World Cup

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

LUKA MODRIC has no intention of retiring from the Croatian national team despite heading into twilight of his career. The Real Madrid star became a hero for his country after leading them to the World Cup final in 2018.
Luka Modric made his debut for Croatia in 2006 aged just 20 and made his 156th appearance in Qatar, aged 37.
The 37-year-old wears the armband for his nation and has racked up a whopping 159 appearances for the side, more than any other player.
Despite many assuming the Qatar World Cup would be his final swan song due to his age, Modric has been quick to dispel any rumours.
He said: “No, I won’t leave the national team. I feel very fit, very good and I’ll stay here until I can.
“There’s no reason to retire. It’s my choice. People say I should leave and focus on club football. I don’t agree”
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The midfield maestro has had an illustrious club career outside of international football, winning five Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles.
Modric has also had his fair share of individual accolades, winning the Ballon d’Or in 2018 as well as UEFA Player of the Year.
The former Tottenham man will be hoping to cement his name in footballing folklore by taking his nation one step further to win the World Cup in Qatar.
Croatia finished second in Group F before beating Japan on penalties in the round of 16 of the tournament.
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They face favourites Brazil next as they fight to push onto the semi-finals of the competition.
Modric is yet to register a goal or assist in the four games he’s played in Qatar so far.
The star is currently in the midst of his tenth season in Madrid after his move from North London in 2012.
He has amassed 454 appearances for the La Liga champions and has scored 36 goals and registered 74 assists. More

MAURICIO POCHETTINO has named Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham in a wacky all-time World Cup XI.And the former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham manager has left out his Argentine compatriot Lionel Messi.
Mauricio Pochettino has been watching plenty of the action in QatarCredit: Getty
Poch selected Zinedine Zidane at left wing-backCredit: AP
In addition to working as a pundit for the BBC during the World Cup, Pochettino has been contributing for The Athletic.
In an article featuring a number of columnists’ all-time World Cup XIs, Pochettino went for an unorthodox approach.
Clearly just having a bit of fun, Poch used a bizarre 3-3-1-3 formation – stretching the positions that his players could be deployed in.
The team didn’t feature Messi, or any modern day stars.
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Explaining these omissions, Pochettino, 50, said: “So, the rule of my team was that only players who had finished playing were eligible — so you understand why there’s no Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe, Neymar etc.”
On his unusual positioning of iconic No10 Zidane, Pochettino – who once deployed Son Heung-min at left wing-back in an FA Cup semi-final – explained that his strategy would be all-out attack.
He added: “But still you’re asking me if I’m crazy, right? Zinedine Zidane as a left wing-back?
“I would say: ‘Don’t worry’. The positions will be interchangeable.
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Pochettino made some bold choices
“We have three of the greatest central defenders of all time and a brilliant goalkeeper.
“Also, we are going to score so many goals that nobody will catch us.”
Pochettino named legendary Cameroonian Thomas N’Kono in goal, with the 56-year-old having represented his country at World Cups in 1982, 1990 and 1994.
His back line comprises of Carles Puyol, Franz Beckenbauer and Paolo Maldini – all three having won the competition with their respective nations.
Becks and Zidane are Pochettino’s “interchangeable” wing-backs.
While Michael Laudrup is Poch’s silky lone midfielder.
Pochettino’s fellow Argentine and good friend, the late Diego Maradona, is in the No10 position that Zidane would often find himself in.
While Johan Cruyff, Pele and Hristo Stoichkov make up a formidable front line.
Pochettino was a great friend of the late, great Diego MaradonaCredit: Getty
The Argentine reckons Becks would make a good wing-backCredit: Getty – Contributor More