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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Nathan Ridley

Tottenham commit second World Cup blunder by inviting fans to watch England semi-final

Tottenham made another embarrassing World Cup blunder by inviting fans to their stadium for a World Cup semi-final - one which England won't be in.

Despite an estimated 23 million people watching the Three Lions' narrow 2-1 defeat by holders France on Saturday, Spurs sent an email to supporters advertising a massive viewing party at their swanky north London stadium next Wednesday. It's the club's second mistake of the tournament after erroneously congratulating their very own Richarlison for apparently making it through to the semi-finals with Brazil.

But like England, Brazil were booted out at the quarter-final stage and have headed home from Qatar to wallow in their heartache. Croatia were the masters of Richarlison and Co.'s downfall as they won a dramatic penalty shootout on Friday.

But Tottenham's Facebook page didn't get the memo, declaring: "Richarlison is into the World Cup semi-finals!" The post was quickly deleted when fans noticed the gaffe, as Spurs wrote a fresh message of support to their No.7. "Richarlison and Brazil exit the World Cup," it read. "Head up Richy."

A day later, Tottenham were at it again by firing an email to fans which should've only been sent out in the event of England beating the world champions. The heading read: "A world class venue for World Cup screenings," before more text called on supporters to "Watch England in the World Cup Semi Final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium."

"Experience the excitement and drama of a World Cup Semi-final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium," the email went on. "With a place in the Final at stake, England's date with destiny awaits on Wednesday 14th December, 7 pm KO. Will Gareth Southgate 's men make it to a first World Cup Final since 1966?"

England were narrowly beaten 2-1 by France, as Harry Kane missed a late penalty (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

It was certainly a bitter exit for both nations, but England's defeat will sting Spurs more. Their star striker, Harry Kane, shocked the world by missing a penalty, as he's usually so reliable from 12 yards. As Tottenham teammate Eric Dier watched from the bench, the Three Lions captain stunningly blazed his effort over the bar, having already scored a spot kick earlier in the second half.

It left Kane devastated, but like Richarlison after Brazil's loss, he fronted up to the media post-match. "On the night we were probably the team that created the better chances," the 29-year-old told ITV. "We had good spells in the game, but as you know, big games come down to fine details and margins, and they got theirs right and we didn't."

Have your say! Who'll win the World Cup after England and Brazil's exits? Join the debate in the comments section.

Tottenham's Harry Kane missed a late penalty for England (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Spurs teammate Richarlison also suffered World Cup heartache with Brazil (Visionhaus/Getty Images)

On the pain of England's failure, Kane added: "A World Cup is every four years, it's not like we have another opportunity next year. It's a long time to wait, but as I say, I'm proud of the boys. We had a great camp, a great World Cup but it came down to a small detail - one I'll take responsibility for.

"I'm not worried about the team and how it will affect them. I know we've got some great talent and a Euros in a year and a half. For sure it will hurt, not just for me but for everyone involved, but that's football, that's sport, you have to take it on the chin sometimes and move forward."

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