World Cup

GHANA’S revenge mission on Luis Suarez did not go to plan – but at least the Uruguayan did not have the last laugh on them. The Black Stars had waited 12 years to get their own back after the man known as “the devil himself” denied them a place in the 2010 World Cup semi-finals.
Luis Suarez was in tears as a 2-0 Uruguay win was not enough to send them through to the World Cup last 16Credit: Getty
A last-gasp South Korea goal against Portugal sent Uruguay crashing out on goals scoredCredit: Reuters
Giorgian De Arrascaeta’s double was not enough for UruguayCredit: AP
De Arrascaeta made it two with a first-time finish after heading in the opener from close rangeCredit: Reuters
There was heartbreak for Ghana too as the defeat sent them packingCredit: AP
They suffered more penalty heartache here as their World Cup dream was once again ended by Uruguay.
But the 2-0 win which Suarez helped to mastermind did not prove to be enough to take his team through.
A late winner for South Korea across town at Education City meant the South Americans miss out on the last 16 on goals scored. 
The sight of an emotional Suarez – sitting on the bench with his shirt pulled over his head as time ticked away – might be small consolation to Ghana.
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The former Liverpool striker is 35 now and his best days are behind him – but he can still produce the odd moment of magic as he showed in the first half here.
Uruguay were the only team in the tournament without a goal to their name going into this so the damage was done in their opening two games.
And they should have been behind midway through the first half.
Jordan Ayew’s low shot was spilled by Rochet and Mohammed Kudus was flagged offside as he went for the rebound with the keeper and tumbled to the deck.
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However the VAR spotted the linesman had made a mistake and it also seemed like the keeper got nothing on the ball.
Referee Daniel Siebert had a long look before pointing to the spot.
Andre Ayew took the penalty but it was a poor one and it allowed Rochet to make amends by diving low to his left to push it out.
At the other end Giorgian De Arrascaeta slipped a pass through to Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez who clipped over the keeper but Mohammed Salisu got back to clear off the line
However it was not long before Uruguay did take the lead as a cross from the right should have been dealt with but it found Suarez at the back post.
He cut in and got his shot away and keeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi made the save but probably should have done better.  
It may have bobbled in anyway but instead sat up nicely for Flamengo forward De Arrascaeta to nod in from almost on the goalline.
A second goal arrived just six minutes later as Nunez flicked on to Suarez who lofted a delightful pass into the path of De Aarrascaeta.
This time he had plenty to do but executed a perfect falling volley which fizzed beneath Ati-Zigi.
Both Ayew brothers were hooked at the break as Ghana coach Otto Addo desperately tried to find a way back into the game.
It’s fair to say there will not be many snaps of this game in the Ayew family album in years to come.
The Black Stars had more energy after the break but were still getting caught when Uruguay broke.
Ref Siebert was asked by the VAR to go and look again when Daniel Amartey brought down Nunez after a tussle in the box.
But after reviewing it several times he decided not to award a penalty – much to the surprise of almost everyone.  
Uruguay players fumed with the referee at full-timeCredit: EPA
Diego Godin appeared to grab the arm of ref Daniel SiebertCredit: Reuters
Suarez was given a yellow card for foul on Thomas Partey and then time-wasting – much to the delight of the Ghana fans who were still making plenty of noise despite their teams plight.
He was subbed soon afterwards to be replaced by ex-Manchester United man Edinson Cavani.
Ghana tried to pull one back as sub Antoine Semenyo shot across the face of goal before Kudus had a shot superbly turned round the post by Rochet.
Uruguay thought they were cruising but then news came through that South Korea had taken the lead against Portugal. 
Suddenly they were out as while their goal difference was identical, their rivals had scored more goals them. 
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They had eight minutes of stoppage time to find the goal they needed to put them through again.  
However in a frantic finale it did not arrive and that will surely be the last we see of Suarez in a World Cup. 
Suarez is unlikely to play at another World CupCredit: Getty
Suarez was booed throughout by Ghana fans after his role in their elimination from the 2010 World CupCredit: Getty More

LUIS SUAREZ broke down in tears after learning of South Korea’s winner against Portugal.The South Koreans struck in stoppage time to fire themselves to a famous 2-1 victory over the Group H winners.
Luis Suarez was distraught after learning of South Korea’s winner against PortugalCredit: BBC
Suarez couldn’t contain his vast range of emotionsCredit: BBC
The former Livrpool striker ended breaking down in tearsCredit: BBC
Hwang Hee-Chan’s strike put the Taegeuk Warriors on the cusp of reaching the World Cup knockout stages.
The news quickly filtered through to Uruguay during their match with Ghana – prompting a flurry of emotions from Suarez.
The former Liverpool man, who had already been subbed off and was unable to play any further part, shouted at his team-mates on the sidelines before putting his head in his hands in dismay.
Suarez began to well up and it wasn’t long before the tears began to flow from the veteran striker’s eyes.
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At 35, it could well be that Suarez has played his final game at a World Cup.
Footy fans around the globe were quick to comment, with one saying: “Please and thanks send photos of Suarez crying.”
Another said: “Suarez is crying so a win is a win”
And another said: “Suarez crying. Inject it.”
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One remarked: “Nothing better than Suarez crying the horrible f**k.”
Another chimed in: “Suarez? The most dirtiest horrible footballer ever. Good to see him crying.”
Hwang’s winner meant Uruguay – who at the time were beating the Ghanaians 2-0 – would be eliminated by virtue of goals scored.
Suarez cut a dejected and frustrated figure as his team-mates pressed forward in search of a third goal that would send them through.
And the tears began to flow again after the final whistle went and brought his World Cup dream to an end.
Uruguay lost their heads in the aftermath of the match and began berating the referee Daniel Siebert as he made his way off the pitch.
There were tears of joy from the South Korea squad following their progression through to the last 16.
Talisman Heung-Min Son was overcome with emotion they reached the knockout stages for only the third time in their history.
Son and Co will face either Brazil, Cameroon, Switzerland or Serbia in the last 16 next week.
South Korea talisman Son Heung-Min was overcome with emotionCredit: GETTY More

SON HEUNG-MIN was the driving force behind a stunning late rescue act which keeps South Korea at the World Cup.The Tottenham striker’s lung busting run in injury time and brilliant through ball provided the assist for Hwang Hee-chan to ram home the most important goal for his country in 14 years.
South Korea’s Hwang Hee-chan scored the dramatic last-gasp goalCredit: AP
They knew the importance of the strike as soon as it hit the back of the netCredit: Getty
The Korean celebrations were incredible at full-timeCredit: Getty
They finished above Uruguay on goals scored after an incredible finaleCredit: Getty
The Korean bench was ecstatic after hearing news that Uruguay had not done enoughCredit: Reuters
Son Heung-min sheds tears of joy at the full-time whistleCredit: Getty
Luis Suarez was also in tears at the end of the game for very different reasonsCredit: Getty
It was a Premier League one-two with the Wolves’ player rolling the ball into the bottom corner of the net to secure South Korea’s qualification into the last 16 by a narrow margin.
Rivals Uruguay beat Ghana 2-0 in the simultaneous Group H match but Son and his pals squeaked into the knockout stage on goals scored on another evening of last-gasp football.
South Korea then had to endure another six minutes of added time before Argentinian ref Facundo Tello blew the whistle.
Son, who has been playing at the tournament while wearing a face mask to protect a fractured eye socket, threw it off in celebration.
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The Koreans finished second behind group winners Portugal who were already assured of qualification before the match.
They only needed a point for that but looked to be on course for all three when they took the lead after five minutes.
Veteran defender Pepe pumped a long ball high and long out to the right flank with Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot was waiting to take it on a darting run to the by-line.
A cut back was then perfectly weighted for midfielder Ricardo Horta to advance into the box and smash home an early goal to give them the perfect start.
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Winning Group H gives Portugal the best pathway to the final as they now look set to avoid five-times winners Brazil.
But they put on an underwhelming show in what was effectively a dead rubber for them while it meant everything to the Koreans – managed by ex-Portugal midfielder Paulo Bento.
Just 14 minutes after taking the lead, the underdogs were level following a rare mistake by Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo.
An in-swinging corner struck him on the back and fell to defender Young-gwon Kim who swept home from close range.
With pressure mounting on the match and with the South Americans 2-0 up in the other game, Son pulled his players on to the pitch at half time for a public team talk and a huddle.
But it still looked as if their dream would die as Portugal refused to buckle just as the PA announcer informed the 44,000 people in the crowd that there would be six minutes of overtime.
From a Portugal attack in the Korean box, Son picked up the ball and galloped two thirds the length of the pitch in a run similar to his wonder goal against Burnley in 2019.
But instead of going all the way this time, he stopped, held up the ball with three players around him then poked a brilliant through ball into the path of Hwang who drilled his shot home to spark delirious scenes on and off the turf. More

GERMANY’S Wags have been bizarrely criticised for drinking and partying too little as the hangover from their World Cup shambles kicks in.Popular national newspaper Bild asked “What’s wrong with our Wags?” after slating their men for a shock early exit from the World Cup.
Sophia Weber, who is dating Chelsea playmaker Kai Havertz, is one of Germany’s glamorous WagsCredit: Instagram
Kevin Trapp’s Brazilian fiancee Izabel Goulart, who is a Victoria’s Secret model, has been a big supporter of GermanyCredit: Instagram
Matthias Ginter’s wife Christina did at least make a name for herself after reportedly complaining about air conditioning at the stadiumsCredit: Instagram
The German team’s wives and girlfriends were compared unfavourably to those of England and Wales, who would “drink Qatar dry”.
The astonishing outburst follows withering inquests into Germany’s footballing failure in Qatar.
Japan’s stunning 2-1 comeback win over Spain meant both those sides went through from Group E.
Germany’s own recovery, to beat Costa Rica 4-2, left them only in third place, well adrift of the Spaniards on goal difference.
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But it seems Bild were just as unhappy with their players’ Wags.
They appeared to rate them as less joyful than the partners of other teams, even noting that they often stayed in.
Bild wrote: “Not thirsty? Dancing leg allergy? Don’t feel like lunging?”
And in a scorching summary, the paper said, “Be happy that you too are now flying home with your football dwarves!” – before adding: “It can’t go on like this…”
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Wales’ Wags were seen out partying and England players’ partners were often spotted on a stroll or out shopping.
But the German squad’s wives and girlfriends stayed out of the spotlight… mostly.
Centre-back Matthias Ginter’s wife Christina reportedly described air conditioning at the stadiums as too cold.
Gemany’s Wags, were, though, invited to stay with their men for two nights.
But that “reward” for drawing 1-1 with Spain was followed just days later by a sudden departure from Qatar following Thursday evening’s incredible drama on the field.
Ilkay Gundogan’s wife Sara Arfaoui is one of the best-known German WagsCredit: Instagram
Mario Gotze’s partner Kathrin Brommel is also heading home earlyCredit: Instagram More

A TURKISH commentator was sacked during half-time in the World Cup Group F clash between Morocco and Canada.Morocco ran out 2-1 winners to top the group and send Belgium’s “Golden Generation” packing.
Sukur and his family fled to the United States after he was accused of playing a role in a failed coup attempt in 2016Credit: 2002 AP
But commentator Alper Bakircigil had his viewing of the Morocco spectacular cut short at half-time for mentioning to viewers in Turkey that the fastest ever goal in World Cup history was scored by Hakan Sukur.
The mere mention of Sukur didn’t go down well with his employers TRT and he was replaced mid-match.
Bakircigil was right – Sukur did score the fastest ever goal in World Cup history, in 2002 against South Korea.
However, Sukur’s post-retirement antics make him a controversial figure.
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During his career, ex-Blackburn ace Sukur was one of the biggest stars in Turkish football, scoring 51 goals in 112 appearances for his country.
However, after his retirement, he entered politics and was later linked with terrorism.
Sukur and his family then fled to the United States after he was accused of playing a role in a failed coup attempt in 2016.
The 112-capped Sukur is now said to be an Uber taxi driver.
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However, he has spoken out on the accusations of terrorism.
He told German news outlet Welt Am Sonntag: “I have nothing left. Erdogan took everything: my right to freedom, my right to freedom of speech and my right to work.
“I never did anything illegal. I am not a traitor or a terrorist.” More

CRISTIANO RONALDO played a key role in South Korea’s equaliser against Portugal at the World Cup.The 37-year-old free agent has just one goal to his name in Qatar but it hasn’t stopped Portugal booking their place in the knockouts.

Ronaldo turned his back while defending a cornerCredit: Getty
Fans are praising Ronaldo’s ‘great assist’Credit: Reuters
Wins over Ghana and Uruguay booked the Euro 2016 winners’ spot in the last 16 with a game to spare.
But they face a South Korea side still in with a chance of qualifying for the knockouts.
Ricardo Horta handed Portugal the lead but South Korea drew level just before the half-hour mark.
A corner was swung in from the left-hand side and the ball hit off Ronaldo’s back and fell to Kim Young-gwon.
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The defender swept the ball past Diogo Costa keeping his country in the hunt for a knockout place.
But Ronaldo’s involvement has all fans saying the same thing: Great assist.
One said on Twitter: “What on earth was Ronaldo doing!? lol.”
Another tweeted: “I’d never play Ronaldo again after that, absolutely pathetic defending.”
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A third added: “Class assist by CR7.”
Ronaldo won’t be as keen to claim his involvement in South Korea’s goal as he was for Portugal’s first against Uruguay.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner claimed to touch the ball from Bruno Fernandes’ cross that ended up in the back of the net.
But upon closer inspection, Ronaldo didn’t touch the ball and the goal was awarded to ex-Manchester United team-mate Fernandes.
Ronaldo will also be hoping to have his shooting boots on to attract new suitors.
He had his United contract ripped up on the eve of Portugal’s World Cup group opener after his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo took aim at United as well as past and present figures, including manager Erik ten Hag. More

GHANA fans were left with a feeling of deja vu after Andre Ayew missed a first half penalty in their crucial World Cup clash with Uruguay.The blockbuster Group H clash comes 12 years after Luis Suarez’s dramatic handball and Asamoah Gyan’s subsequent spot kick miss left Ghana devastated in the quarter-finals of the 2010 tournament.
Mohammed Kudus was brought down by Sergio Rochet in the first halfCredit: Getty
Andre Ayew took the penalty but failed to convertCredit: Getty
Rochet got down well to keep out the Ghana man’s spot kickCredit: Getty
Uruguay then swiftly netted twice before half-time to move into a comfortable leadCredit: AP
The Black Stars went on to be eliminated by the South Americans on penalties as Uruguay progressed through to the last four.
Ghana had the chance for redemption 17 minutes into the game in Qatar on Friday after Mohammed Kudus was brought down by Uruguayan keeper Sergio Rochet.
Ayew stepped up to the plate for the penalty but it was saved by the 29-year-old Nacional shot-stopper.
And while it was not quite as dramatic as the moment in South Africa, it still proved to be a major turning point.
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Less than 10 minutes after Ayew’s penalty miss, Giorgian de Arrascaeta gave Uruguay the lead.
And shortly after the half hour mark, the two-time World Cup winners doubled their advantage to take control of the game.
Suarez celebrated in similar fashion to 12 years ago when he had been sent off and watched Gyan crash his penalty off the crossbar from the touchline.
The scenes will have been sickening for Ghana supporters to see as football fans lamented a second bout of disappointment.
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One said: “You would probably never want another penalty vs Uruguay.”
Another added: “What heartbreak for us Ghanaians again 💔😿😿.”
And a third said: “Ghana simply cannot score a penalty against Uruguay 😭 12 years later and they miss again!”
Ghana only needed a point against Uruguay to progress through to the last-16 – providing South Korea did not beat Portugal.
But the Ayew miss from 12 yards ultimately seemed to condemn them to a group stage exit. More