World Cup

ANTONIO RUDIGER had social media buzzing with his bizarre running during Germany’s clash with Japan.The Real Madrid star was in action for his country as they kicked off their 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar.
Antonio Rudiger bizarrely ran towards the touchline
Fans noticed the Germany star’s strange running technique
And it was an incident in the 64th minute that really got people talking.
Trailing 1-0, Japan desperately sought to get back in the game.
Manager Hajime Moriyasu threw on former Arsenal forward Takuma Asano in the second half as he chased an equaliser.
Asano chased a long hopeful ball down the channel, but was marshalled by Rudiger.
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Rather than conventionally shepherding the ball out of play, however, Rudiger bizarrely jumped into his run as he galloped towards the touchline.
The former Chelsea ace grinned as he ran back into position, with fans noticing his strange run.

One wrote: “Wtf is rudiger doing.”
While a second tweeted: “Rudiger has got to be one of the weirdest players I’ve ever seen.”
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A third asked: “What is blud doing?”
Another added: “Look at the way Rudiger runs how can you hate this guy.”
Japan DID equalise shortly after, with Ritsu Doan grabbing a deserved leveller just 15 minutes from time.
And they went in front in stunning fashion moments later, Asano somehow squeezing a brilliant shot beyond Manuel Neuer.
Germany pushed hard for an equaliser, Rudiger flashing a shot from range wide late on.
But Japan managed to hold on for a famous 2-1 victory.
Takuma Asano stunningly put Japan in frontCredit: Reuters More

GERMANY legend Franz Beckenbauer has revealed illness will stop him from flying to Qatar for the World Cup.Beckenbauer lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy as a player in 1974 and manager in 1990.
Franz Beckenbauer captained Germany to the 1974 World CupCredit: AP
Beckenbauer isn’t travelling to Qatar due to illnessCredit: Getty
However, the 77-year-old is suffering from health problems and therefore won’t be able to support the current stars in the Middle East.
But while the German won’t be travelling, he vowed to keep fighting on.
He told Bild: “I had a so-called infarction in one eye.
“Unfortunately I can’t see anything on the right.
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“I can handle that. And I have to be careful with my heart.
“But I will not travel to Qatar. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for our team in front of the TV.
“People probably think he never lives long. But I’ll try to stay with you for a while.”
Beckenbauer, widely regarded as one of the best to ever player the game, won 103 caps for Germany.
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And the ex-defender is no stranger to the World Cup.
He played at football’s greatest show on three occasions and lifted the famous trophy after beating the Netherlands in the final in 1974.
Beckenbauer then became the first man ever to win the World Cup as both a player and manager 16 years later. More

THE linesman for Germany’s game against Japan was forced to check whether captain Manuel Neuer was wearing the One Love armband.Hansi Flick’s side were one of the seven European nations who planned on wearing the One Love armband.
Zeegelaar checked Neuer’s armbandCredit: EPA
Germany staged their own protest by covering their mouthsCredit: Reuters
The armband has been used as a message of support and unity, especially for the LGBTQ+ community with England, Wales, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland and Denmark also set to join with Team DFB.
However, Fifa made a last-minute decision to ban the accessory – and threatened captains with yellow cards or even one-match suspensions prompting a U-turn from all seven countries.
It saw captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer walk out with the regular generic ‘No Discrimination’ version instead – but linesman Zachari Zeegelaar was forced to check nonetheless.
However, the armband ban didn’t stop Germany from staging a protest.
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The 11 stars, including Chelsea’s Kai Havertz and wonderkid Jamal Musiala, lined up and all covered their mouths with their right hand – as if to say they have been silenced by the tournament organisers.
That includes Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who was in the stadium to witness the silent stand first hand.
Germany’s official team Twitter account said: “It wasn’t about making a political statement – human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case.
“That’s why this message is so important to us.
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“Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.
“We wanted to use our captain’s armband to take a stand for values that we hold in the Germany national team: diversity and mutual respect.
“Together with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard.” More