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    Where Argentina’s 2014 World Cup team are now with Messi only survivor, from ex-Man Utd pair to player-turned-BBC pundit

    ARGENTINA will return to the World Cup final on Sunday – eight years after their devastating defeat to Germany.Incredibly, Lionel Messi is the only survivor from the side that lost in the Maracana.
    Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final to GermanyCredit: Corbis – Getty
    Sergio Aguero and Pablo Zabaleta suffered heartbreakCredit: Getty
    The former Barcelona superstar started in attack that evening.
    But he came out on the losing side as Mario Gotze grabbed the dramatic extra-time winner.
    Now the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has the chance to get his hands on the iconic trophy – in what will be his final World Cup match.
    But what happened to the Argentina team that took to the field in the 2014 final?
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    Sergio Romero
    The goalkeeper was a constant between the sticks for Argentina, racking up 96 caps between 2009 and 2018.
    He moved to Manchester United as David De Gea’s back up a year after the heartbreak in Brazil and is now back in his homeland with Boca Juniors.
    Pablo Zabaleta
    The right-back enjoyed another three seasons with Manchester City but only added a League Cup before joining West Ham in 2017.
    After 80 appearances over three years he hung up his boots before stepping into punditry.
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    Zabaleta is working with the BBC at the World CupCredit: BBC
    Zabaleta worked for the BBC at the World Cups in Russia and Qatar – and also does analysis for ESPN and LaLiga.
    Martin Demichelis
    Another former Manchester City defender, Demichelis left the Etihad for Espanyol in 2016 and then finished his career back at Malaga.
    He wasted no time stepping into coaching, becoming Malaga assistant before taking charge of Bayern Munich’s Under-19s and reserves.
    He obtained his Uefa Pro licence in October and a month later agreed a deal to take over as River Plate’s new head coach.
    Ezequiel Garay
    The former Real Madrid, Benfica and Zenit defender had a four-year spell with Valencia between 2016 and 2020.
    However, after struggling with a long-term injury and without a club for a year, he retired aged just 34.
    It is reported he has now started his own real estate development in Valencia.
    Marcos Rojo
    Another former Manchester United man, and like Romero, he is back in Argentina playing for Boca Juniors.
    Rojo joined United immediately after the World Cup run to the final and won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League but failed to really cement himself as a first-team regular.
    Javier Mascherano
    Midway through his eight years at Barcelona when he reached the World Cup final, the defensive-midfielder-turned-centre-back went on to reach a grand total of 19 trophies at the Nou Camp.
    Only a few of the starting XI are still active footballersCredit: AFP
    Javier Mascherano retired before taking over as Argentina Under-20s bossCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The four-time Copa America runner-up had two seasons in China with Hebei China Fortune and turned out 11 times for Estudiantes to finish his playing career back home.
    The ex-Liverpool man took over as Argentina U20s manager in January 2022.
    Lucas Biglia
    The holding midfielder, who made 58 appearances for his country, left Lazio for AC Milan in 2017 before moving to Turkey in 2020.
    He spent two seasons with Fatih Karagumruk but left in the summer to join Super Lig rivals Istanbul Basaksehir.
    Enzo Perez
    Perez left Benfica six months after the World Cup in Brazil to join Valencia for £21million – making him the tenth most-expensive Argentina footballer ever.
    He spent two years in Spain before signing for his current club River Plate in June 2017, even playing a full 90 minutes in goal when the team suffered a major Covid outbreak before a Copa Libertadores clash.
    Incredibly, River Plate won 2-1 – with Perez named man of the match for producing a string of fine saves.
    Ezequiel Lavezzi
    An icon for FIFA game players for many years, Lavezzi shone at PSG for four years after bursting on to the scene with Napoli.
    Like Mascherano, the attacker headed to the Far East to play for Hebei China Fortune.
    He spent three years there until 2019 when he announced his early retirement.
    Lionel Messi
    The only man still in the Argentina squad – and still operating at the peak of his incredible powers.
    Still the captain eight years on, Messi led his team to Copa America glory in 2021 and now has his shot at World Cup glory – in what would be La Albiceleste’s first triumph since 1986.
    At club level, he has broken countless records and added FOUR Ballon D’ors.
    But he shocked the world when he left Barcelona in 2021 – joining PSG as a free agent – but his future beyond this season remains unclear.
    Lionel Messi is missing the World Cup from his trophy cabinetCredit: AFP
    Gonzalo Higuain retired this year after three seasons with Inter MiamiCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Gonzalo Higuain
    The centre-forward in the 2014 final had joined Napoli from Real Madrid a year earlier.
    He was on the Juventus books for four years – with loans to AC Milan and Chelsea – before finishing his career at Inter Miami, retiring at the end of the MLS season.
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    Fernando Gago came off the bench and is now managing Racing Club in his homeland.
    Rodrigo Palacio retired from football in September 2022 and the 5ft 9ins ace immediately stepped into playing basketball as a point guard for Polisportiva Garegnano.
    Sergio Aguero was the other substitute for Alejandro Sabella and went on to become City’s record goalscorer with 260 strikes before a brief stint at Barcelona was cut short due to a heart condition that forced early retirement.

    Angel Di Maria was in the 2014 World Cup squad but did not make the matchday after tearing his hamstring in the quarter-final.
    He joins Messi as the only other player to be in the 2014 and 2022 squads.
    Angel Di Maria could get his chance to play in the World Cup finalCredit: Splash
    Sergio Aguero is in Qatar supporting his friendsCredit: Reuters More

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    Fans convinced Steve McClaren lookalike was in the crowd as a FRANCE fan for 2018 World Cup win vs Croatia

    FANS are convinced that the Steve McClaren lookalike spotted supporting England actually cheered on FRANCE in the 2018 World Cup final.The Three Lions suffered heartbreak as they were eliminated from this year’s tournament after losing 2-1 to the defending world champions at the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday.
    The Steve McClaren lookalike has been spotted cheering on FRANCECredit: Rex
    Fans are convinced this was him cheering for Les Bleus at the 2018 World Cup finalCredit: Twitter
    However, England fans still found a reason to lift their spirits as they spotted former Three Lions manager McClaren’s lookalike for the second time.
    That came after he initially shot to social media fame in the last-16 clash with Senegal.
    The fan was pictured going wild with the rest of the crowd while Gareth Southgate’s men pushed for a second goal that would have sent the game to extra-time.
    And he held the same World Cup trophy replica he had during the 3-0 victory over Senegal.
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    However, a new retro snap which is believed to be the same individual has now emerged.
    A fan travelling home from Qatar says they re-watched France’s win over Croatia on the plane’s television – and it did not take long for him to spot a familiar face.
    Sharing screengrabs of the fan cheering as Les Bleus claimed the victory, he captioned them with: “Watched back the 2018 WC Final on the flight to Qatar. Is that… It is, isn’t it?”
    “No way,” replied one of his followers as another said: “He’s everywhere!”
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    While another replied: “I’m convinced were in a simulation now.”
    And another commented: “He’s literally cheering for France.”
    Meanwhile, it appears that it is not only England and France that the individual likes to support.
    His is also allegedly a follower of Manchester United, and there is video footage to prove it.
    Unless it is another McClaren doppelganger, a clip the Red Devils shared after their 2016 FA Cup Final win shows him wildly celebrating their triumph.
    After the video resurfaced online, one Twitter user wrote: “He’s everywhere!”
    As another added: “Everywhere I look he’s there!” More

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    What strategy should Dream Team World Cup gaffers adopt ahead of Sunday’s final?

    AND so it will be Argentina vs France in the 2022 World Cup final.Will Les Bleus become the first team to retain the crown since Brazil in 1962 or will Lionel Messi finally win the big one?
    It’ll be a nerve-racking few days for fans of the finalists and more than a few Dream Team World Cup gaffers may have butterflies in their stomach too, especially those in contention to claim a chunk of the £50,000 prize pot!
    Those fighting for mini-league glory will also need to get their teams in order ahead of the final game – but which strategy is best?
    Don’t neglect the third-place play-off
    The first thing to note is that the third-place play-off is an eligible fixture (why wouldn’t it be) and so there could be points on offer.
    Plenty of nations would see Saturday’s game as an annoyance but both Croatia and Morocco would take great pride in earning the bronze medal.
    Both sides are lacking a finisher or two in the final third so there could be more clean sheet points for the likes of Achraf Hakimi, Dominik Livakovic and Dejan Lovren.
    Hakim Ziyech (18 points) and Youssef En-Nesyri (21 points) are probably your best bets going forward but it wouldn’t be wholly surprising if this encounter finished goalless.
    As for the final, your strategy will depend on your current standing.
    If you’ve got a decent cushion at the top of your mini-league then an even mix of France and Argentina assets would be no bad thing – hedge your bets to avoid a disaster and clinch victory.
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    However, if you’re aiming to leapfrog a rival (or several of them) then you should pick a side and back them to the hilt.
    Hernandez bagged 18 points against Morocco
    Combining Hugo Lloris, Theo Hernandez, Jules Kounde, Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate would pay huge dividends if France are able to keep Argentina at bay.
    The alternative batch being: Emi Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi and (probably) Nicolas Tagliafico.
    If you’re going to mix defensive assets then you should back those who are most likely to contribute a goal or assist – Hernandez and Molina have scored decisive goals for their respective nations in the knockout stage.
    In midfield, Ousmane Dembele is the standout option as a genuine winger who is primarily tasked with attacking.
    In terms of points, Adrien Rabiot and Enzo Fernandez are the leading performers in their position among the finalists with 16 points each, although the former missed the semi-final against Morocco with illness.
    You’re spoiled for choice up front with no fewer than FIVE premium options.
    Lionel Messi (65 points) and Kylian Mbappe (51 points) are the two runaway leaders in Dream Team World Cup and both feature in the majority of teams, which makes sense given the two superstars are in direct competition for the Golden Boot with five goals each.
    Dream Team World Cup’s top starCredit: getty
    If you back both of the No10s (which seems reasonable) then you’ll only have one spot remaining in your forward line if you opt for a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 formation.
    There’s not much between Olivier Giroud and Julian Alvarez, who are level on four goals each heading into the final, and Antoine Griezmann also deserves consideration.
    The 31-year-old has played as a midfielder in Qatar and he barely shoots at all anymore but he’s been one of the best creators on display at this World Cup.
    In fact, Griezmann (30) has two more points than Alvarez (28) at this stage.
    Finally, you should avoid conflicts of interest where possible.
    For example, if you do decide to back an all-France defence then you should also pick Giroud or Griezmann over Alvarez as a goal for the latter would wipe out your clean sheet points and therefore be a net negative.
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    But of course it’s equally likely that both teams will score and in that eventuality, a mix of attacking assets may be most profitable.
    Good luck! More

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    How England could line up under Eddie Howe with Newcastle boss targeted to replace Gareth Southgate if he quits

    NEWCASTLE manager Eddie Howe is reportedly one of the names being considered to take over as England boss if Gareth Southgate quits.Southgate is undecided about whether he will carry on in the role after the Three Lions’ quarter-final defeat to France in the World Cup.
    Eddie Howe could replace Gareth Southgate as England managerCredit: Getty
    Here is how England could line up under Eddie Howe
    The FA want him to stay on as manager but he is reflecting on his position and replacements are being drawn up in case he does step down.
    Howe is one of the names on the list along with former Chelsea gaffer Thomas Tuchel, ex-Tottenham man Mauricio Pochettino and current assistant coach Steve Holland.
    Howe is doing an outstanding job at Newcastle, guiding the team to an incredible 3rd place in the Premier League after 15 games.
    He took over half way through last season and has brought a feel-good factor back to St James’ Park with an attacking brand of football and smart recruitment in the transfer window.
    READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
    If Howe does take over it could be good news for a number of the players at Newcastle.
    Nick Pope was signed by him over the summer and he has helped sure up the Magpies. They have conceded the joint lowest amount of goals in the division so far, with just 11.
    The 30-year-old certainly has the trust of Howe and this could present a chance for him to become England’s No1 ahead of Jordan Pickford.
    Kieran Trippier played three times in Qatar and is an experienced international with 40 caps.
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    He is another of Howe’s signings and the boss has even made him captain for a large number of games.
    The ex-Bournemouth manager is a huge fan of Trippier’s ability to deliver quality crosses and set-pieces just as Southgate is.
    Much of Newcastle’s creativity comes from the right-back, who has had a hand in five Toon goals this season.
    It’s likely that the 32-year-old continues to receive call-ups to the England squad if Howe is appointed.
    The likes of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham will surely remain in the midfield for years to come and the Borussia Dortmund man could thrive in Howe’s high pressing system.
    His 4-3-3 has seen Newcastle play energetic football trying to win the ball back high and have at least one of his midfield three break into the box.
    This could hand James Maddison more opportunities in an England shirt.
    Newcastle have been heavily linked with the Leicester star and reportedly had multiple bids for him turned down in the summer.

    Howe is clearly a big fan of Maddison and with him in electric goalscoring form he could finally get the nod for the national team if Southgate, who didn’t play him at all in the World Cup, resigns.
    Callum Wilson is one of Howe’s favourites having worked with him at Bournemouth and Newcastle, and surely he will continue to be back-up to skipper Harry Kane if the 45-year-old takes over in the dugout.
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    Another worth mentioning is Dan Burn, he’s a Howe signing thriving at St James’ Park and the left-back was even mentioned as an outside shout for a place on the plane to Qatar after Ben Chilwell got injured.
    Additionally, Aaron Ramsdale worked with Howe at Bournemouth and he should not be ruled out if he can keep up his top form at Arsenal and lead them to the title.
    Eddie Howe could hand more chances to Callum Wilson
    If Eddie Howe is appointed England boss it could be good news for James Maddison and Callum WilsonCredit: Dan Charity More

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    How Argentina and France could line up during World Cup final… but will either change formations for huge clash?

    ARGENTINA face France in Sunday’s World Cup final with both nations looking to lift the famous trophy for a third time.The footballing giants meet at the Lusail Stadium at 3pm, their first clash since the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals.
    Lionel Messi will be the first name on Argentina’s team sheetCredit: Getty
    For France that will be Kylian MbappeCredit: Getty
    Lionel Messi is just 90 minutes away from winning the World Cup for the first time in what will be his final EVER game in football’s greatest show.
    Meanwhile, 23-year-old superstar Kylian Mbappe is hoping to join an elite club by winning it on multiple occasions.
    The duo are leading the race for the Golden Boot on five goals each, while they’re also the favourites to be named MVP.
    But how will Lionel Scaloni and Didier Deschamps line up their teams for the clash in Doha?
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    ARGENTINA
    Starting with Argentina, Emiliano Martinez will start after keeping his third clean sheet in six games in the semi-finals.
    Having reverted to a back four against Croatia, La Albiceleste could stick with the formation.

    That means Lisandro Martinez will be on the bench – with Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi and Nicolas Tagliafico all starting.
    In midfield, Scaloni might opt to start with Leandro Parades and Enzo Fernandez again, with Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo de Paul out wide.
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    Up front, Julian Alvarez, who’s scored four goals in four starts, will partner Messi.
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    FRANCE
    As for France, they have some doubts ahead of the final.
    Hugo Lloris will start between the sticks, while the performance of the back four against Morocco could see them unchanged.

    Despite the African side threatening throughout the game, France kept their first clean sheet of the tournament.
    Therefore, Jules Kounde could keep his place at right-back, with Ibrahima Konate partnering Raphael Varane and Theo Hernandez on the left.
    But Deschamps’s main dilemma will is in midfield.
    That’s because Adrien Rabiot missed the semi-final through illness and the French boss will have to decide whether to recall him or stick with Youssouf Fofana to partner Aurelien Tchouameni.
    Moving forward, it’s more simple with Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe all likely to support Olivier Giroud up front. More

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    Argentina Wags forced to go to hospital after finding GLASS inside drinks in club with World Cup security called in

    AN Argentinian Wag reportedly had to go to hospital after finidng glass in her drink at a club.Agustina Gandolfo was out celebrating her fella Lautaro Martinez reaching the World Cup final, where they face France on Sunday.
    Argentina Wag Agustina Gandolfo suffered a terrifying ordeal in DohaCredit: Getty
    The model is the wife of striker Lautaro Martinez and has been cheering her fella on in QatarCredit: Instagram
    Lautaro Martinez, right, was celebrating reaching the World Cup final on TuesdayCredit: Getty
    Augustina headed out to celebrate with friends but claims she found glass in her drinkCredit: Instagram
    Security were called in to the incident, which occurred on Tuesday after Argentina had defeated Croatia in the semi-final.
    Augustina went out with her sister and her sibling’s partner in a shopping mall located in Doha, according to numerous reports.
    However, while drinking, the group reportedly found pieces of glass inside the bottle.
    They instantly alerted security and decided to head to hospital to make sure they were all safe while also visiting the Argentine embassy to enquire about Qatar’s healthcare system.
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    But reports in South America state that they were told the glass had actually been planted by Gandolfo and the rest of the group – something which left the model dumbfounded.
    She took to Instagram after the incident to blast: “A disgrace, we have the complaint and witnesses at the club.”
    Earlier that night fans saw fellow Wag Antonela Roccuzzo beaming with joy as she watched Lionel Messi lead Argentina into the World Cup final.
    And as he produced a dazzling display on the pitch, his wife was looking magical in the stands as she watched on.
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    After the whistle, Antonella was spotted with a huge grin while wearing an Argentina shirt decked out with “Messi 10” as he raised two fists of joy down on the turf to celebrate.
    Antonella, 34, was also accompanied by the couple’s three boys, Thiago, 9, Mateo, 6, and Ciro, 4 at the Lusail Stadium.
    And she shared an adorable celebration snap of the four of them afterwards all celebrating with dad’s iconic jersey on.
    A host of Argentina players’ Wags enjoyed dinner together before the triumph.
    A total of 19 of them posed for snaps ahead of a meal in Doha on Tuesday evening – although Antonella was nowhere to be seen.
    Among them were the partners of Emi Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Julian Alvarez and Martinez’s other half Gandolfo.
    They will now be cheering on their partners when they take on France in Sunday’s mouthwatering final.
    Agustina Gandolfo, pictured with her husband, visited hospital after alerting securityCredit: Instagram / @agus.gandolfo More

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    Who will win World Cup Golden Boot? Latest odds as Messi, Mbappe, Giroud & Alvarez contest for top scorer

    THE fight for the World Cup final is down to just two and the bookmakers can’t split them.But there’s another battle unfolding between Argentina and France that involves FOUR big hitters from the event, with Betfair again anticipating a tight conclusion.
    There’s a tight conclusion to the race for the Golden BootCredit: Getty
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    The nations meet in Sunday’s Qatar showpiece where millions around the world will tune in.
    It’s set to be a tight finale to the competition, with France just favourites as the bookies struggle to split them.
    The race for the Golden Boot still has four contenders, all with very live chances of lifting it, and Betfair see a tense battle between the top two unfolding here, too.
    Of course, they’d trade that personal accolade in to be sure of winning the World Cup.
    But why not win both?
    That’s the aim anyway, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe leading the charts with five goals each.
    Messi just slightly has the edge as the first tie breaker is assists, to which he has three and Mbappe two.
    That sees him going into the game as the 4/5 favourite to lift the award, ahead of PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe at 11/8.
    Most read in FootballWorld Cup Golden BootBetfair odds

    Lionel Messi: 4/5
    Kylian Mbappe: 11/8
    Olivier Giroud: 16/1
    Julian Alvarez: 16/1

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    But you can’t discount the two centre forwards from either nation.
    Olivier Giroud became France’s all-time leading goalscorer earlier in the competition, before planting a winning header to knock England out.
    Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez bagged a double in the semi final win over Croatia and joined Giroud on four goals for the competition.
    Another brace from either player in Sunday’s final and they’re firmly in with a shout of winning top scorer.
    Both players are 16/1 with Betfair.
    Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “France are the 5/6 favourites to successfully defend their World Cup crown against Argentina ahead of Sunday’s final.
    “Lionel Messi will look to lift a first World Cup with his country and they are 10/11 to do just that.
    “Meanwhile, Messi is the odds-on favourite to bag the Golden Boot at 4/5, with Kylian Mbappe, who has gone two games without a goal, 11/8.”
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    How Real Madrid could line up if Cristiano Ronaldo returns in shock transfer as he starts training with former club

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has been linked with a sensational return to Real Madrid.That is after Ronaldo, 37, was spotted training at Real’s Valdebebas base following Portugal’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup in the quarter-finals to Morocco.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has been training at Real Madrid after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Cristiano Ronaldo would still make Real Madrid’s starting line-up
    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is looking for his next club after being axed by Manchester United following an explosive interview that saw him slam them from top to bottom.
    The star forward is currently training away from the Los Blancos’ first-team.
    It’s claimed the Spanish champions were more than happy to accommodate Ronaldo, with the relationship between club and player still strong.
    The United legend has never been shy in revealing his fondness for Real and would happily return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
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    But despite president Florentino Perez’s kind words throughout the years, it’s believed the club have shut the door to a potential return as they don’t want to disrupt Carlo Ancelotti’s current squad.
    But Ronaldo would still be able to make Ancelotti’s 4-3-3 formation if he completed an emotional return.
    Ex-Chelsea star Thibaut Courtois would start in goal with Dani Carvajal at right-back and Ferland Mendy on the other side, while Eder Militao and David Alaba would team up at centre-back.
    Luke Modric, Toni Kroos and Aurelien Tchouameni could then link up in midfield.
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    And Ronaldo would spearhead the attack alongside Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema.
    CR7 would cover the right flank of the front three with Vinicius on the other side. More