Video footage has emerged of Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo bringing an impromptu interview to a sudden halt — by throwing the reporter’s microphone into a nearby lake.
The clip shows Ronaldo, surrounded by security guards, strolling by a lake. When the reporter from Portugal’s CMTV approaches, a silent Ronaldo wrestles the microphone from his grasp with one hand and pitches it into the water. — Reuters
Hungary goes crazy for keeper’s baggies
Hungary is going crazy for the grey tracksuit bottoms worn by the national team’s goalkeepeer Gabor Kiraly.
Schoolkids, actors and television presenters have all been donning Kiraly trousers“I’m not a top model, my job is defending. I don’t feel comfortable without them,” said Kiraly off his trousers. — AFP
Referee in spotlight after Spain penalty call
Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers has been criticised and praised in equal measure after awarding a penalty on Tuesday for Spain against Croatia, and then not ordering it to be retaken.
If the initial decision seemed harsh, after contact with Spain playmaker David Silva in the area, there was controversy soon afterward as Sergio Ramos took the spot kick.
Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic came at least two meters off his line before the ball was kicked, while three Croatia players were already well inside the penalty area at the time.
Refereeing blog The 3rd Team highlighted that the “Laws of the Game are actually clear” and there should be no encroachment by players or movement off the line by the keeper.
However, its author also highlighted that “it is usual and nothing new that players encroach at penalty kicks” and that “nobody really cared or protested.” — AP
France opens door to Benzema
French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet has opened the door for striker Karim Benzema’s return after the European Championship.
The Real Madrid forward is facing preliminary charges of conspiracy to blackmail in a sex-tape scandal involving France teammate Mathieu Valbuena. Benzema was left out of the Euro 2016 squad in a decision taken by Le Graet and coach Didier Deschamps in the interests of team harmony and avoiding media intrusion.
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday at the national team’s training camp in Clairefontaine, Le Graet said he hoped the case would be resolved quickly. “He’s not suspended for life,” Le Graet said. — AP
Damaged Lille pitch to be re-laid
UEFA has ordered the pitch at the Lille Euro 2016 stadium to be hastily re-laid because of “irreversible damage” caused by bad weather. France coach Didier Deschamps had said it was “shameful” to have his team’s 0-0 draw with Switzerland on the Lille pitch where several players slipped on the turf.
The grass was painted green before the match in a bid to hide its poor state. Giant blowers had been used at the ground in recent weeks between matches to make sure the turf is not damaged by rain.
The new turf will be brought from the Netherlands and laid on Friday. The pitch has already been re-laid once this year.
UEFA said it was “confident” the new surface would pose no problems for the last-16 match on June 26 and quarterfinal on July 1 to be played at Lille. — AFP
Miraculous McGovern earns adulation
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern spent last season toiling for Scottish strugglers Hamilton Academical, but his brilliant display against Germany made him the toast of Paris.
The 31-year-old pulled off save after save on Tuesday to frustrate the World champion and it was only thanks to McGovern’s electric reflexes that the score remained 1-0.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill said, “Playing for Hamilton Academical, he makes a lot of saves every week. Coming into this game, he was well prepared. He’s an exceptional goalkeeper.
“The type of saves he made showed that — not only his bravery, but his speed in closing people down and how he comes off his line. He didn’t put a foot wrong all night.
“The players gave him a round of applause when he came in the dressing room. When that happens, you don’t really need the manager to say any more to be honest.” — AFP
Eric’s dire warning
Other countries will dread the prospect of facing England in the knockout rounds, midfielder Eric Dier has said.
“Of course we couldn’t win them all but in general our play has been very positive, and I am sure there are plenty who won’t want to face us,” said Dier.
“We shouldn’t be fearful of anyone... that’s the wrong word. We’ll wait and see.” — Reuters
