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      Canada vs Morocco – World Cup Group F: How they’re doing, injuries and prediction as Atlas Lions look to qualify

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      CANADA head into their final group match against Morocco with only pride to play for after being knocked out of the World Cup.The Canadians were hugely impressive in their opening game against Belgium without taking their chances.

      Canada’s XI for their defeat to Croatia
      But in the second fixture a Croatian midfield led by Luka Modric proved too much for them, meaning they will be flying home early.
      Morocco meanwhile know they need just a draw to qualify after stunning Belgium to move into a qualification place.
      The Atlas Lions have yet to concede a goal and will be hopeful of making it to the knockout stages for the first time since 1986.
      SunSport takes a look at what to expect from Canada vs Morocco including our score prediction.
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      How are they getting on?
      Canada: A missed Alphonso Davies penalty cost them dearly in a 1-0 defeat to Belgium where they largely outplayed their more illustrious opponents.
      Talisman Davies partly redeemed himself with a goal one minute into the second game against Croatia, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a crushing 4-1 defeat.
      Read the full Croatia vs Canada match report…
      Morocco: One of the worst matches of the tournament for the neutral was their 0-0 draw against Croatia which admittedly gave them a platform to build on.
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      And then in the second game the Atlas Lions’ free kick routines bamboozled Thibaut Courtois to secure a famous 2-0 win.
      Read the full Belgium vs Morocco match report…

      The Morocco XI that beat Belgium
      Any injuries to worry about?
      Canada: John Herdman’s side have a clean bill of health for this one.
      Morocco: All eyes will be on goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who sang the national anthem against Belgium then went off injured before kick-off.
      Who to watch
      Canada: Alphonso Davies has had a mixed tournament so far, but the Bayern Munich star is still the man who can make the Canadians tick.
      Morocco: The defence deserves huge credit for comfortably keeping Croatia and Belgium out, but Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech is the man who can win a match in a moment.
      Permutations
      Morocco will qualify with a draw, regardless of the result in the other match.
      If Morocco lose by less than three goals, they will qualify if Belgium fail to beat Croatia.
      Morocco will also qualify if they lose to Canada but Croatia lose to Belgium by two goals more.
      Canada are out and can finish no better than third in the group.
      What’s the head-to-head?
      Canada and Morocco have played three times, with two Moroccan wins and one draw.
      All three matches were international friendlies.
      The last meeting between the two sides was in 2016 when the Moroccans ran out 4-0 winners in Marrakech.
      Odds
      Canada: 27/10
      Draw: 23/10
      Read More on The Sun
      Morocco: 11/10
      SunSport prediction
      Canada 2 Morocco 1 More

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      Mexico boss Tata Martino AXED after heartbreaking World Cup exit on goal difference as he owns up to ‘huge failure’

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      TATA MARTINO took responsibility for a “huge failure” as his four year reign as Mexico boss ended in heartache.His team belatedly came to the World Cup party with a stirring second half and came agonisingly close to overhauling second placed Poland.
      Tata Martino’s Mexico tenure ended in heartbreakCredit: Rex
      Mexico crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage for the first time in eight World CupsCredit: Getty
      But they ultimately crashed out on goal difference and did not qualify for the last 16 for the first time in eight World Cups.
      Martino’s contract as coach of ‘El Tri’ is now over and he admitted at the end of a dramatic night he does not expect to be staying on.
      The Argentine said: “I have no reason to think the future will be different. The contract expired with the final whistle and there is nothing else to do.
      “In eight World Cups this has never happened and I take responsibility for this huge failure. It’s a great sadness.”
      Read More World Cup
      Mexico had failed to score in their opening two games and it was the same story in the first half here – even though they were much improved.
      But the goal their fans craved finally arrived within two minutes of the restart as a corner was swung over from the left and flicked on by Cesar Montes.
      Henry Martin reacted quickly to turn the ball home from close range and suddenly there was hope.
      Five minutes later the great escape was on as Luis Chavez lined up a free-kick 30 yards out and curled a sensational strike into the top corner with his left peg.
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      With Argentina winning the other game by the same scoreline, there was suddenly nothing to choose between Mexico and Poland in the race for second place.
      The teams were level on goals scored and goal difference while the head-to-head between them finished goalless.
      At that point second place would have been decided on fair play with Mexico having picked up more yellow cards and still going out.
      Only once before has that happened, with Senegal the unlucky team four years ago.
      Martino said: “That’s why we went for the third goal – we knew Poland had fewer yellows and that’s why we were out – unless many players were booked.”
      Incredibly, had those been level they would have drawn lots to decide who will play France in the last 16 on Sunday.
      The tension was unbearable as Mexico threw everything forward – but Hirving Lozano and sub Uriel Antuna both having goals ruled out for offside.
      Saudi keeper Mohammed Al Owais was getting in the way of everything – including another blockbuster free-kick from Chavez.
      However with Mexico committed to attack they left gaps at the back and Al Dawsri swapping passes with Hattan Bahbri  before stroking past Guillermo Ochoa.
      It was only a consolation goal for them but it felt like a devastating blow for Mexico.
      Saudi boss Herve Renard – whose team famously beat Argentina in their first game – said: “Congratulations to my players, we did our best but it was difficult for us.
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      “We mustn’t forget what we did together. I’m proud of their World Cup.  
      “We were dreaming of reaching the last 16 for only the second time but we did not deserve it.” More

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      German WAG Ann-Kathrin Götze poses in bikini ahead of must win game against Costa Rica

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      FOOTBALLER Mario Götze hopes the only red he sees against Costa Rica will be his wife’s bikini.WAG Ann-Kathrin, who married the German national in 2018, will watch him take on Costa Rica tonight at the Al Bayt Stadium.
      Ann-Kathrin married the German international in 2018 and eagerly watches his take on Costa Rica tonight
      Stunning model Ann-Kathrin Gotze poses in lingerie and swimwear photoshootsCredit: Calzedonia
      Gotze’s World Cup dream could be over tonight as his side needs a win against Costa Rica to keep their place in the competitionCredit: Getty
      Ann-Kathrin, 32, married Eintracht Frankfurt playmaker Mario, 30, in 2018 and is his biggest fan.
      The pair started dating in 2012 and share a son.
      Ann-Kathrin is a successful model and founded her own swimwear line, Vidaswim. More

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      Jack Grealish left in hysterics as England team-mate Luke Shaw POOED ON by bird while out for meal at World Cup

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      JACK GREALISH was left in hysterics after England team-mate Luke Shaw was POOED ON by a bird.Mason Mount captured the moment the defender was left with an unwanted present on his shoulder.
      Jack Grealish was left in hysterics after Luke Shaw was pooed on by a birdCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount
      Shaw was left with a brown mark on his shoulderCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount
      Shaw looked up at the culprits and rubbed his shoulderCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount
      Grealish took joy in pointing to the birds in the treeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount
      But for Grealish it was like Christmas had come early as he giggled at Shaw’s expense.
      Mount took to Instagram to post pictures and videos of his time in Qatar so far.
      And one of his highlights was Manchester United defender Shaw being pooed on by a bird mid-meal.
      Mount shared footage of England ace Shaw wiping his shoulder in disgust and moving away from his seat underneath a tree.
      Read More World Cup News
      The Chelsea man then panned the camera to Grealish, who took great delight in laughing and pointing up at the suspects.
      Mount showed the rear of two birds perched on a branch directly above Shaw’s seat.
      Mount zoomed in on the two birds perched on a branch above ShawCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount
      Bukayo Saka couldn’t help but giggleCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount
      A fuming Shaw joked: “I’ll launch this water bottle at them now, bro.”
      While Grealish could only laugh as he pointed up at the birds and said: “They’re right above you.”
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      Bukayo Saka also couldn’t help but chuckle as he watched on from across the table.
      The England quartet are set to return to World Cup action on Sunday.
      Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Wales saw Gareth Southgate’s side qualify for the knockout stages as group winners.
      Grealish and Co will now face Senegal for a place in the quarter-finals. More

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      World Cup 2022 Group F LIVE TABLE: Standings as Croatia, Belgium and Morocco seek last-16 place with Canada OUT

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      IT is all to play for in Group F as Croatia, Belgium and Morocco can all still qualify for the last-16 of the 2022 World Cup.Croatia currently sit top on four points while Morocco are level on points but behind on goal difference in second, with Belgium sitting in third.
      Morocco have been the surprise package in Group F after beating BelgiumCredit: AFP
      Click on the LIVE Group F table below for full World Cup groups…

      Group F results and fixtures
      Wednesday, November 23

      Sunday, November 27

      Thursday, December 1

      Last 16 fixture dates
      Saturday, December 3
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      Match 49: Netherlands vs USA (3pm)
      Match 50: Argentina vs Australia (7pm)

      Sunday, December 4

      Match 52: France vs Poland (3pm)
      Match 51: England vs Senegal (7pm)

      Monday, December 5

      Match 53: Winners Group E vs Runners-up Group F (3pm)
      Match 54: Winners Group G vs Runners-up Group H (7pm)

      Tuesday, December 6

      Match 55: Winners Group F vs Runners-up Group E (3pm)
      Match 56: Winners Group H vs Runners-up Group G (7pm)

      Quarter-finals
      Friday, December 9

      Match 58: Winners of Match 53 vs Winners of Match 54 (3pm)
      Match 57: Winners of Match 49 vs Winners of Match 50 (7pm)

      Saturday, December 10

      Match 60: Winners of Match 55 vs Winners of Match 56 (3pm)
      Match 59: Winners of Match 51 vs Winners of Match 52 (7pm)

      Semi-finals
      Tuesday, December 13

      Match 61: Winners of Match 57 vs Winners of Match 58 (7pm)

      Wednesday, December 14

      Match 62: Winners of Match 59 vs Winners of Match 60 (7pm)
      Third/Fourth place play-off

      Saturday, December 17

      Losers of Match 61 vs Losers of Match 62 (3pm)

      Read More on The Sun
      Final
      Sunday, December 18

      Winners of Match 61 vs Winners of Match 62 (3pm) More

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      England using special goal net to practise penalties every day in training ahead of World Cup knockout stages

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      ENGLAND are using a special net for penalty practice every day ahead of the World Cup knockout stages.Gareth Southgate’s penalty takers are being tasked with trying to get greater accuracy on their spot-kicks.
      Harry Kane and his fellow England stars have a new tool to practice their penaltiesCredit: Getty
      This is the special net that is being used by the Three Lions squadCredit: EDDIE KEOGH / GETTY
      And that involves the special net being used for extra practice during each session.
      And no doubt that will now be increased as the Three Lions prepare to face Senegal in the last-16 on Sunday.
      The net has been designed so that players will aim for the corners of the goal.
      And even though it is not new to Southgate’s camp, it is being used more than in previous tournaments.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      Southgate brought in shooting coach Allan Russell and psychologist Pippa Grange for the last World Cup in Russia.
      England had success there too, beating Colombia in the last-16 via a shootout.
      However, both of them no longer work with England, who were beaten by Italy in last year’s European Championship final on penalties.
      The Times states that Southgate’s penalty takers “have been perfecting their spot-kicks not by trying to beat a goalkeeper but the skills net” over the past fortnight.
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      We reported previously how England are practising penalties WITHOUT goalkeepers in a bid to avoid more shootout heartache.
      Keeper Aaron Ramsdale, 24, revealed: “It can become detrimental if they are taking them against goalkeepers because we then start to know where they are going.
      “If I know where you are going seven times out of ten and I start cheating and going early and start saving them, you might start worrying about it.

      “We have something which is called a skills net where the corners are open.
      “At the moment the lads are just working on technique.
      “Everybody can take penalties, it is just those fine pressure-margins which we can’t recreate out there unfortunately.” More

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      Chesney Hawkes claims he was reason England won World Cup game against Wales and reveals what players said to him after

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      POP star Chesney Hawkes revealed England adopted him as their World Cup mascot after they walloped Wales following his half-time show.They banged in three goals, including one from Phil Foden, after he sang his hit The One and Only.
      Chesney Hawkes revealed England adopted him as their World Cup mascot – pictured with Phil FodenCredit: Dan Charity
      Chesney performs at half-time during the match between Wales and England at the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
      Chesney, pictured with Declan Rice, said: ‘The team want me back’
      Chesney, 51, wants to play again when they meet Senegal in the last 16 on Sunday — then hopefully serenade them to the final.
      He said: “The team want me back.”
      Chesney Hawkes revealed last night how he was mobbed by England stars after the 3-0 win over Wales — who told him his show turned the game.
      The Three Lions were sluggish during a goalless first-half in Qatar before Chesney performed his 1991 hit The One and Only on the pitch during the interval.
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      When they came back out, the Three Lions were a team transformed, with Marcus Rashford opening the scoring from a brilliant free-kick on 50 minutes.
      Just over a minute later, Phil Foden swept in a second, with Rashford later banging in a third, sending the English fans — and football-mad Chesney — into dreamland.
      Berkshire-born Chesney, 51 — who became a household name with his debut single — celebrated with his heroes after the game, and revealed they want to make him their One and Only mascot.
      He told The Sun: “I spent five weeks at number one and topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic – but this was undoubtedly my career highlight.
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      “I got to perform for the England team and the fans I love — then got to celebrate with the players after the game.
      “I came here as a football fan above all else and this was the best night any fan could ever imagine.”
      The dad of three now lives in Los Angeles with model wife Kristina, 47, and children Casey, 21, Jesse, 19 and 17-year-old Indiana.
      But he remains a massive West Ham fan — and told how he got a hug from Hammers midfielder Declan Rice, plus a host of other stars including the two goalscorers.
      He said: “I’m a Hammers nut through-and-through so made a beeline for my hero Declan who gave me a wonderful cuddle.
      “Then I was mobbed by Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw and double goalscorer Marcus Rashford gave me a high five.
      “And it was a weird but wonderful feeling when Jude Bellingham gave me a hand slap near the team tunnel — he’s two years younger than my eldest kid!

      “Every one of them said they wanted to adopt me as their mascot after England’s fortunes changed so quickly after I performed.
      “They joked that I had turned the game — and even asked me to perform at the team hotel.
      “It was honestly one of the best moments of my entire life.”
      Chesney, who never repeated his initial chart success, is desperate to return for England’s last-16 clash with Senegal on Sunday night.
      But he must first convince Fifa bosses that he will not give the Three Lions an unfair advantage.
      The one-song slot on Tuesday night was his first stadium gig since he supported Canadian ballad master Bryan Adams in 1993.
      And Chesney was delighted with the reception he got from the Three Lions contingent at the Al Rayyan Stadium.
      He said last night: “Nothing can match the feeling of performing in front of thousands of England supporters.
      “I was nervous about how they’d react but England fans clapped along during the bit where I stopped playing guitar and gave me a fantastic reception at the end. It was a dream night.”
      He said England stars capped it off by handing him signed shirts.
      New pal Rice gave him the one off his back on which he wrote for Chesney’s football-mad youngest son: “Indi Top Boy! – Declan Rice.”
      Chesney also recorded a video of himself posing as a substitute and leaping off the bench in the dugout — and he told how he would love to help the team get to the final.
      The star is negotiating to book a slot during the last-16 game — and will even perform a sing-off with a Senegalese counterpart if necessary.
      He said: “The team want me back, I think England want me back — and I just hope Fifa allow me to make it happen again. I’m England’s One and Only mascot.
      Read More on The Sun
      “There’s been talk about favouritism if one team gets a fan to perform at half time and I’m happy to go head-to-head with a Senegalese singer during the break.
      “I just want to come back and give the team the best boost I possibly can.”    
      Chesney, pictured with Jack Grealish, was told by the team his show turned the gameCredit: Dan Charity
      Chesney rocks out at the Ahmad Bin Ali StadiumCredit: Getty
      Chesney, pictured with Mason Mount, said: ‘Nothing can match the feeling of performing in front of thousands of England supporters’Credit: Dan Charity
      Chesney pictured exclusively for The Sun with his England shirt signed by the whole teamCredit: Dan Charity
      Chesney relaxes in the England Dug outCredit: Dan Charity
      Chesney with The Sun’s Harry ManeCredit: Dan Charity
      The Sun reported on England’s win against Wales More

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      Incredible moment Jude Bellingham celebrates Phil Foden’s England goal BEFORE it goes in during World Cup win over Wales

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM celebrated Phil Foden’s goal against Wales BEFORE the ball had hit the back of the net.Manchester City ace Foden, 22, scored the second in the 3-0 win over the Dragons.
      Jude Bellingham celebrated Phil Foden’s goal before it crossed the lineCredit: PA
      Bellingham was already celebrating as Foden slotted homeCredit: Reuters
      Bellingham and Foden celebrate after the Manchester City ace put England 2-0 up against WalesCredit: EPA

      It might have been his first start of the tournament, but Bellingham clearly wasn’t worried about Foden’s match sharpness.
      The 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund starlet was so confident Foden would score he raised his arms in celebration before the ball nestled into the back of the net.
      Bellingham was then the first to reach Foden as the playmaker wheeled away in jubilation after scoring.
      And England fans absolutely loved the fact that Bellingham knew it was in before Foden had even connected with the ball.
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      One wrote on Twitter: “I’ve given it some thought and Bellingham celebrating the goal before the ball had even got through to Foden was my highlight of last night.”

      Another said: “I love the fact that Bellingham starts to celebrate before Foden put the ball in the back of the net.”
      A third added: “Love that, Bellingham running away to celebrate before Foden even touched the ball. He knew that boy doesn’t miss.”
      And a fourth said: “Bellingham is celebrating that goal before Foden even strikes it. Brilliant.”
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      Foden’s goal was sandwiched between two strikes from Marcus Rashford.
      The Manchester United ace dedicated his stunning opening goal to close friend Garfield Hayward, who lost his battle with cancer just days before the match.
      The win over rivals Wales sent the Three Lions through to the World Cup knockouts as group winners.
      Gareth Southgate and Co now face Senegal on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals. More