<div on-document:qinit=”q-Ddou9EFQ.js#_hW[0]” q:key=”QW_9″ q:id=”7f”><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=7g q:key=vcaa:<p>The World Cup offers a platform like no other.</p>–><!–qv q:id=7h q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-0″ class=”mt-[18px] md:mt-0 mb-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”7i”>The World Cup offers a platform like no other.</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=7j q:key=vcaa:<p>Superstars within the game are propelled to new heights while those with a lesser profile suddenly, if briefly, become cultural touch points. How many people would have recognized Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha had he walked down the street before the <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/world-cup”>World Cup</a>. Now he&rsquo;s got more Instagram followers than Australia has residents.</p>–><!–qv q:id=7k q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-1″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”7l”>Superstars within the game are propelled to new heights while those with a lesser profile suddenly, if briefly, become cultural touch points. How many people would have recognized Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha had he walked down the street before the <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/world-cup”>World Cup</a>. Now he's got more Instagram followers than Australia has residents.</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=7m q:key=vcaa:<p>In this magnified scrutinization of every shot, step and sip of a water bottle, the comments that are made during the tournament get blared across the globe. It can be easy to get lost in the churn of content, so here&rsquo;s a reminder of the best quotes that were uttered this summer.</p>–><!–qv q:id=7n q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-2″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”7o”>In this magnified scrutinization of every shot, step and sip of a water bottle, the comments that are made during the tournament get blared across the globe. It can be easy to get lost in the churn of content, so here's a reminder of the best quotes that were uttered this summer.</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=7p q:key=vcaa:https://content-enrichment-service.mmsport.minutesvc.com/oembed?url=https://content-enrichment-service.mmsport.minutesvc.com/properties/si/embeds/01k77gg963as152–><!–qv q:id=7q q:key=jBas:mL_1–><figure on-document:load=”q-CoOs4Ob1.js#s_LZBLIxdhCWU[0 1]” q:key=”S2_2″ q:id=”7r”/><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=7s q:key=vcaa:4–><!–qv q:id=7t q:key=fOK1:mL_1–><hr class=”w-full border-0 my-4 bg-lightGrey h-1″ q:key=”Xt_0″/><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=7u q:key=vcaa:<h2>Confident</h2>–><!–qv q:id=7v q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><h2 id=”inline-text-5″ class=”scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”7w”>Confident</h2><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=7x q:key=vcaa:https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2804,h_1869,x_57,y_0/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kxxa1spcvw5j6fb381.jpg–><!–qv q:id=7y q:key=VjqC:mL_1–><!–qv q:id=7z q:key=deAA:7d_3–><!–qv q:s q:sref=7z q:key=–><!–qv q:id=80 q:key=deAA:7d_2–><!–qv q:s q:sref=80 q:key=–><!–qv q:id=81 q:key=cHU9:7d_1–><!–qv q:id=82 q:key=deAA:e2_0–><!–qv q:id=83 q:key=B0c2:SZ_1–><figure q:key=”9m_3″ q:id=”84″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”3″><!–qv q:s q:sref=83 q:key=–><!–qv q:s q:sref=82 q:key=–><div class=”overflow-hidden undefined” on:qvisible=”q-CcCfebzS.js#_hW[0]” on-document:qinit=”q-DxTOEXdf.js#_hW[1]” q:id=”85″><picture style=”aspect-ratio: 3 / 2″><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_57,y_0,w_2804,h_1869/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxa1spcvw5j6fb381.jpg 1x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_57,y_0,w_2804,h_1869/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxa1spcvw5j6fb381.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_57,y_0,w_2804,h_1869/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxa1spcvw5j6fb381.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 719px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_57,y_0,w_2804,h_1869/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxa1spcvw5j6fb381.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_57,y_0,w_2804,h_1869/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxa1spcvw5j6fb381.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_57,y_0,w_2804,h_1869/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxa1spcvw5j6fb381.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 1079px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_57,y_0,w_2804,h_1869/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxa1spcvw5j6fb381.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_57,y_0,w_2804,h_1869/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxa1spcvw5j6fb381.jpg 2x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_57,y_0,w_2804,h_1869/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxa1spcvw5j6fb381.jpg 3x” media=”(min-width: 1080px)”><img src=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_57,y_0,w_2804,h_1869/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kxxa1spcvw5j6fb381.jpg” alt=”Gianni Infantino” title=”Gianni Infantino” width=”360″ height=”240″ class=”undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]” q:id=”86″/></source></source></source></picture></div><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><p><figcaption q:id=”87″>FIFA president Gianni Infantino has come under fire for his approach to the tournament. | Carl Recine/Getty Images</figcaption></p></figure><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=88 q:key=vcaa:<p>The World Cup is no place for shrinking violets&mdash;something which FIFA president can never be accused of. When asked if soccer&rsquo;s organizing body should be &ldquo;embarrassed&rdquo; by the perceived assault on liberty which has defined the buildup to a tournament supposedly aimed at &ldquo;uniting the world,&rdquo; Gianni Infantino went full The Big Lebowski:</p>–><!–qv q:id=89 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-7″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”8a”>The World Cup is no place for shrinking violets—something which FIFA president can never be accused of. When asked if soccer's organizing body should be “embarrassed†by the perceived assault on liberty which has defined the buildup to a tournament supposedly aimed at “uniting the world,†Gianni Infantino went full The Big Lebowski:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=8b q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;It&rsquo;s important sometimes to chill, relax.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=8c q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”6″><p>“It's important sometimes to chill, relax.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=8d–>Gianni Infantino<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=8e q:key=vcaa:<p>A summer stricken by <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/fifa-gesture-referee-omar-artan-partially-softens-blow-world-cup-denial”>visa debacles</a>, accusations of <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/got-to-have-our-best-players-trump-confirms-involvement-balogun-red-card-reversal”>political interference</a> and questions about his very future in the position did nothing to dampen Infantino&rsquo;s spirit: </p>–><!–qv q:id=8f q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-9″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”8g”>A summer stricken by <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/fifa-gesture-referee-omar-artan-partially-softens-blow-world-cup-denial”>visa debacles</a>, accusations of <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/got-to-have-our-best-players-trump-confirms-involvement-balogun-red-card-reversal”>political interference</a> and questions about his very future in the position did nothing to dampen Infantino's spirit: </p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=8h q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;One country will be world champion but the world has already won. America has won, FIFA has won.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=8i q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”7″><p>“One country will be world champion but the world has already won. America has won, FIFA has won.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=8j–>Gianni Infantino<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=8k q:key=vcaa:<p>The U.S. started the summer winning, much to the delight of midfielder Weston McKennie. After the <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/four-takeaways-from-usmnt-record-breaking-world-cup-opener”>USMNT&rsquo;s 4&ndash;1 rout of Paraguay</a>, he fired off:</p>–><!–qv q:id=8l q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-11″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”8m”>The U.S. started the summer winning, much to the delight of midfielder Weston McKennie. After the <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/four-takeaways-from-usmnt-record-breaking-world-cup-opener”>USMNT's 4–1 rout of Paraguay</a>, he fired off:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=8n q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;For the people [who] maybe say, &lsquo;Oh, soccer&rsquo;s boring&rsquo;&mdash;well, you had five goals today.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=8o q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”8″><p>“For the people [who] maybe say, ‘Oh, soccer's boring'—well, you had five goals today.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=8p–>Weston McKennie<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=8q q:key=vcaa:<p>That confident streak was actively fostered by manager Mauricio Pochettino. When asked what &ldquo;mindset&rdquo; the Argentine had instilled in his players, Sebastian Berhalter explained:</p>–><!–qv q:id=8r q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-13″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”8s”>That confident streak was actively fostered by manager Mauricio Pochettino. When asked what “mindset†the Argentine had instilled in his players, Sebastian Berhalter explained:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=8t q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;We&rsquo;re American, we don&rsquo;t take s—.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=8u q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”6″><p>“We're American, we don't take s—.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=8v–>Sebastian Berhalter<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=8w q:key=vcaa:https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3085,h_2056,x_149,y_0/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kvb1232g0ykkyt08gy.jpg–><!–qv q:id=8x q:key=VjqC:mL_1–><!–qv q:id=8y q:key=deAA:7d_3–><!–qv q:s q:sref=8y q:key=–><!–qv q:id=8z q:key=deAA:7d_2–><!–qv q:s q:sref=8z q:key=–><!–qv q:id=90 q:key=cHU9:7d_1–><!–qv q:id=91 q:key=deAA:e2_0–><!–qv q:id=92 q:key=B0c2:SZ_1–><figure q:key=”9m_3″ q:id=”93″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”3″><!–qv q:s q:sref=92 q:key=–><!–qv q:s q:sref=91 q:key=–><div class=”overflow-hidden undefined” on:qvisible=”q-CcCfebzS.js#_hW[0]” on-document:qinit=”q-DxTOEXdf.js#_hW[1]” q:id=”94″><picture style=”aspect-ratio: 3 / 2″><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_149,y_0,w_3085,h_2056/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kvb1232g0ykkyt08gy.jpg 1x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_149,y_0,w_3085,h_2056/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kvb1232g0ykkyt08gy.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_149,y_0,w_3085,h_2056/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kvb1232g0ykkyt08gy.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 719px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_149,y_0,w_3085,h_2056/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kvb1232g0ykkyt08gy.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_149,y_0,w_3085,h_2056/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kvb1232g0ykkyt08gy.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_149,y_0,w_3085,h_2056/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kvb1232g0ykkyt08gy.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 1079px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_149,y_0,w_3085,h_2056/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kvb1232g0ykkyt08gy.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_149,y_0,w_3085,h_2056/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kvb1232g0ykkyt08gy.jpg 2x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_149,y_0,w_3085,h_2056/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kvb1232g0ykkyt08gy.jpg 3x” media=”(min-width: 1080px)”><img src=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_149,y_0,w_3085,h_2056/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kvb1232g0ykkyt08gy.jpg” alt=”Sebastian Berhalter ” title=”Sebastian Berhalter ” width=”360″ height=”240″ class=”undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]” q:id=”95″/></source></source></source></picture></div><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><p><figcaption q:id=”96″>Sebastian Berhalter revealed Mauricio Pochettino's fighting words ahead of the Australia match. | Jamie Squire/Getty Images</figcaption></p></figure><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=97 q:key=vcaa:<p>Argentina certainly weren&rsquo;t prepared to take any grief from any team. In fact, the 2022 champion welcomed it. Reflecting on a series of comebacks after his side&rsquo;s latest heroics against England in the semifinals, the perennially emotional Lionel Scaloni, a character seemingly on the verge of tears during every public appearance, warned: </p>–><!–qv q:id=98 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-16″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”99″>Argentina certainly weren't prepared to take any grief from any team. In fact, the 2022 champion welcomed it. Reflecting on a series of comebacks after his side's latest heroics against England in the semifinals, the perennially emotional Lionel Scaloni, a character seemingly on the verge of tears during every public appearance, warned: </p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=9a q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;This team plays best when facing adversity. The opponent hesitates a bit, we smell blood, and we go for it.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=9b q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”8″><p>“This team plays best when facing adversity. The opponent hesitates a bit, we smell blood, and we go for it.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=9c–>Lionel Scaloni<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=9d q:key=vcaa:<p><a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/argentina-world-cup-final-brawl-potential-punishments-fifa-investigation”>Where that blood came from</a> was not a question anyone in Argentina appeared prepared to ask.</p>–><!–qv q:id=9e q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-18″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”9f”><a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/argentina-world-cup-final-brawl-potential-punishments-fifa-investigation”>Where that blood came from</a> was not a question anyone in Argentina appeared prepared to ask.</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=9g q:key=vcaa:<p>The only team to present Scaloni&rsquo;s side with more adversity than it could stomach was Spain. Not that the outcome surprised Luis de la Fuente. As the Basque boss pointed out after swatting aside France in the semifinals:</p>–><!–qv q:id=9h q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-19″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”9i”>The only team to present Scaloni's side with more adversity than it could stomach was Spain. Not that the outcome surprised Luis de la Fuente. As the Basque boss pointed out after swatting aside France in the semifinals:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=9j q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;We&rsquo;re facing one of the best lineups in the world, but we&rsquo;re the best team in the world.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=9k q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”6″><p>“We're facing one of the best lineups in the world, but we're the best team in the world.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=9l–>Luis de la Fuente<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=9m q:key=vcaa:<p>Spain&rsquo;s players have been talking about global domination all summer. Marc Cucurella was one of several roster members who promised to get a tattoo of his coach should La Roja earn a second star. De la Fuente had not forgotten after the final. </p>–><!–qv q:id=9n q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-21″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”9o”>Spain's players have been talking about global domination all summer. Marc Cucurella was one of several roster members who promised to get a tattoo of his coach should La Roja earn a second star. De la Fuente had not forgotten after the final. </p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=9p q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;My players are men of their word &#8203;and I know they will stick to &#8203;their word. They &zwnj;made &#8288;a mistake and they will stick to it. I am not that ugly.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=9q q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”6″><p>“My players are men of their word ​and I know they will stick to ​their word. They ‌made ⁠a mistake and they will stick to it. I am not that ugly.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=9r–>Luis de la Fuente<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=9s q:key=vcaa:23–><!–qv q:id=9t q:key=fOK1:mL_1–><hr class=”w-full border-0 my-4 bg-lightGrey h-1″ q:key=”Xt_0″/><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=9u q:key=vcaa:<h2>Scathing</h2>–><!–qv q:id=9v q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><h2 id=”inline-text-24″ class=”scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”9w”>Scathing</h2><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=9x q:key=vcaa:https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4301,h_2867,x_0,y_0/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kw16hhpa8dkefxk0k1.jpg–><!–qv q:id=9y q:key=VjqC:mL_1–><!–qv q:id=9z q:key=deAA:7d_3–><!–qv q:s q:sref=9z q:key=–><!–qv q:id=a0 q:key=deAA:7d_2–><!–qv q:s q:sref=a0 q:key=–><!–qv q:id=a1 q:key=cHU9:7d_1–><!–qv q:id=a2 q:key=deAA:e2_0–><!–qv q:id=a3 q:key=B0c2:SZ_1–><figure q:key=”9m_3″ q:id=”a4″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”3″><!–qv q:s q:sref=a3 q:key=–><!–qv q:s q:sref=a2 q:key=–><div class=”overflow-hidden undefined” on:qvisible=”q-CcCfebzS.js#_hW[0]” on-document:qinit=”q-DxTOEXdf.js#_hW[1]” q:id=”a5″><picture style=”aspect-ratio: 3 / 2″><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4301,h_2867/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kw16hhpa8dkefxk0k1.jpg 1x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4301,h_2867/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kw16hhpa8dkefxk0k1.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4301,h_2867/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kw16hhpa8dkefxk0k1.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 719px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4301,h_2867/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kw16hhpa8dkefxk0k1.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4301,h_2867/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kw16hhpa8dkefxk0k1.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4301,h_2867/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kw16hhpa8dkefxk0k1.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 1079px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4301,h_2867/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kw16hhpa8dkefxk0k1.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4301,h_2867/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kw16hhpa8dkefxk0k1.jpg 2x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4301,h_2867/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kw16hhpa8dkefxk0k1.jpg 3x” media=”(min-width: 1080px)”><img src=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4301,h_2867/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kw16hhpa8dkefxk0k1.jpg” alt=”Mauricio Pochettino running his hands through his long hair.” title=”Mauricio Pochettino running his hands through his long hair.” width=”360″ height=”240″ class=”undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]” q:id=”a6″/></source></source></source></picture></div><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><p><figcaption q:id=”a7″>Mauricio Pochettino had full autonomy of the U.S. men's national team. | Jared C. Tilton/FIFA/Getty Images</figcaption></p></figure><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=a8 q:key=vcaa:<p>Despite the positivity Infantino tried to pedal, plenty of managers and players found fault with FIFA, opponents and their own team.</p>–><!–qv q:id=a9 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-26″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”aa”>Despite the positivity Infantino tried to pedal, plenty of managers and players found fault with FIFA, opponents and their own team.</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=ab q:key=vcaa:<p>Pochettino kicked off the gripes in the aftermath of the USMNT&rsquo;s convincing opening victory over Paraguay, ignoring the historical significance of a night to savor to instead <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/mauricio-pochettino-usmnt-world-cup-dream-coming-341-days”>rant about the light whirring</a> of the air conditioner unit in the press room of SoFi Stadium.</p>–><!–qv q:id=ac q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-27″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”ad”>Pochettino kicked off the gripes in the aftermath of the USMNT's convincing opening victory over Paraguay, ignoring the historical significance of a night to savor to instead <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/mauricio-pochettino-usmnt-world-cup-dream-coming-341-days”>rant about the light whirring</a> of the air conditioner unit in the press room of SoFi Stadium.</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=ae q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;We can&rsquo;t work in these conditions. In this amazing stadium that we have, we don&rsquo;t have a comfortable room to make a very important press conference.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=af q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”7″><p>“We can't work in these conditions. In this amazing stadium that we have, we don't have a comfortable room to make a very important press conference.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=ag–>Mauricio Pochettino<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=ah q:key=vcaa:<p>Some nations had it a bit tougher than some mild noise pollution. As Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/iran-tired-treatment-2026-world-cup-call-fifa-support”>was at pains to point out</a>: </p>–><!–qv q:id=ai q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-29″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”aj”>Some nations had it a bit tougher than some mild noise pollution. As Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/iran-tired-treatment-2026-world-cup-call-fifa-support”>was at pains to point out</a>: </p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=ak q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;Our team is the most oppressed in the whole World Cup.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=al q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”5″><p>“Our team is the most oppressed in the whole World Cup.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=am–>Amir Ghalenoei<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=an q:key=vcaa:<p>Iran wasn&rsquo;t the only nation unimpressed by FIFA&rsquo;s conduct this summer. The Dutch King Willem-Alexander revealed the topic of conversation while he was forced to sit next to Infantino during the Netherlands&rsquo; group stage campaign: </p>–><!–qv q:id=ao q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-31″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”ap”>Iran wasn't the only nation unimpressed by FIFA's conduct this summer. The Dutch King Willem-Alexander revealed the topic of conversation while he was forced to sit next to Infantino during the Netherlands' group stage campaign: </p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=aq q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;I may have made a few suggestions for the Peace Prize in the coming years.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=ar q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”5″><p>“I may have made a few suggestions for the Peace Prize in the coming years.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=as–>King Willem-Alexander<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=at q:key=vcaa:https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_1024,h_682,x_0,y_0/v1774944614/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kn1f2x64kem74qqbxr.jpg–><!–qv q:id=au q:key=VjqC:mL_1–><!–qv q:id=av q:key=deAA:7d_3–><!–qv q:s q:sref=av q:key=–><!–qv q:id=aw q:key=deAA:7d_2–><!–qv q:s q:sref=aw q:key=–><!–qv q:id=ax q:key=cHU9:7d_1–><!–qv q:id=ay q:key=deAA:e2_0–><!–qv q:id=az q:key=B0c2:SZ_1–><figure q:key=”9m_3″ q:id=”b0″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”2″><!–qv q:s q:sref=az q:key=–><!–qv q:s q:sref=ay q:key=–><div class=”overflow-hidden undefined” on:qvisible=”q-CcCfebzS.js#_hW[0]” on-document:qinit=”q-DxTOEXdf.js#_hW[1]” q:id=”b1″><picture style=”aspect-ratio: 3 / 2″><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kn1f2x64kem74qqbxr.jpg 1x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kn1f2x64kem74qqbxr.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kn1f2x64kem74qqbxr.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 719px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kn1f2x64kem74qqbxr.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kn1f2x64kem74qqbxr.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kn1f2x64kem74qqbxr.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 1079px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kn1f2x64kem74qqbxr.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kn1f2x64kem74qqbxr.jpg 2x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kn1f2x64kem74qqbxr.jpg 3x” media=”(min-width: 1080px)”><img src=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kn1f2x64kem74qqbxr.jpg” alt=”Rudi Garcia” title=”Rudi Garcia” width=”360″ height=”240″ class=”undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]” q:id=”b2″/></source></source></source></picture></div><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><p><figcaption q:id=”b3″>Rudi Garcia steered Belgium past the U.S. | KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP/Getty Images</figcaption></p></figure><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=b4 q:key=vcaa:<p>Belgium manager Rudi Garcia piled in on the institution in the wake of the bungled Folarin Balogun debacle. </p>–><!–qv q:id=b5 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-34″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”b6″>Belgium manager Rudi Garcia piled in on the institution in the wake of the bungled Folarin Balogun debacle. </p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=b7 q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t &zwnj;know that at the FIFA World Cup July 5 is now April 1 and it&rsquo;s April Fool&rsquo;s Day.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=b8 q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”6″><p>“I didn't ‌know that at the FIFA World Cup July 5 is now April 1 and it's April Fool's Day.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=b9–>Rudi Garcia<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=ba q:key=vcaa:<p>For Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz, his fury was reserved for the referees in the aftermath of a <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/england-player-ratings-vs-ghana-6-23-26″>controversial goalless draw with England</a>:</p>–><!–qv q:id=bb q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-36″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”bc”>For Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz, his fury was reserved for the referees in the aftermath of a <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/england-player-ratings-vs-ghana-6-23-26″>controversial goalless draw with England</a>:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=bd q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;Once again VAR went for a coffee.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=be q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”5″><p>“Once again VAR went for a coffee.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=bf–>Carlos Queiroz<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=bg q:key=vcaa:<p>Egypt&rsquo;s Hossam Hassan had plenty of vitriol regarding the standard of refereeing. Still positively seething in the wake of Argentina&rsquo;s fraught comeback, Hassan lamented: </p>–><!–qv q:id=bh q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-38″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”bi”>Egypt's Hossam Hassan had plenty of vitriol regarding the standard of refereeing. Still positively seething in the wake of Argentina's fraught comeback, Hassan lamented: </p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=bj q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;Life is unfair. The world is unfair. O.K., but why isn&rsquo;t there any fairness in sports?&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=bk q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”6″><p>“Life is unfair. The world is unfair. O.K., but why isn't there any fairness in sports?â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=bl–>Hossam Hassan<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=bm q:key=vcaa:https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2853,h_1902,x_0,y_0/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kx99zzqffzq5antfdn.jpg–><!–qv q:id=bn q:key=VjqC:mL_1–><!–qv q:id=bo q:key=deAA:7d_3–><!–qv q:s q:sref=bo q:key=–><!–qv q:id=bp q:key=deAA:7d_2–><!–qv q:s q:sref=bp q:key=–><!–qv q:id=bq q:key=cHU9:7d_1–><!–qv q:id=br q:key=deAA:e2_0–><!–qv q:id=bs q:key=B0c2:SZ_1–><figure q:key=”9m_3″ q:id=”bt” WPAuto_Base_Readability=”3″><!–qv q:s q:sref=bs q:key=–><!–qv q:s q:sref=br q:key=–><div class=”overflow-hidden undefined” on:qvisible=”q-CcCfebzS.js#_hW[0]” on-document:qinit=”q-DxTOEXdf.js#_hW[1]” q:id=”bu”><picture style=”aspect-ratio: 3 / 2″><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_2853,h_1902/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx99zzqffzq5antfdn.jpg 1x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_2853,h_1902/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx99zzqffzq5antfdn.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_2853,h_1902/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx99zzqffzq5antfdn.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 719px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_2853,h_1902/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx99zzqffzq5antfdn.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_2853,h_1902/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx99zzqffzq5antfdn.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_2853,h_1902/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx99zzqffzq5antfdn.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 1079px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_2853,h_1902/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx99zzqffzq5antfdn.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_2853,h_1902/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx99zzqffzq5antfdn.jpg 2x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_2853,h_1902/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx99zzqffzq5antfdn.jpg 3x” media=”(min-width: 1080px)”><img src=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_2853,h_1902/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kx99zzqffzq5antfdn.jpg” alt=”Argentina vs. Egypt.” title=”Argentina vs. Egypt.” width=”360″ height=”240″ class=”undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]” q:id=”bv”/></source></source></source></picture></div><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><p><figcaption q:id=”bw”>Argentina's win over Egypt wasn't without its fair share of controversy. | Ayman Aref/NurPhoto/Getty Images</figcaption></p></figure><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=bx q:key=vcaa:<p>Scotland&rsquo;s Steve Clarke took his ire out on the poor broadcasters after the grim 1&ndash;0 loss to Morocco:</p>–><!–qv q:id=by q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-41″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”bz”>Scotland's Steve Clarke took his ire out on the poor broadcasters after the grim 1–0 loss to Morocco:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=c0 q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know why we do these interviews.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=c1 q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”5″><p>“I don't know why we do these interviews.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=c2–>Steve Clarke<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=c3 q:key=vcaa:<p>Bosnia and Herzegovina manager Sergej Barbarez was more concerned with rallying his players after a 4&ndash;1 loss to Switzerland than anyone else:</p>–><!–qv q:id=c4 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-43″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”c5″>Bosnia and Herzegovina manager Sergej Barbarez was more concerned with rallying his players after a 4–1 loss to Switzerland than anyone else:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=c6 q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;You have one hour to cheer up.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=c7 q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”5″><p>“You have one hour to cheer up.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=c8–>Sergej Barbarez<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=c9 q:key=vcaa:<p>Brazil has a queue of former players just waiting to pile in on its players. 1970 World Cup winner Tostã;o described the round of 16 defeat to Norway as:</p>–><!–qv q:id=ca q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-45″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”cb”>Brazil has a queue of former players just waiting to pile in on its players. 1970 World Cup winner Tostão described the round of 16 defeat to Norway as:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=cc q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;Melancholic failure.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=cd q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”5″><p>“Melancholic failure.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=ce–>Tostão<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=cf q:key=vcaa:<p>Romá;rio, a champion in 1994, was rather more forthright.</p>–><!–qv q:id=cg q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-47″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”ch”>Romário, a champion in 1994, was rather more forthright.</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=ci q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;I like Endrick and he will give us many happy moments in the future, but against Norway he was horrible. Lots of people are saying, &lsquo;Ah, but he&rsquo;s too young.&rsquo; I say f— it if he&rsquo;s too young, he should have scored that f—ing goal. Young, middle-aged, old, who gives a s—.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=cj q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”14″><p>“I like Endrick and he will give us many happy moments in the future, but against Norway he was horrible. Lots of people are saying, ‘Ah, but he's too young.' I say f— it if he's too young, he should have scored that f—ing goal. Young, middle-aged, old, who gives a s—.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=ck–>Romário<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=cl q:key=vcaa:https://content-enrichment-service.mmsport.minutesvc.com/oembed?url=https://content-enrichment-service.mmsport.minutesvc.com/properties/si/embeds/01ky322bx3r41z1–><!–qv q:id=cm q:key=jBas:mL_1–><figure on-document:load=”q-CoOs4Ob1.js#s_LZBLIxdhCWU[0 1]” q:key=”S2_2″ q:id=”cn”/><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=co q:key=vcaa:<p>Former England right back Gary Neville took it upon himself to take a pop at Argentina&rsquo;s defensive duo of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martí;nez, casting them as &ldquo;the best, worst center half pairing in the world.&rdquo; After they knocked England out of the semifinals, Romero couldn&rsquo;t help but quip:</p>–><!–qv q:id=cp q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-50″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”cq”>Former England right back Gary Neville took it upon himself to take a pop at Argentina's defensive duo of Cristian Romero and Lisandro MartÃnez, casting them as “the best, worst center half pairing in the world.†After they knocked England out of the semifinals, Romero couldn't help but quip:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=cr q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;The only thing that I hope for is that when I retire, I am not that stupid.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=cs q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”6″><p>“The only thing that I hope for is that when I retire, I am not that stupid.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=ct–>Cristian Romero<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=cu q:key=vcaa:<p><a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/cristiano-ronaldo-world-cup-circus-over-thank-god-portugal-sake”>The tournament had long since finished for Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, whose Portugal was knocked out by Spain in the round of 16, yet he was still catching strays. During Spain&rsquo;s World Cup trophy presentation, the host Raú;l Ramos introduced Yé;remy Pino with the line:</p>–><!–qv q:id=cv q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-52″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”cw”><a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/cristiano-ronaldo-world-cup-circus-over-thank-god-portugal-sake”>The tournament had long since finished for Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, whose Portugal was knocked out by Spain in the round of 16, yet he was still catching strays. During Spain's World Cup trophy presentation, the host Raúl Ramos introduced Yéremy Pino with the line:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=cx q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;Back in Lomo de Chinche, they used to call Pino &lsquo;Cristiano Ronaldo.&rsquo; The only difference? Pino has a World Cup.–><!–qv q:id=cy q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”7″><p>“Back in Lomo de Chinche, they used to call Pino ‘Cristiano Ronaldo.' The only difference? Pino has a World Cup.</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=cz–>Raúl Ramos<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=d0 q:key=vcaa:54–><!–qv q:id=d1 q:key=fOK1:mL_1–><hr class=”w-full border-0 my-4 bg-lightGrey h-1″ q:key=”Xt_0″/><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=d2 q:key=vcaa:<h2>Famous Last Words</h2>–><!–qv q:id=d3 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><h2 id=”inline-text-55″ class=”scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”d4″>Famous Last Words</h2><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=d5 q:key=vcaa:https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_1024,h_682,x_0,y_0/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kx1973deywgnw74xyn.jpg–><!–qv q:id=d6 q:key=VjqC:mL_1–><!–qv q:id=d7 q:key=deAA:7d_3–><!–qv q:s q:sref=d7 q:key=–><!–qv q:id=d8 q:key=deAA:7d_2–><!–qv q:s q:sref=d8 q:key=–><!–qv q:id=d9 q:key=cHU9:7d_1–><!–qv q:id=da q:key=deAA:e2_0–><!–qv q:id=db q:key=B0c2:SZ_1–><figure q:key=”9m_3″ q:id=”dc” WPAuto_Base_Readability=”3″><!–qv q:s q:sref=db q:key=–><!–qv q:s q:sref=da q:key=–><div class=”overflow-hidden undefined” on:qvisible=”q-CcCfebzS.js#_hW[0]” on-document:qinit=”q-DxTOEXdf.js#_hW[1]” q:id=”dd”><picture style=”aspect-ratio: 3 / 2″><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx1973deywgnw74xyn.jpg 1x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx1973deywgnw74xyn.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx1973deywgnw74xyn.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 719px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx1973deywgnw74xyn.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx1973deywgnw74xyn.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx1973deywgnw74xyn.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 1079px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx1973deywgnw74xyn.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx1973deywgnw74xyn.jpg 2x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kx1973deywgnw74xyn.jpg 3x” media=”(min-width: 1080px)”><img src=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kx1973deywgnw74xyn.jpg” alt=”Cristiano Ronaldo” title=”Cristiano Ronaldo” width=”360″ height=”240″ class=”undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]” q:id=”de”/></source></source></source></picture></div><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><p><figcaption q:id=”df”>This was another tournament too far Cristiano Ronaldo. | Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images</figcaption></p></figure><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=dg q:key=vcaa:<p>Even when Ronaldo was still in the tournament, he didn&rsquo;t make life easy for himself with his own comments. After scoring against all the might of Uzbekistan, the 41-year-old bellowed into the nearest TV camera:</p>–><!–qv q:id=dh q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-57″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”di”>Even when Ronaldo was still in the tournament, he didn't make life easy for himself with his own comments. After scoring against all the might of Uzbekistan, the 41-year-old bellowed into the nearest TV camera:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=dj q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;I&rsquo;m back. I&rsquo;m back.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=dk q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”5″><p>“I'm back. I'm back.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=dl–>Cristiano Ronaldo<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=dm q:key=vcaa:<p>He would only score once more at the World Cup, which yet again ended in tears.</p>–><!–qv q:id=dn q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-59″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”do”>He would only score once more at the World Cup, which yet again ended in tears.</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=dp q:key=vcaa:<p>Ronaldo, however, was not alone in regretting his choice of words with the benefit of hindsight. Tü;rkiye midfielder Hakan Ç;alhano&#287;lu gave Australia all the motivation it needed before the opening group clash with his insistence: </p>–><!–qv q:id=dq q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-60″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”dr”>Ronaldo, however, was not alone in regretting his choice of words with the benefit of hindsight. Türkiye midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu gave Australia all the motivation it needed before the opening group clash with his insistence: </p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=ds q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;I think that we dominate tomorrow, the game, because we have more qualities and a more talented team.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=dt q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”8″><p>“I think that we dominate tomorrow, the game, because we have more qualities and a more talented team.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=du–>Hakan Çalhanoğlu<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=dv q:key=vcaa:<p>Tü;rkiye was convincingly beaten 2&ndash;0.</p>–><!–qv q:id=dw q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-62″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”dx”>Türkiye was convincingly beaten 2–0.</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=dy q:key=vcaa:<p>Tunisia also lost its first match of the summer and responded by <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/world-cup-manager-brutally-fired-just-one-game”>sacking poor Sabri Lamouchi</a>. Tournament specialist Hervé; Renard filled the void with his signature crisp white shirt and a rallying cry:</p>–><!–qv q:id=dz q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-63″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”e0″>Tunisia also lost its first match of the summer and responded by <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/world-cup-manager-brutally-fired-just-one-game”>sacking poor Sabri Lamouchi</a>. Tournament specialist Hervé Renard filled the void with his signature crisp white shirt and a rallying cry:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=e1 q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;As long as there&rsquo;s life, there&rsquo;s hope.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=e2 q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”6″><p>“As long as there's life, there's hope.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=e3–>Hervé Renard<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=e4 q:key=vcaa:<p>Tunisia would lose its remaining two matches by an aggregate 7&ndash;1 margin.</p>–><!–qv q:id=e5 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-65″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”e6″>Tunisia would lose its remaining two matches by an aggregate 7–1 margin.</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=e7 q:key=vcaa:https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_1024,h_682,x_0,y_0/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kxxhm0k17q9nyx4mf3.jpg–><!–qv q:id=e8 q:key=VjqC:mL_1–><!–qv q:id=e9 q:key=deAA:7d_3–><!–qv q:s q:sref=e9 q:key=–><!–qv q:id=ea q:key=deAA:7d_2–><!–qv q:s q:sref=ea q:key=–><!–qv q:id=eb q:key=cHU9:7d_1–><!–qv q:id=ec q:key=deAA:e2_0–><!–qv q:id=ed q:key=B0c2:SZ_1–><figure q:key=”9m_3″ q:id=”ee” WPAuto_Base_Readability=”2″><!–qv q:s q:sref=ed q:key=–><!–qv q:s q:sref=ec q:key=–><div class=”overflow-hidden undefined” on:qvisible=”q-CcCfebzS.js#_hW[0]” on-document:qinit=”q-DxTOEXdf.js#_hW[1]” q:id=”ef”><picture style=”aspect-ratio: 3 / 2″><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxhm0k17q9nyx4mf3.jpg 1x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxhm0k17q9nyx4mf3.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxhm0k17q9nyx4mf3.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 719px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxhm0k17q9nyx4mf3.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxhm0k17q9nyx4mf3.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxhm0k17q9nyx4mf3.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 1079px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxhm0k17q9nyx4mf3.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxhm0k17q9nyx4mf3.jpg 2x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxxhm0k17q9nyx4mf3.jpg 3x” media=”(min-width: 1080px)”><img src=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kxxhm0k17q9nyx4mf3.jpg” alt=”Thomas Tuchel” title=”Thomas Tuchel” width=”360″ height=”240″ class=”undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]” q:id=”eg”/></source></source></source></picture></div><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><p><figcaption q:id=”eh”>Tuchel won't be sacked. | Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</figcaption></p></figure><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=ei q:key=vcaa:<p>Thomas Tuchel was already anticipating defeat after England&rsquo;s first match of the summer. </p>–><!–qv q:id=ej q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-67″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”ek”>Thomas Tuchel was already anticipating defeat after England's first match of the summer. </p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=el q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;If we lose, we lose in our way.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=em q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”6″><p>“If we lose, we lose in our way.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=en–>Thomas Tuchel<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=eo q:key=vcaa:<p>The German boss would not countenance a limp exit, shrinking into a timid shell to expose the <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/thomas-tuchel-changes-fear-werent-england-biggest-world-cup-problem”>inherent qualities of a national team</a> which has made a painful habit of suffering the same fate every summer. Fortunately, nothing of the sort could be said about that Argentina loss, right?</p>–><!–qv q:id=ep q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-69″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”eq”>The German boss would not countenance a limp exit, shrinking into a timid shell to expose the <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/thomas-tuchel-changes-fear-werent-england-biggest-world-cup-problem”>inherent qualities of a national team</a> which has made a painful habit of suffering the same fate every summer. Fortunately, nothing of the sort could be said about that Argentina loss, right?</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=er q:key=vcaa:<p>Tuchel gambled on England&rsquo;s endeavor. Pochettino back America&rsquo;s interest. </p>–><!–qv q:id=es q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-70″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”et”>Tuchel gambled on England's endeavor. Pochettino back America's interest. </p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=eu q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;Now [fans] realize that soccer here in America is massive. It&rsquo;s big. Be careful, other sports.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=ev q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”7″><p>“Now [fans] realize that soccer here in America is massive. It's big. Be careful, other sports.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=ew–>Mauricio Pochettino<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=ex q:key=vcaa:<p>NFL, NBA and MLB are hardly quaking at the prospect.</p>–><!–qv q:id=ey q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-72″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”ez”>NFL, NBA and MLB are hardly quaking at the prospect.</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=f0 q:key=vcaa:73–><!–qv q:id=f1 q:key=fOK1:mL_1–><hr class=”w-full border-0 my-4 bg-lightGrey h-1″ q:key=”Xt_0″/><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=f2 q:key=vcaa:<h2>(Too Much) Honesty</h2>–><!–qv q:id=f3 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><h2 id=”inline-text-74″ class=”scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”f4″>(Too Much) Honesty</h2><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=f5 q:key=vcaa:https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_1024,h_682,x_0,y_0/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01ky02h71gg54bnjb789.jpg–><!–qv q:id=f6 q:key=VjqC:mL_1–><!–qv q:id=f7 q:key=deAA:7d_3–><!–qv q:s q:sref=f7 q:key=–><!–qv q:id=f8 q:key=deAA:7d_2–><!–qv q:s q:sref=f8 q:key=–><!–qv q:id=f9 q:key=cHU9:7d_1–><!–qv q:id=fa q:key=deAA:e2_0–><!–qv q:id=fb q:key=B0c2:SZ_1–><figure q:key=”9m_3″ q:id=”fc” WPAuto_Base_Readability=”2″><!–qv q:s q:sref=fb q:key=–><!–qv q:s q:sref=fa q:key=–><div class=”overflow-hidden undefined” on:qvisible=”q-CcCfebzS.js#_hW[0]” on-document:qinit=”q-DxTOEXdf.js#_hW[1]” q:id=”fd”><picture style=”aspect-ratio: 3 / 2″><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky02h71gg54bnjb789.jpg 1x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky02h71gg54bnjb789.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky02h71gg54bnjb789.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 719px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky02h71gg54bnjb789.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky02h71gg54bnjb789.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky02h71gg54bnjb789.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 1079px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky02h71gg54bnjb789.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky02h71gg54bnjb789.jpg 2x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky02h71gg54bnjb789.jpg 3x” media=”(min-width: 1080px)”><img src=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01ky02h71gg54bnjb789.jpg” alt=”Lionel Scaloni” title=”Lionel Scaloni” width=”360″ height=”240″ class=”undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]” q:id=”fe”/></source></source></source></picture></div><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><p><figcaption q:id=”ff”>Scaloni's contract expires at the end of the year. | Catherine Ivill/AMA/Getty Images</figcaption></p></figure><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=fg q:key=vcaa:<p>Before coming up against France, Iraq manager Graham Arnold recognized the competitive imbalance:</p>–><!–qv q:id=fh q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-76″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”fi”>Before coming up against France, Iraq manager Graham Arnold recognized the competitive imbalance:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=fj q:key=vcaa:&ldquo; I asked if we could play three goalkeepers, but they said no.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=fk q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”6″><p>“ I asked if we could play three goalkeepers, but they said no.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=fl–>Graham Arnold<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=fm q:key=vcaa:<p>Argentina&rsquo;s Scaloni had a similarly unorthodox plan for Spain&rsquo;s most dangerous player:</p>–><!–qv q:id=fn q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-78″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”fo”>Argentina's Scaloni had a similarly unorthodox plan for Spain's most dangerous player:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=fp q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;How to stop Yamal? I wish we could lock him in his room.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=fq q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”5″><p>“How to stop Yamal? I wish we could lock him in his room.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=fr–>Lionel Scaloni<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=fs q:key=vcaa:<p>Kylian Mbappé; is not so used to being showered with praise. When he was asked by <em>Le Parisien</em> ahead of the tournament if he had considered a run for French presidency, the divisive Real Madrid striker laughed:</p>–><!–qv q:id=ft q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-80″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”fu”>Kylian Mbappé is not so used to being showered with praise. When he was asked by <em>Le Parisien</em> ahead of the tournament if he had considered a run for French presidency, the divisive Real Madrid striker laughed:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=fv q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;I am hated enough as it is!&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=fw q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”5″><p>“I am hated enough as it is!â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=fx–>Kylian Mbappé<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=fy q:key=vcaa:<p>Didier Deschamps has nothing but bursting affection for Mbappé;. France&rsquo;s manager had rather different opinions when assessing the damage of the <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/france-vs-england-player-ratings-7-18-26″>first-half collapse against England</a> in the third-place playoff:</p>–><!–qv q:id=fz q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-82″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”g0″>Didier Deschamps has nothing but bursting affection for Mbappé. France's manager had rather different opinions when assessing the damage of the <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/france-vs-england-player-ratings-7-18-26″>first-half collapse against England</a> in the third-place playoff:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=g1 q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;I could have changed eight players at halftime.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=g2 q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”5″><p>“I could have changed eight players at halftime.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=g3–>Didier Deschamps<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=g4 q:key=vcaa:<p>He only made four.</p>–><!–qv q:id=g5 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-84″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”g6″>He only made four.</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=g7 q:key=vcaa:https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_1893,h_1262,x_0,y_0/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kt6xg9b0qevphsg14s.jpg–><!–qv q:id=g8 q:key=VjqC:mL_1–><!–qv q:id=g9 q:key=deAA:7d_3–><!–qv q:s q:sref=g9 q:key=–><!–qv q:id=ga q:key=deAA:7d_2–><!–qv q:s q:sref=ga q:key=–><!–qv q:id=gb q:key=cHU9:7d_1–><!–qv q:id=gc q:key=deAA:e2_0–><!–qv q:id=gd q:key=B0c2:SZ_1–><figure q:key=”9m_3″ q:id=”ge” WPAuto_Base_Readability=”2″><!–qv q:s q:sref=gd q:key=–><!–qv q:s q:sref=gc q:key=–><div class=”overflow-hidden undefined” on:qvisible=”q-CcCfebzS.js#_hW[0]” on-document:qinit=”q-DxTOEXdf.js#_hW[1]” q:id=”gf”><picture style=”aspect-ratio: 3 / 2″><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1893,h_1262/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kt6xg9b0qevphsg14s.jpg 1x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1893,h_1262/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kt6xg9b0qevphsg14s.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1893,h_1262/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kt6xg9b0qevphsg14s.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 719px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1893,h_1262/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kt6xg9b0qevphsg14s.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1893,h_1262/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kt6xg9b0qevphsg14s.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1893,h_1262/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kt6xg9b0qevphsg14s.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 1079px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1893,h_1262/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kt6xg9b0qevphsg14s.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1893,h_1262/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kt6xg9b0qevphsg14s.jpg 2x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1893,h_1262/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kt6xg9b0qevphsg14s.jpg 3x” media=”(min-width: 1080px)”><img src=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1893,h_1262/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kt6xg9b0qevphsg14s.jpg” alt=”Didier Deschamps, Kylian Mbappé France” title=”Didier Deschamps, Kylian Mbappé France” width=”360″ height=”240″ class=”undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]” q:id=”gg”/></source></source></source></picture></div><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><p><figcaption q:id=”gh”>Kylian Mbappé is Didier Deschamps's main man. | Thomas Padilla/POOL/AFP/Getty Images</figcaption></p></figure><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=gi q:key=vcaa:<p>Joshua Kimmich was eyeing up a change of training base after there was a snake sighting at Germany&rsquo;s North Carolina base. </p>–><!–qv q:id=gj q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-86″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”gk”>Joshua Kimmich was eyeing up a change of training base after there was a snake sighting at Germany's North Carolina base. </p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=gl q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;In Germany, you worry about tactics, injuries and your next opponent. Here, you also have to think about what might be hiding in the grass.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=gm q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”9″><p>“In Germany, you worry about tactics, injuries and your next opponent. Here, you also have to think about what might be hiding in the grass.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=gn–>Joshua Kimmich<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=go q:key=vcaa:<p>Kimmich&rsquo;s manager Julian Nagelsmann was wary of plenty of snakes in the media following <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/germany-player-ratings-vs-paraguay-four-time-champion-suffers-shock-defeat”>Germany&rsquo;s humiliating round of 32 exit</a>.</p>–><!–qv q:id=gp q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-88″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”gq”>Kimmich's manager Julian Nagelsmann was wary of plenty of snakes in the media following <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/germany-player-ratings-vs-paraguay-four-time-champion-suffers-shock-defeat”>Germany's humiliating round of 32 exit</a>.</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=gr q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;If we were to do a survey in Germany today, the German people won&rsquo;t speak very positively about me. We haven&rsquo;t done much in this tournament for people to celebrate. I know that not everyone in Germany will agree with me staying on.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=gs q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”8″><p>“If we were to do a survey in Germany today, the German people won't speak very positively about me. We haven't done much in this tournament for people to celebrate. I know that not everyone in Germany will agree with me staying on.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=gt–>Julian Nagelsmann<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=gu q:key=vcaa:<p>Turns out the <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/germany-jurgen-klopp-appointment-plan-julian-nagelsmann-quits”>German FA also didn&rsquo;t agree</a>.</p>–><!–qv q:id=gv q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-90″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”gw”>Turns out the <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/germany-jurgen-klopp-appointment-plan-julian-nagelsmann-quits”>German FA also didn't agree</a>.</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=gx q:key=vcaa:<p>The U.S. is desperate to keep Pochettino but midfielder Tyler Adams still struggled to accept their exit:</p>–><!–qv q:id=gy q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-91″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”gz”>The U.S. is desperate to keep Pochettino but midfielder Tyler Adams still struggled to accept their exit:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=h0 q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;I think overall there were positives that we&rsquo;re going to take away from it, [but] it just doesn&rsquo;t feel like it matters.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=h1 q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”7″><p>“I think overall there were positives that we're going to take away from it, [but] it just doesn't feel like it matters.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=h2–>Tyler Adams<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=h3 q:key=vcaa:<p>Colombia manager Né;stor Lorenzo was more circumspect:</p>–><!–qv q:id=h4 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-93″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”h5″>Colombia manager Néstor Lorenzo was more circumspect:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=h6 q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;There is nothing to reproach. Sometimes the ball goes in &#8203;and sometimes it doesn&rsquo;t.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=h7 q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”5″><p>“There is nothing to reproach. Sometimes the ball goes in ​and sometimes it doesn't.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=h8–>Néstor Lorenzo<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=h9 q:key=vcaa:<p>There were no recriminations for Spanish champion Borja Iglesias to consider, aside from some actual crimes he was scared of committing. When quizzed about his impending confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump at the medal ceremony after the final, the Celta Vigo striker mischievously noted:</p>–><!–qv q:id=ha q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-95″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”hb”>There were no recriminations for Spanish champion Borja Iglesias to consider, aside from some actual crimes he was scared of committing. When quizzed about his impending confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump at the medal ceremony after the final, the Celta Vigo striker mischievously noted:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=hc q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;Yes, I will shake his hand. I don&rsquo;t want them to throw me in prison.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=hd q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”6″><p>“Yes, I will shake his hand. I don't want them to throw me in prison.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=he–>Borja Iglesias<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=hf q:key=vcaa:97–><!–qv q:id=hg q:key=fOK1:mL_1–><hr class=”w-full border-0 my-4 bg-lightGrey h-1″ q:key=”Xt_0″/><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=hh q:key=vcaa:<h2>Poignant Imagery</h2>–><!–qv q:id=hi q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><h2 id=”inline-text-98″ class=”scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”hj”>Poignant Imagery</h2><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=hk q:key=vcaa:https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_911,h_607,x_0,y_15/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kxe6wsvav0nw183ce8.jpg–><!–qv q:id=hl q:key=VjqC:mL_1–><!–qv q:id=hm q:key=deAA:7d_3–><!–qv q:s q:sref=hm q:key=–><!–qv q:id=hn q:key=deAA:7d_2–><!–qv q:s q:sref=hn q:key=–><!–qv q:id=ho q:key=cHU9:7d_1–><!–qv q:id=hp q:key=deAA:e2_0–><!–qv q:id=hq q:key=B0c2:SZ_1–><figure q:key=”9m_3″ q:id=”hr” WPAuto_Base_Readability=”2″><!–qv q:s q:sref=hq q:key=–><!–qv q:s q:sref=hp q:key=–><div class=”overflow-hidden undefined” on:qvisible=”q-CcCfebzS.js#_hW[0]” on-document:qinit=”q-DxTOEXdf.js#_hW[1]” q:id=”hs”><picture style=”aspect-ratio: 3 / 2″><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_15,w_911,h_607/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxe6wsvav0nw183ce8.jpg 1x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_15,w_911,h_607/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxe6wsvav0nw183ce8.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_15,w_911,h_607/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxe6wsvav0nw183ce8.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 719px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_15,w_911,h_607/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxe6wsvav0nw183ce8.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_15,w_911,h_607/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxe6wsvav0nw183ce8.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_15,w_911,h_607/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxe6wsvav0nw183ce8.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 1079px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_15,w_911,h_607/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxe6wsvav0nw183ce8.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_15,w_911,h_607/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxe6wsvav0nw183ce8.jpg 2x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_15,w_911,h_607/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxe6wsvav0nw183ce8.jpg 3x” media=”(min-width: 1080px)”><img src=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_15,w_911,h_607/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kxe6wsvav0nw183ce8.jpg” alt=”Carlo Ancelotti” title=”Carlo Ancelotti” width=”360″ height=”240″ class=”undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]” q:id=”ht”/></source></source></source></picture></div><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><p><figcaption q:id=”hu”>Ancelotti made a huge blunder in Brazil's last-16 defeat. | Koji Watanabe/Getty Images</figcaption></p></figure><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=hv q:key=vcaa:<p>These say that a picture is worth a thousand words. In an attempt to bridge that gap, some of the World Cup&rsquo;s protagonists tried to paint a picture with their words. Brazil&rsquo;s Carlo Ancelotti delivered one of the best:</p>–><!–qv q:id=hw q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-100″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”hx”>These say that a picture is worth a thousand words. In an attempt to bridge that gap, some of the World Cup's protagonists tried to paint a picture with their words. Brazil's Carlo Ancelotti delivered one of the best:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=hy q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;Fear is good. If you go without fear, you will face the lion thinking it&rsquo;s a cat.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=hz q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”6″><p>“Fear is good. If you go without fear, you will face the lion thinking it's a cat.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=i0–>Carlo Ancelotti<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=i1 q:key=vcaa:<p>Pochettino&rsquo;s attempts to justify his belief that the <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/usmnt”>USMNT</a> would win the World Cup was a little more stretched:</p>–><!–qv q:id=i2 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-102″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”i3″>Pochettino's attempts to justify his belief that the <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/usmnt”>USMNT</a> would win the World Cup was a little more stretched:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=i4 q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;We should dream without limits. If I dream of touching the moon, of being up on the moon, maybe I can get close to the moon. If I only dream of getting close to it, I&rsquo;ll stay on Earth.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=i5 q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”9″><p>“We should dream without limits. If I dream of touching the moon, of being up on the moon, maybe I can get close to the moon. If I only dream of getting close to it, I'll stay on Earth.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=i6–>Mauricio Pochettino<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=i7 q:key=vcaa:<p>South Africa&rsquo;s Hugo Broos hit back at the anger his side&rsquo;s limp start to the World Cup had inspired back home with a story. Eight months earlier, in the giddy joy of qualification for the nation&rsquo;s first tournament since 2010, a friend told Broos that they ought to erect a statue in his honor. He replied: </p>–><!–qv q:id=i8 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-104″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”i9″>South Africa's Hugo Broos hit back at the anger his side's limp start to the World Cup had inspired back home with a story. Eight months earlier, in the giddy joy of qualification for the nation's first tournament since 2010, a friend told Broos that they ought to erect a statue in his honor. He replied: </p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=ia q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;Make it out of wood; that way it will burn more easily.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=ib q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”5″><p>“Make it out of wood; that way it will burn more easily.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=ic–>Hugo Broos<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=id q:key=vcaa:<p>In an attempt to prevent his players getting too badly burned by the Turkish press, manager Vincenzo Montella fretted:</p>–><!–qv q:id=ie q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-106″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”if”>In an attempt to prevent his players getting too badly burned by the Turkish press, manager Vincenzo Montella fretted:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=ig q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;They&rsquo;re men, they&rsquo;re not robots.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=ih q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”6″><p>“They're men, they're not robots.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=ii–>Vincenzo Montella<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=ij q:key=vcaa:https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_1024,h_682,x_0,y_0/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kxzrea7zd061gayjr9.jpg–><!–qv q:id=ik q:key=VjqC:mL_1–><!–qv q:id=il q:key=deAA:7d_3–><!–qv q:s q:sref=il q:key=–><!–qv q:id=im q:key=deAA:7d_2–><!–qv q:s q:sref=im q:key=–><!–qv q:id=in q:key=cHU9:7d_1–><!–qv q:id=io q:key=deAA:e2_0–><!–qv q:id=ip q:key=B0c2:SZ_1–><figure q:key=”9m_3″ q:id=”iq” WPAuto_Base_Readability=”2″><!–qv q:s q:sref=ip q:key=–><!–qv q:s q:sref=io q:key=–><div class=”overflow-hidden undefined” on:qvisible=”q-CcCfebzS.js#_hW[0]” on-document:qinit=”q-DxTOEXdf.js#_hW[1]” q:id=”ir”><picture style=”aspect-ratio: 3 / 2″><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrea7zd061gayjr9.jpg 1x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrea7zd061gayjr9.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrea7zd061gayjr9.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 719px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrea7zd061gayjr9.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrea7zd061gayjr9.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrea7zd061gayjr9.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 1079px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrea7zd061gayjr9.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrea7zd061gayjr9.jpg 2x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrea7zd061gayjr9.jpg 3x” media=”(min-width: 1080px)”><img src=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kxzrea7zd061gayjr9.jpg” alt=”Ralf Rangnick” title=”Ralf Rangnick” width=”360″ height=”240″ class=”undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]” q:id=”is”/></source></source></source></picture></div><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><p><figcaption q:id=”it”>Austria looked one-dimensional. | Michael Steele/Getty Images</figcaption></p></figure><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=iu q:key=vcaa:<p>Ralf Rangnick&rsquo;s Austria avoided the ultimate tongue-lashing by managing to escape from a bizarre group stage finale against Algeria with a draw which secured qualification for the knockouts. Both sides had appeared to settle for a 2&ndash;2 stalemate which suited everyone only for Algeria to strike in stoppage time. After Austria hit back with the last action of the game, Rangnick got himself in a bit of muddle: </p>–><!–qv q:id=iv q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-109″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”iw”>Ralf Rangnick's Austria avoided the ultimate tongue-lashing by managing to escape from a bizarre group stage finale against Algeria with a draw which secured qualification for the knockouts. Both sides had appeared to settle for a 2–2 stalemate which suited everyone only for Algeria to strike in stoppage time. After Austria hit back with the last action of the game, Rangnick got himself in a bit of muddle: </p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=ix q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;If Alfred Hitchcock&mdash;well, he didn&rsquo;t have anything to do with football, but if he had&mdash;if he had written such a drama, I would have said he was completely mad.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=iy q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”9″><p>“If Alfred Hitchcock—well, he didn't have anything to do with football, but if he had—if he had written such a drama, I would have said he was completely mad.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=iz–>Ralf Rangnick<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=j0 q:key=vcaa:<p>Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro was very clear about what he saw his side deliver to knock out Germany.</p>–><!–qv q:id=j1 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-111″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”j2″>Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro was very clear about what he saw his side deliver to knock out Germany.</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=j3 q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;We dance to the music they play for us, sometimes it&rsquo;s a cumbia, sometimes a tango, sometimes a rumba, today we got a polka.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=j4 q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”10″><p>“We dance to the music they play for us, sometimes it's a cumbia, sometimes a tango, sometimes a rumba, today we got a polka.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=j5–>Gustavo Alfaro<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=j6 q:key=vcaa:<p>France definitely wasn&rsquo;t allowed to waltz through its <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/france-player-ratings-vs-paraguay-mbappe-settles-frustrating-game-one-kick-7-4-26″>clash with Paraguay</a>, but Mbappé; relished the chance to show a different side to his team.</p>–><!–qv q:id=j7 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-113″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”j8″>France definitely wasn't allowed to waltz through its <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/france-player-ratings-vs-paraguay-mbappe-settles-frustrating-game-one-kick-7-4-26″>clash with Paraguay</a>, but Mbappé relished the chance to show a different side to his team.</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=j9 q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;If we have to get our hands dirty, we know how to do it. We know how to play dirty football. They thought we were going to come and play in tuxedos.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=ja q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”7″><p>“If we have to get our hands dirty, we know how to do it. We know how to play dirty football. They thought we were going to come and play in tuxedos.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=jb–>Kylian Mbappé<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=jc q:key=vcaa:<p>The added beauty of this quote is that it serves as an indirect dig at Mbappé;&rsquo;s former Real Madrid manager Á;lvaro Arbeloa, who memorably demoted the French striker last season and seethed: &ldquo;Real Madrid wasn&rsquo;t built by players who go on the pitch wearing tuxedos.&rdquo;</p>–><!–qv q:id=jd q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-115″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”je”>The added beauty of this quote is that it serves as an indirect dig at Mbappé's former Real Madrid manager Ãlvaro Arbeloa, who memorably demoted the French striker last season and seethed: “Real Madrid wasn't built by players who go on the pitch wearing tuxedos.â€</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=jf q:key=vcaa:116–><!–qv q:id=jg q:key=fOK1:mL_1–><hr class=”w-full border-0 my-4 bg-lightGrey h-1″ q:key=”Xt_0″/><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=jh q:key=vcaa:<h2>Tugging at the Heartstrings</h2>–><!–qv q:id=ji q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><h2 id=”inline-text-117″ class=”scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”jj”>Tugging at the Heartstrings</h2><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=jk q:key=vcaa:https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_7648,h_5098,x_0,y_0/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kxzrt99pn4nbj6bs8k.jpg–><!–qv q:id=jl q:key=VjqC:mL_1–><!–qv q:id=jm q:key=deAA:7d_3–><!–qv q:s q:sref=jm q:key=–><!–qv q:id=jn q:key=deAA:7d_2–><!–qv q:s q:sref=jn q:key=–><!–qv q:id=jo q:key=cHU9:7d_1–><!–qv q:id=jp q:key=deAA:e2_0–><!–qv q:id=jq q:key=B0c2:SZ_1–><figure q:key=”9m_3″ q:id=”jr” WPAuto_Base_Readability=”2″><!–qv q:s q:sref=jq q:key=–><!–qv q:s q:sref=jp q:key=–><div class=”overflow-hidden undefined” on:qvisible=”q-CcCfebzS.js#_hW[0]” on-document:qinit=”q-DxTOEXdf.js#_hW[1]” q:id=”js”><picture style=”aspect-ratio: 3 / 2″><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_7648,h_5098/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrt99pn4nbj6bs8k.jpg 1x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_7648,h_5098/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrt99pn4nbj6bs8k.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_7648,h_5098/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrt99pn4nbj6bs8k.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 719px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_7648,h_5098/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrt99pn4nbj6bs8k.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_7648,h_5098/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrt99pn4nbj6bs8k.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_7648,h_5098/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrt99pn4nbj6bs8k.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 1079px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_7648,h_5098/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrt99pn4nbj6bs8k.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_7648,h_5098/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrt99pn4nbj6bs8k.jpg 2x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_7648,h_5098/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kxzrt99pn4nbj6bs8k.jpg 3x” media=”(min-width: 1080px)”><img src=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_7648,h_5098/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01kxzrt99pn4nbj6bs8k.jpg” alt=”Vozinha” title=”Vozinha” width=”360″ height=”240″ class=”undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]” q:id=”jt”/></source></source></source></picture></div><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><p><figcaption q:id=”ju”>Vozinha is looking for his next club. | Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto/Getty Images</figcaption></p></figure><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=jv q:key=vcaa:<p>Alfaro refused to accept any criticism of his players throughout the tournament. </p>–><!–qv q:id=jw q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-119″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”jx”>Alfaro refused to accept any criticism of his players throughout the tournament. </p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=jy q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;Please hit me. Hit me. I&rsquo;m going to chin up and take &#8203;all of your punches. But I&rsquo;m only asking you to defend the players, they are the most valuable asset that the national team has.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=jz q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”7″><p>“Please hit me. Hit me. I'm going to chin up and take ​all of your punches. But I'm only asking you to defend the players, they are the most valuable asset that the national team has.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=k0–>Gustavo Alfaro<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=k1 q:key=vcaa:<p>Using his goalkeeper Orlando Gill as an example, the Paraguay boss added:</p>–><!–qv q:id=k2 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-121″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”k3″>Using his goalkeeper Orlando Gill as an example, the Paraguay boss added:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=k4 q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;Gill had to sell his clothes to save his daughter&rsquo;s life. What team in the world wouldn&#39;t want to have a goalkeeper like him?&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=k5 q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”6″><p>“Gill had to sell his clothes to save his daughter's life. What team in the world wouldn’t want to have a goalkeeper like him?â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=k6–>Gustavo Alfaro<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=k7 q:key=vcaa:<p>Cabo Verde was pretty happy with Vozinha&rsquo;s performance throughout the tournament. After making seven saves to rebuff Spain he gushed:</p>–><!–qv q:id=k8 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-123″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”k9″>Cabo Verde was pretty happy with Vozinha's performance throughout the tournament. After making seven saves to rebuff Spain he gushed:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=ka q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;This is for everyone. I was named man of the match but this is for all of my teammates because without them nothing would be possible.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=kb q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”6″><p>“This is for everyone. I was named man of the match but this is for all of my teammates because without them nothing would be possible.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=kc–>Vozinha<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=kd q:key=vcaa:<p>Ecuador manager Sebastiá;n Beccacece was keen to transmit that sense of togetherness:</p>–><!–qv q:id=ke q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-125″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”kf”>Ecuador manager Sebastián Beccacece was keen to transmit that sense of togetherness:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=kg q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;We built a family. We didn&rsquo;t achieve what I said we would, but I feel complete. I know what we built.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=kh q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”7″><p>“We built a family. We didn't achieve what I said we would, but I feel complete. I know what we built.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=ki–>Sebastián Beccacece<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=kj q:key=vcaa:<p>As was Tuchel. Ahead of England&rsquo;s trip to Mexico City for the round of 16, a fixture set to kick off at 1 a.m. U.K. time, the Three Lions manager pleaded to the parents of the nation:</p>–><!–qv q:id=kk q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-127″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”kl”>As was Tuchel. Ahead of England's trip to Mexico City for the round of 16, a fixture set to kick off at 1 a.m. U.K. time, the Three Lions manager pleaded to the parents of the nation:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=km q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;Write an excuse for school and let them watch football. They have so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch, there will be a big, big match in four days and we need the support of everyone and especially of the children.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=kn q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”10″><p>“Write an excuse for school and let them watch football. They have so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch, there will be a big, big match in four days and we need the support of everyone and especially of the children.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=ko–>Thomas Tuchel<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=kp q:key=vcaa:https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_1024,h_682,x_0,y_13/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01ky21715v2svqrd820j.jpg–><!–qv q:id=kq q:key=VjqC:mL_1–><!–qv q:id=kr q:key=deAA:7d_3–><!–qv q:s q:sref=kr q:key=–><!–qv q:id=ks q:key=deAA:7d_2–><!–qv q:s q:sref=ks q:key=–><!–qv q:id=kt q:key=cHU9:7d_1–><!–qv q:id=ku q:key=deAA:e2_0–><!–qv q:id=kv q:key=B0c2:SZ_1–><figure q:key=”9m_3″ q:id=”kw” WPAuto_Base_Readability=”2″><!–qv q:s q:sref=kv q:key=–><!–qv q:s q:sref=ku q:key=–><div class=”overflow-hidden undefined” on:qvisible=”q-CcCfebzS.js#_hW[0]” on-document:qinit=”q-DxTOEXdf.js#_hW[1]” q:id=”kx”><picture style=”aspect-ratio: 3 / 2″><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_13,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky21715v2svqrd820j.jpg 1x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_13,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky21715v2svqrd820j.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_13,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky21715v2svqrd820j.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 719px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_13,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky21715v2svqrd820j.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_13,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky21715v2svqrd820j.jpg 2x, &#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_13,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky21715v2svqrd820j.jpg 3x” media=”(max-width: 1079px)”><source srcset=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_13,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky21715v2svqrd820j.jpg 1x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_13,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky21715v2svqrd820j.jpg 2x,&#10; https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_13,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01ky21715v2svqrd820j.jpg 3x” media=”(min-width: 1080px)”><img src=”https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_13,w_1024,h_682/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si/01ky21715v2svqrd820j.jpg” alt=”Neymar Junior” title=”Neymar Junior” width=”360″ height=”240″ class=”undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]” q:id=”ky”/></source></source></source></picture></div><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><p><figcaption q:id=”kz”>There were no successful 'last dances' this summer. | MB Media/Getty Images</figcaption></p></figure><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=l0 q:key=vcaa:<p>It wasn&rsquo;t all sunshine and light. This was a <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/biggest-names-retired-international-soccer-2026-world-cup”>tournament which retired several stars</a>, including Neymar Jr., who played his last game for Brazil in the same stadium he made his debut:</p>–><!–qv q:id=l1 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-130″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”l2″>It wasn't all sunshine and light. This was a <a href=”https://www.si.com/soccer/biggest-names-retired-international-soccer-2026-world-cup”>tournament which retired several stars</a>, including Neymar Jr., who played his last game for Brazil in the same stadium he made his debut:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=l3 q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;I tried, I tried. Now it&rsquo;s over. I started here, I finished here.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=l4 q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”7″><p>“I tried, I tried. Now it's over. I started here, I finished here.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=l5–>Neymar Jr.<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=l6 q:key=vcaa:<p>Erling Haaland helped finish Neymar and Brazil, not that he could quite believe it:</p>–><!–qv q:id=l7 q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-132″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”l8″>Erling Haaland helped finish Neymar and Brazil, not that he could quite believe it:</p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=l9 q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;It still doesn&rsquo;t feel real, I could never think of this happening.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=la q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”6″><p>“It still doesn't feel real, I could never think of this happening.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=lb–>Erling Haaland<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:id=lc q:key=YYEP:QW_5–><div id=”article-quiz” on:qvisible=”q-1LK4wjsN.js#_hW[0]” q:key=”08_5″ q:id=”ld”><p/></div><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=le q:key=vcaa:<p>Rodri was more connect to his sense of destiny. Less than two years after tearing his ACL, Spain&rsquo;s world champion was crowned the player of the tournament: </p>–><!–qv q:id=lf q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><p id=”inline-text-134″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”lg”>Rodri was more connect to his sense of destiny. Less than two years after tearing his ACL, Spain's world champion was crowned the player of the tournament: </p><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=lh q:key=vcaa:&ldquo;I just want the new generations to see my example as an opportunity. When you go down, you can rise again. This is my philosophy for my entire life.&rdquo;–><!–qv q:id=li q:key=0J2M:mL_1–><blockquote class=”border-lightGrey my-f-1.5″ q:key=”qi_3″ WPAuto_Base_Readability=”7″><p>“I just want the new generations to see my example as an opportunity. When you go down, you can rise again. This is my philosophy for my entire life.â€</p><cite class=”font-bold text-sm md:text-base block text-grey text-center” q:key=”qi_2″><!–t=lj–>Rodri<!—-></cite></blockquote><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=lk q:key=vcaa:136–><!–qv q:id=ll q:key=fOK1:mL_1–><hr class=”w-full border-0 my-4 bg-lightGrey h-1″ q:key=”Xt_0″/><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=lm q:key=vcaa:<h3>READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, ANALYSIS AND INSIGHT FROM SI FC</h3>–><!–qv q:id=ln q:key=lY4S:mL_1–><h3 id=”inline-text-137″ class=”my-[18px] [&;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5″ q:key=”0″ q:id=”lo”>READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, ANALYSIS AND INSIGHT FROM SI FC</h3><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:key=QW_6–><!–qv q:id=lp q:key=vcaa:https://content-enrichment-service.mmsport.minutesvc.com/oembed?url=https://content-enrichment-service.mmsport.minutesvc.com/properties/si/embeds/01kab7p6dxfzf9s–><!–qv q:id=lq q:key=jBas:mL_1–><figure on-document:load=”q-CoOs4Ob1.js#s_LZBLIxdhCWU[0 1]” q:key=”S2_2″ q:id=”lr”/><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–/qv–><!–qv q:id=ls q:key=1jXG:QW_7–><!–qv q:id=lt q:key=9yVI:Ef_0–><div on:click=”q-PR6RmUkK.js#s_Ytib2zHV0Tc[0 1]” q:key=”WY_1″ q:id=”lu”><!–qv q:s q:sref=lt q:key=–><div data-testid=”google-news-widget” class=”voltax-google-preferred-source my-5 p-4 flex items-center gap-4 rounded-lg bg-[#F0F0F0]”><div class=”flex min-w-0 flex-1 items-center gap-3″><img width=”22″ height=”22″ alt=”” src=”https://assets.minutemediacdn.com/platform/google_discover_icon.svg” class=”shrink-0″/><span class=”font-group-big text-black text-[16px]”>Add us as a preferred source on <span class=”font-bold”>Google</span></span></div><a aria-label=”Follow si.com on Google News” href=”https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=si.com” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” class=”flex h-[30px] w-[30px] shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-full bg-primary font-group-large text-sm font-medium text-white transition-colors hover:bg-secondary focus:bg-secondary md:w-auto md:gap-2.5 md:px-4 md:py-[5px]”><span class=”hidden pt-[1px] leading-[1.4] md:inline”>Follow</span><svg viewbox=”0 0 4 8″ fill=”none” aria-hidden=”true” class=”h-[12px] w-[6px] md:h-[8px] md:w-[4px]”><path d=”M0.5 0.5L3.5 4L0.5 7.5″ stroke=”white” stroke-width=”1.5″/></svg></a></div><!–/qv–></div><!–/qv–><!–/qv–></div>
