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      Portugal star Nuno Mendes limps off in tears in Uruguay clash with PSG star’s World Cup looking in peril

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      PORTUGAL star Nuno Mendes limped off in tears in the 2-0 win over Uruguay.The left-back hobbled off the pitch crying into his shirt with his World Cup dream potentially over.
      Nuno Mendes cried as he sustained an injuryCredit: Getty
      He was consoled by the team’s doctors and teammates as he left the field and headed straight down the tunnel.
      The Paris Saint-Germain youngster, 20, went off just 42 minutes into the clash with Uruguay and was replaced by Raphael Guerreiro.
      Mendes went into the tournament nursing a slight problem and he did not feature in Portugal’s opener against Ghana.
      It is believed he had a hamstring issue but was deemed fit enough to play in Qatar.
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      However it appears he may have aggravated the injury and judging from his reaction Mendes could be on the sidelines for some time.
      He missed five of PSG’s matches prior to the World Cup hiatus with the muscular problem.
      Portugal’s injury woes are mounting with a number of key players in the treatment room.
      Liverpool ace Diogo Jota was not named in the squad due to a calf problem and while at the World Cup both Danilo Pereira and Otavio have picked up knocks.
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      Pereira, who also plays for PSG, has broken his ribs but his manager appeared confident in a press conference that he will be fit again soon.
      Portugal went on to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages with a 2-0 win over Uruguay.
      It seemed Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opener – before it was then credited to Bruno Fernandes.
      The Manchester United midfielder then added a second from the penalty spot in injury time.
      Portugal will play South Korea in their final match in Group H. More

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      Ex-Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal reveals plan for one last job after the World Cup… but it all depends on his Holland team

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      LOUIS VAN GAAL SAYS if he becomes World Champion he will be open to another big job in football.The 71-year-old’s last club job was at Manchester United where he was sacked in 2016 but he came back from self-imposed retirement last year for his third stint in charge of the Dutch national side.
      Louis Van Gaal said he will be open to another big job if he wins the World Cup.Credit: EPA
      With four points from his opening two games out here he has them on the brink of reaching the last 16 as Group A winners, with already eliminated hosts Qatar the opponents in their final game tomorrow.
      And while Ronaldo Koeman has already agreed to take the reigns of the side after the tournament Van Gaal says the game may not be lost to him just yet.
      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?”
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      To become World Champions out here in Qatar, however, he knows his team are going to have to improve on their opening two games.
      They left it late in beating Senegal 2-0 and after taking an early lead through Cody Gakpo against Ecuador they fell flat and could easily have lost, ending up with a 1-1 draw.
      After both games he criticised their poor ball possession and claimed against that they lost every duel.
      Back home in Holland there has been plenty of criticism for him changing from the 4-3-3 formation he mostly used in an impressive qualifying campaign to what is seen as a more defensive negative 5-3-2 with the wing-backs sat back.
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      People close to the Dutch camp suggest the players would prefer that 4-3-3 too.
      His tactics are viewed as not the football that made the Dutch famous, not on the front foot, but sitting back and preferring to counter attack.
      Although that same system served him well in his last stint in charge when in Brazil in 2014 he somehow got the team to within penalty kicks of the final.
      And they have not lost since Van Gaal resumed control, now unbeaten in 17 matches.
      Van Gaal said: “I reflected on this system for a year and a half and it may be at some point I adjust it but at this moment in time I see no need to do that.
      “We want improvement in our ball possession, and make better decisions.
      “Against Ecuador we didn’t pass to the right colour shirt.
      “But we are not gloomy – the characteristics of this squad is that we will always go that extra mile so in my view this Ecuador game was an exception to the rule.
      Van Gaal’s last club job was with Manchester United between 2014 and 2016Credit: PA:Press Association
      The Dutchman won the FA Cup at Old Trafford but was sacked two days laterCredit: EPA
      “We are unbeaten for 17 matches and I think if you look at the goal difference too we deserve some respect.”
      From the outset Van Gaal has admitted he does not have the best squad here but still says they can win the tournament, something he denies puts any extra pressure on the players.
      He said: “I hope this is no pressure at all because always you have to identify the goal and if you say the quarter finals is enough you won’t become world champions.
      “I never said we will become world champions, I said we have a chance to become world champions and the players are convinced of that.”
      Van Gaal was in good form again yesterday in Doha as he has been in all his press conferences.
      This time he was flanked by Frenkie de Jong in the Doha media centre and the Barcelona midfielder was looking noticeably pale.
      This was pointed out to him by a member of the Dutch media and De Jong admitted to having a sore throat and not having slept.
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      Van Gaal said: “Thank you for saying Frenkie looks a bit pale because I’ve seen that as well. The rest of us have been lying at the poolside.
      “Me not so much but my mother when she died had rosy cheeks – it’s a case of genes.” More

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      I’m a World Cup time-traveller and I know who’s going to win between Iran and USA – I have footage of the final whistle

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      A SELF-proclaimed time traveller has wildly claimed they know the result of Tuesday’s crunch clash between Iran and the USA – adding they even have the footage to prove it.TikTok user @guardian_angel_5 has spent the last week sharing predictions for the tournament, but went one step further in their latest post.
      A time traveller believes Iran will beat the USA in Tuesday’s crucial Group B clashCredit: guardian_angel_5
      Iran would qualify for the knockout stages with a winCredit: guardian_angel_5
      In the bizarre clip, the user claimed they know the result of Group B’s pivotal match on Tuesday evening, including what the score will be.
      Sharing footage, which they claimed was taken in the future, they claimed that Iran would beat the USA 3-1.
      The clip, shared with their 8,000 followers, shows Iranian fans celebrating, while Christian Pulisic shakes hands with the opposition.
      On the screen is the scoreline Iran 3 -1 USA, with the official-looking World Cup screen graphics.
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      The screen even shows the apparent goalscorers in the match, leaving the self-proclaimed time traveller with very little wiggle room.
      According to the clip, the Iran scorers include a brace from prolific hitman Mehdi Taremi and defender Morteza Pouraliganji.
      For the USA, the scorer is Chelsea’s Pulisic.
      In the short video, the TikTok user said: “I’m a time traveller, we are going to lose to Iran 3-1.”
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      Many were impressed with the “time traveller’s” editing skills, even if they were more doubtful about their claims.
      “Is this fake or real,” one said.
      “And he included the minutes of the goals,” another exclaimed.
      But others were quick to point out that the clip of Pulisic shaking his hands was from their Group B clash with England on Friday night.
      Another pointed out that the Iran kit sported in the video was from their campaign in the 2018 World Cup.
      Iran, in the wake of their dramatic win over Wales, currently sit second in Group B.
      As a result, the Persian Stars sit just a point off table-topping England.
      USA, meanwhile, have the opportunity to secure a qualification place with a win over the Iranians.
      A scenario where both teams would miss out is in the unlikely event they draw and Wales beat the Three Lions by a four-goal margin.
      Read More on The Sun
      The game will take place tomorrow – Tuesday, November 29 and will kick off from 7pm UK time.
      Iran vs USA will be shown live on BBC One in the UK. More

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      World Cup top scorer Enner Valencia set to face Senegal after miracle recovery… and it could be bad news for England

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      ENNER VALENCIA has stunned World Cup doctors and is poised to start Ecuador’s crunch clash versus Senegal.The skipper was carted off in the last match on a stretcher amid fears of a serious knee injury.
      Enner Valencia is hoping to lead his team out againCredit: Reuters
      But the tournament’s joint-top scorer has amazed team medics and is optimistic of facing Senegal in the winner-takes-all match.
      The Netherlands are odds on to win Group A which means whoever finishes behind them could well end up playing England in the last 16.
      Ex-West Ham striker Valencia has been undergoing intensive treatment since aggravating a knock in his country’s second game against the Dutch.
      And he was last seen being carried off with a huge ice pack on the affected area.
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      Ecuador coach Gustavo Alfaro said: “Enner Valencia unfortunately had a knee sprain in the first match. Hopefully the ligaments are ok and according to medical reports yes we have a knee sprain.
      “But he has a big heart and wants to be in every battle. We have the leadership from our captain and that is essential, something we always need.
      “He is an extraordinary player, someone I always pick and even if he is not ready for the start, I have confidence he will be there to play some part.
      “He is feisty and I hope he will be able to play more matches for us.”
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      Valencia, 33, scored the first goal of the tournament with a penalty against Qatar. He has three altogether and is level with France superstar Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.
      Ecuador have only progressed once beyond the group stage and never into the quarter finals.
      South American football is dominated by the twin giants of Brazil and Argentina. A duopoly that Ecuador’s Argentinian coach insists is changing.
      Alfaro said: “The World Cup so far has been beautiful. There was once a marked difference between the favourites and the rest. Suddenly you are seeing evenly matched games. This is how growth works.
      “I really hope this trophy will go to a South American team. We are ready to fight. We are feisty.
      “We have weapons. Our excitement, our talents. Our country has so many things pushing us forwards and we will bring our A game. We will give it all on the pitch and that is what we are doing. I am really happy with everything my team is doing.”
      Ecuador have their fate in their own hands. Even a draw against the African champions will see them through.
      They played England at the World Cup in Germany 2006. A David Bekcham free kick made the difference, sending the South Americans home.
      They could yet top Group A if they beat Holland’s results against abject hosts Qatar as the first stage draws to a close.
      Senegal have struggled in the absence of captain and recently-departed Liverpool forward Sadio Mane.
      Boss, ex Birmingham and Portsmouth midfielder Aliou Cisse does not want to put too much pressure on his players but regards this World Cup as a barometer for African football too.
      Then he said: “Football isn’t war. Nobody will die in battle. I hope not anyway. But it is an important game for my generation. We are playing extraordinary football and want to continue this adventure. 
      “We won’t be able to take our eyes off the ball. We know we can score, so can they. I know my boys will be focused tomorrow.
      “Not going to the last 16 would be a hard pill to swallow.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Possible Ecuador line-up: Galindez; Porozo, Torres, Hincapie; Preciado, Mendez, Caicedo, Estupinan, Plata, Valencia; Estrada.
      Possible Senegal line-up: Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs; Sarr, Mendy, Gueye, Diatta; Dia, Diedhiou.
      Ecuador’s Enner Valencia was taken off injured in the last gameCredit: AP More

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      Fans all say the same thing as Brazil legend Ronaldo filmed at World Cup game along with fan with his iconic haircut

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      BRAZIL legend Ronaldo was spotted in the stands for tonight’s World Cup Group G clash against Switzerland.And also in the crowd was an adoring fan rocking his iconic wedge haircut.
      Brazil legend Ronaldo was seen in the stands during Brazil’s clash with SwitzerlandCredit: ITV
      TV cameras then cut to a Brazil fan rocking Ronaldo’s iconic haircutCredit: ITV
      Ronaldo watched the game alongside Roberto Carlos and Diego SimeoneCredit: Getty
      TV cameras picked out Ronaldo, 46, now sporting a full head of hair, watching the action unfold.
      They then immediately cut to a Brazil fan in the stands showing off Ronaldo’s legendary old trim.
      The supporter had their head shaved, except from a triangular wedge at the front, exactly like Ronaldo did as he helped fire Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002 as the tournament top scorer.
      And fans watching on TV were left in stitches after the hilarious transition from the director.
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      One joked: “R9 sees R9.”
      Another said: “Bro got the R9 cut.”
      A third added: “Some fans are really iconic and extreme. He really brought back the reincarnation of R9.”
      And another quipped: “R9 looks oddly different.”
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      Ronaldo watched the game alongside former team-mate Roberto Carlos, plus Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone.
      Legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger sat behind them in the plush seats at Stadium 974 in Doha.
      A stunner from Manchester United midfielder Casemiro gave Brazil a 1-0 win and sent Ronaldo, along with his doppleganger, home happy.
      The five-time World Cup champions are safely through to the knockout stages with a game to spare.
      Casemiro scored the winner to send Brazil through to the knockout stagesCredit: Getty More

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      Fans rage at FA as Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal face crucial World Cup clash at same time as FA Cup 3rd round draw

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      FANS are raging that Portugal’s clash with Uruguay is taking place at the same time as the FA Cup 3rd Round draw.Premier League and Championship sides might be taking a break from club football due to the World Cup.
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are in action against Uruguay at 7pmCredit: Getty
      The FA Cup 3rd round draw takes place between 7pm and 7.30pm tonightCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But with the second round games being played over the weekend, the third round draw was held at the same time as the World Cup clash.
      It means that when Manchester United and Co found out their opponents, the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes were in action against Uruguay.
      And fans are unhappy they’re being forced to choose between the two.
      One said: “Whose wise idea was it to put the 3rd round FA Cup draw at the same time as Portugal v Uruguay? Ludicrous behaviour.”
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      A second admitted: “This might be the most surreal Monday in football terms.”
      Another said: “The draw for the 3rd round of the FA cup taking place tonight at the same time as the Portugal game. The BBC are idiots.”
      One replied to the FA Cup official: “Why are you doing the 3rd draw at the same time as the Uruguay v Portugal WC tie?
      “Could you not have done it at 6:30pm or 9pm?”
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      Another came up with a plan to avoid the clash.
      He said: “The FA Cup draw should be at half time of the Portugal vs Uruguay match.”
      Here is the FA Cup third round draw in full:
      Preston vs Huddersfield
      Middlesbrough vs Brighton
      Chesterfield vs West Brom
      Man City vs Chelsea
      Charlton/Stockport vs Walsall
      Boreham Wood vs Accrington Stanley
      Tottenham vs Portsmouth
      Derby vs Barnsley
      Cardiff vs Leeds
      Brentford vs West Ham
      Bournemouth vs Burnley
      Coventry vs Wrexham
      Norwich vs Blackburn
      Aston Villa vs Stevenage
      Luton vs Wigan
      Oxford United vs Arsenal
      Fleetwood vs QPR
      Liverpool vs Wolves
      Grimsby vs Burton
      Blackpool vs Nottingham Forest
      Dagenham & Redbridge / Gillingham vs Leicester
      Forest Green vs Birmingham
      Bristol City vs Swansea
      Hartlepool vs Stoke
      Hull City vs Fulham
      Crystal Palace vs Southampton
      Millwall vs Sheffield United
      Shrewsbury vs Sunderland
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      Sheffield Wednesday vs Newcastle
      Manchester United vs Everton More

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      Portugal 2 Uruguay 0 – World Cup 2022 LIVE RESULT: Fernandes DOUBLE hands Portugal place in last-16

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      PORTUGAL came out victors against Uruguay and have sealed their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup with the victory.Cristiano Ronaldo claimed that he netted the opener, running off to celebrate with it unclear as to whether he met Bruno Fernandes’ goal bound cross.
      But Fifa officially awarded the goal to Fernandes – who added his second in additional time.
      A penalty was given for handball on Jose Gimenez, which appeared to be harsh as the ball struck his hand when he dived in to win the ball.
      It was an improved performance by the Uruguayans, who were unlucky not to score after registering several shots on target.
      They have it all to do when they face Ghana in their final match of the group stages.

      Kick-off: 7pm
      TV channel: ITV
      Live stream: ITV X
      Portugal XI: Costa, Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes, Silva, Neves, Carvalho, Fernandes, Ronaldo, Felix
      Uruguay XI: Rochet, Coates, Godin, Gimenez, Varela, Valverde, Vecino, Bentancur, Olivera, Nunez, Cavani

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN WORLD CUP BONUSES
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below….
      Goodnight from Lusail Iconic Stadium
      That’s all from us on this Monday evening, and – sadly – that’s the end of games at four different times of the day.
      From tomorrow, we enter the final round of group games with a pair of fixtures kicking-off simultaneously at both 3pm and 7pm.
      Tuesday begins with the Group A contests where Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal will be fighting it out for a place in the Last 16 before England and Wales take centre stage in the evening.
      You won’t want to miss a kick, and you won’t with us here at SunSport.
      Until then, thanks for joining us, and goodbye.
      Extra! Read all about it!
      Hot off the press, Dan King has filed his match report of Portugal’s 2-0 win against Uruguay at Lusail Iconic Stadium.
      Ronaldo was initially credited with putting the faintest of touches on a Fernandes cross and moving one ahead of his Argentinian nemesis again after Messi’s goal at the other end of the pitch two nights before. His face when he looked up to the screen to see it had been awarded to the Manchester United man was a picture.Dan KingThe Sun

      Selecao soar through to knockouts
      They’re yet to fully convince, but two wins from their opening two games means that are Portugal have made it through to the knockout stage with a game to spare.
      Earlier today, Ghana’s surprise defeat of South Korea means it is the Black Stars in pole position to join them; a draw in their grudge game with Uruguay on Friday should be enough to see them through in second place.

      South Korea 2-3 Ghana
      Portugal 2-0 Uruguay

      Final games on Friday:

      Ghana v Uruguay (3pm)
      South Korea v Portugal (3pm)

      Credit: FIFA.Com
      Friends fight over final touch
      Cristiano Ronaldo embraced Bruno Fernandes at the final whistle and engaged in friendly debate as to who should be awarded Portugal’s opening goal.
      The 37-year-old remains adamant that he got a slight and final touch on his teammate’s cross before it deceived Sergio Rochet.
      If he doesn’t allow Ronaldo the goal, expect another bombshell interview with Piers Morgan soon.

      Match stats from Lusail Stadium
      Portugal just about edged this Group H clash, a contest that will be remembered for the controversy surrounding the award of the late penalty and the confusion regarding the identity of the first goalscorer.

      Full time – Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
      The final whistle goes and the Portuguese have sealed their place in the Last 16 with a group game to spare.
      Bruno Fernandes was again responsible for the win, this time with a double, one of which came from the penalty spot, the other that was claimed by Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Uruguay look a pale shadow of their sides from World Cups past, and must now be considering dumping some of the old guard.

      Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
      90+9. Fernandes again! Even closer this time as he strikes the base of the post!
      The Portugal players are now knocking the ball around the Uruguay players for fun. Someone put them out of their misery, please.
      Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
      90+8. Fernandes almost bags a hat-trick in the final seconds!
      A slick break against tired legs sees Ramos lift it over from the left for the Manchester United ace to meet first time at the back post with a volley kept out by the legs of Rochet.

      Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
      90+6. On the bench, the Uruguayan players not currently involved look shell-shocked.
      They simply must beat Ghana on Friday now.
      Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
      90+3. There’s no debate as to whose goal this one is!
      Bruno Fernandes is as cool as you like in netting his and Portugal’s second of the night.
      The Manchester United star stuttered on his run up and waited for Sergio Rochet to commit himself before rolling the ball low to his right.
      The Selecao are heading for the knockout stages!

      Bruno at the double!

      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Penalty to Portugal!
      90. Sure enough, Alireza Faghani returns to the pitch and points to the spot.
      The Uruguay players are furious, and for once, who can blame them?
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – VAR Review!
      89. Nevertheless, the Iranian referee has been told to go and check the incident on the pitchside monitor.
      Bonkers.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
      87. Bruno Fernandes executes a perfect nutmeg on a flailing defender, and almost wins a penalty for handball in the process.
      The ball does flick off Gimenez’s arm as he goes to ground, but surely there’s little he could have done about it.

      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Uruguay substitution
      85. A final change for La Celeste sees Matias Vina on for the final five minutes.
      The defender takes over from Mathias Olivera.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
      84. Portugal have regrouped, and are looking to see this one out by sitting deep in front of the ball.
      Can they see it out for only their second win against South American opposition at the World Cup?
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Portugal triple substitution
      82. Another flurry of changes for the Portuguese.
      Ronaldo – without a goal to his name – is off, along with Joao Felix and William Carvalho.
      On come Fulham’s midfield machine, Joao Palhinha, and Matheus Nunes and Goncalo Ramos.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
      80. Into the last ten minutes here, and Uruguay are pressing.
      Fernando Santos knows as much, and sends for reinforcements.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
      79. Another chance for Uruguay!
      A lovely pass in behind the defence from Valverde has De Arrascaeta in the clear, but his first time attempt is weak and easily saved by Diogo Costa.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
      78. Suarez! He should have scored!
      The delivery from the set-piece into the area is a poor one, but the former Liverpool ace makes the most of the mis-hit cross.
      He takes a good first touch to steady himself at the near post, but then whips the second straight into the side-netting.

      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Joao Felix yellow card
      77. Joao Felix is penalised and cautioned for a poor attempt at tracking back, and Uruguay have a chance to test the Portugal defence with a free-kick 35 yards out on the left.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
      74. Off the post!
      Pellistri has breathed new life into Uruguay, and it’s his direct play that opened up the opportunity for another substitute.
      Gomez lets fly from 20 yards with one of his first involvements, and is unfortunate to see his strike crash back off the woodwork.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Uruguay substitutions
      72. Another double change from the South Americans.
      Luis Suarez is on for the final proceedings alongside fellow forward Maxi Gomez.
      Edinson Cavani and Darwin Nunez are replaced.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
      70. Ronaldo moves inside the penalty area and goes does under the soft challenge of Coates.
      The forward wants a penalty, but not for the first time, referee Alireza Faghani tells him to get up.
      In ends a hilarious run of play where a dive at either end of the pitch is topped 30 seconds later by Ronaldo’s antics.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Portugal substitution
      68. The much-coveted Rafael Leao is on for his second substitute appearance at these finals.
      The AC Milan youngster replaces Ruben Neves.
      Load more entries… More

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      France star Kylian Mbappe ‘set to be FINED over reaction to Man of the Match award in World Cup win over Denmark’

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE is set to be hit with a fine after refusing to speak to the press despite winning the Match of the Match award against Denmark.Fifa rules state a player who wins the Man of the Match award must be prepared to talk to the media after the game.
      Kylian Mbappe is set to be slapped by a fine from FifaCredit: Alamy
      Mbappe shows off his Man of the Match award after his brace against DenmarkCredit: Getty
      However, Mbappe refused to speak to the press after his match-winning brace against Denmark and is now likely to face action.
      The Paris Saint-Germain ace also refused to speak to the press following his nation’s 4-1 win over Australia.
      Mbappe and the French Football Federation (FFF) were warned about the consequences of it happening a second time.
      And according to ESPN the FFF will now share the incoming fine with Mbappe.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Instead of Mbappe, France captain Hugo Lloris was joined by compatriots including Matteo Guendouzi, Aurelien Tchouameni, Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembele, Raphael Varane and others in the press zone.
      Both Mbappe and the FFF are aware of the speculation regarding Mbappe’s club future.
      And this could be the reason behind the 23-year-old’s refusal to speak to the press in the first place.
      He is said to be unhappy at PSG after being unable to have the amount of control in club decisions as he was promised when he signed his new deal.
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      Nevertheless, Mbappe has not allowed his off pitch drama to taint his performances on the pitch.
      Mbappe has already scored three times in Qatar and netted 19 times in all competitions for PSG this season, including seven from six games in the Champions League. More