Russia 2018 World Cup Notebook - Day 28
French President Emmanuel Macron (second left) celebrates, alongside French Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet (centre) and French Sports Minister Laura Flessel at the end of their Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final match against Belgium at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on July 10, 2018. PHOTO | GIUSEPPE CACACE |
What you need to know:
- Russia’s president Vladimir Putin called Macron to congratulate him on France’s victory, and also called Belgium’s King Phelippe, according to the Kremlin Press Service.
- Marks & Spencer has recorded big sales on waistcoats, and the British multinational retailer headquartered in London, has England coach Gareth Southgate to thank for it.
- American referee Mark Geiger who presided over England’s ill-tempered round of 16 match against Colombia on July 3 at Luzhniki Stadium has been left out of the referees’ roster for the remaining matches.
Viva Les Bleus! Putin calls Macron
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French president Emmanuel Macron, Fifa President Gianni Infantino, and Belgium’s King Phelippe and his wife, Queen Mathilde attended Tuesday’s quarter-final match between Belgium and France in Saint Petersburg.
When France scored via Samuel Umtiti in the 51st minute, Macron rose from his seat to shake hands with Infantino in celebration of the goal that would eventually take his country to the final of the tournament.
Russia’s president Vladimir Putin called Macron to congratulate him on France’s victory, and also called Belgium’s King Phelippe, according to the Kremlin Press Service.
Rescued Thai boys won’t attend final
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Fifa president Gianni Infantino Wednesday clarified that 12 members of the Thailand football team who were dramatically rescued from a cave deep in the belly of the earth on Tuesday would not attend Sunday’s final of the Fifa World Cup due to health reasons.
The Wild Boars team of 12 aged from 11 to 16 had ventured deep inside the cave after a training session with their 25-year-old coach on June 23, and were rescued after 18-day ordeal.
After the first four members of the team had been rescued on Monday, Infantino said they would attend Sunday’s final match.
Waistcoats selling, thanks to Southgate
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Marks & Spencer has recorded big sales on waistcoats, and the British multinational retailer headquartered in London, has England coach Gareth Southgate to thank for it.
According to British media, the retailer is running out of Gareth Southgate’s trademark waistcoat, prompting protests from England fans who descended on Moscow in large numbers for yesterday’s semi-final match between England and Croatia.
Since Southgate started wearing the waistcoat here with English team at the Fifa World Cup, this piece of attire has become a fashion item.
Geiger who? English fans ask
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American referee Mark Geiger who presided over England’s ill-tempered round of 16 match against Colombia on July 3 at Luzhniki Stadium has been left out of the referees’ roster for the remaining matches.
England won 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 draw in normal and extra time, and Geiger dished out eight yellow cards, six of them to Colombian players and made controversial decisions. And now English fans have quickly moved on from the incident.
When I sought their views on Geiger’s performance in the match, most English fans could not remember the referee’s name.
