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      Senegal 0 Holland 2: Man Utd transfer target Cody Gakpo heads late goal as Dutch win World Cup opener

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      HOLLAND left it late but got Louis van Gaal’s final World Cup off to a winning start.Goals from Cody Gapko six minutes from the end and substitute Davy Klaassen in injury time rescued a drab game and gave Van Gaal’s men all the points.
      Holland forward Gakpo rose above Mendy to head home the crucial goalCredit: Reuters
      Gakpo celebrated winning the game for his countryCredit: AP
      Klaassen doubled Holland’s tally in stoppage-timeCredit: Getty
      Netherlands midfielder De Jong was thwarted by Mendy in the first halfCredit: EPA
      Van Dijk had a good chance for Holland but couldn’t keep his header downCredit: Reuters
      Gakpo just nipped ahead of Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to meet Frenkie De Jong’s inswinging cross and head the ball home to break the deadlock.
      What a moment for the PSV striker voted player of the year in Holland last season.
      A big reason why both Manchester United and Leeds United were looking at taking him last summer.
      He has learned his trade under Red Devils great Ruud van Nistelrooy at PSV as his former youth and now first team coach.
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      He used all Van Nistelrooy’s instincts to sniff out this chance and get the winner.
      Then injury time the Dutch broke and when Memphis Depay’s shot was parried Klaassen pounced.
      Up until that point it had been the Senegal fans band that had provided most of the entertainment in the Al Thumama Stadium with neither goalkeeper being tested.
      After a first minute scare for the Dutch the best of the chances fell their way in a goalless first half.
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      But when Ismaila Sarr nicked the ball off Matthijs de Ligt it looked like there could be a dramatic start.
      Sarr moved the ball on to Boulaye Dia whose first time shot was goalbound but deflected over by Frenkie de Jong.
      Shaken but not stirred the Oranje replied and with De Ligt now helping rather than hindering his team as he began the move that finished with a dangerous Gakpo cross that Steven Bergwijn stretched for but just failed to connect with.
      Next up it was former Manchester United player Daley Blind, watched by Dad and Dutch assistant boss Danny, sneaking in at the far post for a chance at goal but his header from Gakpo’s cross was the wrong side of the upright.
      Then came the real big chance on 19 minutes.
      Bergwijn did a turn that brought gasps to get away from two opponents and find Steven Berghuis to pinpoint De Jong in acres of space on the far side of the goal.
      But with Senegal players retreating quickly, De Jong delayed his shot, instead deciding to turn inside one man, then another before the opportunity was gone as Cheikhou Kouyate whacked the ball out of play.
      Virgil van Dijk was hailed by his manager on the eve of the game as an ‘excellent captain’.
      While he negates threats at one end of the pitch, he can instigate them at the other just as he did when he rose to meet a Gakpo corner in the 53rd minute, heading narrowly over.
      Frustrated with the lack of goals, Van Gaal sprung a surprise when he turned to Memphis Depay in the 53rd minute.
      Van Gaal had ruled him out of this game believing he had still not fully recovered from a hamstring injury that has kept him out of action since mid-September.
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      Here he was called from the bench to rescue this stalemate.
      But it would be Gakpo whose named was in lights, while Memphis did at least assist the second.
      Van Gaal’s side eventually found the breakthrough late onCredit: EPA
      Senegal midfielder Kouyate was stretchered off in the second halfCredit: Reuters More

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      Why Harry Maguire wasn’t given ‘stonewall’ penalty in England’s 6-2 World Cup win – but Iran were

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      ENGLAND’S World Cup campaign got off to a flying start as they smashed six goals past Iran.But a controversial late penalty saw the final score end 6-2 to the Three Lions.
      Harry Maguire did not get a penalty after appearing to be fouled against IranCredit: BBC
      John Stones gave away a late spot-kick for a tug on an opponentCredit: Getty
      John Stones was penalised by VAR in the dying moments, allowing Iran to pull back a consolation goal to soften the scoreline.
      However, video replays suggested there wasn’t much contact at all between Stones and his opponent.
      And England fans were left fuming as Harry Maguire failed to win a “stonewall” penalty after a foul by Iran earlier on.
      But ESPN claims there is a reason Stones’ tug resulted in a spot-kick, while the foul on Maguire was overlooked.
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      It’s reckoned that VAR were mainly concerned about whether the attacking player in each incident was able to challenge for the ball.
      In Stones’ case, his tug on Morteza Pouraliganji prevented the Iranian from being able to attack the ball sufficiently.
      Despite only being a minor infringement on replays, the ball was said to be in close proximity to Iran’s attacker.
      And referee Raphael Claus eventually agreed with VAR that Stones had stopped Pouraliganji from attacking freely.
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      In Maguire’s case, despite the foul appearing more obvious, this was deemed the opposite case.
      Despite being wrestled to the floor by Roozbeh Cheshmi, it’s said the ball was NOT in close proximity to Maguire.
      That means he was not in a position to properly compete for it as an attacker.
      And VAR also took into account the fact that Maguire’s arm was also wrapped around Cheshmi as he went down.
      But try telling that to England fans, who were left fuming over the two decisions.
      One wrote online: “Stone wall penalty.”
      A second tweeted: “A clear pen all day long.”
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      Another added: “Maguire is literally being rugby tackled.”
      While a fourth fumed: “England already robbed of a penalty 3 minutes in.” More

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      Iran keeper Beiranvand rushed to hospital after playing on with ‘serious concussion’ in 6-2 World Cup defeat to England

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      IRAN goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand has been rushed to hospital after suffering a concussion against England. Beiranvand was substituted early on after a brutal collision with a team-mate Majid Hosseini in the first half of the World Cup opener against England.
      Ali Beiranvand was stretchered off and has now been rushed to hospitalCredit: EPA
      Beiranvand collides with team-mate Majid HosseiniCredit: EPA
      He then received medical attentionCredit: EPA
      He suffered a bloody nose as he tried to claim a cross and subsequently received treatment from physios – before remarkably being allowed to play on.
      However, moments later he fell to the turf and was unable to continue.
      Beiranvand was then stretchered off the field of play and has now been revealed to have suffered a “serious concussion.”
      Iran manager Carlos Queiroz revealed the 30-year-old had sustained a broken nose from the incident.
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      He said: “According to my medical information and also the referee’s, they were not able to stop the player bleeding. It was something related to (his) broken nose.
      “When we were ready to make the substitution, he was able to stop bleeding, so we thought that he could keep going.
      “But we had some signs that the possibility of concussion, it happens with the player, it was not clear.
      “Unfortunately one minute later, the player was not able to keep going, and he suffered a serious concussion and at this moment he’s on his way to the hospital for more examinations.
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      “That’s why the delay happened. It was the doubt between the broken nose and the concussion.”
      England went on to win the game 6-2 with a brace of goals from Bukayo Saka.
      Luke Griggs of head injury charity Headway labelled Fifa’s concussion protocol as an “utter disgrace.”
      He said: “It was irrelevant that he came off a minute later, he shouldn’t have stayed on for a second, let alone a minute.
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      “He was clearly distressed and unfit to continue, this seems to be another case of the decision being made by the player and not medical staff.
      “This was the first test of the Fifa World Cup concussion protocol and it was an abject failure.” More

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      Harry Maguire forced off with illness in England’s win over Iran and told Gareth Southgate before conceding first goal

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      HARRY MAGUIRE has revealed he came off during England’s win over Iran due to illness.But the defender says his exit was just a “precaution” and is already looking forward to facing the US on Friday.
      Harry Maguire was subbed off against Iran due to illnessCredit: PA
      Manchester United star Maguire lasted just 70 minutes as the Three Lions kicked off their World Cup campaign with an impressive 6-2 victory.
      Maguire, who had an excellent game, looked to be in discomfort as he was helped off the pitch by two England medics.
      And writing on social media, the ace confirmed he was struggling at the time due to illness.
      However, Maguire expects to be fit and ready for Friday’s clash against the US.
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      Maguire tweeted: “I felt unwell in the second half so came off as a precaution. Looking forward to Friday.”
      Maguire’s exit occurred moments after Mehdi Taremi fired home for Iran, with the centre-back appearing to struggle with his defensive duties.
      And boss Gareth Southgate admits Maguire had warned the England bench about his problem shortly before the goal went in.
      The Three Lions boss said: “Harry Maguire felt ill. He flagged it before the goal.
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      “There was no point carrying on, but other than that there’s no causes for concern.”
      Meanwhile, BBC pundit Gary Lineker told viewers that Maguire was suffering from “blurred vision.”
      And he was advised by an England dressing room source that there was nothing for fans to be concerned about.
      Speaking before Southgate’s update, Lineker said live on air: “Harry Maguire was struggling at that time.
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      “And apparently he had blurred vision, nothing too serious, he’s OK, we’re led to believe.
      “That’s what’s coming out of the England dressing room.”
      Despite Maguire coming off with illness, he was well enough to join his wife Fern Hawkins and daughter Lillie Saint in the stands after the matchCredit: Dan Charity More

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      Secret to Bukayo Saka’s stunning form revealed as he scores twice in England’s 6-2 World Cup thrashing of Iran

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      ARSENAL star Bukayo Saka made sure he had a secret token from his club during his stunning two-goal performance against Iran.The England winger was in fine form as he netted twice in England’s 6-2 World Cup opening victory.
      England’s Bukayo Saka was on fire against IranCredit: AP
      The Arsenal star was named man of the match after he scored twiceCredit: Getty

      Saka netted his side’s second goal with a superb volley before firing in the Three Lions’ fourth in the Doha rout.
      And, after the starlet’s man-of-the-match showing, pictures revealed he was wearing his Arsenal shin pads for his Three Lions heroics.
      The Gunners’ star has been brilliant this season as he ahs helped his side to the top of the Premier League table.
      And his club fans were happy to see him representing them in Qatar.
      Bukayo Saka was outstanding against Iran
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      One said: “This just makes me love him more!”
      Another tweeted: “Saka is wearing Arsenal shin pads for today’s game. Tears in my eyes.”
      A third added: “Bukayo Saka wearing his Arsenal shin pads on his England WC debut. Immensely proud.”
      A fourth chimed in with: “Arsenal’s star boy, England’s number 17.
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      “We’re all right behind you, B!”
      A fifth said: “Saka is fighting with the Arsenal on his back!”
      Saka and the rest of his team-mates will now switch their attentions to their next group games against the USA and Wales. More

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      England hero Harry Kane spotted limping with ankle strapped in World Cup injury fears after knock against Iran

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      ENGLAND have suffered an injury scare after Harry Kane limped out of the Khalifa Stadium with his ankle strapped.The Three Lions began their World Cup campaign in Qatar with a brilliant 6-2 victory over Iran this afternoon.
      Harry Kane has provided England with an injury scare after he was spotted with his ankle strappedCredit: Twitter @David_Ornstein
      He was spotted limping with his ankle strapped after the win over IranCredit: PA
      The star was sent tumbling by Iran’s Morteza Pouraliganji’s tackleCredit: AP
      Kane did not appear to be too worried afterwards as he visited his loved ones in the standsCredit: AP
      Bukayo Saka grabbed two of the goals while Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford also got their names on the scoresheet.
      However, England’s captain not only failed to get amongst the goals, he also suffered a knock to his ankle.
      Kane went down holding his ankle following a meaty tackle at the start of the second half.
      He was able to continue playing after treatment but he was given a breather later on as he was subbed off on 76 minutes.
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      As he left the ground he had strapping on his ankle as he limped towards the team bus.
      SunSport understands that he will be assessed over the next 48 hours, but England have no serious fears over his fitness.

      Boss Gareth Southgate said afterwards: “I think Harry [Kane]’s fine.”
      Kane was also pictured in the stands after the game with a smile on his face.
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      And Kane made no reference to his supposed knock in a post-match clip on social media.
      He said: “Hi guys, obviously a really good start to the World Cup campaign. Full credit to the boys.
      “It’s never easy getting off to a winning start in a major tournament and to score six goals shows that we’re in a really good place.
      “Still a lot of work to do of course. We know that there’s a long way to go. But overall, really pleasing.
      “Congrats to Jude [Bellingham] for his first England goal, no better place to do it.
      “Bukayo [Saka] on fire with two great finishes so, yeah, everyone out there today done their country proud.
      “We move onto the next one now, so thanks for all your support back home and here in the stadium as well.
      “Let’s keep it going for the next game against the USA.”
      England face the USA on Friday in the second match of Group B.
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      And that is before their third and final one against Wales on Tuesday 29 November.
      Kane will also be desperate to play in both of those matches as he needs just three more goals to overtake Wayne Rooney as England’s all-time top scorer. More

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      Incredible Jude Bellingham pass map and stats show just how good England sensation was in World Cup opener against Iran

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM produced a marvellous display as England began their World Cup campaign in style. Bellingham kick started England’s emphatic victory over Iran with a looping header from Luke Shaw’s cross.
      Jude Bellingham celebrates his opening goal against IranCredit: Reuters
      England dominated proceedings against Iran in large part thanks to Bellingham
      And the 19-year-old was the beating heart of England’s midfield during the 6-2 thrashing.
      At the last World Cup and even the Euros England were crying out for a player able to create from deep and help with fluid build-up.
      Bellingham was earmarked to be that player and if his performance against Iran is anything to go by then Gareth Southgate will have found his solution.
      But let’s break down what made Bellingham’s game so great.
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      Bellingham’s stunning pass map against Iran
      For starters, Bellingham was confident on the ball and did not shirk away from his responsibilities.
      Out of 95 passes he made, only three went astray from their mark.
      This gave him a remarkable accuracy rate of 97 per cent, especially considering 13 of these passes went into the final third.
      Bellingham was instrumental in helping England bypass Iran’s defensive block and played a particularly noteworthy role in the final goal as he released Callum Wilson into space before the striker passed to Jack Grealish for a tap-in.
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      Bellingham was at the heart of England’s emphatic victory
      The former Birmingham star’s movement and willingness to get on the ball are proven by his heat map and touch map.
      Possession was won nine times by Bellingham throughout the game – the most of anyone on the pitch – while he also won seven duels.
      Bellingham seemed to relish the challenge against the Iranian midfield.
      There are likely to be tougher challenges for him coming later in the tournament, with the final group game against Wales likely to be a particularly spicy and combative affair.
      The Dragons are in action against the USA later today and are hoping they can join England by getting off to a winning start in their first World Cup game for 64 years.
      Bellingham was everywhere against Iran More

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      Ghana stars forced to evacuate World Cup hotel over suspected bomb scare after sniffer dogs were called in

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      GHANA players were forced to evacuate their Doha hotel after a suspected bomb scare on Sunday.The Black Stars get their World Cup campaign underway against Portugal on Thursday.
      Ghana players were forced to evacuate their Doha hotel on Sunday afternoonCredit: DoubleTree by Hilton
      Ghana get their World Cup underway against Portugal on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      But their preparations were disrupted four days out from their opener.
      According to the Mirror, all guests were forced to leave the Double Tree Hilton hotel.
      Fire services were called but fortunately guests were allowed to return 45 minutes later after the premises had been examined.
      It was the second time this has happened in the space of two days after guests were also forced to leave on Friday.
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      On that occasion, sniffer dogs were brought in to examine every room.
      But luckily that happened before Ghana had landed in Qatar.
      Hotels being evacuated has been a trend across Qatar since the world began to descend on the Middle East nation.
      SunSport reported how guests were being kicked out at a moments notice.
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      In a statement, Ghana’s FA said: “Just after 14:30 Qatar time, on Sunday, November 20th, the emergency alarm at the Ghana team hotel in Doha went off, prompting all occupants to self-evacuate.
      “The Qatar Fire Service crew arrived shortly after to attend to the emergency alarm.
      “It was marked safe after approximately 45 minutes of checks and all occupants were able to re-occupy their hotel rooms.”
      Ghana’s World Cup squad includes the likes of Arsenal star Thomas Partey and Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew. More