Tuesday Morning: Race Meeting Fixed For Naas On Thursday Could Be In Doubt

Croatia could become the first team since Brazil in 2002 to reach consecutive World Cup finals

SOCCER

Croatia could become the first team since Brazil in 2002 to reach consecutive World Cup finals.

They stand between Argentina and a place in Sunday's final in Qatar.

Kick-off at the Lusail Stadium is at 7pm, Irish time.

Croatia have no fresh injury concerns, while Argentina pair Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel are suspended.
 

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Luis Enrique says he wants to return to club management.

He lost his job as Spain head coach following their World Cup second round exit at the hands of Morocco.

Luis Enrique previously managed Barcelona to a Champions League and a pair of La Liga titles.

He's been mooted as a potential replacement for Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid next season.


RUGBY

Leinster will give Jonathan Sexton and Tadhg Furlong every opportunity to prove their fitness for Friday’s Heineken Champions Cup meeting with Gloucester.

They missed Saturday’s impressive win over Racing with respective calf and ankle injuries.


It’s d-day for French rugby president Bernard Laporte.

Along with Montpellier owner and France sponsor Mohed Altrad and the former head of the 2023 Rugby World Cup organising committee, they will learn the verdict of a long-running investigation this afternoon.

Among the charges being faced, Laporte is accused of accepting 180-thousand euro from Altrad in return for favourable decisions from the French union.

Prosecutors are seeking year-long prison sentences for Laporte and co.


SNOOKER

Mark Allen will be in English Open first round action tonight.

He faces Dylan Emery following a 4-1 victory over Mitchell Mann in the qualifiers last night.


HORSE RACING

Punchestown's card which was postponed on Sunday - and meant to feature the John Durkan Chase, is set to be rescheduled for Monday December 19th.

Ireland's next race fixture is scheduled for Naas on Thursday, but as things stand the track is currently unraceable.