The best quotes from around today’s footballing headlines.
The build up to the greatest footballing show on earth is reaching fever pitch, with the 2014 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Germany set to kick-off in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday evening.
The footballing headlines today have been dominated by the build-up to the planet’s biggest football match – but there has also been reaction to Brazil’s hapless 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands in their third place play-off.
Elsewhere in the footballing world, there has been plenty more reaction to Luis Suarez signing for La Liga giants Barcelona, with one former Liverpool player describing him as “irreplaceable”.
Beckham backs Messi to shine on the biggest stage
Former England captain David Beckham has spoken out ahead of the World Cup Final – and the former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar is backing Lionel Messi to sparkle in the Maracana:
“He gives people so much pleasure with the way he plays and what makes him special is he plays as a team-mate as well, a good team player. He’s got great individual skill, but winning means everything to him.”
“If other team-mates score goals he’s the first one there to celebrate with them and I think that says a lot about him.”
“Playing for Argentina, I’m sure there’s a certain amount of pressure, but going as far as they’ve gone is incredible. It means so much to him, his family and everyone else around the world, the fact Messi’s going to be playing on this stage.”
Joachim Low predicts Germany domination
Germany manager Joachim Low has been in confident mood ahead of his team’s World Cup final showdown against Argentina on Sunday night, claiming that the Germans could be set for a period of footballing world domination:
“We have young players who aren’t even here and other players with a fantastic future such as Ilkay Gundogan, Marco Reus, Mesut Ozil, Andre Schurrle and Thomas Muller.”
“They can go on to play for a number of years. We can play on top of the world for a good number of years, with some young players coming in to reinforce the team.”
Low was also keen to reinforce the fact that his side have the chance to make history in Rio de Janeiro by becoming the first European team to lift the trophy on South American soil:
“In the past we have never had this. Latin Americans, on this continent, have dominated all the time. So why not? This could be an additional joy for us if we were to win as Europeans on Latin American soil.”
Argentina to thrive on the hatred of Brazilian crowd
Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta has taken his country’s status as public enemy number one in the host nation in his stride – claiming that the hatred from the Brazilian crowds fires up him and his teammates:
“It’s special for us to play in this country. Especially as Brazilian fans have been against Argentina at this World Cup.”
“Sometimes, if you have all the people against you, you feel even stronger.”
Opponents Germany also seem to have noticed the Brazilians’ dislike of their near neighbours, with defender Benedikt Howedes hoping for some additional support from the locals:
“All of us are hoping for support from the Brazilians.”
“I thought it was a wonderful gesture the way Brazilians celebrated for us.”
John Aldridge says that Suarez is ‘irreplaceable’.
Former Liverpool forward John Aldridge was devastated by the loss of striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona, lavishing praise upon the Uruguayan’s talents:
“He’s irreplaceable. Absolutely sublime. I’ve watched Liverpool for 50 years and he’s right up there with the best.”
“He comes with baggage but what he’s done for Liverpool on the field has been unbelievable.”
“Whether you’ll get anybody who can do a lot of damage who can get 30 goals is very debatable.”
Pogba spied on Scholes because he was too scared to ask the Man Utd legend
Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba has claimed that he once spied on Paul Scholes whilst at Manchester United – because he was too shy to approach the legendary midfielder:
“I was too shy to ask him for advice so I watched him carefully and tried to dissect everything he did. Then I tried to emulate his strengths.”
The young talent has gone on to become one of the most promising midfielders in the world since he left Old Trafford for current Serie A champions Juventus.