Mexico coach hits out at Sweden’s direct approach
SWEDISH fans exploding with joy as their tall captain from the county of Scania smashes home a penalty is a familiar sight, but it is Andreas Granqvist and not Zlatan Ibrahimovic they have been cheering at the World Cup in Russia. YEKATERINBURG: Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio said he was “very hurt” and hit out at Sweden’s style of football as his side limped into the World Cup last 16 on Wednesday despite a 3-0 defeat.
Sweden, who at half-time were heading home from Russia, scored three times in the second half to top Group F with a deserved win.
Mexico were left hoping that Germany did not beat South Korea in the other final group game, as the tension that had bubbled throughout ratcheted up a notch.
As it was, the Germans were stunned 2-0 late on, with Mexico fans packed into Yekaterinburg Arena raucously celebrating the South Korean goals.
But Osorio was far from happy and his team will need to play a lot better if they are to go beyond the last 16 for the first time since 1986.
“First of all, I have to say that we qualified because we beat Germany and (South) Korea.
“However, I am very hurt,” said the 56-year-old Colombian.
“We allowed them to score three goals, which is too many... I was not happy how we defended, it was a learning experience for me.”
He called qualification “bittersweet” and made clear his disdain for what he perceived to be Sweden’s long-ball approach.
“I deeply regret that way of playing. I don’t agree with it — always from the goalkeeper to the attacker, not playing it out of the back.
“It is quite amazing to realise that you can play in that manner.”
That will be of no concern to Sweden and their coach Janne Andersson as second-half goals from defenders Ludwig Augustinsson and Andreas Granqvist, from the penalty spot, plus a comical own goal were reward for a physical display.