Ronaldo’s brace for practice
Campinas: Cristiano Ronaldo is wearing a brace on his troublesome left knee as his Portugal team holds its final World Cup training session before departing for a crucial game against the United States. The reigning world player of the year took part in some light workout with the first team. He was smiling and appeared at ease at Friday’s practice at the team base in Campinas, near Sao Paulo, as he took part in a playful game of keep away from teammates. The team leaves later in the day for Manaus for its matchup with the U.S. on Sunday. Portugal were humiliated in a 4-0 defeat by Germany in their opener where Germany’s Thomas Mueller scored a hat-trick and Porugal’s Pepe was shown a red card. Ronaldo was doubtful to play before that game, but declared himself fit. He went on to produce a subdued performance. Team officials dismissed reports suggesting that Ronaldo could be risking his health by playing, saying they were tired of having to deny every rumor about a player many consider to be the world’s best. They noted, however, that he often plays with a brace and said he’s healthy and would play against the U.S
FIFA drops Colombian linesman
Rio De Janeiro: FIFA has replaced the Colombian assistant referee whose offside decisions denied Mexico two potential goals against Cameroon. FIFA says Humberto Clavijo will not be in referee Wilmar Roldan’s team for South Korea vs. Algeria in Porto Alegre on Sunday. Clavijo will be replaced by Christian lescano of Ecuador, according to FIFA’s website. In other Sunday assignments, FIFA picked Nestor Pitana of Argentina to referee United States vs. Portugal in Manaus. After beating Ghana 2-1, the Americans could advance from Group G with a second win. Pitana previously handled a 1-1 draw between Russia and South Korea in Group H. Felix Brych of Germany will referee Belgium vs. Russia at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Brych’s first match was Costa Rica’s 3-1 win over Uruguay.
Brazilian firecrackers at Eng fans
Sao Paulo: Police arrested 14 Brazilians for throwing firecrackers at England fans at a bar in Sao Paulo before their team’s World Cup match, allegedly a bid to provoke a brawl. The Brazilians went on the rampage as fans gathered to watch the England-Uruguay game, which the South Americans won 2-1. Initial reports said the Brazilians had thrown Molotov cocktails or flares, but police spokesman Romulo Gabrette lara said the projectiles were in fact relatively small firecrackers of the kind used at Brazil’s traditional June festivals. “They have powder, they make a big noise, but they don’t burn,” he told AFP. “They were thrown in the direction of the England fans. “The people who were in the bar ran, there was a commotion, but no one was hurt or hospitalized.” Police said they had confiscated six flares and other fireworks from those arrested, plus a knife and brass knuckles. “Their plan was to throw some noisemakers and use the fireworks in case there was a confrontation,” said lara. He said the incident stemmed from a fight between English hooligans and an organized group of Brazilian fans at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
too much emotion for tearful Die
Brasilia: Tearful Ivory Coast midfielder Serey Die said the emotion of playing at the World Cup had simply overcome him during his country’s national anthem before they lost to Colombia. Pictures of Die crying during the Elephants’ hymn were beamed around the world, sparking social media rumours that his father had died just a few days ago. Die dismissed those rumours and said it was simply the occasion that got to him in Brasilia. “I’m a very emotional person. My life has always been difficult. I thought about my father who died in 2004, and I also thought about my tough life,” said Die on Thursday. “I never thought I would be here one day, that one day I would play for my country. That emotion took over. “I fought (to hold back the tears) but I couldn’t. I didn’t think that could happen to me but it was stronger than me.” Despite their defeat to the South Americans, Ivory Coast are still well-placed to qualify for the last 16 having beaten Japan in their opening Group C match. They face Greece on Tuesday knowing a win should be enough to progress.