Zlatan Ibrahimović Questions Paraguay's Rough Play in World Cup Match
Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Zlatan Ibrahimović commented on the rough play by Paraguay against France in a World Cup quarter-final match.
- Ibrahimović stated he would have received four red cards for similar tactics during his playing career.
- Despite Paraguay's aggressive play, they received no yellow or red cards, while France won 1-0.
Football legend Zlatan Ibrahimović has weighed in on the physicality displayed by Paraguay during their World Cup quarter-final match against France. Ibrahimović, known for his own fiery temperament during his playing days, suggested that Paraguay's tactics were excessively rough.
I would have received four red cards in the match.
Speaking to Fox, Ibrahimović remarked, "I would have received four red cards in the match." He acknowledged that provocation is part of the game but expressed dislike for such tactics. He praised the French team for their composure under pressure, stating, "France did what it had to do. Scoring a goal, winning, and celebrating in front of their fans is the best way to respond."
Paraguay's aggressive approach, which included a hard tackle by Matías Galarza on France's captain Kylian Mbappé in the first half, drew criticism. Referee expert Jonas Eriksson, commenting for SVT, was particularly incensed by the Galarza incident. "The ball was not close to the situation at all. That was not an accident. It should have been a red card. The assistant video referee saw exactly the same as us. It is incomprehensible that there was no red card," Eriksson stated.
France did what it had to do. Scoring a goal, winning, and celebrating in front of their fans is the best way to respond.
Despite the numerous fouls and aggressive play, Paraguayan players were not shown any cards during the match. France ultimately secured a 1-0 victory, with Mbappé scoring the winning goal from a penalty kick. France will advance to face Morocco in the semi-finals.
The ball was not close to the situation at all. That was not an accident. It should have been a red card. The assistant video referee saw exactly the same as us. It is incomprehensible that there was no red card.
Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.