Tuesday Sport - Lunch Update

Tuesday, 13 December 2022 12:56

By Clem Ryan

Argentina v Croatia Tonight; Messi World Cup Record Appearance, Laois' Munnelly Ends 20 Year Inter-County Career; Thursday Naas Racecard in Doubt.

Lionel Messi will make a record-equalling 25th World Cup appearance tonight when Argentina play Croatia in the first of the semi finals.

The 35-year-old is appearing at a fifth World Cup and has played in one final.

Croatia could become the first team since Brazil in 2002 to reach back-to-back finals.

Argentina will be without Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel due to suspension.

Croatia have a fully fit squad to choose from.

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Laois football forward Ross Munnelly has retired from inter county football after a 20 year inter county career

The Arles Kilcruise is the only player from outside Dublin - who have won every provincial championship since 2011 - to possess a Leinster winner's medal.

Munnelly made his championship debut in Laois football's Leinster title win in 2003 in the first year of Mick O'Dwyer's reign.

Two years later, Munnelly had been installed as captain.

He was nominated for an All-Star in 2006 and earned three call-ups for the Ireland international rules side in 2005, 2013 and 2014.

He made his final appearance for Laois in their Tailteann Cup defeat to Westmeath in May.

The 39 years old will mark his 40th birthday shortly

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Leinster hope Jonathan Sexton and Tadhg Furlong will prove their fitness for Friday’s Heineken Champions Cup meeting with Gloucester at the RDS.

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

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

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

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Punchestown's card which was postponed on Sunday is rescheduled for next Monday.

Racing scheduled for Naas on Thursday is in doubt as the track is currently unraceable.