Maradona’s ambassador status scrutinised
Diego Maradona’s role as a paid ambassador for Fifa came under scrutiny following his boorish behaviour during Argentina’s defeat of Nigeria.
Football’s governing body said note had been taken of Maradona’s antics on Wednesday, although it would not comment on whether they would have any impact on his official duties.
Loew changed his lineup to mix youth with experience, calling back Hummels, Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil while also fielding Niklas Suele and Leon Goretzka.
Germany made a nervous start, playing slower than it usually does to avoid being vulnerable on the break. But the strategy did not bring much success in the first half.
The Germans continued at the same pedestrian pace after halftime and Ozil
The 1986 World Cup-winning captain, said to earn £10,000 (NZ$19,320) plus expenses for any event he attends in his capacity as a Fifa ambassador, reacted to Marcos Rojo’s late winning goal with a double onefinger salute before appearing to goad supporters below him in the stands.
He had looked worse for wear in an
had another poor display, with many of his passes uncompleted.
Loew brought on substitutes Mario Gomez and Thomas Mueller on either side of the 60-minute mark but his players kept giving the ball away.
‘‘We did not deserve to be winning the title once again,’’ Loew said.
Loew, who guided Germany to the title at the 2014 World Cup after routing hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semifinals, said it was too early to talk executive box at the game – later confessing to having been drinking – before sparking a health scare when needing to be helped from his seat.
The 57-year-old, who required medical assistance at the stadium, was also forced to deny rumours that he had been taken to hospital and had even died.
about his future with the national team.
‘‘We need a couple of hours to see things clearly,’’ Loew said. ‘‘The disappointment is deep inside me.’’
In group E, Brazil continued their gradual improvement with a comfortable 2-0 win over Serbia to seal top spot, while an unconvincing 2-2 draw with Costa Rica was enough for Switzerland to claim the second qualifying position.