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      Why isn’t Paul Pogba playing for France against Morocco at the World Cup?

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      FRANCE midfielder Paul Pogba is not at the World Cup this year.Didier Deschamps’ men will have to do it without their World Cup winning midfielder as they look to retain their title in Qatar.
      Paul Pogba was key for France in their 2018 World Cup winCredit: Reuters
      This comes as a blow as N’Golo Kante is also absent from the squad and Chrisotpher Nkunku was sent home after withdrawing through injury.
      We have all the details on why Pogba is not part of the French squad in Qatar for the World Cup as they face Morocco in the semi-finals.
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      Why isn’t Paul Pogba playing for France at the World Cup?
      Pogba is yet to make an appearance for Juventus since his return to Turin in the summer.
      Therefore, a World Cup call-up was always unlikely for the French star despite his best wishes.
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      He returned to Juventus training in November after having surgery on his knee following injury and may have been optimistic ahead of the tournament.
      However, Pogba carried out tests in Italy and the USA before it was confirmed that he would not be fit for the World Cup.

      A Juventus spokesman confirmed: “We won’t see him until 2023, and his entourage have confirmed that also he will be out of the World Cup.”
      Therefore, France will have to do it without him if they are to once again lift the World Cup. More

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      Lionel Messi almost in tears as reporter tells him how much he means to Argentina fans after reaching World Cup final

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      LIONEL MESSI fought back tears as a reporter told him how much he means to Argentina fans back home after leading his country to the 2022 World Cup Final.Messi stood out in the Albiceleste’s decisive 3-0 triumph over Croatia in the semi-finals at the Lusail Stadium as he scored a penalty and set up both of Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez’s goals.
      Lionel Messi almost came to tears during an emotional post-match interview
      Reporter Sofia Martinez spoke to Lionel Messi after Argentina’s triumphCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClpUPtbPseO/?hl=en
      Lionel Messi heard how much he means to Argentina fans by reporter Sofia Martinez
      Lionel Messi led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup Final after beating Croatia
      The Paris Saint-Germain star spoke to Argentine reporter Sofia Martinez of Television Publica after the match and was welling up as she told him exactly how he inspired the nation.
      Martinez said: “The last thing I want to tell you, and is not a question, but I just wanted to say; the World Cup final is coming and sure, we all [Argentinians] want to win the cup.
      “I just want to tell you that no matter the results, there’s something that no one can take from you and is the fact you resonated with Argentinians, every single one – I’m being serious.
      “There’s no kid who doesn’t have your team shirt. No matter if it is a fake, real or made up one.
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      “Truly, you made your mark in everyone’s life and that to me is beyond winning any World Cup.
      “No one can take that from you and this is my gratitude for such amount of happiness you bring to a lot of people.
      “I seriously hope you take these words into your heart because I really believe that’s more important than winning a World Cup and you already have it, so thank you captain.”
      A teary-eyed Messi listened with a smile on his face as Martinez sang his praises.
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      Fans were also moved by that moment as they took to social media to share their thoughts.
      One supporter tweeted: “This is beautiful.”
      Another posted: “His smiling face.”
      A third commented: “I want Messi to look at me like that.”
      This fan said: “The way he was looking at her.”
      And that one tweeted: “Wow, just wow.” More

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      Leicester ‘break bank with £39m bid for Morocco World Cup hero Ounahi as they look to beat Barcelona to transfer’

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      LEICESTER are ready to launch a huge bid for Morocco star Azzedine Ounahi, according to reports. The 22-year-old has put in a number of impressive performances at the World Cup, helping fire his nation to the semi-finals.
      Azzedine Ounahi has played a huge role in Morocco’s surprise World Cup runCredit: Getty
      And his displays have caught the attention of Leicester, who are supposedly willing to break the bank and bid £39million for him.
      Ounahi plays for Ligue 1 side Angers and is capable of playing as a box-to-box or attacking midfielder.
      He has played 14 games for the French club this season and started all five of Morocco’s matches at the World Cup.
      Ounahi is yet to score or assist this season but his energetic and technically brilliant displays in Qatar have led to clubs taking a closer look at him.
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      Barcelona are reportedly interested but would only make the move for a low price, claim Mundo Deportivo.
      The outlet goes on to say Leicester would happily pay more for him with £39m the fee L’Equipe claim Angers want.

      The Foxes are in danger of losing Youri Tielemans in January as his deal expires at the end of the season.
      With Arsenal one of a number of clubs interested, Brendan Rodgers’ team could swoop for Ounahi to replace him.
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      Just two seasons ago he was playing in the third tier of French football with Avranches and a big move would complete a remarkable rise up the ranks.
      He may not be the only hero from the Morocco team set for a big transfer as Sofyan Amrabat has been linked with Tottenham and Liverpool.
      As some look set to come to the Premier League, Chelsea ace Hakim Ziyech could secure a switch away for more regular minutes after impressing at the World Cup. More

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      Who is France vs Morocco referee Cesar Arturo Ramos at World Cup 2022?

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      MEXICO’S referee for the 2022 World Cup is Cesar Arturo Ramos, who has made his second trip to the world’s biggest tournament.And he will have a big game on his hands as he takes charge of France vs Morocco in the semi-finals.
      Ramos is taking charge at his second World Cup, after officiating at the 2018 tournamentCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Who is Cesar Arturo Ramos?
      Born in Culiacan in 1983 Ramos began his career Ascenso MX – Mexico’s second tier – where he spent five years from 2006 and eventually progressed up to the Liga MX.
      His performances in Mexico’s top division saw him promoted to Fifa-listed status in 2014 and since Ramos has taken charge of a number of high-profile games.
      The Mexican was in the middle for the 2017 Club World Cup Final between Real Madrid and Gremio, whilst he was also named CONCACAF Referee of the Year.
      Has he officiated at the World Cup before?
      Ramos refereed at the World Cup in Russia in 2018, which was his debut.
      He refereed four qualifiers and has big-game experience, having taken charge of key matches in the under-20 World Cup in 2017.
      Ramos was in charge of Denmark’s clash with Tunisia in the 2022 World Cup.
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      World Cup security guard dies aged 24 in horror fall in stadium after Argentina’s quarter-final clash with Holland

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      A WORLD CUP security guard has died following a horror fall at the Lusail Stadium.John Njau Kibue, a 24-year-old Kenyan worker who moved to Qatar around a year ago, suffered fatal injuries after the incident in the early hours of Saturday morning.
      A security guard has died after a fall at the Lusail Stadium following Argentina’s World Cup quarter-final win over HollandCredit: Reuters
      An official statement revealed the “serious fall” occurred shortly after Argentina’s quarter-final victory over Holland.
      The incident took place at the Lusail Stadium – which will play host to Sunday’s final between Argentina and the winner of France’s clash with Morocco.
      Kibue was rushed to hospital and was described as being in “stable but critical condition”.
      However, it has now been confirmed the young Kenyan has passed away from his injuries.
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      The Qatar Supreme Committee released a statement confirming the death
      It read: “On Saturday 10 December, John Njau Kibue, a security guard at Lusail Stadium, suffered a serious fall while on duty.
      “Stadium medical teams immediately attended the scene and provided emergency treatment before he was transferred to Hamad Medical Hospital’s intensive care unit via ambulance.
      “We regret to announce that, despite the efforts of the medical team, he sadly passed away in hospital on Tuesday 13 December, after being in the intensive care unit for three days.
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      “His next of kin have been informed.”
      The statement added: “We send our sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and friends during this difficult time.
      “Qatar’s tournament organisers are investigating the circumstances leading to the fall as a matter of urgency and will provide further information pending the outcome of the investigation.
      “We will also ensure that his family receive all outstanding dues and monies owed.”
      The horror fall happened shortly after the Argentina vs Holland match in which Grant Wahl also died.
      The American journalist collapsed during the game and passed away.
      Wahl’s devastated brother initially claimed he believed the journalist was murdered in Qatar after being detained over wearing a rainbow T-shirt.
      However, he has since claimed he “does not suspect foul play”. More

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      Luka Modric labels Lionel Messi ‘best in history’ in snub to ex-team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo as Argentina beat Croatia

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      LIONEL MESSI has been labelled as the “best player in history” by Luka Modric. It comes after Messi produced a stunning performance in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Croatia to book a spot in the World Cup final.
      Luka Modric praised Lionel Messi after the semi-finalCredit: Getty
      He labelled the Argentine as ” the best player in history”Credit: Getty
      Modric snubbed former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo in his GOAT decisionCredit: Getty
      Speaking to Argentine journalists after the game, Modric praised his adversary and backed him to win the World Cup.
      He said: “I hope he will win this World Cup, he is the best player in history and he deserves it. 
      “He is playing a great World Cup, he shows quality and greatness in every game.”
      Modric’s words will come as a blow to Cristiano Ronaldo’s claims to the “GOAT” title.
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      The 37-year-old is currently without a club after his contract was terminated by Manchester United following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
      And many, including the SunSport columnist, believe Ronaldo to be number one.
      Morgan listed out his top four players ever on Twitter, saying: “I think Cristiano Ronaldo’s the best ever, Maradona 2nd, Messi 3rd (possibly 4th actually, behind R9 [Brazilian Ronaldo]).”
      Regardless, Messi has put in a stunning performance in Qatar and has now reached a second World Cup final.
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      The Paris Saint-Germain attacker lost the 2014 final in Brazil to Germany, as eagled-eyed fans spotted a striking coincidence regarding Chelsea shirts and the last two tournament winners.
      After his strike against Croatia, the 35-year-old is now level with Kylian Mbappe for the most goals in Qatar – though the Frenchman could add to his tally when facing Morocco later today.
      Messi also leads the charts for assists with three, a figure which puts him level with Bruno Fernandes, Harry Kane and Antoine Griezmann.
      On top of his praise for Messi, Modric thanked the Argentina fans for their warm applause for him and launched a stinging attack against referee Daniele Orsat.
      He added: “I don’t like to talk about referees, but this one is one of the worst. 
      “I don’t remember him well. It wasn’t a penalty for me, and that killed us. We have to recover and win the game for third place.” More

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      Why is Karim Benzema not playing for France against Morocco at the 2022 World Cup?

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      KARIM BENZEMA is absent from the France squad competing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.The Ballon d’Or winner was tipped to be one of the players of the tournament during the World Cup.
      Karim Benzema is out of the World Cup despite making the initial 26-man squad for FranceCredit: AFP
      However, he will not be handed the chance to impress for the World Champions, who face Morocco tonight in the semi-finals.
      And it is a blow for Didier Deschamps’ side, with the forward being their top scorer in 2014 before missing the 2018 tournament.
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      Why is Benzema not playing for France at the World Cup?
      Benzema was ruled out of the World Cup after suffering an injury in training, handing France a blow after Christopher Nkunku suffered the same fate.
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      The Real Madrid star suffered an injury to his left thigh during training in Doha, with the French federation confirming he will not feature in Qatar.
      After undergoing an MRI scan it was confirmed that he had a muscular tear that would require at least three weeks of recovery, ruling him out of the World Cup.
      France have opted to not call-up a replacement for Benzema and will instead make use of a 25-man squad for the tournament. More

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      Argentina’s sexiest fan who vowed to make naked run through streets stuns as she celebrates World Cup final spot

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      ARGENTINA’S sexiest fan Luciana Salazar posed some steaming snaps after watching her country book a place in the 2022 World Cup Final.Luciana watched from the stands as the Albiceleste demolished Croatia 3-0 in the semi-finals at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday.
      Luciana Salazar watched Argentina beat Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals
      Salazar celebrated Argentina booking a place in the 2022 World Cup
      Argentina fan Salazar took social media by storm with some steaming pics
      The stunning superfan seems to enjoy the high life away from football
      Lionel Messi led his nation to the final by opening the scoring from the penalty spot and setting up both of Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez’s goals.
      And the Argentine super fan shared pics of herself smiling from ear to ear with a low cut jersey on as well as a white pair of trousers.
      She also shared a clip of her chanting for Messi and co along with other fans.
      Luciana posted: “Argentinaaaaaa thanks for everything!!! This is a party. Boys now we’re lit again…”
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      Her post attracted almost 45,000 likes from her 1.8million followers on Instagram.
      Luciana made herself known back in 2010 when she promised to run naked in the streets if Argentina won the World Cup in South Africa.
      It all started when Argentine legend and then manager Diego Maradona said he would run around Buenos Aires’ famous Obelisk without any clothes on if he won the title.
      That is when Luciana vowed to join Maradona in this endeavour if he restored glory to their nation.
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      She tweeted Maradona 12 years ago: “Diego, if Argentina wins, I’ll join you in the obelisk!”
      However, Luciana hasn’t retaken that vow for this year’s tournament which could see Messi finally winning his first World Cup at the age of 35.
      Salazar promised to run the streets naked if Argentina won the World Cup
      The Argentine made that vow back in 2010 with then manager Diego Maradona
      Salazar hasn’t made a similar vow in this year’s World Cup in QatarCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More