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      Watch Argentina’s Paredes spark mass melee after booting ball at Netherlands bench before Van Dijk wipes him out

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      LEANDRO PARADES sparked a mass melee after booting the ball directly at the Netherlands bench. The Argentina midfielder, 28, made a cynical foul as he slid in on Nathan Ake right in front of the dugouts.
      Leandro Paredes brought down Nathan Ake with a cynical sliding tackleCredit: Getty
      Paredes then smashed the ball towards the Dutch benchCredit: Getty
      The Holland subs ran on to get revengeCredit: Reuters
      Virgil van Dijk sent the Argentina man tumbling to the floorCredit: Reuters
      A mass brawl broke out in the closing stages of Argentina against the NetherlandsCredit: Getty

      And after committing the blatant trip, he got up to smash the loose ball straight at the Dutch subs – although it flew over their heads.
      The furious Holland stars raced on to the field in fury desperate to get revenge on the on-loan Juventus man.
      Skipper Virgil van Dijk also sprinted across from defence to back up his team-mate, brutally barging Paredes to the ground.
      It was experienced wind-up behaviour from the Argentina star with his side hoping to close out a quarter-final World Cup win.
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      Both Paredes and Van Dijk were booked for their role in the 88th-minute flashpoint – as Martin Keown singled out the former for sparking the late drama.
      BBC co-commentator Keown declared: “He’s caused a riot there.”
      Some fans at home felt Paredes was lucky to escape being sent off – one booking for the foul and another for kicking the ball.
      But others were just delighted to see him get smashed by Van Dijk.
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      One wrote: “Van Dijk sent Paredes FLYING.”
      Another said: “So happy Virgil sent the lunatic Leandro Paredes to Mars. Deserved it.”
      A third added: “Virgil bodies Paredes back to Argentina.”
      And a final user joked: “Paredes got ran over by the Van Dijk express.”
      Argentina looked in total control, leading 2-0 with seven minutes to go.
      But super-sub Wout Weghorst pulled one back on 83 minutes.
      Then after the melee, the fourth official added an extra ten minutes of injury time.
      And in the 11th of those, Weghorst struck again with a brilliantly-worked free-kick routine to equalise and force extra-time and penalties.
      Argentina won the shoot-out 4-3 and will face Croatia in the semi-final on Tuesday after the 2018 finalists stunned Brazil on penalties.
      The referee lost control of the situationCredit: Reuters
      Paredes and Van Dijk were both booked for their partCredit: Reuters More

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      Watch ‘World Cup’s hottest fan’ Ivana Knoll troll Brazil with pigeon dance after Croatia knock out giants on penalties

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      THE WORLD Cup’s hottest fan Ivana Knoll has trolled Brazil after her beloved Croatia beat them on penalties.After the South American giants missed their final spot kick, Ivana posted a video mocking their pigeon dance goal celebration.
      Ivana watching her Croatia team beat BrazilCredit: Eyevine
      After Brazil missed their last penalty, she mocked their pigeon celebrationCredit: Instagram
      The stunning model posed up for snaps as she does before every game she attends
      Ivana pictured speaking with a security guard at the stadium
      The Brazilians doing their pigeon dance during their game against South KoreaCredit: PA
      The Brazilian players did the dance during 4-0 win against South Korea.
      Manager Tite even got involved after Richarlison ran over to the dugout after scoring Brazil’s third goal.
      But it was the Croat who had the last laugh as she mimicked the pigeon celebration after Brazilian captain Marquinhos missed the deciding penalty.
      “Do your pigeon dance on your way back home,” was the brutal message that accompanied the video.
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      She is no stranger to some trolling – after poking fun at Japan after they were beaten by Croatia on penalties.
      Ivana posted a clip of herself eating sushi alongside the message: “Only sushi on today’s menu.”
      It comes after she was pictured being confronted by security as she posed for racy snaps ahead of the quarter-final clash.
      The Croatian fan was posing in her signature red-and-white ensemble as she does before every match of her national team.
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      Wearing red high-waisted leggings and a bikini top, the model was snapped forming a heart with her hands.
      But it appears she was asked swiftly moved on by security who asked her to return to her seat.
      Ivana was pictured speaking with one of the security guards at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan in Qatar.
      In another picture, she can be seen speaking with two members of staff.
      The model has appeared at every game to support her country, always in sexy outfits, despite Qatar’s modesty laws.
      Earlier today, to drum up support for her boys on the pitch, the stunning 30-year-old shared a series of seductive snaps with her 1.7million followers.
      She proved her patriotism by donning her signature red-and-white ensembles in honour of her country’s coat of arms.
      Her first Instagram post featured her posing poolside in a teeny checkerboard bikini with a matching headband and socks.
      Flaunting her curves, Ivana waved cheekily before blowing a kiss at the camera and beaming with her bright red lippy.
      The model and influencer then took the opportunity to taunt five-time World Cup champions Brazil in the caption.
      She wrote: “Can’t wait for Friday!”
      Ivana was clearly in the mood to engage in some friendly football feuding, as she followed up with another flirty post.
      Clearly convinced that Croatia will triumph over the likes of Richarlison and Vinicus Jr, she posted two sexy snaps of her frolicking in a tight-fitting crop top and matching skirt.
      The stunning superfan was seen whirling around a rooftop in Qatar sporting a huge grin on her face.
      She stuffed a hoard of red and white outfits into her suitcase before flying into the Arab country for the tournament from Miami.
      Ivana revealed she puts together her striking ensembles spontaneously before heading to watch matches in the stifling heat.
      Since becoming an internet sensation, the German-born model says she has been bombarded with messages from love-struck fans – even though she is off the market.
      PROMISES AND PROPOSALS
      She told Sport Bild: “I get so many messages every day that I can’t count them anymore. 
      “There are also very, very many e-mails. There are more marriage proposals among them.”
      She explained that although she had planned to leave Qatar if and when Croatia are eliminated, she has now had a change of heart.
      Ivana said she is having such a blast at the World Cup, she will stay to watch the finals, “no matter who is playing”.
      But keen to encourage her team, she promised to put on quite the show if Croatia brings home the trophy.
      Wrapping herself in her nation’s flag, she teased: “If that happens, the flag falls…”
      The red-and-white lover appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored on TalkTV earlier this week to discuss her racy clothing choices.
      Donning a revealing bikini top in the colours of the Croatian flag, she claimed that she hasn’t received any negative comments since arriving in the Middle-Eastern country.
      Ivana said she is instead badgered by impressed spectators – including women, men and children – desperate for a picture with her.
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      The influencer has risked flouting Qatar’s laws on clothing as she posed in increasingly racy outfits at Croatia’s games.
      She even filmed herself strutting down a beach in Qatar in a red and white swimsuit, pouting at the camera.
      The stunning superfan posted the taunting video ahead of Croatia’s quarter-final clashCredit: Instagram
      She uploaded more sexy snaps of her frolicking in QatarCredit: instagram
      Ivana said she will stay to watch the World Cup finals if Croatia are there or notCredit: instagram
      The model claims men, women and children ask her for pictures at gamesCredit: Instagram More

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      Embarrassed Roy Keane admits credit card was rejected TWICE in Qatar as ITV pundit reveals World Cup budget

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      ROY KEANE was left blushing as he revealed that his bank card had been rejected twice while he has been in Qatar.The pundit is over there covering the World Cup and has set himself a daily spending limit.
      Roy Keane’s bank card was rejected twice while in QatarCredit: SkyBet
      He was trying to buy cereal and yoghurts for himself and Gary NevilleCredit: SkyBet
      Keane joked that it was embarrassingCredit: SkyBet
      The former Manchester United captain has limited himself to £50 per day to spend.
      But he was left embarrassed as co-pundit and former Red Devil Gary Neville joked about his card being rejected.
      On Sky Bets’ World Cup Meet-Up, the two were having lunch with Micah Richards when the admission was made.
      Neville started the topic by saying: “I never thought I would be in a supermarket buying cereals with you, and it was very kind of you to pay for it.”
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      After which, Keane muttered: “After they rejected my card.”
      Neville then replied: “They rejected his card twice”, before busting into laughter.
      Keane then explained: “I went over my limit, I have a budget of £50 a day here.
      “You know when your card is rejected, it is embarrassing, isn’t it?”
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      Neville then added: “We bought two cereals and some yoghurts, and it rejected.”
      Keane has attracted a lot of interest throughout the tournament with his antics.
      He first caught the eye as he sported a thick greying beard and wore a patterned grey, beige and white shirt.
      Which led to some fans say he looked like a “haunted lighthouse keeper”.
      More recently fans loved his celebration after scoring in a ITV football match in which he fired past Richards.
      The Irishman whipped off his shirt in joy as he wheeled away after netting the winner of the match.
      Keane, 51, also flew home from the controversial winter tournament for a short spell back with his family.
      He joked he had spent enough time with some of his fellow pundits. More

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      Watch Croatia fans go wild in Zagreb Christmas market as Modric and co beat Brazil on penalties in huge World Cup upset

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      CROATIA fans went wild in a Zagreb Christmas market as the 2018 finalists knocked favourites Brazil out of the World Cup.Brazil golden boy Neymar opened the scoring in extra-time, finally breaching The Great Wall of Dominik Livakovic.
      Croatians celebrated wildly in ZagrebCredit: Reuters
      Flares were lit as well as red smokeCredit: Reuters
      Cheering and screaming could be heard as Croatia won the penalty shootoutCredit: Reuters
      But with a few minutes to go, Bruno Petkovic grabbed a deflected equaliser to force the quarter-final clash to penalties.
      Croatia won the shootout 4-2, sending the South American side packing.
      Zlatko Dalic’s side have now reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in back-to-back tournaments.
      And they’ll face one of Argentina or Holland for a spot in the final next Tuesday.
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      There were wild scenes in the Croatia capital of Zagreb, with fans watching on from a Christmas market.
      As Marquinhos missed the deciding spot-kick, flares and smoke were set off and screams of jubilation could be heard.
      Fans hugged each other and celebrated wildly.
      The defeat also spelled the end of Tite’s reign as Brazil manager.
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      He confirmed he was stepping down from his role following the early World Cup exit.
      He said: “As I said, my cycle is over. I said it over a year and a half ago. I’m not a man of two words.”
      On the opposite side of the knockout tree, dark horses Morocco take on Portugal in a 3pm kick-off on Saturday.
      World Cup holders France will then try and fend off England later that night. More

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      Watch Lionel Messi play unbelievable no-look pass to set up Molina for opening goal of World Cup clash with Netherlands

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      LIONEL MESSI lit up the World Cup as he created an Argentina goal with an incredible no-look pass against the Netherlands.The South Americans went into Friday’s World Cup quarter final with high hopes after discovering rivals Brazil had been sent packing on penalties by Croatia.
      Lionel Messi produced a stunning no-look pass for an Argentina goal against the DutchCredit: BBC

      Messi’s piece of magic saw Nahuel Molina net his first ever international goalCredit: Getty
      But despite having a spring in their step, a tense first half saw Argentina struggle for opportunities as they matched their opponents with a five-man defence.
      However, Messi stepped up with 10 minutes remaining to show he’s determined to win his first-ever World Cup.
      The Paris Saint-Germain star picked the ball up on the right wing before cutting inside on his magical left foot.
      As Nathan Ake attempted to block Messi’s route to goal, the talismanic forward continued to drag his opponent deeper into the middle of the pitch.
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      A twist here and a shimmy there, Messi left Man City defender Ake a tangle of limbs as he then produced a laser-sharp pass towards the right flank.
      Messi wasn’t even looking in the direction he played the ball as the change in action bamboozled the Dutch.
      But there was one man on the same wavelength as Messi.
      Step forward Argentina right-back Nahuel Molina, who earned his World Cup call-up after an impressive start at new club Atletico Madrid.
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      As every other player struggled to comprehend what had happened, Molina darted in behind Virgil van Dijk to slice home a clever finish and send Argentina’s supporters into raptures.
      But even Molina knew he owed his first-ever international goal to Messi, with the defender and teammates immediately mobbing the legendary No10.
      Fans were certainly blown away by Messi’s pass, with one saying: “What a pass by Messi, he wasn’t even looking.”
      Another declared: “Messi has the master key!”
      One added: “Assist was honestly better than the goal.”
      Things got even better for Messi in the second half when he made it 2-0 to Argentina.
      Marcos Acuna was taken down in the Dutch box in the 72nd minute.
      And Messi confidently stepped up to slot home the resulting penalty for his 95th international goal. More

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      Jamie Carragher names only THREE England stars who’d get into France XI – but backs Three Lions bench to win it

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER believes only three England stars would get into France’s team but is confident the Three Lions will find a way to win.The pundit also claimed no right-back is better suited to dealing with the threat of Kylian Mbappe than Kyle Walker.
      Jamie Carragher believes Kyle Walker is a perfect match for Kylian MbappeCredit: Reuters
      Carragher thinks only three England players would get into France’s teamCredit: Getty
      Carragher would pick Walker, Kane and Bellingham in a combined XI
      England take on France at 7pm on Saturday in a crunch quarter-final clash.
      And although Carragher feels France have a stronger starting eleven than England, he is confident of a Three Lions win due to the squad’s strength in depth.
      In his column for The Telegraph Carragher suggested only Walker, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham would get into the France team.
      That means he would likely pick Antoine Griezmann and Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield ahead of Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson.
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      While he also favours Raphael Varane and Dayot Upamencano in defence instead of Harry Maguire and John Stones.
      Despite France’s personnel superiority, Carragher believes England should not change to counter their threat.
      He dimissed the suggestion Southgate should switch to five-at-the-back, saying: “It is unnecessary.
      “Whether Walker is right centre-back or right-back, his duel with Mbappe is still going to be based on their sprint races. England will lose too much up the park if they sacrifice an attacker for a defender.
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      “If you could pick any right back in the world to face Mbappe it would be Walker due to his raw pace.”
      Carragher also urged Southgate to be brave and make use of all the options available to him on the bench, where he believes the game could be won.
      He said: “If France have a superior starting XI, England have a better 16-man squad if both sides use their full allocation of substitutes,’ he added.
      “This match can be won from the bench, where Southgate’s options are as good as any coach left in the tournament. This is where he must be at his bravest.” More

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      Watch Argentina fans celebrate wildly in stadium before Netherlands clash as hated rivals Brazil exit World Cup

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      ARGENTINA fans were celebrating in their seats two hours before kick off against the Netherlands – because bitter rivals Brazil crashed out of the World Cup.The South American giants – the two pre-tournament favourites – were widely expected to meet in an eagerly-anticipated semi-final.
      Argentina fans got into the ground early to catch the last few minutes of the Brazil gameCredit: Reuters
      Brazil lost on penalties to Croatia after a 1-1 drawCredit: Getty
      Supporters celebrated wildly in the Lusail StadiumCredit: Getty
      Argentina face Holland in their quarter-finalCredit: AP
      But Brazil were stunned by Croatia as the 2018 finalists won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra-time.
      Bruno Petkovic equalised in the 116th minute before Rodrygo and Marquinhos missed from the spot in the shootout to send the Selecao home from Qatar 2022.
      And it is safe to say the Argentina fans were utterly delighted by their rivals’ plight.
      Supporters inside and outside the Lusail Stadium early for the Dutch clash caught the penalty drama on mobile phones.
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      Then as soon as Marquinhos’ effort bounced back off the post, they burst into wild jubilation.
      Some waved flags over their heads and one even put on a Luka Modric Croatia shirt as they let out almighty cheers to wave goodbye to their neighbours.
      Gary Lineker filmed the scenes from the BBC TV studio inside the ground.
      The Match of the Day host wrote: “Think Argentina’s fans enjoyed Brazil’s penalty loss.”
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      Another Twitter user added: “The sort of s***housery we can all get behind.”
      However, a Brazil fan account commented: “Netherlands I beg you please win today. Argentina fans were going crazy when Brazil lost. No shame.”
      But with the clash against Holland not even underway, one fan warned the Argentines not to celebrate too much in case they bump into Brazil at the airport tonight.
      Neymar was in tears as Brazil were knocked outCredit: Reuters
      Fans were understandably gutted in the standsCredit: PA More

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      Brazil boss Tite reveals reason Neymar didn’t take a penalty in Croatia World Cup shootout as fans theory proved correct

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      BRAZIL manager Tite has revealed why star player Neymar did not take a penalty in the shootout against Croatia.The South American side were knocked out of the World Cup after penalties against the Europeans.
      Neymar did not take a spot kick in Brazil’s defeat to CroatiaCredit: Avalon.red
      Brazil boss Tite admitted that Neymar would have taken the fifth penaltyCredit: Getty
      The game ended goalless after 90 minutes before Neymar and Bruno Petkovic’s extra-time strikes meant the game had to be decided by spot kicks.
      Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic kept out Rodrygo’s effort, and then Marquinhos missed his side’s fourth penalty.
      However, as Croatia went perfectly with four out of four, it meant that there would be no need for a fifth penalty.
      Fans believed that Neymar was queued up to take his side’s next penalty but was denied the opportunity after the damming miss.
      READ MORE NEYMAR NEWS
      Tite confirmed this theory after the game as he explained that he wanted the “better” player to take the penalty with “more pressure”.
      After the game, he said: “Neymar would take the fifth and decisive penalty, which puts more pressure on the better player.”
      The Brazil manager also confirmed that he would be stepping down from the role.
      He added: “It was a painful defeat, but I’m at peace with myself. It’s the end of the cycle.”
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      The 61-year-old had admitted that he planned to leave the job after the tournament in February.
      Croatia, however, have to plan for another World Cup semi-final, having reached the final four years ago in Russia.
      They will face either Argentina or the Netherlands for a spot in the final. More