NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Former Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimović took aim at Leandro Paredes and Spain’s players after the stormy end to the World Cup final in New Jersey. The 44-year-old pundit condemned the Argentina midfielder’s antics during a post-match brawl, while questioning Spain’s lack of response to the provocation.
Tensions boil over after the match
Spain secured the World Cup trophy via a 106th-minute extra-time goal from Ferran Torres, after dominating the match without allowing Argentina a single shot on target in normal time. The South Americans’ frustration boiled over with a late red card for Enzo Fernández before normal time expired, while Paredes escaped a sending-off despite a second-half booking.
A post-match melee broke out when Nahuel Molina hit Rodri before Paredes kicked Eric Garcia and dragged Gavi to the ground as coach Roberto Ayala appeared to punch Dani Olmo.
Ibrahimović sets scenes on fire
Ibrahimović hit out at the post-match chaos during his punditry stint on Fox Sports. Hitting out at Paredes’ behavior while questioning the perceived passive response of the Spanish players, the former AC Milan striker declared: “Paredes can be happy that there was no player like me on the pitch. If I had been there I would have headbutted him and been sent off. It’s unprofessional behavior from him.”
He added: “I don’t know what the Spanish players are doing? They’re just watching another player beat their team-mate.”
Swedish icon confirms Punditry Exit
In addition to his candid analysis of the brawl in New Jersey, Ibrahimović surprised viewers by announcing his retirement from pundit duties. After starring in the Fox Sports studio throughout the tournament alongside fellow pundits Thierry Henry and Alexi Lalas, the former Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain frontman said: “I’ve spoken a lot over the last month and a half but these will be my last words.
“Alexi [Lalas]Thierry, Rebecca [Lowe]thanks. It has been my pleasure to share this study with you. I also thank Fox, USA and everyone who watched. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. This is my last visit to the studio. For me it was the first and last time.”
Disciplinary Actions Loom Large
FIFA has opened formal disciplinary proceedings into the mass confrontation involving Argentina’s full-time players and coaching staff. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) faces potentially large fines and player suspensions if a team and staff are found guilty of wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Spain will continue to celebrate an iconic European and World Cup double in the coming weeks.
