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      Pele’s family give positive health update but reveal Brazil legend is in hospital with Covid-aggravated infection

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      PELE’S family have given a positive health update but reveal the Brazil football legend is in hospital with a Covid-aggravated infection. The 82-year-old, who won the World Cup three times from 1958 to 1970, was hospitalised earlier this week after he stopped responding to chemotherapy as he battles bowel cancer.
      Pele’s daughter provided a positive updateCredit: Instagram @pele

      Pele is fighting a lung infection, his family has revealedCredit: Instagram @pele

      Pele with family and friends in OctoberCredit: Instagram @pele

      Reports had surfaced that Pele had been moved to palliative end-of-life care in hospital.
      However, his family have said that it is not true and the football icon is “in a regular bedroom” but is fighting a Covid-aggravated infection.
      And once he has fully recovered he will leave the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo.
      Daughter Kely Nascimento said in an interview with TV Globo that aired Sunday night: “He is sick, he is old.
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      “But at the moment, he is there because of the lung infection. And once he feels better, he will go home again.
      “He is not saying goodbye in a hospital at the moment.”
      Pele’s other daughter, Flavia, added: “It is very unfair for people to say he is in the end of his life, in palliative care. Guys, that’s not true. Believe us.
      “He is not in intensive care, he is in a regular bedroom. He is not in risk, he is in treatment.”
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      Pele has been moved by the tributes pouring in from across the football world, but his grandson, Arthur, says his time hasn’t come and he will see Brazil lift a sixth World Cup.
      Arthur said: “I see people telling me ‘rest in peace’ (for Pele). One day it will happen, but it is not today.
      “He is going to be well, it is a matter of time. He will see Brazil lift the sixth title.”
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      Brazil are one of the favourites to lift the World Cup in Qatar and begin their knockout campaign on Monday.
      They face South Korea, who pulled off a shock win over Portugal in their last group game.
      Superstar Neymar is expected to play after overcoming an ankle injury that ruled him out of Brazil’s final two group fixtures.
      Pele is expected to return home once he has fought off the lung infectionCredit: Instagram
      Grandson Arthur says the football great’s time hasn’t come and he will see Brazil lift a sixth World CupCredit: Instagram @pele
      Pele won the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970Credit: AP:Associated Press More

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      Roy Keane uses clever tactic to avoid wild England celebrations in ITV studio after World Cup goal against Senegal

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      WHILE Ian Wright and Gary Neville celebrated wildly during England’s win over Senegal, Roy Keane did not.Instead the Irishman was captured quietly jotting down notes while his fellow ITV pundits went mad in the studio.
      Ian Wright and Gary Neville celebrated madly during England vs SenegalCredit: ITV
      Roy Keane was captured taking down notes during the celebrationsCredit: ITV

      The Three Lions eased into the World Cup quarter-finals with a 3-0 win against the African champions.
      Goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka set up a quarter-final meeting with France on Saturday.
      It’s not clear which of those goals resulted in Manchester United legend Keane turning to his note-pad to avoid getting caught up in the celebrations.
      But the 67-cap Ireland midfielder didn’t crack a smile as Wright and Neville lost their minds alongside him.
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      Instead, footage posted to Wright’s Twitter shows Keane cleverly turning away to jot down notes on his pad in order to avoid the party.
      Never usually one for wild celebrations, proud Irishman Keane was always unlikely to be overjoyed by a goal scored by rivals England.
      And fans watching on TV were left in hysterics by his reaction.
      One wrote on Twitter: “I love the momentary glance at the others.”
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      Another said: “Who else wants to know what he wrote?”
      And a third added: “Keane is good TV.”
      It’s unknown what Keane did wrote down while Wright and Neville celebrated wildly, but much of the studio discussion concerned midfield superstar Jude Bellingham.
      The 19-year-old set up Henderson for the first goal and played a major role in Kane’s second.
      Speaking on Bellingham, Keane gushed: “I’ve not seen a young midfielder play like that for years, normally you see one 26, 27.
      “Everything in the game, we talk about what goes on in his brain, he’s like a man, that maturity, what’s going on upstairs is huge for a midfielder, decision-making, final pass.
      “The kid has everything.” More

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      England back training ahead of France clash in World Cup quarter-finals with whole squad raring to go in 28C heat

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      ENGLAND stars were all smiles in training less than 24 hours after their romp to the World Cup quarter-finals.Gareth Southgate’s troops booked their place in the last eight of the tournament with a 3-0 win over African Champions Senegal last Sunday.
      England returned to training just hours after their win over SenegalCredit: Reuters
      Gareth Southgate’s second string went through a full session while the starters worked out in the gymCredit: Reuters
      Mason Mount was among the crop of players put their pacesCredit: REUTERS
      As was Jack Grealish, who was all smiles as he chated with SouthgateCredit: REUTERS
      Marcus Rashford cracked a laugh with defender Conor CoadyCredit: PA
      Southgate was the picture of happiness as he oversaw his reserve players’ training sessionCredit: REUTERS
      But there was no rest for the wicked as he had his Three Lions back in training less than 24 hours after the win.
      Southgate and his coaching team put the starters from Sunday’s win through a light workout in the gym.
      But those who started on the bench were put through their paces in 28-degree heat – although they seemingly enjoyed the session.
      Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount all had smiles on their faces during the sweltering session.
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      But it was Southgate who had the biggest grin of the lot.
      The gaffer was seen laughing and joking with the second string players.
      Southgate’s reserves all got good sessions in – apart from Callum Wilson.
      The Newcastle hitman – who bagged an assist in the group stage rout of Iran – missed the session with the minor niggle.
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      It’s not yet known if the knock will keep him out of Saturday’s mouthwatering quarter-final tie with France.
      Defending champions France will provide the toughest test of England’s stellar Qatar campaign – an examination Southgate is relishing.
      He said: “We’ve got a brilliant tie, haven’t we?
      “The two quarter-finals are fabulous football nations, great history, couldn’t be more exciting.
      It wasn’t all smiles for the reserves as they were put through a gruelling sessionCredit: REX
      Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips was among the traineesCredit: REX
      As was Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: REUTERS
      Southgate will have some tough decisions to make ahead of Saturday’s match with FranceCredit: PA
      “Our history is not quite as good as all the others, by the way.
      “But we’re really pleased.
      “I’ve just been told it’s the first time we’ve won knockout games in three consecutive tournaments.
      “That’s another bit of history that this team has managed to achieve and we’ve got to keep trying to do that.”
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      He added: “They’re an outstanding team with a phenomenal tournament record and some outstanding individuals.
      “So without a doubt we’ll have to find our highest possible level.”
      Southgate is relishing Saturday’s clash with the FrenchCredit: Reuters More

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      France’s World Cup Wags ahead of England clash include high-school sweetheart, qualified lawyer and tattoo parlour owner

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      SHOUTING ‘Allez Les Bleus’ to the top of the lungs will be France’s Wags, when they face England in the World Cup quarter-final.Didier Deschamps took his side to the top of Group D – with the French seeing off Poland in the last 16.
      France’s Wags include stunning Alicia AyliesCredit: Getty
      Former Miss France Aylies is the girlfriend of Kylian Mbappe
      And joining the stars of the national team at the Al Bayt Stadium when they take on the Three Lions for a place in the final four will be their stunning wives and partners.
      From a qualified lawyer to a tattoo parlour, these women will be getting behind their men.
      Alicia Aylies
      Beautiful 23-year-old Alicia is the long-term girlfriend PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.
      They reportedly began dating in 2018, and she was spotted in the stands cheering the forward on at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Alicia is a model, who won Miss France.
      As a couple, Mbappe and the beauty prefer to keep their romance private.

      Camille Tytgat
      Raphael Varane’s wife Camille is a law graduate from Lille.
      She married the Man Utd defender in 2015, although the pair were high-school sweethearts.
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      The pair have two children together, a boy called Ruben and a girl named Anais.
      Camille, 28, is also a World Cup veteran, having watched her other half in Russia four years ago.
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      Raphael Varane’s wife Camille Tytgat was spotted at the 2018 World Cup in RussiaCredit: AFP
      Qualified lawyer Tytgat is the mother of two children, Ruben and Anais
      Zoe Cristofoli
      Tattoo lover Cristofoli, 26, is the girlfriend of AC Milan star Theo Hernandez.
      She and the defender share a son called TJ.
      The stunner has a love of ink, with her body a canvas for it.
      While she also runs her own parlour Ink Studio Lagrange in Turin.
      Zoe Cristofoli runs her own tattoo parlour in TurinCredit: Instagram @zoe_cristofoli
      Cristofoli dates Theo Hernandez
      Erika Choperena
      Erika, 31, is a child psychologist and wife of Antoine Griezmann.
      The pair were together for six years, before they finally married in an amazing ceremony at the 11th Century Palacio de Galiana in Toledo, Spain in 2017.
      She also runs her own clothing label for kids called Duzama.
      They have three children together, Amaro, Mia, and Alba.
      Erika Choperena runs her own kids’ fashion label
      Antoine Griezmann with wife Erika
      Marine Lloris
      Another children’s fashion designer, Marine owns the clothing label, Manege en Sucre.
      She boasts customers including Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria – who shop for their kids with the luxury brand.
      The 36-year-old has been married to Tottenham shot-stopper Hugo Lloris since 2012.
      The elegant brunette is also a mother of two daughters, Anna-Rose, Giuliana and Leandro.
      Marine Lloris also has a clothing label that’s worn by the kids of Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria
      Hugo Lloris has been married to Marine since 2012
      Mae Guendouzi
      22-year-old Mae is the wife of former Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi.
      They went public in 2019 when he played for the Gunners, and have been inseparable ever since.
      Read More on The Sun
      Last year they welcomed baby girl Mayleen into their lives.
      They live in Marseille, where Matteo is now making a name for himself.
      22-year-old Mae Guendouzi is another glam French WagCredit: Instagram @rfskmae
      Mae with husband Matteo Guendouzi More

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      ‘World Cup’s hottest fan’ hits back at claims locals ‘disapproved’ of her outfits by posting racy new pic

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      A FEISTY football fan who has drawn “disapproving” attention for her racy outfits at this year’s World Cup has hit back at critics in a new racy Instagram post.Croatian supermodel Ivana Kroll wowed in a bikini on Doha’s beachfront ahead of her side’s round of 16 clash with Japan this afternoon.
      Ivana Kroll showed her support ahead of Croatia’s clash this afternoonCredit: The Mega Agency
      The model has already made her mark at this year’s winter tournamentCredit: Instagram
      Her racy outfit during the clash against Belgium earnt her ‘disapproving’ looksCredit: Instagram
      Taking to Insta ahead of the huge tie, she showed off her curves in a tight one piece as she proudly waved the flag for the Vatreni.
      “Let’s party like it’s 1998,” she wrote, referencing the Croatians first successful run to the semi-final.
      She then added a love heart emoji – much to the affection of her 1.2 million adoring fans.
      Ivana has been ever present to cheer on her side in Doha and has already stunned in several plunging outfits bearing Croatia’s synonymous chequered coat of the arms.
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      So far, the 30-year-old German born model wore a racy form fitting outfit to her side’s game against Morocco and shared snaps of herself in a revealing swimsuit while posing up by the curved skyscraper in Lusail.
      She then later caught the eye of glancing Qatari locals as she appeared in a red checked bikini top and tight red legging in the final group game clash against Belgium.

      All of which has earnt her the name as the “World Cup’s hottest fan.“
      But now the former outfit has reportedly earnt her criticism as she has attempted to test the limits of the modesty laws in Qatar.
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      According to the Mail Online, prominent Qatari entrepreneur Mohammed Hassan Al-Jefairi, claimed local men had been snapping away and staring because they disapproved of her outfit.
      Taking to Twitter following the 0-0 draw between Croatia and Belgium last Thursday he wrote: “Just for your info they take a photo not because they like her but because they don’t like the way she is mis-dressed on regards to our culture.
      “You can confirm this with any local Qatari Probably to report it.”
      Visitors to Qatar have been advised to cover their shoulders and avoid short skirts.
      And many glam footie fans have faced risk being slapped with huge fines or even put behind bars if they flash their figures while in the gulf nation.
      But Ivana has continued to poke fun at the coverage and previously vowed to would wear a skimpy thong swimsuit on a Qatari beach before the competition began.
      Speaking previously of the modesty rules she said: “First I was thinking if the World Cup is happening there (Qatar), for sure they will allow us everything to make it comfortable for all fans without any of the restrictions.
      “I’m not a Muslim and if we in Europe respect hijab and niqab, I think they need also to respect our way of life, our religion and in the end me wearing dresses and bikinis because I’m Catholic from Croatia who is here because of the World Cup.”
      Croatia is set to face Japan live on BBC One at 3pm today.  
      Ivana has poked fun at criticism levelled at her for her daring fashion choicesCredit: Rex
      She’ll likely be in the stands again for her side’s knockout tieCredit: Rex More

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      France ‘punished by Fifa for Kylian Mbappe reaction to Man of the Match award just days before England World Cup clash’

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      FRANCE have given a warning for Kylian Mbappe’s failure to turn up for his post-match media duties at the World Cup.The superstar was prepared to front up the cash himself if they were fined however.
      Kylian Mbappe was named man of the match against PolandCredit: Getty
      The Frenchman has scored five goals at this World CupCredit: Rex
      According to Fifa rules, players named man of the match must attend a post-match press conference.
      But the the 23-year-old didn’t show up after scooping the awards against Australia and Denmark.
      He finally broke his silence after claiming the accolade for his devastating performance against Poland.
      Mbappe explained his decision, although El Parisien confirmed that FFF have been warned.
      READ MORE FRANCE NEWS

      He said: “People have been asking why I haven’t appeared in front of the media. I just needed to focus on the tournament and on football.
      “When I want to concentrate, that is how I do it.
      “I heard the FFF is going to get fined, so I will pay it as I don’t think the FFF should pay on my behalf.
      “This is the competition of dreams and I’m delighted to be here and I wanted to be ready.
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      “I’ve been preparing all season, physically and mentally, but we are still a long way from the ultimate objective.”
      Mbappe’s brace in the last-16 means he already has NINE World Cup before his 23rd birthday.
      Those numbers mean the PSG star is only seven behind Miroslav Klose. More

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

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      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.
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      “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.
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      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

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

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      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.”
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      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