World Cup

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has revealed what he told Lionel Messi at full-time – after the pair had an awkward moment in the World Cup. A lot was at stake last night with Argentina and Poland both vying for qualification.
This was the awkward moment when Messi ignored LewandowskiCredit: AP
The pair could be seen sharing a chat at the end of the gameCredit: Getty
The game pitted two of the world’s deadliest forwards of the past decade against each other but it was Messi who was more involved.
The 35-year-old won a controversial penalty before missing his spot kick in the first-half.
But he was far more his old self in the second half and helped to orchestrate the victory as Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez scored.
Lewandowski meanwhile was far more quiet but got caught in a strange moment with Messi towards the end of the game.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP

The Polish striker fouled the PSG star and attempted to apologise.
But Messi, focused on seeing Argentina over the line, visibly ignored his attempts to communicate.
But the pair were seen chatting away at full-time and Lewandowski revealed what their exchange was all about.
He told Bild: “We talked a little, had fun. I told Messi that I played more defensively than usual – but something like that is sometimes necessary for the team.”
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
He added of his more defensive role that saw him foul the Argentine: “This is very rare, yes: Me in the defensive midfield. But I knew I had to help the team.”
Lewandowski, who arrived at Barcelona a year after Messi’s emotional departure, barely had a sniff going forward.
Poland had entered the night as group leaders but at one point were only qualifying due to having picked up fewer yellow cards than Mexico.
But they got over the line on goal difference in the end thanks to a late strike from Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al Dawsari against the Mexicans. More

ENGLAND have the only player “on the planet” that can stop France superstar Kylian Mbappe in the 2022 World Cup, claim Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville.The Three Lions and Les Bleus both punched their ticket to the Last 16 where they will face Senegal and Poland respectively.
England could face France star Kylian Mbappe in the World Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Getty
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.
That means England’s defence will go up against Paris Saint-Germain superstar Mbappe, who has already scored three goals and bagged one assist in three World Cup games.
However, Ferdinand and Neville insist the Euro 2020 finalists have nothing to fear as they have the right man to keep the star forward quiet.
And that is none other than Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker.

Read More on the World Cup
Ferdinand said on his FIVE show: “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’.
“He will back himself too. We saw it in the Euros. He’s got the confidence to do that and he’s the only one capable of doing that I think.”
Neville echoed his former Manchester United team-mate’s statement as he feels Walker has the right pace, physicality and experience to deal with Mbappe.
The former England international added that this is a “collision course waiting to happen”.
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
England star Kyle Walker is the only one who can stop Kylian Mbappe, say Rio Ferdinand and Gary NevilleCredit: Getty
Neville told Sky Sports: “I always thought we’d play three at the back in this tournament, but I don’t think we will now.
“I didn’t think the centre-back pairing would be strong enough, but John Stones and Harry Maguire are holding up.
“It’s whether what they’ve played against so far in the first three games is going to be anything like what they face moving forward, and I don’t think it is.
“It looks like a collision course waiting to happen doesn’t it? Mbappe versus Walker.
“We’ve got the perfect right-back to deal with Mbappe if anyone can – physical, pace, experience.” More

ENGLAND’S stars returned to training to begin their preparations to face Senegal in the World Cup last-16 on Sunday.The Three Lions were given a rest day on Wednesday following the late night after beating Wales.
England began their preparations for Senegal this afternoonCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Three-goal hero Marcus Rashford will be hoping to keep his placeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
England are back in action on Sunday eveningCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Jack Grealish’s calves were bulging as everCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Temperatures were around 29C as they took to the fieldCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
The players went through some light recovery work at their Qatar hotel – including swimming, stretching, massages and basketball – and also spent time with their families.
Declan Rice faced the media this morning – both in his press conference and on the darts board.
But then it was back to business on the field.
There was no Ben White in training after he returned back home for personal reasons.

READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
The Arsenal defender is not expected to return to Qatar.
But the remaining 25 players were all in action for the 3pm session in 29C heat.
Rice looked relaxed as he loosened up while Jack Grealish quickly demonstrated his class with some cheeky keepy-uppies.
Marcus Rashford was in the thick of the action, just as he was against Wales on Tuesday.
Raheem Sterling wants to win his place in the starting XI backCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Harry Kane is still looking for his first goal of the tournamentCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Jude Bellingham was one of the stars of the group stages for EnglandCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
James Maddison is still waiting to make his debutCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Eric Dier may have to settle for a place on the bench againCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Gareth Southgate appeared in good spirits in DohaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
England topped Group B so take on the runners-up from Group A at 7pm at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Senegal, without star man Sadio Mane, secured wins over Qatar and Ecuador to finish behind the Netherlands and progress.
Gareth Southgate’s side know they go into the knockout clash as the heavy favourites and will be buoyed after scoring nine goals in their opening three matches.
However, should the game finish level after extra-time, it will go down to penalties.
But with the likes of Harry Kane, Callum Wilson and James Maddison in the squad and a special net to practise spot kicks, England will be confident of putting their Euro 2020 final heartache behind them and progressing.
Declan Rice hit the darts board before facing the mediaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Wednesday was a recovery day for the England playersCredit: Getty
Jude Bellingham enjoyed a swim in the hotel poolCredit: Getty
Mason Mount got some air on the basketball courtCredit: Getty More

DIEGO MARADONA’S old house was been used to stage a huge World Cup party after Argentina beat Poland.Lionel Scaloni’s side produced an impressive performance to seal their place as group winners as they head to the last-16.
The house was absolutely packed with happy Argentina fansCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Locals watched the match and enjoyed a BBQ before it broke out into a huge partyCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Maradona was well known for his enjoyment of partying before his death in 2020Credit: Reuters
And with all of Argentina cheering Lionel Messi and his teammates on at home and in bars, one particularly special party was taking place in the South American country.
The owners of Diego Maradona’s old family house hosted a massive celebration at his former luxury pad to celebrate the victory.
They are believed to have only bought the home six days ago but let people in free of charge to watch the World Cup clash.
Pictures and videos show incredible scenes of Argentinians crowded around the pool and having the time of their lives as they marked the win.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP

Many were wearing the national shirt as they chugged down beer poolside and danced in triumph.
Other fans were shirtless across the crowded garden and people of all ages could be spotted in the crowd.
Pictures show some people stood on the balcony and under giant white tents amid the joyous but chaotic scenes after the house owners swung open the doors to neighbours and friends.
Maradona, who died in 2020 aged 60, was famously football’s biggest party animal.
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
Neighbours crowded into the party house to watch Argentina beat PolandCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Those who chose to wear shirts were decked out in Argentina gearCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
It was a festival of booze, food, friends and football at Maradona’s old houseCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
And fans were loving the party at his former home, with one person on Twitter writing: “The whole ‘it’s what he would have wanted’ thing is a bit of a cliché, but it’s probably what Diego would have wanted.”
Maradona owned the “temple” in the beautiful Villa Devoto since the 1980s before it was sold.
According to Xtratime, the new owners preserved everything to pay respect to the legendary footballer.
And before their massive pool party, they had also laid out chairs and served food while people watched the game on a giant screen.
According to Clarin Sports, the food included eighty kilos of meat with tasty BBQ treats like beef and pork on display.
Reporters on local station A24 described the scene.
Fans will be hoping for a repeat of the carnage when they take on Australia on SaturdayCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Party animal Maradona led Argentina to their last World Cup in 1986Credit: Reuters
One said: “It’s a big party, the new owners who only bought it six days ago decided to open it for anyone who could come to watch the game and enjoy.
“They bought at least 80 kilos of asado [bbq meat], I’m not exaggerating, there is meat to eat until 10 at night, they bought drinks for everyone.
“Before I was asking one of the new owners if they’re going to kick people out, if they are going to start slowly escorting them out, because there are people in the bedrooms, in the bathrooms, everywhere.”
The reporter added that the new owners were big Maradona fans, and initially had plans to transform the site into a hotel or museum in honour of the Argentine legend.
Maradona was the mastermind behind Argentina’s last World Cup win in 1986 as he dragged his nation to victory after scoring one or two famous goals.
Read More on The Sun
They are still in the competition in 2022 thanks to strikes from Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister and Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez.
They will now take on Australia in the last 16. More