Russian Spy: Best pals Griezmann and Godin on collision course

The contest between France striker Antoine Griezmann and Uruguay captain Diego Godin will be a feature of today’s quarter-final clash in Nizhny Novgorod. It also brings together Atletico Madrid club colleagues whose friendship is deep and personal.

Griezmann and Godin are neighbours in Madrid’s La Finca residential estate. They and their wives share barbecues in each other’s gardens. Godin is godfather to the Griezmanns’ daughter. Before he extended his contract with Atletico recently, Griezmann consulted Godin.

Griezmann’s interest in all things Uruguayan began in 2009, when coach Martin Lasarte from Montevideo gave the 19-year-old his chance at Real Sociedad. He socialised with team-mates from Uruguay who introduced him to their country’s music and cuisine. Today Griezmann’s WhatsApp avatar is the national flag of Uruguay and he’s the proud possessor of an Edinson Cavani jersey.

Diego Godin

Whatever the result today, the scenes involving Godin and Griezmann at the final whistle are sure to be emotional.

Maradona apologies for referee outburst

Diego Maradona has apologised to Fifa after soccer’s governing body rebuked his comments criticising American referee Mark Geiger’s work in England’s win over Colombia in the World Cup round of 16.

On Wednesday, the Argentina great claimed the outcome of that game was a “monumental theft”.

However, yesterday Maradona posted on Facebook that he said some things that were unacceptable because he was “driven by the emotions while rooting for Colombia”.

He said he sometimes disagrees with referees’ decisions but has “the outmost respect for their job, which is not easy”.

Fifa had tolerated previous incidents by Maradona at games in Russia. He apologised for making an offensive gesture toward a South Korean fan at Argentina’s opening 1-1 draw with Iceland in Moscow and also broke World Cup Stadium rules by smoking a cigar.

Maradona was also filmed aggressively raising his middle fingers after Argentina scored a late winning goal against Nigeria in St Petersburg.

Pavard to join Munich in €35m deal

Bayern Munich have secured France defender Benjamin Pavard from the start of the 2019-2020 season, German football magazine Kicker is reporting.

Bayern reportedly agreed the deal with Stuttgart before the World Cup, where the 22-year-old, who has been playing full-back for France, scored a spectacular goal in the victory over Argentina.

GOAL #FRA 2-2 #ARG

Pavard (just wait for the replay from behind!). Ladies and gentleman, we've got a classic on our hands.#RTEsoccer

Live updates: https://t.co/OnJgUOzYjT pic.twitter.com/HLfEQZJdI7

— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 30, 2018

Kicker reported that the deal is worth €35m which, it said, was the value of the buyout clause in his contract.

Pavard has just helped Stuttgart win promotion to the Bundesliga and the club’s sports director Michael Reschke had insisted the club would not let him leave.

Wedding goers told to put their phones away

World Cup fever in England will not extend to weddings round the country tomorrow with those tempted to glance at their mobile phones during the match with Sweden facing a red card.

England’s first World Cup quarter-final in 12 years, following their penalty shootout victory over Colombia, takes place at 3pm when many weddings or post-ceremony receptions will be taking place.

This has prompted the Reverend Sandra Millar, head of “life events” for the Church of England (CofE), to issue guidelines for those attending the ceremonies and advocating anyone caught sneaking a look at their mobile phone should be sent packing.

“For those attending a wedding service at 3pm I’d strongly encourage you to make sure you are fully on-side with the happy couple and switch off your mobile phone in advance,” she told the Daily Telegraph.

“For those getting married on Saturday, like England fans you might experience a few nerves, but you can be sure that it will also be the best day of your life, with memories to cherish. Who knows, come 6pm, that may be something you share with the rest of the nation too.”