NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was escorted from a flight to Los Angeles after appearing to drift in and out of consciousness, according to police.

Beckham, without a team having suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl win over the Cincinnati Bengals in February, boarded a flight from Miami to Los Angeles on Sunday.

He disembarked following a request from officers, having initially rejected the flight crew's request for him to leave the American Airlines flight, police said.

A statement from the Miami-Dade Police Department, reported by NFL Network and others, read: "At approximately 9:30am (EST), officers from the Miami-Dade Police Department were dispatched to a medical emergency at an American Airlines flight.

"The flight crew was concerned for a passenger [Mr Odell Beckham], as they tried to wake him to fasten his seat belt, he appeared to be coming in and out of consciousness, prior to their departure.

"Fearing that Mr Beckham was seriously ill, and that his condition would worsen through the expected five-hour flight, the attendants called for police and fire rescue.

"Upon the officers' arrival, the flight crew asked Mr Beckham several times to exit the aircraft, which he refused. The aircraft was deplaned, at which time Mr Beckham was asked by the officers to exit the plane, and did so without incident.

"Mr Beckham was escorted to the non-secure area of the terminal by the officers where he made other arrangements."

Beckham is reportedly set to visit his former team the New York Giants, the Dallas Cowboys and the Buffalo Bills on free-agent visits in this coming week as he seeks to help another playoff team to Super Bowl glory after achieving that feat with the Rams in the 2021 season.

Cody Gakpo says "anything is possible" with his future at PSV after impressing for the Netherlands at the World Cup.

The 23-year-old has scored in his country's opening two matches – a 2-0 win over Senegal followed by a 1-1 draw with Ecuador – leaving Oranje top of Group A with a game to go.

He recently revealed he was disappointed to have missed out on a move to Manchester United, while Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have since been linked.

While Gakpo's immediate focus is on helping the Netherlands advance deep into the World Cup, he is not ruling out a move away from PSV when the January window opens.

"Right now I'm busy with the Dutch team. I'll see what happens in the winter. In football, anything is possible," he said at a press conference on Sunday.

"I don't get shy about the rumours. But it's a team sport, it's not about one person. I prefer it to be about the team. 

"It's nice things that people write, but I'm not too concerned with that. I'm focused now on the World Cup. I just focus here and do my best."

 

Gakpo has been directly involved in 34 goals in 28 games for PSV and the Netherlands this season, scoring 16 and assisting a further eight.

Despite enjoying his best campaign to date, the forward – into his fifth season as a first-team regular for PSV – insists there is still more to come.

"I know what I'm capable of but it's always a challenge to reach your highest level," he said. "I'm not there yet; I can improve in a lot of things.

"I know I scored two goals this World Cup. But that's not the focus right now. I can improve, I want to help the team. It's about being the best team in the end."

Gakpo could become the fourth man to score in three straight World Cup games for Oranje after Johan Neeskens (1974), Dennis Bergkamp (1994) and Wesley Sneijder (2010).

The Netherlands will advance to the last 16 if they avoid defeat against host nation Qatar on Tuesday, while a loss may also see them through if Ecuador beat Senegal.

They have won all four of their World Cup matches against Asian sides, scoring 11 goals and conceding just once.

Niclas Fullkrug came off the bench to salvage a first Qatar World Cup point for Germany as they held Spain to a 1-1 draw at Al Bayt Stadium.

Spain substitute Alvaro Morata opened the scoring in the second half of the clash between Group E heavyweights in Doha on Sunday.

Yet Fullkrug ensured Germany avoided back-to-back defeats after they were stunned by Japan in their opening match, equalising with seven minutes of regulation time to play.

The draw leaves Spain top, ahead of their final group game against Japan, with Germany needing to beat Costa Rica and hope La Roja do them a favour to have any chance of qualifying.

Rio Ferdinand has suggested David Beckham is setting up a consortium to buy former club Manchester United from the Glazer family.

United's American owners confirmed on Tuesday they are exploring the possibility of selling some or all of their shareholding after 17 years at the helm.

Supporters of the Premier League club have long called for the Glazers to sell up due to what they perceive to be a lack of direction and on-field success over the past decade.

United are valued by Forbes at $4.6billion (£3.8bn), which would surpass the £4.25bn Todd Boehly paid to purchase Chelsea as the most lucrative takeover in sporting history.

A number of interested parties are reportedly weighing up an offer, with bids from mega-rich backers in Saudi Arabia an option that has been touted.

According to former defender Ferdinand, fellow United great Beckham – who is a co-owner of MLS side Inter Miami – is among those interested in buying out the Glazers.

"Becks will come with a consortium. I saw Becks at the [England v USA] game; we were sat next to each other," Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five YouTube show.

"When you mention someone like Becks' name, he's obviously a part-owner of Inter Miami, but he doesn't come [alone]. It's not his money. 

"He comes with a consortium. He comes with people who do have deep pockets who have the ability to go and execute on a deal like that.

"That's the way he'll be approaching it, and rightly so. I think it's going to come down to a number. If you've got the number and can produce, that's what it's going to be about."

Having a member of United's Class of '92 working in a boardroom position would undoubtedly appease supporters, who have repeatedly protested for the Glazers to step aside.

Beckham spent 11 years with United's senior side after emerging through their youth ranks, winning the Premier League six times and the Champions League in 1999.

Asked if he would like to see Beckham involved in the ownership, Ferdinand said: "Yeah. Clubs that are successful over big periods of time have players that have worn the shirt.

"They understand the traditions, understand the history, understand the ethos of the football club and continue that.

"Ajax with Edwin van der Sar, Bayern Munich have [Karl-Heinz] Rummenigge in there among others, Real Madrid, Barca – they all do it. 

"They've all got players who have been in and around the football club at some point in their life and they're back in there working at the club because they understand it."

The Miami Dolphins moved into a dominant position in their Week 12 game with the Houston Texans, but suffered a potentially significant injury blow.

Miami led 30-0 against the one-win Texans early in the third quarter, however, it came as a cost as tackle Terron Armstead was ruled out with a pectoral injury.

Armstead was signed to a five-year, $75million deal in March.

He has never completed a full season-long slate of games in his NFL career, and last season played only eight in his final year with the New Orleans Saints.

The speed with which he was ruled out by the Dolphins will raise concerns he could be set for a spell on the sidelines as the Dolphins attempt to clinch a place in the postseason and potentially win the AFC East.

A victory over the Texans would improve the Dolphins to 8-3 heading into a tough Week 13 meeting with the San Francisco 49ers.

Andrej Kramaric thanked John Herdman for telling Canada to "'F' Croatia", saying his side "demonstrated who 'F'd' whom" in a 4-1 win.

Croatia dealt Canada their second defeat of this World Cup campaign, eliminating them from contention in Group F.

Canada had been unfortunate to lose their opener 1-0 to Belgium, and Herdman attracted attention afterwards for relaying what his message had been in the post-match huddle.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic responded by saying his team "deserve respect", and the 2018 finalists claimed to be motivated by Herdman's comments.

"I want to thank the Canada coach for the motivation," said Kramaric after scoring twice on Sunday. "In the end, Croatia demonstrated who 'F'd' whom."

The Croatia team could be heard celebrating nearby as Herdman took to the stage for his news conference, but he did not regret his comment.

"No, not at all," he said. "There's definitely a respect there for Croatia.

"As I keep saying, we're here to push as far as we can, here to change the mentality of the group. I could have been more composed coming out of the huddle, and that's part of my learning.

"I think we showed in the first 25 minutes that little Canada can compete with the best in the world.

"I don't think we gave [Croatia] an easy night. They deserved it, but we made them work for it."

According to Dalic, Herdman's "learning" should also include coming to terms with losses, as he suggested he had not heard from his opposite number following full-time.

"Whether I win or lose, I always like to congratulate the winner," Dalic said. "But he was not there, and that's his way of doing things.

"He was obviously mad. He is a high quality coach, but it will take him time to learn some things."

The evening had started so positively for Canada, who led through Alphonso Davies' second-minute header – their first World Cup goal in their fifth finals match.

"It was an amazing, amazing feeling," said captain Atiba Hutchinson. "We've wanted that for our country for a very long time.

"I always dreamt of playing in a World Cup. To see the ball hit the back of the net was great.

"In that moment, you want to continue to push on from there, and you have that feeling that this day is going to be for us. Today, it wasn't to be."

Portugal will be on a revenge mission when they attempt to make it two World Cup wins out of two against Uruguay on Monday.

La Celeste dumped Portugal out of the World Cup with a 2-1 victory at the round of 16 stage in Sochi four years ago.

Edinson Cavani's double ended Portugal's quest to be crowned champions in 2018, with Uruguay then losing 2-0 in a quarter-final against France.

Fernando Santos' side took their first step towards the knockout stage in Qatar by beating Ghana 3-2 on Thursday after Uruguay had been held to a goalless draw by South Korea.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot to become the first man to find the back of the net in five World Cups.

It was by no means all plain sailing for Portugal, though, and goalkeeper Diogo Costa almost gifted Ghana a last-gasp equaliser when he rolled the ball out and was robbed by Inaki Williams, but breathed a huge sigh of relief when the forward slipped.

Forward Goncalo Ramos knows Portugal face a big test when they face Diego Alonso's men in their second Group H match at Lusail Stadium 

He told reporters on Saturday: "They are very strong and dangerous. [Diego] Godín is a great player, but picking out individuals in a team with so much quality, it's not worth it."

Ramos added: "I think a team with our quality has to be favourites in any game. A draw? We don't look at any game thinking about a draw."

Uruguay could become the first team to keep six consecutive World Cup group stage clean sheets in Al Daayen.

Portugal have lost just one of their past 13 group stage games at the World Cup, that loss coming at the hands of Germany in 2014

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Portugal - Bruno Fernandes

While it was Ronaldo who took the headlines yet again following the win over Ghana, Bruno Fernandes played a huge part and he can help Portugal dictate the tempo against Uruguay.

The midfielder provided the passes for Joao Felix to put Portugal in front for a second time, and for Rafael Leao to make it 3-1.

Fernandes created more chances than any of his team-mates and became only the second Portugal player to provide two assists in a World Cup match after Jose Torres against Brazil back in 1966.

Uruguay - Federico Valverde

While Uruguay were toothless in a drab draw with South Korea, Federico Valverde did his best to get them going.

The Real Madrid midfielder struck the woodwork late on and showed the quality that has made him an important player for the European champions.

Valverde is capable of causing Portugal problems in such a big game for La Celeste as they eye a spot in the round of 16.

PREDICTION

Portugal are well fancied to be sitting pretty on six points with one group match to play.

Stats Perform's AI model has Santos' men down as having a 50.5 per cent chance of making it two victories from as many matches.

Uruguay's chances of claiming a first win of the tournament are rated at 23.4 per cent, while a draw is 26.1 per cent.

Marcus Rashford is hoping he gets a chance to redeem himself from a missed penalty in England's European Championship final defeat to Italy during the World Cup.

The Manchester United forward was among three members of Gareth Southgate's side to fail to beat Gianluigi Donnarumma from the spot in the shootout, alongside Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka.

The trio were then subject to racial abuse on social media, but that has not put him off stepping up for the Three Lions if required in Qatar.

"Racism is not good to go through as an individual but it's not good to see anyone go through it. [It's] more just disappointment. You're disappointed that people have views like that," he said.

"And the main reason is that you don't have those views about anyone else, regardless of their race or religion. It's more the disappointment that people are thinking those things, rather than saying them.

"I've missed a penalty before. You never want to miss a penalty, it's a great opportunity for forwards especially to score goals, and obviously they're big moment.

"As an individual I've always been comfortable with and enjoy big moments so I'm hoping I get to take another penalty in the tournament. I'm looking forward to it."

England were booed off following a goalless draw against the United States last time out, but stand on the brink of qualification for the knockout stages – with only a four-goal defeat to Wales in the final match enough to send them home.

Rashford is confident England will do what is required and will "leave it all out on the pitch" against Wales.

"It is not often I come away with England and feel like we're going to lose games. I think as a collective, we're very strong," he added.

"The togetherness is really high and it is a big feature that Gareth puts emphasis on.

"It is something we have worked on and it has improved as time has gone on. But like I said, the main reason why we are in the position we're in is because we have good players who are willing to work for one another and leave it all out on the pitch.

"In the next game, we'll definitely look to do that."

Canada were eliminated from the World Cup after just two matches despite again playing their part in an entertaining encounter as Croatia won 4-1 at Khalifa International Stadium.

Back at the finals after 36 years away, Canada thrilled in their opening game against Belgium, only to be narrowly beaten.

It looked to be a similar story again on Sunday, although Croatia were ultimately deserving winners after two goals from Andrej Kramaric and one each from Marko Livaja and Lovro Majer overturned an early Canada lead.

Alphonso Davies' opener was his country's first goal at a World Cup, but five defeats from five ends their hopes of progression as Croatia join Morocco on four points in Group F.

That wait for a breakthrough goal extended only 67 seconds into Canada's fifth finals match, with Davies meeting Tajon Buchanan's cross to head the fastest goal of the tournament so far.

Croatia soon took control, however, and after Milan Borjan twice denied Livaja either side of a disallowed Kramaric goal, two goals ahead of half-time turned the game on its head.

Borjan had no answer to Kramaric, who squeezed in another finish, and Livaja got his goal with a low effort from the edge of the box.

John Herdman's men came out for the second half with renewed optimism and went close through both substitute Jonathan Osorio and Jonathan David, but Kramaric continued to threaten and clinically picked out the bottom-left corner to settle it.

There was time for Croatia to add further gloss as poor Kamal Miller miscontrolled on halfway and gave Mislav Orsic a clear run to advance and unselfishly square to Majer.

What does it mean? Canada prove unsuccessful entertainers

Canada's tennis team clinched Davis Cup glory just before kick-off, and their countrymen did not have to wait long to celebrate again. After 50 shots without success across their prior four World Cup games, their 51st found the net through Davies.

But Croatia were themselves more effective in attack than Belgium had been and recovered from that setback to win comfortably, picking holes in the Canada defence with consummate ease.

Kramaric leads comeback

Kramaric showed his class in scoring with two of five attempts, displaying the sort of ruthless touch in front of goal that would have delivered Canada victory against Belgium, if not in this game.

This was the second match at this tournament to see a team concede first but lead before half-time, the other seeing Croatia's 2018 final conquerors France rally past Australia.

Such a swift turnaround did not occur once over the previous five World Cups combined.

Centurion looks his age

It is rare Luka Modric, at 37, is some way short of being the oldest man in a midfield battle, but Atiba Hutchinson, at 39, is the second-oldest outfield player to play at a World Cup.

While Hutchinson also became the first player to appear 100 times for Canada on Sunday, all that experience could not make up for a lack of pace that gave Croatia the run of the midfield.

What's next?

Canada are out but can still impact the rest of the group, facing Morocco as Croatia play Belgium in a winner-takes-all meeting on Thursday.

Nemanja Gudelj has defended the challenge on Neymar that may have led Brazil's star man to sustain his ankle injury in the victory over Serbia.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar limped off in the 80th minute of the Selecao's 2-0 triumph on Thursday, having been subjected to nine fouls – more than any other player during the opening round of group games.

Neymar, who suffered what has been described as a lateral ligament injury to his right ankle, shared an update on his official Instagram account on Saturday, including photos of his heavily swollen foot.

Gudelj received a yellow card for his 49th-minute challenge – and was substituted eight minutes later – but the midfielder insists he had no intention of injuring his opponent.

"I didn't feel like I tackled him very hard myself," Gudelj told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. "I tried not to hit him hard and certainly not on his ankle. I think he got injured during another action, because he played on for a while.

"I felt I had no choice because Neymar is deadly when he enters the penalty area. It was a necessary foul in my opinion, but one that eventually cost me a substitution."

Serbia suffered their eighth World Cup defeat since 2006 after going down against Brazil, with only Australia losing on more occasions at the finals during this span (nine).

Dragan Stojkovic's side can reignite their last-16 hopes with victory over Cameroon on Monday, before their Group G campaign concludes against Switzerland four days later.

"We played too carefully in the second half [against Brazil] and showed too much respect," Gudelj added. "We collapsed, so we certainly asked for a goal against a team with as much quality up front as Brazil.

"Whether we have seen the future world champions at work, I don't know. But they are definitely one of the favourites. They are an excellent team with technical and dynamic players. They're definitely going to fight for the gold.

"We have faith in ourselves and hope. Of course, you can lose a game against Brazil, because they really have an excellent team.

"We just need to win two games now. So, we're going full steam ahead, with attacking football – the way we like to play."

Hakim Ziyech says Morocco found it "easier" to face Belgium than Croatia after they moved top of World Cup Group F with a 2-0 win over the Red Devils.

Belgium were favourites to secure what would have been a record ninth consecutive victory in a World Cup group game at Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday.

Morocco were worthy winners, though, following up a goalless draw with Croatia by taking all three points in Doha.

Romain Saiss got on the end of Abdelhamid Sabiri's set-piece to open the scoring and Zakaria Aboukhlal sealed a famous victory for the Atlas Lions in stoppage time.

Ziyech was named man of the match after having a first-half goal disallowed for offside and providing an assist for Aboukhlal in the closing stages.

The Chelsea winger said: "The first game was more difficult for us. We couldn't play our game, Croatia played a very good game. This one was perhaps easier, especially in midfield. They may have made more mistakes than the Croats.

"We played a very strong, robust game, especially in defence. We were waiting for their mistakes and I think we took the lead from that and scored at the right time."

Ziyech added: "I don't deserve this player of the match trophy. It's a collective effort, everyone was behind me, it's a collective work."

The former Ajax man felt Morocco's vociferous fans played a big part in a huge win in the battle for a place in the round of 16.

He said: "After 60-70 minutes some were tired and when we scored that goal they rallied behind us. It gave us more power, more power. The crowd helped us, they were behind us and I think that really boosted us."

Morocco’s victory over Belgium was their first in five World Cup matches and put their fate in their own hands heading into a final group game against Canada next Thursday.

Raphael Varane says France must avoid comparing their current squad to the team that won the 2018 World Cup, after reaching the knockout stage at Qatar 2022.

Les Bleus are looking to defend the title they won in Russia, and are into the last 16 after opening victories against Australia and Denmark in Group D.

Varane, who returned from an injury sustained on club duty with Manchester United to feature in his country's second game, was a member of Didier Deschamps' side that beat Croatia 4-2 in the final in Moscow four years ago.

But the centre-back says the current crop must dodge the pitfalls of measuring their current achievements against those set before, despite the presence of several World Cup-winning players.

"You have to avoid making too many comparisons," he stated. "This is another moment, and you have to be present.

"Each major tournament has its history, with different players and contexts. Four years in football is an eternity.

"We can draw inspiration from before, from the state of mind that we had then, but we must not try to copy."

France – who play Tunisia in their final group game on Wednesday – will be without World Cup winner Lucas Hernandez for the rest of the tournament after he suffered a knee injury in their opening clash with Australia.

His brother Theo has deputised at left-back since, replacing Hernandez in the first half against Australia and continuing in the position against Denmark.

Reflecting on his sibling's injury, Theo Hernandez claimed his brother has requested the World Cup be brought back for him, saying: "Since he left [the squad], I have spoken with him every day.

"He tells me that we have to win, to bring him back the World Cup. We will have to work hard to continue like this though."

Marcus Rashford will "forever" cherish his days of playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.

Ronaldo's Old Trafford departure was confirmed on Tuesday as United revealed the two parties came to a "mutual agreement" regarding his immediate exit.

That came after the 37-year-old held an explosive interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV, during which he openly criticised the club, its board and manager Erik ten Hag.

United said they "initiated appropriate steps" in the wake of the interview's full release, ultimately resulting in his second spell at the club coming to an end.

Ronaldo had struggled for form this season and found himself behind Rashford and Anthony Martial in the pecking order when they were all fit.

Despite the acrimonious conclusion to Ronaldo's time at the club, Rashford only looked back on their time together with a positive outlook.

"Listen, it's been an unbelievable experience to play with him," Rashford said.

"He's obviously one of my idols and someone I've always looked up to, so to have the opportunity to play with him is unbelievable.

"I'll take that with me and it's something that I can keep with me forever.

"So, I wish him all the best. We obviously want to thank him for the things that he's done for Manchester United and wish him all the best in the rest of his career."

Ronaldo is yet to sign with another club, but according to reports there are no restrictions on where he can move.

Chelsea and Newcastle United have been mentioned as potential destinations for the Portugal great, while Flamengo and Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr are also rumoured to be keen.

Saudi Arabia captain Salman Al Faraj has been ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup through injury.

The Al Hilal defender injured his leg in Tuesday's shock 2-1 win over Argentina and left the stadium on crutches.

Al Faraj did not feature in Saudi Arabia's 2-0 loss to Poland in their second Group C contest on Saturday and will play no further part in their Qatar 2022 campaign.

A Saudi statement confirmed the news on Sunday and added Al Faraj, who has been capped 71 times for his country, will undergo a full recovery programme.

Saudi Arabia are also without Yasser Al Shahrani after he underwent emergency surgery following a horror collision with team-mate Mohammed Al Owais against Argentina.

Herve Renard's side face Mexico in their final group match and will advance to the last 16 if they win, while a draw will be enough should Poland defeat Argentina.

Should Saudi Arabia draw and Argentina beat Poland, it will then come down to goal difference to determine who progresses to the knockout stage.

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