Mesmerising Messi leads Argentina past Croatia to World Cup final

A dazzling performance from Lionel Messi led Argentina to their sixth World Cup final with a 3-0 victory over Croatia at Lusail Stadium. Messi now gets one last chance to win the piece of silverware that has eluded him in his trophy-laden career, but 22-year-old striker Julian Alvarez also shone as Argentina ensured they will return on Sunday to face either France or Morocco.

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Southgate will take time to consider England future

England have begun their journey home from Qatar as Gareth Southgate deliberates over his future in the wake of their World Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of France. The 52 year old has a contract through to the end of EURO 2024 but there have been calls for him to resign as his side once again came up short.

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France dump out England as Kane misses penalty

France have booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals courtesy of a Olivier Giroud header however things could have been different for Les Bleus as England captain Harry Kane missed a penalty that would have forced extra time. Defending champions France will face Morocco on Wednesday night.

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Morocco stun Portugal to make World Cup history

Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final and ended the hopes of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. Striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning goal in the first half, leaping highest to beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball and heading in to spark pandemonium at Al Thumama Stadium.

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Argentina survive Dutch comeback to win on penalties

Lionel Messi’s World Cup dream lives on after Argentina edged out the Netherlands on penalties after a hugely dramatic quarter-final at Lusail Stadium. Messi looked to have inspired Argentina into a last-four meeting with Brazil’s conquerors Croatia when he set up Nahuel Molina’s opener 10 minutes before the break and then added the second from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute after Denzel Dumfries fouled Marcos Acuna.

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