World Cup

OLIVIER GIROUD revealed the fuel behind his bid to win the World Cup and Golden Boot.The France striker, 36, was given a boost when team-mate Karim Benzema was ruled out of Qatar 2022 on the eve of the tournament.
Olivier Giroud gave fans an insight into what he has for lunchCredit: https://twitter.com/equipedefrance
He stacked his plate full of salad and proteinCredit: https://twitter.com/equipedefrance
The Frenchman looked very happy with himselfCredit: https://twitter.com/equipedefrance

That has seen the AC Milan man reinstated as Didier Deschamps’ starting No9, leading the line for the defending champions.
And with the Frenchman hungry to gobble up goals galore, he gave fans an insight into how he satisfies his appetite in the canteen.
Les Bleus’ Twitter account posted a video of Giroud going through his lunch options.
Giroud said: “Salad is very important for a healthy lunch – a bit of freshness.
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“There are a lot of vitamins in salad.
“A bit of protein with eggs and tuna, a bit of salmon there we go.
“And bulgar – bulgar is very good, have you tried it?
“It’s a colourful plate full of vitamins – just what I need. Superb – look at that!”
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By the time Giroud has finished at the buffet in the French camp, his plate is stacked with plenty of delicious food.
Some fans liked the look of the grub – while others thought it was a bit dry, presumably some Olivier oil would do the trick.
But he will be desperate to top his trip to Qatar off with a glass of champagne come December 18.
France were the first team to book their place in the last 16 thanks to wins over Australia and Denmark.
Giroud grabbed two goals in the 4-1 win against the Socceroos – equalling Thierry Henry’s national record and placing him behind Enner Valencia and Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.
Giroud scored twice against Australia as France look strongCredit: Getty More

WORLD CUP fans are raving about Vincent Aboubakar after his stunning goal for Cameroon against Serbia.The striker produced an unbelievable chip to pull his side back into the game, making it 3-2.

Vincent Aboubakar chipped the keeper with a stunning finishCredit: Reuters
Moments later Aboubakar broke through the defence again and found Eric Choupo-Moting who equalised for the Indomitable Lions.
The match ended 3-3 and Aboubakar was the focus of praise for fans, who were left stunned by his exquisite finish.
Many focused attention on Mo Salah after Aboubakar claimed he was as good as the Liverpool star prior to the World Cup kicking off.
One fan wrote on Twitter: “Aboubakar goal and an assist within seconds, over to you Salah.”
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Another added: “Aboubakar warned us he’s better than Salah. We laughed at him.”
And a third said: “Aboubakar lighting up the World Cup, meanwhile Salah flopped in 2018 and didn’t even get to 2022. Aboubakar was spot on, he is better than Salah.”
Another commented: “Aboubakar that’s outrageous.”
Aboubakar’s strike also reminded some viewers of Karel Poborsky’s outrageous scooped finish for the Czech Republic against Portugal at Euro 96.
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One supporter said: “Karel Poborsky is smiling at this Vincent Aboubakar finish right now. International heritage.”
Another remarked: “What a brilliant finish that is. Poborsky-esque.”
Remarkably, Aboubakar had only been on the pitch a matter of minutes when he scored.
He also became the first African in World Cup history to score and assist as a substitute, and BBC pundit Didier Drogba feels he should be starting.
Drogba said: “I think they should have started the tournament wth those two players.
“They’re in really good form and Choupo-Moting and Aboubakar are key for Cameroon.”
Cameroon need to beat Brazil in their final group game to qualify for the knock-out round and will have to do so without Andre Onana after he was removed from the squad for falling out with manager Rigobert Song. More

BRAZIL will have no problems covering for superstar Neymar’s injury.And a large reason is due to their prolific underrated forward who is scoring goals for fun.
Neymar injured his ankle against SerbiaCredit: Getty
Rivaldo is confident Brazil will cope without their No10Credit: AFP
That is according to legendary forward and 2002 World Cup winner Rivaldo.
Iconic No10 Neymar was ruled out for the remainder of the group stages after damaging ankle ligaments in the opener against Serbia.
Brazil’s medical staff are confident he will be fit to return during the knockout stages.
But Rivaldo does not think it is as big a loss as first feared.
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He said: “Losing Neymar for the next two games will be a test for Brazil.
“The team has several other strikers who will undoubtedly come in an perform well, but Neymar is obviously the first choice.
“The group is a strong group and these things happen in football, especially in a high-level competition like the World Cup.
“But the team is prepared with great strikers and Tite won’t have any problems.
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“We want Neymar 100 per cent, but if it doesn’t happen soon, we have others to replace him, a very strong team of 11 and a very good bench.
“Now is the time to wish Neymar a quick recovery, as he will be very important, especially in the latter stages.
“I have no doubt that Brazil will win the next two matches and move on to the round of 16 with ease.”
Neymar’s fitness concerns barely detracted from the excitement of the 2-0 win over Serbia.
And it was Tottenham forward Richarlison who proved the hero once more with both goals – including his stunning acrobatic effort.

The brace took his tally to nine in his last seven for the Selecao.
Rivaldo hailed their new talisman and backed him to keep up his incredible hot streak throughout the tournament.
He added to Betfair: “Richarlison was the one dismantling Serbia’s resistance with an opportune touch for the first goal and a superb execution on the second which I think is the most beautiful goal of the tournament so far.
“He seems to have a particular taste for scoring with the national team and after such a prolific performance I’m sure he is now seen as an absolute certain starter and an obvious candidate for the 2022 World Cup Golden Boot.
“Many wonder why Richarlison doesn’t score as many goals at Tottenham as he does for Brazil but we must recognise two completely different scenarios.
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“With Brazil, he plays with some of the best players in the world and becomes easier to get to finishing zones while at Spurs, even being a top team in England, we aren’t exactly speaking about an attacking force such as Manchester City or Liverpool.
“It’s normal that he doesn’t get to scoring positions so often there while with Brazil he is assisted by Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Raphinha or Paqueta.”
Richarlison scored a wondergoal in the 2-0 win over SerbiaCredit: AP
Richarlison has already been stepping up even with Neymar in the teamCredit: PA More

JACK GREALISH’S latest picture is causing a bit of a stir online, but not in the way he might have hoped. Manchester City star Grealish posted a picture of himself in England training ahead of the crunch clash against Wales.
Fans spotted something out of the ordinary on Grealish’s right calfCredit: Getty
Jack Grealish in action for England against the USACredit: EPA
However, crude fans spotted something out of the ordinary on the 27-year-old’s calf.
One user commented: “Calf’s have planets growing off them😃.”
A second user said: “Look at Grealish’s right calf. Looks like it’s about to explode.”
Another user was far more blunt and said: “Man’s got a giant testicle in his calf.”
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Other fans paired the Grealish image alongside pictures referencing the ball shape on his calf.
One fan posted an image of the calf and a comic image of Buster Gonad with the caption: “Really hope the other England lads are calling you Buster and if not, why not.”
Another fan paired the image with a shot of an iconic moment in The Inbetweeners TV show which sees one of the characters have a major wardrobe malfunction while doing a fashion show.
Grealish enjoyed a goalscoring appearance after coming off the bench against Iran during England’s opening World Cup game.
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However, he was unable to help England muster a goal against the USA as the two sides played out a boring 0-0 draw to reaffirm England’s status as the most boring team in World Cup history.
The attacking midfielder is set to remain benched for the game against Wales, while Jordan Henderson is in line to make his first start of the tournament. More