Argies tragedy lifted us
But trust England to expose a more unsettling truth ahead of this afternoon’s clash with the Central American nation.
And it’s this. Reporters will always look for the story and footbal lers, coaches and managers are always fair game.
The Three Lions have started a catfight with the press after assistant manager Steve Holland was spotted at training with the line- up written on a piece of paper. Pictures were published within minutes.
Comments from boss Gareth Southgate and defender Ky l e Walker have been laughable.
The En g l a nd gaf fer wants the med i a to ask themselves if they “want to help the team or not”.
Walker begged the press to keep informat ion to t hemselves . A strange paradox for communicators.
There has always been an unholy alliance between the media and footballers.
Former Celtic misfit Adam Virgo didn’t endear himself to the media on the day he was unveiled at a press conference.
He forgot the microphone was on as he prepared to give his Chelsea winger Willian has revea led Brazi l were inspired to their World Cup win by A rgent i na’s meltdown against Croatia.
Manager Tite’s five-time champions g rabbed a last- gasp 2- 0 victory over Costa Rica on Friday.
Less than 24 hours earlier, however, Argentina crashed to an humiliating 3- 0 defeat to Croatia to leave Jorge Sampaoli’s job in jeopardy.
The Albiceleste, who haven’t won the tournament since 1986, must now beat Nigeria on Tuesday to have any chance of avoiding a shock first-round exit.
Brazil, however, remain masters of their own destiny and wi l l qualify for the knockout stages if they defeat Serbia.
Willian said: “You can never be complacent. We know that every game will be difficult to play.
“I think what happened in the Argentina game helped us to become more concentrated and more focused to win against Costa Rica. We will be like that now until the end of the World Cup. We have to be ready because the games will not be easy.”
Stoppage-time goals from Neymar and Phi l ippe Coutinho sealed the win.
Neymar was overcome with emotion and wept on the St Petersburg pitch after his volley finished off the Central Americans.
The goal marked his comeback from the foot injury which had left many doubting about his ability to show his best form.
Willian added: “I didn’t talk to him after the game but it was very emotional to win and that’s why he cried. It was a difficult game.”
Coutinho’s goal was his second in as many games to make him Brazil’s leading scorer in the tournament so far.
Willian added: “He’s an unbelievable player. I am happy he plays for Brazil!
“He has improved a lot and I am really happy for him because he scored the first goal for us.”