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      Man Utd ‘to offer England World Cup hero Marcus Rashford new long-term contract’ with current deal expiring in summer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will offer Marcus Rashford a new long-term deal, according to reports.The 25-year-old’s current Old Trafford contract expires at the end of the season, although United do have an option to extend.
      Marcus Rashford has been in fine form for club and country this seasonCredit: AFP
      Rashford’s current Manchester United deal expires in the summer of 2023Credit: AFP
      But they’re set to reward Rashford for his outstanding form for club and country with a contract extension.
      That’s according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who claims the Red Devils are desperate to tie him down to fresh terms.
      Rashford was considering his future at United earlier this year after losing his place in the team under Ralf Rangnick.
      He was particularly frustrated after being overlooked for the Manchester derby in March, especially when Cristiano Ronaldo was unavailable.
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      But the forward has knuckled down since Erik ten Hag arrived and looks back to his best.
      Rashford has scored eight goals this term, three more than his tally from the whole of last season.
      As a result, he’s won his place back in the England squad and is starring at the World Cup.
      The United graduate scored his first ever tournament goal in the thumping win over Iran and marked his first start in Qatar with two fine strikes against Wales.
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      Rashford has now surely done enough to keep his place for the last-16 tie against Senegal on Sunday.
      But he’ll be competing against one of Gareth Southgate’s most trusted men in Raheem Sterling, who started the last 13 tournament games in a row before dropping to the bench against Wales. More

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      Portugal in huge World Cup blow as Nuno Mendes is ruled out for rest of tournament after picking up thigh injury

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      NUNO MENDES has dealt a huge blow to Portugal’s World Cup hopes after being ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.The Paris Saint-Germain defender limped off the pitch in tears during the Portuguese’s win over Uruguay on Monday night.
      Nuno Mendes suffered a thigh injury in Portugal’s win over UruguayCredit: EPA
      And the defender has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournamentCredit: Getty
      Mendes appeared to suffer a thigh strain, although the severity of the injury wasn’t fully known.
      But the full-back’s tournament has come to a premature end after further assessment from team doctors.
      Footy fans were quick to express their sympathy for the injured defender.

      One tweeted: “Such a terrible shame for him and Portugal. An exceptional footballer.”
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      Another said: “Big blow the Portuguese team.”
      And another said: “Nuno Mendes is out of the World Cup.
      “That’s a huge damage for Portugal
      One remarked: “Get well soon Mendes.”
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      Another chimed in: “Get well, Nuno.”
      Portugual have yet to officially confirm Mendes’ tournament-ending injury – which will pave the way for Joao Cancelo to start in their final Group H match.
      Mendes, 20, has also remained silent on the heartbreaking injury.
      Portugal booked their place in the last 16 win with a 2-0 win over UruguayCredit: REX
      Portugal booked their place in the last 16 of the tournament with a 2-0 win over Uruguay – which came courtesy of a Bruno Fernandes brace.
      Fernando Santos’ troops will bid to seal top spot on Friday with a victory over South Korea – who only have one point to from their opening two matches. More

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      Fans all saying same thing after Argentina handed bizarre penalty… before Messi has it saved in Poland World Cup clash

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      FOOTBALL fans are in agreement after Wojciech Szczesny saved a penalty to deny Lionel Messi in Poland’s World Cup clash against Argentina.The ex-Arsenal stopper was penalised for a questionable foul on the Argentina captain.
      Argentina were awarded a penalty for this challenge on Lionel MessiCredit: Getty
      Wojciech Szczesny saved the resulting penaltyCredit: Reuters
      Szczesny was mobbed by his Poland team-mates after making the saveCredit: Getty
      Szczesny made contact with Messi as he came off his line to try and punch a cross away from danger.
      Referee Danny Makkelie initially waved play on, before pointing to the spot after consulting VAR.
      But the Poland goalie then SAVED Messi’s penalty.
      Szczesny guessed the right way, diving to his left and sticking out a hand to brilliantly deny the Argentina skipper.
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      And fans have joked that “justice” had been served after the debateable call.

      One wrote on Twitter: “Justice for Szczesny. That was a diabolical VAR decision.”
      Another said: “Thats the most embarrassing penalty award I’ve ever seen. Justice for Szczesny that.”
      A third added: “Justice. Superb save from Szczesny but that has to be one of the worst penalty calls I’ve seen for a long time.”
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      And a fourth wrote: “How is that a pen? I’m absolutely stunned. Incredible from Szczesny! Justice.”
      With the save Szczesny became the first keeper to save two penalties at the same World Cup since Brad Friedel for USA in 2002.
      He denied Saudi Arabia star Salem Al-Dawsari from 12 yards to help his side to a 2-0 win on Saturday.
      But Szczesny’s resistance against Argentina was finally broken after the break.
      A mishit from Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina a 1-0 lead.
      Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez then made it two, but Poland still managed to qualify for the knockouts above Mexico on goal difference.
      Messi reacts after having his penalty savedCredit: Reuters More

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      Mexican boxing icon Canelo Alvarez in grovelling apology after threatening Lionel Messi in Argentina World Cup shirt row

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      CANELO ALVAREZ has issued a grovelling apology after his threat to Lionel Messi over the World Cup shirt row.Argentina beat Mexico 2-0 in their World Cup Group C match with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi getting a goal and an assist.
      Canelo Alvarez has issued an apology to Lionel MessiCredit: Getty
      The legendary footballer was accused of disrespecting MexicoCredit: Getty
      Wild scenes in the Argentine dressing room followed as they kept their qualification hopes alive after losing their first group match 2-1 to Saudi Arabia.
      A clip was shared of the joyous scenes, but it showed a Mexico shirt on the floor near Messi, and as the Paris Saint-Germain man took his boot off, his foot brushed the jersey – which boxer Canelo found disrespectful.
      And that led to the Mexican boxing legend saying Messi “better pray to God that I don’t find him”.
      Canelo tweeted: “Did you guys see Messi cleaning the floor with our jersey and flag. He better pray to God that I don’t find him.
      READ MORE NEWS ON MESSI
      “Just like I respect Argentina, he has to respect Mexico! I’m not talking about the country as a whole, just about the bulls**t that Messi did.”
      Former Argentina striker Sergio Aguero then became embroiled in a war of words with the Mexican boxing icon.
      And Argentinian UFC star Santiago Ponzinibbio even offered to fight the four-weight world champion.
      Now the 32-year-old, who beat Gennady Golovkin in September in their trilogy bout, has moved to end the feud.
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      Ahead of Argentina’s crunch final group game with Poland and Mexico’s clash with Saudi Arabia, he took to Twitter to say sorry.
      He wrote: “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 apologise 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.” More

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      Costa Rica vs Germany: TV channel, kick-off time and live stream for 2022 World Cup Group E contest

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      COSTA RICA take on four-time World Cup winners Germany in their final match of Group E – and they can shatter Hansi Flick’s sides title winning dreams.Germany currently sit rock-bottom of the group having lost their opening match against Japan before drawing with Spain.
      Niclas Fullkrug’s late strike earned Germany a point against SpainCredit: Getty
      But the European giants can still qualify should they beat Costa Rica in their final group encounter.
      However, Germany will need a huge favour from Spain when they take on second-place Japan in the other fixture.
      And Costa Rica will be no push overs as a win for them could also see them secure a last-16 spot.
      It’s all still to play for in Group E.
      When is Costa Rica vs Germany

      Costa Rica’s clash with Germany will take place TOMORROW – Thursday, December 1.
      The game will kick off from 7pm UK time.
      Costa Rica vs Germany will be held at the Al-Bayt stadium in Al Khor.
      The two sides have played each other once before – at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and the game finished 4-2 to the Germans.

      What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Costa Rica vs Germany will be shown live on ITV 1 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the ITV Hub, which can be download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes, you can! The match is available to watch for FREE, so long as you have a TV licence.
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      Poland 0 Argentina 2 LIVE RESULT: Mac Allister and Alvarez FIRE Argentina into last-16 after Messi missed penalty

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      ARGENTINA have topped Group C with victory over Poland, who also make it into the last-16 by the skin of their teeth.Lionel Messi missed a penalty in the first-half after a VAR intervened to send the referee over to the monitor.
      After review, the man in the middle decided that Wojciech Szczesny impeded the forward, but the goalkeeper made up for his error and pulled off a fantastic save to deny Messi.
      However, just moments after the restart, Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister fired his side into the lead.
      Man City star Julian Alvarez netted a second to give the South Americans a comfortable lead.
      At one point, Mexico and Poland were level on points, goals scored, goals against, and head-to-head record… So it was set to go to fair play (with Poland having the better record) to decide who proceed before a late Saudi Arabia goal secured qualification for Poland.

      Start time: 7pm UK
      TV: BBC One
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer
      Group C: LIVE TABLE
      Poland XI: Szczesny, Glik, Kiwior, Cash, Bereszynski, Krychowiak, Zielinski, Bielik, Frankowski, Swiderski, Lewandowski

      Argentina XI: Martinez, Romero, Otamendi, Molina, De Paul, Acuna, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Di Maria, Alvarez, Messi

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      Thanks for joining us.
      We’re starting to see why Argentina were so highly rated heading into this tournament.
      They’ve now completed their redemption from that horror opening defeat to Saudi Arabia.
      Argentina showed signs of improvement last weekend against Mexico but they blew Poland away tonight.
      Lionel Messi was fantastic despite his first half penalty miss – he carries the weight of a nation on his shoulders and he continues to inspire his team to victory after victory.
      However, it must be said that Poland were awful tonight.
      They seemingly came into the game not with the idea of winning, but with a plan to avoid a heavy defeat and in the end they just about managed it.
      It’s no wonder that Robert Lewandowski scores so rarely in World Cups if his team always plays as negatively as they did tonight.
      Argentina progress into the last 16 as group winners and will face off against one of the World Cup’s surprise packages, Australia.
      Poland, meanwhile, face the daunting task of a trip to the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium to play a France team that rested most of their key players earlier on today.
      Until then, all that’s left for me to say is thank you for joining us and I’ll speak to you next time!
      I’m off to buy a couple of Argentina bobble heads.

      Alexis Mac Allister
      The Brighton and Argentina forward on today’s performance and how the team handled the defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening game.
      I’m happy because it was a convincing performance. We were looking for the goal at all times. I think we went back to being the team we used to be. We handled the ball more, we were calm and we didn’t despair. We played a great game.
      The first match was a blow that caught us in time. We started to trust the group a little more. We went back to being the same team we used to be. We didn’t despair.Alexis Mac AllisterSunSport
      Messi quotes
      Lionel Messi has been giving his thoughts on today’s victory and the challenges ahead.
      With anger for having missed the penalty, but the team came out stronger after that mistake of mine. We knew that, once the first goal went in, it was going to change the game.
      The match with Australia is going to be very difficult. Anyone beats anyone, everything is very even. We have to prepare the game in the best way we always do.
      We must be calm and go game by game. Now another World Cup begins and hopefully we can continue to maintain what we did today.Lionel MessiSunSport
      Julian Alvarez
      Lionel Scaloni chose to trust his young forward today and it more than worked out for him.
      Alvarez was outstanding from start to finish and perhaps should have scored more than his solitary goal.
      Lautaro Martinez replaced Alvarez for the last 10 minutes and his wastefulness in front of proved why his manager had overlooked him for a starting spot.
      Alvarez has surely cemented his place up top for the Australia game on Saturday night.

      Lewandowski
      Poland’s front man was very isolated tonight.
      The game plan seemed to be to knock the ball long for him and hope he does something special.
      France will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing them in the next round.
      Match stats
      27 percent possession and zero shots on target for Poland tonight.
      Not good.

      Magical Messi
      Argentina’s talisman was outstanding tonight.
      He may have missed a penalty in the first half but he tormented Poland during the second 45.
      He’s got the bit between his teeth at the moment.
      Can he carry Argentina through to the final again as he did in 2014?

      Inside the stadium
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Qatar:
      Half the Polish squad were staring at a mobile phone, watching the delayed last few seconds of the other game.
      That whistle at Lusail brought a jig of pure joy at Stadium 974.
      Hugs, clasped hands, thrill.
      And then the realisation, perhaps, that it’s France on Sunday.
      Good luck lads.Martin LiptonSunSport
      Poland through
      It’s full time in the other game and Mexico are out.
      Poland are through and will face France in the last 16.
      Some reward, that!
      Inside the stadium
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Qatar:
      Now they know.
      That Saudi goal has, surely, put them through.
      Celebrations, punching the air, in the stands and on the pitch.
      No defeat has ever been celebrated more like a victory.
      Unless Mexico get a third, of course.Still standing around..Martin LiptonSunSport
      Goal for Saudi Arabia
      Salem Al Dawsari has scored for Saudi Arabia against Mexico.
      That all but confirms Poland’s progress into the last 16.
      Inside the stadium
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Qatar:
      This is like nothing I’ve ever witnessed – although maybe because I was at Anfield in 1995 and The Etihad 17 years later, rather than watching United on the final day.
      Final whistle brings more glory choruses from the Argentine fans.
      But the Poles do not know where to look or what to think.
      They’re utterly, utterly exhausted. Spent.And waiting, waiting, waiting…Martin LiptonSunSport
      Full Time: Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      It’s full time here and Argentina have won the group.
      It just remains to be seen whether Poland will join them in the knockout rounds.
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      90+6, Just seconds remaining now.
      The game between Saudi Arabia is a few minutes behind this one so we’ll have to stick around to find out if Poland have snuck into the last 16.
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      90+5, Messi has just mugged off Lewandowski on the halfway line.
      Lewandowski has a few goes at trying to steal the ball from the great man but just ends up fouling him.
      Barcelona’s past and present coming up against each other there.
      Inside the stadium
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Qatar:
      Six minutes will feel like torture for the Poles.
      So near – despite deserving nothing – yet potentially so far.
      This Argentine party doesn’t sound like it’s ever going to stop, though. Fair enough.
      Their side has bossed this from the first kick and should have won by far more.Martin LiptonSunSport
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      93, Kiwior clears off the line!
      The Poland defender heads Tagliafico’s chip off the line to keep his country in the World Cup….for now!
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      90+1, We’re into the first of 6 minutes of time added on at the end of the game.
      Argentina are just popping the ball to each other while Poland stand around and watch them do it.
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      90, As there’ s nothing much happening in this game, enjoy this great photo of Lewandowski trying to keep up with Messi tonight.

      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      88, The intensity has understandably fallen out of this match in the closing stages.
      The result in this game is beyond doubt but Poland’s World Cup hopes are on a knife-edge.
      Will we see some late drama here?
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      85, And that’s way Lautaro Martinez was dropped for this game.
      He’s one-on-one with the goalkeeper but rolls his shot a few yards wide of the post.
      Poland let out a sigh of relief.
      They’d have been out of the World Cup had that gone in.
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      82, Krychowiak is coming off for Poland – they can’t afford for him to get a red or they’ll be out!
      Piatek comes on in his place.
      Argentina are also making another change as Mac Allister makes way for Thiago Almada.
      Inside the stadium
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Qatar:
      Party Central for the Argentine fans.This could be Buenos Aires, Rosario, Mar del Plata or anywhere else.
      Certainly it’s not the sort of racket they get in Doha very often.
      It’s an incredible situation, too.
      Four years ago in Russia, Japan played out the last few minutes of their final group game knowing they were ahead of Senegal in the other game on yellow cards.
      Beyond dangerous mind. Especially when Krychowiak’s careless foul on half-way means the gap is just two cautions now.
      One silly mistake and a red….and they’d be out.Martin LiptonSunSport
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      78, Lionel Scaloni makes two more changes to La Abiceleste.
      Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez make way for Lautaro Martinez and German Pezzella.
      Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
      78, A yellow card for Poland…
      Krychowiak goes into the book for a pull back on Mac Allister.
      Load more entries… More

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      Japan vs Spain: TV channel, kick-off time and live stream for 2022 World Cup Group E clash

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      SPAIN and Japan face off on the final day of Group E – and winner tops the group.The Spaniards were seven minutes away from pulling off a huge win over the Germans before Niclas Fullkrug’s equaliser.
      Alvaro Morata thought his goal was enough for Spain to beat GermanyCredit: Getty
      But Luis Enrique’s side can still top the group with a win over a hard-fighting Japanese team.
      However, a Japan win would not only see them finish as group winners, but could see Spain go OUT if Croatia beat Germany.
      It’s all to play for in Group E.
      When is Japan vs Spain?

      Japan’s clash with Spain will take place TOMORROW – Thursday, December 1.
      The game will kick off at 7pm UK time.
      Japan vs Spain will be held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar’s capital Doha.
      The two sides have played each other once before – in a friendly in 2001 and the game finished 1-0 to Spain.

      Read More on World Cup
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Japan vs Spain will be shown live on ITV 1 in the UK.
      You can also live stream the action from the ITV Hub, which can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE in the UK, so long as you have a TV licence.
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      I’m Mexico’s hottest fan but if we get knocked out of the World Cup I’m switching to ANOTHER major team

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      MEXICO’S hottest fan says if the side get knocked out of the World Cup, she’ll switch her allegiance to another team.Model and former Miss Universe title holder Andrea Meza will be cheering on her national side in their Group C game against Saudi Arabia.
      Andrea Meza was crowned Miss Universe 2020Credit: Getty
      Andrea is seen as Mexico’s hottest fanCredit: instagram
      She’s also shown her support for Team USA and could switch sides if Mexico get knocked outCredit: instagram
      Mexico have a chance of progressing in World Cup in Qatar if they beat their opponents tonight and if Poland beat Argentina.
      If Poland and Argentina draw, and Mexico win, it has to be by four goals or more to overhaul Argentina’s goal difference.
      Saudi Arabia will qualify if they win and they only need a draw if Poland beat Argentina.
      Andrea is certainly a keen football fan and has posed in Mexico’s team shirts for photographs posted to her Instagram account.
      Read More on the World Cup
      However, less than 24 hours ago Andrea also took to her social media account to post a couple of pics of her wearing a USA shirt.
      In the caption she wrote, in Spanish: “Supporting @usmnt #usa.”
      Andrea was born and raised in Chihuahua City as the eldest of three daughters and is of partial Chinese descent.
      She went on to study software engineering at the Autonomous University of Chihuahua and gained a degree in 2017.
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      She started working as a software engineer while also pursuing a career as a model.
      Andrea was picked to represent Chihuahua in the Miss World Mexico 2016 tournament.
      She lost out to Ana Girault that year but gained the title the following year, going on to represent the country in 2017 where she finished as the fourth runner up.
      In 2020, Meza was crowned Mexicana Universal Chihuahua 2020, allowing her to represent Chihuahua at Mexicana Universal 2020 where she won the title.
      That award allowed her to enter the Miss Universe 2020 competition which was held in Florida and went on to win the title.
      However, should she switch teams, she might have a run for her money as USA already seems to have their ‘hottest fan’ cheering them on.
      Rachel Stuhlmann, 26, has football fans falling at her feet with her sexy snaps showing her support for her side.
      Croatian beauty Ivana Knoll has been, unofficially named as the World Cup’s hottest fan.
      The stunning superfan offered a pair of forlorn Welsh fans a shoulder to cry on after the Three Lions roared to victory.
      She lent her support to the deflated duo while taking a day off from her cheerleading duties before Croatia takes on Belgium.
      Meanwhile, stunning brunette Jelena Stojadinovic has been showing her support for Serbia in the tournament.
      Posting on her TikTok, the Serbian-born beauty, who lives in Trieste, Italy, posed in a purple figure-hugging dress with the letters of her first name superimposed vertically on the screen.
      She then used each letter to make up the name of six players she thinks will make all the difference.
      Read More on The Sun
      Bonnie Brown, 25, could well be in the running as England’s ‘hottest fan’.
      Bonnie is an adult content creator and she’s loved football since she was a little girl.
      Andrea has a degree in software engineering but has pursued a modelling careerCredit: @erick3sparza
      Andrea has built up a large following on her Instagram accountCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      Andrea became the third Mexican to win the title of Miss Universe when she won in 2020Credit: AP More