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      How Real Madrid could line up if Cristiano Ronaldo returns in shock transfer as he starts training with former club

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      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

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      France stars on lockdown with fears flu-like sickness bug could rip through squad ahead of World Cup final

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      FRANCE are desperately trying to stem the flow of a flu-like virus which threatens to derail their World Cup final hopes.Midfielder Adrien Rabiot and centre-back Dayot Upamecano were confirmed to have caught the bug before the 2-0 win over Morocco.
      Midfielder Adrien Rabiot was forced to watch the Morocco game at the team hotelCredit: Getty
      Both players missed that game with Rabiot staying in the hotel and Upamecano remaining on the bench for the full 90 minutes.
      Winger Kingsley Coman was also said to have been feeling feverish and stayed on the bench throughout the game.
      Ahead of the World Cup final with Argentina, boss Didier Deschamps said his side were taking significant precautions.
      He commented: “In Doha, temperatures have fallen a little bit, you have air conditioning which is on all the time.
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      “We’ve had a few cases of flu-like symptoms.
      “We are trying to be careful so it doesn’t spread and players have made great efforts out on the pitch and obviously their immune systems suffer.
      “Dayot Upamecano felt sick immediately after the match [against England].
      “It happens when you make such an effort, your body is weakened and you are more prone to be infected by these viruses.
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      “We are taking all necessary precautions, we are trying to make sure it doesn’t spread but viruses are of course infectious and we have to take precautions against it.
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      “We separated him from others and Adrien as well.”
      And there were even some claims that French staff believe England were responsible for passing the virus to the Les Bleus side.
      The two sides met in the quarter-final on Saturday with the French running out 2-1 winners.
      And French media claimed that journalists in Qatar were asked to wear masks at the request of the England camp.
      There is no evidence that the bug came from the England camp.
      Dayot Upamecano (left) was on the bench against Morocco after coming down with the bugCredit: AP
      Manager Didier Deschamps says France are taking all necessary precautionsCredit: Getty More

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      Fifa could rip up World Cup 2026 group-stage changes over fears of ‘dead games’ following success of Qatar tournament

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      FIFA are reportedly re-thinking their format for the next World Cup after the group stage success of Qatar.They are due to have 48 nations competing at the showpiece in North America.
      Fifa are re-thinking their plans for the format of the 2026 World CupCredit: Rex
      The governing body came up with the plan to 16 groups of three teams at the next tournament in 2026.
      That would result in two from each moving on to the next stage.
      However, there are fears that it could be “dangerously dull” and also encourage unsporting behaviour.
      The risk of “dead” matches is also worrying. If the final group game was between two countries that had already won one apiece and were therefore already qualified there would be no motivation or point to the match.
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      Ahead of this World Cup, Fifa did admit their concern about the possibility of contrived results as teams may engineer a result that would ensure they both progress while the non-playing member of the group would be eliminated.
      Vice president Victor Montagliani admitted: “It’s an issue that has been raised.”
      48 teams are due to start the 2026 World Cup tournament, which will then be reduced to 32 following the group phase as the knockouts begin.
      But alternative formats are now on the table and Fifa’s Council will decide next year which one to go with.
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      According to Fifa’s head of global football development Arsene Wenger, they are 12 groups of four teams, with the best third-placed teams advancing alongside the first and second.
      Another is the World Cup being split into two separate halves of 24, with each having six groups of four teams. 
      That would result in the winner of each half eventually meeting in the final.
      And given the number of dramatic final group games that we witnessed in Qatar, a report from Reuters claims that is the “more viable proposition” for chiefs.
      The only issue with that would be the increase in the number of matches.
      There were 32 teams that entered Qatar which had a total of 64 games being completed in the space of 29 days.
      And, at least for now, the 2026 edition will have 80 games in 32 days.
      But it would need at least an extra week for four team groups as there would be 104 matches to be played.
      However, the extra TV revenue that would bring is also something that could tempt Fifa. More

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      Man Utd still interested in Diogo Costa transfer and target £65m Portugal World Cup star as De Gea replacement

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      MANCHESTER UNITED remain keen on signing Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa, according to reports.United could be in the market for a new stopper with uncertainties over David de Gea’s future at Old Trafford.
      Manchester United are still interested in signing goalkeeper Diogo CostaCredit: EPA
      The 31-year-old has played every minute in the Premier League since Erik ten Hag arrived and has shown some fine form to help the Red Devils recover from a dreadful start.
      But the Dutchman was recently unable to confirm whether De Gea will sign a contract extension.
      His current deal expires at the end of the season.
      Ten Hag said: “And, as a person, I like him, I can really cooperate with him really well but first we go to the winter and then we will talk about how deal with such situations.
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      “In this moment we only think about performing, we have a lot of games to go, so I don’t want to get that interfered by talks.”
      As a result, Portuguese outlet A Bola claim United are still interested in Costa.
      The 23-year-old has kept nine clean sheets in 19 games for Porto this season and was rewarded with the No1 shirt for Portugal at the World Cup.
      Costa ended up playing every minute to help his nation reach the quarter-finals, although he was partly at fault for Youssef En-Nesyri’s goal in the defeat to Morocco.
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      Regardless, United still hold a firm interest in signing him for next season.
      The report claims that Costa, who recently signed a new long-term deal, is currently focusing on his duties at Porto though.
      Barcelona and Chelsea are also in the race, although he could cost £65million. More

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      ‘Messi doesn’t scare us’ – France star Theo Hernandez starts the mind games ahead of World Cup final against Argentina

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      THEO HERNANDEZ has said France aren’t scared of Lionel Messi ahead of Sunday’s heavyweight World Cup final. Hernandez scored the first of France’s two goals in their semi-final victory over underdogs Morocco.
      France will be playing in their second consecutive World Cup final after winning the tournament in 2018.Credit: Getty
      Their opponents in the final, Argentina, have been led through the tournament by Messi who has managed five goals and three assists in his six games in Qatar.
      Despite Messi’s stunning record and his sky-high reputation, Hernandez has insisted then that he and his France teammates aren’t scared of the PSG star.
      The left-back spoke to Italian station RAI Sport about his team’s confidence.
      He said: “Playing two World Cup finals in a row is an incredible moment.

      “We did a good job, it was hard, but we are in the final, we will work hard to win this final.
      “Now we have to think about the final. I’m tired, but it’s nice to win a World Cup semi-final.
      “Now let’s recover for Sunday. Messi doesn’t scare us, Argentina are an incredible team but we have a few days to work.”
      France put an end to Morocco’s superb run that saw the side become the first African nation in history to reach a World Cup semi-final.
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      The Atlas Lions fought for the full 90 minutes, but the talent of the French side ultimately prevailed.
      Les Bleus will face off against Messi’s Argentina side on Sunday at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
      Argentina had a poor start to the tournament, losing to Saudi Arabia, but have persisted to reach the final.
      The South American’s booked their place in football’s biggest game after breezing past Luka Modric’s Croatia in a 3-0 win.

      The match will see a head to head between Messi and the tournament’s other stand out player Kylian Mbappe.
      The two are teammates at Paris Saint Germain, but will have to go to battle in Qatar to earn their side the trophy. More

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      World Cup odds: Bookies can’t split Argentina and France ahead of huge final

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      THE bookmakers are having a tough time splitting the World Cup finalists, with France heading into the clash as favourites….JUST!Betfair actually have both Les Bleus and Argentina as odds-on shots to lift the trophy on Sunday night.
      World Cup betting odds with BetfairCredit: Getty
      Lionel Messi and co are 10/11 for glory after a strong 3-0 win over Croatia in the semi final.
      A Messi penalty and Julian Alvarez double was the difference on the night for the South Americans, who were never really involved in the top few in the betting until the quarter final stage.
      Many see it being written in the stars for Messi in his final World Cup appearance.
      He’s also tied at the top of the Golden Boot standings with PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe, which is another interesting sideshow.
      Mbappe racked up his five goals in the groups and last 16 ties, failing to score in the quarters or 2-0 semi final win over Morocco.
      But he has shown his incredible pace and power on numerous occasions and will of course back himself to score in Sunday’s showpiece.
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      World Cup outright bettingBetfair odds

      Olivier Giroud and Julian Alvarez are both on four goals, so not far behind going into that game.
      The French are 5/6 to lift the trophy, therefore slight favourites.
      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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      France boss refuses to comment on whether Karim Benzema could be flown in for World Cup final with star still registered

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      FRANCE boss Didier Deschamps refused to respond when asked if Karim Benzema could feature in the World Cup final.The Ballon d’Or winner, 34, has been forced to miss the tournament with a thigh injury.
      Karim Benzema could theoretically appear for France in the World Cup finalCredit: AP
      However, the French boss chose not to call up a replacement, meaning Benzema could theoretically return to the fold.
      Deschamps effectively poured cold water on any hopes of a return to the squad in an interview before the last 16 stage as Benzema jetted off for a holiday on the Indian Ocean island of Reunion.
      But the forward has recovered more quickly than expected and has been training normally with Real Madrid since the weekend.
      Reports in Spain also claim the Champions League winners have given Benzema permission to fly to Qatar for the final – though whether this is to play or just to watch is not known.
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      Nevertheless, Deschamps was in no mood to answer the question put to him about whether Benzema could play.
      With a sigh and a smirk, he responded: “I don’t really want to answer that question. Next question. I do apologise.”

      It is considered extremely unlikely that Benzema will be recalled to the squad, with Kylian Mbappe forming an excellent understanding with the Real Madrid star’s replacement Olivier Giroud.
      Mbappe is currently the tournament’s joint-top scorer with Lionel Messi on five goals.
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      And Giroud is joint second top scorer with Julian Alvarez on four goals.
      Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea ace Giroud also managed to break Thierry Henry’s record to become all-time France top scorer, and headed home the winner against England.
      Following a 2-0 victory over Morocco, France take on Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday.
      Didier Deschamps is very unlikely to recall Benzema and refused to answer any questions on the subject in his press conferenceCredit: Getty More

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      Mbappe’s role in French side is WEAKNESS that Argentina should look to exploit in World Cup final, says Ferdinand

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      RIO FERDINAND believes Argentina should exploit France’s “weakness” and target their left hand side due to the attacking talents of Kylian Mbappe and Theo Hernandez.The holders booked their place in the World Cup final against the South Americans as they beat Morocco 2-0 in the semis last night.
      Rio Ferndinand believes he knows where France’s weakness isCredit: BBC
      Kylian Mbappe is the joint-top scorer at the World CupCredit: Rex
      Full-back Hernandez broke the deadlock before Randal Kolo Muani set-up the bumper showdown at the Lusail Stadium for Sunday.
      France will be many peoples favourites to retain the trophy, however, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand thinks Argentina can win the prize for the first time since 1986 if they target their opponents’ left flank.
      He told BBC Sport: “If you look at France’s weakness, and there aren’t many of them, but their left side is an area of the pitch I thought opponents have been targeting.
      “You look at it, a third of the chances they’ve conceded have come from that side of the pitch.
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      “This is unfortunate – [Lucas] Hernandez obviously gets a serious injury on this side but it’s become a common thing throughout the World Cup.
      “Against Denmark, they immediately go for that side of the pitch – and one of the reasons is you’ve got Mbappe on that side of the pitch.. so maybe that gives licence to stay higher up the pitch.

      “But that puts pressure on that side of the pitch.
      “Against England, [Bukayo] Saka and [Harry] Kane caused a mistake and this was the foul for the penalty that never was.”
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      Hernandez’s brother Lucas, 26, started the World Cup as Didier Deschamps’ first-choice left-back.
      But the Bayern Munich star picked up a serious knee injury during their opening game victory against Australia and is expected to be ruled out for the rest of the season.
      He was replaced by his 25-year-old sibling Theo, who is much more attack-minded than his older brother.
      Meanwhile, Mbappe is the current joint-top scorer at the tournament alongside Argentina legend Lionel Messi at the tournament.
      And the pair will be desperate for double joy by firing their respective nations to glory at the weekend as well as scooping the Golden Boot.
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