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    World Cup final bonus – Claim your £5 FREE BET on Argentina vs France with Sky Bet

    ARGENTINA and France meet in a mouth-watering World Cup final this Sunday.Sky Bet are marking the occasion by offering new AND existing customers a £5 FREE BET to spend on a BuildABet on the showdown!
    World Cup final – Claim your £5 FREE BET on Argentina-France with Sky BetCredit: Getty
    Claim £5 free bet for World Cup final*
    It’s set to be an historic meeting between two of the pre-tournament fancied sides.
    The bookies can’t split the sides, with Argentina 17/10 and France 7/4 to win in 90 minutes.
    But the pair are both 5/6 to lift the trophy with Sky Bet, showing how tight it’s expected to be.
    It could come down to the two main protagonists, with Lionel Messi looking to crown his international career with the ultimate win and Kylian Mbappe adding yet another World Cup to his incredible young career.
    If you’re looking to stay away from the odds-on prices of who will lift the trophy, Sky Bet’s £5 free bet used in a BuildABet can bolster your returns on a winner!
    Want more? How’s this then…
    New Sky Bet customers who stake £10 on any sports market, including the World Cup action, will be rewarded with £40 in free bets!
    To access this offer, simply click HERE**, register a new account and place a tenner on football. You’ll then have your account credited with £40 in free bets!
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    To claim your £5 Free BuildABet, simply follow the instructions below.
    How to claim…Sky Bet offer

    £5 free buildabet on Argentina vs France

    Visit the Sky Bet website HERE*
    Login to your account, or register a new one via this link HERE**
    Opt in for the promotion before the match starts
    A £5 free bet will then be credited to your account
    Maximum free bet is £5 per customer
    Free bet restricted to use on BuildABet bet types only

    Sky Bet: Get £40 in FREE BETS!*

    Sky Bet: Get £40 in FREE BETS!*
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    Remember to gamble responsibly
    A responsible gambler is someone who:

    Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
    Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
    Never chase their losses
    Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
    Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
    Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

    For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

    *Free bet non withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions & further t&c’s apply. 18+. Begambleaware.Org
    **New customers only. First single & e/w bet only. £10 minimum stake. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 4 x £10 bet token. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets for football only. Free bets are non withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions and further t&cs apply. 18+. Begambleaware.Org. More

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    France ‘reintroduce social distancing and masks’ as Coman ‘isolates from squad’ to stem virus ahead of World Cup final

    FRANCE have reportedly reintroduced social distancing and masks ahead of the World Cup final.That’s after Kingsley Coman became the latest star to isolate from the squad amid fears of a virus outbreak.
    Kingsley Coman has to isolate from France teammates amid fears of a virus outbreakCredit: Rex
    Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano were both forced to miss France’s semi-final win over Morocco after catching the bug.
    Indeed, Rabiot even had to celebrate by himself by dancing alone in the team hotel.
    Get French Football News says some France staff members have blamed the illness on quarter-final opponents England.
    And Didier Deschamps has decided to reinstate old Covid rules by putting his squad in lockdown ahead of Sunday’s battle against Argentina.
    READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
    But the France boss has suffered a fresh blow after Bayern Munich’s Coman was forced to isolate this week.
    Rabiot and Upamecano’s fitness for the final also remains unclear.
    And intense measures have now been deployed at France’s team hotel, including the wearing of masks, regular cleaning of surfaces and encouraging the use of hand gel.
    There is hope that Coman could join in today’s training session if he is not deemed a risk to teammates.
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    But Deschamps will not want to lose any more of his squad, with left-back Theo Hernandez also sweating over a knee issue.
    The source of the virus in France’s squad remains unknown.
    But although some have blamed England for it, the general feeling is that constant air conditioning to combat the Qatari heat is behind it.
    Other countries including Brazil were hit by a similar outbreak earlier in the tournament.
    Man United star Antony said: “It was a bit difficult. I ended up having a bad feeling there for a few days that complicated me a bit.
    “I’m recovering well and getting 100 per cent. It was more of a sickness, throat. It was the air conditioning.
    “Not only me, but other players also had a cough and a bad throat.” More

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    Lionel Messi’s first ever interview as a 13-year-old unearthed and he names surprising job if he didn’t become the GOAT

    LIONEL MESSI is one game away from lifting football’s biggest prize – but what would he have been if he wasn’t one of the games greatest ever players?While the Argentina ace always dreamt of making it in the big time, he also had a backup plan.
    Lionel Messi is aiming to lift the World Cup on SundayCredit: Getty
    An old interview with a 13-year-old Messi has resurfaced onlineCredit: La Capital
    Messi gave the interview just months before he joined BarcelonaCredit: LA CAPITAL
    An old interview with a 13-year-old Messi from an Argentinian newspaper has resurfaced online ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final against France.
    It is alleged to be Messi’s first ever interview, with newspaper La Capital in his home city of Rosario.
    It was published in September 2003, just months before he moved to Barcelona.
    The fact file style article saw Messi give quick-fire answers on some of his hopes and dreams for the future, among other things.
    Read More World Cup News
    After revealing his hobby was listening to music, a later question was a potential job for the future.
    Even as a youngster Messi always saw himself being involved in sport, whether it was playing professionally or not.
    He answered: “PE teacher.”
    However, the teenage prodigy always had his eyes set on becoming one of football’s greatest ever players.
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    When asked for a hope, he responded: “To play in the first division with Newell’s [Old Boys].”
    While Messi has never played in the Argentinian first division with his boyhood club, he did win ten top-flight titles in Spain with Barcelona, as well as four Champions Leagues.
    But he has already achieved his dream, which was: “To play for Argentina.”
    However, he can take his dream one stop further with World Cup glory on Sunday.
    The 35-year-old has scored five goals and provided three assists in just six games in Qatar.
    Messi is the joint top scorer in Qatar, alongside Kylian MbappeCredit: AP More

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    William Hill – Argentina vs France: Lionel Messi to score 1st NOW 5/1 – Top Price Guarantee

    WILLIAM HILL have a price boost which is a TOP PRICE GUARANTEE ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and France.The bookie is offering punters boosted odds of 5/1 for main man Lionel Messi to open the scoring in the showdown – which is a Top Price GUARANTEE.
    Messi to score 1st | 5/1
    Messi to score 1st | 5/1!
    And that’s up from the usual price on their site of 7/2!
    Like those odds? They’re available to ALL customers, new and existing — and can be claimed HERE.
    This bet must be settled in 90 minutes!
    New to William Hill? They have a cracking new customer offer you could claim too.
    By clicking HERE* and registering a brand new account, you can claim £30 in free bets to use on football when staking just £10!
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    World Cup final offerWilliam Hill boost – Argentina vs France

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    Inevitably, he hasn’t been out the headlines.
    And Messi could claim a clean sweep of several awards this Sunday if things go his way.
    As much as winning the competition is his main aim, he’s also favourite to win the Golden Ball, and currently leads PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race.
    With the same amount of goals, Messi has ONE more assist than his rival this Sunday.
    But he won’t want to win it on assists and Argentina will be relying on him for success.
    WILLIAM HILL: GET £30 IN FREE BETS*
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
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    *18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 13.04.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook. Further terms apply. Begambleaware.org.

    Remember to gamble responsibly
    A responsible gambler is someone who:

    Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
    Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
    Never chase their losses
    Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
    GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk
    Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

    For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. 
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    ‘Bitterly disappointed’ Clive Tyldesley opens up on early World Cup departure after being let go by ITV after last 16

    CLIVE TYLDESLEY is “bitterly disappointed” by leaving the World Cup early but is still on good terms with ITV.The commentator was in Qatar covering the World Cup for ITV along with Sam Matterface and Jon Champion.
    Clive Tyldesley was not selected for ITV’s World Cup quarter-final coverageCredit: Getty
    ITV picked that duo to commentate on their quarter-final matches, leaving Tydelsley at a loose end.
    The broadcaster did want Tydelsley to stay and work on a highlights package of the last-8 games, but he instead decided to fly home ahead of the FA Cup, which he will be covering for ITV.
    Speaking about his early departure, Tydelsley told the Mirror: “I’m working for them on the FA Cup in the first week of January and I wouldn’t be doing that if there was a great deal of bitterness.
    “Was I bitterly disappointed? You bet I was.
    READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
    “But it’s a decision I’ve got to accept and in the grand scheme of things people don’t turn it on for the commentator, they turn it on for the football.
    “I didn’t agree with the decision but I accepted it.
    “I was offered a quarter-final to commentate on for highlights. It would have meant me staying on in Qatar for another four or five days to essentially commentate on 10 minutes of television post-midnight.
    “I said I would be happy to do it if they couldn’t cover without me but my preference was to fly home early if possible and they said OK.”
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    Tyldesley, 68, was dropped as ITV’s main commentator in July 2020 with Matterface succeeding him in the role.
    He has since worked for Amazon Prime Video and CBS Sports. More

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    Watch retired Sergio Aguero roll back the years with wondergoal in Argentina training ahead of World Cup final

    SERGIO AGUERO showed he has lost none of his magic as he joined Argentina for training ahead of the World Cup final.Holders France will face the South Americans in the final on Sunday after Lionel Messi and Co. booked their place by beating Croatia 3-0.
    Sergio Aguero watched Argentina training last night ahead of the World Cup finalCredit: Rex
    He showed that he has lost none of his deadly finishing abilityCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    The 34-year-old Aguero, who was forced to retire due to a heart scare last year, has been a constant with his support for his compatriots throughout the tournament.
    The Manchester City legend even became embroiled in a row between Canel Alvarez and Messi.
    Now the former hotshot has been pulling on his boots again as he joined in Argentina’s preparations out on the turf yesterday.
    And the star rolled back the years to produce a thumping strike during training.
    READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
    Video footage has emerged from the session firstly showing Aguero kitted out like the rest of his pals while sat on the sidelines watching Lionel Scaloni’s squad at work.
    Then a clip appeared later on Nicolas Otamendi’s Instagram story of the ex-forward performing stretches out on the pitch in Doha.
    Another video was then added on social media of him by his old Man City team-mate.
    And it showed him unleashing a vicious strike straight past the keeper into the net during the session.
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    Aguero, who was at Barcelona when he got the grim advice to hang up his boots, is now hoping his display will have inspired Argentina’s squad to lift the World Cup trophy for the first time since 1986.
    Messi, who is joint-top scorer at the tournament alongside France’s Kylian Mbappe, is the man many expect to be the difference.
    However, strike partner Julian Alvarez, is now making waves at the Etihad himself, has proven himself on the world stage with four goals himself so far. More

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    World Cup’s ‘hottest fan’ Ivana Knoll shows off her bum in tiny bikini in the desert after rising to fame in Qatar

    IVANA KNOLL posed in a tiny bikini in the desert as she thanked fans for their support during the World Cup.The Croatia superfan shot to stardom during the tournament, being dubbed the “World Cup’s hottest fan”.
    Ivana Knoll poses in a bikini on the beachCredit: INSTAGRAM / @KnollDoll
    Ivana Knoll became synonymous for her Croatia-themed outfitsCredit: Alamy
    She quickly became synonymous with her racy Croatia-themed outfits worn while supporting her team at matches.
    But in her latest snap, she donned a bikini and showed off her bum as she relaxed away from the football.
    Ivana, 30, has seen her fandom rise and rise during the World Cup, and couldn’t believe she’d reached three million followers on Instagram.
    Celebrating the milestone, she captioned her latest snap: “3 MILLION 🙈❤️🫶🏼
    READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
    “WOW GUYS! 3 MILLION almost population of my country 🇭🇷
    “THANK YOU SO MUCH, LOVE YOU ALL ❤️🫶🏼”
    Ivana received over 400,000 likes in seven hours, and plenty of comments from her adoring followers.
    One joked: “In this World Cup you did more than Cristiano Ronaldo.”
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    Fans have been desperate for selfies with Ivana during the tournamentCredit: Getty
    The model has been mobbed around the stadiumsCredit: The Mega Agency
    Even fans of other teams wanted to meet herCredit: The Mega Agency
    Another asked: “Why Croatia didn’t win with such an asset?”
    With Croatia still having to play in Saturday’s Third Place Play-Off against Morocco, fans were thrilled to learn that Ivana would be sticking around a little longer.
    They were stunned to see her ditch her Croatia-themed outfits, however, as she attended France vs Morocco in a figure-hugging black number.
    Such is Ivana’s star power at the tournament, that she has been mobbed by fans demanding selfies.
    But one fan that has NOT been showering her with love is Miss BumBum – who mocked her for Croatia’s semi-final exit.
    Ivana ditched her Croatia colours for France vs MoroccoCredit: INSTAGRAM / @KnollDoll
    Ivana watched her side lose to Argentina on TuesdayCredit: Rex
    The Croatia superfan was hoping to cheer her side to gloryCredit: PA More

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    Messi among Argentina stars given day off from training amid claims he has ‘hamstring problem’ ahead of World Cup final

    LIONEL MESSI and the rest of Argentina’s starting line-up were absent from training on Thursday amid concerns over their talisman’s fitness.The 35-year-old was seen clutching his hamstring several times during the 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday.
    Lionel Messi and the rest of the starting XI were given the day off on ThursdayCredit: Getty
    The rest of the Argentina squad were present for the sessionCredit: Getty
    It has led Argentina fans to become increasingly concerned about Messi’s condition ahead of their World Cup final against France on Sunday.
    But Messi’s non-appearance at training should not raise alarm bells as manager Lionel Scaloni gave all the starting XI from the semi-final the day off.
    Foot Mercato are reporting that Messi is experiencing discomfort in his hamstring, although he is widely considered to be fit.
    Squad players Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala – both of whom came on as second half substitutes against Croatia – were present at training.
    READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
    Papu Gomez is nursing a sprained ankle and remains a doubt for the final, while Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel will return from suspension.
    But it is Messi that every Argentine is hanging their hopes on heading into the France game.
    The Barcelona legend has been in scintillating form for his country, contributing five goals and three assists in their six World Cup games.
    But more than his goal contributions, he has been talismanic in everything Argentina have done at the tournament as he bids to win the trophy on his fifth and final attempt.
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    He previously came closest eight years ago when Germany beat the South Americans in the 2014 final.
    Speaking after the win over Croatia, he said: “I feel really good, I feel strong and ready to play each game.
    “It’s not easy as we arrived tired but the group gained strength again and we played a strong game.
    “I am enjoying this a lot. I feel very happy in this World Cup and I am able to help the squad.”
    Keeper Emi Martinez also dismissed talk of Messi carrying an injury.
    He said: “No, no [he’s not injured]. We played 120 minutes against Holland, it was a hard game for him but you can see he wants to finish every game.
    “Physically he’s really good and he’s man of the match every game.”
    Argentina have not won the World Cup since Diego Maradona inspired them to glory in Mexico in 1986. More