Quotes of the World Cup

DOHA: Rousing team talks, feuding teammates and pithy one-liners — AFP looks back at some of the best quotes of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar: “Take your phone and take a picture with him if you want!” — Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard suggests a novel approach to dealing with Argentina’s Lionel Messi in his half-time team-talk. Renard’s words did the trick as Saudi Arabia upset the South Americans 2-1. “People say the favorites are France.

But we have the greatest player of all time.” — Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez on his team’s not-so-secret weapon, Lionel Messi. “It’s high time we stop with this conversation, stop the controversies. It’s high time for you to leave (Cristiano) Ronaldo alone, in acknowledgement for what he’s done for Portuguese football.” — Portugal coach Fernando Santos tries to shift the focus from his superstar.

“When you watch Rocky, you want to support Rocky Balboa because of his hard work and commitment and I think we’re the Rocky Balboa of this World Cup.” — Morocco coach Walid Regragui sums up his team’s underdog spirit. “It’s not my fault because I didn’t miss the penalty.” — Uruguay veteran Luis Suarez is unrepentant about his infamous 2010 World Cup handball against Ghana. “No chance, we’re too old.

I think our chance was 2018. We have a good team, but it is aging.” — Belgium talisman Kevin De Bruyne dismisses the Red Devils’ chances of winning the World Cup. “Where did it go wrong? We probably also attack badly because we are too old, that must be it now, surely?” — Belgium’s veteran defender Jan Vertonghen hits back at De Bruyne after defeat to Morocco.