The best and worst of week three also featuring: viral clips, VAR abuse, and the reason economies crash
Quote of the week
Diego Maradona – Fifa's PS10, 000 -a-day goodwill ambassador, keeping his profile high. His message last week after his “white wine” health scare:” My neck hurt, I had a faint, but I'm fine. I send a kiss to everyone .”
* Fifa's view on Diego's PR work so far, including his” slant-eyed gesture” at South Korea fans:” We're aware[ of the incidents ]. We expect everyone to behave in a respectful manner … but having stars like Diego working with us has been one of a much bigger picture .”
* His previous best moment as goodwill ambassador: February 2017 – meeting the press for the first time since being unveiled, then denying he hit a reporter who asked him a question:” I didn't reached. If I hit you, you wouldn't have a nose left. One on one, I'd destroy you .”
Most content
Sepp Blatter – full of praise for his Russia minibreak host, disgraced former 2018 bid leader Vitaly Mutko :” Vitaly is my friend! Yes he's had some misunderstandings with the IOC but I'm sure they will be resolved soon. Listen, Mutko is the architect of this World Cup. Russia has done everything right .”
* Backing that opinion- Gianni Infantino , talking up the World Cup's value as a tool for laundering reputations.” This World Cup is changing the perception of Russia, particularly from us in the West. It's a warm country, a welcoming country. It's a party for the world !”
And the sharpest reflex
World Cup head Alexei Sorokin – reflecting on a fortnight featuring multiple cases of men sexually harassing female TV reporters physically and verbally on camera.” I am unaware of any cases of sexual harassment. As far as I know, there's no serious problem with this .”
Dramatist of the week
Neymar – delivering a six-turn roll against Serbia. Mexico captain Andres Guardado:” He likes to drop on the floor a lot. He likes to exaggerate fouls. But seem, it's not up to me to judge .”
Reality Social
Read more: www.theguardian.com
