‘Unfair to blame Neymar for Brazil’s failure’
SAOPAULO:KAKA believes Neymar attracts disproportionate criticism and should not be blamed for the country’s underwhelming World Cup campaign.
Despite scoring twice in Russia, the world’s most expensive player was described as having underperformed by ex-selecao stars Ronaldo and Cafu as the pre-tournament favourites crashed out to Belgium in the quarter-finals.
Former AC Milan and Real Madrid playmaker Kaka came to the defence of the Paris Saintgermain player, arguing he is unfairly targeted.
“This search for the one to blame is what I don’t agree with too much,” Kaka said.
“Brazil lost. It wasn’t Neymar who lost. When he does something good, it’s very big. And when something not so good happens, it’s also very big.”
AC MILAN’S BAN APPEAL ON THURSDAY
LAUSANNE: AC Milan’s appeal against a European ban for breaking UEFA’S financial fair play rules will be heard Thursday by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the court announced.
Last month European football’s governing body UEFA banned Milan from the Europa League for the coming season.
AC Milan have spent a troubled 15 months since they were bought by Chinese businessman Li Yonghong from Silvio Berlusconi in April 2017. The takeover was partly funded by a high-interest loan of €300 million from American hedge fund Elliott Management. When Milan failed to make a repayment at the start of July, Elliott moved to take over, a process which will be ratified by shareholders on July 21.
ICELAND COACH HALLGRIMSSON QUITS
REYKJAVIK: Heimir Hallgrimsson has stepped down as Iceland coach after seven years with the team, the Football Association of Iceland (KSI) said on Tuesday.
The 51-year-old guided Iceland to their first World Cup in Russia where they were eliminated in the group stage.
CAHILL RETIRES FROM AUSTRALIA DUTY
Sydney:australia’s all-time leading goal-scorer Tim Cahill retired from international football on Tuesday, ending an illustrious career that has taken him to four World Cups.
The 38-year-old, who scored 50 international goals in 107 appearances, last played for the Socceroos when he came off the bench for their final group game against Peru at the World Cup in Russia.
“Today’s the day that I’m officially hanging up my boots on my international career with the Socceroos,” Cahill tweeted.
U-20 COTIF CUP: INDIA TO PLAY ARGENTINA
NEW DELHI: India’s U-20 football team will be playing against Argentina U-20 during a tournament in Spain from July 29.
Besides Argentina, the Indians will be taking on the national U-20 sides of Venezuela and Mauritania in the COTIF Cup. They will also play Murcia U-20.
National team director Abhishek Yadav said the AIFF has drawn up a template where all national teams will be playing international competitions in addition to domestic schedule.
The U-20 national team will comprise players who represented India in the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 and those who played in the AFC U-19 Qualifiers in 2017.