latin passion dominates
Sao Paulo: look out Europe, latin passion has taken over the World Cup, bringing a carnival atmosphere to the stadiums but also a security headache for Brazilian authorities. Midway through the tournament, armies of latin American fans who invaded Brazil by car, plane and busloads have often been the loudest while their teams dazzled on the pitch. After European teams triumphed in the previous two World Cups, they have reason to celebrate. From Mexico to tiny Costa Rica, down to Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay, latin American teams have mostly outplayed their European, Asian and African rivals during the group stage ending Thursday. But they have also been the rowdiest fans, giving Brazilian security officials an extra chore while they deal with a waning anti-World Cup protest movement. And the real excitement has yet to come. After the first gameless day on Friday, the elimination round starts Saturday, with an all-South American lineup: Brazil-Chile and Colombia-Uruguay. No European team has ever won the trophy in latin America.
‘Keep quiet Dad’
Teresopolis: Brazil reserve midfielder Willian had some advice for his dad after he visited the team’s training camp: Don’t talk too much! Severino da Silva told local media this week that he thinks Willian has to be Brazil’s starter the rest of the World Cup, putting his son in a difficult spot with Brazil coach luiz Felipe Scolari. “I already spoke to him and asked him not to say anything else from now on,” Willian said Wednesday, with a laugh. “My father is very passionate and sometimes he talks too much.” Willian came in as a second-half substitute in the last two Brazil matches at the home tournament, a 0-0 draw against Mexico and a 4-1 win over Cameroon. “My father respects all the players, he respects Felipao,” Willian said. “I think that if you ask any father he will say that he wants his son to play, it’s normal. He is my idol, someone who always supported me. I’m only here today because of him.”
GOODBYE TO FOUR CITIES
Manaus: The Brazil World Cup has 12 host cities, but four will be done by Thursday afternoon. Manaus, the Amazonian city that caused so much consternation as players and coaches dreaded the humidity and heat, hosted its last game Wednesday, Switzerland defeating Honduras 3-0. Manaus’s Arena Amazonia was one of the most talked about venues, and players worried about the state of the pitch in the days leading up to the tournament. However, games went on without any serious problems related to the turf. Brazilians still worry whether the 40,000-seat stadium will get enough use after the World Cup. Thursday’s match between Algeria and Russia will be the last match in the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, a city of 1.8 million south of Rio De Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba and Estadio das Dunas in Natal had their last matches Tuesday.
Zaccheroni quits
Tokyo: Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni announced his resignation on Wednesday and said he took “full responsibility” for the Asian champions’ winless exit from the World Cup. Zaccheroni, 61, brought a squad full of optimism to Brazil but the Blue Samurai suffered a brutal reality check culminating in Tuesday’s 4-1 rout by Colombia. “I am disappointed and not satisfied with the results,” the Italian told a press conference at the team’s base camp in Itu, Brazil, according to Kyodo news agency. “I really wanted to take us forward and qualify for the second round and I am so disappointed. But I picked the team, decided on the tactics and how we play and I want to take full responsibility.”
The Huklkster
Teresopolis: Fans visiting Brazil’s training camp are lining up for a smashing photo opportunity with a huge statue of the superhero Hulk dressed in a national team jersey. The statue, located in front of a restaurant just outside the training camp, wears the Selecao’s yellow No. 7, the number worn by the striker who goes by the same name. “We came to try to see the players, but if they don’t let us, at least we got a photo with someone who we know is part of the team,” joked 17-year-old Brazilian fan luana de Aguiar. Brazil’s training sessions in the mountain city of Teresopolis, about an hour from Rio, have been closed to fans, although hundreds show up at the gates every day to try to get a glimpse of their idols.
SO MANY NEYMARS
Sao Paulo: The name Neymar is not common in Brazil, or at least it wasn’t until a few years ago, when the star player began scoring goals as a teenager. Since he started playing professionally with the Santos club in 2009, 371 Neymars have been born in his home state of Sao Paulo, according to the state’s association of registries. Only two were given that name between 1992 and 2008, and one was Brazil’s striker, who was born in Mogi das Cruzes, a suburb in the outskirts of the city of Sao Paulo. Before Neymar moved to Barcelona last year, he led Santos to the 2010 Brazilian Cup, the 2011 Copa libertadores and three state championships. He also won FIFA’s award for the best goal of the year in 2011. If Brazil thrives in the World Cup, expect more Neymars in nurseries.
Hondurascoach says bye-bye
Manaus: Honduras lost all three of its matches at the World Cup, and then lost its coach. luis Fernando Suarez, a Colombian who led Ecuador to the second round of the 2006 World Cup, quit his job Wednesday following a third straight loss in Brazil. “I’m sorry I didn’t manage more,” said Suarez, who has been Honduras coach since March 2011. “I’m sad because I had a dream about this World Cup.”
Ghana ban muntari & boateng
Brasilia: Ghana has thrown Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng off its World Cup squad for disciplinary reasons, plunging the team into further chaos ahead of the decisive group match against Portugal on Thursday. The Ghana Football Association released two separate statements early Thursday, one saying that Muntari had been suspended for an “unprovoked physical attack on an Executive Committee member of the GFA” on Tuesday. The other statement said Boateng has also been suspended for aiming “vulgar verbal insults ... At coach Kwesi Appiah” during a training session this week. Ghana players have been unhappy this week that they have been denied World Cup bonus payments by the country’s football federation.