Moscow: After France’s less convincing World Cup start against Australia, former Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimovic has criticised France coach Didier Deschamps violently over the omission of Real Madrid star striker Karim Benzema. “For me, it’s just wrong that Benzema is not there, he’s one of the best in the world, has won the Champions League, plays for Real Madrid, and being out of this team has nothing to do with football,” said Ibra. “Deschamps says Benzema would not be good enough for the team, if he says that, he’s not here, it’s ridiculous,” Ibrahimovic pestered the 49-year-old. “If you want to win, you need winners and Benzema is one,” added the Los Angeles Galaxy attacker.
Maradona’s response
Moscow: Diego Maradona has given his version of an exchange with an Asian fan during the World Cup game between Argentina and Iceland here that witnesses perceived as racist. A British broadcaster, Jacqui Oatley, reported seeing Maradona respond to South Korea fans calling his name. “Maradona obliged with a smile, kiss and wave, then pulled his eyes to the side in a clearly racist gesture,” Oatley tweeted. Explaining the incident, Maradona wrote Sunday on his Facebook account, “I saw an Asian boy wearing an Argentina T-shirt. I, from afar, tried to tell them how nice it seemed to me that even the Asians cheer for us. And that’s all, guys, come on,” he added. He also apologised for smoking a cigar Saturday, despite a FIFA ban on smoking at World Cup stadiums.
Mexican fans mock Trump
Moscow: Wearing festive sombreros and ponchos, Mexican fans cheered for their national football team and vented their discontent with US President Donald Trump in the streets here, ahead of their game against Germany at the Luzhniki stadium. One of the fans, was particularly not shy about showing what he thinks of the Trump, as he was pictured dancing and singing wearing a piggyback-riding Trump costume. The jubilant fan proudly held the presidential head between his legs. Trump has vowed to curb illegal immigration by building a border wall and even making Mexico pay for it.
Sweden coach apologises
Nizhny Novgorod: Sweden coach Janne Andersson says one of his staff got into a closed South Korea training session and was asked to leave, leading to a squabble between the teams over spying ahead of their World Cup game here, Monday. Andersson says the staffer, who is entrusted with scouting the opposition, thought the practice session at South Korea’s pre-World Cup training camp in Austria was open. Andersson says the coach left when asked and ‘watched from more of a distance’. The incident has created a frosty atmosphere between the teams. Andersson said the incident has been overblown, adding, “It’s very important that we show respect for opponents … If it has been perceived in another way, we apologise.”
Egypt goalie denies MoM award
Yekaterinburg: Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy refused to accept the man of the match (MoM) award for his heroics against Uruguay, snubbing the accolade because of its sponsors, alcohol giant Budweiser. The Egypt stopper was given the award, which comes in the form of a red goblet emblazoned with the logo of World Cup sponsors Budweiser. However, El-Shenawy was seen shunning the award when offered it after the game, rejecting it due to his Muslim beliefs which mean he does not drink alcohol.