Sergio Ramos hits back at Diego Maradona, Queiroz and Iran

• Under-fire Spain captain surprised by criticism
• ‘The things [Queiroz] says don’t make any sense’

Carlos Queiroz stopped on the way out of the Kazan Arena and embraced Sergio Ramos before continuing towards the bus, which was still parked at one end. As the Iran manager departed, the Spain captain gave a knowing look, while someone spluttered: “And now he hugs you!” That drew an ironic smile. “At half-time he gave me a hug too and asked me how I am, we have a good relationship, so that’s why it surprises me that he then says things,” Ramos replied. “Like Diego Maradona, the things he says don’t make any sense.”

The things they said had been about him and were not entirely complimentary – something Ramos attributed to their desire to be talked about and something to which he now responded in the moments after Spain’s 1-0 victory when Iran’s defensive, physical approach and alleged gamesmanship had become a topic for discussion. If Ramos was relatively gentle with Queiroz considering the Iran coach had brought up the fact that he had injured Mohammed Salah, with Maradona he hit where it hurt.

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