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      ‘He’s still a child’ – Mauricio Pochettino reveals problems managing Kylian Mbappe but insists he does NOT run PSG

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO branded Kylian Mbappe a “child” as he claimed the France superstar does not control Paris Saint-Germain.Mbappe starred in Les Bleus’ 3-0 win over Poland in the World Cup Round of 16, scoring twice to help France progress.
      Mauricio Pochettino branded Kylian Mbappe a “child” after he scored twice against PolandCredit: Getty
      Mbappe dominated on the left flank in France’s last-16 clash
      The superstar has scored five goals at the Qatar World Cup
      The 23-year-old is now the leading goalscorer at the tournament with five goals, and has taken his total World Cup tally to nine.
      Pochettino, who managed Mbappe at PSG, praised the forward but also warned his immaturity makes it difficult for the 62-cap star to manage himself.
      Asked if Mbappe has control of PSG, Pochettino replied: “For me, it’s not true.
      “He’s 23 and already won the World Cup. He’s an amazing talent, but the problem is sometimes you need to manage yourself.
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      “We are talking about one of the top three, top five best players in the world and it’s not easy for him to manage himself because he’s not mature enough, he’s still a child.
      “But I think he’s doing well and sometimes people talk too much but it’s not like this.”
      Pochettino also believes Mbappe can be stopped in Qatar and tipped England to do exactly that if they meet France in the quarter-final.
      Asked if he believes England can stop the likes of Mbappe and Messi, Pochettino said: “Yes, of course.
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      “Yesterday I saw a very good performance from the defensive line and the whole team, I think they played really well.
      “I think they beat Wales in a very difficult game, so of course they can cope.
      “All the players involved in the national team are playing for big clubs, fighting for the Champions League and Premier League.
      “So I’m confident England can beat any team.” More

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      Watch Giroud miss sitter against Poland but make amends moments later to become France’s all-time top scorer

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      OLIVIER GIROUD missed a sitter against Poland to overtake Thierry Henry as France’s record scorer.The striker had scored two goals at the World Cup prior to the Round of 16 clash against Poland but missed a glorious chance to put his side in front.

      Olivier Giroud celebrates becoming France’s record goalscorerCredit: Reuters
      The striker spurned a chance from yards out moments earlierCredit: Getty
      Ousmane Dembele rolled the ball across the face of goal for Giroud to poke in at the back post.
      But a stretching Giroud did not get sufficient contact on the ball and it somehow spun wide instead of nesting into the back of the net.
      Fans watching at home were stunned by the miss with one commenting: “Giroud with a shocking miss.”
      Another added: “Giroud has to score there terrible miss.”

      And a third said: “Awful miss from Giroud.”
      In spurning his chance Giroud not only failed to give France the lead – he also missed the opportunity to become his country’s record scorer.
      But later in the first half the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker made amends with a cute finish.
      Kylian Mbappe played the ball into Giroud who found the bottom corner with a clever finish.
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      And the goal means Giroud is now France’s all-time top goalscorer with 52 goals.
      He overtakes another former Gooner in Henry who scored 51 goals for his country. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo cuddles Georgina Rodriguez as Portugal star enjoys break with family during World Cup

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has been pictured cuddling partner Georgina Rodriguez after seeing Portugal progress to the Last 16 at the World Cup.Ronaldo, 37, was taking a break ahead of his nations knockout clash against Switzerland.
      Cristiano Ronaldo cuddles Georgina Rodriguez and his sister Katia AveiroCredit: Instagram / @katiaaveirooficial
      Ronaldo then took a family selfieCredit: Instagram / @katiaaveirooficial
      Ronaldo pictured alongside Georgina RodriguezCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      Ronaldo in training as he gears up for the Last 16 against SwitzerlandCredit: EPA
      And after an intense trio of group games, Ronaldo had the opportunity to unwind alongside Georgina and his family.
      On his sister Katia’s Instagram story the ex-Manchester United ace was snapped in the middle of a group photo with his sister and Georgina.
      Ronaldo then took a selfie featuring the pair and two of Katia’s children.
      Meanwhile, Georgina shared a snap to her own Instagram story of her cuddling with Ronaldo as she wore a hoody.
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      Georgina, 28, stunned in a bikini while on the beach in Doha, Qatar, before watching from the stands as Portugal slumped to a defeat against South Korea.
      In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Georgina revealed that when she first met Ronaldo she was working as a sales assistant in Gucci.
      And since making their relationship public in 2016 they have had two children together, Alana Martina and Bella Esmeralda, to take Ronaldo’s total up to five.
      However, the pair were rocked by tragedy earlier this year when Ronaldo announced that Bella’s twin had passed away.
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      Paying tribute online, Ronaldo said: “It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away.
      “It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel.
      “Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.

      “We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support.
      “We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time.
      “Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.” More

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      Ferran Torres takes Spain manager Luis Enrique’s daughter out for date to the fair as he enjoys World Cup break

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      FERRAN TORRES took some time out at the World Cup to take manager Luis Enrique’s daughter on a date to the fair.The Spain star, 22, is dating Sira Martinez, whose dad is Spain’s national team boss.
      Torres and Martinez visited Al Maha Island fair in Qatar
      The pair managed to win a prize of a giant banana
      Sira added photos on social media of the pair exploring Doha
      And Torres and Martinez had an enjoyable night in Qatar as they visited the rides.
      Sira, 22, added photos to her Instagram of the pair smiling together while they explored.
      The fair is located on Al Maha Island in Lusail, where the final will be hosted.
      In one shot, Torres held a giant, golden soft toy banana aloft.
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      He is hoping in two weekends’ time, it could be the World Cup trophy.
      All is fair in love and war, except when you have to select a team for the biggest tournament in football and your potential future son-in-law is an option.
      Enrique joked his daughter would chop his head off if he did not pick Torres for the Spain squad.
      The couple first began their relationship in 2021.
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      Torres played for Manchester City at the time, with the pair making things work long distance.
      The forward then joined Barcelona in January, the city where Sira was born.
      Sira is a professional show-jumper and a member of the swanky Barcelona Royal Polo Club.
      She is also an influencer, and has 210,000 followers on Instagram.
      Her dad’s Spain side play Morocco in the last-16 on Tuesday night.
      The couple have been together since 2021Credit: https://www.instagram.com/siramartinezc
      Sira has over 200,000 followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/siramartinezc More

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      Brazil legend Adriano ‘splits from wife after just 24 days of marriage as he cancels plans to watch World Cup’

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      BRAZIL legend Adriano has reportedly split from his wife after just 24 days of marriage. The 40-year-old tied the knot with stunning hairdresser Micaela Mesquita, 25, earlier this month.
      Adriano and Micaela Mesquita have reportedly split up only weeks after marriageCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Adriano was dubbed as the next Ronaldo at the beginning of his careerCredit: AFP
      The pair had enjoyed a whirlwind romance before a low-key marriage as they shared pictures of themselves signing official papers on Instagram.
      But Brazilian news site Extra Globo reports the couple have separated only weeks after getting married.
      They claim that the pair had planned to have an intimate party with friends and family this weekend but it did not go ahead.
      Adriano and Mesquita are believed to have had an argument after he went to visit friends in Penha, south Brazil, to watch the national team take on Switzerland in the World Cup.
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      Glamorous hairdresser Mesquita has had an on-again off-again relationship with RonaldoCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      It was only last month that the two confirmed they had signed marriage papersCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Extra report he returned home two days later and had a row with Mesquita over his whereabouts.
      They have now reportedly stopped following each other on social media while Mesquita has no pictures of the ex-footballer on her account.
      The pair have had an on-off relationship and it is just the latest in many public romantic flings Adriano has been involved with.
      The former striker had a short-lived relationship with medical student Ceu Oliveira at the start of last year.
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      In-between dating fitness fanatic Oliveira and rekindling his relationship with Micaela, he enjoyed a brief fling with an 18-year-old called Bia Miranda.
      During his career the dad-of-three was considered among the world’s best players.
      He spent several years at Inter Milan during the noughties and notched up a number of fantastic goals.
      He was also part of Brazil’s exciting magic quarter that also included stars such as Kaka, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo that emerged before the 2006 World Cup.
      Adriano retired in 2016 at the age of 34. More

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      Fuming Morocco fans accuse Fifa of pricing them out of supporting team in World Cup last 16 against Spain

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      ANGRY Moroccan fans are up in arms against Fifa over the lack of tickets for their last-16 showdown with Spain.Like fellow North African side Tunisia, the Atlas Lions have been roared on by huge crowds in Qatar.
      Morocco fans are desperate to watch their team take on Spain in the World Cup last 16Credit: PA
      Thousands of supporters have travelled to cheer on the Atlas LionsCredit: EPA
      But ex-pats in the Gulf state and those back home are now accusing tournament chiefs of pricing them out of backing “Avocado head” Walid Rekragui and his team as they bid to go make Moroccan football history.
      Cities across the country have witnessed scenes of wild delight as Rekragui’s side topped Group F with wins over Belgium and Canada and a draw with Croatia.
      That has only led to the demand for tickets, with the state airline Royal Air Maroc scheduling a series of flights to Doha for supporters to travel.
      But fans have complained the tickets are simply not available with claims black market prices have gone up by £200 or more.
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      Social media users accused tournament bosses of “manipulating” the situation because “Fifa does not want the Moroccan supporters to attend”.

      That complaint has been vehemently denied by world chiefs, but it is a signal of how much of an impact Rekragui and his team have made.
      The coach, who now jokes about what was originally a derogatory nickname aimed at his bald head, made the key decision to restore Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech to his squad after the wide-man was booted out by Bosnian predecessor Vahid Halilhodzic.
      Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri said: “The coach has brought happiness to us as a squad – and we are now bringing that happiness to the people.
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      “It means so much that we have managed to achieve this dream of getting through the group.
      “But now we are determined to continue the dream in Qatar with the same will, the same determination and perseverance.
      “We are not going to get intimidated by Spain and what they represent.
      “Our focus will be on ourselves, our abilities, and the possibility of presenting a level worthy of the Moroccan national team in order to continue the adventure successfully.” More

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      Neymar WILL play against South Korea in World Cup last 16 after recovering from ankle injury, confirms Brazil manager

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      NEYMAR has provided Brazil will a huge boost and is FIT ahead of their clash with South Korea.Brazil manager Tite confirmed the attacker will train with the squad today and that he is on track to make the round of 16 tie tomorrow.
      Neymar has been back in training with BrazilCredit: https://twitter.com/bellexcosta/status/1599094047771009024?s=20&t=oZ0dJ4eAF8fjMaFEpn6kAg
      Neymar has not played since picking up an injury against CameroonCredit: Getty
      There had been concerns Neymar would miss the remainder of the tournament, but Tite has played down those worries.
      Tite said: “Regarding Neymar, he’s going to practice this afternoon and if he is ok, he will play tomorrow.
      “I don’t share any information that is not true.
      “My answer is he will practice this afternoon, if everything goes well, he will play.”
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      Neymar hurt his ankle in Brazil’s opening game of the World Cup.
      The PSG star had to be subbed off in the 80th minute of his side’s 2-0 win over Serbia.
      The news Neymar is set to make his return could not have come at a better time from Brazil as Gabriel Jesus was ruled out of the rest of the tournament.
      The Arsenal star has picked up a knee injury and will not play any further part in the competition.
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      Neymar is still on the hunt for his first major title at international level with Brazil.
      He suffered heartbreak in the 2014 World Cup as he suffered a back injury against Columbia.

      He also missed the entire 2019 Copa America campaign with an ankle problem.
      Brazil will play South Korea at Stadium 974 on Monday evening. More

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      England vs Senegal LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time for Three Lions’ huge World Cup last-16 game – updates

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      ENGLAND face their biggest game of the World Cup so far as they take on Senegal for a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.Gareth Southgate will have his usual selection headache to work out following Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden’s goals against Wales.
      But the Three Lions will be bouyed by the news that Idrissa Gueye won’t be in Senegal’s midfield through suspension.

      Start time: 7pm GMT
      Live stream/TV: ITV1/ITV X
      England XI: To follow
      Senegal XI: To follow

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      How did they get here?
      England began their campaign in thrilling fashion as they thrashed Iran 6-2, with young Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka picking up two goals.
      After a disappointing draw with the USA, the Three Lions secured top spot in the group after beating rivals Wales 3-0, leaving the Dragons to finish bottom of the group.
      Senegal had a harder start to life in Qatar, losing their opener to Netherlands due to two late goals.
      However, wins over hosts Qatar as well as a tightly fought battle with Ecuador meant that Senegal had qualified for the Round of 16 for the first time since 2002.
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      Team news
      England are set to have a fully fit squad for their last-16 match-up with Senegal, barring Ben White’s early return home.
      Southgate, however, may decide to hand Marcus Rashford a start following his brilliant performance in the win over Wales.
      Foden also impressed, but Bukayo Saka could come back into the side, as could Mason Mount, who dropped to the bench in favour of Jordan Henderson on Tuesday night.
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      Kieran Tripper may also come back into the XI alongside Kyle Walker, but that would most likely see England’s system change from a 4-3-3 to one that favours five at the back.
      Senegal will also have a mostly fit squad butkey man Sadio Mane will be OUT of the game, having been ruled out the tournament with a knee inury.

      Who will be the star men?
      Southgate will have a selection headache after standout performances from many of his players so far.
      But Harry Maguire has been one of the surprise packages this tournament, being a rock of stability at the back as well as a potential goal threat from set pieces.
      Maguire’s Manchester United team-mate Rashford has also shone, netting three times whilst sitting joint first in the race for the Golden Boot.
      But he will face tough competition for his spot with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden also on great form.
      Ismaila Sarr has seemed to fill the void of Sadio Mane for the Senegalese team, looking like a constant threat up top as well as scoring a cheeky no-look penalty against Ecuador.
      Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly will also be looking to keep out the goals as they hope to advance to the quarter-finals.
      Marcus Rashford scored a brace against WalesCredit: AP
      What is the head to head?
      This will be the first meeting between the two sides.
      England will be looking to continue their unbeaten streak against African nations at the World Cup which has seen them win six and draw three.
      When is England vs Senegal?

      England’s World Cup last-16 clash with Senegal will take place TODAY – Sunday, December 4.
      The match will get underway from 7pm UK time.
      England vs Senegal will be held at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.
      The stadium holds just under 70,000 fans and played host to England’s 0-0 draw with USA.

      Captain Koulibaly has made the most tackles for Senegal
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      England vs Senegal will be shown live on ITV 1 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Coverage of the game will get going from 6pm GMT.

      Can I watch for FREE?

      Yes, you can watch England vs Senegal for FREE, so long as you have a TV licence.

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      Odds

      England – 8/15
      Draw – 29/10
      Senegal – 13/2
      England to qualify – 1/5
      Senegal to qualify – 10/3

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of publication.
      History favours Southgate’s squad
      England have never faced Senegal before, only once have they faced an African side in the knockout rounds, defeating Cameroon 3-2 after extra time in the quarter-finals of the 1990 tournament.
      The Three Lions have previously played African nations in the World Cup seven times and remain unbeaten (W4, D3).
      African sides have lost eight of their nine World Cup knockout matches against European nations, though Senegal were the exception in 2002 when they defeated Sweden 2-1 in the ‘round of 16’.
      Credit: AP
      Credit: Getty
      Three Lions ooze confidence
      Having never lost to African opposition in 20 previous international matches, England will be looking to make it 21 today in Al Khor.
      With it being Senegal’s second only appearance in the knockout phase, they will be looking to make a statement against Gareth Southgate’ side.
      The Lions of Teranga have a number of players playing their trade in England who will be more buoyed up than ever to cause a shock result.
      Atmosphere building
      It’s hours before kick-off and England fans are making themselves heard in Al Khor…
      Credit: PA
      Credit: PA
      Credit: Reuters
      Aliou’s race against time
      Senegal manager Aliou Cisse is trying to return to full-fitness himself in time for this evening’s last 16 crunch showdown with England.
      The Lions of Teranga have been without their manager for training and media duties as he reported feeling unwell with fever like symptoms.
      Senegal have said they are confident he will be on the touchline for the game but only time will tell.
      Assistant coach Regis Bogaert has been leading training in his absence.
      England lead way in Qatar
      The Three Lions will have to break a 20-year curse to win the tournament.
      England finished the strongest in the group stages with seven points and a goal difference of plus seven, better than any other side in Qatar.
      Recent history suggests the best performers in the group stages rarely go on to win the World Cup, with the last side to do so being Brazil in 2002.
      Credit: Getty
      Tough choices ahead for boss
      Able to rotate the team in their last match against Wales, the players Southgate granted some game time to, really stood up to the plate and performed against Rob Page’s Welsh outfit.
      Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden and Kyle Walker all put in shifts that will make it hard not to pick them for today’s game.
      Southgate now has a selection headache with Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, Bukayo Saka and Kieran Trippier all waiting in the wings.
      Credit: Getty
      Gareth with point to prove
      Coming into this tournament, things were not feeling too positive for the Three Lions, having been relegated from the top tier of the UEFA Nations League.
      Two defeats against Hungary really underlined the form of Southgate’s side with many fans not holding much hope for a stellar showing in Qatar.
      Their opening 2022 World Cup fixture saw them hammer Iran 6-2, suddenly waking fans from their slumber.
      A dreary 0-0 draw against the USA followed before England beat Wales 3-0 in their final group game.
      Welcome to England vs Senegal
      Hello and welcome to SunSport’s live coverage of England vs Senegal at the World Cup!
      The Three Lions face a huge last-16 stage clash against the Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal, who came second in their group.
      Aliou Cisse’s side, however, are resolute and will pose Gareth Southgate’s men problems all over the pitch, particularly on the left with Watford man Ismalia Sarr.
      The Lions of Teranga also have Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly in their ranks, but will be without Idrissa Gueye through susepnsion.
      And, as has been the case all tournament, star man Sadio Mane is missing.
      For England, Southgate will have his usual selection headache to deal with.
      Which of Rashford, Saka, Foden, Sterling and Mount does he start?
      England beat Wales 3-0 to top their group as they finished with more points than Brazil, France, Portugal, Spain, Germany and Belgium.
      But today they’ll face their toughest test yet in Senegal, though England are undefeated in their last 21 outings against African opponents.
      Win and England will set themselves up with a quarter-final clash against the winners of France vs Poland.
      So sit back and enjoy the action – we’ve got you covered at SunSport Towers.
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