A Small Mind Attacks a Small Mentality
Ronaldo increases lovability factor in Iceland attack, France return to Euro 2016 action and is Zlatan going to be an Olympian? Sports Burst is asking the girls to hit your hallelujah (whoo).
By Tim Stannard
1) CR7 picks wrong fight against wrong team
It could have been so simple for Cristiano Ronaldo after the 1-1 draw with Iceland in Tuesday’s Euro 2016 clash. Shake hands with the Iceland players after the final whistle and then publicly congratulate them for their sterling performance, mentioning the whole population of 330,000 and all that. Deep, deep inside was the place to keep the rumbling outrage akin to the Real Madrid man waking up to find an eyebrow hair growing in an errant direction.
But no, CR7 metaphorically picked up the ball and stormed off the pitch, shaking his head, wondering how a team could dare steal the limelight from himself. Afterwards the Portuguese pouter expressed his feelings quite openly, in staggeringly ill-judged comments that will not help the image of an already occasionally unsympathetic and aloof character.
“When they don't try to play and just defend, defend, defend this in my opinion shows a small mentality and they are not going to do anything in the competition,” fumed Ronaldo with a reaction that has not gone down especially well with the wider football world that is quite fond of the romantic Iceland saga. The coach of plucky Viking outfit, Lars Lagerback, was fairly simple in what Ronaldo and Portugal needed to do in the game to win, as opposed to whining about the opposition. "They have to play better if they want to beat Iceland, simple as that for me."
2) Russia fights – or doesn’t fight – to stay in Euro 2016
The Russians are on the attack. But this time it will be on the field with the early kick-off in Euro 2016 being their Ruskies taking on Slovakia in a Group B in Lille. Of course, most of the storyline concerning this group have centered around the violence of both the Russian and England fans, but so far, much of the city appears to have been untouched by the visiting hordes, helped by a widespread alcohol ban. However, crowd trouble inside the stadium could see Russia being eliminated from the tournament by UEFA after a suspended ban was handed out on Tuesday.
Although England are in action against Wales in Thursday in Lens, the proximity of the two cities and the fact that many England fans are staying in Lille means that local police are still very much on high alert.
Group A is also in action on Wednesday for its second set of games. Romania are facing Switzerland whilst hosts, France, take on Albania. A win for both Switzerland and France could see the top two places in Group A wrapped up after just two games. Catch all the best action and analysis on the XTRA at midnight ET.
3) Copa America takes a breather ahead of knock-out bonanza
Soon after Cristiano Ronaldo has his Iceland whine, Leo Messi was getting on with the business of helping his team ease past a suitably stubborn Bolivia to set Argentina up a quarterfinal clash with Venezuela on Saturday. The USA face Ecuador on Thursday, Peru takes on Colombia on Friday and Mexico will be up against Chile in a very tasty Saturday night encounter. Wednesday is a rest day for the Copa.
4) Zlatan in tiny chance of being Rio Olympian
ZLATAN NEWS! The future Manchester United, Bayern Munich – depending on who to believe on Wednesday – has been named in Sweden’s provisional squad for the Rio Olympics. However, a decision by the player will be made after Euro 2016. Hopes are not “huge” admits the Swedish team coach for Rio on the chances of Zlatan ending up in Brazil.
Marseille keeper, Steve Mandanda, apparently faces a change of air now that he is on the brink of being out of contract with the Ligue Un club. Chelsea and Everton are thought to be very interested in signing up the 31-year-old.
5) Pep starts EPL adventure against Sunderland
The Premier League fixtures have been released for the 2016-17 campaign – which sounds like we are properly living in the future – and Pep Guardiola will lead his new Manchester City team at home to Sunderland which is a nice way to break in to English football. Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United are away at Bournemouth whilst Leicester City begin their defense of the EPL title away at newly-promoted Hull City.
A quick shout-out for some live football on beIN SPORTS at 2PM ET on Wednesday – the first-leg in the Segunda division play-off final between Osasuna and Girona to see who will be up against Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Primera next season. And if you like your horses then tune in at 5PM ET for the highlights of Day Two at Royal Ascot. Where there will be some fancy hats and fancy racing.
WHAT IS SPORTS BURST?
The life philosophy of Sports Burst is that if you are not upsetting someone, then you are not trying hard enough. SB is a daily trawl and troll through the morning's sports news to bring you fact-nuggets to make you both smile and swear. Hopefully at the same time.