Swiss duo’s ‘provocative’ black eagle goal celebration ‘mixes sport and politics’

By John Sinnott, CNN
Updated 2:05 PM EDT, Mon June 25, 2018
French players celebrate with the World Cup trophy after defeating Croatia in the final on Sunday, July 15.
French players celebrate with the World Cup trophy after defeating Croatia in the final on Sunday, July 15.
Lars Baron/FIFA/Getty Images
French midfielder Paul Pogba celebrates with the trophy.
French midfielder Paul Pogba celebrates with the trophy.
David Ramos/FIFA/Getty Images
France mobs Kylian Mbappe after his goal gave the team a 4-1 lead.
France mobs Kylian Mbappe after his goal gave the team a 4-1 lead.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Croatia's Ivan Strinic reacts during the match.
Croatia's Ivan Strinic reacts during the match.
Valery Sharifulin/TASS/Getty Images
France manager Didier Deschamps is lifted by his players after the victory. Deschamps was also a player on the 1998 French team that won the World Cup.
France manager Didier Deschamps is lifted by his players after the victory. Deschamps was also a player on the 1998 French team that won the World Cup.
Thanassis Stavrakis/AP
French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris makes a jumping save against Croatia.
French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris makes a jumping save against Croatia.
FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT/AFP/Getty Images
French players celebrate after the final whistle.
French players celebrate after the final whistle.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
French President Emmanuel Macron shows his excitement while watching the match.
French President Emmanuel Macron shows his excitement while watching the match.
Alexei Nikolsky/Sputnik/Pool/AP
Paul Pogba, bottom, runs to the corner after scoring France's third goal.
Paul Pogba, bottom, runs to the corner after scoring France's third goal.
Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
France's Lucas Hernandez tackles Ante Rebic.
France's Lucas Hernandez tackles Ante Rebic.
Petr David Josek/AP
The referee used video review on this play late in the first half and called for a penalty after Ivan Perisic handled the ball in the Croatian box. Antoine Griezmann stepped up to convert the penalty and give France a 2-1 lead.
The referee used video review on this play late in the first half and called for a penalty after Ivan Perisic handled the ball in the Croatian box. Antoine Griezmann stepped up to convert the penalty and give France a 2-1 lead.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Perisic, bottom left, scored a spectacular first-half goal to tie the match at 1-1.
Perisic, bottom left, scored a spectacular first-half goal to tie the match at 1-1.
Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
Will Smith and Nicky Jam perform during the closing ceremony held before the final.
Will Smith and Nicky Jam perform during the closing ceremony held before the final.
Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
Belgian players celebrate Eden Hazard's goal in the third-place match against England on Saturday, July 14. The Belgians won 2-0.
Belgian players celebrate Eden Hazard's goal in the third-place match against England on Saturday, July 14. The Belgians won 2-0.
Lars Baron/FIFA/FIFA/Getty Images
Thomas Meunier opened the scoring for Belgium in the fourth minute.
Thomas Meunier opened the scoring for Belgium in the fourth minute.
Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford reacts after the first goal against Belgium.
English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford reacts after the first goal against Belgium.
Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
Mario Mandzukic scores against England late in extra time to give Croatia a 2-1 victory in the semifinals on Wednesday, July 11.
Mario Mandzukic scores against England late in extra time to give Croatia a 2-1 victory in the semifinals on Wednesday, July 11.
Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images
Mandzukic celebrates after his goal.
Mandzukic celebrates after his goal.
Frank Augstein/AP
Croatia's Ivan Strinic, right, challenges England's Jesse Lingard.
Croatia's Ivan Strinic, right, challenges England's Jesse Lingard.
Francisco Seco/AP
Croatian defender Sime Vrsaljko goes over Ashley Young for a header.
Croatian defender Sime Vrsaljko goes over Ashley Young for a header.
Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images
A photographer is knocked over by members of the Croatian team as they celebrate the late Mandzukic goal.
A photographer is knocked over by members of the Croatian team as they celebrate the late Mandzukic goal.
Michael Regan/FIFA/Getty Images
Players collide during the Croatia-England semifinal. Croatia played 120 minutes for the third straight match.
Players collide during the Croatia-England semifinal. Croatia played 120 minutes for the third straight match.
Valery Sharifulin/TASS/Getty Images
Lingard shields the ball in the corner.
Lingard shields the ball in the corner.
Felipe Trueba/EFE/EPA
France's Antoine Griezmann celebrates at the end of the semifinal match against Belgium on Tuesday, July 10. France won 1-0 to advance to the final.
France's Antoine Griezmann celebrates at the end of the semifinal match against Belgium on Tuesday, July 10. France won 1-0 to advance to the final.
Petr David Josek/AP
France's Olivier Giroud kisses teammate Samuel Umtiti after Umtiti scored on a header against Belgium.
France's Olivier Giroud kisses teammate Samuel Umtiti after Umtiti scored on a header against Belgium.
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Giroud is challenged by Belgium defender Vincent Kompany.
Giroud is challenged by Belgium defender Vincent Kompany.
Dmitri Lovetsky/AP
France's teenage sensation, Kylian Mbappe, jumps over Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
France's teenage sensation, Kylian Mbappe, jumps over Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images
Thierry Henry, assistant coach for Belgium and former French captain, consoles Belgian players after the semifinal loss.
Thierry Henry, assistant coach for Belgium and former French captain, consoles Belgian players after the semifinal loss.
Petr David Josek/AP
Luka Modric jumps for the ball during Croatia's quarterfinal victory over Russia on July 7.
Luka Modric jumps for the ball during Croatia's quarterfinal victory over Russia on July 7.
Darko Bandic/AP
Croatian players celebrate after defeating Russia in a penalty shootout. The match was tied 2-2 after extra time.
Croatian players celebrate after defeating Russia in a penalty shootout. The match was tied 2-2 after extra time.
PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images
Russian forward Fedor Smolov reacts after the Croatia match.
Russian forward Fedor Smolov reacts after the Croatia match.
KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP/Getty Images
Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, left, and Russia's Mario Fernandes go for the ball.
Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, left, and Russia's Mario Fernandes go for the ball.
Rebecca Blackwell/AP
Croatia's Andrej Kramaric celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Russia.
Croatia's Andrej Kramaric celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Russia.
Darko Bandic/AP
English defenders Harry Maguire, left, and John Stones celebrate their quarterfinal victory over Sweden on July 7. Maguire scored the opening goal in the 2-0 win.
English defenders Harry Maguire, left, and John Stones celebrate their quarterfinal victory over Sweden on July 7. Maguire scored the opening goal in the 2-0 win.
FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images
English manager Gareth Southgate celebrates his team's win.
English manager Gareth Southgate celebrates his team's win.
Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Dele Alli scores on a header for England's second goal.
Dele Alli scores on a header for England's second goal.
Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images
Swedish players are dejected at the end of the match.
Swedish players are dejected at the end of the match.
Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images
Belgian players celebrate the second goal in their 2-1 win over Brazil on July 6. They advanced to play France in the semifinals.
Belgian players celebrate the second goal in their 2-1 win over Brazil on July 6. They advanced to play France in the semifinals.
ROMAN KRUCHININ/AFP/Getty Images
Brazilian star Neymar reacts after the final whistle.
Brazilian star Neymar reacts after the final whistle.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
Belgium celebrates their first goal, which came off a deflected header in the 13th minute.
Belgium celebrates their first goal, which came off a deflected header in the 13th minute.
SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois leaps for a loose ball in the box.
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois leaps for a loose ball in the box.
AFP/Getty Images
Kevin De Bruyne controls the ball against Brazil.
Kevin De Bruyne controls the ball against Brazil.
ROMAN KRUCHININ/AFP/Getty Images
France's Olivier Giroud, left, and Uruguay's Martin Caceres battle for the ball during their quarterfinal match on July 6. France won 2-0.
France's Olivier Giroud, left, and Uruguay's Martin Caceres battle for the ball during their quarterfinal match on July 6. France won 2-0.
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera watches the ball leak into the net after he misplayed an Antoine Griezmann shot in the second half.
Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera watches the ball leak into the net after he misplayed an Antoine Griezmann shot in the second half.
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
France's Benjamin Pavard, top, and Uruguay's Cristian Rodriguez compete for a header.
France's Benjamin Pavard, top, and Uruguay's Cristian Rodriguez compete for a header.
Petr David Josek/AP
A France supporter cheers ahead of the match.
A France supporter cheers ahead of the match.
JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images
English players react after their shootout win over Colombia on July 3. It was England's first-ever shootout win at a World Cup.
English players react after their shootout win over Colombia on July 3. It was England's first-ever shootout win at a World Cup.
Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA/EFE
Colombian striker Radamel Falcao heads the ball toward goal on July 3.
Colombian striker Radamel Falcao heads the ball toward goal on July 3.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
England's Harry Kane tries to control the ball against Colombia. He scored a penalty during regulation time. It was his tournament-leading sixth goal.
England's Harry Kane tries to control the ball against Colombia. He scored a penalty during regulation time. It was his tournament-leading sixth goal.
Matthias Schrader/AP
Falcao reacts after receiving a yellow card.
Falcao reacts after receiving a yellow card.
Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images
Sweden's Emil Forsberg, left, celebrates after scoring against Switzerland on July 3. Sweden won 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals.
Sweden's Emil Forsberg, left, celebrates after scoring against Switzerland on July 3. Sweden won 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals.
Matthew Ashton/AMA/Getty Images
A Sweden fan shows his support during the Switzerland match.
A Sweden fan shows his support during the Switzerland match.
Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri is challenged by Ludwig Augustinsson.
Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri is challenged by Ludwig Augustinsson.
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Belgium players celebrate after Nacer Chadli, third from right, scored with just seconds remaining to win the round-of-16 match against Japan on July 2.
Belgium players celebrate after Nacer Chadli, third from right, scored with just seconds remaining to win the round-of-16 match against Japan on July 2.
Rebecca Blackwell/AP
Chadli slides the ball past Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima to finish off Belgium's 3-2 comeback victory. It is the first time since 1970 that a team has come back from two goals down to win in the World Cup knockout stage.
Chadli slides the ball past Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima to finish off Belgium's 3-2 comeback victory. It is the first time since 1970 that a team has come back from two goals down to win in the World Cup knockout stage.
Hassan Ammar/AP
A Japan supporter cries after the match.
A Japan supporter cries after the match.
Petr David Josek/AP
Takashi Inui, left, gave Japan a 2-0 lead early in the second half.
Takashi Inui, left, gave Japan a 2-0 lead early in the second half.
Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images
Belgium defender Vincent Kompany nearly scores in the first half.
Belgium defender Vincent Kompany nearly scores in the first half.
Petr David Josek/AP
Brazilian star Neymar is fouled by Mexican defender Edson Alvarez during their round-of-16 match on July 2. Brazil won 2-0.
Brazilian star Neymar is fouled by Mexican defender Edson Alvarez during their round-of-16 match on July 2. Brazil won 2-0.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
Neymar stretches for a cross to score Brazil's first goal in the 51st minute.
Neymar stretches for a cross to score Brazil's first goal in the 51st minute.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Neymar is held on Paulinho's shoulders after the first goal.
Neymar is held on Paulinho's shoulders after the first goal.
Frank Augstein/AP
Mexico's Hirving Lozano watches the ball during the Brazil match. This is the seventh straight time that Mexico has been eliminated in the World Cup's round of 16.
Mexico's Hirving Lozano watches the ball during the Brazil match. This is the seventh straight time that Mexico has been eliminated in the World Cup's round of 16.
Sergei Bobylev/TASS/Getty Images
Croatia's Luka Modric celebrates with teammates after their victory over Denmark on July 1. Croatia won on penalties after the match ended 1-1.
Croatia's Luka Modric celebrates with teammates after their victory over Denmark on July 1. Croatia won on penalties after the match ended 1-1.
Patrick Smith/FIFA/Getty Images
Croatia's Ivan Perisic stops the ball during the Denmark match.
Croatia's Ivan Perisic stops the ball during the Denmark match.
Martin Meissner/AP
Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saves an Iago Aspas penalty to give Russia an upset victory over Spain in the round of 16. The match went to penalties after ending 1-1.
Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saves an Iago Aspas penalty to give Russia an upset victory over Spain in the round of 16. The match went to penalties after ending 1-1.
Joosep Martinson/FIFA/Getty Images
Russian players mob Akinfeev after the final save.
Russian players mob Akinfeev after the final save.
Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Russia's Artem Dzyuba celebrates after scoring against Spain in the first half.
Russia's Artem Dzyuba celebrates after scoring against Spain in the first half.
Antonio Calanni/AP
Spain's Isco and Russia's Mario Fernandes vie for the ball.
Spain's Isco and Russia's Mario Fernandes vie for the ball.
Antonin Thuillier/AFP/Getty Images
Dzyuba is defended by Sergio Busquets.
Dzyuba is defended by Sergio Busquets.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Edinson Cavani celebrates his second goal in a 2-0 victory over Portugal on June 30.
Edinson Cavani celebrates his second goal in a 2-0 victory over Portugal on June 30.
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo receives a yellow card from referee Cesar Ramos near the end of the match.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo receives a yellow card from referee Cesar Ramos near the end of the match.
Matthew Ashton/AMA/Getty Images
Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts after his team was knocked out of the World Cup by France on June 30. Messi had two assists in the 4-3 loss.
Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts after his team was knocked out of the World Cup by France on June 30. Messi had two assists in the 4-3 loss.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images