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      Holland boss Louis van Gaal labels Brazil ‘just a counter-attacking team’ after 4-1 World Cup demolition of South Korea

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      LOUIS VAN GAAL has dismissed Brazil as a “counter-attacking team” after their 4-1 thumping of South Korea last night.The Selecao wowed fans with their amazing goals during a thrilling first 45 minutes against the Koreans.
      Louis van Gaal is not overly impressed by the Brazil teamCredit: AFP
      Brazil were in sumptuous form against South Korea last nightCredit: AP
      But Van Gaal, whose Netherlands side could face Brazil in the semi-finals, was nonplussed.
      He said: “I’ve seen them, that’s just a counter team.
      “I read in the Dutch media that it was sparkling, but that is just a counter team.
      “South Korea has only attacked.”
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      Prior to a potential meeting with the “counter-attacking” Brazilians, Van Gaal and Co must take on Argentina on Friday night.
      On the prospect of playing against Lionel Messi, Van Gaal said: “He is indeed the most dangerous player who creates the most chances and makes them himself.
      “But on the other hand he does not play much with the opponent when they have possession of the ball. That is where our chances lie.”
      Under Van Gaal’s stewardship the Dutch lost to Argentina on penalties in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals, following a 0-0 draw.
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      And the ex-Manchester United manager is desperate to finally avenge that defeat eight years on.
      He added: “We still have a score to settle.
      “I don’t like to think about it because I thought we would win and then I also exchanged for the win.
      “I would like to convince the people at home to just go and watch the game and cheer for us. Then we will derive a lot of support from that.”
      ITV pundit Roy Keane was also unhappy with Brazil last night.
      But it wasn’t their football that irritated him – more their vibrant celebrations.
      The Irishman 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.
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      “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.”
      Argentina beat the Netherlands on penalties in the 2014 World Cup semi-finalsCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

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      Bruno Fernandes could have represented another country if his dad had his way but Man Utd’s Portugal star refused

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      PORTUGAL star Bruno Fernandes could have represented another country if his father had his way. The Manchester United midfielder’s dad Jose wanted his family to leave Portugal but his son refused aged just 12.
      Bruno Fernandes could have ended up not representing PortugalCredit: Getty
      Fernandes wanted to stay in his homeland because he thought the standard of football was better there and he stood an improved chance of making it as a professional.
      But his dad, who also was a footballer, was keen for his family to emigrate to Switzerland, according to newspaper Blick.
      If Fernandes did make the move he would have then been eligible to play for the Swiss national team.
      Portugal take on Switzerland later today in the World Cup at the last-16 stage.
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      Fernandes was perhaps correct when choosing to stay in Portugal as he was offered a contract at Boavista.
      The 28-year-old then moved to Italy for spells at Novara, Udinese and Sampdoria before coming back to his nation starring for Sporting Lisbon earning him his big money transfer to Man Utd.

      Portugal’s No.8 has impressed in Qatar netting twice and assisting a further a two goals as his side topped Group H.
      Fernandes may even captain Portugal against Switzerland with former club teammate Cristiano Ronaldo potentially being dropped by Fernando Santos.
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      The manager admitted that he was not happy with CR7 after he sulked when he was subbed off against South Korea.
      A shock poll in Portugal revealed a shocking number of fans want him dropped for the huge game. More

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      Luis Enrique slams Spain critics and says they’ve only dropped high standards for 10 MINS despite just one World Cup win

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      LUIS ENRIQUE has slammed critics of his Spain side, claiming the World Cup 2010 winners only dropped their high standards for TEN MINUTES despite recording just one group win.Spain scraped through World Cup Group E on four points.
      Enrique has slammed Spain’s criticsCredit: Getty
      They destroyed Costa Rica 7-0 in their opening group game, before drawing with 2014 winners Germany.
      Spain were expected to beat Japan but lost 2-1, finishing second behind the Asian country and sending Germany packing.
      Despite finishing second, Spain have been handed what some consider a more favourable draw.
      They face Morocco in the round of 16 on Tuesday, and will avoid World Cup favourites Brazil up until a potential final meet.
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      And boss Enrique has slammed Spain’s critics, claiming his team only dropped their standards for TEN MINUTES.
      The ex-Barcelona boss said on Monday: “We had ten bad minutes, yes. Ten out of 270. You always look at the bad.
      “If I stick with the performance in this World Cup, we are [at a] remarkably high [level] except for 10 minutes.”
      Following Spain’s demolition of Costa Rica, the goals dried up.
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      Spain appeared to run out of ideas, despite commanding 82 per cent of the ball in the loss to Japan.
      Enrique is determined to not change his team’s approach in the knockouts.
      He continued: “We are not going to change the idea. But that does not mean that we have to dominate the 90 minutes, because we play against high-level teams, players and coaches.
      “We do not play alone. And we play against Morocco, which is a great team.
      “We are going to play the same, we are not going to change.”
      Morocco have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament.
      The North African country topped a group consisting of 2018 finalists Croatia, Belgium’s golden generation and Canada.
      But Enrique isn’t worried about a potential upset.
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      Enrique said: “I am zero worried about the result. I am worried that the team will do things well.
      “If we do things well, the normal thing is to win.”
      Gavi has impressed for Spain More

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      Morocco vs Spain LIVE: Stream FREE, score, TV channel for last-16 clash – World Cup 2022 latest updates

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      MOROCCO have made a bright start to their World Cup clash against Spain. The African underdogs finished top of their group in Qatar and have managed to keep Spain at bay in the first half.

      Start time: 3pm GMT
      TV: ITV 1
      Live stream: ITV X
      Morocco XI: Bounou, Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui, Amrabat, Ounahi, Amallah, Ziyech, En Nesyri, Boufal
      Spain XI: Simon, Llorente, Rodri, Laporte, Alba, Busquets, Gavi, Pedri, Olmo, Asensio, Torres

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      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      50. Spain are looking shaky at the back when on the backfoot.
      Simon again nearly gifts the opposition a goal with the ball at his feet.
      It seems like something the manager has told them to do, passing it out from the back, but Simon does not look comfortable with the ball at his feet.
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      48. Torres is brought down wide on the right.
      The ball is swung into the Moroccan box.
      It is headed behind for a corner.
      Credit: EPA
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      46. The whistles still continue while Spain have the ball.
      Morocco sit deep with numbers behind the ball.
      Spain need to find a way to break down the numbers in front of them.
      Kick-off: Morocco 0-0 Spain
      We are underway in the second half.
      Big half ahead as we need to find ourselves a winner.
      Morocco get the game restarted.
      HT: Morocco 0-0 Spain
      It has been a game, highly-contested in the midfield areas so far.
      Amrabat has been huge for the Atlas Lions in breaking up play.
      He has given Pedri and Gavi no time on the ball whatsoever.
      Boufal and Ziyech have been busy for Morocco but they need to have a more telling presence in the second half.
      HT: Morocco 0-0 Spain
      Despite dominating the possession stats, Spain have really failed to do anything with it in that first half.
      Still failing to register a shot on target in that first 45 minutes.

      HT: Morocco 0-0 Spain
      The referee brings the first half to a close.
      Morocco have had the better chances in this half.
      Spain, have had all the possession, but failed to do anything with it.
      Credit: PA
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      45. We are going to have one minute of time added on.
      Torres comes streaming forward for Spain as he looks for Asensio.
      Morocco manage to snuff the attack out with numbers.
      Morocco 0-0 Spain – Aguerd chance
      43. A deep cross is overhit and finds Boufal.
      He takes the ball down and drops his shoulder to lose his marker.
      Measuring a cross to the back post, he finds Aguerd who has a free header at goal but heads it over.
      Big chance.
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      41. Spain look to thread one towards the byline for Olmo.
      Hakimi reads it all too well and the PSG right back manages to jockey it out of play.
      Gavi is penalised for a foul on Boufal.
      He has become the Jack Grealish of this Moroccan side.
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      39. Celta Vigo, I mean Spain, come forward once more.
      The attack breaks down and Morocco try to get quick ball to Hakimi, who makes a lung-bursting run into the Spanish half.
      On this occasion it does not come off as the ball runs out play.
      Morocco only need that quick counter to come off the once.
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      37. Spain are dominating possession in these early stages.
      You would expect that with Morocco being a more direct side.
      As long as Spain are doing nothing with that possession, it is something that the Atlas Lions will happily give up to them.
      Credit: Getty
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      35. The numbers the Atlas Lions get around the ball is phenomenal.
      As soon as Ferran Torres receives it, he is immediately surrounded by three Moroccan players.
      No way through for the Spanish forward as he is crowded out.
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      33. Alba is having to deal with the constant threat of Ziyech.
      Morocco come forward as the ball is fed to Mazraoui.
      He fancies his chances and shoots from distance but the keeper saves and gathers the ball at the second attempt.
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      31. We are through the first half an hour of the game.
      Neither side has had a shot on target in that time.
      This game has penalties written all over it right now.
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      29. Morocco are defending well.
      Spain are struggling to deal with the numbers in front of them.
      This means they have to try and be more inventive to break those lines, something which has not clicked for La Roja yet.
      Credit: Getty
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      27. Seems strange to see Spain playing without a striker.
      Pep Guardiola was chastised for doing the same with his Man City side.
      But at a World Cup, in such an important game, you would feel the need for a striker is there.
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      25. Absolute drama in the Moroccan box.
      Bono takes once chance too many and the ball is fed back into Ferran Torres who lays it off to Gavi.
      His effort is tipped onto the bar and then the follow up is blocked brilliantly by the Moroccan defence.
      The linesman then raises his flag.
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      23. The Atlas Lions fans are still making themselves heard.
      The drums, trumpets and jeers for Spain.
      Boufal pick pockets Llorente once again.
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      21. Morocco have another free kick, this time in a wide position.
      Boufal does brilliantly on the left to beat Llorente.
      His cross toward Ziyech cannot pick out his teammate.
      Credit: Getty
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      19. Neither keeper has had much to do so far.
      The game has turned into a midfield battle.
      Amallah is penalised for a foul.
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      17. Morocco also are looking comfortable in possession.
      They are breaking down the Spanish attacks well.
      If they can hit Spain with quick counter-attacks they could hurt them in this turnover.
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      15. A high ball is lofted into the Spanish box.
      Simon does well to grasp the ball through a sea of players.
      Spain are looking to pass the ball around.
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      13. Rodri is penalised for a foul on Boufal.
      Spain are trying to play a physical game.
      The referee is having any of it though.
      Credit: Reuters
      Morocco 0-0 Spain
      11. The Atlas Lions have a free kick in a very dangerous position.
      Hakimi takes a strike at goal.
      It goes a couple of feet over the bar, not troubling the Spanish keeper.
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      Maya Yoshida in tears during emotional interview after Japan’s heartbreaking World Cup penalty shootout loss to Croatia

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      MAYA YOSHIDA fought back the tears after Japan’s heartbreaking elimination from the World Cup.The Samurai Blue were dumped out of Qatar 2022 at the last 16 stage by Croatia on Monday evening.
      Japan suffered a heart-breaking penalty shootout defeat to Croatia on MondayCredit: Rex
      Yoshida was one of three Japan players to miss their spot kicksCredit: Getty
      The former Southampton defender had to fight back the tears in his post-match interiewCredit: BEIN SPORTS
      The Japanese took the 2018 finalists all the way but came up short in the dreaded penalty shootout.
      Yoshida was one of three Japan players to miss their spot kicks and was overcome with emotion in a post-match interview.
      The former Southampton defender held back the tears as he said: “We did everything that we could do.
      “We’re a great time and we showed great spirit in the performances in all of the tournament.
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      “Beating Germany and Spain and playing until extra time against the finalists for the previous World Cup.
      “I’m very proud of my team and very proud of my team-mates.”
      He added: “Even the people in the stadium and the people watching on TV all around the world. I would like to thank you all.
      “But it’s very difficult to accept.”
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      Despite being heartbroken at his nation’s elimination, Yoshida is immensely proud of the team’s efforts in Qatar.
      The Schalke ace said: “After the defeat against Belgium four years ago, we sacrificed a lot for winning this game.
      “We spent all the time, four-and-a-half years, for today.
      “As I said, that’s why it’s very difficult to accept.
      Maya Yoshida is proud of Japan’s efforts at the tournamentCredit: REX
      “But at the same time, we are very proud of what we have done. I really enjoyed this tournament.”
      Croatia’s reward for beating Japan is a quarter-final clash with tournament favourites Brazil, whom they’ll face on Friday night. More

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      Ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel and former Man Utd chief Rangnick linked with Germany manager and director jobs

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      FORMER Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel could replace Hansi Flick as Germany boss, according to reports.The World Cup giants crashed out in the group stage in Qatar, four years after suffering the same fate in Russia.
      Thomas Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea back in SeptemberCredit: AP
      Ralf Rangnick is the current manager of AustriaCredit: Getty
      On Monday, Oliver Bierhoff, the director of the national team, resigned following the nightmare campaign.
      And Flick’s job is hanging in the balance, with the ex-Bayern Munich manager releasing a rather damning statement following Bierhoff’s departure.
      He said: “My coaching team and I are finding it difficult at the moment to imagine how the gap created by Oliver’s departure can be closed professionally and personally.”
      If Flick, 57, is sacked or chooses to resign from his post, Kicker understand that ex-Chelsea man Tuchel is one of the frontrunners to replace him.
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      The German coach, 49, was dismissed by the Blues back in September after a string of poor results.
      But overall he was a success at Stamford Bridge, winning the Champions League less than six months into his spell at the club.
      He could be joined in the Germany set-up by ex-Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick.
      Rangnick, 64, left Old Trafford after a short stint as interim head coach last season, taking a managerial job with the Austria national team.
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      But he is now being linked with replacing Bierhoff as the Germans’ director of football.
      Rangnick was Tuchel’s head coach at Ulm in 1997 where the pair formed a relationship.
      Three years later, he then gave Tuchel a role as a youth coach at Stuttgart.
      Another candidate linked with Germany’s sporting director role is Hertha Berlin’s Fredi Bobic. More

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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.
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      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