on Super Saturday.
      A £350 million big match party with almost half England’s population tuned in will see beer sales rocket 50 per cent. Around 25 million pints will be drunk today in 30,000 pubs, plus 20m at home, British Beer and Pub Association consumption trends showed.
      Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “At home and at the bar, the beer is flowing.”
      December is pubs’ busiest month of the year, and the 7pm prime time France game is England’s first Saturday match of the first winter World Cup.
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      Tickets for England’s quarter final game being offered by touts for up to £9,000 each last night. There were 679 tickets being offered on the resale website Ticombo. Some were being sold for £2,500 and each came with a hefty booking fee of £750.
      That totalled £3,250 each for tickets with a face value of £350. Hospitality packages were being offered for £7,000 per person plus a £2,000 booking fee, taking the total price to an eye-watering £9,000. More