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    Why is Croatia player Josko Gvardiol wearing a mask at World Cup 2022?

    JOSKO GVARDIOL is one of the most sought-after talents in European football.The RB Leipzig centre-back, 20, has attracted transfer interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid in recent months.
    Josko Gvardiol puts on his face mask after the anthems at the World Cup in QatarCredit: Reuters
    Gvardiol was sporting two black eyes when he was on the bench for Croatia’s World Cup warm-up match recentlyCredit: Alamy
    But he has remained loyal to the Bundesliga club, who are regulars in the Champions League.
    And fans will have noticed the Croatia star is wearing an unfamiliar facial decoration during their World Cup campaign, starting against Morocco.
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    Why is Josko Gvardiol wearing a mask?
    Gvardiol was taken to hospital on November 10, during Leipzig’s 3-1 Bundesliga win over Freiburg.
    He collided with team-mate Willi Orban in the 17th minute and injured his face.
    Gvardiol wasn’t actually supposed to start the game but Abdou Diallo injured his knee in the warm-up.
    Unfortunately for Gvardiol, he injured his face, with a nose and eye problem and left the pitch with a bloody nose.
    Josko Gvardiol had a bloodied nose after a nasty collision with a team-mate during Leipzig’s 3-1 win over FreiburgCredit: Reuters
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    Scans later showed he broke his nose and is therefore being forced to wear a face mask at the World Cup, with Croatia’s first game less than two weeks away.
    RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose said: “I heard he has a broken nose.
    “The eye is swollen. He looks like a boxer after 12 rounds against a tough opponent.” More

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    Lionel Messi reveals son CRIED after shock Saudi Arabia loss as kids are pictured cheering crucial goal vs Mexico

    LIONEL MESSI has revealed that one of his sons cried after Argentina’s shock defeat to Saudi Arabia at the World Cup.The 35-year-old scored from the penalty spot in the first half, only for the Saudis to come roaring back in the second half to seal a shock 2-1 win.
    Antonela celebrates with the kidsCredit: Instagram / @antonelaroccuzzo
    Messi’s wife and kids watched the game alongside his dad JorgeCredit: AFP
    Argentina’s defeat left their legions of fans devastated.
    And none more so than Mateo Messi.
    The seven-year-old is in Qatar with mum Antonela and brothers Thiago, ten, and Ciro, four.
    Speaking about the aftermath of the Saudi Arabia match, Leo said: “After the first game, Mateo left the pitch crying.
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    “Thiago doing the math, explaining to him that if we won both games we would qualify.”
    Messi helped his country take a huge step towards the last 16 last night by scoring a brilliant goal against Mexico.
    Antonela and the kids were in the stands, celebrating wildly when Leo netted.
    After the 2-0 win, Messi’s wife posted a snap on Instagram of her and their sons after the match, all smiling and decked out in Argentina shirts.
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    She wrote: “VAMOS ARGENTINA!!”
    Little Mateo Messi isn’t the only Argentine that has been tearful this week.
    Albiceleste legend and current assistant manager Pablo Aimar cried with happiness on the bench after Messi’s goal yesterday.
    Lionel Messi celebrates his goal yesterdayCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Antonela and the kids are Leo’s biggest fansCredit: EPA More

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    Gary Neville has perfect response after Jamie Carragher trolls him for ‘no one fears Messi’ comment

    GARY NEVILLE hit back at Jamie Carragher in hilarious fashion after his pundit pal mocked him for a comment about Lionel Messi.The pair often jokingly go back and forth at each other on Twitter.
    Gary Neville has the perfect response after being mocked by Jamie Carragher on TwitterCredit: Action Images
    Neville claimed that players were no longer “fearful” of Lionel MessiCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Neville hit back at Carragher, who is not working as a pundit during the World Cup
    Liverpool legend Carragher started this particular exchange, highlighting a comment from Neville saying: “Players aren’t fearful of Lionel Messi anymore.”
    Neville made the bold claim on ITV during half-time of Argentina’s clash against Mexico on Saturday.
    With the game 0-0 at the break, Messi then scored and provided an assist in the second half to lead Argentina to a crucial 2-0 victory.
    And Carragher wrote: “My mate @GNev2 is having as bad a tournament as [Gianni] Infantino! #WorldcupQatar2022.”
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    Fifa president Gianni Infantino came under fire on the eve of the World Cup after an astonishing attack on the “racist” and “hypocritical” West for daring to criticise hosts Qatar.
    Fifa chiefs also warned team captains planning on wearing a OneLove armband that they would be shown a yellow card for doing so.
    But Neville fired back at Carragher with a hilarious response.
    He hit back: “Better one than you back home with no one to work for!”
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    Carragher is watching the World Cup from the sofa while Neville is working for both ITV and the Qatari-owned beIN Sports.
    The Manchester United legend has caused some controversy by signing up to provide his expertise for beIN.
    Neville was critical of living conditions for World Cup workers during a trip to Qatar before the start of the tournament.
    But he vowed to highlight human rights issues while working for the Qatari-owned company. More

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    Wales pause World Cup training session to hold minute’s silence for Gary Speed 11 years on from star’s tragic death

    WALES paused their World Cup training session to remember Gary Speed. The former Welsh captain and manager tragically died 11 years ago today aged 42.
    Wales paused training to pay tribute to Gary SpeedCredit: PA
    The squad and staff formed a circle on the pitch in QatarCredit: PA
    The former Wales skipper and manager died 11 years agoCredit: PA:Empics Sport

    He was in charge of the national team when he sadly took his own life at home.
    Still adored by supporters, team-mates and coaches alike, Speed will forever be held in high regard by all connected with Welsh football.
    And Rob Page’s side held a minute’s silence at 4pm in Qatar to reflect on a true national legend.
    Page and his squad formed a circle on the pitch at the Al Sadd Sports Club on an emotional day for the Dragons.
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    Midfielder Joe Allen paid tribute to Speed and said: “Gary was a great man, he’s often in the player’s thoughts.
    “He was an inspiration for his performances as a player and as a manager.
    “He has played a big part in the journey this team has been through and we remember him very fondly.”
    Wales’ Twitter account also shared a touching video montage of Speed, which included Page dedicating their first World Cup campaign since 1958 to the former midfielder.
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    Speed played 926 senior matches – including 85 caps for Wales between 1990 and 2004.
    The Leeds and Newcastle icon retired in 2010 and took over as Sheffield United manager in the same year – and then succeeded John Toshack in the December.
    He won five and lost five of his ten matches as national team boss and remains an inspiration for the current crop.
    Wales are making their preparations to play England in their final Group B clash on Tuesday evening.
    Page knows his side must win to have any chance of progressing through to the knockout stages.
    Rob Page dedicated the Qatar campaign to SpeedCredit: Reuters
    Preparations are continuing for their final Group B game against EnglandCredit: PA
    Wales must beat the Three Lions to have any chance of going throughCredit: PAYou’re Not Alone

    EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
    It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
    It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
    And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
    Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
    That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
    The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
    Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
    If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

    CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
    Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
    Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
    Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
    Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
    Movember, www.uk.movember.com
    Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm More

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    China censoring Qatar World Cup crowds on TV by cutting away to hide maskless faces as rage grows of Covid lockdown

    CHINA’S state broadcaster cut away from maskless fans at the Qatar World Cup today amid Covid lockdown rage. During the live broadcast of the Japan and Costa Rica game, CCTV Sports replaced close-up shots of maskless fans waving flags with images of players, officials or the football stadium.
    CCTV Sports replaced close-up shots of maskless fans with images of players, officials or the stadiumCredit: Twitter
    The broadcaster showed distant shots of the crowd where it was difficult to make out individual facesCredit: Twitter
    CCTV Sports showed distant shots of the crowd where it was difficult to make out individual faces, and fewer crowd shots compared to the live broadcast of the same game on Douyin – China’s TikTok.
    Footage of the Tunisia and Australia clash on Saturday also emerged showing a stark difference between the state TV’s version of the game and other broadcasts.
    CCTV Sports kept the camera on players on the pitch and officials on the sidelines while the other broadcast zoomed in on fans reacting to the game.
    And in a video shared of the 1-1 draw between the USA and Wales, the crowd appeared to be blurred in one version of the broadcast.
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    Tens of millions of people in major cities in China – including the capital Beijing – are currently under some form of lockdown as Covid cases rise across the country.
    China is the last major economy still trying to stamp out the spread of Covid with snap lockdowns, lengthy quarantine rules and mass testing regimes.
    But the contrast of the harsh restrictions with the raucous World Cup crowds has infuriated many living in China.
    The images of maskless fans in Qatar have highlighted to many frustrated Chinese the difference between their country’s Covid curbs and a world that has moved on from masks and lockdowns.
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    An open letter to China’s National Health Commission questioned the country’s Covid policies and asked if China was “on the same planet” as Qatar.
    It went viral online last Tuesday before being deleted.
    One Weibo user fumed: “My biggest takeaway from watching the World Cup: no one is wearing a mask, and no one is afraid of the pandemic!”
    “How long will the policies keep us in lockdown? Are we not the same species with those from the rest of the world?
    “Are we closing off the entire country from the world now?”
    Another said: “The Qatar world cup tells us that the rest of the world has returned to normal.
    “It’s not sustainable for us to maintain this state of shutdown.”
    State broadcaster CCTV spent millions of dollars on the rights to broadcast the event – even though China has not qualified for the competition since 2002.
    It comes as China deployed an army of riot cops to crush protests as fury erupted over the deaths of ten people in a tower block blaze.
    Hundreds have taken to the streets across major cities in China after the tragedy was blamed on Xi Jinping’s draconian zero-Covid lockdown.
    From Beijing to Shanghai, the deaths have led to protests across China and cops have descended onto the streets to keep order as tensions boil over.
    The deadly blaze at the apartment block in Urumqi on Thursday sparked outrage as the city has been under strict Covid restrictions since August.
    Furious residents have blamed the deaths on the Covid lockdown as they said they were only allowed to leave home for short periods each day and the timing was strictly controlled by authorities.
    Footage also showed workers trying to take down fences near the building, delaying firefighters and emergency services from getting to the scene and helping victims.
    Thousands took to social media to question whether residents had been trapped in the building – and whether the fire exits had been blocked.
    Urumqi authorities issued an unusual apology on Friday night and confirmed lockdown measures would be eased “in stages” after the blaze.
    And on Sunday, Beijing appeared to acknowledge the tragedy as authorities reportedly issued a notice stating it is “strictly forbidden” to block fire exits in buildings under lockdown.
    But the deaths have sparked protests across China.
    People in Urumqi were seen confronting officials, breaking down a barrier and yelling “end the Covid lockdown”.
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    Protesters in Shanghai stood on police cars and others chanted “we don’t want PCR tests” as a vigil was held in the city for the fire victims on Saturday night.
    The demonstrations are the latest signs of building frustration with Chinas intense approach to controlling Covid. More

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    World Cup’s ‘hottest fan’ ready to cheer on Croatia in mini dress despite ‘modesty’ warning by Qatar

    THE WORLD CUP’S so-called “hottest fan” is ready to cheer on her beloved Croatia as she donned a red and white checkerboard mini-dress. Croatian superfan Ivana Knoll warned Canada to “beware” her beloved side as the two teams clash this afternoon at the Khalifa International Stadium.
    Ivana Knoll has been pushing the modesty dress code of QatarCredit: PA
    She looked very excited ahead of the game against CanadaCredit: PA
    Ivana warned the Canadians to ‘beware’ as they face her beloved sideCredit: PA
    She took to Instagram ahead of the game showing off her new dress – and also showed off a red and white checked bikini.
    “Beware Canada!” she wrote, adding in her second post “let’s go!’ as she posted a snap from the back of a car on her way to the game.
    Ivana is visiting Doha despite previously slamming the World Cup as a “disaster” – and dubbed the sporting event a “circus”.
    And she seems determined to test the limits of modesty laws in Qatar.
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    The 30-year-old wore a racy form fitting outfit to her side’s game against Morocco and shared snaps of herself in a revealing swimsuit while posing up by the curved skyscraper in Lusail.
    Ivana has already received abuse online from trolls calling for her to better respect the cultural code of Qatar.
    But the model appears to be unphased ahead of Luka Modric’s men’s key clash with Canada.
    World Cup fans had been urged to keep outfits conservative despite the soaring temperatures.
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    Glam footie fans risk being slapped with huge fines or even put behind bars if they flash their figures in Qatar.
    Although non-Qatari women don’t need to wear the abaya – the long, black robe – their tops must cover their midriff and shoulders, and skirts, dresses and trousers must cover the knees.
    Women travelling in to the Arab nation are also banned from wearing any tight clothing, or flashing any cleavage.
    WAGs were advised to wear a scarf around their necks in a bid to cover up their busts.
    “Visitors (men as well as women) are expected to show respect for local culture by avoiding excessively revealing clothing in public,” the Qatar tourism authority warned before the World Cup.
    Ivana shared a bikini snap on Instagram before the gameCredit: INSTAGRAM/KNOLLDOLL
    “It is generally recommended for men and women to ensure their shoulders and knees are covered.”
    Ivana however appears to be determined however to test the rules – maybe even breaking point.
    And she hasn’t scared to criticise Qatar’s World Cup, branding it a “disaster” after her itinerary was left in chaos.
    The stunning brunette told her 570k Instagram followers the winter tournament has “the worst organization in history.”
    She complained that some of her pals still hadn’t received their ‘Hayya’ cards – the personalised document required by all visitors attending World Cup matches in Qatar.
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    The clothing brand owner has wowed the world with her appearance at the World Cup in both 2014 and 2018.
    Meanwhile, The Sun is searching for England’s very own Ivana Knoll with our competition Operation Fit’s Coming Home.
    Ivana Knoll showed off her assets – and support – for Croatia ahead of their match against MoroccoCredit: Instagram/knolldoll
    The Croatian superfan teased followers that she would dress like this in QatarCredit: instagram/knolldoll
    Ivana Knoll, a diehard Croatian supporter, has hit out at this year’s World CupCredit: Instagram/@knolldoll More

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    Cody Gakpo ‘holding out’ for Man Utd transfer reveals ex-PSV director with Netherlands ace lighting up World Cup

    NETHERLANDS star Cody Gakpo is ‘holding out’ for a move to Manchester United.PSV Eindhoven superstar Gakpo has been lighting up the Eredivisie this season with some stunning performances that saw him register a whopping nine goals and 12 assists in 14 league appearances.
    Netherlands star Cody Gakpo is prioritising a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    The winger is also standing out in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as he has scored in both of Holland’s matches in the group stage against Senegal and Ecuador.
    According to PSV’s former technical director John de Jong, the 23-year-old has big plans for his future and has his sights set on United.
    De Jong claims a deal with the Red Devils came close last summer but fell through a week before deadline day.
    Gakpo still had the opportunity to move to the Premier League but refused to board a private jet to Leeds and wasn’t attracted by Southampton’s club-record bid.
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    The former PSV chief, who was sacked in September for a “breach of confidence” with the board, insists the forward is prioritising United.
    De Jong told NOS on Sunday: “Cody has been waiting a long time for the transfer to Manchester United and it seemed to be coming.
    “A week before the end of the transfer window that fell through. After that he had two options in the Premier League, but you never know how that will turn out.
    “He made the choice himself. In the end I did have a discussion with the board, whether or not to sell. I think it is really better for him that he stayed.
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    “I think it’s very nice how he is developing. He continues the line he started at PSV this season.
    “He is very effective and decisive. Also at the World Cup. I really enjoy watching it.
    “It is especially great for Cody Gakpo that he is doing so well, but ultimately also for PSV and Dutch football.”
    United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly prioritised Gakpo as his top candidate to replace Cristiano Ronaldo in the January transfer window. More

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    Morocco 2 Belgium 0: Red Devils stunned by Courtois dropping clanger after VAR drama as World Cup hopes hang in balance

    THIBAUT COURTOIS’ four-day spell as a World Cup hero ended on a crushing day for Belgium.The 6ft 5in keeper’s second-half clanger set his team on the way to a humiliating defeat that will seriously rock the ambitions of a talented but ageing team.
    Morocco stunned Belgian with a 2-0 win in Group FCredit: EPA
    Kevin de Bruyne knows his country are at risk of going out earlyCredit: Rex
    Criticism came in for Thibaut Courtois just days after his heroics against CanadaCredit: Getty
    Courtois actually made two blunders on a day when Roberto Martinez’s squad failed to turn up and were undone by their own sloppiness and the passion of minnows Morocco.
    He got away with the first one when Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick was ruled out by VAR  – but he clearly didn’t heed the warning.
    In the second half, he got mugged again by a similar strike that piles pressure on to boss Martinez as he struggles to get his team into the knockout stages.
    Belgium were unconvincing in their spawny 1-0 win over Canada that sent them into this match as Group F leaders.

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    It took lightning reactions from Courtois to see them through.
    But they looked even more wobbly here against a Moroccan side with a dash of current or ex-Premier League players in Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech, former Wolves defender Romain Saiss and ex-Southampton winger Sofiane Boufal.
    Just one shot on target in the first half and a feeble one at that when right-back Thomas Meunier finished off a three-man move involving Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne – experienced, quality footballers who really should be doing better.
    Morocco barely threatened to score themselves but against the No2-ranked team in the international rankings that is no surprise.

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    It was up to Belgium to take the game to the North Africans looking for the win that would see them into the last 16 with a game to spare even if they aren’t at their best.
    They failed to do so and for a few moments at the end of the first half feared a calamity when the lowly opposition who have never been beyond the group stage, took a surprise lead.
    Wideman Ziyech was fouled three yards out from the left-hand corner of the Belgian box.
    He took the free-kick himself and whipped a curling inbound shot over the wall.
    Thibaut Courtois was beaten by a free-kick for the first goalCredit: EPA
    Courtois got away with one in the first half thanks to a VAR callCredit: Getty
    Zakaria Aboukhlal blasted into the top corner to wrap up the winCredit: Getty
    It cleared every head only to then squirm under the body of the lumbering Courtois and over the line.
    All his good work against the Canadians last Wednesday looked undone until Mexican ref Cesar Ramos was directed to his pitchside screen and noted a narrow offside against ex-Molineux man Saiss.
    There was little improvement in the second half and Boufal came close to scoring with a scorching shot across the face of goal that whistled past Courtois’ left-hand post.
    Hazard was replaced on the hour mark as part of a double substitution that saw Leicester’s Youri Tielemens come on to inject some life into Belgium.
    But it only got worse as Courtois made his second blunder of the match at another set-piece.
    With 17 minutes left, midfielder Abdelhamed Sabiri took a chance with a free-kick from a similar position to that in the first half.
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    Instead of crossing, he went for it by whipping a shot towards the near post which Courtois had left unguarded and was unable to react in time to keep the ball out of his net.
    In injury time Morocco swept forward and Ziyech’s clever cutback found Zakaria Abouhlal who rifled in number two to spark pandemonium on the Africans’ bench.
    Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech are on course to reach the knockout roundsCredit: Getty
    Eden Hazard failed to deliver once again for his countryCredit: AP More