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      Poland vs Argentina – World Cup Group C: How they’re doing, injuries and prediction as Messi looks to avoid early exit

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      LIONEL MESSI heads into a huge clash with Poland looking to avoid a very premature exit from what is almost certain to be his last World Cup.The Argentines currently occupy second position in Group C but have work to do following their upset defeat to Saudi Arabia in the opening game.

      Poland’s starting XI during their 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia
      A victory will guarantee their place in the knockout stages and almost certainly see them avoid another last 16 clash with France.
      Poland meanwhile have built from the back and while not being easy on the eye, currently occupy top spot without having conceded a goal.
      And after feeling aggrieved to miss out on the Ballon d’Or to Lionel Messi in 2021, Robert Lewandowski will be determined to guide his side to the knockout stages.
      SunSport takes a look at what to expect from Poland vs Argentina, including our score prediction.
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      How are they getting on?
      Argentina: Messi and Co were stunned by Saudi Arabia in a 2-1 defeat in their opening match.
      But the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner stepped up when his country needed it most to score the first goal in a 2-0 win over Mexico in the second game.
      Read the full Argentina vs Mexico report…
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      Poland: The Poles could have already been through if Lewandowski had converted a penalty in their opening snore draw with Mexico.
      But their talisman atoned to score the second goal in a crucial 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the following game.
      Read the full Poland vs Saudi Arabia report…

      Argentina’s starting XI for their 2-0 win over Mexico
      Any injuries to worry about?
      Poland: The Poles have no fresh injury worries ahead of this crucial clash.
      Argentina: There are no injury concerns in the Argentine camp ahead of this one.
      Who will be the star men?
      Argentina: There is an array of talent in the Argentina ranks but nobody in the world has a CV quite like Messi.
      Poland: The Poles are not likely to create too many chances in this game and Robert Lewandowski will need to take any that come his way.
      Permutations
      Argentina will qualify with a win over Poland and top the group provided Saudi Arabia don’t beat Mexico by three more goals than they can manage.
      A draw will be enough if Saudi Arabia vs Mexico ends in a draw or Mexico win by less than four goals.
      Argentina will be out if they lose.
      Poland will qualify with a draw and top the group if Saudi Arabia fail to beat Mexico.
      If Saudi Arabia draw, Poland must lose by less than three goals to be sure of qualifying.
      Poland will be out if they lose and Mexico win with a five-goal swing.
      What is the head-to-head?
      Argentina have won six, drawn two and lost three against Poland.
      At the World Cup, Poland ran out surprise 3-2 winners in 1974.
      But Argentina got revenge four years later with a 2-0 win on the way to lifting the trophy in 1978.
      The teams last meeting came in 2011 when Poland ran out 2-1 winners in a friendly in Warsaw.
      Odds
      Argentina 11-21
      Draw 16-5
      Read More on The Sun
      Poland 15-2
      SunSport prediction
      Poland 0 Argentina 2 More

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      Tunisia vs France – World Cup Group D: How they’re doing, injuries and prediction as French look to win every game

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      TUNISIA are looking to perform a minor miracle and beat the world champions to qualify for the last 16.The Eagles of Carthage have yet to score in the World Cup and are on the verge of elimination.

      Tunisia’s starting XI from their defeat to Australia
      They performed well in their opener with Denmark before coming a cropper against Australia.
      France meanwhile are looking to make it three wins out of three after impressive victories over the Aussies and Danes.
      Kylian Mbappe was the inspiration for both those wins and it remains to be seen whether he will be risked for this one.
      SunSport takes a look at what to expect from Tunisia vs France including our score prediction.
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      How are they getting on?
      Tunisia: The North Africans got off to a promising start in their opener with Denmark, where they were the better team in a 0-0 draw.
      But they failed to rally after a Mitchell Duke header and went down to a 1-0 defeat in their second game against Australia.
      Read the full Tunisia vs Australia report…
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      France: Les Bleus laid down a marker in their opening game after coming from behind to hammer Australia 4-1.
      A Kylian Mbappe brace then inspired them to a 2-1 win over Denmark, their first against the Danes in four attempts.
      Read the full France vs Denmark report…

      The France team that beat Denmark
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      Any injuries to worry about?
      Tunisia: The Tunisians have no injury worries with even second goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said returning to full fitness.
      France: Where to begin?
      Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante were among a number of seasoned internationals ruled out before the tournament started.
      Karim Benzema is on holiday in Reunion with reports that he could make a surprise return to the squad before the end of the tournament appearing wide of the mark.
      Theo Hernandez is France’s only left-back after brother Lucas was ruled out by injury.
      Eduardo Camavinga may therefore slot in there for this match if Deschamps wants to rest the AC Milan man.
      Second choice goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is a doubt for a match he may well have started, as he has a back issue.
      Who to watch
      Tunisia: Ferencvaros star Aissa Laidouni has impressed in the Tunisia midfield, ensuring it more than matched its Danish and Australian counterparts in the opening two games.
      France: It’s difficult to look beyond Mbappe.
      The PSG man has three goals in two matches and despite the possibility of him being rested for this game, it is claimed he is determined to start.
      Permutations
      If Australia beat Denmark in the other Group D game, Tunisia are out.
      If the teams draw, Tunisia can qualify with a win over France.
      If Denmark beat Australia, Tunisia must beat France by a bigger margin.
      If Tunisia fail to beat France, they are out regardless of other results.
      France have already qualified and know avoiding defeat will be enough to secure top spot in Group D.
      Should France lose, Australia can top the group with victory over Denmark, but it will require a seven-goal swing.
      What’s the head-to-head?
      The teams have met competitively just once, with Tunisia winning 2-1 in the Mediterranean Games back in 1971.
      Since then, they have played four friendlies with France winning two and drawing two.
      Their last meeting was a 1-1 draw in a friendly in Rades, Tunisia back in 2010.
      Odds
      Tunisia 38-5
      Draw 15-4
      Read More on The Sun
      France 4-9
      SunSport prediction
      Tunisia 1 France 2 More

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      Australia vs Denmark – World Cup Group D: How they’re doing, injuries and prediction for winner-take-all clash

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      AUSTRALIA head into a decisive clash with Denmark knowing a draw will almost certainly be enough to see them through to the last 16.That would make it only the second time the Socceroos have reached a World Cup knockout stage.

      How Australia lined up against Tunisia
      However, they arrive as underdogs against a usually-impressive Denmark side that has yet to click.
      The Danes made it to the Euro 2020 semi-finals last year, but were held to a draw by Tunisia before losing to France at this tournament.
      That means that they will require a victory in this one to make it through.
      SunSport takes a look at what to expect from Australia vs Denmark including our score prediction.
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      How are they getting on?
      Australia: Graham Arnold’s side have confounded pre-tournament predictions to give themselves a great chance of qualifying.
      Though they were outclassed by France in a 4-1 loss, they recovered to earn a crucial 1-0 win over Tunisia through Mitchell Duke.
      Read the full Tunisia vs Australia match report…
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      Denmark: The Danes were disappointing in an opening 0-0 draw with the Tunisians which could cost them dear.
      A narrow 2-1 defeat to France in their second match means only a win will do in this one.
      Read the full France vs Denmark match report…

      How Denmark lined up in their loss to France
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      Any injuries to worry about?
      Australia: Nathaniel Atkinson picked up a knock against France and replacement Fran Karacic is likely to keep his spot after a strong display against Tunisia.
      Hibernian striker Martin Boyle has been ruled out of the entire World Cup after an ACL injury on the eve of the tournament.
      Denmark: Thomas Delaney will miss the rest of the tournament with a knee injury.
      Mikkel Damsgaard replaced him during the France game and is likely to keep his place.
      Who will be the star men?
      Australia: Aaron Mooy has provided a typically assured presence in midfield and will need to do so again if the Socceroos are to qualify.
      Denmark: The Danish squad is full of talent but it’s hard to look beyond Man Utd star Christian Eriksen as the main man.
      Permutations
      Australia will qualify automatically with a win over Denmark.
      A draw will be enough if Tunisia fail to beat France.
      Denmark must beat Australia by a margin equal to any Tunisian victory over France.
      What’s the head-to-head?
      The sides have met just once at the World Cup – four years ago.
      That day, a Mile Jedinak penalty earned the Aussies a 1-1 draw after an early Christian Eriksen strike.
      Australia and Denmark have met three more times, all friendlies, with the Aussies winning, losing and drawing one.
      Odds
      Australia 6-1
      Draw 7/2
      Read More on The Sun
      Denmark 8-15
      SunSport prediction
      Australia 1 Denmark 2 More

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      Qatar chief says ‘500’ migrants died building World Cup stadiums despite claims 15,000 perished

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      A QATAR World Cup chief has finally admitted hundreds of migrant workers died building Qatar’s stadiums and other tournament infrastructure.Hassan Al Thawadi said in an interview on TalkTV’s Piers Morgan Uncensored: “The estimate is around 400, between 400 and 500  . . .  I don’t have the exact number.”
      A Qatar World Cup boss finally admitted hundreds of migrant workers died building Qatar’s stadiumsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Hassan Al Thawadi said: ‘The estimate is around 400, between 400 and 500  . . .  I don’t have the exact number’Credit: AFP – Getty
      He said there were three work-related deaths in construction directly for the tournament — but that rose into the hundreds for all infrastructure projects.
      He added: “One death is a death too many, plain and simple.
      “I think every year the health and safety standards on the sites are improving, at least on the World Cup sites, the ones that we’re responsible for.
      “To the extent that you’ve got trade unions – representatives of the German trade union, the Swiss trade union have commended the work that’s been done on the World Cup sites and the improvement.
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      “Improvements had to happen.
      “This was something that was recognised before we bid.
      Other estimates put the toll at up to 15,000.
      Steve Cockburn from Amnesty International said: “Until all abuses suffered by migrant workers are remedied, this World Cup will be severely tarnished.”
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      Sports minister wore LGBTQ+ One Love armband to Wales v England match

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      SPORTS minister Stuart Andrew turned up to the Wales versus England match wearing an LGBTQ+ One Love armband.The gay MP displayed the protest armband together with a rainbow tie to send a message in Qatar where homosexuality is punishable by death.
      Sports minister Stuart Andrew turned up to the Wales versus England match wearing an LGBTQ+ One Love armbandCredit: EPA
      Mr Andrew said: ‘I’m wearing the #OneLove armband to support the LGBT community and send a positive message’Credit: EPA
      England and Wales were among seven nations to axe plans to wear the armband in matches to spare players disciplinary action.
      Mr Andrew said: “Sport has the power to unite and inspire so it’s vital all sporting events, such as the Fifa World Cup, are open and inclusive.
      “I’m wearing the #OneLove armband to support the LGBT community and send a positive message that everyone should feel welcome at all sport tournaments.”
      Qatar World Cup chief Hassan Al-Thawadi blasted the move.
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      He said: “If you’re making a statement here in Qatar or specifically addressed to Qatar, and by extension the Islamic world, I take issue with that.
      “It leaves a very divisive message.”
      3LionsPride, an LGBTQ+ England fan group, called Fifa’s decision to sanction players for wearing the armband “more than ­disappointing”.
      It said the “right to freedom of speech and expression” were being crushed.
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      Chelsea star Christian Pulisic celebrates from his hospital bed as USA’s goal hero vows to be back for World Cup last-16

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      CHRISTIAN PULISIC was forced to watch the end of USA’s nervy clash with Iran from a hospital bed after injuring himself netting the winner.The Chelsea winger grabbed the only goal of the game in the 38th minute, which included a painful collision with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
      Christian Pulisic cheered on his team-mates from hospital
      The forward was injured scoring USA’s winning goalCredit: Rex
      Pulisic collided painfully with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza BeiranvandCredit: Rex
      After several minutes of treatment, Pulisic was taken off at half time, and went to hospital soon after having complained of dizziness and abdominal pain.
      Yet he soon posted a picture of himself on social media lying in a hospital bed celebrating the win after keeping track of the score on his phone.
      And ‘Captain America’ has assured worried USA fans that he will be fine for their last-16 clash with Holland on Saturday.
      Boss Gregg Berhalter explained: “He was taken to hospital as a precaution. He was feeling some dizziness and suffered an abdominal injury.
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      “We facetimed him after from the locker room [at full-time]. We got to see him and he is in good spirits.
      “My guess is he brought his phone with him and he was just updating one of these football score apps.
      “Christian makes those sorts of runs. That’s what he does and that’s the special quality he has. He makes it really difficult for defenders.”
      Pulisic posted on social media: “So proud of my guys. I’ll be ready for Saturday, don’t worry.”
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      On how far the Yanks can now go in Qatar, Berhalter said: “We had two goals. One was to advance through the group stage and then get into the knock-outs.
      “From here, anything can happen. There is no need to project how far this team can go because the next match is against Holland and that’s our main focus.
      “It is great to be in this format. We relish this. It is an opportunity to keep grinding and stick together and enjoy this experience.”
      Iran began the evening ahead of USA in Group B, and needed just a point to qualify for the last-16 of a World Cup for the first time in their history.
      But coach Carlos Queiroz said: “The dream is over. It is fair to say that we should score in the second half and the draw was the right result of this game but it is football.
      “That thing of fair does not exist. The reality is this. Congratulations to the US, all the best to them in the second round of the World Cup.”
      Pulisic was taken to hospital after feeling dizzyCredit: EPA More

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      BBC host Gary Lineker aims cheeky dig at ITV with England out to defy ‘curse’ in World Cup last-16 clash against Ecuador

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      GARY LINEKER couldn’t help but take a sly dig at ITV after revealing they’ll broadcast England’s World Cup last-16 tie with Senegal.England booked their place in the knockout stages of the tournament with a 3-0 win over Wales on Tuesday night.
      England romped to a 3-0 win over Wales to reach the knockout stages of the World CupCredit: REX
      The Three Lions’ last-16 clash with Senegal will be broadcast on ITVCredit: GETTY
      BBC host Gary Lineker plugged the match for ITV – albeit with a little digCredit: GETTY
      And BBC host Lineker stunned fans by publicly plugging ITV’s coverage of Sunday’s match against Senegal.
      The former Everton and Three Lions hitman said: “England finished top and will take on Senegal at 7pm on Sunday.
      “And that’s on live on, well – uh – ITV. Oh well.”
      And fans we convinced Lineker was referencing the BBC’s rival channel’s infamous England CURSE.
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      Since 1998, 28 of England’s matches at major tournaments have been aired on the nation’s second-biggest broadcaster.
      But they have only won SIX of those games – a record Gareth Southgate will hope to improve on this weekend.
      And one fan wrote: “Lineker: ‘live on … itv .. oh well’… ffs that’s us out then! #itvcurse.”
      One added: “It’s the ITV curse Gary. England are always p*** poor on ITV.”
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      Another said: “Curse of ITV at the big competitions strikes again . If itv loved football they wouldn’t show it.”
      Southgate was impressed with his troop’s demolition of the Welsh, saying: “I thought in the first half we controlled the game but didn’t create enough chances.
      “We wanted more thrust and threat, to play forward quicker.
      “Once we got the two goals, we knew their spirit was gone, it has been a tough tournament for them.”
      Southgate was full of praise for Manchester United hitman Marcus Rashford, who bagged a spectacular brace.
      The 52-year-old said of Rashford’s double: “It’s great for him, he has trained really well.
      “He has been impressive since he came back to us, he could have had a hat-trick. That free kick is what he is capable of, it’s an incredible strike.
      “In moments, I thought both of them [Rashford and Foden] were quiet in the first half, so we switched wings.
      “They responded well, for both to get goals was great.” More

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      Jack Grealish hugs proud Sasha Attwood as England stars celebrate in stands with Wags after World Cup thrashing of Wales

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      ENGLAND’S Wags were out in full force as the Three Lions booked their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.Gareth Southgate and Co secured top spot in Group B with a rampant 3-0 victory against Wales.
      Jack Grealish hugged girlfriend Sasha Attwood after England’s 3-0 win over WalesCredit: World Cup News Pool (WCNP) – England vs Wales
      Grealish and Sasha shared a laugh at full-timeCredit: World Cup News Pool (WCNP) – England vs Wales
      Sasha was in the stands to see the Three Lions ease to victory over WalesCredit: World Cup News Pool (WCNP) – England vs Wales
      Bukayo Saka hugged girlfriend Tolami Benson at full-timeCredit: PA
      Aaron Ramsdale shared a kiss with partner Georgina IrwinCredit: PA
      And Jack Grealish celebrated with a hug from proud girlfriend Sasha Attwood as they reunited in the stands after the game.
      Bukayo Saka also shared a cuddle with girlfriend Tolami Benson, while goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale kissed partner Georgina Irwin.
      There was a well done embrace for Phil Foden from girlfriend Rebecca Cooke after the 22-year-old marked his first World Cup start with a goal.
      Foden scored in between two goals from Marcus Rashford, who dedicated his stunning free-kick to a friend who passed away just days before the game.
      Read More World Cup News
      Elsewhere Luke Shaw enjoyed some time with girlfriend Anouska Santos, while captain Harry Kane shared a moment with wife Katie Goodland.
      Some of the Wags had met up before the match a pre-game bite to eat
      Harry Kane was joined by wife Katie GoodlandCredit: AFP
      Luke Shaw looked loved up with girlfriend Anouska SantosCredit: Getty
      Phil Foden hugged girlfriend Rebecca Cooke after scoring England’s second goalCredit: PA
      Harry Maguire’s sister Daisy was out at the meal, with the defender impressing again in the heart of defence against Wales.
      Conor Coady was on the bench once again, but his wife Amie was with the rest of the Wags and appeared to be enjoying a glass of fizz pre-match.
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      Inside the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, they were joined by Kane’s wife Kate, while Grealish’s stunning girlfriend Sasha was also in the stands.
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      Ramsdale’s partner Georgina was there too wearing an England goalkeeper shirt.
      England ended the night as group winners to set up a meeting with Senegal on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals.
      Senegal saw off Ecuador to finish behind Holland in Group A.
      The Dutch will meet the USA, who beat Iran 1-0 to finish second in England’s group, on Saturday afternoon.
      Ramsdale’s partner Georgina wore an England goalie kitCredit: World Cup News Pool (WCNP) – England vs Wales
      Kane’s wife Kate was supporting the England captainCredit: World Cup News Pool (WCNP) – England vs Wales
      Harry Maguire’s sister Daisy joined the rest of the Wags for a pre-match mealCredit: Instagram
      Conor Coady’s wife Amie took to Instagram ahead of the gameCredit: Instagram
      Saka’s girlfriend Tolami was at the mealCredit: Instagram
      Maguire’s sister Daisy shared a family pic ahead of the gameCredit: Instagram More