World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol melted hearts hugging his mum in the stands after Belgium game and is called ‘Little Pep’

      by

      CHELSEA and Liverpool transfer target Josko Gvardiol appears as uncompromising a defender as they come – sporting a brutish facial mask to protect a broken nose suffered before the World Cup.Flying into a last-ditch tackle to thwart Romelu Lukaku, as his country knocked out Belgium in the group stages he showed his courage and tenacity on the pitch – with the interception as good a moment you’ll see in Qatar.
      Battle-hardened Josko Gvardiol has been Croatia’s standout star in the World CupCredit: Getty
      An emotional Gvardiol hugs his mum in the stands
      A goal-saving last-ditch tackle against Belgium on Romelu Lukaku has been one of the great moments of the World CupCredit: EPA
      However, an unmasked Gvardiol, who is just 20, dropped his battled-hardened demeanour when Croatia sealed qualification for the knockout stages.
      He ran to the stands to greet his mum, and while tears streamed down his face gave her the biggest of hugs.
      The heart-warming moment was even addressed by Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic in a press conference, who revealed it was “a true image” of his team.
      “When I saw this photo, it warmed my heart,” he said.
      read more world cup news
      “And that’s why Josko is one of the best defenders in the world. You can’t be a good fighter if you’re not complete as a person, if you don’t have all the feelings.
      “I congratulate his mother for raising such a son. Such a man who is a top footballer and at the same time a modest man is the result of upbringing and faith.
      “It is very important. Such values are very important to us, and I also represent them.”

      From Croatia to Germany
      Gvardiol caught the footballing bug when he was just 7.
      Most read in Football
      His dad, an amateur player, took him to NK Tresnjevka where his passion for the game and determination saw him move to Dinamo Zagreb just three years later.
      He learned how to defend, though, playing further forward.
      “I played as a striker as a child and that helps me to know the movements of the strikers,” he revealed.
      Gvardiol began to stand out for the Croatian giants during the 2018-19 season, helping the club reach the UEFA Youth League quarter-finals. They were knocked out on penalties by Chelsea, but scouts were aware of his special talent.
      A year later and he had broken into Dinamo’s first team, helping the club clinch the league title.
      By 2021, RB Leipzig – a group known for developing youngsters – splashed the cash to bring Gvardiol to the Bundesliga.
      Upon signing, Gvardiol insisted: “I’m very happy to be able to make this step to RB Leipzig. The club is among the best in Europe and has a very clear style of play.
      “As a young player, it was important for me to come to a club that can help me take the next step in my career.
      “That is exactly what RB Leipzig is all about. The club has shown several times how players can develop and improve here.”
      The deal worth £18million, plus £7million in add-ons, now looks a steal – with reports suggesting clubs are going to have to pay a fee in the region of £80million.
      That’s after just one and half seasons in Germany, where the left-footed centre back has already established himself as one of the best defenders of his generation – just 66 games into his career in Saxony.
      Gvardiol launches into a tackle for Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Youth LeagueCredit: Getty
      Versatile Gvardiol moved to Leipzig in 2021 for a fee of £25mCredit: Getty
      ‘Little Pep’
      Gvardiol has been likened to Real Madrid star David Alaba in style because he’s left-footed and is equally as dominant playing at full-back, as he is at centre back or in midfield.
      On occasion, he has played further forward and shouldn’t just considered a stopper.
      Amusingly, he is nicknamed ‘Little Pep’, after Man City manager Pep Guardiola.
      But he’s not the sort of deep-lying playmaker the Barcelona legend was known as.
      The similarities are simply because the names sound similar.
      Highly-coveted
      Nickname aside, Pep is said to be a big fan.
      Manchester City were linked with him, until they switched their sights to a cheaper alternative in Manuel Akanji.
      Liverpool, Chelsea, and now Tottenham are all reportedly in the hunt for his services.
      “Everyone is talking about this boy,” former Bayern and Croatian legend Ivica Olic said.
      “All the top clubs in Europe know him. Gvardiol is an extraordinary talent.
      “He can play great long balls, is a fine technician and is physically very strong.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Gvardiol has been nicknamed ‘Little Pep’Credit: Reuters
      Europe’s top clubs are all willing to pay big money for GvardiolCredit: Getty
      Starring in Qatar has done Gvardiol no harm in raising his profile further more on the world stage.
      Should he take Croatia further than the last-16, expect that price-tag to continue to rise. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Robert Lewandowski handed three-match ban for referee gesture one day after Poland World Cup loss to France

      by

      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has been slapped with a three-match ban just one day after being knocked out of the World Cup.The striker was in action for Poland as they were beaten 3-1 by France in the round of 16.
      Robert Lewandowski protests to referee Jesus Gil ManzanoCredit: Reuters
      The Pole was shown a second yellow card for this challenge on David GarciaCredit: Reuters
      Lewandowski, 34, grabbed his second goal of the tournament with virtually the last kick of the game – beating Hugo Lloris at the second attempt with a retaken penalty.
      The goal will be his last action on a football pitch for a while, after he was handed a three-match ban by LaLiga.
      The former Bayern Munich star was red carded during a 2-1 victory over Osasuna in his final club match before the World Cup.
      Lewandowski was given his marching orders with just half an hour on the clock, receiving a second yellow for clattering into defender David Garcia.
      READ MORE ON ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
      As he departed the field of play he touched his chin – a gesture interpreted to have been derogatory towards the referee, Jesus Gil Manzano.
      The Pole subsequently denied this, however, instead claiming it had been directed at his manager, Xavi.
      He said: “If you ask me about that gesture, it’s a bit funny because last week I was talking with Xavi, with the coach, and we talked that if these things happened in the future, if I saw a yellow card I had to be careful, because I could go out.
      “After that the gesture was for Xavi, not for the referee.”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      LaLiga haven’t bought Lewandowski’s explanation, however, and have slapped an extra two games onto his initial one-match ban after turning down an appeal.
      Not willing to accept the outcome, it’s claimed by Marca that Barca could take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
      As it stands, Lewandowski is set to miss his side’s Catalan derby clash with Espanyol, as well as subsequent games against Atletico Madrid and Getafe.
      Barcelona could turn to forward Memphis Depay in their regular No9’s absence, with the Dutchman having returned to action at the World Cup following a two-month injury lay-off.
      Depay, 28, has played just 131 minutes of action for his club this season.
      Memphis Depay has been back in action for his countryCredit: Rex More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      England and France combined XI ahead of World Cup quarter-final clash including Bellingham, Griezmann and Maguire

      by

      ENGLAND’S comfortable 3-0 victory over Senegal has set up a blockbuster World Cup quarter-final with France on Saturday.The defending champions swatted Poland aside 3-1 in their last-16 clash to reach the last-eight for a third successive time.
      England have scored 12 goals in four matches at the World CupCredit: AP
      France are bidding to join Italy and Brazil as the third country to retain the World CupCredit: AP
      And Didier Deschamps men will be confident they can become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.
      But Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions are roaring after bagging 12 goals in four games since arriving in Qatar.
      The likes of Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Harry Maguire have shown some of their best form to help England on their way into the latter stages.
      However, how many of England’s stars would make it into the France team and vice-versa?
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      A combined XI made up of England and France’s World Cup stars
      SunSport has decided to take a look at the best possible XI that could be made based on their performances in Qatar so far.
      So here it is.
      In between the sticks we have gone with England’s No1 Jordan Pickford.
      The Everton keeper has kept three clean sheets already and conceded just one goal from open play.
      Most read in Football

      France shot-stopper Hugo Lloris is yet to keep a clean sheet in the tournament, so it had to be Pickford.
      The back four is split evenly with both sides managing two players each.
      Kyle Walker is a shoe-in at right-back, with Theo Hernandez getting the nod ahead of Luke Shaw on the left after he replaced brother Lucas in the France set-up following his injury in the opening game against Australia.
      Dayot Upamecano is one of the centre-backs thanks to a superb tournament to date.
      And he is joined in the heart of the defence by Maguire – who has once again demonstrated his ability to put club form to one side and rise to the occasion for his country.
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The Manchester United skipper even gets in ahead of Red Devils team-mate Raphael Varane – who is keeping him out of the team at Old Trafford.
      In midfield, England occupy two of the three positions with Declan Rice and Bellingham.
      With France missing Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, there is little debate about Rice being the sitter in this team.
      Bellingham has been one of the stars of the competition so far and produced a quite breathtaking performance against Senegal.
      They are joined in the middle of the park by Antoine Griezmann who – like Maguire – has shown club form does not affect him at international level.
      Then up front there are a host of big names that miss out on selection.
      We have decided to go for a trio of Kylian Mbappe, Saka and Harry Kane.
      Mbappe is the leading goalscorer in Qatar and has to be on the left flank.
      Kane remains one of the best all-round strikers in the world – as much of a creative threat as he is a finisher.
      And Saka has helped himself to three goals at the World Cup, establishing himself as one of England’s best players.
      But that does mean the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Foden, Kingsley Coman, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford have all been left out.
      Olivier Giroud is also absent despite becoming France’s all-time record scorer at the World Cup.
      Read More on The Sun
      All in all, England have seven players in the team to France’s four.
      It remains to be seen whether that individual quality can manifest itself into a victory come Saturday. More

    • 300 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Brazil vs South Korea – World Cup: Richarlison & Vinicius Jr 2+ shots on target each – was 3/1, NOW 6/1 with Paddy Power

      by

      BRAZIL continue their World Cup glory quest tonight when they face South Korea in the last 16.And Paddy Power have a sensational price boost ahead of the meeting later, with main men Richarlison and Vinicius Jr having two shots on target each now a 6/1 shot.
      Richarlison & Vinicius Jr 2+ shots on target each | 6/1
      Richarlison & Vinicius Jr 2+ shots on target each | 6/1!
      That’s up from the usual price on site of 3/1!
      And there is a maximum stake of £10 on this boost.
      Like the sound of those odds? You can add it straight to your Paddy Power bet slip here.
      But if you are new to Paddy Power, you could make use of their sensational sign-up offer.
      When signing up as a brand new customer HERE*, Paddy Power are offering the chance to get your first FIVE bets back as cash if they lose at the World Cup!
      Brazil vs South KoreaPaddy Power boost

      Richarlison and Vinicius Jr 2+ shots on target each
      was 3/1
      NOW 6/1
      Available to all customers
      Click here to add to your bet slip

      Paddy Power: Up to £50 CASH BACK*

      That’s a potential total of £50 is cash back should your first five punts all lose!
      Richarlison scored twice for Brazil against Serbia in the group stage.
      The centre forward should be ready to go having been rested in the final game of the groups.
      Vinicius Jr has scored three times and assisted four goals in his last nine appearances for club and country.
      They’ll again form a formidable front three, with South Korea having conceded four goals in their last two games.
      Paddy Power: Up to £50 CASH BACK*
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      FOOTBALL OFFERS
      Remember to gamble responsibly
      A responsible gambler is someone who:

      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

      For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

      *Place 5x£10 Sportsbook bets on any market at minimum odds of 2.0 (Evs), and get money back as Cash if it loses. Max refund per qualifying bet is £10 (up to £50 in total). Only deposits made via Cards will be eligible for the promotion (Apple Pay excluded). T&Cs apply 18+ begambleaware.org More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Japan vs Croatia boost: Andrej Kramaric to score first at 7/1 with Paddy Power

      by

      CROATIA go into this afternoon’s game with Japan as the favourites to reach the World Cup quarter finals.Andrej Kramaric has two goals so far in the competition and is at the centre of a Paddy Power boost, with the Croatian front man available at 7/1 to score first!
      Kramaric to score first | 7/1
      Kramaric to score first | 7/1
      He grabbed both goals in the win over Canada and should be plenty rested having only featured for an hour against Belgium.
      Japan have had great results when beating Germany and Spain, either side of defeat to Costa Rica.
      Interestingly though, they’ve conceded first in every one of the group stage games, playing into the hands of this price boost.
      This selection is up from the usual price of 6/1 and can be added straight to your Paddy Power bet slip here.
      Paddy Power Price BoostJapan vs Croatia

      Andrej Kramaric to score first
      was 6/1
      NOW 7/1
      Available to all customers
      Add to bet slip HERE

      Paddy Power: Up to £50 CASH BACK*

      New to Paddy Power? You could also make use of their wonderful sign-up offer.
      When signing up as a brand new customer HERE*, Paddy Power are offering the chance to get your first FIVE bets back as cash if they lose at the World Cup!
      You could bet your first tenner on this price boost and if it doesn’t land, you’ll get your money back as real CASH.
      This is an offer you can do up to five times – meaning a possible return of £50!
      Paddy Power: Up to £50 CASH BACK*
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      FOOTBALL OFFERS
      Remember to gamble responsibly
      A responsible gambler is someone who:

      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

      For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

      *Place 5x£10 Sportsbook bets on any market at minimum odds of 2.0 (Evs), and get money back as Cash if it loses. Max refund per qualifying bet is £10 (up to £50 in total). Only deposits made via Cards will be eligible for the promotion (Apple Pay excluded). T&Cs apply 18+ begambleaware.org
      Most read in Football More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Dream Team World Cup bosses should back Brazil ballers for boost before quarter-final chaos

      by

      SO far the World Cup round of 16 matches have gone the way of the favourites.And while Netherlands v Argentina and England v France are mouthwatering prospects, those match-ups will force Dream Team World Cup managers to use transfers as the majority will have backed assets soon to be in direct competition.
      Before that chaos ensues, gaffers may well feel it’s worth targeting the remaining favourable match-ups, most prominently, Brazil v South Korea this evening.
      Will we see some samba style tonight?Credit: getty
      No disrespect to Paul Bento’s side, who beat a much-changed Portugal outfit to qualify for the knockout stage, but the fact is the five-time world champions will start tonight’s fixture as heavy favourites to progress to the quarter-finals.
      Dream Team World Cup bosses with plenty of transfers remaining could use their daily allotment of three in an attempt to cash in on what is expected to be a comfortable victory for the Selecao.
      Since Japan v Croatia is the early kick-off, gaffers could even wait for Brazil’s starting line-up to be announced and go from there.
      In regards to team selection, two days ago Tite said of Neymar: “If he practices okay, he will be playing tomorrow. If he plays it’s because he is in full health and ready to start, to play from the beginning and the entire game with no limitations.”
      The PSG forward injured his ankle in the latter stages of his side’s 2-0 win over Serbia 11 days ago.
      Vinicius Junior and Richarlison are safer selections in attack, the former is the second-most popular midfielder in the game and he’s played much better than his current points tally of five suggests.
      Neymar is expected to feature against South KoreaCredit: getty
      As for the Spurs forward, he was quiet against Switzerland but his brace against Serbia should still be at the forefront of your mind.
      Most read in Dream Team
      His goal second was spectacular but it was his first, a classic poacher’s effort, that underlined his role as Brazil’s primary No9.
      The pre-tournament favourites are likely to dominate possession and create more chances than South Korea and Richarlison will hold his advanced position between the width of the posts, waiting to pounce on any opportunity.
      Raphinha will probably start on the right wing despite a somewhat wasteful showing in Qatar so far, still his play style means he poses a constant threat.
      Attacking assets are more likely to bank mini-league shaping double-digit hauls but perhaps the smarter option is to back a Brazil a clean sheet.
      Tite’s first-choice back four not only repelled Serbia and Switzerland, they didn’t even concede a shot on target.
      Thiago Silva and Marquinhos both come at a cost (£5.5m each) but doubling up on Brazil centre-backs could be a very profitable short-term strategy – a pair of 7+ ratings and a clean sheet would result in an influx of 16 points.
      Alex Sandro is actually his country’s best-performing defender in Qatar to date having racked up 21 points by virtue of a Star Man award against the Swiss.
      And of course, Alisson will return between the sticks after Ederson was given a start against Cameroon.
      Richarlison has 18 Dream Team World Cup pointsCredit: getty
      A deluge of points is not a foregone conclusion of course, underestimating South Korea would be a mistake but the nature of Dream Team World Cup means favourable match-ups should be targeted.
      From the quarter-finals onwards it looks as if every game will be contested by top teams so this may be the last day to capitalise on any semblance of a mismatch in overall quality.
      Read More on The Sun
      An XI containing Alisson, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Vinicius Junior and Richarlison would be well placed to provide healthy returns later today.
      Just a theory… More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England hero Henderson shows support for team-mate Sterling by wearing star’s shorts after attacker had house burgled

      by

      ENGLAND hero Jordan Henderson threw his support behind Raheem Sterling by wearing his shorts after the winger’s house was burgled.The Chelsea star, 27, was originally withdrawn from the squad to face Senegal for personal reasons.
      England hero Jordan Henderson wears Raheem Sterling’s shortsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Sterling modelling his No10 shorts during the World Cup match against USACredit: AP
      It later emerged that Sterling’s Surrey mansion was the subject of an armed raid on Saturday night.
      And standing by the star was team-mate Henderson, who sported Sterling’s No10 shorts once the final whistle was blown, as he greeted family in the stands in Qatar.
      Sterling has raced back to the UK following the incident at his home – 15 minutes from Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham.
      Terrified fiancée Paige Milian, 27 — at home with their two kids — raised the alarm when the gang took watches worth £300,000.
      Read More on World Cup
      Sterling could return to Qatar for Saturday’s quarter-final against France.
      Boss Gareth Southgate said: “He is dealing with a family matter. I had quite a bit of time with him this morning but I have had to pass that on to other people to help him with that.
      “He will go and deal with that matter and we will have to take it from there.”
      It is not known if property developer Paige confronted the raiders or whether they fled when they realised someone was in.
      Most read in Football
      The gang may have thought she and the couple’s sons, aged five and three, were still in Qatar.
      Before England’s first game she posted pictures of the two boys on a cruise ship in Doha, and she was tagged in social media images with cocktails.
      A family source said: “This was terrifying for her and obviously traumatic for all the family.
      “Raheem will have been beside himself with worry when he heard.
      “To be away when your partner and children are at home when an armed gang breaks in is beyond words.
      “It looks like about £300,000 of watches have been taken. The police were there several hours.”
      Without Sterling, England crushed Senegal 3-0 in their last-16 clash.
      It was pal Henderson who opened the scoring and ease England’s nerves after 38 minutes.
      Harry Kane finally broke his World Cup duck by smashing home a second deep into injury time in the first hald.
      Bukayo Saka added gloss to the performance with a third on 57 minutes to wrap up the win.
      However, after the game attention soon switched to Sterling – and it was Henderson who revealed his team-mates are fully behind his decision to return home.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’s a blow but I hope everything is OK with Raheem’s family at home. I hope he goes back and can sort everything out,” Henderson said.
      “I’m not sure if he can come back, I suppose he will have to assess when he’s there but all our thoughts and support are with him.”
      England put on a show against Senegal without their mate SterlingCredit: Getty More

    • 138 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Christmas is coming and England are in the World Cup quarter-finals

      by

      THE pulsing rhythm of Freed From Desire filled the clammy desert air and plastic cups of Bud Zero were launched skywards.The stadium in Al Khor echoed to an “Eng-ger-land, Eng-ger-land” wall of noise.
      The stadium in Al Khor felt like Wembley in the sand as England beat SenegalCredit: PA
      Jude Bellingham celebrates with team mates after England’s first goalCredit: Getty
      After nearly 40 minutes of incessant Senegalese drumming it was England making the noise as Jordan Henderson opened the scoring.
      Close your eyes and it was like Wembley in the sand as the Three Lions roared past their African opponents.
      Freed From Desire, Gala’s eurodance hit, is the tune England chose to play when they find the net in Qatar.
      After Henderson’s opener, Three Lions fans changed the lyrics to sing: “Hendo’s on fire, your defence is terrified.”
      Read More on England
      Goals either side of half time from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka released any tension the Three Lions supporters might have had and the party could begin.
      As the clock ticked towards full-time, there was a chorus of Jingle Bells with the words: “Oh, what fun it is to see England win away.”
      There were even a few Santa hats in the crowd.
      Christmas is coming and England are in the World Cup quarter-finals.
      Most read in Football
      Bukayo Saka celebrates with Phil Foden and Harry KaneCredit: Getty
      England fans dressed as Three Lions at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al KhorCredit: PA
      England players celebrate with fans after they sealed a place in the Quarter-finalsCredit: AFP More