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'Without Messi we are just another team' - Maradona laments Argentina World Cup exit
Argentina's World Cup exit at the hands of France has been lamented by Diego Maradona, who believes too much pressure was put on Lionel Messi.
Angel Di Maria and Gabriel Mercado overturned Antoine Griezmann's penalty to give Argentina the lead in the last-16 clash, but France hit back from a stunner from Benjamin Pavard and a Kylian Mbappe double.Sergio Aguero scored late on for Jorge Sampaoli's side, but it was not enough to avoid a 4-3 defeat to Didier Deschamps' side in Kazan .
Maradona, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986 and is still considered one of the country's greatest ever players, was in attendance for the match and did not see anything that surprised him.
"We came to the cinema more than the pitch, because we came to see the chronicle of an announced death. And that's what happened," he said on teleSUR ."France contained Messi, Argentina's midfield, so he could not get in behind them. "Without Messi we are just another team.
"The game was played in a way we anticipated. What we were expecting happened."Another World Cup has gone and we are left with nothing. It's bad that another World Cup happened and Argentina did not manage to have a consistent team."
Argentina's campaign was wrought with drama amid talk of a mutiny and the players seeking to have Sampaoli replaced, with suggestions also rife that the coach handed over his selection responsibilities to the squad for their crunch group match against Nigeria.
Sampaoli deployed Messi as a false nine and handed Cristian Pavon his first World Cup start against France, leaving the likes of Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala on the bench.
Maradona was unimpressed by the coach's tactics, adding: "It was seen from the formation, Pavon, Messi and Di Maria had to attack."Yes, they can create play, but they are not strikers."
Argentina's World Cup exit at the hands of France has been lamented by Diego Maradona, who believes too much pressure was put on Lionel Messi.
Angel Di Maria and Gabriel Mercado overturned Antoine Griezmann's penalty to give Argentina the lead in the last-16 clash, but France hit back from a stunner from Benjamin Pavard and a Kylian Mbappe double.Sergio Aguero scored late on for Jorge Sampaoli's side, but it was not enough to avoid a 4-3 defeat to Didier Deschamps' side in Kazan .
Maradona, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986 and is still considered one of the country's greatest ever players, was in attendance for the match and did not see anything that surprised him.
"We came to the cinema more than the pitch, because we came to see the chronicle of an announced death. And that's what happened," he said on teleSUR ."France contained Messi, Argentina's midfield, so he could not get in behind them. "Without Messi we are just another team.
"The game was played in a way we anticipated. What we were expecting happened."Another World Cup has gone and we are left with nothing. It's bad that another World Cup happened and Argentina did not manage to have a consistent team."
Argentina's campaign was wrought with drama amid talk of a mutiny and the players seeking to have Sampaoli replaced, with suggestions also rife that the coach handed over his selection responsibilities to the squad for their crunch group match against Nigeria.
Sampaoli deployed Messi as a false nine and handed Cristian Pavon his first World Cup start against France, leaving the likes of Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala on the bench.
Maradona was unimpressed by the coach's tactics, adding: "It was seen from the formation, Pavon, Messi and Di Maria had to attack."Yes, they can create play, but they are not strikers."
'Go to penalties and pray' - Fabregas 'speechless' following Russia's upset of SpainCesc Fabregas was among the those stunned by Spain's World Cup exit at the hands of Russia.
The 2010 World Cup champions were held to a 1-1 draw through regular time, scoring only from a Russian own goal before being pegged back from the penalty spot.Thirty minutes of extra time couldn't do anything to separate the sides, and the host nation managed to find their way to the quarter-finals through penalties.
Fabregas, who at half-time had claimed that Spain's passing - which set World Cup records against Russia - was pointless , was still stunned by the final outcome.
"I am speechless because I expected a different game today," the 31-year-old said on BBC . "I think Spain is a much better side than Russia."Russia had a plan which was to go to penalties and pray, and it paid off for them."
The former Barcelona man was also gutted to see Spanish legend Andres Iniesta's career with the national side come to such a disappointing end. "Andres Iniesta doesn't deserve to go out like this, in what could be his last game for Spain," he said.
Russia's progression has taken another favourite out of a World Cup that had already seen 2014 champions Germany, Lionel Messi's Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal sides bounced.
Spain's exit means one of Russia, Croatia, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, England or Colombia will be playing in the World Cup final. Russia will take on either Croatia or Denmark in the quarter-finals.
Fabregas: I love tiki-taka but pointless passing taking Spain nowhereSpain’s continued reliance on tiki-taka has left Cesc Fabregas bemused, with the 2010 World Cup winner suggesting that pointless passing caused La Roja's shock exit to Russia on Sunday.
During an era of dominance which delivered two European Championships and a global crown, pass and move was very much the order of the day.Chelsea midfielder Fabregas formed part of those plans, alongside the creative instincts of Barcelona icons Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
Spain have stuck with that philosophy as they chase down further major honours, but their efforts this summer are considered to have lacked a spark as they play in front of opponents rather than around them.
Fabregas told BBC Sport after seeing Fernando Hierro’s side dominate possession during the first half of a last-16 clash with Russia but go in at half-time level at 1-1 “They’re using the ball, I’m a big fan of tiki-taka, the beautiful game, but nothing’s happening.
“We haven’t seen any danger from the Spanish team, apart from a Diego Costa header and one shot outside the box from Isco.“There have been chances to go forward, Diego Costa’s making the runs, there have been some runs. But all they do is they turn back, they go back, and they just want possession.
“And I think it’s more possession to defend, more than attack, and it should be the opposite.”Spain were given warning that they need to raise their game during the group stage in Russia, as they collected just five points.
That tally was enough to top their standings and remain unbeaten, but they were breached five times in three outings and were unable to kill opponents off and see games out.The second half against Russia produced no goals, and neither did extra time, leading to a tense penalty shootout at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Koke and Iago Aspas were denied by Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev to give the host nation a 4-3 victory, and ensure a quarter-final against either Croatia or Denmark.
Spain's World Cup began terribly and went rapidly downhill from thereIt began terribly and went rapidly downhill from there. That is the story of Spain’s World Cup.
They were plunged into uncertainty as soon as they set down at their base camp in Krasnodar. Newly-appointed Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales took it upon himself to sack coach Julen Lopetegui for negotiating with Real Madrid without his approval or permission.Fernando Hierro was put in his place – since he was in the country and had a visa – but from there on in, there was a certain complacency that Spain could fudge it and get the job done.
From the first moment they set foot on a pitch, in Sochi against Portugal, the signs were there that Spain would not survive on muscle memory alone.
This was a team loaded with quality players but – like so many of the underwhelming teams here at the World Cup – less than the sum of its parts.Their mistakes were big and biting: from David De Gea fumbling over a tame Cristiano Ronaldo effort to here against Russia when Gerard Pique’s absent-minded handball gave the hosts the only sliver of light they would need.
The team in red looked rather like Spain and played rather like their predecessors who won trophies in 2008, 2010 and 2012. But it’s not the same. There is a bluntness about them. There is a lack of variety about them. They play like they believe in their processes but they are getting diminishing returns.On one hand, they deserve admiration for sticking to their principles and seeking to pass their way through teams. But Hierro – and the players on the field for that matter – demonstrated a stubbornness in their refusal to look for another way.
Diego Costa turned away on numerous occasions at the Luzhniki in disgust after coming short only for the ball to be funnelled out wide yet again. He was impotent in the game.
Marco Asensio waited patiently like a greyhound in the traps to be unleashed.Spain went from side to side, trying to switch Russia around and make the space he needed. It never came and his day was wasted.Isco tried to take command; he tried his one-twos and his dribbles. But he was blocked at every turn. Spain got deep into Russian territory only to see that the opposition had regrouped and three fully-intact lines remained to pass.
So the ball went to Sergio Busquets or Koke, who then went sideways or backwards. The knockout could not be forced and Russian belief grew.
Once they reached penalties, there was a growing sense of anxiety among the Spanish. They had come this far but were about to be exposed.It would be remiss to lay the blame at the foot of the federation president but Spain were agitated from day one. And now their World Cup is over.
There will be no repeat of 2010. Through roja-tinted glasses, fans might remember that team as swashbuckling and all-conquering. But they were – quite often – boring. Their strength lay in their predictability. They would keep the ball and pass teams to death but they wouldn’t make mistakes.Ball possession and the odd goal – they got four 1-0 wins in a row in the knockouts – were usually enough to see them through.
But they have lost the knack. De Gea’s lapse in concentration in the first game showed something was not right. Pique’s handball here could not be evened out by a ruthlessness at the other end.
Russia got what they came for. The template for this kind of performance has long been laid down. Resist, defend, stay organised. The rewards are there so long as the opponents run out of ideas.Spain did; or maybe they didn’t have any to begin with.
Croatia Starting Line-up
Subasic
Vrsaljko
Vida
Lovren
Strinic
Brozovic
Rakitic
Rebic
Modric
Perisic
Mandzukic
&
Denmark Starting Line-up
Schmeichel
Dalsgaard
Zanka
Kjaer
Christensen
Braithwaite
Knudsen
Delaney
Eriksen
Poulsen
Cornelius
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Croatia 1 Denmark 1 (aet, 3-2 on penalties): Rakitic spares Modric blushes with winning spot-kick
Ivan Rakitic scored the winning penalty to spare Croatian blushes after Luka Modric had a spot-kick saved late in extra time, reaching the World Cup quarter-finals via the shoot-out following a 1-1 draw against Denmark.
After saving from Modric, Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel produced two saves in the shoot-out but saw opposite number Danijel Subasic keep out three, including from Nicolai Jorgensen to set up Rakitic to seal the 3-2 win.
In a tournament packed with excitement this was no classic, although it looked set to be a thriller after Mathias Jorgensen and Mario Mandzukic scored at either end within the first four minutes.
There was an air of expectation that Croatia's 'golden generation' of players, including Modric, Rakitic and Ivan Perisic, would rise to the occasion but there was little urgency, spark or flair about Zlatko Dalic's team after the early action.
Croatia nevertheless booked their place in the last eight alongside Russia, who they will play in Sochi on Saturday, and they will need to find a more incisive cutting edge in attack if they are to break down Stanislav Cherchesov's resilient defence.
Denmark head coach Age Hareide may feel hard done by after his players showed more intent to win the game in normal time, but Feyenoord striker Jorgensen cracked at the vital moment before Rakitic sent them home.
The game exploded into life in the first minute when a long throw into the Croatia penalty area by Jonas Knudsen was allowed to run to Thomas Delaney and he touched the ball on to Mathias Jorgensen, who side-footed it into the net via deflections off goalkeeper Subasic and the post.
The Danes led for just three minutes before Sime Vrsaljko's ball into their box reached Henrik Dalsgaard, whose clearance hit Andreas Christensen in the face and presented Mandzukic with an easy finish, the Juventus striker tucking the ball between Schmeichel and the near post with a shot on the turn from six yards.
Denmark recovered their composure and gave Croatia a scare when their crisp midfield passing crafted an opening for Martin Braithwaite, but the Middlesbrough forward had his low shot saved by Subasic.
Schmeichel was called into action to save Rakitic's long-range drive but Croatia struggled to get into their stride as they had done in their group matches and the 1-1 half-time scoreline was a fair reflection of the play.Openings were harder to come by for both sides after the interval as the game took on a more cautious feel with fewer risks taken at either end of the field.
Hareide sent on Nicolai Jorgensen for Andreas Cornelius to try and force a breakthrough and he went close with a good chance moments later, firing a low shot from the middle of the penalty area, but Subasic was equal to it.
Rakitic flashed a shot narrowly wide from 25 yards shortly before normal time elapsed but it was Denmark who dominated the first period of extra time, Lasse Schone turning skilfully on the edge of the box before hooking a curling shot just wide of Subasic's goal.
Pione Sisto entered the fray in extra time and he looped a shot towards goal from an angle that bounced just past the post while Croatia sat back.
But then Ante Rebic burst clear of the Denmark defence and was felled by Mathias Jorgensen when he was clean through on goal, only for Schmeichel to save Modric's spot-kick by diving down to his left and clutching the ball to his chest.
In the shoot-out, Christian Eriksen got Denmark off to the worst possible start when Subasic tipped his penalty onto the post but Schmeichel saved from Milan Badelj to make amends.
Simon Kjaer rattled his penalty into the top corner to get Denmark back on track before Andrej Kramaric rolled cheekily into the net, and there were successful shots from Michael Krohn-Dehli and Modric before Schone's was saved by Subasic and Josip Pivaric was denied by an acrobatic Schmeichel stop.
But the Leicester City goalkeeper's heroics were in vain after Nicolai Jorgensen took a staggered run-up that did him no favours as Subasic saved with his feet, before Rakitic coolly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner of the net to settle a tense contest.
Ivan Rakitic scored the winning penalty to spare Croatian blushes after Luka Modric had a spot-kick saved late in extra time, reaching the World Cup quarter-finals via the shoot-out following a 1-1 draw against Denmark.
After saving from Modric, Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel produced two saves in the shoot-out but saw opposite number Danijel Subasic keep out three, including from Nicolai Jorgensen to set up Rakitic to seal the 3-2 win.
In a tournament packed with excitement this was no classic, although it looked set to be a thriller after Mathias Jorgensen and Mario Mandzukic scored at either end within the first four minutes.
There was an air of expectation that Croatia's 'golden generation' of players, including Modric, Rakitic and Ivan Perisic, would rise to the occasion but there was little urgency, spark or flair about Zlatko Dalic's team after the early action.
Croatia nevertheless booked their place in the last eight alongside Russia, who they will play in Sochi on Saturday, and they will need to find a more incisive cutting edge in attack if they are to break down Stanislav Cherchesov's resilient defence.
Denmark head coach Age Hareide may feel hard done by after his players showed more intent to win the game in normal time, but Feyenoord striker Jorgensen cracked at the vital moment before Rakitic sent them home.
The game exploded into life in the first minute when a long throw into the Croatia penalty area by Jonas Knudsen was allowed to run to Thomas Delaney and he touched the ball on to Mathias Jorgensen, who side-footed it into the net via deflections off goalkeeper Subasic and the post.
The Danes led for just three minutes before Sime Vrsaljko's ball into their box reached Henrik Dalsgaard, whose clearance hit Andreas Christensen in the face and presented Mandzukic with an easy finish, the Juventus striker tucking the ball between Schmeichel and the near post with a shot on the turn from six yards.
Denmark recovered their composure and gave Croatia a scare when their crisp midfield passing crafted an opening for Martin Braithwaite, but the Middlesbrough forward had his low shot saved by Subasic.
Schmeichel was called into action to save Rakitic's long-range drive but Croatia struggled to get into their stride as they had done in their group matches and the 1-1 half-time scoreline was a fair reflection of the play.Openings were harder to come by for both sides after the interval as the game took on a more cautious feel with fewer risks taken at either end of the field.
Hareide sent on Nicolai Jorgensen for Andreas Cornelius to try and force a breakthrough and he went close with a good chance moments later, firing a low shot from the middle of the penalty area, but Subasic was equal to it.
Rakitic flashed a shot narrowly wide from 25 yards shortly before normal time elapsed but it was Denmark who dominated the first period of extra time, Lasse Schone turning skilfully on the edge of the box before hooking a curling shot just wide of Subasic's goal.
Pione Sisto entered the fray in extra time and he looped a shot towards goal from an angle that bounced just past the post while Croatia sat back.
But then Ante Rebic burst clear of the Denmark defence and was felled by Mathias Jorgensen when he was clean through on goal, only for Schmeichel to save Modric's spot-kick by diving down to his left and clutching the ball to his chest.
In the shoot-out, Christian Eriksen got Denmark off to the worst possible start when Subasic tipped his penalty onto the post but Schmeichel saved from Milan Badelj to make amends.
Simon Kjaer rattled his penalty into the top corner to get Denmark back on track before Andrej Kramaric rolled cheekily into the net, and there were successful shots from Michael Krohn-Dehli and Modric before Schone's was saved by Subasic and Josip Pivaric was denied by an acrobatic Schmeichel stop.
But the Leicester City goalkeeper's heroics were in vain after Nicolai Jorgensen took a staggered run-up that did him no favours as Subasic saved with his feet, before Rakitic coolly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner of the net to settle a tense contest.
Salah signs new long-term Liverpool contract until 2023
Mohamed Salah has signed a new long term contract at Liverpool, which will keep him at Anfield until 2023.The Egyptian star has been rewarded for his incredible debut season on Merseyside with an improved five-year deal.
Salah scored 44 goals in all competitions following his £36.9 million ($48.6m) switch from Roma last summer, picking up the PFA Player of the Year, Footballer of the Year and Golden Boot awards in the process, and will be a key figure as Jurgen Klopp looks to build a team that can continue to compete for major honours.
Crucially, given widespread reports of interest from Real Madrid, Salah’s new deal contains no release clause, with the 26-year-old and his representatives happy to commit their future to the club.
Salah, it is understood, is happy on Merseyside and appreciates the role Klopp and the club have played in his development. The former Basel man is enjoying an extended holiday following a disappointing and draining World Cup campaign, and is expected back at Melwood later this month.
Reflecting on the news of Salah's new deal, Klopp told Liverpool's official website: “I think this news can be seen for what it is; rewarding a person who performed and contributed greatly for the team and the club last season. “It demonstrates two things very clearly also - his belief in Liverpool and our belief in him.
“We want world-class talent to see they have a home at Anfield where they can fulfil all their professional dreams and ambitions - we are working hard together to achieve this.“When someone like Mo Salah commits and says this place is my home now, it speaks very loudly I think.“Equally, our commitment to him says we see his value and want him to grow even more and get even better within our environment.
“The key thing to remember is the best thing about Mo is that he never sees himself as being more important than the team or anyone else within it. He recognises his team-mates and this club helped him achieve individual success last season. He sees the individual awards come because he is part of something bigger that is special.
“Mo reflects where we are as a team, I think. Last season was special with many special moments - but we want more.“We want to be more successful and achieve more together - as the supporters sang so loudly, ‘we’re never gonna stop’. This has to be the attitude individually and collectively.”
The rest of Liverpool's non-World Cup playing squad - including new signings Naby Keita and Fabinho - will report back for pre-season training on Monday, with the Reds' first friendly match being played at Chester on Saturday.The party of 26 first-team players, which includes the likes of James Milner, Loris Karius, Daniel Sturridge and Nathaniel Clyne, will undergo a day of physical testing under the supervision of fitness coach Andreas Kornmayer, before stepping up their training with ball work later in the week.
Following Salah's new deal, and with Roberto Firmino having already committed his future to the club, Liverpool will next look to tie down Sadio Mane, the third member of their deadly front three, to a long-term contract.
Mohamed Salah has signed a new long term contract at Liverpool, which will keep him at Anfield until 2023.The Egyptian star has been rewarded for his incredible debut season on Merseyside with an improved five-year deal.
Salah scored 44 goals in all competitions following his £36.9 million ($48.6m) switch from Roma last summer, picking up the PFA Player of the Year, Footballer of the Year and Golden Boot awards in the process, and will be a key figure as Jurgen Klopp looks to build a team that can continue to compete for major honours.
Crucially, given widespread reports of interest from Real Madrid, Salah’s new deal contains no release clause, with the 26-year-old and his representatives happy to commit their future to the club.
Salah, it is understood, is happy on Merseyside and appreciates the role Klopp and the club have played in his development. The former Basel man is enjoying an extended holiday following a disappointing and draining World Cup campaign, and is expected back at Melwood later this month.
Reflecting on the news of Salah's new deal, Klopp told Liverpool's official website: “I think this news can be seen for what it is; rewarding a person who performed and contributed greatly for the team and the club last season. “It demonstrates two things very clearly also - his belief in Liverpool and our belief in him.
“We want world-class talent to see they have a home at Anfield where they can fulfil all their professional dreams and ambitions - we are working hard together to achieve this.“When someone like Mo Salah commits and says this place is my home now, it speaks very loudly I think.“Equally, our commitment to him says we see his value and want him to grow even more and get even better within our environment.
“The key thing to remember is the best thing about Mo is that he never sees himself as being more important than the team or anyone else within it. He recognises his team-mates and this club helped him achieve individual success last season. He sees the individual awards come because he is part of something bigger that is special.
“Mo reflects where we are as a team, I think. Last season was special with many special moments - but we want more.“We want to be more successful and achieve more together - as the supporters sang so loudly, ‘we’re never gonna stop’. This has to be the attitude individually and collectively.”
The rest of Liverpool's non-World Cup playing squad - including new signings Naby Keita and Fabinho - will report back for pre-season training on Monday, with the Reds' first friendly match being played at Chester on Saturday.The party of 26 first-team players, which includes the likes of James Milner, Loris Karius, Daniel Sturridge and Nathaniel Clyne, will undergo a day of physical testing under the supervision of fitness coach Andreas Kornmayer, before stepping up their training with ball work later in the week.
Following Salah's new deal, and with Roberto Firmino having already committed his future to the club, Liverpool will next look to tie down Sadio Mane, the third member of their deadly front three, to a long-term contract.
Alli preaches 'no fear' as England face up to Colombia test
Dele Alli insists England fear no one at the World Cup and wants to bring his big-game reputation to bear on Russia 2018.Gareth Southgate's men face Colombia in the last 16 on Tuesday in Moscow, with a quarter-final against Switzerland or Sweden the prize on offer.
It presents the Three Lions with a chance to win a knockout game at a major tournament for the first time since 2006, when another South American opponent, Ecuador, went down 1-0 to a David Beckham free-kick.
A feel-good factor remains around the current squad, despite a much-changed XI going down to a limp 1-0 defeat against Belgium in the final Group G game, although Tottenham midfielder Alli has endured a stop-start tournament.
A thigh injury sustained during the opening 2-1 win against Tunisia has left the 22-year-old sidelined since, but he does not regret the decision to play through the pain.
"I'm happy [Southgate] kept me on. I had a similar injury when [Spurs] played Real Madrid and I scored two," Alli said, reflecting on his star turn in Spurs' thrilling 3-1 win over the European champions at Wembley last November. "I was happy I wasn't taken off then."Goals in the biggest games have become a theme for Alli during his Spurs career.
He checked Chelsea's title-winning juggernaut with a match-winning brace at White Hart Lane in January 2017 and was also at the double this season as Tottenham won at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 1990."I've heard people say that a lot, but I want to be performing in every game," the midfielder said.
"Different teams offer a different challenge in the game. In the Premier League, when you're playing against a team from top half of the table, it’s different to the bottom half.
There's a bit more space because they're willing to go up against you, looking to win the ball up higher up, which leaves a bit more space in behind the midfield and the defence."That's where I like playing. I want to score against everyone."
Even allowing for injury doubts over star man James Rodriguez, a Colombia side featuring the likes of Radamel Falcao, Juan Cuadrado and Juan Fernando Quintero can be expected to play their part in the type of game Alli relishes – and a challenge he expects England to meet head on."I think the World Cup is the highest level," he said. "The best teams and players coming together and playing against each other."But for me and as a team, we're not scared of anyone. We're not going to hide."
The knockout round brings, from an England perspective, the dreaded prospect of penalties.In a run stretching back to the 1990 World Cup final against Germany, they have lost six of seven shootouts in major finals.
"You have to try and control every situation. You have to own it," Alli added, before stating he would be happy to step up from 12 yards."I want to help the team. I’m confident in myself and what's meant to be will be."I have to work hard on penalties and we have been. We've been trying to own the situation, not let it own us. We've changed our whole mindset for it."
Dele Alli insists England fear no one at the World Cup and wants to bring his big-game reputation to bear on Russia 2018.Gareth Southgate's men face Colombia in the last 16 on Tuesday in Moscow, with a quarter-final against Switzerland or Sweden the prize on offer.
It presents the Three Lions with a chance to win a knockout game at a major tournament for the first time since 2006, when another South American opponent, Ecuador, went down 1-0 to a David Beckham free-kick.
A feel-good factor remains around the current squad, despite a much-changed XI going down to a limp 1-0 defeat against Belgium in the final Group G game, although Tottenham midfielder Alli has endured a stop-start tournament.
A thigh injury sustained during the opening 2-1 win against Tunisia has left the 22-year-old sidelined since, but he does not regret the decision to play through the pain.
"I'm happy [Southgate] kept me on. I had a similar injury when [Spurs] played Real Madrid and I scored two," Alli said, reflecting on his star turn in Spurs' thrilling 3-1 win over the European champions at Wembley last November. "I was happy I wasn't taken off then."Goals in the biggest games have become a theme for Alli during his Spurs career.
He checked Chelsea's title-winning juggernaut with a match-winning brace at White Hart Lane in January 2017 and was also at the double this season as Tottenham won at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 1990."I've heard people say that a lot, but I want to be performing in every game," the midfielder said.
"Different teams offer a different challenge in the game. In the Premier League, when you're playing against a team from top half of the table, it’s different to the bottom half.
There's a bit more space because they're willing to go up against you, looking to win the ball up higher up, which leaves a bit more space in behind the midfield and the defence."That's where I like playing. I want to score against everyone."
Even allowing for injury doubts over star man James Rodriguez, a Colombia side featuring the likes of Radamel Falcao, Juan Cuadrado and Juan Fernando Quintero can be expected to play their part in the type of game Alli relishes – and a challenge he expects England to meet head on."I think the World Cup is the highest level," he said. "The best teams and players coming together and playing against each other."But for me and as a team, we're not scared of anyone. We're not going to hide."
The knockout round brings, from an England perspective, the dreaded prospect of penalties.In a run stretching back to the 1990 World Cup final against Germany, they have lost six of seven shootouts in major finals.
"You have to try and control every situation. You have to own it," Alli added, before stating he would be happy to step up from 12 yards."I want to help the team. I’m confident in myself and what's meant to be will be."I have to work hard on penalties and we have been. We've been trying to own the situation, not let it own us. We've changed our whole mindset for it."
Blame me - Hierro takes responsibility for Spain World Cup exitFernando Hierro refused to "point the finger" or "lay the blame at the feet of others" after Spain's stunning World Cup exit, instead accepting full responsibility for their defeat to Russia.Hierro was parachuted in as coach a day before the tournament got underway after Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) chief Luis Rubiales opted to sack Julen Lopetegui for failing to keep him abreast of a move to Real Madrid.
The 50-year-old Hierro guided Spain through the group phase but his team could not conjure up a winner despite 120 minutes of domination against a Russia side who prevailed 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out in their last-16 tie following Sunday's 1-1 draw.
Former Spain defender Hierro was not interested in discussing his own future in the immediate aftermath but said he took full responsibility for what happened in Moscow.Asked if he blamed the Federation, he said: "No, we can't go finger pointing and laying blame. We need to be realistic, the situation was what it was.
"It's completely pointless to analyse the past, we made the decisions we made but I am not going to lay blame at the feet of other people."I took on this role out of a sense of responsibility and I accepted it with all its consequences."I will be honest, I am leaving resting easy. I think we all tried to give our best, the players, the staff, everyone that helped to contribute. This is football."
It remains unclear if Hierro will, or indeed wants to, stay on or if the RFEF opt to go in a different direction.He added: "Honestly, that does not worry me, I don’t think it's important right now.
"Now we need to share this difficult moment. We wanted to do great things, this is a generation of extraordinary players."This is the fruit of two years of work, of Lopetegui's work, and yet we are out despite not losing for 24 games. If anyone should shoulder this responsibility it is me. I put my reputation out there because that’s what my job required."
Hierro was certainly not looking to blame any of his players, who he said had given their all."In my last message before the game I told them this is a World Cup, enjoy the experience, and let's leave the match with our heads held high," he said. "They certainly did that, and we can look each other in the eye.
"The whole 23 of them have been great, they have worked hard, they have great solidarity, they are great professionals. I am not holding anything against my players, the 15 that played gave it their all. Unfortunately, it ended up as a penalty shoot-out which is a lottery and we weren’t lucky."
Hierro showed he was not afraid to make a major call after leaving Andres Iniesta, the hero of their 2010 World Cup triumph, on the bench.He was introduced midway through the second half and Hierro was hugely impressed by the way he dealt with the disappointment on what turned out to be his final Spain appearance.
"I left him out because I knew what this match required," he said. "I am very grateful for one of the greatest players in our history. I told him what I had to and that will stay between the two of us."If we look at how he played, he was an example, he was a professional, he played the first three games and we knew this could be a long game."I would give him a 10 out of 10 [for his performance]. He is an outstanding professional and I'd like to thank him again for the way he behaved. He played as though it was his first cap."
Fernando Hierro refused to "point the finger" or "lay the blame at the feet of others" after Spain's stunning World Cup exit, instead accepting full responsibility for their defeat to Russia.Hierro was parachuted in as coach a day before the tournament got underway after Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) chief Luis Rubiales opted to sack Julen Lopetegui for failing to keep him abreast of a move to Real Madrid.
The 50-year-old Hierro guided Spain through the group phase but his team could not conjure up a winner despite 120 minutes of domination against a Russia side who prevailed 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out in their last-16 tie following Sunday's 1-1 draw.
Former Spain defender Hierro was not interested in discussing his own future in the immediate aftermath but said he took full responsibility for what happened in Moscow.Asked if he blamed the Federation, he said: "No, we can't go finger pointing and laying blame. We need to be realistic, the situation was what it was.
"It's completely pointless to analyse the past, we made the decisions we made but I am not going to lay blame at the feet of other people."I took on this role out of a sense of responsibility and I accepted it with all its consequences."I will be honest, I am leaving resting easy. I think we all tried to give our best, the players, the staff, everyone that helped to contribute. This is football."
It remains unclear if Hierro will, or indeed wants to, stay on or if the RFEF opt to go in a different direction.He added: "Honestly, that does not worry me, I don’t think it's important right now.
"Now we need to share this difficult moment. We wanted to do great things, this is a generation of extraordinary players."This is the fruit of two years of work, of Lopetegui's work, and yet we are out despite not losing for 24 games. If anyone should shoulder this responsibility it is me. I put my reputation out there because that’s what my job required."
Hierro was certainly not looking to blame any of his players, who he said had given their all."In my last message before the game I told them this is a World Cup, enjoy the experience, and let's leave the match with our heads held high," he said. "They certainly did that, and we can look each other in the eye.
"The whole 23 of them have been great, they have worked hard, they have great solidarity, they are great professionals. I am not holding anything against my players, the 15 that played gave it their all. Unfortunately, it ended up as a penalty shoot-out which is a lottery and we weren’t lucky."
Hierro showed he was not afraid to make a major call after leaving Andres Iniesta, the hero of their 2010 World Cup triumph, on the bench.He was introduced midway through the second half and Hierro was hugely impressed by the way he dealt with the disappointment on what turned out to be his final Spain appearance.
"I left him out because I knew what this match required," he said. "I am very grateful for one of the greatest players in our history. I told him what I had to and that will stay between the two of us."If we look at how he played, he was an example, he was a professional, he played the first three games and we knew this could be a long game."I would give him a 10 out of 10 [for his performance]. He is an outstanding professional and I'd like to thank him again for the way he behaved. He played as though it was his first cap."
Iniesta retirement: Spain star calls time on international career after penalty heartbreak
Andres Iniesta has announced that he will retire from international football after seeing Spain crash out of the World Cup at the hands of Russia.Iniesta started Sunday's last-16 game on the bench as coach Fernando Hierro opted to rest the Barcelona legend. But, with Spain failing to break down a determined Russia backline, Iniesta was drafted in after 67 minutes and subsequently converted his penalty in the shoot-out after a 1-1 draw.
Koke and Iago Aspas then both failed in the shoot-out, marking a disappointing end to the midfielder's glorious Spain career."It's a reality that this is my last game with the national team, on a wonderful stage," Iniesta told reporters after the defeat.
"A marvellous spell is over. Sometimes the end is not as you dreamed it. "The national team will continue to be successful because of the level of players we have and that is what they should try."
Julen Lopetegui's dismissal on the eve of the tournament undoubtedly unsettled Spain, but Iniesta insisted the players have no excuse for not overcoming the hosts.
"It would be an advantage to say that Lopetegui's thing has to do with the result, in the end those of us who have the ball are the players," he continued.
"The main culprits in football are the players that are the ones on the field."
Iniesta played a total of 131 times for Spain, scoring on 13 occasions in national team colours .His place in Roja folklore was assured in 2010 upon hitting the winning goal in the World Cup final against Netherlands, while he also lifted European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012.
