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      France 2 Denmark 1 – World Cup 2022 LIVE RESULT: Mbappe the hero with stunning DOUBLE as French sail into the last-16

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE was the star of the show as France defeated Denmark 2-1 to advance to the round of last-16.The PSG sensation scored a double at Stadium 974, with either side of Andreas Christensen’s powerful header.
      The French now sail through into the last-16 of the World Cup.

      Kick-off time: 4pm GMT
      France XI: Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
      Denmark XI: Schmeichel; Andersen, Nelsson, Christensen; Kristensen, Hojbjerg, Eriksen, Maehle; Lindstrom, Conelius, Damsgaard

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      Goodnight all
      That’s a wrap for tonight folks.
      Thank you for joining us for SunSport’s coverage of France vs Denmark in an exciting Group D clash.
      The French fans will be very happy with the 2-1 win.
      Take a bow, Kylian Mbappe.
      Credit: Getty
      France’s guilt-free final group game
      Boss Didier Deschamps is so spoilt for choice up front that he can even afford to shrug off the absence of injured strikers Karim Benzema and Christopher Nkunku, writes Mark Irwin from Stadium 974.
      After battering Australia 4-1 in their opening group game, the only surprise last night was that it took them more than an hour to break down the dogged Danes.
      In truth they should have made it much more comfortable for Deschamps after missing a hatful of opportunities.
      And they certainly can’t afford to be so generous in front of goal when the competition gets serious in the knock-out rounds.
      But that is something to worry about for another day for Deschamps, who can now afford to rest most of his stars for their final group game next Wednesday.
      Because the only way for France to miss out on top spot is if they lose heavily to Tunisia and Australia have a big win against the Danes.
      But that ain’t going to happen, particularly as Denmark three points against Australia to avoid an early exit from the tournament. 
      Irwin’s view: Three Lions should already be worried
      Kylian Mbappe showed exactly what all the fuss is about as France became the first team to qualify for the World Cup’s last 16, writes Mark Irwin from Stadium 974.
      And England should already be worrying about a potential quarter-final meeting with the £160 million superstar who is threatening to take Qatar 2022 by storm.
      It was Mbappe’s two second-half goals which finally saw off Denmark to all but confirm top spot in Group D.
      At just 23-years-old, he has already scored 31 times for his country and it is surely only a matter of time before he overhauls the current French record of 51 goals currently held by Olivier Giroud and Thierry Henry.
      And the way his team are performing out here in the desert, you certainly wouldn’t bet against them becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.
      Deschamps’ side in command
      The momentum swung briefly in Denmark’s favour when they nabbed the equaliser.
      But France pretty much controlled throughout and, as Shearer said, they answered the call after the Dane’s levelled.
      Even after Mbappe’s second, the champs held Denmark for the remainder of the clash.

      Shearer on France performance
      France have looked very good again – particularly in forward areas.
      Antoine Griezmann, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele and of course that guy Kylian Mbappe.
      What a player, what a superstar. He made the difference tonight.
      They were asked the question when Denmark got back into the game, what have you got?
      Didier Deschamps made a couple of changes and they worked perfectly.
      When you’ve got that guy in your team in the form that he’s in – he looks so comfortable and confident in front of goal – you’ve got a chance. He won the game for them.Alan ShearerBBC
      Fox in the box
      With six shots tonight, it was the two closest to Schmeichel’s goal that found the back of the net for Mbappe.
      The double sends France through the group stage.

      Kyli’n it
      Mbappe is now pushing up the record goal-scoring list.
      The 23-year-old is France’s joint-seventh top scorer of all-time, alongside Zinedine Zidane on 31 goals.
      Credit: Getty
      A touche of class from Mbappe
      Mbappe passed one into the back of the net and bundled in the other.
      But it was his movement during the build-ups to the goals that impressed the world.
      Here’s the superstar’s heat map from tonight’s vital win.

      Can France go all the way again?
      SunSport’s chief reporter Martin Lipton at Stadium 974, explains why France are the real deal:
      Two brilliant performances, back to back.
      France are, for now, the team the rest have to beat.
      Only two nations, Italy in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil in 1958 and 1962, have retained the World Cup.
      Deschamps side look like they have what it takes to join that illustrious club.
      Mbappe was mesmerising but he was not the only one. France have stepped it up two gears from the 2018 team, despite losing Benzema, Pogba, Kante and Lucas Hernandez to injuries.
      But Denmark more than played their part in a truly outstanding game of football.
      Credit: PA
      Tricolours waving as France run towards their fans before a joint celebration leap into the air.
      They are for real. No question.
      FULL TIME: France 2-1 Denmark
      It’s all over.
      The world champions have won and are the first team to secure their place in the knockouts.
      It’s an Mbappe brace that makes the difference.
      Credit: Getty
      France 2-1 Denmark
      96 – Denmark launch what will surely be the final attack…
      France 2-1 Denmark
      94 – Denmark have the ball. No real direction as they knock it around the middle of the park.
      They make it forward but it’s cleared into Thuram’s path. He holds for half a minute.
      France 2-1 Denmark
      92 – Time winding down now at Stadium 974.
      France look to steady the ship for the final few minutes.
      OFF Griezmann
      ON Fofana
      France 2-1 Denmark
      90 – Six minutes of added time.
      Mbappe is sent through but he volleys straight at Schmeichel.
      Could have taken a touch.
      Hat-trick on the cards?
      France 2-1 Denmark
      88 – It was amazing movement from Mbappe.
      Here’s Martin Lipton on what may be the killer goal:
      Cometh the moment, cometh the man.
      Mbappe gets in where the boots are flying to apply the crucial touch after great work by Coman and Griezmann on the right, staying fractionally the right side of Kristensen before bundling home.
      Not a thing of beauty in the final execution, but in construction, absolutely.
      A little tough on the Danes. Although you’d still take a punt on them to beat the Socceroos on Wednesday.
      France 2-1 Denmark
      84 – Bang, Mbappe at the back post.
      Griezmann put it on a plate for him.
      GOAL – MBAPPE
      And there he is. The man of the hour.
      France 1-1 Denmark
      84 – Don’t want to be the Angel of Doom. We’ve got Mark Irwin for that.
      But presuming/hoping England get to the last eight, there’s every chance they’d play one of these two.
      Good luck with that, writes Martin Lipton, especially after last night’s snooze-fest against the USA.
      Denmark are really sniffing the air and thinking it’s there to win but France remain so dangerous as well. One of the best games of the tournament so far. Just as we all hoped.
      France 1-1 Denmark
      80 – Meanwhile, Tchouameni heads the wrong side of the upright from yards out.
      Then Rabiot tries an overhead kick that just flew wide.
      And Braithwaite skims the post for Denmark up the other end!
      This could be anyone’s game now. 
      France 1-1 Denmark
      79 – Here’s Martin Lipton, reporting from a 40,000-seater stadium, where the turnout tonight is…
      It’s a numbers game. 42,840 apparently. 
      In my youth (admittedly a long time ago) some would have stroked their chin and replied: “Mmmm, Jimmy Hill!”
      Anyway, enough with the infeasible. This is a game to be won. Or lost. Or drawn. Into the last 15 and Denmark think they might nick it.
      Group D – as it stands

      France 1-1 Denmark
      75 – Giroud went off during all that drama. Thuram replaced him.
      Here are a couple more changes for the champs:
      OFF Demeble
      OFF Varane
      ON Coman
      ON Konate
      France 1-1 Denmark
      73 – Lloris just made a big save from Lindstrom.
      France now look fragile.
      Where was this from Denmark for the first hour?
      France 1-1 Denmark
      70 – Denmark caught Martin Lipton by surprise as well as the French defence:
      Didn’t see that coming. Not sure anyone would have.
      No sooner are France in front than the Danes are level, Christensen putting his head in where it hurts – he didn’t do that too many times in a Chelsea cause – to nod home when Eriksen’s corner travels all the way.
      Danish fans, who have been hushed for an hour, suddenly find their voice. French supporters can’t believe it.
      France 1-1 Denmark
      68 – Andersen flicks it on from the corner and it lands perfectly in Christensen’s path.
      The former Chelsea defender nods it home!
      1-1. That didn’t take long.
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      France 2 Denmark 1: Kylian Mbappe double downs Danes as Les Bleus become first team to qualify for World Cup Last 16

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE showed exactly what all the fuss is about as France became the first team to qualify for the World Cup’s last 16.And England should already be worrying about a potential quarter-final meeting with the £160million superstar who is threatening to take Qatar 2022 by storm.
      Mbappe opened the scoring in the second halfCredit: EPA
      It was the PSG star’s second goal at the tournamentCredit: Reuters
      Ex-Chelsea defender Christensen got the equaliserCredit: AP
      Mbappe grabbed the winner with five minutes to goCredit: Reuters
      Wild scenes erupted in the standsCredit: Reuters
      It was Mbappe’s two second-half goals which finally saw off Denmark to all but confirm top spot in Group D.
      At just 23-years-old, he has already scored 31 times for his country and it is surely only a matter of time before he overhauls the current French record of 51 goals currently held by Olivier Giroud and Thierry Henry.
      And the way his team are performing out here in the desert, you certainly wouldn’t bet against them becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.
      For boss Didier Deschamps is so spoilt for choice up front that he can even afford to shrug off the absence of injured strikers Karim Benzema and Christopher Nkunku. 
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      After battering Australia 4-1 in their opening group game, the only surprise last night was that it took them more than an hour to break down the dogged Danes.
      In truth they should have made it much more comfortable for Deschamps after missing a hatful of opportunities.
      And they certainly can’t afford to be so generous in front of goal when the competition gets serious in the knock-out rounds.
      But that is something to worry about for another day for Deschamps, who can now afford to rest most of his stars for their final group game next Wednesday.
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      Because the only way for France to miss out on top spot is if they lose heavily to Tunisia and Australia have a big win against the Danes.
      But that ain’t going to happen, particularly as Denmark three points against Australia to avoid an early exit from the tournament. 
      At least they won’t face the absolute barrage they had to contend with last night, starting when Giroud  beat Joachim Andersen to Ousmane Dembele’s 15th minute cross but couldn’t quite direct his header on target.
      Another Dembele cross picked out Adrien Rabiot for a second powerful header and this one required a fine reaction save from Kasper Schmeichel to keep Denmark on level terms.
      But they were fortunate not to be reduced to ten men when Anders Christensen hauled down Mbappe as he raced on to Rabiot’s 20th minute through ball.
      Referee Szymon Marciniak ruled that because the foul took place 40 yards from goal it only merited a yellow card.
      Yet there was no way that Christensen was going to catch Mbappe in a straight race and it was hard to see how he wasn’t denying a goalscoring opportunity when he cynically dragged his man to the ground.
      Quite how Denmark had twice managed to beat France in the Nations League this season was something of a mystery because they were barely able to cross the halfway line this time.
      It was like a training ground game of defence versus attack as the world champions threw the kitchen sink at their overworked opponents.
      Raphael Varane’s flick was booted away by Joakim Maehle and Jules Kounde’s goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
      There should have been no escape for the Danes when the outstanding Dembele teed up Mbappe with a clear sight of goal in the 40th minute.
      But with only Schmeichel to beat, Mbappe lifted his hurried shot wastefully over the bar when he probably had time to control the ball and pick his spot.
      Yet Denmark’s luck could not hold out forever and after Mbappe was denied again by Schmeichel and Antoine Griezmann wasted another great opportunity, their resistance was finally broken in the 61st minute.
      And inevitably it was Mbappe who finally unlocked the door, exchanging passes with Theo Hernandez before stabbing his shot inside the near post.
      Giroud certainly didn’t look too happy when he was denied the opportunity to extend his record when he was replaced by Marcus Thuram straight after that breakthrough.
      But if Deschamps thought it was going to be all plain sailing from there on in, he was to be sadly mistaken. 
      Having barely crossed the halfway line for much of the game, Denmark showed just why they are currently tenth in the FIFA rankings with a 68th minute equaliser that came like a bolt out of the blue for France.
      Christian Eriksen’s corner was flicked on by Andersen for Christensen to score with a stooping header on the bounce from close range.
      Read More on The Sun
      It could have got even hairier for France when Jesper Lindstrom had a glorious opportunity to fire Denmark into a shock 73rd minute lead but couldn’t quite get his shot past Hugo Lloris.
      And how he was made to regret that wasted chance when Mbappe forced his way ahead of Rasmus Kristensen to volley home from Griezmann’s 86th minute cross.
      Denmark saw plenty of the ball More

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      France star Lucas Hernandez, 26, ‘considered RETIRING’ after World Cup injury – but mum convinced him not to

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      FRANCE star Lucas Hernandez reportedly considered retiring following his horrific World Cup injury – but his mum convinced him not to.Bayern Munich star and World Cup 2018 winner Hernandez, 26, sustained an ACL injury in the early stages of the 4-1 win over Australia on Tuesday.
      Hernandez suffered a horror first half injuryCredit: Getty
      Hernandez considered quitting football but was talked out of it by his mumCredit: Alamy
      The injury occurred as he strained to block Matthew Leckie’s cross, which Craig Goodwin when on to score from.
      And after spending several minutes on the ground, Hernandez was replaced by his younger brother Theo, who plays for AC Milan.
      Bayern confirmed on Thursday that Hernandez had undergone successful surgery on the injury, but he isn’t expected to finish the 2022/23 season as a result.
      A statement read: “Lucas Hernandez was successfully operated on by Prof.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      “Christian Fink in Innsbruck on Thursday evening after rupturing his cruciate ligament in his right knee.
      “The FC Bayern defender will commence his rehabilitation in Munich in the coming days. He suffered the injury in the France national team’s World Cup opener against Australia.”
      Hernandez’s injury was so bad that he considered quitting football, according to L’Equipe, via Get French Football News.
      However, the defender was convinced by his mum to keep on playing.
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      Brother Theo started France’s second group game against Denmark.
      The pacey left-back got the assist for Kylian Mbappe’s opener.
      Ex-Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen grabbed the equaliser for the Danes only for Mbappe to grab the winner right at the death and book France’s place in the last 16. More

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      Erik ten Hag tells Man Utd to sign World Cup sensations Cody Gakpo and Rafael Leao to replace Cristiano Ronaldo

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      ERIK TEN HAG has reportedly told Manchester United to sign TWO World Cup sensations.That’s as he looks to replace Cristiano Ronaldo with a new forward this winter.
      Erik ten Hag wants to sign Cody Gakpo to replace Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty
      How United could look with Gakpo in the side
      ESPN claims Ten Hag is eager to land a top attacker in January.
      And two stars playing at the World Cup have caught his eye.
      The first is Holland’s Cody Gakpo, who has been on Ten Hag’s radar since last season with PSV Eindhoven.
      The versatile striker has two goals in as many games for his country.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      And despite being predominantly a left winger, Gakpo is becoming increasingly accomplished as a No9.
      He has made no secret of his desire to play at a higher level.
      And a deal could be struck with PSV fairly quickly – for the right price.
      The second player on Ten Hag’s list is Rafael Leao, who has become one of Serie A’s top stars with AC Milan.
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      Rafael Leao is also on Man United’s radar this winterCredit: Reuters
      How United could look with both Gakpo and Leao in the side
      He was in devastating form as Portugal beat Ghana 3-2 this week, scoring the decisive third goal.
      And Ten Hag would also love to bring Leao to Old Trafford.
      However, he is valued at over £100million by Milan.
      And Leao is yet to get a proper run through the middle for either club or country.
      It means Gakpo is the more likely of the two to join United in January.
      But there could be a chance of seeing both men at the Theatre of Dreams next season. More

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      England Wags in good spirits as Jack Grealish’s partner Sasha Attwood heads shopping in Doha with fellow partners

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      ENGLAND’S Wags took the strain away after a tense draw with the USA by shopping together in Doha.Ben White’s fiancee Milly Adams and Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson were snapped with two matching bags each near the team hotel.
      Aaron Ramsdale’s fiancee Georgina Irwin seemed to have made a solid start to her shopping in Doha, QatarCredit: Dan Charity
      Model Sasha Attwood, who is dating Jack Grealish, had a pink bag to match her phone and trainer stripesCredit: Dan Charity
      Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson looked cool as she dressed for the heat in a loose skirtCredit: Dan Charity
      Luke Shaw’s partner Anouska Santos took it easier than most by taking a ride on the hotel buggy.
      And model Sasha Attwood, who is dating Jack Grealish, looked demure in a thin top covering her shorts.
      But perhaps beating them all for a relaxed smile was Aaron Ramsdale’s fiancee Georgina Irwin.
      She wore a long summer dress and sandals as she strode serenely through the town.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      They all appeared cool despite temperatures of around 30 degree that had persuaded Fifa to switch the Qatar World Cup to winter.
      And the trip out was surely a soothing release after sitting through Friday night’s 0-0 group stalemate with the US.

      The Three Lions’ Wags were snapped consoling their partners in the stands afterwards.
      Captain Harry Kane kissed wife Katie Goodland after his post-match media duties.
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      And in fact the Spurs striker might need more sympathy than most of his team-mates as his ankle appeared swollen in worrying pictures.
      Meanwhile, England’s star performer Harry Maguire embraced his wife Fern Hawkins and daughter Lillie.
      Anouska Santos, who had a baby daughter with Luke Shaw in May, was happy to take a ride on the hotel buggyCredit: Dan Charity
      Ben White’s fiancee Milly Adams appeared more sporty than Tolami as she donned trainers next to the England team’s Souk Al Wakra hotelCredit: Dan Charity More

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      Tributes to dad-of-two Kevin Davies, 62, after Wales fan dies of ‘natural causes’ while in Qatar for World Cup

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      A DAD who died after travelling to Qatar for the World Cup has been described as a “lovely man” by shocked neighbours.Kevin Davies, from Pembrokeshire, Wales, had been suffering from a serious illness but had recovered and was well enough to make the 3,300-mile trip to Doha with his son.
      Kevin Davies, 62, died after travelling to Qatar for the World CupCredit: Facebook
      The dad-of-two fell ill while staying in DohaCredit: Facebook
      The 62-year-old grandad left the village of Boncath with friends and other family members ten days ago to cheer on Rob Page’s side.
      But on Friday he was not well enough to go to Ahmed bin Ali Stadium to watch Wales take on Iran.
      Mr Davies was later taken to hospital, where he died.
      A villager in Boncath told The Sun: “Everyone is in shock – Kevin was a lovely man and very respected in the community and beyond.
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      “He was being treated for a type of cancer but he was well and looking forward to going to the World Cup.
      “He was devoted to his family, everyone is feeling for them after he died so far away from home.”
      Grandfather Mr Davies had retired from his job in further education with Pembrokeshire Council but was still very active as a community councillor for the village where he lived with wife, Catrin.
      He travelled to Qatar with his son Gerallt who is making arrangements to have his father’s body flown home.
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      Mr Davies’s wife was being comforted by the couple’s daughter Einir today.
      The British Embassy, Qatari authorities and the Football Association of Wales (FAW), as well as travel company Wonky Sheep, are said to be helping Mr Davies’s son to make all the necessary preparations and fly home.
      The Football Association of Wales said: “Our deepest condolences from everyone at the Football Association of Wales.
      “Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this sad time.
      “The FAW is in contact with Kevin’s family to help in whatever way we can.”
      Noel Mooney, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), wrote on Twitter: “So sorry to hear that one of our supporters has passed away here.”
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      He added: “Our condolences go to the family and of course we are here to support however we can.”
      A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Qatar.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘takes Portugal squad for dinner and picks up the bill’ after Man Utd axe drama

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      UNEMPLOYED Cristiano Ronaldo took the Portugal squad out for dinner and reportedly picked up the bill.The legendary 37-year-old is available on a free transfer after Manchester United ripped up his contract before Portugal’s first World Cup group match against Ghana.
      Ronaldo – sat at the back next to ex-United team-mate Diogo Dalot – reportedly picked up the bill at a team dinnerCredit: FPF
      Ronaldo scored in Portugal’s group opening win against GhanaCredit: AP
      United’s decision to get rid of Ronaldo came after his explosive sit-down interview with SunSport columnist and TalkTV main man Piers Morgan.
      Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo accused Man Utd of betrayal, and slammed the lack of investment in the club’s infrastructure.
      Present United figures such as boss Erik ten Hag were in the firing line, with Ronaldo admitting he does not respect the Dutchman.
      And former team-mates Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney were also slammed for their criticism.
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      Portugal went on to win their opening game 3-2 against Ghana, with Ronaldo scoring from the penalty spot.
      And to keep spirits high, according to  El Espanol, Ronaldo took his team-mates out for dinner at the recently opened Tatel de Doha restaurant on Al Maha Island.
      Ronaldo, as well as Tennis legend Rafael Nadal, are among partners at Mabel Hospitality, who own the restaurant.
      He is said to have picked up the bill and the Portugal team were all smiles as they posed for a group photo.
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      The most expensive starter on the menu is Fresh Avocado “Al Ajillo” & Carabinero, which would set you back £34.
      The meat isn’t cheap either, with a Australian T-bone Steak costing £224.
      Ronaldo only drinks on special occasions, but should the Portugal team have decided to sip some champagne, the most expensive bottle comes in at £2662.
      The Portugal team were out until 11.30pm before the national team picked up the players on their own bus.  
      Portugal’s next Group H game is against Uruguay on Monday.
      Portugal’s World Cup stats More

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      Who is Spain vs Germany referee Danny Makkelie at World Cup 2022?

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      OFFICIAL Danny Makkelie is back on the world stage and is seen as one of the best referees on the planet.He takes charge of Spain’s massive group stage against Germany at the World Cup.
      Danny Makkelie was in charge during England’s Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark when he awarded a controversial penaltyCredit: PA
      The Dutchman, a former policeman, was in charge for England’s Euro 2020 semi-final between England and Denmark.
      He was also the ref for Finland’s defeat to Russia in the group stages.Has he officiated at major tournaments before?
      A former police inspector, Makkelie will accept no messing about in the Wembley match-up.
      He was first listed as a FIFA referee in 2011 and at 38 years old, still has plenty of seasons under his belt.
      Before this tournament, Makkelie was the referee for the 2020 Europa League final between Sevilla and Inter Milan, but this is his first major international tournament in the middle.
      What else has he done so far?
      Makkelie made his Eredivise debut in 2009 and has gone on to make over 180 appearances across nine seasons.
      He took charge of five Champions League fixtures in 2019, including the quarter-final first leg when Barcelona beat AS Roma 4-1.
      The Dutchman was blasted by the Italians’ boss Eusebio di Francesco for denying them a penalty in that game, but it proved irrelevant as Roma heroically won the second leg 3-0 to progress on away goals.
      Makkelie has also been involved in the Europe League, officiating 11 matches from 2012 to 2017.
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      Has he used VAR before?
      The Dutchman has been involved in two major controversies with the VAR system.
      Makkelie became the first referee to send-off a player using the technology after he changed his yellow-card decision to a sending off against Willem II’s Anouar Kalu in a KNVB Cup game in 2016.
      He was also involved in one of the most famous and controversial usages of VAR when he took charge of the Dutch Super Cup final between Feyenoord and Vitesse.
      During that match, Feyenoord saw a goal disallowed and a penalty awarded to Vitesse instead after a VAR review showed Makkelie should have given the spot kick before the goal was scored.
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