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      Fans joke France lost the World Cup due to the size of Man Utd star Raphael Varane’s backside

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      FRANCE missed out on the chance to become the second team in history to win back-to-back World Cups after a penalty shootout defeat to Argentina.And fans have joked Raphael Varane’s backside is the reason for the loss.
      Lautaro Martinez was kept onside for Argentina’s third goal by Raphal VaraneCredit: FIFA
      Lionel Messi squeezed the ball over the line after Hugo Lloris denied MartinezCredit: Getty
      Argentina went on to win the World Cup final on penaltiesCredit: Getty
      After Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria put Argentina ahead, Kylian Mbappe hit back with two goals to send the game to extra-time.
      Messi then netted again to make it 3-2, but only after a tight offside call involving Manchester United ace Varane.
      In the first-half of extra-time Enzo Fernandez played the ball through to Lautaro Martinez, who saw saw his effort saved by Hugo Lloris only for Messi to squeeze the rebound over the line.
      Initial replays showed it was a tight call as to whether Martinez had been played onside by Varane.
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      VAR confirmed the Argentina striker was indeed onside, and fans have joked it was Varane’s backside that meant the goal counted.
      One Twitter user wrote: “Love how Varane’s backside was used as the offside line for that graphic.”
      Another said: “Varane’s bum winning Argentina a World Cup.”
      While a third added: “Varane’s bum really cost a whole nation.”
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      However, others suggested Varane’s torso was also keeping Martinez onside.
      Had the goal not been given then theoretically Mbappe’s second penalty, to seal his hat-trick, would have seen France win 3-2 after extra-time.
      Although in an incredible game there could well have been more twists and turns had Messi’s extra-time strike been ruled out.
      In the end it went to penalties, with Emi Martinez the hero from the spot for Argentina.
      He denied Kingsley Coman before Aurelien Tchouameni fired wide to see Argentina win their first World Cup since 1986.
      The now three-time champions marked the victory with wild dressing room celebrations.
      Messi steered Argentina to World Cup gloryCredit: Getty More

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      Peter Crouch brutally trolled after cheeky tweet about Kylian Mbappe in World Cup final goes viral

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      PETER CROUCH was brutally trolled after he posted a cheeky tweet about Kylian Mbappe during the World Cup final.France international Mbappe pulled out all the stops in an epic final in Qatar, scoring a hat-trick against the Argentines.
      Kylian Mbappe scored a sensational hat-trick in a pulsating World Cup finalCredit: GETTY
      He levelled the scores with a sensational volley in the second halfCredit: AP
      Ex-England striker Crouch jokingly compared Mbappe’s effort to his wayward shot in the 2006 World Cup and was trolledCredit: AP
      But his heroic efforts – including his sensational second-half equaliser – weren’t enough as the defending champions lost 4-2 on penalties.
      Mbappe, 23, put France back on level terms in the 81st minute with a stunning volley, which Crouch jokingly likened to one of his efforts for England.
      Along with a picture of himself attempting a similar volley in England’s 2006 World Cup clash with Trinidad and Tobago – which he missed – Crouch said: “Incredible from Mbappe but I was doing this s**t in 2006.”
      But his light-hearted joke was a red rag to some bullish footy fans, one of whom replied: “We know what happened next.”
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      Another said: “Wait, what! And he had the audacity to post that pics.”
      One remarked: “This guy!”
      And another said: “Difference is Mbappe has already won a World Cup and has achieved more at the age of 23 than you did your whole career. Have a good evening pal.”
      Along with a video of Crouch’s wayward effort, another chimed in: “Here’s the video of your actual shot.”
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      Someone hilariously mocked Crouch’s technique up as a series of wind turbines

      Even former Liverpool and Germany international Dietmar Hamann said: “Forgot to mention you missed the ball, good technique though Crouchmeister.”
      Victory over the French saw Lionel Messi finally get his hands on the World Cup trophy and put a bow on a stellar international career.
      Prior to the tournament, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner hinted he’d retire after Qatar 2022 but has since performed a U-turn.
      He told TyC Sports after the game: “I am not retiring from the Argentina national team.
      “I want to continue playing as a champion.”
      Lionel Messi finally got his hands on the World Cup trophyCredit: GETTY More

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      Jack Grealish eats pizza in New York as he and girlfriend Sasha Attwood enjoy holiday after World Cup

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      JACK GREALISH may not have played much for England at the World Cup.But he was still determined to get a slice of the action on his New York holiday.
      Jack Grealish enjoyed some pizza in New York CityCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      The Man City and England star was in heaven as he enjoyed the pepperoni pieCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      City boss Pep Guardiola may not approve of Grealish’s new dietCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      That’s by scoffing pizza while on holiday with girlfriend Sasha Attwood.
      Grealish, 27, failed to start a single match for Gareth Southgate’s men in Qatar.
      He did manage to see some action in all five of England’s matches, getting a goal in the 6-2 win over Iran.
      However, Grealish was bizarrely given just ONE minute in the quarter-final defeat to France.
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      And the Manchester City star, 27, looked to put the tournament behind him by jetting off to the Big Apple.
      Accompanied by partner Sasha, 26, Grealish has been enjoying the sights of America’s most populous city, retracing scenes from Christmas movie favourite Home Alone 2.
      But there was one tourist hotspot the playmaker was determined to get to.
      Posting on Instagram, Grealish showed himself chowing down on a massive slice of pepperoni pizza outside a restaurant called Joe’s Pizza.
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      Grealish is on holiday in the Big Apple with partner Sasha AttwoodCredit: Instagram @sashaattwood_tiktoks
      Sasha was supporting Grealish during England’s World Cup campaign in QatarCredit: Instagram @sashaattwood_tiktoks
      Looking very pleased with himself, Grealish declared: “Joe’s PIZZA get in ma bellehhh.”
      It remains to be seen if strict Pep Guardiola approves of Grealish’s new diet.
      But he got plenty of approval from friends and fans on social media.
      Jimmy Bullard said: “Naughty get up.”
      Another person wrote: “Nahhhh that looks banging.”
      One noted: “Everyone’s talking about the World Cup and then there’s this.”
      Another added: “Don’t let Pep see this pic.” More

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      Argentina stars get party started early with open top bus parade in Qatar with World Cup before flight home

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      ARGENTINA’S heroes wasted no time starting a crazy victory party as they  jumped on an open-top bus outside the World Cup final stadium.Fireworks and music blasted out as Lionel Messi and Co celebrated on a slow cruise past joyous, screaming fans in Lusail, Qatar.

      Argentina’s departure for their victory ride was lit up by the spectacular stadiumCredit: Getty
      Argentina players hang off the bus as they start partying outside the Lusail Stadium where they beat France in a momentous World Cup finalCredit: Reuters
      Leandro Paredes and Nicolas Otamendi get a lift from winning the biggest prize in international footballCredit: Getty
      Fireworks lit up the night as Argentina rejoiced after a cracker of a final
      Lionel Messi showed off the World Cup trophy on Argentina’s paradeCredit: Getty
      Lionel Scaloni’s men are preparing to fly home after Argentina’s third World Cup triumph gave Messi the complete set of football’s top trophies.
      And the contrast from the tension of a momentous final could hardly have been stronger.
      Players dangled legs over the side of the bus, many took selfies, some swigged drinks, most were still in team kit and all of course wore their winners’ medals.  
      Leandro Paredes and Nicolas Otamendi looked like the life and soul of the party as they casually sat on the edge of the bus.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      A few of the squad were even shoe-less as they quickly switched off following possibly the finest World Cup final ever.
      Mesmerising Messi, 35, insisted this will NOT be his last international, nor even, possibly, his final World Cup match.
      It would be fitting if it was, however, not just because of his age but also because it would surely be impossible to achieve a better swansong.
      He told TyC Sports: “I am not retiring from the Argentina national team.
      They did it on style on the pitch and on an open-top bus off itCredit: AP
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      “I want to continue playing as a champion”.
      Messi provided two goals and a sublime role in Angel di Maria’s strike.
      But Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick rescued France from 2-0 in normal down and 3-2 adrift late in the extra half-hour.
      Messi the master and Mbappe the heir apparent both then netted in the shootout.
      But the Barcelona legend ultimately triumphed over his PSG team-mate as Argentina won 4-2 on penalties.
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      Argentina showed they had the legs to win the hard way as France fought back to take them them to penalties before succumbingCredit: Getty
      Enzo Fernandez prepares to lead the rejoicing as he heads to the busCredit: Getty
      Argentina players took pics and hailed fans on the bus from Lusail Stadium More

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      Watch Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez demand a minute’s silence for Mbappe in wild World Cup celebrations

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      EMI MARTINEZ demanded a minute’s silence “for Mbappe who is dead” amid Argentina’s World Cup semi-final celebrations.The Argentine goalkeeper played a key role in helping his side to a historic World Cup final victory over France earlier today.
      Emi Martinez was the leader of the Conga
      Martinez, 30, played a key role in Argentina’s winCredit: Getty
      Martinez, 30, made a crucial, spectacular save from Randal Kolo Muani in the closing seconds of extra time.
      And he made himself a hero to his fellow countrymen during the shoot-out, psyching out Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni as his side won 4-2 on penalties.
      The Aston Villa goalkeeper was booked for unsportsmanlike conduct for throwing the ball away before Tchouameni’s spot kick, but couldn’t care a jot after getting his hands on the trophy.
      Argentina stars took part in wild dressing room celebrations after the match, with footage captured by Sergio Aguero among others.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      In one clip, Martinez and Co are claimed to have jokingly demanded a moment’s silence while taking part in a Conga with his pals.
      The stopper and his team-mates sang in Spanish: “A minute of silence.”
      Martinez shushed his pals before continuing: “For Mbappe who is dead!”
      The victorious Argentina stars then continued dancing and singing.
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      Amid the celebrations, one star was caught on camera sensationally somersaulting into a bin.
      Much more singing and dancing followed, with tournament sponsors Budweiser leaving plenty of bottles of beer out for the squad.
      Lionel Messi then sensationally returned to the dressing room clutching the World Cup itself, clambering up onto the table and jumping up and down on it.
      Boss Lionel Scaloni then arrived donning a retro Argentina shirt, and was promptly drenched by his players.
      Messi had just had to go toe-to-toe with his club pal Kylian Mbappe in order to come out on top in this classic encounter.
      The 35-year-old got his side off to the perfect start on 23 minutes, tucking away a penalty awarded for Ousmane Dembele’s light shove on Angel Di Maria.
      He was involved in his team’s second goal 13 minutes later, his flick setting up a brilliant counter-attack that resulted in Di Maria making it 2-0.
      It appeared that Argentina would ease to victory from this point, but Mbappe had other ideas.
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      His quick-fire late double sent the match into extra time, during which Messi again put his side in front.
      But once again, Mbappe would level, before Martinez’s antics helped win the subsequent shoot-out for Argentina.
      Kylian Mbappe was gutted after scoring a hat-trick in defeatCredit: Getty More

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      Lionel Messi raises World Cup for Argentina and tearfully hugs his sons after victory in greatest final since 1966

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      FOOTIE icon Lionel Messi fell to his knees in tears and hugged his two young sons after winning the World Cup yesterday in the greatest final since 1966.The Argentinian skipper, 35, led his country to victory in an epic match against France — then couldn’t wait to celebrate with his family.
      Lionel Messi tearfully embraced his two sons on the pitch following his World Cup win against France in the finalCredit: Getty
      The Argentinian skipper, 35, led his country to victory in an epic match against the reigning champions – pictured lifting the trophy surrounded by team-matesCredit: Reuters
      He tearfully embraced his mother Celia Maria Cuccittini on the pitch before his two eldest sons Mateo, seven, and Thiago, ten, ran on to give their dad a cuddle.
      Argentinian fans in the stadium and across the world watched as their hero flashed a beaming smile and lifted the golden trophy — capping a glittering career.
      The little magician — playing in his last tournament — scored a penalty as his side took a 2-0 lead but late goals from French superstar Kylian Mbappe took the thrilling game into extra time at Qatar’s Lusail Stadium.
      Both Messi and Mbappe scored again before Argentina won 4-2 on penalties in a nail-biting finale.
      READ MORE ON MESSI
      TV football host and former England striker Gary Lineker said afterwards: “It’s been an absolute privilege to watch Lionel Messi for nearly two decades.
      France’s hat-trick hero Kylian Mbappe is downcast after being awarded the golden bootCredit: Reuters
      Fans party at the home of the late Argentine legend Maradona in Buenos AiresCredit: AFP
      Icon Maradona died aged 60 in 2020Credit: AFP
      Argentina fans in London’s Piccadilly Circus celebrate their first World Cup in 36 yearsCredit: Mike Ruane / Story Picture Agency
      “Moment after moment of spellbinding, breathtakingly joyous football. He’s a gift from the footballing Gods. So pleased that he’s lifted the ultimate prize in our sport. Gracias y felicidades, campeón.”
      Comic and Three Lions singer David Baddiel tweeted: “What a f***ing game this is. The World Cup final is almost never like this.”
      TalkTV presenter and Sun columnist Piers Morgan tweeted: “Utterly thrilling. What an advert for the beautiful game.
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      “Congrats to Lionel Messi his team. Commiserations to the French who gave it everything, especially the brilliant Mbappe. Football eh . .  bloody hell!”
      Prince William tweeted his congratulations to Messi and called him the GOAT (greatest of all time) with an emoji.
      He wrote: “What. A. Final. Congratulations to Argentina and to Messi. Commiserations to France – both teams played brilliantly. W”
      England’s 1966 hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst paid tribute to French ace Mbappe, 23, who equalled him by becoming the second man to score three goals in a World Cup final.
      Sir Geoff, 81, said: “Many congratulations to Mbappe, whatever happens. I’ve had a great run!”
      Messi became the first Argentinian to lift the World Cup since the late Diego Maradona in 1986 — joining him on the nation’s pedestal as a football god.
      Five hundred fans gathered at the former home of Maradona — who died aged 60 in 2020 — to watch the win on a poolside big screen after its new owners opened the doors for an exclusive party.
      Expat Argentines in Britain celebrated with an impromptu party outside the Moo Cantina gastropub in Pimlico, South London. Others gathered in London’s Piccadilly Circus waving their country’s flag.
      More than 100,000 supporters packed the streets of Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires.
      Read More on The Sun
      Footage showed them jumping and hugging as Gonzalo Montiel fired home the winning penalty.

      TELLY football pundit Gary Neville sparked fury yesterday after he appeared to liken the rights of migrant workers in Qatar to the nurses’ strike in the UK over pay. The ex-England defender, 47, launched a tirade about the Government’s treatment of NHS staff on ITV ahead of the big match.
      Additional reporting: THOMAS GODFREY

      GAME UP THERE WITH THE BESTBy Nick Parker, at Lusail Stadium
      I SAW Gazza’s tears at Italia 90 and Beckham sent off in 1998 and, after seven World Cups, thought I’d witnessed every possible drama.
      Most veteran footie watchers like me were expecting Argentina and France to play a dull, tight and cagey duel. How wrong we were.
      The teams gave us a game which outshone the fireworks on Lionel Messi lifting the trophy.
      Yet with ten minutes left, France had not mustered a single shot on goal. I’d already written my story about triumphant Messi.
      Included was the line: “French president Emmanuel Macron turned up with 5,000 fans — but it was a shame their team didn’t.”
      Then, in the space of 90 seconds, Kylian Mbappe levelled it up with a penalty and brilliant volley. That meant extra time, and with it more expectations of safe play with no risks.
      The teams were having none of it. Messi popped up with a scrambled third only for Mbappe to hit back with a second penalty.
      Argentina prevailed in the ensuing penalty shoot-out in the greatest ever World Cup Final. More

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      Emotional Lionel Messi celebrates World Cup final win with wife Antonela and children after incredible clash

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      LIONEL MESSI celebrated his emotional World Cup win with his wife and their children on the Lusail Stadium pitch. The Argentine captain scored twice and then converted his penalty in the shootout as he finally got his hands on the famous trophy.
      Lionel Messi celebrated winning the World Cup with his familyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/antonelaroccuzzo/
      The wider Messi family and friends joined in tooCredit: Reuters
      He posed for photos with his adoring wife Antonela RoccuzzoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/antonelaroccuzzo/
      Messi enjoyed a special moment with his mother Celia Maria CuccittiniCredit: EPA
      Antonela at long last managed to get her hands on the iconic trophyCredit: Getty
      Messi took a photo of his wife lifting the World CupCredit: AP
      Messi was smothered by his boys on the stage in the middle of the pitchCredit: Reuters
      Two of the boys got a cheeky kiss on the trophyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/antonelaroccuzzo/
      But after collecting the Golden Ball for the best player at Qatar 2022 and then lifting the trophy with his team-mates, Messi took time to soak in the moment with his nearest and dearest.
      Wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their sons Thiago, ten, Mateo, seven and Ciro, four, as well as his parents and extended family all joined him on the pitch – many of them wearing replica away shirts with his name on the back.
      The lads took turns to hold the Golden Ball trophy and their dad’s World Cup winner’s medal.
      And Antonela, who seemed to wipe away tears of joy, even got her hands on the main piece of silverware, giving it a kiss and raising it aloft – before the boys did the same.
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      The family posed for selfies and photos together while Messi embraced and kissed his wife who went through the whole range of emotions in the stands during the thrilling clash.
      She was on her feet cheering on her man after he stuck away his 23rd-minute penalty to open the scoring.
      It was all going smoothly with Argentina 2-0 up with nine minutes to go but Kylian Mbappe’s quickfire double forced extra-time before the PSG team-mates both scored to send it to penalties.
      Kingsley Coman and Aurelian Tchouameni missed their spot-kicks before Gonzalo Montiel sealed the victory for Argentina.
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      Messi took to Instagram a few hours after recreating Diego Maradona’s iconic celebration to express his sheer delight.
      The GOAT wrote: “CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!!!!!!
      “So many times I dreamed it, so much I wanted it that I still don’t fall, I can’t believe it……
      “Thank you so much to my family, to all who support me and also to all who believed in us.
      “We proved once again that Argentinians when we fight together and united we are able to achieve what we aim.
      “The merit is of this group, which is above individuals, is the strength of all fighting for the same dream that was also the one of all Argentinians…
      Messi appeared emotional after sealing another piece of historyCredit: Getty
      They posed for selfies or possibly a video callCredit: Getty
      Antonela gives her husband a kiss after his fine performanceCredit: AP
      “We did it!!! LET’S GO ARGENTINA!!!!! We’re seeing each other very soon…”
      Antonela also took to Instagram, sharing some adorable family photos that will make up quite the album when the celebrations eventually settle.
      One showed the five smiling together, there was another of the two younger sons kissing the World Cup and one with Thiago holding a piece of the net.
      She captioned the post: “WORLD CHAMPIONS!
      “I don’t even know how to start.. pride greater that we feel for you @leomessi.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Thank you for teaching us to never give up, you have to fight to the end FINALLY WORLD CHAMPION.
      “We know what you suffered so many years to get what you wanted to get! LET’S GO ARGENTINA!”
      Antonela heaped praise on her hubby in a gushing Instagram postCredit: Getty
      Antonela went through all the emotions during the finalCredit: https://www.instagram.com/antonelaroccuzzo/
      Antonela could not quite believe what had happenedCredit: Reuters
      There were plenty of special moments for the Messi familyCredit: Getty
      The lads even managed to get a piece of the netCredit: https://www.instagram.com/antonelaroccuzzo/ More

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      Drake curse broken as Argentina win World Cup… but rapper still manages to LOSE $1million

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      DRAKE broke his duck but was still left with a $1million bill… despite CORRECTLY predicting Argentina would win the World Cup final.The rapper ended his famous curse for wrong tips – but it was a Messi ending as he’d put a seven-figure bet on victory over France to come in NINETY minutes.
      Drake posted on Instagram his bet that Argentina would win the finalCredit: @champagnepapi
      Fans were worried the ‘Drake curse’ would strike again but at least he accurately predicted the winning sideCredit: Getty
      Kylian Mbappe’s late double made it 2-2 after normal time to ruin the Canadian’s wager.
      The French striker then fired home his second penalty on 118 minutes to level at 3-3 and become only the second ever hat-trick scorer in a World Cup final, only for Argentina to win the shootout 4-2.
      That gave two-goal Lionel Messi the perfect World Cup finale as the PSG star added the only major honour missing from his cabinet.
      But in contrast it left the rapper feeling the blues as he lost $1m – about £820,000.

      Drake had earlier posted a picture of his betslip on Instagram showing the huge stake.
      Had he won he could more than doubled his money to around $2.75million.
      But fans were sceptical – due to the “Drake curse”.
      One commented: “Yoo Drake please cancel your bet… you are going to ruin a historical day for no reason…”
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      A second said: “Drake bet on Argentina … I’m gonna put money on France to try and cancel the Jinx out”.
      A third added: “So Drake also made a bet on the Golden State Warriors to win the NBA championship, and they won.
      “It’s not over yet boys, Messi’s gonna break his curse”.
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      A fourth wrote: “Drake bet that Argentina would win, it’s over”.
      Drake previously backed boxer Anthony Joshua to beat Andy Ruiz Jr only for the Brit to suffer a shock KO.
      He also was pictured with Manchester United star Jadon Sancho while he was at Borussia Dortmund.
      Sancho and his team then lost to rivals Bayern Munich.
      Other sports stars such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Conor McGregor as Ligue 1 side PSG have fallen victims to the Drake curse. More