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      Watch Ousmane Dembele’s stunned reaction as he finds out about Germany’s shock World Cup defeat to Japan

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      OUSMANE DEMBELE was left gobsmacked in a press conference after being told Japan had stunned Germany at the World Cup.Hansi Flick’s four-time champions were on the end of a huge upset on Wednesday as they relinquished a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 in Doha.
      Ousmane Dembele was told Germany had lost to Japan earlier in the dayCredit: @RMCsport
      The Frenchman was left totally stunned by news of the World Cup upsetCredit: @RMCsport
      It is the second major shock just four days into the 2022 tournament following Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
      But France forward Dembele was not aware of Germany’s surprise loss when a journalist brought it up to him during a presser.
      In the lead-up to being asked a question, the Barcelona forward was told: “It’s always difficult to start the competition. There’s always real apprehension.
      “We’ve seen an enormous amount of surprises in this competition. Germany lost against Japan.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      To which a startled Dembele replied: “What?!”
      The journalist then confirmed the result, before the former Borussia Dortmund man added: “Yes? Wow!”

      Germany’s defeat leaves them in serious danger of going out of the World Cup in the group stage for a second time in a row.
      They face Spain on Sunday in a game that now becomes a must-win for Flick’s men.
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      But Dembele’s France made no such mistake in their opener against Australia on Tuesday night.
      Despite going a goal behind early on, Didier Deschamps’ reigning world champions ended up thrashing the Socceroos 4-1 to kick-off their World Cup defence in superb fashion.
      Next up for France is a clash with Denmark on Saturday – a team that beat them twice in the Nations League ahead of the World Cup.
      Their final group match then comes against Tunisia three days later. More

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      My football manager brother John Herdman is about to take the World Cup by storm… but not with England

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      THE brother of Canada’s British manager has high hopes his older sibling will take the World Cup by storm as the Maple Leaf’s kick off their campaign this evening. Canada – led by John Herdman – are set to compete in their first World Cup since 1986 in tonight’s huge Group F clash against Belgium.
      Martin Herdman (middle) will be cheering on John in tonight’s big Group F clashCredit: NNP
      The family have closely followed John’s meteoric rise with World Cup outsiders CanadaCredit: NNP
      Brother Martin Herdman, himself a coach at Newcastle Academy, will be rushing home from work tonight to watch the match with his wife Steph, 34, and tot Hayden, two.
      The 39-year-old brother, who lives in Consett, County Durham, says he can’t wait for the historic occasion and has been counting down the days since the tournament kicked off on Sunday.
      “The hairs on my arms are starting to stand on end, the closer it gets. I’m really excited,” he told the Sun.
      “It’s been about Newcastle United for so long, but since Sunday it’s switched to the World Cup.
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      “I’m an England fan, but am probably about 70 per cent in Canada’s favour right now. 
      “They are massive underdogs in a game against Belgium, but I am hoping for the best. Anything could happen.”
      Martin spoke of how his brother was told he would never make it as a high level coach in England as he hadn’t played professional football.
      John Herdman moved to New Zealand in his mid-twenties where he started at the bottom and worked his way up to manage the country’s women’s team, taking them to two World Cups and an Olympic Games.
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      The 47-year-old studied Sports Management at Leeds Trinity University before getting a job as a teacher at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary, where both brothers went to school.
      He left his role there to move to the antipodes and then on to Canada, where he managed the women’s side before taking on the men’s in 2018.
      Martin added: “It has taken John more than 20-years to get to where he is.
      “He had to make a decision when he was 23 or 24, as he was told he would not make it in England at the top of his game.
      “He’s worked incredibly hard and totally deserves his success.
      “It’s not a shock to me he is where he is. It’s just a surprise it’s taken him so long.
      “He’s had to go round the world, knocking on doors to achieve what he has. 
      “As a family, we couldn’t be prouder of him.
      “He was good at school, but when you love sport it can be frustrating. It can be a bit like a prison.
      “You just want to be outside playing football. He had a really creative mind. He was like a jack in the box.
      “As John’s younger brother it was tough for me when he set off for New Zealand. 
      “I was just 15 or 16. It was bitter sweet. But I supported him all the way.”
      John started his career at Sunderland Academy, and younger brother Martin coaches the 11s and 12s at Newcastle.
      Martin says John married his childhood sweetheart Clare, 45, who he met aged just 16, and she has followed him around the world, supporting him.
      The pair have two children, Jay Herdman, 18, who is himself a professional footballer and plays in the reserves for the Vancouver Whitecaps, and Lilly-May, 11.
      Read More on The Sun
      Martin added: “John has a real passion for football, and he’s made sacrifices to get to where he is.
      “We’re all hoping for the best tonight, and have everything crossed.”
      Belgium vs Canada will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      Herdman has taken Canada to their first World Cup since 1986Credit: Getty
      He has the chance to unite a nation with the country’s first-ever goal at a World Cup finalsCredit: Getty More

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      England stars’ glamorous Wags relax in Qatar as they prepare to cheer on their partners in World Cup clash against USA

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      THE partners of England’s World Cup stars have flown to Qatar to cheer on their loved ones – and look like they’re having a great time.The Three Lions made a perfect start to the tournament with a 6-2 victory over Iran on Monday.
      Bukayo Saka’s partner Tolami Benson has flown out to the World CupCredit: @tolami_benson
      Raheem Sterling’s partner Paige Milian is also in QatarCredit: @paigemilian
      She has flown over to cheer her Chelsea man on in the Middle EastCredit: @paigemilian
      Conor Coady’s partner Amie is also out there for the World CupCredit: @amiecoady90
      Saka met with his partner Tolami after the win over IranCredit: Getty
      And it has made their other halves’ time in Doha that bit more relaxing as they enjoy a break away in the Middle East.
      Raheem Sterling’s partner Paige Milian posted snaps to her social media on a bed in Qatar.
      She then shared another snap catching some rays as the Chelsea forward’s partner took in the glorious weather.
      And Paige is not the only Wag that has flown to support the England team.
      READ MORE ON WAGS
      Amie Coady, the partner of Everton defender Conor Coady, also posted a picture out in Qatar.
      She wore a bright white, yellow and turquoise dress as she took a snap in front of the mirror.
      And the girlfriend of Bukayo Saka has also revealed she has made the long trip to the World Cup.
      Tolami Benson shared a picture in a brown dress on Wednesday ahead of her Arsenal partner’s second group game.

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      The England stars could meet their families after Friday’s United States match – but it depends on Covid rates in Qatar.
      Manager Gareth Southgate is hoping that the 26-man squad could have a proper catch-up with their partners, children and parents.
      But that plan may have to change if Covid cases rise.
      The Three Lions boss said: “I think towards the end, the women’s team had to batten that down a bit more because they had a few positive cases so we’re going to have to monitor it throughout.

      “There’s this balance of the spirit and happiness of the group and the medical line of zero risk, and sometimes if you’re going to take zero risks, it can kill it for everybody, so we’ve got to try and find that balance.
      “We’re going to see how the next few days go and we’ve talked about maybe looking at something after the second game but we’ve got to monitor what the rates are out here as much as anything else.”
      Southgate’s men will book their place in the last 16 with a win over USA on Friday.
      And it would take the pressure off heading into their final group match against Wales four days later.
      Read More on The Sun
      However, England are being made to sweat on the fitness of captain Harry Kane after he picked up an ankle injury in the win over Iran.
      The Tottenham striker, 29, limped out of the Khalifa Stadium with his ankle strapped and is now waiting on the results of a scan. More

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      Qatar offers full refunds AND new accommodation to furious World Cup fans staying in shoddy shanty-town tent villages

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      QATARI officials have offered refunds and free accommodation to fans stuck in shoddy tent villages at the World Cup.Reports have poured in since the start of the World Cup of furious supporters forced to pay £175 a night to stay in rubbish cabins with leaky toilets and six-hour queues.
      Qatar has announced a refund for some supporters stuck in shoddy ‘fan villages’Credit: EPA
      Fans have been forced to pay £170 a night to stay in glorified cabins
      Some accommodation is still unfinished several days into the start of the tournamentCredit: EPA
      Qatar has rushed to knock up a number of “fan villages” to accommodate the more than one million fans expected to travel to the country during the four-week tournament.
      But many have complained that there were six-hour queues to enter the “sauna-like” cabins and that many sites were still unfinished.
      On Sunday, one disgusted World Cup fan walked away from his accommodation despite paying more than £2,500.
      The Sun Online already revealed that one visited by our reporter was as hot as 37C.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      Two of the fan camps – Fan Village Cabins Zafaran and Fan Village Cabins Free Zone – were reportedly hit with major issues last night.
      Fans reportedly were left sleeping rough, having to find alternative accommodation or waiting for up to six hours as they couldn’t access their pre-booked rooms.
      Multiple fans reported problems at check-in – with some even claiming they were told there simply wasn’t a room for them despite having a booking confirmation after forking out hundreds of pounds.
      And those that did get through complained about poor conditions not worth the price they forked out for the stay at the World Cup.
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      Earlier on Wednesday, tensions reportedly spilt over, with one official seen trying to keep order in the fan zone.
      The country’s Supreme Committee confirmed to The Sun Online that it was aware of the issues facing fans.
      And they confirmed they would be offering FULL REFUNDS to fans and free alternative accommodation.
      In a statement, the Qatari Supreme Committee told The Sun Online: “We are aware that a number of fans have faced delays checking into select Fan Village accommodation due to owner and operator negligence.
      “A section of units in these facilities, which are delivered and managed by different private entities, have not met the required standards that were advertised to fans.
      “While these sites are managed by independent commercial entities, rectifying these issues remains the utmost priority for the Supreme Committee.
      “Full refunds are being offered to fans severely impacted by this issue as well as alternative accommodation which will be free of charge for the duration of their stay.”
      Full refunds are being offered to fans severely impacted by this issue as well as alternative accommodation which will be free of charge for the duration of their stayQatari Supreme Committee
      Supporters who turned up to their accommodation in recent days have described the fan villages as “unfinished”, with pictures showing workmen still on site, and piles of rubble littering the parks.
      “The beds are super hard and they only clean your room every three days – and I’ve had to chase down towels or toiletries,” one American fan staying at Zafaran until Friday told The Sun Online.
      “There is a lot of activity at the reception desk with many waiting a long time to ask question or get checked in.”
      “The waits don’t surprise me.”
      One Wales fan, who arrived in Doha on Sunday, told The Sun Online his arrival was “disorganised” – and things are only getting worse.
      “We were able to settle in before it has now got very busy,” he said.
      Read More on The Sun
      “The food outlets are struggling to cope and frustration is creeping in from everyone.
      “There is a [two hour] wait for pizza.” More

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      England stars go wild for new ‘fork challenge’ as they share behind-the-scenes footage of World Cup camp

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      ENGLAND stars have found a novel new way to pass the time at the World Cup.That’s by starting up raucous games of the “fork challenge” in their team hotel.
      England players have found a new way to pass the time at the team hotelCredit: https://www.instagram.com/england/?hl=en
      Stars including James Maddison have been trying – and failing – the ‘fork challenge’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/england/?hl=en
      The Three Lions got off to the best start possible at Qatar 2022 with a 6-2 win over Iran on Monday.
      Gareth Southgate’s men are now preparing to face the USA on Friday, with victory all-but sealing their spot in the knockouts.
      But despite using gaps between games to train and recover, there is still plenty of room for down time.
      And one way England’s stars have been keeping busy is by participating in the new “fork challenge.”
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      The aim of the game is to roll a coin towards a horizontal fork, and get said coin to rest in between the gaps of the utensil.
      It sounds simple enough on paper, but the Three Lions proved it’s actually a lot harder than it seems.

      No less than eight players gave the challenge a go in a video posted on England’s social media channels.
      But only ONE star was able to successfully complete it.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold failed to stop the coin inside the forkCredit: https://www.instagram.com/england/?hl=en
      Marcus Rashford also found the game rather challengingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/england/?hl=en
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      Kalvin Phillips had no luck on his attemptCredit: https://www.instagram.com/england/?hl=en
      Jude Bellingham laughed as he failed to even get the coin rollingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/england/?hl=en
      Leicester’s James Maddison, who remains an injury doubt, was the first to play before failing miserably.
      Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Man United’s Marcus Rashford also struggled for accuracy.
      And Man City’s Kalvin Phillips fared little better when he joined in the fun.
      Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, Newcastle’s Callum Wilson and Chelsea’s Connor Gallagher also failed to get the better of the challenge.
      Callum Wilson came close to finding the targetCredit: https://www.instagram.com/england/?hl=en
      Connor Gallagher was also unable to crack the challengeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/england/?hl=en
      But City slicker Phil Foden ensured the Three Lions were not left totally red-faced in their endeavours.
      Demonstrating the type of silky skills and precision he displays on the pitch, Foden deftly rolled the coin straight into the heart of the fork.
      And much to the annoyance of pal Maddison, the coin gently came to a rest instead of rolling back on to the table.
      England fans were certainly blown away by Foden’s technique.
      Phil Foden was the only player to succeed with a perfectly-timed shotCredit: https://www.instagram.com/england/?hl=en
      Pal Maddison was not too pleased at losing to his England team-mateCredit: https://www.instagram.com/england/?hl=en
      One said: “Phil really was that kid at school who could do everything.”
      Another laughed: “Maddison’s face at the end!”
      One declared: “Foden with a worldie.”
      Another added: “Maddison’s double-take. Very funny, like a cartoon.” More

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      World Cup 2022 – Spain vs Costa Rica LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel as huge Group E clash UNDERWAY

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      SPAIN are facing a tricky side Costa Rica in their opening 2022 World Cup group game RIGHT NOW!La Roja were the best international team in the world between 2008 and 2012, but those stars have retired and the new generation are finding their feet.
      They came close to reaching the final of Euro 2020 last year but were knocked out on penalties in the semi-final by Italy.
      Spain will be one of the stronger teams heading into the Qatar showpiece at the end of 2022 and they’ll be hoping they can go a step further than they did in 2018.
      Four years ago in Russia, Spain went out in the last-16, losing a penalty shootout to the tournament hosts.

      Kick-off: 4pm UK time
      TV channel: ITV 1
      Live stream: ITV X
      Spain XI: Unai, Azpilicueta, Rodri, Laporte, Alba, Busquets, Gavi, Pedri, Ferran, Asensio, Olmo
      Costa Rica XI: Navas, Oviedo, Calvo, Waston, Duarte, Fuller, Bennette, Tejeda, Borges, Campbell, Contreras

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      Spain 0-0 Costa Rica
      5. Close! A glorious dink into the box from Pedri catches Oviedo out, and lands perfectly on to the right foot of Olmo.
      The volley across goal from the Leipzig forward drops a yard wide of Navas’ far post.
      Spain 0-0 Costa Rica
      4. The referee is Mohammed Abdulla Hassan of the UAE, who was widely criticised for his performance in the World Cup play-off between New Zealand and Costa Rica, and generally considered out of his depth.
      So that will be fun.
      Spain 0-0 Costa Rica
      2. Torres wins an early corner for the Spaniards that Olmo sends in the direction of Laporte.
      On this occasion, the Manchester City defender comes up short and Costa Rica clear their lines.
      Kick-off – Spain v Costa Rica
      1. The crowd count down from ten, and then it’s Spain that get this Group E clash underway.
      After Germany’s defeat to Japan earlier today, this is a real opportunity for La Roja to increase the pressure on Hansi Flick’s side – but opponents Costa Rica are no mugs.
      Here come the two teams!
      The players make their way out on to the pitch at the Al Thumama Stadium, and take their places for the national anthems.
      Costa Rica are well represented by their travelling support, but Spain are the side loaded with heavy expectation.
      Here’s a reminder of how the two countries line up:

      Five minute countdown!
      We’re not far off here in Doha.
      Spain vs Costa Rice is about to get underway.
      Costa Rica’s key man
      Joel Campbell and Keylor Navas – as always.

      Predictions?
      Spain will certainly be the favourites for this one, but Saudi Arabia and Japan have set the pace for underdogs all over the world.
      Costa Rica certainly have the capability to cause an upset, with ex-Arsenal winger Joel Campbell among their ranks…
      Here at SunSport however, we are going to back Ferran Torres and co to get the win by a 3-0 margin.
      What do you think? You could be in with a chance at winning £5000 if you get the answer right.

      Spain’s ones to watch
      Spain have a side which is mixed with youth and experience. Luis Enrique will be hoping to get his side back into winning contention on the biggest stage.

      Busquet case
      Sergio Busquets is the only man from their 2010 triumph in South Africa who is still in the Spain XI. Some man.
      Credit: Reuters
      City connection
      Interestingly, Spain have a makeshift centre-back pairing which consists of Manchester City pair Rodri and Aymeric Laporte.
      The only problem is, Rodri isn’t a defender.
      There’s clearly a bit of a centre-back crisis in the Spain squad but like have to work their way around it.
      Sergio Busquets is the only man from their 2010 triumph in South Africa who is still in the Spain XI. Some man.
      Credit: Getty
      Atmosphere building!
      Fans of both Spain and Costa Rica are making their presence felt in and around the Al-Thumama Stadium.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Reuters
      Credit: EPA
      Credit: EPA
      World beaters
      They’re a long way away from the Spanish side which won Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012 at a canter.
      They did, however, put in a good shift at Euro 2020 last summer, ultimately reaching the semi-finals before going out on penalties to eventual winners Italy.
      Their current side is riddled with young talent such as Pedri, Gavi and Ferran but La Roja are essentially in transition right now.
      And Costa Rica will be looking to exploit that.
      The Central American side reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2014, topping a group which contained Italy, England and Uruguay.
      Another upset here would go down a treat, especially with fellow group side Japan beating Germany in the earlier game.
      The boys are back in town
      Spain are in the building and they’ll be hoping to capitalise on Germany’s shock defeat to Japan.
      Credit: AFP
      Costa Rica XI
      Navas; Castro, Spence, Duarte, Calvo, Oviedo; Campbell, Borges, Tejeda, Villegas; Enriquez
      Spain XI
      Simon; Azpilicueta, Rodrigo, Laporte, Jordi Alba; Segio, Gavi, Pedri; Ferran, Asensio, Olmo
      Welcome to Spain vs Costa Rica
      Spain kick off their World Cup campaign against Costa Rica – who proved they can cause an upset by topping England’s group in 2014.
      Luis Enrique’s side will be wary of the Costa Ricans, who qualified for the tournament via the play-offs.
      Costa Rica failed to make it to the knockouts in 2018, but four years before that in Brazil they somehow topped a group that included England, Italy and Uruguay.
      Saudi Arabia’s stunning 2-1 win over Argentina will make the Spaniards even more wary that no wins are guaranteed at the World Cup.
      With heavyweights Germany also in their group, Spain will know nothing but three points will do as they get their campaign underway at Al Thumama Stadium.
      Load more entries… More

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      Watch Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s surprise pick for World Cup player of the tournament and Golden Boot in hilarious interview

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      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC hilariously only had one player on his mind when he was quizzed about who would take the World Cup by storm.The Swedish legend, who has penned a new contract at AC Milan despite turning 41, will unfortunately not be part of the Middle East football fest.
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic expects his Milan team-mate Olivier Giroud to sjine in QatarCredit: AFP
      The Swede was typically hilarious with his World Cup predictionsCredit: Getty

      His nation failed to qualify and he is also recovering from knee surgery.
      Last season he helped Milan win the Serie A title, scoring eight goals in 23 outings and playing for SIX MONTHS with his ACL injury.
      But with his country not participating, it is his strike partner at the San Siro who is rooting for out in Qatar.
      During an interview with 443, he picked Olivier Giroud, who is already off to a flying start after a brace in France’s 4-1 win over Australia on Tuesday, to win the World Cup Golden Boot.
      READ MORE NEWS ON ZLATAN
      However, the AC Milan star’s 36-year-old club-mate was also on his mind when he was asked to name who will be the biggest surprise of the tournament.
      And Ibra continued with that theme as he was then asked who he thought would be the best player in Qatar.
      The icon, 41, replied: “I root for my friend Olivier Giroud.”
      Next he was asked: “Who will be the biggest talent of the tournament?”
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      And, you guessed it, Ibrahimovic went for the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star again.
      He responded: “Olivier Giroud because he is still young and if I say that he’s young then that means that I am young also.”
      Ibrahimovic will no doubt be tuning in and rooting for his pal again on Saturday as he looks to surpass Thierry Henry as his country’s all-time top scorer after equalling his record against the Aussies.
      France take on Denmark knowing a victory will secure their place in the knockouts.
      They then face Tunisia next Wednesday in their final Group D game. More

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      Shock moment Qatari cops SEIZE Brazilian fans’ state flag after mistaking it for LGBTQ symbol… because it has a rainbow

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      QATARI officials have seized a Brazilian fan’s flag after mistaking it for the LGBTQ rainbow.The dispute happened outside the Lusail Stadium, Doha, after Saudi Arabia shocked the footballing world by beating Argentina yesterday.
      A Qatari official seizes the Pernambuco flag, mistaking it for the LGBTQ flagCredit: Jam Press
      Fans explain to the Official that he has made a blunder and they will report himCredit: Jam Press
      The fans, known as the Samba Boys, were carrying the Pernambuco State flag outside the stadium when they were approached by officials.
      The flag has a rainbow on it, but the officials thought it was a LGBTQ flag and subsequently seized the item, and allegedly threw it on the ground and stomped on it.
      The flag was being carried by Brazilian journalist Victor Pereira and a friend.
      He claimed Qatari officials confiscated his mobile phone until he agreed to delete a video he took of the incident.
      Read more on world cup
      However, he managed to film several other scenes of the stadium row with Qatari officials.
      In one viral clip viewed more than one million times on Twitter, Pereira says: “Guys, I’m nervous, shaking in fact, because we had a Pernambuco flag.”
      “I’m shaking, because I was attacked by some Qatari officials, people with that outfit, and also police officers.
      “They came up to the women thinking it was an LGBT flag, but in fact, it’s just the flag of Pernambuco.
      “I went to film it and they took my phone. They just gave it back to me after forcing me to delete the video I took.”
      “The guy took the Pernambuco flag, threw it on the ground, and stepped on it. My reaction was to take out my phone and record absolutely everything.”
      In Qatar, same-sex relationships are punishable by imprisonment or death.
      The conservative measures have shun a light on LGBTQ+ rights, which have been at the centre of controversies around the World Cup.
      Recently, Fifa officials stepped in and ordered Qatari officials to stop forcing fans to remove their rainbow hats when entering stadiums.
      Eventually, bystanders intervened and calmed down the situation following the flag incident.
      Pereira said the Qatari officials realised their mistake and later apologised.
      “They said they had no right to do what they did and, if I wanted, I could report it inside, because we were close to two towers that have cameras and the guy can be identified. I’m trying to do that, but it’s all very complicated.”
      The incident was reported to Fifa officials.
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      Fans attending the 2022 World Cup have mostly been behaved, one excited Saudia Arabian fan celebrated his country’s win over Argentina by ripping his door off.
      Other fans were left devastated as Lionel Messi failed to get his team across the line in Argentina’s opening game.
      The Qatari official was met by a crowd who explained the reason for the flag, which calmed down the situationCredit: Jam Press More