Santos: Cristiano Ronaldo Was 'Insulted' by South Korea Player During World Cup Sub
Dec 3, 2022
AL RAYYAN, QATAR - DECEMBER 02: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal gestures during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between South Korea and Portugal at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar on December 02, 2022. (Photo by Fareed Kotb/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Portugal fell to South Korea 2-1 in the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but there was more drama on the pitch than just the loss.
Portugal head coach Fernando Santos said that superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was "insulted" by South Korea's Gue-sung Cho as he was walking off the field to be subbed off in the 65th minute.
"The player from Korea was insulting him telling him to go away, so that is the reason why he was angry, everyone saw that," Santos said, per ESPN's Rob Dawson. "I saw the interaction with the Korea player and I don't have any doubts about it and if you see the images you see Pepe went towards the Korea player.
"He was not aggressive, he was only verbally aggressive, he was speaking in English to Cristiano, and Cristiano said, 'Perhaps he had a bad day.'"
As Ronaldo was walking off the field, he got into a verbal altercation with Cho before putting his finger to his mouth. The star forward recounted the incident while speaking with reporters after the loss:
"The Korean player was telling me to leave quickly and I told him to shut up because he has no authority," Ronaldo said, per Spanish newspaper Marca.
He added: "There is no need for controversy. It's the heat of the match. Whatever happens, things always stay on the pitch. The most important thing is that we have to be united. We are in the next phase. Not only the players, but also the Portuguese people have to be confident."
South Korea midfielder In-beom Hwang tried to down play the altercation.
"I didn't see it, I was too tired," he said, per Yahoo Sports. "I was looking at the ground, so I didn't see it and I have nothing to say."
Ronaldo has been subpar through three World Cup matches. His only goal came on a penalty kick in Portugal's group stage opener against Ghana, a 3-2 win.
Despite Friday's loss to South Korea, Portugal won Group H. They were the only team to have two wins in the group. South Korea qualified for the round of 16 on goals scored ahead of Uruguay.
Portugal is set to face Switzerland on Tuesday, while South Korea will face Brazil on Monday. The Seleção surely hope Ronaldo will be more of a factor against the Swiss in their effort to reach the next round.
Cristiano Ronaldo Mocked for Role in South Korea's Goal vs. Portugal at World Cup
Dec 2, 2022
Portugal's forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group H football match between South Korea and Portugal at the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on December 2, 2022. (Photo by JUNG Yeon-je / AFP) (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in creating a goal in Portugal's 2-1 loss to South Korea at the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Friday.
The problem for Ronaldo was that his header off a corner kick helped South Korea equalize through Kim Young-Gwon.
Ronaldo was mocked for his inclusion in the goal concession because he actually got his head on the ball to create this goal, unlike the one he tried to claim against Uruguay that was scored by Bruno Fernandes.
Ronaldo's error on the South Korea equalizer allowed the Asian side to get back into the game. South Korea scored a late game-winner to advance to the knockout round and end Uruguay's chances of advancing.
Uruguay got eliminated cause of Ronaldo's assist for the first South Korean goal fr 😭💀 pic.twitter.com/f8MppIGuhS
Ronaldo was on the field for 65 minutes in the defeat. He was not effective in the final third and his best opportunity resulted in a shot that soared past the South Korea goal.
🥴 Cristiano Ronaldo's WS Rating (5.11) from today is the 5th worse of outfield players at #Qatar2022 🙃 Those 4 were defenders for Costa Rica (x2), Wales and Ghana...#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/Eu5Ba1dgHs
Ronaldo finished the group stage with a single goal, which came from the penalty spot in the group opener against Ghana. He has not scored from open play in his last six appearances for Portugal.
Portugal netted five goals in Group H after Ronaldo's penalty against Ghana. Bruno Fernandes had a brace against Uruguay. João Félix, Rafael Leão and Ricardo Horta all scored for the Group H winner as well.
Despite the loss, Portugal still advanced through to the knockout round as the Group H winner. Portugal will face the Group G runner-up, which will likely be Switzerland or Serbia, in the round of 16 on Tuesday.
Portugal will attempt to become the first team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup to take the full nine points from group play on Friday. Portugal beat Ghana and...
Cristiano Ronaldo Rumors: Saudi Club Al Nassr Willing to Offer Contract over $300M
Nov 30, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo
Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr has
reportedly increased its contract offer to former Manchester United
forward Cristiano Ronaldo to more than £300 million ($311 million).
ESPN's Rob Dawson reported Wednesday
that Al Nassr is offering a 3.5-year deal worth over £100 million per
season, but Ronaldo isn't expected to make a final decision until
after his run with Portugal ends at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Al Nassr's original proposal was a
three-year, $225 million contract, per CBS Sports' James Benge and
Ben Jacobs.
Ronaldo and Manchester United mutually
agreed to terminate his contract with the Premier League club last
week.
The decision came after an interview on
Piers Morgan Uncensored (via James Robson of the Associated Press)
where he questioned whether Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag respected
him and suggested it was time for the sides to go their separate
ways.
"Maybe it's good for Manchester and
probably is good for me as well to have a new chapter," Ronaldo
said. "Probably. But I don't know. If I will be back, I will be the
same Cristiano. But I hope people will be on my side and let me shine
like I did at all the clubs and all years."
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is
free to sign with another club at any time—as a free agent, he
doesn't have to wait for the January transfer window—but it
doesn't sound like there's a sense of urgency while he competes for
Portugal in Qatar.
Ronaldo instructed his
representatives to begin negotiations with clubs, but he'll wait for
a "clearer picture" to emerge about the interested sides before
making a choice, per Dawson.
That likely means waiting to see
whether his performance in the World Cup generates attention from any
high-level European squads before potentially shifting his focus to
Saudi Arabia or elsewhere.
The Seleção das Quinas have secured
advancement to the knockout stages from Group H with wins in their first two
matches.
Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot in a 3-2 win over Ghana
and almost added another goal in a 2-0 victory over Uruguay as he
nearly got a touch with his head on a Bruno Fernandes cross that
ended up going in the net.
Portugal wraps up group play Friday
with a match against South Korea, which needs all three points to
have a chance to advance.
It sounds like a decision about
Ronaldo's club future may wait until after the tournament, a run that
could last through Dec. 18 if Portugal moves through the bracket.
Cristiano Ronaldo Trolled for Claiming Bruno Fernandes' World Cup Goal for Portugal
Nov 28, 2022
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - NOVEMBER 28: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Portugal and Uruguay at Lusail Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Portugal advanced to the knockout stages of the 2022 FIFA men's World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Uruguay on Monday in Lusail, Qatar.
After a scoreless first half, the breakthrough came on a cross by Bruno Fernandes in the 54th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo was originally credited with the goal, though it was unclear whether he made any contact with the ball before it found the back of the net.
Maybe this is just Ronaldo’s final form: jogging around, occasionally jumping six foot in the air, never actually touching the ball, celebrating anyway
Good luck to the FIFA official who has to go into the changing room to tell Cristiano Ronaldo he hasn't scored that. Bruno Fernandes has been credited with it. (BBC)
Lmao Cristiano Ronaldo is trying to convince a team to sign him, and all he's got is claiming goals that aren't his and flopping like a fish at the very top corner of the penalty area.
Having the goal taken off of him symbolized a largely forgettable performance from the 37-year-old, who was subbed off in the 82nd minute. The match did little to quell the argument Portugal would be better off if he moved to the bench.
Considering how much they were in control before that point, it felt like the Seleção might start pouring it on after Fernandes' opener. Instead, Uruguay pushed hard for an equalizer and nearly netted one on multiple occasions.
Coach Fernando Santos might have come to regret removing Ruben Neves for Rafael Leão in the 69th minute.
Rafa Leao on for Ruben Neves. That's quite an attacking change when you're winning?!
A handball by José Giménez gave the Portuguese a penalty in the second minute of injury time against the run of play. Fernandes converted from the spot to complete a brace and put the match to bed.
Portugal closes out the group stage Friday against South Korea, which is coming off a 3-2 defeat to Ghana that dropped it to the bottom of Group H.
FIFA uses goal difference rather than head-to-head results as the first tiebreaker. As a result, Portugal isn't yet assured of the top spot in the group even though it already beat Ghana.
A draw will be enough Friday to claim first in the group.
World Cup 2022 Scores: Monday's Results and Tuesday's Schedule
Nov 28, 2022
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 28: Thiago Silva of Brazil Goal celebration, celebrating with his team after Casemiro of Brazil scored the 1:0 during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match between Brazil and Switzerland at Stadium 974 on November 28, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
The most exciting day yet at the 2022 FIFA World Cup started with 11 goals in two matches and ended with Brazil and Portugal exerting their dominance on the tournament.
The two nations became the second and third teams to book spots in the round of 16 in Qatar. France is the other team to clinch qualification.
Brazil used one moment of brilliance and a stellar defensive performance to remain on top of Group G, while Bruno Fernandes, not Cristiano Ronaldo, powered Portugal to its second victory of the tournament.
Monday's games were not just about the powerhouses. Cameroon and Ghana scored two impressive results for Africa. Cameroon came back to draw Serbia and Ghana defeated South Korea.
The World Cup now turns to the final matchday in the each of the eight groups. Four of the 13 knockout round spots up for grabs will be clinched in Groups A and B on Tuesday.
Group E
1. Brazil - 6 points (3 goals for, 0 goals against, +3 goal differential)
2. Switzerland - 3 (1 GF, 1 GA, 0 GD)
3. Cameroon - 1 (3 GF, 4 GA, -1 GD)
4. Serbia - 1 (3 GF, 5 GA, -2 GD)
Monday Results
Brazil 1, Switzerland 0
Cameroon 3, Serbia 3
Brazil became the second team to secure passage into the round of 16 with its 1-0 win over Switzerland.
Casemiro netted the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute to keep the Seleção on top of Group E and in the best position possible to come out in first place.
Casemiro's goal came minutes after Vinícius Júnior's goal was disallowed due to Richarlison being in an offside position in the buildup to the goal.
Vinicius Junior did not get credit for an assist on Casemiro's goal, but he was involved right before the final pass was made.
While Brazil's attack was busy searching for a breakthrough, its back line made Alisson's life very easy in net. The Brazilian goalkeeper did not see a single shot on target from the Swiss, who were playing without Xherdan Shaqiri.
Switzerland is still in relatively good shape to advance to the round of 16 because Cameroon and Serbia played to a draw earlier on Monday.
Serbia came alive right before the halftime whistle with a goal each from Strahinja Pavlović and Sergej Milinković-Savić. Aleksandar Mitrović added to Serbia's goal haul with a 53rd-minute strike.
Cameroon turned the game around once Vincent Aboubakar entered the field in the 55th minute.
The 30-year-old striker produced one of the best goals of the tournament eight minutes after his entrance. He chipped a shot over Serbian goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić. The goal was ruled to be good after VAR evaluated that Aboubakar remained onside in his run toward the goal.
Cameroon needs a miraculous result against Brazil in the final group game to advance into the round of 16. Serbia and Switzerland are likely playing for the second spot from Group G.
Switzerland needs a win or tie to stay alive in the tournament, while Serbia must beat the Swiss to move on.
Group H
1. Portugal - 6 (5 GF, 2 GA +3 GD)
2. Ghana - 3 (5 GF, 5 GA, 0 GD)
3. South Korea - 1 (2 GF, 3 GA, -1 GD)
4. Uruguay - 1 (0 GF, 2 GA, - 2 GD)
Monday Results
Portugal 2, Uruguay 0
Ghana 3, South Korea 2
Portugal joined Brazil and France in the final 16 through a pair of second-half goals against Uruguay.
Bruno Fernandes was officially credited with both tallies. Cristiano Ronaldo tried to take credit for the opener, but his header just missed Fernandes' cross from the left wing.
Ronaldo was originally credited for the goal, should it belong to Bruno Fernandes? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/RuMuMAEA0T
Fernandes completed his brace from the penalty spot in second-half stoppage time after a VAR review ruled that José Giménez handled the ball in the box.
Kudus' second goal answered an attacking flurry from South Korea. Cho Gue-sung netted a pair of tallies in the 58th and 61st minutes to erase the two-goal lead built up by the Ghanaians in the first half.
Ghana needs a win over Uruguay to feel completely safe to get into the round of 16.
Portugal is dealing with some injuries and could rest some players to avoid yellow cards against South Korea. Two yellow cards turn into a one-game suspension at the World Cup.
However, Portugal should be gunning for the top spot in Group H because the second-place team likely has to face Brazil in the round of 16, Portugal would rather beat South Korea and face either Switzerland or Serbia.
Tuesday Schedule
Group A: Netherlands vs. Qatar (10 a.m. ET, Fox)
Group A: Ecuador vs. Senegal (10 a.m. ET, FS1)
Group B: Iran vs. United States (2 p.m. ET, Fox)
Group B: Wales vs. England (2 p.m. ET, FS1)
World Cup 2022 Groups Table: Predicting the Knockout Bracket
Nov 27, 2022
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 26: Kylian Mbappe of France looks on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group D match between France and Denmark at Stadium 974 on November 26, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Thirty of the 32 teams entered in the 2022 FIFA World Cup are still alive to advance to the knockout round.
The permutations are easier for some squads to advance to the round of 16, and only France has officially confirmed its spot in the knockout round.
Qatar and Canada are the two officially eliminated squads. That number could inflate after Monday's games in Groups G and H depending on the results in those four matches.
A handful of squads, including the United States men's national team, face win-and-in situations on their final group matchdays.
Other teams, like Germany, need wins and some help in potentially lopsided matchups to keep their World Cup hopes alive for at least a few more days.
Round of 16 Predictions
Netherlands (Group A winner) vs. United States (Group B runner-up)
Argentina (Group C winner) vs. Denmark (Group D runner-up)
Spain (Group E winner) vs. Morocco (Group F runner-up)
Brazil (Group G winner) vs. Portugal (Group H runner-up)
England (Group B winner) vs. Ecuador (Group A runner-up)
France (Group D winner) vs. Poland (Group C runner-up)
Croatia (Group F winner) vs. Germany (Group E runner-up)
Uruguay (Group H winner) vs. Switzerland (Group G runner-up)
Group A
1. Netherlands - 4 points (+2 goal differential)
2. Ecuador - 4 (+2)
3. Senegal - 3 (0)
4. Qatar - 0 (-4) - eliminated from tournament.
The Netherlands should confirm themselves as Group A winner on Tuesday with a win over Qatar.
The Dutch should outclass the host nation with ease. Qatar was eliminated from advancing to the knockout round after the second matchday. The Qataris have not had enough quality to deal with Ecuador and Senegal, and the same can be said about their matchup with the Dutch.
Most of the Group A attention Tuesday will be on Ecuador and Senegal inside the Khalifa International Stadium.
Ecuador has a one-point advantage over Senegal, and its defense could be massive in that match. La Tri conceded once in Qatar. The concession to the Dutch was the first goal allowed in eight matches for the South American side.
Senegal's back line has been more open lately, as it has one clean sheet in the last seven games.
Ecuador only needs a draw to advance, and even if it wins, it will likely not match the Netherlands' goal output against Qatar.
Group B
1. England - 4 (+4)
2. Iran - 3 (-2)
3. United States - 2 (0)
4. Wales - 1 (-2)
The United States needs a win over Iran to advance out of Group B. Any other result would not allow them to leap over Iran in the standings.
The Americans played three solid halves in the first two games, and they need to have more punch in the final third to beat an Iran side that has a negative goal differential from its 6-2 loss to England.
England should beat the Welsh in a match of regional rivals. Wales will be without goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who was sent off late in the second half against Iran.
Wales looked the worst of the four Group B sides through two matches, and it may be hard for the Welsh to compete with the England, especially a result needed for the Three Lions to advance in first place.
England has extra motivation to finish in first place because that would allow it to avoid a round-of-16 clash with the Netherlands.
Group C
1. Poland - 4 (+2)
2. Argentina - 3 (+1)
3. Saudi Arabia - 3 (-1)
4. Mexico - 1 (-2)
The Argentina-Poland match will determine the fate of Group C.
Argentina looked relieved after beating Mexico on Saturday, and that help the Albiceleste play with more energy and less stress against Poland.
The South American side should be favored against Poland and a win gets it into the knockout round, and more importantly, it will avoid France in the round of 16.
Poland can still get through to the knockout round with a loss. A Mexico-Saudi Arabia draw allows that to happen.
Mexico will be playing for pride and an outside chance to land a spot in the round of 16. Saudi Arabia struggled to create offense against Poland after beating Argentina in its opener.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will be Poland's best friend on Wednesday. If he keeps Saudi Arabia out, Mexico scores one or two goals and Poland loses by just one goal, Poland will go through on goal differential.
Group D
1. France - 6 (+4)
2. Australia - 3 (-2)
3. Denmark - 1 (-1)
4. Tunisia - 1 (-1)
France is assumed to be the Group D winner.
The reigning World Cup champion has two wins from two games, and it should beat Tunisia, even if it rotates some of its squad to stay fresh for the knockout round.
Denmark should be the favored side against Australia. The Danes resided in the same situation at UEFA Euro 2020 and won. They went on to reach the semifinals of that tournament.
Denmark needs a win to leap over Australia, while the Aussies just need a draw from that match to advance.
Tunisia is still alive, but a win over France seems very unlikely with the form that Kylian Mbappé is in. Mbappé is tied for the Golden Boot lead with three goals.
Group E
1. Spain - 4 (+7)
2. Japan - 3 (0)
3. Costa Rica - 3 (-6)
4. Germany - 1 (-1)
All four teams are still alive in Group E.
Germany needs a win over Costa Rica and a bit of help to avoid a second straight group-stage exit.
Costa Rica gained an edge on Germany with a win over Japan on Sunday, but the Ticos could still be outclassed by a roster full of Bayern Munich stars.
Spain's formula to win the group is simple. La Roja needs to beat Japan to finish in first place. A draw combined with a Germany win allows the Spanish to get into the round of 16 in first as well.
Japan beat Germany and then went into a conservative strategy against Costa Rica that cost it that result. Japan could now be on the brink of elimination given how strong Spain is playing.
Group F
1. Croatia - 4 (+3)
2. Morocco - 4 (+2)
3. Belgium - 3 (-1)
4. Canada - 0 (-4) - eliminated from tournament
Croatia and Morocco have the clear advantages going into the final day of play in Group F.
Croatia's attack woke up against Canada to put it on top of the group ahead of Morocco on goal differential.
Belgium has been one of the most disappointing teams in the tournament, and it faces an uphill climb to get out of third place since it plays Croatia.
Croatia outperformed Belgium over 180 minutes of play, and it is expected to at least get a point out of the meeting of 2018 World Cup semifinalists.
Canada's defense allowed numerous wide-open chances to Croatia, and that could once again be its downfall against Morocco. The second-place team in Group F could be the only African side in the knockout round.
Group G
1. Brazil - 3 (+2)
2. Switzerland - 3 (+1)
3. Cameroon - 0 (-1)
4. Serbia - 0 (-2)
Group G is one of two groups with two matches left to play.
Brazil should be fine without Neymar because Richarlison is in some of the best form of any player on the international level. Richarlison scored twice in the opener against Serbia.
The Selecao take on Switzerland on Monday for first place in the group. That could allow Serbia or Cameroon to sneak into second place with a victory in their contest Monday.
Serbia sits at the biggest disadvantage because it conceded twice against Brazil. The European side could make up that gap with a win over Cameroon before it faces Switzerland in the group finale.
Brazil looked like the strongest squad in the first set of matches, and it is the favorite to win Group G until proved otherwise.
Group H
1. Portugal - 3 (+1)
2. Uruguay - 1 (0)
3. South Korea - 1 (0)
4. Ghana - 0 (-1)
Portugal and Uruguay find themselves in the same situation in Group H as Brazil and Switzerland in Group G.
They are perceived as the top two teams in Group H and either side can gain separation on top of the group Monday.
Portugal scored three goals, but it also conceded on two occasions to Ghana. Uruguay had the stronger defensive performance with a clean sheet in a scoreless draw versus South Korea.
Uruguay's defense could hold up against Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. and its attack, led by Darwin Núñez and Luis Suárez, could take advantage of a Portuguese defense that was opened up in the second half by Ghana.
Portugal can take a commanding lead on top of Group H at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a win over Uruguay on Monday. Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. earned the top...
Cristiano Ronaldo Reportedly Offered 3-Year, $225M Contract by Saudi Club Al Nassr
Nov 26, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo
Former Manchester United forward
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly received a three-year, $225 million
contract offer from Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr as he attempts to
find a new club while representing Portugal at the 2022 FIFA World
Cup.
CBS Sports' James Benge and Ben Jacobs
reported Saturday that Al Nassr reached out to Ronaldo
over the summer, but the club's interest is now "stronger than
ever" while awaiting word on whether the five-time Ballon d'Or
winner is willing to leave European competition.
Manchester United announced Tuesday
it'd reached a mutual agreement with Ronaldo to terminate his
contract immediately, making him a free agent eligible to sign with
any club well ahead of the January transfer window.
The decision came after an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored (via James Robson of the Associated Press) where the club legend suggested it
was time for the sides to go their separate ways.
"Maybe it's good for Manchester and
probably is good for me as well to have a new chapter," he said. "Probably. But I don't know. If I will be back, I will be the
same Cristiano. But I hope people will be on my side and let me shine
like I did at all the clubs and all years."
He also stated United manager Erik ten
Hag doesn't "respect [me] the way I should deserve."
Ronaldo previously sought an exit from
Old Trafford over the summer but aimed to land with a club that could
allow him to play in the UEFA Champions League, but that didn't come
to fruition.
While he'll hope his performance with
Portugal in Qatar will lead to interest and offers from top European
clubs, that's not a guarantee at this stage of his career.
If not, the 37-year-old superstar will
have to decide whether to take the $75 million annually to play
outside of the European spotlight.
Portugal opened the marquee
international tournament with a 3-2 win over Ghana on Thursday, which
featured a goal from Ronaldo on a penalty kick to make him the first
men's player in history to score at five different World Cups.
It puts the Seleção in a strong
position to advance from Group H, which means their run in the event
figures to last for at least two more weeks and lessens the pressure for the forward to make a decision soon about his next club.
Next up for Ronaldo and Co. is a clash
with Uruguay on Monday.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Penalty Was 'Special Gift' from World Cup Ref, Ghana Coach Says
Nov 25, 2022
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the World Cup group H soccer match between Portugal and Ghana, at the Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Portugal's wild 3-2 win over Ghana on Thursday wasn't without controversy. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first goal from the penalty spot after he went down following a tackle from Ghana's Mohammed Salisu in the box. The decision to award a penalty left the African nation fuming, believing the forward had taken a dive.
Ghana manager Otto Addo was also aggrieved by the decision, slamming United States referee Ismail Elfath after the match.
"If somebody scores a goal, congratulations," he told reporters. "But this was really a gift. Really a gift. What more can I say? [It was] a special gift from the referee.''
"I think it was really the wrong decision," he continued. "I don't know why VAR didn't come up. There's no explanation for me. And then it's difficult against a world-class team when they are leading."
