France striker Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from international football – on his 35th birthday – a day after Les Bleus lost against Argentina on penalties in the World Cup final. The Ballon d’Or winner, who scored 37 times in 97 appearances, was expected to lead the line for France in Qatar but missed the tournament after sustaining a thigh injury in training the day before it started.
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ionel Messi finally achieved his World Cup dream as Argentina won their third crown on penalties following one of the greatest finals in the tournament’s history at Lusail Stadium. Argentina won the shootout 4-2 after a spectacular game which developed into the much-anticipated confrontation between Messi and Mbappe, the Frenchman scoring a hat-trick but still ended up on the losing side.
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France were pushed all the way by World Cup wild cards Morocco before the holders sealed a place in Sunday’s final against Argentina. Theo Hernández gave the defending champions the lead after just five minutes but the Atlas Lions regrouped and tested Les Bleus before substitute Randal Kolo Muani put the result beyond doubt.
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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 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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