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      Denmark 0 Tunisia 0: Dark horse Danes struggle as African rivals battle to well deserved World Cup draw

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      KASPER SCHMEICHEL saved Denmark from a nightmare start to their World Cup with a stunning first-half save.The former Leicester keeper spread himself to deny Issam Jubali a certain goal – an intervention his dad Peter would have been proud of.
      Denmark and Tunisia played out a drab draw in Al RayyanCredit: GETTY
      The Danes had Kasper Schmeichel to thank for stopping them from going behind early doorsCredit: GETTY
      Issam Jebali thought he’d broken the deadlock in the first half but saw his goal ruled outCredit: REUTERS
      Andreas Skov Olsen also had a goal ruled out for offsideCredit: EPA
      The Danes could have had no complaints if they had ended up empty-handed against a spirited and energetic Tunisia.
      It meant a low-key return to the big international stage for Christian Eriksen, 18 months after his cardiac arrest in the Euros.
      The Manchester United star did produce his team’s best moments and how Andreas Cornelius did not nick an undeserved win for the Danes is something only he knows.
      Thousands of Tunisia fans have descended on Doha for the tournament to join the many who already live here.
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      They made such a racket in the Education City Stadium that it must have felt like a home game for Jalel Kadri’s team.
      The Carthage Eagles responded too with their dynamo midfielder Aissa Laidouni flying into a challenge on Eriksen in the first minute.
      He got the ball perfectly but the United star’s big comeback would have been short-lived had he connected.
      It set the tone for the first half though with Jebali racing clear to score only to be denied by a marginal offside.
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      The best chance came shortly before the break when Jebali went through again and lifted the ball over Schmeichel – only for the former Leicester keeper to stick out an arm and push the ball wide.
      After the break, Lassouni played a clever one-two to go clean through on goal but surprisingly seemed to lack the belief to finish it off.
      Tunisia failed to keep a clean sheet in 14 of their 15 world cup matches – last time they did it was in 1978 – but they were doing so quite comfortably here.
      Christian Eriksen failed to lead his Denmark team-mates to a crucial three pointsCredit: REX
      Eriksen had their best opening when he thumped a 20-yard shot which Aymen Dahmen did superbly to push round the post.
      He took the resulting corner and former Chelsea man Andreas Christiansen headed back across goal.
      Andreas Cornelius could not get the connection he wanted and could only bundle his untidy effort against the post.
      Tunisia were appealing for a penalty when Abdi’s flick seemed to be handled by Joachim Andersen but nothing was given.
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      And they were almost robbed right at the end when a Cornelius flick from Eriksen’s corner hit the arm of Yassine Meriah.
      The VAR recommended a review and everyone expected a spot-kick but the Mexican ref Cesar Arturo Ramos stood by his initial decision and over-ruled it. More

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      Darwin Nunez forced to leave Uruguay training as he hands nation World Cup 2022 injury scare

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      DARWIN NUNEZ briefly gave Uruguay a World Cup scare by leaving training. The Liverpool forward competes with Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani for a place in Diego Alonso’s side.
      Darwin Nunez of Uruguay ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
      But according to Uruguay newspaper El Pais, Nunez suffered an ankle knock and had to be withdrawn from training.
      Although the striker is believed to have returned to his team-mates after receiving medical treatment.
      He now remains in line to play against South Korea in Uruguay’s opening game on Thursday.
      The two-time World Cup winners made it to the quarter-final stages in Russia in 2018, beating Portugal on the way.
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      And Nunez wants to lead his nation to success on the field after watching the last World Cup from his sofa.
      He said: “We come here and we know that we’re not favourites, but we’re going to fight.
      “Four years ago I watched the tournament on TV and now I’m here with all the beasts. This has only just begun.
      “The first game is the first objective and South Korea are a strong team, they’re in the World Cup for a reason.
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      “Everyone is strong, but so are we. We want to go far, our goal is to win the World Cup.”
      Nunez, 23, is following in the footsteps of ex-Liverpool star Suarez, who praised Liverpool’s new hitman.
      Suarez, 35, said: “Nunez is now playing for Liverpool like I knew he would.
      “He has exploded and I am sure there will be many goals and trophies for him there.
      “I speak with him regularly. I want him to help him, for him to learn from my mistakes.”
      Darwin Nunez celebrates with Luis SuarezCredit: Getty More

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      Fans all say the same thing about Lionel Messi as he’s brutally ridiculed after Argentina’s shock World Cup loss

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      FOOTBALL fans have brutally trolled Lionel Messi after his Argentina side were stunned 2-1 by Saudi Arabia.Am embarrassing defeat was not in the script for Messi, 35, who has admitted this is his last ever World Cup.
      Lionel Messi’s Argentina were beaten 2-1 by Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
      Saudi Arabia’s win is one of the biggest World Cup shocks in historyCredit: Getty
      After giving Argentina the lead from the spot, Messi saw his side have THREE first-half goals disallowed for offside.
      They were made to pay for it by Saudi Arabia, who are ranked 51st in the world.
      Two goals in five minutes saw Messi and Co throw away their lead and suffer a shock 2-1 defeat in their first group outing.
      And fans were quick to ridicule Messi after the game for another “choke” at the World Cup.
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      One ribbed on social media: “Another World Cup, another Messi choke”
      Another wrote: “Damn well it looks like Messi is not winning the World Cup. What a time to choke lol.”
      A third quipped: “Messi and Argentina do like to choke away World Cup games.”
      And a fourth slammed: “Total disasterclass from Messi.”
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      This year’s tournament in Qatar is the FIFTH World Cup of Messi’s incredible career.
      But is yet to capture football’s biggest prize.
      The furthest Messi got was the final in 2014, where they were beaten in extra-time by Germany.
      His Argentina side went into their opening game against Saudi Arabia on a 36-game unbeaten run stretching back three years, but were beaten in one of the biggest World Cup shocks of all time.
      Messi and Co still have games against Mexico and Poland to come, but performances similar to the one against Saudi Arabia could see them sent packing early.
      It was a frustrating day for MessiCredit: Getty More

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      Graeme Souness slams Argentina for shock Saudi Arabia loss & says England have ‘nothing to fear’ against them

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      GRAEME SOUNESS has insisted that England have nothing to fear should they come up against a “dreadful” Argentina.The Scottish pundit hammered Lionel Messi’s team after their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener.
      Lionel Messi was unable to inspire Argentina to victory over Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFP
      Graeme Souness was left unimpressed with ArgentinaCredit: Rex
      Messi gave Argentina the lead with a 10th-minute penalty, but goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari in the space of five second-half minutes were enough to give the underdogs the victory.
      Souness was left “gobsmacked” by the performance from the Copa America champions.
      He also admitted that it would be “good news” for England should they come up against them in the tournament.
      He said on ITV: “I am gobsmacked, I have never witnessed an Argentina team not be up for a cup in terms of a physical encounter. They were wishy-washy.
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      “The referee was obviously going to be lenient, Saudi Arabia were super aggressive, the referee let it go.
      “At that point Argentina had to say to themselves ‘We have to match this or we will be in trouble’. And that’s what happened.
      “I thought Argentina had another gear but they didn’t. Unless they find a yard of aggression from somewhere, they can be rolled over.
      “Really good news for England, if they have to meet them in the competition.”
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      Souness went on to suggest that the Argentina team was a “shadow” of itself from previous World Cups.
      He added: “Argentina historically are a team that don’t get intimidated, they got intimidated today by Saudi Arabia.
      “They got rolled over from a very enthusiastic and well-organised Saudi Arabia team.

      “I am so disappointed in Argentina, not because they lost but the manner of the way they lost. You have to match the aggression and they never did.
      “That was a shadow of any Argentina team I have seen. They were a shadow today.”
      Lionel Messi could not inspire Argentina against Saudi Arabia More

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      Harry Kane was threatened with one-match World Cup BAN if England captain wore One Love armband against Iran

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      HARRY Kane and the other European captains were threatened with one game BANS if they wore the OneLove armband.England skipper Kane and fellow captains including Gareth Bale and Virgil van Dijk backed down in the face of FIFA threats they faced potential bookings.
      Harry Kane had intended to wear a One Love armband in Qatar supporting LGBT rights but the FA backed down when the England captain was threatened with a one-match banCredit: Alamy
      But former Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, now a senior executive with the country’s FA, claimed Denmark’s skipper had faced a one-match ban if he had worn the rainbow armband.
      She said: “We could have defied FIFA but that would have risked an entire game ban.
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      “This is what I understand FIFA has threatened, among other sanctions.
      “FIFA has been a little tight-lipped about what sanctions could be envisage but I think it was a valid consideration for us.”
      All seven nations – the group was completed by Germany, Belgium and Switzerland – back down under the threats.
      Kane would instead wear FIFA’s official ‘No Discrimination’ armband against IranCredit: Reuters
      Denmark’s former Prime Minister claims she was told that captain Simon Kjaer (pictured) would receive a ban if he wore the rainbow armbandCredit: EPA
      Thorning-Schmidt added: “Now we’re going to play football. 
      “I am happy for the seven nations who have worked together for this, but maybe it is also time to say now we are playing football. 
      “This does not mean that any of us are giving up the fight for LGBTQ+ rights to have a place in football in general.”
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      Her comments came as America’s most senior diplomat, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, slammed world football chiefs over the issue.
      Blinken, speaking in Doha, said: “It is always concerning when we see any restrictions on freedom of expression.
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      “It’s especially so when the expression is for diversity and for inclusion.
      “In my judgment, no one on a football pitch should be forced to choose between supporting these values and playing for their team.” More

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      BBC slammed for ‘worst ever’ World Cup advert as ‘disgusted’ viewers say it encourages people to be ‘disrespectful’

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      THE BBC have been slammed for their World Cup advert as viewers are left “disgusted”.In what has been mistaken as public service announcement about the increase in domestic abuse during competitions, people have branded it “the worst advert ever”.
      The BBC has been blasted for their World Cup advertCredit: BBC
      It’s been branded the ‘worst advert ever’Credit: BBC
      Displayed across London tube stations it’s meant to copy a football score board – but instead reads: “Kid’s nativities missed 1 – 2 Wales highlights watched.
      “Work meetings attended 2 – 7 Refreshing the sport app.
      “Visits to nan 0 – 3 England games seen.”
      “It’s the World Cup, though.”
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      A TV version – which is meant to promote the Qatar World Cup – arguably promotes the “neglecting of animals and kids” instead.
      In the clip a mum is ignoring her child and a dog is lying next to an empty food bowl.
      It also shows a woman zoned-out listening to her neighbour explain a football match and a Santa Claus watching a game rather than speaking to an excited kid about presents.
      One Twitter user said: “Is anyone else disgusted at the BBC’s World Cup advert?
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      “It’s basically saying it’s ok to be more rude, selfish, disrespectful, and neglecting of animals and kids because the World Cup’s on… well done for making this situation worse.”
      Another added: “Is this the worst advert ever? Ffs BBC you have managed to make the World Cup depressing.”
      Meanwhile someone else said: “This is a very strange way to advertise the World Cup.
      “The whole way through it I was expecting the ending to be for a charity helpline – but it’s just a BBC advert?”
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      The Qatar World Cup has made headlines for its controversy with the BBC even deciding against televising the opening ceremony.
      The Beeb were late in broadcasting live from the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday night because they were airing the Women’s Super League match between Chelsea and Tottenham.
      A BBC spokesperson said: “This is a light hearted take on the nation’s obsession with football.”
      How you can get helpWomen’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families:

      Always keep your phone nearby.
      Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
      If you are in danger, call 999.
      Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
      Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
      If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
      Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.

      If you are a ­victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support ­service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
      Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
      You can also call the freephone 24-hour ­National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. More

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      Inside Saudi Arabia’s wild dressing room celebrations after heroic World Cup win over Argentina as stars dance on tables

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      SAUDI ARABIA players were on top of the world – and tables – as they celebrated their heroic World Cup win over Argentina. Lionel Messi’s side were stunned 2-1 at the Lusail Stadium thanks to an epic second-half turnaround.
      Saudi Arabia players were on top of the world and tables after beating ArgentinaCredit: ITV
      Saudi Arabia fans were seen jubilantly cheering in the dressing roomCredit: ITV
      Saudi Arabia fans were seen jubilantly cheering in the crowd as the players led the celebrations on the field.
      And the good times carried over into the dressing room as the players danced on tables and threw water.
      Messi had opened the lead through the penalty spot after ten minutes but soon saw THREE goals disallowed.
      It set the scene for a colossal upset as a pair of stunners from forwards Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari saw Argentina shocked.
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      Roy Keane, who laughed off Saudi Arabia’s pre-World Cup chances, slammed Messi’s flops.
      He said on ITV: “There is no aggression, there are bodies there but you have to go and attack the ball, there is no composure, they have lost their heads.
      “Look at Di Maria here! Di Maria, my God.”
      Keane added: “They [Saudi Arabia] had something to hold onto by this point.
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      “When they go 2-1 up they are looking at Argentina going, ‘Listen, this is a long way back for you’.
      “They needed quality but they didn’t show that quality. Di Maria, decision making… they get into one or two positions, they were hesitant, Saudi Arabia were getting bodies on the line, they were fantastic.
      “But Argentina have got to do better. Saudi Arabia were aggressive, they were big and strong, had a bit of luck as you need, the goalkeeper did very well but the quality from Argentina was poor.”
      Saudi Arabia stunned Lionel Messi’s ArgentinaCredit: Alamy
      Saudi Arabia players celebrate their shock upsetCredit: Alamy
      Saudi Arabia fans celebrate at the Lusail StadiumCredit: Getty
      The celebrations continued long after the final whistleCredit: Getty More

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      Five biggest World Cup shocks ever as Argentina lose to minnows Saudi Arabia… but where does Messi’s misery rank?

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      SAUDI Arabia stunned Planet Football with their astonishing comeback win over tournament favourites Argentina in the Lusail Iconic Stadium.But where does the humiliation of Lionel Messi and Co rank in the list of all-time World Cup upsets?
      Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari scored a famous winner against ArgentinaCredit: PA
      Saleh Al-Shehri also scored with a fine finishCredit: Getty
      Lionel Messi opened the scoring but he could not prevent a historic lossCredit: AP
      SunSport picks out the five biggest World Cup shockers.
      5. Cameroon 1 Argentina 0 San Siro, Milan, Italy, 1990
      Diego Maradona had inspired his country to the ultimate triumph four years earlier but the holders were humbled in the opening match in Italy.
      It was at times a brutal affair, with Cameroon showing they could chop down anything that moves.
      Francois Omam-Biyik caught the Argentine defence ball-watching before his header squirmed through keeper Nery Pumpido to put the 10-man Indomitable Lions – his brother had been dismissed – ahead.
      Despite a second red card for Gilbert Massing, Cameroon held on.
      Argentina bounced back and reached the final, where they lost to West Germany 1-0.
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      4. Algeria 2 West Germany 1 Gijon, Spain 1982
      Nobody saw this one coming, certainly not Jupp Derwall and “Die Mannschaft”.
      A thrilling Algerian counter was completed when Rabar Madjer poked home from close range at the start of the second half.
      Normal service appeared to be resumed as Karl-Heinz Rummenigge stabbed home from four yards out but within a minute Algeria were back in front when Salah Assad romped down the left and Lakhdar Belloumi turned home.
      Despite the setback Germany finished top in the first and second phase of the group stage and ended the tournament as runners-up, losing 3-1 to Italy in the final.
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      3. North Korea 1 Italy 0 Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough, England 1966
      Rotten tomatoes at the airport for the devastated Italians as they were sent packing by the unheralded team from the pariah state.
      The Azzurri only needed a draw to progress yet were unable to respond to Pak Doo-Ik’s first half goal.
      The strike not only won the game but earned him a promotion in the North Korean Army, from corporal to sergeant.
      And the win was enough to send North Korea through to the knock-out stages ahead of Italy.

      2. Saudi Arabia 2 Argentina 1 Lusail Iconic Stadium, Qatar 2022
      This was supposed to be the first stage in Lionel Messi’s ultimate World Cup journey.
      Everything seemed to be going according to plan when Messi converted from the spot after a VAR penalty intervention, while Argentina had THREE chalked off for offside.
      But two goals in five minutes by Yahya Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari turned the game and the tournament on its head.
      1. England 0 USA 1 Belo Horizonte, Brazil, 1950
      England arrived in Brazil expecting to show it was not a proper World Cup without them and left with their tails between their legs.
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      Stanley Matthews was rested but England still included Stan Mortensen, Tom Finney and Alf Ramsey. They dominated the game but could not score and Haiti-born Joe Gaetjens, later to die at the hands of troops loyal to dictator “Papa Doc” Duvalier, scored the only goal.
      Middlesbrough’s Wilf Mannion summed up the disbelief in the dressing room: “Bloody ridiculous; can’t we play them again tomorrow?”
      The Three Lions ended their World Cup campaign with just a single win, against Chile, and went out in the group stage along with the USA as Spain won the group. More