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      Kylian Mbappe returns to training for first time since injury scare in huge France boost for England World Cup clash

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has trained for the first time, giving a major boost to France ahead of their match with England.The two sides are set to go head-to-head in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday evening.
      Kylian Mbappe has returned to trainingCredit: Reuters
      It appears that he will be fit to face EnglandCredit: Reuters
      Mbappe has already scored five goals at the World CupCredit: PA
      The French star missed training earlier this week, leading to English hopes that he might not be fit for the match.
      Mbappe has starred at the tournament so far, having scored five goals and assisted two in his four appearances.
      The PSG forward’s performances helped France top their group and beat Poland 3-1 in the round of 16.
      England manager Gareth Southgate has been working with his number two Steve Holland on a plan to stop the dangerous forward.
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      The Three Lions are hoping that Manchester City defender Kyle Walker will be on his best form in order to nullify the 23-year-old.
      Ten years ago Holland managed to come up with a set-up that stopped Lionel Messi in the Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona.
      Messi failed to score in either tie as the Blues progressed to the final in which they went on to win against Bayern Munich.
      Holland said: “In 2012, with the Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Chelsea, there are a handful of players on the planet that you need to consider special attention to.
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      “Messi has been one and probably still is. You’d have to put Mbappe in that category.
      “We do need to look at trying to avoid leaving ourselves in situations where he is as devastating, as we’ve all seen.
      “I remember a conversation with Jose Mourinho about it when he was with Real Madrid, they were playing Barcelona and had Cristiano Ronaldo.
      “Dani Alves would be the right-back for Barcelona and flying forward in attack, Jose would play a ‘soldier’ against him to try to stop him but then you don’t get any threat from your team from the soldier as you’re just stopping somebody, not actually hurting them.
      “Then he would try to play Ronaldo against him, one against one, because Alves was fantastic going forwards but maybe not as good defensively.” More

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      ‘There are 19 Ligue 1 teams waiting for the solution’ – France star Fofana warns Walker he cannot stop Mbappe

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      YOUSSOUF FOFANA has “full confidence” Kylian Mbappe can destroy Kyle Walker and England – because no one else has found an answer.Walker has spoken defiantly of combating Mbappe’s pace in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final but Fofana warned: “There are 19 Ligue 1 teams waiting for the solution.”
      France frontman Kylian Mbappe has the swagger of a man with pace, form, goals and records all in his favour ahead of taking on Kyle Walker and EnglandCredit: AP
      Walker has been called a ‘tank’ by Mbappe for his power and pace once he gets going – with the two key men on collision course this SaturdayCredit: Getty
      PSG striker Mbappe is busting records, with five goals in Qatar taking him to nine WC strikes in all.
      And many believe his form and finishing make the French favourites to earn a semi-final spot against Portugal or Morocco.
      Right-back Walker – England’s only quick defender – is tipped to take the lead role in trying to curtail the 23-year-old’s explosive runs.
      Mbappe has labelled the Manchester City star a “tank” and Fofana said: “If he knows how to stop Kylian, good for him.
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      “But 19 other teams in Ligue 1, and others in the Champions League, have been waiting for the solution. 
      “The truth will come from the pitch. We have full confidence in Kylian.
      “He is focused on what the team has to do and what he has to do. I feel he is very calm and determined.”
      Walker, though, believes his own concentration, self-belief and past experience against Mbappe make him well-equipped for arguably the toughest one-on-one role in Qatar.
      Youssouf Fofana says England right-back Walker will have to do what all PSG’s Ligue 1 rivals have failed to do – stop Kylian MbappeCredit: PA
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      The 32-year-old said: “I do understand what I need to do and that’s obviously to stop him. 
      “It’s probably easier said than done, but I don’t underestimate myself. I’ve played him before.
      “I have to take extra care and give him the respect he deserves – but not too much respect because he’s also playing England and we can cause them problems.” More

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      Brazil boss Tite issues blunt response to Man Utd legend Roy Keane over ‘Strictly’ World Cup celebrations

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      TITE has hit back at Roy Keane after the pundit labelled Brazil’s dancing celebrations as ‘disrespectful’.Keane took issue with the celebrations from the Brazilian squad during their 4-1 trashing of South Korea.
      The Brazilians have at times been nicknamed ‘The Samba Boys’ for their flamboyant dancing.Credit: Rex
      The former Manchester United man compared the celebrations to ‘watching Strictly’ as the players and staff displayed their samba-style dancing, including manager Tite.
      Keane said: “It’s like watching Strictly. I can’t believe what I’m watching.
      “I don’t like this. I think it’s disrespecting the opposition. It’s four [goals] and they’re doing it every time.
      “I don’t mind the first kind of little jig – whatever they’re doing – but they’re still doing it after that and then the manager getting involved with it.
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      “I’m not happy with it, I don’t think it’s very good at all.”
      Tite has quickly jumped to defend himself and his team following the criticism.

      The 61-year-old coach said: “If I’m asked to dance, I’ll dance. It’s not my team. It is the Brazilian national team, for which I have the responsibility of being a coach. 
      “I’m sorry and I won’t talk about those who don’t know the history and culture of Brazil.”
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      He is not the first to hit back after they came under criticism either, with Brazil and West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta also making his opinion on the matter heard.
      He said: “The dance is a representation of our joy after scoring a goal. 
      “We don’t do it to disrespect anyone, we don’t do it in front of our opponents.
      “We all get together to celebrate. If they don’t like it, there’s not much to say.”
      The 25-year-old also ensured it wasn’t the end of their celebrations too.
      He added: “We’ll keep scoring goals and keep dancing. This is a group that is happy to score, to get the victory and the goals.”
      Brazil take on Croatia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup as they look to push one step further in the competition. More

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      Romain Saiss and the other top Dream Team World Cup assets with an ownership below 5%

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      WE’VE all got while away the hours of these World Cup rest days somehow.Here we’ve assembled the five best Dream Team World Cup assets with an ownership below 5% for your perusal.
      Before we get into it, just a note to say that we’ve omitted players who have been eliminated since the primary focus is on potentially savvy differentials ahead of the quarter-finals.
      Right, without further ado…
      Safe handsCredit: getty
      5 Dominik Livakovic

      Goalkeeper
      Croatia
      £3million
      1.6% ownership
      21 points

      The 2018 runners-up may lack potency in the final third but they’re resolute in defence.
      Livakovic kept two clean sheets in the group stages, against Morocco and Belgium, and he claimed the Star Man award in the round of 16 after his penalty shootout heroics to eliminate Japan.
      The Dinamo Zagreb keeper has been alert between the sticks and will surely have to be at his best to frustrate Brazil in the quarter-finals.
      4 Noussair Mazraoui
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      Defender
      Morocco
      £2million
      0.8% ownership
      24 points

      A right-back by trade, the Bayern Munich resident happily shifts over to the left for his country so that Walid Regragui can play a certain ice-cold PSG full-back in his specialist position (more on him later).
      Mazraoui is able to adjust seamlessly when asked to switch flanks; his diligent defending and positional discipline have made the Atlas Lions an awkward team to play against – just ask Spain!
      The 25-year-old has registered 7+ ratings in all three of Morocco’s clean sheets so far (he blanked versus Canada) and has offered excellent value for money at just £2m.
      Captain Fantastic!Credit: getty
      3 Romain Saiss

      Defender
      Morocco
      £2million
      2.7% ownership
      25 points

      Morocco’s skipper was quite literally defending on one leg against Spain in extra time when it looked for the all the world that he would be substituted with a hamstring issue.
      Whether the ex-Wolves defender will be fit enough to lead his nation against Portugal on Saturday remains to be seen but it’s clear his absence would be a huge blow for the North Africans.
      Saiss scored his side’s first goal in the historic win over Belgium in their opening game and he’s been at the heart of three clean sheets alongside Nayef Aguerd (£2.5m).
      Again, what a bargain he’s been at £2m.
      2 Achraf Hakimi

      Defender
      Morocco
      £3million
      4.9% ownership
      29 points

      The third and final Moroccan and the best of all!
      Panenka penalty hero, inexhaustible talisman, resident superstar… Hakimi fulfils so many roles for his country and he’s been fully deserving of the praise he’s received in the last fortnight.
      The 24-year-old has arguably been the best player in his position on display in Qatar – his average match of rating of 7.47 puts him among the best performers overall according to WhoScored.
      Harry Maguire is the only defender with more points (33) than the PSG star and England’s No6 features in 21.3% of teams.
      The man of the hour
      1 Goncalo Ramos

      Striker
      Portugal
      £3million
      2.5% ownership
      30 points

      It makes perfect sense why the 21-year-old marksman has such a low ownership.
      Prior to the events of the round of 16 he was somebody who came off the bench after the 80th minute.
      But Fernando Santos’ decision to start Ramos over Cristiano Ronaldo (£7m) against Swizterland was emphatically justified when the Benfica forward bagged a hat-trick.
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      He also registered an assist for his efforts, banking 30 points in one fell swoop!
      Ramos’ ownership has risen from 0.1% to 2.5% as a response and will probably increase further if (when) he’s selected to start against Morocco on Saturday. More

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      World Cup 2022 stats show where England vs France will be won and why Olivier Giroud could be key threat

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      ENGLAND won their only previous World Cup with Sir Alf Ramsey’s “wingless wonders” in 1966.But if Gareth Southgate’s side are to repeat that success in Qatar it will be because of the threat they have out wide.
      Olivier Giroud could be a key threat in Saturday’s quarter-finalCredit: Getty
      Bukayo Saka has starred for England in QatarCredit: Getty
      The most stand-out statistic of the first winter World Cup has been the return of old-fashioned wing-play.
      Fifa’s statistical study of the opening phase showed an increase of a staggering 83 per cent in the number of goals scored from “open play crosses”.
      England continued that theme against Senegal in their last 16 clash, with Jordan Henderson’s opener and Bukayo Saka’s clincher coming after low balls into the danger zone when the defensive line was breached down the left flank.
      Indeed, England have been setting that tournament standard since the opening game of their magic carpet ride through the desert.
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      Jude Bellingham put them on their way with his header against Iran from Luke Shaw’s centre, before skipper Harry Kane set up Raheem Sterling and Callum Wilson rolled inside for Jack Grealish to score.
      Kane then repeated the dose for Phil Foden’s goal in the 3-0 win over Wales, before the two crosses were converted against Senegal.
      Quarter-final opponents France have been equally deadly, with Kylian Mbappe scoring three of his five goals from crosses or cut-backs and Olivier Giroud twice converting inviting centres.
      Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, now Fifa’s head of global technical development, predicted: “From what we have seen so far, the team with the best wide players will win the tournament.
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      “Teams are blocking the centre of the pitch but are more open on the flanks where they think they can risk the consequences.
      “But it seems from the group stage that the teams with the best wide players in such a tournament are the ones with the best chance to win.
      “It was going to be interesting to see if that continued and it has.”
      Jurgen Klinsmann, head of Fifa’s Technical Study Group, added: “If you put in quality crosses it is easier to lose your defender in the box.
      “Coaches tend to focus their defensive block in the middle areas of the pitch and it makes it difficult for teams to break through there.
      “Those defensive lines have made it difficult to pull the trigger from 20-25 yards but getting the ball wide and making crosses gives the forward players the chance to make the runs and get on the end of them.”
      The Three Lions will have to try and keep Kylian Mbappe quietCredit: Getty More

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      Part-time smoker Marcelo Brozovic breaks own World Cup record as he covers most distance EVER in Croatia vs Japan

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      CROATIA ace Marcelo Brozovic broke his own World Cup record as he covered the most distance EVER in a World Cup game against Japan.The 30-year-old Inter Milan star often turns in lung-busting displays, despite liking to celebrate big wins with cigarettes and alcohol.
      Brozovic (right) with a fag in his mouth and a beer in hand after winning the Coppa ItaliaCredit: Instagram /
      marcelo_brozovic
      Brozovic lasted the full 120 minutes against Japan and scored his penaltyCredit: Getty
      Brozovic covered 16.7 kilometers – more than 10 miles –  in Croatia’s World Cup round of 16 clash with Japan.
      The stalemate went to penalties, which Croatia won with Brozovic finding the back of the net.
      Brozovic’s non-stop display saw him break his own World Cup record – running 400 metres more than he managed when playing at the last World Cup in Russia when Croatia beat England in the semi-final that went to extra-time.
      Croatia’s midfield lynchpin makes no secret about his enjoyment of a fag and a pint.
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      He was pictured smoking a cigar in the Stade de France dressing room after Croatia beat France for the first-ever time in the summer.
      And when Inter overcame Juventus to lift the Coppa Italia a few weeks earlier, he was snapped alongside team-mate Alex Cordaz having a cigarette and a bottle of beer.
      Brozovic has, however, landed himself in trouble for smoking cigarettes and consuming alcohol as a high performing athlete.
      Two years ago, he was fined by Inter after being banned for drink driving when police spotted him running a red light.
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      He was also filmed in his training kit buying fags from a shop just a few hours before Croatia were beaten 5-3 after extra-time by Spain at the Euros last summer.
      Nonetheless, Brozovic’s fitness levels are one of the keys to Croatia’s success and they face World Cup favourites Brazil in the quarter-finals on Friday.
      Croatia are hoping to beat the five-time winners and make back-to-back World Cup semi-finals… or finals.
      Brozovic has made the most passes for Croatia More

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      Memphis Depay dreaming of emulating Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp for Holland in World Cup clash vs Argentina

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      DUTCH ace Memphis Depay admits he is dreaming of stopping the world like Dennis Bergkamp did against Argentina in 1998.Former Arsenal ace Bergkamp’s moment of genius in Marseille, flipping the ball over an Argentine defender before smashing home the quarter-final clincher, is one of the great World Cup goals.
      Dennis Bergkamp scored one of the greatest World Cup goals ever against Argentina in 1998Credit: AFP
      Memphis Depay is desperate to repeat that magic for Holland tomorrowCredit: Rex
      And as he geared up to take on the Albiceleste, Lionel Messi and all, in the Lusail Iconic Stadium tomorrow, with a semi-final place up for grabs, ex-Manchester United man Memphis recalled Bergkamp’s act of glory.
      Depay said: “That was an amazing moment for the whole country of Holland.
      “What a goal. Everyone remembers that one. But of course this game is also going to be won by a moment like that and it would mean so much.
      “We believe we can catch that moment and go through.”
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      Dutch coach Louis van Gaal, facing relentless stick from his country’s national media for his perceived “negative” approach, agreed that something special from one of his players – rather than Messi – would leave an indelible impression.
      Van Gaal said: “Football no longer is being played as it was in the 70s or 80s.
      “Back then it was an open game, which it no longer is. 
      “You can have all sorts of opinions about that – it’s just the way the game has evolved. But you can have decisive moments that you remember for years afterwards like Bergkamp’s goal. We will continue to remember this forever.”
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      Holland’s most recent World Cup memory against Argentina was less fun, the semi-final shoot-out defeat in Sao Paulo in 2014, when the veteran coach saw the goalkeeper whose career he had revived at Alkmaar, Sergio Romero, save two spot-kicks.
      Depay, an unused substitute eight years ago, said: “In 2014, I didn’t have to take one but I know there’s a lot of tension and a lot of pressure.
      “Everyone has his own technique. It’s about trying to practice as best you possibly can.
      “I’ve never taken a penalty in a shoot-out, although I have in big games. But we have to be able to deal with that pressure, we have to prepare. 
      “We hope to win in 90 minutes but we don’t know. Ultimately, one team loses.” More

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      How Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodríguez is different to other WAGS – £2m jewellery to outburst over Portugal snub

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      FOR years, the likes of Victoria Beckham and Coleen Rooney have ruled the roost as queens of the WAGs.But during the Qatar World Cup, it has been Georgina Rodriguez, the girlfriend of Portugal ace Cristiano Ronaldo, who is making a claim for the throne.
      Georgina Rodriguez has stood out amongst the Qatar World Cup WAGsCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      While the Three Lions’ wives and girlfriends are keeping a low profile, the stunning model, 28, has set herself apart with Kim Kardashian-esque photoshoots, eye-wateringly expensive jewellery and savage outbursts over the management of her partner, 37.
      Georgina and her man have been dating since 2017 after first meeting at the Gucci shop where she worked.
      She is now the most-followed WAG on Instagram, not surprising considering Ronaldo has more fans on the platform than anyone else in the world.
      Here, we take a look at how Georgina has carved out a different path to the other World Cup WAGs – and established herself as the one to beat.
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      Dripping in bling
      Georgina made sure to turn heads when she went to cheer on Portugal on TuesdayCredit: Instagram/@georginagio
      The model’s jewellery was worth nearly £2millionCredit: Instagram/@georginagio
      While many WAGs show up in T-shirts and trainers to cheer on their other halves at the World Cup, Georgina has other ideas.
      Dressed to the nines, she arrived at Portugal’s clash with Switzerland on Tuesday wearing a bunch of jewellery that was reportedly worth nearly £2million.
      She looked incredible in a figure-clinching black midi dress and green coat paired with metallic silver pumps.
      Her lavish jewellery list was topped by a £600,000 diamond engagement ring from Cristiano Ronaldo.
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      She was also decked in a £450,000 necklace and bracelet set and a 10ct ring on her other finger thought to be worth a whopping £300,000.
      In addition, the brunette beauty wore a 40mm Rolex GMT 18ct gold watch set with diamonds that retails for £400,000.
      But that’s not all – Georgina added a £50,000 diamond band to her look and clutched a £7,090 Chanel bag in grained calfskin.
      She also wore diamond-encrusted earrings, which is likely to have pushed her jewellery estimate well over the £2million mark.
      Standing by her man
      She wasn’t afraid to speak out and slam Portugal’s coach this weekCredit: SOCIAL MEDIA
      Ronaldo was not too happy about being benched for Portugal’s clash with SwitzerlandCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Georgina railed against the decision on Instagram
      Georgina posted a number of pictures from her time at the stadium on that same day, where she spoke out against Portugal’s coach, Fernando Santos.
      Much to her frustration, the football boss benched her man for the majority of the match.
      The snub came after the former Manchester United player appeared to throw a tantrum when he was substituted off in Portugal’s loss against South Korea.
      When asked about Ronaldo’s sulk, Santos said: “If I see the images, yes, I didn’t like it, not at all. I really didn’t like it.”
      Writing on her Instagram post, Georgina said: “Congratulations Portugal. While the 11 players sang the anthem all goals placed on you. 
      “What a shame he didn’t get to enjoy the best player in the world for the 90 minutes. The fans haven’t stopped claiming you and screaming your name. 
      “I hope God and your dear friend Fernando hold hands and make us vibrate one more night.”
      Her post marked one of the very few times any WAG has dared to openly criticise the decision of their partner’s coach.
      Sultry desert photoshoots
      Georgina has been making the most of her time in QatarCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      She showed off her sophisticated style with a series of snapsCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      Georgina has been making the most of her time in Qatar and even did an impromptu Kim Kardashian-style photoshoot during a desert walk.
      Ahead of Portugal’s match with Switzerland, she wore a tight army green dress with a patterned Louis Vuitton scarf tied around it.
      This time, she settled for a more understated look with her long locks slicked back in a braided ponytail.
      She also opted for medium-sized hoop earrings, and a cross necklace.
      In other snaps, she’s seen wearing a long Adidas tracksuit coat over her dress teamed with a pair of chic sunglasses.
      Her sister, Ivana also posted a picture of the pair with the caption: “Desert of Qatar. Super experience. What a great time we had!!!”
      Building a brand
      She was greeted with a huge cake of Ronaldo and the family upon arrival at her Qatar hotelCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      Upon arrival in Qatar, Georgina was greeted with a giant Cristiano Ronaldo cake.
      A staunch supporter of her partner, she was naturally seen in a CR7 tracksuit bottom and has been instrumental to the couple’s brand building.
      With a following of 40.3million, Georgina is the most followed WAG on Instagram.
      Her closest competition is Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards, who is the fiancée of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at 16.5million.
      Since meeting Ronaldo while working in a Gucci shop, she has become a businesswoman, model, and brand ambassador in her own right.
      Earlier this year, she scored big when she landed her own reality show, I Am Georgina on Netflix.
      The six-part show told the Spanish model’s story in her own words and featured appearances by Ronaldo, who gushed about his love for her.
      On the show, viewers got a peak into her lavish lifestyle, which included watching the Monaco Grand Prix from her personal yacht to walking down the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.
      They have three children together and managed to navigate the storm of losing an unborn baby earlier this year.
      Georgina is now said to be making plans to wed Ronaldo, who is reportedly worth over £300million.
      In a 2019 interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo said it would be his mother’s dream to see him wed Georgina.
      He said: “We’ll be [married] one day, for sure,” he said.
      “It’s my mum’s dream as well. So, one day. Why not? It’s great. She’s my friend. We have conversations. I open the heart for her and she opens the heart for me.”
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      Georgina and Ronaldo with the family
      Ronaldo says his mother would like to see him and Georgina married one dayCredit: Getty
      She now enjoys lavish holidays and the finer things in lifeCredit: Instagram
      Georgina starred in her own Netflix reality showCredit: IMDB More