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      Brazil ‘want Zinedine Zidane to replace Tite as manager after failing to lure Pep Guardiola from Man City’

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      BRAZIL want France legend Zinedine Zidane to replace Tite as manager after failing to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City, a report says. Tite stepped back as Brazil manager after the pre-tournament World Cup favourites crashed out in the quarter-finals.
      Brazil would like Zidane to be their next managerCredit: Getty
      The South American giants had hoped of luring GuardiolaCredit: Getty
      Tite stepped back after Brazil’s shock World Cup exit to CroatiaCredit: Reuters
      Croatia dragged Brazil to penalties after drawing 1-1 after extra-time, and the 2018 finalists held their nerve to run out 4-2 shootout winners.
      And according to Ok Diario, Brazil will try and tempt three-time Champions League-winning manager Zidane into taking over.
      Brazil tried and failed in negotiations with Man City boss Guardiola, who signed a new contract a short time ago, keeping him at the Etihad until the summer of 2025.
      Zidane had hoped of managing France but World Cup 2018 winner Didier Deschamps has committed himself until after Euro 2024.
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      Deschamps could also guide the French to back-to-back World Cups.
      The current world champions will contest a semi-final against Morocco on Wednesday.
      Should they get past Morocco, a date with Argentina in Sundays final awaits.
      Zidane is being endorsed by former Real Madrid team-mate and Brazil icon, Ronaldo.
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      R9 has a good relationship with the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation.
      The report goes on to state that Zidane “is still waiting for France” and has already rejected six offers from teams, including a multimillion-pound deal from Paris Saint-Germain to return to management. More

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      Sergio Aguero’s son poses with godfather Lionel Messi’s shorts as Argentina star aims to emulate granddad Diego Maradona

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      SERGIO AGUERO’S son posed with Lionel Messi’s shorts after he inspired Argentina to the World Cup final.Messi was the star of the show scoring and getting an assist as La Albiceleste beat Croatia 3-0 in the semi-final.
      Benjamin Aguero got his hands on Lionel Messi’s shortsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/maurijdelca96/
      Sergio Aguero and Diego Maradona’s daughter are Benjamin’s parentsCredit: AFP
      Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero are best friendsCredit: Getty
      And after the game Benjamin, 13, was gifted the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s shorts.
      Aguero is close friends with Messi and made him godfather of his son.
      And young Benjamin has more sporting connections in his family as his mum is Diego Maradona’s daughter.
      The ex-Manchester City goalscorer married Maradona’s youngest daughter Giannina and they had just the one child.
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      Aguero and Giannina are now divorced – they split in 2012 after four years of marriage.
      Messi and Aguero have always had a close relationship from their days in the national team together – he once described the Paris Saint-Germain star as “like a brother”.
      He even joined Barcelona in the hope to play with him at club level but Messi ended up moving to the Parisians.
      Since Aguero’s retirement Messi has decided to room alone on international duty as he doesn’t want to share his space with anyone else.
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      Many expected Aguero to be named amongst the Argentinian coaching staff for this World Cup but he wasn’t – however he seems heavily involved with the squad.
      He was spotted on the pitch as they beat the Netherlands celebrating with the Argentina team and he was involved in a tunnel bust-up after the match.
      Aguero stepped in amid a feud between his best friend and Wout Weghorst.
      It’s not the first time he has leaped to Messi’s defence in Qatar after boxer Canelo Alvarez threatened and accused him of disrespect after he appeared to kick a Mexico shirt after their group stage clash.
      Aguero responded: “Mr. Canelo, don’t look for excuses or problems, surely you don’t know about soccer and what happens in a locker room. 
      “The shirts are always on the floor after the games are over due to sweat and then if you see, he makes the movement to remove the boot and accidentally hits it.” More

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      France vs Morocco LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time, team news for massive World Cup semi-final – updates

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      FRANCE look to reach their second consecutive World Cup final as they face underdogs Morocco in the semis TONIGHT.Les Bleus overcame England 2-1 in the quarter-finals, while the African side beat Portugal in a tense affair.
      And now Kylian Mbappe and Co come up against a Moroccan side which features his PSG team-mate Achraf Hakimi and Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech.

      Kick-off: 7pm UK time
      TV channel: BBC One
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer
      France XI: To follow…
      Morocco XI: To follow…

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      Three is a crowd
      Only two countries have retained the World Cup since the tournament first began in 1930.
      Italy retained the trophy way back in 1938 and Brazil did the same in 1962.
      So no country has reclaimed their prize in over 60 years which is incredible.
      France will be itching to break that long spell but they have to get past a stubborn Moroccan side first.
      SunSport’s big match prediciton
      Will it be the surprise package Morocco?
      Will it be the reigning champs France?
      SunSport have made their predicition…
      And it is 2-0 to France.
      Credit: Getty
      France vs Morocco – head-to-head
      France boss the head-to-head record 7-3 with one draw.
      That solo Morocco victory came in their first meeting way back in April 1963.
      The 2-2 draw in November 2007 ended a run of five straight French victories – Samir Nasri was on the scoresheet in Paris as Marouane Chamakh led the line for the away side.
      World Cup final referee – latest
      Anthony Taylor will discover on Friday if he is to become the fourth Englishman to referee a World Cup Final.
      Altrincham’s Taylor is one of the remaining contenders for the most prestigious appointment in world football.
      That was after he was one of the 12 officials to stay in Qatar for the final stages of the tournament.
      And with refs’ chief Pierluigi Collina a big fan of Taylor’s man and game-management skills, the 44-year-old is thought to be a genuine contender for the job.
      Taylor has not been involved in a knock-out match at the tournament.
      Credit: Getty
      Why is N’Golo Kante not playing for France?
      The Chelsea star been sidelined for four months due to a hamstring injury suffered during a 2-2 draw with Tottenham in August.
      The injury has meant Kante will miss the opportunity to help France to become only the third side to retain the World Cup.
      Providing all goes will with the 31-year-olds recovery, it looks likely we will see him return to action soon after the season proceeds.
      Credit: AFP
      France’s stars of the show
      So far, Mbappe and Giroud are the men who have contributed to most of Les Bleus’ goals.
      But Antoine Griezmann’s underlying stats suggests he’s on the most important players in the side too.

      Who will be the star men?
      Kylian Mbappe is the major threat for France – but as England found out, it is dangerous to give too much space to Antoine Griezmann, Aurelien Tchouameni or Giroud as they can all cause problems.
      Adrien Rabiot and Ousmane Dembele are also performing well – Morocco’s defence will need to be water tight again.
      Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech are the standout names for the Atlas Lions but Sofyan Amrabat is enjoying a superb tournament while Youssef En-Nesyri continues to hurt opponents up front.
      Credit: AP
      Credit: Splash
      What is the team news?
      Didier Deschamps could be forced into two changes after an illness bug swept round the France camp.
      Both central defender Dayot Upamecano and midfielder Adrien Rabiot were unable to train yesterday and are thought to be serious doubts.
      And that results in Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Youssef Fofana being on standby.
      As for Morocco, Regragui has some important calls to make at the back.
      Romain Saiss went off on a stretcher against Portugal then Walid Cheddira got himself red carded so they will both be out.
      Defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd missed the quarter-final but may be fit again now – although replacements Yahia Attiyat Allah and Jawad El Yamiq both shone.
      Credit: Reuters
      How did they get here?
      France beat Australia 4-1 and then Denmark 2-1 to book their place in the knockout rounds before their 1-0 defeat to Tunisia.
      A 3-1 win in the last 16 was enough to see off Poland before the holders came up against England but Olivier Giroud’s header followed by Kane’s penalty miss saw France edge through.
      Morocco started off with a 0-0 draw against fellow semi-finalists Croatia then beat Belgium 2-0 and Canada 2-1 to top Group F.
      They then drew 0-0 with Spain in the last 16 and won the shootout 3-0 before a 1-0 victory to end Portugal’s campaign and become the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final.
      Welcome to France vs Morocco!
      Hello and welcome to SunSport’s live coverage of France vs Morocco in the World Cup!
      That’s right, we’re days away from the final now and Morocco are STILL in the tournament.
      They face a historic semi-final clash with reigning world champions Les Bleus, who beat England in the quarters.
      France have been clinical so far in Qatar, winning their games with poise and ruthlessness, but Morocco are planning to upset the applecart.
      The African nation topped a group which contained Belgium, Croatia and Canada.
      And then they knocked out Spain on penalties in the last-16 before dispatching of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the quarter-finals.
      One big battle that fans are looking forward to witnessing is Kylian Mbappe’s clash with PSG team-mate Achraf Hakimi.
      Hakimi scored the winning penalty in the shootout against Spain and will be tasked with trying to spot his pal tonight.
      Mbappe, however, is joint-top scorer, alongside Lionel Messi, at the World Cup, and he’ll be out to pull clear tonight.
      So kick back and enjoy all of the action, we’ve got you covered here at SunSport HQ.
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      Would Karim Benzema be allowed to play at the World Cup final for France?

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      KARIM BENZEMA topped a fine season by winning the Ballon d’Or.But the Real Madrid striker was then struck by injury after being named in France’s squad for the World Cup.
      Karim Benzema back in training with Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Though Benzema is now back training with Real, with pictures emerging from their Valdebebas base.
      So would he be allowed to play in the World Cup final should France beat Morocco and make it?
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      Would Karim Benzema be allowed to play at the World Cup final?
      Karim Benzema COULD play for France if they reach the World Cup final – as he was never officially replaced in the squad.
      The Real star had been ruled out by French boss Didier Deschamps, but is back training with his club team.
      Marca report he has returned on time and has in fact been training without issue since last Saturday.
      Karim Benzema is training with Real MadridCredit: Getty
      And this means he could make a return to the fold if needed because he was never replaced in the French team.

      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup

      The strong form of Olivier Giroud means such a return is unlikely, however, with the AC Milan star’s goals so far proving vital for his nation in Qatar.
      Benzema missed out on 2018 World Cup glory due to his ongoing issue with compatriot Mathieu Valbuena, which kept him out of the national set-up until 2021.
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      Grant Wahl’s wife reveals cause of death after brother admits he was wrong to claim World Cup journalist was murdered

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      GRANT WAHL’S wife revealed what caused the reporter’s shocking death while covering the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Famous journalist Wahl suddenly died at the age of 48 on Friday last week during the quarter-final match between Argentina and the Netherlands.
      Grant Wahl suddenly died while covering the 2022 World Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Getty
      Dr Celine Gounder, an infectious disease epidemiologist, explained that her husband passed away “from the rupture of a slowly growing, undetected ascending aortic aneurysm with hemopericardium”.
      Dr Gounder wrote on Wahl’s official blog: “First and foremost, on behalf of myself and our family, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of support, love, and sympathy from around the world.
      “This continues to be a very difficult and painful time as we grieve a beloved husband, brother, and friend.
      “It is some comfort to know that so many people Grant reached—countless colleagues, readers, athletes, coaches, friends, and fans—are grieving alongside us.
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      “Grant arrived home Monday, December 12, and this transition was handled with the utmost care and sensitivity.
      “This was an international matter that required coordination from multiple agencies domestically and internationally, and there was full cooperation from everyone involved.
      “Our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in repatriating Grant, in particular the White House, the U.S. Department of State, FIFA, U.S. Soccer and American Airlines.
      “An autopsy was performed by the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office.
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      “Grant died from the rupture of a slowly growing, undetected ascending aortic aneurysm with hemopericardium.
      “The chest pressure he experienced shortly before his death may have represented the initial symptoms.
      “No amount of CPR or shocks would have saved him.
      “His death was unrelated to COVID. His death was unrelated to vaccination status. There was nothing nefarious about his death.
      “While the world knew Grant as a great journalist, we knew him as a man who approached the world with openness and love.
      Grant Wahl and his wife Celine GonuderCredit: Instagram/@grant_wahl
      Grant Wahl wore a rainbow T-shirt to a game in QatarCredit: Reuters
      “Grant was an incredibly empathetic, dedicated, and loving husband, brother, uncle, and son who was our greatest teammate and fan.
      “We will forever cherish the gift of his life; to share his company was our greatest love and source of joy.
      “Grant curated friends from all cultures and walks of life, for whom he was a generous listener, an enthusiast, a champion of others.”
      This comes after Wahl’s brother Eric admitted he no longer suspects foul play behind his death.
      Eric believed the football reporter was killed after he was denied entry by Qatar security forces to the World Cup match between Wales and USA in the group stage.
      Wahl wasn’t allowed in because he wore a pro-LGBTQ+ shirt and the authorities ordered him to remove it as homosexuality is illegal and even punishable by death in the Middle Eastern state.
      Grant Wahl’s wife Dr Celine Gounder revealed her husband’s cause of deathCredit: Getty
      The American journalist was ultimately let in and received an apology by FIFA but later received death threats.
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      But Eric now appears to agree with the doctors’ autopsy and doesn’t believe he was murdered.
      Wahl was one of the world’s most prominent sports journalists having worked with Sports Illustrated and Fox News as well as a New York Times bestselling author that always focused on human rights. More

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      England’s ‘Anthony Taylor battling Polish referee for World Cup final as Dutch favourite out due to Argentina win’

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      ANTHONY TAYLOR will discover on Friday if he is to become the fourth Englishman to referee a World Cup Final.Altrincham’s Taylor is one of the remaining contenders for the most prestigious appointment in world football.
      Poland’s Szymon Marciniak is among the contenders to referee the World Cup FinalCredit: Rex
      Anthony Taylor is vying to be the fourth Englishman to take charge of the showpieceCredit: Getty
      That was after he was one of the 12 officials to stay in Qatar for the final stages of the tournament.
      And with refs’ chief Pierluigi Collina a big fan of Taylor’s man and game-management skills, the 44-year-old is thought to be a genuine contender for the job.
      Taylor has not been involved in a knock-out match at the tournament.
      He did take control of Belgium’s goalless draw with Croatia and Ghana’s 3-2 win over South Korea, whose enraged Portuguese coach Paulo Bento he dismissed after blowing for full-time before a last-gasp corner could be taken.
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      Holland’s Danny Makkelie and Poland’s Szymon Marciniak are the other European contenders.
      And Brazil’s Wilton Sampaio – blamed by many England fans for their last eight exit – is another front-runner.
      William Ling was the first Englishman to referee a World Cup Final when he took charge of the 1954 showdown between Hungary and West Germany, who came from two down to win 3-2.
      Twenty years later, Wolverhampton butcher Jack Taylor awarded Holland a penalty inside the first 30 seconds as the Germans again won the trophy.
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      And in 2010, new Prem refs’ chief Howard Webb was widely criticised for his leniency in Spain’s extra-time win over the Dutch.
      Argentina have already booked their place in the final after Lionel Messi inspired them to a 3-0 win over Croatia last night.
      Now France and Morocco will clash today in the other semi-final. More

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      Lionel Messi’s brutal World Cup celebration towards Van Gaal ‘was revenge for former team-mate with 20-YEAR grudge’

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      ARGENTINA legend Lionel Messi directed his goal celebration against the Netherlands at Louis van Gaal due to a 20-year grudge. La Albiceleste beat Holland on penalties after a fiery 120 minutes of action and one flash-point was when Messi scored a penalty and ran over to the Dutch bench cupping his ears at them.
      Lionel Messi directed his celebration at the Netherlands manager Louis van GaalCredit: Getty
      Louis van Gaal’s treatment of Juan Roman Riquelme led to the celebrationCredit: AFP – Getty
      Many were baffled as to why the Paris Saint-Germain star did this but it appears it could be for the way Van Gaal treated Joan Roman Riquelme two decades ago.
      He played for Barcelona while Van Gaal was managing the club and he went on to play with Messi for the national team.
      Riquelme’s move to Barca did not go as planned with the ex-Manchester United boss benched him regularly and often refused to play him in his preferred position.
      Van Gaal even went as far as calling him a “political signing” and there have been reports that Riquelme was once subbed on then taken off within 30 seconds.
      READ MORE ARGENTINA NEWS
      The current Boca Juniors vice-president was known for cupping his ears after scoring and Messi seemingly wanted to replicate it in the direction of Van Gaal.
      Riquelme went on to have a fantastic career at Villarreal but Messi didn’t forget about his tough times at the hands of the Netherlands manager who also made comments before the quarter-final that angered him.
      Van Gaal cited “luck” as the reason his side lost to Argentina on penalties in the World Cup semi-final back in 2014.
      The feud between him and Argentina continued in Qatar as the 71-year-old claimed Emiliano Martinez approached him and said he “spoke too much” in the aftermath of the game.
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      It was not the only incident of the game, as a brawl occurred after Leandro Paredes smacked a ball at the Dutch dugout.
      Netherlands players tried to put off their opponents on the walk down to take their penalties that resulted in Argentina celebrating in front of them at the end.
      Messi even clashed with Wout Weghorst calling him “stupid” and there was angry scenes in the tunnel.
      Tempers flared continuously and 17 yellow cards were dished out by the end of the night. More

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      Celebrating Olivier Giroud & Julian Alvarez’s transformation from understudies to leading men in Qatar

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      MANY parallels can be drawn between Olivier Giroud and Julian Alvarez’s World Cup campaigns.Both were expected to be back-up options in Qatar but now find themselves as starting centre-forwards for the two teams most likely to lift the trophy.
      In the case of Milan’s experienced target man, the door was opened by Karim Benzema’s injury when the current Ballon d’Or holder withdrew from France’s squad on the eve of the tournament.
      While this was something of a blow for Les Bleus, it was by no means a disaster as Didier Deschamps is a huge fan of Giroud, who led France’s line for years during Benzema’s international exile.
      France have not been negatively impacted by Benzema’s absence in the slightestCredit: getty
      France won the World Cup in Russia with Giroud acting as selfless striker so that Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe could express themselves, he didn’t even register a shot on target – four years later he’s shown a sharper eye for goal.
      The Man City forward’s journey from understudy to leading man has been rather different.
      Lautaro Martinez started the tournament as Argentina’s first-choice striker and deservedly so, the 25-year-old was his side’s joint-leading scorer in qualifying.
      He also scored crucial goals during the Albiceleste’s successful Copa America campaign and subsequent 3-0 Finalissima victory over Italy at Wembley.
      Martinez entered the tournament having scored eight goals and provided six assists for Inter in the first half of the current season, which makes his sudden loss of form even stranger.
      For whatever reason, his finishing has deserted him in Qatar, although he did convert the winning spot-kick in the penalty shootout against Netherlands.
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      Alvarez is averaging a goal every 91 minutes in Qatar
      Lionel Scaloni had no choice but to promote Alvarez to starting striker and the result has been a considerable improvement to Argentina’s performances.
      Giroud and Alvarez (who both wear No9 for their respective nations) are rightly seen as secondary threats to Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi (who both wear No10) but their contributions should be recognised and celebrated.
      At the time of writing, they each have four goals to their name and both have affected decisive moments in the knockout stages – most notably, Giroud’s headed winner to eliminate England and Alvarez’s brace against Croatia.
      And the pair are very much in the hunt for the Golden Boot, currently led by Messi and Mbappe on five goals each, which is extraordinary when you consider they would have spent the majority of the tournament on the bench were it not for Benzema’s injury and Martinez’s unexpected yips.
      Decisions, decisions…
      Fittingly, only a cigarette paper separates them in Dream Team World Cup.
      The Frenchman currently has 29 points to the Argentine’s 28.
      If the bookmakers are to be believed and Deschamps see off a resilient Morocco outfit this evening then gaffers will be presented with a close call ahead of the final.
      Assuming most opt for a 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 formation, and decide to back Mbappe and Messi, there’s only one space left in the forward line.
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      A case could be made that Antoine Griezmann deserves the spot but at this stage it looks to be a toss-up between Giroud and Alvarez.
      Tonight’s events could alter the picture of course – only a fool would underestimate the Atlas Lions now – but it looks as if tens of thousands of Dream Team World Cup bosses will have to agonise over whether France or Argentina’s No9 is the man to back ahead of the big one. More