• Week in Words

'I tore my arse on that move'

Javier Mascherano produced a match-saving tackle to keep Argentina in the World Cup © Getty Images

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In the latest edition of ESPN's Week in Words, Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has plenty on his mind, Jose Mourinho kicks Brazil while they are down - despite a warning from Dani Alves - and the opposite of TGI Friday for Rory McIlroy…

"I taught Romero how to stop penalties, so that hurts"
Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero came back to haunt his former AZ Alkmaar manager Van Gaal in the World Cup semi-final

"This match should never be played, I've been saying this for 10 years"
While Van Gaal made his feelings for the World Cup's third-place play-off quite clear

"These are the facts. I am not going to beat around the bush"
And he remains convinced the World Cup was set up to favour hosts Brazil (who were beaten 7-1 by Germany in the other semi-final, you might remember)

"In 50 years' time our kids will know that Brazil lost at home against Germany, 1-7"
You can always rely on Jose Mourinho to kick you when you're down

"I know a lot of arseholes will make fun. I know a lot of losers in the biggest game in the world, which is the book of life, will rejoice"
Brazil defender Dani Alves is not a happy bunny

"I thought I had slipped, I thought I wouldn't make it, but I tore my arse on that move, the pain"
Javier Mascherano on his match-saving tackle on Arjen Robben during Argentina's semi-final win over the Netherlands

"Another Friday out of the way, thank God"
A relieved Rory McIlroy at the Scottish Open, who is now nine-over par for his second rounds in 2014 (in contrast - he is 51-under in first rounds)

"Erislandy Lara insulted me and my country. He insulted my ability to box, and I take that seriously. This is more than just a fight for me. On Saturday, I'm not only fighting for my honour, I'm fighting for the pride of my country"
Canelo Alvarez will be taking no prisoners in Las Vegas

"Swann made Strauss's captaincy look good and he made Cook's look good, too, by making crucial breakthroughs when the opposition were threatening to take the game away. It was down to Swann's genius, and not tactical masterstrokes"
Kevin Pietersen couldn't resist another dig at his former England captains Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook

"To be honest Nico has never actually been in Germany, so it's not really his home race"
Lewis Hamilton enjoyed a dig at Mercedes rival Nico Rosberg - who grew up in Monaco

For more of ESPN's favourite quotes from the sporting world, visit our Quote/Unquote section.

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