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      South Korea vs Portugal: Date, TV channel, kick-off time and stream for 2022 World Cup Group H clash

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      SOUTH KOREA face off against European giants Portugal in the finale of Group H.The Taeguk Warriors still have it all to play for as they can qualify for the last-16 at the World Cup with victory over Portugal.
      South Korea’s World Cup dream is not over yetCredit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating Portugal’s win vs UruguayCredit: Getty
      Portugal, led by a hungry Cristiano Ronaldo, have already qualified from Group H, but Ghana could leapfrog them if they lose to South Korea and the African’s beat Uruguay.
      With an impressive victory against the South Americans last time out, Ronaldo and co will be hoping to finish the group in style.
      Read More on World Cup
      When is South Korea vs Portugal?

      South Korea’s clash with Portugal will take place on Friday, December 2.
      The game will kick off from 3pm UK time.
      South Korea vs Portugal will be held at the Education City Stadium
      The two sides have played each other once before – at the 2002 World Cup, and the game finished 1-0 to South Korea.

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

      South Korea vs Portugal will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, 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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      Australia 0 Denmark 0 LIVE SCORE: Irvine fires over as score remains level in winner-takes-all match at World Cup 2022

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      DENMARK are dominating possession but have not yet found a way to break down Australia in a crucial clash as it is level at half-time. Riley McGree tested Kasper Schmeichel in the first-half but neither side have broken the deadlock.
      Jackson Irvine has come the closest in the second period, with Australia looking to open the scoring as the midfielder fired over the bar from inside the box.

      Kick-off: 3pm GMT
      TV channel: BBC TWO
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer
      Group D: LIVE TABLE
      Australia XI: Ryan; Degenek, Souttar, Rowles, Behich; Irvine, Mooy; Leckie, McGree, Goodwin; Duke
      Denmark XI: Schmeichel; Kristensen, Andersen, Christensen, Maehle; Hojbjerg, Jensen; Olsen, Eriksen, Lindstrom; Braithwaite
      Preview: How Australia and Denmark can qualify for the last-16

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Stay up to date with all the latest from the Group D clash…
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      48. Denmark bring the ball forward but lose the ball too easily.
      McGree crosses to Irvine but his shot goes over the bar.
      Much better football by The Socceroos.
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      46. Now we have the first 45 minutes out of the way, this game should get more exciting the closer we move to the full time whistle.
      This is the business end of the group stages, qualification is at risk.
      Australia have an early corner which causes problems in the box, as a shot comes in it is headed away for another corner.
      Credit: Getty
      Kick-off: Australia 0-0 Denmark
      The Socceroos get the second half started.
      Big half of football for both teams ahead.
      Baccus comes on for Goodwin for Australia.
      Bah is on for Kristensen for Denmark.
      HT: Australia 0-0 Denmark
      Everything that Denmark do well comes through Christian Eriksen, meaning he is often targeted by opponent’s tactical set ups.
      The Danes need to work harder to find him the ball, draw the opposition on and create pocket of space for him to use.
      To stand any hope of scoring, their playmaker needs more involvement.

      Inside the ground – half time analysis
      SunSport’s Andy Dillon reports from the Al-Janoub Stadium:
      DENMARK are sleepwalking out of the World Cup.
      Five shots in the first half with two on target but there is something decidedly downbeat about the performance.
      Australia are frightened to commit forwards and Denmark have forgotten how to win at the World Cup.
      They have drawn four and lost one of their last five WC matches – last beating Peru in Russia 2018.
      HT: Australia 0-0 Denmark
      Neither side have really created much to work the opposition keeper in that first half.
      The Socceroos seemed to come into the game more in the final fifteen minutes of the half.
      The shots we have seen have been routine saves for the keepers.

      HT: Australia 0-0 Denmark
      The referee brings the first half to a close.
      Nothing to separate the two teams at the break.
      As it stands, Australia would progress to the last 16.
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      45. We are going to three days of added time.
      Not quite, just the two minutes.
      Australia press forward looking to get a cheeky late goal to take into the half time interval with them.
      Denmark’s defence is like a Lego wall, solid and not something you would want to step on.
      Credit: Getty
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      43. Australia have looked much better in the last fifteen minutes, offering more attacking threat.
      That has caused the game to become more open.
      Lindstrom cuts in from the left and looks to cross with the outside of his right foot and Ryan collects.
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      41. Skov Olsen is looking dangerous when on the ball.
      Denmark’s issue is that they are not getting him the ball enough.
      Ryan takes his time with the goal kick, his tactic for most of this half.
      Let’s hope VAR are not adding this time on or none of us may get home this evening.
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      39. The aim for Australia will be to ensure they are on at least level terms by half time.
      Eriksen gives the ball away and offers the chance for The Socceroos to come forward.
      More keen to keep the ball than do something with it, McGree crosses but the delivery is poor.
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      37. The problem both of these teams have, it sounds like from the reports of the other game that Tunisia are dominating France, with Les Bleus yet to have a shot on goal.
      That makes things awkward for both teams here.
      They need to play to win in case of an African goal.
      Credit: Getty
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      35. Australia are spending a lot of time in their own half.
      They win the ball and look to go direct but Leckie could not bring the ball under his spell.
      He tried to pull it out of the air and it nearly set him through on goal.
      Close.
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      33. This will be mission accomplished so far for Australia.
      Providing France do not lose to Tunisia, this would see The Socceroos through.
      Denmark are having the lion’s share of possession but are struggling to create any clean-cut chances.
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      31. Lindstrom is seeing more and more of the ball.
      He is working well with Maehle down the left hand side.
      Aaron Mooy is having to cover a lot of ground to support in these situations.
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      29. Australia are trying to offer more of a threat in the attacking third now.
      Schmeichel has yet to be really tested.
      Denmark are looking to stretch the Australian defence with direct balls to the wide men.
      Credit: Getty
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      27. In their two previous group games, Australia have started the strongest having led against France and Tunisia.
      They have not looked like that team in the opening stages of this game.
      Denmark are looking the far more threatening.
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      25. Australia are defending deep to every last man.
      This time Aaron Mooy makes a challenge and tries to clear.
      Denmark come straight back at them and Skov Olsen gets a shot off at goal but scuffs it slightly and Ryan easily saves.
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      23. Denmark need to manage their physicality at set pieces.
      They are already giving away far too many free kicks.
      It gives Australia the chance to take a breather.
      McGree fires a shot of from distance but Schmeichel saves with ease.
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      21. That was good goalkeeping by Matt Ryan.
      Denmark are dominating the early stages but it is clear to see that Australia plan a counter-attacking style.
      The Socceroos need to keep things tight at the back for that game plan to bring them a result.
      Credit: PA
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      19. Leckie comes forward on a rare counter attack and the fans liven up immediately.
      They look to come forward quickly, but the final pass is lacking.
      Denmark counter and the ball is cut back from the byline and Ryan is forced to make two good saves to get the ball clear.
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      17. The Danes have got a great record of getting out of the groups.
      Four out of five times they have made the knockout rounds.
      Denmark play a good passing game, when they look to get forward, it is good to watch.
      Australia 0-0 Denmark – Skov Olsen chance
      15. The Socceroos are having to weather a storm here.
      This time Skov Olsen looks to get a shot off on goal but again it is well blocked and ricochets off the Denmark man.
      Australia are struggling to get out of their own half right now.
      Australia 0-0 Denmark – Ryan save
      13. Matt Ryan does brilliantly to tip an effort over the bar.
      It is at his near post so he should save it but it was struck with some venom by Jensen.
      Denmark have started the more positive.
      Credit: Getty
      Australia 0-0 Denmark
      11. The good news for Socceroo fans is that VAR has ruled out that Tunisian goal.
      That is the fun with the final matchday, things can change in the group standings in an instant.
      Denmark get a ball into the box and Lindstrom meets it but Degenek does brilliantly to block the shot.
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      Tunisia 0 France 0 LIVE SCORE: Carthage Eagles fight for survival against reigning champions at World Cup 2022 – latest

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      FRANCE have the chance to wrap up World Cup Group D in style against rock-bottom Tunisia – but they are struggling to get a foot hold of the game.Bayern Munich ace Kingsley Coman came the closest for the world champions when he fluffed his lines from a few yards out.
      However, Nader Ghandri had the ball in the back of the net for Tunisia but it was ruled out for offside.

      TV channel: BBC One
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer
      Group D: LIVE TABLE
      Tunisia XI: Dahman; Meriah, Ghandri, Talbi; Kechrida, Skhiri, Laidouni, Maaloul; Slimane, Ali Ben Romdhane; Khazri
      France XI: Mandanda; Diasi, Varanae, Konate; Guendouzi, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Coman, Veretout, Fofana; Muani
      Preview: How Tunisia can qualify for the last-16

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Stay up to date with all the latest from the Group D clash…
      50 Tunisia 0-0 France
      Tunisia continue to dominate on the pitch like they did in the first half.
      However, Kadri’s men are still missing the final pass
      48 Tunisia 0-0 France
      Penalty Shout!
      Tunisia are complaining for a penalty after Khazri goes down inside the French area after a tackle by Tchouameni.
      Replay, though, shows the Real Madrid ace just got the ball – short VAR check confirms it
      46 Tunisia 0-0 France
      No changes from either side as we kick things off in the second half.
      France’s heavily rotated side struggled in the first half, but manager Deschamps isn’t fussed about substitutions with Australia vs Denmark still 0-0
      Tunisia 0-0 France
      Peep!
      Off we go again in Qatar!!!
      Tunisia vs France stats
      France dominated 57 per cent of possession throughout the first half.
      Les Bleus, though, couldn’t produce anything meaningful as they only managed two shots off target.
      Tunisia, on the other hand, registered three shots, two of which were on target.
      More below:

      World from the ground
      Here’s what SunSport’s man on the field Mark Irwin makes of the fist half:
      Goalless at Education City where Tunisia have dominated the French reserve team without seriously threatening to force a breakthrough.
      The Eagles of Carthage have had plenty of possession but need to test veteran keeper Steve Mandanda more because he looks like an accident waiting to happen.
      The best chance of the first-half fell to Kingsley Coman but his first touch was an absolute shocker and his finish was even worse as he missed the target by yards.
      Didier Deschamps’ shadow team aren’t exactly staking a claim to keep their place in the starting line-up for the matches that matter.
      And all those rested superstars watching from the bench certainly don’t look as though they are fearing for their places.Mark IrwinSunSport
      HT: Tunisia 0-0 France
      France and Tunisia are goalless after the first half at the Education City Stadium.
      Didier Deschamps’ heavily rotated side has struggled so far against the Tunisians, who are very much up for it.
      The Eagles of Carthage thought they scored their first goal of the 2022 World Cup after just eight minutes.
      Nader Ghandri met a wicked free-kick delivery by Wahbi Khazri on the left and beat Steve Mandanda but was caught just inches offside
      Credit: Reuters
      HT: Tunisia 0-0 France
      Peep!
      That’s half-time in Qatar!!!
      45+2 Tunisia 0-0 France
      Chance!
      Tunisia make a last-ditch effort with a powerful shot from the left by Khazri but the ball goes over the crossbar
      45 Tunisia 0-0 France
      Just two more minutes of added time to go.
      France should be happy with that score based on their performance so far
      43 Tunisia 0-0 France
      Tunisia manager Kadri looks uneasy, he would have wanted a goal by now.
      Still, the Tunisians will love the half-time news of Australia and Denmark still being 0-0.
      Especially after their strong first-half showing
      40 Tunisia 0-0 France
      France are slowly gaining ground with the obvious mission of maintaining a clean sheet by half-time.
      Deschamps still doesn’t have reason to bring his stars in as Australia vs Denmark is still 0-0
      38 Tunisia 0-0 France
      We’re slowly approaching half-time and France’s heavily rotated side is just managing to survive.
      Tunisia should be disappointed for not hitting the net – at least from an onside position…
      35 Tunisia 0-0 France
      Chance!
      Tunisia star Khazri delivers a powerful long-range shot and Mandanda saves with a lunge to his left
      33 Tunisia 0-0 France
      Tunisia are keeping their lines high and that leads to some tremendous press in midfield.
      France are struggling to move the ball forward and are often dispossessed in the middle of the pitch
      30 Tunisia 0-0 France
      Chance
      Tunisia continue to knock on France’s door with Slimane getting a header that gets a defender’s deflection.
      But the ball goes safely to Mandanda’s hands
      28 Tunisia 0-0 France
      Yellow card
      We have the first booking of the match and it goes to Tunisia ace Kechrida after a late challenge on Gunedouzi
      25 Tunisia 0-0 France
      Chance!
      France register their first big chance with Coman getting inside the area but a heavy touch leads to a shot way off target
      25 Tunisia 0-0 France
      Liverpool ace Konate has been having a marvellous game so far, France’s best player so far in the first half.
      Tunisia’s attacks are constantly cut by the centre-back, some crucial tackles on Khazri and Kechrida
      23 Tunisia 0-0 France
      France are obviously struggling to put anything together, those players are not used to playing together.
      Don’t be shocked if we see Mbappe coming on in the second half…
      20 Tunisia 0-0 France
      Tunisia have been dominating tempo so far in the match.
      The crowd – mostly Tunisian – is absolutely loving this.
      It is so obvious Deschamps is thinking about the Round of 16.
      Really good game by Liverpool ace Konate so far in defence
      18 Tunisia 0-0 France
      Here’s a sight we’re not used to…
      Mbappe is on the bench as France manager Deschamps is looking ahead for the Last 16 where he will need his top stars.
      Heavily rotated line-up by the French tactician
      Credit: Rex
      15 Tunisia 0-0 France
      Here’s how the two teams look like today.
      Tunisia in all white whereas France don their legendary blue
      Credit: Reuters
      13 Tunisia 0-0 France
      Tunisia star Khazri goes down inside France’s area after a challenge from Konate.
      But the referee waives play on and replay proves him right
      12 Tunisia 0-0 France
      Tunisia were so close they could taste it!
      Ghandri sent the ball to the back of the net but was slightly offside
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
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      Louis van Gaal tells Dutch press to ‘go home’ as Holland boss sparks row over ‘terribly boring’ World Cup performances

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      LOUIS VAN GAAL has told the Dutch press to go home following criticism of Holland’s style of play at the World Cup.Holland booked their World Cup round of 16 place after recording two wins and a draw in the group stages.
      Van Gaal has hit back at criticism over Holland’s style of playCredit: Getty
      They will now play the USA on December 3 for a place in the quarter-finals.
      However, Holland have been criticised by fans, as well as the Dutch press, for their style of play in the winter tournament.
      Such comments led to ex-Manchester United boss Van Gaal biting back after the 2-0 win over hosts Qatar.
      He told one journalist: “I’m not going to expand on it because I think you have a different opinion of football. 
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      “Why don’t you write you think it is terribly boring and you are going home tomorrow because you couldn’t care less?”
      Another reporter told the 71-year-old that fans were “grinding their teeth” on social media about the displays, to which Van Gaal responded: “That’s disappointing but I don’t agree with you.   
      “That’s your opinion but I don’t think your opinion is the correct opinion.
      “I think everyone would be rather proud we are progressing to the next round.
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      “I think things are not as bad as you say they are.”
      Van Gaal’s bitey comments are a stark contrast to the pre-game press conference ahead of the clash with Senegal.
      A young reporter told the manager he doesn’t have a question but just wanted to say that he is a big fan. 
      Van Gaal thanked the reporter and gave him a hug afterwards.
      Should Holland go all the way and become world champions, Van Gaal is open to one last big job in football.
      Ronaldo Koeman has already agreed to take the reigns of the side after the tournament.
      Van Gaal said: “My successor has already been appointed so that is not really an issue. I only did this to support Dutch football and thank them for this opportunity.
      “I’m doing this because I’m grateful and if we become world champion then the football world is a very opportunistic world so you never know?”
      Gakpo is Holland’s top scorer More

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      Canelo Alvarez called out by Argentine UFC star after threatening Lionel Messi following Mexico World Cup controversy

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      ARGENTINA UFC star Santiago Ponzinibbio offered to fight Canelo Alvarez as he jumped to the defence of compatriot Lionel Messi.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.
      Argentina UFC star Santiago Ponzinibbio has offered to fight Canelo in defence of Lionel MessiCredit: Getty
      Canelo (left) threatened the Argentina footy icon for ‘disrespecting’ MexicoCredit: EPA
      Wild scenes in the Argentine dressing room followed after they kept their qualification hopes alive after they lost 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 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.”
      However, welterweight Ponzinibbio, who has won 28 of his 34 MMA fights, has now joined the likes of Sergio Aguero by wading into the row and having Messi’s back.
      The grappler, who faces Robbie Lawler at UFC 282 on December 10, told MMA Fighting: “No point threatening Messi. Everybody knows Messi’s career. If [Canelo] doesn’t know he shouldn’t say a thing.
      “It’s normal for players to throw jerseys on the ground, they are all sweaty, but he didn’t do anything disrespectful.
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      “Everybody that knows Messi knows he’s an impeccable athlete and a very respectful person.”
      Ponzinibbio added: “[Messi] had an excellent match. I was upset. Brother, if you want to fight, I’m ready, but leave Messi be,
      “You mess with Messi, you mess with the entire Argentina. Don’t bother the kid.”
      Argentina face off with Poland in the third group game of the World Cup, with the two sides occupying the top two slots in Group C.
      A draw will send Argentina through to the knockouts if Saudi Arabia and Mexico also draw, or if the Mexicans win by up to a two-goal margin.
      Lionel Messi will be hoping to fire Argentina into the knockouts later todayCredit: Getty More

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      Netherlands star Frenkie de Jong bucking the trend among Dream Team World Cup’s top midfielders

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      IT’S hard to know what to make of Netherlands at the World Cup so far.The Oranje topped Group A after beating Senegal and Qatar, with a draw against Ecuador in between.
      However, much like England, some of their fans have been unconvinced by the performances.
      Truth be told, Louis van Gaal’s side were pretty flat for 80 minutes against the African Cup of Nations champions and they were comprehensively outplayed by Enner Valencia and company in their second outing.
      And yet they’re undefeated and have earned themselves a round of 16 match-up against USA.
      Frenkie de Jong has impressed for Netherlands
      Cody Gakpo (£4m) is obviously the star of the show from a Dream Team World Cup perspective.
      The PSV forward has scored in every game to date, an effort that his resulted in 29 points, making him the joint-best performer alongside Bruno Fernandes (£4.5m) at the time of writing.
      Goalkeeper Andries Noppert (£2m) has offered superb value for money so far, twice combining clean sheets with 7+ ratings for a total of 16 points.
      And Frenkie de Jong (£3.5m) has banked 26 points from the group stage, a tally only bettered by the aforementioned Fernandes among midfielders.
      The Barcelona player is the focus of this article because his success is unexpected.
      Most read in Dream Team
      Don’t get us wrong, in terms of pure talent he ranks among the Netherlands’ very best assets and he was always going to be a prominent contributor if his nation were to go deep in Qatar.
      However, the 25-year-old isn’t generally the type of midfielder who usually thrives in Dream Team, a statement reinforced by the current rankings.
      Fernandes is Dream Team World Cup’s outright best midfielder currentlyCredit: getty
      The one thing that links all the other top-performing midfield assets in the game is that their primary task for their respective teams is to provide a threat in the final: Fernandes, Bukayo Saka (£5m), Dani Olmo (£3.5m), Davy Klaassen (£3m), Christian Pulisic (£3m), and so on.
      De Jong bucks this trend as he operates in deeper areas and excels in progressing the ball through the middle third of the pitch.
      The ex-Ajax midfielder scored against Qatar in Netherlands’ final group game but that was a relatively rare occurrence – he’s scored just two goals in 46 international caps.
      He’s fairing better in the creative stakes having registered six assists but still his attacking stats don’t paint the picture of a Dream Team World Cup midfielder who is able to sustain healthy returns.
      But his points tally doesn’t lie and the 19.3% of gaffers backing him have been handsomely rewarded in the last fortnight.
      De Jong is not a defensive midfielder but he does play deepCredit: getty
      The main reason for this is that De Jong is one of just two players have bagged two Star Man awards in Qatar, the other being that man again, Fernandes.
      And this is where deeper midfielders can mix it with the more attack-minded assets as WhoScored’s match ratings recognise the importance of impressive performances no matter what position they occupy.
      Saying that, Star Man awards are hard to come by and you don’t want to select a player if achieving the top match rating is their only route to healthy returns.
      Read More on The Sun
      Generally speaking, your midfielders should be highly likely to score goals and provide assists – De Jong has fitted the bill so far but he’s not been that type of player for the majority of his career to date.
      Just something to think about as the stakes increase this week… More

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      World Cup & Premier League star arrested for ‘rape’ of woman in her 20s has bail extended until next year

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      A PREMIER League and World Cup star arrested on suspicion of rape has had his bail extended until next year.The footballer is accused of raping two women in separate attacks, one in June this year and one in April 2021.
      A footballer has had his bail extendedCredit: Getty
      He had been due to answer police bail in October but this has now been extended to early January next year.
      The footballer, who has been taken to the World Cup, was held in July after police swooped on a home in North London.
      His first alleged victim, in her 20s, claimed she was raped during a break in the Med in June..
      She fled the five-star resort she was staying in and flew home to her friends and family, it is said.
      Read more news
      The woman is understood to have spoken to police on her return to the UK and showed photos she claimed highlighted bruising on her body after the alleged attack.
      After his initial arrest he was later re-arrested on suspicion of two more counts from April and June 2021.
      The June allegation was later dropped by police.
      The player has not been suspended by his club and is in one of the 32 squads at the World Cup,
      Most read in Football
      Scotland Yard said: “On 4 July, an allegation of rape of a woman in her 20s was reported to police.
      “It was reported the alleged rape happened in June 2022.
      “While in custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of two incidents of rape that were alleged to have been committed in April and June of 2021 against a different woman in her 20s.
      “No further action will be taken in relation to the alleged offence in June 2021 because the relevant legislation had not yet come into effect at the time it is said to have occurred.
      “This has been explained to the complainant who continues to be supported by officers.” More

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      Fuming Roberto Martinez accuses French media of dirty tricks to destabilise their World Cup 2022 bid

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      ROBERTO MARTINEZ says Belgium have become victims of French dirty tricks aimed at destabilising their World Cup bid.Belgium laboured to victory over Canada and then suffered a shock 2-0 loss to Morocco that has left them needing to win their final group game against Croatia to progress.
      Roberto Martinez has slammed the French media over a story about the Belgium squadCredit: Getty
      And stories that emerged in the French media about a bust-up amongst the players have shaken the camp with Martinez believing they have been done because Belgium are a threat to holders France’s crown.
      It was reported that after the defeat to Morocco a row occurred between Kevin De Bruyne and Jan Vertonghen and that the pair had to be split up by Romelu Lukaku.
      Manager Martinez said: “A World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world and there are many World Cups getting played and you could see maybe a country like France did a very good job with a story that became the main topic of conversation in Belgium.
      “What is clear is whoever has come up with it has scored an own goal for Belgium. Whoever has done it is genius.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      “If I was an opposition journalist who could weaken an opponent I would do it.
      “It showed you that there is maybe more desire to find negative news around this team than really get this nation together and support this team and enjoy the talent of the best generation we have ever had in Belgium football.
      “And probably that was a lesson for all of us – that we are here on our own and we are here to fight for what we believe is the way we want to play and hopefully the fans – real fans – of the red devils can enjoy the process.”
      Now Martinez has told his players to ignore all the ‘noise’ and criticism that is coming from outside believing that it has affected the team.
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      He said: “ We were not happy with the two performances, we got the result in the first game but we were not happy with our performance.
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      “The second game was the first time we lost a game by two goals in a major tournament, something we never experienced before so you can imagine we were not happy with it and the players were not happy with it.
      “Then you see the storm on the outside and then you realise maybe we were listening too much to the noise from the outside before the tournament.
      “Now we have some outlets in Belgium that are quite happy to jump on fake news. That’s quite astonishing. I think it’s made the group more aware that the less you listen to the noise from the outside news the better.”
      Dries Mertens’ wife Kat Kerkhofs has also revealed how it was at the team BBQ following the reported clash between players.
      She told the MIDMID MONDIAL podcast: “That was really awkward. The players were logically still very disappointed.”
      But she added: “But I thought it was strange to read that there are tensions within the group.
      “The next morning everyone said hello to each other with a kiss. They do all that. So I think they are all super sweet to each other.” More