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      Spain boss Enrique drops FIVE players for World Cup game against Morocco including Morata after shock loss to Japan

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      SPAIN manager Luis Enrique has dropped FIVE players for the last-16 meeting with Morocco.The 2010 champions suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Japan in their final group game.
      Alvaro Morata is one of five changes for Spain’s clash against MoroccoCredit: Getty
      Luis Enrique has rung the changes for the last-16Credit: AP
      And Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is one of the five men dropped following the defeat.
      He is joined by Pau Torres, Inaki Williams, Alejandro Balde and Alvaro Morata.
      Marco Asensio, Marcos Llorente, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba and Ferran Torres are all in from the start against Morocco.
      Former Chelsea striker Morata is benched, despite his goal in the defeat to Japan.
      Read More World Cup News
      The 30-year-old also scored in the 7-0 win over Costa Rica and 1-1 draw with Germany.
      The midfield trio of Sergio Busquets, Pedri, and Gavi has remained the same throughout the tournament, and today is no different.
      Unai Simon is trusted in goal, despite his clanger against Japan last time out.
      Manchester City star Rodri starts in defence too, with Atletico Madrid ace Marcos Llorente making his first start of the tournament at right-back.
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      Enrique made five changes for the Japan clash after being in a strong position to qualify following their opening two World Cup results.
      But defeat saw them go through second – and Enrique was seemingly unimpressed by the changes he made for that game.
      The winners of Spain vs Morocco will play the winners of Portugal vs Switzerland in the quarter-finals. More

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      Jude Bellingham explains his and Jordan Henderson’s England World Cup celebration leaving Liverpool star in stitches

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      ENGLAND star Jude Bellingham has explained the brilliant celebration between himself and Jordan Henderson after the goal against Senegal.The Liverpool midfielder scored the opening goal in England’s 3-0 win in the World Cup round of 16 after being set up by Bellingham.

      Jordan Henderson and Jude Bellingham were involved in an eye-catching celebration against SenegalCredit: AP
      Bellingham has explained the celebration from his point of viewCredit: Instagram / @england
      After the goal, Henderson ran over to the 19-year-old to celebrate, initially pointing to him and then pressing their foreheads together.
      Bellingham seemed to be a bit unsure at first as the 32-year-old appeared to be putting a bit more effort into the press.
      However, after a hilariously drawn-out rubing of heads, he went on to help England seal their quarter-final match against France.
      When asked about the celebration, Bellingham said on the England Instagram page: “To be honest he got so, like, close and I was thinking, right, if this is what we are going to do we have to commit, don’t we?
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      “So I went and he went really hard you know, proper hard, like right there.
      “And that’s why my back’s arched like that, because I am thinking like he’s proper hard here and he’s proper close.
      “So I kind of just had to turn the core on a bit, lean forward and get into a bit of more of a comfortable position.
      “But it was a good moment.
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      “Something that, you know, lives forever, them kind of celebrations and hopefully, people will be talking about it for a long time.”
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      Henderson loved the explanation from Bellingham and replied to the video with four laughing emojis.
      Former England striker Ian Wright also enjoyed the video as he replied with laughing faces and love hearts.
      Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka rounded off the scoring for England against a lacklustre Senegal side to set up Saturday’s clash with France. More

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      World Cup 2022 LIVE: Kylian Mbappe MISSES France training ahead of England clash, Keane bemoans Brazilian dancing

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has MISSED France’s training session today ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against England. According to L’Equipe, via Get French Football News, Mbappe missed France training days before the meeting with England.
      And boss Didier Deschamps was seen in a long discussion with Les Bleus’ doctor at the start of the session.
      England’s victory over Senegal set up a clash against World Champions France, who beat Poland to secure their place in the last eight.
      Gareth Southgate’s men have been tipped for victory by pundits, with Graeme Souness the latest to weigh in on the debate.

      World Cup 2022 sign up offer: Get £40 in FREE BETS when you stake £10 at Sky Bet
      Stay tuned with all the latest ahead from tournament…
      Reason for Mbappe absence still a mystery
      Just why Kylian Mbappe missed French training today is still unclear.
      Any injury for their main man would of course be a huge blow to boss Didier Deschamps before meeting England on Friday.
      Mbappe, 23, did avoid an ankle injury scare ahead of the tournament while playing for PSG
      He was taken off late in a 2-1 win over Lorient after feeling discomfort.
      Jesus set for knee op
      Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is set to undergo knee surgery after sustaining an injury with Brazil at the World Cup.
      There are fears that Mikel Arteta could be without his No.9 for at least three months.

      The striker played as Brazil boss Tite rotated the squad in their 1-0 defeat to Cameroon.
      But Jesus went off injured in the 64th minute with a knee issue.
      And now The Telegraph are reporting that he requires surgery handing the Gunners a major blow in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
      It means that the 25-year-old’s World Cup campaign with Brazil is certainly over and Arsenal will now have to rely on Eddie Nketiah up top.
      Prem clubs eye Ghana ace
      Mohammed Kudus is being repeatedly linked with a move away from Ajax.
      The Ghanaian winger demonstrated his skillset during the World Cup and has given a reputation a huge boost.
      The Sun revealed earlier this week that the 22-year-old is open to a Premier League move.
      But he has also been strongly linked with a potential transfer to Barcelona.
      Kudus hit two goals in Ghana’s three World Cup games and four goals in six Champions League games for Ajax.
      H/t: Morocco 0 Spain 0
      The stylish Spaniards predictably had most of the possession in a lively first half – but Morocco had much the better of the chances.
      In fact, Spain managed just one shot -their lowest total in the opening 45 minutes of a World Cup game .
      Follow the action on our MATCH BLOG
      Records to Kyl for
      France training without Kylian Mbappe today could be a boost for England in Saturday’s Wrold Cup quarter-final.
      But whatever the situation, the PSG striker seems likely to break all sorts of goal records in time.
      And he must be tipped to eventually pass Miroslav Klose’s all-time record for the tournament of 16 goals – achieved from 24 matches.
      But the Three Lions’ own pace ace Bukayo Saka has rejected comparisons between the two.
      He said: “There is only one Kylian Mbappe – and at the same time, there is only one me.
      “I just want to be myself and help any team in the best way I can.”

      Mbappe misses training
      Kylian Mbappe missed France training just DAYS before their huge World Cup quarter-final clash with England.
      The 23-year-old is leading France’s World Cup title defence and the race for the Golden Boot.
      Mbappe has scored five and assisted two in four games.
      He scored a brace in the 3-1 round of 16 win over Poland to set up a date with Gareth Southgate’s free-scoring England.
      However, according to L’Equipe, via Get French Football News, Mbappe missed France training days before the meeting with England.
      And boss Didier Deschamps was seen in a long discussion with Les Bleus’ doctor at the start of the session.

      Strong Case for joining Utd
      Casemiro has revealed why he ditched Real Madrid for Man Utd over the summer.
      He said: “Without a doubt it was down to the great stature, because it’s a massive club with a great history.
      “I think that the great standing this club has in the game and its great history are definitely the most important reasons to be here. It’s also a fresh set of goals in a brand new league for me.
      “So that presents a really big and exciting challenge for me and I’m working really hard to achieve them alongside my teammates.”
      Qatar cops filmed ‘crushign fans’
      Spanish and Moroccan fans were caught up in crowd carnage as they were trapped in a crush outside their World Cup game.
      Riot cops were deployed as fans were pushed trapped against a chain link fence before the round of 16 kick off at the Education City Stadium.
      Harrowing video shows fans of both teams stuck on a narrow pathway between two fences.
      World Cup carnage as Qatar riot cops filmed crushing screaming fans outside stadium ahead of Spain v Morocco clash
      Riot cops and security guards are seen at the end blocking their way and shoving the supporters back.
      Other footage shows a huge crowd as cops in helmets clash with the fans.
      Security officials reportedly blamed the crush on fans attempting to enter the stadium without tickets.
      Men, women and children could all be seen stuck in the crowd pressed against the fence in footage shared from the scene.
      Police lined up with riot shields as they corralled the fans waiting near the stadium.
      Maddison names England ace he’d ban sister from dating
      James Maddison has revealed which England squad-mate he’d BAN his sister from dating… and the one he’d be happy for her to marry, writes DYLAN TERRY.
      The Leicester playmaker, 26, is yet to feature for the Three Lions at the World Cup.
      He was plagued with a knee problem for the opening two games then failed to get any minutes against Wales and Senegal.

      But that has not hampered Maddison’s spirits as he took to media duties on Tuesday – four days before England’s crunch quarter-final against France.
      And he had very contrasting points to make about fellow international team-mates Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish.
      When asked which member of the England squad would make the best son-in-law, he told talkSPORT: “The first one who springs to mind is Bukayo Saka. He’s just such a nice kid, man.
      “You just get this relationship with him where he’s such a nice guy to everyone that you build such a good relationship with him.
      “If I had a sister or a daughter and they said to me ‘I’m going on a date with Bukayo Saka’, I’d be like ‘enjoy yourself, let him pay, but enjoy yourself’.
      “But if I had a family member and they told me ‘I’m going on a date with Jack Grealish’, I’d be like ‘nah you’re not’.”
      Batistuta hopes Messi surpasses him
      Argentina goal legend Gabriel Batistuta says he wants to see Lionel Messi take his World Cup scoring crown on Friday, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
      Former Fiorentina and Roma strike ace “Batigol”, 53, currently holds the Argentina top goals mark with 10 strikes across three tournaments from 1994 to 2002.
      Messi’s sumptuous opener in the squeak past Australia took the little man from Rosario up to nine in five World Cup Finals stretching back to 2006.
      And with Louis van Gaal and Holland now standing in Argentina’s path, Batistuta said it was time for him to pass on the mantle – and that there could be no better successor.
      Batistuta said: “It is a record that I have had for 20 years and I have enjoyed holding it. 
      “But now it is only fair that someone else takes it – and I couldn’t be happier if that person is called Messi.”
      He added: “The only thing that makes me angry, still, is that I didn’t get to play enough games in my three World Cups.. that I never got the chance to play a semi-final.
      “But I hope that  Messi can score against Holland to take us back to the last four again.”
      Eto’o faces probe after ‘fight’
      Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o could face prosecution after an astonishing fight with a YouTube cameraman, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
      Former Chelsea striker Eto’o, now head of the Cameroon FA, blew his top after being approached by Algeria video journalist “Sadouni SM” before Brazil’s win over Korea at Stadium 974 on Monday night.
      Eto’o, 41, was caught on camera stalking after the video operator and then breaking free of a group holding him back to kick his adversary to the ground.
      It seemed a hugely over the top response to a brief conversation.
      But it has now emerged that the YouTuber accused Eto’o of buying off Gambian referee Bakary “Papa” Gassama before Cameroon’s controversial play-off win over Algeria in March – and has been making the claims repeatedly for months.
      Algerian unsuccessfully demanded Fifa order a rematch, accusing Gassama of “scandalous refereeing” in Cameroon’s favour.
      Ever since, the popular YouTuber has used his pulpit to hurl online accusations at Eto’o, suggesting he used his power and profile to corrupt the officials.
      And demanding Qatari police now intervene and arrest and charge Eto’o, he admitted winding up Eto’o once again.
      Yunus ‘eyed by Arsenal and Inter’
      Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah reportedly impressed Arsenal with his fine World Cup for the USA.
      The Gunners are said to have sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old in Qatar.
      Arsenal are interested in re-signing USA’s World Cup star Yunus Musah and sent scouts out to Qatar to watch him, according to reports.
      Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal and Inter Milan are amongst Musah’s biggest admirers.
      Romani told CBS: “Yunus Musah is also in the list of Premier League clubs. Arsenal recently sent their scouts to monitor him, but there are also other Premier League giants well informed on the Valencia midfielder.”
      Giroud on Kane
      Ex-Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has said he sees similarities between himself and Harry Kane ahead if England v France on Saturday.
      The Frenchman had his say on his opposite number with the World Cup Quarter-Final clash approaching quickly.
      Giroud said: “I’ve spoken to Hugo Lloris about Harry Kane because he has a profile that can maybe be compared to mine.
      “He’s very powerful and over the last few years he’s moved further down the pitch to be more involved in the game.
      “He’s also very good at assists and a good finisher that’s clinical. He’s generous with his team mates and has the ability to hurt opponents.
      “He’s obviously a great asset to the English team. There’s similarities between us but differences too.”
      The Goal
      Argentina goal legend Gabriel Batistuta says he wants to see Lionel Messi take his World Cup scoring crown on Friday, writes SunSport’s Martin Lipton.
      Former Fiorentina and Roma strike ace “Batigol”, 53, currently holds the Argentina top goals mark with 10 strikes across three tournaments from 1994 to 2002.
      But Messi is up to nine after scoring past Australia and Batistuta said: “It is a record that I have had for 20 years and I have enjoyed holding it. 
      “But now it is only fair that someone else takes it – and I couldn’t be happier if that person is called Messi.”
      King Kyle
      Only Kyle Walker can stop Kylian Mbappe, former England star Emile Heskey told SunSport’s Joshua Jones.
      The ex-Wigan striker believes that the England full-back has all the right attributes to hinder the explosive 23-year-old.
      Heskey said: “The pace of Senegal’s forwards troubled Harry Maguire and John Stones and they [the Senegalese forwards] are nowhere near the quality of France and in particular Kylian Mbappé.
      “I would love to keep a back four, but I think it will be a five. At right wing-back, Kyle Walker has to start because of his pace, his aggression, his know-how and his seniority. I can’t see anyone else [of the right wing-back options] being able to stop Mbappé if I’m being honest.”
      Five Changes for Spain
      Luis Enrique has brutally axed five starters from the Japan defeat ahead of the last-16 clash with Morocco.
      Alvaro Morata is among those dropped from the line-up.
      Follow all the build up to Morocco v Spain here.
      Santos in dark over Al Nassr
      Portugal boss Fernando Santos has said he does not know anything on suggestions of Cristiano Ronaldo moving to Saudi Arabia.
      Conflicting reports have claimed first that Ronaldo had done a deal with Al-Nassr and then that he not yet agreed anything.
      Ahead of tonight’s game with Switzerland, Santos said: “I have not spoken to him about this.
      “I don’t know about this. It is his decision. I did not even know about this and I heard about this when I arrived here.
      “We are focused on the World Cup. I don’t know anything about this other issue.”
      Sou Close to Call
      France will be concerned about playing England in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, according to Liverpool legend Graeme Souness.
      England overcame Senegal to reach the last eight while France swatted aside Poland.
      Souness told ITV: “France will be concerned about playing against England. England are the team that no one wants to play.
      “You can’t sit back and say ‘I’m really enjoying that football’, like you would with Spain, and possibly tonight [referencing Brazil].
      “But I’ll bet you none of the big teams want to play against England because they see how pragmatic they are, they give very few chances away.”
      First-Half of Greatness
      THIAGO SILVA reckons he has never seen a better 45 minutes than Brazil’s first half destruction of South Korea, writes SunSport’s Phil Thomas.
      The five-time champions finally clicked into top gear with an awesome four-goal Samba salvo to book their ticket to the last eight by the break.
      The 38-year-old said: “I would think yes, it is the best 45 minutes – I can’t think of another one played with such energy as this one.
      “We had prepared for it, we played to a plan and we’re so happy with it…although it wasn’t perfect due to the goal Korea scored.
      “South Korea was our best performance in this competition, but we hope we are going to improve even more in the next round.”
      1,000 penalties
      Luis Enrique is confident his squad has practiced “at least” 1,000 penalties ahead of their clash with Morocco this afternoon.
      Spain were dumped out of last year’s Euros on penalties against Italy but Enrique is determined the same thing does not happen this year.
      He said: “I imagine that they have done their homework. Over a year ago, in one of the Spain camps, I told them they had to get here with at least 1,000 penalties taken.
      “If you wait until getting here to practise penalties… [it won’t be enough]. It’s a moment of maximum tension, a time to show your nerve and that you can shoot the penalty in the way you have decided, if you have trained it a thousand times.”

      Show No Merci
      Gareth Southgate will order his England lions to go for France’s throats in the World Cup quarter-final.
      He believes his attacking team have the ability to finally beat a top nation in the knockout stage of a major tournament on foreign soil in Saturday’s tie.
      Boss Southgate said: “We’ve made quite a bit of history over the last four-and-a-half years. Not all of it good! But that’s the great challenge.
      “What we talked about before Senegal was keeping up the relentless pressure, not sitting back if we are ahead, making sure we keep the intensity of our game.
      “So we’ve got to do that now against the world champions.”
      Kud he go?
      Mohammed Kudus is being repeatedly linked with a move away from Ajax.
      The Ghanaian winger demonstrated his skillset during the World Cup and has given a reputation a huge boost.
      The Sun revealed earlier this week that the 22-year-old is open to a Premier League move.
      But he has also been strongly linked with a potential transfer to Barcelona.
      Kudus hit two goals in Ghana’s three World Cup games and four goals in six Champions League games for Ajax.
      World Cup Preview
      The final set of last-16 games get underway today with two tournament big dogs in action.
      Spain take on Morocco in what could be a difficult game for Luis Enrique’s side. Morocco became the first African nation since 1998 to top their World Cup group.
      They have only conceded one goal so far and showed attacking threat at crucial times.
      And later at 7pm it is the turn of Portugal and Switzerland. Fernando Santos’ team have goals in abundance and quality across the pitch.
      But Switzerland could be tricky opposition and it won’t be easy for Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates.
      More than Mbappe
      Kasper Schmeichel has warned England about focusing all their efforts on stopping Kylian Mbappe.
      The former keeper believes France have a range of ways to hurt England that go beyond the 23-year-old superstar.
      He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It would be a big mistake thinking it’s all about keeping Kylian Mbappe quiet. Antoine Griezmann is a fantastic player. France are building up and playing better and better.
      “This is going to be some encounter. I don’t know how it is going to pan out.”
      ‘No fears’
      Ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has insisted he is not fearing for England ahead of Saturday’s clash with France.
      The Three Lions face arguably their biggest challenge under Gareth Southgate in the World Cup quarter-final.
      But pundit Ferdinand told the BBC: “I have got no fears for this England team. You have to beat what is in front of you and they have done it convincingly.
      “If you were told you were going to be playing in the quarter-finals against a France team with five of their starters missing, you would accept that.”
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      I’m a World Cup time traveller and Spain are going to be beaten by a surprise opponent – I even have the footage

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      A SELF-proclaimed time traveller claims to have journeyed into the future to find out the results of Spain’s crunch clash against Morocco.TikToker @truelyronaldo7 bizarrely announced he even has the footage to prove his baseless World Cup prediction.
      The self-proclaimed time traveller claims Spain will suffer a 3-2 defeat in the battle for the final 16Credit: Tiktok/@truelyronaldo7
      He claimed the footage showed Morocco players celebrating their alleged victoryCredit: Tiktok/@truelyronaldo7
      In his latest post, the so-called quantum leaper told football fans Luis Enrique’s men would have their hopes for glory dashed.
      Before Spain take on Morocco to try and bag a spot in the quarter-finals on Tuesday, he decided to stir up more anticipation for the game.
      The outlandish social media user wrote: “I’m a time traveller and Morocco beat Spain 3-2. Wtf Spain.”
      The TikToker declared that Morocco would triumph in the pivotal match after bagging the winning goal in the 98th minute.
      READ MORE ON TIME TRAVEL
      He even shared grainy footage appearing to show the reaction on the pitch which he claimed he had taken in the future to inform supporters.
      The alleged time traveller posted a clip that he said showed Morocco players celebrating and jumping on top of each other in elation.
      The camera then pans to Spain’s Sergio Busquets, who sports quite the glum look on his face.

      The Barcelona captain is seen awkwardly fidgeting with his hands after his team allegedly lost the pivotal game.
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      Star midfielder Gavi is also seen walking across the pitch solemnly.
      Spain supporters can also be seen in the stands, seemingly gutted by the result the supposed time traveller has predicted.
      Social media users went wild after seeing the barmy clip, which racked up over 30,000 views in less than 24 hours.
      But not everyone was convinced of the TikToker’s time travelling abilities, with some suggesting he had doctored the footage.
      One wrote: “Nice job jinking that. All your predictions have been wrong bro.”
      A second commented: “Every single prediction this due has had has been wrong.”
      Another queried: “Ain’t Spain wearing their blue/white jersey for this game?”
      A fourth said: “Yea okay buddy… you travelled to the wrong place.”
      Tension is building for football fans across the world as Spain take on Morocco on Tuesday.
      Morocco topped Group F ahead of Croatia and Belgium and are vying for a place in the final 16 while riding their eight-match unbeaten run.
      Whereas the 2010 Champions have got even more to fight for as the squad is still reeling from their 2-1 loss to Japan.
      Spain suffered a defeat in their final group match courtesy of Ao Tanaka’s late winner despite the ball seemingly going out of play in the build up.
      Morocco will be looking for some more inspiration from forward Hakim Ziyech when they face Spain.
      The Chelsea man set up the second against Belgium and then scored in the win over Canada.
      Meanwhile, Spain will look to Pedri and Gavi to give them control in the middle of the park as they look to control possession once more.
      Read More on The Sun
      But it is Alvaro Morata who could turn out to be the match winner given he scored in each of their three group games.
      When the two nations went head to head at the 2018 World Cup, they drew at 2-2.
      Spain’s captain Sergio Busquets was seen looking downcast in the clipCredit: Tiktok/@truelyronaldo7 More

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      Roy Keane slammed by Brazil boss Tite after Man Utd icon raged over dancing celebration in World Cup win vs South Korea

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      BRAZIL boss Tite has hit back at Roy Keane after the pundit said his side’s celebrations were “disrespecting” South Korea.The South American team were in blistering form as they cruised into the World Cup quarter-finals with a 4-1 win over their opposition.
      Brazil manager Tite has hit back at Roy Keane’s comments about his team’s celebrationsCredit: AFP
      Keane had called the celebrations ‘disrespectful’Credit: ITV
      They performed Samba style dances after each goal against South KoreaCredit: Getty
      And even got manager Tite involvedCredit: PA
      After each goal, the Brazilians celebrated with their Samba-style dance moves and even included manager Tite after Richarlison’s goal.
      However, Keane hammered the performances during the halftime break.
      He 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.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP

      “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.
      “I’m not happy with it, I don’t think it’s very good at all.”
      But Keane in turn has been criticised by Tite for his comments, as the national team boss insists the players were in a “demonstration of joy”.
      Tite also suggested that Keane was being “nasty” in his message to his players.
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      He said: “I have to be careful because there are always the nasty ones who say it is disrespect.
      “It is a demonstration of joy, a celebration.”
      Tite was not the only one to hit out at Keane, as goalscorer and West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta 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.”
      Football fans also took to social media to tell Keane to “stop complaining”.
      One tweeted: “Ohhhhh bore off Roy Keane, complaining about Brazil dancing, Senegal chanting. Lighten up you stiff boring man.”
      A second wrote: “Roy Keane saying it’s like strictly come dancing and Brazil are disrespecting South Korea with the dancing, they’d do this against anyone, just enjoy the vibes man.”
      A third added: “That’s their culture, their heritage. Let them dance it is who they are.
      Read More on The Sun
      “They dance in their different clubs when they score so imagine when they play together.”
      Brazil will now play Croatia in the quarter-finals and the squad will be hoping they will be busting out some more moves. More

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      Three ways England could line up for World Cup quarter-final against France… and will it help stop Kylian Mbappe?

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      ENGLAND take on France on Saturday night aiming to dethrone the reigning world champions.Gareth Southgate’s men have so far advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals relatively unscathed, but now face their biggest test by a mile.
      Gareth Southgate has some huge decisions to make with his personnelCredit: Getty
      Kylian Mbappe has been in red hot form for FranceCredit: Getty
      France may be without the likes of Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante – but they remain a formidable prospect all the same.
      And with Kylian Mbappe in their side, they’ll be a tough team to stop.
      Other than in their opening match against Iran, the Three Lions have looked a sturdy side defensively.
      But Southgate will now have to ponder whether to make adjustments in order to try and combat the threat of Mbappe.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      On France’s incredible star, the England boss said: “As for Kylian Mbappe, he is a world-class player. He has already delivered high-quality performances in other tournaments of this level.
      “But I think that Antoine Griezmann has more than 100 caps and he is phenomenal as well. We know Olivier Giroud very well. In the midfield, there are young players that are doing incredible things.
      “When you look at France closely, there is talent in every position. It is a big test for us to face.”
      So with the stage set, let’s take a look at how Southgate could choose to line up.
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      4-3-3
      If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, as they say.
      England easily swatted aside Senegal with a professional performance on Sunday, so would it hurt to keep the same line-up?
      Kyle Walker is one of the very few defenders in world football that can match Mbappe for pace, so it would seem to be lunacy if he didn’t start.
      Neither John Stones or Harry Maguire are going to be budged, while the Three Lions don’t have a back up to Luke Shaw.

      The midfield unit of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson worked well last time out, so why the need to change?
      With Raheem Sterling back in England with his family after a traumatic burglary at his house, Phil Foden’s place on the left seems secure.
      While Bukayo Saka could be the perfect man to get at Theo Hernandez and feed Harry Kane… knowing that Mbappe won’t be tracking back down that side.
      If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
      3-4-3
      Southgate primarily used his three at the back formation during England’s ill-fated Nations League campaign, but has so far left it at home during this tournament.
      With the threat of Mbappe looming, however, might he decide that now is the time to turn to it?
      He may deduce that adding extra cover to help Walker against the 23-year-old may be a good idea.
      This would see him sacrifice an attacker in order to get Kieran Trippier into the team, with Walker tucking into the three.
      This sounds good on paper, but whether or not the mid-tournament formation change would benefit the team in practice remains to be seen.
      Trippier’s crossing does always add an extra dimension, however, and Marcus Rashford could come into the side looking to add to his two World Cup goals so far.
      Southgate may decide to add extra cover on Mbappe’s flank
      4-3-3 (alternate)
      Realistically it seems that England will either play 4-3-3 or 3-4-3, having not really dabbled with much else in recent years.
      Even if Southgate does stick with the tried and tested, however, he could still opt to mix up his personnel a little bit to spring a surprise on the French.
      Mason Mount could return to the team fresh and energised, adding some extra creativity to the middle of the park.
      Read More on The Sun
      While Southgate could even opt to unleash Jack Grealish from the start.
      The £100million man has had to be content with coming off the bench so far, but will be eager to show what he can do in more minutes.
      Could the England boss opt to mix it up, with the stakes this high? More

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      Emotional moment South Korea’s Hwang Hee-chan breaks down in tears live on TV after World Cup 2022 exit

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      WOLVES star Hwang Hee-chan was overcome with emotion after South Korea suffered World Cup heartbreak at the hands of Brazil.The tournament favourites turned on the style to breeze past South Korea 4-1 in the last-16 on Monday.
      Hwang Hee-chan was overcome with emotion after South Korea were knocked out of the World CupCredit: KBS
      Hwang broke down in tears following the 4-1 defeat to BrazilCredit: KBS
      The Wolves ace choked back more tears as he spokeCredit: KBS
      An emotional Hwang at the full-time whistleCredit: Getty
      While Hwang and Co were always underdogs for the game, the 26-year-old couldn’t hold back the tears after being knocked out of the tournament.
      A devastated Hwang spoke to Korean broadcaster KBS after the game, with emotions still running high.
      The forward covered his face with his arm as he broke down live on air.
      Hwang had to turn away from the camera and wipe the tears away with his shirt.
      Read More World Cup News
      The forward then choked back more tears as he spoke to the reporter.
      Hwang posted a lengthy message to Instagram after the game, apologising to South Korea fans for the defeat.
      Part of it read: “Thank you so much for your support until late hours and sorry for not being able to show you a better look.
      “As much as there were many young players, we will all try together to go in a better direction, and I think it is a team that can expect more and do well in the future.”
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      Wolves ace Hwang scored a dramatic 91st minute winner in the 2-1 victory over Portugal that sent South Korea into the knockouts.
      But following defeat in the last-16, South Korea boss Paulo Bento immediately resigned from his post.
      Brazil goalscorer Richarlison posted a classy message to Tottenham team-mate Son Heung-min after the pair faced off in Qatar.
      Richarlison said: “I know how hard you fought out there and that’s why you’re a hero to your people @Sonny7.”
      Brazil now face Croatia on Friday for a place in the semi-finals. More

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      England stars using £500 ‘muscle gun’ to prepare bodies for gruelling World Cup 2022 clashes

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      ENGLAND players are using a muscle gun to help them maintain peak condition at the World Cup.The Three Lions will face defending champions France in the quarter-finals on Saturday after a stellar 3-0 win over Senegal in the last-16.
      Jordan Henderson has been spotted using the muscle gun before gamesCredit: Reuters
      The Liverpool captain was pictured with the device before the USA and Wales matchesCredit: Getty
      The England players use it to directly treat areas of discomfortCredit: Getty
      Henderson also used the gun on James MaddisonCredit: Getty
      While Ben White and Raheem Sterling have both returned home due to personal issues, Gareth Southgate is yet to experience any major injury concerns since his squad jetted off to the tournament.
      And one way the Three Lions stars are keeping themselves in perfect shape is through the use of Therabody’s muscle gun.
      Jordan Henderson was seen putting the device on his back and hamstrings before the USA and Wales games, before he applied it to James Maddison.
      The Athletic have reported that Liverpool team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold also uses it.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP

      Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka and Australia’s Bailey Wright are other fans of the product – which costs between £122 and £490 depending on the model.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is an ambassador for Therabody, while Kevin de Bruyne has even invested in the company which also offers compression boots and vibrating foam rollers.
      The gun is similar to a power drill but with a foam padding on the end, utilised to directly treat areas of discomfort.
      It was designed by doctor Jason Wersland after he needed to recover from a shoulder injury following a motorcycle accident.
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      Speaking about his recovery process, England midfielder Henderson said: “I’ve developed a solid routine for recovery when I’m at home but in the past have struggled when traveling.
      “Being able to get the Theragun out or put the boots on when you’re sitting down on planes and buses for long periods and stiffening up has made a huge difference.
      “I didn’t realize you could use them pre-activity or during half time to have a big benefit on the body.
      “For example, when you come in at half-time, sitting down and listening to the manager talk, you start to stiffen up before you get back on pitch.
      “Using the Theragun to keep the muscles and blood flowing makes perfect sense to me.” More