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Infantino responds to criticism

FIFA president Gianni Infantino launched a strong message against those he considers critics of the World Cup, accusing them of “spreading hatred and false rumors” about the tournament. In a 900-word statement published on his social networks, Infantino praised FIFA for offering “the best show in the world” and highlighted that the competition generated “joy and unity.”

“I regret that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” Infantino wrote, addressing “those who are behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors.”

The noted controversies

During the World Cup, FIFA faced criticism for several issues: the denial of visas to Iranian officials, a Somali referee and fans; the alleged political influence of Donald Trump to avoid a sanction against Folarin Balogun; the high ticket prices; and commercial breaks during games.

Infantino defended his management: “Every city was packed with fans from all over the world. While they were celebrating, you were busy sowing seeds of hate.” He also assured that they worked to unite countries in conflict, referring to Iran and the United States.

Tensive relationship with the press

The president of FIFA maintains a tense relationship with the media. At his pre-tournament news conference in Mexico City — his first fully attended by international journalists since March 2023 — he suggested critics “calm down, relax.”

Additionally, Rep. Jamie Raskin of the US House Judiciary Committee requested documents on ties between FIFA and the Trump administration. FIFA has not responded yet.

Defense on Balogun’s red card

Regarding the controversy over the red card to the American forward, Infantino explained that “subsequent decisions not to sanction players in certain situations are routine.” FIFA deferred the sanction for a trial period, an unusual step that still has no written verdict.

Infantino closed his message with a call for reflection: “To those who spend their time and energy hating us, please take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray or watch a soccer game.” And he added: “Much love to everyone.”

An old acquaintance returns to the Eredivisie

Dusan Tadic is now back in the Netherlands. The 37-year-old Serbian midfielder signed a two-year contract with NEC Nijmegen, a club that surprised by finishing third in the Dutch league last season. That position gave him access to European competitions for the first time since 2009.

NEC will face Olympiacos in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. The first leg will be played in Greece next week.

Elite career

Tadic was a key player in Ajax that reached the semifinals of the Champions League in 2019. In that campaign, those from Amsterdam eliminated Juventus and the current champion Real Madrid. In the emblematic 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, Tadic scored a goal and gave two assists.

Before his time in Amsterdam, the Serb played in Groningen and Twente. He then spent four years in the Premier League with Southampton. After a season at Al Wahda in Abu Dhabi, he became a free agent.

With the Serbian national team, Tadic retired after Euro 2024 with a record of 111 international matches, being the player with the most appearances in the country’s history.

His experience and leadership will be a powerful reinforcement for the NEC, which seeks to make its mark on its return to Europe.

Cape Verde’s historic goal

Striker Sidny Lopes Cabral scored a goal that will remain in football memory. His curling shot, which nestled into the top corner of Argentina’s goal, tied the score at 2-2 in extra time of the round of 16 match in Miami Gardens. Although Cape Verde lost 3-2, that goal was chosen by the public as the best of the World Cup, surpassing 307 other goals.

FIFA had narrowed the list to 12 options for the popular vote, which closed on Monday. Lopes Cabral’s goal beat the subtle lob of Eldor Shomurodov (Uzbekistan) and the powerful shot of Wilson Isidor (Haiti).

The celebration was also historic. Lopes Cabral broke away from his teammates, climbed onto the stands and hugged his girlfriend and his mother. The mother, overwhelmed, fainted when she saw the goal.

“Before the game, I had told my mom and my girlfriend that if I scored, I would run to them. When I arrived, I saw my mom crying. She didn’t even realize that I was right there. Everyone was busy taking care of her because she had fainted when I scored,” the player said.

Cape Verde, in its World Cup debut, left a notable impression. In the group stage they tied 0-0 with Spain, the eventual champion, and competed as equals against both finalists of the tournament. The African team showed solidity, especially with the performance of goalkeeper Vozinha, and put the favorites in trouble.