Joachim Löw will remain as Germany's manager, a post he has held since '06.GETTY IMAGES
Joachim Löw will remain as Germany manager despite the side's "shock early exit" from the World Cup. Löw -- who was named Germany manager in '06 -- extended his contract a month ago until '22. He said, "I feel, in spite of the legitimate criticism of our departure, generally much support and encouragement. But now I want to design the rebuilding with full commitment" (BBC, 7/3).
NHL Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin is bringing the Stanley Cup to the World Cup. Ovechkin is "continuing his summer-long victory tour by taking the trophy to Moscow on Saturday," where it will be exhibited at a "fan fest" public viewing site ahead of Russia's quarterfinal game against Croatia. Ovechkin wrote on Instagram, "Dear friends, I'll be happy to see everyone who wants to take a photo with the Stanley Cup" (AP, 7/3).
Diego Maradona offered to coach the Argentine national team "for free, eight years after his last attempt ended in World Cup failure." Maradona was asked "if he fancied another shot at the job" -- even though current coach Jorge Sampaoli has a contract until '22. He said, "Yes, and I would do it for free. I wouldn't ask for anything in return" (REUTERS, 7/3).
The Korea FA "will not pursue charges against people who threw eggs at the team" as it arrived home from the World Cup. The incident happened as the team was lining up for a photograph at Incheon Airport on Monday. Yonhap reported the KFA does not want airport police "to take action." An Incheon Airport police official said, "Throwing eggs is considered an assault, but it's also an offense which can't be prosecuted without the victim's objection" (BBC, 7/3).
The Danish FA said on Tuesday that it reported death threats made against striker Nicolai Jorgensen to the police after he "endured a barrage of online abuse for missing a World Cup penalty against Croatia." The Danish FA tweeted, "Stop. Our society must never accept death threats -- neither against World Cup stars, politicians or others. It is completely unacceptable and indecent. We are reporting the case to the police to end this madness" (REUTERS, 7/3).
