File picture of Arsene Wenger© AFP
Arsene Wenger stated on Sunday that groups who centered on soccer somewhat than “political demonstrations” fared higher within the opening spherical on the World Cup. The previous Arsenal supervisor is now working for FIFA as its head of world soccer improvement and made the comment unprompted throughout a press convention taking a look at developments in the course of the now-concluded group stage in Qatar.
“If you go to a World Cup you already know you will need to not lose the primary recreation,” stated the 73-year-old, saying groups with World Cup expertise akin to holders France received their opening matches.
Wenger then added: “And the groups as properly who had been mentally prepared, who had the mindset to give attention to the competitors and never on political demonstrations.”
Germany’s gamers coated their mouths for the workforce photograph earlier than their opening match in opposition to Japan in protest at FIFA’s refusal to permit the captains of seven European sides to put on rainbow-themed armbands.
The four-time champions misplaced the sport 2-1 and ultimately exited within the group phases. This World Cup has been overshadowed by a number of controversies each on and off the pitch, particularly relating to homosexual rights.
Homosexuality is against the law in Qatar. Germany captain Manuel Neuer was among the many skippers who had deliberate to put on rainbow-themed armbands to advertise variety, however deserted the initiative after FIFA threatened their groups with sporting sanctions.
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