And finally… own goal
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A lawmaker in Russia has called for “mockery” of the national football team to be banned as players are “fighting for the honour of our country”.
Vitaly Milonov said players and their coach should be considered like “our diplomats, our army” during the World Cup.
The host country’s team and its coach in particular were the butt of numerous jokes in the run up to the tournament.
Milonov, along with other lawmakers in the Duma, have drafted a bill imposing a 10,000 ruble (£119) fine on anyone who criticises the team.
He said: “During the World Cup these people are fighting for the honour of the country. It’s the responsibility of the state to defend its representatives from verbal abuse.”
“This is not just about football. This is about our national identity,” he added.
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