What they said after the games

WE PICK out some of the best quotes at the World Cup:

“Professional. Clinical. Bring on Belgium and the knockout rounds.” – England captain Harry Kane on Twitter after his hattrick in a 6-1 thrashing of Panama took him to the top of the World Cup goalscoring charts.

“What a performance today from all the boys. Well done @HKane on the hat-trick . . .” – England defender Kieran Trippier on Twitter.

“You can’t do that, football has a strange knack of punishing you when you don’t treat things professionally and in the right manner.” – Belgium coach Roberto Martinez dismisses suggestions his team could take it easy in their last Group G match against England, if finishing second means they play an “easier” opponent in the round of 16.

“This is crazy??!! A Tie??! Congrats Japan! Congrats Senegal!” – American actress Reese Witherspoon, on the group stage draw.

“Some of the German leaders on the team [bench] celebrated by running in our direction and rubbing it into our faces by making gestures and that got me really annoyed and angry.” – Sweden coach Janne Andersson on the German coaching staff’s antics after Toni Kroos’ 95th-minute goal gave the defending champions a 2-1 win and lifeline.

“I’ve been telling [players] they need to put on 5kg and grow 5cm but they couldn’t do that . . . ” – Japan coach Akira Nishino jokes about his players’ physiques.

“It’s Jamie Vardy here from Vardy News. Just how big is the diameter of your head?” – England’s Vardy gatecrashes a Harry Maguire press interview to wind up his Leicester City teammate, who he’s nicknamed “Slabhead”.

“I will be very happy if I participate and set the record. But it is not certain.” – Egypt’s 45-yearold keeper Essam El Hadary on the prospect of being the oldest World Cup player ever. —