Top News

Croatia’s football great Davor Suker has delivered a sharp rebuke to England manager Thomas Tuchel following the German coach’s dismissive remarks about the World Cup third-place play-off. The former Real Madrid striker accused the Three Lions boss of showing elitist behaviour after Tuchel claimed that neither England nor France were interested in contesting for the bronze medal.

Suker responds to Tuchel’s indifference

The disagreement began when Tuchel voiced his lack of enthusiasm for the upcoming third-place play-off between England and France, asserting that the players were only motivated by the final. “None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match. They want to play the final. We gave everything to achieve that,” Tuchel remarked.

Suker, who famously guided Croatia to a bronze medal at the 1998 World Cup in France, was taken aback by Tuchel’s stance. In an interview with Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri, the former striker did not hold back when discussing what he sees as an emerging elite mindset in football. “Give me the floor. I think the rich don't want to play when they lose,” Suker stated.

Respect for all 211 football nations

The Golden Boot winner emphasised that Tuchel’s attitude ignored the emotional significance of a third-place finish for nations that are not traditional football giants. Suker urged leading figures in the sport to demonstrate greater humility and appreciation for the global football community.

“Some have won so many trophies and are so wealthy that this match means nothing to them. My message to them is to stay quiet, respect all 211 participants, and realise that the world does not belong only to them. The world also belongs to the medium-sized nations, the smaller ones, and those who simply love football,” Suker explained.

Bronze is a lasting achievement

Suker pointed out that whichever team claims third place on Saturday will eventually take pride in their accomplishment, even if it is being undervalued now. “This match can be very important. After 1998, when we played the Netherlands for third place, we fought hard, and today I can speak about it with pride,” he reflected.

“Whoever secures third place, I assure you that in 20 years, when they are older, they will definitely treasure that bronze medal. That’s why, in this entire discussion, coach Tuchel is not important. He’s talking nonsense,” Suker added.

Suker tips Messi for World Cup victory

The former Croatian striker also shared his thoughts ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final in New Jersey, where Lionel Messi and Argentina will aim for a second consecutive world title, while Spain hope to capture their second World Cup trophy.

“We have 90 minutes ahead of us, and maybe extra time too. But when you look at who has the better chances, it’s Messi again. We’ll see, it will be fascinating right until the last moment,” Suker said.