I swear every take I read from accounts based in Paraguay is talking like they were about to cleanly outplay France, and none of them mention the 13 jabs, 17 left hooks, 43 uppercuts and 132 jumping spin 180° roundhouse heel kicks committed?
The way American fans are reacting online speaks so much about them as a culture. They really do see themselves as exceptional, and that they're above the rules.
Recently, FIFA suspended Nepal’s football federation over government interference. Several federations have faced sanctions for the same reason.
Now we learn the White House made a direct call to FIFA asking Infantino to review Balogun’s red card.
FIFA insists the decision was handled by an independent disciplinary panel and could not be influenced externally.
But how is a direct call from a government to FIFA over a player’s suspension not, at the very least, political interference?
First Cristiano Ronaldo, now Folarin Balogun. But when a Somali referee can't get in the country it's "unfortunate" but we should "chill and relax". No qualms with the Iranian team being ferried across the border as soon as possible.
Brazen and shameful
Just to be clear, then. FIFA:
1) can't possibly intervene when Iran are forced to move, a referee is denied a visa, or fans are barred from the USA
2) can absolutely intervene when a decision goes against the USA that Donald Trump doesn't like
Smashing. All know where we stand
Dayot Upamecano on racist comments directed at Jonathan Tah after his penalty miss against Paraguay: "I've been in contact with him. I texted him after the game and I know he's very strong. I'm totally happy to be able to play alongside him – he has a great mentality. He wanted to take that penalty because he's always had that mentality. He's very important for Germany and for FC Bayern. I don't understand why there are still such people - I don't accept racism. But he shouldn't concern himself with that. He just has to keep going and give it his all." [@kerry_hau]
Cape verde were an even smaller nation with an even bigger disparity between their opponents, there is no excuse for the bullshit violence committed by the Paraguay team. If you don’t want to play with the ball then go to the UFC
Paraguay getting criticised for the way they played? What exactly do people expect a small nation like that to do?
They knocked Germany out and bullied France for 70 minutes before losing to a penalty.
They fought for every ball, every inch, every second. Nothing but respect for Paraguay. 🇵🇾👏
Paraguay are a dirty, disgusting team. They are straight up kicking and trying to injure the French players, and the ref is doing NOTHING to prevent it. They'll end up injuring someone if he doesn't. Just shove 2-3 cards down their throats. Else it's a bad message for football
I really can’t see how he could have won tbh, 5 at the back is only being criticised because they lost but had they played 4 at the back there is no doubt saibari, el khannous, ounahi and co would have crucified the dutch defense. They were simply outmatched