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    Kylian Mbappe tells Man Utd they’re getting ‘very complete’ striker if they SNUB Harry Kane for World Cup star

    KYLIAN MBAPPE has told admirers of one of his French teammates that they would be getting a “very complete” striker if they were to sign him. Speculation is mounting over the £105m-rated Randal Kolo Muani who is enjoying a brilliant season in Germany.
    Randal Kolo Muani’s stock is rising at a dizzying pace in European footballCredit: Getty
    His goalscoring ability has not gone unnoticed either with the 24-year-old on the radar of Manchester United alongside Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen as they prepare to land a top quality striker in the summer.
    And new France captain Mbappe, arguably the best player in the world, was happy to offer his take on the Eintracht Frankfurt forward.
    Speaking after their 4-0 win over Holland at the weekend, the PSG star said: “He is a striker who offers different game options to our team. He is very complete and has an impressive volume of play. 
    “We are happy with the game he played on Friday.”
    READ MORE ON MAN UNITED
    Kolo Muani did not hit the net in the victory but impressed with another dynamic, all-action display.
    The striker has only made seven appearances for France and has just one goal to his name, but it was in the World Cup semi-final to help seal the win against Morocco back in December.
    Kolo Muani can expect more football at international level in the coming years with Karim Benzema retiring from France duty in the days following Les Bleus’ World Cup Final defeat.
    Meanwhile, the country’s all-time top scorer Olivier Giroud is 36 and likely won’t be leading the line in the 2026 World Cup.
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    The future is also exciting at club level for Kolo Muani.
    Man United have been repeatedly linked to the striker in their bid to find a long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
    And the interest could be mutual with the Frenchman dropping a huge hint earlier this month that he is open to a move away from Frankfurt.
    He said of his future: “We talk about it a lot already, but I try to be focused on my club.
    “We continue our performances and we will see this summer. Afterwards, I always dreamed of playing in big clubs.”
    Kolo Muani has 11 goals and 10 assists in the Bundesliga this season. More

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    England top list of all-time greatest sporting achievements – but it’s NOT the 1966 World Cup-winning side

    THE greatest sporting moment of all time is England’s Lionesses winning the 2022 Euros, according to research.A poll of 2,000 sports fans found Liverpool beating AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League Final and Usain Bolt winning gold in the 100 metre race at the 2012 Olympics also made the list.
    England’s Euros win last year was voted as the top sporting moment of all timeCredit: AFP
    Leicester City’s Premier League title win in 2016 and the England cricket team beating New Zealand to win their first World Cup in 2019 rounded out the top five greatest moments.
    While the top 30 list also included Roger Bannister breaking the four-minute mile barrier in 1954, Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal and “Goal of the Century” in the 1986 World Cup Final and Muhammed Ali’s ‘rumble in the jungle’ win over George Foreman in 1974.
    It also emerged 72 per cent of those polled would have liked to witness some of these great moments in person.
    The research was commissioned by Visit Anaheim — which works to promote tourism to Anaheim, California — as it sponsors both the Los Angeles Angels’ Spring Training and their minor league baseball team in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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    Spokesperson Jay Burress, said: “Most sports fans know the highs and the lows that come from supporting a team or an athlete.
    “We wanted to see which moments were the most memorable, but also to see the lengths that fans are willing to go to, in order to see their favourite competition, live and in person.
    “There are so many great sporting moments to choose from but clearly these have stuck with people and had an impact.
    “It’s amazing how sport as a whole can really bring people together and I’m sure there are plenty of more great sporting moments to come in the future.”
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    Dennis Taylor defeating Steve Davis for the World Snooker Championship in 1985 and Mbappe’s comeback hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final also featured in the list of sporting moments.
    But while they can’t guarantee a moment as exciting as those featured on the list, 22 per cent of respondents have a trip planned in 2023 to see a specific sporting event.
    Football was most popular sport to watch (81 per cent), followed by tennis (33 per cent) and cricket (19 per cent).
    And 66 per cent have seen their favourite team play in person.
    A third have gone abroad for a sports game and are willing to travel an average of five hours and 36 minutes, spending £420.60.
    It also found two thirds have a favourite team, with 23 per cent of those taking a spontaneous trip to see them play.
    A host of iconic sporting moments, like Leicester’s miraculous 2016 title win, feature on the listCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    And 93 per cent will continue to support their favourite team, regardless of whether they win or lose.
    Of those polled, via OnePoll, 23 per cent have gone as far as planning a holiday around when and where their favourite team is playing.
    Burress added: “There’s nothing quite like seeing your favourite team play in person, and sports are a great thing to plan a holiday around.
    “Still, it’s good to head to a destination where there’s something for the whole family to enjoy, and where there are a variety of activities nearby so you have options once you’ve finished cheering your team on at the stadium.
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    “Sports are a big part of people’s lives and holidays are too which is why combining the two could make a great trip.
    “Who knows, the next time you see your favourite team, it could end up being another one of the greatest sporting moments of all time.”
    Top 30 Sporting Moments of All TimeThe top 30 sporting moments are…
    1.            England Lionesses Euros win (2022)
    2.            Liverpool beat AC Milan in the Champions League Final from 3-0 down (2005)
    3.            Usain Bolt winning gold in the 100m at the London Olympics (2012)
    4.            Leicester City Premier League title win (2016)
    5.            England cricket team beating New Zealand to win their first ever World Cup (2019)
    6.            Roger Bannister breaking the 4-minute mile barrier 1954)
    7.            Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ and ‘Goal of the Century’ goal in the World Cup Final (1986)
    8.            Muhammed Ali’s ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ win over George Foreman (1974)
    9.            Dennis Taylor defeating Steve Davis for the World Snooker Championship (1985)
    10.         Mbappe’s comeback hat-trick in the World Cup final (2022)
    11.         David Beckham’s star-making goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon (1996)
    12.         Unseeded Boris Becker’s Wimbledon win aged just 17 (1985)
    13.         Cristiano Ronaldo’s bicycle kick in the Champions League quarterfinals (2018)
    14.         Roger Federer winning his 20th Grand Slam title (2018)
    15.         Serena Williams winning her first Wimbledon title (2002)
    16.         Michael Schumacher’s seven World Championship wins in Formula One Racing (2004)
    17.         Pele scoring the 1,000th goal in his career (1969)
    18.         Jenson Button and Brawn GP winning the Formula One world championship (2009)
    19.         The football World Cup taking place in Qatar (2022)
    20.         Goran Ivanišević winning Wimbledon as a wildcard entrant (2001)
    21.         Michael Phelps becoming the most decorated Olympian with 22 medals (2008)
    22.         The first Olympic Games in ancient Greece (776 BC)
    23.         Greece winning Euro 2004 (2004)
    24.         Tiger Woods winning the Masters, his first major victory in over a decade (2019)
    25.         Denmark win the European football champions (1992)
    26.         Japan beat South Africa in the Rugby World Cup (2015)
    27.         Wigan Athletic FA Cup win (2013)
    28.         Wimbledon’s FA cup winning side (1988)
    29.         The “Miracle on Ice” in the 1980 Winter Olympics
    30.         Andy Ruiz Jnr knocking out Anthony Joshua (2019) More

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    Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez trolled by footballer as he is compared to Prison Break character after haircut

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Lisandro Martinez has hilariously been compared to a Prison Break character after getting a new haircut.The Argentina World Cup winner is currently back in his homeland and still celebrating his and his team-mates’ success in Qatar.
    Man Utd’s Lisandro Martinez has been trolled for his new haircutCredit: Getty
    The defender revealed his new-look on social mediaCredit: Instagram
    He was compared to T-Bag from Prison BreakCredit: Prison Break
    Thursday was the first time that the South American nation had actually taken to the pitch since their World Cup win and the scenes were incredible at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
    As the Argentine national anthem rang out from the 80,000-plus crowd, fireworks soon began to light up the sky.
    The whole place was then rocking as Lionel Messi and Cristian Romero stood there trying to take it all in.
    But it all proved a little too much for Aston Villa stopper Emi Martinez as he broke down in tears.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Argentina capped the night off with a victory over Panama in their friendly thanks to Thiago Almada and Messi before a special ceremony was then held where each player received a replica World Cup trophy to lift as their WAGS joined them out on the pitch.
    United defender Martinez, 25, was determined to look his very best for the occasion and ensured that he had a snazzy new hair do.
    He shared footage of himself sitting in the barber’s chair revealing his new short back and sides, with wavy blonde streaks added to the top of his barnet.
    But as the clip went viral, cheeky Harrogate Town ace Jack Muldoon had fans in stitches as he shared a GIF of Prison Break character T-Bag.
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    And the man, who is known by fans as “The Butcher”, also received plenty more stick for his new trim.
    Another fan wrote: “His hairs been butchered.”
    A fellow supporter said: “He’s got to get a fade with that surely.”
    While another added: “Awful trim but he’s literally Lisandro Martinez so he can get away with it.”
    Harrogate Town’s cheeky Jack Muldoon compared him to the TV characterCredit: Getty More

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    Brand new footage emerges of Messi and Weghorst’s World Cup spat as it’s revealed what sparked snub

    BRAND new footage has emerged of Lionel Messi and Wout Weghorst’s World Cup spat.The duo famously collided as Argentina dumped Holland out of the tournament in a dramatic penalty shootout.
    Fresh footage has emerged of Lionel Messi’s rant at Wout WeghorstCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Weghorst stared at Messi from behind a wall, prompting the Argentine’s blast
    Weghorst’s equaliser ELEVEN minutes into stoppage time set up another brilliant half hour.
    But the Manchester United striker was not smiling at the final whistle as eventual winners Argentina booked their place in the semis with a 5-4 shootout win.
    Tensions had already hit boiling point during normal time, with Leandro Paredes sparking a mass brawl when he booted the ball at Holland’s bench.
    And in the tunnel there was an incredible outburst from Messi aimed directly at Weghorst as he gave a post-match interview.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    The Paris Saint-Germain ace said to his opponent: “Who are you looking at, stupid? Go ahead, you stupid.”
    But fresh footage has now revealed what exactly happened in the build-up to Messi’s rant.
    As the Argentina ace started giving his thoughts on the game, Weghorst could be seen peering round a WALL while watching intently on the other side of the cameras.
    Weghorst continued to look at Messi until the legendary forward caught his eye.
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    And after they made contact, Messi unleashed his now-iconic bombardment.
    The video then shows the moment Weghorst reached out to Messi with an outstretched hand.
    But the veteran had no intention of taking it, leading to Weghorst complaining: “I was waiting for him and wanted to give him a hand. And he’s doing that? That’s disrespectful.”
    Messi has since admitted he regretted the entire incident, saying: “I don’t like this picture. I don’t like what I did.
    “There was a lot of tension and it came out naturally. A lot had happened with this player and two others during the match.
    “It came out naturally. I don’t like this image.” More

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    Steven Gerrard lavishes praise on England star who he says is ‘far better than I was at his age’

    STEVEN GERRARD has singled out Jude Bellingham for praise and said the Dortmund star is “far better” than he was at the same age. The 19-year-old produced another solid display as England comfortably beat Ukraine.
    Jude Bellingham received special praise from his hero after the gameCredit: Getty
    Bellingham was also one of the stars of the show in the Three Lions’ brilliant first-half display and win against Italy earlier this week.
    The midfielder joined Channel 4’s TV pundits after the Wembley win to discuss the game.
    Alongside Gerrard was England Euros winner Jill Scott, Ukraine’s Andriy Shevchenko and Joe Cole.
    Bellingham could not hide his glee at being stood next to Liverpool legend Gerrard.
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    He said: “Definitely [Gerrard is a role model]. The things that Stevie could do in terms of the way he could carry a team and the way he could single-handedly win a game and do everything as a midfielder.
    “I’ve said it all the time that I looked up to you and your game and it’s a pleasure to be stood here right now.”
    In response, a flattered Gerrard said: “Let me tell you right now that you’re a lot further ahead than I was at your age so you’re heading in the right direction.”
    When pressed for more explanation, Gerrard prompted laughter from Bellingham and his fellow pundits when he said: “Well for one, he’s got a better body than I had at 19…”
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    Liverpool fans were loving the respectful interaction between the pair with Bellingham linked with the Reds amid frenzied transfer speculation.
    One said: “Bellingham flirting with Liverpool again, with agent Gerrard in attendance.”
    Another said: “Liverpool fans will enjoy this… any doubt that Jude Bellingham admirers Steven Gerrard and Liverpool dispelled here.
    “This kid is so impressive on and off the pitch.”
    While another joked: “Jude Bellingham and Steven Gerrard… get a room”.
    The former Birmingham man continues to impress for club and country and was one of the star players in the Qatar World Cup.
    For Dortmund this season, he has 10 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions. More

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    France goalkeeper fumes at new ‘anti-Emi Martinez’ penalty rules as he ironically claims saves are banned

    FRANCE goalkeeper Mike Maignan has mocked the IFAB’s decision to introduce new penalty rules.Earlier this week, the football lawmakers announced that a new set of rules – which will aid penalty takers – will come into play from July 1.
    The IFAB have introduced new penalty rules following Martinez’s World Cup final anticsCredit: Getty
    The Argentina goalkeeper employed various tactics to gain a psychological edgeCredit: Getty
    The changes will prevent goalkeepers from taunting and disrupting penalty takers.
    And they have been introduced in the wake of Emiliano Martinez’s controversial World Cup final antics.
    During the penalty shootout against France, the Argentina goalkeeper employed tactics such as throwing the ball away in an attempt to gain a psychological advantage.
    The mind games worked as Argentina went on to lift the trophy, however, from July they will no longer be permitted.
    Read More on FootballNew Penalty Rules to be Introduced from July

    Goalkeepers must not touch either posts, the crossbar or the goal net before a penalty is taken.
    Goalkeepers must not delay the execution of a penalty.
    Goalkeepers must not unfairly distract the taker.
    Goalkeepers must not show behaviours that fail to show respect.

    New rules state that goalkeepers cannot touch either posts, the crossbar or the net of the goal before kicks.
    They will also not be allowed to delay the execution of the penalty by throwing or kicking the ball away.
    Furthermore, goalkeepers must not unfairly distract the taker by speaking or gesturing to them.
    And finally, they must not show behaviours that fail to show respect to the taker such as over-the-top celebrations.
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    Maignan has mocked the new rulesCredit: Getty
    The France keeper saved a penalty on FridayCredit: Getty
    Many fans have since criticised the new set of rules with some even suggesting that they are ‘ruining’ the game.
    France goalkeeper Maignan has also expressed his disapproval.
    In a sarcastic tweet, he wrote: “New IFAB penalty rules 2026: Goalkeepers must have their backs to the shot. If the penalty is saved, the opposition gets an indirect freekick.”
    Ironically, Maignan saved a penalty while on international duty for France on Friday.
    In the 95th minute of the Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands he stepped up to save Memphis Depay’s spot-kick.
    France went on to win the match 4-0 thanks to goals from Antoine Griezmann, Dayot Upamecano and Kylian Mbappe. More

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    ‘Out of the squad, it’s up to him’ – Southgate defends Rashford after being surprised by England ace’s New York trip

    GARETH SOUTHGATE has defended Marcus Rashford jetting off to New York after pulling out of the England squadThree Lions boss Southgate was surprised to see Rashford posting pictures on a mini-break following his withdrawal from the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine with a toe problem.
    England boss Gareth Southgate defended Manchester United star Marcus RashfordCredit: Getty
    Manchester United star Marcus Rashford went on a surprise New York trip
    But diplomatic Southgate said: “Once he’s ruled out of the squad, it’s entirely up to him how he spends his time.
    “The players don’t get a lot of breaks. They will be flying off wherever after Sunday’s game.
    “If they get 48 hours, with the schedule as it is, they have to take advantage of it.”
    Rashford’s holiday is not a great look because the Manchester United forward, 25, has now pulled out of five of the last six non-tournament squads he has been picked for.
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    His absence also gives players such as  Phil Foden and Jack Grealish the chance to stake a claim for a place on the left of England’s attack.
    Southgate said: “He’s in good form, we’d love to have had him as an option for this camp but we haven’t got him.
    “Always then I have to think, ‘What’s the best solution?’ And it’s opportunities for other people.”
    Rashford is not the only English striker enjoying some downtime Stateside.
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    Arsenal’s Under-21  international striker Folarin Balogun, who is  shining on loan at French club Reims, posted from Florida: “In life go where your [sic] appreciated.”
    New York-born Balogun, 21, pulled out of Lee Carsley’s squad citing injury but is wanted by the USA national team and also qualifies for Nigeria.
    Southgate said: “Young players progress well and you cannot perhaps give them the opportunity that they would like, while another country perhaps can offer them.
    “We like Flo. We would like him to give it some time and if he is progressing the way he is and continues that progression, there will be opportunities.
    “But I cannot offer him that this week.
    “If we did, I don’t think that would be fair on Ivan Toney who has scored the goals he has in the Premier League.” More

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    Spanish match abandoned as World Cup star’s brother collapses on pitch… but then appears to ask to carry on

    A SPANISH third-tier match has been abandoned after a player suddenly collapsed.An ambulance rushed to the pitch after Cordoba ace Dragisa Gudelj fainted during the game against Racing Ferrol at the Estadio Nuevo Arcangel.
    Situación dramática en El Arcángel. Atienden a Dragi Gudelj sobre el verde. El central del @CordobaCF_ofi se ha desplomado y la ambulancia ha accedido al terreno de juego. Le han realizado un masaje cardíaco. Está consciente y ha intentado levantarse. pic.twitter.com/edlJxpGsaj— COPE Córdoba (@COPECordoba) March 25, 2023

    Cordoba ace Dragisa Gudelj collapsed during a match against Racing FerrolCredit: Getty
    Cordoba ace Dragisa Gudelj was taken by an ambulance to hospitalCredit: Twitter
    Cordoba ace Dragisa Gudelj wanted to carry on despite suffered a cardiac arrestCredit: Twitter
    The incident took place in the 11th minute of the first half in front of a worried crowd.
    According to Marca, Gudelj suffered a cardiac arrest and was thankfully revived by the medical team.
    The centre-back left the stadium in the ambulance while conscious and the crowd showed their support with a standing ovation.
    The 25-year-old appeared to be wanting to carry on despite the worrying incident but he was ultimately taken to Reina Sofia hospital for observation.
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    The game was tied 1-1 before the referee suspended the match in Cordoba.
    Cordoba assured the fans on social media that Gudelj is in stable condition.
    The club also thanked the medical team that acted swiftly to “save” the Serbian.
    Gudelj is the younger brother of Sevilla ace Nemanja Gudelj, who plays in LaLiga.
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    Nemanja also competes for Serbia and appeared in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
    Dragisa plays predominantly as a centre-back but can also operate at left-back.
    The versatile defender has amassed a total of 24 appearances in the Primera Federacion this season. More