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Former Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimović took aim at Leandro Paredes and the Spain players after the stormy finish to the World Cup final in New Jersey. The 44-year-old pundit condemned the Argentine midfielder’s ferocious antics during a post-match brawl and questioned Spain’s lack of response to the provocation.
Tensions rise after the game
Spain secured the World Cup trophy with a goal from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute in extra time, having dominated the match without allowing Argentina a single shot on goal in regulation time. The South Americans’ frustration boiled over with a late red card for Enzo Fernandez before regulation time expired, while Paredes escaped a sending off despite a second-half booking.
A post-match fight broke out when Nahuel Molina punched Rodri, before Paredes kicked Eric García and dragged Gavi to the ground, while coach Roberto Ayala appeared to punch Dani Olmo.
Ibrahimović criticizes fire scenes
Ibrahimović criticized the post-match chaos during his time on Fox Sports. Criticizing Paredes’ behavior and questioning the passive response of the Spanish players, the former AC Milan striker stated: “Paredes can be happy that there is no player like me on the pitch. If he had been there, I would have head-butted him and he would have been sent off. It is unprofessional behavior on his part.”
And he added: “I don’t know what the Spanish players are doing. They are just watching another player hit their teammate.”
The Swedish icon confirms the departure of the experts
Beyond his candid analysis of the fight in New Jersey, Ibrahimović surprised viewers by announcing his retirement from his 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 leader said: “I’ve spoken a lot over the last month and a half, but these will be my last words.
“alexis [Lalas]Thierry, Rebecca [Lowe]thank you. It has been a pleasure to share this study with you. I also thank Fox, the United States 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 the last time.”
Disciplinary actions take on great importance
FIFA has opened a formal disciplinary procedure over the massive confrontation involving Argentina’s full-time players and coaching staff. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) faces possible heavy fines and player suspensions if any team and staff members are found guilty of wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Spain will continue to celebrate an iconic European and world double in the coming weeks.
