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      Who is Serbia vs Switzerland referee Fernando Rapallini at World Cup 2022?

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      ONE referee who has broken the mould at this year’s World Cup is South America’s finest.Fernando Rapallini is the first South American ever to preside over European Championship games after whistling at Euro 2020 last summer – and now he takes charge of Serbia vs Switzerland at the World Cup.
      Fernando Rapallini took charge of Morocco’s game against Croatia at this World CupCredit: EPA
      Here’s all you need to know about him.
      Who is Fernando Rapallini?
      Fernando Rapallini was born in 1978 in La Plata, Argentina.
      He has been on the Fifa Referees List since 2014 and refereed his first international match, between Chile and El Salvador in June 2015.
      Recognised as one of South America’s best officials, Rapallini has refereed some of the biggest finals in his country and on the continent.
      These include the 2013 and 2018 Argentina Super Cups, the 2017 Argentina Cup final, the 2019 Argentina Super League Champions Trophy and the 2020 South American Recopa.
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      Why did Fernando Rapallini referee at Euro 2020?
      Fernando Rapallini was appointed as a Euro 2020 official as part of an exchange programme between Uefa and Conmebol.
      This programme saw Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano head in the other direction to take charge of Copa America games last summer.
      Uefa president Alexander Ceferin said: “The exchange of referees with CONMEBOL for our two flagship tournaments will enrich both competitions, and will enhance the experience of top referees.
      “Europe and South America have so much football quality and tradition, including in refereeing.
      “This exchange is a defining part of our cooperation programme, which will help us improve our competitions.”
      Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez added: “Among our permanent objectives at CONMEBOL is making our referees more professional and perfectly trained for the use of technological tools.
      “We are convinced that a cooperation with UEFA in this field will greatly benefit both confederations. This is just the beginning.
      “We will continue working to broaden and strengthen collaboration agreements with our friends at UEFA.”
      Which Euro 2020 games has Fernando Rapallini refereed?
      Fernando Rapallini made his European bow by taking charge of Ukraine vs North Macedonia.
      And both sides kept him busy as he awarded a penalty to each during the game.
      Both spot kicks were missed.
      He then refereed Scotland vs Croatia and will take charge of France vs Switzerland in the last 16.

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      Who is Cameroon vs Brazil referee Ismail Elfath at World Cup 2022?

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      THE biggest tournament in world football is underway, and referee Ismail Elfath is set to be in the thick of it.Elfath is the only American referee boarding the plane to Qatar, and will be a part of a large group of officials managing the games – and he takes charge of Cameroon’s game against Brazil.
      Cristiano Ronaldo complains to referee Ismail ElfathCredit: Reuters
      And he gave Cristiano Ronaldo a penalty during the second half of his first game, with the decision looking very soft after a foul by Mo Salisu.
      Here is all you need to know about him.
      Who is Ismail Elfath?
      Ismail Elfath was born in Morocco in 1982 before moving to the United States at the age of eighteen.
      Elfath started his career as a fourth official in 2011, and made his MLS refereeing debut the following year.
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      Four years on, the 40-year-old became a registered FIFA official.
      Later that year, Elfath refereed the first ever match involving VAR, a system now used in the Premier League.

      In 2019, the Amercian got his international call-up, officiating at the 2019 Under-20 World Cup final between Ukraine and South Korea.
      This led to his involvement with the 2019 Club World Cup where he took charge of Liverpool’s semi-final 2-1 win over Monterrey.
      Elfath was the referee for the World Club Cup semi-final between Monterrey and LiverpoolCredit: Alamy
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      He has since won the MLS Referee of the Year two times and been selected to referee at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

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      World Cup 2022 LIVE: Germany and Belgium OUT as Japan and Morocco SHOCK and finish top of groups

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      GERMANY have come crashing out of the World Cup and will be joined on the plane home by Belgium.The European giants were tipped by many to make it to the latter stages of the tournament, but both sides are heading home.
      Shock results on the final day sealed their fate, with Japan’s victory over Spain knocking Germany out.
      Belgium’s failure to beat Croatia combined with Morocco’s victory over Canada saw the African’s top Group F while Japan’s win saw them finish above Spain in Group E.

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      Stay tuned with all the latest ahead from tournament…
      Muller retiring from international football?
      Thomas Muller hinted that he might have played his last game for Germany.
      The legend has won over 100 caps for his country, participating at seven major tournaments, notably winning the World Cup in 2014.
      But after the Germans crashed out in the group stages in Qatar, he gave an inkling that tonight might have been his final international.
      He said: “If this was my last game, then it’s been a huge pleasure.
      “We experienced incredible moments together and in every game I’ve tried to leave my heart on the pitch. I’ve done it with love.”

      Japan show their class again
      Japan fans showed their class once again by helping clean the litter from the Khalifa International Stadium after their dramatic victory over Spain.
      The East Asia country have become renowned for the act of kindness in this tournament and they were at it once again tonight.
      This comes despite being jubilant after they pulled off another shock to book their ticket to the knockout stages.

      They think it’s ball over 

      This photo shows exactly how close the ball was to going out which lead to Japan’s second goal.
      Tanaka turned the scoreline and group on its head to put his side ahead in remarkable fashion.
      The cross that led to his goal looked to have crossed the byline, which would have led to it being disallowed and a goalkick being awarded.
      The on-field officials initially ruled it had gone out of play before Tanaka scored, but VAR corrected the decision. 
      But the technology proved that the ball had been kept in play by just a few millimetres before Mitoma pulled it back from his team-mate to tap in.

      Agony for Germany
      Germany’s early exit continued their poor tournament form in recent years.
      They have now been knocked out in the group stages at the last two World Cups, sandwiched between a last-16 exit at last summer’s Euros at the hands of England.
      Unsurprisingly, the German players were left devastated despite their comeback win over Costa Rica.
      And that could be the last we’ve seen of 36-year-old Manuel Neuer at a major tournament.

      Full-time
      Costa Rica 2 Germany 4
      Japan 2 Spain 1
      An incredibly dramatic night of World Cup football comes to an end and it’s Japan who progress as group winners with Spain in second.
      Germany overcame a spirited Costa Rica side, but it wasn’t enough after Japan completed a second half turnaround to shock Spain.
      Fortunately, the 2010 winners progress on goal difference, mainly thanks to their 7-0 win over Costa Rica in their opener.
      Japan’s reward for winning the group is a clash with Croatia, while Spain will face Morocco.

      Costa Rica 2 Germany 4
      The night keeps on giving.
      Havertz grabs his second of the game as he latches onto Gnabry’s cross to tap home at the back post.
      Six minutes later Fullkrug makes it 4-2 and Germany have done their bit.
      But they still need a favour from Spain or they’re heading out on goal difference.

      Costa Rica 2 Germany 2
      This is chaos.
      Costa Rica go in front and spark wild scenes after Vargas takes advantage of more poor German defending.
      But their joy is short-lived as Germany equalises within three minutes through Havertz and Hansi Flick’s side are suddenly back in business.

      Costa Rica 1 Germany 1
      Wow, it’s all going on as Costa Rica bring themselves right back into the equation.
      Tejeda capitalises on a terrible mistake from Neuer to slam home from close range.
      It means that Costa Rica join Spain on four points and will climb up to second if they can score again.

      Japan 2 Spain 1
      Incredible scenes as Japan turn the game around within eight minutes of the restart as Tanaka coverts from close range.
      Initially, it looked like the goal was going to be ruled out after the ball appeared to have gone out on the far side, but following a lengthy wait, the goal is given.
      Japan have overtaken Spain and moved to the top of the group.

      Japan 1 Spain 1
      Well that changes everything.
      Japan make a lightning start to the half and equalise within three minutes.
      Doan, who only came on at the break, cuts in from the right and thumps a stunning effort past Unai Simon.
      It’s a great strike, but the Spanish goalkeeper will feel he should have done better.
      Japan are going through as it stands.
      Half-time
      Japan 0 Germany 1
      Costa Rica 0 Spain 1
      It’s half-time and Germany and Spain both lead 1-0 thanks to goals from Gnabry and Morata.
      Germany have dominated and will feel they should be more than one goal ahead, but little has happened in the Spain vs Japan game since the opener, although the 2010 winners are in complete control.
      If the scores stay the same, these two will qualify for the last-16.
      Cashing in
      Matty Cash has revealed that Aston Villa team-mate Emiliano Martinez gifted him Lionel Messi’s shirt after Poland lost to Argentina.
      The right-back played the full 90 minutes in their 2-0 defeat to Messi’s side, but was still celebrating despite the result.
      And Cash’s night was about to get even better.
      He said: “I tell you the best thing about it was, right, at the end of the game Emiliano Martínez comes up to me and he’s like ‘Cashy I’ve got you a present’,
      “And I was like, ‘what could this be?’. He said follow me into the tunnel, so I’ve gone into the tunnel with him and he’s gone in the changing room, he said ‘wait there’.
      “Then he’s walked out with Messi’s shirt for me. It was amazing, it doesn’t get better than that
      “Nah, seeing him in real life up close, I think he walked past me at half-time and I was like ‘woah, that’s Messi’.”

      Japan 0 Spain 1
      It’s more good news for Germany as Spain have also gone ahead through Alvaro Morata, who continues his excellent World Cup.
      Cesar Azpilicueta sends over a perfect cross and his former Chelsea team-mate can’t miss, heading home his third goal of the tournament.
      As it stands, Spain will win the group with Germany going through as runners up.

      Costa Rica 0 Germany 1
      The Germans have started well and have now been rewarded.
      Moments after Thomas Muller somehow failed to divert his header on target, the favourites break the deadlock.
      David Raum sends over a lovely cross for Serge Gnabry to plant into the far corner.
      Germany look like they mean business.

      Underway
      We’re underway in tonight’s games with Germany facing Costa Rica and Japan up against Spain.
      Remarkably, all four teams can still qualify, even Costa Rica despite losing their opening game 7-0.
      Spain have to avoid defeat to guarantee their place in the knockout stages, but it’s not as simple for the Germans who MUST win to stand any chance.
      Costa Rica and Japan will have plenty to say about that though.
      Senegal playing for all of Africa says Diedhiou
      Famara Diedhiou says he and his Senegal team-mates will not just be playing against England for their nation – but the whole of Africa.
      The ex-Bristol City striker, 29, will be hoping to start in Sunday’s last-16 clash after netting against Qatar in the group stage.
      Diedhiou, now of Turkish side Alanyaspor, said: “We don’t play only for Senegal, we play for the continent.
      “They will try to push us so as a player we have to try and push and give our best.
      “It’s going to be a good game, a lot of our players play in England so we have to do everything.”

      Touch of class
      Luka Modric turned in another quality performance to help Croatia book their place in the last-16 of the World Cup following a goalless draw with Belgium.
      The Real Madrid then showed his class off the pitch after the game.
      That’s because the midfielder made a volunteer’s day in the media centre by giving them his shirt.

      Team news
      Teams news is in ahead of tonight’s games.
      Here’s how Spain and Japan line up.
      Spain: Unai Simon, Azpilicueta, Rodri, Pau Torres, Balde, Busquets, Pedri, Gavi, Nico Williams, Olmo; Morata.
      Japan: Gonda, Taniguchi, Yoshida, Itakura, Nagatomo, Morita, Ito, Tanaka, Kamada, Kubo, Maeda.
      And here’s how Germany and Costa Rica look.
      Costa Rica: Navas, Fuller, Duarte, Waston, Vargas, Oviedo, Tejeda, Aguilera, Borges, Venegas, Campbell.
      Germany: Neuer, Kimmich, Rudiger, Sule, Raum, Goretzka, Gundogan, Sane, Musiala, Gnabry, Muller.
      Martinez leaves Belgium post
      Roberto Martinez has confirmed that he’s no longer Belgium manager following their World Cup exit.
      The ex-Everton and Wigan boss has been in charge of the Red Devils since 2016, leading them at four tournaments, but revealed the draw with Croatia was his last match.
      Despite having a Golden Generation, Martinez was unable to lead Belgium to a final, culminating in their group stage exit in Qatar.
      Read more about Martinez’s departure HERE.

      All smiles at training
      James Maddison and Bukayo Saka were looked in a cheerful mood at training as England started preparing for their last-16 clash with Senegal on Sunday.
      The Leicester City star has endured a frustrating World Cup so far, sitting out the opening two games through injury.
      He did return to the bench against Wales on Tuesday and will be hoping to make his tournament debut against the African champions this weekend.

      Kudos to Morocco
      All the talk is about Belgium’s exit, but how impressive have Morocco been?
      They’ve conceded just once in the tournament and topped a group that had Belgium and Croatia in it.
      In doing so, they’re the first African team to win their group this century, the last being Nigeria in 1998.
      Their reward could be a crunch last-16 clash with Germany, although Costa Rica and Japan might have something to say about that.

      Angry Lukaku
      Romelu Lukaku looked fuming as his Belgium side were knocked out of the World Cup following a goalless draw with Croatia.
      Lukaku was introduced at half-time but missed FOUR golden chances to get the goal needed to overtake Croatia and reach the knockouts.
      The Inter Milan striker was consoled by Thierry Henry at full-time, but appeared to punch the dugout as he left the pitch.

      Belgians in tears
      From Martin Lipton in Doha:
      Tears on the pitch.
      But no excuses.
      Belgium’s big chance was in 2016 and 2018.
      They have got older and slower and even De Bruyne cannot carry a team on his own.
      Good news for Manchester City fans, though. He gets more than three weeks off until Boxing Day.
      As for Martinez, his agent will be getting busy. Although I’m not sure how quickly a few clubs would pick up the phone.

      Belgium are OUT
      It’s all over and Belgium are out of the World Cup in what has been a tournament to forget.
      They scored just once and that came in the 44th minute of their opener against Canada.
      Romelu Lukaku missed four golden chances including one right on 90 minutes which looked harder to miss.
      Croatia finish second and Morocco, who’ve been the surprise package of the tournament, emerge as group winners.
      They’ll find out their last-16 opponents later tonight, with Costa Rica, Japan and Germany all in with a chance of qualifying.

      Walker can stop Mbappe says Rio Ferdinand
      England have the only player “on the planet” that can stop France superstar Kylian Mbappe in the 2022 World Cup, claims Rio Ferdinand.
      The Three Lions and Les Bleus both punched their ticket to the Last 16 where they will face Senegal and Poland respectively.
      If Gareth Southgate and Didier Deschamps’ teams make it out of the Round of 16 they will face each other in a crunch quarter-final clash.
      Ferdinand said: “For me, Kyle Walker is the only defender on the planet right now that will stand there and go to Mbappe: ‘Right, 1-v-1, let’s have a race’.”
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      Who is South Korea vs Portugal referee Facundo Tello at the 2022 World Cup?

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      THE man in the middle for South Korea’s match against Portugal is no stranger to dishing out red cards.Facundo Tello takes charge of South Korea vs Portugal in the final round of group games.
      Facundo Tello is one of 39 referees officiating at Qatar and is not afraid of dishing out red cardsCredit: AFP
      Facundo Tello in action during the 2022 World CupCredit: Reuters
      Argentina’s Facundo Tello makes up a group of six South American officials travelling to the Middle East and is in charge as the Swiss take on the Indomitable Lions.
      Here is some more information on the Argentine’s career.

      Who is Facundo Tello?
      Facundo Tello was born in the Buenos Aires Province in 1982.
      Tello was quick to gain prominence in his homeland, officiating in the Primera Division after just four games in Argentina’s second tier.
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      He was asked to officiate the first-ever Superclassic in 2018, returning the same year to referee the final, defining Sarmiento’s promotion to the Primera Division.
      In 2019, the 40-year-old gained recognition on the international stage, joining FIFA’s refereeing list.
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      Tello was summoned to Chile where he was appointed the fourth official at the South American Under-20 Championship.
      A call-up to the 2021 Arab Cup followed, where he took charge of a match between Jordan and Morocco.
      He became infamous in Argentina for giving out 10 red cards during the Champions Trophy final where Racing Club played Boca Juniors and there was a massive melee.

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      England fans in stitches after photo of grumpy cat that looks like Phil Foden goes viral

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      FOOTIE fans are purring with delight over a feline Phil Foden.A picture of the miserable moggie looking like the Man City star has gone viral.
      The black and white moggie has the same stare, while its fur is similar to Foden’s cropped hair
      Football fans are in stitches over a feline Phil FodenCredit: Getty
      The black and white cat has the same stare, while its fur is similar to Foden’s cropped hair.
      Fans began sharing the image online after Foden, 22, scored in England’s 3-0 win over Wales in the World Cup on Tuesday.
      One dubbed the puss “Phil Fur-den of Manchester Kitty”.
      Another quipped “felines on the shirt”, while a third asked if it was playing in “Catar”.
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      But Graeme Fisher joked: “That cat has a better haircut than Phil Foden.”
      Film director Glenn Kitson, 46, originally posted the pic on Instagram where he deliberately mis-captions lookalike pictures. More

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      Costa Rica 2 Germany 4: Heartbreak for Germans as they’re dumped out in World Cup groups AGAIN despite thrilling win

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      KAI HAVERTZ climbed off the bench to spark a dramatic fight-back – but it proved in vain for Germany.The 2014 champions incredibly failed to make it out of their group for the second successive tournament and are heading home.  
      Germany have been eliminated at the group stage along with Costa RicaCredit: Getty
      Serge Gnabry celebrates after his early opener for Germany in their 4-2 winCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yeltsin Tejeda (17) rifled home an equaliser for Costa Rica after the breakCredit: Getty
      Juan Pablo Vargas celebrates after firing Costa Rica ahead against GermanyCredit: Reuters
      Germany fans struggle to take in their devasting exitCredit: AP
      This supporter appeared inconsolableCredit: Reuters
      Japan’s sensational victory over Spain thanks to a hugely controversial goal meant Hansi Flick’s men missed out on second place on goal difference despite their first win of the tournament.
      Germany were forced to play out the final few minutes of this one knowing there was little they could do to save themselves.
      And there will be inevitably be question marks over the former Bayern Munich coach’s future after this latest disaster.
      For the first time since 1938 Germany had failed to win their first two games at a World Cup and knew there was no more margin for error.
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      Japan’s shock loss to Costa Rica on Sunday had given them a lifeline and they looked in the mood to take advantage of it.
      The Central Americans – who shipped seven in their opening game against Spain – had big problems containing Jamai Musiala early on.
      The Bayern Munich youngster saw an early effort pushed away by Keylor Navas while his club team-mate Thomas Muller planted a free header just wide.
      Even so it felt like a goal was coming and it duly arrived in the 10th minute as David Raum’s cross from the left was glanced home by Gnabry.
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      It was the former Arsenal man’s 21st goal for his country – but his first at the World Cup.
      Navas was overworked in trying to keep his team in with a chance and he kept out a header from Leon Goretska while another drive from Musiala stung his palms.
      Gnabry turned his man smartly and curled a shot which drifted just wide of the far post while former Manchester City ace Leroy Sane found space for himself but blasted over.
      Germany had been completely dominant but there was a warning just before the break as Keysher Fuller skipped through a couple of half-hearted German attempts to clear.
      He got the connection he wanted on his thumping volley but Manuel Neuer made a stunning save to tip over the bar.
      Flick would have wanted another goal to show for their dominance but everything changed in 15 crazy minutes at the start of the second half.
      News drifted through from the Khalifa that Japan had turned the game on its head and were now leading 2-1 and suddenly Germany were in grave danger of missing out again.
      And as they were still trying to work out the permutations, Neuer spilled a header from Kendall Waston and Yeltsin Tajeda swept home the rebound.
      Germany crash out at the group stage for a second World Cup runningCredit: Reuters
      Antonio Rudiger looked close to tearsCredit: AP
      Germany knew they were heading out and threw everything forward in a bid to get themselves back in front.
      Musiala found space down the left and saw his shot superbly tipped onto the post by Navas.
      The PSG keeper couldn’t get near the next effort from the same player but the outcome was the same – it clattered against the woodwork.
      And incredibly Costa Rica went up the other end and scored again as Neuer failed to deal with a free-kick under pressure from Waston.
      Juan Pablo Vargas scrambled the ball home and despite a VAR check the goal was allowed to stand.
      At that point La Sele were heading into the last 16 and Spain – the team they conceded seven against only nine days ago – were incredibly on their way out.
      But credit to Germany for hitting back again as the changes made by Flick sparked them back into life.
      Niclas Fullkrug – who rescued a point after coming off the bench against Spain – played in fellow sub Kai Havertz. 
      The Chelsea man had only been on for six minutes but finished calmly past Navas to pull the teams level again.and restore a bit of hope. .
      Fullkrug was then denied by Navas as Germany once again threw everything forward.
      And they edged ahead again as Gnabry’s cross was slotted home at the back post by Havertz who had made quite an impact.
      Read More on The Sun
      Fullkrug turned in from close range and while the goal was initially ruled out for offside the VAR had a look and allowed it to stand.
      Yet they still needed Spain to equalise to take them through – and this time there was no reprieve.
      Kai Havertz strokes it home to make it 2-2 at the Al Bayt StadiumCredit: Getty
      Havertz grabbed his second to put Germany into a 3-2 leadCredit: Getty More

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      Japan 2 Spain 1: Japanese produce another HUGE World Cup shock as they stun Spanish… but both teams go through

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      LUIS ENRIQUE spent his pre-match press conference talking about permutations.Instead, his team left him with serious heart palpitations as Japan sprung yet another stunning World Cup upset to top Group E – and almost dump Spain OUT in the process.
      Japan topped Group E after beating Spain 2-1Credit: Reuters
      Japan players celebrate their second goal against SpainCredit: AP
      Japan celebrated wildly after topping the groupCredit: Getty
      Spain were disappointed with the result, but can still celebrate going throughCredit: EPA
      A relaxed Enrique admitted pre-match he had considered tactically trying to finish second in this group, in order to avoid Brazil and secure an “easier” route to the final.
      It ended up that way by accident, but it looked as though those plans had been tossed in the bin with a fine first half performance to leave the football purist drooling.
      Complete domination is an understatement. The Spaniards trotted down the tunnel at the break with 83 per cent possession and 562 passes, compared to 127 for their weary opponents.
      Japan – evidenced by their opening day comeback to beat Germany 2-1 – are no mugs, yet they did not get a sniff, made to look like a bog-standard Tokyo Sunday league mob.
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      Chuck in an 11th minute header from Alvaro Morata and things were looking more than rosy for Spain. They were turning on the style while still conserving their energy.

      Croatia awaited in the Last 16, with a potential quarter against Brazil on the cards. Confidence was sky high. Sorted.
      What Enrique did not envisage was yet another team talk of a lifetime – as well as two inspired substitutions – from Blue Samurai coach Hajime Moriyasu.
      It was one that almost cost Spain a knock-out spot here in Qatar.
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      For a brief moment as Costa Rica took the lead against Germany in the 70th minute, they were out, only to sneak back in to second almost instantly. Phew.
      The shyest of characters, you could lose Moriyasu in an elevator, but put him in a dressing room with a team under the cosh and he does the business time after time.
      On came Ritsu Doan and Kaoru Mitoma. By the 48th minute, they were level. By the 51st minute, they were ahead – the latter by the barest of margins.
      Against the Germans, it took Doan until the 75th minute to equalise, yet he wasted no time here, cutting inside from a poor Unai Simon pass out from the back and firing goalwards.
      Simon will be disappointed, getting a firm hand to it. The Japanese were ecstatic.
      The Spanish sections of the Khalifa International Stadium were so confident of a win during the first half death by a gazillion passes, they were organising a Mexican wave.

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      But bums were firmly on seats as Japan sparked another attack. Doan involved again, firing a ball across the six-yard box and Mitoma snuck it back for Ao Tanaka to tap in.
      Replays at first showed the ball for Mitoma had drifted out for a goal kick, only for another angle to highlight it had stayed in by a half a whisker.
      VAR deliberated for an agonising two minutes before awarding the goal. Cue pandemonium.
      With Spain lacking a clinical edge to break down a now determined Japanese defensive outfit, attention turned to the other game as Costa Rica went ahead.
      If anything, the Germans did Enrique and his nervy boys a reluctant favour by going 4-2 up. 
      There was no way they would score another five to even match Spain’s goal difference.
      Read More on The Sun
      As for Japan, it is the Croats for them, and potentially the Samba boys after that.
      Going by this performance, you wouldn’t put it past them downing another international heavyweight. More

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      Mike Tyson threatens Canelo Alvarez he’ll return to ring for fight if he ‘dares touch Lionel Messi’ after World Cup row

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      MIKE TYSON has warned Canelo Alvarez he’ll deal with him in the ring if he lays a finger on Lionel Messi.Undisputed super-middleweight king Canelo threatened Messi after a photo appeared to show the footy star kicking a Mexico shirt that lay on the dressing room floor after Argentina’s World Cup win over The Tricolour.
      Lionel Messi was recently threatened by boxing superstar Canelo AlvarezCredit: Rex
      Canelo took aim at Messi after being duped by a fake Instagram pictureCredit: AP
      But he’s been told to keep his hands off the Argentina star by boxing great Mike TysonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But the former pound-for-pound king will have to contend with Iron Mike if he lays a hand on the Paris Saint-Germain ace.
      Iron Mike told BBO Sports: “Someone called Canelo threatened Messi.
      “If he dares to touch Messi, I will have to return to the ring.”
      Tyson, who returned to the ring in November 2020 for an exhibition with fellow great Roy Jones Jr, won’t have to lace up his gloves to face Canelo any time soon as the proud Mexican has since issued an apology to Messi.
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      He tweeted: “These last few days I got carried away by the passion and love I feel for my country and made comments that were out of place, for which I want to apologize to Messi and the people of Argentina.
      “Every day we learn something new, and this time it was my turn.
      “I wish both teams much success in their matches today, and here we will continue supporting Mexico until the end.”
      Former undisputed heavyweight champion Tyson has been a fan of Messi for the best part of a decade.
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      Ahead of the 2018 World Cup final between Messi’s beloved Argentina and tournament winners Germany, he tweeted: “Go Argentina! Love watching Messi play.”
      Boxing legend Mike Tyson is a big fan of Lionel MessiCredit: TWITTER
      Messi and Argentina booked their place in the knockout stages of Qatar 2022 with a 2-0 win over Poland on Wednesday night – which saw them top Group C.
      The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and his countrymen will face Australia in the last 16 on Saturday night. More