World Cup

KYLIAN MBAPPE called Kyle Walker “a strange one” last year as the two prepare to face off in a World Cup battle on Saturday.The PSG star is well known for his blistering pace and will be the centre of attention for Gareth Southgate’s men in their monumental clash with France.
Kyle Walker has amassed 72 appearances for England over his 11-year span representing his country.
It’s Manchester City full-back Walker who will be tasked with handling France’s star player, as England do battle with Les Bleus in the World Cup quarter-final in Qatar.
Mbappe has spoken out about his upcoming opponent previously, and the quotes have resurfaced ahead of the game.
He said: “Walker is a strange one, he doesn’t start quickly, he isn’t explosive but when he starts to run he’s like a tank.”
With pace being such a vital weapon in both players’ arsenal the two are likely to go head to head on multiple occasions in the tie.
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Walker has already spoken about the upcoming battle, but was keen to reiterate that Mbappe isn’t England’s sole focus.
He said: “The game isn’t England v Mbappe, it’s England vs France.
“We will give respect but I’m not going to roll out a red carpet for him to score. It’s do or die as if we lose we go home.
“I do understand what I need to do and that’s to stop him. It’s probably easier said than done but I don’t underestimate myself. 
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“I’ve come across great players before so I just treat it like another game. 
“I’ll give him the respect he deserves but not too much because this is England. No one player makes a team. This isn’t tennis, it isn’t a solo sport.”
The 32-year-old has started England’s last two games after missing the beginning of the tournament due to injury.
The pair have faced off before at club level when Manchester City took on PSG in the Champions League.
Mbappe currently leads the top scorers list at the World Cup with five goals so far in the competition.
France managed to cruise through their round of 16 tie with a 3-1 victory over Poland and will be looking to recreate their performance against England at the Al Bayt Stadium.
The Three Lions are also in superb from after their 3-0 demolishing of Senegal. More

SUCCESS at the World Cup with Portugal is all that matters to Cristiano Ronaldo WITH or WITHOUT his goals.The 819 career-goal forward, 37, was benched for Portugal’s World Cup round of 16 clash with Switzerland.
Cristiano Ronaldo would be happy with Portugal winning the World Cup if it meant he didn’t scoreCredit: The Mega Agency
One goal in the group stages and a sulky reaction to being subbed against South Korea left boss Fernando Santos unimpressed.
Pepe took up the captains armband in Ronaldo’s absence, and replacement striker Goncalo Ramos netted a hat-trick in the 6-1 win.
Ronaldo came on for 16 minutes with the game with the Swiss already put to bed.
But contrary to popular belief, Ronaldo would be happy with Portugal winning the World Cup if it meant he didn’t score.
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He said in November: “If you tell me that Portugal wins the World Cup without my goals, I’ll sign that in a moment.”
Such comments contradict Portuguese outlet Record’s reporting that Ronaldo made a threat to leave the World Cup altogether after being benched.
The Portuguese FA have rubbished the news, as has Ronaldo himself.
Sharing a snap of the squad, including himself as a sub, celebrating a goal from Tuesday, he wrote: “A group too close to be broken by outside forces. A nation too brave to let itself be frightened by any adversary.
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Ronaldo vs prodigy Ramos at the World Cup
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“A team in the truest sense of the word, which will fight for the dream until the end! Believe with us! Strength, Portugal!”
The Portuguese released a statement which read: “News released this Thursday reports that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with Fernando Santos, national coach.
“The FPF clarifies that at no time did the captain of the National Team, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team during the internship in Qatar.
“Cristiano Ronaldo builds up a unique track record every day at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected and which attests to the unquestionable degree of commitment to the national team.
“Incidentally, the degree of dedication of the player most capped by Portugal was again demonstrated – if necessary – in the victory against Switzerland, in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup.
“The National Team – players, coaches and FPF structure – is, as it has been since the first day, fully committed and enthusiastic in building what the Country wants to be Portugal’s best ever participation in a World Cup.”
Portugal play World Cup dark horses Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Should they get past the North African country, a date with World Cup holders France or England in the semis awaits.
A semi-final win could set up a last dance with rival Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Brazil, Croatia or Holland in the final on December 18.
Ramos is Portugal’s top scorer More

LOUIS VAN GAAL’S Holland team are in good form on the pitch at the World Cup – with the man himself on fire off it.After kissing Denzel Dumfries following the 3-1 last-16 win over USA, Van Gaal had Memphis Depay in hysterics after bizarrely trying to lock lips with the forward.
Louis van Gaal put his arm around Memphis Depay and joked about kissing the forward on the lipsCredit: AFP
Depay couldn’t help but laugh as he jokingly wagged his finger in responseCredit: PA
Depay reacts after Van Gaal’s joked about kissing him on the lipsCredit: Getty
The 71-year-old responded hilariously to comments from Angel Di Maria, who labelled Van Gaal the “worst” coach he has ever played under.
Di Maria played under Van Gaal at Manchester United, and told TyC Sports: “My problem at Manchester was the coach.
“Van Gaal was the worst of my career. I would score, assist, and the next day he would show me my misplaced passes.
“He displaced me from one day to the other, he didn’t like players being more than him.”
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Van Gaal was then asked about Di Maria’s criticism ahead of Friday’s quarter-final between Holland and Argentina.
He spoke while sitting next to Depay, who he also coached at Old Trafford.
And Van Gaal said: “Di Maria calling me the worst manager he has ever had?
“He’s one of the few players with this opinion. I’m really sorry about this and I find it sad he said this.”
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With his arm around Depay, Van Gaal continued: “Memphis had to deal with it too at Manchester, and now we kiss each other on the mouth.”
Van Gaal’s pretend advance had the forward, and the watching reporters at the press conference, in fits of laughter.
Depay giggled as he wagged his finger and banged down on the table after his boss’ comment.
Holland take on Argentina on Friday evening for a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
The winner of that tie will face the winners of Brazil vs Croatia for a spot in the final on December 18.
Angel Di Maria slammed Van Gaal ahead of Holland vs ArgentinaCredit: Getty More

A SELF professed psychic – who claims to have predicted major events such as 9/11 and Princess Diana’s death – believes he knows who will WIN the World Cup final.Anthony Carr, 79, who has made a living forecasting world events, has issued a bold prediction ahead of the tournament’s conclusion next week – and it’s good news for the Three Lions.
Psychic Anthony Carr believes England will go all the way in the World CupCredit: SWNS
The 79-year-old claims he had a vision that the Three Lions will reach the final and win itCredit: SWNS
He claims to have had a vision of the Falklands War and therefore believes England will face Argentina in the final.
He adds that England be victorious by a scoreline of 2-0.
Anthony, from Toronto, Canada, said: “I’m not a big fan of soccer, but when my young friend and manager Justin was telling me a bit about what was going on in the World Cup.
“That’s when I had a flash of the Falklands War in 1982.
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“Something in that flash felt very familiar to me that England and Argentina would be fighting again, but this time on the playing field.
“Once again, with England being victorious as I had predicted they would be in the Falklands War to my newspaper, The Toronto Sun.
“Never have I felt so strongly about something since my 9/11 prediction.”
He added: “I’m quite prepared to face the wrath of the British crown.”
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“In short, if I’m wrong, sue me!”
Anthony said he has been having visions since he was a child and even claims to have read palms for celebrities such as Sylvester Stallone, Frank Sinatra and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
But he is far from the only person to have put their neck on the line regarding the Three Lions fate in this tournament in recent times.
Only this week, a brave England fan claimed that the Three Lions will win the World Cup thanks to a “premonition” in a dream.
While a fortune teller – who makes predictions using asparagus – revealed how far she believes England will get in this year’s competition.  
And another bloke claimed he is absolutely certain he knows how well England will do in the tournament – despite having no proof to back it up.
It all comes ahead of England’s huge quarter final clash against France on Saturday evening as Gareth Southgate’s side bid to progress to the last four.
One supposed time traveller claimed this week that the tie will be close affair, with England ultimately coming out on top.
TikToker user Keane, who regularly posts on his channel, told social media users that the Three Lions will roar to victory by bagging two goals in the game against the current World champions.
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In the barmy video, he claims Didier Deschamps’ side will only net one goal, squandering the French’s bid for glory.
Keane said in the clip: “I time travelled and England beat France 2-1 in the quarter-final. Put your money on it!” More