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      Mario Gotze’s model wife helps him get over World Cup heartbreak as she strips down to tiny bikini on the beach

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      MARIO GOTZE’s model wife is helping him get over Germany’s World Cup heartbreak as she took to the beach in a tiny bikini.The World Cup 2014 final goalscorer married Ann-Kathrin, 33, in 2018 having been together six years.
      Ann-Kathrin, hubby Gotze and baby Rome are in Dubai on holidayCredit: Instagram / annkathrin
      The Gotzes flew to Dubai after Germany’s World Cup group stage exitCredit: Instagram / annkathrin
      Gotze played two games in QatarCredit: Instagram / annkathrin
      Ann-Kathrin was by Gotze’s side from his Dortmund daysCredit: Instagram / annkathrin
      Ann-Kathrin was by Gotze’s side from his Borussia Dortmund days and was also a pillar during his struggle with myopathy.
      Gotze’s battle with the disease of the muscle, in which the muscle fibers do not function properly, and also causes weakness and rapid fatigue, threatened his career at the top level.
      But his resurgence in Holland at PSV and then a return to Germany to play for Eintracht Frankfurt saw Gotze be recalled to the national team set-up.
      His cameo in the 2-1 World Cup group stage loss to Japan ended his five-year absence from the Germany national team.
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      His last appearance came in 2017 in a 2-2 draw with France.
      A draw with Spain and 4-2 win over Costa Rica wasn’t enough for Germany to book a knockout spot, sending the four-time winners home in the group stages for the second World Cup finals in a row.
      But to help Gotze get over his World Cup heartbreak, his model wife Ann-Kathrin took to the beaches in Dubai in a tiny bikini.
      The mother to Rome, 2, slipped into a black and white Chanel set and posed for a mirror selfie.
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      Gotze’s World Cup 2022 stats
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      Followers flooded to the comments section to shower Ann-Kathrin with compliments.
      One said: “Beautiful.”
      Another replied: “Is this hot mama island? Wow!”
      Wife Ann-Kathrin, 33, is a modelCredit: Instagram / annkathrin
      Gotze married Ann-Kathrin in 2018Credit: Instagram / annkathrin
      The couple have been together since 2012Credit: Instagram / annkathrin More

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      Eden Hazard watches NBA clash between Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks after retiring from Belgium team

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      EDEN HAZARD was pictured attending an NBA game in New York just days after he called an end to his international career. The Real Madrid man attended the clash between Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks at the famous Madison Square Garden.
      Eden Hazard was present at the game in New York after jetting away from Qatar following Belgium’s early exit from the World Cup
      Hazard retired from international football after Belgium crashed out of the World Cup after flopping in a group containing Croatia, Morocco and Canada.
      His career with the Red Devils spanned a 14 year period in which he often impressed, earning himself the national captaincy, but he was unable to shine again in Qatar.
      The former Chelsea man took to Instagram to confirm his retirement, he wrote: “A page turns today… Thank you for your love.
      “Thank you for your unparalleled support. Thank you for all this happiness shared since 2008.
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      “I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready.
      “I will miss you…”
      Hazard captained Belgium in their first two games at the Qatar World Cup 2022
      Hazard made 126 appearances for Belgium scoring 33 goals and racking up an impressive 36 assists after making his debut at just 17-years-old.
      Now 31, he has played in two European Championships and three World Cups for his nation, reaching the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
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      The Belgians failed to repeat their impressive display at this year’s tournament though finishing below both Morocco and Croatia in their group.
      The ageing squad hasn’t been able to live up to its ‘Golden Generation’ title and boss Roberto Martinez has stepped down as a result.
      The former Everton manager quit after his side’s embarrassment in Qatar which was riddled with sensational reports of unrest within the camp. More

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      Eder Militao’s stunning ex-girlfriend Karoline Lima shows off bare bum as she moves on from Brazil World Cup star

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      EDER MILITAO’S stunning ex-girlfriend showed off what the Brazilian was missing by donning a revealing outfit. Karoline Lima announced her split from the Brazil and Real Madrid star in the summer just days before she gave birth to their child, Cecilia.
      Karoline Lima showed off her bum in a daring dressCredit: https://twitter.com/tuitagabii_/status/1599980867157299200?s=20&t=YmK0bC8HCKFvtHWSMe2vzg
      The 26-year-old split from boyfriend Eder Militao earlier this yearCredit: https://www.instagram.com/karolinel/?hl=en
      She has been pictured in Qatar supporting BrazilCredit: https://www.instagram.com/karolinel/?hl=en
      Karoline has 3.9million followers on her Instagram pageCredit: https://www.instagram.com/karolinel/?hl=en
      Karoline and Militao started dating in 2021Credit: Instagram / @karolinel
      However, it seems she has not wasted any time moving on from the 24-year-old.
      Karoline shared a raunchy pic to her Instagram story which left little to the imagination.
      But along with the outfit came some snaps of her kissing THREE different men while on a night out.
      According to Marca, Karoline was at an event called Farofa da Gkay, which celebrates the birthday of influencer and comedian Gessica Kayane.
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      And it was here she was seen kissing three men.
      Karoline, 26, has 3.9million followers on her Instagram page.
      She and Militao announced they were dating in 2021, but in love – and football – a year can be a long time.
      Before that, the Brazilian model was said to be romantically linked with Brazil ace Neymar.
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      Regardless of her past flings, Karoline has travelled over to Qatar to support the Samba Boys.
      Although this was part of a paid partnership with a bookmaker.
      Following their 4-1 demolition of South Korea, Tite’s squad now face beaten 2018 finalists Croatia for a spot in the semi-final of the World Cup.
      Luka Modric and Co may not look their best at this tournament but their know-how and grit was a big part of why they managed to progress against Japan on penalties.
      They will be no pushovers, but Brazil are the favourites and after Neymar’s return they look to have sharpened their fangs even more.
      Prior to dating Militao she was linked with NeymarCredit: https://www.instagram.com/karolinel/?hl=en
      Karoline is a Brazilian modelCredit: https://www.instagram.com/karolinel/?hl=en More

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      England vs France record: How Three Lions compare against Les Bleus in tournament football ahead of World Cup clash

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      ENGLAND will meet France for the sixth time in tournament football when the two teams clash in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.While the Three Lions have a 100 per cent World Cup record, the record overall is just in England’s favour, with two wins to one and a couple of games drawn.
      England beat France in the group stage in 1966 thanks to Roger Hunt’s doubleCredit: Alamy
      Jack Charlton battles for the ball in England’s 2-0 winCredit: Alamy
      The nation is getting excited ahead of Saturday, with a real belief growing that Gareth Southgate’s men can dethrone Kylian Mbappe and Co in Qatar.
      SunSport looks at the five previous games:
      1966 World Cup Wembley – England 2 France 0
      A goal in each half from Roger Hunt ensured Alf Ramsey’s side topped their opening group and maintained Wembley advantage for the knock-out phase.
      Hunt nudged in from close range after Jack Charlton headed a Jimmy Greaves cross against the post before the Liverpool man’s header was helped into the net by French keeper Marcel Aubour.
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      1982 World Cup Bilbao – England 3 France 1
      England’s first World Cup Finals match in 12 years had a lightning start as Bryan Robson stole into the six yard box to hook home after just 27 seconds.
      France equalised through Gerard Soler but Robson rose majestically to meet a Trevor Francis cross and put England back in the lead before Paul Mariner volleyed in when the ball deflected to him in front of goal.
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      Bryan Robson scores against France in 1982Credit: Getty
      1992 European Championship Malmo – England 0 France 0
      A pretty dour affair in Sweden which left both sides needing something that proved beyond them in their final match.
      Stuart Pearce was at the centre of both the good and bad, staying on his feet despite a butt from Basile Boli that opened up a cut on his right cheek and then thwacking a free-kick against the bar with England’s best moment of a forgettable encounter
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      David Platt has his shorts pulled by Luis FernandezCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      2004 European Championships Lisbon – England 1 France 2
      Ask any England player or fan how they lost this one and they will still struggle to find an answer.
      Sven Goran Eriksson’s team were outstanding for 90 minutes.
      Shame about the “plus four”.
      Frank Lampard’s header deserved to be the winner after Wayne Rooney tortured the holders’ back line.
      But all that hard work was destroyed by an injury-time Zinedine Zidane double, a free-kick after Emile Heskey’s foul outside the box and then a penalty after Steven Gerrard’s back pass straight to Thierry Henry sold David James short.
      England were left heartbroken by Zidane’s two late goals, including a stunning free-kickCredit: AFP
      Zinedine Zidane put England to the sword in 2004Credit: AFP
      2012 European Championships Donetsk – England 1 France 1
      Roy Hodgson had been parachuted in just weeks before following Fabio Capello’s resignation and England expectations were low.
      But Hodgson’s military 4-4-2 approach doused the French and earned a deserved draw.
      Joleon Lescott got on the end of a Gerrard free-kick to head England in front but Samir Nasri snaked a low drive in to level before the break.
      The second half was pretty tame, in truth.
      England and France shared the spoils last time out at a tournamentCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Dream Team World Cup bosses to target Brazil and Portugal assets for quarter-final returns

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      DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP managers need to prepare their XIs for the quarter-finals.Assuming you have enough transfers in the bank, it’s probably wise to target the two quarter-finals that are seemingly easier to predict.
      On paper, England v France and Netherlands v Argentina are relatively even match-ups, this is reflected in the betting odds.
      Whereas Croatia v Brazil and Morocco v Portugal both have odds-on favourites.
      Don’t it wrong, Zlatko Dalic’s side and the Atlas Lions are both capable of progressing to the semi-finals, the former were finalists in Russia four years ago while the latter have been punching above their weight ever since they landed in Qatar.
      But the smart, logical money is on the Selecao and Fernando Santos’ mob to reach the last four.
      A shiny new toyCredit: getty
      So how would this strategy specifically translate to your Dream Team World Cup XI?
      Croatia have some excellent defenders and in Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic they have one of the best-balanced midfield trios in international football.
      Their fatal flaw is most commonly exposed in the final third where they can be uninspiring and wasteful.
      They put a leggy Canada to the sword but goals have been hard to come by in their other three fixtures this tournament.
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      2018’s runners-up drew 0-0 with both Morocco and Belgium in the group stage before drawing 1-1 with Japan in the round of 16, eventually progressing on penalties.
      Most Dream Team World Cup gaffers would instinctively think of Brazil’s attacking assets first but perhaps it would be smarter to back Thiago Silva (£5.5m), Marquinhos (£5.5m) and Alisson (£5m) to keep a clean sheet.
      That trio are nailed-on starters and they come at a cost.
      Cheaper alternatives Danilo (£3.5m) and Eder Militao (£4.5m) will be the full-backs unless Alex Sandro (£4m) recovers from injury, which is a possibility.
      Dream Team World Cup’s third-best forwardCredit: getty
      In terms of Brazil’s firepower, only Lionel Messi (£7.5m) and Kylian Mbappe (£7.5m) have more points among forwards than Richarlison (£5.5m) right now – the Spurs man has 33 to his name having scored three goals in three outings.
      With an ownership of 31.9%, Vinicius Junior (£6m) is the second-most selected midfielder in the game.
      The Real Madrid winger finally delivered the returns his talent promised in the round of 16 as he banked ten points at the expense of South Korea.
      Raphinha (£5m) will likely keep his place on the right flank and while he’s looked threatening, he’s been unable to provide the killer final touch, much to the frustration of his Dream Team World Cup owners.
      And of course, Neymar (£7m) remains the main man and, perhaps crucially, he’s the five-time world champions’ penalty taker.
      Portugal will have to work hard to break down a Moroccan side who have worked harder and been more disciplined than any other side at the tournament.
      Bruno Fernandes (£4.5m) is the best-performing midfielder in the game at this juncture having racked up 34 points by virtue of two goals and three assists in three appearances.
      Brazil are heavy favourites to vanquish CroatiaCredit: getty
      Goncalo Ramos (£3m) will be a popular recruit in the next 48 hours after his hat-trick against Switzerland and with good reason.
      However, given the North Africans are likely to attempt a repeat of their defensive masterclass against Spain when they meet Portugal on Saturday, are the latter’s defensive assets a potentially more reliable source of points?
      Diogo Dalot (£3.5m) started ahead of Joao Cancelo (£6m) at right-back against Switzerland while left-back Raphael Guerreiro (£3.5m) got on the scoresheet – with 16 points to date the Borussia Dortmund defender is the top performer in his position among his compatriots.
      Pepe (£4.5m) and Ruben Dias (£5.5m) make up an physically intimidating centre-back pairing although it’s worth noting the latter only has three points to show for his efforts in Qatar.
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      Guerreiro appears in just 3% of teams at the time of writing
      Heading into the quarter-finals, a Dream Team World Cup XI featuring Alisson, Silva, Danilo, Guerreiro, Fernandes, Vinicius Jnr, Ramos and Richarlison would be well placed to provide plentiful returns in the quarter-finals.
      Dare you back the two clearest favourites to such a dramatic degree? More

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      Jack Grealish’s World Cup rivals placing bets on how many times tricky England ace will be fouled, claims team-mate

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      BERNARDO SILVA revealed he has been making bets with Portugal team-mates on how many free-kicks Jack Grealish will win in England games.The Manchester City maestro does not want his Portuguese to face the Three Lions in a World Cup semi-final that could feature as many as EIGHT of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
      Jack Grealish is always a target for opposition defendersCredit: Getty
      City’s £100million man Grealish last week claimed Bernardo is one of the best he has played with.
      Bernardo is also a big fan of Grealish, who typically wins a lot of free-kicks for City.
      The Portugal ace, whose side beat Switzerland 6-1 on Tuesday, said: “I keep sending messages to Jack.
      “I told him when he came on against Senegal, I was filming Ruben Dias and asked, ‘How many fouls do you think Jack Grealish is going to win in these 25 minutes?’
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      “Ruben said nine, I said seven, I was closer as he didn’t win that many.
      “I’m very happy for Jack and for Phil Foden as well, all City’s England players, they’ve been doing well.
      “I wish them all the best but I honestly don’t want to play against them in the semi-final.”
      If England dethrone France and Portugal beat underdogs Morocco on Saturday, they would meet in a Wednesday semi-final.
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      And Bernardo is only too aware of what Grealish might bring to such a game.
      He said: “He works for the team, the way he attracts players to create spaces for other players.
      “I think he is going to be great for Man City in the next few years.”
      Bernardo Silva does not want come up against his Man City palCredit: Getty More

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      Marcus Rashford relishing England fans’ support at World Cup after once believing they didn’t care if Three Lions LOST

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      MARCUS RASHFORD is relishing the support of England fans — after once feeling they did not mind if the team lost.And the Manchester United forward, 25, praised boss Gareth Southgate for rebuilding the relationship between players and supporters.
      Marcus Rashford feels England’s support is better than everCredit: PA
      Rashford, whose first tournament was the disastrous Euro 2016 under Roy Hodgson, said: “When Gareth took over it was something he was really focused on.
      “He just wanted us to try to grow a connection with the fans.
      “The support we feel now is different to the support we felt in my first camp, which was 2016.
      “It was a completely different atmosphere.
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      “I feel like . . . not like people wanted us to lose but that people didn’t mind us losing so they could kind of pull us down.”
      The squad are feeling the love in Qatar.
      He explained: “Sometimes you’re tired on the pitch and honestly it’s the fans that keep you going.
      “The adrenaline that they give us is what just keeps us running.”
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      Rashford earned his 50th cap as a sub against Senegal in the last 16 — and has his sights set on joining the century club.
      He added: “These achievements are special but everything moves so fast, you don’t get the chance to celebrate them.
      “I’m still quite young so I’ve definitely got an opportunity to reach 100 caps for my country. That would be unbelievable.” More

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      Harry Maguire reveals England squad ‘change in mentality’ as Man Utd ace claims: We finally believe we can win World Cup

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      HARRY MAGUIRE claims England have ‘got to win the World Cup’ as they prepare for Saturday’s showdown with France.The Manchester United captain revealed the remarkable belief rushing through the squad’s veins.
      Hary Maguire says there is a belief in the squad that England can win the World CupCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Maguire admitted the Three Lions did not have the confidence to triumph when they reached the semi-finals as France won Russia 2018 — but they do now.
      The centre-back said: “There is a lot of difference from the 2018 squad. We really believe that it is possible. I played in 2018 and we got to the semi-final and a lot of the lads were happy to be part of it.
      “We knew that whatever happened in that game we’d go home as heroes, get a good reception and everyone would be patting us on the back.
      “Now there’s a belief that we’ve got to win this tournament. It is a good change in mentality.

      “Of course, we know how tough it’s going to be.
      “There are probably five or six teams with the same belief. But in 2018, we probably weren’t one of those teams. Now, there’s five or six and we’re one of them.”
      Maguire and his team have conceded just two goals in Qatar — both in the 6-2 opening win over Iran — with clean sheets against the United States, Wales and Senegal.
      The former Leicester defender, set for his 53rd Three Lions cap, has had a nightmare season at United — barely playing and with many fans feeling he should not have been selected for Qatar.
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      Maguire was booed at England’s 3-0 March win over Ivory Coast at Wembley but still feels the majority of fans back him.
      He said: “I know the England fans have always been with me.
      “They’ve been amazing and always sang my name, giving me confidence and belief. I’ve repaid them with lots of good memories.
      “I’m a fan of England myself. My country means everything and it’s a huge honour every time I put on the shirt. I think the fans see that.”
      Meanwhile, a relieved Maguire has revealed England players’ families are loving the World Cup in Qatar.
      Maguire’s dad, Alan, suffered broken ribs being bundled over in chaotic scenes at the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, while Eric Dier will not let his mum go to games due to abuse.
      But Maguire said: “My family have spoken highly of everything to do with the tournament.
      “The access, the travel to games, the fans in the stadium, the atmosphere among the English fans.
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      “They’ve really enjoyed it and that makes you feel more at ease, knowing you don’t have to worry.
      “As players, we don’t want to worry about things like that. We want to focus on the football.” More