ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC left Thierry Henry and an entire World Cup studio stunned as he clapped back at a fellow pundit who controversially branded France as “arrogant”.
Ibrahimovic, 44, provides analysis during the competition in the US, Canada and Mexico and covered Les Bleus’ opener against Senegal alongside Arsenal legend Henry, 48, and USA icon Alexi Lalas.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic left Thierry Henry and an entire World Cup studio stunned with a major blast Credit: Fox Sports
Ibrahimovic covers the World Cup with Henry and Alexi Lalas Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The Tricolores won 3-1 after a second-half blitz that saw Kylian Mbappe registering a brace either side of a goal by Bradley Barcola, with Ibrahim Mbaye getting a consolation for the African giants.
After the full-time whistle, USA legend Landon Donovan branded France‘s display as “arrogant” and “casual” in the first half that ended with the two sides going back to the dressing room with everything goalless.
Henry, who amassed 51 goals in 123 appearances with the French national team, completely disagreed with ex-Everton star Donovan’s take.
The Arsenal legend said: “I just don’t get it. Just because you are not 1-0, 2-0, or 3-0 up after 15 minutes, those words don’t have to come out.
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“Let’s concentrate on the game. We all knew what was going to happen. If people don’t know how Senegal can play and how good Senegal are, that’s on them.”
Lalas opted for a more diplomatic approach as he praised France‘s patience and resilience to find the grit and turn things around in the second half.
The pundit said: “We can have that discussion, but the reality is, if they are arrogant, it’s because they can do things like that.
“And the patience that they showed after a poor first half, to come back and provide a masterful second half with the talent they have and the big stars showing up, that’s pretty special.”
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Ibrahimovic put USA legend Landon Donovan on full blast at the World Cup Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Donovan branded France as ‘arrogant’ and ‘casual’ after their first-half display with Senegal Credit: Getty Images – Getty
But in true Zlatan fashion, the Manchester United cult hero didn’t hold back as he insisted Didier Deschamps’ side showed confidence.
And the legendary striker suggested Donovan was “ignorant” after his controversial take.
Ibrahimovic responded: “It’s not arrogance, it’s confidence. Ignorant people will think [it’s] arrogance. Intelligent people will say it’s confidence.”
Henry and Lalas were absolutely stunned as the former was left with his eyes wide open while the latter’s jaw dropped.
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