Two games remain in the World Cup: the bronze final between France and England, and Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina. Here’s everything you need to know before the weekend’s highlights.
Thomas Tuchel: “We will end the World Cup with a bang”
Infantino: “This is the greatest cultural event of all time”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino declared this summer’s championship the greatest cultural event of all time. During a reception at Trump Tower in New York, he said:
“This has not only been – and is not only – the biggest World Cup ever. It is the greatest human, social, and cultural event humanity has ever witnessed. We are all part of it, and for that I thank you, Mr. President,” Infantino said, turning to Donald Trump.
Trump mocks England: “Made Kane a defender”
Donald Trump criticized Thomas Tuchel’s tactics against Argentina – and made fun of England for turning Harry Kane into a defender.
“I think maybe they made a mistake when they made him a defensive player. But what do I know about football? Trump said.
Tuchel clicked when asked about Trump
The England boss defended his tactics, but said he would take the blame if necessary.
“If it’s easier for someone to take the blame, then I take the blame,” Tuchel said at the press conference before the bronze medal final.
But when asked about Trump’s statements, it didn’t take long for the German to lose patience.
“Are you using Donald Trump as a witness in this case, or?” I just asked,” Tuchel replied annoyed.
Trump claims phone call thwarted controversy
The US president also claimed that his phone call to Infantino ensured that there was no controversy after Folarin Balogun’s red card.
“It got so much better the way it ended, because now there’s no controversy,” Trump said.
Spanish World Cup hero denied entry to the United States
Spain’s World Cup winner Joan Capdevila has been denied entry to the United States before this weekend’s final. Now he is asking Trump for help.
Messi on the iconic baby photo with Yamal
Lionel Messi has spoken out about the famous photo where he bathes a little Lamine Yamal.
“I took a picture with him when he was a baby… The fact that we are both now playing in the World Cup is crazy,” Messi said.
Yamal ready for the final
Lamine Yamal is also ready for the final after he returned to training.
“He’s fine, there are no problems with him. He got a big knock, but he handled the fight perfectly,” said Luis de la Fuente.
“We gave him a rest yesterday, today he has trained normally with his teammates.
Saliba out – the pain became unbearable
William Saliba is out for France after Didier Deschamps revealed that the pain became “unbearable” for the Arsenal stopper. He was forced to leave the field in the semi-final against Spain.
USA will not punish Argentina for Falklands banner
The United States government will not support a punishment for Argentina players after FIFA has opened an investigation into a banner about the Falkland Islands. World Cup boss Andrew Giuliani has stated that Argentina was only exercising its freedom of speech.
Manchester United mean business: “Half a billion for Sander Berge is a ‘gift’
