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    Fans are loving Bukayo Saka’s request to legend David Beckham during England World Cup training

    FOOTBALL fans are loving Bukayo Saka’s polite request for a selfie with England legend David Beckham.Ex-Three Lions skipper Becks, 47, stopped by England’s Al-Wakrah World Cup training base shortly before the tournament kicked off.
    Bukayo Saka took a picture with David Beckham when the former England captain visited England’s World Cup training campCredit: Getty
    Saka warmed hearts with the polite way in which he asked for the snapCredit: Getty

    And Arsenal ace Saka has warmed hearts with his well mannered request for a picture.
    Footage of Beckham’s visit shows the World Cup ambassador chatting to manager Gareth Southgate and Jack Grealish.
    Saka is seen walking over to the trio as they stood talking.
    The 21-year-old then politely says to Beckham: “Sorry to interrupt, can I have a picture with you?”
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    Former England captain Beckham smiled and nodded as the pair posed for a snap.
    Fans on social media absolutely loved Saka’s courteous request for the picture.
    One gushed on Twitter: “This kid was really raised proper.”
    Another wrote: “Just the best kid in the world.”
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    A third added: “This is so adorable.”
    And a fourth declared: “Such a humble guy man, he’s gonna be so goated in the future.”
    Boss Southgate presented Beckham with his iconic No7 England shirt complete with his name on the back and legacy number, 1087, imprinted on the inside of the collar.
    Beckham also spoke to Three Lions skipper Harry Kane – a player he helped inspire on his way to the top.
    The pair grew up in the same area of east London, played for the same grassroots team, and went to the same secondary school.
    Beckham spent time chatting to England skipper Harry KaneCredit: Getty
    Beckham met Three Lions star Jack GrealishCredit: Getty
    Boss Gareth Southgate presented Beckham with an England shirtCredit: Getty More

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    Morocco 0 Spain 0 (3-0 on penalties): Resilient Moroccans cause huge World Cup upset as they progress to quarter-finals

    SPAIN crashed out of yet another major tournament on penalties thanks to Madrid-born Achraf Hakimi’s perfect Panenka.Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets all missed their spot-kicks for the 2010 champions as Morocco made history by reaching the World Cup quarters for the first time.
    Morocco beat Spain on penalties in a dramatic last-16 clashCredit: Getty
    Achraf Hakimi scored the winning spot-kick with a cheeky chipCredit: Reuters
    Bounou produced the goods with two savesCredit: Reuters
    Sergio Busquets was the third Spain player to missCredit: Reuters
    It was heartache for 2010 champions SpainCredit: Reuters
    Luis Enrique’s Spain meanwhile have now been knocked out of the last three international competitions from 12 yards – including the 2018 World Cup and last summer’s Euros.
    Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou was the hero – saving two while the other smacked his left-hand post, and was held aloft by his jubilant team-mates at the end.
    And PSG full-back Hakimi then stepped up to score the winner with an outrageous dink down the middle of the goal to leave Unai Simon red-faced.
    Unsurprisingly, Enrique made five changes from the 2-1 defeat to Japan, most notably midfielder Marcos Llorente coming in for the injured Cesar Azpilicueta at right-back, despite having Dani Carvajal at his disposal.
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    A mad Pep Guardiola-style switch if there ever was one.
    Yet the madness was quite evidently in the stands, owing solely to the Moroccan fans, who somehow managed to pack out both ends behind the goal.
    Boss Hoalid Regragui bragged before kick-off that, because they were the last African nation left – as well as being an Arab-speaking country – they could fill out two stadiums with the support they currently have in Qatar.
    Based purely on the volume, he had a point.
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    From the get-go, every touch of the ball by a Spanish player in their sky-blue away strip was booed and whistled until a Moroccan briefly disrupted their keep-ball exercise.
    That was not often, mind. Enrique hit back at Spanish journalists in the days leading up to this one, claiming he would not alter his Tika-Taka style regardless of the opponent, regardless of the situation. Not even in the face of defeat.
    Spain had completed 2,489 group stage passes – their most at a World Cup since records began.
    It was the same here with more than 1,000 tonight – 206 for Rodri alone – not that Enrique would be best pleased with his side’s final ball, much like their failure to break down the Japanese last week.
    Instead, it was Morocco who went close as Hakimi whipped a free-kick just over.
    Just like he promised, Regragui’s underdogs were coming out swinging, their aggression making life uncomfortable for Spain, desperately trying to find their rhythm.

    They were almost gifted the lead when Morocco began to feel a bit too comfortable themselves, Yassine Bounou’s pass out intercepted before an offside Marco Asensio smacked the bar.
    Morocco regained composure just before the break as Sofiane Boufal ducked and pivoted to pick out a cross for an unmarked Nayef Aguerd. The West Ham defender’s header looped over.
    Spain persisted in the second half with their death-by-a-literal-thousand passes approach, something the Moroccans were countering by kicking any shin they could see.
    Teenage midfield sensation Gavi – the youngest player to start a World Cup knock-out stage since Pele in the 1958 final – spent more time on the ground than he did on his feet.
    He was soon taken off along with Asensio for Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata.
    Chelsea flop Morata was looking to become the first Spaniard to score in four consecutive games at a World Cup since David Villa during their charge to the title in 2010.
    Other than a harried effort across goal and a ballooned header, his introduction had little impact.
    Hakim Ziyech blasted his penalty straight down the middleCredit: AP
    Walid Regragui got the bumps from his playersCredit: Getty
    Hakimi of Morocco was born in Madrid and dumped Spain outCredit: Getty
    Plan A was not working. Plan B or C was nowhere to be seen.
    It almost backfired with five minutes left as Hakimi’s cross fell to substitute Walid Cheddira only to be crowded out in the box.
    The first time Spain lumped it in the box, late in injury time, they almost got the opener but for a decent stop by Bounou to deny Dani Olmo’s free-kick.
    Morocco showed more intent in extra-time – Cheddira being put through twice only to be denied by Aymeric Laporte and then Unai Simon.
    Had they been more clinical, Spain wouldn’t have even made it to penalties.
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    Sarabia came closest in the third minute of extra-time injury time but his side-footed volley from an angle shaved the outside of the far post.
    His next touch was his failed spot-kick as things unravelled for the winners of 12 years ago.
    It was a tightly-contested clash as both sides looked for the breakthroughCredit: AFP
    Achraf Hakimi went just over with a free-kickCredit: AP
    Gavi was somehow denied by a fine save before the offside flag went upCredit: Rex
    Sergio Busquets and Marcos Llorente had to double up on Sofiane BoufalCredit: Getty
    The Atlas Lions had massive support in QatarCredit: Getty
    Spain turned to Alvaro Morata to try and break the deadlockCredit: Getty
    Nico Williams had a glorious chance to win it in normal timeCredit: AP
    Unai Simon made a crucial save to deny Walid CheddiraCredit: Getty
    Pablo Sarabia brushed the post in injury time of extra-timeCredit: Getty
    It was difficult viewing for Luis Enrique in the dugoutCredit: Getty More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo DROPPED for Portugal’s crunch World Cup clash with Switzerland after boss blasted him for sulking

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is starting what could be his FINAL World Cup game from Portugal’s substitutes bench against Switzerland.The 37-year-old has endured a dismal World Cup campaign so far, scoring just once, with the goal coming from the penalty spot in the 3-2 win over Ghana.
    Ronaldo’s reaction to being subbed against South Korea left the Portugal boss unimpressedCredit: Reuters
    Santos refused to rule out dropping RonaldoCredit: EPA
    The 37-year-old is a free agent after having his Man Utd contract ripped upCredit: EPA
    He then tried to claim Bruno Fernandes’ opener in the 2-0 win over Uruguay.
    And in Portugal’s final group game, Ronaldo played a part in South Korea’s equaliser, turning his back while defending a corner, which then fell to Kim Young-gwon.
    Ronaldo was pulled off early in the second half and replaced by Andre Silva, which saw the five-time Ballon d’Or winner start to sulk.
    Ronaldo’s substitution antics did not impress Euro 2016-winning boss Fernando Santos, who publicly slammed the all-time top scorer.
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    Santos also refused to rule out benching the Portugal captain in his pre-match Switzerland press conference.
    The 68-year-old has now made the decision to drop Ronaldo to the substitutes bench for the World Cup clash and has instead opted for Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos.
    Ronaldo will start the game from the sidelines in what could be his final World Cup game should Switzerland pull off a shock knockout win.
    The 819 career-goal icon is yet to announce where he will be playing his club football after the World Cup.
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    Ronaldo managed just two shots against South Korea
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    Manchester United decided to rip up Ronaldo’s contract after his explosive sit-down interview with SunSport columnist and TalkTV main man Piers Morgan.
    It is said he will move to the Middle East to play for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
    Marca reported last week that Ronaldo had agreed a stunning £173million-a-year deal with Al-Nassr.
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    Portugal 6 Switzerland 1 LIVE RESULT: Ronaldo replacement Ramos scores HAT-TRICK to book World Cup quarter-final spot

    PORTUGAL are through to the World Cup quarter-final thanks to a brilliant hat-trick from Goncalo Ramos against Switzerland.Ramos put his side ahead with a stunning effort in his first ever start for Portugal, having replaced Cristiano Ronaldo, who was benched for the game.
    Veteran Pepe made it 2-0 with a thumping header soon after before Ramos bagged his second of the game after half-time.
    Raphael Guerrero added a brilliant fourth moments later before Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji pulled one back for the Swiss.
    Ramos then scored his hat-trick with a brilliant chip before Raphael Leao made it six.

    RESULT: Portugal 6-1 Switzerland
    Portugal XI: Diogo Costa; Diogo Dalot, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Guerreiro; William Carvalho, Bernardo Silva, Otavio, Bruno Fernandes; Gonçalo Ramos, Joao Felix
    Switzerland XI: Sommer; Fernandes, Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Shaqiri, Sow, Vargas; Embolo

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    Follow all the action from Qatar with our live blog below…
    That’s all from the Lusail Stadium
    Portugal stormed to an outstanding 6-1 win over Switzerland this evening to earn a spot in the quarter-finals.
    Many questioned Fernando Santos for his decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo to the bench ahead of the game, but it actually proved to be a stroke of genius with Goncalo Ramos scoring three of the six goals.
    Portugal were head and shoulders above their opponents performance-wise, and that result will give them the confidence and belief that they can go all the way.
    Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
    Portugal 6-1 Switzerland
    Read SunSport’s match report here.
    Credit: Reuters
    Quarter-final line-up
    Portugal will battle Morocco on Saturday afternoon for a place in the semi-finals.
    The other quarter-final games include:

    Croatia vs Brazil
    Netherlands vs Argentina
    England vs France

    Portugal dominate
    As reflected in the scoreline, Portugal completely dominated proceedings this evening.

    Man of the moment
    Goncalo Ramos is the first player to score a hat-trick on his first World Cup start since Miroslav Klose for Germany in 2002.
    Credit: Reuters
    Full Time – Portugal 6-1 Switzerland
    A deserved win for Portugal.

    Full Time – Portugal 6-1 Switzerland
    Portugal book their spot in the quarter-finals with an outstanding win over Switzerland.
    90+3. Portugal 6-1 Switzerland
    Leao plays a one-two with Guerreiro on the left before making a run to the edge of the box.
    He receives the ball back, cuts inside and fires his shot over a flat-footed Sommer and into the top-right corner.
    Credit: Getty
    90+2. GOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL PORTUGAL!!!!
    WOW.
    WHAT. A. FINISH.
    Leao gets in on the action!

    90+1. Portugal 5-1 Switzerland
    Four minutes have been added on.
    87. Portugal 5-1 Switzerland
    Ronaldo is through on goal again, but he flicks his shot wide.
    Meanwhile, Leao replaces Fernandes for the final minutes of the game.
    84. Portugal 5-1 Switzerland
    Ronaldo scores!
    But, the goal will not stand as he was two-yards offside in the build-up.
    Credit: Getty
    82. Portugal 5-1 Switzerland
    Another substitution for Portugal.
    Neves is on to replace Silva.
    80. Portugal 5-1 Switzerland
    Shaqiri fires the ball towards Embolo on the edge of the box.
    The striker flicks it up before attempting an audacious bicycle kick, but his effort is off-target.
    76. Portugal 5-1 Switzerland
    Portugal have a free kick in a threatening position.
    Ronaldo steps up to take, but he fires his strike directly into the wall.
    74. Portugal 5-1 Switzerland
    Two more changes for Portugal.
    Vitinha replaces Felix.
    Horta replaces Otavio.
    73. Portugal 5-1 Switzerland
    Here he is…
    Ronaldo is ON to replace hattrick hero Ramos.
    The stadium erupts as he takes to the pitch!
    Credit: Getty
    68. Portugal 5-1 Switzerland
    Otavio sets the ball to Felix in midfield, who then flicks a perfectly-weighted pass through to Ramos, who makes a run towards Sommer.
    The striker then chips it over the Swiss goalkeeper with great composure to complete his hattrick!
    Credit: Reuters
    67. GOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL PORTUGAL!!!!!
    Ramos gets his hattrick!

    66. Portugal 4-1 Switzerland
    Another change for Switzerland.
    Okafor is on to replace Vargas.
    62. Portugal 4-1 Switzerland
    In the midst of that 10 minutes of madness, Switzerland made a few more changes.
    Sow has been replaced by Zakaria.
    Freuler has been replaced by Seferovic.
    58. GOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL SWITZERLAND!!!
    Akanji gets on the scoresheet!
    Most likely a consolation goal – unless this is the start of an unbelievable comeback. Surely not?!

    56. Portugal 4-0 Switzerland
    Otavio kicks of a fantastic Portugal move with a clever flick on the sideline.
    The ball eventually finds Guerreiro on the edge of the box. He cuts inside and fires it into the roof of the net!
    Credit: Reuters
    55. GOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL PORTUGAL!!!!
    That’s it.
    Game over.
    It’s FOUR thanks to Guerreiro!
    54. Portugal 3-0 Switzerland
    Fernandes swings a corner into the box.
    Pepe gets his head on it once again, but Rodriguez makes the block in front of goal.
    Portugal appeal for a handball, but the referee says no chance.
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    ‘Sneaky sods’ – Man Utd icon Neville spots Liverpool and City stars’ Jude Bellingham transfer tactic on World Cup duty

    GARY NEVILLE reckons England’s stars from Liverpool and Manchester City are laying the ground work to try to sign midfield sensation Jude Bellingham.He joked that “sneaky little sods” Jordan Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden are all cosying up to the Borussia Dortmund ace while on World Cup duty.
    Jordan Henderson and Jude Bellingham are good friendsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bellingham enjoyed a recent stroll through DohaCredit: Instagram @trentarnold66
    Manchester City ace Phil Foden pictured sharing a joke with BellinghamCredit: Getty
    Liverpool captain Henderson and Bellingham are good pals – despite the 13-year age gap between the pair.
    Elsewhere Reds fans were sent into meltdown when Alexander-Arnold shared a snap of the pair together after they went for a stroll together in Qatar.
    While Manchester United legend Neville also claimed City ace Foden was getting close to Bellingham.
    And the pundit doesn’t believe it to be a coincidence.
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    Neville told Sky: “The whole thing unnerves me!
    “When I was in the camp sort of 15 years ago, I used to sort of get close to [Wayne] Rooney, close to Rio Ferdinand. All those players you thought you could just grab.
    “Now you see Phil Foden next to Jude Bellingham, you see Trent Alexander-Arnold going for a walk with him, you see Jordan Henderson cuddling up to him at the end of the game.
    “And you think ‘you sneaky little sods’, I know what you’re trying to do you lot’.”
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    Neville conceded that Bellingham appears more likely to end up at City or Liverpool, rather than his beloved Red Devils.
    He continued: “That’s the reality of it at this moment in time. [Bellingham] is more likely to go to Liverpool and Manchester City, just because of where they are at, what they are doing.
    “But you can’t rule out one of the big European clubs either, and you can’t certainly rule out what Chelsea or Manchester United might try and do financially to try and sort of wrestle him away.”
    Bellingham has been strongly linked with a big money move in 2023, and his performances at the World Cup will only fuel more speculation.
    Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City are reported to be the three frontrunners to sign Bellingham, with Manchester United claimed to be out of the running.
    Bellingham has been in stunning form for England at the World CupCredit: Getty More

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    Samuel Eto’o apologises for ‘violent altercation’ with fan at World Cup but blames ‘daily harassment’ from Algerians

    SAMUEL ETO’O has apologised for his “violent altercation” with a fan at the World Cup.But the former striker has blamed losing his temper on the “daily harassment” he receives from “some Algerian supporters.”
    Samuel Eto’o has apologised for attacking a fan at the World CupCredit: AFP
    Eto’o has received ‘daily harassment’ from Algeria fans over Cameroon’s World Cup spot
    Shocking footage emerged of Eto’o appearing to KNEE someone in the head before Brazil’s win over South Korea.
    The ex-Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea star was left incensed after exchanging words with a man holding a camera – who has since been identified as Algerian video journalist “Sadouni SM”.
    And the video ended with Eto’o attacking the YouTuber before being led away from the scene.
    Sadouni said afterwards: “I did all this for Algeria. Eto’o broke my camera and microphone and hit me on the chin.
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    “I am at the police station for the investigation. This video must be shared.
    “As Eto’o is famous, I am afraid that they will hide the case, but I trust the Qatari police.”
    But Eto’o, 41, has now posted his own message on social media apologising for his actions, adding he blew his top after being “harassed daily” by Algeria fans.
    Cameroon booked their World Cup spot with a controversial victory over their African rivals earlier this year.
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    Algeria were left furious with the refereeing during the second leg of the play-off – even demanding for it to be replayed.
    And Eto’o, who now heads Cameroon’s FA, claims he has been harassed ever since by unhappy Algeria fans.
    Eto’o wrote on social media: “On last 5 December, after the Brazil-South Korea match, I had a violent altercation with a person who was probably an Algerian supporter.
    “I would like to apologise for losing my temper and reacting in a way that does not match my personality. I apologise to the public for this unfortunate incident.
    “I pledge to continue to resist the relentless provocation and daily harassment of some Algerian supporters.
    “Indeed, since the Cameroon-Algeria match on 29 March in Blida, I have been the target of insults and allegations of cheating without any evidence.
    “During this World Cup, Cameroonian fans have been harassed and pestered by Algerians on the same subject.
    “I would like to mention that the scenario of Algeria’s defeat was cruel but perfectly in line with the rules and ethics of our sport.
    “All the appeals made by the Algerian Football Federation to the competent jurisdictions have been rejected.
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    “I therefore call on the Algerian authorities and Federation to take their responsibilities to put an end to this unhealthy climate before a more serious tragedy occurs.
    “To Fennecs’ fans, I wish that they find peace and manage to overcome the disappointment of a painful defeat, now behind us.” More

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    David Beckham spotted at England training camp giving World Cup pep talk to Southgate, Kane and Co

    DAVID BECKHAM has met the England squad in Doha as they bid for World Cup glory.The former Three Lions captain is in Qatar working as an ambassador for the tournament.

    David Beckham posed with his iconic No7 shirt alongside Gareth Southgate
    Harry Kane asked Becks what he thinks of the current England team
    Many players seemed enthralled with what Beckham had to say
    Declan Rice looked delighted to see the former England captainCredit: Getty
    Bukayo Saka politely asked Beckham for a photoCredit: Getty
    An old England great meets a star of the new generation, Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
    The ex-Manchester United star spoke to Trent Alexander-Arnold about their Anfield experiencesCredit: Getty
    Beckham with fellow pin-up GrealishCredit: Getty
    But he spent time at England’s World Cup training camp to speak to players.
    Gareth Southgate presented his former team-mate with his iconic No7 shirt, fitted with “Beckham” across the back and his legacy number, 1087, imprinted on the inside of the collar.
    He also met with England captain Harry Kane – a player he helped inspire on his way to the top.
    Beckham shared some words with Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kieran Trippier and Jordan Pickford, likely passing on wisdom he gained from his own World Cup experiences.
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    He also spoke to Trent Alexander-Arnold about his crossing ability as well as some of his memories playing against Liverpool at Anfield as a Manchester United player.
    The likes of Jack Grealish, Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips and Callum Wilson all looked buzzing to see the 115-cap former star, and each beamed from ear to ear as they shook hands with Becks.
    Bukayo Saka also asked the former Real Madrid star for a photo, which Beckham happily said yes to.
    Beckham also looked delighted to see the current England stars and will hope his visit acts as a source of inspiration.
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    Kane, who famously met Beckham as a kid, revealed the former United man was his idol growing up.
    The England No9 said: “Becks went to my secondary school, Chingford Foundation. We both played for Ridgeway Rovers, our Sunday league team.
    “He was my biggest idol when I was growing up. He was here the other day. We had a good chat.
    “He was one of the best captains we ever had.
    “I didn’t just ask questions about games or how he felt, it was more just getting to know his experiences, how he feels about our team, what he sees in our team.
    “We had a chat about loads of things. He’s really excited for the national side. He loves watching us play.
    “It’s great to have support from ex-players. They know how much it means to represent your country. They’re all part of the team.” More

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    Watch Sofiane Boufal ‘send Marcos Llorente back to Atletico’ with filthy skill in Morocco’s World Cup game against Spain

    SOFIANE BOUFAL sent Marcos Llorente back to Atletico Madrid with an outrageous bit of skill during Morocco’s World Cup clash with Spain.The two countries – separated by the Strait of Gibraltar – collided in the World Cup round of 16.

    Boufal had Llorente on toast in the first halfCredit: EPA

    Morocco, in particular, have been one of the surprise packages at the Qatar tournament, topping a group consisting of World Cup 2018 finalists Croatia, Belgium’s golden generation and Canada.
    Meanwhile, Spain ultimately turned in an underwhelming group stage after thrashing Costa Rica in their opener, finishing second to Japan.
    Morocco called on their technical ballers to break Luis Enrique’s well-drilled Spanish side down.
    Ex-Southampton ace Boufal was put up against Atletico’s Llorente and got the better of the versatile Spaniard.
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    Trickster Boufal sent Llorente back to Atletico with a bit of outrageous skill that left the midfielder scrambling.
    Boufal faked one way, prompting Llorente to lunge in before darting down the line.
    One fan tweeted: “Llorente got sent back to Atletico lmao.”
    Another said: “Stop that Boufal.”
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    A third quipped: “Boufal is the final boss of tricky North African wingers with 5 star skill moves and no end product.”
    It was one of three times Llorente was dribbled past in the first half.
    Morocco pulled off the first shock of the World Cup knockouts, beating Spain 3-0 on penalties.
    Boufal was subbed in the second half More