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      ‘My god…’ – Man Utd icon Roy Keane speechless at Angel Di Maria over Argentina star’s display against Saudi Arabia

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane slammed Argentina star and ex-Red Devil Angel Di Maria after the loss to Saudi Arabia.The Copa America winners suffered a shock 2-1 defeat against the Group C minnows earlier today at the Lusail Stadium in a match that saw three first-half goals ruled out for offside.
      Manchester United legend Roy Keane slammed Argentina’s display against Saudi ArabiaCredit: Pixel8000
      Argentina star Angel Di Maria was criticised by Roy Keane after Saudi Arabia’winCredit: Getty
      Keane didn’t hold back on his criticism of Lionel Scaloni’s men as he claims they lacked aggression and composure against their underdog opponents, who came from behind.
      The former Republic of Ireland international was especially critical of ex-United star Di Maria because the Juventus ace was easily beaten by Salem Aldawsari before his extraordinary winner.
      Keane told ITV: “There’s no aggression, there’s bodies there, you’ve got to go attack there, they’ve lost all composure.
      “They’ve lost their heads, look at Di Maria… Di Maria, my God.”
      Read More on the World Cup
      Argentina opened the scoring after just 10 minutes thanks to Lionel Messi’s penalty kick.
      However, Saleh Aishehri equalised after 48 minutes before Aldawsari’s screamer just five minutes later.
      Keane praised the performance by Herve Renard’s men against a “dreadful” Argentina.
      The United great added: “One-nil down you’re thinking they’re hanging in there, surviving, on the ropes. They get a goal back and went on to win the game.
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      “But it’s a great reminder to anybody watching the game of football, if you think you can turn up with just your quality to get you over the line, you’re sadly mistaken.
      “Argentina were really dreadful second-half, all credit to Saudi Arabia, stayed in the game, competed, amazing result.” More

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      Inside Jack Grealish’s loving relationship with his disabled sister after touching celebration to fan in England win

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      JACK GREALISH has once again proven to be one of the good guys in football after fulfilling a promise to his number one fan.Little Finlay Fisher, 11, who has cerebral palsy, was over the moon when Grealish netted England’s sixth goal against Iran and celebrated with a unique dance.
      Jack Grealish poses with his sister Hollie after winning the title with Man CityCredit: @jackgrealish
      Grealish kept his promise to young disabled fan Finlay – who has the same condition as his sisterCredit: YouTube / Premier League
      Finlay Fisher wanted Grealish to do this celebrationCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      And the England star delivered it on the biggest stageCredit: Getty
      The Manchester City ace, 27, helped his country start their World Cup campaign in electric fashion and provided a heartwarming moment in the process.
      Grealish met the youngster after the Premier League’s ‘Fan Mail’ set up a meeting between the two.
      And keeping his promise to the lad was more important to Grealish than most – as his sister Hollie, 19, has the same condition.
      In a letter to the City star, Finlay wrote: “I have cerebral palsy and I saw your sister has cerebral palsy too. Are you a good brother to her?
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      “I love the way you are really good with your sister, you really get it. You always have her there with you and you look really proud.”
      He added: “I wish there were more people in the world just like you who treat people with disabilities the same as anyone else.
      “It makes me really happy when I see that you, a famous footballer, knows what it’s like to live with people with cerebral palsy.”
      Grealish, who tragically lost his little brother when he was young, has previously opened up on his loving relationship with Hollie.
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      And he told how his family is proud of him for what he has achieved in his career.
      He told BBC Sport: “My little brother passed away when I was young.
      “My little sister has cerebral palsy, so she, you know, she’s like my best friend. I speak to her all the time.
      “She’ll live with my mum forever, so my mum was always looking after the kids, whereas my dad would take me and my brother to Villa Park on a Saturday.
      “We are so close. She was born three months premature and they said she would not be able to talk, walk.
      “And here we are today, and she can do everything.”
      After seeing Grealish do the celebration against Iran, Finlay had initially thought that the star had forgotten to do it.
      He said on Good Morning Britain: “At first I thought he’d forget.”
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      However, after spotting that he had in fact done the dance, Finlay exclaimed “he remembered”.
      Finlay’s mother added: “I think he was a bit starstruck.”
      Grealish is close to his younger sister, and posed with her after his big-money move to CityCredit: @jackgrealish
      Grealish’s proud sister Hollie, third from right, was in Qatar to see him score against IranCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Mexico 0 Poland 0 – World Cup 2022 LIVE RESULT: Lewandowski FLUFFS PENALTY as striker’s World Cup goal drought continues

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI saw his penalty SAVED as Poland and Mexico drew 0-0.The miss means Poland’s talisman Lewandowski has still yet to score in a World Cup.
      Saudi Arabia and Argentina complete Group C, with the Saudi’s sitting top after their stunning win over Argentina earlier today.

      Result: Mexico 0 Poland 0
      Mexico XI: Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Hector Moreno, Gallardo; Hector Herrera, Edson Alvarez, Chavez; Lozano, Henry Martin, Vega
      Poland XI: Szczesny; Bereszynski, Glik, Kiwior, Cash; Kaminski, Krychowiak, S.Szymanski, Zielinski, Zalewski; Lewandowski.

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      That’s all from Stadium 974
      It’s goodnight from us in Ras Abu Abou, and goodnight from all four countries in Group C.
      But it’s not the end of the action with the day’s fourth game just half hour away.
      France begin the defence of their world title by facing Australia at the Al Janoub Stadiun, and you can follow it live with us here.
      Best of a bad bunch
      A poor 90 minutes at Stadium 974 was occasionally lit up by the trickery of Mexico’s Hirving Lozano.
      The Napoli forward cropped up menacingly on both flanks a number of times, but failed to help his country find the breakthrough they deserved.

      Lewandowski lacks impact in opener
      Robert Lewandowski has never scored a World Cup goal, and only had nine touches inside the penalty box at the 2018 finals.
      Qatar 2022 hasn’t started any better for the Barcelona superstar either. The Polish captain only had two touches in the Mexico area this evening, one of which was his missed spotkick that was saved by Guillermo Ochoa.

      Next up in Group C
      If the results of today’s opening matches in Group C were a surprise, then then second round of games this coming weekend are absolutely crucial.
      All four sides are back in action on Saturday, and Saudi Arabia could seal their place in the knockout stages with a win.

      Poland v Saudi Arabia (1pm)
      Argentina v Mexico (7pm)

      Saudis soar to top spot
      This is how they stand in Group C after each side played their opening game of Qatar 2022 on Tuesday – and, remarkably, it is Saudi Arabia out clear in front.
      Credit: Fifa.com
      Extra! Read all about it!
      Our man in Qatar, Dan King, has shown more enthusiasm and intent than anyone on the pitch this evening, and has already filed his match report of Mexico’s goalless draw with Poland at Stadium 974.
      Robert Lewandowski’s wait for a World Cup goal continues as he blew the chance to put his country in Pole position in Group C. The Barcelona star could not deliver the goal he and the game had been crying out for because veteran Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made a fantastic save.Dan KingThe Sun

      Match stats from Stadium 974
      Here are some numbers that may indicate that this evening’s Group C clash was worth watching…
      …but ultimately the 0-0 at the top are the most accurate reflection of a contest low on quality and excitement.

      Full time – Mexico 0-0 Poland
      The final whistle is blown at Stadium 974.
      A good result for both sides? Yes, it takes them above Argentina and keeps each in contention for qualification.
      A good result for Argentina? Yes, it ensures that a second country fails to pull three points away from them in Group C.
      A good result for Saudi Arabia? Yes, and they’ll fancy their chances of nine points after watching these two slog it out.
      A good result for me in having to cover it? Absolutely not.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      90+6. In the space of 30 seconds, both Krychowiak and Lozano try their luck with long range efforts.
      Who are they kidding if they thought they could win a game as poor as this with something so special?
      The only acceptable winner for this match would be a scrambled deflection off a defender’s backside – and it looks as though we’re not even going to get that.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      90+4. A clever flicked header from Jimenez falls perfectly into the path of Antuna and offers him a chance to run down the right.
      However, the substitute’s touch is too heavy, and that man Glik gets across to boot to safety.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      90+2. A grandstand finish at Stadium 974? Don’t count on it.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      90. As the board goes up to signal seven minutes of stoppage tiem, Mexico win their latest corner.
      A battler to the end, it’s no surprise that it’s Glik up highest inside the six-yard-box to power the set-piece to safety.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      88. Glik ends the game as he started it – by receiving treatment for a head injury.
      This time the centre-back is floored by a thumping Lozano strike straight into the face.
      Some way to mark your 100th game for your country.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      86. Excellent defending from Cash halts Lozano in his path after the Mexico forward weaved his way into the area.
      There are appeals for a penalty from those in the stands, but they’re more in hope than expectation.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland – Mexico substitution
      84. A third change for the Mexicans.
      On comes forward Uriel Antuna for Alexis Vega. Can the Cruz Azul man make himself a hero?
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      83. Facing goal with the ball at his feet, Jimenez has the opportunity to run at the last defender…
      …but a heavy touch from the striker takes the ball gratefully into the hands of Szczesny in the Poland goal.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      81. Poland almost make Mexico pay at a corner, but Krychowiak’s effort is blocked after arriving late at the far post.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      80. Vega goes for the spectacular, but whips his 25-yard half-volley away from the far post.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      79. After the game burst into the life following the missed penalty, I’m afraid to say that it’s folded on itself once again.
      It’s there for the taking as we approach the final ten minutes, but I’m not sure either side has enough intent – or quality – to win it.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      77. Lozano is on the receiving end of another terrible tackle, this time from Bereszynski.
      The Mexican forward has been the best player on the pitch, and is paying the price in being kicked all around it.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland – Frankowski yellow card
      75. Anything Rodriguez can do, Frankowski can do better.
      The Poland substitute has only been on the pitch two minutes but he’s already in the referee’s notebook after catching Lozano on the ankle with an awful challenge.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      73. Rodriguez is straight up to the speed of the game with a hefty late tackle.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland – Poland substitution
      72. Poland now make their second change of the game.
      Przemysław Frankowski is on for Sebastian Szymanski which is difficult to type as it is to say.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland – Mexico double substitution
      71. Gerardo Martino is going for it with two changes, and they include the introduction of Raul Jimenez.
      The Wolves striker is on alongside Carlos Rodriguez; off go Henry Martin and Hector Herrera.
      Mexico 0-0 Poland
      69. By the way, Moreno was retrospectively booked for his part in the incident that resulted in the video officials advising the award of a Poland penalty.
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      Cristiano Ronaldo releases statement after Man Utd rip up his contract with Portugal star now a free agent

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO issued a statement confirming his immediate Manchester United exit.United terminated Ronaldo’s £500,000-a-week contract via “mutual agreement” after the star forward’s bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
      Cristiano Ronaldo issued a statement confirming his Manchester Untied exitCredit: Reuters
      Cristiano Ronaldo will leave the club with immediate effect after mutual agreementCredit: Reuters
      Cristiano Ronaldo gave an interview to Piers Morgan slamming Manchester UnitedCredit: TalkTV
      The Portugal captain issued a touching message to the Red Devils fans stating he will always “love” the club and wished the team the very best.
      Ronaldo released the following statement: “Following talks with Manchester United, we’ve mutually agreed to end our contract.
      “I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change.
      “It feels like the right time to seek a new challenge. I wish Man Utd all the best”.
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      Ronaldo blasted the club during his recent sit-down with Morgan as he claimed he feels “betrayed” by United.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also fired shots at manager Erik ten Hag, the Glazers as well as former team-mates Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney.

      United released a blunt statement confirming the club icon’s exit from Old Trafford.
      It reads: “Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.
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      “The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.
      “Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.”
      The news comes less than 48 hours before Ronaldo kicks off his fifth World Cup campaign with Portugal. More

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      Mexico 0 Poland 0: Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski MISSES penalty as World Cup 2022 group opener ends in bore draw

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI’S wait for a World Cup goal continues as he blew the chance to put his country in Pole position in Group C.Lewandowski had the opportunity to break his tournament duck with a 57th-minute penalty after the VAR spotted he had been tugged to the ground by Hector Moreno.
      Robert Lewandowski missed a penalty as Poland drew 0-0 against MexicoCredit: Getty
      The Barcelona star’s effort was saved by Guillermo Ochoa in today’s group stage clashCredit: AFP
      But the Barcelona star could not deliver the goal he and the game had been crying out for, because veteran Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made a fantastic save.
      Victory for Poland, would have been hard on the Mexicans.
      Their supporters brought the atmosphere and their team provided most of the attacking intent, but they could not turn it into the goal they needed.
      And in the end neither side was able to take advantage of Argentina’s shock defeat by Saudi Arabia by winning the match and taking a big step towards the knockout stages.
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      Mexico’s magnificent fans hugely outnumbered their opponents’, making it feel like a home match for Tata Martino’s men.
      They looked dangerous down the flanks from the start, but centre back Moreno headed over the bar from left back Jesus Gallardo’s cross, while Alexis Vega nodded wide after a Hector Herrera delivery.
      Chances were few and far between until right back Jorge Sanchez stung Wojciech Szczesny’s hands with a rising drive in the dying moments of the first half.
      Poland were like an Alpine resort in summertime – plenty of Skis about, but not much excitement.
      Opportunities were few and far between in a tight clashCredit: AFP
      Aston Villa star Matty Cash had a solid game in defence for PolandCredit: AP
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      Lewandowski, barring one sweeping pass and a deflected header in the opening minutes, was an isolated figure. 
      Soon after half time Szczesny had to fist away a Luis Chavez corner but then disaster seemed to have struck for Mexico.
      Australian referee Chris Beath missed Moreno pulling on Lewandowski’s shirt, but the VAR did not, and Beath agreed after taking a look on the monitor.
      Up stepped the great man himself, but down went Ochoa to his left to make a superb save.
      Lewandowski won his penalty after being hauled down by Hector MorenoCredit: AFP
      The Barcelona star stepped up confidently to the plateCredit: Getty
      The roar of triumph from the Mexican fans was ear-splitting.
      Temperatures were rising, and one of Martino’s staff was shown a yellow card.
      Edson Alvarez’s hit a tame-ish shot but the otherwise quiet Henry Martin diverted it with his head and Szczesny had to be alert to make the save.
      Martino sent on Raul Jimenez for Martin with just under 20 minutes to go, but he wasted a good break and Mexico could not create a clear-cut chance.
      Grzegorz Krychowiak fired wide in stoppage-time from distance, and Lewandowski and Poland were left to rue missing their golden opportunity.
      Mexico goalie Ochoa produced a top save to keep Poland at bayCredit: Getty
      Lewandowski’s wait for a first World Cup goal goes onCredit: AFP More

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      Who is Victor Gomes? Referee at 2022 World Cup set to hang up whistle

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      THE World Cup has started and we now know all of the referees who will be involved at Qatar and amongst them is Victor Gomes.The South African is his country’s only representative this winter, after the 2010 hosts failed to qualify.
      Victor Gomes makes up 39 referees who will officiate at the Qatar World CupCredit: AFP
      Here is the low-down on Qatar’s ‘hero referee’.
      Who is Victor Gomes?
      Victor Miguel Freitas Gomes was born in Johannesburg in 1982.
      Gomes has been a referee in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League since 2008, winning the Referee of the Season award twice in his career.
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      The 39-year-old was appointed an official FIFA referee in 2011 and has since taken charge of some huge international matches.
      Few were more important than the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final which saw Senegal beat Egypt in a dramatic penalty shootout.
      Victor Gomes refereed the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finalCredit: AP
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      However, Gomes isn’t just known for his decisions on the field.
      The referee was praised by the South African people and Football Association after rejecting and reporting a bribe to fix a Confederation Cup match between Nigerian side Plateau United and Algerian side USM Alger.
      Following the Qatar World Cup, the highly respected referee is reportedly set to hang up his whistle and retire from football, as per the iDiskiTimes.

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      France 4 Australia 1 – World Cup 2022 LIVE RESULT: Giroud equals Henry’s record as Les Bleus survive scare to rout Oz

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      FRANCE beat Australia 4-1 in their opening World Cup match as Olivier Giroud bagged a brace. The ex-Chelsea and Arsenal striker drew level with Thierry Henry at the top of the France scoring charts with his double.
      Craig Goodwin made it 1-0 to the underdogs early but goals from Giroud and one each from Adrien Rabiot and Kylian Mbappe sealed an important win for Les Bleus.

      Start time: 7pm BST
      TV/Live stream: BBC One
      France XI: Lloris; Pavard, Upamecano, Konate, Lucas Hernandez; Rabiot, Tchouameni; Mbappe, Griezmann, Dembele; Giroud
      Australia XI: Ryan; Behich, Rowels, Souttar, Atkinson; Irvine, Mooy, McGree; Goodwin, Duke, Leckie

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      A round-up of today’s action…
      Today in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, we had FOUR games lined up for you on SunSport, and what a day of football it was.
      We kicked off with the shock result of the tournament so far, as Lionel Messi’s Argentina were beaten 2-1 by Saudi Arabia, thanks to an Al-Dawsari screamer.
      We then saw Denmark take on Tunisia, as Christian Eriksen and co were held to a 0-0 draw in Group D.
      Up next was Poland against Mexico which resulted in another 0-0, despite Polish star striker Robert Lewandowski missing a penalty, as he continues his unwanted streak of never scoring at a World Cup.
      Fortunately, we had goals a plenty to round up the day as defending champions France beat Australia 4-1…
      The game was lit up by special performances from the Parisian Prince, Kylian Mbappe, and the handsome devil that has the footballing streets in a choke-hold, Olivier Giroud.
      That is all from us here on SunSport for tonight, but be sure to join us again tomorrow at 10am, for another full day of World Cup action.
      Thank you for reading, and catch you tomorrow, good night.
      Who’s up next?
      Up next for France they face what may well be a tougher test as they are up against Denmark in just four days time.
      As for Australia, they will be grateful that they don’t have to play the world champions again, and they face a slightly easier opponent in Tunisia on Saturday.
      Both teams will back themselves to win the next one, as they both gave a pretty good account of themselves tonight, despite the scoreline maybe not reflecting that…
      Giroud makes history.
      This game was lit up by two truly magical football players, Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud.
      But it is the latter of those who wrote his name into the history books tonight.
      Le Buteur de Charme was in the mood tonight, and scored a tap in and a header to equal Thierry Henry’s 51 goals for the French National team.
      He is perhaps one of the most underrated players of his generation, so it is so good to see him get the plaudits that he deserves.
      What a player, and what a performance.
      Olivier Giroud matched Thierry Henry’s record of 51 goals for France.Credit: AP
      Allez Les Bleus!
      It is a great start to the 2022 World Cup for injury-plagued France.
      It looked as though the ‘Champions Curse” was looking to sweep up another victim tonight when Craig Goodwin opened the scoring for Australia.
      But Deschamps’ ‘Champagne Blues’ found a way through, with much thanks in order to Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe.
      Lucas Hernandez was another injury to add to the list, but he was replaced by his brother, who is also a world-class full back.
      In the second half, they hardly looked like conceding as Giroud and Mbappe wrapped up the win, with the former equalling Thierry Henry’s record of 51 goals for the French national team.
      FT. France 4-1 Australia.
      The final whistle goes, and the defending champions are off to a flying start!
      90+5. France 4-1 Australia.
      Mbappe just looks to get the beating of his man there, but it is pulled back for a foul by the Frenchman.
      This game has gone very flat now, and both teams seem content with the result as it stands.
      90+3. France 4-1 Australia.
      Plenty of fans can be seen leaving the stadium, but one man staying inside the Al Janoub Stadium is Martin Lipton, who had the following to say on the matter:
      “Lot of punters don’t appear to like staying to the end here.
      “Not sure why the rush. It’s not as if they’ve got any local boozers that are getting ready for last orders.
      “Is a somewhat surreal atmosphere, though.
      “This is a World Cup game, including some of the finest players on the planet, with every chance of a few more goals.
      “And half of the fans have sneaked out already. Odd.”
      90. France 4-1 Australia.
      There are seven minutes of added time here in Qatar.
      90. France 4-1 Australia.
      Very nearly a fifth for France!
      But for a sensational stop by Matty Ryan!
      It was Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate who was denied a headed goal following a corner.
      89. France 4-1 Australia.
      Two more French substitutions…
      Marcus Thuram and Jules Kounde are on in place of Olivier Giroud and Benjamin Pavard.
      A huge smile on the face of Giroud, you just have to be happy for him, what a player.
      88. France 4-1 Australia.
      Fofana has almost as much space in midfield there as there is in the vast Australian outback.
      He picks out Kingsley Coman on the right-hand side, but the Bayern Munich man’s delivery is poor, and collected by Matty Ryan.
      86. France 4-1 Australia.
      Another double change for Australia.
      Milos Degenek and Keanu Baccus are on in place of Jackson Irvine and Nathaniel Atkinson.
      84. France 4-1 Australia.
      Martin Lipton has an update for us on the glowing French fans in Qatar…
      “Finally getting a bit of “Allez les bleus” from the French fans.
      “They’re a tough bunch to please. Do they win the World Cup every time or something?
      “Jackson Irvine has finally been booked. Suggestion floating around media tribune was that it might have been for his 15th foul.
      “Might not have been that many but feels like he’s totted up double figures.”
      That is Martin Lipton from the Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar.
      82. France 4-1 Australia.
      Mbappe drives towards the Aussie defence but instead of shooting tries to pick out Olivier Giroud on a hat-trick.
      Well cleared by Australia.
      80. France 4-1 Australia.
      Perhaps somewhat surprising that France are leaving Mbappe on with the game against Denmark approaching in four days time.
      The game is won here, so it makes sense to rest your star man.
      However, there is good reason that I am not the French manager, so I reckon Deschamps knows his star striker better than I do…
      77. France 4-1 Australia.
      There are two changes for each side.
      Kingsley Coman and Fofana are on for Tchouameni and Dembele in dark blue.
      For Australia, 18-Year-Old Garang Kuol is on, alongside Awer Mabil in replacement of Goodwin and McGree.
      75. France 4-1 Australia.
      Martin Lipton can hardly contain his excitement in Qatar, watching Mbappe and Giroud light up the Al Janoub Stadium, this is his reaction to Giroud’s record-levelling finish:
      “Classic centre-forward downward header. The ones he scored for Arsenal and Chelsea a few times.
      “Aussies now as silent as they were when England were thrashing India to win the T20 World Cup the other week. And that doesn’t happen too often.”
      He couldn’t help but leave out the cricket, but we have to enjoy these moments when they come around, so good on him.
      That is Martin Lipton, live in Qatar.
      72. France 4-1 Australia.
      It is four for France, and Olivier Giroud equals Thierry Henry’s record goal tally!
      51 goals for France for Olivier, and deadly “le buteur de charme” has arrived in Qatar.
      That translates to ‘The Charm Striker’ if you are not fluent.
      70. France 3-1 Australia.
      He starts the move on the left-hand side with a shot that evades the goal, but finds Ousmane Dembele.
      The Barcelona wide man then gets the ball on his left foot, and whips the ball in towards the head of Mbappe.
      It is the Parisian Prince then who turns a header onto the inside of the post, which bounces over the goal line.
      Great finish from the Fine Flying Frenchman.
      68. France 3-1 Australia.
      It’s three for France!
      And it is that man, Kylian Mbappe!
      66. France 2-1 Australia.
      Tchouameni is caught in midfield by Irvine and goes down clutching his ankle.
      He was just stood on by the Australian, who has a better moustache than my Movember attempt, that is for sure…
      64. France 2-1 Australia.
      Problems are coming for The Aussies now, as France continue to build attacks on the Australian goal.
      Mbappe is still yet to light up the 2022 World Cup, and we have Martin Lipton’s thoughts on his performance from Qatar:
      “Banner behind Ryan’s goal hails “les irresistibles francais”. 
      “You don’t need a degree in modern languages to translate (I haven’t got one, by the way).
      “They certainly were irresistible in Russia, mainly because Mbappe was electric and deadly.
      “He normally is. But not tonight. 
      “Maybe he’s just getting his bad one out of the way early.”
      That is from Martin Lipton, not impressed with Killer Kylian in Qatar so far…
      60. France 2-1 Australia.
      Just as we say that, France and Mbappe almost turn on the style.
      A lovely give and go between Mbappe and Giroud sees the latter backheel the ball into the path of Mbappe…
      He is baring down on the Aussie centre-half, who seems a few yards in front of him, and just about manages to put it out for a corner.
      58. France 2-1 Australia.
      A bit conservative as we approach the hour mark in Qatar, Australia are staying compact and not taking too many risks at the moment.
      As for the French, they have dropped the tempo a bit themselves and the urgency has gone, which could suit Australia later in the game.
      56. France 2-1 Australia.
      A sensible sub for Australia, as Mitchell Duke leaves the field to be replaced by Jason Cummings.
      Duke did a lot of tireless running in the game so far, which is often a thankless task.
      Not to mention that he almost had goal of the tournament on his CV earlier on in the game…
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      Fans convinced Argentina PURPOSELY lost to Saudi Arabia in World Cup shock… to avoid bitter rivals Brazil

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      WORLD CUP fans are convinced Argentina deliberately lost to Saudi Arabia… for a very clever reason.Lionel Scaloni’s side went into their Group C opener brimming with confidence on a 36-match unbeaten streak stretching back three years.
      Argentina were stunned 2-1 by Saudi Arabia in their World Cup openerCredit: Getty
      But one of the pre-tournament favourites were stunned as goals from Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari after half-time completed the comeback following Lionel Messi’s early penalty.
      The shock Saudi victory is one of the standout results in World Cup history and puts Argentina’s hopes of a third title in doubt.
      However, some supporters on Twitter jokingly believe the defeat could be part of a masterplan from La Albiceleste.
      That is because if Argentina top Group C and Brazil win Group G – as they are expected to – then the South American arch-rivals would be in the same half of the knockout draw.
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      So should they keep progressing through the rounds, the two heavyweights would meet in the semi-finals at the Lusail Stadium on December 13.
      But should Argentina finish second in their group behind one of Saudi Arabia, Mexico or Poland, they would go into the bottom half – likely with France and England – and potentially Brazil in the final.
      And the conspiracy theorists were out in force on social media following the Copa America champions’ Saudi struggles.
      One wrote: “Argentina will be okay – they going to win their next two games but if they finish second in that group they avoid Brazil honestly that’s what I want to see.”
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      Another said: “Argentina purposely finishing second so they’re on the easier side of the knockouts and don’t face Brazil in the semis…”
      A third quipped: “4D chess here from Argentina trying to avoid Brazil in the semis.”
      And a final user commented: “This is just setting us up for a Brazil-Argentina final now.”
      Brazil and Argentina may avoid each other until the final nowCredit: AFP
      Saudi Arabia scored twice after half-time to secure the victoryCredit: Getty More