World Cup

EMILIANO MARTINEZ has been slammed by Chris Sutton for his “despicable” behaviour in Argentina’s World Cup final win over France.The Aston Villa goalkeeper had a game to remember as he saved Kingsley Coman’s penalty in the shootout.
Chris Sutton has blasted Emi Martinez for his behaviour during the World Cup finalCredit: Getty
Martinez had one or two unsporting moments on the pitch before making a crude gesture afterwardsCredit: Alamy
That was just moments after an incredible stop to deny Randal Kolo Muani a last-gasp winner in extra time.
Martinez had a second reason for celebrating at the final whistle as he was also awarded the Golden Glove for Qatar 2022.
But he managed to overshadow the moment by performing a crude gesture in front of millions glued to their TV screen.
Later on, Martinez mocked hat-trick hero Kylian Mbappe by demanding a minute’s silence for the “dead’ France star in Argentina’s dressing room.
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Yet his most controversial moment came while still on the pitch.
After saving Coman’s penalty, Martinez then proceeded to play some elaborate mind games on Aurelian Tchouameni.
As the Real Madrid star prepared for his kick, Martinez unsportingly threw the ball away, forcing Tchouameni to wait longer at the spot.
And when the time came for the penalty, the midfielder inevitably blasted his effort wide of the post, prompting Martinez to perform a dance in front of Argentina supporters.
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This did not sit well with former player Sutton, who described Martinez’s actions during the shootout as “despicable.”
Expressing his sympathy for Tchouameni, Sutton told the Mail: “I wasn’t overly enamoured with Martinez’s antics in the shootout.
“I thought it was a pretty despicable thing to do (throwing the ball away). I can understand the mind games and heat of the moment you do whatever it takes.
“But I thought that was totally unnecessary. If you’re Tchouameni walking past Martinez (in the guard of honour) you probably feel like biffing him one.
“I didn’t like that at all but I can understand Martinez in that moment trying to win a World Cup.
“But he didn’t just chuck it a couple of yards away, he launched it 15, 20 yards away. I really felt for Tchouameni in that moment. 
“That wasn’t on. It would have been interesting if Martinez had been booked for that because he got one on the next penalty.” More

KYLIAN MBAPPE posted a defiant two-word message after France’s World Cup final heartbreak at the hands of Argentina.French superstar Mbappe scored a hat-trick in the match, and netted in the shootout, but his incredible effort was ultimately in vain.
Kylian Mbappe won the World Cup Golden Boot but was on the losing side in the finalCredit: Getty
Mbappe took to social media on Monday following the defeatCredit: Getty
After Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria put Argentina 2-0 up, Mbappe netted two quickfire goals, his first being from the spot, to send the game to extra-time.
Messi then put Argentina back in front, only for Mbappe to score his second penalty, and third of the match, with two minutes left of extra-time.
While Mbappe scored his penalty in the shootout, his third spot-kick of the game, Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni missed for Les Bleus.
It meant France missed out on the chance to become only the second team in history to win back-to-back World Cups.
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But Mbappe, who scored eight goals to win the Golden Boot, cannot be faulted for his efforts.
He was inconsolable on the France bench as he watched Argentina lift the trophy.
Mbappe took to social media on Monday, posting a picture of himself walking past the trophy while holding the Golden Boot alongside a defiant two-word message in French.
He simply said: “Nous reviendrons.”
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The phrase translates in English to: “We’ll be back.”
His post was liked over four million times on Instagram within an hour of being uploaded.
And Mbappe is right.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward will still only be 27-years-old by the time of the next World Cup.
Having already won the tournament with France fours years ago and reaching the final this time around, Mbappe could well deliver on his promise. More

MARIO GOTZE wildly celebrated Argentina’s World Cup win with his son, eight years on from his winning goal against Lionel Messi and Co for Germany in the 2014 final. The Eintracht Frankfurt ace, 30, scored the winner inside the Maracana late in extra-time, earning Germany a fourth star and breaking Argentine hearts.
Gotze and son Rome celebrated Messi and Argentina’s World Cup winCredit: Instagram
Gotze broke Messi and Co’s hearts in the World Cup 2014 finalCredit: Getty – Contributor
Messi got his first glimpse of the trophy eight years agoCredit: AP
Now 35, Messi won his first World CupCredit: Getty
Gotze missed out on Germany’s World Cup 2018 squad but returned this year and featured twice in the group stages.
But Germany missed out on a knockout spot to Spain and Japan.
And while enjoying some family time with stunning wife, Ann-Kathrin Brommel, and son Rome, Gotze was supporting Argentina on their quest for World Cup glory.
Argentina took the lead twice in the 3-3 thriller, and won the penalty shootout 4-2.
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Messi scored a brace in 120 minutes and set the tone, as a captain should, in the shootout.
And Gotze was more than pleased to see Messi finally win a world crown.
Gotze and Rome wildly celebrated Argentina’s win, and the footballer even posted an edited photo of a smiling 35-year-old Messi consoling his 2014 younger self.
Messi said in an Instagram post nearing 41million likes: “CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!!!!!!
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“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 prove 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…
“We did it!!! LET’S GO ARGENTINA DAMN!!!!! We’re seeing each other very soon…” More

THE path for Lionel Messi’s World Cup triumph can be traced back to one moment involving former Brighton striker Neal Maupay.The Argentine finally won the tournament after helping his side beat France in the final on penalties.
Lionel Messi’s World Cup win was set in motion when Emi Martinez was given a chance at ArsenalCredit: PA
He had been a back up goalkeeper at Arsenal for much of his career until 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty
He replaced Bernd Leno after the German suffered a knee injury following a clash with former Brighton striker Neal MaupayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The goalkeeper kept his spot and helped Arsenal win the FA Cup that seasonCredit: Getty
Martinez then moved to Aston Villa for more game time and was called up to the Argentina sideCredit: Getty
He played a vital role in their Copa America win in 2021, which cemented him as the country’s first choice goalkeeperCredit: Getty
Martinez was then the hero again as Argentina won the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
The match has been hailed as one of the best football games of all time, but while Messi netted a brace, goalkeeper Emi Martinez also starred.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper played all of the mind games during the shootout as well as saving Kinsley Comen’s effort from the spot.
But not so long ago, the shot-stopper was nowhere near the Argentina squad.
Martinez was the backup at Arsenal in June 2020 to German stopper Bernd Leno.
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However, in a Premier League fixture against Brighton, Leno was injured after a clash with Maupay.
Leno was stretchered off the pitch with a knee injury, and Martinez was sent on to replace him and did so for the remainder of the season.
Martinez was able to help Arsenal win the FA Cup that season and put in some brilliant performances.
He then made a move to Villa in the summer in order to guarantee his game time in England’s top flight.
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Due to his form, he was called up by the Argentina side and replaced Sergio Romero as the first-choice stopper.
Martinez then performed heroically in the 2021 Copa America semi-final shootout against Columbia as they reached the final.
Argentina then beat Brazil, which was Messi’s first-ever international trophy, as well as cementing the goalkeeper as the nation’s undisputed man in goal.
Fast forward to the World Cup in Qatar, the 30-year-old kept his side in the tournament with a last-ditch save against Australia in the group stages.
He then made two penalty saves in the shootout against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals shootout after the European side scored two late goals to force extra time.
Martinez then made a crucial save in the last minute of the World Cup final against France as he stuck out a leg to deny Randal Kolo Muani a certain winning goal in the 123rd minute of the match.
This then led to his performance in the shootout, which led to Argentina’s World Cup win as well as the personal accolade of picking up the tournament’s Golden Glove.
Following the win, Messi has been hailed as the greatest of all time after completing his trophy cabinet.
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And the amazing journey all started with Maupay taking out Leno two years ago.
To make matters worse for Maupay, he tried to switch his national allegiance to Argentina in earlier this year, despite playing for the France youth sides. More

LIONEL SCALONI broke down in tears of joy after ending Argentina’s long wait to win the World Cup.La Albiceleste got their hands on the famous trophy on Sunday night following a pulsating final – which went to penalties – in Qatar.

Argentina and Lionel Messi won a pulsating World Cup final in Qatar on SundayCredit: GETTY
Manager Lionel Scaloni was initially stoic after Argentina triumphed in the shootoutCredit: BBC
But he was eventually overcome by tears of joyCredit: BBC
Argentina ended their 36-year wait to return to the summit of world football with a 4-2 win in the shootout, which came after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
A wave of emotion overcame the players following their third World Cup triumph, although Scaloni was initially stoic after Gonzalo Montiel converted the winning spot kick.
But the moment eventually got to him and he sobbed uncontrollably as the magnitude of the achievement sunk in.
Footy fans were quick to comment on the heartwarming scene, with one saying: “Football, the game where we let it all out.”
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Another said: “Imagine taking a broken, disorganized team and winning three trophies in 18 months with them.
“Complete transformation deserves all the respect in the world.”
And another said: “Pure passion! What it’s all about! Very proud of them for never quitting throughout.”
One chimed in: “That little look down to try and take in what has just happened is everything for me.
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“That right there is what people mean by the beauty of the game.”
Scaloni’s tears of joy, however, weren’t received well by some West Ham fans – who still blame him for them losing their FA Cup Final against Liverpool in 2006.
One tweeted: “That’s how West Ham fans felt when you literally passed the ball to Steven Gerrard in 2006 FA Cup Final.
Another said: “Cost us in 2006, but fair play.”
Scaloni’s guiding of Argentina to their third World Cup triumph was made even more remarkable by the fact he was only supposed to coach the team for TWO GAMES after being appointed interim manager in July 2018.
He was also slammed by Argentina legend Diego Maradona, who claimed he “couldn’t direct traffic.”
But he was quick to hail the late icon after guiding his country to glory, saying: “I wish he was still here to enjoy this moment.
An elated Scaloni didn’t hold back during the wild celebrationsCredit: REX
The former Argentina ace gripped the Jules Rimet Trophy tightly as he celebratedCredit: GETTY
Scaloni was initially only meant to manager Argentina on a temporary basisCredit: GETTY
“We managed to lift the trophy, something that we’ve been dreaming about for so long – we’re a country that’s so passionate about football, and I’m sure that if Diego had been here he’d have enjoyed it so much.
“He would have been the first one the pitch to enjoy it.
“The match was completely insane.
“We produced a great performance – we should have won it in the 90 minutes or in extra time, we didn’t deserve the draw but we were fighters.
“It was similar to the game with the Netherlands, we kept on fighting because we wanted to win.
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“Now I have best feeling ever. This squad play for their people, for the Argentina fans, everyone is pulling in the same direction, for the whole country.
“It’s a great pride when you’re playing for your country – the players broke their backs, they have achieved this title because they understood what they had to do on the pitch.” More

THE World Cup’s ‘hottest fan’ Ivana Knoll wowed as she headed to the final despite her beloved Croatia not being there. But that didn’t stop Ivana from staying patriotic and sporting a Croatia kit for the game.
The World Cup’s ‘hottest fan’ Ivana Knoll was at the final on SundayCredit: Instagram @knolldoll
Ivana still donned Croatia colours for Argentina vs FranceCredit: Instagram @knolldoll
Ivana took to social media after a “crazy” final, which Argentina won on penaltiesCredit: Instagram @knolldoll

Ivana flashed her abs as she turned a Croatia shirt into a crop top for the match, which Argentina won on penalties.
The Croatian model, who has stolen the show in Qatar, dropped jaws as she matched the shirt with a pair of skin-tight leggings that showed off her incredible figure.
Ivana herself was left in awe of the action that unfolded in front of her at Lusail Stadium on Sunday.
Taking to her Instagram story, she wrote: “What a crazy game.”
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Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria put Argentina ahead before Kylian Mbappe netted a quickfire double to send the game to extra-time.
Messi then put Argentina back in front, before Mbappe completed his hat-trick to send the game to penalties.
Argentina won on spot-kicks, before Messi was crowned Player of the Tournament.
However, Ivana was left unimpressed, slamming on Insta: “@fifaworldcup you gave the golden ball to the wrong person! Maybe Argentina won but @k.mbappe is the golden ball.”
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Fans at the game stopped for selfies with Ivana, who shot to fame at the World Cup.
She now has a whopping 3.3million followers on Instagram after being pictured at various games throughout the tournament.
Ivana was also at Croatia’s third place play-off win over Morocco on Saturday.

She danced in a racy Croatia crop-top and red leggings as she cheered on her nation to victory.
Ivana has made the most of her stay in Qatar, recently posing in the desert in a tiny bikini as she enjoyed some time away from the football.
Ivana was in the stands for Croatia’s third place play-off win over MoroccoCredit: Getty
The Croatian model donned a Luka Modric kit for the matchCredit: Getty
Ivana has shot to worldwide stardom at the World CupCredit: Getty More

ARGENTINA’S World Cup-winning stars partied all through the night after their iconic victory on Sunday night.Lionel Messi led his country to glory in the most spectacular fashion as Lionel Scaloni’s side beat France on penalties after a 3-3 draw on a simply astonishing evening in Qatar.
Paulo Dybala shared a picture of the Argentine squad enjoying a post-match mealCredit: Instagram
He then panned the camera up to show the World Cup trophyCredit: Instagram
It was a stunning image posted just hours after their triumphCredit: Instagram
Lautaro Martinez was snapped continuing the celebrations at nearly 7amCredit: Instagram
It appears some members of the squad did not sleep at all after the finalCredit: Instagram
The win handed Argentina their third World Cup and first since Diego Maradona led them to glory back in 1986.
And the players in the squad were loving every minute of the celebrations after the game as they partied in the dressing room and then took the jubilant scenes elsewhere.
A number of Instagram stories were shared by the players from the likes of Paulo Dybala and keeper hero Emi Martinez.
Dybala posted a video showing them all sitting together eating a “romantic” dinner.
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Emi Martinez took a picture while chilling as his team-mates played poolCredit: Instagram
They also enjoyed some games of Fifa following the winCredit: Instagram
Argentina lifted their first World Cup in 36 years on SundayCredit: Instagram
Martinez was the hero in the penalty shootout as Argentina claimed the trophyCredit: Instagram
The camera then pans upwards and the World Cup trophy can be seen on show in the middle of them.
Martinez then shared some snaps of his own as his team-mates relaxed with some games of pool and FIFA.
Lautaro Martinez was one of the players chilling alongside the Villa shot-stopper with the duo among those donning a pair of sunglasses.
And he was then pictured on midfielder Enzo Fernandez’s story at 6.53am local time.
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So the party clearly went deep into the night and filtered through to the morning.
The Argentina squad are scheduled to depart Doha at around 2pm on Monday.
That means they are due to return home between 10pm and midnight.
An official parade is then expected to take place on Tuesday as Argentines prepare to flock to the streets to celebrate their historic victory with Messi and Co.
Martinez with the World Cup trophy in the dressing roomCredit: Instagram
Lionel Messi was the star again as he posed with the trophy alongside Enzo FernandezCredit: Instagram More